Prevalence Of IgG Antibodies Research Articles

Disease Association of Anti‒Carboxyethyl Lysine Autoantibodies in Hidradenitis Suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease characterized by recurring suppurating lesions of the intertriginous areas, resulting in a substantial impact on patients' QOL. HS pathogenesis remains poorly understood. An autoimmune component has been proposed, but disease-specific autoantibodies, autoantigens, or autoreactive T cells have yet to be described. In this study, we identify a high prevalence of IgM, IgG, and IgA antibodies directed against Nε-carboxyethyl lysine (CEL), a methylglyoxal-induced advanced glycation end-product, in the sera of patients with HS. Titers of anti-CEL IgG and IgA antibodies were highly elevated in HS compared with those in healthy controls and individuals with other inflammatory skin diseases. Strikingly, the majority of anti-CEL IgG was of the IgG2 subclass and correlated independently with both disease severity and duration. Both CEL and anti-CEL‒producing plasmablasts could be isolated directly from HS skin lesions, further confirming the disease relevance of this autoimmune response. Our data point to an aberration of the methylglyoxal pathway in HS and support an autoimmune axis in the pathogenesis of this debilitating disease.

Serological Evidence of Hepatitis B and E and Dengue Coinfection in Chadian Patients and Impact on Lipidemia Profile.

Objective Viral hepatitis is an endemic disease in Chad. However, few studies have documented coinfection cases and their impact on cardiovascular risk. This study is aimed at analyzing hepatitis B, E and dengue coinfection in a Chadian cohort and gauge its effect on lipidemia. Patients and Methods. From February to May 2021, 179 subjects were recruited from the Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine of the National Reference University Hospital of N'Djamena and tested for viral hepatitis markers, including HBsAg and IgM/IgG anti-HEV and dengue infection, using the NS1/IgM/IgG kit. Serum transaminases and biomarkers of lipid profiles were assayed by colorimetry, and atherogenic indexes (AI) and coronary risk (CRI) were calculated. Results Of the 179 subjects surveyed, 21.22% (38/179) tested positive for hepatitis B, 20% (27/135) for hepatitis E, and 1.66% (2/120) for dengue. However, most of the patients were found to be asymptomatic. Hepatitis B/E coinfection was more frequent in the study population (5.02%; 9/179) than dengue/hepatitis E coinfection (0.83%; 1/120; IgM). The prevalence of anti-HEV IgG antibodies was higher (18.52%) than that of IgM (1.48%). Furthermore, IgG antibodies levels in HEV-monoinfected subjects (11.05 ± 1.93 IU/mL, N = 15) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than in coinfected patients (5.40 ± 1.31 IU/mL, N = 9). Subjects coinfected with HEV/HBV were associated with a significantly higher risk of lipodystrophy (coronary risk: 88.89% vs. 35.3%, relative risk (RR) = 2.55; p = 0.014), than HEV-monoinfected subjects, as evidenced by higher mean levels of triglycerides levels (219.88 ± 14.67 mg/dL vs. 191.82 ± 4.66 mg/dL, p < 0.05), more reduced HDL-C levels (9.05 ± 1.62 mg/dL vs. 18.93 ± 2.35 mg/dL, p < 0.05), increased mean CRI (13.81 ± 2.39 vs. 6.89 ± 1.93, p < 0.01), and AI (1.46 ± 0.10 vs. 1.05 ± 0.05, p < 0.01) values. However, they had normal transaminase values and a lower risk of developing a liver injury, although not significant (alanine aminotransferase: 0% vs. 29.4%, RR = 1, p = 0.128; aspartate aminotransferase: 0% vs. 5.88%, p = 1) than this group. Conclusion HBV/HEV coinfection is frequent in the Chadian cohort and associated with an important risk of dyslipidemia. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanism of action.

Declining Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Prevalence in College Freshmen Strengthens the Rationale for a Prophylactic EBV Vaccine

Background: To better understand the epidemiology of primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and to identify EBV-naïve candidates eligible to receive a prophylactic EBV vaccine, we screened freshmen from the University of Minnesota Class of 2025 for circulating EBV antibody, which is indicative of previous infection. This permitted us to compare their EBV antibody prevalence with that of 4 other freshman classes (Classes of 2010, 2011, 2016, 2021) that have been previously published. Methods: Freshman students were recruited during screening sessions in the residence halls. Venous blood was collected and the serum fraction tested for IgG antibody against EBV viral capsid antigen (VCA IgG) using commercial enzyme immunoassays. Results: All classes combined, 1196 participants were tested (female, 677; male, 513; did not identify gender, 6) who were 18–23 years old (median, 18; mean, 18.37). The EBV VCA IgG antibody prevalence was 58% (689/1196) and was higher in women than men. The EBV antibody prevalence of 64% (170/267) in the 2010 freshman class versus 52% (78/150) in the Class of 2025 was statistically significantly different (p = 0.0223, Fisher exact test).” Conclusions: Sufficient participants are available for a prophylactic vaccine trial. Antibody prevalence decreased over 15 years from 64% to 52%. If this trend continues, the number of EBV-naïve adolescents and young adults who are in the age group most susceptible to infectious mononucleosis will increase, strengthening the rationale to develop an effective prophylactic EBV vaccine.

Prevalence and predictors of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serology in a highly vulnerable population of Rio de Janeiro: A population-based serosurvey

BackgroundCOVID-19 serosurveys allow for the monitoring of the level of SARS-CoV-2 transmission and support data-driven decisions. We estimated the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in a large favela complex in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.MethodsA population-based panel study was conducted in Complexo de Manguinhos (16 favelas) with a probabilistic sampling of participants aged ≥1 year who were randomly selected from a census of individuals registered in primary health care clinics that serve the area. Participants answered a structured interview and provided blood samples for serology. Multilevel regression models (with random intercepts to account for participants’ favela of residence) were used to assess factors associated with having anti-S IgG antibodies. Secondary analyses estimated seroprevalence using an additional anti-N IgG assay.Findings4,033 participants were included (from Sep/2020 to Feb/2021, 22 epidemic weeks), the median age was 39·8 years (IQR:21·8-57·7), 61% were female, 41% were mixed-race (Pardo) and 23% Black. Overall prevalence was 49·0% (95%CI:46·8%-51·2%) which varied across favelas (from 68·3% to 31·4%). Lower prevalence estimates were found when using the anti-N IgG assay. Odds of having anti-S IgG antibodies were highest for young adults, and those reporting larger household size, poor adherence to social distancing and use of public transportation.InterpretationWe found a significantly higher prevalence of anti-S IgG antibodies than initially anticipated. Disparities in estimates obtained using different serological assays highlight the need for cautious interpretation of serosurveys estimates given the heterogeneity of exposure in communities, loss of immunological biomarkers, serological antigen target, and variant-specific test affinity.FundingFundação Oswaldo Cruz, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq), Fundação de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ), the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Royal Society, Serrapilheira Institute, and FAPESP.

SARS-CoV-2 Seroprevalence in Delhi, India, During September-October 2021: A Population-Based Seroepidemiological Study.

BackgroundA previous community-based severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serosurvey in Delhi in January 2021 reported a seroprevalence of 50.52%. We conducted a repeat serosurvey to obtain a recent estimate of the seroprevalence of IgG SARS-CoV-2 in the general population of Delhi, India.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted from September 24 to October 14, 2021, in 274 wards of Delhi among 27,811 participants through a multistage sampling technique.ResultsThe crude seroprevalence was 89.5% (95% CI 89.1, 89.8), weight for age and sex was 88% (95% CI 87.6, 88.4), and after adjustment for assay performance was estimated as 97.5% (95% CI 97.0, 98.0). On adjusted analysis, the odds of seroconversion in the participants vaccinated with at least one dose of either COVID-19 vaccine (Covishield/Covaxin) was more than four times compared to the unvaccinated ones (aOR 4.2 (3.8, 4.6)). 86.8% of the seropositive individuals had a SARS-CoV-2 signal/cut-off ≥4.0 although it was significantly lower in the pediatric age group. Post-second wave (August to October 2021), on average there were daily 39 new COVID-19 cases and 0.44 deaths which during Omicron driven the third wave in January to March 2022 increased to daily 4,267 cases and 11.6 deaths.ConclusionA high prevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 with likely higher antibody titres in the vaccinated compared to the unvaccinated groups with evidence of hybrid immunity in a majority of the population was protective against severe disease during transmission of subsequent omicron variants.

Neurological Disease-Affected Patients, including Multiple Sclerosis, Are Poor Responders to BKPyV, a Human Polyomavirus.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterized by immune dysregulations. Different viruses may act as MS triggering agents. MS patients respond differently to distinct viruses. The aim of our study is to verify the association between the polyomavirus BKPyV and MS, together with other neurological diseases, through the investigation of serum IgG antibodies against the virus. Sera were from patients affected by MS and other neurologic diseases, both inflammatory (OIND) and noninflammatory (NIND). Control sera were from healthy subjects (HS). Samples were analyzed for IgG antibodies against BKPyV with an indirect ELISA with synthetic peptides mimicking the viral capsid protein 1 (VP1) antigens. As control, ELISAs were carried out to verify the immune response against the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) of patients and controls. In addition, we assessed values for total IgG in each experimental groups. A significant lower prevalence of IgG antibodies against BKPyV VP 1 epitopes, together with a low titer, was detected in sera from MS patients and other inflammatory neurologic diseases than HS. In MS patients and OIND and NIND groups, the EBV-antibody values and total IgG did not differ from HS. Experimental data indicate that patients affected by neurological diseases, including MS, are poor responders to BKPyV VP 1 antigens, thus suggesting specific immunologic dysfunctions for this polyomavirus. Our findings are relevant in understanding the immune reactions implicated in neurological disorders.

Work place and prevalence of COVID-19 in a rural population in Greece

Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global pandemic, giving rise to a serious global health threat. Many countries including Greece have seen a two-wave pattern of reported cases, with a first wave in spring and a second in autumn of 2020. A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was designed to measure the prevalence of IgG antibodies with a quantitative SARS-CoV-2 IgG lab-based serology test, chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay, against novel coronavirus in rural areas in Greece after the second pandemic wave. The study was conducted on 29 January 2021 in a rural semi-closed area, the municipality of Deskati, prefecture of western Macedonia in Greece after the second pandemic wave. Sixty-nine participants were included in this study. The present study demonstrated a high prevalence of COVID-19 infection (31 of 69 total participants; 45%) and those who were working in the public sector were at higher risk of COVID-19 infection in comparison to their counterparts in private sector (p=0.05364), (relative risk 2.64; 95% confidence interval 1.001-7.086). The study presents data showing a high prevalence of herd immunity for COVID-19 in a semi-closed area in Greece. These findings might help to understand the characteristics of this second wave, the behaviour and danger of SARS-CoV-2 in rural areas in Greece and Europe generally.

Prevalence of Anti-Human Papillomavirus IgG Antibody among Students of a Private Tertiary Institution in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Background: Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is an oncogenic sexually transmitted virus. It is the leading cause of cervical cancer, penile, vulva, vaginal and anal high-grade dysplasia. Infections are usually asymptomatic only to manifest after several years, implying that most adults with symptoms must have been infected at their young ages. The risky sexual behavior of subjects at ages 16-24 makes then vulnerable. Objectives: This study evaluates the prevalence of anti-human Papillomavirus IgG antibody among students of a tertiary institution in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. Methods: One hundred and fifty (150) blood samples were collected from consenting students (100 females and 50 males) age 16-24 in Ado-Ekiti. A structured questionnaire was administered concurrently. Sera were assayed using the anti-HPV-IgG antibody ELISA Kit (Melsin Medical Co. Limited). Data was analyzed using Epi-Info 7.2 Version Software and Excel. Ethical approval was obtained for the study. Results: Sixty eight (45%) of the total subjects were seropositive for anti-HPV-IgG antibody. Twenty six (52%) males and 42 (41%) females were seropositive. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) in seropositivity across the ages and among the gender. Fifty nine (60%) of sexually active subjects were seropositive for anti-HPV-IgG antibody (p˂0.05). Thirty five (97%) non-condom users were seropositive (p&lt;0.05) while fifty four (75%) of subjects who have had unprotected sex at one point in their lives were seropositive (p&lt; 0.05). Only three of the subjects had been vaccinated. Conclusion: The high rate of seropositivity to anti-HPV-IgG antibody in the population is a cardinal pointer to high rate of exposure to HPV and a likely exposure to the high-risk serotype.

Presence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Antibodies Among Vietnamese Healthcare Workers by Dosing Interval for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 Vaccine.

BackgroundBefore the SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant arrived in Vietnam, case rates suggested seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 was low. Beginning in March 2021, we assessed different dosing schedules and adverse events following immunization (AEFIs) for ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine among healthcare workers (HCWs).MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study to estimate the prevalence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 before and after ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination. We conducted antibody testing among HCWs in February 2021 (baseline), before the second dose (June-July 2021), and 1 and 3 months after the second dose. We detected antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using Tetracore® FlexImmArray™, and surrogate neutralizing antibodies using GenScript cPass™. Neither assay can distinguish natural from vaccine-induced antibodies. We assessed AEFIs through interview post-dose 1 and 1-month post-dose 2.ResultsBefore vaccination, 1/617 participants (0.16%) had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Of these 617, 405 were vaccinated with ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 with 4-8-week (60%), 9-12-week (27%), or ≥13-week (13%) intervals between the two doses. Three months following series completion, 99% and 97% of vaccinated participants had ≥1 sample with detectable antibodies and surrogate neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, respectively. We observed no significant differences among those with different dosing intervals at last follow up. All participants reported PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 during the study; 2 (0.5%) were laboratory-confirmed. AEFIs were more frequent post-dose 1 (81%) vs. post-dose 2 (21%).ConclusionsIn this population, regardless of dosing interval, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 induced antibodies within three months of the second dose. These findings may offer flexibility to policymakers when balancing programmatic considerations with vaccine effectiveness.

Seroprevalence of IgG Antibodies Against Multiple Arboviruses in Bats from Cameroon, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Background: Emergence of mosquito-borne arboviruses has caused significant public health burden. The life cycle of arboviruses comprises sylvatic and urban cycles, including a wildlife reservoir, a human host, and an arthropod vector. However, many questions remain on the sylvatic cycles of arboviruses. In this study, we investigate the prevalence of IgG antibodies to arboviruses of public health importance in African bats. Material and Methods: We collected dried blood spots from bats in Cameroon, Guinea, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). To detect IgG antibodies to 10 antigens of 6 arboviruses (Dengue, Zika, West Nile, Usutu, Chikungunya, and O'nyong nyong viruses), we adapted a previously validated multiplex detection assay based on the Luminex technology. Results: We tested samples from 2579 bats, representing 1917 frugivorous and 641 insectivorous bats distributed in 7 families and 21 species. Overall, 218/2579 (8.45%) bat samples reacted with at least 1 of the 10 antigens tested. The highest prevalence was observed against Usutu virus with 2.3% (59/2579), followed by 1.9% (49/2579) and 1.35% (35/2579) for the Dengue virus serotypes 4 and 3, respectively. The global seroprevalence varied by country and collection site: 11% (151/1376) in Cameroon, 3.5% (20/565) in DRC, and 7.3% (47/638) in Guinea. The highest rates were observed in Hypsignathus monstrosus (17.9%), Rousettus aegyptiacus (16.4%), and Eidolon helvum (10.7%), and in species from the insectivorous Molossidae family (7.8-8.9%). Finally, we observed changes in seroprevalence over the year in E. helvum and H. monstrosus colonies, which could be related to population structure. Conclusion: On more than 2500 bat samples tested, we showed variable IgG seroprevalences against multiple arboviruses. Overall, the prevalence of IgG antibodies of 8.45% against arboviruses found in bats suggest that they could play a role in arboviruses cycles in the wild, in addition to other animal species.

Serologic study of Bartonella sp. infection among human population of Southern Spain

IntroductionThe purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of IgG antibodies against Bartonella sp. in a randomly selected sample from the population of the patients of North Sanitary District of Jaén. MethodsWe used a commercially available immunofluorescent test (Focus-Technology IFA Bartonella quintana and B. henselae test). ResultsSix hundred five healthy individuals were divided by sex into three age groups. We detected that 13.55% and 11.07% subjects were IgG seropositive to B. henselae and B. quintana, respectively. ConclusionsOur data show that the prevalence of both Bartonella species in Andalusia (Southern Spain) is relatively high. No statistical difference in the seropositivity was observed among these groups. In both cases, the IgG antibody titers ranged from 1/128 to 1/512.

SEROPREVALENCE OF HUMAN PARVOVIRUS B19 IgM AND IgG AMONG ASYMTOMATIC DONORS IN LAGOS, NIGERIA

Human parvovirus B19 is one of the emerging transfusion transmitted infections. Infection with B19 is widespread. There are limited data concerning Nigerian donors with B19 in spite of implications of such a dearth of data on health policy formation. The aim of the present study was to establish the seroprevalence of parvovirus B19 IgG and IgM antibodies among healthy blood donors in Lagos, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected between October-December 2012 from 170 asymptomatic healthy donors between ages of 20-54 years and screened for IgG and IgM antibodies using recombinant enzyme linked immunorsorbent assay kits (r-biopharm Diagnostics, Darmstadt, Germany). Net prevalence of IgM and IgG antibodies to human parvovirus B19 in this study was 65(37.6%) and 106(61.3%) respectively. A total of 39(22.9%) out of 173 blood donors screened in this research had anti- B19 antibodies (dual positivity) in their sera. Age had no statistically significant effect on anti-B19 seroprevalence among donors screened. The prevalence of parvovirus B19 among healthy donors in our study is high, and may pose adverse transfusion risk among the recipients of blood and blood products who have no detectable antibodies to parvovirus B19. This work therefore recommends routine screening for parvovirus B19 IgM antibody in blood meant for transfusion and accompanying clinical management of positive cases should be made compulsory for all donors.

Detection of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis IgM and IgG Antibodies and Associated Risk Factors Among Apparently Healthy Undergraduate Students of a Private University in South-West Nigeria

Background: Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (TB) is frequent among Nigerians. Many people are infected without realizing it (asymptomatic) and thus provide a risk of transmission to others. Not only will early treatment prevent TB complications, but it will also help to break the infection cycle in a community.&#x0D; Objective: The study was conducted to determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis IgM and IgG antibodies and associated risk factors among apparently healthy undergraduate Students of Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State. &#x0D; Methodology: The serum samples of 100 consenting participants were collected randomly and screened for TB antibodies using Aria TB IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Antibody Test Cassette (CTK Biotech Inc. Poway, CA 92064, USA). A structured questionnaire was administered to consenting students to obtain information on their bio-data (e.g, the age, sex, study level etc.), as well as clinical information regarding their health (History of TB, history of BCG vaccination, use of anti-TB medications, alcohol consumption, smoking habits etc.). &#x0D; Results: The outcome of this study shows that 15 (15%) out of the 100 participants screened, were positive for TB IgG antibody, while, only 1 (1%) person was positive for TB IgM antibody. There was no significant association (P&gt;0.05) between percentage TB IgG positivity and the socio-demographic characteristics of the study participants (gender, age, study level and tribe), except for religion. The percentage of TB IgG positivity among the study participants was found to be significantly higher than of TB IgM positivity (P&lt;0.05). None of the 15 participants who tested positive to TB IgG indicated any of the signs and symptoms (persistent cough, chest pain, nausea, fever, chills, loss of appetite, fatigue and night sweat) associated with TB), however the only person who tested positive for TB IgM indicated all, except night sweat. Identified risk factors associated with the occurrence of TB IgM include history of TB, lack of BCG vaccination, history of diabetes and physical unfitness. &#x0D; Conclusion: The findings of this study show that asymptomatic and latent tuberculosis infection exists among the study participants, and that if left untreated, it will progress to active tuberculosis with all of its associated complications, including death. This emphasizes the importance of ongoing public health education, BCG vaccination, and periodic screening to detect asymptomatic cases in the study population in order to break the infection cycle.

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon: a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThe emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its pandemic spread generated serious concern about the impact of the infection on vulnerable indigenous populations of the Brazilian Amazon. Thus, this study aimed to...

Epidemiological traits of measles in infectious hospital staff

The maximum incidence rates of measles were recorded on the eve of the development of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 in many countries of the world, including Russia. One of the features of the epidemic process of this infection in the period from 2011 to 2019 was the involvement of employees of medical organizations (MO) with the formation of large foci. Current features for the development of the measles epidemic situation can be assessed using serological studies. Aim: to assess the epidemiological features of measles in medical workers in Moscow, including by assessing the prevalence of specific IgG antibodies to the measles virus using the example of an infectious disease’s hospital in Moscow. Materials and methods. Using data from state reports on the sanitary and epidemiological well-being of the population in Moscow and form No. 2 of the Federal State Statistical Observation «Information on Infectious and Parasitic Diseases». To study the strength of immunity against measles by the method of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using test systems «Vecto-measles IgG» (CJSC «Vector-Best», Russia), 191 blood serum samples from the collection of the Department of Epidemiology of the National Research Center for Epidemiology were examined and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N. F. Gamaleya (Moscow), taken from the employees of the infectious hospital of the city of Moscow (aged 22 to 65 years) with a different vaccination history. Positive (seropositive) was considered the result of a study of the level of IgG antibodies to measles virus more than 0.18 IU / ml. Results. A feature of the epidemic process of measles in Moscow (for the period from 2014 to 2020) was the annual (except for 2016) registration of measles cases among medical workers and hospital patients of various profiles (in 2019–2020, only among patients). Reasonable doubts about the reliability of the vaccination coverage of the population according to official statistics (exceeds the level of 95 % since 2013), including medical workers, arise due to the availability of data on the previous vaccination in some cases of measles. Measles vaccination data were recorded in 28 people (4.7 %) out of 191 surveyed. In two of them, antibodies to the measles virus could not be detected, and the median of their level in seropositive individuals was 1.75 IU / ml (0.5; 3.0). 10 health workers had a history of measles in the past, which was confirmed by serological examination (the level of IgG antibodies was higher than 3.3 IU / ml). 152 people (79.6 %) had no information about vaccination and measles in the past. Among them, eight people were seronegative (5.3 %), and the level of antibodies in the seropositive was higher than in the vaccinated, and amounted to 2.4 IU / ml [0.74; 3.68]. Conclusion. It was found that the proportion of seronegative among the surveyed individuals did not exceed 7 %. However, the predominance of individuals with a low level of immunity, both among vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals, indicates the need for periodic serological studies for the timely detection of seronegative individuals.

Seroprevalence of CoVID-19 among health care professionals (HCPs) of tertiary care hospital of northern state of India.

Introduction:Current study was carried out as per the government of India and Himachal Pradesh guidelines to carry out a serosurvey to assess the extent of COVID-19 infection among health care professionals (HCPs) after 6 months of managing COVID-19 cases.Methods:A hospital-based survey was carried out among 1279 conveniently selected HCPs from September 2020 to January 2021.Results:The participants had a mean age of 38.3 (±10.4) years, and almost half (47.4%) were ≤35 years of age. A total of 29 (2.3%) were already tested positive for COVID-19 (RT-PCR: 22; Rapid Antigen Test: 7) before the survey, and the overall prevalence of IgG antibody was 12.7% among the participants (Male: 12.8%; Females: 12.5%). The odds were observed significantly high among administrative staff (aOR: 5.09; 95%CI: 1.27–20.33) and participants tested positive of COVID-19 previously (aOR: 28.41; 95%CI: 11.71–69.00).Conclusion:HCPs were tested about 6 months after the initiation of the COVID-19 pandemic in the state and demonstrated a high and expected level of seroprevalence.

Assessment of Soluble PD-1 and PD-L1 in Iraqi Women Patients with Breast Cancer with Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate apicomplexan intracellular protozoan parasite and considered the most common global parasite which infects a wide range of warm-blooded animals and is the etiological agent of one of the most common parasitic infections in humans. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide; nearly 1.7 million new cases were diagnosed in 2012, making it the second most common type of cancer. The main objective of the present study was to investigate the seroprevalence of the anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in Iraqi breast cancer patients and to clarify the role of soluble programmed death-1 (sPD-1) and (sPD-L1) in Iraqi Iraqi breast cancer patients with toxoplasmosis. Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) was used to detect anti- T. gondii IgG antibodies in the sera of 108 patients with breast cancer and 50 apparently healthy controls. The results showed that 26(26%) samples of sera patients have been founded breast cancer with toxoplasmosis, 80(74%) samples have breast cancer, 10(20%) cases have control toxoplasmosis (those patients were had toxoplasmosis but showing no symptoms) and 40 (80%) cases samples were considered as a control group without any infections. Sera (sPD-1 and sPDL-1) levels were determined by ELISA using a quantitative sandwich enzyme immunoassay technique. The results showed that levels of sPD-1 and sPDL-1 levels were significantly higher in patients group than healthy subjects (P&lt;0.01).

Seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among the general population and healthcare workers in India, June-July 2021: A population-based cross-sectional study.

India began COVID-19 vaccination in January 2021, initially targeting healthcare and frontline workers. The vaccination strategy was expanded in a phased manner and currently covers all individuals aged 18 years and above. India experienced a severe second wave of COVID-19 during March-June 2021. We conducted a fourth nationwide serosurvey to estimate prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in the general population aged ≥6 years and healthcare workers (HCWs). We did a cross-sectional study between 14 June and 6 July 2021 in the same 70 districts across 20 states and 1 union territory where 3 previous rounds of serosurveys were conducted. From each district, 10 clusters (villages in rural areas and wards in urban areas) were selected by the probability proportional to population size method. From each district, a minimum of 400 individuals aged ≥6 years from the general population (40 individuals from each cluster) and 100 HCWs from the district public health facilities were included. The serum samples were tested for the presence of IgG antibodies against S1-RBD and nucleocapsid protein of SARS-CoV-2 using chemiluminescence immunoassay. We estimated the weighted and test-adjusted seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, along with 95% CIs, based on the presence of antibodies to S1-RBD and/or nucleocapsid protein. Of the 28,975 individuals who participated in the survey, 2,892 (10%) were aged 6-9 years, 5,798 (20%) were aged 10-17 years, and 20,285 (70%) were aged ≥18 years; 15,160 (52.3%) participants were female, and 21,794 (75.2%) resided in rural areas. The weighted and test-adjusted prevalence of IgG antibodies against S1-RBD and/or nucleocapsid protein among the general population aged ≥6 years was 67.6% (95% CI 66.4% to 68.7%). Seroprevalence increased with age (p < 0.001) and was not different in rural and urban areas (p = 0.822). Compared to unvaccinated adults (62.3%, 95% CI 60.9% to 63.7%), seroprevalence was significantly higher among individuals who had received 1 vaccine dose (81.0%, 95% CI 79.6% to 82.3%, p < 0.001) and 2 vaccine doses (89.8%, 95% CI 88.4% to 91.1%, p < 0.001). The seroprevalence of IgG antibodies among 7,252 HCWs was 85.2% (95% CI 83.5% to 86.7%). Important limitations of the study include the survey design, which was aimed to estimate seroprevalence at the national level and not at a sub-national level, and the non-participation of 19% of eligible individuals in the survey. Nearly two-thirds of individuals aged ≥6 years from the general population and 85% of HCWs had antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 by June-July 2021 in India. As one-third of the population is still seronegative, it is necessary to accelerate the coverage of COVID-19 vaccination among adults and continue adherence to non-pharmaceutical interventions.

Immunoglobulin (Ig)A seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers in Israel, 4 April to 13 July 2020: an observational study.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has put healthcare workers (HCW) at significant risk. Presence of antibodies can confirm prior severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection.AimThis study investigates the prevalence of IgA and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in HCW.MethodsPerformance of IgA and IgG antibody ELISA assays were initially evaluated in positive and negative SARS-CoV-2 serum samples. IgA and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 were measured in 428 asymptomatic HCW. We assessed the risk of two groups: HCW with high exposure risk outside work (HROW) residing in areas where COVID-19 was endemic (n = 162) and HCW with high exposure risk at work (HRAW) in a COVID-19 intensive care unit (ICU) (n = 97).ResultsSensitivities of 80% and 81.2% and specificities of 97.2% and 98% were observed for IgA and IgG antibodies, respectively. Of the 428 HCW, three were positive for IgG and 27 for IgA. Only 3/27 (11%) IgA-positive HCW had IgG antibodies compared with 50/62 (81%) in a group of previous SARS-CoV-2-PCR-positive individuals. Consecutive samples from IgA-positive HCW demonstrated IgA persistence 18–83 days in 12/20 samples and IgG seroconversion in 1/20 samples. IgA antibodies were present in 8.6% of HROW and 2% of HRAW.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 exposure may lead to asymptomatic transient IgA response without IgG seroconversion. The significance of these findings needs further study. Out of work exposure is a possible risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in HCW and infection in HCW can be controlled if adequate protective equipment is implemented.

Toxoplasma infection and risk of epilepsy: A case-control study of incident patients

We performed an age matched case-control study of incident epileptic patients to assess the relationship between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and epilepsy. Cases were 94 newly diagnosed patients (mean age, 36.7 ± 15.9) with unprovoked convulsive epilepsy of unknown etiology and controls were 88 healthy individuals (mean age, 37.5 ± 17.1) with no history of epilepsy or neurological disorders. Sera of all subjects were examined for anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies using commercially enzyme-linked immunoassays. We calculated odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using univariate analysis and logistic regression, adjusted for potential confounders. The prevalence of anti-Toxoplasma IgG antibodies in epileptic patients (68.1%; 95%CI, 57.6–77.3%) was significantly higher than healthy controls (47.7%; 95%CI, 36.9–58.6%), indicating a significant relationship between Toxoplasma infection seropositivity and epilepsy (adjusted OR, 2.58; 95%CI, 1.16–5.72; P value < 0.05). The univariate analyses showed more than two-fold higher Toxoplasma seropositivity in patients with focal (OR, 2.31; 95%CI, 0.94–5.67) and generalized (OR, 2.35; 95%CI, 1.215–4.57) seizures versus healthy controls. Our findings support hypothesis that Toxoplasma infection/exposure may play an important role in development of epilepsy. Preventive measures to control of Toxoplasma infection especially in north of Iran and early treatment might be effective to reduce the occurrence of epilepsy in this region.