International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
-
Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2021
The initial impact of a national BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
This study examined the initial impact of a national BNT162b2 vaccine rollout on SARS-CoV-2 infections in Qatar. ⋯ The results were consistent with an early protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccine against all degrees of SARS-CoV-2 severity.
-
A third wave of COVID-19 occurred after Christmas 2020 in Madrid, one of the European pandemic epicenters. We noticed 6 major differential features to previous waves. First, household contacts were a large proportion of cases. ⋯ Lastly, reinfections were more common. By Easter 2021, approximately 25% of the population in Madrid had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, massive and accelerated vaccination campaigns are warranted to prevent new COVID-19 waves.
-
Int. J. Infect. Dis. · May 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialSide effects of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: A randomized, cross-sectional study with detailed self-reported symptoms from healthcare workers.
Concerns are prevailing about the safety and side effects of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ Commonly reported symptoms (occurrence in descending order) were soreness, fatigue, myalgia, headache, chills, fever, joint pain, nausea, muscle spasm, sweating, dizziness, flushing, feelings of relief, brain fogging, anorexia, localized swelling, decreased sleep quality, itching, tingling, diarrhoea, nasal stuffiness and palpitations. Despite this, remarkable acceptance for the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine was found among HCWs.
-
Int. J. Infect. Dis. · May 2021
Analytical performances of the point-of-care SIENNA™ COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in nasopharyngeal swabs: A prospective evaluation during the COVID-19 second wave in France.
We herein assessed the analytical performances of the antigen-rapid diagnostic test (Ag-RDT) SIENNA™ COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Test Cassette (Nasopharyngeal Swab) (Salofa Oy, Salo, Finland), targeting the SARS-CoV-2 N nucleocapsid protein, for the diagnosis of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients with suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection, by reference to real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR). ⋯ The SIENNA™ Ag-RDT presents excellent analytical performances for viral loads ≤33 Ct, classically corresponding to situations of symptomatic COVID-19 and/or proven contagiousness.
-
Int. J. Infect. Dis. · May 2021
COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi: Did public sociopolitical events gatherings contribute to its first-wave local transmission?
The COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi emerged amidst widespread anti-government demonstrations and subsequent mass gatherings. This paper describes the incidence and factors associated with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi. ⋯ Mass political gatherings and cross-border immigration from high-risk areas were drivers for infection. Males, older age and urban residence were associated with increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. To control the spread of COVID-19 there is a need to regulate mass gatherings and repatriation of citizens, and strengthen the use of preventive health interventions. Men, the older age groups and urban areas should be prioritised for COVID-19 prevention strategies.