The Journal of infectious diseases
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The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates better understanding of the kinetics of antibody production induced by infection with SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to develop a high-throughput multiplex assay to detect antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 to assess immunity to the virus in the general population. ⋯ The bead-based serological assay for quantitation of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies proved to be robust and can be conducted in many laboratories. We demonstrated that testing of antibodies against multiple antigens increases sensitivity and specificity compared to single-antigen-specific IgG determination.
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Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with severe immune abnormalities are at risk of cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The definition, prevention, and treatment of symptoms of CRS in critically ill patients with COVID-19 are important problems. ⋯ Eight patients were determined to have characteristics of CRS, including pulmonary inflammation, fever, and dysfunction of nonpulmonary organs. An increase in interleukin-6 in peripheral blood was the highest risk factor and an early indicator of CRS in COVID-19.
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This phase 1 placebo-controlled study assessed safety and immunogenicity of two-dose regimens of Ad26.ZEBOV (Ad26) and MVA-BN-Filo (MVA) vaccines with booster vaccination at Day 360. ⋯ Both heterologous and homologous Ad26,MVA Ebola vaccine regimens are well tolerated in healthy adults, regardless of interval or dose level. Heterologous two-dose Ad26,MVA regimens containing an EBOV insert induce strong, durable humoral and cellular immune responses. Immunological memory was rapidly recalled by booster vaccination, suggesting Ad26 booster doses could be considered for individuals at risk of Ebola infection, who previously received the two-dose regimen.
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The drivers of the gap in advancement between men and women faculty in academic Infectious Diseases (ID) remain poorly understood. This study sought to identify key barriers to academic advancement among faculty in ID and offer policy suggestions to narrow this gap. ⋯ Sponsorship and informed advising about institutional promotions tracks may help to narrow the advancement gap. The Infectious Disease Society of America should consider ambitious policy changes within the society and setting expectations for best practices among ID divisions across the United States.
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This study investigated continued and discontinued use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEi) or angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB) during hospitalization of 614 hypertensive laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients. ⋯ These findings suggest that continued ACEi/ARB use in hypertensive COVID-19 patients yields better clinical outcomes.