Inkoo And Sindbis Viruses In Semi-Domesticated Reindeer And Mosquitoes In Norway

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ruchika Shakya ◽  
Morten Tryland ◽  
Rose Vikse ◽  
Javier Sánchez Romano ◽  
Kjetil Åsbakk ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rangifer Tarandus ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Real Time Quantitative Pcr ◽  
Summer Pasture ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Pool Prevalence

Abstract Background: Mosquito-borne viruses pose a serious threat to humans worldwide. There has been an upsurge in the number of mosquito-borne viruses in Europe, mostly belonging to the families Togaviridae (Sindbis, Chikungunya), Flaviviridae (West Nile, Usutu, Dengue), and Peribunyaviridae (Inkoo, Batai, Tahyna). The principal focus of this study was Inkoo (INKV) and Sindbis (SINV) virus circulating in Norway because there is a knowledge gap regarding reservoirs and transmission. Therefore, we aimed to determine the prevalence of SINV and INKV in mosquitoes and seroprevalence of INKV in semi-domesticated Eurasian tundra reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus).Methods: In total, 213 pools containing about 25 mosquitoes each and 480 reindeer sera were collected in eight Norwegian reindeer summer pasture districts during 2013-2015. The mosquito pools were analysed for INKV and SINV RNA, with reverse transcriptase (RT)-real time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), and pyrosequencing. Reindeer sera were analysed for INKV-specific IgG by Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IIFA) and Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT).Results: Aedes spp. were the most dominant species among the collected mosquitoes. Two of the mosquito pools were positive for INKV-RNA by RT-PCR and were confirmed by pyrosequencing. The overall estimated pool prevalence (EPP) of INKV in Norway was 0.04%. IgG seroprevalence in reindeer revealed 60% positive for INKV by IIFA. Of the 55 borderline reindeer sera, 24% were positive on cytopathic effect (CPE)-neutralization test. Among 80% of 60 reindeer sera analysed with PRNT for INKV had a titre ≥ 20, and there was no cross-reactivity with the closely related Tahyna virus (TAHV) and Snow Shoe Hare virus (SSHV). None of the analysed mosquito pools were positive for SINV.Conclusions: The occurrence and prevalence of INKV in Aedes mosquitoes and its high seroprevalence among semi-domesticated reindeer in Norway indicate that further studies are required for monitoring this virus. SINV was not detected in the mosquitoes in this study, however, human cases of SINV infection have yearly been reported from Rjukan. Therefore, it is essential to investigate SINV among human population. Our findings are important to raise awareness regarding the geographical distribution of these mosquito-borne viruses in Northern Europe.

scholarly journals Validation of Selected Commercial Serological Assays for Diagnosis of COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salma Younes ◽  
Hadeel Al-Jighefee ◽  
Farah Shurrab ◽  
Duaa Al-Sadeq ◽  
Hadi Yassine ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Clinical Settings ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Excellent Correlation ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Rapid Assays ◽  
Igm Elisa ◽  
Rapid Tests ◽  
Antibody Tests

As researchers around the globe rush to put the available antibody tests to use, concerns have been raised about their precision. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the performance of selected commercial & automated serological assays that are widely used in different clinical settings in Qatar. We validated the performance of five commercial IgG and IgM ELISA kits, three fully automated immunoassays, and two commercial rapid tests. The sensitivity of all assays was compared to RT-PCR and a surrogate virus neutralization test (sVNT). In addition, cross-reactivity was investigated. Among the evaluated kits, Lionex IgG assay demonstrated the best performance (~88% sensitivity and ~99 specificity). All automated assays showed an excellent correlation with the neutralization test with an overall agreement of 93.6-98.5%. The rapid assays demonstrated a very good performance in detecting IgG antibodies (86.0-88.0% sensitivity and 98.0-100% specificity).

scholarly journals Diagnostic Efficiency of Three Fully Automated Serology Assays and Their Correlation with a Novel Surrogate Virus Neutralization Test in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SARS-COV-2 Individuals

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 245
Author(s):  
Salma Younes ◽  
Hadeel Al-Jighefee ◽  
Farah Shurrab ◽  
Duaa W. Al-Sadeq ◽  
Nadin Younes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diagnostic Performance ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Diagnostic Efficiency ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Viral Antibodies ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients ◽  
Intended Use ◽  
Control Samples

To support the deployment of serology assays for population screening during the COVID-19 pandemic, we compared the performance of three fully automated SARS-CoV-2 IgG assays: Mindray CL-900i® (target: spike [S] and nucleocapsid [N]), BioMérieux VIDAS®3 (target: receptor-binding domain [RBD]) and Diasorin LIAISON®XL (target: S1 and S2 subunits). A total of 111 SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR- positive samples collected at ≥ 21 days post symptom onset, and 127 pre-pandemic control samples were included. Diagnostic performance was assessed in correlation to RT-PCR and a surrogate virus-neutralizing test (sVNT). Moreover, cross-reactivity with other viral antibodies was investigated. Compared to RT-PCR, LIAISON®XL showed the highest overall specificity (100%), followed by VIDAS®3 (98.4%) and CL-900i® (95.3%). The highest sensitivity was demonstrated by CL-900i® (90.1%), followed by VIDAS®3 (88.3%) and LIAISON®XL (85.6%). The sensitivity of all assays was higher in symptomatic patients (91.1–98.2%) compared to asymptomatic patients (78.4–80.4%). In correlation to sVNT, all assays showed excellent sensitivities (92.2–96.1%). In addition, VIDAS®3 demonstrated the best correlation (r = 0.75) with the sVNT. The present study provides insights on the performance of three fully automated assays, which could help diagnostic laboratories in the choice of a particular assay according to the intended use.

scholarly journals Detection Of Equine Arteritis Virus In The Semen Of Stallions In The Republic Of Serbia

2015 ◽  
Vol 65 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-567 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sava Lazić ◽  
Diana Lupulović ◽  
Vladimir Polaček ◽  
Miroslav Valčić ◽  
Gospava Lazić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Genome ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Equine Arteritis Virus ◽  
Serological Testing ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Specific Antibodies ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
The Republic

AbstractThe results on serological testing of blood sera from stallions and mares used for breeding and the presence of the viral genome of Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) in stallion semen are presented. The blood and semen samples were taken from a horse stable on the territory of the Republic of Serbia during 2012, 2013 and 2014. Detection of anti-EAV specific antibodies in blood sera was performed by the virus neutralization test (VNT), and identification of EAV genome RNA in stallion semen was done by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In 2012, high seroprevalence of EAV was detected in the investigated stable. In total, 45% and 65 % of stallions and mares reacted positive, respectively, and the antibody titre values ranged between 2 and 10 log2. High seroprevalence was confirmed in the same animals again in 2013. Out of two stallions tested semen samples in 2013, the viral genome was detected by RT-PCR in 3 examined semen samples from a seropositive stallion, while EAV was not detected in 3 semen samples of a seronegative stallion. During 2014, 11 semen samples were collected from two seropositive stallions. Again, the presence of EAV was confirmed by RT-PCR in all 8 semen samples originating from the same stallion with the EAV genome positive semen result in 2013, whereas the virus was not detected in semen samples originating from the second anti-EAV antibody positive stallion. The presence of EAV-specific antibodies was confirmed in the blood sera of the mares inseminated with the semen of seropositive stallions in 2012 and 2013.

scholarly journals Hepatitis E Virus Occurrence in Pigs Slaughtered in Italy

Animals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 277
Author(s):  
Eleonora Chelli ◽  
Elisabetta Suffredini ◽  
Paola De Santis ◽  
Dario De Medici ◽  
Santina Di Bella ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hepatitis E Virus ◽  
Phylogenetic Analyses ◽  
Hepatitis E ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Genotype 3 ◽  
Sporadic Cases ◽  
Wild Boar Meat ◽  
Small Clusters ◽  
Frequent Exposure

In Europe, foodborne transmission has been clearly associated to sporadic cases and small clusters of hepatitis E in humans linked to the consumption of contaminated pig liver sausages, raw venison, or undercooked wild boar meat. In Europe, zoonotic HEV-genotype 3 strains are widespread in pig farms but little information is available on the prevalence of HEV positive pigs at slaughterhouse. In the present study, the prevalence of HEV-RNA positive pigs was assessed on 585 animals from 4 abattoirs located across Italy. Twenty-one pigs (3.6%) tested positive for HEV in either feces or liver by real-time RT-PCR. In these 21 pigs, eight diaphragm muscles resulted positive for HEV-RNA. Among animals collected in one abattoir, 4 out of 91 plasma tested positive for HEV-RNA. ELISA tests for the detection of total antibodies against HEV showed a high seroprevalence (76.8%), confirming the frequent exposure of pigs to the virus. The phylogenetic analyses conducted on sequences of both ORF1 and ORF2 fragments, shows the circulation of HEV-3c and of a novel unclassified subtype. This study provides information on HEV occurrence in pigs at the slaughterhouse, confirming that muscles are rarely contaminated by HEV-RNA compared to liver, which is the most frequently positive for HEV.

scholarly journals Automated Western immunoblotting detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 serum antibodies

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Edouard ◽  
Rita Jaafar ◽  
Nicolas Orain ◽  
Philippe Parola ◽  
Philippe Colson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Negative Control ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Substantial Agreement ◽  
Western Immunoblotting ◽  
Elisa Kit ◽  
Line Test ◽  
Serologic Assay ◽  
Control Samples

AbstractELISA and chemiluminescence serological assays for COVID-19 are currently incorporating only one or two SARS-CoV-2 antigens. We developed an automated Western immunoblotting as a complementary serologic assay for COVID-19. The JessTM Simple Western system, an automated capillary-based assay, was used, incorporating an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 lineage 20a strain as the source of antigen, and total immunoglobulins (IgG, IgM, IgA) detection. In total, 602 sera were tested including 223 from RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients, 76 from patients diagnosed with seasonal HCoVs and 303 from coronavirus-negative control sera. We also compared this assay with the EUROIMMUN® SARS-CoV-2 IgG ELISA kit. Among 223 sera obtained from RT-PCR-confirmed COVID-19 patients, 180/223 (81%) exhibited reactivity against the nucleocapsid and 70/223 (31%) against the spike protein. Nucleocapsid reactivity was further detected in 9/76 (14%) samples collected from patients diagnosed with seasonal HCoVs and in 15/303 (5%) coronavirus-negative control samples. In the subset of sera collected more than 2 weeks after the onset of symptoms, the sensitivity was 94% and the specificity 93%, the latter value probably reflecting cross-reactivity of SARS-CoV-2 with other coronaviruses. The automated Western immunoblotting presented a substantial agreement (90%) with the compared ELISA (Cohen’s Kappa=0.64). Automated Western immunoblotting may be used as a second line test to monitor exposure of people to HCoVs including SARS-CoV-2.

scholarly journals Development of SARS-CoV-2 Specific IgG and Virus-Neutralizing Antibodies after Infection with Variants of Concern or Vaccination

Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (7) ◽  
pp. 700
Author(s):  
Franziska Neumann ◽  
Ruben Rose ◽  
Janine Römpke ◽  
Olaf Grobe ◽  
Thomas Lorentz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Vaccine Dose ◽  
High Avidity ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Robust Immune Response ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Nucleoprotein N

The humoral immunity after SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination was examined. Convalescent sera after infection with variants of concern (VOCs: B.1.1.7, n = 10; B.1.351, n = 1) and sera from 100 vaccinees (Pfizer/BioNTech, BNT162b2, n = 33; Moderna, mRNA-1273, n = 11; AstraZeneca, ChAdOx1 nCoV-19/AZD1222, n = 56) were tested for the presence of immunoglobulin G (IgG) directed against the viral spike (S)-protein, its receptor-binding domain (RBD), the nucleoprotein (N) and for virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNA). For the latter, surrogate assays (sVNT) and a Vero-cell based neutralization test (cVNT) were used. Maturity of IgG was determined by measuring the avidity in an immunoblot (IB). Past VOC infection resulted in a broad reactivity of anti-S IgG (100%), anti-RBD IgG (100%), and anti-N IgG (91%), while latter were absent in 99% of vaccinees. Starting approximately two weeks after the first vaccine dose, anti-S IgG (75–100%) and particularly anti-RBD IgG (98–100%) were detectable. After the second dose, their titers increased and were higher than in the convalescents. The sVNT showed evidence of VNA in 91% of convalescents and in 80–100%/100% after first/second vaccine dose, respectively. After the second dose, an increase in VNA titer and IgGs of high avidity were demonstrated by cVNT and IB, respectively. Re-vaccination contributes to a more robust immune response.

scholarly journals Seroprevalence and correlates of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies from a population-based study in Bonn, Germany

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
N. Ahmad Aziz ◽  
Victor M. Corman ◽  
Antje K. C. Echterhoff ◽  
Marcel A. Müller ◽  
Anja Richter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neutralizing Antibodies ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Neutralization Test ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Immunofluorescence Assay ◽  
Test Results ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Population Based Study ◽  
Temporal Course ◽  
Confirmatory Tests

AbstractTo estimate the seroprevalence and temporal course of SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies, we embedded a multi-tiered seroprevalence survey within an ongoing community-based cohort study in Bonn, Germany. We first assessed anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin G levels with an immunoassay, followed by confirmatory testing of borderline and positive test results with a recombinant spike-based immunofluorescence assay and a plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT). Those with a borderline or positive immunoassay result were retested after 4 to 5 months. At baseline, 4771 persons participated (88% response rate). Between April 24th and June 30th, 2020, seroprevalence was 0.97% (95% CI: 0.72−1.30) by immunoassay and 0.36% (95% CI: 0.21−0.61) when considering only those with two additional positive confirmatory tests. Importantly, about 20% of PRNT+ individuals lost their neutralizing antibodies within five months. Here, we show that neutralizing antibodies are detectable in only one third of those with a positive immunoassay result, and wane relatively quickly.

ESTIMATION OF SARS-COV-2 SPECIFIC ANTIBODIES SEROPREVALENCE IN HEALTHCARE WORKERS IN DISTRICT UDAIPUR, INDIA

2021 ◽  
pp. 61-63
Author(s):  
Shelesh Kumar Swami ◽  
Nitesh Kumar Chauhan ◽  
Shuchi Goyal ◽  
A.K. Verma ◽  
Shweta Biyani
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Clinical Symptoms ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
High Seroprevalence ◽  
Know How ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
And Control ◽  
Infection Eradication ◽  
Cumulative Prevalence

Background:Current pandemic caused by Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) causes clinical symptoms from fever to acute respiratory distress syndrome but may remain mild or asymptomatic. To evaluate the cumulative prevalence of SARSCoV-2 infection in a community and know how immune response develops in the population, reliable assay alongwith RT-PCR for detection of SARS-CoV 2 antibodies is needed. Healthcare workers (HCWs) represent a high-risk populat - ion for infection with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We evaluated total antibodies recognizing the SARS CoV 2 receptor binding domain (S1-RBD) - - - or the Spike protein over a period of six months in a total of 310 healthcare workers engaged in hospital using SARS-CoV-2 Total antibody assay kit. Findings: The overall seroprevalence found in our analysis was 41.93%. In case of males the percentage positive was found to be signicantly higher at 43.91%, compared to females at 36.25%. Seroprevalence was signicantly higher in 50 years above age group in comparison to 20-50 years old aged healthcare workers. The seroprevalence was higher in doctors, nursing staff and lab technicians than other healthcare professionals as 44.6%. Conclusions: This study showed high seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers which means remaining proportion of the healthcare workers are still susceptible to the infection. Good compliance to infection eradication and control measures, adequate PPEs, and early detection and isolation of healthcare workers infected with SARS-CoV-2 are mandatory to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals EVALUATION OF ELEVEN IMMUNOCHROMATOGRAPHIC ASSAYS FOR SARS-CoV-2 DETECTION: INVESTIGATING DENGUE CROSS-REACTION

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Beatriz Araujo Oliveira ◽  
Lea Campos de Oliveira ◽  
Franciane Mendes de Oliveira ◽  
Geovana Maria Pereira ◽  
Regina Maia de Souza ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sensitivity And Specificity ◽  
High Sensitivity ◽  
Diagnostic Techniques ◽  
Cross Reactivity ◽  
Cross Reaction ◽  
List Type ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Igm Antibodies ◽  
Good Agreement

AbstractBackgroundCOVID-19 disease (Coronavirus disease 2019) caused by SARS-CoV-2 (Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) is widespread worldwide, affecting more than 11 million people globally (July 6th, 2020). Diagnostic techniques have been studied in order to contain the pandemic. Immunochromatographic (IC) assays are feasible and low cost alternative for monitoring the spread of COVID-19 in the population.MethodsHere we evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of eleven different immunochromatographic tests in 98 serum samples from confirmed cases of COVID-19 through RT-PCR and 100 negative serum samples from blood donors collected in February 2019. Considering the endemic situation of Dengue in Brazil, we also evaluated the cross-reactivity with Dengue using 20 serum samples from patients with confirmed diagnosis for Dengue collected in early 2019 through four different tests.ResultsOur results demonstrated agreement between immunochromatographic assays and RT-PCR, especially after 10 days since the onset of symptoms. The evaluation of IgG and IgM antibodies combined demonstrated a strong level of agreement (0.85) of IC assays and RT-PCR. It was observed cross-reactivity between Dengue and COVID-19 using four different IC assays for COVID-19 diagnosis. The specificity of IC assays to detected COVID-19 IgM antibodies using Dengue serum samples varied from 80% to 85%; the specificity of IgG detection was 100% and total antibody was 95%.ConclusionsWe found high sensitivity, specificity and good agreement of IC assays, especially after 10 days onset of symptoms. However, we detected cross-reactivity between Dengue and COVID-19 mainly with IgM antibodies demonstrating the need for better studies about diagnostic techniques for these diseases.HighlightsImmunochromatographic assays demonstrated high sensitivity and specificity and good agreement with the gold-standard RT-PCR;Increase in sensitivity and specificity of assays using samples collected after the 10th day of symptoms;Cross-reaction with Dengue serology in evaluation of IgM.

Antibody Testing of Infants Born to Asymptomatic COVID-19 Positive Mothers

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (10) ◽  
pp. 3-7
Author(s):  
Tonya Robinson ◽  
Nicole Pozzi ◽  
Saeed Jortani
Keyword(s):  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Chart Review ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Igg Antibodies ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Antibody Testing ◽  
University Of Louisville ◽  
Specific Igg ◽  
Negative Conclusion ◽  
Future Management

Awareness of SARS-COV-2 IgG may contribute to the management of asymptomatic RT PCR COVID-19 positive pregnant women, their newborns, and future vaccination practices. Objective: Characterize COVID testing results of asymptomatic COVID-19 positive pregnant women and their infants. Our assumption/hypothesis maintained that all infants born to asymptomatic COVID-19 positive mothers would have detectable SARS-CoV-2 specific IgG. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Clinical demographics/COVID-19 testing of maternal/infant dyads were reviewed/collected for reporting purposes. Setting: Center for Women and Infants (CWI), University of Louisville Hospital, Louisville, KY Participants: Asymptomatic COVID-19 positive pregnant women/infant dyads admitted to the CWI between June 2020 to February 2021. Results: 36 COVID-19 positive asymptomatic mother/37 infant dyads (one set of twins) reviewed. 38% of the mother/infant dyads were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG, while 27% of mother/infant dyads were negative for IgG. A COVID-19 positive mother of twins was IgG negative, but both twins were positive. Two mothers in this study group had developed significant COVID-19 disease at 28w4d gestation and 34w0d gestation. Both required intensive care but recovered, and their pregnancies were maintained until 37w4d and 39w3d gestation, respectively. By the time of delivery, both mothers had negative COVID-19 RT PCR testing, but both infants were positive for SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies. COVID-19 RT PCR testing on both of these infants at 24 and 48 hours of age was negative. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 IgG is passively transferred to the infant during pregnancy of asymptomatic positive COVID-19 mothers however appears variable and/or possibly based on the ability of IgG detection with current testing. Further investigation of the immune system’s response to the SARS-CoV-2 virus during pregnancy can direct future management/treatment during pregnancy, especially in the wake of vaccination for the virus during pregnancy and emerging variants.

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