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May 19, 2020
Variation in False-Negative Rate of Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based SARS-CoV-2 Tests by Time Since Exposure
Kucirka et al. found that the probability of a false negative SARS-CoV-2 test result using RT-PCR varied significantly over the disease course. Among 1,330 patients, the false negative rate was lowest between symptom onset (38% false negative rate) and 3 days following symptom onset (20% false negative rate). Prior to symptom onset, patients had a…
Substantial Underestimation of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the United States Due to Incomplete Testing and Imperfect Test Accuracy
Current confirmed COVID-19 case counts in the US underestimate the total burden of the SARS-CoV-2 due to incomplete testing, driven by limited test availability, which is restricted primarily to individuals with moderate to severe symptoms. Imperfect diagnostic accuracy of the tests also contributes to an undercount of cases. Wu et al. estimated that there were…
Cross-Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 by a Human Monoclonal SARS-CoV Antibody
Pinto et al. describe an antibody(S309) that neutralizes SARS-CoV-2. This antibody was identified from memory B cells of a person infected with SARS-CoV in 2003. The S309 antibody functions by engaging the SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein receptor-binding domain, the region that facilitates the SARS-CoV-2 virus’ entry into host cells. These findings can be used to facilitate…
Infectious SARS-CoV-2 in Feces of Patient with Severe COVID-19
Infectious SARS-CoV-2 virus was isolated from feces of a patient in China who died of COVID-19 disease, suggesting there could be potential for fecal-oral or fecal-respiratory transmission. Xiao et al. (May18, 2020). Infectious SARS-CoV-2 in Feces of Patient with Severe COVID-19. Emerging Infectious Diseases. https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2608.200681
Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA on Surfaces in Quarantine Rooms
Jiang et al. investigated environmental contamination in quarantine hotel rooms after being occupied by 2 pre-symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 positive patients. SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected on 36% (8/22) of tested surfaces, as well as on the pillow cover, sheets, and duvet cover. Jiang et al. (May18, 2020). Detection of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 RNA on…
A Novel Cohorting and Isolation Strategy for Suspected COVID-19 Cases during a Pandemic
Patterson et al. evaluated a clinical triaging tool with four categories based on likelihood of having COVID-19 and risk of having a poor health outcome. Individuals with lowest likelihood of having COVID-19 and highest risk of having a poor outcome were prioritized for single-occupancy rooms while the others groups were “cohorted” by putting them in…
May 18, 2020
Behaviors and Attitudes in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic Insights from a Cross-National Facebook Survey
Perrotta et al. present information about attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19 from a rapid response monitoring system that recruited participants via targeted Facebook advertisement campaigns from March 13-April 19, 2020 across eight countries. Women expressed a higher perception of threat and lower confidence in the health system. Women were also more likely to adopt preventive behaviors. Older people demonstrated a higher level of awareness and concern about COVID-19, in line with the evidence…
Strategic Release of Lockdowns in a COVID Infection Model
Zhang implemented SIR models to determine the earliest time of a multi-phased release of the population from lockdown restrictions for two states, Illinois and New York, constrained by a specified threshold on the subsequent peaks of infection. If the population under lockdown is to be released in equal sized batches, then it is prudent to wait for a substantial decrease…
Covasim an Agent-Based Model of COVID-19 Dynamics and Interventions
The COVID-19 Agent-based Simulator (Covasim), which has been applied world-wide to examine disease dynamics and policy options, can be used to project epidemic trends, explore intervention scenarios, and estimate resource needs in the pandemic COVID-19. Covasim accounts for demographic information, realistic transmission networks in different social layers, age-specific disease outcomes, and intrahost viral dynamics. It also supports an extensive set of…
Relaxing Lockdown Measures in Epidemic Outbreaks Using Selective Socio-Economic Containment with Uncertainty
Albi et al. used an SIR-type compartmental model with a social structure modified with appropriate feedback controls to assess the impact of a selective relaxation of the containment measures in relation to the resumption of SARS-CoV–2 spread. This model generates simulations that are in agreement with the current epidemic scenarios in countries including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. The inclusion of…
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