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Topic: Testing and Treatment
April 15, 2020
Rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by detecting IgG and IgM antibodies with an immunochromatographic device: a prospective single-center study
Garcia et al evaluated the diagnostic performance of AllTestR COV-19 IgG/IgM kit, which detects IgG and IgM antibodies. While the specificity was high (100%), sensitivity varied from 47.3% on day 1 to 88.9 – 91.1% on day 14. They concluded that for the IgG/IgM kit to be useful in hospitalized patients, the clinical history of…
Effect of various decontamination procedures on disposable N95 mask integrity and SARS-CoV-2 infectivity
Smith et al tested the feasibility of vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), UV light, and ethanol decontamination strategies on N95 mask integrity and the ability to remove the infectious potential of SARS-CoV-2. VHP treated masks showed no significant change in function after two treatments, while UV light was not as effective and ethanol damaged the integrity…
April 14, 2020
Universal Screening for SARS-CoV-2 in Women Admitted for Delivery
Two New York City birthing hospitals share results from universal COVID-19 screening of all pregnant women admitted for delivery (n=215). Over 15% of all women admitted screened positive, with most positive patients presenting as asymptomatic. Sutton et al. (April 13, 2020). Universal Screening for SARS-CoV-2 in Women Admitted for Delivery. NEJM. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMc2009316
No evidence of clinical efficacy of hydroxychloroquine in patients hospitalised for COVID-19 infection and requiring oxygen: results of a study using routinely collected data to emulate a target trial
All adults in 4 French hospitals (n=181) with documented SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia were used to emulate a target trial assessing the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) at 600 mg/day. Findings do not support use of HQC, with no observed reduction in disease severity or death. Mahevas et al. (April 14, 2020). No evidence of clinical efficacy of…
April 13, 2020
Association of chemosensory dysfunction and Covid-19 in patients presenting with influenza-like symptoms
Han et al conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate loss of smell and taste as pathognomonic symptom of COVID-19 using an internet-based platform on adult subjects who underwent testing for Covid-19. Smell and taste loss were reported in 68% and 71% of Covid-19-positive subjects, respectively, compared to 16% and 17% of Covid-19-negative patients. Smell and…
Treatment with ACE-inhibitors is associated with less severe disease with SARS-Covid-19 infection in a multi-site UK acute Hospital Trust
The SARS-Cov2 virus binds to the ACE2 receptor for cell entry. Bean et al reported that treatment with ACE-inhibitors was associated with a reduced risk of rapidly deteriorating severe disease. Bean et al. (April 11 2020). Treatment with ACE-inhibitors is associated with less severe disease with SARS-Covid-19 infection in a multi-site UK acute Hospital Trust….
CT features of SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia according to clinical presentation: a retrospective analysis of 120 consecutive patients from Wuhan city
Zang et al characterized the chest CT findings of SARS-CoV-2 according to clinical severity in hospital setting in Wuhan City. In their report, they present a summary of clinical features and predominant patterns of abnormalities observed on CT for asymptomatic, typic common, and severe cases. These findings may help clinicians to identify severe patients quickly…
Blueprint for a Pop-up SARS-CoV-2 Testing Lab
The Innovative Genomics Institute SARS-CoV-2 Testing Consortium describe the strategy they used to establish a CLIA-licensed clinical laboratory to perform a validated Laboratory-Developed Test (LDT) for SARS-CoV-2 in Berkeley, California and the surrounding Bay Area community. The procedures for implementing the technical, regulatory, and data management work streams necessary for clinical sample processing provide a…
Insights on early mutational events in SARS-CoV-2 virus reveal founder effects across geographical regions
Farkas et al described early mutational events across samples from publicly available SARS-CoV-2 sequences from the archive repository. Five-point mutations with clonal (founder) effect were found in USA sequencing samples, but the Australian mutation signatures were more diverse than USA samples. Mutations in the helicase and orf1a coding regions were predominant, suggesting that these proteins…
April 10, 2020
Further Evidence of a Possible Correlation Between the Severity of Covid-19 and BCG Immunization
Based on the preliminary analysis of available evidence that supports possible correlation between BCG vaccination and severity of COVID-19 effects at a population level, the author concludes that effectiveness of BCG immunization may depend on the age of administration, with early age inoculation being more effective for lasting protection. Dolgikh (Apr 7, 2020). Further Evidence…
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