• Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
• /
• 제31권3호
• /
• pp.358-367
• /
• 2021

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) as an international health emergency. Current diagnostic tests are based on the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) method, which is the gold standard test that involves the amplification of viral RNA. However, the RT-qPCR assay has limitations in terms of sensitivity and quantification. In this study, we tested both qPCR and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) to detect low amounts of viral RNA. The cycle threshold (CT) of the viral RNA by RT-PCR significantly varied according to the sequences of the primer and probe sets with in vitro transcript (IVT) RNA or viral RNA as templates, whereas the copy number of the viral RNA by ddPCR was effectively quantified with IVT RNA, cultured viral RNA, and RNA from clinical samples. Furthermore, the clinical samples were assayed via both methods, and the sensitivity of the ddPCR was determined to be equal to or more than that of the RT-qPCR. However, the ddPCR assay is more suitable for determining the copy number of reference materials. These findings suggest that the qPCR assay with the ddPCR defined reference materials could be used as a highly sensitive and compatible diagnostic method for viral RNA detection.

• Safety and Health at Work
• /
• 제13권3호
• /
• pp.263-268
• /
• 2022

Health care workers (HCWs) are more than ten times more likely to be infected with coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) than the general population, thus demonstrating the burden of COVID-19 among HCWs. Factors that expose HCWs to a differentially high-risk of COVID-19 acquisition are important to elucidate, enable appropriate public health interventions to mitigate against high risk and reduce adverse outcomes from the infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize and critically analyze the existing evidence on SARS-CoV-2 risk factors among HCWs. With no geographical limitation, we included studies, in any country, that reported (i) the PCR laboratory diagnosis of COVID-19 as an independent variable (ii) one or more COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs with risk estimates (relative risk, odds ratio, or hazard ratio) (iii) original, quantitative study design, and published in English or Mandarian. Our initial search resulted in 470 articles overall, however, only 10 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. Out of the 10 studies included in the review, inadequate/lack of protective personal equipment, performing tracheal intubation, and gender were the most common risk factors of COVID-19. Based on the random effects adjusted pooled relative risk, HCWs who reported the use of protective personal equipment were 29% (95% CI: 16% to 41%) less likely to test positive for COVID-19. The study also revealed that HCWs who performed tracheal intubations were 34% (95% CI: 14% to 57%) more likely to test positive for COVID-19. Interestingly, this study showed that female HCWs are at 11% higher risk (RR 1.11 95% CI 1.01-1.21) of COVID-19 than their male counterparts. This article presents initial findings from a living systematic review and meta-analysis, therefore, did not yield many studies; however, it revealed a significant insight into better understanding COVID-19 risk factors among HCWs; insights important for devising preventive strategies that protect them from this infection.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• 제56권2호
• /
• pp.180-189
• /
• 2023

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to a global shortage of medical resources; therefore, we investigated whether COVID-19 impacted the quality of non-COVID-19 hospital care in Korea by comparing hospital standardized mortality rates (HSMRs) before and during the pandemic. Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed Korean National Health Insurance discharge claim data obtained from January to June in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020. Patients' in-hospital deaths were classified according to the most responsible diagnosis categories. The HSMR is calculated as the ratio of expected deaths to actual deaths. The time trend in the overall HSMR was analyzed by region and hospital type. Results: The final analysis included 2 252 824 patients. In 2020, the HSMR increased nationwide (HSMR, 99.3; 95% confidence interval [CI], 97.7 to 101.0) in comparison to 2019 (HSMR, 97.3; 95% CI, 95.8 to 98.8). In the COVID-19 pandemic zone, the HSMR increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 112.7; 95% CI, 107.0 to 118.7) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 101.7; 95% CI, 96.9 to 106.6). The HSMR in all general hospitals increased significantly in 2020 (HSMR, 106.4; 95% CI, 104.3 to 108.5) compared to 2019 (HSMR, 100.3; 95% CI, 98.4 to 102.2). Hospitals participating in the COVID-19 response had a lower HSMR (HSMR, 95.6; 95% CI, 93.9 to 97.4) than hospitals not participating in the COVID-19 response (HSMR, 124.3; 95% CI, 119.3 to 129.4). Conclusions: This study suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic may have negatively impacted the quality of care in hospitals, especially general hospitals with relatively few beds. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is necessary to prevent excessive workloads in hospitals and to properly employ and coordinate the workforce.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
• /
• 제12권2호
• /
• pp.107-115
• /
• 2023

Purpose: The present study aimed to study the immunogenicity of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine in patients with hematologic malignancies. Materials and Methods: This prospective cohort study of hematology patients aimed to evaluate their antibody levels against the receptor-binding domain of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein and seroconversion rates following two doses of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine. Between June and July 2021, we enrolled 61 patients and included 44 patients in our analysis. Antibody levels were assessed 8 and 4 weeks after the first and second injections, respectively, and compared with those of a healthy group. Results: Eight weeks after the first dose, the geometric mean antibody level was 1.02 binding antibody units (BAU)/mL in the patient group and 37.91 BAU/mL in the healthy volunteer group (p<0.01). Four weeks after the second dose, the geometric mean antibody level was 9.44 BAU/mL in patients and 641.6 BAU/mL in healthy volunteers (p<0.01). The seroconversion rates 8 weeks after the first dose were 27.27% and 98.86% in the patient and healthy volunteer groups, respectively (p<0.001). The seroconversion rate 4 weeks after the second dose was 47.73% in patients and 100% in healthy volunteers. Factors leading to lower seroconversion rates were rituximab therapy (p=0.002), steroid therapy (p<0.001), and ongoing chemotherapy (p=0.048). Factors that decreased antibody levels were hematologic cancer (p<0.001), ongoing chemotherapy (p=0.004), rituximab (p<0.001), steroid use (p<0.001), and absolute lymphocyte count <1,000/mm³ (p=0.009). Conclusion: Immune responses were impaired in individuals with hematologic malignancies, particularly patients undergoing ongoing therapy and B-cell-depleting therapy. Additional vaccinations should be considered for these patients, and further investigated.

• Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
• /
• 제31권1호
• /
• pp.94-101
• /
• 2024

목적: 전세계적으로 코로나19에 대한 사회적 거리두기의 일환으로 보육시설에 대한 폐쇄, 휴원 및 재개원 등 영유아 대상 보육관련 정책에 변화가 있었다. 본 논문에서는 서울시에서 코로나19로 확진 영유아를 대상으로 인구학적, 역학적 특성을 파악하고, 연관이 있는 요인에 대한 분석을 하고자 하였다. 방법: 2020년 3월부터 2021년 12월까지 서울시에서 코로나19로 확진된 만 5세 미만의 영유아를 대상으로 역학조사서 및 집단발생 관련 자료를 분석하였다. 결과: 서울시 코로나19 확진 영유아는 총 5,025명이었다. 유증상자는 2,720명(54.1%)이며, 주된 증상은 발열(1,941명, 71.4%)이었다. 전체 코로나19 확진 영유아 중 96.4%는 기저질환이 없었다. 시간연장(야간, 24시, 휴일 등) 보육운영시설 비율이 높을수록 보육시설 관련 영유아 확진 비율이 높았음을 확인하였다. 결론: 영유아들의 낮은 중증화율과 치명률을 고려한 '일상 진료 시스템'과 같은 효율적인 모니터링 시스템이 필요할 것이다. 또한 무조건적인 폐쇄적 접근이 아닌, 과학적 근거에 기반하고 사회성 발달 과제를 놓치지 않을 수 있는 '감염병으로부터 안전한 보육 정책 마련'이라는 적절한 중재가 필요할 것이다.

• 한국시뮬레이션학회논문지
• /
• 제30권1호
• /
• pp.43-54
• /
• 2021

2019년 말 코로나19(중증급성 호흡기 증후군 코로나 바이러스 타입 2)가 발견된 이후로 전세계적으로 퍼져나가고 있다. 본 연구에서는 접촉자 발견 수준이 바이러스 전파에 미치는 영향을 파악하기 위해서 현재 대한민국의 코로나19 전파 상황을 반영한 에이전트 기반 시뮬레이션 모델을 소개한다. 본 연구에서는 실제적인 시뮬레이션 모델 개발을 위해 대한민국 내 관련 데이터를 수집하고 그 확률분포를 추정하였다. 감염, 격리, 회복, 사망의 전체 감염 프로세스를 도식화하였으며 사람들의 상호작용을 교통량 데이터를 기반으로 하여 모델링 하였다. 사회적 거리 두기 같은 정부 시책에 대한 사람들의 순응도를 반영하기 위해 합성 로지스틱 함수를 활용하였다. 접촉자 발견 수준에 따른 감염 양상 변화를 파악하기 위해 발견 수준을 0%에서 100%까지 변화 시켰다. 그 결과 적극적인 접촉자 추적이 바이러스 확산을 효과적으로 제한하고 제한의 효과가 접촉자 발견 수준이 증가함에 따라 기하급수적으로 증가하는 것을 확인하였다.

• Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research
• /
• 제13권1호
• /
• pp.42-53
• /
• 2024

Purpose: Conduct a systematic review of case reports and case series regarding the development of acute abdomen following coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination, to describe the possible association and the clinical and demographic characteristics in detail. Materials and Methods: This study included case report studies and case series that focused on the development of acute abdomen following COVID-19 vaccination. Systematic review studies, literature, letters to the editor, brief comments, and so forth were excluded. PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases were searched until June 15, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used to assess the risk of bias and the quality of the study. Descriptive data were presented as frequency, median, mean, and standard deviation. Results: Seventeen clinical case studies were identified, evaluating 17 patients with acute abdomen associated with COVID-19 vaccination, which included acute appendicitis (n=3), acute pancreatitis (n=9), diverticulitis (n=1), cholecystitis (n=2), and colitis (n=2). The COVID-19 vaccine most commonly linked to acute abdomen was Pfizer-BioNTech (messenger RNA), accounting for 64.71% of cases. Acute abdomen predominantly occurred after the first vaccine dose (52.94%). All patients responded objectively to medical (88.34%) and surgical (11.76%) treatment and were discharged within a few weeks. No cases of death were reported. Conclusion: Acute abdomen is a rare complication of great interest in the medical and surgical practice of COVID-19 vaccination. Our study is based on a small sample of patients; therefore, it is recommended to conduct future observational studies to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms of this association.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
• /
• 제53권4호
• /
• pp.289-292
• /
• 2020

Yemen has been faced with the worst cholera epidemic of modern times, with more than 1 million suspected cases and 3000 deaths at the time of writing. This problem is largely due to the longstanding civil war between pro-government forces and the Houthi armed movement, which has severely damaged already vulnerable sanitation and healthcare facilities and systems in the country. It is further compounded by a dire lack of basic amenities, chronic malnutrition, and unfavourable weather conditions. Another contributory component may be aerial transfer by cholera-infected chironomid insects. To contain the spread of cholera in Yemen, a nation-wide armistice should be negotiated, and national and local committees must be convened to coordinate efforts on the ground. Community isolation facilities with proper sanitation, reliable disposal systems, and a clean water supply should be set up to isolate and treat sick patients. The continuity of vaccination programmes should be ensured. Public health campaigns to educate local communities about good hygiene practices and nutrition are also necessary. The One Health paradigm emphasizes a multi-sectoral and transdisciplinary understanding and approach to prevent and mitigate the threat of communicable diseases. This paradigm is highly applicable to the ongoing cholera crisis in Yemen, as it demands a holistic and whole-of-society approach at the local, regional, and national levels. The key stakeholders and warring parties in Yemen must work towards a lasting ceasefire during these trying times, especially given the extra burden from the mounting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak worldwide.

• 기독교교육논총
• /
• 제65권
• /
• pp.133-161
• /
• 2021

이 연구는 코로나-19 펜데믹의 상황 속에서 우리 사회의 취약성에 주목한다. 중증호흡기증후군 코로나바이러스 2019는 사스-코비드-2 바이러스의 심각성을 파생하고 그것의 의학적 치료 속에서 새로운 회복 탄력성의 희망을 제공한다. 이에 더하여, 기독교 여성실천신학의 생태적 관계 속에서 사회와 환경의 지속가능한 회복 가능성을 제공한다. 연구자는 코로나-19 시대의 침체와 우울감을 절망과 통합의 기독교교육적 내러티브 속에서 해석학적 대안으로 제안한다. 특히 의학과 신학의 융합교육 과정 개발은 노인세대를 위한 의료선교와 코로나-19 시대의 새로운 교육적 모형으로 제네바대학교가 제공하는 역사적 사례로서 칼빈의 MOOC 강좌를 사례를 통해 제공된다. 이와 같은 의학과 신학의 융합 교육과 연구의 개발 성과는 코로나-19의 심각성을 극복하며 신앙공동체의 새로운 회복과 복지를 위한 기독교교육의 도덕적 함의를 제공함으로 의미 있는 공헌을 하게 된다.

• Journal of Gastric Cancer
• /
• 제22권4호
• /
• pp.264-272
• /
• 2022

Purpose: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly disrupted cancer screening services worldwide. We aimed to measure the impact of COVID-19 on gastric cancer screening rates based on age, sex, household income, and residential area. Materials and Methods: We analyzed data from the Korean National Cancer Screening Survey from 2017 to 2021 for adults aged 40-74 years. We evaluated the gastric cancer screening rate within two years in accordance with the National Cancer Screening Program protocol recommendations and that within the previous year. We compared the trends in the pre- and post-COVID-19 outbreak periods. Results: Before the COVID-19 outbreak, there was little change in the gastric cancer screening rates until 2019. After the COVID-19 outbreak, the screening rate as per recommendation decreased from 70.8% in 2019 to 68.9% in 2020 and that for one year decreased from 32.7% in 2019 to 27.2% in 2020. However, as the COVID-19 pandemic continued after 2020, both gastric cancer screening rates as per recommendations and for one year rebounded. Although a similar trend was observed for the upper endoscopy screening rate, the upper gastrointestinal series screening rate decreased from 7.8% in 2020 to 3.1% in 2021. During the pandemic, the screening rate decreased among younger adults (40-49), those residing in metropolitan regions, and those with high incomes. Conclusions: Despite a decline in gastric cancer screening rate during the COVID-19 pandemic, the rate surged in 2021. Further studies are needed to estimate the impact of cancer screening delays on future cancer-related mortalities.