Published on 08/19/2021
COVID-19 Genomics and Precision Public Health Weekly Update Content
Pathogen and Human Genomics Studies
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Neutralization of VOCs including Delta one year post COVID-19 or vaccine
S Haverval et al, MEDRXIV, August 12,2021Persistent neutralization of the wide-spread Alpha and Delta variants one year after wild-type infection may aid vaccine policy makers in low-resource settings when prioritizing vaccine supply. The reduced capacity of neutralizing Beta and Gamma strains, but not the Alpha and Delta strains following both infection and three different vaccine regimens argues for caution against Beta and Gamma-exclusive mutations in the efforts to optimize next generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. -
BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in Qatar
P Tang et al, MEDRXIV, August 11, 2021BNT162b2 effectiveness against any Delta infection, symptomatic or asymptomatic, was 64.2% (95% CI: 38.1-80.1%) =14 days after the first dose and before the second dose, but was only 53.5% (95% CI: 43.9-61.4%) =14 days after the second dose, in a population in which a large proportion of fully vaccinated persons received their second dose several months earlier. Corresponding effectiveness measures for mRNA-1273 were 79.0% (95% CI: 58.9-90.1%) and 84.8% (95% CI: 75.9-90.8%), respectively. Effectiveness against any severe, critical, or fatal COVID-19 disease due to Delta was 89.7% (95% CI: 61.0-98.1%) for BNT162b2 and 100.0% (95% CI: 41.2-100.0%) for mRNA-1273, =14 days after the second dose. -
Using symptom-based case predictions to identify host genetic factors that contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility.
van Blokland Irene V et al. PloS one 2021 8 (8) e0255402Epidemiological and genetic studies on COVID-19 are currently hindered by inconsistent and limited testing policies to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, it was shown that it is possible to predict COVID-19 cases using cross-sectional self-reported disease-related symptoms. Here, we demonstrate that this COVID-19 prediction model has reasonable and consistent performance across multiple independent cohorts. -
Understanding the Barriers to Pooled SARS-CoV-2 Testing in the United States.
Fenichel Eli P et al. Microbiology spectrum 2021 8 e0031221While numerous pooled approaches have been proposed to increase test capacity, uptake by laboratories has been limited. On 9 December 2020, we invited 362 U.S. laboratories that inquired about the Yale School of Public Health SalivaDirect test to participate in a survey to evaluate testing constraints and pooling strategies for SARS-CoV-2 testing. -
Potential Implications of a Type 1 Interferon Gene Signature on COVID-19 Severity and Chronic Inflammation in Sickle Cell Disease.
Madany Emaan et al. Frontiers in medicine 2021 8 679030 -
Gene Expression Meta-Analysis Reveals Interferon-Induced Genes Associated With SARS Infection in Lungs.
Park Amber et al. Frontiers in immunology 2021 8 694355 -
Durability of mRNA-1273 vaccine–induced antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants
A Pegu et al, Science, August 13, 2021SARS-CoV-2 mutations may diminish vaccine-induced protective immune responses, particularly as antibody titers wane over time. Here, we assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.429 (Epsilon), B.1.526 (Iota), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) on binding, neutralizing, and ACE2-competing antibodies elicited by the vaccine mRNA-1273 over seven months. Cross-reactive neutralizing responses were rare after a single dose. At the peak of response to the second vaccine dose, all individuals had responses to all variants. Binding and functional antibodies against variants persisted in most subjects, albeit at low levels, for 6-months after the primary series of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. -
Change in Saliva RT-PCR Sensitivity Over the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
ZC Wilson et al, JAMA, August 13, 2021Saliva sensitivity was highest in samples collected during the first week of infection at 71.2% (95% CI, 62.6%-78.8%) but decreased each subsequent week. Participants who presented with COVID-19–associated symptoms on the specimen collection day during week 1 of infection had significantly higher saliva sensitivity compared with asymptomatic participants (88.2% [95% CI, 77.6%-95.1%] vs 58.2% [95% CI, 46.3%-69.5%]; P?<?.001). Saliva sensitivity remained significantly higher in symptomatic participants in week 2. -
Linking the gut microbiota to persistent symptoms in survivors of COVID-19 after discharge.
Zhou Yaya et al. Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea) 2021 8This study investigated the gut microbiota of recovered COVID-19 patients and the correlations between gut microbiota and persistent symptoms after discharge. Stool samples were collected from 15 recovered healthcare workers (HCWs) with COVID-19 at three months after discharge, in addition, stool samples were collected from 14 healthy controls (HCs) to perform 16S rRNA gene sequencing between May and July 2020. Compared with HCs, recovered HCWs had reduced bacterial diversity at three months after discharge, with a significantly higher relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens, and a significantly lower relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. -
Rapid genome sequencing in hospitals to identify potential vaccine-escape SARS-CoV-2 variants
LB Snell et al, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, August 13, 2021SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing is embedded in academic and public health laboratories, but whether there are benefits to rapid sequencing in front-line hospital laboratories is unclear. We did rapid genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2-positive nose and throat swabs from patients admitted to our hospital since July 7, 2021, to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-escape variants for infection control and public health purposes. -
Association of Vaccine Type and Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection With Symptoms and Antibody Measurements Following Vaccination Among Health Care Workers.
Debes Amanda K et al. JAMA internal medicine 2021 8Nearly 100% of healthcare workers in this study mounted a strong antibody response to the spike protein after dose 2 of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine independent of vaccine-induced reactions. Clinically significant symptoms following dose 1 were associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirming prior reports.4 Clinically significant symptoms following vaccination were more frequent following dose 2 and receipt of the Moderna vaccine -
Identification of COVID-19 prognostic markers and therapeutic targets through meta-analysis and validation of Omics data from nasopharyngeal samples.
Biji Abhijith et al. EBioMedicine 2021 8 103525The meta-analysis and validation in the COVID-19 cohort revealed S100 family genes (S100A6, S100A8, S100A9, and S100P) as prognostic markers of severe COVID-19. Furthermore, Thioredoxin (TXN) was found to be consistently upregulated. Auranofin, which targets Thioredoxin reductase, was found to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro -
A Third Dose of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Increases Neutralizing Antibodies Against Variants of Concern in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
AH Karaba et al, MEDRXIV, July 14, 2021We report that a third dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine increases anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike and RBD IgG levels as well as plasma neutralizing capability versus VOCs, including Delta, in some SOTRs. However, anti-spike IgG and neutralizing capability remained significantly reduced compared to fully vaccinated healthy controls. These findings highlight the need for continued study of strategies to improve protection from COVID-19 in immunosuppressed populations as more SARS-CoV-2 VOCs emerge. -
SARS-CoV-2 delta variant neutralisation after heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination
GMN Behrens et al, Lancet, August 17, 2021The statistical analysis in this small study does not account for potential confounding factors. However, the robust inhibition of variants including the delta variant further supports heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination. If confirmed in a large study, our data also support a heterologous boost vaccination of individuals with completed homologous ChAdOx1-S vaccination, once humoral immunity is declining and patients become susceptible to infection. -
Genomic reconstruction of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in England
HS Vohringer et al, MEDRXIV, August 17, 2021This analysis reveals a series of sub-epidemics that peaked in the early autumn of 2020, followed by a jump in transmissibility of the B.1.1.7/Alpha lineage. Alpha grew when other lineages declined during the second national lockdown and regionally tiered restrictions. A third more stringent national lockdown suppressed Alpha and eliminated nearly all other lineages in early 2021. Accounting for sustained introductions, however, indicates that their transmissibility is unlikely to have exceeded that of Alpha. Finally, B.1.617.2/Delta was repeatedly introduced to England and grew rapidly in the early summer of 2021. -
Pan-Sarbecovirus Neutralizing Antibodies in BNT162b2-Immunized SARS-CoV-1 Survivors.
Tan Chee-Wah et al. The New England journal of medicine 2021 8
Non-Genomics Precision Health Studies
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Neutralization of VOCs including Delta one year post COVID-19 or vaccine
S Haverval et al, MEDRXIV, August 12,2021Persistent neutralization of the wide-spread Alpha and Delta variants one year after wild-type infection may aid vaccine policy makers in low-resource settings when prioritizing vaccine supply. The reduced capacity of neutralizing Beta and Gamma strains, but not the Alpha and Delta strains following both infection and three different vaccine regimens argues for caution against Beta and Gamma-exclusive mutations in the efforts to optimize next generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. -
BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in Qatar
P Tang et al, MEDRXIV, August 11, 2021BNT162b2 effectiveness against any Delta infection, symptomatic or asymptomatic, was 64.2% (95% CI: 38.1-80.1%) =14 days after the first dose and before the second dose, but was only 53.5% (95% CI: 43.9-61.4%) =14 days after the second dose, in a population in which a large proportion of fully vaccinated persons received their second dose several months earlier. Corresponding effectiveness measures for mRNA-1273 were 79.0% (95% CI: 58.9-90.1%) and 84.8% (95% CI: 75.9-90.8%), respectively. Effectiveness against any severe, critical, or fatal COVID-19 disease due to Delta was 89.7% (95% CI: 61.0-98.1%) for BNT162b2 and 100.0% (95% CI: 41.2-100.0%) for mRNA-1273, =14 days after the second dose. -
Using symptom-based case predictions to identify host genetic factors that contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility.
van Blokland Irene V et al. PloS one 2021 8 (8) e0255402Epidemiological and genetic studies on COVID-19 are currently hindered by inconsistent and limited testing policies to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, it was shown that it is possible to predict COVID-19 cases using cross-sectional self-reported disease-related symptoms. Here, we demonstrate that this COVID-19 prediction model has reasonable and consistent performance across multiple independent cohorts. -
Understanding the Barriers to Pooled SARS-CoV-2 Testing in the United States.
Fenichel Eli P et al. Microbiology spectrum 2021 8 e0031221While numerous pooled approaches have been proposed to increase test capacity, uptake by laboratories has been limited. On 9 December 2020, we invited 362 U.S. laboratories that inquired about the Yale School of Public Health SalivaDirect test to participate in a survey to evaluate testing constraints and pooling strategies for SARS-CoV-2 testing. -
Potential Implications of a Type 1 Interferon Gene Signature on COVID-19 Severity and Chronic Inflammation in Sickle Cell Disease.
Madany Emaan et al. Frontiers in medicine 2021 8 679030 -
Gene Expression Meta-Analysis Reveals Interferon-Induced Genes Associated With SARS Infection in Lungs.
Park Amber et al. Frontiers in immunology 2021 8 694355 -
Durability of mRNA-1273 vaccine–induced antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants
A Pegu et al, Science, August 13, 2021SARS-CoV-2 mutations may diminish vaccine-induced protective immune responses, particularly as antibody titers wane over time. Here, we assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.429 (Epsilon), B.1.526 (Iota), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) on binding, neutralizing, and ACE2-competing antibodies elicited by the vaccine mRNA-1273 over seven months. Cross-reactive neutralizing responses were rare after a single dose. At the peak of response to the second vaccine dose, all individuals had responses to all variants. Binding and functional antibodies against variants persisted in most subjects, albeit at low levels, for 6-months after the primary series of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. -
Change in Saliva RT-PCR Sensitivity Over the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
ZC Wilson et al, JAMA, August 13, 2021Saliva sensitivity was highest in samples collected during the first week of infection at 71.2% (95% CI, 62.6%-78.8%) but decreased each subsequent week. Participants who presented with COVID-19–associated symptoms on the specimen collection day during week 1 of infection had significantly higher saliva sensitivity compared with asymptomatic participants (88.2% [95% CI, 77.6%-95.1%] vs 58.2% [95% CI, 46.3%-69.5%]; P?<?.001). Saliva sensitivity remained significantly higher in symptomatic participants in week 2. -
Linking the gut microbiota to persistent symptoms in survivors of COVID-19 after discharge.
Zhou Yaya et al. Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea) 2021 8This study investigated the gut microbiota of recovered COVID-19 patients and the correlations between gut microbiota and persistent symptoms after discharge. Stool samples were collected from 15 recovered healthcare workers (HCWs) with COVID-19 at three months after discharge, in addition, stool samples were collected from 14 healthy controls (HCs) to perform 16S rRNA gene sequencing between May and July 2020. Compared with HCs, recovered HCWs had reduced bacterial diversity at three months after discharge, with a significantly higher relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens, and a significantly lower relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. -
Rapid genome sequencing in hospitals to identify potential vaccine-escape SARS-CoV-2 variants
LB Snell et al, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, August 13, 2021SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing is embedded in academic and public health laboratories, but whether there are benefits to rapid sequencing in front-line hospital laboratories is unclear. We did rapid genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2-positive nose and throat swabs from patients admitted to our hospital since July 7, 2021, to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-escape variants for infection control and public health purposes. -
Association of Vaccine Type and Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection With Symptoms and Antibody Measurements Following Vaccination Among Health Care Workers.
Debes Amanda K et al. JAMA internal medicine 2021 8Nearly 100% of healthcare workers in this study mounted a strong antibody response to the spike protein after dose 2 of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine independent of vaccine-induced reactions. Clinically significant symptoms following dose 1 were associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirming prior reports.4 Clinically significant symptoms following vaccination were more frequent following dose 2 and receipt of the Moderna vaccine -
Identification of COVID-19 prognostic markers and therapeutic targets through meta-analysis and validation of Omics data from nasopharyngeal samples.
Biji Abhijith et al. EBioMedicine 2021 8 103525The meta-analysis and validation in the COVID-19 cohort revealed S100 family genes (S100A6, S100A8, S100A9, and S100P) as prognostic markers of severe COVID-19. Furthermore, Thioredoxin (TXN) was found to be consistently upregulated. Auranofin, which targets Thioredoxin reductase, was found to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro -
A Third Dose of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Increases Neutralizing Antibodies Against Variants of Concern in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
AH Karaba et al, MEDRXIV, July 14, 2021We report that a third dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine increases anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike and RBD IgG levels as well as plasma neutralizing capability versus VOCs, including Delta, in some SOTRs. However, anti-spike IgG and neutralizing capability remained significantly reduced compared to fully vaccinated healthy controls. These findings highlight the need for continued study of strategies to improve protection from COVID-19 in immunosuppressed populations as more SARS-CoV-2 VOCs emerge. -
SARS-CoV-2 delta variant neutralisation after heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination
GMN Behrens et al, Lancet, August 17, 2021The statistical analysis in this small study does not account for potential confounding factors. However, the robust inhibition of variants including the delta variant further supports heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination. If confirmed in a large study, our data also support a heterologous boost vaccination of individuals with completed homologous ChAdOx1-S vaccination, once humoral immunity is declining and patients become susceptible to infection. -
Genomic reconstruction of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in England
HS Vohringer et al, MEDRXIV, August 17, 2021This analysis reveals a series of sub-epidemics that peaked in the early autumn of 2020, followed by a jump in transmissibility of the B.1.1.7/Alpha lineage. Alpha grew when other lineages declined during the second national lockdown and regionally tiered restrictions. A third more stringent national lockdown suppressed Alpha and eliminated nearly all other lineages in early 2021. Accounting for sustained introductions, however, indicates that their transmissibility is unlikely to have exceeded that of Alpha. Finally, B.1.617.2/Delta was repeatedly introduced to England and grew rapidly in the early summer of 2021. -
Pan-Sarbecovirus Neutralizing Antibodies in BNT162b2-Immunized SARS-CoV-1 Survivors.
Tan Chee-Wah et al. The New England journal of medicine 2021 8
News, Reviews and Commentaries
-
Neutralization of VOCs including Delta one year post COVID-19 or vaccine
S Haverval et al, MEDRXIV, August 12,2021Persistent neutralization of the wide-spread Alpha and Delta variants one year after wild-type infection may aid vaccine policy makers in low-resource settings when prioritizing vaccine supply. The reduced capacity of neutralizing Beta and Gamma strains, but not the Alpha and Delta strains following both infection and three different vaccine regimens argues for caution against Beta and Gamma-exclusive mutations in the efforts to optimize next generation SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. -
BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness against the Delta (B.1.617.2) variant in Qatar
P Tang et al, MEDRXIV, August 11, 2021BNT162b2 effectiveness against any Delta infection, symptomatic or asymptomatic, was 64.2% (95% CI: 38.1-80.1%) =14 days after the first dose and before the second dose, but was only 53.5% (95% CI: 43.9-61.4%) =14 days after the second dose, in a population in which a large proportion of fully vaccinated persons received their second dose several months earlier. Corresponding effectiveness measures for mRNA-1273 were 79.0% (95% CI: 58.9-90.1%) and 84.8% (95% CI: 75.9-90.8%), respectively. Effectiveness against any severe, critical, or fatal COVID-19 disease due to Delta was 89.7% (95% CI: 61.0-98.1%) for BNT162b2 and 100.0% (95% CI: 41.2-100.0%) for mRNA-1273, =14 days after the second dose. -
Using symptom-based case predictions to identify host genetic factors that contribute to COVID-19 susceptibility.
van Blokland Irene V et al. PloS one 2021 8 (8) e0255402Epidemiological and genetic studies on COVID-19 are currently hindered by inconsistent and limited testing policies to confirm SARS-CoV-2 infection. Recently, it was shown that it is possible to predict COVID-19 cases using cross-sectional self-reported disease-related symptoms. Here, we demonstrate that this COVID-19 prediction model has reasonable and consistent performance across multiple independent cohorts. -
Understanding the Barriers to Pooled SARS-CoV-2 Testing in the United States.
Fenichel Eli P et al. Microbiology spectrum 2021 8 e0031221While numerous pooled approaches have been proposed to increase test capacity, uptake by laboratories has been limited. On 9 December 2020, we invited 362 U.S. laboratories that inquired about the Yale School of Public Health SalivaDirect test to participate in a survey to evaluate testing constraints and pooling strategies for SARS-CoV-2 testing. -
Potential Implications of a Type 1 Interferon Gene Signature on COVID-19 Severity and Chronic Inflammation in Sickle Cell Disease.
Madany Emaan et al. Frontiers in medicine 2021 8 679030 -
Gene Expression Meta-Analysis Reveals Interferon-Induced Genes Associated With SARS Infection in Lungs.
Park Amber et al. Frontiers in immunology 2021 8 694355 -
Durability of mRNA-1273 vaccine–induced antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 variants
A Pegu et al, Science, August 13, 2021SARS-CoV-2 mutations may diminish vaccine-induced protective immune responses, particularly as antibody titers wane over time. Here, we assess the impact of SARS-CoV-2 variants B.1.1.7 (Alpha), B.1.351 (Beta), P.1 (Gamma), B.1.429 (Epsilon), B.1.526 (Iota), and B.1.617.2 (Delta) on binding, neutralizing, and ACE2-competing antibodies elicited by the vaccine mRNA-1273 over seven months. Cross-reactive neutralizing responses were rare after a single dose. At the peak of response to the second vaccine dose, all individuals had responses to all variants. Binding and functional antibodies against variants persisted in most subjects, albeit at low levels, for 6-months after the primary series of the mRNA-1273 vaccine. -
Change in Saliva RT-PCR Sensitivity Over the Course of SARS-CoV-2 Infection
ZC Wilson et al, JAMA, August 13, 2021Saliva sensitivity was highest in samples collected during the first week of infection at 71.2% (95% CI, 62.6%-78.8%) but decreased each subsequent week. Participants who presented with COVID-19–associated symptoms on the specimen collection day during week 1 of infection had significantly higher saliva sensitivity compared with asymptomatic participants (88.2% [95% CI, 77.6%-95.1%] vs 58.2% [95% CI, 46.3%-69.5%]; P?<?.001). Saliva sensitivity remained significantly higher in symptomatic participants in week 2. -
Linking the gut microbiota to persistent symptoms in survivors of COVID-19 after discharge.
Zhou Yaya et al. Journal of microbiology (Seoul, Korea) 2021 8This study investigated the gut microbiota of recovered COVID-19 patients and the correlations between gut microbiota and persistent symptoms after discharge. Stool samples were collected from 15 recovered healthcare workers (HCWs) with COVID-19 at three months after discharge, in addition, stool samples were collected from 14 healthy controls (HCs) to perform 16S rRNA gene sequencing between May and July 2020. Compared with HCs, recovered HCWs had reduced bacterial diversity at three months after discharge, with a significantly higher relative abundance of opportunistic pathogens, and a significantly lower relative abundance of beneficial bacteria. -
Rapid genome sequencing in hospitals to identify potential vaccine-escape SARS-CoV-2 variants
LB Snell et al, The Lancet Infectious Diseases, August 13, 2021SARS-CoV-2 genome sequencing is embedded in academic and public health laboratories, but whether there are benefits to rapid sequencing in front-line hospital laboratories is unclear. We did rapid genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2-positive nose and throat swabs from patients admitted to our hospital since July 7, 2021, to identify potential SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-escape variants for infection control and public health purposes. -
Association of Vaccine Type and Prior SARS-CoV-2 Infection With Symptoms and Antibody Measurements Following Vaccination Among Health Care Workers.
Debes Amanda K et al. JAMA internal medicine 2021 8Nearly 100% of healthcare workers in this study mounted a strong antibody response to the spike protein after dose 2 of the SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine independent of vaccine-induced reactions. Clinically significant symptoms following dose 1 were associated with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, confirming prior reports.4 Clinically significant symptoms following vaccination were more frequent following dose 2 and receipt of the Moderna vaccine -
Identification of COVID-19 prognostic markers and therapeutic targets through meta-analysis and validation of Omics data from nasopharyngeal samples.
Biji Abhijith et al. EBioMedicine 2021 8 103525The meta-analysis and validation in the COVID-19 cohort revealed S100 family genes (S100A6, S100A8, S100A9, and S100P) as prognostic markers of severe COVID-19. Furthermore, Thioredoxin (TXN) was found to be consistently upregulated. Auranofin, which targets Thioredoxin reductase, was found to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro -
A Third Dose of SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Increases Neutralizing Antibodies Against Variants of Concern in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
AH Karaba et al, MEDRXIV, July 14, 2021We report that a third dose of a SARS-CoV-2 vaccine increases anti-SARS-CoV-2 spike and RBD IgG levels as well as plasma neutralizing capability versus VOCs, including Delta, in some SOTRs. However, anti-spike IgG and neutralizing capability remained significantly reduced compared to fully vaccinated healthy controls. These findings highlight the need for continued study of strategies to improve protection from COVID-19 in immunosuppressed populations as more SARS-CoV-2 VOCs emerge. -
SARS-CoV-2 delta variant neutralisation after heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination
GMN Behrens et al, Lancet, August 17, 2021The statistical analysis in this small study does not account for potential confounding factors. However, the robust inhibition of variants including the delta variant further supports heterologous ChAdOx1-S/BNT162b2 vaccination. If confirmed in a large study, our data also support a heterologous boost vaccination of individuals with completed homologous ChAdOx1-S vaccination, once humoral immunity is declining and patients become susceptible to infection. -
Genomic reconstruction of the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in England
HS Vohringer et al, MEDRXIV, August 17, 2021This analysis reveals a series of sub-epidemics that peaked in the early autumn of 2020, followed by a jump in transmissibility of the B.1.1.7/Alpha lineage. Alpha grew when other lineages declined during the second national lockdown and regionally tiered restrictions. A third more stringent national lockdown suppressed Alpha and eliminated nearly all other lineages in early 2021. Accounting for sustained introductions, however, indicates that their transmissibility is unlikely to have exceeded that of Alpha. Finally, B.1.617.2/Delta was repeatedly introduced to England and grew rapidly in the early summer of 2021. -
Pan-Sarbecovirus Neutralizing Antibodies in BNT162b2-Immunized SARS-CoV-1 Survivors.
Tan Chee-Wah et al. The New England journal of medicine 2021 8
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- Page last updated:Apr 17, 2024
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