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Diseases
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Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection
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Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection

A special issue of Diseases (ISSN 2079-9721). This special issue belongs to the section "Infectious Disease".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2022) | Viewed by 12520

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Massimo Pieri

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
Interests: clinical biochemistry; quality management; instrument validation; biomarkers; neuroscience
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Since the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus, named severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread all over the world, leading to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) causing serious public health events and huge losses to global health and the economy. Due to its rapid spread and strong infectivity, it is necessary to diagnose and treat patients with different clinical manifestations and suspected patients as soon as possible to reduce the risk of death and control the spread of the virus.

This Special Issue “Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection” aims to focus on the cutting-edge serological research related to SARS-CoV-2 and the COVID-19 pandemic. Specific topics include but are not limited to testing method and technology developments, the diagnostics of the virus, identification of new variants of the virus, results of laboratory statistics, and interesting cases of patients with COVID-19. Manuscripts addressing other relevant and challenging problems are also strongly encouraged.

We cordially invite researchers working in this field to contribute original research articles, short communications, and critical review articles. Short papers on one compound will also be welcome.

Dr. Massimo Pieri
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Diseases is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Serological tests
  • Receptor binding domain
  • Immune response
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme II

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 1616 KiB  
Article
Whole Sequencing and Detailed Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 Genomes in Southeast Spain: Identification of Recurrent Mutations in the 20E (EU1) Variant with Some Clinical Implications
by María José López-Andreo, María Rosario Vicente-Romero, Enrique Bernal, Inmaculada Navarro-González, Francisco Salazar-Martínez, Vanesa Cánovas-Cánovas, Cristina Gil-Ortuño, María Gema Riquelme-Rocamora, Francisco Solano, Francisco Javier Ibáñez-López, Cristina Tomás, Carmen Candel-Pérez, Santiago Pérez-Parra and César Flores-Flores
Diseases 2023, 11(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11020054 - 31 Mar 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1752
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, new waves have been associated with new variants and have the potential to escape vaccinations. Therefore, it is useful to conduct retrospective genomic surveillance research. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of 88 SARS-CoV-2 genomes belonging [...] Read more.
During the COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2, new waves have been associated with new variants and have the potential to escape vaccinations. Therefore, it is useful to conduct retrospective genomic surveillance research. Herein, we present a detailed analysis of 88 SARS-CoV-2 genomes belonging to samples taken from COVID-19 patients from October 2020 to April 2021 at the “Reina Sofía” Hospital (Murcia, Spain) focused to variant appeared later. The results at the mentioned stage show the turning point since the 20E (EU1) variant was still prevalent (71.6%), but Alpha was bursting to 14.8%. Concern mutations have been found in 5 genomes classified as 20E (EU1), which were not characteristic of this still little evolved variant. Most of those mutations are found in the spike protein, namely Δ69–70, E484K, Q675H and P681H. However, a relevant deletion in ORF1a at positions 3675–3677 was also identified. These mutations have been reported in many later SARS-CoV-2 lineages, including Omicron. Taken together, our data suggest that preferential emergence mutations could already be present in the early converging evolution. Aside from this, the molecular information has been contrasted with clinical data. Statistical analyses suggest that the correlation between age and severity criteria is significantly higher in the viral samples with more accumulated changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection)
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9 pages, 843 KiB  
Article
Evaluation of Natural and Vaccine-Induced Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Immunity: A Comparative Study between Different Groups of Volunteers
by Maria Caterina Schipani, Flaminia Tomassetti, Isabella Polidori, Paola Ricci, Maria Loredana Frassanito, Silva Seraceni, Maria Morello, Eleonora Nicolai, Stefano Aquaro, Sergio Bernardini, Massimo Pieri and Graziella Calugi
Diseases 2022, 10(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases10020025 - 27 Apr 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2627
Abstract
(1) Background: The production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies should help minimize the severity of COVID-19 disease. Our focus was to investigate and compare different vaccination schedules, monitoring circulating S-RBD Ab (antibodies anti—Spike protein—Receptor Binding Domain) levels after administering two doses in naïve patients. Likewise, [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The production of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies should help minimize the severity of COVID-19 disease. Our focus was to investigate and compare different vaccination schedules, monitoring circulating S-RBD Ab (antibodies anti—Spike protein—Receptor Binding Domain) levels after administering two doses in naïve patients. Likewise, vaccine-stimulated immunity in naïve and previously infected patients was compared. (2) Methods: We included 392 patients. Sera were evaluated by Elecsys anti-SARS-CoV-2 S. Statistical analyses were conducted by MedCalc and JASP. (3) Results: In COVID-19 patients, the median value of Ab levels was 154 BAU/mL, stable up to 9 months after the infection. From the data observed in vaccinated patients, higher median values were recorded in COVID-19/Pfizer BioNTech (18913 BAU/mL) than in other groups (Pfizer BioNTech: 1841; ChadOx1 961; heterologous vaccination: 2687) BAU/mL. (4) Conclusions: In conclusion, a single booster dose given to previously infected patients raised an antibody response much higher than two doses given to naïve individuals and heterologous vaccination generated a robust persistent antibody response at high levels, steady up to three months after administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection)
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11 pages, 1204 KiB  
Article
Mean Platelet Volume as a Predictor of COVID-19 Severity: A Prospective Cohort Study in the Highlands of Peru
by Jhosef Franck Quispe-Pari, Jose Armando Gonzales-Zamora, Judith Munive-Dionisio, Cristhian Castro-Contreras, Abelardo Villar-Astete, Cesar Kong-Paravicino, Pierina Vilcapoma-Balbin and Jorge Hurtado-Alegre
Diseases 2022, 10(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases10020022 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3001
Abstract
Introduction: Although 80% of symptomatic individuals with COVID-19 develop mild forms, it is the severe (15%) and critical (5%) forms that have the greatest impact in the hospital setting. Recognizing markers that can predict severe forms is essential, especially in high-altitude populations. Methods: [...] Read more.
Introduction: Although 80% of symptomatic individuals with COVID-19 develop mild forms, it is the severe (15%) and critical (5%) forms that have the greatest impact in the hospital setting. Recognizing markers that can predict severe forms is essential, especially in high-altitude populations. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study at 3200 masl (meters above sea level) in a city in Peru to determine if MPV (mean platelet volume) level is a predictor of COVID-19 severity. Patients with mild/moderate disease were enrolled and followed for 21 days or until the development of severe disease (primary outcome). A bivariate analysis was used to identify variables associated with severe disease. A ROC analysis determined the best MPV (mean platelet count) cut-off to predict COVID-19 severity, and then, a multiple regression analysis was performed. Results: 64 patients were enrolled. The median age was 48.5 years (IQT 39–64.5) and the proportion of women was 51.6%, the most frequent symptoms were chest pain (73%), fever (71%), and dyspnea (67%). The median time to develop a severe form from the onset of symptoms was 11 days (IQT 10.5–13). The most common radiographic phase on CT scan (computed tomography) was progressive (60.38%). We observed that an MPV of more than 10.15 fL in the first week of disease predicted severity regardless of age and sex at high altitudes. Conclusions: MPV in the first week of the disease may predict severity in patients diagnosed with COVID-19 at high altitudes; however, we need prospective studies with a larger population and at a different altitude, levels to confirm these findings. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection)
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9 pages, 430 KiB  
Systematic Review
Vaccine Hesitancy in Sub-Saharan Africa in the Context of COVID-19 Vaccination Exercise: A Systematic Review
by Elizabeth A. Ochola
Diseases 2023, 11(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases11010032 - 09 Feb 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2079
Abstract
Presently, the COVID-19 vaccine is seen as a means to an end in light of other challenges, such as vaccine inequity. Through COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX), an initiative founded to guarantee fair and equitable distribution, vaccine hesitancy remains a critical component that [...] Read more.
Presently, the COVID-19 vaccine is seen as a means to an end in light of other challenges, such as vaccine inequity. Through COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX), an initiative founded to guarantee fair and equitable distribution, vaccine hesitancy remains a critical component that needs to be addressed in sub-Saharan Africa. Utilizing a documentary search strategy and using the keywords and subject headings Utilitarianism and COVID-19 or Vaccine hesitancy and sub-Saharan Africa, this paper identified 67 publications from different databases (PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science), which were further screened by title and full text to achieve (n = 6) publications that were analyzed. The reviewed papers demonstrate that vaccine hesitancy occurs against a colonial backdrop of inequities in global health research, social–cultural complexities, poor community involvement and public distrust. All of these factors undermine the confidence that is crucial for sustaining collective immunity in vaccine programs. Even though mass vaccination programs are known to limit personal freedom, the exchange of information between healthcare professionals and citizens must be improved to encourage complete disclosure of vaccine information at the point of delivery. Moreover, addressing components of vaccine hesitancy should involve relying not on coercive public policies but on consistent ethical strategies that go beyond current healthcare ethics toward broader bioethics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection)
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8 pages, 962 KiB  
Brief Report
T-Cell Assay after COVID-19 Vaccination Could Be a Useful Tool? A Pilot Study on Interferon-Gamma Release Assay in Healthcare Workers
by Silva Seraceni, Elena Zocca, Tamara Emanuela Cervone, Flaminia Tomassetti, Isabella Polidori, Massimiliano Valisi, Francesco Broccolo, Graziella Calugi, Sergio Bernardini and Massimo Pieri
Diseases 2022, 10(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases10030049 - 31 Jul 2022
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2285
Abstract
Background: SARS-CoV-2 T-cells are crucial for long-term protection against reinfection. The aim was to demonstrate the Interferon-gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test could be useful for vaccination monitoring. Methods: In a prospective cohort of 98 vaccinated healthcare workers for SARS-CoV-2, we selected 23 people [...] Read more.
Background: SARS-CoV-2 T-cells are crucial for long-term protection against reinfection. The aim was to demonstrate the Interferon-gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test could be useful for vaccination monitoring. Methods: In a prospective cohort of 98 vaccinated healthcare workers for SARS-CoV-2, we selected 23 people in low-antibodies (Group 1, N = 8), high-antibodies (Group 2, N = 9), and negative control groups (Group 3, N = 6). SARS-CoV-2-specific humoral and cellular responses were analyzed at 8 months after two doses of Pfizer BioNTech, evaluating anti-RBD (Receptor Binding Domain) and RBD-ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme-2) blocking antibodies in sera through a Chemiluminescence Immunoassay (CLIA) and T-cells through the IGRA test in heparinized plasma. Moreover, lymphocyte subtyping was executed by a flow cytometer. Statistical analysis was performed. Results: The data confirmed that RBD and RBD-ACE2 blocking ACE2 antibody levels of Group 1 were significantly lower than Group 2; p < 0.001. However, T-cells showed no significant difference between Group 1 and Group 2. Conclusions: This work suggests the need for new strategies for booster doses administration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Serological Studies on SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Infection)
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