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BackgroundCOVID-19 is a complex multisystem disease, frequently associated with kidney injury. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we observed a striking increase in the incidence of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis (aTIN) without or with uveitis (TINUs) among children. This prompted us to examine whether SARS-CoV-2 might be the underlying trigger.MethodsWe conducted a French nationwide retrospective cohort study. We included all consecutive children diagnosed with aTIN or TINUs of undetermined cause between April-2020 and March-2021. SARS-CoV-2 antibody responses were tested by a luciferase immunoprecipitation system and compared to age-matched controls. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and molecular microbiology analyses were performed on kidney biopsies.ResultsForty-eight children were included with a median age at diagnosis of 14.7 years (9.4-17.6). aTIN and TINUs incidence rates increased 3-fold and 12-fold, respectively, compared to pre-pandemic years. All patients had impaired kidney function with a median eGFR of 31.9 ml/min/1.73m² at diagnosis. Kidney biopsies showed lesions of acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and 25% of patients had fibrosis. No patient had concomitant acute COVID-19. All 16 children tested had high anti-N IgG titers and one had anti-S IgGs. Next-generation sequencing failed to detect any infectious agents in kidney biopsies. However, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected by PCR in two kidney samples supporting a potential direct link between SARS-CoV-2 and aTIN/TINUs.ConclusionsWe describe a novel form of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome in children, unique in its exclusive kidney and eye involvement, and its distinctive anti-SARS-CoV-2 N+/S-serological profile. Our results support a causal association linking SARS-CoV-2 infection to this newly-reported burst of renal/eye inflammation.

Background Renal arcuate vein thrombosis (RAVT) is a rare and recently recognized cause of acute kidney injury (AKI) in young adults. However, the precise incidence and underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms leading to AKI in these patients remain elusive. Methods This study included all patients who underwent a kidney biopsy over a 40-month period sent to the pathology department of Necker-Enfants Malades Hospital, with evidence of RAVT. We performed coagulation tests, genetic testing for thrombophilia, complete urine toxicologic screening and kidney metagenomic sequencing to identify an underlying cause of thrombosis. Results We report five pediatric cases of RAVT discovered on kidney biopsy performed in the setting of unexplained AKI. Investigations did not reveal an underlying cause of thrombosis but only a significant nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use was reported in 4/5 patients, supporting a potential link between NSAIDs use and RAVT. By performing metagenomic sequencing on kidney biopsy samples, we detected severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA in the kidney of one patient. These results suggest that systemic SARS-CoV-2 infection may also be a key contributing factor of renal thrombosis, particularly by inducing potential endothelial disruption. Conclusions In conclusion, RAVT-induced AKI appears to be a multiple hit–mediated disease in which NSAIDs consumption and viral infection such as SARS-CoV-2 may be crucial contributing factors. These findings may have significant public health implications given the prevalence of NSAIDs use in the general population. Increased awareness and additional study of future cases may lead to a better understanding of this rare cause of AKI in children and young adults.

Background Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was used to assess patients with primary or secondary immune deficiencies (PIDs and SIDs) who presented with immunopathological conditions related to immunodysregulation. Methods Thirty patients with PIDs or SIDs who presented with symptoms related to immunodysregulation and 59 asymptomatic patients with similar PIDs or SIDs were enrolled. mNGS was performed on organ biopsy. Specific Aichi virus (AiV) reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to confirm AiV infection and screen the other patients. In situ hybridization (ISH) assay was done on AiV-infected organs to identify infected cells. Virus genotype was determined by phylogenetic analysis. Results AiV sequences were detected using mNGS in tissue samples of 5 patients and by RT-PCR in peripheral samples of another patient, all of whom presented with PID and long-lasting multiorgan involvement, including hepatitis, splenomegaly, and nephritis in 4 patients. CD8+ T-cell infiltration was a hallmark of the disease. RT-PCR detected intermittent low viral loads in urine and plasma from infected patients but not from uninfected patients. Viral detection stopped after immune reconstitution obtained by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. ISH demonstrated the presence of AiV RNA in hepatocytes (n = 1) and spleen tissue (n = 2). AiV belonged to genotype A (n = 2) or B (n = 3). Conclusions The similarity of the clinical presentation, the detection of AiV in a subgroup of patients suffering from immunodysregulation, the absence of AiV in asymptomatic patients, the detection of viral genome in infected organs by ISH, and the reversibility of symptoms after treatment argue for AiV causality.

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most frequent cause of congenital infection and ≈20% of all infected neonates present or will develop sensorineural hearing loss. Targeted congenital CMV (cCMV) screening in newborns who failed universal newborn hearing screening has been proposed as a strategy to identify neonates with both hearing loss and cCMV infection who could benefit from antiviral treatment implemented within the first month of life.To evaluate the feasibility and performance of cCMV targeted screening in a French setting.Neonates were recruited in 5 maternity centers in greater Paris. A saliva sample for CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing was collected in neonates who failed newborn hearing screening. Outcomes including CMV PCR result and confirmation of hearing loss by an otorhinolaryngologist specialist were documented.Two-hundred thirty-six newborns were included and a saliva sample was collected in 98% (231/236) of them. The result of CMV PCR was available at a median of 9 days (7-10 days) of life and in 96% of cases within the first month of life. Two neonates were infected with CMV. The result of the otorhinolaryngologist assessment was available in 75% (178/236) of cases at a median of 16 days (9-26 days). Hearing loss was confirmed in 2.8% (5/178). The 2 infected neonates had hearing loss confirmed at 5 and 8 days of life and were treated with valganciclovir at days 9 and 16, respectively.The result of this study confirms that targeted cCMV screening is feasible in these French settings.

Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals is a cornerstone for the control of virus spread. The sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by RT-PCR is similar in saliva and nasopharyngeal swabs. Rapid molecular point-of-care tests in saliva could facilitate, broaden and speed up the diagnosis. We conducted a prospective study in two community COVID-19 screening centers to evaluate the performances of a CE-marked RT-LAMP assay (EasyCoV) designed for the detection of SARS-CoV2 RNA from fresh saliva samples, compared to nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, to saliva RT-PCR and to nasopharyngeal antigen testing. Overall, 117 of the 1718 participants (7%) tested positive with nasopharyngeal RT-PCR. Compared to nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP assay in saliva were 34% and 97%, respectively. The Ct values of nasopharyngeal RT-PCR were significantly lower in the 40 true positive subjects with saliva RT-LAMP (Ct 25.9) than in the 48 false negative subjects with saliva RT-LAMP (Ct 28.4) (p = 0.028). Considering six alternate criteria for reference tests, including saliva RT-PCR and nasopharyngeal antigen, the sensitivity of saliva RT-LAMP ranged between 27 and 44%. The detection of SARS-CoV-2 in crude saliva samples with an RT-LAMP assay had a lower sensitivity than nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, saliva RT-PCR and nasopharyngeal antigen testing.Registration number: NCT04578509.

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, other respiratory illnesses decreased worldwide. This study described the consequences of public health measures on respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) severe infections in France, where an interseasonal resurgence of RSV occurred recently. All patients admitted to Necker Hospital (Paris) between August 2018 and April 2021 with a diagnosis of RSV-associated acute lung respiratory infection (ALRI) were enrolled. Characteristics of subjects with RSV-associated ALRI in 2020/2021 were compared to those infected during the two previous outbreaks. Overall, 664 inpatients were diagnosed with RSV-associated ALRI: 229, 183, and 252 during the 2018/2019, 2019/2020, and 2020/2021 outbreaks, respectively. During autumn 2020, a national lockdown began in France but schools remained open. A 3-month delayed RSV epidemic occurred at the end of this lockdown. Compared to previous outbreaks, the 2020/2021 epidemics involved more children aged 6 to 11 months (25.8% versus 13.1%, p

Nasopharyngeal sampling for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is the standard diagnostic test of coronavirus disease 2019. Our objectives were to assess, in real-life conditions, the diagnostic accuracy of a nasopharyngeal point-of-care antigen (Ag) test and of saliva NAAT for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in ambulatory care. This was a prospective cohort study from 19 October through 18 December 2020 in two community COVID-19 screening centers in Paris, France. Two nasopharyngeal swabs and one saliva sample were simultaneously collected. Diagnostic accuracies of nasopharyngeal Ag testing and of three saliva NAAT methods were assessed as compared to nasopharyngeal NAAT. A total of 1452 ambulatory children and adults were included. Overall, 129/1443 (9%) participants tested positive on nasopharyngeal NAAT (102/564 [18%] in symptomatic and 27/879 [3%] in asymptomatic participants). Sensitivity was 94%, 23%, 96%, and 94% for the three different protocols of saliva NAAT and for the nasopharyngeal Ag test, respectively. Estimates of specificity were above 95% for all methods. Diagnostic accuracy was similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. Diagnostic accuracy of nasopharyngeal Ag testing and of saliva NAAT is similar to that of nasopharyngeal NAAT, subject to compliance with specific protocols for saliva. Registration number: NCT04578509 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10096-021-04327-x.

Enteroviruses (EV) are the most frequent cause of acute meningitis worldwide, and regularly responsible for outbreaks. Human parechoviruses (PeV) are associated with sepsis and meningitis in young infants. In Mayotte, a French department located in the Comoros archipelago, EVs and PeVs are not part of the routine screening of cerebrospinal fluids (CSFs) of patients with meningitis. Consequently, no data is available on EV or PeV epidemiology.Assess the need for EV and PeV diagnosis in Mayotte.CSFs collected between March and June 2019 from patients addressed to Mayotte Hospital were retrospectively screened for EV and PeV by PCR. If positive for EV, genotyping was attempted.EV and PeV RT-PCR were performed on 122/263 (46%) CSFs (45 adults, 77 children). EV meningitis was diagnosed in 16/77 children (21%) with a median age of 32 days (8-62). One 30-days-aged infant presented with a PeV infection. Fever was reported in 94% cases (16/17), followed by gastrointestinal disorders in 29% cases (5/17). EV genotyping achieved identification for 10/16 (63%) EV-positive samples. Four different EV types were identified: Echovirus 16 (E-16, n = 6), EV-B100 (n = 2), and E-14 and E-18 (n = 1, each).EV/PeV prevalence of 14% highlights the importance of implementing this diagnosis which can impact duration of hospitalization and administration of antibiotics thus reducing risk of antimicrobial resistance. Surveillance of circulating EV types is needed to understand the range of enteroviruses detected in meningitis cases in places that have been underrepresented in enterovirus surveillance studies.

Objective To evaluate the feasibility of amplification of the viral genome by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of trophoblast samples obtained by chorionic villus sampling (CVS) in cases of maternal primary infection (MPI) with cytomegalovirus (CMV) in early pregnancy. Methods This was a prospective study carried out at the Department of Obstetrics and Fetal Medicine, Hopital Necker-E.M., between October 2019 and October 2020. Following CMV serology screening in early pregnancy, CVS was offered to women at 11-14 weeks' gestation after CMV-MPI ≤ 10 weeks. Array-comparative genomic hybridization and amplification of the viral genome by PCR were performed on the trophoblasts obtained by CVS. All cases also underwent amniocentesis from 17 weeks onwards and PCR was performed on the amniotic fluid. Secondary prevention with valacyclovir was initiated as soon as MPI was diagnosed, to decrease the risk of vertical transmission. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of CMV-PCR of trophoblast obtained by CVS, using as the reference standard PCR of amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis. Results CVS was performed in 37 pregnancies, at a median (range) gestational age of 12.7 (11.3-14.4) weeks. CMV-PCR in chorionic villi was positive in three and negative in 34 cases. CMV-PCR following amniocentesis, performed at a median (range) gestational age of 17.6 (16.7-29.9) weeks, was positive for the three cases which were positive following CVS and, of the 34 patients with a negative finding following CVS, amniocentesis was negative in 31 and positive in three. The sensitivity of CMV-PCR analysis of trophoblast obtained by CVS for the diagnosis of CMV, using as the reference standard PCR analysis of amniotic fluid obtained by amniocentesis, was 50% (95% CI, 19-81%), specificity was 100% (95% CI, 89-100%), positive predictive value was 100% (95% CI, 44-100%) and negative predictive value was 91% (95% CI, 77-97%). Conclusions Diagnosis of placental infection following MPI in early pregnancy can be achieved by PCR amplification of the CMV genome in chorionic villi. We propose that negative CMV-PCR in the trophoblast after 12 weeks could be used to exclude CMV-related embryopathy leading to sequelae. However, this needs to be confirmed through long-term follow-up evaluation. These findings could help to establish CVS as the diagnostic test of choice following maternal serology screening in early pregnancy. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.

International audience; Immunocompromised patients may experience prolonged viral shedding after their initial SARS-CoV-2 infection, however, symptomatic relapses after remission currently remain rare. We herein describe a severe COVID-19 relapse case of a kidney transplant recipient (KTR) following rituximab therapy, 3 months after a moderate COVID-19 infection, despite viral clearance after recovery of the first episode. During the clinical relapse, the diagnosis was established on a broncho-alveolar lavage specimen (BAL) by RT-PCR. The infectivity of the BAL sample was confirmed on a cell culture assay. Whole genome sequencing confirmed the presence of an identical stain (Clade 20A). However, it had an acquired G142D mutation and a larger deletion of 3-amino-acids at position 143-145. These mutations located within the N-terminal domain are suggested to play a role in viral entry. The diagnosis of a COVID-19 relapse should be considered in the setting of unexplained persistent fever and/or respiratory symptoms in KTRs (especially for those after rituximab therapy), even in patients with previous negative naso-pharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 PCR.

Background Rapid identification of SARS-Cov-2 infected individuals is a cornerstone for the control of virus spread. The sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection by RT-PCR is similar in saliva and nasopharyngeal swab. Rapid molecular point-of-care tests in saliva could facilitate, broaden and speed up the diagnosis. Methods We conducted a prospective study in two community COVID-19 screening centers to evaluate the performances of a CE-marked RT-LAMP assay (EasyCoV™) designed for the detection of SARS-CoV2 RNA from fresh saliva samples, compared to nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, to saliva RT-PCR and to nasopharyngeal antigen testing. Results Overall, 117 of the 1718 participants (7%) were tested positive with nasopharyngeal RT-PCR. Compared to nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, the sensitivity and specificity of the RT-LAMP assay in saliva were 34% and 97% respectively. The Ct values of nasopharyngeal RT-PCR were significantly lower in the 40 true positive subjects with saliva RT-LAMP (Ct 25.9) than in the 48 false negative subjects with saliva RT-LAMP (Ct 28.4) (p = 0.028). Considering six alternate criteria for reference test, including saliva RT-PCR and nasopharyngeal antigen, the sensitivity of saliva RT-LAMP ranged between 27 and 44%. Conclusion The detection of SARS-CoV-2 from crude saliva samples with a RT-LAMP assay had a lower sensitivity than nasopharyngeal RT-PCR, saliva RT-PCR and nasopharyngeal antigen testing. Registration number : NCT04578509

The mechanisms that allowed for the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant to rapidly outcompete pre-existing variants in many countries remain poorly characterized. Here, we analyzed viral release, anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies and cytokine production in a retrospective series of 427 RT–qPCR+ nasopharyngeal swabs collected in COVID-19 patients harbouring either non-B.1.1.7 or B.1.17 variants. We utilized a novel rapid assay, based on S-Fuse-T reporter cells, to quantify infectious SARS-CoV-2. With both non-B.1.1.7 and B.1.1.7 variants, viral titers were highly variable, ranging from 0 to >106 infectious units, and correlated with viral RNA levels. Lateral flow antigenic rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) were positive in 96% of the samples harbouring infectious virus. About 67 % of individuals carried detectable infectious virus within the first two days after onset of symptoms. This proportion decreased overtime, and viable virus was detected up to 14 days. Samples containing anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG or IgA did not generally harbour infectious virus. The proportion of individuals displaying viable virus or being RDT-positive was not higher with B.1.1.7 than with non-B.1.1.7 variants. Ct values were slightly but not significantly lower with B.1.1.7. The variant was characterized by a fast decrease of infectivity overtime and a marked release of 17 cytokines (including IFN-β, IP-10, IL-10 and TRAIL). Our results highlight differences between non-B.1.1.7 and B.1.1.7 variants. B.1.1.7 is associated with modified viral decays and cytokine profiles at the nasopharyngeal mucosae during symptomatic infection.

International audience; OBJECTIVES Congenital cytomegalovirus infection (cCMV) affects around 3400 newborns each year in France, of whom 700 will develop sequelae, primarily sensorineural hearing loss. Our objectives were (1) to evaluate incidence of cCMV in two French departments located in the Indian Ocean: Mayotte and La Reunion, and (2) evaluate interest and feasibility/acceptability of universal screening of cCMV at birth. MATERIAL AND METHODS We implemented a universal neonatal CMV screening in Mayotte during 7 months in 2019 and in La Reunion during one month in March 2020. Saliva swabs were collected in the first three days of life, and tested for CMV DNA by PCR. A short survey allowed evaluating whether this screening is acceptable and feasible. RESULTS: A total of 1026 newborns were screened: 854 in Mayotte and 172 in La Reunion. In Mayotte, cCMV incidence was evaluated at a minimum of 1.6 % (95 % CI 0.94-2.81). In La Reunion, cCMV incidence was evaluated at a minimum of 1.2 % (95 % CI -0.20-4.57). All cCMV infants were born to mothers with non-primary CMV infection. Only 0.7 % parents refused the screening. CONCLUSIONS cCMV incidence in Mayotte and La Reunion is higher than in metropolitan France. This diagnosis should not be overlooked, especially since the time dedicated to screening and its feeling by the parents seem to be acceptable.

BackgroundNasopharyngeal sampling for nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) is the current standard diagnostic test for of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the NAAT technique is lengthy and nasopharyngeal sampling requires trained personnel. Saliva NAAT represents an interesting alternative but diagnostic performances vary widely between studies.ObjectiveTo assess the diagnostic accuracy of a nasopharyngeal point-of-care antigen (Ag) test and of saliva NAAT for detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), as compared to nasopharyngeal NAAT.DesignProspective participant enrollment from 19 October through 18 December 2020.SettingTwo community COVID-19 screening centers in Paris, France.Participants1452 ambulatory children and adults referred for SARS-CoV-2 testing.InterventionsNAAT on a saliva sample (performed with three different protocols for pre-processing, amplification and detection of SARS-CoV-2) and Ag testing on a nasopharyngeal sample.MeasurementsPerformance of saliva NAAT and nasopharyngeal Ag testing.ResultsOverall, 129/1443 (9%) participants tested positive on nasopharyngeal NAAT (102/564 [18%] in symptomatic and 27/879 [3%] in asymptomatic participants). Sensitivity was of 94% (95% CI, 86% to 98%), 23% (CI, 14% to 35%), 94% (CI, 88% to 97%) and 96% (CI, 91% to 99%) for the nasopharyngeal Ag test and the three different protocols of saliva NAAT, respectively. Estimates of specificity were above 95% for all methods. Diagnostic accuracy was similar in symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals.LimitationsFew children (n=122, 8%) were included.ConclusionIn the ambulatory setting, diagnostic accuracy of nasopharyngeal Ag testing and of saliva NAAT seems similar to that of nasopharyngeal NAAT, subject to strict compliance with specific pre-processing and amplification protocols.Registration numberNCT04578509Funding SourcesFrench Ministry of Health and the Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris Foundation.

We report evaluation of 30 assays’ (17 rapid tests (RDTs) and 13 automated/manual ELISA/CLIA assay (IAs)) clinical performances with 2594 sera collected from symptomatic patients with positive SARS-CoV-2 rRT-PCR on a respiratory sample, and 1996 pre-epidemic serum samples expected to be negative. Only 4 RDT and 3 IAs fitted both specificity (> 98%) and sensitivity (> 90%) criteria according to French recommendations. Serology may offer valuable information during COVID-19 pandemic, but inconsistent performances observed among the 30 commercial assays evaluated, which underlines the importance of independent evaluation before clinical implementation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10096-021-04232-3.

In this case-control study on 564 healthcare workers of a university hospital in Paris (France), contacts without protection with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients or with colleagues were associated with infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, whereas working in a COVID-dedicated unit and having children kept in childcare facilities were not.

In this case-control study on 564 healthcare workers of a university hospital in Paris (France), contacts without protection with COVID-19 patients or with colleagues were associated with infection with SARS-CoV-2, while working in a COVID-dedicated unit, using public transportation and having children kept in childcare facilities were not.

Background Measles remains endemic worldwide, despite current vaccination recommendations, and is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. We describe all cases hospitalized in Bordeaux University Hospital (BUH), the starting point of a national significant measles outbreak in 2017–2018. Methods In this retrospective study, we included all patients hospitalized in BUH from September 1, 2017, to May 31, 2018. Inclusion criteria were age >1 year, clinical symptoms, and biological confirmation by measles immunoglobulin M or measles reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction positivity. Results We included 171 patients. Most patients were immunocompetent; only 19% had preexisting medical histories. Most patients had rash and fever (97%), but some cases were atypical and difficult to diagnose. Köplik’s spots were reported in 66 cases (38%). The most frequent biological markers were blood inflammation markers (96%) and lymphopenia (81%). Unexpectedly, we found hyponatremia ( Conclusions During the BUH outbreak, measles was often complicated and sometimes atypical. Vaccination coverage was dramatically insufficient. We also describe vaccination failure cases that must be better investigated.

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe severe forms of novel coronavirus disease 2019 in children, including patient characteristics, clinical, laboratory, and imaging findings, as well as the disease management and outcomes. Methods This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study conducted in a pediatric intensive and high-dependency care unit (PICU, HDU) in an urban hospital in Paris. All patients, aged from 1 month to 18 years, admitted for confirmed or highly suspected SARS-CoV-2 were included. Results We analyzed the data of 27 children. Comorbidities (n = 19, 70%) were mainly neurological (n = 7), respiratory, (n = 4), or sickle cell disease (n = 4). SARS-CoV-2 PCR results were positive in 24 children (nasopharyngeal swabs). The three remaining children had a chest CT scan consistent with COVID-19. Respiratory involvement was observed in 24 patients (89%). Supportive treatments were invasive mechanical ventilation (n = 9), catecholamine (n = 4), erythropheresis (n = 4), renal replacement therapy (n = 1), and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (n = 1). Five children died, of whom three were without past medical history. Conclusion This study highlighted the large spectrum of clinical presentation and time course of disease progression as well as the non-negligible occurrence of pediatric life-threatening and fatal cases of COVID-19 mostly in patients with comorbidities. Additional laboratory investigations are needed to further analyze the mechanism underlying the variability of SARS-Cov-2 pathogenicity in children.

Concern has been raised on sickle cell disease (SCD) patients and the new viral infection with SARS‐COV‐2 since SCD patients are particularly prone to infectious diseases and acute chest syndrome (ACS). Although case reports have been published to describe COVID‐19 related ACS in adult patients (1–4), pediatric data are lacking.

Objectives To describe the characteristics of children and adolescents affected by an outbreak of Kawasaki-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome and to evaluate a potential temporal association with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Design Prospective observational study. Setting General paediatric department of a university hospital in Paris, France. Participants 21 children and adolescents (aged ≤18 years) with features of Kawasaki disease who were admitted to hospital between 27 April and 11 May 2020 and followed up until discharge by 15 May 2020. Main outcome measures The primary outcomes were clinical and biological data, imaging and echocardiographic findings, treatment, and outcomes. Nasopharyngeal swabs were prospectively tested for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and blood samples were tested for IgG antibodies to the virus. Results 21 children and adolescents (median age 7.9 (range 3.7-16.6) years) were admitted with features of Kawasaki disease over a 15 day period, with 12 (57%) of African ancestry. 12 (57%) presented with Kawasaki disease shock syndrome and 16 (76%) with myocarditis. 17 (81%) required intensive care support. All 21 patients had noticeable gastrointestinal symptoms during the early stage of illness and high levels of inflammatory markers. 19 (90%) had evidence of recent SARS-CoV-2 infection (positive RT-PCR result in 8/21, positive IgG antibody detection in 19/21). All 21 patients received intravenous immunoglobulin and 10 (48%) also received corticosteroids. The clinical outcome was favourable in all patients. Moderate coronary artery dilations were detected in 5 (24%) of the patients during hospital stay. By 15 May 2020, after 8 (5-17) days of hospital stay, all patients were discharged home. Conclusions The ongoing outbreak of Kawasaki-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome among children and adolescents in the Paris area might be related to SARS-CoV-2. In this study an unusually high proportion of the affected children and adolescents had gastrointestinal symptoms, Kawasaki disease shock syndrome, and were of African ancestry.

BackgroundHealthcare workers (HCWs) have paid a heavy toll during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Routes of transmission remain to be fully understood.MethodsThis prospective study compared a 1500-bed adult and 600-bed pediatric setting of a tertiary-care university hospital located in central Paris. From 24 February until 10 April 2020, all symptomatic HCWs were screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on a nasopharyngeal swab. HCWs screened positive were questioned on their profession, symptoms, and occupational and nonoccupational exposures to SARS-CoV-2.ResultsAmong 1344 HCWs tested, 373 were positive (28%) and 336 (90%) corresponding questionnaires were completed. Three hospitalizations and no deaths were reported. Most HCWs (70%) had patient-facing occupational activities (22% in COVID-19 dedicated units). The total number of HCW cases peaked on 23 March, then decreased slowly, concomitantly with a continuous increase of compliance to preventive measures (including universal medical masking and personal protective equipment [PPE] for direct care to COVID-19 patients). Attack rates were of 3.2% and 2.3% in the adult and pediatric settings, respectively (P = .0022). In the adult setting, HCWs more frequently reported exposure to COVID-19 patients without PPE (25% vs 15%, P = .046). Report of contacts with children attending out-of-home care facilities dramatically decreased over the study period.ConclusionsUniversal masking, reinforcement of hand hygiene, and PPE with medical masks for patients’ care allowed protection of HCWs and containment of the outbreak. Residual transmissions were related to persistent exposures with undiagnosed patients or colleagues and not to contacts with children attending out-of-home care facilities.

Background: Acute clinical manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 infection are less frequent and less severe in children than in adults. However, recent observations raised concerns about potential post-viral severe inflammatory reactions in children infected with SARS-CoV-2. Methods: We describe an outbreak of cases of Kawasaki disease (KD) admitted between April 27 and May 7, 2020, in the general paediatrics department of a university hospital in Paris, France. All children prospectively underwent nasopharyngeal swabs for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR, SARS-CoV-2 IgG serology testing, and echocardiography. The number of admissions for KD during the study period was compared to that observed since January 1, 2018, based on discharge codes, using Poisson regression. Results: A total of 17 children were admitted for KD over an 11-day period, in contrast with a mean of 1.0 case per 2-week period over 2018-2019 (Poisson incidence rate ratio: 13.2 [95% confidence interval: 7.3-24.1], p

Background: The virus responsible of severe acute respiratory syndrome named SARS-CoV-2 and causing the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has gone global within three months. The current gold standard technique used to detect SARS-CoV-2 is real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) from naso-pharyngeal swabs but it may be negative in up to 30% of COVID-19 patients. Detection of specific antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 may therefore enhance sensitivity of the current biological diagnosis, as well as monitor the extent of the epidemics in global or specific population, such as health-care worker. Many serological assays are currently available, but their clinical performances are still to be evaluated. Material and Method: A total of 2,594 serum samples collected from patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection documented by a positive rRT-PCR were enrolled in this study. They were tested for IgM/IgG/IgA against SARS-CoV-2 using 31 commercial assays. Antibody response was assessed depending on the onset of symptoms. In addition, 1,996 pre-epidemic serum samples expected to be negative were tested to assess specificity. Results: Rapid tests for qualitative detection of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies (RDTs) achieved 77.4-100%, and ELISA/CLIA (ELISA) assays 58.8-100% for SARS-CoV-2-specific total antibodies (TAb) specificity. From 15 days after onset of symptoms, 13/18 RDT and 8/13 ELISA reached sensitivity > 90%. However, only 4 RDT and 3 ELISA assays fitted both sensitivity (> 90%) and specificity (> 98%) criteria according to French recommendations. Conclusions: Serology may offer valuable information during the course of COVID-19 pandemic, at the condition that commercial assays give reliable results. Contrasted performances were observed among the 31 commercial assays we evaluated, which underlines the importance of independent evaluation before clinical implementation. Funding Statement: This study was funded by the Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le SIDA et les Hepatites Virales (ANRS, AC43)". Declaration of Interests: JM Pawlotsky has served as an advisor and/or a speaker for Abbvie, Gilead, GlaxoSmithKline, Merck, Regulus and Siemens Healthcare. C Vauloup-Fellous served as un expert (rubella and CMV serology) for Abbott Diagnostics, Roche Diagnostics, Siemens Healthcare and DiaSorin. No other authors have any competing interests to declare. Ethics Approval Statement: The study was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. This work was a retrospective non-interventional study with no addition to standard care procedures. Reclassification of biological remnants into research material after completion of the ordered virological tests was approved by the local interventional review board of hospital. According to the French Public Health Code (CSP Article L.1121-1.1) such protocols are exempted from individual informed consent.

Background: From the start of the pandemic, health-care workers (HCW) have paid a heavy toll to the coronavirus desease-19 (COVID-19) outbreak. Routes of transmission however remain to be fully understood. Methods: This prospective study compared two settings of a tertiary-care university hospital located in central Paris: a 1,500-bed adult and a 600-bed paediatric setting, accounting for a total of 13,278 employees. From February 24th until April 10th, 2020, all symptomatic HCW were screened for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) on a nasopharyngeal swab. HCW screened positive were prospectively questioned by phone on their profession, symptoms, occupational and non-occupational exposures to SARS-CoV-2. Findings: Among 1344 symptomatic HCW tested, 373 were positive (28%) and 336 (90%) corresponding questionnaires were completed. Three hospitalizations and no death have been reported. Most HCW (70%) had patient-facing occupational activities and 22% in COVID-19 dedicated units. The total number of HCW cases peaked on week 13 (March 23rd, 2020) then decreased slowly until April 10th, concomitantly with a continuous increase of compliance to preventive measures (including universal medical masking for all hospital staff and personal protective equipment (PPE) for direct care to COVID-19 patients). Attack rates were of 3 · 2% and 2 · 3% in the adult and paediatric settings, respectively (p=0 · 0022). In the adult setting, HCW more frequently reported exposure to COVID-19 patients without PPE (25% versus 15%, p=0 · 046). In both settings, report of contacts with children attending out-of-home care facilities dramatically decreased all over the study period. Interpretation: In central Paris, implementation of universal masking, reinforcement of hand hygiene, social distancing and PPE with medical masks for patients’ care allowed protection of HCW and containment of the outbreak. Residual transmissions were related to persistent exposures with undiagnosed patients or colleagues and not to contacts with children attending out-of-home care facilities. Funding Statement: None. Declaration of Interests: AC reports personal fees and non-financial support from Janssen Cilag, outside the submitted work. RG reports personal fees and other from Sanofi, personal fees from MSD, personal fees from Eumedica, personal fees from Pfizer, personal fees from Frezenius, personal fees from Cubist, personal fees from Correvio, personal fees from Astellas, outside the submitted work. PF reports personal fees and nonfinancial support from MSD France, personal fees from ViiV Healthcare, non-financial support from Gilead Science, personal fees and non-financial support from Janssen Cilag, personal fees from Medtronic SAS, non-financial support from Astellas, non-financial support from GSK, outside the submitted work. MLV reports non-financial support from Biomerieux, non-financial support from Diasorin, outside the submitted work. OL reports personal fees from Pfizer, personal fees from Astellas, personal fees from MSD, personal fees from Gilead, outside the submitted work. SK reports research grants from bioMerieux, personal fees from Accelerate Diagnostics, bioMerieux, MSD and Menarini, and travel expenses from bioMerieux, Astellas, MSD and Pfizer, outside the submitted work. All other authors declare no conflict of interests. Ethics Approval Statement: This study was approved by the Ethical Review Committee for publications of the Cochin university Hospital (CLEP) (N°: AAA-2020-08012). According to French policy, a non-opposition statement was obtained for all participants, meaning that all had received written detailed information on the objectives of the study and were free to request withdrawal of their consent for participation at any time.

This communication described how the Coris BioConcept COVID-19 Ag Respi-Strip test (Coris-Ag) was implemented in the workflow of our clinical microbiology laboratory for COVID-19 diagnosis. The diagnostic performance statistics (sensitivity, specificity) of the Coris-Ag were evaluated against a gold standard, the RealStar SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR kit 1.0. Additionally, the effect of reading the Coris-Ag results at 30 min was compared to reading at 15 min. The Coris-Ag was performed on a total of 294 patients during two periods; 158 patients were tested during period 1 at the peak of the pandemic (April 6th to April 10th 2020) which returned a positivity rate of 17.1 %, and 136 patients during period 2 (April 12th to April 16th 2020) which returned a positivity rate of 11 %. Compared to the RT-PCR, the 15-minute Coris-Ag readings resulted in a sensitivity of 59.3 % with a 100 % specificity for the period 1 patients (n = 158) while the sensitivity decreased to 20 % for the period 2 patients (n = 136). The overall sensitivity was 38.1 % for both periods (n = 294). The corresponding 30-minute readings produced a 7 % increase in sensitivity with a specificity of 100 % (n = 294). The sensitivity of the strip test (15-min reading) for high viral loads (Ct