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Prevalence of asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection in elective surgical patients in Australia: a prospective surveillance study.
- Source :
-
ANZ journal of surgery [ANZ J Surg] 2021 Jan; Vol. 91 (1-2), pp. 27-32. Date of Electronic Publication: 2021 Jan 09. - Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of active or previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in asymptomatic adults admitted for elective surgery in Australian hospitals. This surveillance activity was established as part of the National Pandemic Health Intelligence Plan.<br />Methods: Participants (n = 3037) were recruited from 11 public and private hospitals in four states (NSW, Vic, SA and WA) between 2 June and 17 July 2020, with an overall 66% participation rate. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA was assessed by Reverse Transcriptase - Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs taken after induction of anaesthesia. Presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was assessed by analysis of serum collected at the same time using a novel dual-antigen ELISA assay.<br />Results: No patient (0/3010) returned a positive RT-PCR result. The Bayesian estimated prevalence of active infection of 0.02% (95% probability interval 0.00-0.11%), with the upper endpoint being 1 in 918. Positive serology (IgG) was observed in 15 of 2991 patients, with a strong positive in five of those individuals (Bayesian estimated seroprevalence 0.16%; 95% probability interval 0.00-0.47%).<br />Conclusion: These results confirm that during periods of low community prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 elective surgery patients without fever or respiratory symptoms had a very low prevalence of active SARS-CoV-2 infection.<br /> (© 2021 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.)
- Subjects :
- Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Australia
COVID-19 diagnosis
COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing
COVID-19 Serological Testing
Carrier State diagnosis
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Prevalence
Prospective Studies
Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
COVID-19 epidemiology
Carrier State epidemiology
Elective Surgical Procedures
Hospitalization
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1445-2197
- Volume :
- 91
- Issue :
- 1-2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- ANZ journal of surgery
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 33421257
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.16564