Publications by authors named "Asae Suita"
Aim: Elderly adults are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 infection. This multicenter, prospective cohort study assessed immunogenicity after COVID-19 vaccinations in elderly residents compared with staff in geriatric intermediate care facilities. Predictors of lower antibody titers were also examined.
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- The study analyses COVID-19 mortality factors in Osaka, Japan, using data from early 2020 to understand the epidemiological impact of the pandemic and improve public health responses.
- Among 14,864 patients, 297 died, with higher mortality observed in men, older individuals (especially those over 70), and those with underlying health conditions; mortality rates decreased in subsequent surges.
- The research highlights key risk factors for COVID-19 mortality, which are critical for future preparedness against emerging infectious diseases.
To evaluate the antibody response following the initial four doses of mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 or mRNA-1273) in SARS-CoV-2-naïve healthy adults and investigate factors influencing antibody titer increases, this prospective cohort study was conducted in Japan from March 2021. The study included participants who received either the 1st and 2nd doses (n = 467), 3rd dose (n = 157), or 4th dose (n = 89). Blood samples were collected before and up to 6 months after each dose, and anti-receptor-binding domain antibody levels were measured.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: To evaluate antibody responses against the primary series of vaccination of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 [SARS-CoV-2] vaccines in the staff and residents of Japanese geriatric intermediate care facilities.
Methods: All subjects (159 staff and 96 residents) received two doses of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine 3 weeks apart. Baseline data of subject were collected using a structured form.
Article Synopsis
- The study aimed to understand the incidence and risk factors for norovirus-related diarrhea among elderly residents in Japanese geriatric intermediate care facilities.
- Conducted from November 2018 to April 2020, the study followed 1,727 residents across 10 facilities, finding that 74 developed diarrhea, with 13 testing positive for norovirus—resulting in an incidence rate of 10.11 per 1000 person-years.
- Key risk factors for developing norovirus-related diarrhea included a higher care-needs level, hypertension, stroke, and using a cane, indicating a correlation between health conditions and susceptibility to this infection in elderly populations.
Article Synopsis
- - The study assessed the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in generating antibodies in healthy adults through two different immunoassays, highlighting inconsistencies in measurement methods.
- - Blood samples were taken from 385 healthcare workers at various points: before the first shot, before the second shot, 4 weeks after the second shot, and 6 months later, revealing significant increases in antibody levels after vaccination.
- - Results indicated that while antibody responses were generally adequate, older participants had lower antibody levels, and the two assays produced different results despite a strong correlation in their findings.