Adherence of healthcare workers to COVID-19 infection prevention practices and its relationship with SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.

Background: Infection prevention and control (IPC) practices against COVID-19 should be adopted by healthcare workers (HCWs) at their workplaces to protect themselves, their patients, and their families from infection.

Purpose: This study aimed to describe the relationship between the healthcare-related COVID-19 infection prevention measures adopted by HCWs and their SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.

Research Design: This cross-sectional study was conducted during the second and third COVID-19 waves in Egypt.

Asymptomatic versus symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection: a cross-sectional seroprevalence study.

Background: Although symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection predisposes patients to develop complications, the asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection state is of public health importance being a hidden source of infection. Moreover, the asymptomatic state may camouflage the actual burden of the disease.

Methods: Data of 1434 seropositive participants for SARS-CoV-2 spike (anti-S) and/or nucleocapsid antibodies (anti-N) were retrieved from a larger cross-sectional survey on COVID-19.

Determining the SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike Cutoff Level Denoting Neutralizing Activity Using Two Commercial Kits.

Background: The viral neutralization assay is the gold standard to estimate the level of immunity against SARS-CoV-2. This study analyzes the correlation between the quantitative Anti-SARS-CoV-2 QuantiVac ELISA (IgG) and the NeutraLISA neutralization assay.

Methods: 650 serum samples were tested for both SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike (anti-S) immunoglobulin G (IgG) and neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) using kits by EUROIMMUN, Germany.

COVID-19 vaccine acceptance rates and predictors among the Egyptian general population and Healthcare workers, the intersectionality of age and other factors.

The promise of COVID-19 vaccines in ending the pandemic can only be achieved by overcoming the challenge of vaccine refusal. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are the trusted advisors of vaccination decisions. Recommendations for vaccinating children against COVID-19 are recently gaining more public health attention due to the role of children in disease transmission and associated morbidities.

Seroprevalence of Hepatitis A, B and C Among a Sample of Refugees in Egypt: An Exploratory Survey.

Background: Estimating the prevalence of infectious diseases, including viral hepatitis, among refugees is important for evaluating their health needs and predicting the burden on the health system of the host country. This study aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of viral hepatitis among refugees in Egypt.

Methods: This cross-sectional study involved a heterogeneous group of 501 refugees.

A pre-vaccine exploratory survey of SARS-CoV-2 humoral immunity among Egyptian general population.

Background: Population-based studies on COVID-19 have important implications for modeling the pandemic and determining vaccination policies. Limited data are available from such surveys in Egypt.

Methods: This cross-sectional was conducted throughout the period between January and June 2021, which coincided with the second and third waves of the COVID-19 pandemic in Egypt.

Prevalence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike antibodies in some healthcare settings in Egypt.

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at the front line in battling infection transmission, such as that in coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). Additionally, they may act as potential carriers passing the virus on to others. Anti-spike (anti-S) antibodies for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) are formed either as a result of infection or vaccination with both indicating immunity against future COVID-19 infection.

Predictors of anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity: An Egyptian population-based study.

Background: Population-based studies on the determinants of COVID-19 seroprevalence constitute a cornerstone in guiding appropriate preventive measures. Such studies are scarce in Egypt, thus we conducted this study to explore risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity.

Methods: This survey included 2919 participants from 10 Egyptian governorates.

Determinants of the Development of SARS-CoV-2 Anti-Spike Immune-Response after Vaccination among Healthcare Workers in Egypt.

Background: Understanding the factors affecting humoral immune response to COVID-19 vaccines among healthcare workers (HCWs) is essential to predict their level of protection. Vaccination elicits antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-S).

Aim: To investigate the factors associated with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 anti-S antibodies among vaccinated HCWs.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of HBV and HCV Co-Infection Among People Living with HIV in an Egyptian Setting.

Background: Human Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections constitute a global health concern. They share common modes of transmission, increasing the likelihood of co-infection. Co-infection accelerates viral replication, promotes the progression of chronic liver diseases and challenges antiviral therapy.

Geospatial epidemiology of hepatitis C infection in Egypt 2017 by governorate.

Background: Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial epidemiological methods may provide a basis for disease investigation through which hotspots and disease determinants can be identified. Applying these methods for hepatitis C virus (HCV) in Egypt would support a more effective strategy to control its transmission. Therefore, this study used GIS software to draw one of the first HCV maps in Egypt elucidating and analyzing geographical and epidemiological differences in HCV distribution within the country.

Validation of EGCRISC for Chronic Hepatitis C Infection Screening and Risk Assessment in the Egyptian Population.

Chronic HCV infection, a highly endemic disease in Egypt, is usually asymptomatic for decades after infection. Prediction questionnaire tool was proofed to be a valuable, feasible and efficient instrument for the screening of several diseases. We previously developed an Egyptian HCV risk screening tool (EGCRISC).

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among pregnant women in a rural district in Egypt.

Background: Egypt has the highest prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the world. Screening of HCV during pregnancy is not as routinely done in Egypt compared with many other countries, although pregnancy is an important period where screening of HCV infection is important owing to low immunity, the possibility of vertical transmission and possible horizontal transmission to the baby or other household contacts at a later stage.

Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of HCV antibodies (HCV-Ab) and risk factors associated with infection among pregnant women in Egypt.

Evaluation of commercialized rapid diagnostic testing for some Hepatitis B biomarkers in an area of intermediate endemicity.

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major public health threat. Enzyme immune assay (EIA) of HBsAg is the screening method used in most settings, including in blood banks. Other markers are used to evaluate the HBV replication, immunity and the infectious level of the patient.