Publications by authors named "Timo Boelsums"

BackgroundContact tracing has been a key component of COVID-19 outbreak control. Backward contact tracing (BCT) aims to trace the source that infected the index case and, thereafter, the cases infected by the source. Modelling studies have suggested BCT will substantially reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission in addition to forward contact tracing.

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Background: High incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and low testing uptake were reported in low-income neighbourhoods in Rotterdam. We aimed to improve willingness and access to testing by introducing community-based test facilities, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a rapid antigen detection test (RDT).

Methods: Two to eleven test facilities operated consecutively in three low-income neighbourhoods in Rotterdam, offering the options of walk-in or appointments.

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Article Synopsis
  • SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR tests are more sensitive than rapid antigen detection tests (RDT), but RDT can provide quicker results and better indicate who is currently infectious.
  • A study evaluated the effectiveness of five RDTs in identifying infectious COVID-19 cases and also tracked the timing of RT-PCR test results.
  • The most sensitive RDTs accurately detected over 97% of infectious individuals, suggesting they could enhance COVID-19 containment efforts through faster identification and isolation.
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Background: Performance of the SD Biosensor saliva antigen rapid test was evaluated at a large designated testing site in non-hospitalized patients, with or without symptoms.

Method: All eligible people over 18 years of age presenting for a booked appointment at the designated SARS-CoV-2 testing site were approached for inclusion and enrolled following verbal informed consent. One nasopharyngeal swab was taken to carry out the default antigen rapid test from which the results were reported back to the patient and one saliva sample was self-taken according to verbal instruction on site.

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Background: From October 2019-March 2020, several clusters of mumps cases were identified in the Netherlands. Our objective was to describe cluster-associated mumps virus transmission using epidemiological and molecular information in order to help future mumps outbreak investigation and control efforts.

Methods: An epidemiological cluster includes ≥ 2 mumps cases with at least an epidemiological-link to a laboratory-confirmed mumps case.

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Objective: To assess the diagnostic test accuracy of two rapid antigen tests in asymptomatic and presymptomatic close contacts of people with SARS-CoV-2 infection on day 5 after exposure.

Design: Prospective cross sectional study.

Setting: Four public health service covid-19 test sites in the Netherlands.

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Rapid detection of infection is essential for stopping the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The Roche SD Biosensor rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2 was evaluated in a nonhospitalized symptomatic population. We rapid-tested a sample onsite and compared results with those from reverse transcription PCR and virus culture.

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We describe a case of community-acquired pneumonia due to Chlamydia caviae in a patient with no direct animal exposure, raising questions about the zoonotic reservoirs and potential transmission routes. Genotyping of Chamydia isolates that cause pneumonia should be performed for a precise diagnosis and to initiate adequate infection control measures.

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