Publications by authors named "Tina Benoit"

Unlabelled: We estimated monthly cross-sectional seroprevalence rates of anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) and anti-spike (anti-S) antibodies to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in two U.S. nationwide studies.

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Article Synopsis
  • A national study in the US assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in relation to Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) across different age groups during the Delta and Omicron periods of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The research analyzed over 406,000 antibody testing results from September 2021 to February 2022, revealing that the seroprevalence increased overall and correlated with higher SVI levels, particularly in socioeconomic status.
  • The findings highlighted that during the Delta period, higher SVI counties had significantly more infections per reported case compared to lower SVI counties, while no significant difference was noted during the Omicron period, emphasizing the need for focused public health efforts in vulnerable communities
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Background: Because COVID-19 case data do not capture most SARS-CoV-2 infections, the actual risk of severe disease and death per infection is unknown. Integrating sociodemographic data into analysis can show consequential health disparities.

Methods: Data were merged from September 2020 to November 2021 from 6 national surveillance systems in matched geographic areas and analyzed to estimate numbers of COVID-19-associated cases, emergency department visits, and deaths per 100 000 infections.

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Seroprevalence studies provide useful information about the proportion of the population either vaccinated against SARS-CoV-2, previously infected with the virus, or both. Numerous studies have been conducted in the United States, but differ substantially by dates of enrollment, target population, geographic location, age distribution, and assays used. This can make it challenging to identify and synthesize available seroprevalence data by geographic region or to compare infection-induced versus combined infection- and vaccination-induced seroprevalence.

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Background: There are limited data on the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the United States by occupation. We identified occupations at higher risk for prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as defined by the presence of infection-induced antibodies among US blood donors.

Methods: Using a nested case-control study design, blood donors during May-December 2021 with anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) testing were sent an electronic survey on employment status, vaccination, and occupation.

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This cross-sectional study examines monthly blood donations from individuals aged 16 years and older to estimate the population with antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 from infection or vaccination.

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Background: We assess if state-issued nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) are associated with reduced rates of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection as measured through anti-nucleocapsid (anti-N) seroprevalence, a proxy for cumulative prior infection that distinguishes seropositivity from vaccination.

Methods: Monthly anti-N seroprevalence during 1 August 2020 to 30 March 2021 was estimated using a nationwide blood donor serosurvey. Using multivariable logistic regression models, we measured the association of seropositivity and state-issued, county-specific NPIs for mask mandates, gathering bans, and bar closures.

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Article Synopsis
  • A study aimed to estimate how many people in the US have SARS-CoV-2 antibodies due to past infection or vaccination, revealing that both factors significantly reduce the risk of getting COVID-19 again.
  • The research involved over 1.5 million blood samples collected from donors across all US states and territories between July 2020 and May 2021, providing a broad representation of the population.
  • The results indicated that seroprevalence estimates were notably higher than reported COVID-19 case rates, suggesting many more people may have been infected than documented.
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Melioidosis is a bacterial infection caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei, a gram-negative saprophytic bacillus. Cases occur sporadically in the Americas with an increasing number of cases observed among people with no travel history to endemic countries. To better understand the incidence of the disease in the Americas, we reviewed the literature, including unpublished cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Problem/condition: Melioidosis is an infection caused by the Gram-negative bacillus Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is naturally found in water and soil in areas endemic for melioidosis. Infection can be severe and sometimes fatal. The federal select agent program designates B.

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Background: Melioidosis results from infection with Burkholderia pseudomallei and is associated with case-fatality rates up to 40%. Early diagnosis and treatment with appropriate antimicrobials can improve survival rates. Fatal and nonfatal melioidosis cases were identified in Puerto Rico in 2010 and 2012, respectively, which prompted contact investigations to identify risk factors for infection and evaluate endemicity.

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A fatal case of melioidosis was diagnosed in Ohio one month after culture results were initially reported as a Bacillus species. To identify a source of infection and assess risk in patient contacts, we abstracted patient charts; interviewed physicians and contacts; genetically characterized the isolate; performed a Burkholderia pseudomallei antibody indirect hemagglutination assay on household contacts and pets to assess seropositivity; and collected household plant, soil, liquid, and insect samples for culturing and real-time polymerase chain reaction testing. Family members and pets tested were seronegative for B.

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We describe a periprosthetic infection in a case-patient undergoing hip replacement revision surgery, and the subsequent investigation of laboratory and surgical staff exposures. Although exposures are rare, it is important to have infection prevention recommendations for surgical procedures among patients with suspected or unidentified spp. infection.

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