Abstract
Background
Prior studies demonstrated the vaccine effectiveness and safety of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines, but additional data is needed regarding the effects of timing and number of doses on ...disease severity. This study determined predicted protection against severe COVID-19 by number of vaccine doses.
Methods
We enrolled adults hospitalized with acute respiratory infection (ARI) and/or related diagnoses at two Emory University hospitals from May 2021 – Aug 2022. This analysis included COVID-19 positive patients among unvaccinated and 2 or 3 doses of an mRNA vaccine. Vaccinations ≤ 14 days prior to admission were excluded. Medical and social histories were obtained from interviews, medical records, and the state vaccine registry. We used stepwise logistic regression to determine dose-specific odds ratios (OR) against severe outcomes (pneumonia (PNA), length of hospital stay (LOS) ≥ 4 days, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation, and death). Analysis was performed using SAS v9.4 software.
Results
Of the 1,677 total enrollments, 850 were positive for COVID-19. Another 168 were excluded due to lack of vaccine records or other vaccine dosages, 682 were eligible for analysis. Compared to those unvaccinated, vaccinated participants were older, male, and unemployed or on disability. Those with three doses obtained a higher education level than unvaccinated participants. Individuals with comorbidities – specifically blood disorders, chronic kidney disease, and immunocompromised – were more often vaccinated. When controlling for race, age, and employment, the odds of PNA (OR 0.5 (0.34, 0.74)) and ICU admission (0.61 (0.39, 0.97)) were less for those with two doses than those with none; whereas those with three mRNA doses had less odds of having PNA (OR 0.26 (0.15, 0.46) and LOS ≥ 4 days (OR 0.44 (0.25, 0.76)). Predicted protection against severe outcomes persisted 6 months from last dose for PNA, LOS ≥ 4 days, and ICU admission (Table 1).Table 1.Adjusted odds ratios of mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination by dose number and time since administration against severe disease outcomes in those SARS-CoV-2 positive. OR adjusted for race, age and employment. Unable to calculate (UTC) due to having no patients with the outcome during specified vaccination timeframe and dose count.
Conclusion
Among COVID-19 positive adults hospitalized with ARIs, both two and three doses of a COVID-19 mRNA vaccine predicted protection against severe COVID-19 outcomes, with durability lasting more than 6 months. Future studies should explore the role of additional boosters and vaccine regimens in the prevention of severe COVID-19.
Disclosures
Laura A. Puzniak, PhD. MPH, Pfizer, Inc.: Employee|Pfizer, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Robin Hubler, MS, Pfizer, Inc.: Employee|Pfizer, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Srinivas Valluri, PhD, Pfizer Inc: Pfizer Employee and hold Pfizer stocks/options|Pfizer Inc: Ownership Interest|Pfizer Inc: Stocks/Bonds Timothy L. Wiemken, PhD, Pfizer Inc: Employee|Pfizer Inc: Stocks/Bonds Benjamin Lopman, PhD, Epidemiological Research and Methods, LLC: Advisor/Consultant|Hillevax, Inc: Advisor/Consultant Nadine Rouphael, MD, Icon, EMMES, Sanofi, Seqirus, Moderna: Advisor/Consultant Satoshi Kamidani, MD, CDC: Grant/Research Support|Emergent BioSolutions: Grant/Research Support|NIH: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer Inc: Grant/Research Support Evan J. Anderson, MD, GSK: Advisor/Consultant|GSK: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Advisor/Consultant|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Kentucky Bioprocessing, Inc.: Safety Monitoring Board|Moderna: Advisor/Consultant|Moderna: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Currently an employee|Moderna: Stocks/Bonds|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Safety Monitoring Board|WCG/ACI Clinical: Data Adjudication Board Christina A. Rostad, MD, BioFire Inc.: Grant/Research Support|GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|MedImmune LLC: Grant/Research Support|Meissa Vaccines, Inc.: RSV vaccine technology|Merck & Co., Inc.: Grant/Research Support|Micron Technology, Inc.: Grant/Research Support|Moderna, Inc.: Grant/Research Support|Novavax: Grant/Research Support|PaxVax: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer, Inc.: Grant/Research Support|Regeneron: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support
Abstract Background With the future epidemiology and evolution of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) uncertain, the use of safe and effective coronavirus disease 2019 ...(COVID-19) vaccines in pediatric populations remains important. Methods We report data from two open-label substudies of an ongoing phase 1/2/3 master study (NCT05543616) investigating the safety and immunogenicity of a variant-adapted bivalent COVID-19 vaccine encoding ancestral and Omicron BA.4/BA.5 spike proteins (bivalent BNT162b2). The open-label groups presented here evaluate dose 4 with bivalent BNT162b2 in 6-month- to <12-year-olds who previously received three original (monovalent) BNT162b2 doses. In 6-month- to <5-year-olds, primary immunogenicity objectives were to demonstrate superiority (neutralizing titer) and noninferiority (seroresponse rate) to Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and noninferiority (neutralizing titer and seroresponse rate) to SARS-CoV-2 ancestral strains in participants who received bivalent BNT162b2 dose 4 compared with a matched group who received three doses of original BNT162b2 in the pivotal pediatric study (NCT04816643). In 5- to <12-year-olds, primary immunogenicity comparisons were descriptive. Reactogenicity and safety following vaccination were evaluated. Results In 6-month- to <5-year-olds, dose 4 with bivalent BNT162b2 met predefined immunogenicity superiority and noninferiority criteria against Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and ancestral strains when compared with dose 3 of original BNT162b2. In 5- to <12-year-olds, bivalent BNT162b2 induced robust Omicron BA.4/BA.5 and ancestral strain neutralizing titers comparable with dose 3 of original BNT162b2. The safety profile for dose 4 of bivalent BNT162b2 given as dose 4 was consistent with that of original BNT162b2 in 6-month- to <12-year-olds. Reactogenicity events were generally mild to moderate. No adverse events led to discontinuation. Conclusions These safety and immunogenicity data support a favorable benefit-risk profile for a variant-adapted BNT162b2 in children <12 years old.
Abstract
Background
Whether receipt of COVID-19 vaccine associates with receipt of other routinely-recommended adult vaccines such as, influenza and pneumococcal vaccines is not well described. We ...evaluated this relationship in a population of adults who were hospitalized for acute respiratory infection (ARI). *Odds ratio describing odds of receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine (vs not) by influenza vaccination status adjusted for race, employment status, chronic cardiac diseases, cancer, solid organ transplant, and chronic kidney disease.**Odds ratio describing odds of receiving at least one COVID-19 vaccine (vs not) by pneumococcal vaccination status adjusted for race and chronic kidney disease.
Methods
We enrolled adults (≥ 18 years of age) who were hospitalized at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown with symptoms consistent with ARI. Participants were interviewed and medical records abstracted to gather demographic information, including social behaviors during the pandemic, medical history, and prior vaccination history (i.e., COVID-19, influenza, and pneumococcal). Using two separate logistic regression analyses, we determined the association between i) receipt of influenza vaccine in the prior year among adults ≥ 18 years and ii) receipt of any pneumococcal vaccine in the prior 5 years among adults ≥ 65 years on the receipt of at least one COVID-19 vaccine≥ 14 days prior to admission. Adjusted models included demographic information (e.g., age, sex, race/ethnicity, employment status), social behaviors, and history of chronic medical conditions.
Results
Overall, 1056 participants were enrolled and had vaccination records available. Of whom, 509/1056 (48.2%) had received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Adults ≥ 18 years who received influenza vaccine were more likely to have received ≥1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who did not (267/373 71.6% vs 242/683 35.4% P=< .0001; adjusted odds ratio OR: 3.3 95%CI: 2.4, 4.4). Similarly, adults ≥65 years who received pneumococcal vaccine were more likely to have received ≥ 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine compared to those who did not (195/257 75.9% vs 41/84 48.8% P=< .0001; adjusted odds ratio OR: 3.0 95%CI: 1.8, 5.1).
Conclusion
In this study of adults hospitalized for ARI, receipt of influenza and pneumococcal vaccination strongly correlated with receipt of COVID-19 vaccination. Continued efforts are needed to reach adults who remain hesitant to not only receive COVID-19 vaccines, but also other vaccines that lessen the burden of respiratory illness.
Disclosures
Laura A. Puzniak, PhD. MPH, Merck & Co., Inc.: Stocks/Bonds|Pfizer, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Robin Hubler, MS, Pfizer Inc.: Employee|Pfizer Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Srinivas Valluri, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Benjamin Lopman, PhD, Epidemiological Research and Methods, LLC: Advisor/Consultant Satoshi Kamidani, MD, NIH: His institution (Emory University) receives funds from Pfizer for his work as a co-investigator on clinical trials of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.|Pfizer: His institution (Emory University) receives funds from Pfizer for his work as a co-investigator on clinical trials of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Christina A. Rostad, MD, BioFire Inc, GSK, MedImmune, Micron, Merck, Novavax, PaxVax, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi-Pasteur.: Grant/Research Support|Meissa Vaccines, Inc.: Co-inventor of RSV vaccine technology licensed to Meissa Vaccines, Inc.|NIH (Funding from NIH to conduct clinical trials of Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines): Grant/Research Support John M. McLaughlin, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Evan J. Anderson, MD, GSK: Advisor/Consultant|GSK: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Advisor/Consultant|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Kentucky Bioprocessing, Inc: Data Safety Monitoring Board|MedImmune: Grant/Research Support|Medscape: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Micron: Grant/Research Support|NIH: Funding from NIH to conduct clinical trials of Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines|PaxVax: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Regeneron: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Data Adjudication and Data Safety Monitoring Boards|WCG and ACI Clinical: Data Adjudication Board.
Abstract
Background
Studies show that past SARS-CoV-2 infection provides a protective immune response against subsequent COVID-19, but the degree of protection from prior infection has not been ...determined.
History of previous SARS-COV-2 Infection and Current SARS-COV-2 Infection Status at Admission.
*Adjusted for chronic respiratory disease and prior COVID-19 vaccination
Methods
From May 2021 through Feb 2022, adults (≥ 18 years of age) hospitalized at Emory University Hospital and Emory University Hospital Midtown with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms, who were PCR tested for SARS-CoV-2 were enrolled. A prior history of SARS-CoV-2 infection was obtained from patient interview and medical record review. Previous infection was defined as a self-reported prior SARS-CoV-2 infection or previous evidence of a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test ≥ 90 days before ARI hospital admission. We performed a test negative design to evaluate the protection provided by prior SARS-CoV-2 infection against subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization. Effectiveness was determined using logistic regression analysis adjusted for patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and COVID-19 vaccination status.
Results
Of 1152 adults hospitalized for ARI, 704/1152 (61%) were SARS-CoV-2 positive. 96/1152 (8%) had a prior SARS-CoV-2 infection before hospital admission. Patients with a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection were less likely to test positive for SARS-CoV-2 upon admission for ARI compared to those who did not have evidence of prior infection (31/96 32% vs 673/1056 64%; adjusted OR: 0.25 0.15, 0.41 (Table).
Conclusion
Reinfections represented a small proportion (< 10%) of COVID-19-related hospitalizations. Prior SARS-CoV-2 infection provided meaningful protection against subsequent COVID-19-related hospitalization. The durability of this infection-induced immunity, variant-specific estimates, and the additive impact of vaccination are needed to further elucidate these findings.
Disclosures
Laura A. Puzniak, PhD. MPH, Merck & Co., Inc.: Stocks/Bonds|Pfizer, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Robin Hubler, MS, Pfizer Inc.: Employee|Pfizer Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Srinivas Valluri, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Benjamin Lopman, PhD, Epidemiological Research and Methods, LLC: Advisor/Consultant Satoshi Kamidani, MD, NIH: His institution (Emory University) receives funds from Pfizer for his work as a co-investigator on clinical trials of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.|Pfizer: His institution (Emory University) receives funds from Pfizer for his work as a co-investigator on clinical trials of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Christina A. Rostad, MD, BioFire Inc, GSK, MedImmune, Micron, Merck, Novavax, PaxVax, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi-Pasteur.: Grant/Research Support|Meissa Vaccines, Inc.: Co-inventor of RSV vaccine technology licensed to Meissa Vaccines, Inc.|NIH (Funding from NIH to conduct clinical trials of Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines): Grant/Research Support John M. McLaughlin, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Evan J. Anderson, MD, GSK: Advisor/Consultant|GSK: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Advisor/Consultant|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Kentucky Bioprocessing, Inc: Data Safety Monitoring Board|MedImmune: Grant/Research Support|Medscape: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Micron: Grant/Research Support|NIH: Funding from NIH to conduct clinical trials of Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines|PaxVax: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Regeneron: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Data Adjudication and Data Safety Monitoring Boards|WCG and ACI Clinical: Data Adjudication Board.
Abstract
Background
During the COVID-19 pandemic, social interventions such as social distancing and mask wearing have been encouraged. Social risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent ...hospitalization remain uncertain.
Methods
Adult patients were eligible if admitted to Emory University Hospital or Emory University Hospital Midtown with acute respiratory infection (ARI) symptoms (≤ 14 days) or an admitting ARI diagnosis from May 2021 – Feb 2022. After enrollment, an in-depth interview identified demographic and social factors (e.g., employment status, smoking history, alcohol use), household characteristics, and pandemic social behaviors. All patients were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using PCR. We evaluated whether these demographic and social factors were related to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test upon admission to hospital with ARI using a logistic regression model.
Results
1141 subjects were enrolled and had SARS-CoV-2 PCR results available (700 positive and 441 negative). The median age was greater in the SARS-CoV-2 negative cohort than in the positive cohort (60 and 53 years, respectively; P< .0001). Those who tested positive were more likely to have had at least some college education compared to those who tested negative (64.3% vs 52.3%, P< .0001; adjusted odds ratio aOR: 1.4 95%CI: 1.1, 2.0). Compared to those who tested negative, those who were SARS-CoV-2 positive were also more likely to be employed (48.9% vs 26.5%, P< .0001; aOR: 1.7 95%CI: 1.1, 2.3), have children 5-17 yo at home (27.6% vs 17.9%, P=.0002; aOR: 1.5 95%CI: 1.1, 2.1). Those with COVID-19 were less likely to receive home healthcare (6.2% vs 13.3%, P< .0001; aOR: 0.5 95%CI: 0.4, 0.9) and to be a current or previous smoker (7.6% vs 17.7%, P< .0001; aOR: 0.3 95%CI: 0.2, 0.5).
Conclusion
Among adults admitted to the hospital for ARI, those who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 were typically younger, more likely to care for school-aged children, more likely to work outside the home, but were less likely to receive home healthcare or smoke. Personal and public health strategies to mitigate COVID-19 should take into consideration modifiable social risk factors.
Disclosures
Laura A. Puzniak, PhD. MPH, Merck & Co., Inc.: Stocks/Bonds|Pfizer, Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Robin Hubler, MS, Pfizer Inc.: Employee|Pfizer Inc.: Stocks/Bonds Srinivas Valluri, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Benjamin Lopman, PhD, Epidemiological Research and Methods, LLC: Advisor/Consultant Satoshi Kamidani, MD, NIH: His institution (Emory University) receives funds from Pfizer for his work as a co-investigator on clinical trials of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine.|Pfizer: His institution (Emory University) receives funds from Pfizer for his work as a co-investigator on clinical trials of Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Christina A. Rostad, MD, BioFire Inc, GSK, MedImmune, Micron, Merck, Novavax, PaxVax, Pfizer, Regeneron, Sanofi-Pasteur.: Grant/Research Support|Meissa Vaccines, Inc.: Co-inventor of RSV vaccine technology licensed to Meissa Vaccines, Inc.|NIH (Funding from NIH to conduct clinical trials of Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines): Grant/Research Support John M. McLaughlin, PhD, Pfizer: Employee|Pfizer: Stocks/Bonds Evan J. Anderson, MD, GSK: Advisor/Consultant|GSK: Grant/Research Support|Janssen: Advisor/Consultant|Janssen: Grant/Research Support|Kentucky Bioprocessing, Inc: Data Safety Monitoring Board|MedImmune: Grant/Research Support|Medscape: Advisor/Consultant|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Micron: Grant/Research Support|NIH: Funding from NIH to conduct clinical trials of Moderna and Janssen COVID-19 vaccines|PaxVax: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Advisor/Consultant|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Regeneron: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Advisor/Consultant|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Data Adjudication and Data Safety Monitoring Boards|WCG and ACI Clinical: Data Adjudication Board.
Abstract
Background
Significant changes in influenza vaccination coverage and antiviral treatment guidance occurred following the 2009 influenza pandemic in children. However, data are limited ...describing recent epidemiology, clinical characteristics, antiviral use, vaccine coverage, and outcomes of influenza-related hospitalizations in children.
Methods
Children < 18 years hospitalized with influenza during seasons 2010–2011 through 2018–2019 were included through the US Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET). Age-stratified hospitalization rates were calculated using the number of catchment-area residents with laboratory-confirmed influenza within 14 days prior to or ≤3 days after hospital admission during October 1-April 30 of each influenza season. Data on underlying medical history, influenza vaccination, antiviral use, and outcomes were abstracted from medical records using standard case report forms by trained surveillance officers.
Results
Over 9 seasons, 13,235 children were identified. Stepwise decreases in unadjusted hospitalization rates with age occurred, with the highest rates in infants < 6 months (ranging 56–184 per 100,000 persons) (Fig.1). Among these children, 56% were male, 34% were non-Hispanic White, 55% had a preexisting medical condition, and 8% were immunocompromised (Table 1). Use of antiviral treatment substantially increased from 56% to 85%, and influenza vaccination rates among hospitalized children increased from 34% to 43% over time. Regarding severe outcomes, 2,676 (20%) were admitted to ICU, 2,262 (17%) had pneumonia, 690 (5%) required mechanical ventilation, and 72 (0.5%) died. In univariable analysis, compared to hospitalized infants < 6 months, children >13 years had higher odds of ICU admission (odds ratio (OR), 2.0; 95% CI, 1.7–2.4), mechanical ventilation (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 1.2–2.3), and pneumonia (OR, 2.6; 95% CI, 2.1–3.3) (Table 2).
Figure 1
Table 1
Table 2
Conclusion
Although influenza-related hospitalization rates decreased with increasing age, severe outcomes were more common among hospitalized older children. Room for improvement exists in influenza vaccination coverage and antiviral use. While 20% of children were admitted to ICU, death was uncommon.
Disclosures
Sue Kim, MPH, Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) (Grant/Research Support) Melissa Sutton, MD, MPH, CDC funding (Emerging Infections Program) (Grant/Research Support) Evan J. Anderson, MD, Sanofi Pasteur (Scientific Research Study Investigator)
Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine received emergency use authorization for persons ≥ 16 years in December 2020 and for adolescents 12-15 years in May 2021. Despite the clear benefits and favorable ...safety profile, vaccine uptake in adolescents has been suboptimal. We sought to assess factors associated with COVID-19 non-vaccination in adolescents 12-18 years of age.
Between June 1, 2021 and April 29, 2022, we assessed factors associated with COVID-19 non-vaccination in hospitalized adolescents ages 12-18 years enrolled in the Overcoming COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness network. Demographic characteristics and clinical information were captured through parent interviews and/or electronic medical record abstraction; COVID-19 vaccination was assessed through documented sources. We assessed associations between receipt of the COVID-19 vaccine and demographic and clinical factors using univariate and multivariable logistic regression and estimated adjusted odds ratios (aOR) for each factor associated with non-vaccination.
Among 1665 hospitalized adolescents without COVID-19, 56% were unvaccinated. Unvaccinated adolescents were younger (median age 15.1 years vs. 15.4 years, p < .01) and resided in areas with higher social vulnerability index (SVI) scores (median 0.6 vs 0.5, p < .001) than vaccinated adolescents. Residence in the Midwest aOR 2.60 (95% CI: 1.80, 3.79) or South aOR 2.49 (95% CI: 1.77, 3.54) US census regions, rarely or never receiving influenza vaccine aOR 5.31 (95% CI: 3.81, 7.47), and rarely or never taking precautions against COVID-19 aOR 3.17 (95% CI: 1.94, 5.31) were associated with non-vaccination against COVID-19.
Efforts to increase COVID-19 vaccination of adolescents should focus on persons with geographic, socioeconomic, and medical risk factors associated with non-vaccination.
Abstract
Background
Determination of the cause of childhood diarrhea in low- and middle-income countries is complicated by the presence of multiple potential pathogens in stool at the time of ...illness. Serial multiplex PCR may offer a method to characterize pathogens more likely to clear over time (suggesting a higher likelihood of causality) vs. those that are more typically persistent (suggesting higher likelihood of nonpathogenic colonization). Such determination may have both clinical and epidemiologic utility.
Methods
Children 6–35 months old with acute non-bloody diarrhea (duration <72 hours) were enrolled in a clinical trial between 3/2015 and 1/2016 in three sites (one rural, two urban) in Guatemala. Stool collected at enrollment and 31 days later were analyzed by multiplex PCR (BioFire, USA) that allows simultaneous identification of 22 viral, parasitic and bacterial diarrheal pathogens. Rates of prevalence (positive day 1), persistence (positive both day 1 and 31), and acquisition (negative day 1 and positive day 31) of each pathogen were evaluated.
Results
We analyzed 298 subjects with a median age of 17 (range 6–35) months, 54% male and 57% residence in rural areas with poor sanitation. Persistence rates by pathogen are shown in Figure 1. 56% of pathogens on day 1 were persistently positive. Viruses tended to clear from stools over the 31-day period, while parasites and E. coli other than O157:H7 and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli tended to be persistent. New acquisition of at least one pathogen occurred in 80% of children (mean new pathogens 1.7/subject, range 0–7). Day 1 prevalence rates of each pathogen were strongly correlated with acquisition rates in other subjects (R2 = 0.818, P < 0.001), suggesting that these pathogens are efficiently transmitted throughout the community (Figure 2). Similar correlations were observed in both rural and urban populations.
Conclusion
Serial multiplex PCR suggests viruses and select bacteria (e.g., E. coli O157:H7) may be more likely causes of acute diarrhea than parasites or certain bacteria (especially less virulent E. coli pathotypes) in Guatemalan children. In addition, pathogens identified by multiplex PCR with high frequency at one time point may enable prediction of future pathogen acquisition in communities.
Disclosures
All authors: No reported disclosures.
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