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Papers by Fatemeh Shafighian

Research Square (Research Square), Jul 6, 2021

Background Estimating the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care work... more Background Estimating the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial. In this study the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies among HCWs of ve hospitals of Tehran-Iran with high COVID-9 patient's referrals was assessed. Methods HCWs from public and private hospitals were included and were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, hospital role and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results (IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples) and adjusted for test performance. Results Among the 2065 participants, 88.4% and 11.6% HCWs were recruited from the public and private hospitals, respectively. The overall test-performance adjusted seroprevalence estimate among HCWs was 22.6 (95% CI 20.2-25.1) and it was higher in private hospitals (37.0%; 95% CI 28.6-46.2) than public hospitals (20.7%; 95% CI 18.2-23.3). PPE usage was signi cantly higher among HCWs of public versus private hospitals (66.5% vs. 20.0%). Test-adjusted seroprevalence estimates were highest among assistant nurses and nurses, and lowest among janitor/superintendent categories. Conclusions Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 among HCWs depends on hospital type, hospital department, and hospital role. The PPE usage was especially suboptimal among HCWs in private hospitals. Continued

BMC Public Health

Background The first large serosurvey in Iran found a SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence of 17.1%... more Background The first large serosurvey in Iran found a SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence of 17.1% among the general population in the first wave of the epidemic by April, 2020. The purpose of the current study was to assess the seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection among Iranian general population after the third wave of the disease. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 7411 individuals aged ≥10 years old in 16 cities across 15 provinces in Iran between January and March, 2021. We randomly sampled individuals registered in the Iranian electronic health record system based on their national identification numbers and invited them by telephone to a healthcare center for data collection. Presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM antibodies was assessed using the SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits. The participants were also asked about their recent COVID-19-related symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, sore throat, headache, dyspnea, diarrhea, anosmia, conjuncti...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) ... more Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial. In this study, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs of five hospitals of Tehran, Iran with high COVID-19 patient's referrals from April to June, 2020, was assessed. In this cross-sectional study, HCWs from three public and two private hospitals, selected randomly as a pilot, were included. Participants were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, hospital role, and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Iran FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples. The seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results and adjusted for test performance. Among the 2,065 participants, 1,825 (88.4%) and 240 (11.6%) HCWs were recruited from public and private hospitals, respectively. A total of 340 HCWs were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG or IgM antibod...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) ... more Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial. In this study, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs of five hospitals of Tehran, Iran with high COVID-19 patient's referrals from April to June, 2020, was assessed. In this cross-sectional study, HCWs from three public and two private hospitals, selected randomly as a pilot, were included. Participants were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, hospital role, and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Iran FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples. The seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results and adjusted for test performance. Among the 2,065 participants, 1,825 (88.4%) and 240 (11.6%) HCWs were recruited from public and private hospitals, respectively. A total of 340 HCWs were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG or IgM antibod...

Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2021

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) poses a tremendous challenge to healthcare systems ac... more BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) poses a tremendous challenge to healthcare systems across the globe. Serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) may quantify the rate of clinically significant exposure in an institutional setting and identify those HCWs who are at greatest risk. METHODS: We conducted a survey and SARS-CoV-2 serologic testing among a convenience sample of HCWs from 79 non-COVID and 3 dedicated COVID hospitals in District Srinagar of Kashmir, India. In addition to testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2–specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), we collected information on demographics, occupational group, influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms, nasopharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing status, history of close unprotected contacts, and quarantine/travel history. RESULTS: Of 7,346 eligible HCWs, 2,915 (39.7%) participated in the study. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2–specific IgG antibodies was 2.5...

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

SSRN Electronic Journal

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, rapid case increase was observed in multiple citie... more Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, rapid case increase was observed in multiple cities in Iran. However, in the absence of seroprevalence surveys, the true infection rate remains unknown. In this population-based study we assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in eighteen cities of Iran. Methods: We randomly selected and invited study participants from the general population (N = 3,547) and occupations with high risk of COVID-19 exposure, defined as high-risk population (e.g., supermarket employees) (N = 5,391), in eighteen cities of Iran. SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect antibody against COVID-19. Crude, population weight adjusted, and test performance adjusted seroprevalence rates were estimated. Findings: The population weight adjusted and test performance adjusted prevalence rates of antibody seropositivity in general population were 13·1% (95% CI 11·6-14·8%) and 18·5% (95% CI 16·1-21·3%), respectively. The population-weighted seroprevalence estimate implies that 3,290,633 (95% CI 2,907185-3,709,167) individuals, from the eighteen included cities in this study, were infected by end of April 2020.The overall prevalence rate was higher among individuals aged ≥ 60 years (32·0%, 95% CI 23·9-40·8%) and with comorbidity condition (23·7%, 95% CI 18·5-28·8%). The estimated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies varied greatly by city and the highest population test-adjusted prevalence rates were in Rasht 78·1% (95% CI 58·3-98·3%) and Qom (66·5%, 95% CI 39·9-95·4%) cities. The test-adjusted prevalence did not differ between low and high-risk populations and was about 20.0%. Interpretations: The findings of this study imply that prevalence of seropositivity is likely much higher than the reported prevalence rates based on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iran. Despite the high seroprevalence rates in a few cities, the low overall prevalence estimates indicate that a large proportion of population is still susceptible to the virus. The similar seroprevalence estimates between low and high-risk occupations might be an indicator of inadequate or low adherence to infection control measures among general population. Funding Statement: Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education COVID-19 Grant (number 99-1-97-47964). Declaration of Interests: None to disclose. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethics approval for this study was granted by Vice-Chancellor in Research Affairs-Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR. TUMS.VCR.REC.1399.308)

Clinical and experimental vaccine research, 2018

O157:H7 is one of the most important pathogens which create hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic ure... more O157:H7 is one of the most important pathogens which create hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in human. It is one of the most prevalent causes of diarrhea leading to death of many people every year. The first diagnosed gene in the locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island is gene. The product of this gene is a binding protein called intimin belonging to the group of external membrane proteins regarded as a good stimulants of the immune system. Chitosan with its lipophilic property is an environmentally friendly agent able to return to the environment. Intimin recombinant protein was expressed in pET28a vector with gene and purification was performed using Ni-NTA and finally the recombinant protein was approved through western blotting. This protein was encapsulated using chitosan nanoparticles and the size of nanoparticles was measured by Zetasizer. Intimin encapsulated was prescribed for three sessions among three groups of oral, injection, and oral-inject...

Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative cocobasilus belonging to Entrobacteriacca family. This microo... more Escherichia coli is a gram-negative cocobasilus belonging to Entrobacteriacca family. This microorganism is a natural intestinal flora of animals and humans which able to cause disease. E. coli is the most prevalent cause of urinary system infection such as pyelonephritis, cystitis and uretritis. Additionally E. coli can cause blood infection (sepsis), meningitis, and diarraha [1,2]. Sanitation principles is considered as one of the prevention procedures against infection in livestock. However, the drug resistance of pathogenic organisms against antibiotics is the main problem and cause eradicate of

Research Square (Research Square), Jul 6, 2021

Background Estimating the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care work... more Background Estimating the prevalence of SARS-COV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial. In this study the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-COV-2 antibodies among HCWs of ve hospitals of Tehran-Iran with high COVID-9 patient's referrals was assessed. Methods HCWs from public and private hospitals were included and were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, hospital role and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results (IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples) and adjusted for test performance. Results Among the 2065 participants, 88.4% and 11.6% HCWs were recruited from the public and private hospitals, respectively. The overall test-performance adjusted seroprevalence estimate among HCWs was 22.6 (95% CI 20.2-25.1) and it was higher in private hospitals (37.0%; 95% CI 28.6-46.2) than public hospitals (20.7%; 95% CI 18.2-23.3). PPE usage was signi cantly higher among HCWs of public versus private hospitals (66.5% vs. 20.0%). Test-adjusted seroprevalence estimates were highest among assistant nurses and nurses, and lowest among janitor/superintendent categories. Conclusions Seroprevalence of SARS-COV-2 among HCWs depends on hospital type, hospital department, and hospital role. The PPE usage was especially suboptimal among HCWs in private hospitals. Continued

BMC Public Health

Background The first large serosurvey in Iran found a SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence of 17.1%... more Background The first large serosurvey in Iran found a SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence of 17.1% among the general population in the first wave of the epidemic by April, 2020. The purpose of the current study was to assess the seroprevalence of COVID-19 infection among Iranian general population after the third wave of the disease. Methods This population-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 7411 individuals aged ≥10 years old in 16 cities across 15 provinces in Iran between January and March, 2021. We randomly sampled individuals registered in the Iranian electronic health record system based on their national identification numbers and invited them by telephone to a healthcare center for data collection. Presence of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG and IgM antibodies was assessed using the SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits. The participants were also asked about their recent COVID-19-related symptoms, including cough, fever, chills, sore throat, headache, dyspnea, diarrhea, anosmia, conjuncti...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) ... more Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial. In this study, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs of five hospitals of Tehran, Iran with high COVID-19 patient's referrals from April to June, 2020, was assessed. In this cross-sectional study, HCWs from three public and two private hospitals, selected randomly as a pilot, were included. Participants were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, hospital role, and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Iran FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples. The seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results and adjusted for test performance. Among the 2,065 participants, 1,825 (88.4%) and 240 (11.6%) HCWs were recruited from public and private hospitals, respectively. A total of 340 HCWs were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG or IgM antibod...

Frontiers in Public Health, 2022

Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) ... more Estimating the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibody seropositivity among health care workers (HCWs) is crucial. In this study, the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCWs of five hospitals of Tehran, Iran with high COVID-19 patient's referrals from April to June, 2020, was assessed. In this cross-sectional study, HCWs from three public and two private hospitals, selected randomly as a pilot, were included. Participants were asked questions on their demographic characteristics, medical history, hospital role, and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE). Iran FDA-approved SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect IgG and IgM antibodies in blood samples. The seroprevalence was estimated on the basis of ELISA test results and adjusted for test performance. Among the 2,065 participants, 1,825 (88.4%) and 240 (11.6%) HCWs were recruited from public and private hospitals, respectively. A total of 340 HCWs were tested positive for SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG or IgM antibod...

Journal of Hospital Medicine, 2021

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) poses a tremendous challenge to healthcare systems ac... more BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID-19) poses a tremendous challenge to healthcare systems across the globe. Serologic testing for SARS-CoV-2 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) may quantify the rate of clinically significant exposure in an institutional setting and identify those HCWs who are at greatest risk. METHODS: We conducted a survey and SARS-CoV-2 serologic testing among a convenience sample of HCWs from 79 non-COVID and 3 dedicated COVID hospitals in District Srinagar of Kashmir, India. In addition to testing for the presence of SARS-CoV-2–specific immunoglobulin G (IgG), we collected information on demographics, occupational group, influenza-like illness (ILI) symptoms, nasopharyngeal reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing status, history of close unprotected contacts, and quarantine/travel history. RESULTS: Of 7,346 eligible HCWs, 2,915 (39.7%) participated in the study. The overall prevalence of SARS-CoV-2–specific IgG antibodies was 2.5...

The Lancet Infectious Diseases

SSRN Electronic Journal

Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, rapid case increase was observed in multiple citie... more Background: As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolded, rapid case increase was observed in multiple cities in Iran. However, in the absence of seroprevalence surveys, the true infection rate remains unknown. In this population-based study we assessed the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in eighteen cities of Iran. Methods: We randomly selected and invited study participants from the general population (N = 3,547) and occupations with high risk of COVID-19 exposure, defined as high-risk population (e.g., supermarket employees) (N = 5,391), in eighteen cities of Iran. SARS-CoV-2 ELISA kits were used to detect antibody against COVID-19. Crude, population weight adjusted, and test performance adjusted seroprevalence rates were estimated. Findings: The population weight adjusted and test performance adjusted prevalence rates of antibody seropositivity in general population were 13·1% (95% CI 11·6-14·8%) and 18·5% (95% CI 16·1-21·3%), respectively. The population-weighted seroprevalence estimate implies that 3,290,633 (95% CI 2,907185-3,709,167) individuals, from the eighteen included cities in this study, were infected by end of April 2020.The overall prevalence rate was higher among individuals aged ≥ 60 years (32·0%, 95% CI 23·9-40·8%) and with comorbidity condition (23·7%, 95% CI 18·5-28·8%). The estimated seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies varied greatly by city and the highest population test-adjusted prevalence rates were in Rasht 78·1% (95% CI 58·3-98·3%) and Qom (66·5%, 95% CI 39·9-95·4%) cities. The test-adjusted prevalence did not differ between low and high-risk populations and was about 20.0%. Interpretations: The findings of this study imply that prevalence of seropositivity is likely much higher than the reported prevalence rates based on confirmed COVID-19 cases in Iran. Despite the high seroprevalence rates in a few cities, the low overall prevalence estimates indicate that a large proportion of population is still susceptible to the virus. The similar seroprevalence estimates between low and high-risk occupations might be an indicator of inadequate or low adherence to infection control measures among general population. Funding Statement: Iranian Ministry of Health and Medical Education COVID-19 Grant (number 99-1-97-47964). Declaration of Interests: None to disclose. Ethics Approval Statement: Ethics approval for this study was granted by Vice-Chancellor in Research Affairs-Tehran University of Medical Sciences (IR. TUMS.VCR.REC.1399.308)

Clinical and experimental vaccine research, 2018

O157:H7 is one of the most important pathogens which create hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic ure... more O157:H7 is one of the most important pathogens which create hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome in human. It is one of the most prevalent causes of diarrhea leading to death of many people every year. The first diagnosed gene in the locus of enterocyte effacement pathogenicity island is gene. The product of this gene is a binding protein called intimin belonging to the group of external membrane proteins regarded as a good stimulants of the immune system. Chitosan with its lipophilic property is an environmentally friendly agent able to return to the environment. Intimin recombinant protein was expressed in pET28a vector with gene and purification was performed using Ni-NTA and finally the recombinant protein was approved through western blotting. This protein was encapsulated using chitosan nanoparticles and the size of nanoparticles was measured by Zetasizer. Intimin encapsulated was prescribed for three sessions among three groups of oral, injection, and oral-inject...

Clinical and Experimental Vaccine Research

Escherichia coli is a gram-negative cocobasilus belonging to Entrobacteriacca family. This microo... more Escherichia coli is a gram-negative cocobasilus belonging to Entrobacteriacca family. This microorganism is a natural intestinal flora of animals and humans which able to cause disease. E. coli is the most prevalent cause of urinary system infection such as pyelonephritis, cystitis and uretritis. Additionally E. coli can cause blood infection (sepsis), meningitis, and diarraha [1,2]. Sanitation principles is considered as one of the prevention procedures against infection in livestock. However, the drug resistance of pathogenic organisms against antibiotics is the main problem and cause eradicate of