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SHR Neuro Cancer Cardio Lipid Metab Microb
Willeit, P; Krause, R; Lamprecht, B; Berghold, A; Hanson, B; Stelzl, E; Stoiber, H; Zuber, J; Heinen, R; Kohler, A; Bernhard, D; Borena, W; Doppler, C; von Laer, D; Schmidt, H; Proll, J; Steinmetz, I; Wagner, M.
Prevalence of RT-qPCR-detected SARS-CoV-2 infection at schools: First results from the Austrian School-SARS-CoV-2 prospective cohort study
LANCET REG HEALTH-EU. 2021; 5: 100086
Doi: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2021.100086
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- Co-authors Med Uni Graz
- Berghold Andrea
- Krause Robert
- Steinmetz Ivo
- Stelzl Evelyn
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- Abstract:
- Background: The role of schools in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is much debated. We aimed to quantify reliably the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections at schools detected with reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-qPCR). Methods: This nationwide prospective cohort study monitors a representative sample of pupils (grade 1-8) and teachers at Austrian schools throughout the school year 2020/2021. We repeatedly test participants for SARS-CoV-2 infection using a gargling solution and RT-qPCR. We herein report on the first two rounds of examinations. We used mixed-effects logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and robust 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Findings: We analysed data on 10,734 participants from 245 schools (9465 pupils, 1269 teachers). Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection increased from 0.39% at round 1 (95% CI 028-0.55%, 28 September-22 October 2020) to 1.39% at round 2 (95% CI 1.04-1.85%, 10-16 November). Odds ratios for SARS-CoV-2 infection were 2.26 (95% CI 1.25-4.12, P = 0. 007) in regions with >500 vs <= 500 inhabitants/km(2), 1.67 (95% CI 1.42-1.97, P<0.001) per twofold higher regional 7-day community incidence, and 2.78 (95% CI 1.73-4.48, P<0.001) in pupils at schools with high/very high vs. low/moderate social deprivation. Associations of regional community incidence and social deprivation persisted in a multivariable adjusted model. Prevalence did not differ by average number of pupils per class nor between age groups, sexes, pupils vs. teachers, or primary (grade 1-4) vs. secondary schools (grade 5-8). Interpretation: This monitoring study in Austrian schools revealed SARS-CoV-2 infection in 0.39%-1.39% of participants and identified associations of regional community incidence and social deprivation with higher prevalence. (C) 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.