Modeling the Effectiveness of Healthcare Personnel Reactive Testing and Screening for the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron Variant Within Nursing Homes

Abstract The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has been hypothesized to exhibit faster clearance (time from peak viral concentration to clearance of acute infection), decreased sensitivity of antigen tests, and increased immune escape (the ability of the va...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Clinical infectious diseases 2022-10, Vol.75 (Supplement_2), p.S225-S230
Main Authors: Zipfel, Casey M, Paul, Prabasaj, Gowler, Camden D, Reddy, Sujan C, Stone, Nimalie D, Jacobs Slifka, Kara, Slayton, Rachel B
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
COVID-19 - diagnosis
Delivery of Health Care
Humans
Nursing Homes
SARS-CoV-2
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Summary:Abstract The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has been hypothesized to exhibit faster clearance (time from peak viral concentration to clearance of acute infection), decreased sensitivity of antigen tests, and increased immune escape (the ability of the variant to evade immunity conferred by past infection or vaccination) compared to prior variants. These factors necessitate reevaluation of prevention and control strategies, particularly in high-risk, congregate settings like nursing homes that have been heavily impacted by other coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) variants. We used a simple model representing individual-level viral shedding dynamics to estimate the optimal strategy for testing nursing home healthcare personnel and quantify potential reduction in transmission of COVID-19. This provides a framework for prospectively evaluating testing strategies in emerging variant scenarios when data are limited. We find that case-initiated testing prevents 38% of transmission within a facility if implemented within a day of an index case testing positive, and screening testing strategies could prevent 30% to 78% of transmission within a facility if implemented daily, depending on test sensitivity.
ISSN:1058-4838
1537-6591
DOI:10.1093/cid/ciac505