Severity and Outcome of Post-Vaccine COVID-19 among Healthcare Workers in a University Hospital in India.

Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at high risk of COVID-19 infection despite vaccination. Limited data exist on COVID-19 cases among vaccinated HCWs. This study aimed to describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes of RT PCR-confirmed COVID-19 cases in vaccinated HCWs, at a COVID clinic in a medical college hospital. This single-center, prospective cohort study included HCWs who received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and tested positive for COVID-19 within 6 months. Data on demographics, symptoms, work category, COVID-19 vaccination interval, and infection severity were collected. Of 2381 vaccinated HCWs, 105 tested positive and were categorized as mild, moderate, or severe cases. Among vaccinated HCWs, 4.41% had post-vaccine COVID-19 infections. All 105 cases received the first dose, and 79 received the second dose. Of the cases, 47.6% were partially vaccinated, and 53.3% were breakthrough cases. The mean age was 30.90±8.69 years, with 63.8% male and 36.2% female cases. Most cases (85.7%) acquired infection in the hospital, and 47.6% had direct contact with COVID-19 patients. Common symptoms included fatigue (85.7%), fever (82.9%), and cough (64.8%). Among cases, 93.3% were mild, 5.7% were moderate, and 0.9% were severe. Hospital admission and supplemental oxygen therapy were required for moderate and severe cases. No mortality was reported. Certain variables were associated with age, preventive measures, workplace type, symptoms, and comorbidities. Breakthrough infections can occur among fully vaccinated HCWs but with reduced severity and mortality. Monitoring and infection control measures remain crucial even in vaccinated individuals. This study provides insights into clinical presentations, oxygen therapy requirements, and outcomes of post-vaccine COVID-19 cases among HCWs. The data will inform strategies for booster doses to prevent COVID-19.

White rot fungus mediated removal of mercury from wastewater.

Heavy metal contamination creates numerous problems in environment and considered as big challenge for the society. Mercury (Hg) may exert several harmful effects on human heath including nervous system, digestive system, and immune system, along with damage in lungs and kidneys, which might be fatal. In this study, the removal of Hg from the wastewater by using a whiter rot fungus Phlebia floridensis was evaluated in a batch culture system for 7 days. The fungus was also evaluated for the tolerance level of Hg and the morphological changes were studied by SEM-EDX. The fungus could tolerate up to 100 µM of Hg concentration. Scanning electron microscopic images showed changes in the morphology and fine structures of the fungal hyphae. Atomic absorption spectroscopic analyses of the treated water sample revealed that the fungus could remove 70%-84% of Hg depending upon the initial concentration. The pH fluctuation was recorded from 5.8 to 6.8 during the experimental conditions at temperature 28°C ± 2°C. Thus, the study explores the use of this fungus for the application in metal containing wastewater treatment. PRACTITIONER POINTS: Hg contaminated water can be treated by using white rot fungus, Phlebia floridensis. The fungus may accumulate mercury inside as well as on the surface of fungal mycelial biomass. Change in hyphal morphology was observed in the presence of lower concentration of the metal.