Regular monitoring of SARS-CoV-2 carriage and antibody levels against the virus helped maintain social interactions for Alzheimer's disease residents in a Belgian nursing home during the pandemic
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Background: People suffering from Alzheimer's disease and related disorders (ADRD) were severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, both physically and mentally. Objective: This one-year study aimed to implement a protocol for controlling the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in a Belgian nursing home hosting exclusively patients suffering from ADRD, while minimizing pandemic-associated constraints. Methods: After confirming the absence of positive cases in the nursing home and the development of a proper immunity against SARS-CoV-2, the staff members enrolled in the study were allowed to remove their mask. Then, a weekly non-invasive saliva RT-qPCR testing for SARS-CoV-2 detection was implemented to detect cases among the staff and residents. A monthly serological monitoring was set up to follow the levels of neutralizing and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. Results: Three waves of COVID-19 infection were observed and quickly contained thanks to an effective quarantine policy. We confirmed the stronger humoral response developed by people infected before primo-vaccination compared to naïve-vaccinated ones and the weaker immune response of elderly individuals compared to younger participants, a difference abolished by booster. In parallel, we showed that ADRD people were able to develop a similar humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination or infection to that of people of similar age not suffering from these diseases. Conclusions: We show that a strict protocol aimed at early case detection and anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunity follow-up has enabled ADRD residents from a Belgian nursing home to maintain social interactions thanks to the ability of study participants to remove masks, while minimizing the risk of infection.
Authors: Amandine Tytgat, Anh Nguyet Diep, Florence Flamme, Marie-Cécile Dupas, Jean Artois, Martine Fory, Margaux Dandoy, Frédérique Damseaux, Mutien-Marie Garigliany, Daniel Desmecht, Marie-Pierre Hayette, Catherine Sabatel, Michaël Artisien, Sophie Brasseur, Yves van Laethem, Charlotte Martin, Clotilde Visée, Anne-Catherine Gérard, Anne-Françoise Donneau, Laurent Gillet, Patricia Kirkove, Fabrice Bureau, Laurence Fiévez
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4414434885