An innovative test for non-invasive Kell genotyping on circulating fetal DNA by means of the allelic discrimination of K1 and K2 antigens

Objective: The aim of this study was to present a new method for fetal Kell genotyping by means of the allelic discrimination of K1 and K2 in real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Methods: Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction incorporating an allele-specific primer was developed for detecting the K allele of KEL. Results: By means of this method, the K1/K2 genotype was able to be determined in all blood samples analyzed. Results using cell-free fetal DNA (cffDNA) from two Kell-negative pregnant women confirmed the Kell-positive genotype of fetuses. The real-time PCR analysis also allowed the determination of the fetal fraction using the quantification of Kell-positive DNA. Conclusion: An efficient and reliable strategy for Kell genotyping is herein presented. The method was optimized on cffDNA to create a non-invasive prenatal test which could be routinely used for the prevention of hemolytic disease of the fetus and the newborn (HDFN)

Tracking the progressive spread of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant in Italy, December 2021 to January 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern Omicron was first detected in Italy in November 2021.AimTo comprehensively describe Omicron spread in Italy in the 2 subsequent months and its impact on the overall SARS-CoV-2 circulation at population level.MethodsWe analyse data from four genomic surveys conducted across the country between December 2021 and January 2022. Combining genomic sequencing results with epidemiological records collated by the National Integrated Surveillance System, the Omicron reproductive number and exponential growth rate are estimated, as well as SARS-CoV-2 transmissibility.ResultsOmicron became dominant in Italy less than 1 month after its first detection, representing on 3 January 76.9-80.2% of notified SARS-CoV-2 infections, with a doubling time of 2.7-3.3 days. As of 17 January 2022, Delta variant represented < 6% of cases. During the Omicron expansion in December 2021, the estimated mean net reproduction numbers respectively rose from 1.15 to a maximum of 1.83 for symptomatic cases and from 1.14 to 1.36 for hospitalised cases, while remaining relatively stable, between 0.93 and 1.21, for cases needing intensive care. Despite a reduction in relative proportion, Delta infections increased in absolute terms throughout December contributing to an increase in hospitalisations. A significant reproduction numbers' decline was found after mid-January, with average estimates dropping below 1 between 10 and 16 January 2022.ConclusionEstimates suggest a marked growth advantage of Omicron compared with Delta variant, but lower disease severity at population level possibly due to residual immunity against severe outcomes acquired from vaccination and prior infection