Update: All 135 test participants tested negative
Scientists at the University of Leipzig examine Saxon students and teachers for SARS-CoV-2 infections
Update: LIS has always been a very willing partner and friend of the University of Leipzig, and the latest joint action saw members of the University’s COVID-19 research team visit the school in strength to conduct tests. Our gymnasium, which just days before had resembled a wedding banqueting suite as we improvised two graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020, was transformed again, into a testing centre. 135 teachers and students from the main school campus underwent throat swab and blood tests, and a day or two later the results came back… 135 negatives for the swab test! We thank the University of Leipzig team and look forward to seeing them when they return for a follow-up visit in September.
_______
The opening of schools for all age groups on May 18 is associated in many places with uncertainty among parents, pupils and teachers. In order to address this situation and obtain as accurate a picture as possible of the current level of infection with Sars-CoV-2 and its development in Saxon schools, scientists at the University of Leipzig will start a broad study at the end of May. The scientific project is being carried out in coordination with the Saxon State Ministries of Culture and Science, Culture and Tourism and is intended to help determine the effects of infection control measures and the consequences of re-opening.
The study will be conducted by the team of the LIFE Child study of the University of Leipzig under the direction of Prof. Wieland Kiess, Director of the Hospital for Children and Adolescents at the University of Leipzig. The aim is to monitor and control the incidence of infections in pupils and teachers. For this purpose, surveys are carried out in three stages at selected schools in the regions of Dresden, Zwickau and Leipzig. We at LIS are very pleased to be part of this test.
Voluntarily participating teachers and pupils are examined, whereby the participating classes are determined randomly. The test is carried out both to determine whether a current infection is present and whether antibodies have already been formed by a previous infection. The test for an infection is carried out by means of a throat swab and for an antibody test a blood sample is required.
“Since only symptom-free children and teachers are tested here, this study not only fulfills an important function in the context of infection control at Saxon schools, but also provides additional clarity with regard to the controversy about the actual frequency of symptom-free infections, especially in children,” says Prof. Wieland Kiess, head of the study. “We hope for the highest possible participation in the selected schools, since the significance of the results increases with each additional test person,” says Prof. Wieland Kiess.
The first baseline survey will start at the end of May. This will be followed by follow-up studies at the beginning of the new school year and again in autumn this year.
