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COVID-19 Management at IHU Méditerranée Infection: A One-Year Experience
Philippe Brouqui1, Michel Drancourt1, Didier Raoult1
1Aix-Marseille University, IRD, MEPHI, IHU Méditerranée Infection, 13005 Marseille, France.
Background:
The Hospital-University Institute (IHU) Méditerranée Infection features a 27,000 square meter building hosting 700 employees and 75 hospitalized patients in the center of Marseille, France.
Method:
Previous preparedness in contagious disease management allowed the IHU to manage the COVID-19 outbreak by continuing adaptation for optimal diagnosis, care and outcome. We report here the output of this management.
Results:
From 5 March 2020, and 26 April 2021, 608,313 PCR tests were provided for 424,919 patients and 44,089 returned positive. A total of 23,390 patients with COVID-19 were followed at IHU with an overall case fatality ratio of 1.7%. Of them 20,270 were followed as outpatients with an overall CFR of 0.17%. We performed 24,807 EKG, 5759 low dose CT Scanner, and 18,344 serology. Of the 7643 nasopharyngeal samples inoculated in cell cultures 3317 (43.3%) yielded SARS-Cov-2 isolates. Finally, 7370 SARS-Cov-2 genomes were analyzed, allowing description of the first genetic variants and their implication in the epidemiologic curves. Continuous clinical care quality evaluation provided the opportunity for 155 publications allowing a better understanding of the disease and improvement of care and 132 videos posted on the IHU Facebook network, totaling 60 million views and 390,000 followers, and dealing with COVID-19, outbreaks, epistemology, and ethics in medicine.
Conclusions:
During this epidemic, IHU Méditerranée Infection played the role for which it has been created; useful clinical research to guarantee a high-quality diagnostic and care for patient and a recognized expertise.
Insights
The IHU Méditerranée Infection managed COVID-19 by conducting over 600,000 PCR tests and analyzing 7,370 genomes, improving patient care and understanding of the virus. This research enhanced diagnostic and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
- Genomics
Background:
- The IHU Méditerranée Infection, a large facility in Marseille, France, was prepared for contagious disease management.
- The institute adapted its operations to manage the COVID-19 outbreak effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the outcomes and management strategies employed by IHU Méditerranée Infection during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To detail the diagnostic, care, and research activities undertaken.
Main Methods:
- Conducted extensive SARS-CoV-2 testing, including PCR, EKGs, CT scans, and serology.
- Isolated SARS-CoV-2 from clinical samples and performed whole-genome sequencing.
- Documented clinical outcomes and patient management pathways.
Main Results:
- Over 608,000 PCR tests were performed, with 44,089 positive cases identified.
- A total of 23,390 COVID-19 patients were managed, with a 1.7% overall case fatality ratio.
- Analysis of 7,370 SARS-CoV-2 genomes identified early variants and their epidemiological impact. Extensive public outreach via social media was also conducted.
Conclusions:
- IHU Méditerranée Infection fulfilled its mission of providing high-quality diagnostics and care during the epidemic.
- The institute's research efforts contributed to a better understanding of COVID-19 and improved patient outcomes.
- Clinical research and public engagement were key to managing the public health crisis.
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