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Fursa O, Bannister W, Neesgaard B, Podlekareva D, Kowalska J, Benfield T, Gerstoft J, Reekie J, Rasmussen LD, Aho I, Guaraldi G, Staub T, Miro JM, Laporte JM, Elbirt D, Trofimova T, Sedlacek D, Matulionyte R, Oprea C, Bernasconi E, Hadžiosmanović V, Mocroft A, Peters L. SARS-CoV-2 testing, positivity, and factors associated with COVID-19 among people with HIV across Europe in the multinational EuroSIDA cohort. HIV Med 2024; 25:711-724. [PMID: 38433476 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although people with HIV might be at risk of severe outcomes from infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; coronavirus 2019 [COVID-19]), regional and temporal differences in SARS-CoV-2 testing in people with HIV across Europe have not been previously described. METHODS We described the proportions of testing, positive test results, and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 between 1 January 2020 and 31 December 2021 in the EuroSIDA cohort and the factors associated with being tested for SARS-CoV-2 and with ever testing positive. RESULTS Of 9012 participants, 2270 (25.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 24.3-26.1) had a SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction test during the study period (range: 38.3% in Northern to 14.6% in Central-Eastern Europe). People from Northern Europe, women, those aged <40 years, those with CD4 cell count <350 cells/mm3, and those with previous cardiovascular disease or malignancy were significantly more likely to have been tested, as were people with HIV in 2021 compared with those in 2020. Overall, 390 people with HIV (4.3%, 95% CI 3.9-4.8) tested positive (range: 2.6% in Northern to 7.1% in Southern Europe), and the odds of testing positive were higher in all regions than in Northern Europe and in 2021 than in 2020. In total, 64 people with HIV (0.7%, 95% CI 0.6-0.9) were hospitalized, of whom 12 died. Compared with 2020, the odds of positive testing decreased in all regions in 2021, and the associations with cardiovascular disease, malignancy, and use of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate disappeared in 2021. Among study participants, 58.9% received a COVID-19 vaccine (range: 72.0% in Southern to 14.8% in Eastern Europe). CONCLUSIONS We observed large heterogeneity in SARS-CoV-2 testing and positivity and a low proportion of hospital admissions and deaths across the regions of Europe.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Fursa
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - W Bannister
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B Neesgaard
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - D Podlekareva
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Respiratory and Infectious Diseases, Bispebjerg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Kowalska
- Department of Adults' Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - T Benfield
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital-Amager and Hvidovre, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - J Gerstoft
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - J Reekie
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - L D Rasmussen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - I Aho
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - G Guaraldi
- Modena HIV Cohort, Università degli Studi di Modena, Modena, Italy
| | - T Staub
- Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Service des Maladies Infectieuses, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - J M Miro
- Infectious Diseases Service, Hospital Clínic-IDIBAPS, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- CIBERINFEC, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - J M Laporte
- Hospital Universitario de Alava, Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - D Elbirt
- Allergy, Immunology and HIV Unit, Kaplan Medical Center, Rehovot, Israel
| | - T Trofimova
- Novgorod Centre for AIDS prevention and control, Veliky Novgorod, Russian Federation
| | - D Sedlacek
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine, Medical Faculty and Teaching Hospital Plzen, Charles University Prague, Plzen, Czech Republic
| | - R Matulionyte
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Dermatovenerology, Faculty of Medicine, Vilnius University, Vilnius, Lithuania
- Vilnius University Hospital, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - C Oprea
- Victor Babes Clinical Hospital for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bucharest, Romania
| | - E Bernasconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale Lugano, University of Geneva and University of Southern Switzerland, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - V Hadžiosmanović
- Infectious Diseases Clinic, Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - A Mocroft
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- UCL Centre for Clinical Research, Epidemiology, Modelling and Evaluation (CREME), London, UK
| | - L Peters
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and Infections, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Xia Q, Yang Y, Wang F, Huang Z, Qiu W, Mao A. Case fatality rates of COVID-19 during epidemic periods of variants of concern: A meta-analysis by continents. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 141:106950. [PMID: 38309460 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To calculate the case fatality rates (CFR) of COVID-19 during epidemic periods of different variants of concern (VOC) by continents. METHODS We systematically searched five authoritative databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and MedRxiv) for epidemiological studies on the CFR of COVID-19 published between January 1, 2020, and March 31, 2023. After identifying the epidemic trends of variants, we used a random-effects model to calculate the pooled CFRs during periods of different VOCs. This meta-analysis was conducted following the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) and registered with PROSPERO (CRD42023431572). RESULTS There were variations in the CFRs among different variants of COVID-19 (Alpha: 2.62%, Beta: 4.19%, Gamma: 3.60%, Delta: 2.01%, Omicron: 0.70%), and disparities in CFRs also existed among continents. On the whole, the CFRs of COVID-19 in Europe and Oceania were slightly lower than in other continents. There was a statistically significant association between the variant, HDI value, age distribution, coverage of full vaccination of cases, and the CFR. CONCLUSIONS The CFRs of COVID-19 varied across the epidemic periods of different VOCs, and disparities existed among continents. The CFR value reflected combined effects of various factors within a certain context. Caution should be exercised when comparing CFRs due to disparities in testing capabilities and age distribution among countries, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianhang Xia
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yujie Yang
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong China
| | - Zhongyue Huang
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wuqi Qiu
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ayan Mao
- Institute of Medical Information/Library, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China; Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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3
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Lakoh S, Bangura MM, Adekanmbi O, Barrie U, Jiba DF, Kamara MN, Sesay D, Jalloh AT, Deen GF, Russell JBW, Egesimba G, Yendewa GA, Firima E. Impact of COVID-19 on the Utilization of HIV Testing and Linkage Services in Sierra Leone: Experience from Three Public Health Facilities in Freetown. AIDS Behav 2024; 28:1235-1243. [PMID: 37642824 PMCID: PMC10940454 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-023-04149-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic adversely affected the delivery of essential health services globally. In this study, we aimed to assess the impact of the pandemic on HIV testing and linkage services at three public health facilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone. We conducted a retrospective study to assess the impact of COVID-19 on HIV testing and linkage to treatment services (HTS) at Connaught Hospital (CH-tertiary), Lumley Government Hospital (LGH-secondary) and George Brooke Community Health Center (GBC-primary) in Freetown. Statistical analyses were conducted in Stata (16.1, StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX). Intra-pandemic HTS (2020) and HTS during recovery (2021) were compared with pre-pandemic HTS (2019). Of the 8538 people tested for HIV in the three facilities, 4929 (57.5%) visited CH. Only 2249 people were tested for HIV in 2020 compared to 3825 in 2019 (difference: - 41.2%, P < 0.001). Fewer people were also tested in 2021 (difference: - 35.6% P < 0.001). The largest reductions in testing in 2020 occurred in women (- 47.7%), children under 15 (- 95.2%), married people (- 42.6%), and CH (- 46.2%). Overall, 1369 (16.0%) people were positive for HIV; CH (878, 17.9%), LGH (469, 15.6%) and GBC (22, 3.5%). The likelihood of a positive HIV test was 26% lower in 2020 than 2019 (PR 0.74; 95% CI 0.64-0.85; P < 0.001), but 16% higher in 2021 than 2019 (PR 1.16; 95% CI 1.03-1.30; P < 0.05). Of the 1369 HIV diagnosis, 526 (38.4%) were linked to care. We found significant disruptions in HIV testing and linkage services at different levels of service delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic, underscoring the need to strengthen essential health services during public health emergencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Lakoh
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Sustainable Health Systems Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Moses M Bangura
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Umu Barrie
- Infectious Disease Research Network, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Darlinda F Jiba
- Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Matilda N Kamara
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Daniel Sesay
- Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Abdulai Tejan Jalloh
- Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Gibrilla F Deen
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - James B W Russell
- College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Sierra Leone
- Government of Sierra Leone, Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Ginika Egesimba
- ICAP at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - George A Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Division of Clinical Epidemiology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.
- University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation, Abuja, Nigeria.
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4
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Pavan MF, Bok M, Betanzos San Juan R, Malito JP, Marcoppido GA, Franco DR, Militelo DA, Schammas JM, Bari SE, Stone W, López K, Porier DL, Muller JA, Auguste AJ, Yuan L, Wigdorovitz A, Parreño VG, Ibañez LI. SARS-CoV-2 Specific Nanobodies Neutralize Different Variants of Concern and Reduce Virus Load in the Brain of h-ACE2 Transgenic Mice. Viruses 2024; 16:185. [PMID: 38399961 PMCID: PMC10892724 DOI: 10.3390/v16020185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a significant need to develop antivirals and vaccines to combat the disease. In this work, we developed llama-derived nanobodies (Nbs) directed against the receptor binding domain (RBD) and other domains of the Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Most of the Nbs with neutralizing properties were directed to RBD and were able to block S-2P/ACE2 interaction. Three neutralizing Nbs recognized the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S-2P protein. Intranasal administration of Nbs induced protection ranging from 40% to 80% after challenge with the WA1/2020 strain in k18-hACE2 transgenic mice. Interestingly, protection was associated with a significant reduction in virus replication in nasal turbinates and a reduction in virus load in the brain. Employing pseudovirus neutralization assays, we identified Nbs with neutralizing capacity against the Alpha, Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants, including a Nb capable of neutralizing all variants tested. Furthermore, cocktails of different Nbs performed better than individual Nbs at neutralizing two Omicron variants (B.1.529 and BA.2). Altogether, the data suggest the potential of SARS-CoV-2 specific Nbs for intranasal treatment of COVID-19 encephalitis.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Pavan
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires ZC 1428, Argentina; (M.F.P.); (D.A.M.); (S.E.B.)
| | - Marina Bok
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina; (M.B.); (J.P.M.); (A.W.)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina;
| | - Rafael Betanzos San Juan
- Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN), Departamento de Química Biológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires ZC 1428, Argentina;
| | - Juan Pablo Malito
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina; (M.B.); (J.P.M.); (A.W.)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina;
| | - Gisela Ariana Marcoppido
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina; (G.A.M.); (D.R.F.)
| | - Diego Rafael Franco
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina; (G.A.M.); (D.R.F.)
| | - Daniela Ayelen Militelo
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires ZC 1428, Argentina; (M.F.P.); (D.A.M.); (S.E.B.)
| | - Juan Manuel Schammas
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina;
| | - Sara Elizabeth Bari
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires ZC 1428, Argentina; (M.F.P.); (D.A.M.); (S.E.B.)
| | - William Stone
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (W.S.); (K.L.); (D.L.P.); (J.A.M.); (A.J.A.)
| | - Krisangel López
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (W.S.); (K.L.); (D.L.P.); (J.A.M.); (A.J.A.)
| | - Danielle LaBrie Porier
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (W.S.); (K.L.); (D.L.P.); (J.A.M.); (A.J.A.)
| | - John Anthony Muller
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (W.S.); (K.L.); (D.L.P.); (J.A.M.); (A.J.A.)
| | - Albert Jonathan Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA; (W.S.); (K.L.); (D.L.P.); (J.A.M.); (A.J.A.)
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
| | - Lijuan Yuan
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-Borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Andrés Wigdorovitz
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina; (M.B.); (J.P.M.); (A.W.)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina;
| | - Viviana Gladys Parreño
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina; (M.B.); (J.P.M.); (A.W.)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET), Hurlingham, Buenos Aires ZC 1686, Argentina;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Lorena Itat Ibañez
- Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas, Buenos Aires ZC 1428, Argentina; (M.F.P.); (D.A.M.); (S.E.B.)
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Abdollahi A, Behzadi S. Socio-Economic and Demographic Factors Associated with the Spatial Distribution of COVID-19 in Africa. J Racial Ethn Health Disparities 2023; 10:2762-2774. [PMID: 36394796 PMCID: PMC9672623 DOI: 10.1007/s40615-022-01453-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Corona is a disease that affects the whole world. Countries with weak economies are specifically more vulnerable. A proper understanding of COVID-19 spreading, identifying the high-risk areas, and discovering factors influencing the spread of the disease are crucial to improving disease control. This study evaluates the geo-statistical distribution of COVID-19 to identify critical areas of Africa using spatial clustering pattern analysis. In addition, the spatial correlation between infected cases and variables such as the unemployment rate, gross domestic product (GDP), population, and vaccination rate is calculated using Geographically Weighted Regression (GWR) analysis. The hot-spot map showed a statistically significant cluster of high values in southern and northern Africa. Moreover, the outcome of the GWR analysis revealed the GDP and population had the most significant correlation with the spreading of COVID-19, with Local R2 values of (0.01-0.99) and (0-0.89), respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asiyeh Abdollahi
- Department of Remote Sensing and GIS, Faculty of Natural Resources and Environment, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeed Behzadi
- Surveying Engineering Department, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran, Iran
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6
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Wahid M, Jawed A, Mandal RK, Areeshi MY, El-Shall NA, Mohapatra RK, Tuli HS, Dhama K, Pellicano R, Fagoonee S, Haque S. Role of available COVID-19 vaccines in reducing deaths and perspective for next generation vaccines and therapies to counter emerging viral variants: an update. Minerva Med 2023; 114:683-697. [PMID: 37293890 DOI: 10.23736/s0026-4806.23.08509-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 disease wreaked havoc all over the world causing more than 6 million deaths out of over 519 million confirmed cases. It not only disturbed the human race health-wise but also caused huge economic losses and social disturbances. The utmost urgency to counter pandemic was to develop effective vaccines as well as treatments that could reduce the incidences of infection, hospitalization and deaths. The most known vaccines that could help in managing these parameters are Oxford-AstraZeneca (AZD1222), Pfizer-BioNTech (BNT162b2), Moderna (mRNA-1273) and Johnson & Johnson (Ad26.COV2.S). The effectiveness of AZD1222 vaccine in reducing deaths is 88% in the age group 40-59 years, touching 100% in the age group 16-44 years & 65-84 years. BNT162b2 vaccine also did well in reducing deaths due to COVID-19 (95% in the age group 40-49 years and 100% in the age group 16-44 years. Similarly, mRNA-1273 vaccine showed potential in reducing COVID-19 deaths with effectiveness ranging from 80.3 to 100% depending upon age group of the vaccinated individuals. Ad26.COV2.S vaccine was also 100% effective in reducing COVID-19 deaths. The SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants have emphasized the need of booster vaccine doses to enhance protective immunity in vaccinated individuals. Additionally, therapeutic effectiveness of Molnupiravir, Paxlovid and Evusheld are also providing resistance against the spread of COVID-19 disease as well as may be effective against emerging variants. This review highlights the progress in developing COVID-19 vaccines, their protective efficacies, advances being made to design more efficacious vaccines, and presents an overview on advancements in developing potent drugs and monoclonal antibodies for countering COVID-19 and emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2 including the most recently emerged and highly mutated Omicron variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohd Wahid
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Jazan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Arshad Jawed
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Jazan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raju K Mandal
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Jazan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Y Areeshi
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Jazan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nahed A El-Shall
- Department of Poultry and Fish Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Edfina, Egypt
| | - Ranjan K Mohapatra
- Department of Chemistry, Government College of Engineering, Keonjhar, India
| | - Hardeep S Tuli
- Department of Biotechnology, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, India
| | - Kuldeep Dhama
- Division of Pathology, ICAR-Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Izatnagar, India
| | - Rinaldo Pellicano
- Unit of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Città della Salute e della Scienza, Turin, Italy -
| | - Sharmila Fagoonee
- Institute of Biostructure and Bioimaging (CNR), Molecular Biotechnology Center, Turin, Italy
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, University of Jazan, Jazan, Saudi Arabia
- Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
- Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, University of Ajman, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
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7
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Nojiri S, Kawakami Y, Nakamoto D, Kuroki M, Nishizaki Y. Case fatality rate considering the lag time from the onset of COVID-19 infection to related death from 2020 to 2022 in Japan. IJID REGIONS 2023; 8:36-48. [PMID: 37361016 PMCID: PMC10149354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Importance On an ecological scale, the lag time between coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and related fatality has varied between epidemic waves and prefectures in Japan. The variability in lag time across areas of Japan during the seven distinct waves can help derive a more appropriate estimation of the weekly confirmed case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19. Objective To estimate the 7-day moving average CFR across area block levels in Japan from February 2020 to July 2022 using the lag time between COVID-19 infection and related fatality. Main outcomes and measures The 7-day moving average CFR of COVID-19 for area blocks in Japan considering the lag time between infection and death (total and subgroup analysis of elderly). Results Lag time was found to vary substantially among prefectures in Japan from the first wave to the seventh wave of the COVID-19 epidemic. The estimated 7-day moving average CFR based on the lag time reflects the Japanese COVID-19 pandemic and related policy interventions (e.g. vaccination of elderly people) rather than other standard CFR estimations. Conclusions and relevance The variation in estimated lag time across prefectures in Japan for different epidemic waves indicates that it is inadequate to use the clinical results of the period from the start of infection to death for evaluation of the ecological scale of the CFR. Moreover, the lag time between infection and related fatality was found to be either shorter or longer than the clinically reported period. This revealed that preliminary reports of CFR may be overestimated or underestimated, even if they consider the lag based on clinical reports.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuko Nojiri
- Clinical Translational Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Medical Technology Innovation Centre, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yuta Kawakami
- Clinical Translational Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nakamoto
- Clinical Translational Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Manabu Kuroki
- Faculty of Engineering, Yokohama National University, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Yuji Nishizaki
- Clinical Translational Science, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medical Education, Juntendo University Graduate School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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8
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Hijano DR, Ferrolino JA, Swift EG, Michaels CA, Max A, Hayden RT, Wolf J, Dallas RH, Greene WL, Richardson JL, Hakim H, Morton TH, Cross SJ. SARS-CoV-2 infection in high-risk children following tixagevimab-cilgavimab (Evusheld) pre-exposure prophylaxis: a single-center observational study. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1229655. [PMID: 37601666 PMCID: PMC10436088 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1229655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
From 8 December 2021 to 26 January 2023, tixagevimab-cilgavimab (T-C) was authorized for pre-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19. During this period, we used a multidisciplinary team to communicate, screen, approach, and administer T-C to eligible patients. Twenty-seven patients were eligible. Of these, 24 (88.9%) received at least one dose of T-C and three patients received two doses. Majority of patients were White, non-Hispanic, and women. Only two patients had COVID-19 prior to receiving T-C. Seventeen (70.8%) had received two or more doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. No serious adverse events were noted. Seven patients developed SARS-CoV-2 infection within 180 days of receiving T-C (median 102 days; range 28-135), and only one patient developed severe COVID-19 requiring intensive mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego R. Hijano
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Jose A. Ferrolino
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Elizabeth G. Swift
- Center for Advanced Practice Providers, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Carolyn A. Michaels
- Center for Advanced Practice Providers, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Anita Max
- Center for Advanced Practice Providers, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Randall T. Hayden
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Joshua Wolf
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ronald H. Dallas
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - William L. Greene
- Center for Advanced Practice Providers, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Julie L. Richardson
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Hana Hakim
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Ted H. Morton
- Department of Infectious Diseases, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
| | - Shane J. Cross
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, St. Jude Children Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, United States
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9
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Abdelaziz MO, Raftery MJ, Weihs J, Bielawski O, Edel R, Köppke J, Vladimirova D, Adler JM, Firsching T, Voß A, Gruber AD, Hummel LV, Fernandez Munoz I, Müller-Marquardt F, Willimsky G, Elleboudy NS, Trimpert J, Schönrich G. Early protective effect of a ("pan") coronavirus vaccine (PanCoVac) in Roborovski dwarf hamsters after single-low dose intranasal administration. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1166765. [PMID: 37520530 PMCID: PMC10372429 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has highlighted the danger posed by human coronaviruses. Rapid emergence of immunoevasive variants and waning antiviral immunity decrease the effect of the currently available vaccines, which aim at induction of neutralizing antibodies. In contrast, T cells are marginally affected by antigen evolution although they represent the major mediators of virus control and vaccine protection against virus-induced disease. Materials and methods We generated a multi-epitope vaccine (PanCoVac) that encodes the conserved T cell epitopes from all structural proteins of coronaviruses. PanCoVac contains elements that facilitate efficient processing and presentation of PanCoVac-encoded T cell epitopes and can be uploaded to any available vaccine platform. For proof of principle, we cloned PanCoVac into a non-integrating lentivirus vector (NILV-PanCoVac). We chose Roborovski dwarf hamsters for a first step in evaluating PanCoVac in vivo. Unlike mice, they are naturally susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Moreover, Roborovski dwarf hamsters develop COVID-19-like disease after infection with SARS-CoV-2 enabling us to look at pathology and clinical symptoms. Results Using HLA-A*0201-restricted reporter T cells and U251 cells expressing a tagged version of PanCoVac, we confirmed in vitro that PanCoVac is processed and presented by HLA-A*0201. As mucosal immunity in the respiratory tract is crucial for protection against respiratory viruses such as SARS-CoV-2, we tested the protective effect of single-low dose of NILV-PanCoVac administered via the intranasal (i.n.) route in the Roborovski dwarf hamster model of COVID-19. After infection with ancestral SARS-CoV-2, animals immunized with a single-low dose of NILV-PanCoVac i.n. did not show symptoms and had significantly decreased viral loads in the lung tissue. This protective effect was observed in the early phase (2 days post infection) after challenge and was not dependent on neutralizing antibodies. Conclusion PanCoVac, a multi-epitope vaccine covering conserved T cell epitopes from all structural proteins of coronaviruses, might protect from severe disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 variants and future pathogenic coronaviruses. The use of (HLA-) humanized animal models will allow for further efficacy studies of PanCoVac-based vaccines in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed O. Abdelaziz
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin J. Raftery
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Weihs
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Gastroenterology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Olivia Bielawski
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Richard Edel
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Köppke
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Julia M. Adler
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Theresa Firsching
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Voß
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Achim D. Gruber
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luca V. Hummel
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ivan Fernandez Munoz
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Müller-Marquardt
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gerald Willimsky
- Institute of Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nooran S. Elleboudy
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jakob Trimpert
- Institute of Virology, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Günther Schönrich
- Institute of Virology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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10
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The COVID-19 third wave in Myanmar following the military coup. F1000Res 2023; 11:1301. [PMID: 37841829 PMCID: PMC10576181 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.123450.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: COVID-19 seriously hit Myanmar between June and August 2021, a few months after the military coup, though the first and second waves in 2020 were managed effectively by the government. People in Myanmar experienced serious consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic precipitated by the disorganized health system under the military junta. This study aimed to analyse the situation of COVID-19 occurrence and death proportions during its third wave in Myanmar. Methods: An online survey was conducted using a Google form. People with the symptoms of COVID-19 and those who died from COVID-19 between June and August 2021 were eligible to participate. The Google form was extracted into an Excel datasheet and analysed using Stata v16.1. Results: Among the 29,171 participants, 76.7% were over 30 years old and 56.4% were female. A majority of participants were from highly populated regions: Yangon (17,220; 59%) (Business capital), Mandalay (3,740; 12.8%) and Sagaing (1,546; 5.3%). Participants sought health care from telegram/other online services (34%), home care by health care providers (22%), private clinics (13%) and public hospitals run under the military junta (5%). Overall, 15% of participants died, of which, 72% occurred at home and 17% at public hospitals. Significantly higher proportions of deaths were seen among participants over 60 years than other age groups and males (p<0.001). Death proportions at different weeks from June to August 2021 ranged from 12.4% to 17.3%, much higher than the military junta's reports. Overall, 25% of participants received oxygen therapy. Conclusions: Death proportions in different weeks were consistently over 12%. The majority of participants received tele/online and home treatment services. Most deaths occurred at home. Findings indicated the high COVID-19 case fatality rates with limited access to public hospital care during the third wave. The data from this study suggest that the outcomes were adversely impacted by the military coup.
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11
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Ng QX, Koh NYK, Xin X, Zainal H, Tan JT, Thumboo J, Fong KY. Experiences of environmental services workers in a tertiary hospital in Asia during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1178054. [PMID: 37342279 PMCID: PMC10277473 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1178054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on all walks of life, in particular, environmental services workers in healthcare settings had higher workload, increased stress and greater susceptibility to COVID-19 infections during the pandemic. Despite extensive literature describing the impact of the pandemic on healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses, studies on the lived experiences of environmental services workers in healthcare settings are sparse and none has been conducted in the Asian context. This qualitative study thus aimed to examine the experiences of those who worked for a year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A purposive sample of environmental services workers was recruited from a major tertiary hospital in Singapore. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in-person, lasting around 30min, and included open-ended questions pertaining to five main domains: work experiences during COVID-19, training and education needs, resource and supplies availability, communication with management and other healthcare staff, and perceived stressors and support. These domains were identified based on team discussions and literature review. The interviews were recorded and transcribed for thematic analysis, as guided by Braun and Clarke. Results A total of 12 environmental services workers were interviewed. After the first seven interviews, no new themes emerged but an additional five interviews were done to ensure data saturation. The analysis yielded three main themes and nine subthemes, including (1) practical and health concerns, (2) coping and resilience, and (3) occupational adaptations during the pandemic. Many expressed confidence in the preventive efficacy of proper PPE, infection control practice and COVID-19 vaccination in protecting them against COVID-19 and severe illness. Having prior experience with infectious disease outbreaks and previous training in infection control and prevention appeared to be useful as well for these workers. Despite the various challenges presented by the pandemic, they could still find meaning in their everyday work by positively impacting the wellbeing of patients and other healthcare workers in the hospital. Conclusion Besides uncovering the concerns shared by these workers, we identified helpful coping strategies, resilience factors and certain occupational adaptations, which have implications for future pandemic planning and readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Xiang Ng
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nicholas Ye Kai Koh
- NUS Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiaohui Xin
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | | - Julian Thumboo
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kok Yong Fong
- Singapore General Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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12
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Ng HM, Lei CL, Fu S, Li E, Leong SI, Nip CI, Choi NM, Lai KS, Tang XJ, Lei CL, Xu RH. Heterologous vaccination with inactivated vaccine and mRNA vaccine augments antibodies against both spike and nucleocapsid proteins of SARS-CoV-2: a local study in Macao. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1131985. [PMID: 37251391 PMCID: PMC10213252 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1131985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The mRNA vaccines (RVs) can reduce the severity and mortality of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). However, almost only the inactivated vaccines (IVs) but no RVs had been used in mainland China until most recently, and the relaxing of its anti-pandemic strategies in December 2022 increased concerns about new outbreaks. In comparison, many of the citizens in Macao Special Administrative Region of China received three doses of IV (3IV) or RV (3RV), or 2 doses of IV plus one booster of RV (2IV+1RV). By the end of 2022, we recruited 147 participants with various vaccinations in Macao and detected antibodies (Abs) against the spike (S) protein and nucleocapsid (N) protein of the virus as well as neutralizing antibodies (NAb) in their serum. We observed that the level of anti-S Ab or NAb was similarly high with both 3RV and 2IV+1RV but lower with 3IV. In contrast, the level of anti-N Ab was the highest with 3IV like that in convalescents, intermediate with 2IV+1RV, and the lowest with 3RV. Whereas no significant differences in the basal levels of cytokines related to T-cell activation were observed among the various vaccination groups before and after the boosters. No vaccinees reported severe adverse events. Since Macao took one of the most stringent non-pharmaceutical interventions in the world, this study possesses much higher confidence in the vaccination results than many other studies from highly infected regions. Our findings suggest that the heterologous vaccination 2IV+1RV outperforms the homologous vaccinations 3IV and 3RV as it induces not only anti-S Ab (to the level as with 3RV) but also anti-N antibodies (via the IV). It combines the advantages of both RV (to block the viral entry) and IV (to also intervene the subsequent pathological processes such as intracellular viral replication and interference with the signal transduction and hence the biological functions of host cells).
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoi Man Ng
- Laboratory Department, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Chon Lok Lei
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Siyi Fu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Enqin Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Sek In Leong
- Laboratory Department, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Chu Iong Nip
- Laboratory Department, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Nga Man Choi
- Laboratory Department, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Kai Seng Lai
- Laboratory Department, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xi Jun Tang
- Laboratory Department, Zhuhai Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Zhuhai, China
| | - Chon Leng Lei
- Laboratory Department, Kiang Wu Hospital, Macao, Macao SAR, China
| | - Ren-He Xu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macao, Macao SAR, China
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13
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Mohanty A, Rohilla R, Mehta R, Padhi BK, Sah R. XBB.1.5 an emerging threat: correspondence. Int J Surg 2023; 109:1050-1051. [PMID: 37097621 PMCID: PMC10132297 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Aroop Mohanty
- Department of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh
| | - Ranjana Rohilla
- Shir Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
| | - Rachana Mehta
- National Public Health Laboratory, Teku, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Bijaya Kumar Padhi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Ranjit Sah
- Dr. D.Y Patil Medical College, Hospital and Research Centre, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, Maharashtra, India
- Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, Institute of Medicine
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14
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Pavan MF, Bok M, Juan RBS, Malito JP, Marcoppido GA, Franco DR, Militello DA, Schammas JM, Bari S, Stone WB, López K, Porier DL, Muller J, Auguste AJ, Yuan L, Wigdorovitz A, Parreño V, Ibañez LI. Nanobodies against SARS-CoV-2 reduced virus load in the brain of challenged mice and neutralized Wuhan, Delta and Omicron Variants. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532528. [PMID: 36993215 PMCID: PMC10054972 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we developed llama-derived nanobodies (Nbs) directed to the receptor binding domain (RBD) and other domains of the Spike (S) protein of SARS-CoV-2. Nanobodies were selected after the biopanning of two VHH-libraries, one of which was generated after the immunization of a llama (lama glama) with the bovine coronavirus (BCoV) Mebus, and another with the full-length pre-fused locked S protein (S-2P) and the RBD from the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan strain (WT). Most of the neutralizing Nbs selected with either RBD or S-2P from SARS-CoV-2 were directed to RBD and were able to block S-2P/ACE2 interaction. Three Nbs recognized the N-terminal domain (NTD) of the S-2P protein as measured by competition with biliverdin, while some non-neutralizing Nbs recognize epitopes in the S2 domain. One Nb from the BCoV immune library was directed to RBD but was non-neutralizing. Intranasal administration of Nbs induced protection ranging from 40% to 80% against COVID-19 death in k18-hACE2 mice challenged with the WT strain. Interestingly, protection was not only associated with a significant reduction of virus replication in nasal turbinates and lungs, but also with a reduction of virus load in the brain. Employing pseudovirus neutralization assays, we were able to identify Nbs with neutralizing capacity against the Alpha, Beta, Delta and Omicron variants. Furthermore, cocktails of different Nbs performed better than individual Nbs to neutralize two Omicron variants (B.1.529 and BA.2). Altogether, the data suggest these Nbs can potentially be used as a cocktail for intranasal treatment to prevent or treat COVID-19 encephalitis, or modified for prophylactic administration to fight this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Florencia Pavan
- CONICET Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE)
| | - Marina Bok
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET)
| | - Rafael Betanzos San Juan
- Departamento de Química Biológica, Instituto de Química Biológica de la Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales (IQUIBICEN) CONICET, Ciudad Universitaria, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Pablo Malito
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET)
| | - Gisela Ariana Marcoppido
- Instituto de Investigación Patobiología, Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)
| | - Diego Rafael Franco
- Centro de Investigaciones en Ciencias Veterinarias y Agronómicas (CICVyA), Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)
| | - Daniela Ayelen Militello
- CONICET Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE)
| | - Juan Manuel Schammas
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET)
| | - Sara Bari
- CONICET Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE)
| | - William B Stone
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Krisangel López
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Danielle L Porier
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - John Muller
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Albert J Auguste
- Department of Entomology, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Fralin Life Science Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Lijuan Yuan
- Center for Emerging, Zoonotic, and Arthropod-borne Pathogens, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Andrés Wigdorovitz
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET)
| | - Viviana Parreño
- Incuinta, Instituto Nacional de Tecnología Agropecuaria (INTA)
- Instituto de Virología e Innovaciones Tecnológicas, Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (IVIT-CONICET)
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, USA
| | - Lorena Itatí Ibañez
- CONICET Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química Física de los Materiales, Medio Ambiente y Energía (INQUIMAE)
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15
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Tanacan A, Oluklu D, Laleli Koc B, Sinaci S, Menekse Beser D, Uyan Hendem D, Yildirim M, Sakcak B, Besimoglu B, Tugrul Ersak D, Akgun Aktas B, Gulen Yildiz E, Unlu S, Kara O, Alyamac Dizdar E, Canpolat FE, Ates İ, Moraloglu Tekin O, Sahin D. The utility of systemic immune-inflammation index and systemic immune-response index in the prediction of adverse outcomes in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019: Analysis of 2649 cases. J Obstet Gynaecol Res 2023; 49:912-919. [PMID: 36582132 DOI: 10.1111/jog.15533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
AIM To investigate the association of systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) and systemic immune-response index (SIRI) with adverse perinatal outcomes in pregnant women with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). METHODS The cases were divided into (1) the Mild-moderate COVID-19 group (n = 2437) and (2) the Severe-critical COVID-19 group (n = 212). Clinical characteristics, perinatal outcomes, SII (neutrophilXplatelet/lymphocyte), and SIRI (neutrophilXmonocyte/lymphocyte) were compared between the groups. Afterward, SII and SIRI values were compared between subgroups based on pregnancy complications, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission, and maternal mortality. A receiver operator characteristic analysis was performed for the determination of optimal cutoff values for SII and SIRI in the prediction of COVID-19 severity, pregnancy complications, NICU admission, and maternal mortality. RESULTS Both SII and SIRI were significantly higher in complicated cases (p < 0.05). Cutoff values in the prediction of severe-critical COVID-19 were 1309.8 for SII, and 2.3 for SIRI. For pregnancy complications, optimal cutoff values were 973.2 and 1.6. Cutoff values of 1045.4 and 1.8 were calculated for the prediction of NICU admission. Finally, cut-off values of 1224.2 and 2.4 were found in the prediction of maternal mortality. CONCLUSION SII and SIRI might be used in combination with other clinical findings in the prediction of poor perinatal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atakan Tanacan
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Deniz Oluklu
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bergen Laleli Koc
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Selcan Sinaci
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Menekse Beser
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Derya Uyan Hendem
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Muradiye Yildirim
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Bedri Sakcak
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Berhan Besimoglu
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Duygu Tugrul Ersak
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Betul Akgun Aktas
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Esra Gulen Yildiz
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Serpil Unlu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozgur Kara
- Perinatology Clinic, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Evrim Alyamac Dizdar
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Fuat Emre Canpolat
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - İhsan Ates
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Health Sciences, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Moraloglu Tekin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Dilek Sahin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Health Sciences, Turkish Ministry of Health, Ankara City Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
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Segalo S, Kiseljakovic E, Papic E, Joguncic A, Pasic A, Sahinagic M, Lepara O, Sporisevic L. The Role of Hemogram-derived Ratios in COVID-19 Severity Stratification in a Primary Healthcare Facility. Acta Inform Med 2023; 31:41-47. [PMID: 37038490 PMCID: PMC10082658 DOI: 10.5455/aim.2023.31.41-47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause a wide clinical spectrum, ranging from asymptomatic to severe disease with a high mortality rate. In view of the current pandemic and the increasing influx of patients into healthcare facilities, there is a need to identify simple and reliable tools for stratifying patients. Objective Study aimed to analyze whether hemogram-derived ratios (HDRs) can be used to identify patients with a risk of developing a severe clinical form and admission to hospital. Methods This cross-sectional and observational study included 500 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19. Data on clinical features and laboratory parameters were collected from medical records and 13 HDRs were calculated and analyzed. Descriptive and inferential statistics were included in the analysis. Results Of the 500 patients, 43.8% had a severe form of the disease. Lymphocytopenia, monocytopenia, higher C-reactive protein (CRP), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were found in severe patients (p < 0.05). Significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), derived NLR (dNLR), neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte-to-platelet ratio (NLPR) and CRP-to-lymphocyte ratio (CRP/Ly) values were found in severe patients (p < 0.001). In addition, they have statistically significant prognostic potential (p < 0.001). The area under the curve (AUC) for CRP/Ly, dNLR, NLPR, NLR, and NPR were 0.693, 0.619, 0.619, 0.616, and 0.603, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity were 65.7% and 65.6% for CRP/Ly, 51.6% and 70.8 for dNLR, 61.6% and 57.3% for NLPR, 40.6% and 80.4% for NLR, and 48.8% and 69.1% for NPR. Conclusion The results of the study suggest that NLR, dNLR, CRP/Ly, NPR, and NLPR can be considered as potentially useful markers for stratifying patients with a severe form of the disease. HDRs derived from routine blood tests results should be included in common laboratory practice since they are readily available, easy to calculate, and inexpensive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Segalo
- University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Health Studies, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Emina Kiseljakovic
- University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Emsel Papic
- University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Health Studies, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Anes Joguncic
- University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Health Studies, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Public Health Institute of Canton Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Aleksandra Pasic
- University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Health Studies, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Clinical Center University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mubera Sahinagic
- Public Institution Medical Center of Sarajevo Canton, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Orhan Lepara
- University of Sarajevo, Faculty of Medicine, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Lutvo Sporisevic
- Public Institution Medical Center of Sarajevo Canton, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Kakodkar P, Dokouhaki P, Wu F, Shavadia J, Nair R, Webster D, Sawyer T, Huan T, Mostafa A. The role of the HLA allelic repertoire on the clinical severity of COVID-19 in Canadians, living in the Saskatchewan province. Hum Immunol 2023; 84:163-171. [PMID: 36707385 PMCID: PMC9852320 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The HLA system has been implicated as an underlying determinant for modulating the immune response to SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we aimed to determine the association of patients' HLA genetic profiles with the disease severity of COVID-19 infection. METHODS Prospective study was conducted on COVID-19 patients (n = 40) admitted to hospitals in Saskatoon, Canada, between March and December 2020. Next-generation sequencing was performed on the patient samples to obtain high-resolution HLA typing profiles. The statistical association between HLA allelic frequency and disease severity was examined. The disease severity was categorized based on the length of hospital stay and intensive care needs or demise during the hospital stay. RESULTS HLA allelic frequencies of the high and low-severity cohorts were normalized against corresponding background allelic frequencies. In the high-severity cohort, A*02:06 (11.8-fold), B*51:01 (2.4-fold), B*15:01(3.1-fold), C*01:02 (3.3-fold), DRB1*08:02 (31.2-fold), DQ*06:09 (11-fold), and DPB1*04:02(4-fold) were significantly overrepresented (p < 0.05) making these deleterious alleles. In the low-severity cohort, A*24:02 (2.8-fold), B*35:01 (2.8-fold), DRB1*04:07 (5.3-fold), and DRB1*08:11 (22-fold) were found to be significantly overrepresented (p < 0.05) making these protective alleles. These above alleles interact with NK cell antiviral activity via the killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). The high-severity cohort had a higher predilection for HLA alleles associated with KIR subgroups; Bw4-80I (1.1-fold), and C1 (1.6-fold) which promotes NK cell inhibition, while the low-severity cohort had a higher predilection for Bw4-80T (1.6-fold), and C2 (1.6-fold) which promote NK cell activation. CONCLUSION In this study, the HLA allelic repository with the distribution of deleterious and protective alleles was found to correlate with the severity of the clinical course in COVID-19. Moreover, the interaction of specific HLA alleles with the KIR-associated subfamily modulates the NK cell-mediated surveillance of SARS-CoV-2. Both deleterious HLA alleles and inhibitory KIR appear prominently in the severe COVID-19 group focusing on the importance of NK cells in the convalescence of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pramath Kakodkar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Canada.
| | - Pouneh Dokouhaki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Canada.
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Canada.
| | - Jay Shavadia
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Revathi Nair
- College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.
| | - Destinie Webster
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Canada.
| | - Terry Sawyer
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Canada.
| | - Tao Huan
- Department of Chemistry, University of British Columbia, Canada.
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine, Canada.
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Maghsood F, Ghorbani A, Yadegari H, Golsaz-Shirazi F, Amiri MM, Shokri F. SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid: Biological functions and implication for disease diagnosis and vaccine design. Rev Med Virol 2023; 33:e2431. [PMID: 36790816 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is transmitted by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has affected millions of people all around the world, leading to more than 6.5 million deaths. The nucleocapsid (N) phosphoprotein plays important roles in modulating viral replication and transcription, virus-infected cell cycle progression, apoptosis, and regulation of host innate immunity. As an immunodominant protein, N protein induces strong humoral and cellular immune responses in COVID-19 patients, making it a key marker for studying N-specific B cell and T cell responses and the development of diagnostic serological assays and efficient vaccines. In this review, we focus on the structural and functional features and the kinetic and epitope mapping of B cell and T cell responses against SARS-CoV-2 N protein to extend our understanding on the development of sensitive and specific diagnostic immunological tests and effective vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Maghsood
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ghorbani
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Yadegari
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Forough Golsaz-Shirazi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mehdi Amiri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fazel Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Esmaeili ED, Azizi H, Sarbazi E, Khodamoradi F. The global case fatality rate due to COVID-19 in hospitalized elderly patients by sex, year, gross domestic product, and continent: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. New Microbes New Infect 2023; 51:101079. [PMID: 36618974 PMCID: PMC9811917 DOI: 10.1016/j.nmni.2022.101079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although elderly people are at a huge risk of mortality due to COVID-19, the Case Fatality Rate (CFR) in hospitalized elderly patients is poorly investigated. This meta-analysis and meta-regression aimed to generate pooled CFR due to COVID-19 in hospitalized elderly patients by sex, Gross Domestic Product (GDP), year, and continent and also to explain the potential source of the heterogeneity and variations in the pooled estimation of COVID-19 CFR. Methods We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Embase up to 31 July 2022. Eligibility assessment of records was performed independently in a blinded, standardized way by two reviewers. Meta-analysis and Meta-regression analysis were carried out to estimate pooled CFR and the potential sources of the heterogeneity. Results The study included 5683 confirmed hospitalized elderly COVID-19 patients, 1809 deaths, and 19 original articles from 10 countries. The pooled estimate of the overall CFR, and by male and female sexes were 29%, 34%, and 24%, respectively. We found CFR was decreased by increasing female sex proportion, GDP, and year of publication. Multivariate meta-regression analysis indicated that the age and sex of patients, continent, GDP, and year of the publication together explained the majority of the heterogeneity and variations in the pooled estimate of the hospitalized elderly COVID-19 CFR. Conclusions This review provided reliable pooled CFR measures for hospitalized elderly patients with COVID-19. Although COVID-19 fatality has decreased in hospitalized elderly patients over time, it is still high in hospitalized elderly patients and needs advanced treatment support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Davtalab Esmaeili
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hosein Azizi
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Corresponding author. Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Sarbazi
- Road Traffic Injury Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Farzad Khodamoradi
- Department of Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Jereb V, Rifel J. Fatigue Among Family Medicine Physicians in Slovenia. Mater Sociomed 2023; 35:94-97. [PMID: 37701345 PMCID: PMC10495136 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2023.35.94-97] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Different authors define fatigue in different ways even though it is considered a very common symptom in the primary medical care. Objective To explore level of fatigue among Slovene family physicians and factors contributing to fatigue. Methods Modified Fatigue Impact Scale was used in our research. The link to the questionnaire website was sent through the mailing list of Medical Chamber of Slovenia, the Family Medicine Union - Praktik.um, the Family Medicine Association and the Young Physicians. Results 231 physicians answered the questionnaire in full. There were 180 (77.9%) females and 51 (22.1%) males. The average age was 45.3±10.4 years and their capitation amounted to averagely 2245.8±544.2. On average they had spent 13.1±11.3 years working as specialists. Women have significant higher levels of fatigue, 57.2% have scored above the threshold of 38 points. Working in the office after working hours at least three times in a week was significantly associated with total fatigue, adding 10.07 points to the score. The years working as a specialist is not an important statistical factor in differentiating fatigue among physicians, nor is the level of patient load. Working irregular hours is also not an important statistical factor. Conclusion Slovenian family physicians are tired, as they have exceeded the limit given in the literature. Women are more tired, the most characteristic factor that contributes to fatigue is the extension of work in the clinic at least three times a week.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vida Jereb
- Osnovno Zdravstvo Gorenjske, Health Centre Radovljica, Radovljica, Slovenia
| | - Janez Rifel
- Department of Family Medicine, Medical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
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21
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Wang X, Fan L, Dai Z, Li L, Wang X. Predictive Model for National Minimal CFR during Spontaneous Initial Outbreak of Emerging Infectious Disease: Lessons from COVID-19 Pandemic in 214 Nations and Regions. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 20:594. [PMID: 36612914 PMCID: PMC9819427 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The minimal case fatality rate (CFR) is one of the essential fundaments for the establishment of a diverse national response strategy against the COVID-19 epidemic, but cannot be quantitatively predicted. The aim of the present study was to explore the applicable quantitative parameters labeling integrating responding capacity from national daily CFR curves, and whether the minimal CFR during initial emerging epidemic outbreaks can be predicted. We analyzed data from 214 nations and regions during the initial 2020 COVID-19 epidemic and found similar falling zones marked with two turning points within a fitting three-day-moving CFR curve which occurred for many nations and regions. The turning points can be quantified with parameters for the day duration (T1, T2, and ΔT) and for the three-day moving arithmetic average CFRs (CFR1, CFR2, and ΔCFR) under wave theory for 71 nations and regions after screening. Two prediction models of minimal CFR were established with multiple linear regressions (M1) and multi-order curve regressions (M2) after internal and external evaluation. Three kinds of falling zones could be classified in the other 71 nations and regions. Only the minimal CFR showed significant correlations with nine independent national indicators in 65 nations and regions with CFRs less than 7%. Model M1 showed that logarithmic population, births per 1000 people, and household size made significant positive contributions, and logarithmic GDP, percentage of population aged 65+ years, domestic general government health expenditure, physicians per 1000 people, nurses per 1000 people, and body mass index made negative contributions to the minimal CFR against COVID-19 epidemics for most nations and regions. The spontaneous minimal CFR was predicted well with model M1 for 57 nations and regions based on the nine national indicators (R2 = 0.5074), or with model M2 for 59 nations and regions based on the nine national indicators (R2 = 0.8008) at internal evaluation. The study confirmed that national spontaneous minimal CFR could be predicted with models successfully for most nations and regions against COVID-19 epidemics, which provides a critical method to predict the essential early evidence to evaluate the integrating responding capacity and establish national responding strategies reasonably for other emerging infectious diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli Wang
- Faculty of Environment and Life, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China
| | - Lin Fan
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Ziqiang Dai
- School of Atmospheric Science & Remote Sensing, Wuxi University, Wuxi 214105, China
| | - Li Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xianliang Wang
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing 100021, China
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22
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The State of Cancer Care in the United Arab Emirates in 2022. Clin Pract 2022; 12:955-985. [PMID: 36547109 PMCID: PMC9777273 DOI: 10.3390/clinpract12060101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the third-leading cause of death in the United Arab Emirates (UAE); cancer care in the UAE has evolved dramatically over the last 40 years, from a single center in Al Ain in 1981 to more than 30 cancer centers and clinics across the UAE, with at least four comprehensive cancer centers in the UAE nowadays. Despite the significant progress in medical care, cancer quality control across the UAE is still lacking, with significant variations in cancer care across the cancer centers. Access to clinical trials is still hampered by a lack of expertise and research infrastructure and a small population, which renders patient accrual for trials a major challenge. Education and training are other areas for improvement that require immediate attention, and, in this review, we try to address these critical aspects for stakeholders to consider better cancer care in the UAE. Early cancer detection and screening are still evolving in the UAE, and a national screening program is lacking. There is also a need to address barriers to screening and to consider less invasive screening methods such as approved blood-based screening, which is likely to be more acceptable to the UAE population. In this review, we also address new topics that have not been addressed previously, including oncology medical tourism, psycho-oncology, onco-fertility, precision oncology, survivorship, oncology nursing, cancer support programs, and the oncology sector's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, all in the context of the UAE cancer landscape. Finally, we provide recommendations for policymakers, regulators, payers, patient advocacy groups, and the UAE oncology community regarding the delivery and future planning of high-quality cancer care. These recommendations are aligned with the UAE government's vision to reduce cancer mortality and provide high-quality healthcare for its citizens and residents.
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Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is common in children, and clinical manifestations can vary depending on age, underlying disease, and vaccination status. Most children will have asymptomatic or mild infection, but certain baseline characteristics can increase the risk of moderate to severe disease. The following article will provide an overview of the clinical manifestations of coronavirus disease 2019 in children, including the post-infectious phenomenon called multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Currently available treatment and prophylaxis strategies will be outlined, with the caveat that new therapeutics and clinical efficacy data are constantly on the horizon.
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Al Dossary R. Antibody Dependent Enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in the Era of Rapid Vaccine Development. Med Arch 2022; 76:383-386. [PMID: 36545460 PMCID: PMC9760241 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2022.76.383-386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Antibody dependent enhancement (ADE) is a unique immunopathological phenomenon in which pre-existing immunity to a viral agent accentuate disease severity upon secondary exposure. Multiple viruses have been shown to demsotrate ADE with no clear understanding of the underlying mechansims. Recently, with the emeregence of Sever acute respiratory syndrome-2 (SARS-CoV2) and the need for rapid vaccine prodcution, ADE have emerged as an important issue that need to be assessed. Objective The aim of this study was to review ADE, proposed mechanisms and impact of ADE in the era of rapid SARS-CoV2 vaccine production. Methods Review of existing published literature on ADE and SARS-CoV2 and identify facts that support or otherwise contradict the impact of ADE on SARS-CoV2 vaccination. Results SARS-CoV2 demonstrate high genetic homology to other members of the Coronaviridae viral family and animal studies and studies on SARS-CoV, another member of the Coronaviridae have been shown to induce ADE. In addition sever SARS-CoV2 infection have been associated with high antibody titer. Yet vaccine efficacy studies and studies on breakthrough infection showed reduced severity in individual with preexisting immunity. Conclusion Although evidence exist to support ADE in SARS-CoV2, multiple studies do not support its occurrence, indicating the need for more case control studies to understand the role of high antibody titer and disease severity and compare disease severity in patient with preexisting immunity vs naïve individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Al Dossary
- Department of Microbiology, Collage of Medicine, Imam Abdulrahman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia 1
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25
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Sopjani I, Arbag E, Tokat MA, Ozozturk S. The COVID-19 Vaccine Opinions of Women Planning a Pregnancy: International Web Blogs Scanning. Med Arch 2022; 76:354-362. [PMID: 36545459 PMCID: PMC9760235 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2022.76.354-362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The unprecedented COVID-19 has infected millions of people and killed hundreds of thousands of people. A strategy to contain the spread of the disease was the development of the COVID-19 vaccine. Objective In our study, it was determined the opinions of women who are planning to become pregnant about the COVID-19 vaccine. Methods Blogs were used as the data source in the research, which was designed as a descriptive qualitative study. For this purpose, the expressions of 34 women identified between February and March 2021 were evaluated with directed qualitative content analysis. Results Psychological changes, cognitive changes, and coping methods were determined as the themes of our results. This study demonstrates the value of using qualitative methods to determine the thoughts of women planning to become pregnant regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Conclusion For women planning pregnancy, continued research into vaccine safety and efficacy is vital, and results should be carefully investigated and handed in the right channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esra Arbag
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Health Sciences, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Merlinda Alus Tokat
- Dokuz Eylul University Faculty of Nursing Obstetric and Gynecologic Nursing Department, Izmir, Turkey
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Chen JM, Li GH, Ji YF, Sun MH, Gong HY, Chen RX, Chen JW. A highly powerful non-specific strategy to reduce COVID-19 deaths. J Med Virol 2022; 94:5051-5055. [PMID: 35729074 PMCID: PMC9349517 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic caused by the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 remains risky worldwide. We elucidate here that good IDM (isolation, disinfection, and maintenance of health) is powerful to reduce COVID‐19 deaths based on the striking differences in COVID‐19 case fatality rates among various scenarios. IDM means keeping COVID‐19 cases away from each other and from other people, disinfecting their living environments, and maintaining their health through good nutrition, rest, and treatment of symptoms and pre‐existing diseases (not through specific antiviral therapy). Good IDM could reduce COVID‐19 deaths by more than 85% in 2020 and more than 99% in 2022. This is consistent with the fact that good IDM can minimize co‐infections and maintain body functions and the fact that COVID‐19 has become less pathogenic (this fact was supported with three novel data in this report). Although IDM has been frequently implemented worldwide to some degree, IDM has not been highlighted sufficiently. Good IDM is relative, nonspecific, flexible, and feasible in many countries, and can reduce deaths of some other relatively mild infectious diseases. IDM, vaccines, and antivirals aid each other to reduce COVID‐19 deaths. The IDM concept and strategy can aid people to improve their health behavior and fight against COVID‐19 and future pandemics worldwide. Multiple striking differences in COVID‐19 case fatality rate were calculated. These differences support that a strategy could reduce COVID‐19 deaths by more than 85% in 2020 and more than 99% in 2022. The strategy is based on isolation, disinfection, and health maintenance. The strategy can reduce co‐infections and maintain body functions. The strategy has been implemented frequently but insufficiently worldwide. The strategy is non‐specific and can reduce deaths of other mild infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Ming Chen
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Guo-Hui Li
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Yu-Fei Ji
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Ming-Hui Sun
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Huan-Yu Gong
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Rui-Xu Chen
- School of Life Science and Engineering, Foshan University, Foshan, China
| | - Ji-Wang Chen
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, Sleep and Allergy, Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States
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Sofic A, Cizmic M, Beslagic E, Becirevic M, Mujakovic A, Husic-Selimovic A, Granov LA. Brixia Chest X-ray Severity Scoring System is in Relation with C-reactive Protein and D-dimer Values in Patients with COVID-19. Mater Sociomed 2022; 34:95-99. [PMID: 36199845 PMCID: PMC9478522 DOI: 10.5455/msm.2022.34.95-99] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The Brixia scoring system interpreted chest X-ray changes, serves as an indicator of the extent of changes in the lung parenchyma. Objective To indicate the effect of D-dimer and C-reactive protein (CRP) on Brixia score in patients with positive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Methods The research had prospective, descriptive and analytical character, and included patients (n=104) with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis. Chest X-ray, as well as calculation of Brixia score was done on admission, in the first week of hospitalization, on discharge, and 10 days after discharge (the patient was considered a post-COVID patient. Maximum CRP and D-dimer values were taken into account, along with data about dependence of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy. Results Initial Brixia score was significantly associated with the values of CRP (r = .23, p <.05). Higher level of CRP affected the higher result on the Brixia score after the initial X-ray. High CRP and D-dimer were significantly associated with oxygen use in patients, while high D-dimer was also statistically significantly associated with comorbidity. The mean value of Brixia score (during four time points) was significantly related to the values of CRP, D-dimer, the use of mechanical ventilation and oxygen therapy, but also with the existence of comorbidities. The largest statistically significant positive correlation of Brixia scora is with the values of D-dimer (r = .45, p <.000), but also with the values of CRP (r = .36, p <.000). Conclusion Values of CRP have an impact on Brixia score. Investigation of clinical characteristics and outcomes of severe clinical presentation of COVID-19 along with CXR scoring system will contribute to early prediction, accurate diagnosis and treatment as well as to improve the prognosis of patients with severe illness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amela Sofic
- General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Midhat Cizmic
- General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Eldina Beslagic
- General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Muhidin Becirevic
- General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Aida Mujakovic
- General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Azra Husic-Selimovic
- General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Lejla Aladjuz Granov
- General Hospital "Prim. dr. Abdulah Nakas", Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
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Ripani U, Bisaccia M, Meccariello L. Dexamethasone and Nutraceutical Therapy Can Reduce the Myalgia Due to COVID-19 - a Systemic Review of the Active Substances that Can Reduce the Expression of Interlukin-6. Med Arch 2022; 76:66-71. [PMID: 35422571 PMCID: PMC8976893 DOI: 10.5455/medarh.2022.76.66-71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Myalgia reflects generalized inflammation and cytokine response and can be the onset symptom of 36% of patients with COVID-19. Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) levels in plasma and upper respiratory secretions directly correlate with the magnitude of viral replication, fever, and respiratory and systemic symptoms, including musculoskeletal clinical manifestations. Objective The aim of our work is to report literature scientific investigation clinical protocol to reduce the immunomodulation and inflammatory response nutraceutical therapy associated with dexamethasone and how can reduce the expression of Interlukina-6(IL-6) and myalgia due to COVID-19. Methods We searched in Pubmed and Cochrane the nautriceutical drugs to treat the immune modulation of organism to COVID-19. We put these keywords: immune inflammation, desease descriptions, epidemiology COVID-19; immunomodulations; IL-6; Rheumatic Symptoms; Joint; Musculoskeletal Disorders; dexamethasone; Polydatin; Zinc; Melatonin; N- Acetyl Cysteine; Colostrum; L- Glutamine; Vitamin D3. Results We found 61 papers. All the authors analyze them. After the Analyze we suggest the use of response nutraceutical therapy associated with dexamethasone can reduce the expression of Interlukina-6(IL-6) and myalgia due to COVID-19. Conclusion According the scientific literature nutraceutical therapy associated with dexamethasone can reduce the expression of Interlukina-6(IL-6) and myalgia due to COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Umberto Ripani
- Pain Therapy Center, Division of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Care, Department of Emergency, Ospedali Riuniti di Ancona, Ancona, Italy
| | - Michele Bisaccia
- Division of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, University of Perugia, S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigi Meccariello
- Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Azienda Ospedaliera Gaetano Rummo, Benevento, Italy
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