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Viral agents (2nd section). Transfusion 2024; 64 Suppl 1:S19-S207. [PMID: 38394038 DOI: 10.1111/trf.17630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
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Cadmus S, Taiwo OJ, Akinseye V, Cadmus E, Famokun G, Fagbemi S, Ansumana R, Omoluabi A, Ayinmode A, Oluwayelu D, Odemuyiwa S, Tomori O. Ecological correlates and predictors of Lassa fever incidence in Ondo State, Nigeria 2017-2021: an emerging urban trend. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20855. [PMID: 38012226 PMCID: PMC10682180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47820-3] [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: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is prevalent in many West African countries, including Nigeria. Efforts to combat LF have primarily focused on rural areas where interactions between rodents and humans are common. However, recent studies indicate a shift in its occurrence from rural to urban areas. We analysed secondary data of reported LF outbreaks from 2017 to 2021 in Ondo State, Nigeria to identify the distribution pattern, ecological variations, and other determinants of disease spread from the ward level using nearest neighbour statistics and regression analysis. Data utilised include LF incidence, ecological variables involving population, nighttime light intensity, vegetation, temperature, market presence, road length, and building area coverage. ArcGIS Pro 3.0 software was employed for spatial analysis. Results revealed spatio-temporal clustering of LF incidents between 2017 and 2021, with an increasing trend followed by a decline in 2021. All wards in Owo Local Government Area were identified as LF hotspots. The ecological variables exhibited significant correlations with the number of LF cases in the wards, except for maximum temperature. Notably, these variables varied significantly between wards with confirmed LF and those without. Therefore, it is important to prioritise strategies for mitigating LF outbreaks in urban areas of Nigeria and other LF-endemic countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simeon Cadmus
- Department of Veterinary Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
- Damien Foundation Genomics and Mycobacteria Research and Training Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria.
| | | | - Victor Akinseye
- Damien Foundation Genomics and Mycobacteria Research and Training Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Augustine University, Ilara-Epe, Lagos State, Nigeria
| | - Eniola Cadmus
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Gboyega Famokun
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Stephen Fagbemi
- Department of Epidemiology and Disease Control, Ondo State Ministry of Health, Ondo State, Nigeria
| | - Rashid Ansumana
- School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | | | - Adekunle Ayinmode
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Parasitology and Entomology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Daniel Oluwayelu
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Solomon Odemuyiwa
- Centre for Control and Prevention of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
- Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, USA
| | - Oyewale Tomori
- African Centre of Excellence for Genomics of Infectious Diseases, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria
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Arruda LB, Free HB, Simons D, Ansumana R, Elton L, Haider N, Honeyborne I, Asogun D, McHugh TD, Ntoumi F, Zumla A, Kock R. Current sampling and sequencing biases of Lassa mammarenavirus limit inference from phylogeography and molecular epidemiology in Lassa fever endemic regions. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0002159. [PMID: 37939051 PMCID: PMC10631635 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is a potentially lethal viral haemorrhagic infection of humans caused by Lassa mammarenavirus (LASV). It is an important endemic zoonotic disease in West Africa with growing evidence for increasing frequency and sizes of outbreaks. Phylogeographic and molecular epidemiology methods have projected expansion of the Lassa fever endemic zone in the context of future global change. The Natal multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) is the predominant LASV reservoir, with few studies investigating the role of other animal species. To explore host sequencing biases, all LASV nucleotide sequences and associated metadata available on GenBank (n = 2,298) were retrieved. Most data originated from Nigeria (54%), Guinea (20%) and Sierra Leone (14%). Data from non-human hosts (n = 703) were limited and only 69 sequences encompassed complete genes. We found a strong positive correlation between the number of confirmed human cases and sequences at the country level (r = 0.93 (95% Confidence Interval = 0.71-0.98), p < 0.001) but no correlation exists between confirmed cases and the number of available rodent sequences (r = -0.019 (95% C.I. -0.71-0.69), p = 0.96). Spatial modelling of sequencing effort highlighted current biases in locations of available sequences, with increased sequencing effort observed in Southern Guinea and Southern Nigeria. Phylogenetic analyses showed geographic clustering of LASV lineages, suggestive of isolated events of human-to-rodent transmission and the emergence of currently circulating strains of LASV from the year 1498 in Nigeria. Overall, the current study highlights significant geographic limitations in LASV surveillance, particularly, in non-human hosts. Further investigation of the non-human reservoir of LASV, alongside expanded surveillance, are required for precise characterisation of the emergence and dispersal of LASV. Accurate surveillance of LASV circulation in non-human hosts is vital to guide early detection and initiation of public health interventions for future Lassa fever outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liã Bárbara Arruda
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hayley Beth Free
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - David Simons
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Rashid Ansumana
- School of Community Health Sciences, Njala University, Bo, Sierra Leone
| | - Linzy Elton
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Najmul Haider
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
| | - Isobella Honeyborne
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Danny Asogun
- Ekpoma and Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Ambrose Alli University, Irrua, Nigeria
| | - Timothy D. McHugh
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Fondation Congolaise Pour la Recherche Médicale (FCRM), Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Centre for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Richard Kock
- The Royal Veterinary College, University of London, Hatfield, United Kingdom
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Naeem A, Zahid S, Hafeez MH, Bibi A, Tabassum S, Akilimali A. Re-emergence of Lassa fever in Nigeria: A new challenge for public health authorities. Health Sci Rep 2023; 6:e1628. [PMID: 37885466 PMCID: PMC10598329 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1628] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Lassa virus is an RNA virus belonging to the Arenaviridae family. It is responsible for Lassa fever, an acute viral zoonosis of the severe hemorrhagic fever type with manifestations of fever, muscle pain, sore throat, nausea, vomiting, and chest and abdominal pain. Lassa fever is endemic in West Africa, where the first case was reported in 1969 in Lassa, a town in Nigeria, more than 50 years ago, and it is estimated that nearly 5000 deaths occur in West Africa each year. Nigeria is one of the endemic hotspots and has experienced numerous recurrent outbreaks of Lassa fever due to the increased multiplication of the host reservoir, Mastomys natalensis. For the Lassa epidemics in 2022 and January 2023 alone, Nigeria accounts for a quarter of the annual deaths from this disease. Poor lifestyle and hygiene, difficulty in diagnosis due to nonspecific symptomatology, lack of effective treatment based on clinical evidence, an ineffective human immunization program combined with a health system that is not adapted or equipped to control and prevent recurrent deadly epidemics, and an outdated regional disease surveillance system in West Africa are some of the challenges that must be overcome to rapidly and effectively eradicate this disease, whose area of spread is constantly expanding as a result of the movement of populations in the context of economic and socio-cultural activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aroma Naeem
- Faculty of MedicineKing Edward Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | - Shafaq Zahid
- Faculty of MedicineKing Edward Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | | | - Arifa Bibi
- Faculty of MedicineFatima Jinnah Medical UniversityLahorePakistan
| | | | - Aymar Akilimali
- Faculty of MedicineLa Sapientia Catholic UniversityGomaNorth KivuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
- Department of ResearchMedical Research Circle (MedReC)BukavuDemocratic Republic of the Congo
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Rishi E, Thomas J, Fashina T, Kim L, Yeh S. Emerging Pathogenic Viral Infections of the Eye. Annu Rev Vis Sci 2023; 9:71-89. [PMID: 37018917 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-vision-100820-010504] [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] [Indexed: 04/07/2023]
Abstract
Global health security threats and the public health impact resulting from emerging infectious diseases including the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and recent Ebola virus disease outbreaks continuously emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to preparedness, management of disease outbreaks, and health sequelae associated with emergent pathogens. A spectrum of associated ophthalmic manifestations, along with the potential persistence of emerging viral pathogens in ocular tissues, highlight the importance of an ophthalmic approach to contributing to efforts in the response to public health emergencies from disease outbreaks. This article summarizes the ophthalmic and systemic findings, epidemiology, and therapeutics for emerging viral pathogens identified by the World Health Organization as high-priority pathogens with epidemic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekta Rishi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA; , ,
| | | | - Tolulope Fashina
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA; , ,
| | - Lucas Kim
- Mercer University School of Medicine, Augusta, Georgia, USA;
| | - Steven Yeh
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, Truhlsen Eye Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA; , ,
- Global Center for Health Security, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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6
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Guterres A. Viral load: We need a new look at an old problem? J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29061. [PMID: 37638475 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29061] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The concept of viral load was introduced in the 1980s to measure the amount of viral genetic material in a person's blood, primarily for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It has since become crucial for monitoring HIV infection progression and assessing the efficacy of antiretroviral therapy. However, during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, the term "viral load" became widely popularized, not only for the scientific community but for the general population. Viral load plays a critical role in both clinical patient management and research, providing valuable insights for antiviral treatment strategies, vaccination efforts, and epidemiological control measures. As measuring viral load is so important, why don't researchers discuss the best way to do it? Is it simply acceptable to use raw Ct values? Relying solely on Ct values for viral load estimation can be problematic due to several reasons. First, Ct values can vary between different quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays, platforms, and laboratories, making it difficult to compare data across studies. Second, Ct values do not directly measure the quantity of viral particles in a sample and they can be influenced by various factors such as initial viral load, sample quality, and assay sensitivity. Moreover, variations in viral RNA extraction and reverse-transcription steps can further impact the accuracy of viral load estimation, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of Ct values in viral load assessment. Interestingly, we did not observe scientific articles addressing different strategies to quantify viral load. The absence of standardized and validated methods impedes the implementation of viral load monitoring in clinical management. The variability in cell quantities within samples and the variation in viral particle numbers within infected cells further challenge accurate viral load measurement and interpretation. To advance the field and improve patient outcomes, there is an urgent need for the development and validation of tailored, standardized methods for precise viral load quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandro Guterres
- Laboratório de Hantaviroses e Rickettsioses, Instituto Oswaldo Cruz Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
- Laboratório de Tecnologia Imunológica, Instituto de Tecnologia em Imunobiológicos, Vice-Diretoria de Desenvolvimento Tecnológico, Bio-Manguinhos, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Akash S, Baeza J, Mahmood S, Mukerjee N, Subramaniyan V, Islam MR, Gupta G, Rajakumari V, Chinni SV, Ramachawolran G, Saleh FM, Albadrani GM, Sayed AA, Abdel-Daim MM. Development of a new drug candidate for the inhibition of Lassa virus glycoprotein and nucleoprotein by modification of evodiamine as promising therapeutic agents. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1206872. [PMID: 37497547 PMCID: PMC10366616 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1206872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Lassa virus (LASV), an RNA virus prevalent in West and Central Africa, causes severe hemorrhagic fever with a high fatality rate. However, no FDA-approved treatments or vaccines exist. Two crucial proteins, LASV glycoprotein and nucleoprotein, play vital roles in pathogenesis and are potential therapeutic targets. As effective treatments for many emerging infections remain elusive, cutting-edge drug development approaches are essential, such as identifying molecular targets, screening lead molecules, and repurposing existing drugs. Bioinformatics and computational biology expedite drug discovery pipelines, using data science to identify targets, predict structures, and model interactions. These techniques also facilitate screening leads with optimal drug-like properties, reducing time, cost, and complexities associated with traditional drug development. Researchers have employed advanced computational drug design methods such as molecular docking, pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness, and molecular dynamics simulation to investigate evodiamine derivatives as potential LASV inhibitors. The results revealed remarkable binding affinities, with many outperforming standard compounds. Additionally, molecular active simulation data suggest stability when bound to target receptors. These promising findings indicate that evodiamine derivatives may offer superior pharmacokinetics and drug-likeness properties, serving as a valuable resource for professionals developing synthetic drugs to combat the Lassa virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shopnil Akash
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International, University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Javiera Baeza
- Center for Bioinformatics and Molecular Simulation, Universidad de Talca, Talca, Chile
- Millennium Nucleus of Ion Channels-Associated Diseases (MiNICAD), Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Sajjat Mahmood
- Department of Microbiology, Jagannath University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nobendu Mukerjee
- Department of Microbiology, West Bengal State University, West Bengal, Kolkata, India
- Department of Health Sciences, Novel Global Community Educational Foundation, Hebersham, NSW, Australia
| | - Vetriselvan Subramaniyan
- Pharmacology Unit, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, MONASH University, Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, Selangor, Malaysia
- Center for Transdisciplinary Research, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Md. Rezaul Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International, University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Gaurav Gupta
- School of Pharmacy, Suresh Gyan Vihar University, Jagatpura, Jaipur, India
- Uttaranchal Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Uttaranchal University, Dehradun, India
| | | | - Suresh V. Chinni
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Bioscience, and Nursing, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia
- Department of Periodontics, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | | | - Fayez M. Saleh
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ghadeer M. Albadrani
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amany A. Sayed
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M. Abdel-Daim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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8
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Sulis G, Peebles A, Basta NE. Lassa fever vaccine candidates: A scoping review of vaccine clinical trials. Trop Med Int Health 2023; 28:420-431. [PMID: 37095630 PMCID: PMC10247453 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lassa fever (LF) is caused by a viral pathogen with pandemic potential. LF vaccines have the potential to prevent significant disease in individuals at risk of infection, but no such vaccine has been licensed or authorised for use thus far. We conducted a scoping review to identify and compare registered phase 1, 2 or 3 clinical trials of LF vaccine candidates, and appraise the current trajectory of LF vaccine development. METHOD We systematically searched 24 trial registries, PubMed, relevant conference abstracts and additional grey literature sources up to 27 October 2022. After extracting key details about each vaccine candidate and each eligible trial, we qualitatively synthesised the evidence. RESULTS We found that four LF vaccine candidates (INO-4500, MV-LASV, rVSV∆G-LASV-GPC, and EBS-LASV) have entered the clinical stage of assessment. Five phase 1 trials (all focused on healthy adults) and one phase 2 trial (involving a broader age group from 18 months to 70 years) evaluating one of these vaccines have been registered to date. Here, we describe the characteristics of each vaccine candidate and trial and compare them to WHO's target product profile for Lassa vaccines. CONCLUSION Though LF vaccine development is still in early stages, current progress towards a safe and effective vaccine is encouraging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgia Sulis
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- Clinical Epidemiology Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | - Alexandra Peebles
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Nicole E. Basta
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, School of Population and Global Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
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9
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Ahmad M, Ahmed I, Satapathy P, Asumah MN, Padhi BK. Re-emergence of the Lassa virus in Africa: a global health concern. Int J Surg 2023; 109:1044-1045. [PMID: 36917103 PMCID: PMC10389568 DOI: 10.1097/js9.0000000000000248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ahmad
- Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Sakrand, Pakistan
| | - Ishtiaq Ahmed
- La Trobe Rural Health School, Albury–Wodonga, Vic., Australia
| | | | - Mubarick N. Asumah
- Ministry of Health, Nurses’ and Midwives’ Training College, Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana
| | - Bijaya K. Padhi
- Department of Community Medicine and School of Public Health, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, Punjab, India
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10
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Karnam S, Huang Y, Nguyen N, Yeh S. Ophthalmic consequences of viral hemorrhagic fevers: Insights from the clinic and laboratory. FRONTIERS IN TROPICAL DISEASES 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fitd.2023.1107786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) are a diverse group of RNA virus-mediated systemic diseases with significant morbidity and mortality and represent a significant public health concern. Given the high systemic morbidity and mortality in a number of these entities, delays in diagnosis can lead to downstream public health consequences. Many viral hemorrhagic fevers have ophthalmic manifestations and ophthalmologists thus play a key role in disease recognition and the management of ocular complications associated with specific hemorrhagic fevers. This review summarizes the key ophthalmic consequences of viral hemorrhagic fevers, viral disease pathogenesis, disease findings, and areas of unmet research need.
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Tahmo NB, Wirsiy FS, Brett-Major DM. Modeling the Lassa fever outbreak synchronously occurring with cholera and COVID-19 outbreaks in Nigeria 2021: A threat to Global Health Security. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001814. [PMID: 37192152 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Nigeria struggles with seasonal outbreaks of Lassa fever (LF), with 70 to 100% of its states affected annually. Since 2018, the seasonal dynamics have changed with a stark increase in infections, though the pattern in 2021 differed from the other years. Nigeria had three outbreaks of Lassa Fever in 2021. In that year, Nigeria also experienced substantial burdens from COVID-19 and Cholera. There is potential that these three outbreak events interacted with each other. This may have been from community disruption and so changes in how people access the health system, how the health system responds, or overlapping biological interactions, misclassification, social factors, misinformation, and pre-existing disparities and vulnerabilities. We assessed the syndemic potential of Lassa Fever, COVID-19, and Cholera through modeling their interactions across the 2021 calendar year employing a Poisson regression model. We included the number of states affected and the month of the year. We used these predictors to forecast the progression of the outbreak using a Seasonal Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average (SARIMA) model. The Poisson model prediction for the confirmed number of Lassa fever cases was significantly dependent on the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, the number of states affected, and the month of the year (p-value < 0.001), and the SARIMA model was a good fit, accounting for 48% of the change in the number of cases of Lassa fever (p-value < 0.001) with parameters ARIMA (6, 1, 3) (5, 0, 3). Lassa Fever, COVID-19, and Cholera 2021 case curves have mirrored dynamics and likely interact. Further research into common, intervenable aspects of those interactions should be performed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy B Tahmo
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
| | - Frankline Sevidzem Wirsiy
- University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States of America
- Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
- Amref Health Africa, Nairobi, Kenya
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12
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Exotic viral hepatitis: A review on epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Hepatol 2022; 77:1431-1443. [PMID: 35817222 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2022.06.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Certain "exotic" viruses are known to cause clinical diseases with potential liver involvement. These include viruses, beyond regular hepatotropic viruses (hepatitis A, -B(D), -C, -E, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus), that can be found in (sub)tropical areas and can cause "exotic viral hepatitis". Transmission routes typically involve arthropods (Crimean Congo haemorrhagic fever, dengue, Rift Valley fever, yellow fever). However, some of these viruses are transmitted by the aerosolised excreta of rodents (Hantavirus, Lassa fever), or via direct contact or contact with bodily fluids (Ebola). Although some exotic viruses are associated with high fatality rates, such as Ebola for example, the clinical presentation of most exotic viruses can range from mild flu-like symptoms, in most cases, right through to being potentially fatal. A smaller percentage of people develop severe disease with haemorrhagic fever, possibly with (fulminant) hepatitis. Liver involvement is often caused by direct tropism for hepatocytes and Kupffer cells, resulting in virus-mediated and/or immune-mediated necrosis. In all exotic hepatitis viruses, PCR is the most sensitive diagnostic method. The determination of IgM/IgG antibodies is a reasonable alternative, but cross-reactivity can be a problem in the case of flaviviruses. Licenced vaccines are available for yellow fever and Ebola, and they are currently under development for dengue. Therapy for exotic viral hepatitis is predominantly supportive. To ensure that preventive measures can be introduced to control possible outbreaks, the timely detection of these viruses is very important.
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13
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Villalaín J. Interaction of Lassa virus fusion and membrane proximal peptides with late endosomal membranes. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOMEMBRANES 2022; 1864:184031. [PMID: 35964711 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamem.2022.184031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mammarenaviruses include many significant worldwide-widespread human pathogens, among them Lassa virus (LASV), having a dramatic morbidity and mortality rate. They are a potential high-risk menace to the worldwide public health since there are no treatments and there is a high possibility of animal-to-human and human-to-human viral transmission. These viruses enter into the cells by endocytosis fusing its membrane envelope with the late endosomal membrane thanks to the glycoprotein GP2, a membrane fusion protein of class I. This protein contains different domains, among them the N-terminal fusion peptide (NFP), the internal fusion loop (IFL), the membrane proximal external region (MPER) and the transmembrane domain (TMD). All these domains are implicated in the membrane fusion process. In this work, we have used an all-atom molecular dynamics study to know the binding of these protein domains with a complex membrane mimicking the late endosome one. We show that the NFP/IFL domain is capable of spontaneously inserting into the membrane without a significant change of secondary structure, the MPER domain locates at the bilayer interface with an orientation parallel to the membrane surface and tends to interact with other MPER domains, and the TMD domain tilts inside the bilayer. Moreover, they predominantly interact with negatively charged phospholipids. Overall, these membrane-interacting domains would characterise a target that would make possible to find effective antiviral molecules against LASV in particular and Mammarenaviruses in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Villalaín
- Institute of Research, Development, and Innovation in Healthcare Biotechnology (IDiBE), Universitas "Miguel Hernández", E-03202 Elche-Alicante, Spain.
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Fang J, Pietzsch C, Witwit H, Tsaprailis G, Crynen G, Cho KF, Ting AY, Bukreyev A, Saphire EO, de la Torre JC. Proximity interactome analysis of Lassa polymerase reveals eRF3a/GSPT1 as a druggable target for host-directed antivirals. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2201208119. [PMID: 35858434 PMCID: PMC9340056 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2201208119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Completion of the Lassa virus (LASV) life cycle critically depends on the activities of the virally encoded, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase in replication and transcription of the viral RNA genome in the cytoplasm of infected cells. The contribution of cellular proteins to these processes remains unclear. Here, we applied proximity proteomics to define the interactome of LASV polymerase in cells under conditions that recreate LASV RNA synthesis. We engineered a LASV polymerase-biotin ligase (TurboID) fusion protein that retained polymerase activity and successfully biotinylated the proximal proteome, which allowed the identification of 42 high-confidence LASV polymerase interactors. We subsequently performed a small interfering RNA (siRNA) screen to identify those interactors that have functional roles in authentic LASV infection. As proof of principle, we characterized eukaryotic peptide chain release factor subunit 3a (eRF3a/GSPT1), which we found to be a proviral factor that physically associates with LASV polymerase. Targeted degradation of GSPT1 by a small-molecule drug candidate, CC-90009, resulted in strong inhibition of LASV infection in cultured cells. Our work demonstrates the feasibility of using proximity proteomics to illuminate and characterize yet-to-be-defined host-pathogen interactome, which can reveal new biology and uncover novel targets for the development of antivirals against highly pathogenic RNA viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Fang
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037
- La Jolla Institute for Immunology, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Colette Pietzsch
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550
| | - Haydar Witwit
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | - Gogce Crynen
- Bioinformatics and Statistics Core, Scripps Research, Jupiter, FL 33458
| | | | - Alice Y. Ting
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA 94158
| | - Alexander Bukreyev
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550
- Galveston National Laboratory, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77550
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15
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Postigo-Hidalgo I, Magassouba N, Soropogui B, Fichet-Calvet E, Drexler JF. Association of Hepatitis C Virus Genotype 2 Spread With Historic Slave Trade and Commerce Routes in Western Africa. Virus Evol 2022; 8:veac066. [DOI: 10.1093/ve/veac066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
The hepatitis C virus genotype 2 (HCV2) is endemic in Western and Central Africa. The HCV2 evolutionary origins remain uncertain due to the paucity of available genomes from African settings. In this study, we investigated the molecular epidemiology of HCV infections in rural Guinea, Western Africa, during 2004 and 2014. Broadly reactive nested RT-PCR-based screening of sera from 1,571 asymptomatic adults resulted in the detection of 25 (1.5%, 95% CI 0.9-2.3) positive samples, with a median viral load of 2.54E+05 IU/mL (IQR 6.72E+05). HCV-infected persons had a median age of 47 years and 62.5% were male and 37.5% female. The full polyprotein-encoding genes were retrieved by a combination of high throughput and Sanger sequencing from 17 samples showing sufficiently high viral loads. Phylogenetic analysis and sequence distances ≥13% averaged over the polyprotein genes compared to other HCV2 subtypes revealed 9 previously unknown HCV2 subtypes. The time to the most recent common ancestor of the Guinean HCV2 strains inferred in a Bayesian framework was 493 years (95% HPD 453-532). Most of the Guinean strains clustered poorly by location both on the level of sampling sites within Guinea and the level of countries in the phylogenetic reconstructions. Ancestral state reconstruction provided decisive support (Bayes factor >100) for an origin of HCV2 in Western Africa. Phylogeographic reconstructions in a Bayesian framework pointed to a radial diffusion of HCV2 from Western African regions encompassing today’s countries like Ghana, Guinea Bissau, or Burkina Faso, to Central and Northern African regions that took place from the 16th century onwards. The spread of HCV2 coincided in time and space with the main historic slave trade and commerce routes, supported by Bayesian tip-association significance testing (p = 0.01). Our study confirms the evolutionary origins of HCV2 in Western Africa and provides a potential link between historic human movements and HCV2 dispersion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ignacio Postigo-Hidalgo
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology , Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Barré Soropogui
- Laboratoire du Projet des Fièvres Hémorragiques de Guinée (PFHG) , Conakry, Guinea
| | | | - Jan Felix Drexler
- Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Virology , Berlin, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), Associated partner site Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin , Germany
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16
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Maruyama J, Reyna RA, Kishimoto-Urata M, Urata S, Manning JT, Harsell N, Cook R, Huang C, Nikolich-Zugich J, Makishima T, Paessler S. CD4 T-cell depletion prevents Lassa fever associated hearing loss in the mouse model. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010557. [PMID: 35605008 PMCID: PMC9166448 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is the causative agent of Lassa fever (LF), which presents as a lethal hemorrhagic disease in severe cases. LASV-induced hearing loss in survivors is a huge socioeconomic burden, however, the mechanism(s) leading to hearing loss is unknown. In this study, we evaluate in a mouse LF model the auditory function using auditory brainstem response (ABR) and distortion product otoacoustic emissions (DPOAE) to determine the mechanisms underlying LASV-induced hearing loss. In the process, we pioneered measures of ABR and DPOAE tests in rodents in biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) facilities. Our T cell depletion studies demonstrated that CD4 T-cells play an important role in LASV-induced hearing loss, while CD8 T-cells are critical for the pathogenicity in the acute phase of LASV infection. Results presented in this study may help to develop future countermeasures against acute disease and LASV-induced hearing loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junki Maruyama
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachel A. Reyna
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Megumi Kishimoto-Urata
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Shinji Urata
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - John T. Manning
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Nantian Harsell
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Cook
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Janko Nikolich-Zugich
- Department of Immunobiology and the University of Arizona Center on Aging, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, Arizona, United States of America
| | - Tomoko Makishima
- Department of Otolaryngology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Slobodan Paessler
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas, United States of America
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17
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Rugarabamu S, Rumisha SF, Mwanyika GO, Sindato C, Lim HY, Misinzo G, Mboera LEG. Viral haemorrhagic fevers and malaria co-infections among febrile patients seeking health care in Tanzania. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:33. [PMID: 35462550 PMCID: PMC9036688 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00959-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent years there have been reports of viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) epidemics in sub-Saharan Africa where malaria is endemic. VHF and malaria have overlapping clinical presentations making differential diagnosis a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected zoonotic VHFs and malaria co-infections among febrile patients seeking health care in Tanzania. METHODS This facility-based cross-sectional study was carried out between June and November 2018 in Buhigwe, Kalambo, Kyela, Kilindi, Kinondoni, Kondoa, Mvomero, and Ukerewe districts in Tanzania. The study involved febrile patients seeking health care from primary healthcare facilities. Blood samples were collected and tested for infections due to malaria, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), Ebola virus disease (EVD), Marburg virus disease (MVD), Rift Valley fever (RVF) and yellow fever (YF). Malaria infections were tested using rapid diagnostics tests while exposure to VHFs was determined by screening for immunoglobulin M antibodies using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. The Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions. RESULTS A total of 308 participants (mean age = 35 ± 19 years) were involved in the study. Of these, 54 (17.5%) had malaria infection and 15 (4.8%) were positive for IgM antibodies against VHFs (RVF = 8; CCHF = 2; EBV = 3; MBV = 1; YF = 1). Six (1.9%) individuals had both VHF (RVF = 2; CCHF = 1; EVD = 2; MVD = 1) and malaria infections. The highest co-infection prevalence (0.6%) was observed among individuals aged 46‒60 years (P < 0.05). District was significantly associated with co-infection (P < 0.05) with the highest prevalence recorded in Buhigwe (1.2%) followed by Kinondoni (0.9%) districts. Headache (100%) and muscle, bone, back and joint pains (83.3%) were the most significant complaints among those infected with both VHFs and malaria (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Co-infections of VHF and malaria are prevalent in Tanzania and affect more the older than the younger population. Since the overlapping symptoms in co-infected individuals may challenge accurate diagnosis, adequate laboratory diagnosis should be emphasized in the management of febrile illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sima Rugarabamu
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Susan F Rumisha
- National Institute for Medical Research, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Malaria Atlas Project, Geospatial Health and Development, Telethon Kids Institute, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Gaspary O Mwanyika
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Mbeya University of Science and Technology, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Calvin Sindato
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- National Institute for Medical Research, Tabora Research Centre, Tabora, Tanzania
| | - Hee-Young Lim
- Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, National Institute of Health, Osong, Chungchungbukdo, Republic of Korea
| | - Gerald Misinzo
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
- Department of Veterinary Microbiology, Parasitology and Biotechnology, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania
| | - Leonard E G Mboera
- SACIDS Foundation for One Health, Sokoine University of Agriculture, Morogoro, Tanzania.
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18
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Raabe V, Mehta AK, Evans JD. Lassa Virus Infection: a Summary for Clinicians. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 119:187-200. [PMID: 35395384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This summary on Lassa virus (LASV) infection and Lassa fever disease (LF) was developed from a clinical perspective to provide clinicians a condensed, accessible understanding of the current literature. The information provided highlights pathogenesis, clinical features, and diagnostics with an emphasis on therapies and vaccines that have demonstrated potential value for use in clinical or research environments. METHODS An integrative literature review was conducted on the clinical and pathological features, vaccines, and treatments for LASV infection, with a focus on recent studies and in vivo evidence from humans and/or non-human primates (NHPs), when available. RESULTS Two antiviral medications with potential benefit for the treatment of LASV infection and one for post-exposure prophylaxis were identified, although a larger number of potential candidates are currently being evaluated. Multiple vaccine platforms are in pre-clinical development for LASV prevention, but data from human clinical trials are not yet available. CONCLUSION We provide succinct summaries of medical countermeasures against LASV to give the busy clinician a rapid reference. Although there are no approved drugs or vaccines for LF, we provide condensed information from a literature review for measures that can be taken when faced with a suspected infection, including investigational treatment options and hospital engineering controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Raabe
- New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY.
| | | | - Jared D Evans
- Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Laurel, MD.
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19
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Structural and Biochemical Basis for Development of Diketo Acid Inhibitors Targeting the Cap-Snatching Endonuclease of the Ebinur Lake Virus (Order: Bunyavirales). J Virol 2022; 96:e0217321. [PMID: 35266805 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.02173-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Bunyavirales contain many important human pathogens that lack an antiviral therapy. The cap-snatching endonuclease (EN) of segmented negative-strand RNA viruses is an attractive target for broad-spectrum antivirals due to its essential role in initiating viral transcription. L-742,001, a previously reported diketo acid inhibitor against influenza virus EN, demonstrated potent EN inhibition and antiviral activity on various bunyaviruses. However, the precise inhibitory mechanism of the compound is still poorly understood. We recently characterized a highly active EN from Ebinur Lake virus (EBIV), a newly identified member of the Orthobunyavirus genus, and obtained its high-resolution structures, paving the way for structure-guided inhibitor development. Here, nine L-742,001 derivatives were designed and synthesized de novo, and their structure-activity relationship with EBIV EN was studied. In vitro biochemical data showed that the compounds inhibited the EBIV EN activity with different levels and could be divided into three categories. Five representative compounds were selected for further cell-based antiviral assay, and the results largely agreed with those of the EN assays. Furthermore, the precise binding modes of L-742,001 and its derivatives in EN were revealed by determining the high-resolution crystal structures of EN-inhibitor complexes, which suggested that the p-chlorobenzene is essential for the inhibitory activity and the flexible phenyl has the greatest exploration potential. This study provides an important basis for the structure-based design and optimization of inhibitors targeting EN of segmented negative-strand RNA viruses. IMPORTANCE The Bunyavirales contain many important human pathogens such as Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus and Lassa virus that pose serious threats to public health; however, currently there are no specific antiviral drugs against these viruses. The diketo acid inhibitor L-742,001 is a potential drug as it inactivates the cap-snatching endonuclease (EN) encoded by bunyaviruses. Here, we designed and synthesized nine L-742,001 derivatives and assessed the structure-activity relationship using EN of the newly identified Ebinur Lake virus (EBIV) as a research model. Our results revealed that the p-chlorobenzene of this broad-spectrum EN inhibitor is crucial for the inhibitory activity and the flexible phenyl "arm" has the best potential for further optimization. As cap-snatching ENs are present not only in bunyaviruses but also in influenza viruses, our data provide important guidelines for the development of novel and more potent diketo acid-based antiviral drugs against those viruses.
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20
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Stott-Marshall RJ, Foster TL. Inhibition of Arenavirus Entry and Replication by the Cell-Intrinsic Restriction Factor ZMPSTE24 Is Enhanced by IFITM Antiviral Activity. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:840885. [PMID: 35283811 PMCID: PMC8915953 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.840885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the absence of effective vaccines and treatments, annual outbreaks of severe human haemorrhagic fever caused by arenaviruses, such as Lassa virus, continue to pose a significant human health threat. Understanding the balance of cellular factors that inhibit or promote arenavirus infection may have important implications for the development of effective antiviral strategies. Here, we identified the cell-intrinsic zinc transmembrane metalloprotease, ZMPSTE24, as a restriction factor against arenaviruses. Notably, CRISPR-Cas9-mediated knockout of ZMPSTE24 in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells increased arenavirus glycoprotein-mediated viral entry in pseudoparticle assays and live virus infection models. As a barrier to viral entry and replication, ZMPSTE24 may act as a downstream effector of interferon-induced transmembrane protein (IFITM) antiviral function; though through a yet poorly understood mechanism. Overexpression of IFITM1, IFITM2, and IFITM3 proteins did not restrict the entry of pseudoparticles carrying arenavirus envelope glycoproteins and live virus infection. Furthermore, gain-of-function studies revealed that IFITMs augment the antiviral activity of ZMPSTE24 against arenaviruses, suggesting a cooperative effect of viral restriction. We show that ZMPSTE24 and IFITMs affect the kinetics of cellular endocytosis, suggesting that perturbation of membrane structure and stability is likely the mechanism of ZMPSTE24-mediated restriction and cooperative ZMPSTE24-IFITM antiviral activity. Collectively, our findings define the role of ZMPSTE24 host restriction activity in the early stages of arenavirus infection. Moreover, we provide insight into the importance of cellular membrane integrity for productive fusion of arenaviruses and highlight a novel avenue for therapeutic development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Toshana L. Foster
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, Wolfson Centre for Global Virus Research, University of Nottingham, Loughborough, United Kingdom
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21
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Olayinka AT, Elimian K, Ipadeola O, Dan-Nwafor C, Gibson J, Ochu C, Furuse Y, Iniobong A, Akano A, Enenche L, Onoja M, Uzoho C, Ugbogulu N, Makava F, Arinze C, Namara G, Muwanguzi E, Jan K, Ukponu W, Okwor T, Anueyiagu C, Saleh M, Ahumibe A, Eneh C, Ilori E, Mba N, Ihekweazu C. Analysis of sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with Lassa fever disease and mortality in Nigeria. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 2:e0000191. [PMID: 36962735 PMCID: PMC10022364 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0000191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Over past decades, there has been increasing geographical spread of Lassa fever (LF) cases across Nigeria and other countries in West Africa. This increase has been associated with significant morbidity and mortality despite increasing focus on the disease by both local and international scientists. Many of these studies on LF have been limited to few specialised centres in the country. This study was done to identify sociodemographic and clinical predictors of LF disease and related deaths across Nigeria. We analysed retrospective surveillance data on suspected LF cases collected during January-June 2018 and 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors independently associated with laboratory-confirmed LF diagnosis, and with LF-related deaths. There were confirmed 815 of 1991 suspected LF cases with complete records during this period. Of these, 724/815 confirmed cases had known clinical outcomes, of whom 100 died. LF confirmation was associated with presentation of gastrointestinal tract (aOR 3.47, 95% CI: 2.79-4.32), ear, nose and throat (aOR 2.73, 95% CI: 1.80-4.15), general systemic (aOR 2.12, 95% CI: 1.65-2.70) and chest/respiratory (aOR 1.71, 95% CI: 1.28-2.29) symptoms. Other factors were being male (aOR 1.32, 95% CI: 1.06-1.63), doing business/trading (aOR 2.16, 95% CI: 1.47-3.16) and farming (aOR 1.73, 95% CI: 1.12-2.68). Factors associated with LF mortality were a one-year increase in age (aOR 1.03, 95% CI: 1.01-1.04), bleeding (aOR 2.07, 95% CI: 1.07-4.00), and central nervous manifestations (aOR 5.02, 95% CI: 3.12-10.16). Diverse factors were associated with both LF disease and related death. A closer look at patterns of clinical variables would be helpful to support early detection and management of cases. The findings would also be useful for planning preparedness and response interventions against LF in the country and region.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Elimian
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Jack Gibson
- University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chinwe Ochu
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Yuki Furuse
- World Health Organisation, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Adejoke Akano
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Lorna Enenche
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Michael Onoja
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Nkem Ugbogulu
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Favour Makava
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | - Kamji Jan
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Winifred Ukponu
- Georgetown University Centre for Global Health Practice and Impact, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Tochi Okwor
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | | | - Muhammad Saleh
- Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Chibuzo Eneh
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Elsie Ilori
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
| | - Nwando Mba
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, FCT, Nigeria
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22
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Adeke A, Ajayi N, Azuogu B, Chika-Igwenyi N, Onwe E. The Role of Partnership in Lassa Fever Prevention and Control in a Tertiary Health Facility in Southeastern Nigeria. NIGERIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINE 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/njm.njm_32_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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23
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Thielebein A, Ighodalo Y, Taju A, Olokor T, Omiunu R, Esumeh R, Ebhodaghe P, Ekanem A, Igenegbale G, Giwa R, Renevey A, Hinzmann J, Müller J, Pallasch E, Pahlmann M, Guedj J, Nwatuzor J, Femi Babatunde O, Adomeh DI, Asogun D, Akpede N, Okogbenin S, Günther S, Oestereich L, Duraffour S, Ogbaini-Emovon E. Virus persistence after recovery from acute Lassa fever in Nigeria: a 2-year interim analysis of a prospective longitudinal cohort study. THE LANCET MICROBE 2022; 3:e32-e40. [DOI: 10.1016/s2666-5247(21)00178-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
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24
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Nnaji ND, Onyeaka H, Reuben RC, Uwishema O, Olovo CV, Anyogu A. The deuce-ace of Lassa Fever, Ebola virus disease and COVID-19 simultaneous infections and epidemics in West Africa: clinical and public health implications. Trop Med Health 2021; 49:102. [PMID: 34965891 PMCID: PMC8716304 DOI: 10.1186/s41182-021-00390-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Globally, the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented clinical and public health concerns with increasing morbidity and mortality. Unfortunately, the burden of COVID-19 in Africa has been further exacerbated by the simultaneous epidemics of Ebola virus disease (EVD) and Lassa Fever (LF) which has created a huge burden on African healthcare systems. As Africa struggles to contain the spread of the second (and third) waves of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of reported cases of LF is also increasing, and recently, new outbreaks of EVD. Before the pandemic, many of Africa's frail healthcare systems were already overburdened due to resource limitations in staffing and infrastructure, and also, multiple endemic tropical diseases. However, the shared epidemiological and pathophysiological features of COVID-19, EVD and LF as well their simultaneous occurrence in Africa may result in misdiagnosis at the onset of infection, an increased possibility of co-infection, and rapid and silent community spread of the virus(es). Other challenges include high population mobility across porous borders, risk of human-to-animal transmission and reverse zoonotic spread, and other public health concerns. This review highlights some major clinical and public health challenges toward responses to the COVID-19 pandemic amidst the deuce-ace of recurrent LF and EVD epidemics in Africa. Applying the One Health approach in infectious disease surveillance and preparedness is essential in mitigating emerging and re-emerging (co-)epidemics in Africa and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Helen Onyeaka
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT UK
| | - Rine Christopher Reuben
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv), Halle-Jena-Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Olivier Uwishema
- Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda
- Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, USA
- Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey
| | - Chinasa Valerie Olovo
- Department of Microbiology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University Zhenjiang, Zhenjiang, 212013 Jiangsu People’s Republic of China
| | - Amarachukwu Anyogu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, University of West London, London, W5 5RF UK
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25
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Nwafor CD, Ilori E, Olayinka A, Ochu C, Olorundare R, Edeh E, Okwor T, Oyebanji O, Namukose E, Ukponu W, Olugbile M, Adekanye U, Chandra N, Bolt H, Namara G, Ipadeola O, Furuse Y, Woldetsadik S, Akano A, Iniobong A, Amedu M, Anueyiagu C, Bakare L, Ahumibe A, Joseph G, Eneh C, Saleh M, Dhamari N, Okoli I, Kachalla M, Okea R, Okenyi C, Makava F, Makwe C, Ugbogulu N, Fonkeng F, Aniaku E, Agogo E, Mba N, Aruna O, Nguku P, Ihekweazu C. The One Health approach to incident management of the 2019 Lassa fever outbreak response in Nigeria. One Health 2021; 13:100346. [PMID: 34820499 PMCID: PMC8600060 DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2021.100346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Globally, effective emergency response to disease outbreaks is usually affected by weak coordination. However, coordination using an incident management system (IMS) in line with a One Health approach involving human, environment, and animal health with collaborations between government and non-governmental agencies result in improved response outcome for zoonotic diseases such as Lassa fever (LF). We provide an overview of the 2019 LF outbreak response in Nigeria using the IMS and One Health approach. The response was coordinated via ten Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) response pillars. Cardinal response activities included activation of EOC, development of an incident action plan, deployment of One Health rapid response teams to support affected states, mid-outbreak review and after-action review meetings. Between 1st January and 29th December 2019, of the 5057 people tested for LF, 833 were confirmed positive from 23 States, across 86 Local Government Areas. Of the 833 confirmed cases, 650 (78%) were from hotspot States of Edo (36%), Ondo (26%) and Ebonyi (16%). Those in the age-group 21–40 years (47%) were mostly affected, with a male to female ratio of 1:1. Twenty healthcare workers were affected. Two LF naïve states Kebbi and Zamfara, reported confirmed cases for the first time during this period. The outbreak peaked earlier in the year compared to previous years, and the emergency phase of the outbreak was declared over by epidemiological week 17 based on low national threshold composite indicators over a period of six consecutive weeks. Multisectoral and multidisciplinary strategic One Health EOC coordination at all levels facilitated the swift containment of Nigeria's large LF outbreak in 2019. It is therefore imperative to embrace One Health approach embedded within the EOC to holistically address the increasing LF incidence in Nigeria.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elsie Ilori
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Chinwe Ochu
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | - Edwin Edeh
- World Health Organisation, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Tochi Okwor
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria.,World Health Organisation, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | - Usman Adekanye
- Nigeria Ministry of Defense, Health Implementation Program, Nigeria
| | | | - Hikaru Bolt
- UK Public Health Rapid Support Team, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lawal Bakare
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria.,World Health Organisation, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Chibuzo Eneh
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | - Ihekerenma Okoli
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Mairo Kachalla
- Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Rita Okea
- Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja, Nigeria
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nwando Mba
- Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Olusola Aruna
- Public Health England, International Health Regulations (IHR) Strengthening Project, Abuja, Nigeria
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26
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Shieh WJ, Demby A, Jones T, Goldsmith CS, Rollin PE, Ksiazek TG, Peters CJ, Zaki SR. Pathology and Pathogenesis of Lassa Fever: Novel Immunohistochemical Findings in Fatal Cases and Clinico-pathologic Correlation. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 74:1821-1830. [PMID: 34463715 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lassa fever is a zoonotic, acute viral illness first identified in Nigeria in 1969. An estimate shows that the "at risk" seronegative population (in Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Nigeria) may be as high as 59 million, with an annual incidence of all illnesses of three million, and fatalities up to 67,000, demonstrating the serious impact of the disease on the region and global health. METHODS Histopathologic evaluation, immunohistochemical assay, and electron microscopic examination were performed on postmortem tissue samples from 12 confirmed Lassa fever cases. RESULTS Lassa fever virus antigens and viral particles were observed in multiple organ systems and cells, including cells in the mononuclear phagocytic system and other specialized cells where it had not been described previously. CONCLUSIONS The immunolocalization of Lassa fever virus antigens in fatal cases provides novel insightful information with clinical and pathogenetic implications. The extensive involvement of the mononuclear phagocytic system, including tissue macrophages and endothelial cells suggests participation of inflammatory mediators from this lineage with the resulting vascular dilatation and increasing permeability. Other findings indicate the pathogenesis of LF is multifactorial and additional studies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wun-Ju Shieh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Austin Demby
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Sierra Leone.,All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Tara Jones
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogen and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Cynthia S Goldsmith
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogen and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Pierre E Rollin
- All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Thomas G Ksiazek
- Department of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, Galveston National Laboratory University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas.,All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Clarence J Peters
- All the work described in this manuscript was done at CDC, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Sherif R Zaki
- Infectious Diseases Pathology Branch, Division of High Consequence Pathogen and Pathology, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
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27
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Abdel-Haq N, Asmar BI. Fever in the Returned Pediatric Traveler. Glob Pediatr Health 2021; 8:2333794X211026188. [PMID: 34423077 PMCID: PMC8375340 DOI: 10.1177/2333794x211026188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Global mobility has been steadily increasing in recent years. The assessment of the febrile child returning from international travel is a diagnostic challenge. The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected international travel and made evaluation and management of the sick returned traveler more challenging. Children visiting friends and relatives abroad remain at higher risk of infection compared to tourists. This review presents a guidance on the initial assessment of a traveling febrile child including interpretation of medical history, physical examination, and laboratory findings. Important clues to etiology include exposure to different infectious agents, incubation periods of pathogens, and prophylaxis regimens and vaccines received. Early identification of potentially life-threatening and highly contagious infections is essential. In this article, we discuss the epidemiology, evaluation, and management of specific travel related infections such as malaria, typhoid fever, dengue fever, viral hemorrhagic fever, rickettsiosis, leptospirosis, schistosomiasis, gastrointestinal, and respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahed Abdel-Haq
- Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Basim I. Asmar
- Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, USA
- Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI, USA
- Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
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28
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Hasan MM, Costa ACDS, Xenophontos E, Mohanan P, Bassey EE, Ahmad S, Essar MY. Lassa fever and COVID-19 in Africa: A double crisis on the fragile health system. J Med Virol 2021; 93:5707-5709. [PMID: 34191292 PMCID: PMC8427126 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Mehedi Hasan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Science, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, Bangladesh.,Division of Infectious Diseases, The Red-Green Research Centre, BICCB, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Eleni Xenophontos
- Department of Medicine, Medical School, University of Cyprus Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Parvathy Mohanan
- Department of General Medicine, Medical University Sofia, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Esther Edet Bassey
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria
| | - Shoaib Ahmad
- Department of Medicine and General Surgery, Punjab Medical College, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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29
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Al-Halhouli A, Albagdady A, Alawadi J, Abeeleh MA. Monitoring Symptoms of Infectious Diseases: Perspectives for Printed Wearable Sensors. MICROMACHINES 2021; 12:620. [PMID: 34072174 PMCID: PMC8229808 DOI: 10.3390/mi12060620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Infectious diseases possess a serious threat to the world's population, economies, and healthcare systems. In this review, we cover the infectious diseases that are most likely to cause a pandemic according to the WHO (World Health Organization). The list includes COVID-19, Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF), Ebola Virus Disease (EBOV), Marburg Virus Disease (MARV), Lassa Hemorrhagic Fever (LHF), Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Nipah Virus diseases (NiV), and Rift Valley fever (RVF). This review also investigates research trends in infectious diseases by analyzing published research history on each disease from 2000-2020 in PubMed. A comprehensive review of sensor printing methods including flexographic printing, gravure printing, inkjet printing, and screen printing is conducted to provide guidelines for the best method depending on the printing scale, resolution, design modification ability, and other requirements. Printed sensors for respiratory rate, heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, and blood pressure are reviewed for the possibility of being used for disease symptom monitoring. Printed wearable sensors are of great potential for continuous monitoring of vital signs in patients and the quarantined as tools for epidemiological screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ala’aldeen Al-Halhouli
- NanoLab/Mechatronics Engineering Department, School of Applied Technical Sciences, German Jordanian University (GJU), Amman 11180, Jordan; (A.A.); (J.A.)
- Institute of Microtechnology, Technische Universität Braunschweig, 38124 Braunschweig, Germany
- Faculty of Engineering, Middle East University, Amman 11831, Jordan
| | - Ahmed Albagdady
- NanoLab/Mechatronics Engineering Department, School of Applied Technical Sciences, German Jordanian University (GJU), Amman 11180, Jordan; (A.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Ja’far Alawadi
- NanoLab/Mechatronics Engineering Department, School of Applied Technical Sciences, German Jordanian University (GJU), Amman 11180, Jordan; (A.A.); (J.A.)
| | - Mahmoud Abu Abeeleh
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan;
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30
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Popova OD, Zubkova OV, Ozharovskaia TA, Zrelkin DI, Voronina DV, Dolzhikova IV, Shcheblyakov DV, Naroditsky BS, Logunov DY, Gintsburg AL. [Review of candidate vaccines for the prevention of Lassa fever]. Vopr Virusol 2021; 66:91-102. [PMID: 33993679 DOI: 10.36233/0507-4088-33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
The Lassa virus one of the main etiological agent of hemorrhagic fevers in the world: according to WHO estimates, it affects 100,000 to 300,000 people annually, which results in up to 10,000 deaths [1]. Although expansion of Lassa fever caused by this pathogen is mostly limited to the West African countries: Sierra Leone, Liberia, Guinea and Nigeria, imported cases have been historically documented in Europe, the United States of America (USA), Canada, Japan, and Israel [2]. In 2017, WHO included the Lassa virus in the list of priority pathogens in need of accelerated research, development of vaccines, therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools regarding infections they cause [3]. This review describes main technological platforms used for the development of vaccines for the prevention of Lassa fever.
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Affiliation(s)
- O D Popova
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - O V Zubkova
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - T A Ozharovskaia
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - D I Zrelkin
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - D V Voronina
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - I V Dolzhikova
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - D V Shcheblyakov
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - B S Naroditsky
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - D Yu Logunov
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - A L Gintsburg
- FSBI «National Research Centre for Epidemiology and Microbiology named after Honorary Academician N.F. Gamaleya» of the Ministry of Health of Russia
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Abstract
Lassa fever (LF) is on the top-priority infections list of both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and World Health Organization (WHO). This review explores the different treatment approaches found in the literature within the last 20 years. Even though ribavirin stands out among medication options, only one clinical trial was done to assess its efficacy in humans, which necessitated that we look in-depth about the latest updates in managing LF infection. For that matter, we used a Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) search on PubMed. Inclusion criteria included papers written in the English language and human subjects. Intravenous (IV) ribavirin is the most effective treatment for an acute infection. Post-exposure prophylaxis with oral ribavirin is recommended. There is not sufficient evidence to recommended convalescent plasma for the treatment of Lassa fever. LF continues to be left in the shade from global and scientific attention despite experts expecting a rise in current and future infections due to the Lassa fever virus (LFV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar Alli
- Medicine, Tishreen University Faculty of Medicine, Lattakia, SYR.,Internal Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, ESP
| | - Juan Fernando Ortiz
- Neurology, Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, ECU.,Neurology, Larkin Community Hospital, Miami, USA
| | - Stephanie P Fabara
- Internal Medicine, Universidad Católica de Santiago de Guayaquil, Guayaquil, ECU
| | - Amrapali Patel
- Public Health, George Washington University, Washington , USA
| | - Taras Halan
- General Medicine, Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, UKR
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32
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Elton L, Haider N, Kock R, Thomason MJ, Tembo J, Arruda LB, Ntoumi F, Zumla A, McHugh TD. Zoonotic disease preparedness in sub-Saharan African countries. ONE HEALTH OUTLOOK 2021; 3:5. [PMID: 33778376 PMCID: PMC7982296 DOI: 10.1186/s42522-021-00037-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of high consequence pathogens such as Ebola and SARS-CoV-2, along with the continued burden of neglected diseases such as rabies, has highlighted the need for preparedness for emerging and endemic infectious diseases of zoonotic origin in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) using a One Health approach. To identify trends in SSA preparedness, the World Health Organization (WHO) Joint External Evaluation (JEE) reports were analysed. JEEs are voluntary, collaborative processes to assess country's capacities to prevent, detect and rapidly respond to public health risks. This report aimed to analyse the JEE zoonotic disease preparedness data as a whole and identify strengths and weaknesses. METHODS JEE zoonotic disease preparedness scores for 44 SSA countries who had completed JEEs were analysed. An overall zoonotic disease preparedness score was calculated as an average of the sum of all the SSA country zoonotic disease preparedness scores and compared to the overall mean JEE score. Zoonotic disease preparedness indicators were analysed and data were collated into regions to identify key areas of strength. RESULTS The mean 'Zoonotic disease' preparedness score (2.35, range 1.00-4.00) was 7% higher compared to the mean overall JEE preparedness score (2.19, range 1.55-3.30), putting 'Zoonotic Diseases' 5th out of 19 JEE sub-areas for preparedness. The average scores for each 'Zoonotic Disease' category were 2.45 for 'Surveillance Systems', 2.76 for 'Veterinary Workforce' and 1.84 for 'Response Mechanisms'. The Southern African region scored highest across the 'Zoonotic disease' categories (2.87).A multisectoral priority zoonotic pathogens list is in place for 43% of SSA countries and 70% reported undertaking national surveillance on 1-5 zoonotic diseases. 70% of SSA countries reported having public health training courses in place for veterinarians and 30% had veterinarians in all districts (reported as sufficient staffing). A multisectoral action plan for zoonotic outbreaks was in place for 14% countries and 32% reported having an established inter-agency response team for zoonotic outbreaks. The zoonotic diseases that appeared most in reported country priority lists were rabies and Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) (both 89%), anthrax (83%), and brucellosis (78%). CONCLUSIONS With 'Zoonotic Diseases' ranking 5th in the JEE sub-areas and a mean SSA score 7% greater than the overall mean JEE score, zoonotic disease preparedness appears to have the attention of most SSA countries. However, the considerable range suggests that some countries have more measures in place than others, which may perhaps reflect the geography and types of pathogens that commonly occur. The category 'Response Mechanisms' had the lowest mean score across SSA, suggesting that implementing a multisectoral action plan and response team could provide the greatest gains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzy Elton
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | - Margaret J. Thomason
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Liã Bárbara Arruda
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francine Ntoumi
- Institute for Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
- Congolese Foundation for Medical Research, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre, University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Timothy D. McHugh
- Centre for Clinical Microbiology, Division of Infection & Immunity, University College London, London, UK
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33
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Wang M, Li R, Li Y, Yu C, Chi X, Wu S, Liu S, Xu J, Chen W. Construction and Immunological Evaluation of an Adenoviral Vector-Based Vaccine Candidate for Lassa Fever. Viruses 2021; 13:v13030484. [PMID: 33804206 PMCID: PMC8001012 DOI: 10.3390/v13030484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lassa virus (LASV) is a rodent-borne arenavirus circulating in West African regions that causes Lassa fever (LF). LF is normally asymptomatic at the initial infection stage, but can progress to severe disease with multiorgan collapse and hemorrhagic fever. To date, the therapeutic choices are limited, and there is no approved vaccine for avoiding LASV infection. Adenoviral vector-based vaccines represent an effective countermeasure against LASV because of their safety and adequate immunogenicity, as demonstrated in use against other emerging viral infections. Here, we constructed and characterized a novel Ad5 (E1-, E3-) vectored vaccine containing the glycoprotein precursor (GPC) of LASV. Ad5-GPCLASV elicited both humoral and cellular immune responses in BALB/c mice. Moreover, a bioluminescent imaging-based BALB/c mouse model infected with GPC-bearing and luciferase-expressing replication-incompetent LASV pseudovirus was utilized to evaluate the vaccine efficacy. The bioluminescence intensity of immunized mice was significantly lower than that of control mice after being inoculated with LASV pseudovirus. This study suggests that Ad5-GPCLASV represents a potential vaccine candidate against LF.
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34
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Wu Y, Liu MY, Wang JL, Zhang HY, Sun Y, Yuan Y, Zhou SX, Wang YX, Wang ZB, Zhu YX, Han Y, Liu MM, Li WM, Wang LP, Guo XH, Fang LQ, Liu W. Epidemiology of imported infectious diseases, China, 2014-18. J Travel Med 2020; 27:6018450. [PMID: 33283238 PMCID: PMC7757385 DOI: 10.1093/jtm/taaa211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The frequent movement of population between countries brings an increasing number of travel-related infections. This study aims to define the spectrum and dynamics of imported infections observed from international travel in the Chinese mainland. METHODS Sick travellers were screened by inbound sentinel surveillance and post-travel clinic visits from 2014 to 18. The infections were classified as respiratory, gastrointestinal, vector-borne, blood/sexually transmitted and mucocutaneous. The analysed variables included the place of origin of the travellers (Chinese or foreign) and the time when travel-related infection was present (at the time of return, during travel and post-travel visits to the clinic). RESULTS In total, 58 677 cases were identified amongst 1 409 265 253 travellers, with an incidence of 41.64/million, comprising during-travel incidence of 27.44/million and a post-travel incidence of 14.20/million. Respiratory infections constituted the highest proportion of illnesses during travel (81.19%, 31 393 of 38 667), which mainly came from Asian countries and tourists; with influenza virus and rhinovirus infections being mainly diagnosed. Vector-borne diseases constituted the highest proportion of post-travel illnesses (98.14%, 19 638 of 20 010), which were mainly diagnosed from African countries and labourers; with malaria and dengue fever being mainly diagnosed. The differential infection spectrum varied in terms of the traveller's demography, travel destination and travel purpose. As such, a higher proportion of foreign travellers had blood/sexually transmitted diseases (89.85%, 2832 of 3152), while Chinese citizens had a higher prevalence of vector-borne diseases (85.98%, 19 247 of 22 387) and gastrointestinal diseases (79.36%, 1115 of 1405). The highest incidence rate was observed amongst travellers arriving from Africa, while the lowest was observed amongst travellers arriving from Europe. CONCLUSIONS The findings might help in preparing recommendations for travellers and also aid in primary care or other clinics that prepare travellers before trips abroad. The findings will also help to identify locations and the associated types of infections that might require attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wu
- Department of Cardiovascular, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Yang Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jin-Long Wang
- Division of Science and Technology, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Yang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yu Sun
- Tsinghua University Press, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yang Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Shi-Xia Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Xing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhi-Bo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Xuan Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Yong Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Meng-Meng Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Ming Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Li-Ping Wang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiu-Hua Guo
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China.,Beijing Municipal Key Laboratory of Clinical Epidemiology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Beijing, P.R. China.,Department of Laboratorial Science and Technology, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
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35
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Huchting J. Targeting viral genome synthesis as broad-spectrum approach against RNA virus infections. Antivir Chem Chemother 2020; 28:2040206620976786. [PMID: 33297724 PMCID: PMC7734526 DOI: 10.1177/2040206620976786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Zoonotic spillover, i.e. pathogen transmission from animal to human, has repeatedly introduced RNA viruses into the human population. In some cases, where these viruses were then efficiently transmitted between humans, they caused large disease outbreaks such as the 1918 flu pandemic or, more recently, outbreaks of Ebola and Coronavirus disease. These examples demonstrate that RNA viruses pose an immense burden on individual and public health with outbreaks threatening the economy and social cohesion within and across borders. And while emerging RNA viruses are introduced more frequently as human activities increasingly disrupt wild-life eco-systems, therapeutic or preventative medicines satisfying the “one drug-multiple bugs”-aim are unavailable. As one central aspect of preparedness efforts, this review digs into the development of broadly acting antivirals via targeting viral genome synthesis with host- or virus-directed drugs centering around nucleotides, the genomes’ universal building blocks. Following the first strategy, selected examples of host de novo nucleotide synthesis inhibitors are presented that ultimately interfere with viral nucleic acid synthesis, with ribavirin being the most prominent and widely used example. For directly targeting the viral polymerase, nucleoside and nucleotide analogues (NNAs) have long been at the core of antiviral drug development and this review illustrates different molecular strategies by which NNAs inhibit viral infection. Highlighting well-known as well as recent, clinically promising compounds, structural features and mechanistic details that may confer broad-spectrum activity are discussed. The final part addresses limitations of NNAs for clinical development such as low efficacy or mitochondrial toxicity and illustrates strategies to overcome these.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanna Huchting
- Chemistry Department, Institute for Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics, Computer Science and Natural Sciences, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Li AL, Grant D, Gbakie M, Kanneh L, Mustafa I, Bond N, Engel E, Schieffelin J, Vandy MJ, Yeh S, Shantha JG. Ophthalmic manifestations and vision impairment in Lassa fever survivors. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243766. [PMID: 33301526 PMCID: PMC7728206 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/25/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to describe the ocular findings, structural ocular complications, and vision impairment in a cohort of Lassa fever survivors in Kenema, Sierra Leone. A retrospective, uncontrolled, cross-sectional study of 31 Lassa fever survivors (62 eyes) who underwent an ophthalmic evaluation in January 2018 at the Kenema Government Hospital in Kenema, Sierra Leone was performed. Data collection included demographic information, ocular/systemic symptoms, visual acuity (VA), and ophthalmic examination findings. Main outcome measures included anterior and posterior segment ophthalmic manifestations and level of VA impairment in Lassa fever survivors. Anterior segment findings included cataract (18%) and pterygium (2%), while posterior segment manifestations consisted of glaucoma (6%), preretinal hemorrhage (2%), and lattice degeneration (2%). Findings suggestive of prior sequelae of uveitis included chorioretinal scarring (5%), retinal fibrosis (3%), and vitreous opacity (2%). Visual acuity was normal/mildly impaired in 53 eyes (85%), moderately impaired in 6 eyes (10%), and 3 eyes (5%) were considered blind by the World Health Organization (WHO) criteria. Median VA was worse in Lassa fever survivors with ophthalmic disease findings (p<0.0001) for both anterior segment (p<0.0001) and posterior segment disease (p<0.013). Untreated cataract was a significant cause of visual acuity impairment (p<0.0001). Lassa fever survivors in this cohort were found to have cataract and posterior segment findings that potentially represent sequelae of uveitis associated with visual impairment. Future studies are warranted to improve our understanding of the spectrum of ocular disease in this emerging infectious disease of public health consequence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa L. Li
- Section of Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Donald Grant
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Michael Gbakie
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Lansana Kanneh
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Ibrahim Mustafa
- Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Program, Kenema Government Hospital, Kenema, Sierra Leone
| | - Nell Bond
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Emily Engel
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - John Schieffelin
- Department of Pediatrics, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Vandy
- Ministry of Health and Sanitation, National Eye Program, Freetown, Sierra Leone
| | - Steven Yeh
- Section of Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JGS); (SY)
| | - Jessica G. Shantha
- Section of Vitreoretinal Disease and Surgery, Department of Ophthalmology, Emory Eye Center, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- * E-mail: (JGS); (SY)
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Fernandez-Montero JV, Soriano V, Barreiro P, de Mendoza C, Artacho MÁ. Coronavirus and other airborne agents with pandemic potential. CURRENT OPINION IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & HEALTH 2020; 17:41-48. [PMID: 32995685 PMCID: PMC7513873 DOI: 10.1016/j.coesh.2020.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The recent emergence of a novel coronavirus (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) has caused a pandemic, which is the most severe infectious disease outbreak in many decades. Other infective agents such as influenza as well as other neglected viruses such as Lassa virus, Nipah virus or poxviruses are also a cause for concern owing to their attack rate and potential for global spread. Drug-resistant bacteria, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, are already a significant public health issue in many countries, and it is expected that they will be expanding in the near future. Finally, airborne bioterrorism agents have high morbidity and mortality rates and should be looked with concern in the current international unrest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose Vicente Fernandez-Montero
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University Hospital Crosshouse, Kilmarnock, Scotland, United Kingdom
- University of Glasgow School of Medicine, Glasgow, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Vicente Soriano
- UNIR Health Sciences School and Medical Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Barreiro
- Internal Medicine Laboratory Puerta de Hierro Research Institute, University Hospital Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
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Survival of Lassa Virus in Blood and Tissue Culture Media and in a Small Particle Aerosol. Pathogens 2020; 9:pathogens9090680. [PMID: 32825610 PMCID: PMC7558936 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens9090680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Knowledge of the survival and stability of a pathogen is important for understanding its risk, reducing its transmission, and establishing control measures. Lassa virus is endemic in West Africa, causes severe disease, and is an emerging pathogen of concern. Our study examined the survival of Lassa virus in blood and tissue culture media at two different temperatures. The stability of Lassa virus held within a small particle aerosol was also measured. In liquids, Lassa virus was found to decay more quickly at 30 °C compared to room temperature. Sealed samples protected from environmental desiccation were more stable than samples open to the environment. In a small particle aerosol, the decay rate of Lassa virus was determined at 2.69% per minute. This information can contribute to risk assessments and inform mitigation strategies in the event of an outbreak of Lassa virus.
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Ogunkunle TO, Bello SO, Anderson CI, Musa R, Olaosebikan R, Imam A. Fatal case of newborn Lassa fever virus infection mimicking late onset neonatal sepsis: a case report from northern Nigeria. Infect Dis Poverty 2020; 9:110. [PMID: 32778167 PMCID: PMC7418325 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00731-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lassa fever is a zoonotic viral infection endemic to the West Africa countries. It is highly fatal during pregnancy and as such reports of neonatal onset Lassa fever infections are rare in scientific literature. We report a fatal case of Lassa fever in a 26-day-old neonate mimicking the diagnosis of late-onset neonatal sepsis. CASE PRESENTATION The patient is a 26-day-old neonate who was admitted with a day history of fever, poor feeding, pre-auricular lymphadenopathy and sudden parental death. He was initially evaluated for late onset neonatal sepsis. He later developed abnormal bleeding and multiple convulsions while on admission, prompting the need to evaluate for Lassa fever using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). He died 31 h into admission and RT-PCR result was positive for Lassa fever. CONCLUSIONS Neonatal Lassa fever infection is highly fatal and can mimic neonatal sepsis. High index of suspicion is needed particularly for atypical presentations of neonatal sepsis in Lassa fever endemic areas.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Rashida Musa
- Department of Paediatrics, Dalhatu Araf Specialist Hospital, Lafia, Nassarawa, Nigeria
| | - Rasaq Olaosebikan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Abdulazeez Imam
- Department of Vaccines and Immunity, Medical Research Council Unit The Gambia at London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, Atlantic Boulevard, Fajara, P.O. Box 452, Banjul, Gambia.
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Sandrock C, Aziz SR. Travel/Tropical Medicine and Pandemic Considerations for the Global Surgeon. Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am 2020; 32:407-425. [PMID: 32473858 PMCID: PMC7205681 DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2020.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
International travel goes hand in hand with medical delivery to underserved communities. The global health care worker can be exposed to a wide range of infectious diseases during their global experiences. A pretravel risk assessment visit and all appropriate vaccinations and education must be performed. Universal practices of water safety, food safety, and insect avoidance will prevent most travel-related infections and complications. Region-specific vaccinations will further reduce illness risk. An understanding of common travel-related illness signs and symptoms is helpful. Emerging pathogens that can cause a pandemic should be understood to avoid health care worker infection and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Sandrock
- UC Davis School of Medicine, 4150 V street, Suite 3400, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
| | - Shahid R Aziz
- Rutgers School of Dental Medicine, 110 Bergen Street, Room B854, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
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Affiliation(s)
- Alimuddin Zumla
- Center for Clinical Microbiology, University College London, Royal Free Campus 2nd Floor, Rowland Hill Street, London NW3 2PF, United Kingdom.
| | - David S C Hui
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Clinical Science Building, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong.
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