1
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Tsang PYL, Chu SLH, Li LCW, Tai DMS, Cheung BKC, Kebede FT, Leung PYM, Wong W, Chung T, Yip CCY, Poon RWS, Chen JHK, Yuen KY, Fok M, Lau JYN, Lau LT. Automated System for Multiplexing Detection of COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Pathogens. IEEE JOURNAL OF TRANSLATIONAL ENGINEERING IN HEALTH AND MEDICINE 2022; 11:424-434. [PMID: 37435542 PMCID: PMC10332469 DOI: 10.1109/jtehm.2022.3230716] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infectious diseases are global health challenge, impacted the communities worldwide particularly in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. The need of rapid and accurate automated systems for detecting pathogens of concern has always been critical. Ideally, such systems shall detect a large panel of pathogens simultaneously regardless of well-equipped facilities and highly trained operators, thus realizing on-site diagnosis for frontline healthcare providers and in critical locations such as borders and airports. METHODS & RESULTS Avalon Automated Multiplex System, AAMST, is developed to automate a series of biochemistry protocols to detect nucleic acid sequences from multiple pathogens in one test. Automated processes include isolation of nucleic acids from unprocessed samples, reverse transcription and two rounds of amplifications. All procedures are carried out in a microfluidic cartridge performed by a desktop analyzer. The system was validated with reference controls and showed good agreement with their laboratory counterparts. In total 63 clinical samples, 13 positives including those from COVID-19 patients and 50 negative cases were detected, consistent with clinical diagnosis using conventional laboratory methods. CONCLUSIONS The proposed system has demonstrated promising utility. It would benefit the screening and diagnosis of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases in a simple, rapid and accurate fashion. Clinical and Translational Impact Statement- A rapid and multiplex diagnostic system proposed in this work can clinically help to control spread of COVID-19 and other infectious agents as it can provide timely diagnosis, isolation and treatment to patients. Using the system at remoted clinical sites can facilitate early clinical management and surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parker Y. L. Tsang
- Emerging Viral Diagnostics (HK) Ltd.Hong KongChina
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Sunny L. H. Chu
- Emerging Viral Diagnostics (HK) Ltd.Hong KongChina
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | | | | | | | - Firaol Tamiru Kebede
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Pete Y. M. Leung
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Winston Wong
- Emerging Viral Diagnostics (HK) Ltd.Hong KongChina
| | - Teresa Chung
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Cyril C. Y. Yip
- Department of MicrobiologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | | | | | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of MicrobiologyThe University of Hong KongHong KongChina
- Centre for VirologyVaccinology and Therapeutics, Hong Kong Science and Technology ParkHong KongChina
| | - Manson Fok
- Emerging Viral Diagnostics (HK) Ltd.Hong KongChina
- Faculty of MedicineMacau University of Science and TechnologyMacauChina
| | - Johnson Y. N. Lau
- Emerging Viral Diagnostics (HK) Ltd.Hong KongChina
- Department of BiologyHong Kong Baptist UniversityHong KongChina
| | - Lok-Ting Lau
- Emerging Viral Diagnostics (HK) Ltd.Hong KongChina
- Department of Industrial and Systems EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHong KongChina
- School of Chinese MedicineHong Kong Baptist UniversityHong KongChina
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2
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Santiago-Rodriguez TM, Hollister EB. Unraveling the viral dark matter through viral metagenomics. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1005107. [PMID: 36189246 PMCID: PMC9523745 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1005107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viruses are part of the microbiome and have essential roles in immunology, evolution, biogeochemical cycles, health, and disease progression. Viruses influence a wide variety of systems and processes, and the continued discovery of novel viruses is anticipated to reveal new mechanisms influencing the biology of diverse environments. While the identity and roles of viruses continue to be discovered and understood through viral metagenomics, most of the sequences in virome datasets cannot be attributed to known viruses or may be only distantly related to species already described in public sequence databases, at best. Such viruses are known as the viral dark matter. Ongoing discoveries from the viral dark matter have provided insights into novel viruses from a variety of environments, as well as their potential in immunological processes, virus evolution, health, disease, therapeutics, and surveillance. Increased understanding of the viral dark matter will continue with a combination of cultivation, microscopy, sequencing, and bioinformatic efforts, which are discussed in the present review.
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3
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Choi YR, Chen MC, Carrai M, Rizzo F, Chai Y, Tse M, Jackson K, Martella V, Steiner J, Pesavento PA, Beatty JA, Barrs VR. Hepadnavirus DNA Is Detected in Canine Blood Samples in Hong Kong but Not in Liver Biopsies of Chronic Hepatitis or Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Viruses 2022; 14:v14071543. [PMID: 35891523 PMCID: PMC9320092 DOI: 10.3390/v14071543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) caused by the hepadnavirus hepatitis B virus (HBV) are significant causes of human mortality. A hepatitis-B-like virus infecting cats, domestic cat hepadnavirus (DCH), was reported in 2018. DCH DNA is hepatotropic and detectable in feline blood or serum (3.2 to 12.3%). Detection of HBV DNA has been reported in sera from 10% of free-roaming dogs in Brazil, whereas 6.3% of sera from dogs in Italy tested positive for DCH DNA by real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR). If DCH, HBV, or another hepadnavirus is hepatotropic in dogs, a role for such a virus in the etiology of canine idiopathic chronic hepatitis (CH) or HCC warrants investigation. This study investigated whether DCH DNA could be detected via qPCR in blood from dogs in Hong Kong and also whether liver biopsies from dogs with confirmed idiopathic CH or HCC contained hepadnaviral DNA using two panhepadnavirus conventional PCRs (cPCR) and a DCH-specific cPCR. DCH DNA was amplified from 2 of 501 (0.4%) canine whole-blood DNA samples. A second sample taken 6 or 7 months later from each dog tested negative in DCH qPCR. DNA extracted from 101 liver biopsies from dogs in Hong Kong or the USA, diagnosed by board-certified pathologists as idiopathic CH (n = 47) or HCC (n = 54), tested negative for DCH DNA and also tested negative using panhepadnavirus cPCRs. This study confirms that DCH DNA can be detected in canine blood by qPCR, although at a much lower prevalence than that reported previously. We identified no evidence to support a pathogenic role for a hepadnavirus in canine idiopathic CH or HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ru Choi
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China; (Y.R.C.); (M.C.); (V.R.B.)
| | - Min-Chun Chen
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.-C.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Maura Carrai
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China; (Y.R.C.); (M.C.); (V.R.B.)
| | - Francesca Rizzo
- Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China;
| | - Yingfei Chai
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China;
| | - May Tse
- CityU Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China;
| | - Ken Jackson
- School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (K.J.); (P.A.P.)
| | - Vito Martella
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Bari, 70010 Valenzano, Italy;
| | - Joerg Steiner
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; (M.-C.C.); (J.S.)
| | - Patricia A. Pesavento
- School of Veterinary Medicine, UC Davis, Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (K.J.); (P.A.P.)
| | - Julia A. Beatty
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China; (Y.R.C.); (M.C.); (V.R.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China;
- Correspondence:
| | - Vanessa R. Barrs
- Centre for Animal Health and Welfare, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China; (Y.R.C.); (M.C.); (V.R.B.)
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, Jockey Club College of Veterinary Medicine and Life Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR 518057, China;
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4
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Teng AY, Che TL, Zhang AR, Zhang YY, Xu Q, Wang T, Sun YQ, Jiang BG, Lv CL, Chen JJ, Wang LP, Hay SI, Liu W, Fang LQ. Mapping the viruses belonging to the order Bunyavirales in China. Infect Dis Poverty 2022; 11:81. [PMID: 35799306 PMCID: PMC9264531 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-022-00993-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral pathogens belonging to the order Bunyavirales pose a continuous background threat to global health, but the fact remains that they are usually neglected and their distribution is still ambiguously known. We aim to map the geographical distribution of Bunyavirales viruses and assess the environmental suitability and transmission risk of major Bunyavirales viruses in China. METHODS We assembled data on all Bunyavirales viruses detected in humans, animals and vectors from multiple sources, to update distribution maps of them across China. In addition, we predicted environmental suitability at the 10 km × 10 km pixel level by applying boosted regression tree models for two important Bunyavirales viruses, including Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) and Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV). Based on model-projected risks and air travel volume, the imported risk of RVFV was also estimated from its endemic areas to the cities in China. RESULTS Here we mapped all 89 species of Bunyavirales viruses in China from January 1951 to June 2021. Nineteen viruses were shown to infect humans, including ten species first reported as human infections. A total of 447,848 cases infected with Bunyavirales viruses were reported, and hantaviruses, Dabie bandavirus and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV) had the severest disease burden. Model-predicted maps showed that Xinjiang and southwestern Yunnan had the highest environmental suitability for CCHFV occurrence, mainly related to Hyalomma asiaticum presence, while southern China had the highest environmental suitability for Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) transmission all year round, mainly driven by livestock density, mean precipitation in the previous month. We further identified three cities including Guangzhou, Beijing and Shanghai, with the highest imported risk of RVFV potentially from Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia and Kenya. CONCLUSIONS A variety of Bunyavirales viruses are widely distributed in China, and the two major neglected Bunyavirales viruses including CCHFV and RVFV, both have the potential for outbreaks in local areas of China. Our study can help to promote the understanding of risk distribution and disease burden of Bunyavirales viruses in China, and the risk maps of CCHFV and RVFV occurrence are crucial to the targeted surveillance and control, especially in seasons and locations at high risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Ying Teng
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Tian-Le Che
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - An-Ran Zhang
- Department of Research, Qilu Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Qun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Gui Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Long Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin-Jin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Ping Wang
- Division of Infectious Disease, Key Laboratory of Surveillance and Early-Warning on Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, 102206, People's Republic of China
| | - Simon I Hay
- Department of Health Metrics Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98121, USA.
| | - Wei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China.
| | - Li-Qun Fang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, 20 Dong-Da Street, Fengtai, Beijing, 100071, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Choi S, Kim KW, Ku KB, Kim SJ, Park C, Park D, Kim S, Yi H. Human Alphacoronavirus Universal Primers for Genome Amplification and Sequencing. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:789665. [PMID: 35401489 PMCID: PMC8990890 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.789665] [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: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapid and accurate sequencing covering the entire genome is essential to identify genetic variations of viral pathogens. However, due to the low viral titers in clinical samples, certain amplification steps are required for viral genome sequencing. At present, there are no universal primers available for alphacoronaviruses and that, since these viruses have diverse strains, new primers specific to the target strain must be continuously developed for sequencing. Thus, in this study, we aimed to develop a universal primer set valid for all human alphacoronaviruses and applicable to samples containing trace amounts of the virus. To this aim, we designed overlapping primer pairs capable of amplifying the entire genome of all known human alphacoronaviruses. The selected primers, named the AC primer set, were composed of 10 primer pairs stretching over the entire genome of alphacoronaviruses, and produced PCR products of the expected size (3-5 kb) from both the HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 strains. After genome amplification, an evaluation using various sequencing platforms was carried out. The amplicon library sequencing data were assembled into complete genome sequences in all sequencing strategies examined in this study. The sequencing accuracy varied depending on the sequencing technology, but all sequencing methods showed a sequencing error of less than 0.01%. In the mock clinical specimen, the detection limit was 10-3 PFU/ml (102 copies/ml). The AC primer set and experimental procedure optimized in this study may enable the fast diagnosis of mutant alphacoronaviruses in future epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungmi Choi
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kwan Woo Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keun Bon Ku
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seong-Jun Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Changwoo Park
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Microbiological Analysis Team, Group for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Agricultural Biotechnology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Dongju Park
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Microbiological Analysis Team, Group for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Biological Science, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Seil Kim
- Center for Convergent Research of Emerging Virus Infection, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, Daejeon, South Korea.,Microbiological Analysis Team, Group for Biometrology, Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science (KRISS), Daejeon, South Korea.,Department of Bio-Analysis Science, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, South Korea
| | - Hana Yi
- Interdisciplinary Program in Precision Public Health, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.,School of Biosystems and Biomedical Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
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6
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Human infections with neglected vector-borne pathogens in China: A systematic review. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 22:100427. [PMID: 35308575 PMCID: PMC8928082 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Background Emerging vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) pose a continuous background threat to the global health. Knowledge of the occurrence, distributions and epidemiological characteristics of VBP are lacking in many countries. Outbreaks of novel VBP are of increasing global interest including those arising in China. Methods A systematic review of published literature was undertaken to characterize the spectrum of VBPs causing human illness in China. We searched five databases for VBP-related articles in English and Chinese published between January 1980 and June 2021, that excluded those listed in the National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System of China. The study is registered with PROSPERO, CRD42021259540. Findings A total of 906 articles meeting the selection criteria were included in this study. A total of 44,809 human infections with 82 species of VBPs including 40 viruses, 33 bacteria (20 Rickettsiales bacteria, eight Spirochaetales bacteria, and five other bacteria) and nine parasites, were identified in China. Rickettsiales bacteria were the most common and widely distributed pathogens with 18,042 cases reported in 33 provinces by 347 reviewed articles, followed by Spirochaetales bacteria with 15,745 cases in 32 provinces (299 articles), viruses with 8455 cases in 30 provinces (139 articles), other bacteria with 2053 cases in 19 provinces (65 articles), parasites with 514 cases in 17 provinces (44 articles), and multiple pathogens with 3626 cases in 14 provinces (23 articles). Coxiella burnetii, Bartonella henselae and Rickettsia sibirica were the most frequently reported pathogens. A total of 18 new pathogens were reported in China during this period (these also represented their first identification globally). Based on 419 articles with clinical information, a meta-analysis revealed that flu-like illness was the most common manifestation among infections with VBPs. Interpretation This review helps improve the understanding of VBPs in China, demonstrating the need to consider a wider surveillance of VBPs in many different settings, thus helping to inform future research and surveillance efforts. Funding Natural Science Foundation of China.
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7
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Tiwari AK, Mishra A, Pandey G, Gupta MK, Pandey PC. Nanotechnology: A Potential Weapon to Fight against COVID-19. PARTICLE & PARTICLE SYSTEMS CHARACTERIZATION : MEASUREMENT AND DESCRIPTION OF PARTICLE PROPERTIES AND BEHAVIOR IN POWDERS AND OTHER DISPERSE SYSTEMS 2022; 39:2100159. [PMID: 35440846 PMCID: PMC9011707 DOI: 10.1002/ppsc.202100159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 infections have posed an unprecedented global health emergency, with nearly three million deaths to date, and have caused substantial economic loss globally. Hence, an urgent exploration of effective and safe diagnostic/therapeutic approaches for minimizing the threat of this highly pathogenic coronavirus infection is needed. As an alternative to conventional diagnosis and antiviral agents, nanomaterials have a great potential to cope with the current or even future health emergency situation with a wide range of applications. Fundamentally, nanomaterials are physically and chemically tunable and can be employed for the next generation nanomaterial-based detection of viral antigens and host antibodies in body fluids as antiviral agents, nanovaccine, suppressant of cytokine storm, nanocarrier for efficient delivery of antiviral drugs at infection site or inside the host cells, and can also be a significant tool for better understanding of the gut microbiome and SARS-CoV-2 interaction. The applicability of nanomaterial-based therapeutic options to cope with the current and possible future pandemic is discussed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atul K. Tiwari
- Department of ChemistryIndian Institute of Technology (BHU)VaranasiUttar Pradesh221005India
| | - Anupa Mishra
- Department of MicrobiologyDr. R.M.L. Awadh UniversityAyodhyaUttar Pradesh224001India
- Department of MicrobiologySri Raghukul Mahila Vidya PeethCivil Line GondaUttar Pradesh271001India
| | - Govind Pandey
- Department of PaediatricsKing George Medical UniversityLucknowUttar Pradesh226003India
| | - Munesh K. Gupta
- Department of MicrobiologyInstitute of Medical SciencesBanaras Hindu UniversityVaranasiUttar Pradesh221005India
| | - Prem C. Pandey
- Department of ChemistryIndian Institute of Technology (BHU)VaranasiUttar Pradesh221005India
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8
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Recent Advances in Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Nanocomposites Biosensors for Virus Detection before and during COVID-19 Outbreak. JOURNAL OF COMPOSITES SCIENCE 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/jcs5070190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The deadly Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has become one of the most challenging pandemics in the last century. Clinical diagnosis reports a high infection rate within a large population and a rapid mutation rate upon every individual infection. The polymerase chain reaction has been a powerful and gold standard molecular diagnostic technique over the past few decades and hence a promising tool to detect the SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid sequences. However, it can be costly and involved in complicated processes with a high demand for on-site tests. This pandemic emphasizes the critical need for designing cost-effective and fast diagnosis strategies to prevent a potential viral source by ultrasensitive and selective biosensors. Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanocomposites have been developed with unique physical and chemical properties crucial for building up nucleic acid and protein biosensors. In this review, we cover various types of 2D TMD biosensors available for virus detection via the mechanisms of photoluminescence/optical, field-effect transistor, surface plasmon resonance, and electrochemical signals. We summarize the current state-of-the-art applications of 2D TMD nanocomposite systems for sensing proteins/nucleic acid from different types of lethal viruses. Finally, we identify and discuss the advantages and limitations of TMD-based nanocomposites biosensors for viral recognition.
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9
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Bidram E, Esmaeili Y, Amini A, Sartorius R, Tay FR, Shariati L, Makvandi P. Nanobased Platforms for Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19: From Benchtop to Bedside. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:2150-2176. [PMID: 33979143 PMCID: PMC8130531 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human respiratory viral infections are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. Among the various respiratory viruses, coronaviruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) have created the greatest challenge and most frightening health threat worldwide. Human coronaviruses typically infect the upper respiratory tract, causing illnesses that range from common cold-like symptoms to severe acute respiratory infections. Several promising vaccine formulations have become available since the beginning of 2021. Nevertheless, achievement of herd immunity is still far from being realized. Social distancing remains the only effective measure against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Nanobiotechnology enables the design of nanobiosensors. These nanomedical diagnostic devices have opened new vistas for early detection of viral infections. The present review outlines recent research on the effectiveness of nanoplatforms as diagnostic and antiviral tools against coronaviruses. The biological properties of coronavirus and infected host organs are discussed. The challenges and limitations encountered in combating SARS-CoV-2 are highlighted. Potential nanodevices such as nanosensors, nanobased vaccines, and smart nanomedicines are subsequently presented for combating current and future mutated versions of coronaviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Bidram
- Biosensor
Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Yasaman Esmaeili
- Biosensor
Research Center, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Abbas Amini
- Centre
for Infrastructure Engineering, Western
Sydney University, Locked
Bag 1797, Penrith 2751, New South Wales, Australia
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering, Australian College
of Kuwait, Al Aqsa Mosque
Street, Mishref, Safat 13015, Kuwait
| | - Rossella Sartorius
- Institute
of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC), National Research Council (CNR), Via Pietro Castellino 111, Naples 80131, Italy
| | - Franklin R. Tay
- The
Graduate
School, Augusta University, 1120 15th Street, Augusta, Georgia 30912, United States
| | - Laleh Shariati
- Applied
Physiology Research Center, Isfahan Cardiovascular Research Institute, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
- Department
of Biomaterials, Nanotechnology and Tissue Engineering, School of
Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Isfahan
University of Medical Sciences, Hezarjerib Avenue, Isfahan 8174673461, Iran
| | - Pooyan Makvandi
- Centre
for Materials Interfaces, Istituto Italiano
di Tecnologia, viale
Rinaldo Piaggio 34, Pontedera 56025, Pisa, Italy
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10
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Cui Y, Ni S, Shen S. A network-based model to explore the role of testing in the epidemiological control of the COVID-19 pandemic. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:58. [PMID: 33435892 PMCID: PMC7803001 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-020-05750-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 12/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testing is one of the most effective means to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is an upper bound on daily testing volume because of limited healthcare staff and working hours, as well as different testing methods, such as random testing and contact-tracking testing. In this study, a network-based epidemic transmission model combined with a testing mechanism was proposed to study the role of testing in epidemic control. The aim of this study was to determine how testing affects the spread of epidemics and the daily testing volume needed to control infectious diseases. METHODS We simulated the epidemic spread process on complex networks and introduced testing preferences to describe different testing strategies. Different networks were generated to represent social contact between individuals. An extended susceptible-exposed-infected-recovered (SEIR) epidemic model was adopted to simulate the spread of epidemics in these networks. The model establishes a testing preference of between 0 and 1; the larger the testing preference, the higher the testing priority for people in close contact with confirmed cases. RESULTS The numerical simulations revealed that the higher the priority for testing individuals in close contact with confirmed cases, the smaller the infection scale. In addition, the infection peak decreased with an increase in daily testing volume and increased as the testing start time was delayed. We also discovered that when testing and other measures were adopted, the daily testing volume required to keep the infection scale below 5% was reduced by more than 40% even if other measures only reduced individuals' infection probability by 10%. The proposed model was validated using COVID-19 testing data. CONCLUSIONS Although testing could effectively inhibit the spread of infectious diseases and epidemics, our results indicated that it requires a huge daily testing volume. Thus, it is highly recommended that testing be adopted in combination with measures such as wearing masks and social distancing to better manage infectious diseases. Our research contributes to understanding the role of testing in epidemic control and provides useful suggestions for the government and individuals in responding to epidemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yapeng Cui
- Institute of Public Safety Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of City Integrated Emergency Response Science, Beijing, China
| | - Shunjiang Ni
- Institute of Public Safety Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China.
- Beijing Key Laboratory of City Integrated Emergency Response Science, Beijing, China.
| | - Shifei Shen
- Institute of Public Safety Research, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Department of Engineering Physics, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory of City Integrated Emergency Response Science, Beijing, China
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11
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Extending the Enterovirus Lead: Could a Related Picornavirus be Responsible for Diabetes in Humans? Microorganisms 2020; 8:microorganisms8091382. [PMID: 32927606 PMCID: PMC7565261 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8091382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
We found an association between the abundance of rodents in the wild and onset of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in humans. A picornavirus named Ljungan virus (LV) was subsequently isolated from wild bank voles. Both picornavirus-like particles detected by electron microscopy and LV antigen visualized by immunohistochemistry was seen in islets of Langerhans in diabetic wild bank voles. LV antigen has also been found in islets of Langerhans in a patient with recent onset of T1D and in the commonly used Bio Breeding (BB) T1D rat model. We discuss the possibility of T1D and type 2 diabetes (T2D) as parts of a single disease entity. Antiviral compounds directed against picornavirus have been found to be an effective treatment of diabetes in BB rats. We propose using the same currently available antiviral compounds in clinical trials in humans. Antiviral treatment would have the potential to be both proof of concept for involvement of a picornavirus in diabetes pathogenesis and also present a first-generation therapy.
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12
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Shu H, Wang S, Ruan S, Wang Y, Zhang J, Yuan Y, Liu H, Wu Y, Li R, Pan S, Ouyang Y, Yuan S, Zhou P, Shang Y. Dynamic Changes of Antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19 Patients at Early Stage of Outbreak. Virol Sin 2020; 35:744-751. [PMID: 32720214 PMCID: PMC7383121 DOI: 10.1007/s12250-020-00268-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, has spread around the world with high mortality. To diagnose promptly and accurately is the vital step to effectively control its pandemic. Dynamic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-specific antibodies which are important for diagnosis of infection have not been fully demonstrated. In this retrospective, single-center, observational study, we enrolled the initial 131 confirmed cases of COVID-19 at Jin-Yin-Tan Hospital who had at least one-time antibody tested during their hospitalization. The dynamic changes of IgM and IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein in 226 serum samples were detected by ELISA. The sensitivities of IgM and IgG ELISA detection were analyzed. Result showed that the sensitivity of the IgG ELISA detection (92.5%) was significantly higher than that of the IgM (70.8%) (P < 0.001). The meantimes of seroconversion for IgM and IgG were 6 days and 3 days, respectively. The IgM and IgG antibody levels peaked at around 18 days and 23 days, and then IgM fell to below the baseline level at about day 36, whereas IgG maintained at a relatively high level. In conclusion, antibodies should be detected to aid in diagnosis of COVID-19 infection. IgG could be a sensitive indicator for retrospective diagnosis and contact tracing, while IgM could be an indicator of early infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaqing Shu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | | | | | - Yaxin Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Jiancheng Zhang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yin Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Jin-Yin-Tan Hospital, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Yongran Wu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Jin-Yin-Tan Hospital, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Ruiting Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shangwen Pan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yaqi Ouyang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Shiying Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.,Jin-Yin-Tan Hospital, Wuhan, 430023, China
| | - Peng Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Center for Biosafety Mega-Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430071, China.
| | - You Shang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. .,Institute of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China. .,Jin-Yin-Tan Hospital, Wuhan, 430023, China.
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13
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Zehnbauer BA. The Journal of Molecular Diagnostics: 20 Years Defining Professional Practice. J Mol Diagn 2019; 21:938-942. [PMID: 31635797 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2019.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
This editorial highlights 20 years of JMD defining professional practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara A Zehnbauer
- Department of Pathology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia (Editor-in-Chief).
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14
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Mohd Isa NH, Selvarajah GT, Khor KH, Tan SW, Manoraj H, Omar NH, Omar AR, Mustaffa-Kamal F. Molecular detection and characterisation of feline morbillivirus in domestic cats in Malaysia. Vet Microbiol 2019; 236:108382. [PMID: 31500720 PMCID: PMC7117105 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Revised: 08/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Feline morbillivirus (FeMV), a novel virus from the family of Paramyxoviridae, was first identified in stray cat populations. The objectives of the current study were to (i) determine the molecular prevalence of FeMV in Malaysia; (ii) identify risk factors associated with FeMV infection; and (iii) characterise any FeMV isolates by phylogenetic analyses. Molecular analysis utilising nested RT-PCR assay targeting the L gene of FeMV performed on either urine, blood and/or kidney samples collected from 208 cats in this study revealed 82 (39.4%) positive cats. FeMV-positive samples were obtained from 63/124 (50.8%) urine and 20/25 (80.0%) kidneys while all blood samples were negative for FeMV. In addition, from the 35 cats that had more than one type of samples collected (blood and urine; blood and kidney; blood, urine and kidney), only one cat had FeMV RNA in the urine and kidney samples. Risk factors such as gender, presence of kidney-associated symptoms and cat source were also investigated. Male cats had a higher risk (p = 0.031) of FeMV infection than females. In addition, no significant association (p = 0.083) was observed between the presence of kidney-associated symptoms with FeMV status. From the 82 positive samples, FeMV RNA was detected from 48/82 (58.5%) pet cats and 34/126 (27.0%) shelter cats (p < 0.0001). Partial L and N gene sequencing of the RT-PCR-positive samples showed 85-99% identity to the published FeMV sequences and it was significantly different from all other morbilliviruses. A phylogenetic analysis of the identified Malaysian FeMVs was performed with isolates from Japan, Thailand and China. Molecular characterisation revealed high relatedness of the Malaysian isolates with other Asian FeMVs, indicating that the virus had been circulating only within the region. Therefore, this study confirmed the existence of FeMV among domestic cats in Malaysia. The findings suggest further characterisation of the local isolates, including the whole genome sequencing and that studies at determining the direct consequences of FeMV infection in domestic cats are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nur Hidayah Mohd Isa
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | | | - Kuan Hua Khor
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Sheau Wei Tan
- Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hemadevy Manoraj
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Nurul Husna Omar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Abdul Rahman Omar
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia; Institute of Bioscience, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Farina Mustaffa-Kamal
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
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15
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Li X, Lau SKP, Woo PCY. Molecular characterisation of emerging pathogens of unexplained infectious disease syndromes. Expert Rev Mol Diagn 2019; 19:839-848. [PMID: 31385539 DOI: 10.1080/14737159.2019.1651200] [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: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The discoveries of HIV and Helicobacter pylori in the 1980s were landmarks in identification of novel pathogens causing unexplained infectious syndromes using conventional microbiological technologies. In the last few decades, advancement of molecular technologies has provided us with more robust tools to expand our armamentarium in this microbial hunting process. Areas covered: In this article, we give a brief overview of the most important molecular technologies we use for identification of emerging microbes associated with unexplained infectious syndromes, including 16S rRNA and other conserved targets sequencing for bacteria, internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and other target gene sequencing for fungi, polymerase and other gene sequencing for viruses, as well as deep sequencing. Then, we use several representative examples to illustrate how these techniques have been used for the discoveries of a few notable bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens associated with unexplained infectious syndromes in the last 20-30 years. Expert opinion: In the past and present, characterization of emerging pathogens of unexplained infectious disease syndromes has relied on a combination of conventional culture- and phenotype-based technologies and nucleic acid amplification and sequencing. In the next era, we envisage more widespread adoption of next generation technologies that can detect both known and previously undescribed pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China
| | - Susanna K P Lau
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
| | - Patrick C Y Woo
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou , China
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16
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Sridhar S, Yip CCY, Chew NFS, Wu S, Leung KH, Chan JFW, Cheng VCC, Yuen KY. Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Human Hepegivirus 1 Infection in Patients With Hepatitis C. Open Forum Infect Dis 2019; 6:ofz329. [PMID: 31660385 PMCID: PMC6735942 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofz329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transmission of human hepegivirus 1 (HHpgV-1), a novel human pegivirus, is closely associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV). The impact of HHpgV-1 viremia on HCV infection is unknown. This study aimed to (a) evaluate the impact of HHpgV-1 viremia on HCV viral load and liver injury and (b) elucidate the clinical and molecular epidemiology of HHpgV-1 infection. Methods Individuals with HHpgV-1 viremia (cases) were identified by screening plasma from 655 HCV-infected adults. HHpgV-1 isolates were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis, and viral load was quantified. Cases were age- and sex-matched to HCV-infected individuals without HHpgV-1 viremia (controls) in a 1:3 ratio. A retrospective case–control analysis was performed to identify differences in HCV viral load and parameters of liver injury. Results Among HCV-infected adults, 16/655 (2.4%) had HHpgV-1 viremia. Risk groups for HHpgV-1 infection included intravenous drug users, blood product recipients, tattoo recipients, and men who have sex with men. Viral sequences clustered into 2 distinct HHpgV-1 genogroups. Cases had a higher mean HCV viral load than controls, with difference between means of 0.58 log10 IU/mL (P = .009). Cases were more likely to have an HCV viral load >5 log10 IU/mL (P = .028). Multiple regression demonstrated the impact of HHpgV-1 viral load and infection status on HCV viral load. HHpgV-1 infection was not associated with higher liver function tests, fibrosis scores, or imaging abnormalities. Conclusions HHpgV-1 viremia is associated with a higher HCV viral load in co-infected patients. HHpgV-1 infection does not affect progression of HCV-related liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Cyril C Y Yip
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Nicholas F S Chew
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Shusheng Wu
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kit-Hang Leung
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Vincent C C Cheng
- Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Infection Control, The University of Hong Kong - Shenzhen Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Department of Microbiology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.,The Collaborative Innovation Centre for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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17
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Abstract
Viruses, which are the most abundant biological entities on the planet, have been regarded as the "dark matter" of biology in the sense that despite their ubiquity and frequent presence in large numbers, their detection and analysis are not always straightforward. The majority of them are very small (falling under the limit of 0.5 μm), and collectively, they are extraordinarily diverse. In fact, the majority of the genetic diversity on the planet is found in the so-called virosphere, or the world of viruses. Furthermore, the most frequent viral agents of disease in humans display an RNA genome, and frequently evolve very fast, due to the fact that most of their polymerases are devoid of proofreading activity. Therefore, their detection, genetic characterization, and epidemiological surveillance are rather challenging. This review (part of the Curated Collection on Advances in Molecular Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases) describes many of the methods that, throughout the last few decades, have been used for viral detection and analysis. Despite the challenge of having to deal with high genetic diversity, the majority of these methods still depend on the amplification of viral genomic sequences, using sequence-specific or sequence-independent approaches, exploring thermal profiles or a single nucleic acid amplification temperature. Furthermore, viral populations, and especially those with RNA genomes, are not usually genetically uniform but encompass swarms of genetically related, though distinct, viral genomes known as viral quasispecies. Therefore, sequence analysis of viral amplicons needs to take this fact into consideration, as it constitutes a potential analytic problem. Possible technical approaches to deal with it are also described here. *This article is part of a curated collection.
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18
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Safdar A. Rare and Emerging Viral Infections in the Transplant Population. PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE OF TRANSPLANT INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2019. [PMCID: PMC7119999 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-9034-4_45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Viral infections account for a large proportion of emerging infectious diseases, and the agents included in this group consist of recently identified viruses as well as previously identified viruses with an apparent increase in disease incidence. In transplant recipients, this group can include viruses with no recognized pathogenicity in immunocompetent patients and those that result in atypical or more severe disease presentations in the immunocompromised host. In this chapter, we begin by discussing viral diagnostics and techniques used for viral discovery, specifically as they apply to emerging and rare infections in this patient population. Focus then shifts to specific emerging and re-emerging viruses in the transplant population, including human T-cell leukemia virus 1, rabies, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, human bocavirus, parvovirus 4, measles, mumps, orf, and dengue. We have also included a brief discussion on emerging viruses and virus families with few or no reported cases in transplant recipients: monkeypox, nipah and hendra, chikungunya and other alphaviruses, hantavirus and the Bunyaviridae, and filoviruses. Finally, concerns regarding infectious disease complications in xenotransplantation and the reporting of rare viral infections are addressed. With the marked increase in the number of solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplants performed worldwide, we expect a corresponding rise in the reports of emerging viral infections in transplant hosts, both from known viruses and those yet to be identified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amar Safdar
- Clinical Associate Professor of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso, Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, El Paso, TX USA
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19
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Ryder OA, Onuma M. Viable Cell Culture Banking for Biodiversity Characterization and Conservation. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 2018; 6:83-98. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-animal-030117-014556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Because living cells can be saved for indefinite periods, unprecedented opportunities for characterizing, cataloging, and conserving biological diversity have emerged as advanced cellular and genetic technologies portend new options for preventing species extinction. Crucial to realizing the potential impacts of stem cells and assisted reproductive technologies on biodiversity conservation is the cryobanking of viable cell cultures from diverse species, especially those identified as vulnerable to extinction in the near future. The advent of in vitro cell culture and cryobanking is reviewed here in the context of biodiversity collections of viable cell cultures that represent the progress and limitations of current efforts. The prospects for incorporating collections of frozen viable cell cultures into efforts to characterize the genetic changes that have produced the diversity of species on Earth and contribute to new initiatives in conservation argue strongly for a global network of facilities for establishing and cryobanking collections of viable cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver A. Ryder
- San Diego Institute for Conservation Research, San Diego Zoo Global, Escondido, California 92027-7000, USA
| | - Manabu Onuma
- Ecological Risk Assessment and Control Section, Center for Environmental Biology and Ecosystem, National Institute for Environmental Studies, 16-2, Onogawa, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8506, Japan
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20
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Lowen RG, Bocan TM, Kane CD, Cazares LH, Kota KP, Ladner JT, Nasar F, Pitt L, Smith DR, Soloveva V, Sun MG, Zeng X, Bavari S. Countering Zika Virus: The USAMRIID Response. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 1062:303-318. [PMID: 29845541 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-8727-1_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID) possesses an array of expertise in diverse capabilities for the characterization of emerging infectious diseases from the pathogen itself to human or animal infection models. The recent Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreak was a challenge and an opportunity to put these capabilities to work as a cohesive unit to quickly respond to a rapidly developing threat. Next-generation sequencing was used to characterize virus stocks and to understand the introduction and spread of ZIKV in the United States. High Content Imaging was used to establish a High Content Screening process to evaluate antiviral therapies. Functional genomics was used to identify critical host factors for ZIKV infection. An animal model using the temporal blockade of IFN-I in immunocompetent laboratory mice was investigated in conjunction with Positron Emission Tomography to study ZIKV. Correlative light and electron microscopy was used to examine ZIKV interaction with host cells in culture and infected animals. A quantitative mass spectrometry approach was used to examine the protein and metabolite type or concentration changes that occur during ZIKV infection in blood, cells, and tissues. Multiplex fluorescence in situ hybridization was used to confirm ZIKV replication in mouse and NHP tissues. The integrated rapid response approach developed at USAMRIID presented in this review was successfully applied and provides a new template pathway to follow if a new biological threat emerges. This streamlined approach will increase the likelihood that novel medical countermeasures could be rapidly developed, evaluated, and translated into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Lowen
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA.
| | - Thomas M Bocan
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Christopher D Kane
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Lisa H Cazares
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Krishna P Kota
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Jason T Ladner
- The Pathogen and Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ, USA
| | - Farooq Nasar
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Louise Pitt
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Darci R Smith
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Veronica Soloveva
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Mei G Sun
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
| | - Sina Bavari
- U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases, Ft. Detrick, MD, USA
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Abstract
The emergence of novel zoonotic pathogens is one of the greatest challenges to global health security. The advent of increasingly sophisticated diagnostics tools has revolutionized our capacity to detect and respond to these health threats more rapidly than ever before. Yet, no matter how sophisticated these tools become, the initial identification of emerging infectious diseases begins at the local community level. It is here that the initial human or animal case resides, and it is here that early pathogen detection would have maximum benefit. Unfortunately, many areas at highest risk of zoonotic disease emergence lack sufficient infrastructure capacity to support robust laboratory diagnostic systems. Multiple factors are essential for pathogen detection networks, including an understanding of the complex sociological and ecological factors influencing disease transmission risk, community engagement, surveillance along high-risk human-animal interfaces, and a skilled laboratory workforce. Here we discuss factors relevant to the emerging disease paradigm, recent technical advances in diagnostic methods, and strategies for comprehensive and sustainable approaches to rapid zoonotic disease detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian H Bird
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
| | - Jonna A K Mazet
- One Health Institute, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, California 95616, USA
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Mokhtarzadeh A, Eivazzadeh-Keihan R, Pashazadeh P, Hejazi M, Gharaatifar N, Hasanzadeh M, Baradaran B, de la Guardia M. Nanomaterial-based biosensors for detection of pathogenic virus. Trends Analyt Chem 2017; 97:445-457. [PMID: 32287543 PMCID: PMC7126209 DOI: 10.1016/j.trac.2017.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are real menace to human safety that cause devastating viral disease. The high prevalence of these diseases is due to improper detecting tools. Therefore, there is a remarkable demand to identify viruses in a fast, selective and accurate way. Several biosensors have been designed and commercialized for detection of pathogenic viruses. However, they present many challenges. Nanotechnology overcomes these challenges and performs direct detection of molecular targets in real time. In this overview, studies concerning nanotechnology-based biosensors for pathogenic virus detection have been summarized, paying special attention to biosensors based on graphene oxide, silica, carbon nanotubes, gold, silver, zinc oxide and magnetic nanoparticles, which could pave the way to detect viral diseases and provide healthy life for infected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biotechnology, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Reza Eivazzadeh-Keihan
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Pashazadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Metabolic Disorders Research Center, Gorgan Faculty of Medicine, Iran
| | | | - Nasrin Gharaatifar
- Department of Biotechnology, Higher Education Institute of Rab-Rashid, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hasanzadeh
- Pharmaceutical Analysis Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz 51664, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Miguel de la Guardia
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner 50, 46100 Burjassot, Valencia, Spain
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23
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The Human Virome: Implications for Clinical Practice in Transplantation Medicine. J Clin Microbiol 2017; 55:2884-2893. [PMID: 28724557 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00489-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances in DNA sequencing technology have provided an unprecedented opportunity to study the human virome. Transplant recipients and other immunocompromised hosts are at particular risk for developing virus-related pathology; thus, the impact of the virome on health and disease may be even more relevant in this population. Here, we discuss technical considerations in studying the human virome, the current literature on the virome in transplant recipients, and near-future applications of sequence-based findings that can further our understanding of viruses in transplantation medicine.
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Chan JFW, Sridhar S, Yip CCY, Lau SKP, Woo PCY. The role of laboratory diagnostics in emerging viral infections: the example of the Middle East respiratory syndrome epidemic. J Microbiol 2017; 55:172-182. [PMID: 28243939 PMCID: PMC7090747 DOI: 10.1007/s12275-017-7026-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Rapidly emerging infectious disease outbreaks place a great strain on laboratories to develop and implement sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for patient management and infection control in a timely manner. Furthermore, laboratories also play a role in real-time zoonotic, environmental, and epidemiological investigations to identify the ultimate source of the epidemic, facilitating measures to eventually control the outbreak. Each assay modality has unique pros and cons; therefore, incorporation of a battery of tests using traditional culture-based, molecular and serological diagnostics into diagnostic algorithms is often required. As such, laboratories face challenges in assay development, test evaluation, and subsequent quality assurance. In this review, we describe the different testing modalities available for the ongoing Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) epidemic including cell culture, nucleic acid amplification, antigen detection, and antibody detection assays. Applications of such tests in both acute clinical and epidemiological investigation settings are highlighted. Using the MERS epidemic as an example, we illustrate the various challenges faced by laboratories in test development and implementation in the setting of a rapidly emerging infectious disease. Future directions in the diagnosis of MERS and other emerging infectious disease investigations are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasper F W Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Siddharth Sridhar
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Cyril C Y Yip
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Susanna K P Lau
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China
| | - Patrick C Y Woo
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
- Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
- Carol Yu Centre for Infection, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Hong Kong, P. R. China.
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25
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Zumla A, Chan JFW, Azhar EI, Hui DSC, Yuen KY. Coronaviruses - drug discovery and therapeutic options. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016. [PMID: 26868298 DOI: 10.1038/nrd201537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
In humans, infections with the human coronavirus (HCoV) strains HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 usually result in mild, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. By contrast, the CoVs responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which were discovered in Hong Kong, China, in 2003, and in Saudi Arabia in 2012, respectively, have received global attention over the past 12 years owing to their ability to cause community and health-care-associated outbreaks of severe infections in human populations. These two viruses pose major challenges to clinical management because there are no specific antiviral drugs available. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology, virology, clinical features and current treatment strategies of SARS and MERS, and discuss the discovery and development of new virus-based and host-based therapeutic options for CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 307 Euston Road, London NW1 3AD, UK
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, and Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 128442, Jeddah - 21362, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - David S C Hui
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
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26
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Zumla A, Chan JFW, Azhar EI, Hui DSC, Yuen KY. Coronaviruses - drug discovery and therapeutic options. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2016; 15:327-47. [PMID: 26868298 PMCID: PMC7097181 DOI: 10.1038/nrd.2015.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1125] [Impact Index Per Article: 140.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) are examples of emerging zoonotic coronavirus infections capable of person-to-person transmission that result in large-scale epidemics with substantial effects on patient health and socioeconomic factors. Unlike patients with mild illnesses that are caused by other human-pathogenic coronaviruses, patients with SARS or MERS coronavirus infections may develop severe acute respiratory disease with multi-organ failure. The case–fatality rates of SARS and MERS are approximately 10% and 35%, respectively. Both SARS and MERS pose major clinical management challenges because there is no specific antiviral treatment that has been proven to be effective in randomized clinical trials for either infection. Substantial efforts are underway to discover new therapeutic agents for coronavirus infections. Virus-based therapies include monoclonal antibodies and antiviral peptides that target the viral spike glycoprotein, viral enzyme inhibitors, viral nucleic acid synthesis inhibitors and inhibitors of other viral structural and accessory proteins. Host-based therapies include agents that potentiate the interferon response or affect either host signalling pathways involved in viral replication or host factors utilized by coronaviruses for viral replication. The major challenges in the clinical development of novel anti-coronavirus drugs include the limited number of suitable animal models for the evaluation of potential treatments for SARS and MERS, the current absence of new SARS cases, the limited number of MERS cases — which are also predominantly geographically confined to the Middle East — as well as the lack of industrial incentives to develop antivirals for mild infections caused by other, less pathogenic coronaviruses. The continuing threat of MERS-CoV to global health 3 years after its discovery presents a golden opportunity to tackle current obstacles in the development of new anti-coronavirus drugs. A well-organized, multidisciplinary, international collaborative network consisting of clinicians, virologists and drug developers, coupled to political commitment, should be formed to carry out clinical trials using anti-coronavirus drugs that have already been shown to be safe and effective in vitro and/or in animal models, particularly lopinavir–ritonavir, interferon beta-1b and monoclonal antibodies and antiviral peptides targeting the viral spike glycoprotein.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which are caused by coronaviruses, have attracted substantial attention owing to their high mortality rates and potential to cause epidemics. Yuen and colleagues discuss progress with treatment options for these syndromes, including virus- and host-targeted drugs, and the challenges that need to be overcome in their further development. In humans, infections with the human coronavirus (HCoV) strains HCoV-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 usually result in mild, self-limiting upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold. By contrast, the CoVs responsible for severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS), which were discovered in Hong Kong, China, in 2003, and in Saudi Arabia in 2012, respectively, have received global attention over the past 12 years owing to their ability to cause community and health-care-associated outbreaks of severe infections in human populations. These two viruses pose major challenges to clinical management because there are no specific antiviral drugs available. In this Review, we summarize the epidemiology, virology, clinical features and current treatment strategies of SARS and MERS, and discuss the discovery and development of new virus-based and host-based therapeutic options for CoV infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, and NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, 307 Euston Road, London NW1 3AD, UK
| | - Jasper F W Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Esam I Azhar
- Special Infectious Agents Unit, King Fahd Medical Research Centre, and Medical Laboratory Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 128442, Jeddah - 21362, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - David S C Hui
- Division of Respiratory Medicine and Stanley Ho Centre for Emerging Infectious Diseases, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Prince of Wales Hospital, 30-32 Ngan Shing Street, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
| | - Kwok-Yung Yuen
- State Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Carol Yu Centre for Infection, Research Centre of Infection and Immunology, Department of Microbiology, University Pathology Building, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, 102 Pokfulam Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China
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27
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Development and Evaluation of Novel Real-Time Reverse Transcription-PCR Assays with Locked Nucleic Acid Probes Targeting Leader Sequences of Human-Pathogenic Coronaviruses. J Clin Microbiol 2015; 53:2722-6. [PMID: 26019210 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01224-15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2015] [Accepted: 05/19/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Based on findings in small RNA-sequencing (Seq) data analysis, we developed highly sensitive and specific real-time reverse transcription (RT)-PCR assays with locked nucleic acid probes targeting the abundantly expressed leader sequences of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and other human coronaviruses. Analytical and clinical evaluations showed their noninferiority to a commercial multiplex PCR test for the detection of these coronaviruses.
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