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Chung YS, Lam CY, Tan PH, Tsang HF, Wong SCC. Comprehensive Review of COVID-19: Epidemiology, Pathogenesis, Advancement in Diagnostic and Detection Techniques, and Post-Pandemic Treatment Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8155. [PMID: 39125722 PMCID: PMC11312261 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158155] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
At present, COVID-19 remains a public health concern due to the ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 and its prevalence in particular countries. This paper provides an updated overview of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of COVID-19, with a focus on the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants and the phenomenon known as 'long COVID'. Meanwhile, diagnostic and detection advances will be mentioned. Though many inventions have been made to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, some outstanding ones include multiplex RT-PCR, which can be used for accurate diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. ELISA-based antigen tests also appear to be potential diagnostic tools to be available in the future. This paper also discusses current treatments, vaccination strategies, as well as emerging cell-based therapies for SARS-CoV-2 infection. The ongoing evolution of SARS-CoV-2 underscores the necessity for us to continuously update scientific understanding and treatments for it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Sze-Chuen Cesar Wong
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China; (Y.-S.C.); (C.-Y.L.); (P.-H.T.); (H.-F.T.)
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Sinumvayo JP, Munezero PC, Tope AT, Adeyemo RO, Bale MI, Nyandwi JB, Haakuria VM, Mutesa L, Adedeji AA. Advancing Vaccinology Capacity: Education and Efforts in Vaccine Development and Manufacturing across Africa. Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:741. [PMID: 39066380 PMCID: PMC11281707 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070741] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Africa, home to the world's second-largest population of approximately 1.3 billion, grapples with significant challenges in meeting its medical needs, particularly in accessing quality healthcare services and products. The continent faces a continuous onslaught of emerging infectious diseases, exacerbating the strain on its already fragile public health infrastructure. The COVID-19 crisis highlighted the urgency to build local vaccine production capacity and strengthen the health infrastructure in general. The risks associated with a heavy reliance on imported vaccines were exposed during the COVID-19 pandemic, necessitating the need to nurture and strengthen the local manufacturing of vaccines and therapeutic biologics. Various initiatives addressing training, manufacturing, and regulatory affairs are underway, and these require increasing dedicated and purposeful financial investment. Building vaccine manufacturing capacity requires substantial investment in training and infrastructure. This manuscript examines the current state of education in vaccinology and related sciences in Africa. It also provides an overview of the continent's efforts to address educational needs in vaccine development and manufacturing. Additionally, it evaluates the initiatives aimed at strengthening vaccine education and literacy, highlighting successful approaches and ongoing challenges. By assessing the progress made and identifying the remaining obstacles, this review offers insights into how Africa can enhance its vaccine manufacturing capacity to respond to vaccine-preventable disease challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Paul Sinumvayo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- East African Community, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (J.B.N.); (V.M.H.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Pierre Celestin Munezero
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Adegboyega Taofeek Tope
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Rasheed Omotayo Adeyemo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Muritala Issa Bale
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda; (P.C.M.); (A.T.T.); (R.O.A.); (M.I.B.)
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
| | - Jean Baptiste Nyandwi
- East African Community, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (J.B.N.); (V.M.H.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda
| | - Vetjaera Mekupi Haakuria
- East African Community, Regional Center of Excellence for Vaccines, Immunization and Health Supply Chain Management (EAC RCE-VIHSCM), Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda; (J.B.N.); (V.M.H.)
| | - Leon Mutesa
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda;
- Center for Human Genetics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 4285, Rwanda
| | - Ahmed Adebowale Adedeji
- Future of Medicine, Science, Technology and Innovation Research Group, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Rwanda, Kigali P.O. Box 3286, Rwanda;
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Huye P.O. Box 117, Rwanda
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Asplin P, Mancy R, Finnie T, Cumming F, Keeling MJ, Hill EM. Symptom propagation in respiratory pathogens of public health concern: a review of the evidence. J R Soc Interface 2024; 21:20240009. [PMID: 39045688 PMCID: PMC11267474 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2024.0009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Symptom propagation occurs when the symptom set an individual experiences is correlated with the symptom set of the individual who infected them. Symptom propagation may dramatically affect epidemiological outcomes, potentially causing clusters of severe disease. Conversely, it could result in chains of mild infection, generating widespread immunity with minimal cost to public health. Despite accumulating evidence that symptom propagation occurs for many respiratory pathogens, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. Here, we conducted a scoping literature review for 14 respiratory pathogens to ascertain the extent of evidence for symptom propagation by two mechanisms: dose-severity relationships and route-severity relationships. We identify considerable heterogeneity between pathogens in the relative importance of the two mechanisms, highlighting the importance of pathogen-specific investigations. For almost all pathogens, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2, we found support for at least one of the two mechanisms. For some pathogens, including influenza, we found convincing evidence that both mechanisms contribute to symptom propagation. Furthermore, infectious disease models traditionally do not include symptom propagation. We summarize the present state of modelling advancements to address the methodological gap. We then investigate a simplified disease outbreak scenario, finding that under strong symptom propagation, isolating mildly infected individuals can have negative epidemiological implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Asplin
- EPSRC & MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematics for Real-World Systems, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
| | - Rebecca Mancy
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Thomas Finnie
- Data, Analytics and Surveillance, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Fergus Cumming
- Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, London, UK
| | - Matt J. Keeling
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- School of Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Edward M. Hill
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK
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Bowdle A, Brosseau LM, Tellier R, MacIntyre CR, Edwards M, Jelacic S. Reducing airborne transmissible diseases in perioperative environments. Br J Anaesth 2024; 133:19-23. [PMID: 38677948 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2024.03.025] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed our understanding of aerosol transmissible disease and the measures required to minimise transmission. Anaesthesia providers are often in close proximity to patients and other hospital staff for prolonged periods while working in operating and procedure rooms. Although enhanced ventilation provides some protection from aerosol transmissible disease in these work areas, close proximity and long duration of exposure have the opposite effect. Surgical masks provide only minimal additional protection. Surgical patients are also at risk from viral and bacterial aerosols. Despite having recently experienced the most significant pandemic in 100 yr, we continue to lack adequate understanding of the true risks encountered from aerosol transmissible diseases in the operating room, and the best course of action to protect patients and healthcare workers from them in the future. Nevertheless, hospitals can take specific actions now by providing respirators for routine use, encouraging staff to utilise respirators routinely, establishing triggers for situations that require respirator use, educating staff concerning the prevention of aerosol transmissible diseases, and providing portable air purifiers for perioperative spaces with low levels of ventilation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Bowdle
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Lisa M Brosseau
- Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Raymond Tellier
- Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - C Raina MacIntyre
- Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Mark Edwards
- Department of Cardiothoracic and ORL Anaesthesia, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Srdjan Jelacic
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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Nitzsche C, Simm S. Agent-based modeling to estimate the impact of lockdown scenarios and events on a pandemic exemplified on SARS-CoV-2. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13391. [PMID: 38862580 PMCID: PMC11167020 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63795-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In actual pandemic situations like COVID-19, it is important to understand the influence of single mitigation measures as well as combinations to create most dynamic impact for lockdown scenarios. Therefore we created an agent-based model (ABM) to simulate the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in an abstract city model with several types of places and agents. In comparison to infection numbers in Germany our ABM could be shown to behave similarly during the first wave. In our model, we implemented the possibility to test the effectiveness of mitigation measures and lockdown scenarios on the course of the pandemic. In this context, we focused on parameters of local events as possible mitigation measures and ran simulations, including varying size, duration, frequency and the proportion of events. The majority of changes to single event parameters, with the exception of frequency, showed only a small influence on the overall course of the pandemic. By applying different lockdown scenarios in our simulations, we could observe drastic changes in the number of infections per day. Depending on the lockdown strategy, we even observed a delayed peak in infection numbers of the second wave. As an advantage of the developed ABM, it is possible to analyze the individual risk of single agents during the pandemic. In contrast to standard or adjusted ODEs, we observed a 21% (with masks) / 48% (without masks) increased risk for single reappearing participants on local events, with a linearly increasing risk based on the length of the events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Nitzsche
- University Medicine Greifswald, Institute of Bioinformatics, Greifswald, 17489, Germany
| | - Stefan Simm
- University Medicine Greifswald, Institute of Bioinformatics, Greifswald, 17489, Germany.
- Coburg University of Applied Sciences, Institute of Bioanalysis, Coburg, Germany.
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Mizukoshi A, Okumura J, Azuma K. A COVID-19 cluster analysis in an office: Assessing the long-range aerosol and fomite transmissions with infection control measures. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2024; 44:1396-1412. [PMID: 37936539 DOI: 10.1111/risa.14249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
Simulated exposure to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 in the environment was demonstrated based on the actual coronavirus disease 2019 cluster occurrence in an office, with a projected risk considering the likely transmission pathways via aerosols and fomites. A total of 35/85 occupants were infected, with the attack rate in the first stage as 0.30. It was inferred that the aerosol transmission at long-range produced the cluster at virus concentration in the saliva of the infected cases on the basis of the simulation, more than 108 PFU mL-1. Additionally, all wearing masks effectiveness was estimated to be 61%-81% and 88%-95% reduction in risk for long-range aerosol transmission in the normal and fit state of the masks, respectively, and a 99.8% or above decline in risk of fomite transmission. The ventilation effectiveness for long-range aerosol transmission was also calculated to be 12%-29% and 36%-66% reductions with increases from one air change per hour (ACH) to two ACH and six ACH, respectively. Furthermore, the virus concentration reduction in the saliva to 1/3 corresponded to the risk reduction for long-range aerosol transmission by 60%-64% and 40%-51% with and without masks, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mizukoshi
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiro Okumura
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kenichi Azuma
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Behavioral Science, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Osaka, Japan
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Asplin P, Keeling MJ, Mancy R, Hill EM. Epidemiological and health economic implications of symptom propagation in respiratory pathogens: A mathematical modelling investigation. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012096. [PMID: 38701066 PMCID: PMC11095726 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory pathogens inflict a substantial burden on public health and the economy. Although the severity of symptoms caused by these pathogens can vary from asymptomatic to fatal, the factors that determine symptom severity are not fully understood. Correlations in symptoms between infector-infectee pairs, for which evidence is accumulating, can generate large-scale clusters of severe infections that could be devastating to those most at risk, whilst also conceivably leading to chains of mild or asymptomatic infections that generate widespread immunity with minimal cost to public health. Although this effect could be harnessed to amplify the impact of interventions that reduce symptom severity, the mechanistic representation of symptom propagation within mathematical and health economic modelling of respiratory diseases is understudied. METHODS AND FINDINGS We propose a novel framework for incorporating different levels of symptom propagation into models of infectious disease transmission via a single parameter, α. Varying α tunes the model from having no symptom propagation (α = 0, as typically assumed) to one where symptoms always propagate (α = 1). For parameters corresponding to three respiratory pathogens-seasonal influenza, pandemic influenza and SARS-CoV-2-we explored how symptom propagation impacted the relative epidemiological and health-economic performance of three interventions, conceptualised as vaccines with different actions: symptom-attenuating (labelled SA), infection-blocking (IB) and infection-blocking admitting only mild breakthrough infections (IB_MB). In the absence of interventions, with fixed underlying epidemiological parameters, stronger symptom propagation increased the proportion of cases that were severe. For SA and IB_MB, interventions were more effective at reducing prevalence (all infections and severe cases) for higher strengths of symptom propagation. For IB, symptom propagation had no impact on effectiveness, and for seasonal influenza this intervention type was more effective than SA at reducing severe infections for all strengths of symptom propagation. For pandemic influenza and SARS-CoV-2, at low intervention uptake, SA was more effective than IB for all levels of symptom propagation; for high uptake, SA only became more effective under strong symptom propagation. Health economic assessments found that, for SA-type interventions, the amount one could spend on control whilst maintaining a cost-effective intervention (termed threshold unit intervention cost) was very sensitive to the strength of symptom propagation. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the preferred intervention type depended on the combination of the strength of symptom propagation and uptake. Given the importance of determining robust public health responses, we highlight the need to gather further data on symptom propagation, with our modelling framework acting as a template for future analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Asplin
- EPSRC & MRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Mathematics for Real-World Systems, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Matt J. Keeling
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Mancy
- School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
- MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Edward M. Hill
- Mathematics Institute, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
- The Zeeman Institute for Systems Biology & Infectious Disease Epidemiology Research, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Godin R, Hejazi S, Reuel NF. Advancements in Airborne Viral Nucleic Acid Detection with Wearable Devices. ADVANCED SENSOR RESEARCH 2024; 3:2300061. [PMID: 38764891 PMCID: PMC11101210 DOI: 10.1002/adsr.202300061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
Wearable health sensors for an expanding range of physiological parameters have experienced rapid development in recent years and are poised to disrupt the way healthcare is tracked and administered. The monitoring of environmental contaminants with wearable technologies is an additional layer of personal and public healthcare and is also receiving increased focus. Wearable sensors that detect exposure to airborne viruses could alert wearers of viral exposure and prompt proactive testing and minimization of viral spread, benefitting their own health and decreasing community risk. With the high levels of asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 observed during the pandemic, such devices could dramatically enhance our pandemic response capabilities in the future. To facilitate advancements in this area, this review summarizes recent research on airborne viral detection using wearable sensing devices as well as technologies suitable for wearables. Since the low concentration of viral particles in the air poses significant challenges to detection, methods for airborne viral particle collection and viral sensing are discussed in detail. A special focus is placed on nucleic acid-based viral sensing mechanisms due to their enhanced ability to discriminate between viral subtypes. Important considerations for integrating airborne viral collection and sensing on a single wearable device are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Godin
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University
| | - Sepehr Hejazi
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University
| | - Nigel F. Reuel
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University
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Wolkoff P. Indoor air humidity revisited: Impact on acute symptoms, work productivity, and risk of influenza and COVID-19 infection. Int J Hyg Environ Health 2024; 256:114313. [PMID: 38154254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijheh.2023.114313] [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: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023]
Abstract
Recent epidemiological and experimental findings reconfirm that low indoor air humidity (dry air) increases the prevalence of acute eye and airway symptoms in offices, result in lower mucociliary clearance in the airways, less efficient immune defense, and deteriorate the work productivity. New epidemiological and experimental research also support that the environmental conditions for the risk of infection of influenza and COVID-19 virus is lowest in the Goldilocks zone of 40-60% relative humidity (RH) by decrease of the airways' susceptibility, which can be elevated by particle exposure. Furthermore, low RH increases the generation of infectious virus laden aerosols exhaled from infected people. In general, elevation of the indoor air humidity from dry air increases the health of the airways concomitantly with lower viability of infectious virus. Thus, the negative effects of ventilation with dry outdoor air (low absolute air humidity) should be assessed according to 1) weakened health and functionality of the airways, 2) increased viability and possible increased transmissibility of infectious virus, and 3) evaporation of virus containing droplets to dry out to droplet nuclei (also possible at high room temperature), which increases their floating time in the indoor air. The removal of acid-containing ambient aerosols from the indoor air by filtration increases pH, viability of infectious viruses, and the risk of infection, which synergistically may further increase by particle exposure. Thus, the dilution of indoor air pollutants and virus aerosols by dry outdoor air ventilation should be assessed and compared with the beneficial health effects by control of the center zone of 40-60% RH, an essential factor for optimal functionality of the airways, and with the additional positive impact on acute symptoms, work productivity, and reduced risk of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark.
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Zhang Y, Shankar SN, Vass WB, Lednicky JA, Fan ZH, Agdas D, Makuch R, Wu CY. Air Change Rate and SARS-CoV-2 Exposure in Hospitals and Residences: A Meta-Analysis. AEROSOL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR AEROSOL RESEARCH 2024; 58:217-243. [PMID: 38764553 PMCID: PMC11101186 DOI: 10.1080/02786826.2024.2312178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
As SARS-CoV-2 swept across the globe, increased ventilation and implementation of air cleaning were emphasized by the US CDC and WHO as important strategies to reduce the risk of inhalation exposure to the virus. To assess whether higher ventilation and air cleaning rates lead to lower exposure risk to SARS-CoV-2, 1274 manuscripts published between April 2020 and September 2022 were screened using key words "airborne SARS-CoV-2 or "SARS-CoV-2 aerosol". Ninety-three studies involved air sampling at locations with known sources (hospitals and residences) were selected and associated data were compiled. Two metrics were used to assess exposure risk: SARS-CoV-2 concentration and SARS-CoV-2 detection rate in air samples. Locations were categorized by type (hospital or residence) and proximity to the sampling location housing the isolated/quarantined patient (primary or secondary). The results showed that hospital wards had lower airborne virus concentrations than residential isolation rooms. A negative correlation was found between airborne virus concentrations in primary-occupancy areas and air changes per hour (ACH). In hospital settings, sample positivity rates were significantly reduced in secondary-occupancy areas compared to primary-occupancy areas, but they were similar across sampling locations in residential settings. ACH and sample positivity rates were negatively correlated, though the effect was diminished when ACH values exceeded 8. While limitations associated with diverse sampling protocols exist, data considered by this meta-analysis support the notion that higher ACH may reduce exposure risks to the virus in ambient air.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuetong Zhang
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columnia, Canada
| | - Sripriya Nannu Shankar
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Environmental & Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - William B. Vass
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - John A. Lednicky
- Department of Environmental and Global Health, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Emerging Pathogens Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Z. Hugh Fan
- Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Duzgun Agdas
- Engineering School of Sustainable Infrastructure & Environment, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Robert Makuch
- Department of Biostatistics, Yale University School of Public Health, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chang-Yu Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
- Department of Chemical, Environmental, and Materials Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, USA
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Andrup L, Krogfelt KA, Stephansen L, Hansen KS, Graversen BK, Wolkoff P, Madsen AM. Reduction of acute respiratory infections in day-care by non-pharmaceutical interventions: a narrative review. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1332078. [PMID: 38420031 PMCID: PMC10899481 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1332078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Children who start in day-care have 2-4 times as many respiratory infections compared to children who are cared for at home, and day-care staff are among the employees with the highest absenteeism. The extensive new knowledge that has been generated in the COVID-19 era should be used in the prevention measures we prioritize. The purpose of this narrative review is to answer the questions: Which respiratory viruses are the most significant in day-care centers and similar indoor environments? What do we know about the transmission route of these viruses? What evidence is there for the effectiveness of different non-pharmaceutical prevention measures? Design Literature searches with different terms related to respiratory infections in humans, mitigation strategies, viral transmission mechanisms, and with special focus on day-care, kindergarten or child nurseries, were conducted in PubMed database and Web of Science. Searches with each of the main viruses in combination with transmission, infectivity, and infectious spread were conducted separately supplemented through the references of articles that were retrieved. Results Five viruses were found to be responsible for ≈95% of respiratory infections: rhinovirus, (RV), influenza virus (IV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), coronavirus (CoV), and adenovirus (AdV). Novel research, emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggests that most respiratory viruses are primarily transmitted in an airborne manner carried by aerosols (microdroplets). Conclusion Since airborne transmission is dominant for the most common respiratory viruses, the most important preventive measures consist of better indoor air quality that reduces viral concentrations and viability by appropriate ventilation strategies. Furthermore, control of the relative humidity and temperature, which ensures optimal respiratory functionality and, together with low resident density (or mask use) and increased time outdoors, can reduce the occurrence of respiratory infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Andrup
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Karen A Krogfelt
- Department of Science and Environment, Molecular and Medical Biology, PandemiX Center, Roskilde University, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Lene Stephansen
- Gladsaxe Municipality, Social and Health Department, Gladsaxe, Denmark
| | | | | | - Peder Wolkoff
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Mette Madsen
- The National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Copenhagen, Denmark
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12
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Ji J, Wang H, Wang L, Ramazi P, Kong JD, Watmough J. Climate-dependent effectiveness of nonpharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 mitigation. Math Biosci 2023; 366:109087. [PMID: 37858753 DOI: 10.1016/j.mbs.2023.109087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Environmental factors have a significant impact on the transmission of infectious diseases. Existing results show that the novel coronavirus can persist outside the host. We propose a susceptible-exposed-presymptomatic-infectious-asymptomatic-recovered-susceptible (SEPIARS) model with a vaccination compartment and indirect incidence to explore the effect of environmental conditions, temperature and humidity, on the transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Using climate data and daily confirmed cases data in two Canadian cities with different atmospheric conditions, we evaluate the mortality rates of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and further estimate the transmission rates by the inverse method, respectively. The numerical results show that high temperature or humidity can be helpful in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 during the warm summer months. Our findings verify that nonpharmaceutical interventions are less effective if the virus can persist for a long time on surfaces. Based on climate data, we can forecast the transmission rate and the infection cases up to four weeks in the future by a generalized boosting machine learning model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juping Ji
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Interdisciplinary Lab for Mathematical Ecology and Epidemiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada; Interdisciplinary Lab for Mathematical Ecology and Epidemiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada.
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Pouria Ramazi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A1, Canada
| | - Jude Dzevela Kong
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, ON M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - James Watmough
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB E3B 5A3, Canada
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13
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Zumbrun EE, Zak SE, Lee ED, Bowling PA, Ruiz SI, Zeng X, Koehler JW, Delp KL, Bakken RR, Hentschel SS, Bloomfield HA, Ricks KM, Clements TL, Babka AM, Dye JM, Herbert AS. SARS-CoV-2 Aerosol and Intranasal Exposure Models in Ferrets. Viruses 2023; 15:2341. [PMID: 38140582 PMCID: PMC10747480 DOI: 10.3390/v15122341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. Animal models are extremely helpful for testing vaccines and therapeutics and for dissecting the viral and host factors that contribute to disease severity and transmissibility. Here, we report the assessment and comparison of intranasal and small particle (~3 µm) aerosol SARS-CoV-2 exposure in ferrets. The primary endpoints for analysis were clinical signs of disease, recovery of the virus in the upper respiratory tract, and the severity of damage within the respiratory tract. This work demonstrated that ferrets were productively infected with SARS-CoV-2 following either intranasal or small particle aerosol exposure. SARS-CoV-2 infection of ferrets resulted in an asymptomatic disease course following either intranasal or small particle aerosol exposure, with no clinical signs, significant weight loss, or fever. In both aerosol and intranasal ferret models, SARS-CoV-2 replication, viral genomes, and viral antigens were detected within the upper respiratory tract, with little to no viral material detected in the lungs. The ferrets exhibited a specific IgG immune response to the SARS-CoV-2 full spike protein. Mild pathological findings included inflammation, necrosis, and edema within nasal turbinates, which correlated to positive immunohistochemical staining for the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Environmental sampling was performed following intranasal exposure of ferrets, and SARS-CoV-2 genomic material was detected on the feeders and nesting areas from days 2-10 post-exposure. We conclude that both intranasal and small particle aerosol ferret models displayed measurable parameters that could be utilized for future studies, including transmission studies and testing SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth E. Zumbrun
- Division of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (S.E.Z.); (R.R.B.); (S.S.H.); (J.M.D.); (A.S.H.)
| | - Samantha E. Zak
- Division of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (S.E.Z.); (R.R.B.); (S.S.H.); (J.M.D.); (A.S.H.)
| | - Eric D. Lee
- Division of Pathology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.D.L.); (X.Z.); (H.A.B.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Philip A. Bowling
- Division of Veterinary Medicine, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Sara I. Ruiz
- Division of Bacteriology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA;
| | - Xiankun Zeng
- Division of Pathology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.D.L.); (X.Z.); (H.A.B.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Jeffrey W. Koehler
- Diagnostic Systems Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (J.W.K.); (K.L.D.); (K.M.R.); (T.L.C.)
| | - Korey L. Delp
- Diagnostic Systems Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (J.W.K.); (K.L.D.); (K.M.R.); (T.L.C.)
| | - Russel R. Bakken
- Division of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (S.E.Z.); (R.R.B.); (S.S.H.); (J.M.D.); (A.S.H.)
| | - Shannon S. Hentschel
- Division of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (S.E.Z.); (R.R.B.); (S.S.H.); (J.M.D.); (A.S.H.)
| | - Holly A. Bloomfield
- Division of Pathology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.D.L.); (X.Z.); (H.A.B.); (A.M.B.)
| | - Keersten M. Ricks
- Diagnostic Systems Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (J.W.K.); (K.L.D.); (K.M.R.); (T.L.C.)
| | - Tamara L. Clements
- Diagnostic Systems Division, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (J.W.K.); (K.L.D.); (K.M.R.); (T.L.C.)
| | - April M. Babka
- Division of Pathology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (E.D.L.); (X.Z.); (H.A.B.); (A.M.B.)
| | - John M. Dye
- Division of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (S.E.Z.); (R.R.B.); (S.S.H.); (J.M.D.); (A.S.H.)
| | - Andrew S. Herbert
- Division of Virology, United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Disease, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; (S.E.Z.); (R.R.B.); (S.S.H.); (J.M.D.); (A.S.H.)
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14
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Guo L, Zhao P, Jia Y, Wang Z, Chen M, Zhang H, Liu D, Zhang Y, Wang X, Rong M. Inactivation of airborne pathogenic microorganisms by plasma-activated nebulized mist. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2023; 459:132072. [PMID: 37480605 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2023.132072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
The airborne microorganisms in the aerosols are one main transmission way of pathogenic microorganisms and therefore inactivation of microorganisms in aerosols could effectively prevent the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to control epidemics. The mist nebulized by plasma-activated air could effectively inactivate bacteria and could be developed for the sterilization of microorganisms in aerosols. In this study, the plasma-activated nebulized mist (PANM) was applied for the inactivation of microorganisms in aerosols and efficiently inactivated the bacteria, yeast, and viruses in aerosols after 2-min treatment. The PANM treatment caused morphologic changes and damage to the bacteria cells in aerosols. The PANM could also inactivate the microorganisms attached to the surface of the treatment chamber and the bacteria attached to the skin of mice within 6-min treatment. The biosafety assays demonstrated that the PANM treatment exhibited no effects on the behavior, hematological and serum biochemical parameters of blood, and organs from the mice. This study would supply an efficient, broad-spectrum, and safe aerosol sterilization strategy based on plasma technology to prevent the transmission of airborne microorganisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Pengyu Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Yikang Jia
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Zifeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Min Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Dingxin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China.
| | - Yong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, School of Electrical Engineering, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
| | - Mingzhe Rong
- State Key Laboratory of Electrical Insulation and Power Equipment, Center for Plasma Biomedicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, PR China
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15
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Potisk T, Remškar M, Pirker L, Filipič G, Mihelič I, Ješelnik M, Čoko U, Ravnik M. Single-Layer and Double-Layer Filtration Materials Based on Polyvinylidene Fluoride-Co-hexafluoropropylene Nanofibers Coated on Melamine Microfibers. ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS 2023; 6:15807-15819. [PMID: 37706065 PMCID: PMC10496027 DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.3c02592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
In this work, we demonstrate selected optimization changes in the simple design of filtration masks to increase particle removal efficiency (PRE) and filter quality factor by combining experiments and numerical modeling. In particular, we focus on single-layer filters fabricated from uniform thickness fibers and double-layer filters consisting of a layer of highly permeable thick fibers as a support and a thin layer of filtering electrospun nanofibers. For single-layer filters, we demonstrate performance improvement in terms of the quality factor by optimizing the geometry of the composition. We show significantly better PRE performance for filters composed of micrometer-sized fibers covered by a thin layer of electrospun nanofibers. This work is motivated and carried out in collaboration with a targeted industrial development of selected melamine-based filter nano- and micromaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilen Potisk
- Laboratory
for Molecular Modeling, National Institute
of Chemistry, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Mathematics and Physics, University of
Ljubljana, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Remškar
- Jožef
Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Luka Pirker
- Jožef
Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- J. Heyrovsky
Institute of Physical Chemistry, Czech Academy
of Sciences, 182 23 Prague 8, Czech Republic
| | | | | | | | - Urban Čoko
- Laboratory
for Molecular Modeling, National Institute
of Chemistry, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Mathematics and Physics, University of
Ljubljana, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Ravnik
- Faculty
of Mathematics and Physics, University of
Ljubljana, SI-1001 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Jožef
Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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16
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Hui KPY, Chin AWH, Ehret J, Ng KC, Peiris M, Poon LLM, Wong KHM, Chan MCW, Hosegood I, Nicholls JM. Stability of SARS-CoV-2 on Commercial Aircraft Interior Surfaces with Implications for Effective Control Measures. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:6598. [PMID: 37623181 PMCID: PMC10454724 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20166598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic from 2019 to 2022 devastated many aspects of life and the economy, with the commercial aviation industry being no exception. One of the major concerns during the pandemic was the degree to which the internal aircraft environment contributed to virus transmission between humans and, in particular, the stability of SARS-CoV-2 on contact surfaces in the aircraft cabin interior. METHOD In this study, the stability of various major strains of SARS-CoV-2 on interior aircraft surfaces was evaluated using the TCID50 assessment. RESULTS In contrast to terrestrial materials, SARS-CoV-2 was naturally less stable on common contact points in the aircraft interior, and, over a 4 h time period, there was a 90% reduction in culturable virus. Antiviral and surface coatings were extremely effective at mitigating the persistence of the virus on surfaces; however, their benefit was diminished by regular cleaning and were ineffective after 56 days of regular use and cleaning. Finally, successive strains of SARS-CoV-2 have not evolved to be more resilient to survival on aircraft surfaces. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the mitigation strategies for SARS-CoV-2 on interior aircraft surfaces are more than sufficient, and epidemiological evidence over the past three years has not found that surface spread is a major route of transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenrie P. Y. Hui
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Alex W. H. Chin
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - John Ehret
- Qantas Airways Ltd., Qantas 10 Bourke Rd Mascot, Sydney, NSW 2020, Australia
| | - Ka-Chun Ng
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
| | - Malik Peiris
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Leo L. M. Poon
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Karen H. M. Wong
- Electron Microscopy Unit, Queen Mary Hospital, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Michael C. W. Chan
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China; (K.P.Y.H.)
- Centre for Immunology & Infection, Hong Kong Science Park HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Ian Hosegood
- Qantas Airways Ltd., Qantas 10 Bourke Rd Mascot, Sydney, NSW 2020, Australia
| | - John M. Nicholls
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Queen Mary Hospital, Pok Fu Lam HKG, Hong Kong SAR, China
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17
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Merling MR, Williams A, Mahfooz NS, Ruane-Foster M, Smith J, Jahnes J, Ayers LW, Bazan JA, Norris A, Norris Turner A, Oglesbee M, Faith SA, Quam MB, Robinson RT. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages and associated saliva antibody responses among asymptomatic individuals in a large university community. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011596. [PMID: 37603565 PMCID: PMC10470930 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 (CoV2) infected, asymptomatic individuals are an important contributor to COVID transmission. CoV2-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)-as generated by the immune system following infection or vaccination-has helped limit CoV2 transmission from asymptomatic individuals to susceptible populations (e.g. elderly). Here, we describe the relationships between COVID incidence and CoV2 lineage, viral load, saliva Ig levels (CoV2-specific IgM, IgA and IgG), and ACE2 binding inhibition capacity in asymptomatic individuals between January 2021 and May 2022. These data were generated as part of a large university COVID monitoring program in Ohio, United States of America, and demonstrate that COVID incidence among asymptomatic individuals occurred in waves which mirrored those in surrounding regions, with saliva CoV2 viral loads becoming progressively higher in our community until vaccine mandates were established. Among the unvaccinated, infection with each CoV2 lineage (pre-Omicron) resulted in saliva Spike-specific IgM, IgA, and IgG responses, the latter increasing significantly post-infection and being more pronounced than N-specific IgG responses. Vaccination resulted in significantly higher Spike-specific IgG levels compared to unvaccinated infected individuals, and uninfected vaccinees' saliva was more capable of inhibiting Spike function. Vaccinees with breakthrough Delta infections had Spike-specific IgG levels comparable to those of uninfected vaccinees; however, their ability to inhibit Spike binding was diminished. These data are consistent with COVID vaccines having achieved hoped-for effects in our community, including the generation of mucosal antibodies that inhibit Spike and lower community viral loads, and suggest breakthrough Delta infections were not due to an absence of vaccine-elicited Ig, but instead limited Spike binding activity in the face of high community viral loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena R. Merling
- Department of Microbial Infection & Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Amanda Williams
- Department of Microbial Infection & Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Najmus S. Mahfooz
- Department of Microbial Infection & Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Marisa Ruane-Foster
- Department of Microbial Infection & Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jacob Smith
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jeff Jahnes
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Leona W. Ayers
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jose A. Bazan
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Alison Norris
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Abigail Norris Turner
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Michael Oglesbee
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Seth A. Faith
- Infectious Disease Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Mikkel B. Quam
- Department of Epidemiology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Richard T. Robinson
- Department of Microbial Infection & Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
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18
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Rahaman H, Barik D. Investigation of airborne spread of COVID-19 using a hybrid agent-based model: a case study of the UK. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 10:230377. [PMID: 37501658 PMCID: PMC10369033 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.230377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Agent-based models have been proven to be quite useful in understanding and predicting the SARS-CoV-2 virus-originated COVID-19 infection. Person-to-person contact was considered as the main mechanism of viral transmission in these models. However, recent understanding has confirmed that airborne transmission is the main route to infection spread of COVID-19. We have developed a computationally efficient agent-based hybrid model to study the aerial propagation of the virus and subsequent spread of infection. We considered virus, a continuous variable, spreads diffusively in air and members of populations as discrete agents possessing one of the eight different states at a particular time. The transition from one state to another is probabilistic and age linked. Recognizing that population movement is a key aspect of infection spread, the model allows unbiased movement of agents. We benchmarked the model to recapture the temporal stochastic infection count data of the UK. The model investigates various key factors such as movement, infection susceptibility, new variants, recovery rate and duration, incubation period and vaccination on the infection propagation over time. Furthermore, the model was applied to capture the infection spread in Italy and France.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hafijur Rahaman
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Central University PO, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
| | - Debashis Barik
- School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad, Central University PO, Hyderabad 500046, Telangana, India
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19
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Banholzer N, Zürcher K, Jent P, Bittel P, Furrer L, Egger M, Hascher T, Fenner L. SARS-CoV-2 transmission with and without mask wearing or air cleaners in schools in Switzerland: A modeling study of epidemiological, environmental, and molecular data. PLoS Med 2023; 20:e1004226. [PMID: 37200241 PMCID: PMC10194935 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pmed.1004226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence suggests an important contribution of airborne transmission to the overall spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), in particular via smaller particles called aerosols. However, the contribution of school children to SARS-CoV-2 transmission remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to assess transmission of airborne respiratory infections and the association with infection control measures in schools using a multiple-measurement approach. METHODS AND FINDINGS We collected epidemiological (cases of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)), environmental (CO2, aerosol and particle concentrations), and molecular data (bioaerosol and saliva samples) over 7 weeks from January to March 2022 (Omicron wave) in 2 secondary schools (n = 90, average 18 students/classroom) in Switzerland. We analyzed changes in environmental and molecular characteristics between different study conditions (no intervention, mask wearing, air cleaners). Analyses of environmental changes were adjusted for different ventilation, the number of students in class, school and weekday effects. We modeled disease transmission using a semi-mechanistic Bayesian hierarchical model, adjusting for absent students and community transmission. Molecular analysis of saliva (21/262 positive) and airborne samples (10/130) detected SARS-CoV-2 throughout the study (weekly average viral concentration 0.6 copies/L) and occasionally other respiratory viruses. Overall daily average CO2 levels were 1,064 ± 232 ppm (± standard deviation). Daily average aerosol number concentrations without interventions were 177 ± 109 1/cm3 and decreased by 69% (95% CrI 42% to 86%) with mask mandates and 39% (95% CrI 4% to 69%) with air cleaners. Compared to no intervention, the transmission risk was lower with mask mandates (adjusted odds ratio 0.19, 95% CrI 0.09 to 0.38) and comparable with air cleaners (1.00, 95% CrI 0.15 to 6.51). Study limitations include possible confounding by period as the number of susceptible students declined over time. Furthermore, airborne detection of pathogens document exposure but not necessarily transmission. CONCLUSIONS Molecular detection of airborne and human SARS-CoV-2 indicated sustained transmission in schools. Mask mandates were associated with greater reductions in aerosol concentrations than air cleaners and with lower transmission. Our multiple-measurement approach could be used to continuously monitor transmission risk of respiratory infections and the effectiveness of infection control measures in schools and other congregate settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Banholzer
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Kathrin Zürcher
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Philipp Jent
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pascal Bittel
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lavinia Furrer
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Egger
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
- Population Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Tina Hascher
- Institute of Educational Science, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Lukas Fenner
- Institute of Social and Preventive Medicine, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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20
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Clements N, Arvelo I, Arnold P, Heredia NJ, Hodges UW, Deresinski S, Cook PW, Hamilton KA. Informing Building Strategies to Reduce Infectious Aerosol Transmission Risk by Integrating DNA Aerosol Tracers with Quantitative Microbial Risk Assessment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2023; 57:5771-5781. [PMID: 37000413 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c08131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Using aerosol-based tracers to estimate risk of infectious aerosol transmission aids in the design of buildings with adequate protection against aerosol transmissible pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2 and influenza. We propose a method for scaling a SARS-CoV-2 bulk aerosol quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) model for impulse emissions, coughing or sneezing, with aerosolized synthetic DNA tracer concentration measurements. With point-of-emission ratios describing relationships between tracer and respiratory aerosol emission characteristics (i.e., volume and RNA or DNA concentrations) and accounting for aerosolized pathogen loss of infectivity over time, we scale the inhaled pathogen dose and risk of infection with time-integrated tracer concentrations measured with a filter sampler. This tracer-scaled QMRA model is evaluated through scenario testing, comparing the impact of ventilation, occupancy, masking, and layering interventions on infection risk. We apply the tracer-scaled QMRA model to measurement data from an ambulatory care room to estimate the risk reduction resulting from HEPA air cleaner operation. Using DNA tracer measurements to scale a bulk aerosol QMRA model is a relatively simple method of estimating risk in buildings and can be applied to understand the impact of risk mitigation efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas Clements
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Ilan Arvelo
- SafeTraces, Inc., Pleasanton, California 94588, United States
| | - Phil Arnold
- SafeTraces, Inc., Pleasanton, California 94588, United States
| | | | - Ulrike W Hodges
- SafeTraces, Inc., Pleasanton, California 94588, United States
| | - Stan Deresinski
- Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Peter W Cook
- Independent researcher, Atlanta, Georgia 30333, United States
| | - Kerry A Hamilton
- School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
- The Biodesign Institute Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona 85281, United States
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21
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Howarth D. English tort law and the pandemic: the dog that has not barked. THE GENEVA PAPERS ON RISK AND INSURANCE. ISSUES AND PRACTICE 2023; 48:1-31. [PMID: 37359230 PMCID: PMC10087247 DOI: 10.1057/s41288-023-00298-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
As of February 2023, no case has been reported in the U.K., either in the law reports or in the media, of a victim of COVID-19 suing in tort a person or organisation alleged to have caused the victim to contract the disease. This article considers the reasons this situation might have arisen. It provisionally concludes that the main legal reasons might lie in the applicable doctrines of factual causation and goes on to discuss whether uncertainty in those doctrines should be resolved in the courts.
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22
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Dunowska M. Cross-species transmission of coronaviruses with a focus on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection in animals: a review for the veterinary practitioner. N Z Vet J 2023:1-13. [PMID: 36927253 DOI: 10.1080/00480169.2023.2191349] [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: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
AbstractIn 2019 a novel coronavirus termed severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged from an unidentified source and spread rapidly among humans worldwide. While many human infections are mild, some result in severe clinical disease that in a small proportion of infected people is fatal. The pandemic spread of SARS-CoV-2 has been facilitated by efficient human-to-human transmission of the virus, with no data to indicate that animals contributed to this global health crisis. However, a range of domesticated and wild animals are also susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection under both experimental and natural conditions. Humans are presumed to be the source of most animal infections thus far, although natural transmission between mink and between free-ranging deer has occurred, and occasional natural transmission between cats cannot be fully excluded. Considering the ongoing circulation of the virus among people, together with its capacity to evolve through mutation and recombination, the risk of the emergence of animal-adapted variants is not negligible. If such variants remain infectious to humans, this could lead to the establishment of an animal reservoir for the virus, which would complicate control efforts. As such, minimising human-to-animal transmission of SARS-CoV-2 should be considered as part of infection control efforts. The aim of this review is to summarise what is currently known about the species specificity of animal coronaviruses, with an emphasis on SARS-CoV-2, in the broader context of factors that facilitate cross-species transmission of viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Dunowska
- Tāwharau Ora - School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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23
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Liu X, Qin Z, Wang L, Xie X, Fu Y, Yu J, Liang Z, He X, Li J, Dai H, Yao J, Wu Q, Xiao W, Zhu L, Wan C, Zhang B, Zhao W. A simple and effective aerosol pathogen disinfection test for a flowing air disinfector. JOURNAL OF BIOSAFETY AND BIOSECURITY 2023; 5:32-38. [PMID: 36936134 PMCID: PMC10014499 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobb.2023.02.001] [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: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Aerosol transmission is an important disease transmission route and has been especially pertinent to hospital and biosafety laboratories during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The thermal resistance of airborne SARS-CoV-2 is lower than that of Bacillus subtilis spores, which are often used to test the effectiveness of SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogen disinfection methods. Herein, we propose a new method to test the disinfection ability of a flowing air disinfector (a digital electromagnetic induction air heater) using B. subtilis spores. The study provides an alternative air disinfection test method. The new test system combined an aerosol generator and a respiratory filter designed in-house and could effectively recover spores on the filter membrane at the air outlet after passing through the flowing air disinfector. The total number of bacterial spores used in the test was within the range of 5 × 105-5 × 106 colony-forming units (CFUs) specified in the technical standard for disinfection. The calculation was based on the calculation method in Air Disinfection Effect Appraisal Test in Technical Standard for Disinfection (2002 Edition). At an air speed of 3.5 m/s, we used a digital electromagnetic induction air heater to disinfect flowing air containing 4.100 × 106 CFUs of B. subtilis spores and determined that the minimum disinfection temperature was 350 °C for a killing rate of 99.99%. At 400 °C, additional experiments using higher spore concentrations (4.700 × 106 ± 1.871 × 105 CFU) and a higher airspeed (4 m/s) showed that the killing rate remained>99.99%. B. subtilis spores, as a biological indicator for testing the efficiency of dry-heat sterilization, were killed by the high temperatures used in this system. The proposed method used to test the flowing air disinfector is simple, stable, and effective. This study provides a reference for the development of test systems that can assess the disinfection ability of flowing air disinfectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuling Liu
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhiran Qin
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Linqing Wang
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoting Xie
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yifang Fu
- Guangzhou SaveTech Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510070, China
| | - Jianhai Yu
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zuxin Liang
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaoen He
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jingshu Li
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Hong Dai
- Guangzhou Taojin Electronic Commerce Co., Ltd., Guangzhou 510289, China
| | - Jinxiu Yao
- People's Hospital of Yangjiang, Yangjiang 529500, China
| | - Qinghua Wu
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Weiwei Xiao
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Li Zhu
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Chengsong Wan
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Bao Zhang
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- BSL-3 Laboratory (Guangdong), Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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24
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Nguyen T, Thomas AJ, Kerr P, Stewart AC, Wilkinson AL, Nguyen L, Altermatt A, Young K, Heath K, Bowring A, Fletcher-Lartey S, Lusher D, Hill S, Pedrana A, Stoové M, Gibney K, Hellard M. Recruiting and retaining community-based participants in a COVID-19 longitudinal cohort and social networks study: lessons from Victoria, Australia. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:54. [PMID: 36849927 PMCID: PMC9969937 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01874-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Longitudinal studies are critical to informing evolving responses to COVID-19 but can be hampered by attrition bias, which undermines their reliability for guiding policy and practice. We describe recruitment and retention in the Optimise Study, a longitudinal cohort and social networks study that aimed to inform public health and policy responses to COVID-19. METHODS Optimise recruited adults residing in Victoria, Australia September 01 2020-September 30 2021. High-frequency follow-up data collection included nominating social networks for study participation and completing a follow-up survey and four follow-up diaries each month, plus additional surveys if they tested positive for COVID-19 or were a close contact. This study compared number recruited to a-priori targets as of September 302,021, retention as of December 31 2021, comparing participants retained and not retained, and follow-up survey and diary completion October 2020-December 2021. Retained participants completed a follow-up survey or diary in each of the final three-months of their follow-up time. Attrition was defined by the number of participants not retained, divided by the number who completed a baseline survey by September 302,021. Survey completion was calculated as the proportion of follow-up surveys or diaries sent to participants that were completed between October 2020-December 2021. RESULTS At September 302,021, 663 participants were recruited and at December 312,021, 563 were retained giving an overall attrition of 15% (n = 100/663). Among the 563 retained, survey completion was 90% (n = 19,354/21,524) for follow-up diaries and 89% (n = 4936/5560) for monthly follow-up surveys. Compared to participants not retained, those retained were older (t-test, p < 0.001), and more likely to be female (χ2, p = 0.001), and tertiary educated (χ2, p = 0.018). CONCLUSION High levels of study retention and survey completion demonstrate a willingness to participate in a complex, longitudinal cohort study with high participant burden during a global pandemic. We believe comprehensive follow-up strategies, frequent dissemination of study findings to participants, and unique data collection systems have contributed to high levels of study retention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thi Nguyen
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Alexander J Thomas
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Phoebe Kerr
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Ashleigh C Stewart
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Anna Lee Wilkinson
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Long Nguyen
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Aimée Altermatt
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Kathryn Young
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Katherine Heath
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Anna Bowring
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | | | - Dean Lusher
- Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, VIC, 3122, Australia
| | - Sophie Hill
- La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Alisa Pedrana
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mark Stoové
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Katherine Gibney
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Margaret Hellard
- Disease Elimination, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.,Department of Infectious Diseases, The Alfred and Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
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25
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Panda CK, Singha SK, Karim HMR, Mishra M. Practices During Intubation in COVID-19 Intensive Care Units in India: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire-Based Survey. Cureus 2023; 15:e34424. [PMID: 36874758 PMCID: PMC9981221 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Healthcare workers are committed to learning from each other's experience to safely optimize patient management of COVID-19. Acute hypoxemic failure is common in COVID-19 patients, and nearly 3.2% may require intubation. Intubation is an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP) that might predispose the performer to COVID-19 infection. This survey was intended to evaluate the practices during tracheal intubation in COVID-19 intensive care units (ICUs) and analyze them against the recommendations of the All India Difficult Airway Association (AIDAA) for safe practice. Methodology It was a web-based, multicentric cross-sectional survey. The choices in the questions were based on guidelines for airway management in COVID-19. Survey questions were divided into two parts - the first part consisted of demographics and general information, and the second part focused on safe intubation practices. Results A total of 230 responses were obtained from physicians all over India, presuming their active involvement in COVID-19 cases, of which 226 responses were taken into account. Two-thirds of responders did not receive any training before ICU posting. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guideline was followed by 89% of responders for personal protective equipment use. Intubation in COVID-19 patients was predominantly conducted by a senior anesthesiologist/intensivist in the team and a senior resident (37.2%). Rapid sequence intubation (RSI) and modified RSI were preferable among the responder's hospitals (46.5% vs. 33.6%). In most centers, responders used direct laryngoscope for intubation (62.8%), whereas video laryngoscope was used by 34%. Most responders confirmed the endotracheal tube (ETT) position by visual inspection (66.3%) over end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) concentration tracing (53.9%). Conclusions Safe intubation practices were followed in most of the centers across India. However, teaching and training, preoxygenation methods, alternative ventilation strategies, and confirmation of intubation pertinent to COVID-19 airway management need more attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chinmaya K Panda
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, IND
| | - Subrata K Singha
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, IND
| | - Habib Md R Karim
- Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Raipur, IND
| | - Meghana Mishra
- Anesthesiology and Critical Care, DKS Super Specialty Hospital, Raipur, IND
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26
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Luo Y, Zhang Y, Liu T, Yu A, Wu Y, Ozcan A. Virtual Impactor-Based Label-Free Pollen Detection using Holography and Deep Learning. ACS Sens 2022; 7:3885-3894. [PMID: 36414385 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c01890] [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: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to bio-aerosols such as pollen can lead to adverse health effects. There is a need for a portable and cost-effective device for long-term monitoring and quantification of various types of pollen. To address this need, we present a mobile and cost-effective label-free sensor that takes holographic images of flowing particulate matter (PM) concentrated by a virtual impactor, which selectively slows down and guides particles larger than 6 μm to fly through an imaging window. The flowing particles are illuminated by a pulsed laser diode, casting their inline holograms on a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor image sensor in a lens-free mobile imaging device. The illumination contains three short pulses with a negligible shift of the flowing particle within one pulse, and triplicate holograms of the same particle are recorded at a single frame before it exits the imaging field-of-view, revealing different perspectives of each particle. The particles within the virtual impactor are localized through a differential detection scheme, and a deep neural network classifies the pollen type in a label-free manner based on the acquired holographic images. We demonstrated the success of this mobile pollen detector with a virtual impactor using different types of pollen (i.e., bermuda, elm, oak, pine, sycamore, and wheat) and achieved a blind classification accuracy of 92.91%. This mobile and cost-effective device weighs ∼700 g and can be used for label-free sensing and quantification of various bio-aerosols over extended periods since it is based on a cartridge-free virtual impactor that does not capture or immobilize PM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Luo
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yijie Zhang
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Tairan Liu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Alan Yu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Computer Science Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Yichen Wu
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Aydogan Ozcan
- Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,Bioengineering Department, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States.,California Nano Systems Institute (CNSI), University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
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27
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Li P, Koziel JA, Macedo N, Zimmerman JJ, Wrzesinski D, Sobotka E, Balderas M, Walz WB, Paris RV, Lee M, Liu D, Yedilbayev B, Ramirez BC, Jenks WS. Evaluation of an Air Cleaning Device Equipped with Filtration and UV: Comparison of Removal Efficiency on Particulate Matter and Viable Airborne Bacteria in the Inlet and Treated Air. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16135. [PMID: 36498208 PMCID: PMC9735963 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192316135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, improving indoor air quality (IAQ) has become vital for the public as COVID-19 and other infectious diseases can transmit via inhalable aerosols. Air cleaning devices with filtration and targeted pollutant treatment capabilities can help improve IAQ. However, only a few filtration/UV devices have been formally tested for their effectiveness, and little data is publicly available and UV doses comparable. In this research, we upgraded a particulate matter (PM) air filtration prototype by adding UV-C (germicidal) light. We developed realistic UV dose metrics for fast-moving air and selected performance scenarios to quantify the mitigation effect on viable airborne bacteria and PM. The targeted PM included total suspended particulate (TSP) and a coarse-to-fine range sized at PM10, PM4, PM2.5, and PM1. The PM and viable airborne bacteria concentrations were compared between the inlet and outlet of the prototype at 0.5 and 1.0 m3/s (low and high) air flow modes. The upgraded prototype inactivated nearly 100% of viable airborne bacteria and removed up to 97% of TSP, 91% of PM10, 87% of PM4, 87% of PM2.5, and 88% of PM1. The performance in the low flow rate mode was generally better than in the high flow rate mode. The combination of filtration and UV-C treatment provided 'double-barrier' assurance for air purification and lowered the risk of spreading infectious micro-organisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyang Li
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jacek A. Koziel
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Livestock Nutrient Management Research Unit, USDA-ARS Conservation & Production Research Laboratory, Bushland, TX 79012, USA
| | - Nubia Macedo
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jeffrey J. Zimmerman
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Danielle Wrzesinski
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Erin Sobotka
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Mateo Balderas
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - William B. Walz
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | | | - Myeongseong Lee
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Dongjie Liu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Bauyrzhan Yedilbayev
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
- Department of Geography and Environmental Sciences, al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty 050040, Kazakhstan
| | - Brett C. Ramirez
- Department of Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - William S. Jenks
- Department of Chemistry, Iowa State University, Ames, IA 50011, USA
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28
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Zhang S, Niu D, Lin Z. Occupancy-aided ventilation for airborne infection risk control: Continuously or intermittently reduced occupancies? BUILDING SIMULATION 2022; 16:733-747. [PMID: 36373145 PMCID: PMC9638348 DOI: 10.1007/s12273-022-0951-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 09/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Ventilation is an important engineering measure to control the airborne infection risk of acute respiratory diseases, e.g., Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Occupancy-aided ventilation methods can effectively improve the airborne infection risk control performance with a sacrifice of decreasing working productivity because of the reduced occupancy. This study evaluates the effectiveness of two occupancy-aided ventilation methods, i.e., the continuously reduced occupancy method and the intermittently reduced occupancy method. The continuously reduced occupancy method is determined by the steady equation of the mass conservation law of the indoor contaminant, and the intermittently reduced occupancy method is determined by a genetic algorithm-based optimization. A two-scenarios-based evaluation framework is developed, i.e., one with targeted airborne infection risk control performance (indicated by the mean rebreathed fraction) and the other with targeted working productivity (indicated by the accumulated occupancy). The results show that the improvement in the airborne infection risk control performance linearly and quadratically increases with the reduction in the working productivity for the continuously reduced occupancy method and the intermittently reduced occupancy method respectively. At a given targeted airborne infection risk control performance, the intermittently reduced occupancy method outperforms the continuously reduced occupancy method by improving the working productivity by up to 92%. At a given targeted working productivity, the intermittently reduced occupancy method outperforms the continuously reduced occupancy method by improving the airborne infection risk control performance by up to 38%.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhang
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dun Niu
- School of Human Settlements and Civil Engineering, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhang Lin
- Division of Building Science and Technology, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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29
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Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused an unprecedented health crisis and economic burden worldwide. Its etiological agent SARS-CoV-2, a new virus in the coronavirus family, has infected hundreds of millions of people worldwide. SARS-CoV-2 has evolved over the past 2 years to increase its transmissibility as well as to evade the immunity established by previous infection and vaccination. Nevertheless, strong immune responses can be elicited by viral infection and vaccination, which have proved to be protective against the emergence of variants, particularly with respect to hospitalization or severe disease. Here, we review our current understanding of how the virus enters the host cell and how our immune system is able to defend against cell entry and infection. Neutralizing antibodies are a major component of our immune defense and have been extensively studied for SARS-CoV-2 and its variants. Structures of these neutralizing antibodies have provided valuable insights into epitopes that are protective against the original ancestral virus and the variants that have emerged. The molecular characterization of neutralizing epitopes as well as epitope conservation and resistance are important for design of next-generation vaccines and antibody therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejun Liu
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational BiologyThe Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ian A. Wilson
- Department of Integrative Structural and Computational BiologyThe Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
- The Skaggs Institute for Chemical BiologyThe Scripps Research InstituteLa JollaCaliforniaUSA
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Kurth A, Weber U, Reichenbacher D. Maintaining differential pressure gradients does not increase safety inside modern BSL-4 laboratories. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:953675. [PMID: 36110311 PMCID: PMC9468669 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.953675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This article discusses a previously unrecognized contradiction in the design of biosafety level-4 (BSL-4) suit laboratories, also known as maximum or high containment laboratories. For decades, it is suggested that both directional airflow and pressure differentials are essential safety measures to prevent the release of pathogens into the environment and to avoid cross-contamination between laboratory rooms. Despite the absence of an existing evidence-based risk analyses demonstrating increased safety by directional airflow and pressure differentials in BSL-4 laboratories, they were anchored in various national regulations. Currently, the construction and operation of BSL-4 laboratories are subject to rigorous quality and technical requirements including airtight containment. Over time, BSL-4 laboratories evolved to enormously complex technical infrastructures. With the aim to counterbalance this development towards technical simplification while still maintaining maximum safety, we provide a detailed risk analysis by calculating pathogen mitigation in maximum contamination scenarios. The results presented and discussed herein, indicate that both directional airflow or a differential pressure gradient in airtight rooms within a secondary BSL-4 containment do not increase biosafety, and are not necessary. Likewise, reduction of pressure zones from the outside into the secondary containment may also provide sufficient environmental protection. We encourage laboratory design professionals to consider technical simplification and policymakers to adapt corresponding legislation and regulations surrounding directional airflow and pressure differentials for technically airtight BSL-4 laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Kurth
- Biosafety Level-4 Laboratory, Robert Koch Institute, Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Berlin, Germany
- *Correspondence: Andreas Kurth,
| | - Udo Weber
- Ingenieurbüro Udo Weber, Köln, Germany
| | - Detlef Reichenbacher
- Construction, Physical Plant and Technology, Robert Koch Institute, Central Services, Berlin, Germany
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Habibi N, Uddin S, Behbehani M, Al Salameen F, Razzack NA, Zakir F, Shajan A, Alam F. Bacterial and fungal communities in indoor aerosols from two Kuwaiti hospitals. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:955913. [PMID: 35966680 PMCID: PMC9366136 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.955913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The airborne transmission of COVID-19 has drawn immense attention to bioaerosols. The topic is highly relevant in the indoor hospital environment where vulnerable patients are treated and healthcare workers are exposed to various pathogenic and non-pathogenic microbes. Knowledge of the microbial communities in such settings will enable precautionary measures to prevent any hospital-mediated outbreak and better assess occupational exposure of the healthcare workers. This study presents a baseline of the bacterial and fungal population of two major hospitals in Kuwait dealing with COVID patients, and in a non-hospital setting through targeted amplicon sequencing. The predominant bacteria of bioaerosols were Variovorax (9.44%), Parvibaculum (8.27%), Pseudonocardia (8.04%), Taonella (5.74%), Arthrospira (4.58%), Comamonas (3.84%), Methylibium (3.13%), Sphingobium (4.46%), Zoogloea (2.20%), and Sphingopyxis (2.56%). ESKAPEE pathogens, such as Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, and Escherichia, were also found in lower abundances. The fungi were represented by Wilcoxinia rehmii (64.38%), Aspergillus ruber (9.11%), Penicillium desertorum (3.89%), Leptobacillium leptobactrum (3.20%), Humicola grisea (2.99%), Ganoderma sichuanense (1.42%), Malassezia restricta (0.74%), Heterophoma sylvatica (0.49%), Fusarium proliferatum (0.46%), and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (0.23%). Some common and unique operational taxonomic units (OTUs) of bacteria and fungi were also recorded at each site; this inter-site variability shows that exhaled air can be a source of this variation. The alpha-diversity indices suggested variance in species richness and abundance in hospitals than in non-hospital sites. The community structure of bacteria varied spatially (ANOSIM r 2 = 0.181-0.243; p < 0.05) between the hospital and non-hospital sites, whereas fungi were more or less homogenous. Key taxa specific to the hospitals were Defluvicoccales, fungi, Ganodermataceae, Heterophoma, and H. sylvatica compared to Actinobacteria, Leptobacillium, L. leptobacillium, and Cordycipitaceae at the non-hospital site (LefSe, FDR q ≤ 0.05). The hospital/non-hospital MD index > 1 indicated shifts in the microbial communities of indoor air in hospitals. These findings highlight the need for regular surveillance of indoor hospital environments to prevent future outbreaks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Saif Uddin
- Environment and Life Science Research Centre, Kuwait Institute for Scientific Research, Kuwait City, Kuwait
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Farooq M, Khan AW, Ahmad B, Kim MS, Choi S. Therapeutic Targeting of Innate Immune Receptors Against SARS-CoV-2 Infection. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:915565. [PMID: 35847031 PMCID: PMC9280161 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.915565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system is the first line of host's defense against invading pathogens. Multiple cellular sensors that detect viral components can induce innate antiviral immune responses. As a result, interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines are produced which help in the elimination of invading viruses. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) belongs to Coronaviridae family, and has a single-stranded, positive-sense RNA genome. It can infect multiple hosts; in humans, it is responsible for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Successful, timely, and appropriate detection of SARS-CoV-2 can be very important for the early generation of the immune response. Several drugs that target the innate immune receptors as well as other signaling molecules generated during the innate immune response are currently being investigated in clinical trials. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying host sensing and innate immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as the role of innate immune receptors in terms of their therapeutic potential against SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, we discussed the drugs undergoing clinical trials and the FDA approved drugs against SARS-CoV-2. This review will help in understanding the interactions between SARS-CoV-2 and innate immune receptors and thus will point towards new dimensions for the development of new therapeutics, which can be beneficial in the current pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariya Farooq
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Abdul Waheed Khan
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Moon Suk Kim
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
| | - Sangdun Choi
- Department of Molecular Science and Technology, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
- S&K Therapeutics, Ajou University, Suwon, South Korea
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Tang JW, Marr LC, Li Y, Eames I. The role of SARS-CoV-2 aerosol transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interface Focus 2022. [PMCID: PMC8831079 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2022.0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the virus SARS-CoV-2, has touched most parts of the world and devastated the lives of many. The high transmissibility coupled with the initial poor outcome for the elderly led to crushingly high fatalities. The scientific response to the pandemic has been formidable, aided by advancements in virology, computing, data analysis, instrumentation, diagnostics, engineering and infection control. This has led to improvements in understanding and has helped to challenge some established orthodoxies. Sufficient time has elapsed since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic that a clearer view has emerged about transmission and infection risks, public health responses and related societal and economic impacts. This timely volume has provided an opportunity for the science community to report on these new developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian W. Tang
- Respiratory Sciences, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
| | - Linsey C. Marr
- Civil and Environmental Engineering, Virginia Tech, VA, USA
| | - Yuguo Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, People's Republic of China
| | - Ian Eames
- Centre for Engineering in Extreme Environments, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 7JE, UK
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