1
|
Zhao L, Guzman HP, Xagoraraki I. Comparative analyses of SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations in Detroit wastewater quantified with CDC N1, N2, and SC2 assays reveal optimal target for predicting COVID-19 cases. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 945:174140. [PMID: 38906283 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024]
Abstract
To monitor COVID-19 through wastewater surveillance, global researchers dedicated significant endeavors and resources to develop and implement diverse RT-qPCR or RT-ddPCR assays targeting different genes of SARS-CoV-2. Effective wastewater surveillance hinges on the appropriate selection of the most suitable assay, especially for resource-constrained regions where scant technical and socioeconomic resources restrict the options for testing with multiple assays. Further research is imperative to evaluate the existing assays through comprehensive comparative analyses. Such analyses are crucial for health agencies and wastewater surveillance practitioners in the selection of appropriate methods for monitoring COVID-19. In this study, untreated wastewater samples were collected weekly from the Detroit wastewater treatment plant, Michigan, USA, between January and December 2023. Polyethylene glycol precipitation (PEG) was applied to concentrate the samples followed by RNA extraction and RT-ddPCR. Three assays including N1, N2 (US CDC Real-Time Reverse Transcription PCR Panel for Detection of SARS-CoV-2), and SC2 assay (US CDC Influenza SARS-CoV-2 Multiplex Assay) were implemented to detect SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater. The limit of blank and limit of detection for the three assays were experimentally determined. SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations were evaluated and compared through three statistical approaches, including Pearson and Spearman's rank correlations, Dynamic Time Warping, and vector autoregressive models. N1 and N2 demonstrated the highest correlation and most similar time series patterns. Conversely, N2 and SC2 assay demonstrated the lowest correlation and least similar time series patterns. N2 was identified as the optimal target to predict COVID-19 cases. This study presents a rigorous effort in evaluating and comparing SARS-CoV-2 RNA concentrations quantified with N1, N2, and SC2 assays and their interrelations and correlations with clinical cases. This study provides valuable insights into identifying the optimal target for monitoring COVID-19 through wastewater surveillance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Zhao
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, 1449 Engineering Research Ct., East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Heidy Peidro Guzman
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, 1449 Engineering Research Ct., East Lansing, MI 48823, USA
| | - Irene Xagoraraki
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University, 1449 Engineering Research Ct., East Lansing, MI 48823, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Di W, Yu J, Zong D, Ge Y, Zhang Y, Chen X, He X. Effects of ambient temperature, relative humidity and absolute humidity on risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in China. Int J Cancer 2024; 155:646-653. [PMID: 38598851 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34933] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) has a unique geographic distribution. It is unknown whether meteorological factors are related to the incidence of NPC. To investigate the effect of ambient temperature, relative humidity (RH), and absolute humidity (AH) on the incidence of NPC, we collected the incidence rate of NPC in 2016 and meteorological data from 2006 to 2016 from 484 cities and counties across 31 provinces in China. Generalized additive models with quasi-Poisson regression and generalized linear models with natural cubic splines were employed respectively to elucidate the nonlinear relationships and specify the partial linear relationships. Subgroup and interactive analysis were also conducted. Temperature (R2 = 0.68, p < .001), RH (R2 = 0.47, p < .001), and AH (R2 = 0.70, p < .001) exhibited nonlinear correlations with NPC incidence rate. The risk of NPC incidence increased by 20.3% (95% confidence intervals [CI]: [18.9%, 21.7%]) per 1°C increase in temperature, by 6.3% (95% CI: [5.3%, 7.2%]) per 1% increase in RH, and by 32.2% (95% CI: [30.7%, 33.7%]) per 1 g/m3 increase in AH, between their the 25th and the 99th percentiles. In addition, the combination of low temperature and low RH was also related to increased risk (relative risk: 1.60, 95% CI: [1.18, 2.17]). Males and eastern or rural populations tended to be more vulnerable. In summary, this study suggests that ambient temperature, RH, and particularly AH are associated with the risk of NPC incidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Di
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiamin Yu
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dan Zong
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yizhi Ge
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yujie Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Health Statistics, College of Preventive Medicine, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia He
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and Jiangsu Cancer Hospital and Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Environmental Genomics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Park H, Shin GW, Lee SM, Jeong GW, Kim HY, Kim H, Choi HW, Lee-Kwon W, Kwon HM. One-hit kill: On the inactivation of RNA viruses by ultraviolet (UV)-C-induced genomic damage. JOURNAL OF PHOTOCHEMISTRY AND PHOTOBIOLOGY. B, BIOLOGY 2024; 257:112949. [PMID: 38865816 DOI: 10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2024.112949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Large scale outbreaks of infectious respiratory disease have repeatedly plagued the globe over the last 100 years. The scope and strength of the outbreaks are getting worse as pathogenic RNA viruses are rapidly evolving and highly evasive to vaccines and anti-viral drugs. Germicidal UV-C is considered as a robust agent to disinfect RNA viruses regardless of their evolution. While genomic damage by UV-C has been known to be associated with viral inactivation, the precise relationship between the damage and inactivation remains unsettled as genomic damage has been analyzed in small areas, typically under 0.5 kb. In this study, we assessed genomic damage by the reduced efficiency of reverse transcription of regions of up to 7.2 kb. Our data seem to indicate that genomic damage was directly proportional to the size of the genome, and a single hit of damage was sufficient for inactivation of RNA viruses. The high efficacy of UV-C is already effectively adopted to inactivate airborne RNA viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Park
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Go Woon Shin
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Min Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyu Won Jeong
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hui Young Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hajin Kim
- Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Whaseon Lee-Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyug Moo Kwon
- Department of Biological Sciences and Biomedical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology Ulsan, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Barosa M, Ioannidis JPA, Prasad V. Evidence base for yearly respiratory virus vaccines: Current status and proposed improved strategies. Eur J Clin Invest 2024:e14286. [PMID: 39078026 DOI: 10.1111/eci.14286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
Abstract
Annual vaccination is widely recommended for influenza and SARS-CoV-2. In this essay, we analyse and question the prevailing policymaking approach to these respiratory virus vaccines, especially in the United States. Every year, licensed influenza vaccines are reformulated to include specific strains expected to dominate in the season ahead. Updated vaccines are rapidly manufactured and approved without further regulatory requirement of clinical data. Novel vaccines (i.e. new products) typically undergo clinical trials, though generally powered for clinically unimportant outcomes (e.g. lab-confirmed infections, regardless of symptomatology or antibody levels). Eventually, the current and future efficacy of influenza and COVID-19 vaccines against hospitalization or death carries considerable uncertainty. The emergence of highly transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants and waning vaccine-induced immunity led to plummeting vaccine effectiveness, at least against symptomatic infection, and booster doses have since been widely recommended. No further randomized trials were performed for clinically important outcomes for licensed updated boosters. In both cases, annual vaccine effectiveness estimates are generated by observational research, but observational studies are particularly susceptible to confounding and bias. Well-conducted experimental studies, particularly randomized trials, are necessary to address persistent uncertainties about influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. We propose a new research framework which would render results relevant to the current or future respiratory viral seasons. We demonstrate that experimental studies are feasible by adopting a more pragmatic approach and provide strategies on how to do so. When it comes to implementing policies that seriously impact people's lives, require substantial public resources and/or rely on widespread public acceptance, high evidence standards are desirable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Barosa
- NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - John P A Ioannidis
- Departments of Medicine, of Epidemiology and Population Health, of Biomedical Data Science, and of Statistics, and Meta-Research Innovation Center at Stanford (METRICS), Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Vinay Prasad
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Edrees WH, Abdullah QY, Al-Shehari WA, Alrahabi LM, Khardesh AAF. COVID-19 pandemic in Taiz Governorate, Yemen, between 2020 and 2023. BMC Infect Dis 2024; 24:739. [PMID: 39060993 PMCID: PMC11282764 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-024-09650-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is highly contagious and causes a series of health problems, particularly in Yemen, which has a fragile healthcare system and cannot handle public health emergencies. AIMS This analysis aimed to determine the epidemiological status of COVID-19 in the Taiz governorate between April 2020 and December 2023. METHODS A retrospective study based on surveillance data from the Taiz governorate was used. The required data were gathered from the Ministry of Health and Population in Aden and analyzed using SPSS. RESULTS Out of 5826 suspected of COVID-19 cases, 1933 (33.18%) cases were positive for COVID-19 infection. The high rates of COVID-19 cases were reported at 35.40% in males, 37.80% in people aged 35-44 years, 47.20% in 2020, 72.73% in Dhubab district, and 27.78% in March 2021. The overall incidence rate of cases was reported at 6.2 per 10,000 people in Taiz governorate (8.85 in males and 3.80 in females). In addition, the high incidence rate of COVID-19 was observed among age groups ≥ 65 years, in 2021, and in Al-Mukha districts. In total, the rate of fatality cases was 14.12%, the higher rate of fatality cases was 15.46% among males and 32.23% among individuals aged ≥ 65 years, and 26.97% in 2020. CONCLUSION In this finding, the incidence rate of COVID-19 is high. It is necessary to increase the public's awareness of the transmission and prevention methods of COVID-19, as well as implement appropriate strategies to protect populations from infectious diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wadhah Hassan Edrees
- Medical Microbiology Department, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Hajjah University, Hajjah, Yemen.
- Medical Laboratory Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Al-Razi University, Sana'a, Yemen.
| | - Qais Yusuf Abdullah
- Microbiology/Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | | | - Lutf Mohammed Alrahabi
- Medical Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Sana'a University, Sana'a, Yemen
- Dental Department, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Queen Arwa University, Sana'a, Yemen
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sawires R, Clothier HJ, Burgner D, Fahey MC, Buttery J. Kawasaki Disease and Respiratory Viruses: Ecological Spatiotemporal Analysis. JMIR Public Health Surveill 2024; 10:e49648. [PMID: 39056286 DOI: 10.2196/49648] [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: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Kawasaki disease is an uncommon vasculitis affecting young children. Its etiology is not completely understood, although infections have been frequently postulated as the triggers. Respiratory viruses, specifically, have often been implicated as causative agents for Kawasaki disease presentations. Objective We aimed to conduct an ecological spatiotemporal analysis to determine whether Kawasaki disease incidence was related to community respiratory virus circulation in a shared region and population, and to describe viral associations before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We obtained independent statewide data sets of hospital admissions of Kawasaki disease and respiratory multiplex polymerase chain reaction tests performed at two large hospital networks in Victoria, Australia, from July 2011 to November 2021. We studied spatiotemporal relationships by negative binomial regression analysis of the monthly incidence of Kawasaki disease and the rate of positive respiratory polymerase chain reaction tests in different regions of Victoria. Peak viral seasons (95th percentile incidence) were compared to median viral circulation (50th percentile incidence) to calculate peak season increased rate ratios. Results While no seasonal trend in Kawasaki disease incidence was identified throughout the study period, we found a 1.52 (99% CI 1.27-1.82) and a 1.43 (99% CI 1.17-1.73) increased rate ratio of Kawasaki disease presentations in association with human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus circulation, respectively, before the COVID-19 pandemic. No respiratory viral associations with Kawasaki disease were observed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions Our large ecological analysis demonstrates novel spatiotemporal relationships between human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus circulation with Kawasaki disease. The disappearance of these associations in the COVID-19 pandemic may reflect the reduced circulation of non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses during this period, supporting the prepandemic associations identified in this study. The roles of human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus in Kawasaki disease etiology warrant further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rana Sawires
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800, 61 411717227, Australia
- Centre for Health Analytics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Hazel J Clothier
- Centre for Health Analytics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination in the Community, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David Burgner
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800, 61 411717227, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
- Inflammatory Origins, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
| | - Michael Collingwood Fahey
- Department of Neurology, Monash Children's Hospital, Clayton, Australia
- Neurogenetics Department, Monash Paediatrics, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Jim Buttery
- Department of Paediatrics, Monash University, Wellington Road, Clayton, 3800, 61 411717227, Australia
- Centre for Health Analytics, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Surveillance of Adverse Events Following Vaccination in the Community, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Holland SC, Smith MF, Holland LA, Maqsood R, Hu JC, Murugan V, Driver EM, Halden RU, Lim ES. Wastewater and clinical surveillance of respiratory viral pathogens on a university campus. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174981. [PMID: 39053521 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2024] [Revised: 07/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Areas of dense population congregation are prone to experience respiratory virus outbreaks. We monitored wastewater and clinic patients for the presence of respiratory viruses on a large, public university campus. Campus sewer systems were monitored in 16 locations for the presence of viruses using next generation sequencing over 22 weeks in 2023. During this period, we detected a surge in human adenovirus (HAdV) levels in wastewater. Hence, we initiated clinical surveillance at an on-campus clinic from patients presenting with acute respiratory infection. From whole genome sequencing of 123 throat and/or nasal swabs collected, we identified an outbreak of HAdV, specifically of HAdV-E4 and HAdV-B7 genotypes overlapping in time. The temporal dynamics and proportions of HAdV genotypes found in wastewater were corroborated in clinical infections. We tracked specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) found in clinical virus sequences and showed that they arose in wastewater signals concordant with the time of clinical presentation, linking community transmission of HAdV to the outbreak. This study demonstrates how wastewater-based epidemiology can be integrated with surveillance at ambulatory healthcare settings to monitor areas prone to respiratory virus outbreaks and provide public health guidance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Steven C Holland
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Matthew F Smith
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - LaRinda A Holland
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rabia Maqsood
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - James C Hu
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Vel Murugan
- Virginia G. Piper Center for Personalized Diagnostics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Erin M Driver
- Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Efrem S Lim
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA; School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ren Y, Li J, Yang J, Hu L, Xu Z, Fu R, Wu K, Guo M, Hu M, Ran L, Li X, Qiu H, Liao L, Zhang M, Luo Y, Zhou S, Ding F. Meteorological parameters and hospital-acquired falls-A multicenter retrospective study based on 10 years of adverse events reporting system data. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34193. [PMID: 39071631 PMCID: PMC11279767 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective and rationale Hospital-acquired falls are common and serious adverse events in medical institutions, with high incidence and injury rates. Studying the occurrence patterns of hospital-acquired falls is important for preventing falls in hospitalized patients. However, the effect of meteorological factors on hospital-acquired falls has not been elucidated. Therefore, this study explored the impact of meteorological parameters on hospital-acquired falls in Chongqing, China, and provided new ideas for the clinical prevention of falls in patients. Methods Correlation analysis and distributed lag nonlinear models were employed to analyze the relationship between 3890 cases of hospital-acquired falls and meteorological data in 13 hospitals in 11 districts and counties in Chongqing from January 2013 to April 2023. Results The number of hospital-acquired falls demonstrated a nonlinear correlation with the daily average relative humidity and negatively correlated with sunshine duration; however, temperature, air pressure, and wind speed were not correlated. Compared to the reference humidity (87 %), the immediate effects of daily average relative humidity (65-68 % and 90-97 %) increased the risk of hospital-acquired falls on the same day (relative risk [RR]:1.027-1.243). When the daily average relative humidity was 95-97 %, lags of 0-1 d and 8-12 d had greater effects on falls (RR:1.073-1.243). The daily average relative humidities of 62-74 % and 91-97 % were statistically significant at cumulative relative risk (CRR)of 4, 7, 10, and 14 d with a cumulative lag (CRR: 1.111-4.277). On sex and age stratification, the lag and cumulative effects of relative humidity more significantly impacted falls in women and patients aged ≥65 years. Conclusion Daily average relative humidity had a nonlinear correlation and lag effect on hospital-acquired falls; therefore, medical institutions should pay attention to the effect of relative humidity on hospital-acquired falls in patients, especially old and female patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Ren
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jinyan Li
- Information Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of General Practice, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Lei Hu
- Information Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhihui Xu
- Nursing Department, Hechuan District People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 401533, China
| | - Rongjuan Fu
- Nursing Department, Dianjiang People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 408300, China
| | - Kaihui Wu
- Nursing Department, Nanchuan District People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 408400, China
| | - Min Guo
- Nursing Department, The 13th People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 400050, China
| | - Mei Hu
- Nursing Department, Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital, Chongqing, 404100, China
| | - Liu Ran
- Department of Endocrinology, Changshou District People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 401220, China
| | - Xia Li
- Nursing Department, Qijiang District People's Hospital, Chongqing, 401420, China
| | - Huicheng Qiu
- Nursing Department, Liangping District People's Hospital, Chongqing, 405200, China
| | - Lianmei Liao
- Nursing Department, The First People's Hospital of Chongqing Liangjiang New Area, Chongqing, 401121, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhang
- Nursing Department, Banan District People's Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, 401320, China
| | - Yetao Luo
- Department of Nosocomial Infection Control, Second Affiliated Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Sumei Zhou
- Emergency Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 400016, China
| | - Fu Ding
- Nursing Department, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Turner DL, Amoozadeh S, Baric H, Stanley E, Werder RB. Building a human lung from pluripotent stem cells to model respiratory viral infections. Respir Res 2024; 25:277. [PMID: 39010108 PMCID: PMC11251358 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02912-0] [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: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
To protect against the constant threat of inhaled pathogens, the lung is equipped with cellular defenders. In coordination with resident and recruited immune cells, this defence is initiated by the airway and alveolar epithelium following their infection with respiratory viruses. Further support for viral clearance and infection resolution is provided by adjacent endothelial and stromal cells. However, even with these defence mechanisms, respiratory viral infections are a significant global health concern, causing substantial morbidity, socioeconomic losses, and mortality, underlining the need to develop effective vaccines and antiviral medications. In turn, the identification of new treatment options for respiratory infections is critically dependent on the availability of tractable in vitro experimental models that faithfully recapitulate key aspects of lung physiology. For such models to be informative, it is important these models incorporate human-derived, physiologically relevant versions of all cell types that normally form part of the lungs anti-viral response. This review proposes a guideline using human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to create all the disease-relevant cell types. iPSCs can be differentiated into lung epithelium, innate immune cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts at a large scale, recapitulating in vivo functions and providing genetic tractability. We advocate for building comprehensive iPSC-derived in vitro models of both proximal and distal lung regions to better understand and model respiratory infections, including interactions with chronic lung diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Declan L Turner
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
| | - Sahel Amoozadeh
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
| | - Hannah Baric
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
| | - Ed Stanley
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia
| | - Rhiannon B Werder
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Melbourne, 3056, Australia.
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia.
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine, reNEW Melbourne, Melbourne, 3056, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Gao P, Chen L, He L, Lei J, Luo M, Gu L. Respiratory virus infections and adenovirus characteristics during acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Technol Health Care 2024:THC240010. [PMID: 39058463 DOI: 10.3233/thc-240010] [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: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease globally, characterized by obstructive ventilatory disorder under pulmonary function tests. Recent years have witnessed a yearly increase in the prevalence of COPD. OBJECTIVE To investigate the impact of respiratory virus infections on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD), and to perform sequencing typing and mutation analysis of viruses with high detection rate. METHODS A total of 1523 inpatients with AECOPD admitted to our hospital from April 1,2020 to March 30,2022 were collected and divided into two groups: the infected group (n= 532) and the non-infected group (n= 991). The related indexes between the two groups were collected and compared (including clinical characteristics and laboratory tests that blood cell count, PCT, CRP, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, influenza A virus, influenza B virus, etc.). RESULTS In the infected group, the proportion of patients with palpitations (49.44% VS 8.07%, P< 0.001), lipid metabolism abnormalities (18.42% VS 39.96%, P< 0.001), heart failure (39.85% VS 29.87%, P< 0.001), disease duration (17.48 ± 7.47 VS 12.45 ± 11.43 d, P< 0.001), and poor prognosis (69.55% VS 17.15%, P< 0.001) were higher than those in the non-infected group; Adenovirus (ADV) accounted for 75.94% (404/532) of all infected viruses. 31 virus strains could be categorized into 16 ADV-C1, one ADV-C5, two ADV-B3, three ADV-B7, two ADV-D17, two ADV-D19, and five ADV-D27, which were similar to the serotypes reported in severe pneumonia. Furthermore, three strains of C1 adenovirus were found to be highly homologous to the original strain AF534906 by sequencing, and the phylogenetic trees of the three main structural genes were all on the same branch as the original strain. Base mutations and amino acid variants were found in each structural gene segment. In clinical data, it's found that patients with mutations are worse than those without mutations. CONCLUSION Respiratory viruses are common in patients with poor prognosis of AECOPD, especially adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus. Respiratory virus infections will lead to the deterioration of patients with AECOPD, accompanied by longer treatment cycles and poor prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peng Gao
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Lijun Chen
- Department of ADR Monitoring Center of Yibin Drug Administration, Yibin, China
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Linbo He
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Jiang Lei
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Menglu Luo
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
- Department of Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yibin, Yibin, China
| | - Li Gu
- Yibin Hospital Affiliated to Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yibin, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Decker SRDR, Wolf JM, Pille A, Freese L, Petek H, de Oliveira Rocha B, Giannini GLT, Bristot G, Andreis TF, de Oliveira FH, Hoffmann EDS, Kunde L, Kern M, Schmitz P, Maccari J, Nedel W, Zavascki AP, Rosa RG, Mutlaq MP, Nasi LA. Temporal trends in respiratory pathogens following the COVID-19 pandemic and climate variables: A unicentric retrospective evaluation of 24 pathogens in a temperate subtropical region. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29797. [PMID: 38988215 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29797] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Temperature and humidity are studied in the context of seasonal infections in temperate and tropical zones, but the relationship between viral trends and climate variables in temperate subtropical zones remains underexplored. Our retrospective study analyzes respiratory pathogen incidence and its correlation with climate data in a subtropical zone. Retrospective observational study at Moinhos de Vento Hospital, South Brazil, aiming to assess seasonal trends in respiratory pathogens, correlating them with climate data. The study included patients of all ages from various healthcare settings, with data collected between April 2022 and July 2023. Biological samples were analyzed for 24 pathogens using polymerase chain reaction and hybridization techniques; demographic variables were also collected. The data was analyzed descriptively and graphically. Spearman tests and Poisson regression were used as correlation tests. Tests were clustered according to all pathogens, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza viruses, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Between April 2022 and July 2023, 3329 tests showed a 71.6% positivity rate. Rhinovirus and RSV predominated, exhibiting seasonal patterns. Temperature was inversely correlated with the viruses, notably rhinovirus, but SARS-CoV-2 was positively correlated. Air humidity was positively correlated with all pathogens, RSV, rhinovirus, and atmospheric pressure with all pathogens and rhinovirus. Our results showed statistically significant correlations, with modest effect sizes. Our study did not evaluate causation effects. Despite the correlation between climate and respiratory pathogens, our work suggests additional factors influencing transmission dynamics. Our findings underscore the complex interplay between climate and respiratory infections in subtropical climates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonas Michel Wolf
- Office of Value and Clinical Practice, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Arthur Pille
- Office of Value and Clinical Practice, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luana Freese
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Helena Petek
- Office of Value and Clinical Practice, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Bruna de Oliveira Rocha
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Giovana Bristot
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Tiago Finger Andreis
- Laboratory of Genetics and Molecular Biology, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | | | - Luciana Kunde
- Internal Medicine Service, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marcelo Kern
- Internal Medicine Service, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Paulo Schmitz
- Office of Value and Clinical Practice, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Juçara Maccari
- Office of Value and Clinical Practice, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Wagner Nedel
- Intensive Care Unit, Grupo Hospitalar Conceição, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Prehn Zavascki
- Infectious Diseases and Infection Control Service, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Department of Internal Medicine, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Regis Goulart Rosa
- Internal Medicine Service, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | | | - Luiz Antônio Nasi
- Internal Medicine Service, Moinhos de Vento Hospital, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Del Riccio M, Caini S, Bonaccorsi G, Lorini C, Paget J, van der Velden K, Meijer A, Haag M, McGovern I, Zanobini P. Global analysis of respiratory viral circulation and timing of epidemics in the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 pandemic eras, based on data from the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System (GISRS). Int J Infect Dis 2024; 144:107052. [PMID: 38636684 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2024.107052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The COVID-19 pandemic significantly changed respiratory viruses' epidemiology due to non-pharmaceutical interventions and possible viral interactions. This study investigates whether the circulation patterns of respiratory viruses have returned to pre-pandemic norms by comparing their peak timing and duration during the first three SARS-CoV-2 seasons to pre-pandemic times. METHODS Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System data from 194 countries (2014-2023) was analyzed for epidemic peak timing and duration, focusing on pre-pandemic and pandemic periods across both hemispheres and the intertropical belt. The analysis was restricted to countries meeting specific data thresholds to ensure robustness. RESULTS In 2022/2023, the northern hemisphere experienced earlier influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) peaks by 1.9 months (P <0.001). The duration of influenza epidemics increased by 2.2 weeks (P <0.001), with RSV showing a similar trend. The southern hemisphere's influenza peak shift was not significant (P = 0.437). Intertropical regions presented no substantial change in peak timing but experienced a significant reduction in the duration for human metapneumovirus and adenovirus (7.2 and 6.5 weeks shorter, respectively, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS The pandemic altered the typical patterns of influenza and RSV, with earlier peaks in 2022 in temperate areas. These findings highlight the importance of robust surveillance data to inform public health strategies on evolving viral dynamics in the years to come.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Del Riccio
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy; Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Saverio Caini
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, CR Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Chiara Lorini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, CR Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Koos van der Velden
- Department of Primary and Community Care, Radboud University Medical Centre, HB Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Adam Meijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | | | - Ian McGovern
- Center for Outcomes Research and Epidemiology, Seqirus Inc, Cambridge, USA
| | - Patrizio Zanobini
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Yin Y, Lai M, Lu K, Jiang X, Chen Z, Li T, Wang L, Zhang Y, Peng Z. Association between ambient temperature and influenza prevalence: A nationwide time-series analysis in 201 Chinese cities from 2013 to 2018. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 189:108783. [PMID: 38823156 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Temperature affects influenza transmission; however, currently, limited evidence exists about its effect in China at the national and city levels as well as how temperature can be integrated into influenza interventions. METHODS Meteorological, pollutant, and influenza data from 201 cities in mainland China between 2013 and 2018 were analyzed at both the city and national levels to investigate the relationship between temperature and influenza prevalence. We examined the impact of temperature on the time-varying reproduction number (Rt) using generalized additive quasi-Poisson regression models combined with the distributed lag nonlinear model. Threshold temperatures were determined for seven regions based on the early warning threshold of serious influenza outbreaks, set at Rt = 1.2. A multivariate random-effects meta-analysis was employed to assess region-specific associations. The excess risk (ER) index was defined to investigate the correlation between Rt and temperature, modified based on seasonal and regional characteristics. RESULTS At the national level and in the central, northern, northwestern, and southern regions, temperature was found to be negatively correlated with relative risk, whereas the shapes of the data curves for the eastern, southwestern, and northeastern regions were not well defined. Low temperatures had an observable effect on influenza prevalence; however, the effects of high temperatures were not obvious. At an Rt of 1.2, the threshold temperatures for reaching a warning for serious influenza outbreaks were - 24.3 °C in the northeastern region, 16.6 °C in the northwestern region, and between 1℃ and 10 °C in other regions. CONCLUSION The study findings revealed that temperature had a varying effect on influenza transmission trends (Rt) across different regions in China. By identifying region-specific temperature thresholds at Rt = 1.2, more effective early warning systems for influenza outbreaks could be tailored. These findings emphasize the significance of the region-specific adaptation of influenza prevention and control measures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yin
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Miao Lai
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Kailai Lu
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Jiang
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Ziying Chen
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- China CDC Key Laboratory of Environment and Population Health, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Wang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Division of Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Yanping Zhang
- National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Division of Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China
| | - Zhihang Peng
- School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; National Key Laboratory of Intelligent Tracking and Forecasting for Infectious Diseases, National Institute of Environmental Health, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China; Division of Infectious Disease, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Beijing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Johnson-Ferguson L, Shanahan L, Loher M, Bechtiger L, Binz TM, Baumgartner M, Ribeaud D, Eisner M, Quednow BB. Higher paracetamol levels are associated with elevated glucocorticoid concentrations in hair: findings from a large cohort of young adults. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:2261-2268. [PMID: 38615315 PMCID: PMC11168975 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03747-w] [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: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Paracetamol is one of the most commonly used over-the-counter medications. Experimental studies suggest a possible stress-suppressing effect of paracetamol in humans facing experimental stress-inducing paradigms. However, no study has investigated whether paracetamol and steroid hormones covary over longer time frames and under real-life conditions. This study addresses this gap by investigating associations between steroid hormones (cortisol, cortisone, and testosterone) and paracetamol concentrations measured in human hair, indexing a timeframe of approximately three months. The data came from a large community sample of young adults (N = 1002). Hair data were assayed using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Multiple regression models tested associations between paracetamol and steroid hormones, while adjusting for a wide range of potential confounders, such as sex, stressful live events, psychoactive substance use, hair colour, and body mass index. Almost one in four young adults from the community had detectable paracetamol in their hair (23%). Higher paracetamol hair concentrations were robustly associated with more cortisol (β = 0.13, ηp = 0.016, p < 0.001) and cortisone (β = 0.16, ηp = 0.025, p < 0.001) in hair. Paracetamol and testosterone hair concentrations were not associated. Paracetamol use intensity positively correlated with corticosteroid functioning across several months. However, a potential corticosteroid-inducing effect of chronic paracetamol use has yet to be tested in future experimental designs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lydia Johnson-Ferguson
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Lilly Shanahan
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michelle Loher
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Bechtiger
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tina M Binz
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Markus Baumgartner
- Center for Forensic Hair Analytics, Zurich Institute of Legal Medicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Denis Ribeaud
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuel Eisner
- Institute of Criminology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Boris B Quednow
- Jacobs Center for Productive Youth Development, University of Zurich, Andreasstrasse 15, 8050, Zurich, Switzerland
- Experimental and Clinical Pharmacopsychology, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy, and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric University Hospital Zurich, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mirbagheri A, Rinkel GJE, Berneburg M, Etminan N. Association of Global Ultraviolet Radiation With the Incidence of Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage. Neurosurgery 2024:00006123-990000000-01261. [PMID: 38949385 DOI: 10.1227/neu.0000000000003091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Inflammation is a key pathomechanism for growth and rupture of intracranial aneurysms. Anti-inflammatory mechanisms may reduce rupture of intracranial aneurysms and the incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight exposure induces systemic anti-inflammatory responses through immunosuppressive mechanisms. We studied whether SAH incidence is associated with UV radiation. METHODS Global SAH incidence, time trends, and regional differences from 32 countries were linked to UV radiation data from the Tropospheric Emission Monitoring Internet Service. Odds between low vs high UV exposure and SAH incidence were calculated. Correlation analysis was performed using R (R 4.1.2). RESULTS SAH incidences ranged from 1.3 to 27 per 100 000 patient-years (p-y) and UV index from 1.76 to 11.27. The correlation coefficient (rho) between SAH incidence and UV index was -0.48 (P = .012). SAH incidence was highest in Japan (13.7-27.9 p-y) with an UV index 6.28. UV index was highest in Chile 11.27 with a lower SAH incidence (3.8-4.8 p-y). The lowest UV index 1.76 was seen in Iceland with higher SAH incidence (9.8 p-y).Within Europe, regions with higher UV indices reported lower SAH incidences (Northwest Europe: SAH incidence p-y 8.61/UV index 2.85; Southeast Europe: SAH incidence p-y 7.37/UV index 4.65) with a significant inverse correlation (rho = -0.68, P = .004) and not a significant correlation between non-European countries (rho = -0.43, P = .19). Low exposure of UV radiation in global regions predicted higher than median incidences of SAH with an odds ratio 5.13 (95% CIs 1.02-31.5). CONCLUSION The incidence of SAH is inversely associated with UV radiation. Further studies should assess the actual UV exposure in relation to SAH incidence and potential biological explanations for the relation we found.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andia Mirbagheri
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Gabriel J E Rinkel
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Mark Berneburg
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Nima Etminan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Mannheim, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gantenberg JR, van Aalst R, Bhuma MR, Limone B, Diakun D, Smith DM, Nelson CB, Bengtson AM, Chaves SS, La Via WV, Rizzo C, Savitz DA, Zullo AR. Risk Analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Among Infants in the United States by Birth Month. J Pediatric Infect Dis Soc 2024; 13:317-327. [PMID: 38738450 PMCID: PMC11212365 DOI: 10.1093/jpids/piae042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among US infants. A child's calendar birth month determines their age at first exposure(s) to RSV. We estimated birth month-specific risk of medically attended (MA) RSV lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among infants during their first RSV season and first year of life (FYOL). METHODS We analyzed infants born in the USA between July 2016 and February 2020 using three insurance claims databases (two commercial, one Medicaid). We classified infants' first MA RSV LRTI episode by the highest level of care incurred (outpatient, emergency department, or inpatient), employing specific and sensitive diagnostic coding algorithms to define index RSV diagnoses. In our main analysis, we focused on infants' first RSV season. In our secondary analysis, we compared the risk of MA RSV LRTI during infants' first RSV season to that of their FYOL. RESULTS Infants born from May through September generally had the highest risk of first-season MA RSV LRTI-approximately 6-10% under the specific RSV index diagnosis definition and 16-26% under the sensitive. Infants born between October and December had the highest risk of RSV-related hospitalization during their first season. The proportion of MA RSV LRTI events classified as inpatient ranged from 9% to 54% (specific) and 5% to 33% (sensitive) across birth month and comorbidity group. Through the FYOL, the overall risk of MA RSV LRTI is comparable across birth months within each claims database (6-11% under the specific definition, 17-30% under the sensitive), with additional cases progressing to care at outpatient or ED settings. CONCLUSIONS Our data support recent national recommendations for the use of nirsevimab in the USA. For infants born at the tail end of an RSV season who do not receive nirsevimab, a dose administered prior to the onset of their second RSV season could reduce the incidence of outpatient- and ED-related events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jason R Gantenberg
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Robertus van Aalst
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Modeling, Epidemiology, and Data Science, Vaccines Medical Affairs, Sanofi, Lyon, France
- Department of Health Sciences, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Monika Reddy Bhuma
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sandra S Chaves
- Department of Modeling, Epidemiology, and Data Science, Vaccines Medical Affairs, Sanofi, Lyon, France
| | | | | | - David A Savitz
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Andrew R Zullo
- Department of Health Services, Policy and Practice, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
- Providence VA Medical Center, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Stevens ER, Feldstein D, Jones S, Twan C, Cui X, Hess R, Kim EJ, Richardson S, Malik FM, Tasneem S, Henning N, Xu L, Mann DM. Ambulatory antibiotic prescription rates for acute respiratory infection rebound two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306195. [PMID: 38917147 PMCID: PMC11198751 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306195] [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: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the COVID-19 pandemic, acute respiratory infection (ARI) antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory care markedly decreased. It is unclear if antibiotic prescription rates will remain lowered. METHODS We used trend analyses of antibiotics prescribed during and after the first wave of COVID-19 to determine whether ARI antibiotic prescribing rates in ambulatory care have remained suppressed compared to pre-COVID-19 levels. Retrospective data was used from patients with ARI or UTI diagnosis code(s) for their encounter from 298 primary care and 66 urgent care practices within four academic health systems in New York, Wisconsin, and Utah between January 2017 and June 2022. The primary measures included antibiotic prescriptions per 100 non-COVID ARI encounters, encounter volume, prescribing trends, and change from expected trend. RESULTS At baseline, during and after the first wave, the overall ARI antibiotic prescribing rates were 54.7, 38.5, and 54.7 prescriptions per 100 encounters, respectively. ARI antibiotic prescription rates saw a statistically significant decline after COVID-19 onset (step change -15.2, 95% CI: -19.6 to -4.8). During the first wave, encounter volume decreased 29.4% and, after the first wave, remained decreased by 188%. After the first wave, ARI antibiotic prescription rates were no longer significantly suppressed from baseline (step change 0.01, 95% CI: -6.3 to 6.2). There was no significant difference between UTI antibiotic prescription rates at baseline versus the end of the observation period. CONCLUSIONS The decline in ARI antibiotic prescribing observed after the onset of COVID-19 was temporary, not mirrored in UTI antibiotic prescribing, and does not represent a long-term change in clinician prescribing behaviors. During a period of heightened awareness of a viral cause of ARI, a substantial and clinically meaningful decrease in clinician antibiotic prescribing was observed. Future efforts in antibiotic stewardship may benefit from continued study of factors leading to this reduction and rebound in prescribing rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth R. Stevens
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - David Feldstein
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Simon Jones
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Chelsea Twan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Xingwei Cui
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Rachel Hess
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, United States of America
| | - Eun Ji Kim
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York, United States of America
| | - Safiya Richardson
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Fatima M. Malik
- Northwell, New Hyde Park, New York, United States of America
| | - Sumaiya Tasneem
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Natalie Henning
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Lynn Xu
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Devin M. Mann
- Department of Population Health, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Medical Center Information Technology, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Liu Y, Luo Z. Repurposing Anticancer Drugs Targeting the MAPK/ERK Signaling Pathway for the Treatment of Respiratory Virus Infections. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6946. [PMID: 39000055 PMCID: PMC11240997 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25136946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory virus infections remain a significant challenge to human health and the social economy. The symptoms range from mild rhinitis and nasal congestion to severe lower respiratory tract dysfunction and even mortality. The efficacy of therapeutic drugs targeting respiratory viruses varies, depending upon infection time and the drug resistance engendered by a high frequency of viral genome mutations, necessitating the development of new strategies. The MAPK/ERK pathway that was well delineated in the 1980s represents a classical signaling cascade, essential for cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. Since this pathway is constitutively activated in many cancers by oncogenes, several drugs inhibiting Raf/MEK/ERK have been developed and currently used in anticancer treatment. Two decades ago, it was reported that viruses such as HIV and influenza viruses could exploit the host cellular MAPK/ERK pathway for their replication. Thus, it would be feasible to repurpose this category of the pathway inhibitors for the treatment of respiratory viral infections. The advantage is that the host genes are not easy to mutate such that the drug resistance rarely occurs during short-period treatment of viruses. Therefore, in this review we will summarize the research progress on the role of the MAPK/ERK pathway in respiratory virus amplification and discuss the potential of the pathway inhibitors (MEK inhibitors) in the treatment of respiratory viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Zhijun Luo
- Medical Department, Queen Mary School, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, China;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Krammer M, Hoffmann R, Ruf HG, Neumann AU, Traidl-Hoffmann C, Goekkaya M, Gilles S. Ten-year retrospective data analysis reveals frequent respiratory co-infections in hospitalized patients in Augsburg. iScience 2024; 27:110136. [PMID: 38966568 PMCID: PMC11223076 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.110136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical data on the types of respiratory pathogens which are most frequently engaged in respiratory co-infections of children and adults are lacking. We analyzed 10 years of data on a total of over 15,000 tests for 16 viral and bacterial pathogens detected in clinical samples at the University Hospital of Augsburg, Germany. Co-infection frequencies and their seasonal patterns were examined using a proportional distribution model. Co-infections were detected in 7.3% of samples, with a higher incidence in children and males. The incidence of interbacterial and interviral co-infections was higher than expected, whereas bacterial-viral co-infections were less frequent. H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) were most frequently involved. Most co-infections occurred in winter, but distinct summer peaks were also observed, which occurred even in children, albeit less pronounced than in adults. Seasonality of respiratory (co-)infections decreased with age. Our results suggest to adjust existing testing strategies during high-incidence periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Krammer
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Hoffmann
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, University Hospital of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Georg Ruf
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Microbiology, University Hospital of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Avidan U. Neumann
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Traidl-Hoffmann
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
- Christine-Kühne-Center for Allergy Research & Education (CK-Care), Davos, Switzerland
| | - Mehmet Goekkaya
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gilles
- Environmental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Helmholtz Center Munich, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Petkidis A, Andriasyan V, Murer L, Volle R, Greber UF. A versatile automated pipeline for quantifying virus infectivity by label-free light microscopy and artificial intelligence. Nat Commun 2024; 15:5112. [PMID: 38879641 PMCID: PMC11180103 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49444-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Virus infectivity is traditionally determined by endpoint titration in cell cultures, and requires complex processing steps and human annotation. Here we developed an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered automated framework for ready detection of virus-induced cytopathic effect (DVICE). DVICE uses the convolutional neural network EfficientNet-B0 and transmitted light microscopy images of infected cell cultures, including coronavirus, influenza virus, rhinovirus, herpes simplex virus, vaccinia virus, and adenovirus. DVICE robustly measures virus-induced cytopathic effects (CPE), as shown by class activation mapping. Leave-one-out cross-validation in different cell types demonstrates high accuracy for different viruses, including SARS-CoV-2 in human saliva. Strikingly, DVICE exhibits virus class specificity, as shown with adenovirus, herpesvirus, rhinovirus, vaccinia virus, and SARS-CoV-2. In sum, DVICE provides unbiased infectivity scores of infectious agents causing CPE, and can be adapted to laboratory diagnostics, drug screening, serum neutralization or clinical samples.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Petkidis
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Life Science Zurich Graduate School, ETH and University of Zürich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Vardan Andriasyan
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Murer
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
- Roche Diagnostics, Forrenstrasse 2, 6343, Rotkreuz, Switzerland
| | - Romain Volle
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Urs F Greber
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Ounsaneha W, Laosee O, Rattanapan C. Influence of Environmental Risk Exposure on the Determinants of COVID-19 Booster Vaccination in an Urban Thai Population. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:745. [PMID: 38928991 PMCID: PMC11204251 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21060745] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/01/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
This study aimed to identify the influence of environmental risk exposure levels on the predictive factors of COVID-19 booster dose vaccination in an urban Thai population in the post-pandemic era. Six study locations, including the three provinces with the highest environmental risk levels and the three provinces with the lowest environmental risk levels, were selected by calculating the environmental risk exposure indexes. Participants from the capital district of each province were chosen via the simple random sampling technique and interviewed using a structured questionnaire. A total of 1315 individuals were included in a sample in this study, and the best predictors of booster dose vaccination were determined using multiple regression analysis. The results showed that a high level of environmental risk exposure occurred in the provinces with a high number of total days exceeding the limits set for PM10 and high rates of mortality for lung cancer. The number of COVID-19 booster vaccinations given amount to 43.4% of the population during the post-COVID-19 pandemic period. Our multivariate analysis indicated that individuals in the working age group (≥25 years old); those with higher education (diploma degree and above); full-time employment (government and private sectors); those with high monthly incomes (≥USD144.1); and those in areas with the lowest risk level of environmental exposure significantly contributed to the number of booster dose vaccinations given during the post-pandemic period. To summarize, the rate of COVID-19 booster dose vaccination acceptance in Thailand was influenced by socio-economic factors with environmental concerns. These findings improve our understating of both the global pandemic and how environmental exposure affects behavioral change patterns and could improve the effectiveness of post-pandemic management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weerawat Ounsaneha
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Valaya Alongkorn Rajabhat University under the Royal Patronage Pathumthani Province, Klong Nuang, Klong Luang, Pathumthani 13180, Thailand;
| | - Orapin Laosee
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73710, Thailand;
| | - Cheerawit Rattanapan
- ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Salaya, Phutthamonthon, Nakhon Pathom 73710, Thailand;
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Luštrek M, Cesar Z, Suljič A, Kogoj R, Knap N, Virant MJ, Uršič T, Petrovec M, Avšič-Županc T, Korva M. Influenza A, Influenza B, human respiratory syncytial virus and SARSCoV-2 molecular diagnostics and epidemiology in the post COVID-19 era. Respir Res 2024; 25:234. [PMID: 38840154 PMCID: PMC11151539 DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02862-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses is unstoppable and represents a new diagnostic reality for clinicians and clinical microbiology laboratories. Multiplexed molecular testing on automated platforms that focus on the simultaneous detection of multiple respiratory viruses in a single tube is a useful approach for current and future diagnosis of respiratory infections in the clinical setting. METHODS Two time periods were included in the study: from February to April 2022, an early 2022 period, during the gradual lifting of COVID-19 prevention measures in the country, and from October 2022 to April 2023, the 2022/23 respiratory infections season. We analysed a total of 1,918 samples in the first period and 18,131 respiratory samples in the second period using a multiplex molecular assay for the simultaneous detection of Influenza A (Flu-A), Influenza B (Flu-B), Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) and SARS-CoV-2. RESULTS The results from early 2022 showed a strong dominance of SARS-CoV-2 infections with 1,267/1,918 (66.1%) cases. Flu-A was detected in 30/1,918 (1.6%) samples, HRSV in 14/1,918 (0.7%) samples, and Flu-B in 2/1,918 (0.1%) samples. Flu-A/SARS-CoV-2 co-detections were observed in 11/1,267 (0.9%) samples, and HRSV/SARS-CoV-2 co-detection in 5/1,267 (0.4%) samples. During the 2022/23 winter respiratory season, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 1,738/18,131 (9.6%), Flu-A in 628/18,131 (3.5%), Flu-B in 106/18,131 (0.6%), and HRSV in 505/18,131 (2.8%) samples. Interestingly, co-detections were present to a similar extent as in early 2022. CONCLUSION The results show that the multiplex molecular approach is a valuable tool for the simultaneous laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, Flu-A/B, and HRSV in hospitalized and outpatients. Infections with Flu-A/B, and HRSV occurred shortly after the COVID-19 control measures were lifted, so a strong reoccurrence of various respiratory infections and co-detections in the post COVID-19 period was to be expected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manca Luštrek
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Zala Cesar
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Alen Suljič
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Rok Kogoj
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Nataša Knap
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Monika Jevšnik Virant
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Tina Uršič
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Miroslav Petrovec
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Tatjana Avšič-Županc
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia
| | - Miša Korva
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloška cesta 4, Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Williams RC, Farkas K, Garcia-Delgado A, Adwan L, Kevill JL, Cross G, Weightman AJ, Jones DL. Simultaneous detection and characterization of common respiratory pathogens in wastewater through genomic sequencing. WATER RESEARCH 2024; 256:121612. [PMID: 38642537 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2024.121612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Genomic surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 has given insight into the evolution and epidemiology of the virus and its variant lineages during the COVID-19 pandemic. Expanding this approach to include a range of respiratory pathogens can better inform public health preparedness for potential outbreaks and epidemics. Here, we simultaneously sequenced 38 pathogens including influenza viruses, coronaviruses and bocaviruses, to examine the abundance and seasonality of respiratory pathogens in urban wastewater. We deployed a targeted bait capture method and short-read sequencing (Illumina Respiratory Virus Oligos Panel; RVOP) on composite wastewater samples from 8 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) and one associated hospital site. By combining seasonal sampling with whole genome sequencing, we were able to concurrently detect and characterise a range of common respiratory pathogens, including SARS-CoV-2, adenovirus and parainfluenza virus. We demonstrated that 38 respiratory pathogens can be detected at low abundances year-round, that hospital pathogen diversity is higher in winter vs. summer sampling events, and that significantly more viruses are detected in raw influent compared to treated effluent samples. Finally, we compared detection sensitivity of RT-qPCR vs. next generation sequencing for SARS-CoV-2, enteroviruses, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial viruses. We conclude that both should be used in combination; RT-qPCR allowed accurate quantification, whilst genomic sequencing detected pathogens at lower abundance. We demonstrate the valuable role of wastewater genomic surveillance and its contribution to the field of wastewater-based epidemiology, gaining rapid understanding of the seasonal presence and persistence for common respiratory pathogens. By simultaneously monitoring seasonal trends and early warning signs of many viruses circulating in communities, public health agencies can implement targeted prevention and rapid response plans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel C Williams
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK.
| | - Kata Farkas
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Alvaro Garcia-Delgado
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Latifah Adwan
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Jessica L Kevill
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK
| | - Gareth Cross
- Science Evidence Advice Division, Health and Social Services Group, Welsh Government, Cathays Park, Cardiff, CF10 3NQ, UK
| | - Andrew J Weightman
- School of Biosciences, Cardiff University, Museum Avenue, Cardiff CF10 3AX, UK
| | - Davey L Jones
- School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University, Bangor, Gwynedd LL57 2UW, UK; Food Futures Institute, Murdoch University, Murdoch WA 6150, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
AlBahrani S, AlZahrani SJ, Al-Maqati TN, Almehbash A, Alshammari A, Bujlai R, Ba Taweel S, Almasabi F, AlAmari A, Al-Tawfiq JA. Dynamic Patterns and Predominance of Respiratory Pathogens Post-COVID-19: Insights from a Two-Year Analysis. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2024; 14:311-318. [PMID: 38589755 PMCID: PMC11176149 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-024-00213-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) stand out as the most frequent causes leading to visits to the emergency department and hospitalizations. This study aims to assess the types and prevalence of respiratory infections across two years following the end of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Patients presenting with an influenza-like illness (ILI) were tested using multiplex RT-PCR (QIAstat-Dx, Qiagen). The multiplexed RT- PCR test detects 21 respiratory viruses and bacteria. RESULTS During the study period, PCR test was done on a total of 1,790 samples were tested, and 712 (40%) were positive for a total of 796 pathogens. The mean age (± SD) of the participants was 20.1 ± 28.4 years in 2022 and 21.9 ± 27.6 years in 2023. Among the detected pathogens, the most prevalent were Rhinovirus/Enterovirus 222 (12.4%), followed by RSV A&B (103 cases, 5.7%), and H1N1 Influenza (77 cases, 4.3%). Additionally, Influenza A/B constituted 172 (9.6%) while parainfluenza constituted (58, 3.2%). SARS-CoV-2 was identified in 3.97% of the samples. Over the two-year period, the monthly pattern of the identified pathogens exhibited fluctuations in the prevalence. Furthermore, variations were observed in the detected pathogens across different age groups. CONCLUSION In addition to adding significant knowledge to the field of respiratory viral infections, this study emphasizes the necessity of ongoing research and surveillance for the detection and characterization of respiratory viruses, particularly those with the potential for emergence. Such studies would also require setting up a strategy for genotyping and/or sequencing of viruses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Salma AlBahrani
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
- College of medicine-Imam Abdulrahaman Bin Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Thekra N Al-Maqati
- Department of Clinical laboratory Science, Prince Sultan Military College of health science, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Atheer Almehbash
- Molecular laboratory department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anfal Alshammari
- Molecular laboratory department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Refan Bujlai
- Molecular laboratory department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah Ba Taweel
- Molecular laboratory department, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fares Almasabi
- Radiology Department, Armed Forces Hospital Najran, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah AlAmari
- Department of pharmacy, King Fahd Military Medical Complex, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jaffar A Al-Tawfiq
- Infectious Disease Unit, Specialty Internal Medicine, Johns Hopkins Aramco Healthcare, Dhahran, 31311, Saudi Arabia.
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
- Infectious Disease Division, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Lee SH, Jung SW, Lee WS. Alopecia Areata and Season of Onset: A Retrospective Study of 492 Cases. Ann Dermatol 2024; 36:188-190. [PMID: 38816981 PMCID: PMC11148318 DOI: 10.5021/ad.23.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Hoon Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Seung-Won Jung
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea
| | - Won-Soo Lee
- Department of Dermatology and Institute of Hair and Cosmetic Medicine, Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, Wonju, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Bolle AE, Gaist T, Kuljis AME, Blaabjerg M, Beier CP. NORSE seasonality may vary geographically in adults. Epilepsia Open 2024; 9:1088-1095. [PMID: 38635008 PMCID: PMC11145602 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms causing new onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE) are often unknown. Recently, a seasonal variation with NORSE peaking during the summer was described in a mixed cohort of adults and children why we here studied the seasonal variation in a Danish status epilepticus (SE) cohort. This retrospective cohort study comprised SE patients aged ≥18 diagnosed and treated 2008-2017 at the Odense University Hospital. Clinical characteristics and seasonality of patients fulfilling the diagnostic criteria for NORSE were compared with patients with refractory SE (RSE) due to other reasons and with the seasonal variation of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis in the Danish autoimmune encephalitis register. In this cohort, 26 patients met NORSE criteria. As compared to RSE patients not fulfilling NORSE criteria (n = 152), NORSE patients were more likely to have symptoms of systemic inflammation (C-reactive protein concentrations ≥10 mg/L or fever ≥38°C) at admission; nine fulfilled the criteria for febrile infection related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES). In contrast to the even seasonal distribution of patients with RSE not fulfilling the NORSE criteria, admissions due to NORSE peaked during the winter (46.1%, p = 0.04 as compared to non-NORSE RSE); six out of nine FIRES episodes occurred in the winter season. The seasonal variation was not explained by a seasonal variation of the detection rates of autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis (incl. NMDAR, LGI1, CASPR2, GABAR, GFAP) in a Danish nationwide register (n = 259). In conclusion, we confirm the seasonality of NORSE in a Danish cohort, however, with a peak during winter suggesting a geographical variation not solely explained by autoimmune encephalitis associated with known autoantibodies. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The study investigated the seasonal patterns of new-onset refractory status epilepticus (NORSE), i.e. severe seizures that occur without an obvious cause and require very intensive treatment. In contrast to the previously observed peak frequency in summer, this Danish study found that NORSE cases peak in winter. Furthermore, the seasonal variation in NORSE cases was not found to be associated with autoimmune encephalitis caused by known autoantibodies. Together with the high rate of patients showing symptoms of systemic inflammation compared to other status epilepticus patients, the data suggest a link between misdirected immune system responses and NORSE. The study can therefore help in the further search for the currently unknown causes of NORSE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Enerstad Bolle
- Department of NeurologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- BRIDGE – Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided ExcellenceOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | - Thomas Gaist
- Department of NeurologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| | | | - Morten Blaabjerg
- Department of NeurologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- BRIDGE – Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided ExcellenceOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Department of Clinical ResearchUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
| | - Christoph Patrick Beier
- Department of NeurologyOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- BRIDGE – Brain Research Inter Disciplinary Guided ExcellenceOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
- Department of Clinical ResearchUniversity of Southern DenmarkOdenseDenmark
- OPEN, Open Patient Data Explorative NetworkOdense University HospitalOdenseDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Vaiss DP, Rodrigues JL, Yurgel VC, do Carmo Guedes F, da Matta LLM, Barros PAB, Vaz GR, Dos Santos RN, Matte BF, Kupski L, Garda-Buffon J, Bidone J, Muccillo-Baisch AL, Sonvico F, Dora CL. Curcumin and quercetin co-encapsulated in nanoemulsions for nasal administration: A promising therapeutic and prophylactic treatment for viral respiratory infections. Eur J Pharm Sci 2024; 197:106766. [PMID: 38615970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2024.106766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
One of the most frequent causes of respiratory infections are viruses. Viruses reaching the airways can be absorbed by the human body through the respiratory mucosa and mainly infect lung cells. Several viral infections are not yet curable, such as coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Furthermore, the side effect of synthetic antiviral drugs and reduced efficacy against resistant variants have reinforced the search for alternative and effective treatment options, such as plant-derived antiviral molecules. Curcumin (CUR) and quercetin (QUE) are two natural compounds that have been widely studied for their health benefits, such as antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity. However, poor oral bioavailability limits the clinical applications of these natural compounds. In this work, nanoemulsions (NE) co-encapsulating CUR and QUE designed for nasal administration were developed as promising prophylactic and therapeutic treatments for viral respiratory infections. The NEs were prepared by high-pressure homogenization combined with the phase inversion temperature technique and evaluated for their physical and chemical characteristics. In vitro assays were performed to evaluate the nanoemulsion retention into the porcine nasal mucosa. In addition, the CUR and QUE-loaded NE antiviral activity was tested against a murine β-COV, namely MHV-3. The results evidenced that CUR and QUE loaded NE had a particle size of 400 nm and retention in the porcine nasal mucosa. The antiviral activity of the NEs showed a percentage of inhibition of around 99 %, indicating that the developed NEs has interesting properties as a therapeutic and prophylactic treatment against viral respiratory infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Pastorim Vaiss
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Jamile Lima Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Food Science and Engineering, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900 Brazil, RS, Brazil
| | - Virginia Campello Yurgel
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Frank do Carmo Guedes
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
| | | | | | - Gustavo Richter Vaz
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Raíssa Nunes Dos Santos
- Virology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Startup Núcleo Vitro, Porto Alegre 91040-600, Brazil; Laboratory of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology, Campus de Gurupi, Federal University of Tocantins, Gurupi 77402-970, Brazil
| | - Bibiana Franzen Matte
- Virology Laboratory of the Biotechnology Startup Núcleo Vitro, Porto Alegre 91040-600, Brazil
| | - Larine Kupski
- Laboratory for Mycotoxins and Food Science, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Italy Avenue 8 km, Campus Carreiros, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Garda-Buffon
- Laboratory for Mycotoxins and Food Science, School of Chemistry and Food, Federal University of Rio Grande - FURG, Italy Avenue 8 km, Campus Carreiros, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana Bidone
- Center of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, Federal University of Pelotas, Campus Capão do Leão, 96010-610 Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Luiza Muccillo-Baisch
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil
| | - Fabio Sonvico
- Food and Drug Department, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Cristiana Lima Dora
- Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande 96203-900, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) are an important cause of child morbidity and mortality globally, especially in children under the age of 5 years in Africa. Respiratory viruses, including human adenoviruses (HAdVs), are common causes of LRTIs in children. This review aims to shed light on the epidemiology, clinical manifestations, sequelae, and treatment options specific to adenovirus respiratory infections in African children. RECENT FINDINGS Recent evidence has challenged the perception that adenovirus is a negligible cause of LRTIs. Studies show HAdV emerging as the third most common viral pathogen in fatal pneumonias among under-5 children in low-income and middle-income African countries, contributing to 5.5% of all pneumonia deaths and ranking second in hospital-associated viral pneumonia deaths. Predominant HAdV serotypes associated with disease differ by country and region, and have changed over time. Risk factors for increased disease severity and long-term respiratory sequelae in previously healthy African children with HAdV LRTIs are not well established. SUMMARY Although respiratory viruses, including HAdV, are recognized contributors to LRTIs, the prevalence and impact of adenovirus infections have been under-recognized and understated. Available data suggests that African children, particularly those under 5 years old, are at risk of severe sequelae from respiratory HAdV infections. Long-term sequelae, including bronchiectasis and postinfectious bronchiolitis obliterans, further underscore the significant impact of HAdV infections. However, the scarcity of comprehensive data hampers our understanding of the extent of the impact of HAdV infections on child lung health in Africa. We recommend scaled-up HAdV surveillance, ensuring its consistent inclusion in population-level LRTI assessments, and expanded and equitable access to diagnostics for early recognition of African children at risk of developing chronic sequelae and death. Enhanced understanding of adenovirus epidemiology and clinical outcomes and the availability of therapeutic options are essential for informed public health strategies and clinical care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marieke M. van der Zalm
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Nadia A. Sam-Agudu
- International Research Center of Excellence, Institute of Human Virology Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Coast School of Medical Sciences, Cape Coast, Ghana
- Global Pediatrics program and Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Lilly M. Verhagen
- Desmond Tutu TB Centre, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amalia Children's Hospital
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Radboud Center for Infectious Diseases, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zhang H, Wang J, Liang Z, Wu Y. Non-linear effects of meteorological factors on COVID-19: An analysis of 440 counties in the americas. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31160. [PMID: 38778977 PMCID: PMC11109897 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Background In the last three years, COVID-19 has caused significant harm to both human health and economic stability. Analyzing the causes and mechanisms of COVID-19 has significant theoretical and practical implications for its prevention and mitigation. The role of meteorological factors in the transmission of COVID-19 is crucial, yet their relationship remains a subject of intense debate. Methods To mitigate the issues arising from short time series, large study units, unrepresentative data and linear research methods in previous studies, this study used counties or districts with populations exceeding 100,000 or 500,000 as the study unit. The commencement of local outbreaks was determined by exceeding 100 cumulative confirmed cases. Pearson correlation analysis, generalized additive model (GAM) and distributed lag nonlinear model (DLNM) were used to analyze the relationship and lag effect between the daily new cases of COVID-19 and meteorological factors (temperature, relative humidity, solar radiation, surface pressure, precipitation, wind speed) across 440 counties or districts in seven countries of the Americas, spanning from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2021. Results The linear correlations between daily new cases and meteorological indicators such as air temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation were not significant. However, the non-linear correlations were significant. The turning points in the relationship for temperature, relative humidity and solar radiation were 5 °C and 23 °C, 74 % and 750 kJ/m2, respectively. Conclusion The influence of meteorological factors on COVID-19 is non-linear. There are two thresholds in the relationship with temperature: 5 °C and 23 °C. Below 5 °C and above 23 °C, there is a positive correlation, while between 5 °C and 23 °C, the correlation is negative. Relative humidity and solar radiation show negative correlations, but there is a change in slope at about 74 % and 750 kJ/m2, respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Geography, Jiangsu Second Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211200, China
- Jiangsu Center for Collaborative Innovation in Geographical Information Resource Development and Application, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Zhong Liang
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| | - Yuting Wu
- School of Geography, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210023, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Smith MF, Maqsood R, Sullins RA, Driver EM, Halden RU, Lim ES. Seasonality of respiratory, enteric, and urinary viruses revealed by wastewater genomic surveillance. mSphere 2024; 9:e0010524. [PMID: 38712930 PMCID: PMC11237574 DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00105-24] [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: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Wastewater surveillance can reveal population-level infectious disease burden and emergent public health threats can be reliably assessed through wastewater surveillance. While molecular methods for wastewater monitoring of microorganisms have traditionally relied on PCR-based approaches, next-generation sequencing (NGS) can provide deeper insights via genomic analyses of multiple diverse pathogens. We conducted a year-long sequencing surveillance of 1,408 composite wastewater samples collected from 12 neighborhood-level access points in the greater Tempe area, Arizona, USA, and show that variation in wastewater viruses is driven by seasonal time and location. The temporal dynamics of viruses in wastewater were influenced cyclically, with the most dissimilarity between samples 23 weeks apart (i.e., winter vs summer, spring vs fall). We identified diverse urinary and enteric viruses including polyomaviruses, astroviruses, and noroviruses, and showed that their genotypes/subtypes shifted across seasons. We show that while wastewater data of certain respiratory viruses like severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strongly correlate with clinical case rates, laboratory-reported case incidences were discordant with surges of high viral load in wastewater for other viruses like human coronavirus 229E. These results demonstrate the utility of wastewater sequencing for informing decision-making in public health.IMPORTANCEWastewater surveillance can provide insights into the spread of pathogens in communities. Advances in next-generation sequencing (NGS) methodologies allow for more precise detection of viruses in wastewater. Long-term wastewater surveillance of viruses is an important tool for public health preparedness. This system can act as a public health observatory that gives real-time early warning for infectious disease outbreaks and improved response times.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew F Smith
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Rabia Maqsood
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Regan A Sullins
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Erin M Driver
- Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Rolf U Halden
- Center for Environmental Health Engineering, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
| | - Efrem S Lim
- Center for Fundamental and Applied Microbiomics, Biodesign Institute, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona, USA
- National Centre for Infectious Diseases, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pan J, Villalan AK, Ni G, Wu R, Sui S, Wu X, Wang X. Assessing eco-geographic influences on COVID-19 transmission: a global analysis. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11728. [PMID: 38777817 PMCID: PMC11111805 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 has been massively transmitted for almost 3 years, and its multiple variants have caused serious health problems and an economic crisis. Our goal was to identify the influencing factors that reduce the threshold of disease transmission and to analyze the epidemiological patterns of COVID-19. This study served as an early assessment of the epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 using the MaxEnt species distribution algorithm using the maximum entropy model. The transmission of COVID-19 was evaluated based on human factors and environmental variables, including climate, terrain and vegetation, along with COVID-19 daily confirmed case location data. The results of the SDM model indicate that population density was the major factor influencing the spread of COVID-19. Altitude, land cover and climatic factor showed low impact. We identified a set of practical, high-resolution, multi-factor-based maximum entropy ecological niche risk prediction systems to assess the transmission risk of the COVID-19 epidemic globally. This study provided a comprehensive analysis of various factors influencing the transmission of COVID-19, incorporating both human and environmental variables. These findings emphasize the role of different types of influencing variables in disease transmission, which could have implications for global health regulations and preparedness strategies for future outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Pan
- Key Laboratory for Wildlife Diseases and Bio-Security Management of Heilongjiang Province, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Arivizhivendhan Kannan Villalan
- Key Laboratory for Wildlife Diseases and Bio-Security Management of Heilongjiang Province, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China
| | - Guanying Ni
- HaiXi Animal Disease Control Center, Qinghai Province, Delingha, 817099, People's Republic of China
| | - Renna Wu
- HaiXi Animal Disease Control Center, Qinghai Province, Delingha, 817099, People's Republic of China
| | - ShiFeng Sui
- Zhaoyuan Forest Resources Monitoring and Protection Service Center, Shandong Province, Zhaoyuan, 265400, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaodong Wu
- China Animal Health and Epidemiology Center, Shandong Province, Qingdao, 266032, People's Republic of China.
| | - XiaoLong Wang
- Key Laboratory for Wildlife Diseases and Bio-Security Management of Heilongjiang Province, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China.
- College of Wildlife and Protected Area, Northeast Forestry University, Heilongjiang Province, Harbin, 150040, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Nagasawa M, Shimoyama T, Hashimoto S, Nakagawa R, Yokoyama H, Okada M, Udagawa T, Oshiba A. Impact of the Omicron Strain on Febrile Convulsions Requiring Hospitalization in Children: A Single-Center Observational Study. Pediatr Rep 2024; 16:399-409. [PMID: 38804377 PMCID: PMC11130907 DOI: 10.3390/pediatric16020034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The emergence of the Omicron strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the end of December 2021 has drastically increased the number of infected children in Japan, along with the number of children with febrile convulsions, but its clinical impact is unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children hospitalized with febrile convulsions with the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children with fever and respiratory symptoms without convulsions. RESULTS In 2021 and 2022, 49 and 58 children required emergency hospitalization for febrile convulsions (FC group) with status epilepticus or cluster spasms, in which 24 and 38 children underwent a Filmarray® respiratory panel test (FA test), respectively, and others received a quantitative antigen test for SARS-CoV-2. In 2022, only six patients tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (10.3%, 6/58). As a reference group, 655 children aged <10 years who underwent the FA test for fever and respiratory symptoms during the same period were investigated, and 4 (1.8%, 4/223) and 42 (9.7%, 42/432) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) was the most frequently detected virus (40.3%, 264/655), followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (18.9%, 124/655) and parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV3) (7.8%, 51/655). There was no significant difference in the trend of detected viruses between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS The frequency and severity of febrile convulsions requiring hospitalization associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection of the Omicron strain may be similar to that of other respiratory viruses in children.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masayuki Nagasawa
- Department of Pediatrics, Musashino Red Cross Hospital, 1-26-1, Kyonan-cho, Musashino 180-8610, Tokyo, Japan; (T.S.); (S.H.); (T.U.); (A.O.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Takada K, Orba Y, Kida Y, Wu J, Ono C, Matsuura Y, Nakagawa S, Sawa H, Watanabe T. Genes involved in the limited spread of SARS-CoV-2 in the lower respiratory airways of hamsters may be associated with adaptive evolution. J Virol 2024; 98:e0178423. [PMID: 38624229 PMCID: PMC11092350 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01784-23] [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: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel respiratory viruses can cause a pandemic and then evolve to coexist with humans. The Omicron strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has spread worldwide since its emergence in late 2021, and its sub-lineages are now established in human society. Compared to previous strains, Omicron is markedly less invasive in the lungs and causes less severe disease. One reason for this is that humans are acquiring immunity through previous infection and vaccination, but the nature of the virus itself is also changing. Using our newly established low-volume inoculation system, which reflects natural human infection, we show that the Omicron strain spreads less efficiently into the lungs of hamsters compared with an earlier Wuhan strain. Furthermore, by characterizing chimeric viruses with the Omicron gene in the Wuhan strain genetic background and vice versa, we found that viral genes downstream of ORF3a, but not the S gene, were responsible for the limited spread of the Omicron strain in the lower airways of the virus-infected hamsters. Moreover, molecular evolutionary analysis of SARS-CoV-2 revealed a positive selection of genes downstream of ORF3a (M and E genes). Our findings provide insight into the adaptive evolution of the virus in humans during the pandemic convergence phase.IMPORTANCEThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variant has spread worldwide since its emergence in late 2021, and its sub-lineages are established in human society. Compared to previous strains, the Omicron strain is less invasive in the lower respiratory tract, including the lungs, and causes less severe disease; however, the mechanistic basis for its restricted replication in the lower airways is poorly understood. In this study, using a newly established low-volume inoculation system that reflects natural human infection, we demonstrated that the Omicron strain spreads less efficiently into the lungs of hamsters compared with an earlier Wuhan strain and found that viral genes downstream of ORF3a are responsible for replication restriction in the lower respiratory tract of Omicron-infected hamsters. Furthermore, we detected a positive selection of genes downstream of ORF3a (especially the M and E genes) in SARS-CoV-2, suggesting that these genes may undergo adaptive changes in humans.
Collapse
Grants
- 16H06429, 16K21723, 16H06434, JP22H02521 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP21H02736 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP16K21723, JP16H06432 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- 22K15469, 21J01036 MEXT | Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS)
- JP20fk0108281, JP19fk0108113, JP20pc0101047 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP20fk0108401, JP21fk0108493 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP23wm0125008, JP223fa627005 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JP19fk018113, JP223fa627002h, 22gm1610010h0001 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development (AMED)
- JPMJMS2025 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- JPMJCR20H6 MEXT | Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST)
- Takeda Science Foundation (TSF)
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kosuke Takada
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yasuko Orba
- Division of Molecular Pathobiology, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- International Collaboration Unit, Research Center for Zoonosis Control, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yurie Kida
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Chikako Ono
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Matsuura
- Laboratory of Virus Control, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - So Nakagawa
- Department of Molecular Life Science, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Kanagawa, Japan
- Bioinformation and DDBJ Center, National Institute of Genetics, Mishima, Shizuoka, Japan
| | - Hirofumi Sawa
- One Health Research Center, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Institute for Vaccine Research and Development, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
- Global Virus Network, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Tokiko Watanabe
- Department of Molecular Virology, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Center for Advanced Modalities and DDS, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhang Y, Li J, Wu C, Xiao Y, Wang X, Wang Y, Chen L, Ren L, Wang J. Impacts of environmental factors on the aetiological diagnosis and disease severity of community-acquired pneumonia in China: a multicentre, hospital-based, observational study. Epidemiol Infect 2024; 152:e80. [PMID: 38721832 PMCID: PMC11131030 DOI: 10.1017/s0950268824000700] [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: 01/03/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Environmental exposures are known to be associated with pathogen transmission and immune impairment, but the association of exposures with aetiology and severity of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) are unclear. A retrospective observational study was conducted at nine hospitals in eight provinces in China from 2014 to 2019. CAP patients were recruited according to inclusion criteria, and respiratory samples were screened for 33 respiratory pathogens using molecular test methods. Sociodemographic, environmental and clinical factors were used to analyze the association with pathogen detection and disease severity by logistic regression models combined with distributed lag nonlinear models. A total of 3323 CAP patients were included, with 709 (21.3%) having severe illness. 2064 (62.1%) patients were positive for at least one pathogen. More severe patients were found in positive group. After adjusting for confounders, particulate matter (PM) 2.5 and 8-h ozone (O3-8h) were significant association at specific lag periods with detection of influenza viruses and Klebsiella pneumoniae respectively. PM10 and carbon monoxide (CO) showed cumulative effect with severe CAP. Pollutants exposures, especially PM, O3-8h, and CO should be considered in pathogen detection and severity of CAP to improve the clinical aetiological and disease severity diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yichunzi Zhang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jiang Li
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinming Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lan Chen
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lili Ren
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Pathogen Infection Prevention and Control (Ministry of Education), State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Health and Multimorbidity, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Systems Biology of Pathogens and Christophe Mérieux Laboratory, National Institute of Pathogen Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease Pathogenomics, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Smy L, Ledeboer NA, Wood MG. At-home testing for respiratory viruses: a minireview of the current landscape. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0031223. [PMID: 38436246 PMCID: PMC11077999 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.00312-23] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
The landscape of at-home testing using over-the-counter (OTC) tests has been evolving over the last decade. The United States Food and Drug Administration Emergency Use Authorization rule has been in effect since the early 2000s, and it was widely employed during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic to authorize antigen and nucleic acid detection tests for use in central laboratories as well as OTC. During the pandemic, the first at-home tests for respiratory viruses became available for consumer use, which opened the door for additional respiratory virus OTC tests. Concerns may exist regarding the public's ability to properly collect samples, perform testing, interpret results, and report results to public health authorities. However, favorable comparison studies between OTC testing and centralized laboratory test results suggest that OTC testing may have a place in healthcare, and it is likely here to stay. This mini-review of OTC tests for viral respiratory diseases will briefly cover the regulatory and reimbursement environment, current OTC test availability, as well as the advantages and limitations of OTC tests.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Smy
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Nathan A. Ledeboer
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Macy G. Wood
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Shan S, Zhang W, Gao H, Huang PY, Du Z, Bai Y, Lau YC, Chen D, Lau EHY, Nealon J, Wu P. Global Seasonal Activities of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae238. [PMID: 38770210 PMCID: PMC11103620 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Varied seasonal patterns of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been reported worldwide. We conducted a systematic review on articles identified in PubMed reporting RSV seasonality based on data collected before 1 January 2020. RSV seasonal patterns were examined by geographic location, calendar month, analytic method, and meteorological factors including temperature and absolute humidity. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between RSV seasonality and study methods and characteristics of study locations. RSV seasons were reported in 209 articles published in 1973-2023 for 317 locations in 77 countries. Regular RSV seasons were similarly reported in countries in temperate regions, with highly variable seasons identified in subtropical and tropical countries. Longer durations of RSV seasons were associated with a higher daily average mean temperature and daily average mean absolute humidity. The global seasonal patterns of RSV provided important information for optimizing interventions against RSV infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Songwei Shan
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Weixin Zhang
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huizhi Gao
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Pei-Yu Huang
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhanwei Du
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yuan Bai
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yiu-Chung Lau
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dongxuan Chen
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Eric H Y Lau
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Joshua Nealon
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Peng Wu
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Ji W, Chen Y, Han S, Dai B, Li K, Li S, Li Z, Chen S, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Li X, Wang Q, Zheng J, Wang C, Liang Q, Han S, Zhang R, Wang F, Jin Y. Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 96 pediatric human metapneumovirus infections in Henan, China after COVID-19 pandemic: a retrospective analysis. Virol J 2024; 21:100. [PMID: 38689312 PMCID: PMC11059775 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02376-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, there has been a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) transmission, surpassing pre-epidemic levels. We aim to elucidate the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of HMPV infections in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. METHODS In this retrospective single-center study, participants diagnosed with laboratory confirmed HMPV infection through Targeted Next Generation Sequencing were included. The study encompassed individuals admitted to Henan Children's Hospital between April 29 and June 5, 2023. Demographic information, clinical records, and laboratory indicators were analyzed. RESULTS Between April 29 and June 5, 2023, 96 pediatric patients were identified as infected with HMPV with a median age of 33.5 months (interquartile range, 12 ~ 48 months). The majority (87.5%) of infected children were under 5 years old. Notably, severe cases were statistically younger. Predominant symptoms included fever (81.3%) and cough (92.7%), with wheezing more prevalent in the severe group (56% vs 21.1%). Coinfection with other viruses was observed in 43 patients, with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) (15.6%) or human rhinovirus A (HRV type A) (12.5%) being the most common. Human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) coinfection rate was significantly higher in the severe group (20% vs 1.4%). Bacterial coinfection occurred in 74 patients, with Haemophilus influenzae (Hin) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (SNP) being the most prevalent (52.1% and 41.7%, respectively). Severe patients demonstrated evidence of multi-organ damage. Noteworthy alterations included lower concentration of IL-12p70, decreased lymphocytes percentages, and elevated B lymphocyte percentages in severe cases, with statistical significance. Moreover, most laboratory indicators exhibited significant changes approximately 4 to 5 days after onset. CONCLUSIONS Our data systemically elucidated the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric patients with HMPV infection, which might be instructive to policy development for the prevention and control of HMPV infection and might provide important clues for future HMPV research endeavors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wangquan Ji
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Shujie Han
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Bowen Dai
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Zijie Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Shouhang Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Yaodong Zhang
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Children's Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Xiaolong Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Birth Defects Prevention; Henan Key Laboratory of Population Defects Prevention, Zhengzhou, 450002, Henan, China
| | - Xiaolong Li
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Qingmei Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Jiaying Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Chenyu Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Qiujing Liang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Shujuan Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Ruyu Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China.
| | - Yuefei Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou Children's Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450018, Henan, China.
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Altawalah H, Alfouzan W, Al-Fadalah T, Zalzala MA, Ezzikouri S. Viral etiology of severe lower respiratory tract infections in SARS-CoV-2 negative hospitalized patients during the COVID-19 pandemic in Kuwait. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29855. [PMID: 38681623 PMCID: PMC11046192 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2023] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of respiratory infections is largely underexplored in Kuwait. The aim of our study is to determine the etiology of infections from patients who are SARS-CoV-2 negative hospitalized with severe lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in Kuwait during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Methods We conducted an observational cross-sectional study among severe LRTI patients between September 2021 and March 2022. Respiratory samples from 545 non-COVID-19 severe LRTIs patients were prospectively evaluated with FTD Respiratory 21 Plus® real-time PCR, targeting 20 different viruses and 1 atypical bacterial pathogen. Results Among all 545 hospitalized cases, 411 (75.4 %) tested positive for at least one respiratory pathogen. The most common were rhinovirus (HRV) (32.7 %), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (20.9 %), metapneumovirus (HMPV) (14.1 %), bocavirus (13.2 %), and influenza A (12.7 %). The proportion of pathogens detected was highest in the under-5 age group, while HKU1 (44.4 %) predominated in the elderly (>50 years). Conclusion Our study reveals a high prevalence of respiratory viruses in severe acute lower respiratory tract infections among non-COVID-19 hospitalized patients in Kuwait. HRV remains the main etiology affecting the country, particularly in infants. These results underscore the necessity of employing multiplex PCR for accurate diagnosis and describing the epidemiology of infections among severe lower respiratory tract infections. This will facilitate the use of specific antiviral therapy and help avoid excessive or inappropriate antibiotic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haya Altawalah
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, 24923, Kuwait
- Virology Unit, Yacoub Behbehani Center, Sabah Hospital, Ministry of Health, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Wadha Alfouzan
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, 24923, Kuwait
- Laboratory Medicine, Farwania Hospital, Ministry of Health, Farwania, Kuwait
| | - Talal Al-Fadalah
- Qualities and Accreditation Directorate, Ministry of Health, Kuwait, Kuwait
| | - Mariam Ali Zalzala
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Safat, 24923, Kuwait
| | - Sayeh Ezzikouri
- Virology Unit, Viral Hepatitis Laboratory, Institut Pasteur du Maroc, Casablanca, Morocco
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Haddrell A, Oswin H, Otero-Fernandez M, Robinson JF, Cogan T, Alexander R, Mann JFS, Hill D, Finn A, Davidson AD, Reid JP. Ambient carbon dioxide concentration correlates with SARS-CoV-2 aerostability and infection risk. Nat Commun 2024; 15:3487. [PMID: 38664424 PMCID: PMC11045827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-47777-5] [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: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
An improved understanding of the underlying physicochemical properties of respiratory aerosol that influence viral infectivity may open new avenues to mitigate the transmission of respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. Previous studies have shown that an increase in the pH of respiratory aerosols following generation due to changes in the gas-particle partitioning of pH buffering bicarbonate ions and carbon dioxide is a significant factor in reducing SARS-CoV-2 infectivity. We show here that a significant increase in SARS-CoV-2 aerostability results from a moderate increase in the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration (e.g. 800 ppm), an effect that is more marked than that observed for changes in relative humidity. We model the likelihood of COVID-19 transmission on the ambient concentration of CO2, concluding that even this moderate increase in CO2 concentration results in a significant increase in overall risk. These observations confirm the critical importance of ventilation and maintaining low CO2 concentrations in indoor environments for mitigating disease transmission. Moreover, the correlation of increased CO2 concentration with viral aerostability need to be better understood when considering the consequences of increases in ambient CO2 levels in our atmosphere.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Allen Haddrell
- School of Chemistry, Cantock's Close, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Henry Oswin
- School of Chemistry, Cantock's Close, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | | | - Joshua F Robinson
- Institut für Physik, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Tristan Cogan
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Robert Alexander
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Jamie F S Mann
- Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Langford House, Langford, Bristol, UK
| | - Darryl Hill
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Adam Finn
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
- School of Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Andrew D Davidson
- School of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| | - Jonathan P Reid
- School of Chemistry, Cantock's Close, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Dlamini M, Msolo L, Ehi Ebomah K, Nontongana N, Ifeanyi Okoh A. A systematic review on the incidence of influenza viruses in wastewater matrices: Implications for public health. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0291900. [PMID: 38662758 PMCID: PMC11045120 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses pose a significant public health threat, necessitating comprehensive surveillance strategies to enhance early detection and preventive measures. This systematic review investigates the incidence of influenza viruses in wastewater matrices, aiming to elucidate the potential implications for public health. The study synthesizes existing literature, employing rigorous inclusion criteria to identify relevant studies conducted globally. The essence of the problem lies in the gaps of traditional surveillance methods, which often rely on clinical data and may underestimate the true prevalence of influenza within communities. Wastewater-based epidemiology offers a novel approach to supplementing these conventional methods, providing a broader and more representative assessment of viral circulation. This review systematically examines the methodologies employed in the selected studies, including virus concentration techniques and molecular detection methods, to establish a standardized framework for future research. Our findings reveal a consistent presence of influenza viruses in diverse wastewater matrices across different geographic locations and seasons. Recommendations for future research include the standardization of sampling protocols, improvement of virus concentration methods, and the integration of wastewater surveillance into existing public health frameworks. In conclusion, this systematic review contributes to the understanding of influenza dynamics in wastewater matrices, offering valuable insights for public health practitioners and policymakers. Implementation of wastewater surveillance alongside traditional methods can enhance the resilience of public health systems and better prepare communities for the challenges posed by influenza outbreaks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mbasa Dlamini
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Luyanda Msolo
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Kingsley Ehi Ebomah
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Nolonwabo Nontongana
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| | - Anthony Ifeanyi Okoh
- SAMRC Microbial Water Quality Monitoring Centre, University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Applied and Environmental Microbiology Research Group (AEMREG), University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cates J, Mattison CP, Groom H, Donald J, Hall RP, Schmidt MA, Hall AJ, Naleway AL, Mirza SA. Health Care Utilization and Clinical Management of All-Cause and Norovirus-Associated Acute Gastroenteritis Within a US Integrated Health Care System. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae151. [PMID: 38628950 PMCID: PMC11020278 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Norovirus-associated acute gastroenteritis (AGE) exacts a substantial disease burden, yet the health care utilization for and clinical management of norovirus-associated AGE are not well characterized. Methods We describe the health care encounters and therapeutics used for patients with all-cause and norovirus-associated AGE in the Kaiser Permanente Northwest health system from 1 April 2014 through 30 September 2016. Medical encounters for patients with AGE were extracted from electronic health records, and encounters within 30 days of one another were grouped into single episodes. An age-stratified random sample of patients completed surveys and provided stool samples for norovirus testing. Results In total, 40 348 individuals had 52 509 AGE episodes; 460 (14%) of 3310 participants in the substudy tested positive for norovirus. An overall 35% of all-cause AGE episodes and 29% of norovirus-associated AGE episodes had ≥2 encounters. While 80% of norovirus-associated AGE episodes had at least 1 encounter in the outpatient setting, all levels of the health care system were affected: 10%, 22%, 10%, and 2% of norovirus-associated AGE episodes had at least 1 encounter in virtual, urgent care, emergency department, and inpatient settings, respectively. Corresponding proportions of therapeutic use between norovirus-positive and norovirus-negative episodes were 13% and 10% for intravenous hydration (P = .07), 65% and 50% for oral rehydration (P < .001), 7% and 14% for empiric antibiotic therapy (P < .001), and 33% and 18% for antiemetics (P < .001). Conclusions Increased health care utilization and therapeutics are likely needed for norovirus-associated AGE episodes during peak norovirus winter seasons, and these data illustrate that effective norovirus vaccines will likely result in less health care utilization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jordan Cates
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Claire P Mattison
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Cherokee Nation Operational Solutions, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Holly Groom
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Judy Donald
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Rebecca P Hall
- Emory University Hospital Midtown, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Mark A Schmidt
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Aron J Hall
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Allison L Naleway
- Center for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Northwest, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Sara A Mirza
- Division of Viral Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Wei M, Li S, Lu X, Hu K, Li Z, Li M. Changing respiratory pathogens infection patterns after COVID-19 pandemic in Shanghai, China. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29616. [PMID: 38634514 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29616] [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: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
To assess the positive rate of 11 respiratory pathogens in 2023, providing a comprehensive summary and analysis of the respiratory infection patterns after COVID-19 pandemic. The study comprised 7544 inpatients suspected of respiratory infections who underwent respiratory pathogen multiplex polymerase chain reaction tests from July 2022 to December 31, 2023. We analyzed the positive rate of 11 pathogens over 18 months and the characterization of infection patterns among different age groups and immune states. Among 7544 patients (age range 4 months to 104 years, 44.99% female), the incidence of infected by at least one of the 11 pathogens was 26.07%. Children (55.18%, p < 0.05) experienced a significantly higher infection probability than adults (20.88%) and old (20.66%). Influenza A virus (8.63%), Mycoplasma pneumoniae (5.47%), and human rhinovirus (5.12%) were the most common pathogens. In children, M. pneumoniae (35.96%) replaced the predominant role of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) (5.91%) in the pathogen spectrum. Age, immunosuppressed state, and respiratory chronic conditions were associated with a significantly higher risk of mixed infection. Immunosuppressed patients were more vulnerable to human coronavirus (4.64% vs. 1.65%, p < 0.05), human parainfluenza virus (3.46% vs. 1.69%, p < 0.05), and HRSV (2.27% vs. 0.55%, p < 0.05). Patterns in respiratory infections changed following regional epidemic control measures and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muyun Wei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuangshuang Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhua Lu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiming Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chaohu Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhilan Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Carine MR, Pagilla KR. A mass balance approach for quantifying the role of natural decay and fate mechanisms on SARS-CoV-2 genetic marker removal during water reclamation. WATER ENVIRONMENT RESEARCH : A RESEARCH PUBLICATION OF THE WATER ENVIRONMENT FEDERATION 2024; 96:e11015. [PMID: 38599573 DOI: 10.1002/wer.11015] [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: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
The recent SARS-CoV-2 outbreak yielded substantial data regarding virus fate and prevalence at water reclamation facilities (WRFs), identifying influential factors as natural decay, adsorption, light, pH, salinity, and antagonistic microorganisms. However, no studies have quantified the impact of these factors in full scale WRFs. Utilizing a mass balance approach, we assessed the impact of natural decay and other fate mechanisms on genetic marker removal during water reclamation, through the use of sludge and wastewater genetic marker loading estimates. Results indicated negligible removal of genetic markers during P/PT (primary effluent (PE) p value: 0.267; preliminary and primary treatment (P/PT) accumulation p value: 0.904; and thickened primary sludge (TPS) p value: 0.076) indicating no contribution of natural decay and other fate mechanisms toward removal in P/PT. Comparably, adsorption and decomposition was found to be the dominant pathway for genetic marker removal (thickened waste activated sludge (TWAS) log loading 9.75 log10 GC/day); however, no estimation of log genetic marker accumulation could be carried out due to high detections in TWAS. PRACTITIONER POINTS: The mass balance approach suggested that the contribution of natural decay and other fate mechanisms to virus removal during wastewater treatment are negligible compared with adsorption and decomposition in P/PT (p value: 0.904). During (P/PT), a higher viral load remained in the (PE) (14.16 log10 GC/day) compared with TPS (13.83 log10 GC/day); however, no statistical difference was observed (p value: 0.280) indicting that adsorption/decomposition most probably did not occur. In secondary treatment (ST), viral genetic markers in TWAS were consistently detected (13.41 log10 GC/day) compared with secondary effluent (SE), indicating that longer HRT and the potential presence of extracellular polymeric substance-containing enriched biomass enabled adsorption/decomposition. Estimations of total solids and volatile solids for TPS and TWAS indicated that adsorption affinity was different between solids sampling locations (p value: <0.0001).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline R Carine
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| | - Krishna R Pagilla
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno, Nevada, USA
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Grover EN, Buchwald AG, Ghosh D, Carlton EJ. Does behavior mediate the effect of weather on SARS-CoV-2 transmission? Evidence from cell-phone data. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.03.26.24304854. [PMID: 38585859 PMCID: PMC10996765 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.26.24304854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
Background There is growing evidence that weather alters SARS-CoV-2 transmission, but it remains unclear what drives the phenomenon. One prevailing hypothesis is that people spend more time indoors in cooler weather, leading to increased spread of SARS-CoV-2 related to time spent in confined spaces and close contact with others. However, the evidence in support of that hypothesis is limited and, at times, conflicting. Objectives We aim to evaluate the extent to which weather impacts COVID-19 via time spent away-from-home in indoor spaces, as compared to a direct effect of weather on COVID-19 hospitalization, independent of mobility. Methods We use a mediation framework, and combine daily weather, COVID-19 hospital surveillance, cellphone-based mobility data and building footprints to estimate the relationship between daily indoor and outdoor weather conditions, mobility, and COVID-19 hospitalizations. We quantify the direct health impacts of weather on COVID-19 hospitalizations and the indirect effects of weather via time spent indoors away-from-home on COVID-19 hospitalizations within five Colorado counties between March 4th 2020 and January 31st 2021. Results We found evidence that changes in 12-day lagged hospital admissions were primarily via the direct effects of weather conditions, rather than via indirect effects by which weather changes time spent indoors away-from-home. Sensitivity analyses evaluating time at home as a mediator were consistent with these conclusions. Discussion Our findings do not support the hypothesis that weather impacted SARS-CoV-2 transmission via changes in mobility patterns during the first year of the pandemic. Rather, weather appears to have impacted SARS-CoV-2 transmission primarily via mechanisms other than human movement. We recommend further analysis of this phenomenon to determine whether these findings generalize to current SARS-CoV-2 transmission dynamics and other seasonal respiratory pathogens.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elise N. Grover
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Andrea G. Buchwald
- Center for Vaccine Development and Global Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Debashis Ghosh
- Department of Biostatistics & Informatics, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Elizabeth J. Carlton
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Servadio M, Finocchietti M, Vassallo C, Cipelli R, Heiman F, Di Lucchio G, Oresta B, Addis A, Belleudi V. An epidemiological investigation of high-risk infants for Respiratory Syncytial Virus infections: a retrospective cohort study. Ital J Pediatr 2024; 50:56. [PMID: 38528568 DOI: 10.1186/s13052-024-01627-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) infections may lead to severe consequences in infants born preterm with breathing problems (such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)) or congenital heart diseases (CHD). Since studies investigating the influence of different gestational age (WGA) and concomitant specific comorbidities on the burden of RSV infections are scarce, the present study aimed to better characterize these high-risk populations in the Italian context. METHODS This retrospective, longitudinal and record-linkage cohort study involved infants born between 2017 and 2019 in Lazio Region (Italy) and is based on data extracted from administrative databases. Each infant was exclusively included in one of the following cohorts: (1) BPD-RDS (WGA ≤35 with or without CHD) or (2) CHD (without BPD and/or RDS) or (3) Preterm (WGA ≤35 without BPD (and/or RDS) or CHD). Each cohort was followed for 12 months from birth. Information related to sociodemographic at birth, and RSV and Undetermined Respiratory Agents (URA) hospitalizations and drug consumption at follow-up were retrieved and described. RESULTS A total of 8,196 infants were selected and classified as 1,084 BPD-RDS, 3,286 CHD and 3,826 Preterm. More than 30% of the BPD-RDS cohort was composed by early preterm infants (WGA ≤ 29) in contrast to the Preterm cohort predominantly constitute by moderate preterm infants (98.2%), while CHD infants were primarily born at term (83.9%). At follow-up, despite the cohorts showed similar proportions of RSV hospitalizations, in BPD-RDS cohort hospitalizations were more frequently severe compared to those occurred in the Preterm cohort (p<0.01), in the BPD-RDS cohort was also found the highest proportion of URA hospitalizations (p<0.0001). In addition, BPD-RDS infants, compared to those of the remaining cohorts, received more frequently prophylaxis with palivizumab (p<0.0001) and were more frequently treated with adrenergics inhalants, and glucocorticoids for systemic use. CONCLUSIONS The assessment of the study clinical outcomes highlighted that, the demographic and clinical characteristics at birth of the study cohorts influence their level of vulnerability to RSV and URA infections. As such, continuous monitoring of these populations is necessary in order to ensure a timely organization of health care system able to respond to their needs in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michela Servadio
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy
- IQVIA Solutions Italy S.r.l., Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Finocchietti
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Bianca Oresta
- AstraZeneca S.p.A. - Medical Department, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Addis
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy.
| | - Valeria Belleudi
- Department of Epidemiology of the Regional Health Service Lazio, Dipartimento di Epidemiologia del Servizio Sanitario Regionale del Lazio, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mofidfar M, Mehrgardi MA, Xia Y, Zare RN. Dependence on relative humidity in the formation of reactive oxygen species in water droplets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2315940121. [PMID: 38489384 PMCID: PMC10962988 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2315940121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Water microdroplets (7 to 11 µm average diameter, depending on flow rate) are sprayed in a closed chamber at ambient temperature, whose relative humidity (RH) is controlled. The resulting concentration of ROS (reactive oxygen species) formed in the microdroplets, measured by the amount of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and by spectrofluorimetric assays after the droplets are collected. The results are found to agree closely with one another. In addition, hydrated hydroxyl radical cations (•OH-H3O+) are recorded from the droplets using mass spectrometry and superoxide radical anions (•O2-) and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. As the RH varies from 15 to 95%, the concentration of H2O2 shows a marked rise by a factor of about 3.5 in going from 15 to 50%, then levels off. By replacing the H2O of the sprayed water with deuterium oxide (D2O) but keeping the gas surrounding droplets with H2O, mass spectrometric analysis of the hydrated hydroxyl radical cations demonstrates that the water in the air plays a dominant role in producing H2O2 and other ROS, which accounts for the variation with RH. As RH increases, the droplet evaporation rate decreases. These two facts help us understand why viruses in droplets both survive better at low RH values, as found in indoor air in the wintertime, and are disinfected more effectively at higher RH values, as found in indoor air in the summertime, thus explaining the recognized seasonality of airborne viral infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Masoud A. Mehrgardi
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Chemistry, University of Isfahan, Isfahan81743, Iran
| | - Yu Xia
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Richard N. Zare
- Department of Chemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA94305
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Liu S, Ezran C, Wang MFZ, Li Z, Awayan K, Long JZ, De Vlaminck I, Wang S, Epelbaum J, Kuo CS, Terrien J, Krasnow MA, Ferrell JE. An organism-wide atlas of hormonal signaling based on the mouse lemur single-cell transcriptome. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2188. [PMID: 38467625 PMCID: PMC10928088 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46070-9] [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: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Hormones mediate long-range cell communication and play vital roles in physiology, metabolism, and health. Traditionally, endocrinologists have focused on one hormone or organ system at a time. Yet, hormone signaling by its very nature connects cells of different organs and involves crosstalk of different hormones. Here, we leverage the organism-wide single cell transcriptional atlas of a non-human primate, the mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus), to systematically map source and target cells for 84 classes of hormones. This work uncovers previously-uncharacterized sites of hormone regulation, and shows that the hormonal signaling network is densely connected, decentralized, and rich in feedback loops. Evolutionary comparisons of hormonal genes and their expression patterns show that mouse lemur better models human hormonal signaling than mouse, at both the genomic and transcriptomic levels, and reveal primate-specific rewiring of hormone-producing/target cells. This work complements the scale and resolution of classical endocrine studies and sheds light on primate hormone regulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shixuan Liu
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Camille Ezran
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Michael F Z Wang
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Zhengda Li
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Kyle Awayan
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jonathan Z Long
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
- Sarafan ChEM-H, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Iwijn De Vlaminck
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Sheng Wang
- Paul G. Allen School of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jacques Epelbaum
- Adaptive Mechanisms and Evolution (MECADEV), UMR 7179, National Center for Scientific Research, National Museum of Natural History, Brunoy, France
| | - Christin S Kuo
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Jérémy Terrien
- Adaptive Mechanisms and Evolution (MECADEV), UMR 7179, National Center for Scientific Research, National Museum of Natural History, Brunoy, France
| | - Mark A Krasnow
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford, CA, USA.
| | - James E Ferrell
- Department of Chemical and Systems Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Guillien A, Niespodziana K, Mauclin M, Boudier A, Varraso R, Leynaert B, Dumas O, Le Moual N, Schlederer T, Bajic M, Borochova K, Errhalt P, Vernet R, Nadif R, Bousquet J, Bouzigon E, Valenta R, Siroux V. Determinants of immunoglobulin G responses to respiratory syncytial virus and rhinovirus in children and adults. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1355214. [PMID: 38500884 PMCID: PMC10945029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1355214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Exposure to respiratory viruses is a significant cause of morbidity and affects virus-specific antibody levels. Little is known about determinants associated with immune response to these viruses. We aimed to investigate the determinants of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)- and rhinovirus (RV)- specific IgG responses in both children and adults. Methods The study is based on the EGEA cohort, composed of 530 samples of children in EGEA1 (1991-95) and 1241 samples of adults in EGEA2 (2003-07). Cumulative RV-specific IgG levels (species A, B and C) and IgG levels to RSV-G protein were measured by using micro-array technoloy. Multiple linear mixed models (random effect to account for familial dependence) were performed to assess associations between age, sex, body mass index (BMI), tobacco smoke exposure and season of blood sampling with RSV-and RV-specific IgG levels. Results In children (11.1 ± 2.8 years old, 57% boys), higher RV-specific IgG levels were associated with older age (only for RV-B), female sex and lower BMI, while only older age was associated with higher RSV-specific IgG levels. In adults (43.5 ± 16.7 years old, 48% men), younger age, female sex, lower BMI, active smoking and all seasons except summer were associated with higher RV-specific IgG levels. Older age, active smoking and all seasons except summer were associated with higher RSV-specific IgG levels. Conclusion Personal and seasonal determinants of RSV- and RV-specific IgG levels seem to vary according to the respiratory virus type and between children and adults, suggesting different patterns of responses along the life course.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Guillien
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team in Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Katarzyna Niespodziana
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marion Mauclin
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team in Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne Boudier
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team in Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Raphäelle Varraso
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Equipe d’Epidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Bénédicte Leynaert
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Equipe d’Epidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Orianne Dumas
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Equipe d’Epidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Nicole Le Moual
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Equipe d’Epidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Thomas Schlederer
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Maja Bajic
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
| | - Kristina Borochova
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Errhalt
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
- Department of Pneumology, University Hospital, Krems, Austria
| | - Raphaël Vernet
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, UMRS 1124, Group of Genomic Epidemiology of Multifactorial Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Rachel Nadif
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Equipe d’Epidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Jean Bousquet
- Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Université Paris-Sud, Inserm, Equipe d’Epidémiologie Respiratoire Intégrative, Centre de recherche en Epidémiologie et Santé des Populations (CESP), Villejuif, France
| | - Emmanuelle Bouzigon
- Université Paris Cité, Inserm, UMRS 1124, Group of Genomic Epidemiology of Multifactorial Diseases, Paris, France
| | - Rudolf Valenta
- Division of Immunopathology, Department of Pathophysiology and Allergy Research, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Karl Landsteiner University, Krems, Austria
| | - Valérie Siroux
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team in Environmental Epidemiology Applied to Development and Respiratory Health, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Sadeh Tehrani R, Mohammadjafari H, Alizadeh S, Naseroleslami M, Karbalaie Niya MH. The prevalence of 17 common respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory illness but negative for COVID-19: A cross-sectional study. Health Sci Rep 2024; 7:e1986. [PMID: 38524773 PMCID: PMC10957717 DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims Second to COVID-19 pandemic, other viral respiratory infections are still important causes of human diseases or co-infections. Hence, the present study was carried out to investigate the common respiratory viruses in patients with respiratory illness diagnosed negative for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 in primary screening. Methods In a cross-sectional study, a real-time PCR was carried out using HiTeq. 17 Viro Respiratory pathogen One Step RT-PCR Kit (Genova, Bonda Faravar, Bioluence, Tehran, Iran). Results A total of 311 individuals (mean age ± SD: 48.2 ± 21.7 years, range: 1-97 years) underwent second PCR. Among these, 161 (51.7%) were female. In total, 55 (17.6%) cases (mean age ± SD: 45.7 ± 18.1 years) were found positive for respiratory viruses panel in the second PCR. The HCoV-OC43/HKU1 was in 5.4% (17/311), Flu A in 4.5% (14/311), HCoV-229E/NL63 in 2.8% (9/311), HMPV in 1.9% (6/311), HPiV 1, 2, 3 in 1.2% (4/311), HRSV in 0.9% (3/311), and HAdV in 0.6% (2/311) of the cases studies. Also, co-infection was detected in 4 samples (1.2%). In addition, sore throat (0.028), headache (p = 0.016), and body pain (p = 0.0001) were statistically the most significant symptoms in studied cases. Conclusion According to the findings of our study, respiratory virus infections and co-infections were 17.6% and 1.2% frequent, respectively. Interestingly, nearly half of our positive cases (47.2%) were identified by coronaviruses (ОС43, Е229, NL63, and HKUI), followed by influenza A virus (25.4%). However, for more comprehensive results, we recommend using greater sample size.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Reyhaneh Sadeh Tehrani
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical SciencesIslamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
| | - Hanieh Mohammadjafari
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical SciencesIslamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
| | - Sheida Alizadeh
- Department of Bacteriology and VirologyShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research CenterIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Maryam Naseroleslami
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical SciencesIslamic Azad UniversityTehranIran
| | - Mohammad Hadi Karbalaie Niya
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research CenterIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Department of Virology, School of MedicineIran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peder Wolkoff
- National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|