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Greenhalgh T, MacIntyre CR, Baker MG, Bhattacharjee S, Chughtai AA, Fisman D, Kunasekaran M, Kvalsvig A, Lupton D, Oliver M, Tawfiq E, Ungrin M, Vipond J. Masks and respirators for prevention of respiratory infections: a state of the science review. Clin Microbiol Rev 2024; 37:e0012423. [PMID: 38775460 PMCID: PMC11326136 DOI: 10.1128/cmr.00124-23] [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: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
SUMMARYThis narrative review and meta-analysis summarizes a broad evidence base on the benefits-and also the practicalities, disbenefits, harms and personal, sociocultural and environmental impacts-of masks and masking. Our synthesis of evidence from over 100 published reviews and selected primary studies, including re-analyzing contested meta-analyses of key clinical trials, produced seven key findings. First, there is strong and consistent evidence for airborne transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and other respiratory pathogens. Second, masks are, if correctly and consistently worn, effective in reducing transmission of respiratory diseases and show a dose-response effect. Third, respirators are significantly more effective than medical or cloth masks. Fourth, mask mandates are, overall, effective in reducing community transmission of respiratory pathogens. Fifth, masks are important sociocultural symbols; non-adherence to masking is sometimes linked to political and ideological beliefs and to widely circulated mis- or disinformation. Sixth, while there is much evidence that masks are not generally harmful to the general population, masking may be relatively contraindicated in individuals with certain medical conditions, who may require exemption. Furthermore, certain groups (notably D/deaf people) are disadvantaged when others are masked. Finally, there are risks to the environment from single-use masks and respirators. We propose an agenda for future research, including improved characterization of the situations in which masking should be recommended or mandated; attention to comfort and acceptability; generalized and disability-focused communication support in settings where masks are worn; and development and testing of novel materials and designs for improved filtration, breathability, and environmental impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trisha Greenhalgh
- Nuffield Department of Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - C Raina MacIntyre
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael G Baker
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Shovon Bhattacharjee
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Abrar A Chughtai
- School of Population Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Fisman
- Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mohana Kunasekaran
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Amanda Kvalsvig
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Deborah Lupton
- Centre for Social Research in Health and Social Policy Research Centre, Faculty of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Matt Oliver
- Professional Standards Advocate, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Essa Tawfiq
- Biosecurity Program, The Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mark Ungrin
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Schulich School of Engineering; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Joe Vipond
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Howe R, Grice C, Costello F, Downey V, Sammin D, Perrotta C, Mulcahy G, Walshe N. COVID-19 transmission between the community and meat processing plants in Ireland: A retrospective modelling study. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30919. [PMID: 38803892 PMCID: PMC11128868 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30919] [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: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Outbreaks of COVID-19 in meat processing plants (MPPs) were recorded globally throughout the pandemic. There was speculation these outbreaks resulted in dissemination of COVID-19 throughout the surrounding county leading to high incidence rates. We aimed to investigate the dynamics of spread between MPPs and their surrounding counties. In this retrospective longitudinal study, data were collected on the number and size of outbreaks in 33 MPPs and county infections in Ireland between March 2020 and May 2021. These data were used to investigate the relationship between outbreaks in MPPs and county infection rates through statistical analysis, and the development of a novel SEIR model. We found an association between the number of MPPs present in a county and county incidence rates, however, incidence rates in the counties did not increase as a consequence of an outbreak in an MPP. The model results indicate that county incidence rates in the weeks prior to an MPP outbreak could reliably predict the size of that outbreak in a plant, r(49) = 0·62, p < 0·0001, RMSD = 5·6. In Ireland, outbreaks in MPPs were strongly correlated with high levels of infection in the surrounding county, rather than being a driver of infection in the county. The modified SEIR model described here can provide an explanation of the generative process required to cause outbreaks of the size and scale that occur in MPPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Howe
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Charlene Grice
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland
| | - Fintan Costello
- School of Computer Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Vicky Downey
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Donal Sammin
- Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Ireland
| | - Carla Perrotta
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy, and Sports Science, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Grace Mulcahy
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
| | - Nicola Walshe
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Ireland
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Ogo N, Ikegame S, Hotta T, Kan-O K, Yoneshima Y, Shiraishi Y, Tsubouchi K, Tanaka K, Okamoto I. The Utility and Limitations of Universal Polymerase Chain Reaction Screening for SARS-CoV-2 During Hospital Admission. Cureus 2024; 16:e61470. [PMID: 38953084 PMCID: PMC11215299 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61470] [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] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Universal polymerase chain reaction (PCR) screening for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) on hospital admission is an effective approach to preventing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks in medical facilities. However, false-positive test results due to a recent infection are a concern. We investigated the usefulness and limitations of universal PCR screening for SARS-CoV-2 on hospital admission in a real-world setting. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 1320 attempted hospital admissions for 775 patients at the Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, between January 1, 2022, and May 2, 2023. RESULTS Thirty-nine out of 1201 PCR tests (3.2%) yielded a positive result, with 22 of these results being considered false positives on the basis of a recent infection. We found that 39% of cases showed a positive PCR result between 31 and 60 days after the onset of COVID-19, although the threshold cycle (Ct) for target 1 (ORF1ab gene) of the Cobas SARS-CoV-2 test (Roche Diagnostics, Basel, Switzerland) was >30 in most instances. CONCLUSION Hospital admission based on the results of PCR screening for SARS-CoV-2 should take into account not only PCR positivity but also the Ct value and recent COVID-19 history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naruhiko Ogo
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Satoshi Ikegame
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Taeko Hotta
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Keiko Kan-O
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Yasuto Yoneshima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Yoshimasa Shiraishi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Kazuya Tsubouchi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Kentaro Tanaka
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
| | - Isamu Okamoto
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, JPN
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De Vito A, Saderi L, Colpani A, Puci MV, Zauli B, Fiore V, Fois M, Meloni MC, Bitti A, Moi G, Maida I, Babudieri S, Sotgiu G, Madeddu G. New score to predict COVID-19 progression in vaccine and early treatment era: the COVID-19 Sardinian Progression Score (CSPS). Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:123. [PMID: 38360688 PMCID: PMC10868088 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01718-6] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several scores aimed at predicting COVID-19 progression have been proposed. As the variables vaccination and early SARS-CoV-2 treatment were systematically excluded from the prognostic scores, the present study's objective was to develop a new model adapted to the current epidemiological scenario. METHODS We included all patients evaluated by the Infectious Disease Unit in Sassari, with SARS-CoV-2 infection and without signs of respiratory failure at the first evaluation (P/F > 300). Disease progression was defined by the prescription of supplemental oxygen. In addition, variables related to demographics, vaccines, comorbidities, symptoms, CT scans, blood tests, and therapies were collected. Multivariate logistic regression modelling was performed to determine factors associated with progression; any variable with significant univariate test or clinical relevance was selected as a candidate for multivariate analysis. Hosmer-Lemeshow (HL) goodness of fit statistic was calculated. Odds ratio values were used to derive an integer score for developing an easy-to-use progression risk score. The discrimination performance of the risk index was determined using the AUC, and the best cut-off point, according to the Youden index, sensitivity, specificity, predictive value, and likelihood ratio, was chosen. RESULTS 1145 patients [median (IQR) age 74 (62-83) years; 53.5% males] were enrolled; 336 (29.3%) had disease progression. Patients with a clinical progression were older and showed more comorbidities; furthermore, they were less vaccinated and exposed to preventive therapy. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, age ≥ 60 years, COPD, dementia, haematological tumours, heart failure, exposure to no or one vaccine dose, fever, dyspnoea, GGO, consolidation, ferritin, De Ritis ≥ 1.2, LDH, and no exposure to early anti-SARS-CoV-2 treatment were associated with disease progression. The final risk score ranged from 0 to 45. The ROC curve analysis showed an AUC of 0.92 (95% CI 0.90-0.93) with a 93.7% specificity and 72.9% sensitivity. Low risk was defined when the cut-off value was less than 23. Three risk levels were identified: low (0-23 points), medium (24-35), and high (≥ 36). CONCLUSIONS The proportion of patients with progression increases with high scores: the assessment of the risk could be helpful for clinicians to plan appropriate therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea De Vito
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy.
- PhD School in Biomedical Science, Biomedical Science Department, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy.
| | - Laura Saderi
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Agnese Colpani
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Mariangela V Puci
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Beatrice Zauli
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Vito Fiore
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Marco Fois
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Meloni
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitti
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giulia Moi
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Ivana Maida
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Sergio Babudieri
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giovanni Sotgiu
- Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Statistics Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giordano Madeddu
- Unit of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Pharmacy, University of Sassari, 07100, Sassari, Italy
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Tanneti NS, Patel AK, Tan LH, Marques AD, Perera RAPM, Sherrill-Mix S, Kelly BJ, Renner DM, Collman RG, Rodino K, Lee C, Bushman FD, Cohen NA, Weiss SR. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern in primary human nasal cultures demonstrates Delta as most cytopathic and Omicron as fastest replicating. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.553565. [PMID: 37662273 PMCID: PMC10473756 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.553565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic was marked with emerging viral variants, some of which were designated as variants of concern (VOCs) due to selection and rapid circulation in the human population. Here we elucidate functional features of each VOC linked to variations in replication rate. Patient-derived primary nasal cultures grown at air-liquid-interface (ALI) were used to model upper-respiratory infection and human lung epithelial cell lines used to model lower-respiratory infection. All VOCs replicated to higher titers than the ancestral virus, suggesting a selection for replication efficiency. In primary nasal cultures, Omicron replicated to the highest titers at early time points, followed by Delta, paralleling comparative studies of population sampling. All SARS-CoV-2 viruses entered the cell primarily via a transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2)-dependent pathway, and Omicron was more likely to use an endosomal route of entry. All VOCs activated and overcame dsRNA-induced cellular responses including interferon (IFN) signaling, oligoadenylate ribonuclease L degradation and protein kinase R activation. Among the VOCs, Omicron infection induced expression of the most IFN and IFN stimulated genes. Infections in nasal cultures resulted in cellular damage, including a compromise of cell-barrier integrity and loss of nasal cilia and ciliary beating function, especially during Delta infection. Overall, Omicron was optimized for replication in the upper-respiratory system and least-favorable in the lower-respiratory cell line; and Delta was the most cytopathic for both upper and lower respiratory cells. Our findings highlight the functional differences among VOCs at the cellular level and imply distinct mechanisms of pathogenesis in infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Li Hui Tan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
| | | | | | | | - Brendan J Kelly
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Ronald G Collman
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | - Kyle Rodino
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | | | - Noam A Cohen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology- Head and Neck Surgery
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Surgical Services, Philadelphia, USA
- Monell Chemical Senses Center, Philadelphia, USA
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Aldous C, Kruger HG. Interrogating the lack of diversity of thought in the pandemic response that led to mistakes - holistic evidence-based approach to deal with future pandemics. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1310210. [PMID: 38192553 PMCID: PMC10771982 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1310210] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, triggered by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), rapidly became a worldwide emergency. How it was managed garnered both commendation and vehement censure. This crisis profoundly affected healthcare, the economy, education, and public confidence in scientific endeavors. Our primary aim was to scrutinize the shortcomings in the pandemic management and to articulate a more effective strategy for handling prospective pandemics. We delved into the errors encountered in the COVID-19 response and posited a holistic, evidence-grounded approach for future pandemic mitigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen Aldous
- Nelson R Mandela School of Clinical Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Hendrik G Kruger
- School of Health Sciences, University of Kwazulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
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Gao J, Cao C, Shi M, Hong S, Guo S, Li J, Liang T, Song P, Xu R, Li N. Kaempferol inhibits SARS-CoV-2 invasion by impairing heptad repeats-mediated viral fusion. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 118:154942. [PMID: 37421767 PMCID: PMC10289257 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The continuous evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has underscored the development of broad-spectrum prophylaxis. Antivirals targeting the membrane fusion process represent promising paradigms. Kaempferol (Kae), an ubiquitous plant flavonol, has been shown efficacy against various enveloped viruses. However, its potential in anti-SARS-CoV-2 invasion remains obscure. PURPOSE To evaluate capabilities and mechanisms of Kae in preventing SARS-CoV-2 invasion. METHODS To avoid interference of viral replication, virus-like particles (VLPs) constructed with luciferase reporter were applied. To investigate the antiviral potency of Kae, human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSC)-derived alveolar epithelial cells type II (AECII) and human ACE2 (hACE2) transgenic mice were utilized as in vitro and in vivo models, respectively. Using dual split protein (DSP) assays, inhibitory activities of Kae in viral fusion were determined in Alpha, Delta and Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2, as well as in SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. To further reveal molecular determinants of Kae in restricting viral fusion, synthetic peptides corresponding to the conserved heptad repeat (HR) 1 and 2, involved in viral fusion, and the mutant form of HR2 were explored by circular dichroism and native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. RESULTS Kae inhibited SARS-CoV-2 invasion both in vitro and in vivo, which was mainly attributed to its suppressive effects on viral fusion, but not endocytosis, two pathways that mediate viral invasion. In accordance with the proposed model of anti-fusion prophylaxis, Kae functioned as a pan-inhibitor of viral fusion, including three emerged highly pathogenic coronaviruses, and the currently circulating Omicron BQ.1.1 and XBB.1 variants of SARS-CoV-2. Consistent with the typical target of viral fusion inhibitors, Kae interacted with HR regions of SARS-CoV-2 S2 subunits. Distinct from previous inhibitory fusion peptides which prevent the formation of six-helix bundle (6-HB) by competitively interacting with HRs, Kae deformed HR1 and directly reacted with lysine residues within HR2 region, the latter of which was considered critical for the preservation of stabilized S2 during SARS-CoV-2 invasion. CONCLUSIONS Kae prevents SARS-CoV-2 infection by blocking membrane fusion and possesses a broad-spectrum anti-fusion ability. These findings provide valuable insights into potential benefits of Kae-containing botanical products as a complementary prophylaxis, especially during the waves of breakthrough infections and re-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junwei Gao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Can Cao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Mingfei Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Shihao Hong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Shijie Guo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Nephropathy, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Tengxiao Liang
- Department of Emergency, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Ping Song
- Guang'anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, China..
| | - Ruodan Xu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China..
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Technology, Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China..
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