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Aguilar-Caballero D, Capcha JMC, Caballero V, Young KC, Duara S, Borchetta M, Gonzalez I, Saad AG, Webster KA, Shehadeh LA, Bandstra ES, Schmidt AF. Case report: Fatal lung hyperinflammation in a preterm newborn with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1144230. [PMID: 37287630 PMCID: PMC10242137 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1144230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Vertical transmission of SARS-CoV-2 from mother to fetus is widely accepted. Whereas most infected neonates present with mild symptoms or are asymptomatic, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and abnormal lung images are significantly more frequent in COVID-19 positive neonates than in non-infected newborns. Fatality is rare and discordant meta-analyses of case reports and series relating perinatal maternal COVID-19 status to neonatal disease severity complicate their extrapolation as prognostic indicators. A larger database of detailed case reports from more extreme cases will be required to establish therapeutic guidelines and allow informed decision making. Here we report an unusual case of a 28 weeks' gestation infant with perinatally acquired SARS-CoV-2, who developed severe protracted respiratory failure. Despite intensive care from birth with first line anti-viral and anti-inflammatory therapy, respiratory failure persisted, and death ensued at 5 months. Lung histopathology showed severe diffuse bronchopneumonia, and heart and lung immunohistochemistry confirmed macrophage infiltration, platelet activation and neutrophil extracellular trap formation consistent with late multisystem inflammation. To our knowledge, this is the first report of SARS CoV-2 pulmonary hyperinflammation in a preterm newborn with fatal outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Aguilar-Caballero
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Holz Children's Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Jose M. C. Capcha
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Veronica Caballero
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Holz Children's Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Karen C. Young
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Holz Children's Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Shahnaz Duara
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Holz Children's Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Michael Borchetta
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ivan Gonzalez
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ali G. Saad
- Division of Anatomic Pathology, Department of Pathology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Keith A. Webster
- Integene International, LLC, Miami, FL, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine, Everglades Biopharma, Cullen Eye Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Lina A. Shehadeh
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cell Institute, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Emmalee S. Bandstra
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Holz Children's Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Augusto F. Schmidt
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Holz Children's Hospital/Jackson Memorial Hospital, Miami, FL, USA
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Leng M, Yang J, Zhou J. The molecular characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae in children. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1115009. [PMID: 36937963 PMCID: PMC10017863 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1115009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to review the molecular characteristics, the diagnosis, and treatment of the widespread infection of macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae; MRMP) in children, thus providing a better knowledge of this infection and presenting the associated problems. Single point mutations in the V region of the 23S rRNA gene of M. pneumoniae genome are associated with macrolide resistance. P1-1, MLVA4-5-7-2, and ST3 are usually the predominated genetic types in the M. pneumoniae epidemics. The short-term two times serological IgM (or together with IgG) test in the acute stage can be used for confirmation. Combined serological testing and PCR might be a more prudent method to reduce macrolide consumption and antibiotic selective pressure in a clinical setting. Molecular methods for the detection of single-nucleotide mutations in the V region of the 23S rRNA gene can be used for the diagnosis of MRMP. The routine use of macrolide for the treatment of macrolide-sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MSMP) infections can get good effect, but the effects are limited for severe MRMP infections. Additional corticosteroids may be required for the treatment of severe MRMP infections in children in China during the era of MRMP.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION As the third year of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic approaches, COVID-19 continues to cause substantial morbidity and mortality due to waning vaccine efficacy and the emergence of new, highly contagious subvariants and better therapies are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED Hospitalized patients who develop hypoxia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection are typically treated with an antiviral agent, remdesivir, as well as an immunomodulator, dexamethasone, but mortality rates for severe COVID-19 remain unacceptably high. Mounting evidence suggests a second immunomodulator added to the standard of care may benefit some hospitalized patients; however, the optimal treatment remains controversial. EXPERT OPINION On 2 June 2022, the United States National Institutes of Health reported results from a large, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial known as ACTIV-1. The study found a mortality benefit and substantially improved clinical status for adults hospitalized with COVID-19 who were treated with infliximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds to and inhibits TNF-α, and is widely used to treat a variety of autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis. This manuscript reviews what is known about infliximab as an immunomodulator for patients with COVID-19 and explores how this agent may be used in the future to address the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Velez
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Balzanelli MG, Distratis P, Lazzaro R, Pham VH, Tran TC, Dipalma G, Bianco A, Serlenga EM, Aityan SK, Pierangeli V, Nguyen KCD, Inchingolo F, Tomassone D, Isacco CG. Analysis of Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in COVID-19 Disease Highlighting the Susceptibility and the Severity towards the Infection. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12112824. [PMID: 36428884 PMCID: PMC9689844 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12112824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Many factors may influence the risk of being infected by SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus responsible for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Exposure to the virus cannot explain the variety of an individual's responses to the virus and the high differences of effect that the virus may cause to some. While a person's preexisting condition and their immune defenses have been confirmed to play a major role in the disease progression, there is still much to learn about hosts' genetic makeup towards COVID-19 susceptibility and risk. The host genetic makeup may have direct influence on the grade of predisposition and outcomes of COVID-19. In this study, we aimed to investigate the presence of relevant genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), the peripheral blood level of IL6, vitamin D and arterial blood gas (ABG) markers (pH, oxygen-SpO2 and carbon dioxide-SpCO2) on two groups, COVID-19 (n = 41, study), and the healthy (n = 43, control). We analyzed cytokine and interleukin genes in charge of both pro-inflammatory and immune-modulating responses and those genes that are considered involved in the COVID-19 progression and complications. Thus, we selected major genes, such as IL1β, IL1RN (IL-1 β and α receptor) IL6, IL6R (IL-6 receptor), IL10, IFNγ (interferon gamma), TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha), ACE2 (angiotensin converting enzyme), SERPINA3 (Alpha-1-Antiproteinase, Antitrypsin member of Serpin 3 family), VDR (vitamin D receptor Tak1, Bsm1 and Fok1), and CRP (c-reactive protein). Though more research is needed, these findings may give a better representation of virus pleiotropic activity and its relation to the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Giosuè Balzanelli
- SET-118, Department of Pre-Hospital and Emergency-San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - Pietro Distratis
- SET-118, Department of Pre-Hospital and Emergency-San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - Rita Lazzaro
- SET-118, Department of Pre-Hospital and Emergency-San Giuseppe Moscati Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | - Van Hung Pham
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Phan Chau Trinh University of Medicine, Danang City 50000, Vietnam
| | - Toai Cong Tran
- Department of Histology, Embryology and Genetics, Pham Ngoc Thach University of Medicine, Ho Chi Minh City 70000, Vietnam
| | - Gianna Dipalma
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelica Bianco
- Experimental Zooprophylactic Institute of Puglia and Basilicata, 71121 Foggia, Italy
| | - Emilio Maria Serlenga
- Hematology Department, Blood Transfusion Unit, SS Annunnziata Hospital, 74100 Taranto, Italy
| | | | | | - Kieu Cao Diem Nguyen
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Inchingolo
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
| | - Diego Tomassone
- Foundation of Physics Research Center, 87053 Celico, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Ciro Gargiulo Isacco
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, 70126 Bari, Italy
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Lee KY. Common immunopathogenesis of central nervous system diseases: the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:184. [PMCID: PMC9668226 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00920-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractThere are hundreds of central nervous system (CNS) diseases, but there are few diseases for which the etiology or pathogenesis is understood as well as those of other organ-specific diseases. Cells in the CNS are selectively protected from external and internal insults by the blood–brain barrier. Thus, the neuroimmune system, including microglia and immune proteins, might control external or internal insults that the adaptive immune system cannot control or mitigate. The pathologic findings differ by disease and show a state of inflammation that reflects the relationship between etiological or inflammation-inducing substances and corresponding immune reactions. Current immunological concepts about infectious diseases and infection-associated immune-mediated diseases, including those in the CNS, can only partly explain the pathophysiology of disease because they are based on the idea that host cell injury is caused by pathogens. Because every disease involves etiological or triggering substances for disease-onset, the protein-homeostasis-system (PHS) hypothesis proposes that the immune systems in the host control those substances according to the size and biochemical properties of the substances. In this article, I propose a common immunopathogenesis of CNS diseases, including prion diseases, Alzheimer’s disease, and genetic diseases, through the PHS hypothesis.
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Benzophenone and coumarin derivatives as 3-CLPro inhibitors: Targeting cytokine storm through in silico and in vitro approaches. J Mol Struct 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2022.133478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Can natural products modulate cytokine storm in SARS-CoV2 patients? BIOTECHNOLOGY REPORTS 2022; 35:e00749. [PMID: 35702395 PMCID: PMC9181898 DOI: 10.1016/j.btre.2022.e00749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Immune reaction CoV2 can cause uncontrolled systemic inflammatory responses called cytokine storm. Medicinal plants and their secondary metabolites are potential modulators of cytokine storm. Secondary metabolites modulate inflammatory signaling associated with CoV2. The potential applicability of natural products against CoV2 need to be evaluated in strictly defined clinical research.
Currently, the number of cases and deaths of SARS-CoV2, especially among the chronic disease groups, due to aggressive SARS-CoV2 infection is increasing day by day. Various infections, particularly viral ones, cause a cytokine storm resulting in shortness of breath, bleeding, hypotension, and ultimately multi-organ failure due to over-expression of certain cytokines and necrosis factors. The most prominent clinical feature of SARS-CoV2 is the presence of elevated proinflammatory cytokines in the serum of patients with SARS-CoV2. Severe cases exhibit higher levels of cytokines, leading to a “cytokine storm” that further increases disease severity and causes acute respiratory distress syndrome, multiple organ failure, and death. Therefore, targeted cytokine production could be a potential therapeutic option for patients severely infected with SARS-CoV2. Given the current scenario, great scientific progress has been made in understanding the disease and its forms of treatment. Because of natural ingredients properties, they have the potential to be used as potential agents with the ability to modulate immune responses. Moreover, they can be used safely because they have no toxic effects, are biodegradable and biocompatible. However, these natural substances can continue to be used in the development of new therapies and vaccines. Finally, the aim and approach of this review article is to highlight current research on the possible use of natural products with promising potential as immune response activators. Moreover, consider the expected use of natural products when developing potential therapies and vaccines.
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Bastani S, Vahedian V, Rashidi M, Mir A, Mirzaei S, Alipourfard I, Pouremamali F, Nejabati H, Kadkhoda J, Maroufi NF, Akbarzadeh M. An evaluation on potential anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Crocin. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 153:113297. [PMID: 35738178 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Crocin, an active ingredient derived from saffron, is one of the herbal components that has recently been considered by researchers. Crocin has been shown to have many anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and therefore can be used to treat various diseases. It has been shown that Crocin has a positive effect on the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease. In addition, the role of this substance in COVID-19 pandemic has been identified. In this review article, we tried to have a comprehensive review of the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Crocin in different diseases and different tissues. In conclusion, Crocin may be helpful in pathological conditions that are associated with inflammation and oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sepideh Bastani
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Vahid Vahedian
- Cancer Biology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine Institute of Biotechnology (FMB-IBTEC) Sao Paulo State University (UNESP), Brazil
| | - Mohsen Rashidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; The Health of Plant and Livestock Products Research Center, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Amirabbas Mir
- Institute of Nano Science and Nano Technology, University of Kashan, P.O. Box 87317-51167, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institutitue of Biology, Biotechnology and Environmental Protection - Faculty of Natural Sciences - University of Silesia - Katowice - Poland
| | - Farhad Pouremamali
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Nejabati
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jamileh Kadkhoda
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Maryam Akbarzadeh
- Department of Biochemistry, Erasmus University Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Wang SC, Zhang F, Zhu H, Yang H, Liu Y, Wang P, Parpura V, Wang YF. Potential of Endogenous Oxytocin in Endocrine Treatment and Prevention of COVID-19. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:799521. [PMID: 35592777 PMCID: PMC9110836 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.799521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a significant threat to the health of human beings. While wearing mask, maintaining social distance and performing self-quarantine can reduce virus spreading passively, vaccination actively enhances immune defense against COVID-19. However, mutations of SARS-CoV-2 and presence of asymptomatic carriers frustrate the effort of completely conquering COVID-19. A strategy that can reduce the susceptibility and thus prevent COVID-19 while blocking viral invasion and pathogenesis independent of viral antigen stability is highly desirable. In the pathogenesis of COVID-19, endocrine disorders have been implicated. Correspondingly, many hormones have been identified to possess therapeutic potential of treating COVID-19, such as estrogen, melatonin, corticosteroids, thyroid hormone and oxytocin. Among them, oxytocin has the potential of both treatment and prevention of COVID-19. This is based on oxytocin promotion of immune-metabolic homeostasis, suppression of inflammation and pre-existing comorbidities, acceleration of damage repair, and reduction of individuals' susceptibility to pathogen infection. Oxytocin may specifically inactivate SARS-COV-2 spike protein and block viral entry into cells via angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 by suppressing serine protease and increasing interferon levels and number of T-lymphocytes. In addition, oxytocin can promote parasympathetic outflow and the secretion of body fluids that could dilute and even inactivate SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of cornea, oral cavity and gastrointestinal tract. What we need to do now is clinical trials. Such trials should fully balance the advantages and disadvantages of oxytocin application, consider the time- and dose-dependency of oxytocin effects, optimize the dosage form and administration approach, combine oxytocin with inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 replication, apply specific passive immunization, and timely utilize efficient vaccines. Meanwhile, blocking COVID-19 transmission chain and developing other efficient anti-SARS-CoV-2 drugs are also important. In addition, relative to the complex issues with drug applications over a long term, oxytocin can be mobilized through many physiological stimuli, and thus used as a general prevention measure. In this review, we explore the potential of oxytocin for treatment and prevention of COVID-19 and perhaps other similar pathogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephani C. Wang
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Fengmin Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Haipeng Yang
- Neonatal Division of the Department of Pediatrics, Harbin Medical University The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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Mobasheri L, Nasirpour MH, Masoumi E, Azarnaminy AF, Jafari M, Esmaeili SA. SARS-CoV-2 triggering autoimmune diseases. Cytokine 2022; 154:155873. [PMID: 35461172 PMCID: PMC8979824 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.155873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmunity, hyperstimulation of the immune system, can be caused by a variety of reasons. Viruses are thought to be important environmental elements that contribute to the development of autoimmune antibodies. It seems that viruses cause autoimmunity with mechanisms such as molecular mimicry, bystander activation of T cells, transient immunosuppression, and inflammation, which has also been seen in post-Covid-19 autoimmunity. Infection of respiratory epithelium by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) dysregulates the immune response, triggers both innate and acquired immunity that led to the immune system's hyperactivation, excessive cytokine secretion known as “cytokine storm,” and finally acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) associated with high mortality. Any factor in the body that triggers chronic inflammation can contribute to autoimmune disease, which has been documented during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has been observed that some patients produce autoantibody and autoreactive CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, leading to the loss of self-tolerance. However, there is a scarcity of evidence defining the precise molecular interaction between the virus and the immune system to elicit autoreactivity. Here, we present a review of the relevant immunological findings in Covid-19 and the current reports of autoimmune disease associated with the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Mobasheri
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasirpour
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Medical Biotechnology, National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (NIGEB), Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Masoumi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran; Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | | | - Mozhdeh Jafari
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Seyed-Alireza Esmaeili
- Immunology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Rhim JW, Kang JH, Lee KY. Etiological and pathophysiological enigmas of severe coronavirus disease 2019, multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, and Kawasaki disease. Clin Exp Pediatr 2022; 65:153-166. [PMID: 34809418 PMCID: PMC8990954 DOI: 10.3345/cep.2021.01270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a novel multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) has been reported worldwide since the first cases were reported in Europe in April 2020. MIS-C is temporally associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection and shows Kawasaki disease (KD)-like features. The epidemiological and clinical characteristics in COVID-19, KD, and MIS-C differ, but severe cases of each disease share similar clinical and laboratory findings such as a protracted clinical course, multiorgan involvement, and similar activated biomarkers. These findings suggest that a common control system of the host may act against severe disease insult. To solve the enigmas, we proposed the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis in that every disease involves etiological substances and the host's immune system controls them by their size and biochemical properties. Also, it is proposed that the etiological agents of KD and MIS-C might be certain strains in the microbiota of human species and etiological substances in severe COVID-19, KD, and MIS-C originate from pathogen-infected cells. Since disease severity depends on the amounts of inflammation-inducing substances and corresponding immune activation in the early stage of the disease, an early proper dose of corticosteroids and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) may help reduce morbidity and possibly mortality among patients with these diseases. Corticosteroids are low cost and an analogue of host-origin cortisol among immune modulators. This study's findings will help clinicians treating severe COVID-19, KD, and MIS-C, especially in developing countries, where IVIG and biologics supplies are insufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Woo Rhim
- Department of Pediatrics, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jin-Han Kang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung-Yil Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Junglock Biomedical Institute, Daejeon, Korea
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Kinetics of Nucleocapsid, Spike and Neutralizing Antibodies, and Viral Load in Patients with Severe COVID-19 Treated with Convalescent Plasma. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091844. [PMID: 34578426 PMCID: PMC8473255 DOI: 10.3390/v13091844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is an ongoing pandemic with high morbidity and mortality. Despite meticulous research, only dexamethasone has shown consistent mortality reduction. Convalescent plasma (CP) infusion might also develop into a safe and effective treatment modality on the basis of recent studies and meta-analyses; however, little is known regarding the kinetics of antibodies in CP recipients. To evaluate the kinetics, we followed 31 CP recipients longitudinally enrolled at a median of 3 days post symptom onset for changes in binding and neutralizing antibody titers and viral loads. Antibodies against the complete trimeric Spike protein and the receptor-binding domain (Spike-RBD), as well as against the complete Nucleocapsid protein and the RNA binding domain (N-RBD) were determined at baseline and weekly following CP infusion. Neutralizing antibody (pseudotype NAb) titers were determined at the same time points. Viral loads were determined semi-quantitatively by SARS-CoV-2 PCR. Patients with low humoral responses at entry showed a robust increase of antibodies to all SARS-CoV-2 proteins and Nab, reaching peak levels within 2 weeks. The rapid increase in binding and neutralizing antibodies was paralleled by a concomitant clearance of the virus within the same timeframe. Patients with high humoral responses at entry demonstrated low or no further increases; however, virus clearance followed the same trajectory as in patients with low antibody response at baseline. Together, the sequential immunological and virological analysis of this well-defined cohort of patients early in infection shows the presence of high levels of binding and neutralizing antibodies and potent clearance of the virus.
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Combined Therapy of Ciclosporin Plus Favipiravir in the Management of Patients with Severe COVID-19, not Responding to Dexamethasone: A non-Controlled Prospective Trial. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:108043. [PMID: 34426105 PMCID: PMC8332739 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, potential therapeutic agents are being evaluated almost every day. Ciclosporin, a calcineurin inhibitor, is characterized by beneficial antiviral and immunomodulatory effects. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ciclosporin in managing COVID-19. METHODS This study was a prospective non-controlled clinical trial carried out on 20 patients. Confirmed COVID-19 patients received two doses of ciclosporin (10 mg/kg and 5 mg/kg injections) 24 h apart. Mortality rate and the lengths of intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital stays were assessed for all 20 patients. RESULTS The mortality rate and the need for mechanical ventilation were calculated as 50%. The percentage of ICU admission was 70%. The lengths of ICU and hospital stays were 8.13 ± 6.81 and 14.25 ± 8.55 days, respectively. The levels of ferritin and white blood cells were significantly higher after injecting the second dose of ciclosporin. Seven patients (35%) had radiologically improved lungs after ciclosporin therapy. CONCLUSION It seems that the protocol of two doses of ciclosporin in combination with favipiravir does not have favorable effects among COVID-19 patients that do not respond to dexamethasone. Controlled trials are needed to confirm the results.
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Exposures associated with the onset of Kawasaki disease in infancy from the Japan Environment and Children's Study. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13309. [PMID: 34172781 PMCID: PMC8233341 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-92669-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis that mainly affects infants and young children. The etiology of KD has been discussed for several decades; however, no reproducible risk factors have yet been proven. We used the Japan Environment and Children’s Study data to explore the association between the causal effects of exposure during the fetal and neonatal periods and KD onset. The Japan Environment and Children’s Study, a nationwide birth cohort study, has followed approximately 100,000 children since 2011. We obtained data on exposures and outcomes from the first trimester to 12 months after birth. Finally, we included 90,486 children who were followed for 12 months. Among them, 343 children developed KD. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that insufficient intake of folic acid during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR], 1.37; 95% CI 1.08–1.74), maternal thyroid disease during pregnancy (OR, 2.03; 95% CI 1.04–3.94), and presence of siblings (OR, 1.33; 95% CI 1.06–1.67) were associated with KD onset in infancy. In this study, we identified three exposures as risk factors for KD. Further well-designed studies are needed to confirm a causal relationship between these exposures and KD onset.
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15
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Costagliola G, Spada E, Consolini R. Severe COVID-19 in pediatric age: an update on the role of the anti-rheumatic agents. Pediatr Rheumatol Online J 2021; 19:68. [PMID: 33947420 PMCID: PMC8094984 DOI: 10.1186/s12969-021-00559-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND SARS-CoV-2 can induce an immune impairment and dysregulation, finally resulting in the massive release of inflammatory mediators (cytokine storm), strongly contributing to the pulmonary and systemic manifestations in severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). As a consequence, different drugs active on the immune system have been proposed for the treatment of the disease in adults. ROLE OF THE ANTI-RHEUMATIC AGENTS IN CHILDREN Children are more likely to develop a mild disease course, as the severe form of COVID-19 is identified in less than 5% of the pediatric patients. Moreover, in children a peculiar disease phenotype, defined as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) is observed, representing the most severe expression of the inflammatory dysregulation caused by SARS-CoV-2. The limited experience with the severe pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C does not allow conclusions about the role of the immune pharmacological approach, and therefore the treatment of these conditions represents a considerable clinical challenge. The use of chloroquine, hydroxychloroquine, and colchicine in the early disease stages is not sufficiently supported by evidence, and there is an increasing interest in the role of biologic agents, including anti-IL-1 and anti-IL-6 agents, in the prevention and treatment of the severe manifestations of COVID-19. CONCLUSION The therapeutic approach to pediatric COVID-19 is multidisciplinary, and anti-rheumatic agents have a prominent role in severe disease. This paper reviews the rationale for the use of anti-rheumatic agents in pediatric COVID-19 and MIS-C and the clinical experience with the single drugs. Finally, the areas of potential improvement in the use of anti-rheumatic agents, including the optimization of the drug choice and the timing of administration, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Costagliola
- Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Erika Spada
- Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Rita Consolini
- Section of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Division of Pediatrics, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Via Roma 67, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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16
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Mahmoudi S, Yaghmaei B, Sharifzadeh Ekbatani M, Pourakbari B, Navaeian A, Parvaneh N, Haghi Ashtiani MT, Mamishi S. Effects of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes and Their Subsets in Children: Imbalanced CD4 +/CD8 + T Cell Ratio and Disease Severity. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:643299. [PMID: 33937149 PMCID: PMC8081049 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.643299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: While pathogenesis in COVID-19 is not fully known and the effects between SARS-CoV-2 and the immune system are complicated, it is known that lymphopenia, hyper-inflammatory responses, and cytokines play an important role in the pathology of COVID-19. While some hematological abnormalities have been described among the laboratory features of COVID-19, there have not been studies reported on lymphocyte subset analyses in children. The aim of this study was to describe lymphocyte subsets in pediatric patients with mild/moderate or severe COVID-19. Methods: The subjects in the study were children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pneumonia confirmed with the real-time RT-PCR. The subjects were admitted to the Children's Medical Center, affiliated with the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, between March 7th and June 10th of 2020. The complete blood counts and lymphocyte subpopulations were analyzed for each patient. Results: The study included 55 hospitalized patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (34 patients (62%) with an observed mild/moderate case of the disease and 21 patients (38%) with severedisease). Lymphocyte counts were found to be lower in patients with a severe case (mean ± SD 1.6 ± 0.9 in the severe group vs. 2.3 ± 2.2 in the mild group). Compared to the group with mild/moderate pneumonia, children with severe pneumonia had an increased count of CD8+ T cell and a lower percentage of CD4+ T cell. However, the differences between the groups were negligible. Interestingly, the severe group had a lower CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio compared to the mild group (1.1 ± 0.47 vs. 1.4 ± 0.8, p-value: 0.063). CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio <2, 1.5, and 1 was found in 48 (87%), 40 (73%), and 19 cases (35%). All of the seven cases in which the subject passed (13%) had CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio of <2, 86% had CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio of <1.5, and 29% had CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio of <1. Conclusion: The CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio was lower in patients with severe COVID-19 compared to those with mild/moderate form of disease. However, although a decline in CD4+/CD8+ ratio may serve as a useful metric in analyzing of the derangement in immune responses in patients with severe COVID-19, further study with larger sample sizes is highly recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shima Mahmoudi
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Yaghmaei
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Meisam Sharifzadeh Ekbatani
- Division of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Babak Pourakbari
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amene Navaeian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Parvaneh
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Haghi Ashtiani
- Department of Pathology, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setareh Mamishi
- Pediatric Infectious Disease Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Han HY, Park KC, Yang EA, Lee KY. Macrolide-Resistant and Macrolide-Sensitive Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children Treated Using Early Corticosteroids. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10061309. [PMID: 33810090 PMCID: PMC8004593 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10061309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have found that early corticosteroid therapy was effective for reducing morbidity during five Korea-wide epidemics. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory parameters of 56 children who received early corticosteroid treatment for pneumonia that was caused by macrolide-resistant Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) or macrolide-sensitive M. pneumoniae between July 2019 and February 2020. All subjects had dual positive results from a PCR assay and serological test, and received corticosteroids within 24–36 h after admission. Point mutation of residues 2063, 2064, and 2067 was identified in domain V of 23S rRNA. The mean age was 6.8 years and the male:female ratio was 1.2:1 (31:25 patients). Most of the subjects had macrolide-resistant M. pneumoniae (73%), and all mutated strains had the A2063G transition. No significant differences in clinical and laboratory parameters were observed between macrolide-resistant and macrolide-sensitive M. pneumoniae groups that were treated with early dose-adjusted corticosteroids. Higher-dose steroid treatment may be needed for patients who have fever that persists for >48 h or increased biomarkers such as lactate dehydrogenase concentration at follow-up despite a usual dose of steroid therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Young Han
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea; (H.Y.H.); (K.-Y.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 64 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 34943, Korea
| | - Ki Cheol Park
- Clinical Research Institute, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Daejeon 34943, Korea;
| | - Eun-Ae Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea; (H.Y.H.); (K.-Y.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, 64 Daeheung-ro, Jung-gu, Daejeon 34943, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-220-9540; Fax: +82-42-221-2925
| | - Kyung-Yil Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 222, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 06591, Korea; (H.Y.H.); (K.-Y.L.)
- Junglock Biomedical Institute, 127, Yuchun-ro, Jung-gu, Deajeon 34886, Korea
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18
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Chen MR, Kuo HC, Lee YJ, Chi H, Li SC, Lee HC, Yang KD. Phenotype, Susceptibility, Autoimmunity, and Immunotherapy Between Kawasaki Disease and Coronavirus Disease-19 Associated Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children. Front Immunol 2021; 12:632890. [PMID: 33732254 PMCID: PMC7959769 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.632890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) in children is usually mild but some are susceptible to a Kawasaki disease (KD)-like multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) in the convalescent stage, posing a need to differentiate the phenotype, susceptibility, autoimmunity, and immunotherapy between KD and MIS-C, particularly in the upcoming mass vaccination of COVID-19. Patients with MIS-C are prone to gastrointestinal symptoms, coagulopathy, and shock in addition to atypical KD syndrome with fever, mucocutaneous lesions, lymphadenopathy, and/or cardiovascular events. MIS-C manifests KD-like symptoms that alert physicians to early recognize and adopt the KD treatment regimen for patients with MIS-C. MIS-C linked to COVID-19 teaches us infection-associated autoimmune vasculitis and vice versa. Studies on genetic susceptibility have identified certain human leukocyte antigen (HLA) locus and toll-like receptor (TLR) associated with KD and/or COVID-19. Certain HLA subtypes, such as HLA-DRB1 and HLA-MICA A4 are associated with KD. HLA-B*46:01 is proposed to be the risk allele of severe COVID-19 infection, and blood group O type is a protective factor of COVID-19. The autoimmune vasculitis of KD, KD shock syndrome (KDSS), or MIS-C is mediated by a genetic variant of HLA, FcγR, and/or antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) resulting in hyperinflammation with T helper 17 (Th17)/Treg imbalance with augmented Th17/Th1 mediators: interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-10, inducible protein-10 (IP-10), Interferon (IFNγ), and IL-17A, and lower expression of Treg-signaling molecules, FoxP3, and transforming growth factor (TGF-β). There are certain similarities and differences in phenotypes, susceptibility, and pathogenesis of KD, KDSS, and MIS-C, by which a physician can make early protection, prevention, and precision treatment of the diseases. The evolution of immunotherapies for the diseases has shown that intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) alone or combined with corticosteroids is the standard treatment for KD, KDSS, and MIS-C. However, a certain portion of patients who revealed a treatment resistance to IVIG or IVIG plus corticosteroids, posing a need to early identify the immunopathogenesis, to protect hosts with genetic susceptibility, and to combat Th17/Treg imbalance by anti-cytokine or pro-Treg for reversal of the hyperinflammation and IVIG resistance. Based on physiological and pathological immunity of the diseases under genetic susceptibility and host milieu conditions, a series of sequential regimens are provided to develop a so-called "Know thyself, enemy (pathogen), and ever-victorious" strategy for the prevention and immunotherapy of KD and/or MIS-C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming-Ren Chen
- MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- MacKay Junior College of Medicine, Nursing, and Management, New Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Ho-Chang Kuo
- Kawasaki Disease Center and Department of Pediatrics, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Hsin Chi
- MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sung Chou Li
- Genomic and Proteomic Center, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | | | - Kuender D. Yang
- MacKay Children's Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
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19
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Early Confirmation of Mycoplasma pneumoniae Infection by Two Short-Term Serologic IgM Examination. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11020353. [PMID: 33672480 PMCID: PMC7923409 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11020353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study is to re-evaluate the clinical application of two-times serologic immunoglobulin M (IgM) tests using microparticle agglutination assay (MAA), an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay in diagnosing Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection. A retrospective analysis of 62 children with MP pneumonia during a recent epidemic (2019–2020) was conducted. The MAA and ELISA immunoglobulin M (IgM) and IgG measurements were conducted twice at admission and around discharge, and MP PCR once at presentation. Diagnostic rates in each test were calculated at presentation and at discharge. The seroconverters were 39% (24/62) of patients tested by MAA and 29% (18/62) by ELISA. At presentation, the diagnostic positive rates of MAA, ELISA, and PCR tests were 61%, 71%, and 52%, respectively. After the second examination, the rates were 100% in both serologic tests. There were positive correlations between the titers of MAA and the IgM values of ELISA. The single serologic IgM or PCR tests had limitations to select patients infected with MP in the early stage. The short-term, paired IgM serologic tests during hospitalization can reduce patient-selection bias in MP infection studies.
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20
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Muscatello DJ, McIntyre PB. Comparing mortalities of the first wave of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and of the 1918-19 winter pandemic influenza wave in the USA. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 49:2089-2091. [PMID: 32929454 PMCID: PMC7543530 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- David J Muscatello
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter B McIntyre
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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21
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Amaral-Machado L, Oliveira WN, Rodrigues VM, Albuquerque NA, Alencar ÉN, Egito EST. Could natural products modulate early inflammatory responses, preventing acute respiratory distress syndrome in COVID-19-confirmed patients? Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 134:111143. [PMID: 33360048 PMCID: PMC7832252 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.111143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ARDS (Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome) is a severe respiratory syndrome that was recently associated as the main death cause in the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. Hence, in order to prevent ARDS, the pulmonary function maintenance has been the target of several pharmacological approaches. However, there is a lack of reports regarding the use of effective pharmaceutical active natural products (PANPs) for early treatment and prevention of COVID-19-related ARDS. Therefore, the aim of this work was to conduct a systematic review regarding the PANPs that could be further studied as alternatives to prevent ARDS. Consequently, this work can pave the way to spread the use of PANPs on the prevention of ARDS in COVID-19-confirmed or -suspected patients. METHODS The search strategy included scientific studies published in English from 2015 to 2020 that promoted the elucidation of anti-inflammatory pathways targeting ARDS by in vitro and/or in vivo experiments using PANPs. Then, 74 studies regarding PANPs, able to maintain or improve the pulmonary function, were reported. CONCLUSIONS The PANPs may present different pulmonary anti-inflammatory pathways, wherein (i) reduction/attenuation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, (ii) increase of the anti-inflammatory mediators' levels, (iii) pulmonary edema inhibition and (iv) attenuation of lung injury were the most observed biological effects of such products in in vitro experiments or in clinical studies. Finally, this work highlighted the PANPs with promising potential to be used on respiratory syndromes, allowing their possible use as alternative treatment at the prevention of ARDS in COVID-19-infected or -suspected patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Amaral-Machado
- Department of Pharmacy, Dispersed Systems Laboratory (LaSiD), Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte (UFRN), 59012-570, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Éverton N Alencar
- Department of Pharmacy, Dispersed Systems Laboratory (LaSiD), Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte (UFRN), 59012-570, Natal, RN, Brazil
| | - Eryvaldo S T Egito
- Department of Pharmacy, Dispersed Systems Laboratory (LaSiD), Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte (UFRN), 59012-570, Natal, RN, Brazil; Graduate Program in Health Sciences, UFRN, 59012-570, Natal, RN, Brazil.
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22
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Zhu Z, Zhang T, Guo W, Ling Y, Tian J, Xu Y. Clinical characteristics of refractory mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy. BMC Infect Dis 2021; 21:126. [PMID: 33509121 PMCID: PMC7844890 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-05830-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To observe the effect of corticosteroids in the treatment of children with refractory Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (RMPP) under different doses, to summarize the clinical features of children treated with glucocorticoid pulse therapy. METHODS The clinical data of 125 children with RMPP hospitalized in Tianjin Children's Hospital from September 2018 to October 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into two groups according to the dose of hormone. Compare the clinical features, laboratory findings, and imaging between the two groups, and use meaningful related indicators as ROC curves to find reference indicators for pulse therapy. RESULTS (1) The median age of the group II was older than that of the group I(P < 0.05). (2) We found more severe presentations, higher incidence of extra-pulmonary complications and more serious radiological findings in group II, which needed oxygen more often, higher the hormone, higher usage rate of gamma globulin, higher usage rate of bronchoscopy, and higher incidence of plastic bronchitis(P < 0.05). (3) WBC, CRP, LDH, FER, D-D dimer, APTT, TT, PCT, IL-6 and the percentage of neutrophils in peripheral blood in Group II were higher than those in Group I(P < 0.05). (4) In ROC curve analysis, CRP, LDH, FER, and neutrophils of leukocyte classification were independent related factors that could be used as valuable predictors of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for RMPP in children. The cut-off values were CRP44.45 mg/L, LDH590IU/L, FER411ng/L, and neutrophils in leukocyte classification were 73.75%, respectively. CONCLUSION CRP ≥ 44.45 mg/L, LDH ≥ 590 IU/L, FER ≥ 411 ng/L, neutrophil≥73.75%, lung consolidation, and pleural effusion may be predictors that guide the treatment of RMPP with pulse dose of GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenli Zhu
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No.22, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Tongqiang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300074, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Respiratory, The Children's Hospital of Tianjin (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300074, China
| | - Yaoyao Ling
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No.22, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Jiao Tian
- Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin Children's Hospital (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), No.22, Qixiangtai Road, Heping District, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yongsheng Xu
- Department of Respiratory, The Children's Hospital of Tianjin (Children's Hospital of Tianjin University), Tianjin, 300074, China.
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23
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Ghaffari A, Meurant R, Ardakani A. COVID-19 Point-of-Care Diagnostics That Satisfy Global Target Product Profiles. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:115. [PMID: 33445727 PMCID: PMC7828180 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11010115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 pandemic will continue to pose a major public health threat until vaccination-mediated herd immunity is achieved. Most projections predict vaccines will reach a large subset of the population late in 2021 or early 2022. In the meantime, countries are exploring options to remove strict lockdown measures and allow society and the economy to return to normal function. One possibility is to expand on existing COVID-19 testing strategies by including large-scale rapid point-of-care diagnostic tests (POCTs). Currently, there is significant variability in performance and features of available POCTs, making selection and procurement of an appropriate test for specific use case difficult. In this review, we have used the World Health Organization's (WHO) recently published target product profiles (TPPs) for specific use cases of COVID-19 diagnostic tests to screen for top-performing POCTs on the market. Several POCTs, based on clinical sensitivity/specificity, the limit of detection, and time to results, which meet WHO TPP criteria for direct detection of SARS-CoV-2 (acute infection) or indirect diagnosis of past infection (host antibodies), are highlighted here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdi Ghaffari
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- Novateur Ventures Inc., Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3, Canada
| | - Robyn Meurant
- NSF Health Sciences, Kirkbymoorside, York YO62 6AF, UK;
| | - Ali Ardakani
- Novateur Ventures Inc., Vancouver, BC V6E 3P3, Canada
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24
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Hokello J, Sharma AL, Shukla GC, Tyagi M. A narrative review on the basic and clinical aspects of the novel SARS-CoV-2, the etiologic agent of COVID-19. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1686. [PMID: 33490198 PMCID: PMC7812224 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-5272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The novel SARS-CoV-2 is responsible for causing the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), a systemic infection in humans. Ever since it was first detected in December 2019, the number of confirmed cases has continued to increase. Within a short period, this disease has become a global issue, and therefore it is characterized as a pandemic. The current understanding and explanations are based on epidemiological, clinical and physiological observations. Besides, it remains a great challenge, as much remains to be understood about this new disease-causing virus. Therefore, we seek to provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2, including its classification, origin, genomic structure, replication cycle, transmission, pathogenesis, clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatments, prevention and vaccine options. We conducted a literature search for the articles published up to August 2020 using the keywords ‘SAR-CoV-2’ and ‘COVID19’ in medical databases; PubMed, google scholar, EMBASE, and web of science. Based on the information collected, the emerging COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, exhibits strong infectivity but less virulence in terms of severity of disease and mortality rates in certain age groups. It inflicts more damage in terms of peoples’ health and well-being, social life, and global economic impacts. Unfortunately, there is no adequate global and standard response to this pandemic to date, and each country is facing a crisis based on its situation, expertise, and hypotheses. While there is no effective therapy and vaccine against the novel SARS-CoV-2 yet, preventive measures are the only tool available to our disposal to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ongoing and future research is focused more on developing standard treatment strategies, and efficacious vaccines, which would be useful to tackle this pandemic globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hokello
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, Kampala International University-Western Campus, P.O Box 71, Bushenyi, Uganda
| | | | - Girish C Shukla
- Center for Gene Regulation in Health and Disease (GRHD), Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mudit Tyagi
- Center for Translational Medicine, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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25
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Arpornsuwan M, Arpornsuwan M. A Proposal of Early Diagnosis and Early Management in Dengue Infection and Possible COVID-19. EXPLORATORY RESEARCH AND HYPOTHESIS IN MEDICINE 2020; 000:1-11. [DOI: 10.14218/erhm.2020.00059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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26
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Torii Y, Horiba K, Hayano S, Kato T, Suzuki T, Kawada JI, Takahashi Y, Kojima S, Okuno Y, Ogi T, Ito Y. Comprehensive pathogen detection in sera of Kawasaki disease patients by high-throughput sequencing: a retrospective exploratory study. BMC Pediatr 2020; 20:482. [PMID: 33059644 PMCID: PMC7557310 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-020-02380-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Kawasaki disease (KD) is an idiopathic systemic vasculitis that predominantly damages coronary arteries in children. Various pathogens have been investigated as triggers for KD, but no definitive causative pathogen has been determined. As KD is diagnosed by symptoms, several days are needed for diagnosis. Therefore, at the time of diagnosis of KD, the pathogen of the trigger may already be diminished. The aim of this study was to explore comprehensive pathogens in the sera at the acute stage of KD using high-throughput sequencing (HTS). Methods Sera of 12 patients at an extremely early stage of KD and 12 controls were investigated. DNA and RNA sequences were read separately using HTS. Sequence data were imported into the home-brew meta-genomic analysis pipeline, PATHDET, to identify the pathogen sequences. Results No RNA virus reads were detected in any KD case except for that of equine infectious anemia, which is known as a contaminant of commercial reverse transcriptase. Concerning DNA viruses, human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B, two cases) and Anelloviridae (eight cases) were detected among KD cases as well as controls. Multiple bacterial reads were obtained from KD and controls. Bacteria of the genera Acinetobacter, Pseudomonas, Delfita, Roseomonas, and Rhodocyclaceae appeared to be more common in KD sera than in the controls. Conclusion No single pathogen was identified in serum samples of patients at the acute phase of KD. With multiple bacteria detected in the serum samples, it is difficult to exclude the possibility of contamination; however, it is possible that these bacteria might stimulate the immune system and induce KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuka Torii
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Horiba
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.,Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Satoshi Hayano
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Taichi Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Takako Suzuki
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichi Kawada
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Takahashi
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Seiji Kojima
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yusuke Okuno
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.,Center for Advanced Medicine and Clinical Research, Nagoya University Hospital, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Tomoo Ogi
- Department of Genetics, Research Institute of Environmental Medicine Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, 464-8601, Japan.,Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Ito
- Department of Pediatrics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, 65 Tsurumai-cho, Showa-ku, Nagoya, 466-8550, Japan.
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27
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Bisoffi Z, Pomari E, Deiana M, Piubelli C, Ronzoni N, Beltrame A, Bertoli G, Riccardi N, Perandin F, Formenti F, Gobbi F, Buonfrate D, Silva R. Sensitivity, Specificity and Predictive Values of Molecular and Serological Tests for COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study in Emergency Room. Diagnostics (Basel) 2020; 10:E669. [PMID: 32899333 PMCID: PMC7555224 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics10090669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We assessed the sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive value (PPV and NPV) of molecular and serological tests for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS A total of 346 patients were enrolled in the emergency room. We evaluated three Reverse Transcriptase-real time PCRs (RT-PCRs) including six different gene targets, five serologic rapid diagnostic tests (RDT) and one ELISA. The final classification of infected/non-infected patients was performed using Latent Class Analysis combined with clinical re-assessment of incongruous cases. RESULTS Out of these, 24.6% of patients were classified as infected. The molecular test RQ-SARS-nCoV-2 showed the highest performance with 91.8% sensitivity, 100% specificity, 100.0% PPV and 97.4% NPV respectively. Considering the single gene targets, S and RdRp of RQ-SARS-nCoV-2 had the highest sensitivity (94.1%). The in-house RdRp presented the lowest sensitivity (62.4%). The specificity ranged from 99.2% for in-house RdRp and N2 to 95.0% for E. The PPV ranged from 97.1% of N2 to 85.4% of E and the NPV from 98.1% of S to 89.0% of in-house RdRp. All serological tests had < 50% sensitivity and low PPV and NPV. VivaDiag IgM (RDT) had 98.5% specificity, with 84.0% PPV, but 24.7% sensitivity. CONCLUSION Molecular tests for SARS-CoV-2 infection showed excellent specificity, but significant differences in sensitivity. Serological tests have limited utility in a clinical context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeno Bisoffi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
- Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Elena Pomari
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Michela Deiana
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Chiara Piubelli
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Niccolò Ronzoni
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Anna Beltrame
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Giulia Bertoli
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Niccolò Riccardi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Francesca Perandin
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Fabio Formenti
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Federico Gobbi
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Dora Buonfrate
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
| | - Ronaldo Silva
- Department of Infectious, Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar di Valpolicella, 37024 Verona, Italy; (Z.B.); (M.D.); (C.P.); (N.R.); (A.B.); (G.B.); (N.R.); (F.P.); (F.F.); (F.G.); (D.B.); (R.S.)
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28
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Lee SW, Yuh WT, Yang JM, Cho YS, Yoo IK, Koh HY, Marshall D, Oh D, Ha EK, Han MY, Yon DK. Nationwide Results of COVID-19 Contact Tracing in South Korea: Individual Participant Data From an Epidemiological Survey. JMIR Med Inform 2020; 8:e20992. [PMID: 32784189 PMCID: PMC7470235 DOI: 10.2196/20992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2020] [Revised: 07/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evidence regarding the effectiveness of contact tracing of COVID-19 and the related social distancing is limited and inconclusive. Objective This study aims to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in South Korea and evaluate whether a social distancing campaign is effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. Methods We used contract tracing data to investigate the epidemic characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in South Korea and evaluate whether a social distancing campaign was effective in mitigating the spread of COVID-19. We calculated the mortality rate for COVID-19 by infection type (cluster vs noncluster) and tested whether new confirmed COVID-19 trends changed after a social distancing campaign. Results There were 2537 patients with confirmed COVID-19 who completed the epidemiologic survey: 1305 (51.4%) cluster cases and 1232 (48.6%) noncluster cases. The mortality rate was significantly higher in cluster cases linked to medical facilities (11/143, 7.70% vs 5/1232, 0.41%; adjusted percentage difference 7.99%; 95% CI 5.83 to 10.14) and long-term care facilities (19/221, 8.60% vs 5/1232, 0.41%; adjusted percentage difference 7.56%; 95% CI 5.66 to 9.47) than in noncluster cases. The change in trends of newly confirmed COVID-19 cases before and after the social distancing campaign was significantly negative in the entire cohort (adjusted trend difference –2.28; 95% CI –3.88 to –0.68) and the cluster infection group (adjusted trend difference –0.96; 95% CI –1.83 to –0.09). Conclusions In a nationwide contact tracing study in South Korea, COVID-19 linked to medical and long-term care facilities significantly increased the risk of mortality compared to noncluster COVID-19. A social distancing campaign decreased the spread of COVID-19 in South Korea and differentially affected cluster infections of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Won Lee
- Department of Data Science, Sejong University College of Software Convergence, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Woon Tak Yuh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Myung Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon-Sik Cho
- Department of Data Science, Sejong University College of Software Convergence, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - In Kyung Yoo
- Department of Gastroenterology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Yong Koh
- FM Kirby Neurobiology Center, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Dominic Marshall
- Critical Care Research Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Donghwan Oh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyo Ha
- Department of Pediatrics, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Man Yong Han
- Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Department of Pediatrics, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.,Armed Force Medical Command, Republic of Korea Armed Forces, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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29
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Lee KY. The solution on enigmas in COVID-19: the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis. JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 2020. [DOI: 10.5124/jkma.2020.63.7.366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Infectious diseases, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), are representative, of which etiology is known in all human diseases. However, many enigmas persist in relation to COVID-19, including different clinical phenotypes and incubation periods across individuals, species-specificity, appearance of cytokine storm and lymphopenia, and the mechanism of damage to organ cells. Current immunological concepts have limitations to explain these unsolved issues. Meanwhile, results of clinical, pathological, and animal studies have suggested that the virus itself is not a direct cause of acute injury to the lung or other organ cells. For better understanding of COVID-19, a presumed immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 is presented under the protein-homeostasis-system hypothesis; every disease, including COVID-19, has associated etiological substances, and the host immune system controls these diverse substances according to the size and biochemical property. These etiological substances, inducing inflammation and subsequent tissue injury, are smaller substances derived from virus-infected cells. Initially acting nonspecific adaptive immune reaction with cytokine imbalance may be responsible for target cell injury. Furthermore, substances from initial target cell injury and secondary bacterial invasion can induce further inflammation if released from local or systemic circulation. COVID-19 patients with pneumonia show hypercytokinemia with lymphocytopenia corresponding to the severity of pneumonia at early stages. Thus, early immune-modulator treatment, including corticosteroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, has an immunological rationale. It could help reduce the morbidity and possibly mortality of older patients with underlying conditions.
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30
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Zhang L, Wang L, Xu S, Li H, Chu C, Liu Q, Zhou J, Zhang W, Huang L. Low-Dose Corticosteroid Treatment in Children With Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia: A Retrospective Cohort Study. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:566371. [PMID: 33330269 PMCID: PMC7720903 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.566371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/31/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The clinical value of corticosteroid treatment in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) has been controversial. Our study aimed to identify the effects of low-dose corticosteroids on the recovery of children with MPP. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, pediatric inpatients with MPP were included from the Shanghai Children's Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia cohort study between August 2014 and July 2019. The multivariable logistic regression and propensity-score matching were used to investigate the effects of low-dose corticosteroid treatment on fever duration after admission, total fever duration, length of hospital stay, C-reactive protein recovery time, and imaging recovery time with the stratification of severe pneumonia, refractory pneumonia, inflammatory biomarkers, pulmonary images, and timing of corticosteroids. Results: There were 548 patients in the corticosteroid group and 337 in the no-corticosteroid group. The corticosteroid group showed severe clinical parameters such as more severe and refractory cases, higher laboratory values, and more abnormal imaging manifestations. The corticosteroid group also showed longer fever duration after admission [odds ratio (OR) = 1.9 (95% CI, 1.2-3.1), P = 0.008], longer total fever duration [OR = 1.6 (95% CI, 1.1-2.3), P = 0.011], longer hospital stay [OR = 2.8 (95% CI, 1.9-4.0), P < 0.001], and longer C-reactive protein (CRP) recovery time [OR = 2.1 (95% CI, 1.1-3.9), P = 0.021] in the regression model after the adjustment for severity. Although low-dose corticosteroids were associated with shortened imaging recovery time in patients with high level laboratory values, pulmonary imaging could be completely recovered in both groups. The trend of these results was consistent even after stratifications and a propensity scores matching analysis. Conclusions: Low-dose corticosteroids may not be beneficial in children inpatients with MPP, and further studies on proper treatment modality are needed in the MRMP era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liya Zhang
- Pediatric Infectious Department, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijun Wang
- Pediatric Infectious Department, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanshan Xu
- Pediatric Infectious Department, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huajun Li
- Pediatric Infectious Department, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Caiting Chu
- Radiological Department, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Quanhua Liu
- Pediatric Respiratory Department, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- Center for Preventive Medical Sciences, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Lisu Huang
- Pediatric Infectious Department, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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31
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Mărginean CO, Meliţ LE, Simu I, Săsăran MO. The Association Between Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae, a Life-Threatening Condition in Small Children-A Case Report and a Review of the Literature. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:558941. [PMID: 33240829 PMCID: PMC7683434 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.558941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) and Chlamydia pneumoniae (CP) are two atypical pathogens that may result in mild, moderate or severe acute respiratory infections. We report the case of a 2 years and 9-month-old male child admitted with prolonged fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath for which he underwent symptomatic treatment. The laboratory tests showed leukocytosis with neutrophilia, anemia, and elevated inflammatory biomarkers and the thoracic radiography revealed pleural effusion raising the suspicion of inferior right pneumonia. Although we the initial evolution was favorable being treated with 3rd class cephalosporin and Oxacillin, on the 8th day of admission the fever and the acute phase reactants levels increased as well as the quantity of the pleural effusion, requiring surgical drainage. We ruled out lung tuberculosis, but we identified positive IgM for both MP and CP. Based on these findings we changed the antibiotic therapy on Levofloxacin for 10 days with favorable evolution. MP and CP are two atypical pathogen that are difficult to be diagnosed due to their slow-growing pattern. Despite their self-limiting feature, the association between them might carry a vital risk in small children, especially in the lack of a proper and timely diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Oana Mărginean
- Department of Pediatrics I, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Lorena Elena Meliţ
- Department of Pediatrics I, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Iunius Simu
- Department of Radiology, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
| | - Maria Oana Săsăran
- Department of Pediatrics III, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Târgu Mureş, Târgu Mureş, Romania
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Buonsenso D, Riitano F, Valentini P. Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Related With SARS-CoV-2: Immunological Similarities With Acute Rheumatic Fever and Toxic Shock Syndrome. Front Pediatr 2020; 8:574. [PMID: 33042918 PMCID: PMC7516715 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2020.00574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Several studies demonstrated that COVID-19 in children is a relatively mild disease. However, recently a more serious condition characterized by systemic inflammation with clinical or microbiological evidence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 has been described. This syndrome is now known as either "Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome temporally related with COVID-19" (PIMS-TS) (1), or Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) (2) and is currently considered a rare post-COVID-19 complication which, in a minority of cases, can lead to death. The signs and symptoms of PIMS-TS are largely overlapping with the for Kawasaki disease (KD) and toxic shock syndrome (TSS) and are characterized, by fever, systemic inflammation, abdominal pain and cardiac involvement. In this study, we describe clinical and immunological characteristics shared by PIMS-TS, acute rheumatic fever and TSS, in order to provide hypotheses to direct future clinical and basic research studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danilo Buonsenso
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Microbiologia, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Riitano
- Istituto di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Valentini
- Department of Woman and Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy.,Istituto di Pediatria, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
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