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Thomaidou E, Karlafti E, Didagelos M, Megari K, Argiriadou E, Akinosoglou K, Paramythiotis D, Savopoulos C. Acalculous Cholecystitis in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review. Viruses 2024; 16:455. [PMID: 38543820 PMCID: PMC10976146 DOI: 10.3390/v16030455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC) represents cholecystitis without gallstones, occurring in approximately 5-10% of all cases of acute cholecystitis in adults. Several risk factors have been recognized, while infectious diseases can be a cause of cholecystitis in otherwise healthy people. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has spread worldwide, leading to an unprecedented pandemic. The virus enters cells through the binding of the spike protein to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors expressed in many human tissues, including the epithelial cells of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and this explains the symptoms emanating from the digestive system. Acute cholecystitis has been reported in patients with COVID-19. The purpose of this review is to provide a detailed analysis of the current literature on the pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and outcomes of AAC in patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evanthia Thomaidou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (M.D.); (E.A.)
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- Emergency Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
- First Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Matthaios Didagelos
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (M.D.); (E.A.)
- 1st Cardiology Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Kalliopi Megari
- CITY College, University of York Europe Campus, 54626 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Eleni Argiriadou
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Unit, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.T.); (M.D.); (E.A.)
| | - Karolina Akinosoglou
- Department of Medicine, University General Hospital of Patras, 26504 Rio, Greece;
| | - Daniel Paramythiotis
- First Propaedeutic Department of Surgery, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Christos Savopoulos
- First Propaedeutic Internal Medicine Department, AHEPA University General Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece
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Kwei-Nsoro R, Attar B, Shaka H, Ojemolon P, Sana M, Shaka AT, Baskaran N, Kanemo P, Doraiswamy M. Independent Predictors and Causes of Thirty-Day Gastrointestinal Readmissions Following COVID-19-Related Hospitalizations: Analysis of the National Readmission Database. Gastroenterology Res 2023; 16:157-164. [PMID: 37351083 PMCID: PMC10284648 DOI: 10.14740/gr1623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic led to significant mortality and morbidity in the United States. The burden of COVID-19 was not limited to the respiratory tract alone but had significant extrapulmonary manifestations. We decided to examine the causes, predictors, and outcomes of gastrointestinal (GI)-related causes of 30-day readmission following index COVID-19 hospitalization. Methods We used the National Readmission Database (NRD) from 2020 to identify hospitalizations among adults with principal diagnosis of COVID-19. We identified GI-related hospitalizations within 30 days of index admission after excluding elective and traumatic admissions. We identified the top causes of GI-related readmission, and the outcomes of these hospitalizations. We used a multivariate Cox regression analysis to identify the independent predictors of readmission. Results Among 1,024,492 index hospitalizations with a primary diagnosis of COVID-19 in the 2020 NRD database, 644,903 were included in the 30-day readmission study. Of these 3,276 (0.5%) were readmitted in 30 days due to primary GI causes. The top five causes of readmissions we identified in this study were GI bleeding, intestinal obstruction, acute diverticulitis, acute pancreatitis, and acute cholecystitis. Multivariate Cox regression analysis done adjusting for confounders showed that renal failure, alcohol abuse, and peptic ulcer disease were associated with increased odds of 30-day readmission from GI-related causes. Conclusions GI manifestations of COVID-19 are not uncommon and remain an important cause of readmission. Targeted interventions addressing the modifiable predictors of readmission identified will be beneficial in reducing the burden on already limited healthcare resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Kwei-Nsoro
- Department of Internal Medicine, John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bashar Attar
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hafeez Shaka
- Division of Hospital Medicine, John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pius Ojemolon
- Department of Internal Medicine, John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Muhammad Sana
- Department of Internal Medicine, John H Stroger Jr Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Abdul Tawab Shaka
- Department of Medicine, Windsor University School of Medicine, St Kitts, West Indies
| | - Naveen Baskaran
- Division of Hospital Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Philip Kanemo
- Division of Hospital Medicine, Rapides Regional Medical Center, Alexandria, LA, USA
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3
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Romero-Velez G, Ponce de Leon-Ballesteros G, Al Zubaidi M, Barajas-Gamboa JS, Dang J, Corcelles R, Strong AT, Navarrete S, Kroh M. Presence of SARS-CoV-2 in abdominal tissues and biologic fluids during abdominal surgery: a systematic review. Surg Endosc 2023:10.1007/s00464-023-10130-w. [PMID: 37219799 DOI: 10.1007/s00464-023-10130-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Viral transmission to healthcare providers during surgical procedures was a major concern at the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic. The presence of the severe acute respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for COVID-19, in the abdominal cavity as well as in other abdominal tissues which surgeons are exposed has been investigated in several studies. The aim of the present systematic review was to analyze if the virus can be identify in the abdominal cavity. METHODS We performed a systematic review to identify relevant studies regarding the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in abdominal tissues or fluids. Number of patients included as well as patient's characteristics, type of procedures, samples and number of positive samples were analyzed. RESULTS A total of 36 studies were included (18 case series and 18 case reports). There were 357 samples for detection of SARS-CoV-2, obtained from 295 individuals. A total of 21 samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 (5.9%). Positive samples were more frequently encountered in patients with severe COVID-19 (37.5% vs 3.8%, p < 0.001). No health-care provider related infections were reported. CONCLUSION Although a rare occurrence, SARS-CoV-2 can be found in the abdominal tissues and fluids. It seems that the presence of the virus in the abdominal tissues or fluids is more likely in patients with severe disease. Protective measures should be employed in the operating room to protect the staff when operating patients with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustavo Romero-Velez
- Department of Endocrine Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Mail Code F20, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA.
| | | | - Maryam Al Zubaidi
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Juan S Barajas-Gamboa
- Digestive Disease Institute, Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Jerry Dang
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ricard Corcelles
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrew T Strong
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Salvador Navarrete
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Mathew Kroh
- Digestive Disease and Surgery Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
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Gebran A, Dorken-Gallastegi A, Kaafarani HM. A Surgical Perspective of Gastrointestinal Manifestations and Complications of COVID-19 Infection. Gastroenterol Clin North Am 2023; 52:49-58. [PMID: 36813430 PMCID: PMC9537287 DOI: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, has quickly spread over the world since December 2019. COVID-19 is a systemic disease that can affect various organs throughout the body. Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms have been reported in 16% to 33% of all patients with COVID-19 and in 75% of critically ill patients. This chapter reviews the GI manifestations of COVID-19 as well as their diagnostic and treatment modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Haytham M.A. Kaafarani
- Corresponding author. Division of Trauma, Emergency Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 810, Boston, MA 02114
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Abdominal pain patterns during COVID-19: an observational study. Sci Rep 2022; 12:14677. [PMID: 36038578 PMCID: PMC9421623 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-18753-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Abdominal pain and liver injury have been frequently reported during coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Our aim was to investigate characteristics of abdominal pain in COVID-19 patients and their association with disease severity and liver injury.Data of all COVID-19 patients hospitalized during the first wave in one hospital were retrieved. Patients admitted exclusively for other pathologies and/or recovered from COVID-19, as well as pregnant women were excluded. Patients whose abdominal pain was related to alternative diagnosis were also excluded.Among the 1026 included patients, 200 (19.5%) exhibited spontaneous abdominal pain and 165 (16.2%) after abdomen palpation. Spontaneous pain was most frequently localized in the epigastric (42.7%) and right upper quadrant (25.5%) regions. Tenderness in the right upper region was associated with severe COVID-19 (hospital mortality and/or admission to intensive/intermediate care unit) with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.81 (95% CI 1.27-6.21, p = 0.010). Patients with history of lower abdomen pain experimented less frequently dyspnea compared to patients with history of upper abdominal pain (25.8 versus 63.0%, p < 0.001). Baseline transaminases elevation was associated with history of pain in epigastric and right upper region and AST elevation was strongly associated with severe COVID-19 with an odds ratio of 16.03 (95% CI 1.95-131.63 p = 0.010).More than one fifth of patients admitted for COVID-19 presented abdominal pain. Those with pain located in the upper abdomen were more at risk of dyspnea, demonstrated more altered transaminases, and presented a higher risk of adverse outcomes.
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Neuro-Axonal Damage and Alteration of Blood–Brain Barrier Integrity in COVID-19 Patients. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162480. [PMID: 36010557 PMCID: PMC9406414 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a specific biomarker of neuro-axonal damage. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are zinc-dependent enzymes involved in blood–brain barrier (BBB) integrity. We explored neuro-axonal damage, alteration of BBB integrity and SARS-CoV-2 RNA presence in COVID-19 patients with severe neurological symptoms (neuro-COVID) as well as neuro-axonal damage in COVID-19 patients without severe neurological symptoms according to disease severity and after recovery, comparing the obtained findings with healthy donors (HD). Overall, COVID-19 patients (n = 55) showed higher plasma NfL levels compared to HD (n = 31) (p < 0.0001), especially those who developed ARDS (n = 28) (p = 0.0005). After recovery, plasma NfL levels were still higher in ARDS patients compared to HD (p = 0.0037). In neuro-COVID patients (n = 12), higher CSF and plasma NfL, and CSF MMP-2 levels in ARDS than non-ARDS group were observed (p = 0.0357, p = 0.0346 and p = 0.0303, respectively). SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in four CSF and two plasma samples. SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection was not associated to increased CSF NfL and MMP levels. During COVID-19, ARDS could be associated to CNS damage and alteration of BBB integrity in the absence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in CSF or blood. CNS damage was still detectable after discharge in blood of COVID-19 patients who developed ARDS during hospitalization.
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D'Introno A, Gatti P, Manca G, D'Amuri A, Minniti S, Ciracì E. Acute acalculous cholecystitis as an early manifestation of COVID-19: case report and literature review. ACTA BIO-MEDICA : ATENEI PARMENSIS 2022; 93:e2022207. [PMID: 35765977 PMCID: PMC10510984 DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93is1.12760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Background: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has rapidly spread worldwide since the outbreak in Wuhan, China, in 2019, becoming a major threat to public health. The most common symptoms are fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, but subjects with COVID-19 may also manifest gastrointestinal symptoms, and in a few cases an involvement of the gallbladder has been observed. Case report: Here we present a case of 50-year-old male with SARS-CoV-2 infection who had abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea without respiratory symptoms and was finally diagnosed as acute acalculous cholecystitis (AAC). Laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed and found a gangrenous gallbladder; the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid assay of the bile was negative. We also made a review of the literature and try to understand the hypothetic role of SARS-CoV-2 in the pathogenesis of AAC. Conclusions: We highlighted that it is noteworthy to look at gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and take into account AAC as a possible complication of COVID-19. Although more evidence is needed to better elucidate the role of the pathogenic mechanisms of the SARS-CoV-2 in AAC, it is conceivable that the hepatobiliary system could be a potential target of SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pietro Gatti
- Internal Medicine Unit, "Perrino" General Hospital, Brindisi.
| | - Giuseppe Manca
- General Surgery Unit, "Perrino" General Hospital, Brindisi.
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Ishak A, AlRawashdeh MM, Esagian SM, Nikas IP. Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Value of Droplet Digital PCR (ddPCR) in COVID-19 Patients: A Systematic Review. J Clin Med 2021; 10:5712. [PMID: 34884414 PMCID: PMC8658157 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10235712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate detection of SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen causing the global pandemic of COVID-19, is essential for disease surveillance and control. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) is considered the reference standard test for the diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 by the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, its limitations are a prompt for a more accurate assay to detect SARS-CoV-2, quantify its levels, and assess the prognosis. This article aimed to systematically review the literature and assess the diagnostic performance of droplet digital PCR (ddPCR), also to evaluate its potential role in prognosis and management of COVID-19 patients. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched to identify relevant articles published until 13 July 2021. An additional PubMed search was performed on 21 October 2021. Data from the 39 eligible studies were extracted and an overall 3651 samples from 2825 patients and 145 controls were used for our qualitative analysis. Most studies reported ddPCR was more accurate than RT-qPCR in detecting and quantifying SARS-CoV-2 levels, especially in patients with low viral loads. ddPCR was also found highly effective in quantifying SARS-CoV-2 RNAemia levels in hospitalized patients, monitoring their disease course, and predicting their response to therapy. These findings suggest ddPCR could serve as a complement or alternative SARS-CoV-2 tool with emerging diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value, especially in hospital settings. Additional research is still needed to standardize its laboratory protocols, also to accurately assess its role in monitoring COVID-19 therapy response and in identifying SARS-CoV-2 emerging variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Ishak
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus; (A.I.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Mousa M. AlRawashdeh
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus; (A.I.); (M.M.A.)
| | - Stepan M. Esagian
- Jacobi Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, The Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA;
| | - Ilias P. Nikas
- School of Medicine, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus; (A.I.); (M.M.A.)
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Amereh F, Negahban-Azar M, Isazadeh S, Dabiri H, Masihi N, Jahangiri-Rad M, Rafiee M. Sewage Systems Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: Identification of Knowledge Gaps, Emerging Threats, and Future Research Needs. Pathogens 2021. [PMID: 34451410 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080946.pmid:34451410;pmcid:pmc8402176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiological agent for novel coronavirus (COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), not only affects the human respiratory system, but also the gastrointestinal tract resulting in gastrointestinal manifestations. The high rate of asymptomatic infected individuals has challenged the estimation of infection spread based on patients' surveillance, and thus alternative approaches such as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) have been proposed. Accordingly, the number of publications on this topic has increased substantially. The present systematic review thus aimed at providing state-of-the-knowledge on the occurrence and existing methods for sampling procedures, detection/quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage samples, as well as anticipating challenges and providing future research direction to improve the current scientific knowledge. Articles were collected from three scientific databases. Only studies reporting measurements of virus in stool, urine, and wastewater samples were included. Results showed that improving the scientific community's understanding in these avenues is essential if we are to develop appropriate policy and management tools to address this pandemic pointing particularly towards WBE as a new paradigm in public health. It was also evident that standardized protocols are needed to ensure reproducibility and comparability of outcomes. Areas that require the most improvements are sampling procedures, concentration/enrichment, detection, and quantification of virus in wastewater, as well as positive controls. Results also showed that selecting the most accurate population estimation method for WBE studies is still a challenge. While the number of people infected in an area could be approximately estimated based on quantities of virus found in wastewater, these estimates should be cross-checked by other sources of information to draw a more comprehensive conclusion. Finally, wastewater surveillance can be useful as an early warning tool, a management tool, and/or a way for investigating vaccination efficacy and spread of new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Amereh
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
| | - Masoud Negahban-Azar
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Siavash Isazadeh
- Environmental Service, Suez Water North America, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA
| | - Hossein Dabiri
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
| | - Najmeh Masihi
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
| | - Mahsa Jahangiri-Rad
- Water Purification Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 19168, Iran
| | - Mohammad Rafiee
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
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10
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Amereh F, Negahban-Azar M, Isazadeh S, Dabiri H, Masihi N, Jahangiri-rad M, Rafiee M. Sewage Systems Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2: Identification of Knowledge Gaps, Emerging Threats, and Future Research Needs. Pathogens 2021; 10:946. [PMID: 34451410 PMCID: PMC8402176 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10080946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiological agent for novel coronavirus (COVID-19, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), not only affects the human respiratory system, but also the gastrointestinal tract resulting in gastrointestinal manifestations. The high rate of asymptomatic infected individuals has challenged the estimation of infection spread based on patients' surveillance, and thus alternative approaches such as wastewater-based epidemiology (WBE) have been proposed. Accordingly, the number of publications on this topic has increased substantially. The present systematic review thus aimed at providing state-of-the-knowledge on the occurrence and existing methods for sampling procedures, detection/quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in sewage samples, as well as anticipating challenges and providing future research direction to improve the current scientific knowledge. Articles were collected from three scientific databases. Only studies reporting measurements of virus in stool, urine, and wastewater samples were included. Results showed that improving the scientific community's understanding in these avenues is essential if we are to develop appropriate policy and management tools to address this pandemic pointing particularly towards WBE as a new paradigm in public health. It was also evident that standardized protocols are needed to ensure reproducibility and comparability of outcomes. Areas that require the most improvements are sampling procedures, concentration/enrichment, detection, and quantification of virus in wastewater, as well as positive controls. Results also showed that selecting the most accurate population estimation method for WBE studies is still a challenge. While the number of people infected in an area could be approximately estimated based on quantities of virus found in wastewater, these estimates should be cross-checked by other sources of information to draw a more comprehensive conclusion. Finally, wastewater surveillance can be useful as an early warning tool, a management tool, and/or a way for investigating vaccination efficacy and spread of new variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Amereh
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran; (F.A.); (N.M.)
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
| | - Masoud Negahban-Azar
- Department of Environmental Science and Technology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20740, USA
| | - Siavash Isazadeh
- Environmental Service, Suez Water North America, Paramus, NJ 07652, USA;
| | - Hossein Dabiri
- Department of Medical Microbiology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran;
| | - Najmeh Masihi
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran; (F.A.); (N.M.)
| | - Mahsa Jahangiri-rad
- Water Purification Research Center, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran 19168, Iran;
| | - Mohammad Rafiee
- Environmental and Occupational Hazards Control Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran; (F.A.); (N.M.)
- Department of Environmental Health Engineering, School of Public Health and Safety, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 35511, Iran
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11
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Piermatteo L, Scutari R, Chirichiello R, Alkhatib M, Malagnino V, Bertoli A, Iapadre N, Ciotti M, Sarmati L, Andreoni M, Ceccherini-Silberstein F, Salpini R, Svicher V. Droplet digital PCR assay as an innovative and promising highly sensitive assay to unveil residual and cryptic HBV replication in peripheral compartment. Methods 2021; 201:74-81. [PMID: 34000391 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Droplet digital PCR is an innovative and promising approach for highly sensitive quantification of nucleic acids that is being increasingly used in the field of clinical virology, including the setting of hepatitis B virus (HBV). Here, we comprehensively report a robust and reproducible ddPCR assay for the highly sensitive quantification of serum HBV-DNA. The assay showed a limit of detection of 4 copies/ml (<1IU/ml) by Probit analysis, showed a good linearity (R2 = 0.94) and a high intra- and inter-run reproducibility with differences between the values obtained in the same run or in two independent runs never exceeding 0.14logcopies/mL and 0.21logcopies/mL, respectively. By analysing serum samples from chronically HBV infected patients (mostly under antiviral treatment), ddPCR successfully quantified serum HBV-DNA in 89.8% of patients with detectable serum HBV-DNA < 20 IU/mL [equivalent to <112copies/ml] by classical Real-Time PCR assay, with a median (IQR) of 8(5-14)IU/mL [45(28-78)copies/ml], and in 66.7% of patients with undetectable serum HBV-DNA, with a median (IQR) of 5(4-9)IU/mL [28(20-50)copies/ml]. Similarly, by analysing serum samples from patients with a serological profile compatible with occult HBV infection (anti-HBc+/HBsAg-), ddPCR successfully quantified serum HBV-DNA in 40% of patients with a median (IQR) value of 1(1-2)IU/mL [5(5-11)copies/ml], in line with the extremely limited viral replication typically observed in occult HBV infection. Overall, the availability of assays for the highly sensitive quantification of serum HBV-DNA can provide an added value in optimizing the diagnosis of occult hepatitis B infection, improving the therapeutic management of chronically HBV infected patients, also in the light of innovative drugs (upcoming in clinical practise) aimed at achieving HBV functional cure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Piermatteo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Rossana Scutari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mohammad Alkhatib
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Ada Bertoli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Polyclinic Tor Vergata Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Nerio Iapadre
- Infectious Diseases Unit, "San Salvatore Hospital", L' Aquila, Italy
| | - Marco Ciotti
- Laboratory of Clinical Microbiology and Virology, Polyclinic Tor Vergata Foundation, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | | | - Romina Salpini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy.
| | - Valentina Svicher
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
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Barh D, Tiwari S, Andrade BS, Weener ME, Góes-Neto A, Azevedo V, Ghosh P, Blum K, Ganguly NK. A novel multi-omics-based highly accurate prediction of symptoms, comorbid conditions, and possible long-term complications of COVID-19. Mol Omics 2021; 17:317-337. [PMID: 33683246 DOI: 10.1039/d0mo00189a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Comprehensive clinical pictures, comorbid conditions, and long-term complications of COVID-19 are still unknown. Recently, using a multi-omics-based strategy, we predicted potential drugs for COVID-19 with ∼70% accuracy. Herein, using a novel multi-omics-based bioinformatic approach and three ways of analysis, we identified the symptoms, comorbid conditions, and short-, mid-, and possible long-term complications of COVID-19 with >90% precision including 27 parent, 170 child, and 403 specific conditions. Among the specific conditions, 36 viral, 53 short-term, 62 short-mid-long-term, 194 mid-long-term, and 57 congenital conditions are identified. At a threshold "count of occurrence" of 4, we found that 83-100% (average 92.67%) of enriched conditions are associated with COVID-19. Except for dry cough and loss of taste, all the other COVID-19-associated mild and severe symptoms are enriched. CVDs, and pulmonary, metabolic, musculoskeletal, neuropsychiatric, kidney, liver, and immune system disorders are top comorbid conditions. Specific diseases like myocardial infarction, hypertension, COPD, lung injury, diabetes, cirrhosis, mood disorders, dementia, macular degeneration, chronic kidney disease, lupus, arthritis, etc. along with several other NCDs were found to be top candidates. Interestingly, many cancers and congenital disorders associated with COVID-19 severity are also identified. Arthritis, gliomas, diabetes, psychiatric disorders, and CVDs having a bidirectional relationship with COVID-19 are also identified as top conditions. Based on our accuracy (>90%), the long-term presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in human, and our "genetic remittance" assumption, we hypothesize that all the identified top-ranked conditions could be potential long-term consequences in COVID-19 survivors, warranting long-term observational studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debmalya Barh
- Centre for Genomics and Applied Gene Technology, Institute of Integrative Omics and Applied Biotechnology (IIOAB), Nonakuri, Purba Medinipur, WB, India.
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Laparoscopic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic: detection of SARS-COV-2 in abdominal tissues, fluids, and surgical smoke. Langenbecks Arch Surg 2021; 406:1007-1014. [PMID: 33675407 PMCID: PMC7936592 DOI: 10.1007/s00423-021-02142-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background There are still concerns over the safety of laparoscopic surgery in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients due to the potential risk of viral transmission through surgical smoke/laparoscopic pneumoperitoneum. Methods We performed a systematic review of currently available literature to determine the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV-2) in abdominal tissues or fluids and in surgical smoke. Results A total of 19 studies (15 case reports and 4 case series) comprising 29 COVID-19 patients were included. The viral RNA was positively identified in 11 patients (37.9%). The samples that tested positive include the peritoneal fluid, bile, ascitic fluid, peritoneal dialysate, duodenal wall, and appendix. Similar samples, together with the omentum and abdominal subcutaneous fat, tested negative in the other patients. Only one study investigated SARS-COV-2 RNA in surgical smoke generated during laparoscopy, reporting negative findings. Conclusions There are conflicting results regarding the presence of SARS-COV-2 in abdominal tissues and fluids. No currently available evidence supports the hypothesis that SARS-COV-2 can be aerosolized and transmitted through surgical smoke. Larger studies are urgently needed to corroborate these findings. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00423-021-02142-8.
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