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Popa MV, Gurzu IL, Mîndru DE, Gurzu B, Handra CM, Eva-Maria E, Olaru I, Anton-Păduraru DT, Warter C, Duceac LD. Dynamics of Absences Due to Respiratory Infections, Including COVID-19, Among Medical Staff in a Regional Pediatric Hospital. Healthcare (Basel) 2025; 13:563. [PMID: 40077125 PMCID: PMC11899654 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare13050563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2025] [Revised: 02/23/2025] [Accepted: 03/03/2025] [Indexed: 03/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Background: Respiratory infections pose a significant public health challenge, particularly among healthcare workers (HCWs). The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated absenteeism due to respiratory illnesses, affecting healthcare workforce stability. Identifying factors influencing absenteeism is crucial for workforce resilience and effective care. Methods: This retrospective longitudinal study analyzed HCW absenteeism due to respiratory diseases from 2017 to 2023 at the "Sf. Maria" Children's Emergency Hospital in Iași, Romania. Data from 3827 HCWs were examined, including demographic and occupational variables (age, gender, job role) and disease types. Statistical analyses (chi-square tests, ANOVA, and regression models) were conducted using SPSS to assess absenteeism trends and associated risk factors. Results: Sick leave peaked in 2020 (8322 days) and remained high in 2021 (8134 days), gradually decreasing in 2022-2023 but not returning to pre-pandemic levels (~5000 days/year). Nurses accounted for most leave days, while male staff and HCWs aged 41-50 were most affected. Seasonal variations showed higher absenteeism in transitional months and lower rates in summer. COVID-19 was the leading cause of absenteeism during the pandemic, with quarantine measures further increasing sick leave duration. Conclusions: Pediatric hospitals must strengthen infection control measures to protect HCWs and sustain care continuity. Preventive actions such as immunization, staff training, and health monitoring are critical in reducing absenteeism, maintaining a resilient workforce, and ensuring quality care during health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Valentina Popa
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Galați, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania;
| | - Irina Luciana Gurzu
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Interdisciplinarity, Discipline of Occupational Health, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Dana Elena Mîndru
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.E.M.); (D.T.A.-P.)
| | - Bogdan Gurzu
- Department of Morfofunctional Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Claudia Mariana Handra
- Occupational Medicine Department, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Elkan Eva-Maria
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania; (E.E.-M.); (I.O.); (L.D.D.)
| | - Iulia Olaru
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania; (E.E.-M.); (I.O.); (L.D.D.)
| | - Dana Teodora Anton-Păduraru
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, “Gr. T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (D.E.M.); (D.T.A.-P.)
| | - Cezarina Warter
- “Sf. Maria” Emergency Children’s Hospital, 700309 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Letiția Doina Duceac
- Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, 47 Domnească Street, 800008 Galați, Romania; (E.E.-M.); (I.O.); (L.D.D.)
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Saidian H, Daugberg R, Jensen LH, Schoos AM, Rytter MJH. Children hospitalised with gastroenteritis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Acta Paediatr 2025; 114:148-155. [PMID: 39235259 PMCID: PMC11627442 DOI: 10.1111/apa.17418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2024] [Revised: 08/22/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024]
Abstract
AIMS The COVID-19 pandemic altered the pattern of many paediatric infections. We aimed to assess the incidence and characteristics of children hospitalised with gastroenteritis during the early and the late pandemic, relative to previous years. METHODS In a retrospective study, we collected data from patient files of children aged 1 month to 5 years, admitted with gastroenteritis to a paediatric department in Denmark during January-June, of 2017 to 2021, comparing incidence rates and clinical features in the early pandemic (March to June 2020), and late pandemic period (January to June 2021), to similar pre-pandemic months. RESULTS In the early pandemic, admission rates per 1000 children/month declined to 0.5 (95% CI: 0.3-0.6) from pre-pandemic rates of 1.6 (95% CI: 1.4-1.7) (p < 0.0001) and increased in the late pandemic to 2.2 (95% CI: 1.9-2.6) (p = 0.006). Children admitted in the late pandemic period were older than those admitted previously. CONCLUSION A resurgence of gastroenteritis in children occurred in the spring of 2021, with higher hospital admission rates of children, who were older, but not more severely ill than previously.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamida Saidian
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineSlagelse HospitalSlagelseDenmark
| | - Rie Daugberg
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineSlagelse HospitalSlagelseDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lise Heilmann Jensen
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Department of PaediatricsZealand University HospitalRoskildeDenmark
| | - Ann‐Marie Malby Schoos
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineSlagelse HospitalSlagelseDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
- Herlev and Gentofte HospitalCOPSAC, Copenhagen Prospective Studies on Asthma in ChildhoodUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Maren Johanne Heilskov Rytter
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent MedicineSlagelse HospitalSlagelseDenmark
- Department of Clinical MedicineUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
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Hausmann J, Dörre A, Katz K, van de Berg S. Lifting COVID-19-associated non-pharmaceutical interventions: potential impact on notifications of infectious diseases transmitted from person to person in 2022 in Bavaria, Germany. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1437485. [PMID: 39148653 PMCID: PMC11325719 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1437485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic and associated non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have led to substantial decreases in case numbers of infectious diseases in several countries worldwide. As NPIs were gradually lifted, intense or out-of-season outbreaks of respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases were reported, raising the hypothesis of a potential catch-up effect of infections. By analysing surveillance data from the federal reporting system for notifiable infectious diseases, we aimed to assess the potential impact of lifting COVID-19 associated NPIs on notifications of selected infectious diseases in Bavaria, 2022. Methods We compared influenza, chickenpox, norovirus gastroenteritis, rotavirus gastroenteritis weekly case numbers in a pre-pandemic period (2016-2019) and 2022 using two time series analyses approaches: (i) a predictive model forecasting weekly case numbers for the pandemic years 2020-2022, based on 2016-2019 data, (ii) interrupted time series model, based on 2016-2022 data, including a term per pandemic period. Results In 2022, incidence rates were higher compared to pre-pandemic period for influenza (IRR = 3.47, 95%CI: 1.49-7.94) and rotavirus gastroenteritis (IRR = 1.36, 95%CI: 0.95-1.93), though not significant for rotavirus gastroenteritis. Conversely, case numbers remained significantly below pre-pandemic levels for chickenpox (IRR = 0.52, 95%CI: 0.41-0.65) and norovirus gastroenteritis (IRR = 0.59, 95%CI: 0.42-0.82). Seasonality changed notably for influenza, showing an earlier influenza wave compared to pre-pandemic periods. Conclusion The lifting of NPIs was associated with heterogenic epidemiological patterns depending on the selected disease. The full impact of NPIs and their discontinuation may only become clear with continued monitoring and assessment of potential additional contributing factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Hausmann
- Institute for Medical Information Processing, Biometry, and Epidemiology - IBE, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Pettenkofer School of Public Health, Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Munich, Germany
| | - Achim Dörre
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Postgraduate Training for Applied Epidemiology (PAE), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katharina Katz
- Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority (LGL), Munich, Germany
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Hakim MS, Gazali FM, Widyaningsih SA, Parvez MK. Driving forces of continuing evolution of rotaviruses. World J Virol 2024; 13:93774. [PMID: 38984077 PMCID: PMC11229848 DOI: 10.5501/wjv.v13.i2.93774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Rotaviruses are non-enveloped double-stranded RNA virus that causes acute diarrheal diseases in children (< 5 years). More than 90% of the global rotavirus infection in humans was caused by Rotavirus group A. Rotavirus infection has caused more than 200000 deaths annually and predominantly occurs in the low-income countries. Rotavirus evolution is indicated by the strain dynamics or the emergence of the unprecedented strain. The major factors that drive the rotavirus evolution include the genetic shift that is caused by the reassortment mechanism, either in the intra- or the inter-genogroup. However, other factors are also known to have an impact on rotavirus evolution. This review discusses the structure and types, epidemiology, and evolution of rotaviruses. This article also reviews other supplemental factors of rotavirus evolution, such as genetic reassortment, mutation rate, glycan specificity, vaccine introduction, the host immune responses, and antiviral drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamad Saifudin Hakim
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Erasmus MC-University Medical Center, Rotterdam 3015GD, Netherlands
- Viral Infection Working Group, International Society of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, London EC4R 9AN, United Kingdom
| | - Faris Muhammad Gazali
- Master Program in Biotechnology, Postgraduate School, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Yogyakarta, 55281, Indonesia
| | - Suci Ardini Widyaningsih
- Master of Medical Sciences in Clinical Investigation, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Mohammad Khalid Parvez
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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Sarmento SK, de Andrade JDSR, Malta FC, Fialho AM, Mello MDS, Burlandy FM, Fumian TM. Norovirus Epidemiology and Genotype Circulation during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brazil, 2019-2022. Pathogens 2023; 13:3. [PMID: 38276149 PMCID: PMC10818385 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens13010003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Norovirus stands out as a leading cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) worldwide, affecting all age groups. In the present study, we investigated fecal samples from medically attended AGE patients received from nine Brazilian states, from 2019 to 2022, including the COVID-19 pandemic period. Norovirus GI and GII were detected and quantified using RT-qPCR, and norovirus-positive samples underwent genotyping through sequencing the ORF1/2 junction region. During the four-year period, norovirus prevalence was 37.2%, varying from 20.1% in 2020 to 55.4% in 2021. GII genotypes dominated, being detected in 92.9% of samples. GII-infected patients had significantly higher viral concentrations compared to GI-infected patients (median of 3.8 × 107 GC/g and 6.7 × 105 GC/g, respectively); and patients aged >12-24 months showed a higher median viral load (8 × 107 GC/g) compared to other age groups. Norovirus sequencing revealed 20 genotypes by phylogenetic analysis of RdRp and VP1 partial regions. GII.4 Sydney[P16] was the dominant genotype (57.3%), especially in 2019 and 2021, followed by GII.2[P16] (14.8%) and GII.6[P7] (6.3%). The intergenogroup recombinant genotype, GIX.1[GII.P15], was detected in five samples. Our study is the first to explore norovirus epidemiology and genotype distribution in Brazil during COVID-19, and contributes to understanding the epidemiological dynamics of norovirus and highlighting the importance of continuing to follow norovirus surveillance programs in Brazil.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Tulio Machado Fumian
- Laboratory of Comparative and Environmental Virology, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro 21045-900, RJ, Brazil (F.M.B.)
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Lev Ari O, Hazan I, Moran-Gilad J, Kerman T, Tsumi E. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on pediatric acute conjunctivitis disease trends. Sci Rep 2023; 13:20132. [PMID: 37978225 PMCID: PMC10656534 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-47382-4] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic notably influenced the transmission of infectious diseases across various age groups. In this study, we assessed its impact on pediatric acute conjunctivitis trends in southern Israel. We analyzed acute conjunctivitis diagnoses from 2017 to 2022, categorizing them into pre-lockdown, lockdown, and post-lockdown intervals. A control group of non-infectious dermatologic conditions was included. Time-series analysis, adjusted for seasonality, was employed. Pre-lockdown data indicated steady conjunctivitis diagnoses, primarily in winter. Post-lockdown interval exhibited an added summer peak before the regular winter surge. The lockdown saw a 56% decline in diagnoses, most pronounced in younger ages. Post-lockdown observed a 7% overall drop with age-specific variations. The acute conjunctivitis IRR was 0.44 (95% CI 0.39-0.49) during lockdowns and 0.93 (95% CI 0.86-1.02) post-lockdowns. Control group IRRs were 0.84 (95% CI 0.78-0.89) and 0.90 (95% CI 0.84-0.96), respectively, with the 0-5 age range demonstrating significant disparities. Pediatric acute conjunctivitis in southern Israel decreased significantly during the pandemic. Post-lockdown patterns varied by age group. An unusual summer peak in cases was observed post-lockdown; this peak may be influenced by a combination of altered behaviors in the summer and possibly increased susceptibility to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omer Lev Ari
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel.
| | - Itai Hazan
- Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Jacob Moran-Gilad
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Tomer Kerman
- Clinical Research Center, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
- Joyce and Irving Goldman Medical School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
| | - Erez Tsumi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Soroka University Medical Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Be'er Sheva, Israel
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Love NK, Douglas A, Gharbia S, Hughes H, Morbey R, Oliver I, Smith GE, Elliot AJ. Understanding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic response on GI infection surveillance trends in England, January 2020-April 2022. Epidemiol Infect 2023; 151:e147. [PMID: 37622322 PMCID: PMC10540168 DOI: 10.1017/s095026882300136x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Stepwise non-pharmaceutical interventions and health system changes implemented as part of the COVID-19 response have had implications on the incidence, diagnosis, and reporting of other communicable diseases. Here, we established the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak response on gastrointestinal (GI) infection trends using routinely collected surveillance data from six national English laboratory, outbreak, and syndromic surveillance systems using key dates of governmental policy to assign phases for comparison between pandemic and historic data. Following decreases across all indicators during the first lockdown (March-May 2020), bacterial and parasitic pathogens associated with foodborne or environmental transmission routes recovered rapidly between June and September 2020, while those associated with travel and/or person-to-person transmission remained lower than expected for 2021. High out-of-season norovirus activity was observed with the easing of lockdown measures between June and October 2021, with this trend reflected in laboratory and outbreak systems and syndromic surveillance indicators. Above expected increases in emergency department (ED) attendances may have reflected changes in health-seeking behaviour and provision. Differential reductions across specific GI pathogens are indicative of the underlying routes of transmission. These results provide further insight into the drivers for transmission, which can help inform control measures for GI infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola K. Love
- North East Field Services, Health Protection Operations, UK Health Security Agency, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Amy Douglas
- Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Saheer Gharbia
- Gastrointestinal Infections and Food Safety (One Health) Division, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
| | - Helen Hughes
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, UK
- Farr Institute@HeRC, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Roger Morbey
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Emergency Preparedness and Response, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Isabel Oliver
- Science Group, UK Health Security Agency, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Behavioural Science and Evaluation, Population Health Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Gillian E. Smith
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Emergency Preparedness and Response, King’s College London, London, UK
| | - Alex J. Elliot
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Gastrointestinal Infections, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
- Real-time Syndromic Surveillance Team, Field Service, Health Protection Operations, UK Health Security Agency, Birmingham, UK
- National Institute for Health Research Health Protection Research Unit (NIHR HPRU) in Emergency Preparedness and Response, King’s College London, London, UK
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Lee HJ, Choi Y, Park J, Choi YS, Yon DK, Kim DH. National Trends in Rotavirus Enteritis among Infants in South Korea, 2010-2021: A Nationwide Cohort. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1436. [PMID: 37761397 PMCID: PMC10529326 DOI: 10.3390/children10091436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Rotavirus causes a gastrointestinal tract infection that primarily affects young children. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, individuals infected with the virus were subjected to quarantine measures, with strong emphases on personal hygiene and social distancing. The present study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of rotaviruses and compare the prevalence of rotavirus infection before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. This nationwide representative study was conducted using data acquired from the National Health Insurance Service between 2010 and 2021. We analyzed the data of patients younger than 12 months old who were diagnosed with rotavirus enteritis between January 2010 and December 2021. During the study period, a total of 34,487 infants younger than 12 months were diagnosed with rotavirus enteritis in South Korea. During the two-year COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021), the rate of decline was significant (5843 cases in 2010 and 1125 in 2019), and by 2021, the total number of patients was almost negligible, as there are only 18 cases in 2021. A significant increase in the ratio of low birth weight (LBW) infants of inpatient department was observed from 2010 to 2021 (4.86% in 2010; 7.77% in 2019; and 23.08% in 2021), indicating that LBW infants are more vulnerable than infants born with normal weight. Average medical expenses related to rotavirus infections also declined significantly from 3,789,443,998 per year (pre-pandemic) to 808,353,795 per year (pandemic). Overall, personal hygiene and social distancing may play important roles in reducing rotavirus infections. However, further studies are needed to determine whether this decreasing trend persists after quarantine and whether the social life of individuals resumes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyun Jee Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (Y.-S.C.); (D.K.Y.)
| | - Yujin Choi
- Department of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University College of Korean Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jaeyu Park
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Yong-Sung Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (Y.-S.C.); (D.K.Y.)
| | - Dong Keon Yon
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (Y.-S.C.); (D.K.Y.)
- Center for Digital Health, Medical Science Research Institute, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea;
| | - Do Hyun Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Kyung Hee University College of Medicine, Seoul 02447, Republic of Korea; (H.J.L.); (Y.-S.C.); (D.K.Y.)
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Lu L, Jia R, Zhong H, Duan S, Xu M, Su L, Cao L, Xu J. Surveillance and epidemiological characterization of human adenovirus infections among outpatient children with acute gastroenteritis during the COVID-19 epidemic in Shanghai, China. Virol J 2023; 20:133. [PMID: 37344873 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-023-02105-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human adenovirus (HAdV) has been recognized as one of the common enteric viruses associated with acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. The aim of this study was carried out to illustrate the epidemiological characterization of HAdV Infections among children younger than 15 years in Shanghai during COVID-19. METHODS During May 2020 and April 2022, 1048 fecal samples were collected from children ≤ 15 years diagnosed with AGE in the Children's Hospital of Fudan University. HAdV was identified by PCR and sequenced with specific primers. All the obtained sequences were analyzed by MEGA (version 6.0). Demographic information and clinical features data were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS In total, 97 (9.3%, 97/1048) samples were detected to be HAdV during May 2020 and April 2022. We found an atypical upsurge in HAdV infection in the year 2021 after a major suppression in the year 2020. Approximately 84.5% (82/97) of HAdV-infected children were aged 0-60 months. Among the 97 HAdV-positive samples, only two species and five genotypes were detected. HAdV-F (88.7%, 86/97) was the most prevalent species and HAdV-F41 (87.6%, 85/97) was the most common genotype. Diarrhea, vomiting, and fever were the main clinical manifestations in children infected with HAdV. The children aged from 0 to 12 months showed simpler patterns of clinical presentation than those of children older than 13 months. CONCLUSIONS Our findings described the epidemiological changes of HAdV infection in children with AGE during the COVID-19, which further underscored the importance of continuous surveillance of HAdV at both local and global scales.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Ran Jia
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Huaqing Zhong
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Shuohua Duan
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Life Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Menghua Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Liyun Su
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Lingfeng Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, National Children's Medical Center, 399 Wanyuan Road, Shanghai, 201102, China.
- Shanghai Institute of Infectious Disease and Biosecurity, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Geppe NA, Zaplatnikov AL, Kondyurina EG, Chepurnaya MM, Kolosova NG. The Common Cold and Influenza in Children: To Treat or Not to Treat? Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11040858. [PMID: 37110281 PMCID: PMC10146091 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11040858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The common cold, which is mostly caused by respiratory viruses and clinically represented by the symptoms of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) with mainly upper respiratory tract involvement, is an important problem in pediatric practice. Due to the high prevalence, socio-economic burden, and lack of effective prevention measures (except for influenza and, partially, RSV infection), ARVI require strong medical attention. The purpose of this descriptive literature review was to analyze the current practical approaches to the treatment of ARVI to facilitate the choice of therapy in routine practice. This descriptive overview includes information on the causative agents of ARVI. Special attention is paid to the role of interferon gamma as a cytokine with antiviral and immunomodulatory effects on the pathogenesis of ARVI. Modern approaches to the treatment of ARVI, including antiviral, pathogenesis-directed and symptomatic therapy are presented. The emphasis is on the use of antibody-based drugs in the immunoprophylaxis and immunotherapy of ARVI. The data presented in this review allow us to conclude that a modern, balanced and evidence-based approach to the choice of ARVI treatment in children should be used in clinical practice. The published results of clinical trials and systematic reviews with meta-analyses of ARVI in children allow us to conclude that it is possible and expedient to use broad-spectrum antiviral drugs in complex therapy. This approach can provide an adequate response of the child’s immune system to the virus without limiting the clinical possibilities of using only symptomatic therapy.
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11
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Abuladze LR, Blokhin IA, Gonchar AP, Suchilova MM, Vladzymyrskyy AV, Gombolevskiy VA, Balanyuk EA, Ni OG, Troshchansky DV, Reshetnikov RV. CT imaging of HIV-associated pulmonary disorders in COVID-19 pandemic. Clin Imaging 2023; 95:97-106. [PMID: 36706642 PMCID: PMC9846904 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Liya R. Abuladze
- Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, 127051 Moscow, 24, Petrovka str. 1, Russian Federation,The Vishnevsky Nаtionаl Mediсаl Reseаrсh Сenter of Surgery, 117997 Mosсow, Bol. Serpukhovskаyа str., 27, Russian Federation,Corresponding author at: Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, 127051 Moscow, 24, Petrovka str. 1, Russian Federation
| | - Ivan A. Blokhin
- Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, 127051 Moscow, 24, Petrovka str. 1, Russian Federation
| | - Anna P. Gonchar
- Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, 127051 Moscow, 24, Petrovka str. 1, Russian Federation
| | - Maria M. Suchilova
- Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, 127051 Moscow, 24, Petrovka str. 1, Russian Federation
| | - Anton V. Vladzymyrskyy
- Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, 127051 Moscow, 24, Petrovka str. 1, Russian Federation,I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8, Trubetskaya str. 2, 119991 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Victor A. Gombolevskiy
- Artificial Intelligence Research Institute (AIRI), 121170, Kutuzovsky pr. 32, 1, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Eleonora A. Balanyuk
- Clinic of Aesthetic Medicine “Olymp Clinic”, 129090, 7, Sadovaya-Sukharevskaya str.1, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Oksana G. Ni
- City Clinical Hospital №40, Moscow Health Care Department, 8 Sosensky stan, Kommunarka settlement, 129301 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry V. Troshchansky
- City Clinical Hospital №40, Moscow Health Care Department, 8 Sosensky stan, Kommunarka settlement, 129301 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Roman V. Reshetnikov
- Research and Practical Clinical Center for Diagnostics and Telemedicine Technologies of the Moscow Health Care Department, 127051 Moscow, 24, Petrovka str. 1, Russian Federation
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12
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David SC. Technologies and therapeutics for ongoing prevention of respiratory infections. Clin Transl Immunology 2023; 12:e1442. [PMID: 36861031 PMCID: PMC9969962 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon C David
- Environmental Chemistry Laboratory, School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental EngineeringEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL)LausanneSwitzerland
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13
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Orzołek I, Ambrożej D, Makrinioti H, Zhu Z, Jartti T, Feleszko W. Severe bronchiolitis profiling as the first step towards prevention of asthma. Allergol Immunopathol (Madr) 2023; 51:99-107. [PMID: 37169566 DOI: 10.15586/aei.v51i3.788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Bronchiolitis is the most common respiratory infection leading to hospitalization and constitutes a significant healthcare burden. The two main viral agents causing bronchiolitis, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV), have distinct cytopathic, immune response, and clinical characteristics. Different approaches have been suggested for subtyping bronchiolitis based on viral etiology, atopic status, transcriptome profiles in blood, airway metabolome, lipidomic data, and airway microbiota. The highest risk of asthma at school age has been in a subgroup of bronchiolitis characterized by older age, high prevalence of RV infection, previous breathing problems, and/or eczema. Regarding solely viral etiology, RV-bronchiolitis in infancy has been linked to a nearly three times higher risk of developing asthma than RSV-bronchiolitis. Although treatment with betamimetics and systemic corticosteroids has been found ineffective in bronchiolitis overall, it can be beneficial for infants with severe RV bronchiolitis. Thus, there is a need to develop a more individualized therapeutic approach for bronchiolitis and follow-up strategies for infants at higher risk of asthma in the future perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izabela Orzołek
- Department of Pediatric Pneumonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dominika Ambrożej
- Department of Pediatric Pneumonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Heidi Makrinioti
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Zhaozhong Zhu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tuomas Jartti
- PEDEGO Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Wojciech Feleszko
- Department of Pediatric Pneumonology and Allergy, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland;
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14
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Zarur‐Torralvo S, Stand‐Niño I, Flórez‐García V, Mendoza H, Viana‐Cárdenas E. Viruses responsible for acute respiratory infections before (2016-2019) and during (2021) circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in pediatric patients in a reference center at Barranquilla Colombia: A pattern analysis. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28439. [PMID: 36573419 PMCID: PMC9880681 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the behavior of the viruses responsible for acute respiratory infections before (2016-2019) and after (2020-2021) the start of the circulation of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in pediatric patients treated at a reference center from Barranquilla, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS A descriptive observational study was carried out, and data were obtained by reviewing the influenza-like illness and severe acute respiratory infection database in the pediatric population of the sentinel surveillance reference center in the district of Barranquilla during the years 2016-2021, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria. RESULTS During 2016-2019, the average age of individuals was 1.3 (±1.7) years, during 2021, it was 2.3 (±3.5) years. The distribution by sex was similar, predominantly male. August and February were the months with the highest record of symptoms for 2016-2019 and 2021, respectively, the most frequent being cough, fever, shortness of breath, and diarrhea. By 2021 there was a higher use of antibiotics and antivirals reported than in 2016-2019. Most patients tested negative for viral detection. When comparing the percentage of viruses detected by age group and years of detection, positivity was lower in 2021 by every age group, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most frequently detected. CONCLUSIONS There was less virus positivity in viral detection tests in the pediatric population in 2021. RSV persists as the main etiology affecting this population, especially infants. The use of antibiotic therapy in viral infections continues to be a problematic practice in their management. Sentinel surveillance can be strengthened throughout the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiara Zarur‐Torralvo
- Department of PediatricsSchool of Medicine, Universidad del NorteBarranquillaColombia
| | - Iván Stand‐Niño
- Department of Pediatric PulmonologySchool of Medicine, Universidad del NorteBarranquillaColombia
| | - Victor Flórez‐García
- Department of Public HealthUniversidad del NorteBarranquillaColombia,Department of Public HealthJoseph J. Zilber School of Public Health, University of Wisconsin‐MilwaukeeWisconsinMilwaukeeUSA
| | - Humberto Mendoza
- Department of Public HealthUniversidad del NorteBarranquillaColombia,Division of Public HealthSecretary of Health of Barranquilla City HallBarranquillaColombia
| | - Erika Viana‐Cárdenas
- Department of Public HealthUniversidad del NorteBarranquillaColombia,Division of Public HealthSecretary of Health of Barranquilla City HallBarranquillaColombia
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15
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Clinical Performance Evaluation of the NeuMoDx Flu A-B/RSV/SARS-CoV-2 Vantage Assay. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12123201. [PMID: 36553208 PMCID: PMC9777658 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12123201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infections may present with various symptoms that are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. For this reason, the need for simultaneous detection of at least RSV and influenza viruses together with SARS-CoV-2 was evident from the early stages of the pandemic. In the present study, we evaluated the clinical performance of the NeuMoDx™ Flu A-B/RSV/SARS-CoV-2 Vantage Assay against the conventional low-plex PCR utilized to detect influenza A-B, RSV, and SARS-CoV-2. There were 115 known positive clinical samples and 35 negative controls obtained from asymptomatic health-care workers included in the study; 25 samples were positive for influenza viruses, 46 for RSV, and 44 for SARS-CoV-2. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the evaluated method for influenza and SARS-CoV-2 were 100%. The Spearman correlation coefficient was 0.586 (p < 0.05) for influenza and 0.893 (p < 0.05) for SARS-CoV-2. The sensitivity of the aforementioned assay for RSV was 93.47%; the specificity and the positive predictive value were 100%, and the negative predictive value was 92.10%, while the Spearman correlation coefficient was not applicable for the RSV. Overall, the assay under evaluation was shown to be a reliable alternative for the simultaneous detection of influenza viruses, RSV and SARS-CoV-2.
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16
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Influence of public health and infection control interventions during the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 pandemic on the in-hospital epidemiology of pathogens: in hospital versus community circulating pathogens. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:140. [PMID: 36369056 PMCID: PMC9651880 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01182-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The first detection of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Germany was reported in early February 2020. In addition, extensive control measures on the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have been placed in Germany since March 2020. These include contact and travel restrictions, distance rules, mandatory wearing of face masks and respirators, cancellation of mass events, closures of day-care centers, schools, restaurants and shops, isolation measures, and intensified infection control measures in medical and long-term care facilities. Changes in demand or access to health care services and intensified control measures can lead to changes in transmission dynamics and imply effects on the overall occurrence of infectious diseases in hospitals. Methods To analyze the impact of infection control measures implemented in public on infectious diseases in hospitals, surveillance data from Marburg University Hospital were analyzed retrospectively. The analysis was conducted from January 2019 to June 2021, referred to hospital occupancy and mobility data in the county of Marburg-Biedenkopf, and correlated to control measures in hospitals and the general population. Results The COVID-19 pandemic and associated measures immediately impacted the occurrence of infectious diseases at the Marburg University Hospital. Significant changes were detected for virus-associated respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases. The massive drop in norovirus infections was significantly affected by the onset of the pandemic (P = 0.028). Similar effects were observed for rotavirus (up to − 89%), respiratory syncytial virus (up to − 98%), and adenovirus infections (up to − 90%). The decrease in gastrointestinal and respiratory virus detection rates was significantly affected by the decline in mobility (P < 0.05). Of note, since April 2020, there have been no detected influenza cases. Furthermore, Clostridioides difficile-related infections declined after late 2020 (− 44%). In contrast, no significant changes were detected in the prevalence of susceptible and drug-resistant bacterial pathogens. In particular, the detection rates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates or multidrug resistant (MDR) and extended drug resistant (XDR) bacteria remained constant, although the consumption of hand disinfectants and protective equipment increased. Conclusions The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures had a significant impact on infectious diseases and the detection of pathogens at the Marburg University Hospital. Significant changes were observed for community transmissible infections, while no such effects on pathogens primarily associated with nosocomial transmission could be detected. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-022-01182-z.
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17
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Wang X, Xu H, Chu P, Zeng Y, Tian J, Song F, Guo Y, Xu X, Ni X, Feng G. Effects of COVID-19-targeted nonpharmaceutical interventions on children's respiratory admissions in China: a national multicenter time series study. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 124:174-180. [PMID: 36241166 PMCID: PMC9554008 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To estimate the impact of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) targeted at the COVID-19 pandemic on the admission number of respiratory diseases, including pneumonia, acute bronchitis & bronchiolitis, and acute upper respiratory infections (AURIs) for children in China. METHODS Continuous hospitalization records aged 0-18 years from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2020, were collected from 26 tertiary children's hospitals. Interrupted time series analysis with a quasi-Poisson model was conducted with the start time of the COVID-19 pandemic as the interrupted timepoint and the weekly admission numbers of all-cause respiratory disease, pneumonia, acute bronchitis & bronchiolitis, and AURI as the outcome measures. Hospitalizations of childhood neoplasms were analyzed as the reference group. RESULTS The reduction in admission numbers following NPIs was -55.0% (-57.9 to -51.9%) for all-cause respiratory diseases, -62.7% (-65.7 to -59.5%) for pneumonia, -48.1% (-53.3 to -42.3%) for bronchitis & bronchiolitis, and -24.3% (-28.6 to -19.8%) for AURI. The effect estimates of NPIs on childhood neoplasms was -29.1% (-33.6 to -24.4%). Stratification analysis showed the reduction was most drastic for children at 4-6 and 7-12 years. CONCLUSION The admission number for respiratory diseases among children in China decreased drastically after the implementation of NPIs. NPIs with low socio-economic burdens should be suggested even outside the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wang
- Big Data Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Xu
- Big Data Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Chu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yueping Zeng
- Medical Record Management Office, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Tian
- Big Data Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Song
- Medical Record Management Office, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Yongli Guo
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Pediatric Diseases of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, MOE Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Information Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Big Data Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China
| | - Guoshuang Feng
- Big Data Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, China.
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18
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Association of human myxovirus resistance protein A with severity of COVID-19. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:755. [PMID: 36171547 PMCID: PMC9517979 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07753-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In this retrospective cohort study, we explored the correlation of blood human myxovirus resistance protein A (MxA) level with severity of disease in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Methods All 304 patients admitted for COVID-19 in our hospital until 30th of April 2021 were included in this study. MxA was measured from peripheral blood samples in 268 cases. Patients were divided into groups based on their level of MxA on admission. We studied baseline characteristics and severity of disease on admission based on clinical parameters and inflammatory biomarker levels in each group. Severity of disease during hospitalization was determined by the applied level of respiratory support, by the usage of corticosteroids and by the duration of hospitalization. Results Higher MxA levels on admission were associated with a shorter duration of symptoms before admission, and with more severe disease. Adjusted Odds Ratios for any respiratory support were 9.92 (95%CI 2.11–46.58; p = 0.004) in patients with MxA between 400 μg/L and 799 μg/L (p = 0.004) and 20.08 (95%CI 4.51–89.44; p < 0.001) in patients with MxA ≥ 800 μg/L in comparison with patients with initial MxA < 400 μg/L. The usage of corticosteroids was significantly higher in the high-MxA group (77%) in comparison with the intermediate-MxA group (62%, p = 0.013) and low-MxA group (47%, p < 0.001). Conclusions Higher initial levels of MxA were associated with more severe COVID-19. MxA may be a helpful additional biomarker to predict the severity of the disease.
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19
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Oh KB, Doherty TM, Vetter V, Bonanni P. Lifting non-pharmaceutical interventions following the COVID-19 pandemic - the quiet before the storm? Expert Rev Vaccines 2022; 21:1541-1553. [PMID: 36039786 DOI: 10.1080/14760584.2022.2117693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In the first months of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic that begun in 2020, non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been adopted worldwide. However, the effects of NPI implementation go beyond slowing the spread of COVID-19. Here, we review the non-intended effects that may have arisen from prolonged application of NPIs. AREAS COVERED NPIs also affected the epidemiology of other infectious diseases, with unprecedentedly low circulation of several respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses being observed worldwide in 2020. While this was a welcome effect for already strained healthcare systems, prolonged low exposure to pathogens may result in an increased pool of individuals susceptible to certain diseases. Out-of-season or unusually intense outbreaks of non-vaccine preventable diseases have already been documented as NPIs were gradually eased. In the context of widespread and important disruptions in national vaccination programs during the early phase of the pandemic, the risk of vaccine-preventable disease resurgence after NPIs are lifted cannot be excluded either. EXPERT OPINION Awareness must be raised of the risk of vaccine-preventable disease resurgence, and efforts need to be made to mitigate this risk, where possible, by increasing vaccination coverage. Research and regulatory opportunities brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic should be seized.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paolo Bonanni
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Italy
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20
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Human enteric adenovirus F40/41 as a major cause of acute gastroenteritis in children in Brazil, 2018 to 2020. Sci Rep 2022; 12:11220. [PMID: 35780169 PMCID: PMC9250496 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15413-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Human adenovirus (HAdV) types F40/41 have long been recognized as major viral agents of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children. Despite this, studies on HAdV molecular epidemiology are sparse, and their real impact is likely under-estimated. Thus, our goal was to investigate HAdV incidence, enteric and non-enteric types circulation, co-detections with rotavirus and norovirus and DNA shedding in stool samples from inpatients and outpatients from eleven Brazilian states. During the three-year study, 1012 AGE stool samples were analysed by TaqMan-based qPCR, to detect and quantify HAdV. Positive samples were genotyped by partial sequencing of the hexon gene followed by phylogenetic analysis. Co-detections were accessed by screening for rotavirus and norovirus. Overall, we detected HAdV in 24.5% of single-detected samples (n = 248), with a prevalence of type F41 (35.8%). We observed a higher incidence in children between 6 to 24 months, without marked seasonality. Additionally, we observed a statistically higher median viral load among single-detections between enteric and non-enteric types and a significantly lower HAdV viral load compared to rotavirus and norovirus in co-detections (p < 0.0001). Our study contributes to the knowledge of HAdV epidemiology and reinforces the need for the inclusion of enteric types F40/41 in molecular surveillance programs.
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21
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Tang HJ, Lai CC, Chao CM. Changing Epidemiology of Respiratory Tract Infection during COVID-19 Pandemic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:antibiotics11030315. [PMID: 35326778 PMCID: PMC8944752 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11030315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The outbreak of COVID-19 has significantly changed the epidemiology of respiratory tract infection in several ways. The implementation of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) including universal masking, hand hygiene, and social distancing not only resulted in a decline in reported SARS-CoV-2 cases but also contributed to the decline in the non-COVID-19 respiratory tract infection-related hospital utilization. Moreover, it also led to the decreased incidence of previous commonly encountered respiratory pathogens, such as influenza and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Although antimicrobial agents are essential for treating patients with COVID-19 co-infection, the prescribing of antibiotics was significantly higher than the estimated prevalence of bacterial co-infection, which indicated the overuse of antibiotics or unnecessary antibiotic use during the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, inappropriate antimicrobial exposure may drive the selection of drug-resistant microorganisms, and the disruption of infection control in COVID-19 setting measures may result in the spread of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs). In conclusion, NPIs could be effective in preventing respiratory tract infection and changing the microbiologic distribution of respiratory pathogens; however, we should continue with epidemiological surveillance to establish updated information, antimicrobial stewardship programs for appropriate use of antibiotic, and infection control prevention interventions to prevent the spread of MDROs during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Jen Tang
- Department of Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Tainan 71004, Taiwan;
| | - Chih-Cheng Lai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Tainan Branch, Tainan 710, Taiwan;
| | - Chien-Ming Chao
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Chi Mei Medical Center, Liouying, Tainan 73657, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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22
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Rios Guzman E, Hultquist JF. Clinical and biological consequences of respiratory syncytial virus genetic diversity. Ther Adv Infect Dis 2022; 9:20499361221128091. [PMID: 36225856 PMCID: PMC9549189 DOI: 10.1177/20499361221128091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is one of the most common etiological agents of global acute respiratory tract infections with a disproportionate burden among infants, individuals over the age of 65, and immunocompromised populations. The two major subtypes of RSV (A and B) co-circulate with a predominance of either group during different epidemic seasons, with frequently emerging genotypes due to RSV's high genetic variability. Global surveillance systems have improved our understanding of seasonality, disease burden, and genomic evolution of RSV through genotyping by sequencing of attachment (G) glycoprotein. However, the integration of these systems into international infrastructures is in its infancy, resulting in a relatively low number (~2200) of publicly available RSV genomes. These limitations in surveillance hinder our ability to contextualize RSV evolution past current canonical attachment glycoprotein (G)-oriented understanding, thus resulting in gaps in understanding of how genetic diversity can play a role in clinical outcome, therapeutic efficacy, and the host immune response. Furthermore, utilizing emerging RSV genotype information from surveillance and testing the impact of viral evolution using molecular techniques allows us to establish causation between the clinical and biological consequences of arising genotypes, which subsequently aids in informed vaccine design and future vaccination strategy. In this review, we aim to discuss the findings from current molecular surveillance efforts and the gaps in knowledge surrounding the consequence of RSV genetic diversity on disease severity, therapeutic efficacy, and RSV-host interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estefany Rios Guzman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious
Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL,
USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial
Evolution, Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg
School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Judd F. Hultquist
- Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center,
Northwestern University, 9-141, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60611,
USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious
Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL,
USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial
Evolution, Institute for Global Health, Northwestern University Feinberg
School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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