1
|
Chang CK, Chen CS, Jian MJ, Chung HY, Chang FY, Lin JC, Hsieh SS, Tang SH, Perng CL, Chen CW, Chiu CH, Shang HS. Monitoring coronavirus disease progression and clinical impact through quantitative viral load testing. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 560:119731. [PMID: 38754576 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2024.119731] [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: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The viral load (VL) in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected individuals is critical for improving clinical treatment strategies, care, and decisions. Several studies have reported that the initial SARS-CoV-2 VL is associated with disease severity and mortality. Cycle threshold (Ct) values and/or copies/mL are often used to quantify VL. However, a multitude of platforms, primer/probe sets of different SARS-CoV-2 target genes, and reference material manufacturers may cause inconsistent interlaboratory interpretations. The first International Standard for SARS-CoV-2 RNA quantitative assays has allowed diagnostic laboratories to transition SARS-CoV-2 VL results into international units per milliliter (IU/mL). The Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo quantitative assay provides VL results expressed in IU/mL. MATERIALS AND METHODS We enrolled 145 and 50 SARS-CoV-2-positive, hospitalized and 50-negative individuals at the Tri-Service General Hospital, Taiwan from January to May 2022. Each participant's electronic medical record was reviewed to determine asymptomatic, mild, moderate, and severe cases. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected using universal transport medium. We investigated the association of SARS-CoV-2 VL with disease severity using the Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo quantitative assay and its functionality in clinical assessment and decision making to further improve clinical treatment strategies. Limit of detection (LOD) was assessed. RESULTS All 50 SARS-CoV-2-negative samples confirmed negative for SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating 100 % specificity of the Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo assay. Patients with severe symptoms had longer hospital stays, and the length of hospital stay (30.56 days on average) positively correlated with the VL (8.22 ± 1.21 log10 IU/mL). Asymptomatic patients had the lowest VL (5.54 ± 2.06 log10 IU/mL) at admission and the shortest hospital stay (14.1 days on average). CONCLUSIONS VL is associated with disease severity and duration of hospitalization; therefore, its quantification should be considered when making clinical care decisions and treatment strategies. The Cobas SARS-CoV-2 Duo assay provides a commutable unitage IU/mL for interlaboratory interpretations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Kai Chang
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chi-Sheng Chen
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Ming-Jr Jian
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hsing-Yi Chung
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Feng-Yee Chang
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Jung-Chung Lin
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shan-Shan Hsieh
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Sheng-Hui Tang
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Cherng-Lih Perng
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chien-Wen Chen
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hsiang Chiu
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Hung-Sheng Shang
- Division of Clinical Pathology, Department of Pathology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Muncan B, Jordan AE, Perlman DC, Frank D, Ompad DC, Walters SM. Acceptability and Effectiveness of Hepatitis C Care at Syringe Service Programs for People Who Inject Drugs in New York City. Subst Use Misuse 2021; 56:728-737. [PMID: 33682610 PMCID: PMC8514132 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2021.1892142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction/Objectives: The incidence of hepatitis C (HCV) infection is rising among people who inject drugs (PWID). Even in the context of known HCV prevention and treatment strategies, some PWID remain unengaged in HCV care. This study aimed to identify and characterize experiences and perceptions of PWID regarding the acceptability and effectiveness of HCV testing and treatment at a local syringe service program (SSP). Methods: A total of 36 PWID participated in semi-structured interviews at an SSP in New York City. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded by three coders, following a constructivist grounded theory approach. Relevant themes were identified as they emerged from the data. Results: Interviews with PWID revealed three themes related to the impact of SSPs on HCV care: (1) non-stigmatizing SSP environments, (2) the role of SSPs in improving HCV knowledge, and (3) acceptability of SSPs as sites for HCV care among PWID. Discussion: This paper contributes to the ongoing understanding that SSPs provide a well-accepted source of HCV services for PWID. Participants believed that SSPs are accessible and effective sites for HCV care, and suggested that stigma among PWID continues to affect receipt of HCV care in traditional settings. Conclusions: Understanding attitudes and beliefs of PWID regarding the effectiveness of SSPs as sites for HCV care is crucial for the development of focused strategies to reduce HCV transmission, and to ultimately achieve HCV elimination. Given this, further research is warranted investigating how best to improve HCV care at harm reduction sites such as SSPs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Muncan
- Renaissance School of Medicine at Stony, Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Ashly E. Jordan
- Behavioral Science Training Program in Drug Abuse Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA
- Graduate School of Public Health and Health Policy, City University of New York, New York, NY, USA
| | - David C. Perlman
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - David Frank
- Behavioral Science Training Program in Drug Abuse Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA
| | - Danielle C. Ompad
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - Suzan M. Walters
- Behavioral Science Training Program in Drug Abuse Research, Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Tortella GR, Rubilar O, Diez MC, Padrão J, Zille A, Pieretti JC, Seabra AB. Advanced Material Against Human (Including Covid-19) and Plant Viruses: Nanoparticles As a Feasible Strategy. GLOBAL CHALLENGES (HOBOKEN, NJ) 2021; 5:2000049. [PMID: 33614127 PMCID: PMC7883180 DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202000049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus outbreak revealed that these nano-pathogens have the ability to rapidly change lives. Undoubtedly, SARS-CoV-2 as well as other viruses can cause important global impacts, affecting public health, as well as, socioeconomic development. But viruses are not only a public health concern, they are also a problem in agriculture. The current treatments are often ineffective, are prone to develop resistance, or cause considerable adverse side effects. The use of nanotechnology has played an important role to combat viral diseases. In this review three main aspects are in focus: first, the potential use of nanoparticles as carriers for drug delivery. Second, its use for treatments of some human viral diseases, and third, its application as antivirals in plants. With these three themes, the aim is to give to readers an overview of the progress in this promising area of biotechnology during the 2017-2020 period, and to provide a glance at how tangible is the effectiveness of nanotechnology against viruses. Future prospects are also discussed. It is hoped that this review can be a contribution to general knowledge for both specialized and non-specialized readers, allowing a better knowledge of this interesting topic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gonzalo R. Tortella
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio AmbienteCIBAMA‐BIORENUniversidad de La FronteraTemuco4811230Chile
| | - Olga Rubilar
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio AmbienteCIBAMA‐BIORENUniversidad de La FronteraTemuco4811230Chile
- Chemical Engineering DepartmentUniversidad de La FronteraTemuco4811230Chile
| | - María Cristina Diez
- Centro de Excelencia en Investigación Biotecnológica Aplicada al Medio AmbienteCIBAMA‐BIORENUniversidad de La FronteraTemuco4811230Chile
- Chemical Engineering DepartmentUniversidad de La FronteraTemuco4811230Chile
| | - Jorge Padrão
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T)University of MinhoGuimarães4800‐058Portugal
| | - Andrea Zille
- Centre for Textile Science and Technology (2C2T)University of MinhoGuimarães4800‐058Portugal
| | - Joana C. Pieretti
- Center for Natural and Human SciencesUniversidade Federal d ABC (UFABC)Santo André09210‐580Brazil
| | - Amedea B. Seabra
- Center for Natural and Human SciencesUniversidade Federal d ABC (UFABC)Santo André09210‐580Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Walters SM, Seal DW, Stopka TJ, Murphy ME, Jenkins WD. COVID-19 and People Who Use Drugs - A Commentary. HEALTH BEHAVIOR AND POLICY REVIEW 2020; 7:489-497. [PMID: 33134405 PMCID: PMC7595339 DOI: 10.14485/hbpr.7.5.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People who use drugs (PWUD) face increased risk of exposure to COVID-19, but also elevated risk associated from injection drug use. We describe factors underlying their increased risk and identify mechanisms for reducing or minimizing rates of COVID-19 transmission and other health outcomes. METHODS Our commentary draws upon empirical data, governmental and other reports, and field-based unpublished data from our own studies to inform our conclusion and recommendations. RESULTS Co-morbid health conditions (eg, diabetes), structural challenges (eg, homelessness, criminal justice involvement), stigma (eg, social devaluation, discrediting), and syndemic clustering of of overdose, HCV, and HIV among PWUD are exacerbated by COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS Beyond the many challenges all people face to remain safe and healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic, PWUD face additional barriers to remaining safe not only from COVID-19 but from negative health outcomes associated with their living environments, socioeconomic positions, and injection drug use. Collaborative efforts among governmental agencies, health providers, SSPs, CBOs, and other agencies providing services to PWUD is essential to the development of programs and services to meet the many needs of PWUD, which have been particularly accentuated during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzan M Walters
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NY, United States
| | - David W Seal
- Global Community Health and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Public Health & Tropical Medicine, New Orleans, LA, United States
| | - Thomas J Stopka
- Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, Clinical and Translational Science Institute, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Megan E Murphy
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Wiley D Jenkins
- Department of Population Science and Policy, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, United States
| |
Collapse
|