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Shan S, Zhang W, Gao H, Huang PY, Du Z, Bai Y, Lau YC, Chen D, Lau EHY, Nealon J, Wu P. Global Seasonal Activities of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Before the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic: A Systematic Review. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae238. [PMID: 38770210 PMCID: PMC11103620 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Varied seasonal patterns of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have been reported worldwide. We conducted a systematic review on articles identified in PubMed reporting RSV seasonality based on data collected before 1 January 2020. RSV seasonal patterns were examined by geographic location, calendar month, analytic method, and meteorological factors including temperature and absolute humidity. Correlation and regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between RSV seasonality and study methods and characteristics of study locations. RSV seasons were reported in 209 articles published in 1973-2023 for 317 locations in 77 countries. Regular RSV seasons were similarly reported in countries in temperate regions, with highly variable seasons identified in subtropical and tropical countries. Longer durations of RSV seasons were associated with a higher daily average mean temperature and daily average mean absolute humidity. The global seasonal patterns of RSV provided important information for optimizing interventions against RSV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songwei Shan
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Weixin Zhang
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Huizhi Gao
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Pei-Yu Huang
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Zhanwei Du
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yuan Bai
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Yiu-Chung Lau
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Dongxuan Chen
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Eric H Y Lau
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Joshua Nealon
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
| | - Peng Wu
- World Health Organization Collaborating Centre for Infectious Disease Epidemiology and Control, School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
- Laboratory of Data Discovery for Health, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, China
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Boyanton BL, Frenner RA, Ingold A, Ambroggio L, Kennedy JL. SARS-CoV-2 pandemic non-pharmacologic interventions temporally associated with reduced pediatric infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and co-infecting respiratory viruses in Arkansas. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0290823. [PMID: 38488365 PMCID: PMC10986484 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02908-23] [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: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), such as universal masking, implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have reduced respiratory infections among children. This study evaluated the impact of NPIs on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children, analyzing data from two hospitals in Arkansas and examining age-related differences and co-infections with other respiratory viruses. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and included patients (≤18 years) with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Data generated from the FilmArray Respiratory Panel were divided into pre-NPI, NPI, and post-NPI periods for analysis. Overall test positivity rate and positivity rate interval changes were evaluated. Statistical differences were determined by Chi-square (χ2 independence) analysis. A total of 100,077 tests were performed, with a statistical increase in testing volume during the NPI and post-NPI periods. The number of positive M. pneumoniae tests decreased by 77% (77 to 18) during the NPI period, then increased by 50% (18 to 27) during the post-NPI period. Preschool and elementary school age groups had the highest number of positive tests during the study at 59 (48%) and 40 (33%), respectively. Reduced M. pneumoniae infections were consistent across age groups. Co-infections with other respiratory viruses, particularly human rhinovirus/enterovirus, were observed at much lower levels. Pediatric M. pneumoniae infections in Arkansas were temporally associated with implementation and discontinuation of NPIs. Specific viral co-infections still occurred, albeit at lower levels during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Because of the slower growth of this bacterium, we expect M. pneumoniae infections to return to pre-pandemic levels within approximately 2 years. IMPORTANCE Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs) effectively curtailed the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and, fortuitously, many other aerosol-transmitted respiratory pathogens. This study included the largest data set of symptomatic, pediatric patients from within the United States spanning a period from November 2017 through December 2023, and encompassed individuals residing in both rural and urban settings. We observed a strong correlation between the implementation and cessation of NPIs with the rate of respiratory infections due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and viral co-infections. These infections are returning to baseline levels approximately 2 years following NPI cessation. This observation was not unexpected since the replication time for viruses is exponentially faster than that of bacteria. The resurgence of M. pneumoniae and likely other atypical bacterial pathogens is currently in process. Healthcare providers should strongly consider these pathogens in individuals presenting with respiratory tract illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby L. Boyanton
- Department of Pathology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Rachel A. Frenner
- Department of Pathology, Arkansas Children's Hospital, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Ashton Ingold
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lilliam Ambroggio
- Sections of Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Joshua L. Kennedy
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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Polkowska-Kramek A, Begier E, Bruyndonckx R, Liang C, Beese C, Brestrich G, Tran TMP, Nuttens C, Casas M, Bayer LJ, Huebbe B, Ewnetu WB, Agudelo JLR, Gessner BD, von Eiff C, Rohde G. Estimated Incidence of Hospitalizations and Deaths Attributable to Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections Among Adults in Germany Between 2015 and 2019. Infect Dis Ther 2024; 13:845-860. [PMID: 38520629 PMCID: PMC11058748 DOI: 10.1007/s40121-024-00951-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) burden in adults is underestimated mainly due to unspecific symptoms and limited standard-of-care testing. We estimated the population-based incidence of hospitalization and mortality attributable to RSV among adults with and without risk factors in Germany. METHODS Weekly counts of hospitalizations and deaths for respiratory, cardiovascular, and cardiorespiratory diseases were obtained (Statutory Health Insurance database, 2015-2019). A quasi-Poisson regression model was fitted to estimate the number of hospitalizations and deaths attributable to RSV as a function of periodic and aperiodic time trends, and viral activity while allowing for potential overdispersion. Weekly counts of RSV and influenza hospitalizations in children < 2 years and adults ≥ 60 years, respectively, were used as viral activity indicators. Models were stratified by age group and risk status (defined as presence of selected comorbidities). RESULTS Population-based RSV-attributable hospitalization incidence rates were high among adults ≥ 60 years: respiratory hospitalizations (236-363 per 100,000 person-years) and cardiorespiratory hospitalizations (584-912 per 100,000 person-years). RSV accounted for 2-3% of all cardiorespiratory hospitalizations in this age group. The increase in cardiorespiratory hospitalization risk associated with underlying risk factors was greater in 18-44 year old persons (five to sixfold higher) than in ≥ 75 year old persons (two to threefold higher). CONCLUSIONS This is a first model-based study to comprehensively assess adult RSV burden in Germany. Estimated cardiorespiratory RSV hospitalization rates increased with age and were substantially higher in people with risk factors compared to those without risk factors. Our study indicates that RSV, like other respiratory viruses, contributes to both respiratory and cardiovascular hospitalizations. Effective prevention strategies are needed, especially among older adults ≥ 60 years and among adults with underlying risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Caihua Liang
- Pfizer Inc, 66 Hudson Blvd E, New York, NY, 10001, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | - Maribel Casas
- P95 Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology Services, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Gernot Rohde
- Medical Clinic I, Department of Respiratory Medicine, Goethe University Frankfurt, University Hospital, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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Köndgen S, Oh DY, Thürmer A, Sedaghatjoo S, Patrono LV, Calvignac-Spencer S, Biere B, Wolff T, Dürrwald R, Fuchs S, Reiche J. A robust, scalable, and cost-efficient approach to whole genome sequencing of RSV directly from clinical samples. J Clin Microbiol 2024; 62:e0111123. [PMID: 38407068 PMCID: PMC10935636 DOI: 10.1128/jcm.01111-23] [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: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory tract infections causing significant morbidity and mortality among children and the elderly; two RSV vaccines and a monoclonal antibody have recently been approved. Thus, there is an increasing need for a detailed and continuous genomic surveillance of RSV circulating in resource-rich and resource-limited settings worldwide. However, robust, cost-effective methods for whole genome sequencing of RSV from clinical samples that are amenable to high-throughput are still scarce. We developed Next-RSV-SEQ, an experimental and computational pipeline to generate whole genome sequences of historic and current RSV genotypes by in-solution hybridization capture-based next generation sequencing. We optimized this workflow by automating library preparation and pooling libraries prior to enrichment in order to reduce hands-on time and cost, thereby augmenting scalability. Next-RSV-SEQ yielded near-complete to complete genome sequences for 98% of specimens with Cp values ≤31, at median on-target reads >93%, and mean coverage depths between ~1,000 and >5,000, depending on viral load. Whole genomes were successfully recovered from samples with viral loads as low as 230 copies per microliter RNA. We demonstrate that the method can be expanded to other respiratory viruses like parainfluenza virus and human metapneumovirus. Next-RSV-SEQ produces high-quality RSV genomes directly from culture isolates and, more importantly, clinical specimens of all genotypes in circulation. It is cost-efficient, scalable, and can be extended to other respiratory viruses, thereby opening new perspectives for a future effective and broad genomic surveillance of respiratory viruses. IMPORTANCE Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of severe acute respiratory tract infections in children and the elderly, and its prevention has become an increasing priority. Recently, vaccines and a long-acting monoclonal antibody to protect effectively against severe disease have been approved for the first time. Hence, there is an urgent need for genomic surveillance of RSV at the global scale to monitor virus evolution, especially with an eye toward immune evasion. However, robust, cost-effective methods for RSV whole genome sequencing that are suitable for high-throughput of clinical samples are currently scarce. Therefore, we have developed Next-RSV-SEQ, an experimental and computational pipeline that produces reliably high-quality RSV genomes directly from clinical specimens and isolates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Köndgen
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Djin-Ye Oh
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Thürmer
- Genome Competence Center, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Livia V. Patrono
- Epidemiology of highly pathogenic microorganisms, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Biere
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wolff
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dürrwald
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Fuchs
- Genome Competence Center, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Reiche
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch-Institute, Berlin, Germany
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5
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Hallmann E, Masny A, Poznańska A, Pozo F, Casas I, Brydak LB. Molecular Determinants of Drug Resistance and Mutation Patterns in Influenza Viruses Circulating in Poland Across Multiple Epidemic Seasons: Implications for Vaccination Strategies. Med Sci Monit 2024; 30:e942125. [PMID: 38446736 PMCID: PMC10926709 DOI: 10.12659/msm.942125] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to the WHO, up to 650 000 people die each year from seasonal flu-related respiratory illnesses. The most effective method of fighting the virus is seasonal vaccination. However, if an infection does occur, antiviral medications should be used as soon as possible. No studies of drug resistance in influenza viruses circulating in Poland have been systematically conducted. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the drug resistance and genetic diversity of influenza virus strains circulating in Poland by determining the presence of mutations in the neuraminidase gene. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 258 clinical specimens were collected during the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, and 2018-2019 epidemic seasons. The samples containing influenza A and B were analyzed by RT-PCR and Sanger sequencing. RESULTS Differences were found between the influenza virus strains detected in different epidemic seasons, demonstrating the occurrence of mutations. Influenza A virus was found to be more genetically variable than influenza B virus (P<0.001, Kruskal-Wallis test). However, there was no significant difference in the resistance prevalence between the influenza A subtypes A/H1N1/pdm09 (4.8%) and A/H3N2/ (6.1%). In contrast, more mutations of drug-resistance genes were found in the influenza B virus (P<0.001, chi-square test). In addition, resistance mutations appeared en masse in vaccine strains circulating in unvaccinated populations. CONCLUSIONS It seems important to determine whether the influenza virus strains tested for drug resistance as part of global influenza surveillance are equally representative of viruses circulating in populations with high and low vaccination rates, for all countries. Our results suggest that countries with low levels of influenza immunization may constitute reservoirs of drug-resistant influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Hallmann
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aleksander Masny
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Poznańska
- Department of Population Health Monitoring and Analysis, National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Francisco Pozo
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Casas
- National Center for Microbiology, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Majadahonda, Spain
- CIBER Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | - Lidia Bernadeta Brydak
- Department of Virology, National Institute of Public Health NIH – National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
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Cai W, Köndgen S, Tolksdorf K, Dürrwald R, Schuler E, Biere B, Schweiger B, Goerlitz L, Haas W, Wolff T, Buda S, Reiche J. Atypical age distribution and high disease severity in children with RSV infections during two irregular epidemic seasons throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Germany, 2021 to 2023. Euro Surveill 2024; 29:2300465. [PMID: 38551098 PMCID: PMC10979527 DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.es.2024.29.13.2300465] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BackgroundNon-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) during the COVID-19 pandemic affected respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation worldwide.AimTo describe, for children aged < 5 years, the 2021 and 2022/23 RSV seasons in Germany.MethodsThrough data and 16,754 specimens from outpatient sentinel surveillance, we investigated RSV seasonality, circulating lineages, and affected children's age distributions in 2021 and 2022/23. Available information about disease severity from hospital surveillance was analysed for patients with RSV-specific diagnosis codes (n = 13,104). Differences between RSV seasons were assessed by chi-squared test and age distributions trends by Mann-Kendall test.ResultsRSV seasonality was irregular in 2021 (weeks 35-50) and 2022/23 (weeks 41-3) compared to pre-COVID-19 2011/12-2019/20 seasons (median weeks 51-12). RSV positivity rates (RSV-PR) were higher in 2021 (40% (522/1,291); p < 0.001) and 2022/23 (30% (299/990); p = 0.005) than in prior seasons (26% (1,430/5,511)). Known globally circulating RSV-A (lineages GA2.3.5 and GA2.3.6b) and RSV-B (lineage GB5.0.5a) strains, respectively, dominated in 2021 and 2022/23. In 2021, RSV-PRs were similar in 1 - < 2, 2 - < 3, 3 - < 4, and 4 - < 5-year-olds. RSV hospitalisation incidence in 2021 (1,114/100,000, p < 0.001) and in 2022/23 (1,034/100,000, p < 0.001) was approximately double that of previous seasons' average (2014/15-2019/20: 584/100,000). In 2022/23, proportions of RSV patients admitted to intensive care units rose (8.5% (206/2,413)) relative to pre-COVID-19 seasons (6.8% (551/8,114); p = 0.004), as did those needing ventilator support (6.1% (146/2,413) vs 3.8% (310/8,114); p < 0.001).ConclusionsHigh RSV-infection risk in 2-4-year-olds in 2021 and increased disease severity in 2022/23 possibly result from lower baseline population immunity, after NPIs diminished exposure to RSV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Cai
- Unit 36, Respiratory Infections, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie Köndgen
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kristin Tolksdorf
- Unit 36, Respiratory Infections, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dürrwald
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Barbara Biere
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Brunhilde Schweiger
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luise Goerlitz
- Unit 36, Respiratory Infections, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Walter Haas
- Unit 36, Respiratory Infections, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Thorsten Wolff
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Silke Buda
- Unit 36, Respiratory Infections, Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Janine Reiche
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, National Influenza Centre, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
- Unit 17, Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, Department of Infectious Diseases, Consultant Laboratory for RSV, PIV and HMPV, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Singer R, Abu Sin M, Tenenbaum T, Toepfner N, Berner R, Buda S, Schlaberg J, Schönfeld V, Reinacher U, van der Linden M, Claus H, Lâm TT, Schneider M, Noll I, Haller S, von Laer A. The Increase in Invasive Bacterial Infections With Respiratory Transmission in Germany, 2022/2023. DEUTSCHES ARZTEBLATT INTERNATIONAL 2024; 121:114-120. [PMID: 38229497 PMCID: PMC11019759 DOI: 10.3238/arztebl.m2023.0261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In late 2022, health care institutions in Germany reported an unusual number of severe, invasive bacterial infections in association with a high incidence of viral respiratory infections. METHODS We analyzed routine data on invasive infections due to Haemophilus influenzae, Neisseria meningitidis, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Streptococcus pyogenes (2017-2023) from a voluntary, laboratory-based surveillance system involving continuously participating facilities providing diagnostic routine data that cover approximately one-third of the German population. RESULTS In the first quarter (Q1) of 2023, the number of invasive S. pyogenes isolates rose by 142% (n = 837 vs. mean Q1/2017-2019 = 346, 95% CI [258; 434]), while the number of H. influenzae isolates rose by 90% (n = 209 in Q1/2023 vs. mean Q1/2017-2019 = 110, 95% CI [79; 142]), compared to pre-pandemic seasonal peak values. The number of invasive S. pneumoniae isolates was high in two quarters (n = 1732 in Q4/2022 und Q1/2023). Adults aged 55 and older and children younger than 5 years were most affected by invasive H. influenzae, S. pneumoniae, and S. pyogenes infections. N. meningitidis was most commonly found in children under age 5. CONCLUSION The reason for the marked rise in invasive bacterial infections may be an increased circulation of respiratory pathogens and elevated susceptibility in the population after relaxation of the measures taken to prevent COVID-19 infection. Coinfections with respiratory viruses may have reinforced this effect. We recommend continuous surveillance, preventive measures such as raising awareness about invasive bacterial diseases, and vaccination as recommended by the German Standing Committee on Vaccinations (STIKO).
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Singer
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
- Postgraduate Training in Applied Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
- European Programme for Intervention Epidemiology Training, European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Muna Abu Sin
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Tobias Tenenbaum
- Department of Pediatrics, Sana Hospital Lichtenberg, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Charité, Berlin
| | - Nicole Toepfner
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Dresden
| | - Reinhard Berner
- Department of Pediatrics, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Technical University of Dresden
| | - Silke Buda
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Johanna Schlaberg
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Viktoria Schönfeld
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Ulrich Reinacher
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Mark van der Linden
- Institute for Medical Microbiology, University Hospital, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen
| | - Heike Claus
- National Reference Center for Meningococci and H. influenzae, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg
| | - Thiên Trí Lâm
- National Reference Center for Meningococci and H. influenzae, Institute for Hygiene and Microbiology, University of Würzburg
| | - Marc Schneider
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Ines Noll
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Sebastian Haller
- Joint last authors
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
| | - Anja von Laer
- Joint last authors
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin
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Hassan MZ, Islam MA, Haider S, Shirin T, Chowdhury F. Respiratory Syncytial Virus-Associated Deaths among Children under Five before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Bangladesh. Viruses 2024; 16:111. [PMID: 38257812 PMCID: PMC10818674 DOI: 10.3390/v16010111] [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: 11/11/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a leading cause of acute lower respiratory infections in young children worldwide. RSV-associated deaths in children are underreported in Bangladesh. We analyzed hospital-based surveillance data on severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) in under-five children before (August 2009-February 2020) and during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020-March 2022). Using the World Health Organization definition, we identified SARI cases in 14 tertiary-level hospitals. Nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs were collected for real-time reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) testing of six respiratory viruses, including RSV. SARI deaths during the pandemic (2.6%, 66) were higher than pre-pandemic (1.8%, 159; p < 0.001). Nearly half of pandemic deaths (47%) had underlying respiratory viruses, similar to the pre-pandemic rate (45%). RSV detection in deaths was consistent pre-pandemic (13%, 20/159) and during the pandemic (12%, 8/66). Children aged < 6 months constituted 57% (16) of RSV-related deaths. Evaluating interventions like maternal vaccination and infant monoclonal antibody prophylaxis is crucial to address RSV, a major contributor to under-five SARI deaths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Zakiul Hassan
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh; (M.A.I.); (S.H.); (F.C.)
| | - Md. Ariful Islam
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh; (M.A.I.); (S.H.); (F.C.)
| | - Saleh Haider
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh; (M.A.I.); (S.H.); (F.C.)
| | - Tahmina Shirin
- Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR), Dhaka 1212, Bangladesh;
| | - Fahmida Chowdhury
- International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Bangladesh (icddr,b), Dhaka 1213, Bangladesh; (M.A.I.); (S.H.); (F.C.)
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Sun Y, Zhou J, Nie W, Tian D, Ye Q. Study on the epidemiological characteristics of enterovirus among pediatric patients in Hangzhou, China: A comparison between the pre-COVID-19, COVID-19 pandemic, and post-COVID-19 periods. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29412. [PMID: 38258311 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29412] [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: 08/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) not only reduce the prevalence of this disease among children but also influence the transmission of other viruses. This retrospective study investigated the impact of NPIs on human enterovirus (HEV) infection in children diagnosed with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) or herpangina (HA) in Hangzhou, China. We collected and analyzed the laboratory results and clinical data of children diagnosed with HFMD or HA during the following periods: pre-COVID-19 (January 2019 to December 2019), the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2020 to December 2022), and post-COVID-19 (January to December 2023). A total of 41 742 specimens that met the inclusion criteria were obtained, of which 1998 (4.79%) tested positive for enterovirus. In comparison to those in the pre-COVID-19 period, which had 695 (5.63%) HEV-positive specimens, the numbers dramatically decreased to 69 (1.19%), 398 (5.12%), and 112 (1.58%) in 2020, 2021, and 2022, respectively, but significantly increased to 724 (8.27%) in 2023. Seasonal peaks of infections occurred in May, June, July, and August each year, with the total detection rate ranging from 2019 to 2023 being 9.41% in May, 22.47% in June, 28.23% in July, and 12.16% in August, respectively. The difference in the detection rates of HEV infection between males and females was statistically significant (p < 0.005), with 5.11% (1221/23 898) of males and 4.35% (777/17 844) of females testing positive, resulting in a male-to-female positive ratio of 1.57:1. Among the age groups, 11.25% (378/3360) of the children aged 3-5 years had the highest detection rate, which steadily decreased with increasing or decreasing age. The detection of HEV indicated that >95% of the viruses were other types than the previously commonly reported enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) and coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16). In conclusion, NPIs for COVID-19 may be effective at reducing the transmission of HEV. However, with the relaxation of NPIs, the detection rate of HEVs increased slowly to a certain extent. Active awareness and surveillance of the epidemiological characteristics of HEV are essential for preventing, controlling, and managing the development of HFMD and HA, as well as contributing to the development of a multivalent HFMD vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianming Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenjian Nie
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dandan Tian
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qing Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health, National Children's Regional Medical Center, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
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Varela-Lasheras I, Perfeito L, Mesquita S, Gonçalves-Sá J. The effects of weather and mobility on respiratory viruses dynamics before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the USA and Canada. PLOS DIGITAL HEALTH 2023; 2:e0000405. [PMID: 38127792 PMCID: PMC10734953 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pdig.0000405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
The flu season is caused by a combination of different pathogens, including influenza viruses (IVS), that cause the flu, and non-influenza respiratory viruses (NIRVs), that cause common colds or influenza-like illness. These viruses exhibit similar dynamics and meteorological conditions have historically been regarded as a principal modulator of their epidemiology, with outbreaks in the winter and almost no circulation during the summer, in temperate regions. However, after the emergence of SARS-CoV2, in late 2019, the dynamics of these respiratory viruses were strongly perturbed worldwide: some infections displayed near-eradication, while others experienced temporal shifts or occurred "off-season". This disruption raised questions regarding the dominant role of weather while also providing an unique opportunity to investigate the roles of different determinants on the epidemiological dynamics of IVs and NIRVs. Here, we employ statistical analysis and modelling to test the effects of weather and mobility in viral dynamics, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Leveraging epidemiological surveillance data on several respiratory viruses, from Canada and the USA, from 2016 to 2023, we found that whereas in the pre-COVID-19 pandemic period, weather had a strong effect, in the pandemic period the effect of weather was strongly reduced and mobility played a more relevant role. These results, together with previous studies, indicate that behavioral changes resulting from the non-pharmacological interventions implemented to control SARS-CoV2, interfered with the dynamics of other respiratory viruses, and that the past dynamical equilibrium was disturbed, and perhaps permanently altered, by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irma Varela-Lasheras
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Carcavelos, Portugal
| | - Lilia Perfeito
- LIP, Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Mesquita
- LIP, Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas, Lisbon, Portugal
- Nova Medical School, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Gonçalves-Sá
- Nova School of Business and Economics, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Carcavelos, Portugal
- LIP, Laboratório de Instrumentação e Física Experimental de Partículas, Lisbon, Portugal
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11
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Wan L, Li L, Zhang H, Liu C, Li R, Wu X, Chen J. The changing pattern of common respiratory viruses among children from 2018 to 2021 in Wuhan, China. Arch Virol 2023; 168:291. [PMID: 37962775 PMCID: PMC10645662 DOI: 10.1007/s00705-023-05891-7] [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: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute respiratory infections in children are a global public health challenge. Owing to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, non-pharmaceutical interventions, including patient isolation, social distancing, hand washing, and mask wearing, have been widely implemented, impacting the transmission of common respiratory viruses. The aim of this study was to clarify the epidemiological features of respiratory viruses in children less than 14 years of age in Wuhan before and after COVID-19. METHODS Respiratory specimens were collected from patients aged < 14 years at two hospitals in Wuhan, China, from January 2018 to December 2021. Seven respiratory viruses were identified using an immunofluorescence assay. Pathogen profiles and seasonality were analysed. RESULTS The number of visits and virus detection rate decreased dramatically after February 2020. The respiratory virus detection rate peaked in January and December and decreased dramatically in February and August. The detection rate was lower in 2021 than in 2018 and 2019. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was identified as the leading pathogen in children aged < 1 year and 1-4 years before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. In children aged 5-14 years, influenza virus was detected at the highest rate before, and RSV after, the COVID-19 pandemic. RSV was the most common virus in coinfections. CONCLUSIONS This study revealed the epidemiological patterns of common respiratory viruses from 2018 to 2021. The spectrum of pathogens involved in paediatric respiratory infections had partly changed. Non-pharmaceutical interventions resulted in fewer opportunities for the spread of common viruses but also in an "immunity debt" that could have negative consequences when the pandemic is under control in Wuhan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Liangyu Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Haiyue Zhang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chan Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ruiyun Li
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Jianjun Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Special Pathogens, Center for Biosafety Mega Science, Wuhan Institute of Virology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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12
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Veltkamp F, Thenot V, Mussies C, van Lieshout B, Peters-Sengers H, Kers J, Khan DH, Hogan J, Florquin S, Bouts AHM, Dossier C. Incidence of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome during the Covid-19 pandemic in the Paris area (France) and in the Netherlands. Pediatr Nephrol 2023; 38:3681-3692. [PMID: 37191940 PMCID: PMC10186275 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-023-06006-9] [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: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The aetiology of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) remains partially unknown. Viral infections have been associated with INS onset. Since we observed fewer first onset INS cases during the Covid-19 pandemic, we hypothesised that lower INS incidence was the result of lockdown measures. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence of childhood INS before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in two independent European INS cohorts. METHODS Children with new INS in the Netherlands (2018-2021) and Paris area (2018-2021) were included. We estimated incidences using census data for each region. Incidences were compared using two proportion Z-tests. RESULTS A total of 128 and 324 cases of first onset INS were reported in the Netherlands and Paris area, respectively, corresponding to an annual incidence of 1.21 and 2.58 per 100,000 children/year. Boys and young children (< 7 years) were more frequently affected. Incidence before and during the pandemic did not differ. When schools were closed, incidence was lower in both regions: 0.53 vs. 1.31 (p = 0.017) in the Netherlands and 0.94 vs. 2.63 (p = 0.049) in the Paris area. During peaks of hospital admissions for Covid-19, no cases were reported in the Netherlands or Paris area. CONCLUSIONS Incidence of INS before and during the Covid-19 pandemic was not different, but when schools were closed during lockdown, incidence was significantly lower. Interestingly, incidences of other respiratory viral infections were also reduced as was air pollution. Together, these results argue for a link between INS onset and viral infections and/or environmental factors. A higher resolution version of the Graphical abstract is available as Supplementary information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Floor Veltkamp
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1109 AZ, The Netherlands.
| | - Victoire Thenot
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Carlijn Mussies
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1109 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Bas van Lieshout
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1109 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Hessel Peters-Sengers
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jesper Kers
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Van 't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Djera H Khan
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Julien Hogan
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Sandrine Florquin
- Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antonia H M Bouts
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1109 AZ, The Netherlands
| | - Claire Dossier
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology, Robert-Debré Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
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13
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Rocchi A, Sariyer IK, Berger JR. Revisiting JC virus and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. J Neurovirol 2023; 29:524-537. [PMID: 37659983 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-023-01164-w] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023]
Abstract
Since its definition 65 years ago, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) has continued to devastate a growing population of immunosuppressed patients despite major advances in our understanding of the causative JC virus (JCV). Unless contained by the immune system, JCV lyses host oligodendrocytes collateral to its life cycle, leading to demyelination, neurodegeneration, and death. Novel treatments have stagnated in the absence of an animal model while current antiviral agents fail to address the now ubiquitous polyomavirus. In this review, we highlight the established pathogenesis by which JCV infection progresses to PML, highlighting major challenges that must be overcome to eliminate the underlying virus and, therefore, the debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Rocchi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Ilker K Sariyer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Inflammation, Center for Neurovirology and Gene Editing, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
| | - Joseph R Berger
- Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Convention Avenue, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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14
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Sutcliffe CG, Hamahuwa M, Miller E, Sinywimaanzi P, Hardick J, Morales J, Munachoonga P, Monze M, Manabe YC, Fenstermacher KZ, Rothman RE, Pekosz A, Thuma PE, Simulundu E. Respiratory viruses in rural Zambia during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic. IJID REGIONS 2023; 8:90-94. [PMID: 37533553 PMCID: PMC10391682 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijregi.2023.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Limited data on respiratory infections are available from sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic. The objective of this study was to evaluate the burden of respiratory viruses in rural Zambia from 2019-2021. Methods Surveillance was initiated at Macha Hospital in Zambia in December 2018. Each week, patients with respiratory symptoms were enrolled from the outpatient clinic. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected and tested for respiratory pathogens. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and viruses in 2021 was compared to results from 2019 and 2020. Results After seeing few cases of influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus in 2020, a return to prepandemic levels was observed in 2021. Rhinovirus/enterovirus, parainfluenza virus 1-4, and adenovirus circulated from 2019 to 2021, while human metapneumovirus and human coronaviruses (HKU1, 229E, OC43, and NL63 subtypes) were observed sporadically. SARS-CoV-2 was observed consistently in 2021 after being first identified in December 2020. The proportion of participants with co-infections in 2021 (11.6%) was significantly higher than in 2019 (6.9%) or 2020 (7.7%). Conclusion Declines in influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus were reversed once public health measures were lifted. Respiratory viruses contributed to a significant burden of respiratory infections in 2021. This study provides important information about respiratory viruses in this changing context and underrepresented region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Baltimore, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Evan Miller
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Justin Hardick
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, USA
| | - Juliet Morales
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of International Health, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Mwaka Monze
- University Teaching Hospital, Virology Laboratory, Lusaka, Zambia
| | - Yukari C. Manabe
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baltimore, USA
| | | | - Richard E. Rothman
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Baltimore, USA
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baltimore, USA
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Baltimore, USA
| | - Philip E. Thuma
- Macha Research Trust, Choma, Zambia
- Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Baltimore, USA
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15
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Boyanton BL, Frenner RA, Ingold A, Ambroggio L, Kennedy JL. SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic Non-Pharmacologic Interventions Temporally Associated with Reduced Pediatric Infections Due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Co-Infecting Respiratory Viruses in Arkansas. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.08.05.23293566. [PMID: 37609274 PMCID: PMC10441508 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.05.23293566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Non-pharmacologic interventions (NPIs), such as universal masking, implemented during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have reduced respiratory infections among children. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of NPIs on Mycoplasma pneumoniae infections in children, analyzing data from two hospitals in Arkansas, and examining age-related differences and coinfections with other viruses. Methods The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and included patients aged ≤18 years with upper respiratory tract symptoms. Data from the FilmArray® Respiratory Panel (FARP) were collected and divided into pre-NPI and NPI periods for analysis. Total test positivity rate and interval change in the positivity rate were evaluated. Statistical differences were determined by Chi-square (χ2-independence) analysis. Results A total of 68,949 tests were performed with a statistical increase in testing during the NPI period. The overall test positivity rate for M. pneumoniae decreased by 74% (0.86% to 0.03%) during the NPI period, and the preschool age group had the highest number of positive tests in the pre- and NPI periods (Pre-NPI: n=40, NPI: n=12 positive tests, p=<0.001). The reduction in M. pneumoniae infections was consistent across age groups. Coinfections with other respiratory viruses, particularly human rhinovirus/enterovirus, were observed at much lower levels. Conclusions NPIs effectively reduced M. pneumoniae in pediatric patients in Arkansas, and coinfections with specific viruses still occurred, albeit at lower levels during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. As NPIs are relaxed and the pandemic ends, we expect M. pneumoniae infections to return to pre-pandemic levels within the next 1-2 years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bobby L. Boyanton
- Departments of Pathology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR 72202, and University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205
| | - Rachel A. Frenner
- Department of Pathology, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Little Rock, AR 72202
| | - Ashton Ingold
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202
| | - Lilliam Ambroggio
- Sections of Emergency Medicine and Hospital Medicine, Children’s Hospital Colorado and Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Joshua L. Kennedy
- Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, Little Rock, AR 72202
- Departments of Pediatrics and Internal Medicine, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Little Rock, AR, 72205
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Mercogliano M, Fiorilla C, Esposito F, Sorrentino M, Mirizzi PD, Parisi A, Tajani A, Buonocore G, Triassi M, Palladino R. Knowledge and attitude factors associated with the prevalence of Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis) booster vaccination in healthcare workers in a large academic hospital in Southern Italy in 2022: a cross-sectional study. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1173482. [PMID: 37522000 PMCID: PMC10374026 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1173482] [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: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction In Europe, there is still suboptimal tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular pertussis (Tdap) booster coverage. This study aimed to assess coverage status, knowledge, and attitude on Tdap vaccination in healthcare workers (HcWs) of the University Hospital "Federico II" in Naples, Southern Italy, in 2022, to improve current vaccination strategies. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted using a validated anonymous questionnaire. Knowledge and attitude were measured as scores. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were employed to identify correlates of Tdap booster and knowledge and attitude toward the vaccination, as appropriate. Models were controlled for age, sex, profession, department, and job seniority. Results A total of 206 questionnaires were administered among HcWs, and 143 (69.4%) were medical doctors. In total, 71 (34.47%) HcWs received the Tdap booster. Those who have worked 5-9 years at the hospital had a 78% lower likelihood of being vaccinated with the Tdap booster (5-9 years-OR: 0.22, CI: 0.06 | 0.85) as compared with newly hired HcWs. No differences in the average knowledge score were found. Other healthcare workers had a lower attitude as compared to medical doctors (Other-Coef. -2.15; CI: -4.14 | -0.15) and, as compared with those who worked in a clinical department, those who worked in a diagnostic-therapeutic department or medical management had 3.1 and 2.0 lower attitude scores, on average, respectively (diagnostic-therapeutic-Coef. -3.12, CI: -5.13 | -1.12; public health-Coef. -1.98, CI: -3.41 | -0.56). Discussion The study findings support the necessity to implement public health strategies and improve knowledge and attitude toward vaccinations and specifically highlight the importance of Tdap booster every 10 years as a prevention tool to protect high-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudio Fiorilla
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Esposito
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Michele Sorrentino
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Parisi
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Andrea Tajani
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Buonocore
- Clinical Directorate, University Hospital “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Triassi
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center in Healthcare Management and Innovation in Healthcare (CIRMIS), Naples, Italy
| | - Raffaele Palladino
- Department of Public Health, University “Federico II” of Naples, Naples, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center in Healthcare Management and Innovation in Healthcare (CIRMIS), Naples, Italy
- Department of Primary Care and Public Health, School of Public Health, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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17
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Kohring C, Akmatov MK, Dammertz L, Heuer J, Bätzing J, Holstiege J. Trends in incidence of atopic disorders in children and adolescents - Analysis of German claims data. World Allergy Organ J 2023; 16:100797. [PMID: 37485449 PMCID: PMC10359926 DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100797] [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: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This claims-based study aimed to assess recent nationwide trends in pediatric incidence of atopic diseases in Germany. Methods Incidence of atopic dermatitis, asthma, and hay fever was assessed from 2013 to 2021 in annual cohorts of 0- to 17-year-old children and adolescents with statutory health insurance (N = 11,828,525 in 2021). Results Incidence of atopic dermatitis remained largely unchanged (15.2 cases per 1000 children in 2021) while hay fever incidence exhibited a fluctuating trend over the study period and amounted to 8.8 cases per 1000 in 2021. Asthma incidence decreased gradually between 2013 (12.4/1000) and 2019 (8.9/1000). This downward trend was followed by a further disproportionate reduction from 2019 to 2020 (6.3/1000) and a re-increase in 2021 (7.2/1000). Conclusion The findings complement nationwide prevalence surveys of atopic diseases in children and adolescents in Germany. Knowledge about temporal variations in risk of atopic diseases are crucial for future investigations of explanatory factors to enhance the development of preventive measures. While asthma incidence followed a declining trend throughout the study period, an unprecedentedly strong reduction in pediatric asthma risk was observed in 2020, the first year of the COVID-19-pandemic.
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18
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Mattoli S, Schmidt M. Investigational Use of Mesenchymal Stem/Stromal Cells and Their Secretome as Add-On Therapy in Severe Respiratory Virus Infections: Challenges and Perspectives. Adv Ther 2023; 40:2626-2692. [PMID: 37069355 PMCID: PMC10109238 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-023-02507-z] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Serious manifestations of respiratory virus infections such as influenza and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are associated with a dysregulated immune response and systemic inflammation. Treating the immunological/inflammatory dysfunction with glucocorticoids, Janus kinase inhibitors, and monoclonal antibodies against the interleukin-6 receptor has significantly reduced the risk of respiratory failure and death in hospitalized patients with severe COVID-19, but the proportion of those requiring invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) and dying because of respiratory failure remains elevated. Treatment of severe influenza-associated pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with available immunomodulators and anti-inflammatory compounds is still not recommended. New therapies are therefore needed to reduce the use of IMV and the risk of death in hospitalized patients with rapidly increasing oxygen demand and systemic inflammation who do not respond to the current standard of care. This paper provides a critical assessment of the published clinical trials that have tested the investigational use of intravenously administered allogeneic mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and MSC-derived secretome with putative immunomodulatory/antiinflammatory/regenerative properties as add-on therapy to improve the outcome of these patients. Increased survival rates are reported in 5 of 12 placebo-controlled or open-label comparative trials involving patients with severe and critical COVID-19 and in the only study concerning patients with influenza-associated ARDS. Results are encouraging but inconclusive for the following reasons: small number of patients tested in each trial; differences in concomitant treatments and respiratory support; imbalances between study arms; differences in MSC source, MSC-derived product, dosing and starting time of the investigational therapy; insufficient/inappropriate reporting of clinical data. Solutions are proposed for improving the clinical development plan, with the aim of facilitating regulatory approval of the MSC-based investigational therapy for life-threatening respiratory virus infections in the future. Major issues are the absence of a biomarker predicting responsiveness to MSCs and MSC-derived secretome and the lack of pharmacoeconomic evaluations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Mattoli
- Center of Expertise in Research and Innovation of the International Network for the Advancement of Viable and Applicable Innovations in Life Sciences (InAvail), InAvail at Rosental Nexxt, 4058 Basel, Switzerland
- Avail Biomedical Research Institute, 80539 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Schmidt
- Avail Biomedical Research Institute, 80539 Munich, Germany
- Discovery and Translational Research Center, 80539 Munich, Germany
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Matthes A, Wolf F, Wilde E, Bleidorn J, Markwart R. Point-of-care measurement of C-reactive protein promotes de-escalation of treatment decisions and strengthens the perceived clinical confidence of physicians in out-of-hours outpatient emergency medical services. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e069453. [PMID: 37147098 PMCID: PMC10163444 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-069453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Out-of-hours outpatient emergency medical services (OEMS) provide healthcare for patients with non-life-threatening conditions in need for urgent care when outpatient practices are closed. We studied the use of point-of-care-testing of C-reactive protein (CRP-POCT) at OEMS. DESIGN Cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey. SETTING Single centre OEMS practice in Hildesheim, Germany (October 2021 to March 2022). PARTICIPANTS OEMS physicians answering a questionnaire immediately after performing CRP-POCTs (CUBE-S Analyzer, Hitado) on any patients. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES Impact of CRP-POCTs on clinical decision-making and perceived usefulness. RESULTS In the 6-month study period, 114 valid CRP-POCTs were performed in the OEMS practice by 18 physicians and the questionnaire was answered in 112 cases (response rate: 98.2%). CRP-POCTs were used in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (60.0%), respiratory tract infections (17.0%), urinary tract infections (9.0%) and other non-gastrointestinal/non-specified infections (11.0%). The use of a CRP-POCT resulted in a change of the physicians' clinical decision in 83.3% of the cases. Specifically, in 13.6% and 35.1% of the cases, rapid CRP measurements led to decision changes in the (1) initiation of antimicrobial therapy and (2) other drug treatment, respectively. Notably, in 60% of all cases, the use of a CRP-POCT reportedly changed the decision on hospitalisation/non-hospitalisation of OEMS patients. In respect of antimicrobial therapy and hospitalisation, these decision changes primarily (≥73%) promoted 'step-down' decisions, that is, no antibiotic therapy and no hospital admission. In the great majority of CRP-POCT applications (≥95%), OEMS physicians reported that rapid CRP measurements increased the confidence in their diagnostic and therapeutic decision. In almost all cases (97%), physicians rated the CRP-POCT use as useful in the treatment situation. CONCLUSION Quantitative CRP-POCT promotes step-down clinical decisions and strengthens the clinical confidence of physicians in out-of-hours OEMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anni Matthes
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Florian Wolf
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Elmar Wilde
- Practice Network HilMed Hildesheim, Hildesheim, Germany
| | - Jutta Bleidorn
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
| | - Robby Markwart
- Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, Jena University Hospital, Friedrich Schiller University Jena, Jena, Germany
- InfectoGnostics Research Campus Jena, Jena, Germany
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20
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Teirlinck AC, Johannesen CK, Broberg EK, Penttinen P, Campbell H, Nair H, Reeves RM, Bøås H, Brytting M, Cai W, Carnahan A, Casalegno JS, Danis K, De Gascun C, Ellis J, Emborg HD, Gijon M, Guiomar R, Hirve SS, Jiřincová H, Nohynek H, Oliva JA, Osei-Yeboah R, Paget J, Pakarna G, Pebody R, Presser L, Rapp M, Reiche J, Rodrigues AP, Seppälä E, Socan M, Szymanski K, Trebbien R, Večeřová J, van der Werf S, Zambon M, Meijer A, Fischer TK. New perspectives on respiratory syncytial virus surveillance at the national level: lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Respir J 2023; 61:2201569. [PMID: 37012081 PMCID: PMC10069872 DOI: 10.1183/13993003.01569-2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has led to the reconsideration of surveillance strategies for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other respiratory viruses. The COVID-19 pandemic and the non-pharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 had a substantial impact on RSV transmission in many countries, with close to no transmission detected during parts of the usual season of 2020–2021. Subsequent relaxation of social restrictions has resulted in unusual out-of-season resurgences of RSV in several countries, causing a higher healthcare burden and often a higher proportion of hospitalisations than usual among children older than 1 year in age [1]. In case of an emerging infectious disease with pandemic potential, preparedness to scale up surveillance for the emerging disease while continuing the maintenance of surveillance activities of pre-existing seasonal diseases is necessary. Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic and considering the effects of this pandemic, we provide recommendations that can guide towards sustainable RSV surveillance with the potential to be integrated into the broader perspective of respiratory surveillance. https://bit.ly/40TsO0G
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne C Teirlinck
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline K Johannesen
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Nordsjaellands Hospital, and University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Eeva K Broberg
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pasi Penttinen
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Harish Nair
- Usher Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | | | - Håkon Bøås
- Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Mia Brytting
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Wei Cai
- Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Jean-Sebastien Casalegno
- Centre National de Référence des virus des infections respiratoires dont la grippe, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Kostas Danis
- European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | - Raquel Guiomar
- National Institute of Health Ricardo Jorge, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | | | - Hanna Nohynek
- Finnish National Institute for Health and Welfare, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jesus Angel Oliva
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III Madrid, CIBER de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBERESP), Madrid, Spain
| | | | - John Paget
- Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Richard Pebody
- World Health Organization Regional Office for Europe, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lance Presser
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Marie Rapp
- Public Health Agency of Sweden, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | | | - Maja Socan
- National Institute of Public Health, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Karol Szymanski
- National Institute of Public Health NIH National Research Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | | | | | - Adam Meijer
- National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) - Centre for Infectious Disease Control, Bilthoven, The Netherlands
| | - Thea K Fischer
- Statens Serum Institut, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, Nordsjaellands Hospital, and University of Copenhagen, Department of Public Health, Copenhagen, Denmark
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21
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Sabeena S, Ravishankar N, Robin S, Pillai SS. The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on bronchiolitis (lower respiratory tract infection) due to respiratory syncytial virus: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Indian J Public Health 2023; 67:284-291. [PMID: 37459026 DOI: 10.4103/ijph.ijph_1334_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has changed the epidemiology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection which accounts for most bronchiolitis and viral pneumonias in infants. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantitatively assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on RSV-associated bronchiolitis among hospitalized infants. The study protocol was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42022314000) and was designed based on Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines updated in May 2020. The meta-analysis component was modified appropriately to synthesize the pooled proportion of infants having RSV-associated bronchiolitis before the COVID-19 pandemic in 2019 and during the pandemic with 95% confidence interval (CI). We identified and screened 189 articles and systematically reviewed 50 full texts. Eight qualified studies from Europe and China, including 109,186 symptomatic cases of bronchiolitis before the pandemic in 2019 and 61,982 cases in 2020-2021 were pooled by random-effects meta-analysis. The quantitative analysis included laboratory-confirmed RSV infection in 7691 infants with bronchiolitis reported before the pandemic in 2019. Meanwhile, during the pandemic, 4964 bronchiolitis cases were associated with RSV infection. The pooled proportion of RSV-associated bronchiolitis cases before the pandemic in 2019 was 16.74% (95% CI 11.73, 22.43%, 95% prediction interval 0.032, 34.16). The pooled proportion of confirmed RSV cases during the pandemic in 2020/2021 was 19.20% (95% CI 12.01, 27.59%, 95% prediction interval 0.046, 42.35). There was an increase in RSV activity after the relaxation of stringent public health measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nagaraja Ravishankar
- Assistant Professor, Department of Biostatistics, Vallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute, University of Delhi, New Delhi, India
| | - Sudandiradas Robin
- Research Officer, Department of Microbiology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka, India
| | - Sabitha Sasidharan Pillai
- Paediatric Endocrinology Fellow, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
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22
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Klivleyeva N, Lukmanova G, Glebova T, Shamenova M, Ongarbayeva N, Saktaganov N, Baimukhametova A, Baiseiit S, Ismagulova D, Kassymova G, Rachimbayeva A, Murzagaliyeva A, Xetayeva G, Isabayeva R, Sagatova M. Spread of Pathogens Causing Respiratory Viral Diseases Before and During CoVID-19 Pandemic in Kazakhstan. Indian J Microbiol 2023; 63:129-138. [PMID: 37168842 PMCID: PMC9972336 DOI: 10.1007/s12088-023-01064-x] [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: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Analyze clinical samples collected and determine the etiology of viral pathogens and the dynamics of their spread. Acute respiratory viral infections remain one of the key health problems worldwide. They constitute etiologically independent diseases, with similar clinical infection manifestations and a single mechanism for the transmission of pathogens. 4712 nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from people before and during the COVID-19 pandemic with acute respiratory infections that tested negative for COVID-19 and were examined in this study. The collected samples were screened by a real-time polymerase chain reaction on a Rotor-Gene Q6 plex instrument. Statistical processing of the results, tabular, and graphical data were analyzed in the MS Excel. The largest number of the nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from children under 17 years of age (60.75%). In 702 samples (9.85%) pathogens of respiratory infections of non-influenza etiology were detected, including adenovirus, bocavirus, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, paramyxovirus types I–IV, respiratory syncytial virus, and rhinovirus. At the same time, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, different influenza virus variants co-circulation (A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and type B) were discovered, with a predominance of viruses with the antigenic formula A/H1N1. The results of the study indicate the need for continuous monitoring of the viral pathogens spread, which will expand the existing knowledge of the viral etiology of respiratory diseases and highlight the importance of viruses in the respiratory infections occurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailya Klivleyeva
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Galina Lukmanova
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Tatyana Glebova
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Mira Shamenova
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nuray Ongarbayeva
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Nurbol Saktaganov
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Assem Baimukhametova
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Sagadat Baiseiit
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Dariya Ismagulova
- The Laboratory of Viral Biochemistry, The Research and Production Center for Microbiology and Virology LLP, 105 Bogenbai Batyr Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Almagul Rachimbayeva
- The Almaty Branch of National Center for Expertise, 3 Zhibek Zholy Avenue, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Ardak Murzagaliyeva
- The West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, 68 Maresyev Street, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Gulzakira Xetayeva
- The Children’s City Clinical Infectious Diseases Hospital, SOPE On REM, ChCCIDH, 299a Baizakova Street, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Rauna Isabayeva
- The Communal State Enterprise Regional Region Clinical Hospital (CSE RCH) of Karaganda Regional Health Department, 41/43 Erubaev Street, Karaganda, Kazakhstan
| | - Madisha Sagatova
- The East Kazakhstan Regional Branch of National Center for Expertise, 17 Independence Avenue, Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan
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23
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Hauch R, Hinrichs M, Ruhwald R, Schrum J, Rutkowski S, Woessmann W, Winkler B. Impact of COVID-19 Related Restrictions on Infections in Children with Cancer or after Hematopoietic SCTA. KLINISCHE PADIATRIE 2023; 235:159-166. [PMID: 36848939 DOI: 10.1055/a-2000-5388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Infections are a major concern for immunocompromised children. We investigated whether non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) implemented in the general population during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Germany had an impact on frequency, type and severity of infections in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analyzed all admissions to the clinic of pediatric hematology, oncology and stem cell transplantation (SCT) with (suspected) infection or fever of unknown origin (FUO) from 2018 to 2021. RESULTS We compared a 27-month period before NPIs (Pre-COVID: 01/2018-03/2020; 1041 cases) with a 12-month period with underlying NPIs (COVID: 04/2020-03/2021; 420 cases). During the COVID period the number of in-patient stays with FUO or infections decreased (38,6 cases/month vs. 35,0 cases/month), the median duration of hospital stays was longer (8 d (CI95: 7-8 d) vs. 9 d (CI95: 8-10 d) P=0,02)), the mean number of antibiotics per case increased (2,1 (CI95: 2,0-2,2) vs. 2,5 (CI95: 2,3-2,7); P=0,003)) and a substantial reduction of viral respiratory and gastrointestinal infections per case was seen (0,24 vs. 0,13; P<0,001). Notably, there was no detection of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza and norovirus, between May 2020 and March 2021. Based on need of intensive care measures and further parameters we conclude that severe (bacterial) infections were not significantly reduced by NPIs. CONCLUSIONS Introduction of NPIs in the general population during the COVID-pandemic substantially reduced viral respiratory and gastrointestinal infections in immunocompromised patients, while severe (bacterial) infections were not prevented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Hauch
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany.,Research Institute Children's Cancer Center, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Malena Hinrichs
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Ruhwald
- Medical controlling, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Schrum
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Division of Pediatric Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Rutkowski
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Wilhelm Woessmann
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Beate Winkler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Center for Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Hamburg, Germany
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24
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Stein RT, Zar HJ. RSV through the COVID-19 pandemic: Burden, shifting epidemiology, and implications for the future. Pediatr Pulmonol 2023; 58:1631-1639. [PMID: 36811330 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.26370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) represents a major global healthcare burden, particularly in those under 5 years of age. There is no available vaccine, with treatment limited to supportive care or palivizumab for high-risk children. Additionally, although a causal relationship has not been established, RSV has been associated with the development of asthma or wheezing in some children. The COVID-19 pandemic and the introduction of nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have caused substantial changes to RSV seasonality and epidemiology. Many countries have experienced an absence of RSV during the time of a typical season, followed by an out-of-season surge upon relaxation of NPI use. These dynamics have disrupted traditional RSV disease patterns and assumptions, but also provide a unique opportunity to learn more about the transmission of RSV and other respiratory viruses, as well as inform future approaches to RSV preventive strategies. Here, we review the RSV burden and epidemiology through the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss how new data may affect future decisions regarding RSV prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renato T Stein
- Infant Center, Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Heather J Zar
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,SA-MRC Unit for Child and Adolescent Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
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25
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Reduced Community-acquired Respiratory Virus Infection, but Not Non-virus Infection, in Lung Transplant Recipients During Government-mandated Public Health Measures to Reduce COVID-19 Transmission. Transplant Direct 2023; 9:e1445. [PMID: 36845856 PMCID: PMC9943977 DOI: 10.1097/txd.0000000000001445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Community-acquired respiratory viruses (CARVs) are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in lung transplant (LTx) recipients. Despite routine mask-wearing, LTx patients remain at a higher risk of CARV infection than the general population. In 2019, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the causative agent of COVID-19 and a novel CARV, emerged leading federal and state officials to implement public health nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to curb its spread. We hypothesized that NPI would be associated with the reduced spread of traditional CARVs. Methods A single-center, retrospective cohort analysis comparing CARV infection before a statewide stay-at-home order, during the stay-at-home order and subsequent statewide mask mandate, and during 5 mo following the elimination of NPI was performed. All LTx recipients followed by and tested at our center were included. Data (multiplex respiratory viral panels; SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction; blood cytomegalovirus and Epstein Barr virus polymerase chain reaction; blood and bronchoalveolar lavage bacterial and fungal cultures) were collected from the medical record. Chi-square or Fisher exact tests were utilized for categorical variables. A mixed-effect model was used for continuous variables. Results Incidence of non-COVID CARV infection was significantly lower during the MASK period than during the PRE period. No difference was noted in airway or bloodstream bacterial or fungal infections, but cytomegalovirus bloodborne viral infections increased. Conclusions Reductions in respiratory viral infections, but not bloodborne viral infections nor nonviral respiratory, bloodborne, or urinary infections, were observed in the setting of public health COVID-19 mitigation strategies, suggesting the effectiveness of NPI in preventing general respiratory virus transmission.
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26
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Oh DY, Milde J, Ham Y, Ramos Calderón JP, Wedde M, Dürrwald R, Duwe SC. Preparing for the Next Influenza Season: Monitoring the Emergence and Spread of Antiviral Resistance. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:949-959. [PMID: 36814825 PMCID: PMC9939793 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s389263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The relaxation of pandemic restrictions in 2022 has led to a reemergence of respiratory virus circulation worldwide and anticipation of substantial influenza waves for the 2022/2023 Northern Hemisphere winter. Therefore, the antiviral susceptibility profiles of human influenza viruses circulating in Germany were characterized. Methods Between October 2019 (week 40/2019) and March 2022 (week 12/2022), nasal swabs from untreated patients with acute respiratory symptoms were collected in the national German influenza surveillance system. A total of 598 influenza viruses were isolated and analyzed for susceptibility to oseltamivir, zanamivir and peramivir, using a neuraminidase (NA) inhibition assay. In addition, next-generation sequencing was applied to assess molecular markers of resistance to NA, cap-dependent endonuclease (PA) and M2 ion channel inhibitors (NAI, PAI, M2I) in 367 primary clinical samples. Furthermore, a genotyping assay based on RT-PCR and pyrosequencing to rapidly assess the molecular resistance marker PA-I38X in PA genes was designed and established. Results While NAI resistance in the strict sense, defined by a ≥ 10-fold (influenza A) or ≥5-fold (influenza B) increase of NAI IC50, was not detected, a subtype A(H1N1)pdm09 isolate displayed 2.3- to 7.5-fold IC50 increase for all three NAI. This isolate carried the NA-S247N substitution, which is known to enhance NAI resistance induced by NA-H275Y. All sequenced influenza A viruses carried the M2-S31N substitution, which confers resistance to M2I. Of note, one A(H3N2) virus displayed the PA-I38M substitution, which is associated with reduced susceptibility to the PAI baloxavir marboxil. Pyrosequencing analysis confirmed these findings in the original clinical specimen and in cultured virus isolate, suggesting sufficient replicative fitness of this virus mutant. Conclusion Over the last three influenza seasons, the vast majority of influenza viruses in this national-level sentinel were susceptible to NAIs and PAIs. These findings support the use of antivirals in the upcoming influenza season.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djin-Ye Oh
- Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Influenza Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jeanette Milde
- Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Influenza Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Youngsun Ham
- Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Influenza Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia Patricia Ramos Calderón
- Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Influenza Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marianne Wedde
- Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Influenza Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dürrwald
- Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Influenza Center, Berlin, Germany
| | - Susanne C Duwe
- Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses, National Influenza Center, Berlin, Germany
- Correspondence: Susanne C Duwe, Robert Koch Institute, Department 1: Infectious Diseases, Unit 17: Influenza Viruses and Other Respiratory Viruses | National Influenza Center, Seestr. 10, Berlin, 13353, Germany, Tel +49 30 18754 2283, Fax +49 30 18754 2699, Email
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27
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Rankin DA, Spieker AJ, Perez A, Stahl AL, Rahman HK, Stewart LS, Schuster JE, Lively JY, Haddadin Z, Probst V, Michaels MG, Williams JV, Boom JA, Sahni LC, Staat MA, Schlaudecker EP, McNeal MM, Harrison CJ, Weinberg GA, Szilagyi PG, Englund JA, Klein EJ, Gerber SI, McMorrow M, Rha B, Chappell JD, Selvarangan R, Midgley CM, Halasa NB. Circulation of Rhinoviruses and/or Enteroviruses in Pediatric Patients With Acute Respiratory Illness Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the US. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2254909. [PMID: 36749589 PMCID: PMC10408278 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.54909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses, which continued to circulate during the COVID-19 pandemic, are commonly detected in pediatric patients with acute respiratory illness (ARI). Yet detailed characterization of rhinovirus and/or enterovirus detection over time is limited, especially by age group and health care setting. OBJECTIVE To quantify and characterize rhinovirus and/or enterovirus detection before and during the COVID-19 pandemic among children and adolescents seeking medical care for ARI at emergency departments (EDs) or hospitals. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This cross-sectional study used data from the New Vaccine Surveillance Network (NVSN), a multicenter, active, prospective surveillance platform, for pediatric patients who sought medical care for fever and/or respiratory symptoms at 7 EDs or hospitals within NVSN across the US between December 2016 and February 2021. Persons younger than 18 years were enrolled in NVSN, and respiratory specimens were collected and tested for multiple viruses. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Proportion of patients in whom rhinovirus and/or enterovirus, or another virus, was detected by calendar month and by prepandemic (December 1, 2016, to March 11, 2020) or pandemic (March 12, 2020, to February 28, 2021) periods. Month-specific adjusted odds ratios (aORs) for rhinovirus and/or enterovirus-positive test results (among all tested) by setting (ED or inpatient) and age group (<2, 2-4, or 5-17 years) were calculated, comparing each month during the pandemic to equivalent months of previous years. RESULTS Of the 38 198 children and adolescents who were enrolled and tested, 11 303 (29.6%; mean [SD] age, 2.8 [3.7] years; 6733 boys [59.6%]) had rhinovirus and/or enterovirus-positive test results. In prepandemic and pandemic periods, rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses were detected in 29.4% (9795 of 33 317) and 30.9% (1508 of 4881) of all patients who were enrolled and tested and in 42.2% (9795 of 23 236) and 73.0% (1508 of 2066) of those with test positivity for any virus, respectively. Rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses were the most frequently detected viruses in both periods and all age groups in the ED and inpatient setting. From April to September 2020 (pandemic period), rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses were detectable at similar or lower odds than in prepandemic years, with aORs ranging from 0.08 (95% CI, 0.04-0.19) to 0.76 (95% CI, 0.55-1.05) in the ED and 0.04 (95% CI, 0.01-0.11) to 0.71 (95% CI, 0.47-1.07) in the inpatient setting. However, unlike some other viruses, rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses soon returned to prepandemic levels and from October 2020 to February 2021 were detected at similar or higher odds than in prepandemic months in both settings, with aORs ranging from 1.47 (95% CI, 1.12-1.93) to 3.01 (95% CI, 2.30-3.94) in the ED and 1.36 (95% CI, 1.03-1.79) to 2.44 (95% CI, 1.78-3.34) in the inpatient setting, and in all age groups. Compared with prepandemic years, during the pandemic, rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses were detected in patients who were slightly older, although most (74.5% [1124 of 1508]) were younger than 5 years. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Results of this study show that rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses persisted and were the most common respiratory virus group detected across all pediatric age groups and in both ED and inpatient settings. Rhinoviruses and/or enteroviruses remain a leading factor in ARI health care burden, and active ARI surveillance in children and adolescents remains critical for defining the health care burden of respiratory viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle A. Rankin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology PhD Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Andrew J. Spieker
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Ariana Perez
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
- General Dynamics Information Technology Inc, Falls Church, Virginia
| | - Anna L. Stahl
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Herdi K. Rahman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Laura S. Stewart
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Jennifer E. Schuster
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Joana Y. Lively
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Zaid Haddadin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Varvara Probst
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Marian G. Michaels
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John V. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Julie A. Boom
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | - Leila C. Sahni
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
- Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston
| | - Mary A. Staat
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Elizabeth P. Schlaudecker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Monica M. McNeal
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Christopher J. Harrison
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Geoffrey A. Weinberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
| | - Peter G. Szilagyi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York
- Department of Pediatrics, UCLA (University of California, Los Angeles) Mattel Children’s Hospital, UCLA, Los Angeles
| | - Janet A. Englund
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Eileen J. Klein
- Seattle Children’s Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle
| | - Susan I. Gerber
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Meredith McMorrow
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Brian Rha
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - James D. Chappell
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Rangaraj Selvarangan
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children’s Mercy Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri
| | - Claire M. Midgley
- Division of Viral Diseases, National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Natasha B. Halasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
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An Old Acquaintance: Could Adenoviruses Be Our Next Pandemic Threat? Viruses 2023; 15:v15020330. [PMID: 36851544 PMCID: PMC9966032 DOI: 10.3390/v15020330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Human adenoviruses (HAdV) are one of the most important pathogens detected in acute respiratory diseases in pediatrics and immunocompromised patients. In 1953, Wallace Rowe described it for the first time in oropharyngeal lymphatic tissue. To date, more than 110 types of HAdV have been described, with different cellular tropisms. They can cause respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms, even urinary tract inflammation, although most infections are asymptomatic. However, there is a population at risk that can develop serious and even lethal conditions. These viruses have a double-stranded DNA genome, 25-48 kbp, 90 nm in diameter, without a mantle, are stable in the environment, and resistant to fat-soluble detergents. Currently the diagnosis is made with lateral flow immunochromatography or molecular biology through a polymerase chain reaction. This review aimed to highlight the HAdV variability and the pandemic potential that a HAdV3 and 7 recombinant could have considering the aggressive outbreaks produced in health facilities. Herein, we described the characteristics of HAdV, from the infection to treatment, vaccine development, and the evaluation of the social determinants of health associated with HAdV, suggesting the necessary measures for future sanitary control to prevent disasters such as the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, with an emphasis on the use of recombinant AdV vaccines to control other potential pandemics.
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Respiratory syncytial virus with ongoing COVID-19: is it an emerging threat? Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2023; 85:67-70. [PMID: 36742116 PMCID: PMC9893426 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Ye Q, Liu H, Mao J, Shu Q. Nonpharmaceutical interventions for COVID-19 disrupt the dynamic balance between influenza A virus and human immunity. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28292. [PMID: 36367115 PMCID: PMC9877879 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28292] [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: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 epidemic, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) blocked the transmission route of respiratory diseases. This study aimed to investigate the impact of NPIs on the influenza A virus (IAV) outbreak. The present study enrolled all children with respiratory tract infections who came to the Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University between January 2019 and July 2022. A direct immunofluorescence assay kit detected IAV. Virus isolation and Sanger sequencing were performed. From June to July 2022, in Hangzhou, China, the positive rate of IAV infection in children has increased rapidly, reaching 30.41%, and children over 3 years old are the main infected population, accounting for 75% of the total number of infected children. Influenza A (H3N2) viruses are representative strains during this period. In this outbreak, H3N2 was isolated from a cluster of its own and is highly homologous with A/South_Dakota/22/2022 (2021-2022 Northern Hemisphere). Between isolated influenza A (H3N2) viruses and A/South_Dakota/22/2022, the nucleotide homology of the HA gene ranged from 97.3% to 97.5%; the amino acid homology was 97%-97.2%, and the genetic distance of nucleotides ranged from 0.05 to 0.052. Compared with A/South_Dakota/22/2022, the isolated H3N2 showed S156H, N159Y, I160T, D186S, S198P, I48T, S53D, and K171N mutations. There was no variation in 13 key amino acid sites associated with neuraminidase inhibitor resistance in NA protein. Long-term NPIs have significantly affected the evolution and transmission of the influenza virus and human immunity, breaking the dynamic balance between the IAV and human immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Ye
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthNational Children's Regional Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Huihui Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthNational Children's Regional Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Jianhua Mao
- Department of Nephrology, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthNational Children's Regional Medical CenterHangzhouChina
| | - Qiang Shu
- Department of Thoracic & Cardiovascular Surgery, The Children's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, National Clinical Research Center for Child HealthNational Children's Regional Medical CenterHangzhouChina
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Razanajatovo NH, Randriambolamanantsoa TH, Rabarison JH, Randrianasolo L, Ankasitrahana MF, Ratsimbazafy A, Raherinandrasana AH, Razafimanjato H, Raharinosy V, Andriamandimby SF, Heraud JM, Dussart P, Lacoste V. Epidemiological Patterns of Seasonal Respiratory Viruses during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Madagascar, March 2020-May 2022. Viruses 2022; 15:12. [PMID: 36680053 PMCID: PMC9864023 DOI: 10.3390/v15010012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Three epidemic waves of coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) occurred in Madagascar from March 2020 to May 2022, with a positivity rate of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) of 21% to 33%. Our study aimed to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the epidemiology of seasonal respiratory viruses (RVs) in Madagascar. We used two different specimen sources (SpS). First, 2987 nasopharyngeal (NP) specimens were randomly selected from symptomatic patients between March 2020 and May 2022 who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 and were tested for 14 RVs by multiplex real-time PCR. Second, 6297 NP specimens were collected between March 2020 and May 2022 from patients visiting our sentinel sites of the influenza sentinel network. The samples were tested for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2. From SpS-1, 19% (569/2987) of samples tested positive for at least one RV. Rhinovirus (6.3%, 187/2987) was the most frequently detected virus during the first two waves, whereas influenza predominated during the third. From SpS-2, influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and RSV accounted for 5.4%, 24.5%, and 39.4% of the detected viruses, respectively. During the study period, we observed three different RV circulation profiles. Certain viruses circulated sporadically, with increased activity in between waves of SARS-CoV-2. Other viruses continued to circulate regardless of the COVID-19 situation. Certain viruses were severely disrupted by the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Our findings underline the importance and necessity of maintaining an integrated disease surveillance system for the surveillance and monitoring of RVs of public health interest.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Laurence Randrianasolo
- Epidemiology and Clinical Research Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Miamina Fidy Ankasitrahana
- Direction de la Veille Sanitaire, de la Surveillance Epidémiologique et Ripostes, Ministry of Public Health, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Arvé Ratsimbazafy
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Antso Hasina Raherinandrasana
- Direction de la Veille Sanitaire, de la Surveillance Epidémiologique et Ripostes, Ministry of Public Health, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Helisoa Razafimanjato
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Vololoniaina Raharinosy
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Soa Fy Andriamandimby
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | | | - Philippe Dussart
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
| | - Vincent Lacoste
- National Influenza Center, Virology Unit, Institut Pasteur of Madagascar, Antananarivo 101, Madagascar
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Kim HM, Rhee JE, Lee NJ, Woo SH, Park AK, Lee J, Yoo CK, Kim EJ. Recent increase in the detection of human parainfluenza virus during the coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic in the Republic of Korea. Virol J 2022; 19:215. [PMID: 36510212 PMCID: PMC9744062 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-022-01938-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since the onset of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the prevalence of respiratory infectious diseases, particularly, the flu epidemic, has considerably decreased. The low detection rate and decreased number of specimens have hindered the implementation of the Korea Influenza and Respiratory Viruses Surveillance System (KINRESS), a sentinel surveillance system. Most patients with influenza-like illness visit the COVID-19 screening clinic; therefore, the number of samples collected in sentinel surveillance has decreased by more than 50%. Thus, the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency supplemented sentinel surveillance with non-sentinel surveillance by private medical diagnostic centers. We report here a delayed and unprecedented high detection of human parainfluenza virus (hPIV) in the Republic of Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic through sentinel and non-sentinel surveillance. We also examined the causes and implications of the changes in prevalence of hPIV.l METHODS: We collected data for 56,984 and 257,217 samples obtained through sentinel and non-sentinel surveillance, respectively. Eight viruses were confirmed using real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or real-time PCR. Some specimens from the sentinel surveillance were used for genetic characterization of hPIV type 3. RESULTS In 2020, hPIV was rarely detected; however, it was detected in August 2021. The detection rate continued to increase considerably in September and reached over 70% in October, 2021. The detection rate of hPIV3 was significantly higher in infants and preschoolers aged 0-6 years in both sentinel and non-sentinel surveillance. Detection of hPIV was delayed in metropolitan areas compared to that in suburban regions. The hemagglutinin-neuraminidase sequences of hPIV3 generated in 2021 were not distinct from those detected prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS The operation of non-sentinel and sentinel surveillance to monitor respiratory viruses could sensitively detect an unprecedented revival of hPIV in the Republic of Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heui Man Kim
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Eun Rhee
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam-Joo Lee
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Hee Woo
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Ae Kyung Park
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehee Lee
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Cheon Kwon Yoo
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Jin Kim
- grid.418967.50000 0004 1763 8617Division of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Bureau of Infectious Diseases Diagnosis Control, Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, 187 Osongsaengmyeong2-ro, Osong-eup, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Republic of Korea
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Hansen C, Perofsky AC, Burstein R, Famulare M, Boyle S, Prentice R, Marshall C, McCormick BJJ, Reinhart D, Capodanno B, Truong M, Schwabe-Fry K, Kuchta K, Pfau B, Acker Z, Lee J, Sibley TR, McDermot E, Rodriguez-Salas L, Stone J, Gamboa L, Han PD, Duchin JS, Waghmare A, Englund JA, Shendure J, Bedford T, Chu HY, Starita LM, Viboud C. Trends in Risk Factors and Symptoms Associated With SARS-CoV-2 and Rhinovirus Test Positivity in King County, Washington, June 2020 to July 2022. JAMA Netw Open 2022; 5:e2245861. [PMID: 36484987 PMCID: PMC9856230 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.45861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Few US studies have reexamined risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 positivity in the context of widespread vaccination and new variants or considered risk factors for cocirculating endemic viruses, such as rhinovirus. OBJECTIVES To evaluate how risk factors and symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 test positivity changed over the course of the pandemic and to compare these with the risk factors associated with rhinovirus test positivity. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This case-control study used a test-negative design with multivariable logistic regression to assess associations between SARS-CoV-2 and rhinovirus test positivity and self-reported demographic and symptom variables over a 25-month period. The study was conducted among symptomatic individuals of all ages enrolled in a cross-sectional community surveillance study in King County, Washington, from June 2020 to July 2022. EXPOSURES Self-reported data for 15 demographic and health behavior variables and 16 symptoms. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 or rhinovirus infection. RESULTS Analyses included data from 23 498 individuals. The median (IQR) age of participants was 34.33 (22.42-45.08) years, 13 878 (59.06%) were female, 4018 (17.10%) identified as Asian, 654 (2.78%) identified as Black, and 2193 (9.33%) identified as Hispanic. Close contact with an individual with SARS-CoV-2 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.89; 95% CI, 3.34-4.57) and loss of smell or taste (aOR, 3.49; 95% CI, 2.77-4.41) were the variables most associated with SARS-CoV-2 test positivity, but both attenuated during the Omicron period. Contact with a vaccinated individual with SARS-CoV-2 (aOR, 2.03; 95% CI, 1.56-2.79) was associated with lower odds of testing positive than contact with an unvaccinated individual with SARS-CoV-2 (aOR, 4.04; 95% CI, 2.39-7.23). Sore throat was associated with Omicron infection (aOR, 2.27; 95% CI, 1.68-3.20) but not Delta infection. Vaccine effectiveness for participants fully vaccinated with a booster dose was 93% (95% CI, 73%-100%) for Delta, but not significant for Omicron. Variables associated with rhinovirus test positivity included being younger than 12 years (aOR, 3.92; 95% CI, 3.42-4.51) and experiencing a runny or stuffy nose (aOR, 4.58; 95% CI, 4.07-5.21). Black race, residing in south King County, and households with 5 or more people were significantly associated with both SARS-CoV-2 and rhinovirus test positivity. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE In this case-control study of 23 498 symptomatic individuals, estimated risk factors and symptoms associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection changed over time. There was a shift in reported symptoms between the Delta and Omicron variants as well as reductions in the protection provided by vaccines. Racial and sociodemographic disparities persisted in the third year of SARS-CoV-2 circulation and were also present in rhinovirus infection. Trends in testing behavior and availability may influence these results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelsea Hansen
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Amanda C. Perofsky
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Roy Burstein
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
| | - Michael Famulare
- Institute for Disease Modeling, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, Washington
| | - Shanda Boyle
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Robin Prentice
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | | | - David Reinhart
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Ben Capodanno
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Melissa Truong
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - Kayla Kuchta
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Brian Pfau
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Zack Acker
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jover Lee
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Thomas R. Sibley
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
| | - Evan McDermot
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | | | - Jeremy Stone
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Luis Gamboa
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Peter D. Han
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jeffery S. Duchin
- Public Health Seattle and King County, Seattle, Washington
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
- School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Alpana Waghmare
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Janet A. Englund
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
- Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Jay Shendure
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Trevor Bedford
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Helen Y. Chu
- Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Lea M. Starita
- Brotman Baty Institute, University of Washington, Seattle
- Department of Genome Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle
| | - Cécile Viboud
- Fogarty International Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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Ogunbayo AE, Mogotsi MT, Sondlane H, Nkwadipo KR, Sabiu S, Nyaga MM. Metagenomic Analysis of Respiratory RNA Virome of Children with and without Severe Acute Respiratory Infection from the Free State, South Africa during COVID-19 Pandemic Reveals Higher Diversity and Abundance in Summer Compared with Winter Period. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112516. [PMID: 36423125 PMCID: PMC9692838 DOI: 10.3390/v14112516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral respiratory infections contribute to significant morbidity and mortality in children. Currently, there are limited reports on the composition and abundance of the normal commensal respiratory virome in comparison to those in severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) state. This study characterised the respiratory RNA virome in children ≤ 5 years with (n = 149) and without (n = 139) SARI during the summer and winter of 2020/2021 seasons in South Africa. Nasopharyngeal swabs were, collected, pooled, enriched for viral RNA detection, sequenced using Illumina MiSeq, and analysed using the Genome Detective bioinformatic tool. Overall, Picornaviridae, Paramoxyviridae, Pneumoviridae, Picobirnaviridae, Totiviridae, and Retroviridae families were the most abundant viral population in both groups across both seasons. Human rhinovirus and endogenous retrovirus K113 were detected in most pools, with exclusive detection of Pneumoviridae in SARI pools. Generally, higher viral diversity/abundance was seen in children with SARI and in the summer pools. Several plant/animal viruses, eukaryotic viruses with unclear pathogenicity including a distinct rhinovirus A type, were detected. This study provides remarkable data on the respiratory RNA virome in children with and without SARI with a degree of heterogeneity of known viruses colonizing their respiratory tract. The implication of the detected viruses in the dynamics/progression of SARI requires further investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayodeji E. Ogunbayo
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Milton T. Mogotsi
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Hlengiwe Sondlane
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Kelebogile R. Nkwadipo
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
| | - Saheed Sabiu
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Durban University of Technology, P.O. Box 1334, Durban 4000, South Africa
| | - Martin M. Nyaga
- Next Generation Sequencing Unit and Division of Virology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein 9300, South Africa
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +27-51-401-9158
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Choi HG, Kim SY, Joo YH, Cho HJ, Kim SW, Jeon YJ. Incidence of Asthma, Atopic Dermatitis, and Allergic Rhinitis in Korean Adults before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic Using Data from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14274. [PMID: 36361154 PMCID: PMC9658105 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of allergic diseases has been increasing globally prior to COVID-19. The pandemic resulted in changes in lifestyle and personal habits such as universal mask-wearing and social distancing. However, there is insufficient information on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the prevalence of allergic conditions such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. We analyzed the incidence rate for self-reported and doctor-diagnosed cases of allergic diseases of asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis. A total of 15,469 subjects were registered from a national cohort dataset of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Using multiple logistic regression analysis, we calculated the adjusted odds ratio (OR) for each disease in 2020 compared to 2019. Subgroup analyses were performed according to age and sex. There were no statistically significant differences between the incidence of doctor-diagnosed and current allergic diseases in 2019 and 2020 (asthma, p = 0.667 and p = 0.268; atopic dermatitis, p = 0.268 and p = 0.973; allergic rhinitis, p = 0.691 and p = 0.942, respectively), and subgroup analysis showed consistent results. Among the Korean population from 2019 to 2020, the incidence of the allergic diseases asthma, atopic dermatitis, and allergic rhinitis did not decrease as expected.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyo Geun Choi
- Departments of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Korea
| | - So Young Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam 13496, Korea
| | - Yeon-Hee Joo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gyeongsang National University Changwon Hospital, Changwon 51472, Korea
- Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Hyun-Jin Cho
- Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Sang-Wook Kim
- Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Yung Jin Jeon
- Institute of Health Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea
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Akmatov MK, Kohring C, Dammertz L, Heuer J, Below M, Bätzing J, Holstiege J. The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Outpatient Antibiotic Prescription Rates in Children and Adolescents-A Claims-Based Study in Germany. Antibiotics (Basel) 2022; 11:1433. [PMID: 36290090 PMCID: PMC9598667 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics11101433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine whether the COVID-19 pandemic had any effect on antibiotic prescription rates in children in Germany. Using the nationwide outpatient prescription data from the Statutory Health Insurance from 2010 to 2021, changes in the monthly prescriptions of systemic antibiotics dispensed to children aged 0-14 years were examined (n = 9,688,483 in 2021). Interrupted time series analysis was used to assess the effect of mitigation measures against SARS-COV-2, introduced in March and November 2020, on antibiotic prescription rates. In the pre-pandemic period, the antibiotic prescription rates displayed a linear decrease from 2010 to 2019 (mean annual decrease, -6%). In 2020, an immediate effect of mitigation measures on prescription rates was observed; in particular, the rate decreased steeply in April (RR 0.24, 95% CI: 0.14-0.41) and November 2020 (0.44, 0.27-0.73). The decrease was observed in all ages and for all antibiotic subgroups. However, this effect was temporary. Regionally, prescription rates were highly correlated between 2019 and 2020/2021. Substantial reductions in antibiotic prescription rates following the mitigation measures may indicate limited access to medical care, changes in care-seeking behavior and/or a decrease of respiratory infections. Despite an all-time low of antibiotic use, regional variations remained high and strongly correlated with pre-pandemic levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas K. Akmatov
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Care Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Claudia Kohring
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Care Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Lotte Dammertz
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Care Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Joachim Heuer
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Care Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Maike Below
- Department of Prescription Data, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörg Bätzing
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Care Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care, 10587 Berlin, Germany
| | - Jakob Holstiege
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Care Atlas, Central Research Institute of Ambulatory Health Care, 10587 Berlin, Germany
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Valtonen M, Waris M, Luoto R, Mjøsund K, Kaikkonen M, Heinonen OJ, Ruuskanen O. Non-SARS-CoV-2 Respiratory Viruses in Athletes at Major Winter Sport Events, 2021 and 2022. Emerg Infect Dis 2022; 28:2096-2099. [PMID: 36148959 PMCID: PMC9514343 DOI: 10.3201/eid2810.220478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We performed prospective studies on respiratory viral infections among Team Finland participants during the 2021 Oberstdorf World Ski Championships and the 2022 Beijing Olympic Games. We enrolled 73 athletes and 110 staff members. Compared with similar studies we conducted before the COVID-19 pandemic, illnesses and virus detections dropped by 10-fold.
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Low Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among Healthcare Workers in Malaysia during the Third COVID-19 Wave: Prospective Study with Literature Survey on Infection Prevention and Control Measures. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10101810. [PMID: 36292257 PMCID: PMC9601718 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10101810] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at greater risk for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. This serology surveillance study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among the HCWs who were asymptomatic during the third wave of COVID-19 in Malaysia. HCWs from the Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) Health Campus were prospectively recruited between August 2020 and March 2021 on a voluntary basis. Data on socio-demographics, possible risk factors and travel history were recorded. Serological diagnoses from serum samples were examined for total antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using an immunoassay kit. A literature survey was performed on the compliance with infection and prevention control (IPC) practices for COVID-19 among HCWs. The majority of the total 617 HCWs participating in this study were nurses (64.3%, n = 397), followed by health attendants (20.9%, n = 129), medical doctors (9.6%, n = 59) and others (6.3%, n = 39). Of those, 28.2% (n = 174) claimed to have exposure to COVID-19 cases, including history of close contact and casual contact with infected patients. Most importantly, all serum samples were found to be non-reactive to SARS-CoV-2, although nearly half (40.0%, n = 246) of the HCWs had been involved directly in the management of acute respiratory illness cases. A proportion of 12.7% (n = 78) of the HCWs reported having underlying health problems, such as diabetes mellitus, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Despite the presence of medical and sociological risks associated with SARS-CoV-2 infections, the current study found zero prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs of USM. Based on the literature survey, the vast majority of Malaysian HCWs demonstrated good IPC practices during the pandemic (average percentage ranged between 92.2% and 99.8%). High compliance with IPC measures may have led to the low seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 among the HCWs.
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Asamoah-Boaheng M, Grunau B, Karim ME, Jassem AN, Bolster J, Marquez AC, Scheuermeyer FX, Goldfarb DM. Are higher antibody levels against seasonal human coronaviruses associated with a more robust humoral immune response after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination? Front Immunol 2022; 13:954093. [PMID: 36159791 PMCID: PMC9493031 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.954093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 belongs to the coronavirus family, which also includes common endemic coronaviruses (HCoVs). We hypothesized that immunity to HCoVs would be associated with stronger immunogenicity from SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. The study included samples from the COSRIP observational cohort study of adult paramedics in Canada. Participants provided blood samples, questionnaire data, and results of COVID-19 testing. Samples were tested for anti-spike IgG against SARS-CoV-2, HCoV-229E, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63, and HCoV-OC43 antigens. We first compared samples from vaccinated and unvaccinated participants, to determine which HCoV antibodies were affected by vaccination. We created scatter plots and performed correlation analysis to estimate the extent of the linear relationship between HCoVs and SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike antibodies. Further, using adjusted log-log multiple regression, we modeled the association between each strain of HCoV and SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Of 1510 participants (mean age of 39 years), 94 (6.2%) had a history of COVID-19. There were significant differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated participant in anti-spike antibodies to HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-OC43; however, levels for HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 were similar (suggesting that vaccination did not affect these baseline values). Among vaccinated individuals without prior COVID-19 infection, SARS-COV-2 anti-spike IgG demonstrated a weak positive relationship between both HCoV-229E (r = 0.11) and HCoV-NL63 (r = 0.12). From the adjusted log-log multiple regression model, higher HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 anti-spike IgG antibodies were associated with increased SARS-COV-2 anti-spike IgG antibodies. Vaccination appears to result in measurable increases in HCoV-HKU1, and HCoV-OC43 IgG levels. Anti-HCoV-229E and HCoV-NL63 antibodies were unaffected by vaccination, and higher levels were associated with significantly higher COVID-19 vaccine-induced SARS-COV-2 antibodies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Asamoah-Boaheng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine, Clinical Epidemiology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St John’s, NL, Canada
| | - Brian Grunau
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Clinical and Medical Programs, British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohammad Ehsanul Karim
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Agatha N. Jassem
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Public Health Laboratory, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jennifer Bolster
- Clinical and Medical Programs, British Columbia Emergency Health Services, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Ana Citlali Marquez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Public Health Laboratory, British Columbia Centre for Disease Control, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Frank X. Scheuermeyer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Health Evaluation & Outcome Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - David M. Goldfarb
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia Children’s Hospital Research Institute, British Columbia Children’s Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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40
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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: 9.5] [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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Schalk E, Schmitt T, Panse J, Fiegle E, Naendrup JH, Schmidt-Hieber M, Böll B, Hentrich M, Teschner D, Mougiakakos D. Central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections in patients with haematological malignancies during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Br J Haematol 2022; 199:e16-e20. [PMID: 36017820 PMCID: PMC9538284 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Schalk
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical Centre, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Timo Schmitt
- Department of Haematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Jens Panse
- Department of Oncology, Haematology, Haemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Centre for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf (ABCD), Germany
| | - Eva Fiegle
- Department of Oncology, Haematology, Haemostaseology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany.,Centre for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf (ABCD), Germany
| | - Jan-Hendrik Naendrup
- Centre for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf (ABCD), Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Martin Schmidt-Hieber
- Clinic of Haematology, Oncology and Pneumology, Carl-Thiem-Hospital Cottbus, Cottbus, Germany
| | - Boris Böll
- Centre for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Aachen, Bonn, Cologne, Düsseldorf (ABCD), Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Marcus Hentrich
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Red Cross Hospital Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Teschner
- Department of Haematology, Medical Oncology and Pneumology, University Medical Centre of the Johannes Gutenberg-University, Mainz, Germany.,Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, Medical Centre, Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
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Leal J, Farkas B, Mastikhina L, Flanagan J, Skidmore B, Salmon C, Dixit D, Smith S, Tsekrekos S, Lee B, Vayalumkal J, Dunn J, Harrison R, Cordoviz M, Dubois R, Chandran U, Clement F, Bush K, Conly J, Larios O. Risk of transmission of respiratory viruses during aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMPs) revisited in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review. Antimicrob Resist Infect Control 2022; 11:102. [PMID: 35953854 PMCID: PMC9366810 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-022-01133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In many jurisdictions healthcare workers (HCWs) are using respirators for aerosol-generating medical procedures (AGMPs) performed on adult and pediatric populations with all suspect/confirmed viral respiratory infections (VRIs). This systematic review assessed the risk of VRIs to HCWs in the presence of AGMPs, the role respirators versus medical/surgical masks have on reducing that risk, and if the risk to HCWs during AGMPs differed when caring for adult or pediatric patient populations. Main text We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central, Cochrane SR, CINAHL, COVID-19 specific resources, and MedRxiv for English and French articles from database inception to September 9, 2021. Independent reviewers screened abstracts using pre-defined criteria, reviewed full-text articles, selected relevant studies, abstracted data, and conducted quality assessments of all studies using the ROBINS-I risk of bias tool. Disagreements were resolved by consensus. Thirty-eight studies were included; 23 studies on COVID-19, 10 on SARS, and 5 on MERS/ influenza/other respiratory viruses. Two of the 16 studies which assessed associations found that HCWs were 1.7 to 2.5 times more likely to contract COVID-19 after exposure to AGMPs vs. not exposed to AGMPs. Eight studies reported statistically significant associations for nine specific AGMPs and transmission of SARS to HCWS. Intubation was consistently associated with an increased risk of SARS. HCWs were more likely (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.2–3.4) to contract human coronaviruses when exposed to an AGMP in one study. There were no reported associations between AGMP exposure and transmission of influenza or in a single study on MERS. There was limited evidence supporting the use of a respirator over a medical/surgical mask during an AGMP to reduce the risk of viral transmission. One study described outcomes of HCWs exposed to a pediatric patient during intubation. Conclusion Exposure to an AGMP may increase the risk of transmission of COVID-19, SARS, and human coronaviruses to HCWs, however the evidence base is heterogenous and prone to confounding, particularly related to COVID-19. There continues to be a significant research gap in the epidemiology of the risk of VRIs among HCWs during AGMPs, particularly for pediatric patients. Further evidence is needed regarding what constitutes an AGMP. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13756-022-01133-8.
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Haddadin Z, Spieker AJ, Rahman H, Rankin DA, Talj R, Yanis A, Amarin JZ, Schmitz J, Chappell J, Halasa NB. Respiratory pathogens during the COVID-19 pandemic: Alterations in detection and seasonality in Nashville, Tennessee. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0270469. [PMID: 35921608 PMCID: PMC9348857 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0270469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Shortly after the implementation of community mitigation measures in response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), sharp declines in respiratory syncytial virus and influenza circulation were noted; post-mitigation circulation of other respiratory pathogens has gone unexplored. We retrospectively analyzed all records of a provider-ordered multiplex test between April 1, 2018, and July 31, 2021, in Nashville, Tennessee, and we noted disrupted historical seasonal patterns for common respiratory pathogens during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaid Haddadin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Andrew J. Spieker
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Herdi Rahman
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Danielle A. Rankin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- Vanderbilt Epidemiology PhD Program, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Rana Talj
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Ahmad Yanis
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Justin Z. Amarin
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Schmitz
- Departments of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - James Chappell
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Natasha B. Halasa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Lower Respiratory Tract Infection Determinants in Thai Hospitalized Children: National Data Analysis 2015-2020. Trop Med Infect Dis 2022; 7:tropicalmed7080151. [PMID: 36006243 PMCID: PMC9414978 DOI: 10.3390/tropicalmed7080151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 outbreak emerged in January 2020 and remains present in 2022. During this period, nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been used to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection. Nationwide data analysis should be pushed as the new standard to demonstrate the impact of COVID-19 infection on other respiratory illnesses and the reliability of NPIs during treatment. Objective: This study aims to identify and compare the incidence of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) among children in Thailand before and after the emergence of COVID-19. Methods: A retrospective study was carried out in hospitalized children under the age of 18 in Thailand from October 2015 to September 2020. The International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, Thai Modification, was used to identify patient diagnoses (ICD-10-TM). The data were extracted from the Universal Coverage Health Security Scheme Database. Results: A total of 1,610,160 admissions were attributed to LRTIs. The most common diagnosis was pneumonia (61.9%). Compared to the 2019 fiscal year, the number of hospitalizations due to LRTIs decreased by 33.9% in the 2020 fiscal year (COVID-19 period) (282,590 vs. 186,651). The incidence of all three diagnostic groupings was substantially lower in the pre- and post-COVID-19 eras, with a decrease of 28% in the pneumonia group (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 0.72; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71 to 0.72), 44% in the bronchiolitis group (IRR = 0.56; 95% CI: 0.55 to 0.57), and 34% in the bronchitis group (IRR = 0.66; 95% CI: 0.65 to 0.67). Between fiscal years 2019 and 2020, the overall monthly cost of all hospitalizations for LRTIs decreased considerably (p value < 0.001). Conclusions: NPIs may decrease the number of pediatric hospitalizations related to LRTIs. All policies designed to prevent the spread of COVID-19 must be continually utilized to maintain the prevention of LRTIs.
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Yang L, Shi S, Na C, Li B, Zhao Z, Yang T, Yao Y. Rotavirus and Norovirus Infections in Children Under 5 Years Old with Acute Gastroenteritis in Southwestern China, 2018-2020. J Epidemiol Glob Health 2022; 12:292-303. [PMID: 35857268 PMCID: PMC9297278 DOI: 10.1007/s44197-022-00050-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Rotaviruses and noroviruses are important causes of acute gastroenteritis in children. While previous studies in China have mainly focused on rotavirus, we investigated the incidence of norovirus in addition to rotavirus in Southwestern China. METHODS From January 2018 to December 2020, cases of rotavirus or norovirus infections among children under five ages with acute gastroenteritis were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS The detection rate of rotavirus was 24.5% (27,237/111,070) and norovirus was 26.1% (4649/17,797). Among 17,113 cases submitted for dual testing of both rotavirus and norovirus, mixed rotavirus/norovirus infections were detected in 5.0% (859/17,113) of cases. While there was no difference in norovirus incidence in outpatient compared to hospitalized cases, rotavirus was detected two times more in outpatients compared to hospitalized cases (26.6% vs.13.6%; P < 0.001). Both rotavirus and norovirus infections peaked in children aged 12-18 months seeking medical care with acute gastroenteritis (35.6% rotavirus cases; 8439/23,728 and 32.5% norovirus cases; 1660/5107). Rotavirus infections were frequent between December and March of each year while norovirus was detected earlier from October to December. Our results showed significant correlation between virus detection and environmental factors such as average monthly temperature but not relative humidity. In addition, we observed a reduction in the detection rates of rotavirus and norovirus at the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in 2020. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that rotavirus and norovirus are still important viral agents in pediatric acute gastroenteritis in Southwestern China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longyu Yang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development On Severe Infectious Disease, Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shulan Shi
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650228, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Na
- Department of Pediatrics, Yanan Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People's Republic of China
| | - Bai Li
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development On Severe Infectious Disease, Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhimei Zhao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development On Severe Infectious Disease, Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, Yunnan, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Yanan Hospital Affiliated to Kunming Medical University, Kunming, Yunnan, 650000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yufeng Yao
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Vaccine Research & Development On Severe Infectious Disease, Department of Immunogenetics, Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Kunming, 650118, Yunnan, People's Republic of China.
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Kim YK, Song SH, Ahn B, Lee JK, Choi JH, Choi SH, Yun KW, Choi EH. Shift in Clinical Epidemiology of Human Parainfluenza Virus Type 3 and Respiratory Syncytial Virus B Infections in Korean Children Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Multicenter Retrospective Study. J Korean Med Sci 2022; 37:e215. [PMID: 35851860 PMCID: PMC9294504 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2022.37.e215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parainfluenza virus type 3 (PIV3) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) B epidemics occurred in South Korea in late 2021. We investigated epidemiological changes of PIV3 and RSV B infections in Korean children before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. METHODS In this multicenter retrospective study, we enrolled patients aged less than 19 years with PIV3 or RSV infection in four university hospitals from January 2018 to January 2022. Demographic and clinical data were extracted from the subject's medical records and analyzed for each virus. RESULTS A total of 652 children with PIV3 were identified including three epidemics: 216 in 2018, 260 in 2019, and 167 in 2021. Among 627 RSV B cases, 169 were identified in 2017/2018, 274 in 2019/2020, and 115 in 2021/2022. The peak circulation of PIV3 and RSV B epidemics were delayed by 6 and 2 months, respectively, in 2021, compared with those in the pre-COVID-19 period. The median age of PIV3 infections increased in 2021 (21.5 months in 2021 vs. 13.0-14.0 in 2018-2019; P < 0.001), whereas that of RSV B infections remained unchanged (3.6-4.0 months). During the COVID-19 pandemic, less frequent hospitalization rates were observed for both PIV3 and RSV B infections, but more children needed respiratory assistance for RSV B infection in 2021/2022 epidemic (32.5%) than before (14.7-19.4%, P = 0.014). CONCLUSION We observed changes in the epidemiology and clinical presentation of PIV3 and RSV B infections in Korean children during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Kyung Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Konkuk University Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Ha Song
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bin Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Joon Kee Lee
- Department of Pediatrics, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jae Hong Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University College of Medicine, Jeju, Korea
| | - Soo-Han Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Ki Wook Yun
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Eun Hwa Choi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
- Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Loevinsohn G, Hamahuwa M, Hardick J, Sinywimaanzi P, Fenstermacher KZJ, Munachoonga P, Weynand A, Monze M, Manabe YC, Gaydos CA, Rothman RE, Pekosz A, Thuma PE, Simulundu E, Sutcliffe CG. Respiratory viruses in rural Zambia before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Trop Med Int Health 2022; 27:647-654. [PMID: 35611546 PMCID: PMC9348166 DOI: 10.1111/tmi.13781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, restrictions were implemented globally to control the virus. Data on respiratory pathogens in sub-Saharan Africa during the COVID-19 pandemic are scarce. This analysis was conducted to evaluate patterns of respiratory pathogens in rural Zambia before and during the first year of the pandemic. METHODS Surveillance was established in December 2018 at Macha Hospital in southern Zambia. Patients with respiratory symptoms in the outpatient and inpatient clinics were recruited. Nasopharyngeal samples were collected and tested for respiratory pathogens. The prevalence of respiratory symptoms and pathogens was evaluated and compared in the first (December 10, 2018-December 9, 2019) and second (December 10, 2019-November 30, 2020) years of surveillance. RESULTS Outpatient visits and admissions for respiratory illness significantly decreased from the first to second year, especially among children. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected from any participants in Year 2. Among outpatients and inpatients with respiratory symptoms, the prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus and influenza viruses decreased from the first to second year. In contrast, the prevalence of rhinovirus/enterovirus, metapneumovirus and parainfluenza virus increased. CONCLUSIONS The epidemiology of respiratory viruses in rural Zambia changed during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that public health interventions may have had an impact on the introduction and circulation of respiratory pathogens in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gideon Loevinsohn
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Justin Hardick
- Division of Infectious DiseasesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | | | | | - Austin Weynand
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Mwaka Monze
- Virology LaboratoryUniversity Teaching HospitalLusakaZambia
| | - Yukari C. Manabe
- Division of Infectious DiseasesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Charlotte A. Gaydos
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Richard E. Rothman
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Andrew Pekosz
- Department of Emergency MedicineJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Division of Infectious DiseasesJohns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Philip E. Thuma
- Macha Research TrustMachaZambia
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Catherine G. Sutcliffe
- Department of EpidemiologyJohns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public HealthBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Oh DY, Hölzer M, Paraskevopoulou S, Trofimova M, Hartkopf F, Budt M, Wedde M, Richard H, Haldemann B, Domaszewska T, Reiche J, Keeren K, Radonić A, Ramos Calderón JP, Smith MR, Brinkmann A, Trappe K, Drechsel O, Klaper K, Hein S, Hildt E, Haas W, Calvignac-Spencer S, Semmler T, Dürrwald R, Thürmer A, Drosten C, Fuchs S, Kröger S, von Kleist M, Wolff T. Advancing Precision Vaccinology by Molecular and Genomic Surveillance of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 in Germany, 2021. Clin Infect Dis 2022; 75:S110-S120. [PMID: 35749674 PMCID: PMC9278222 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciac399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Comprehensive pathogen genomic surveillance represents a powerful tool to complement and advance precision vaccinology. The emergence of the Alpha variant in December 2020 and the resulting efforts to track the spread of this and other severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern led to an expansion of genomic sequencing activities in Germany. METHODS At Robert Koch Institute (RKI), the German National Institute of Public Health, we established the Integrated Molecular Surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 (IMS-SC2) network to perform SARS-CoV-2 genomic surveillance at the national scale, SARS-CoV-2-positive samples from laboratories distributed across Germany regularly undergo whole-genome sequencing at RKI. RESULTS We report analyses of 3623 SARS-CoV-2 genomes collected between December 2020 and December 2021, of which 3282 were randomly sampled. All variants of concern were identified in the sequenced sample set, at ratios equivalent to those in the 100-fold larger German GISAID sequence dataset from the same time period. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed variant assignments. Multiple mutations of concern emerged during the observation period. To model vaccine effectiveness in vitro, we employed authentic-virus neutralization assays, confirming that both the Beta and Zeta variants are capable of immune evasion. The IMS-SC2 sequence dataset facilitated an estimate of the SARS-CoV-2 incidence based on genetic evolution rates. Together with modeled vaccine efficacies, Delta-specific incidence estimation indicated that the German vaccination campaign contributed substantially to a deceleration of the nascent German Delta wave. CONCLUSIONS SARS-CoV-2 molecular and genomic surveillance may inform public health policies including vaccination strategies and enable a proactive approach to controlling coronavirus disease 2019 spread as the virus evolves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Djin Ye Oh
- Correspondence: D.-Y. Oh Robert Koch Institute, Dept. of Infectious Diseases, Seestr. 10, 13353 Berlin, Germany ()
| | | | - Sofia Paraskevopoulou
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (MF1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Maria Trofimova
- Systems Medicine of Infectious Disease (P5), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Felix Hartkopf
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Matthias Budt
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (FG17), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Marianne Wedde
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (FG17), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Hugues Richard
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (MF1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berit Haldemann
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (MF1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | - Janine Reiche
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (FG17), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathrin Keeren
- Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses (FG15), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Radonić
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Annika Brinkmann
- Centre for Biological Threats and Special Pathogens, Highly Pathogenic Viruses (ZBS1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathrin Trappe
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (MF1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Oliver Drechsel
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (MF1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kathleen Klaper
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany,Sexually Transmitted Bacterial Pathogens and HIV (FG18), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sascha Hein
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Eberhardt Hildt
- Division of Virology, Paul Ehrlich Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Walter Haas
- Gastroenteritis and Hepatitis Pathogens and Enteroviruses (FG15), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sébastien Calvignac-Spencer
- Epidemiology of Highly Pathogenic Microorganisms (P3), Viral Evolution, Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Torsten Semmler
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ralf Dürrwald
- Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses (FG17), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andrea Thürmer
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Genome Sequencing and Genomic Epidemiology (MF2), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Drosten
- Institute of Virology, Charité-University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Fuchs
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, Bioinformatics and Systems Biology (MF1), Robert Koch Institute, Berlin, Germany
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Cross-sectional seroprevalence surveys of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children in Germany, June 2020 to May 2021. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3128. [PMID: 35668073 PMCID: PMC9170697 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30482-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The rate of SARS-CoV-2 infections in children remains unclear due to many asymptomatic cases. We present a study of cross-sectional seroprevalence surveys of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in 10,358 children recruited in paediatric hospitals across Germany from June 2020 to May 2021. Seropositivity increased from 2.0% (95% CI 1.6, 2.5) to 10.8% (95% CI 8.7, 12.9) in March 2021 with little change up to May 2021. Rates increased by migrant background (2.8%, 4.4% and 7.8% for no, one and two parents born outside Germany). Children under three were initially 3.6 (95% CI 2.3, 5.7) times more likely to be seropositive with levels equalising later. The ratio of seropositive cases per recalled infection decreased from 8.6 to 2.8. Since seropositivity exceeds the rate of recalled infections considerably, serologic testing may provide a more valid estimate of infections, which is required to assess both the spread and the risk for severe outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infections. Children are less likely to be infected with SARS-CoV-2 and develop less severe disease than adults, which makes estimation of infection rates challenging. Here, the authors conduct seroprevalence surveys of children in Germany, describe changes in prevalence over time, and identify risk factors for infection.
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Cookson W, Moffatt M, Rapeport G, Quint J. A Pandemic Lesson for Global Lung Diseases: Exacerbations Are Preventable. Am J Respir Crit Care Med 2022; 205:1271-1280. [PMID: 35192447 PMCID: PMC9873111 DOI: 10.1164/rccm.202110-2389ci] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
A dramatic global reduction in the incidence of common seasonal respiratory viral infections has resulted from measures to limit the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) during the pandemic. This has been accompanied by falls reaching 50% internationally in the incidence of acute exacerbations of preexisting chronic respiratory diseases that include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis. At the same time, the incidence of acute bacterial pneumonia and sepsis has fallen steeply worldwide. Such findings demonstrate the profound impact of common respiratory viruses on the course of these global illnesses. Reduced transmission of common respiratory bacterial pathogens and their interactions with viruses appear also as central factors. This review summarizes pandemic changes in exacerbation rates of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cystic fibrosis, and pneumonia. We draw attention to the substantial body of knowledge about respiratory virus infections in these conditions, and that it has not yet translated into clinical practice. Now that the large scale of benefits that could be gained by managing these pathogens is unmistakable, we suggest that the field merits substantial academic and industrial investment. We consider how pandemic-inspired measures for prevention and treatment of common infections should become a cornerstone for managing respiratory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Cookson
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Miriam Moffatt
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Garth Rapeport
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jennifer Quint
- National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, United Kingdom
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