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Arienzo A, Gallo V, Tomassetti F, Pitaro N, Pitaro M, Antonini G. A narrative review of alternative transmission routes of COVID 19: what we know so far. Pathog Glob Health 2023; 117:681-695. [PMID: 37350182 PMCID: PMC10614718 DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2023.2228048] [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: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemics, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses, SARS-CoV-2, represent an unprecedented public health challenge. Beside person-to-person contagion via airborne droplets and aerosol, which is the main SARS-CoV-2's route of transmission, alternative modes, including transmission via fomites, food and food packaging, have been investigated for their potential impact on SARS-CoV-2 diffusion. In this context, several studies have demonstrated the persistence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA and, in some cases, of infectious particles on exposed fomites, food and water samples, confirming their possible role as sources of contamination and transmission. Indeed, fomite-to-human transmission has been demonstrated in a few cases where person-to-person transmission had been excluded. In addition, recent studies supported the possibility of acquiring COVID-19 through the fecal-oro route; the occurrence of COVID-19 gastrointestinal infections, in the absence of respiratory symptoms, also opens the intriguing possibility that these cases could be directly related to the ingestion of contaminated food and water. Overall, most of the studies considered these alternative routes of transmission of low epidemiological relevance; however, it should be considered that they could play an important role, or even be prevalent, in settings characterized by different environmental and socio-economic conditions. In this review, we discuss the most recent findings regarding SARS-CoV-2 alternative transmission routes, with the aim to disclose what is known about their impact on COVID-19 spread and to stimulate research in this field, which could potentially have a great impact, especially in low-resource contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Michele Pitaro
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Antonini
- National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems (INBB), Rome, Italy
- Department of Science, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Romantowski J, Górska A, Zieliński M, Trzonkowski P, Rucka K, Niedoszytko M. Clinical Application of In Vitro Tests for COVID-19 Vaccine Delayed Hypersensitivity Diagnostics. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13296. [PMID: 37686102 PMCID: PMC10487583 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713296] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug hypersensitivity reactions can be classified as immediate or delayed. While diagnostic options for immediate reactions are well developed and standardized, delayed reactions (in many cases type IV according to Gell and Coombs) are a challenge for allergy work-up. In recent years, some in vitro markers have been proposed and used for delayed reactions, such as contact dermatitis. Primary strategy: Avoidance is difficult to achieve, especially for COVID-19 vaccinations, when immunity against infection is extremely important. The aim of our study was to evaluate the application of in vitro delayed hypersensitivity tests in COVID-19 vaccines. Seven patients with a positive history of severe delayed drug allergy were enrolled. Vein blood was collected to stimulate cells with the tested vaccines (Comirnaty, Janssen, Spikevax) and excipients with the assessment of CD40L, CD69, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IFNgamma, TNFalfa, and intracellular markers: granulysin and INFgamma. In addition, basophile activation tests, patch tests, skin prick tests, and intradermal tests were performed with the tested vaccine. Finally, the decision was made to either administer a vaccine or resign. Two out of seven patients were considered positive for drug hypersensitivity in the in vitro test according to the high vaccine stimulation index measured with CD69 (6.91 and 12.18) and CD40L (5.38 and 15.91). All patch tests, BATs, and skin tests were negative. Serum interleukin measurements were inconclusive as the impact of the vaccine itself on the immunity system was high. Intracellular markers gave uncertain results due to the lack of stimulation on the positive control. CD69 and CD40L could be reliable in vitro markers for delayed hypersensitivity to COVID-19 vaccines. Patch tests, skin tests, BATs, and serum interleukins did not confirm their usefulness in our study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Romantowski
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-414 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.G.); (M.N.)
| | - Aleksandra Górska
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-414 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.G.); (M.N.)
| | - Maciej Zieliński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-414 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.Z.); (P.T.); (K.R.)
| | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-414 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.Z.); (P.T.); (K.R.)
| | - Karolina Rucka
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-414 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.Z.); (P.T.); (K.R.)
| | - Marek Niedoszytko
- Department of Allergology, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-414 Gdańsk, Poland; (A.G.); (M.N.)
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Panahi Y, Ghanei M, Rahimi M, Samim A, Vahedian‐Azimi A, Atkin SL, Sahebkar A. Evaluation the efficacy and safety of N-acetylcysteine inhalation spray in controlling the symptoms of patients with COVID-19: An open-label randomized controlled clinical trial. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e28393. [PMID: 36495185 PMCID: PMC9878233 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.28393] [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: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect and safety of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) inhalation spray in the treatment of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This randomized controlled clinical trial study was conducted on patients with COVID-19. Eligible patients (n = 250) were randomly allocated into the intervention group (routine treatment + NAC inhaler spray one puff per 12 h, for 7 days) or the control group who received routine treatment alone. Clinical features, hemodynamic, hematological, biochemical parameters and patient outcomes were assessed and compared before and after treatment. The mortality rate was significantly higher in the control group than in the intervention group (39.2% vs. 3.2%, p < 0.001). Significant differences were found between the two groups (intervention and control, respectively) for white blood cell count (6.2 vs. 7.8, p < 0.001), hemoglobin (12.3 vs. 13.3, p = 0.002), C-reactive protein (CRP: 6 vs. 11.5, p < 0.0001) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST: 32 vs. 25.5, p < 0.0001). No differences were seen for hospital length of stay (11.98 ± 3.61 vs. 11.81 ± 3.52, p = 0.814) or the requirement for intensive care unit (ICU) admission (7.2% vs. 11.2%, p = 0.274). NAC was beneficial in reducing the mortality rate in patients with COVID-19 and inflammatory parameters, and a reduction in the development of severe respiratory failure; however, it did not affect the length of hospital stay or the need for ICU admission. Data on the effectiveness of NAC for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 is limited and further research is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunes Panahi
- Pharmacotherapy Department, School of PharmacyBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mostafa Ghanei
- Chemical Injuries Center, Systems Biology and Poisoning InstituteBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Morteza Rahimi
- Chemical Injuries Center, Systems Biology and Poisoning InstituteBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Abbas Samim
- Chemical Injuries Center, Systems Biology and Poisoning InstituteBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Amir Vahedian‐Azimi
- Trauma Research Center, Nursing FacultyBaqiyatallah University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Stephen L. Atkin
- School of Postgraduate Studies and ResearchRCSI Medical University of BahrainBusaiteenKingdom of Bahrain
| | - Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Applied Biomedical Research CenterMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran,Biotechnology Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology InstituteMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran,Department of Biotechnology, School of PharmacyMashhad University of Medical SciencesMashhadIran
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Plocque A, Mitri C, Lefèvre C, Tabary O, Touqui L, Philippart F. Should We Interfere with the Interleukin-6 Receptor During COVID-19: What Do We Know So Far? Drugs 2023; 83:1-36. [PMID: 36508116 PMCID: PMC9743129 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-022-01803-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Severe manifestations of COVID-19 consist of acute respiratory distress syndrome due to an initially local reaction leading to a systemic inflammatory response that results in hypoxia. Many therapeutic approaches have been attempted to reduce the clinical consequences of an excessive immune response to viral infection. To date, systemic corticosteroid therapy is still the most effective intervention. More recently, new hope has emerged with the use of interleukin (IL)-6 receptor inhibitors (tocilizumab and sarilumab). However, the great heterogeneity of the methodology and results of published studies obfuscate the true value of this treatment, leading to a confusing synthesis in recent meta-analyses, and the persistence of doubts in terms of patient groups and the appropriate time to treat. Moreover, their effects on the anti-infectious or pro-healing response are still poorly studied. This review aims to clarify the potential role of IL-6 receptor inhibitors in the treatment of severe forms of COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexia Plocque
- Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Christie Mitri
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Charlène Lefèvre
- Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Paris, France
| | - Olivier Tabary
- Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, CRSA, Sorbonne Université, Inserm, 75012, Paris, France
| | - Lhousseine Touqui
- INSERM U938 Unit, St. Antoine Research Centre, Sorbona University, Paris, France
- Mucoviscidosis and Pulmonary Disease Units, Institute Pasteur, Paris, France
- Cystic fibrosis and Bronchial diseases team-INSERM U938, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France
| | - Francois Philippart
- Medical and Surgical Intensive Care Unit, Groupe Hospitalier Paris Saint Joseph, Paris, France.
- Endotoxins, Structures and Host Response, Department of Microbiology, Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell, UMR 9891 CNRS-CEA-Paris Saclay University, 98190, Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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Dlamini WMD, Simelane SP, Nhlabatsi NM. Bayesian network-based spatial predictive modelling reveals COVID-19 transmission dynamics in Eswatini. SPATIAL INFORMATION RESEARCH 2022; 30:183-194. [PMCID: PMC8602516 DOI: 10.1007/s41324-021-00421-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 10/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The first case of COVID-19 in Eswatini was first reported in March 2020, posing an unprecedented challenge to the country’s health and socio-economic systems. Using geographic information system (GIS) data comprising 15 socioeconomic, demographic and environmental variables, we model the spatial variability of COVID-19 transmission risk based on case data for the period under strict lockdown (up to 8th May 2020) and after the lockdown regulations were gradually eased (up to 30th June 2020). We implemented and tested 13 spatial data-driven Bayesian network (BN) learning algorithms to examine the factors that determine the spatial distribution of COVID-19 transmission risk. All the BN models performed very well in predicting the COVID-19 cases as evidenced by low log loss (0.705–0.683) and high recall values (0.821–0.836). The tree-augmented naïve (TAN) model outperformed all other BN learning algorithms. The proximity to major health facilities, churches, shopping centres and supermarkets as well as average annual traffic density were the strongest predictors of transmission risk during strict lockdown. After gradual relaxation of the lockdown, the proportion of the youth (15–40 years old) in an area became the strongest predictor of COVID-19 transmission in addition to the proximity to areas where people congregate, excluding churches. The study provides useful insights on the spatio-temporal dynamics of COVID-19 transmission drivers thereby aiding the design of geographically-targeted interventions. The findings also point to the robustness of BN models in spatial predictive modelling and graphically explaining spatial phenomena under uncertainty and with limited data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wisdom M. D. Dlamini
- Department of Geography, Environmental Science and Planning, University of Eswatini, Kwaluseni, Eswatini
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Zhan Y, Chen X, Guan W, Guan W, Yang C, Pan S, Wong SS, Chen R, Ye F. Clinical impact of nosocomial infection with pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 in a respiratory ward in Guangzhou. J Thorac Dis 2021; 13:5851-5862. [PMID: 34795934 PMCID: PMC8575854 DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Background Nosocomial outbreaks of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) 2009 virus [A(H1N1)pdm09] easily develop due to its high transmissibility. This study aimed to investigate the clinical impacts of a nosocomial outbreak of A(H1N1)pdm09 between 21 January and 17 February 2016. Methods Patients who developed influenza-like illness (ILI) more than 48 hours after hospitalization in the index ward were enrolled as suspected patients, defined as group A and quarantined. Patients in other wards were defined as group B. A phylogenetic tree was constructed to determine the origins of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes. Results After the implementation of an infection control measure bundle, the outbreak was limited to eight patients with ILIs in group A. Nasal swabs from seven patients were positive for A(H1N1)pdm09. All the patients recovered after treatment. Prolonged viral shedding was observed in a patient with bronchiectasis and Penicillium marneffei infection. Compared to the expected duration of hospitalization in patients without fever, those with fever had a median 7-day delay in discharge and a mean excess cost of 3,358 RMB. The four influenza strains identified were genetically identical to the A/California/115/2015 strain. Six of the 54 patients in group B who underwent bronchoscopy developed transient fever. These patients were hospitalized in various wards of the hospital and recovered after a short-term course of empirical antibiotics. Conclusions After the implementation of infection control measures, the nosocomial A(H1N1)pdm09 outbreak was rapidly contained; infected patients had a delay in discharge and excess costs, but no deaths occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangqing Zhan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijie Guan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenda Guan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunguang Yang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sihua Pan
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sook-San Wong
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongchang Chen
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Shenzhen, China
| | - Feng Ye
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, Guangzhou, China
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