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Faddy HM, Osiowy C, Custer B, Busch M, Stramer SL, Adesina O, van de Laar T, Tsoi WC, Styles C, Kiely P, Margaritis A, Kwon SY, Qiu Y, Deng X, Lewin A, Jørgensen SW, Erikstrup C, Juhl D, Sauleda S, Camacho Rodriguez BA, Coral LJCS, Gaviria García PA, Oota S, O'Brien SF, Wendel S, Castro E, Navarro Pérez L, Harvala H, Davison K, Reynolds C, Jarvis L, Grabarczyk P, Kopacz A, Łętowska M, O'Flaherty N, Young F, Williams P, Burke L, Chua SS, Muylaert A, Page I, Jones A, Niederhauser C, Vermeulen M, Laperche S, Gallian P, Sawadogo S, Satake M, Gharehbaghian A, Addas-Carvalho M, Blanco S, Gallego SV, Seltsam A, Weber-Schehl M, Al-Riyami AZ, Al Maamari K, Alawi FB, Pandey HC, Mbanya D, França RA, Charlewood R. International review of blood donation nucleic acid amplification testing. Vox Sang 2024; 119:315-325. [PMID: 38390819 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nucleic acid amplification testing (NAT), in blood services context, is used for the detection of viral and parasite nucleic acids to reduce transfusion-transmitted infections. This project reviewed NAT for screening blood donations globally. MATERIALS AND METHODS A survey on NAT usage, developed by the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party on Transfusion-transmitted Infectious Diseases (ISBT WP-TTID), was distributed through ISBT WP-TTID members. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Forty-three responses were received from 32 countries. Increased adoption of blood donation viral screening by NAT was observed over the past decade. NAT-positive donations were detected for all viruses tested in 2019 (proportion of donations positive by NAT were 0.0099% for human immunodeficiency virus [HIV], 0.0063% for hepatitis C virus [HCV], 0.0247% for hepatitis B virus [HBV], 0.0323% for hepatitis E virus [HEV], 0.0014% for West Nile virus [WNV] and 0.00005% for Zika virus [ZIKV]). Globally, over 3100 NAT-positive donations were identified as NAT yield or solely by NAT in 2019 and over 22,000 since the introduction of NAT, with HBV accounting for over half. NAT-positivity rate was higher in first-time donors for all viruses tested except WNV. During 2019, a small number of participants performed NAT for parasites (Trypanosoma cruzi, Babesia spp., Plasmodium spp.). CONCLUSION This survey captures current use of blood donation NAT globally. There has been increased NAT usage over the last decade. It is clear that NAT contributes to improving blood transfusion safety globally; however, there is a need to overcome economic barriers for regions/countries not performing NAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Faddy
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Susan L Stramer
- Scientific Affairs, American Red Cross, Gaithersburg, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Wai-Chiu Tsoi
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Kowloon, Hong Kong
| | - Claire Styles
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Phil Kiely
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Angelo Margaritis
- Manufacturing & Logistics, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - So-Yong Kwon
- Korean Red Cross Blood Services, Wonju, Republic of Korea
| | - Yan Qiu
- Beijing Red Cross Blood Centre, Beijing, China
| | | | - Antoine Lewin
- Medical Affairs and Innovation, Héma-Québec, Saint-Laurent, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Christian Erikstrup
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - David Juhl
- University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | - Sineenart Oota
- National Blood Centre, Thai Red Cross Society, Bangkok, Thailand
| | | | | | - Emma Castro
- Centro de Transfusión de la Comunidad Valenciana, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Heli Harvala
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, Bristol, UK
| | - Katy Davison
- NHSBT/UKHSA Epidemiology Unit, UKHSA, London, UK
| | | | - Lisa Jarvis
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK
| | - Piotr Grabarczyk
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Kopacz
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Fiona Young
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Lisa Burke
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Isabel Page
- Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonacion de Castilla y Leon, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Ann Jones
- Welsh Blood Service, Pontyclun, Wales, UK
| | | | - Marion Vermeulen
- The South African National Blood Service, Weltevreden Park, South Africa
| | - Syria Laperche
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, Tours, France
| | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, Tours, France
| | - Salam Sawadogo
- National Blood Transfusion Center of Burkina Faso, Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
| | | | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Laboratory Hematology & Blood Bank Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Sandra V Gallego
- Fundación Banco Central de Sangre, Córdoba, Argentina
- Virology Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Axel Seltsam
- Bavarian Red Cross Blood Donation Service, Wiesentheid, Germany
| | | | - Arwa Z Al-Riyami
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hem Chandra Pandey
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
| | - Dora Mbanya
- National Blood Transfusion Service, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Faddy HM, Osiowy C, Custer B, Busch M, Stramer SL, Dean MM, Acutt J, Viennet E, van de Laar T, Tsoi WC, Styles C, Kiely P, Margaritis A, Kwon SY, Qiu Y, Deng X, Lewin A, Jørgensen SW, Erikstrup C, Juhl D, Sauleda S, Camacho Rodriguez BA, Soto Coral LJC, Gaviria García PA, Oota S, O'Brien SF, Wendel S, Castro E, Navarro Pérez L, Harvala H, Davison K, Reynolds C, Jarvis L, Grabarczyk P, Kopacz A, Łętowska M, O'Flaherty N, Young F, Williams P, Burke L, Chua SS, Muylaert A, Page I, Jones A, Niederhauser C, Vermeulen M, Laperche S, Gallian P, Satake M, Addas-Carvalho M, Blanco S, Gallego SV, Seltsam A, Weber-Schehl M, Al-Riyami AZ, Al Maamari K, Alawi FB, Pandey HC, França RA, Charlewood R. An international review of the characteristics of viral nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) reveals a trend towards the use of smaller pool sizes and individual donation NAT. Vox Sang 2024. [PMID: 38516962 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Nucleic acid-amplification testing (NAT) is used for screening blood donations/donors for blood-borne viruses. We reviewed global viral NAT characteristics and NAT-yield confirmatory testing used by blood operators. MATERIALS AND METHODS NAT characteristics and NAT-yield confirmatory testing used during 2019 was surveyed internationally by the International Society of Blood Transfusion Working Party Transfusion-Transmitted Infectious Diseases. Reported characteristics are presented herein. RESULTS NAT was mainly performed under government mandate. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) NAT was performed on all donors and donation types, while selective testing was reported for West Nile virus, hepatitis E virus (HEV), and Zika virus. Individual donation NAT was used for HIV, HCV and HBV by ~50% of responders, while HEV was screened in mini-pools by 83% of responders performing HEV NAT. Confirmatory testing for NAT-yield samples was generally performed by NAT on a sample from the same donation or by NAT and serology on samples from the same donation and a follow-up sample. CONCLUSION In the last decade, there has been a trend towards use of smaller pool sizes or individual donation NAT. We captured characteristics of NAT internationally in 2019 and provide insights into confirmatory testing approaches used for NAT-yields, potentially benefitting blood operators seeking to implement NAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen M Faddy
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Carla Osiowy
- National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Brian Custer
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of California San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael Busch
- Vitalant Research Institute, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Melinda M Dean
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jessika Acutt
- School of Health, University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie, Queensland, Australia
| | - Elvina Viennet
- Research and Development, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Thijs van de Laar
- Department of Donor Medicine Research, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wai-Chiu Tsoi
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong
| | - Claire Styles
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Phil Kiely
- Pathology & Clinical Governance, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Angelo Margaritis
- Manufacturing & Logistics, Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Australia
| | - So-Yong Kwon
- Korean Red Cross Blood Services, Republic of Korea
| | - Yan Qiu
- Beijing Red Cross Blood Centre, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - David Juhl
- University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Emma Castro
- Centro de Transfusión de la Comunidad Valenciana, Spain
| | | | - Heli Harvala
- Microbiology Services, NHS Blood and Transplant, UK
| | | | | | - Lisa Jarvis
- Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service, UK
| | - Piotr Grabarczyk
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Aneta Kopacz
- Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Fiona Young
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Lisa Burke
- Irish Blood Transfusion Service, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - Isabel Page
- Centro de Hemoterapia y Hemodonacion de Castilla y Leon, Spain
| | | | - Christoph Niederhauser
- Interregional Blood Transfusion SRC, Switzerland
- Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland
| | | | - Syria Laperche
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
| | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine Saint Denis, France
| | | | | | | | - Sandra V Gallego
- Fundación Banco Central de Sangre, Argentina
- Virology Institute, School of Medicine, National University of Cordoba, Argentina
| | - Axel Seltsam
- Bavarian Red Cross Blood Donation Service, Wiesentheid, Germany
| | | | - Arwa Z Al-Riyami
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | | | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Oman
| | - Hem Chandra Pandey
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi, India
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Waili BA, Yazidi LA, Hashami HA, Gheilani MA, Muharrami FA, Jadder RA, Hashami GA, Alawi FB, Maamari KA, Mamari AA, Khatri HA, Alhinai Z. A comparative study of SARS-CoV-2 and common human coronavirus infections among children presenting to tertiary care in Oman. Int J Infect Dis 2024; 139:195-201. [PMID: 37567551 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To compare clinical manifestations, laboratory characteristics, and outcomes of children presenting to tertiary care with SARS-CoV-2 or common human coronavirus (HCoV) infection. METHODS Children 13 years of age or younger presenting in 2020 with SARS-CoV-2 and those presenting with HCoV between 2017 and 2019 were included. Clinical and laboratory features were compared using appropriate statistical tests. The study was conducted at the two main tertiary hospitals in Muscat, Oman. RESULTS The study included 255 cases (131 SARS-CoV-2 and 124 HCoV). Median age was 1.7 years (interquartile range 0.5-5.6), and 140 patients (55%) were males. Among children with HCoV infection, diarrhea was less common compared to children with SARS-CoV-2 (4% vs 23%, P <0.001), while respiratory symptoms such as cough were more common (74% vs 31%, P <0.001). Intensive care admission was more frequent with SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to HCoV (22% vs 11%, P = 0.039). Three virus-related deaths were recorded, all of which occurred among patients with SARS-CoV-2 and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. CONCLUSION Lower respiratory tract disease is more frequent among children with HCoV infection compared to SARS-CoV-2, while gastrointestinal symptoms are more frequent with SARS-CoV-2. Critical illness is more likely with SARS-CoV-2 infection, driven mostly by multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laila Al Yazidi
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Maryam Al Gheilani
- Pediatric Residency Training Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Rafal Al Jadder
- Internship Training Program, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman
| | - Gulnar Al Hashami
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ahmed Al Mamari
- Central Public Health Laboratory, Ministry of Health, Muscat, Oman.
| | - Hanan Al Khatri
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zaid Alhinai
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman.
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Al-Bulushi N, Al Maamari K, Alawi FB, Al-Riyami AZ, Al Marhoobi A. Seroprevalence of Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus Types I/II Among Blood Donors in a Tertiary Hospital in Oman. Oman Med J 2024; 39:e587. [PMID: 38572398 PMCID: PMC10987535 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2024.42] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Routine blood donor screening of human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV) has been practiced in Oman since 2017. Limited data exists on HTLV seroprevalence among Omanis. This study aims to determine the seroprevalence of HTLV-I/II among blood donors attending a hospital-based blood bank to assess the need for a universal versus targeted screening. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of blood donors' results attending a hospital blood bank between January 2017 and February 2020. Blood samples were screened for HTLV-I/II antibodies using ARCHITECT i2000SR. Reactive samples underwent further testing by immunoblot assay (MP Diagnostics HTLV Blot 2.4). Age, gender, and nationality were assessed. All components manufactured at the blood bank undergo leukoreduction before storage. Results A total of 24 469 first-time blood donors were screened for HTLV antibodies. Most participants were male (n = 22 186, 90.7%), and the majority were Omani (n = 22 711, 92.8%). The age range was 18 to 64 years, with a median of 32 years. The seroreactivity rate was 0.2% (43; 95% CI: 0.12-0.23). Confirmatory testing by immunoblot revealed three indeterminate results (7.9%), of which two were Omani and one non-Omani donor, and the remaining 40 seroreactive donors tested negative. Conclusions Our study revealed zero seroprevalence of confirmed HTLV among blood donors. The continuation of universal screening for first-time donors is a standard of care. With universal leukoreduction at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital and a very low risk of HTLV in Oman's population, the need for screening regular donors can be reconsidered if these findings are confirmed on a larger scale involving other blood banks in Oman.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noora Al-Bulushi
- Medical Microbiology Residency Training Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Arwa Z. Al-Riyami
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ali Al Marhoobi
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Al-Farsi A, Alhinai Z, Alawi FB, Al Maamari K, Al Yazidi LS. The Burden of Human Parechoviruses Among Children in Oman: A retrospective study. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2023; 23:519-525. [PMID: 38090246 PMCID: PMC10712389 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.5.2023.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the burden, clinical and laboratory features and outcomes of human parechoviruses (HPeVs) infection among children in Oman. Methods This retrospective study included children (aged <18 years) with molecularly proven HPeV infection who were managed at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman, between January 2017 and December 2019. Data were obtained from the patients' medical records and analysed to describe their demographics, clinical and laboratory features, management and outcomes. Results HPeV was detected in 61 patients, 44 (72%) of whom were males. The median age of these patients was nine months (interquartile range [IQR]: 6-15 months). HPeV was detected throughout the year without any significant peaks. Majority of the patients (n = 51, 84%) had co-infection with other viruses. Forty-eight (79%) children with HPeV infection required hospitalisation, and their median length of hospital stay was five days (IQR: 3-8 days). Ex-prematurity (n = 10, 16%) was the commonest comorbidity among this group. Fever (n = 41, 67%) and cough (n = 41, 67%) were the commonest presenting symptoms among the children. Two-thirds of the HPeV-infected children in this cohort were managed for lower respiratory tract infection; none was managed for meningitis. Gastroenteritis was not common in this cohort; only eight children had diarrhoea. All children made a full recovery. Conclusion HPeVs infection does not show a clear seasonality in Oman. Most of the children were aged <2 years and had a viral co-infection. The outcomes of HPeV infection were favourable, with no mortalities, but a thorough follow-up for neurological outcomes was lacking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aws Al-Farsi
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zaid Alhinai
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Laila S. Al Yazidi
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Al Farsi F, Al Maamari K, Alawi FB, Al-Khabori M, Dennison D, Al Busaidi A, Al Manthari I. Cytomegalovirus Infection Post-hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome in an Omani Cohort. Oman Med J 2023; 38:e567. [PMID: 38283210 PMCID: PMC10822133 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2023.113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To estimate the incidence, risk factors, and outcome of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection during the first year following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) among Omani patients. Methods This retrospective study included allogenic HSCT recipients between January 2006 and December 2018. We investigated the possible factors associated with CMV infection and CMV impact on one-year mortality. Results Among 556 recipients of allogenic HSCT, 308 (55.4%) were male, the median age was 12 years, and 366 (65.8%) had benign conditions. One-year after transplants, the prevalence of CMV infection was 59.4%, and that of CMV disease was 1.8%. Multivariate analyses revealed significant relationships between CMV infection and haploidentical transplant (p = 0.006), graft versus host disease (p = 0.013), myeloablative conditioning (p = 0.001), and patient age ≥ 12 years (p < 0.001). CMV infection was associated with an increased risk of one-year mortality (p = 0.001). One-year overall mortality was 8.3%. Conclusions The incidence of CMV infection in this Omani cohort was comparable with earlier findings, but the disease incidence and overall mortality were lower. Older age, haploidentical transplant, myeloablative conditioning, and graft versus host disease were significantly associated with a higher risk of CMV infection. In addition, CMV infection was associated with an increased risk of overall mortality in the first year post-transplant. Our findings support early initiation of preemptive therapy at low-level CMV viremia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Al Farsi
- Medical Microbiology Residency Training Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - David Dennison
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Abdullah Al Busaidi
- Medical Microbiology Residency Training Program, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman
| | - Iman Al Manthari
- Department of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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Al Shibli A, Al Jufaili M, Al Alawi A, Balkhair A, Al Zakwani I, Al Azri F, Al Maamari K, Ba Alawi F, Al Qayoudhi A, Al Ghafri H. Identification of Asymptomatic Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Infections Among Healthcare Workers at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman. Sultan Qaboos Univ Med J 2023; 23:336-343. [PMID: 37655090 PMCID: PMC10467539 DOI: 10.18295/squmj.1.2023.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives This study aimed to describe the incidence and features of asymptomatic COVID-19 infections among healthcare workers (HCWs) at a tertiary hospital in Oman. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted between August 2020 and February 2021 among HCWs with no history of COVID-19 infection. An online questionnaire collected sociodemographic and clinical data. COVID-19 infection was diagnosed using nasopharyngeal/throat swabs, which were tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Analyses were performed using the Chi-squared test, Fisher's exact test or univariate ordinary least squares regression, as appropriate. Results A total of 583 HCWs participated in the study, most of whom were female (56.6%), and the mean age was 35 ± 8 years. Only 9.6% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 7.3-12.3%) of the HCWs were at high exposure risk as they were directly involved in the care of COVID-19-infected patients. Overall, 4.1% (95% CI: 2.7-6.1%) of the HCWs screened positive for SARS-CoV-2, of which 20.8% developed symptoms within two weeks. The frequency of SARS-CoV-2 positivity among HCWs working in high-, intermediate-, low- and miscellaneous-risk areas was 1.8% (95% CI: <0.1-9.6%), 2.6% (95% CI: <0.1-6.5%), 5.3% (95% CI: 0.3-9.3%) and 4.8% (95% CI: <0.1-69.3%), respectively. Working in high-risk areas was associated with increased compliance with various infection control strategies (P <0.001). Conclusion There was a greater frequency of SARS-CoV-2 positivity among HCWs working in low-risk areas, whereas HCWs who worked in high-risk areas were significantly more likely to report increased compliance with infection control strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Al Shibli
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mahmood Al Jufaili
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Awatif Al Alawi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Abdullah Balkhair
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ibrahim Al Zakwani
- Department of Pharmacology & Clinical Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Faisal Al Azri
- Department of Radiology & Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Azza Al Qayoudhi
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hajar Al Ghafri
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Maamari KA, Busaidi IA, Kindi MA, Zadjali F, BaAlawi F, Anesta W, Amri KA, Albalushi W, Balushi HA, Amri AA, Aljufaili M, Al-Busaidi M, Muharrmi ZA, Balkhair A, Riyami NA, Ghanim Z, Alshekaili J. Short and long-term immune changes in different severity groups of COVID-19 disease. Int J Infect Dis 2022; 122:776-784. [PMID: 35840099 PMCID: PMC9284586 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2022.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data on short- versus long-term changes in adaptive immune response across different COVID-19 disease severity groups. METHODS A multicenter prospective study of 140 adult patients with COVID-19 (a total of 325 samples) were analyzed for inflammatory markers and lymphocyte subsets at presentation, week 2, and week 24. RESULTS Inflammatory markers at presentation were higher in the critical/severe than in moderate and mild groups. A predominance of memory B cell response in the mild and moderate group was noted by week 2. In contrast, the immune system in the severe/critical group was dysfunctional, with expansion of exhausted CD8+ T cells and atypical memory B cells. By 24 weeks, there was a possible trend of normalization. CONCLUSION There was substantial difference in the degree of inflammation and distribution of different B and T cell subsets in the different disease severity groups. Despite the initial dysfunctional immune response in the severe/critical group, a comparable memory B and CD8+ T cell responses to the mild group was achieved at 24 weeks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Ibrahim Al Busaidi
- Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mahmood Al Kindi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Fahad Zadjali
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Fatma BaAlawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Wijesinghe Anesta
- Department of internal medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Kawthar Al Amri
- Department of internal medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Wafa Albalushi
- Department of Nursing, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Hamed Al Balushi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Ayman Al Amri
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mahmood Aljufaili
- Department of Emergency, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Mujahid Al-Busaidi
- Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Zakariya Al Muharrmi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Abdullah Balkhair
- Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Nafila Al Riyami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Zahraa Ghanim
- Department of Anaesthesia, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Jalila Alshekaili
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Sultanate of Oman,Corresponding author
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Al-Riyami AZ, Burnouf T, Yazer M, Triulzi D, Kumaş LT, Sağdur L, Pelit NB, Bazin R, Hindawi SI, Badawi MA, Patidar GK, Pandey HC, Chaurasia R, Fachini RM, Scuracchio P, Wendel S, Ang AL, Ong KH, Young P, Ihalainen J, Vierikko A, Qiu Y, Yang R, Xu H, Rahimi-Levene N, Shinar E, Izak M, Gonzalez CA, Ferrari DM, Cini PV, Aditya RN, Sharma RR, Sachdev S, Hans R, Lamba DS, Nissen-Meyer LSH, Devine DV, Lee CK, Leung JNS, Hung IFN, Tiberghien P, Gallian P, Morel P, Al Maamari K, Al-Hinai Z, Vrielink H, So-Osman C, De Angelis V, Berti P, Ostuni A, Marano G, Nevessignsky MT, El Ekiaby M, Daly J, Hoad V, Kim S, van den Berg K, Vermeulen M, Glatt TN, Schäfer R, Reik R, Gammon R, Lopez M, Estcourt L, MacLennan S, Roberts D, Louw V, Dunbar N. International Forum on the Collection and Use of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma: Protocols, Challenges and Lessons Learned: Summary. Vox Sang 2021; 116:1117-1135. [PMID: 34013968 PMCID: PMC8242386 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Thierry Burnouf
- College of Biomedical Engineering, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nancy Dunbar
- Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH, USA
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10
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Al-Riyami AZ, Burnouf T, Yazer M, Triulzi D, Kumaş LT, Sağdur L, Pelit NB, Bazin R, Hindawi SI, Badawi MA, Patidar GK, Pandey HC, Chaurasia R, Fachini RM, Scuracchio P, Wendel S, Ang AL, Ong KH, Young P, Ihalainen J, Vierikko A, Qiu Y, Yang R, Xu H, Rahimi-Levene N, Shinar E, Izak M, Gonzalez CA, Ferrari DM, Cini PV, Aditya RN, Sharma RR, Sachdev S, Hans R, Lamba DS, Nissen-Meyer LSH, Devine DV, Lee CK, Leung JNS, Hung IFN, Tiberghien P, Gallian P, Morel P, Al Maamari K, Al-Hinai Z, Vrielink H, So-Osman C, De Angelis V, Berti P, Ostuni A, Marano G, Nevessignsky MT, El Ekiaby M, Daly J, Hoad V, Kim S, van den Berg K, Vermeulen M, Glatt TN, Schäfer R, Reik R, Gammon R, Lopez M, Estcourt L, MacLennan S, Roberts D, Louw V, Dunbar N. International Forum on the Collection and Use of COVID-19 Convalescent Plasma: Responses. Vox Sang 2021; 116:e71-e120. [PMID: 34013981 PMCID: PMC8242651 DOI: 10.1111/vox.13114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Salwa I Hindawi
- King Abdulaziz University and King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Maha A Badawi
- King Abdulaziz University and King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ai Leen Ang
- Health Sciences Authority, Singapore City, Singapore
| | - Kiat Hoe Ong
- Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore City, Singapore
| | | | | | | | - Yan Qiu
- Beijing Red Cross Blood Centre, Beijing, China
| | - Ru Yang
- Wuhan Blood Centre, Wuhan, China
| | - Hua Xu
- Shaanxi Blood Center, Shaanxi, China
| | | | - Eilat Shinar
- Magen David Adom National Blood Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Marina Izak
- Magen David Adom National Blood Services, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | | | - Robby Nur Aditya
- Central Blood Transfusion Service Indonesia Red Cross (PMI), Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Ratti Ram Sharma
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Suchet Sachdev
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rekha Hans
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | - Divjot Singh Lamba
- Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India
| | | | | | - Cheuk Kwong Lee
- Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Ivan Fan Ngai Hung
- Department of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Pierre Gallian
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine St Denis, France
| | - Pascal Morel
- Etablissement Français du Sang, La Plaine St Denis, France
| | | | - Zaid Al-Hinai
- Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Seeb, Sultanate of Oman
| | | | | | | | - Pierluigi Berti
- Italian Society for Hemapheresis cell Manipulation (SIdEM), Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Ostuni
- Italian Society for Hemapheresis cell Manipulation (SIdEM), Bari, Italy
| | | | | | | | - James Daly
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Veronica Hoad
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Sinyoung Kim
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Karin van den Berg
- South African National Blood Service, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Marion Vermeulen
- South African National Blood Service, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Tanya Nadia Glatt
- South African National Blood Service, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard Schäfer
- German Red Cross Blood Donor Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Vernon Louw
- Western Cape Blood Service, Cape Town, South Africa
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11
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Dennison D, Al Khabori M, Al Mamari S, Aurelio A, Al Hinai H, Al Maamari K, Alshekaili J, Al Khadouri G. Circulating activated neutrophils in COVID-19: An independent predictor for mechanical ventilation and death. Int J Infect Dis 2021; 106:155-159. [PMID: 33781906 PMCID: PMC7997692 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Critical illness in COVID-19 is attributed to an exaggerated host immune response. Since neutrophils are the major component of innate immunity, we hypothesize that the quantum of activated neutrophils in the blood may predict an adverse outcome. DESIGN In a retrospective study of 300 adult patients with confirmed COVID-19, we analyzed the impact of neutrophil activation (NEUT-RI), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the established clinical risk factors of age, diabetes, obesity and hypertension on the clinical outcome. RESULTS Significant predictors of the need for mechanical ventilation were NEUT-RI (Odds Ratio (OR) = 1.22, P < 0.001), diabetes (OR = 2.56, P = 0.00846) and obesity (OR = 6.55, P < 0.001). For death, the significant predictors were NEUT-RI (OR = 1.14, P = 0.00432), diabetes (OR = 4.11, P = 0.00185) and age (OR = 1.04, P = 0.00896). The optimal cut-off value for NEUT-RI to predict mechanical ventilation and death was 52 fluorescence intensity units (sensitivity 44%, specificity 88%, area under the curve 0.67 and 44%, 86%, 0.64, respectively). CONCLUSION This finding supports an aberrant neutrophil response in COVID-19, likely due to uncontained viral replication, tissue hypoxia and exacerbated inflammation, introduces a novel biomarker for rapid monitoring and opens new avenues for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Dennison
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.
| | | | | | - Allan Aurelio
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.
| | - Houda Al Hinai
- Department of Hematology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.
| | - Jalila Alshekaili
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman.
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12
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Balkhair A, Al Jufaili M, Al Wahaibi K, Al Riyami D, Al Azri F, Al Harthi S, Al Busaidi M, Al Mubaihsi S, Al Muharrmi Z, Al Riyami N, Al Belushi Z, Abdawani R, Al Hashar A, Al Mahrezi A, Al Maamari K, Al Busaidi I, Al Hinai Z, Alawi FB, Taher HB, Al Jabri M. "Virtual Interdisciplinary COVID-19 Team": A Hospital Pandemic Preparedness Approach. Oman Med J 2020; 35:e190. [PMID: 33110634 PMCID: PMC7578538 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2020.131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to move at record speed. Health systems and hospitals worldwide face unprecedented challenges to effectively prepare and respond to this extraordinary health crisis and anticipated surge. Hospitals should confront these unparalleled challenges with a comprehensive, multidisciplinary, coordinated, and organized strategy. We report our experience with the systematic application of the "4S" principle to guide our institutional preparedness plan for COVID-19. We used an innovative "virtual interdisciplinary COVID-19 team" approach to consolidate our hospital readiness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Balkhair
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mahmoud Al Jufaili
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Dawood Al Riyami
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Faisal Al Azri
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | | | - Mujahid Al Busaidi
- Department of Medicine, Intensive Care Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Saif Al Mubaihsi
- Department of Medicine, Pulmonology Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zakaria Al Muharrmi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Nihal Al Riyami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zainab Al Belushi
- Department of Surgery, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Raghad Abdawani
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Amna Al Hashar
- Department of Pharmacy, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Abdulaziz Al Mahrezi
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Ibrahim Al Busaidi
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Zaid Al Hinai
- Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Hashim Ba Taher
- Department of Medicine, Infectious Diseases Unit, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
| | - Mansour Al Jabri
- Department of Infection Prevention and Control, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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13
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BaAlawi F, Hassan K, Al Maamari K, Balkhair A. Fatal hepatitis A virus infection in an adolescent. IDCases 2020; 20:e00721. [PMID: 32211295 PMCID: PMC7082513 DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2020.e00721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute hepatitis A infection is largely self-limiting illness, rarely resulting in fulminant course with consequent hepatic failure and death. We present a 13-year old previously healthy Omani with fatal hepatitis A virus infection. This case highlights the critical role of hepatitis A vaccination and argues for consideration of its inclusion in national vaccination programs in order to avert similar devastating consequences of yet another vaccine preventable disease.
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Al-Busaidi M, Al Maamari K, Al'Adawi B, Alawi FB, Al-Wahaibi A, Belkhair A. Pandemic Influenza A H1N1 in Oman: Epidemiology, Clinical Features, and Outcome of Patients Admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital in 2009. Oman Med J 2016; 31:290-7. [PMID: 27403242 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2016.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Oman experienced the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 that initially started in Mexico and the United States. We present the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcome of cases admitted to Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed all patients admitted with confirmed influenza A H1N1 infection from August to December 2009. The study included adults and pediatric patients. We looked at the clinical and laboratory factors associated with increased length of hospital stay. RESULTS There were 68 patients admitted with influenza A H1N1 infection, and their median age was 23 years. The most common symptoms were fever (100%) and cough (79.4%). The most common reason for admission was the severity of illness (69.1%). Lymphopenia was the most common hematological abnormality (41.8%). All patients received treatment with oseltamivir. One patient died secondary to multi-organ failure. On multivariate analysis, severity of illness, use of steroids, anemia, lymphopenia, and abnormal alanine amino transferase levels were associated with increased length of stay. CONCLUSIONS The H1N1 pandemic in Oman followed the international trends in terms of clinical presentation and laboratory values for patients admitted to the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Badriya Al'Adawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
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Balkhair A, Alawi FB, Al Maamari K, Al Muharrmi Z, Ahmed O. MERS-CoV: Bridging the Knowledge Gaps. Oman Med J 2014; 29:169-71. [PMID: 24936264 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2014.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Balkhair
- Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Zakaria Al Muharrmi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Osama Ahmed
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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Balkhair A, Al Maamari K, Alawi FB. The Struggle Against MERS-CoV (The Novel Coronavirus). Oman Med J 2013; 28:226-7. [PMID: 23904912 PMCID: PMC3725253 DOI: 10.5001/omj.2013.66] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2013] [Accepted: 07/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Balkhair
- Senior Consultant, Infectious Diseases Unit, Department of Medicine, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Khuloud Al Maamari
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
| | - Fatma Ba Alawi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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