Cross-immunity against SARS-COV-2 variants of concern in naturally infected critically ill COVID-19 patients

Critically ill patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 display adaptive immunity, but it is unknown if they develop cross-reactivity to variants of concern (VOCs). We profiled cross-immunity against SARS-CoV-2 VOCs in naturally infected, non-vaccinated, critically ill COVID-19 patients. Wave-1 patients (wild-type infection) were similar in demographics to Wave-3 patients (wild-type/alpha infection), but Wave-3 patients had higher illness severity. Wave-1 patients developed increasing neutralizing antibodies to all variants, as did patients during Wave-3. Wave-3 patients, when compared to Wave-1, developed more robust antibody responses, particularly for wild-type, alpha, beta and delta variants. Within Wave-3, neutralizing antibodies were significantly less to beta and gamma VOCs, as compared to wild-type, alpha and delta. Patients previously diagnosed with cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease had significantly fewer neutralizing antibodies. Naturally infected ICU patients developed adaptive responses to all VOCs, with greater responses in those patients more likely to be infected with the alpha variant, versus wild-type.

Characteristics and management of SARS-CoV-2 delta variant-induced COVID-19 infections from May to October 2021 in China: post-vaccination infection cases

SARS-CoV-2 variants have shown increased transmission capabilities and pandemic to an extent with severe presentation and mortality. The delta variant has been declared as an emerging variant of concern (VOC) by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 10, 2021. This review summarizes the post-vaccination infection events related to SARS-CoV-2 delta variant outbreaks in many areas of China. The characteristics and measures of delta variant-induced COVID-19 infections from May 2021 to October 2021 were reported. We compared the delta variant with the omicron from the latest literature review.

Mucormycosis and COVID-19 an epidemic in a pandemic?

Mucormycosis and aspergillosis are rare, invasive and life-threatening infections primarily caused by Rhizopus arrhizus and Aspergillus fumigatus with higher case fatality rates (>50%), respectively. Invasive Aspergillosis and Mucormycosis have been established and recognized as complications of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. Such cases have been intimately linked and related to prior corticosteroid therapy. With the new highly infectious Delta strain (B.1.617.2 and B.1.617.2.1 or AY.1) of the coronavirus which is running rampant throughout India causing unprecedented death tolls, a new crisis is evolving. Invasive "black fungus" (Mucormycosis) is creating an epidemic within a global pandemic. The unique socio-economic, genetic and health status of Indian population culminates into a melting pot which sustains the viable triad for the "black fungus" infection to gain a stronghold. Diabetes mellitus, immunosuppression and the current COVID-19 global pandemic with its massive surges in the country have produced the "perfect storm." Ophthalmologist across India have reported a surge in invasive Mucormycosis cases with a rise in orbital compartment syndrome often calling for radical procedures such as enucleation surgeries. The "black fungus" pandemic and invasive Mucormycosis resulted in the sinister secondary infections and complications are closely linked with the COVID-19 infection in India. It is therefore of the upmost importance that neighbouring countries particularly Nepal and other Asiatic nations take great cognizance of this indolent "black fungus killer" and ensure new screening and testing protocols for early identification to ensure effective management.