Current Clinical Microbiology Reports最新文献

Purpose of review: Malaria is a disease caused by parasites that reside in host red blood cells and use hemoglobin as a nutrient source. Heme released by hemoglobin catabolism is modified by the parasite to produce hemozoin (HZ), which has toxic effects on the host. Experimentation aiming to elucidate how HZ contributes to malaria pathogenesis has utilized different preparations of this molecule, complicating interpretation and comparison of findings. We examine natural synthesis and isolation of HZ and highlight studies that have used multiple preparations, including synthetic forms, in a comparative fashion.

Recent findings: Recent work utilizing sophisticated imaging and detection techniques reveals important molecular characteristics of HZ synthesis and biochemistry. Other recent studies further refine understanding of contributions of HZ to malaria pathogenesis yet highlight the continuing need to characterize HZ preparations and contextualize experimental conditions in the in vivo infection milieu.

Summary: This review highlights the necessity of collectively determining what is physiologically relevant HZ. Characterization of isolated natural HZ and use of multiple preparations in each study are recommended with application of in vivo studies whenever possible. Adoption of such practices is expected to improve reproducibility of results and elucidate the myriad of ways that HZ participates in malaria pathogenesis.

Purpose of review: Human race is currently facing the wrath of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a highly transmittable and pathogenic RNA virus, causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), the worst ever global pandemic. Coronaviruses (CoVs) have emerged as a major public health concern. Urgent global response to COVID-19 outbreak has been to limit spread of SARS-CoV-2 via extensive monitoring and containment. Various treatment regimens have been adopted to manage COVID-19, with known drugs and drug combinations used to decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19. Intensive research on various fronts including studying molecular and structural aspects of these viruses and unraveling the pathophysiology and mechanistic basis of COVID-19 aimed at developing effective prophylactic, therapeutic agents and vaccines has been carried out globally.

Recent findings: No approved antiviral treatment except remdesivir exists for SARS-CoV-2 till date though novel drug targets have been identified. However, worldwide frantic and competitive vaccine development pharmaceutical race has borne fruit in the form of a number of promising candidate vaccines, out of which few have already received emergency use authorization by regulatory bodies in record time.

Summary: This review highlights the painstaking efforts of healthcare workers and scientific community to successfully address the COVID-19 pandemic-though damage in the form of severe illness, loss of lives, and livelihood has left a serious mark. Focusing on extensive research on various therapeutic options and antiviral strategies including neutralizing antibodies, potential drugs, and drug targets, light has been shed on various diagnostic options and the amazing vaccine development process as well.

Purpose of review: Along with the continued in silico-based studies for drug designing and repurposing followed by the corresponding cell culture studies, the ongoing clinical trials with some completed regarding finding the drug efficacy and the vaccine development against the severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been the most functional and indispensable issue during the current COVID-19 pandemic within 2020 and onward. The present review attempted to figure out the update on this effective vaccine and discussed the other promising vaccines.

Recent findings: A range of investigations on the SARS-CoV-2 genomics, on its similarities with SARS-CoV-1, and with the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been accomplished and the host immune dodging mechanisms by the SARS-CoV-2 have been unraveled which in turn led the scientists around the world to work rigorously on the vaccine development. Working with various vaccine platforms so far revealed the efficacy of the mRNA-1273 vaccine as the most effective one as resulted through the clinical trials which resulted in 95% positive output.

Summary: Although currently commercialized mRNA-1273 vaccine appears to be effective, still several points are to be pondered regarding the sustainability of vaccine efficacy against the rising variants of SARS-CoV-2.