世界病毒学杂志(英文版)最新文献

Dengue fever, caused by the dengue virus (DENV), poses a significant public health challenge globally, with Nigeria experiencing sporadic outbreaks. A clear understanding of the dengue burden has not been achieved in Nigeria, just as in other African countries. Understanding the epidemiology and burden of dengue fever is essential for effective prevention and control strategies. This paper examines the recent dengue outbreaks in northern Nigeria, particularly in Sokoto state, and evaluates the recommended Takeda dengue vaccine (TDV) along with future prevention strategies. Despite limited surveillance and underreporting, dengue fever is endemic in Nigeria (with over 5 million cases and 5000 dengue-related deaths in 2023), with recent outbreaks indicating a growing concern. The TDV, a live attenuated tetravalent vaccine, has shown promise in preventing dengue fever, but challenges such as vaccine acceptance and accessibility need to be addressed. Global urbanization contributes to the disease's spread, which is influenced by factors such as population density, cultural beliefs, water storage practices, hygiene, and water supply accessibility. Future prevention strategies must focus on government intervention, community practices, and innovative vector control measures to mitigate the spread of DENV in Nigeria. This study will serve as a valuable reference for policymakers, researchers, and clinicians in the management and control of DENV in Nigeria and Africa as a whole.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been shown to increase the risk of stroke. However, the prevalence and risk of recurrent stroke in COVID-19 patients with prior stroke/transient ischemic attack (TIA), as well as its impact on mortality, are not established.

Aim: To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and healthcare costs in patients with recurrent strokes.

Methods: We identified admissions of recurrent stroke (current acute ischemic stroke admissions with at least one prior TIA or stroke) in patients with and without COVID-19 using ICD-10-CM codes using the National Inpatient Sample (2020). We analyzed the impact of COVID-19 on mortality following recurrent stroke admissions by subgroups.

Results: Of 97455 admissions with recurrent stroke, 2140 (2.2%) belonged to the COVID-19-positive group. The COVID-19-positive group had a higher prevalence of diabetes and chronic kidney disease vs the COVID-19 negative group (P < 0.001). Among the subgroups, patients aged > 65 years, patients aged 45-64 years, Asians, Hispanics, whites, and blacks in the COVID-19 positive group had higher rates of all-cause mortality than the COVID-19 negative group (P < 0.01). Higher odds of in-hospital mortality were seen in the group aged 45-64 (OR: 8.40, 95%CI: 4.18-16.91) vs the group aged > 65 (OR: 7.04, 95%CI: 5.24-9.44), males (OR: 7.82, 95%CI: 5.38-11.35) compared to females (OR: 6.15, 95%CI: 4.12-9.18), and in Hispanics (OR: 15.47, 95%CI: 7.61-31.44) and Asians/Pacific Islanders (OR: 14.93, 95%CI: 7.22-30.87) compared to blacks (OR: 5.73, 95%CI: 3.08-10.68), and whites (OR: 5.54, 95%CI: 3.79-8.09).

Conclusion: The study highlights the increased risk of all-cause in-hospital mortality in recurrent stroke patients with COVID-19, with a more pronounced increase in middle-aged patients, males, Hispanics, or Asians.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly influenced the epidemiological landscape of various infectious diseases such as dengue. Dengue is an endemic disease in the Philippines, which showed a significant decline in the number of cases beginning in March 2020 due to the stringent public health measures implemented to curb COVID-19 cases. However, the easing of these restrictions subsequently led to a resurgence in dengue cases, as reported by the World Health Organization, with a notable increase compared to previous years. As the country navigates towards a post-pandemic phase, addressing the resurgence of dengue requires sustained efforts in vector control, surveillance, and healthcare preparedness. This article underscores the critical need for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to mitigate the resurgence of dengue while managing the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Background: QTc interval prolongation with an increased risk of torsade de pointes (Tsd) has been described in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients treated with hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) and azithromycin (AZI) in Western countries. In the DR Congo, few studies have evaluated the safety of this association or proposed new molecules.

Aim: To determine the incidence of QTc prolongation and Tsd in COVID-19 patients treated with HCQ-AZIs vs doubase C (new molecule).

Methods: In present randomized clinical trial, we have included patients with mild or moderate COVID-19 treated with either HCQ-AZI or doubase C. Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes on day 14 of randomization were determined based on pretreatment tracing. Prolonged QTc was defined as ≥ 500 ms on day 14 or an increase of ≥ 80 ms compared to pretreatment tracing. Patients with cardiac disease, those undergoing other treatments likely to prolong QTc, and those with disturbed ECG tracings were excluded from the study.

Results: The study included 258 patients (mean age 41 ± 15 years; 52% men; 3.4% diabetics, 11.1% hypertensive). Mild and moderate COVID-19 were found in 93.5% and 6.5% of patients, respectively. At baseline, all patients had normal sinus rhythm, a mean heart rate 78 ± 13/min, mean PR space 170 ± 28 ms, mean QRS 76 ± 13 ms, and mean QTc 405 ± 30 ms. No complaints suggesting cardiac involvement were reported during or after treatment. Only four patients (1.5%) experienced QTc interval prolongation beyond 500 ms. Similarly, only five patients (1.9%) had an increase in the QTc interval of more than 80 ms. QTc prolongation was more significant in younger patients, those with high viral load at baseline, and those receiving HCQ-AZI (P < 0.05). None of the patients developed Tsd.

Conclusion: QTc prolongation without Tsd was observed at a lower frequency in patients treated with HCQ-AZI vs doubase C. The absence of comorbidities and concurrent use of other products that are likely to cause arrhythmia may explain our results.

The hepatitis E virus (HEV), a member of the Hepeviridae family, is a small, non-enveloped icosahedral virus divided into eight distinct genotypes (HEV-1 to HEV-8). Only genotypes 1 to 4 are known to cause diseases in humans. Genotypes 1 and 2 commonly spread via fecal-oral transmission, often through the consumption of contaminated water. Genotypes 3 and 4 are known to infect pigs, deer, and wild boars, often transferring to humans through inadequately cooked meat. Acute hepatitis caused by HEV in healthy individuals is mostly asymptomatic or associated with minor symptoms, such as jaundice. However, in immunosuppressed individuals, the disease can progress to chronic hepatitis and even escalate to cirrhosis. For pregnant women, an HEV infection can cause fulminant liver failure, with a potential mortality rate of 25%. Mortality rates also rise amongst cirrhotic patients when they contract an acute HEV infection, which can even trigger acute-on-chronic liver failure if layered onto pre-existing chronic liver disease. As the prevalence of HEV infection continues to rise worldwide, highlighting the particular risks associated with severe HEV infection is of major medical interest. This text offers a brief summary of the characteristics of hepatitis developed by patient groups at an elevated risk of severe HEV infection.

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus has been a world-known pandemic since February 2020. Multiple variances had been established; the most common variants in Israel were omicron and delta.

Aim: To analyze and compare laboratory values in the "omicron" and "delta" variants of the coronavirus by conducting follow-up examinations and laboratory audits on COVID-19 patients admitted to our institution.

Methods: A retrospective study, two groups, 50 patients in each group. Patients examined positive for COVID-19 were divided into groups according to the common variant at the given time. We reviewed demographic data and laboratory results such as complete blood count and full chemistry, including electrolytes and coagulation parameters.

Results: The mean age was 52%, 66.53 ± 21.7 were female. No significance was found comparing laboratory results in the following disciplines: Blood count, hemoglobin, and lymphocytes (P = 0.41, P = 0.87, P = 0.97). Omicron and delta variants have higher neutrophil counts, though they are not significantly different (P = 0.38). Coagulation tests: Activated paritial thromoplastin test and international normalized ratio (P = 0.72, P = 0.68). We found no significance of abnormality for all electrolytes.

Conclusion: The study compares laboratory results of blood tests between two variants of the COVID-19 virus - omicron and delta. We found no significance between the variants. Our results show the need for further research with larger data as well as the need to compare all COVID-19 variants.

Background: Birth-dose (Hep-BD) followed by three additional doses (Hep-B3) of hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine are key to eliminating HBV by 2030. Unfortunately, Hep-BD and Hep-B3 coverage in our country is poor.

Aim: To studied the parent's knowledge and awareness about HBV infection, its prevention, consequences and vaccination.

Methods: Parents of 6 months to 8 years old children were interviewed to assess their knowledge & awareness about hepatitis B, its transmission, prevention, illness caused by this, and vaccination. Eighteen close-ended questions were administered, and responses were recorded as 'yes', 'no', or 'not sure'. HBV knowledge score was calculated based on the sum of correct answers. Each correct response scored one point and incorrect, missing or 'not sure' responses received no points. Categorical data are presented as number (%) and numerical data are expressed as median. Data were compared using Chi² tests and level of significance was kept as P < 0.05.

Results: Parents (58.3% mothers) of 384 children (89.9% age < 5 years; 82% age-appropriately vaccinated) were included. Three hundred and twenty-two (83.9%) children were Hep-B3 vaccinated. 94.3%, 87.5%, and 29.2% parents knew about polio, tetanus, and hepatitis B vaccine. Overall, 41.2%, 15.8%, and 23% parents knew about hepatitis B transmission, consequences of infection, and prevention respectively. Only 7.6% parents knew about three-dose schedule of hepatitis B vaccination. Only 23% parents believed that vaccine could prevent HBV, 15.7% knew that HBV affects liver. Parents of Hep-B3 vaccinated children were significantly more aware about HBV than the parents of unvaccinated children (P < 0.05 for 17/18 questions).

Conclusion: The knowledge and awareness among the parents about hepatitis B is poor. The Increasing knowledge/awareness about HBV among parents may improve Hep-B3 vaccination coverage.

An overly exuberant immune response, characterized by a cytokine storm and uncontrolled inflammation, has been identified as a significant driver of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases. Consequently, deciphering the intricacies of immune dysregulation in COVID-19 is imperative to identify specific targets for intervention and modulation. With these delicate dynamics in mind, immunomodulatory therapies have emerged as a promising avenue for mitigating the challenges posed by COVID-19. Precision in manipulating immune pathways presents an opportunity to alter the host response, optimizing antiviral defenses while curbing deleterious inflammation. This review article comprehensively analyzes immunomodulatory interventions in managing COVID-19. We explore diverse approaches to mitigating the hyperactive immune response and its impact, from corticosteroids and non-steroidal drugs to targeted biologics, including anti-viral drugs, cytokine inhibitors, JAK inhibitors, convalescent plasma, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, cell-based therapies (i.e., CAR T, etc.). By summarizing the current evidence, we aim to provide a clear roadmap for clinicians and researchers navigating the complex landscape of immunomodulation in COVID-19 treatment.

Chikungunya fever (CF) is caused by an arbovirus whose manifestations are extremely diverse, and it has evolved with significant severity in recent years. The clinical signs triggered by the Chikungunya virus are similar to those of other arboviruses. Generally, fever starts abruptly and reaches high levels, followed by severe polyarthralgia and myalgia, as well as an erythematous or petechial maculopapular rash, varying in severity and extent. Around 40% to 60% of affected individuals report persistent arthralgia, which can last from months to years. The symptoms of CF mainly represent the tissue tropism of the virus rather than the immunopathogenesis triggered by the host's immune system. The main mechanisms associated with arthralgia have been linked to an increase in T helper type 17 cells and a consequent increase in receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand and bone resorption. This review suggests that persistent arthralgia results from the presence of viral antigens post-infection and the constant activation of signaling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 7 in synovial macrophages, leading to local infiltration of CD4+ T cells, which sustains the inflammatory process in the joints through the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The term "long chikungunya" was used in this review to refer to persistent arthralgia since, due to its manifestation over long periods after the end of the viral infection, this clinical condition seems to be characterized more as a sequel than as a symptom, given that there is no active infection involved.

Rotaviruses are non-enveloped double-stranded RNA virus that causes acute diarrheal diseases in children (< 5 years). More than 90% of the global rotavirus infection in humans was caused by Rotavirus group A. Rotavirus infection has caused more than 200000 deaths annually and predominantly occurs in the low-income countries. Rotavirus evolution is indicated by the strain dynamics or the emergence of the unprecedented strain. The major factors that drive the rotavirus evolution include the genetic shift that is caused by the reassortment mechanism, either in the intra- or the inter-genogroup. However, other factors are also known to have an impact on rotavirus evolution. This review discusses the structure and types, epidemiology, and evolution of rotaviruses. This article also reviews other supplemental factors of rotavirus evolution, such as genetic reassortment, mutation rate, glycan specificity, vaccine introduction, the host immune responses, and antiviral drugs.