scholarly journals Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of melioidosis caused by gentamicin-susceptible Burkholderia pseudomallei in Sarawak, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tonnii L L Sia ◽  
Anand Mohan ◽  
Mong-How Ooi ◽  
Su-Lin Chien ◽  
Lee-See Tan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Burkholderia Pseudomallei ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Environmental Drivers ◽  
Marked Variation ◽  
Rural Districts ◽  
Common Presentation ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Average Annual Incidence

Abstract Background Burkholderia pseudomallei, the causative agent of melioidosis, is intrinsically resistant to a broad range of antibiotics, including aminoglycosides. In Sarawak, Malaysia, a high proportion of melioidosis cases are caused by gentamicin-susceptible isolates. There are limited epidemiological and clinical data on these infections. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of culture-confirmed melioidosis among adults admitted to Bintulu Hospital in Sarawak, Malaysia, from January 2011 until December 2016. Results One-hundred and forty-eight adults with culture-confirmed melioidosis were identified. Of 129 (87%) tested, 84 (65%) had gentamicin-susceptible B. pseudomallei. The average annual incidence of melioidosis was 12·3 per 100,000 population, with marked variation between districts ranging from 5·8-29·3 per 100,000 population. Rural districts had higher incidences of melioidosis and overwhelmingly larger proportions of gentamicin-susceptible B. pseudomallei infection. Significantly more patients with gentamicin-susceptible infection had no identified risk factors, with diabetes less frequently present in this group. Ninety-eight percent had acute presentations. Pneumonia, reported in 71%, was the most common presentation. Splenic abscesses were found in 54% of those imaged. Bacteremia was present in 88%; septic shock occurred in 47%. Forty-five (35%) patients died. No differences in clinical, laboratory, or outcome characteristics were noted between gentamicin-susceptible and gentamicin-resistant infections. Conclusions Gentamicin-susceptible B. pseudomallei infections are common in Sarawak and dominate in the high incidence rural interior regions. Clinical manifestations and outcomes are the same as for gentamicin-resistant B. pseudomallei infections. Further studies are required to determine if all gentamicin-susceptible B. pseudomallei in Sarawak are clonal and to ascertain their environmental drivers and niches.

scholarly journals Clinical Characteristics and Neonatal Outcomes of Pregnant Patients With COVID-19: A Systematic Review

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Md. Mohaimenul Islam ◽  
Tahmina Nasrin Poly ◽  
Bruno Andreas Walther ◽  
Hsuan Chia Yang ◽  
Cheng-Wei Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vertical Transmission ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Fetal Distress ◽  
Neonatal Outcomes ◽  
Published Evidence ◽  
General Populations

Background and Objective: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) characterized by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has created serious concerns about its potential adverse effects. There are limited data on clinical, radiological, and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19 pneumonia. This study aimed to assess clinical manifestations and neonatal outcomes of pregnant women with COVID-19.Methods: We conducted a systematic article search of PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science for studies that discussed pregnant patients with confirmed COVID-19 between January 1, 2020, and April 20, 2020, with no restriction on language. Articles were independently evaluated by two expert authors. We included all retrospective studies that reported the clinical features and outcomes of pregnant patients with COVID-19.Results: Forty-seven articles were assessed for eligibility; 13 articles met the inclusion criteria for the systematic review. Data is reported for 235 pregnant women with COVID-19. The age range of patients was 25–40 years, and the gestational age ranged from 8 to 40 weeks plus 6 days. Clinical characteristics were fever [138/235 (58.72%)], cough [111/235 (47.23%)], and sore throat [21/235 (8.93%)]. One hundred fifty six out of 235 (66.38%) pregnant women had cesarean section, and 79 (33.62%) had a vaginal delivery. All the patients showed lung abnormalities in CT scan images, and none of the patients died. Neutrophil cell count, C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, ALT, and AST were increased but lymphocyte count and albumin levels were decreased. Amniotic fluid, neonatal throat swab, and breastmilk samples were taken to test for SARS-CoV-2 but all found negativ results. Recent published evidence showed the possibility of vertical transmission up to 30%, and neonatal death up to 2.5%. Pre-eclampsia, fetal distress, PROM, pre-mature delivery were the major complications of pregnant women with COVID-19.Conclusions: Our study findings show that the clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of pregnant women with COVID-19 were similar to those of the general populations. The possibility of vertical transmission cannot be ignored but C-section should not be routinely recommended anymore according to latest evidences and, in any case, decisions should be taken after proper discussion with the family. Future studies are needed to confirm or refute these findings with a larger number of sample sizes and a long-term follow-up period.

scholarly journals Clinical characteristics of Kawasaki disease in adolescents

2021 ◽  
Vol 49 (11) ◽  
pp. 030006052110568
Author(s):  
Xiaoliang Liu ◽  
Fang Wang ◽  
Kaiyu Zhou ◽  
Yimin Hua ◽  
Mei Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kawasaki Disease ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Community Health Center ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Intermittent Fever ◽  
Local Hospital ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
Group A ◽  
Group B ◽  
Ivig Administration

Objective Studies focusing on Kawasaki disease (KD) in adolescents are lacking in Southwest China. We systematically summarized the clinical characteristics of KD in adolescents to improve pediatricians’ recognition of this condition. Methods The clinical data of patients with adolescent-onset KD in our center were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into Group A (n = 7), whose first hospitalization was at our hospital, and Group B (n = 10), who were transferred from their local hospital or community health center. Results Seventeen patients with adolescent-onset KD were identified (constituent ratio of 0.8%). Seven patients had an intermittent fever for >10 days. The incidence of incomplete KD was 52.9%. These patients had a high incidence of other atypical clinical manifestations. Fifteen patients were initially misdiagnosed with other infectious diseases. Although the incidence of typical KD was higher in Group B, the overall misdiagnosis rate at the initial stages was higher and the average fever duration on arrival and before IVIG administration were much longer in Group B than A. Conclusions KD in adolescents was frequently misdiagnosed, which might be associated with its atypical, diverse clinical features and pediatricians’ poor recognition. Pediatricians must be aware of the possibility of KD in adolescents.

Postoperative cognitive dysfunction: progress mechanisms and clinical characteristics

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (19) ◽  
pp. 29-33
Author(s):  
K. B. Manysheva ◽  
M. A. Akhmedov ◽  
A. A. Rakhmanova ◽  
S. M. Khutalieva
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Cognitive Deficit ◽  
Neuropsychological Testing ◽  
Postoperative Cognitive Dysfunction ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Postoperative Recovery ◽  
Neuropsychological Rehabilitation ◽  
Brain Barrier Permeability ◽  
The Central Nervous System

The article is devoted to the study of postoperative cognitive dysfunction — a syndrome that is often found in the postoperative period and does not depend on the volume of surgeon. Based on the analysis of the results of modern studies, the authors cite the most likely etiological causes of the syndrome, grouped according to different categories of risk factors. The pathogenetic algorithm for cognitive dysfunction includes the appearance of systemic inflammation, improving blood-brain barrier permeability with the endothelial dysfunction, the migration of inflammatory agents into the central nervous system, and the formation of oxidative stress. The clinical manifestations of cognitive deficit in the outcome of surgeon performed under general anesthesia, the authors illustrate with their own observations of patients with a neurosurgical profile with spinal pathology operated on with the use of propofol anesthesia, comparing the results of neuropsychological testing with an assessment of the level of anxiety. In conclusion, the authors outline a strategy for the prevention of postoperative cognitive dysfunction and recommend conducting neuropsychological rehabilitation as an important component of postoperative recovery for all patients with a diagnosed cognitive deficit that occurred after surgery.

THE CLINICAL, LABORATORY MANIFESTATIONS AND HISTOPATHOLOGY IN NEPHROTIC PATIENTS WITH LUPUS NEPHRITIS

2018 ◽  
pp. 52-58
Author(s):  
Le Thuan Nguyen ◽  
Bui Bao Hoang
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Lupus Nephritis ◽  
Lupus Erythematosus ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Activity Index ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Systemic Lupus ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Organ Systems ◽  
Tubulointerstitial Lesions

Introduction: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease involving multiple organ systems. The kidney appears to be the most commonly affected organ, especially nephrotic is a serious kidney injury. The clinical, laboratory manifestations and histopathology are very useful for diagnosis, provide the means of predicting prognosis and guiding therapy in nephrotic patients with lupus nephritis. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study of nephrotic patients with lupus treated in the Department of Nephrology Trung Vuong Hospital and Cho Ray Hospital between May/2014 and May/2017. Renal histopathological lesions were classified according to International Society of Nephrology/Renal Pathology Society - ISN/RPS ’s 2003. The clinical, laboratory manifestations and histopathological features were described. Results: Of 32 LN with nephritic range proteinuria cases studied, 93.7% were women. The 3 most common clinical manifestations were edema (93.8%), hypertension (96.8%) and pallor (68.9%), musculoskeletal manifestions (46.9%), malar rash (40.6%). There was significant rise in laboratory and immunological manifestions with hematuria (78.1%), Hb < 12g/dL (93.5%), increased Cholesterol (100%), and Triglycerid (87.5%), Creatinine > 1.4 mg/dL (87.5%), increased BUN 71.9%, ANA (+) 93.8%, Anti Ds DNA(+) 96.9%, low C3: 96.9%, low C4: 84.4%. The most various and severe features were noted in class IV with active tubulointerstitial lesions and high activity index. Conclusion: Lupus nephritis with nephrotic range proteinuria has the more severity of histopathological feature and the more severity of the more systemic organ involvements and laboratory disorders were noted. Key words: Systemic lupus, erythematosus (SLE) lupus nepphritis, clinical

Influence of the Acetylation Type on the Incidence of Isoniazid-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Patients with Newly Diagnosed Pulmonary Tuberculosis

2020 ◽  
Vol 65 (7-8) ◽  
pp. 31-36
Author(s):  
N. M. Krasnova ◽  
N. E. Evdokimova ◽  
A. A. Egorova ◽  
O. I. Filippova ◽  
E. A. Alekseeva ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Pulmonary Tuberculosis ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Normal Activity ◽  
Slow Acetylators ◽  
Nucleotide Polymorphisms ◽  
Newly Diagnosed ◽  
Single Nucleotide ◽  
Tuberculosis Chemotherapy ◽  
Genetically Determined

Introduction. Liver damage can be a dangerous side effect of using isoniazid. Individual susceptibility to isoniazid in humans is dependent on the presence of N-acetyltransferase 2 allelic variants in genome. It was imperative to assess the effect of genetically determined isoniazid acetylation rate in terms of risk of developing isoniazid-induced hepatotoxicity, as well as prevention of potential hepatopathy, and improvement of tuberculosis chemotherapy safety. Aim. To study the effect of acetylation type on the incidence of isoniazid hepatotoxicity in residents of the Sakha Republic (Yakutia) with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods. The study included 112 patients with newly diagnosed pulmonary tuberculosis. Genotyping was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction. The following single nucleotide polymorphisms were studied: rs1801280, rs1799930, rs1799931, rs1799929, rs1208, rs1041983. Hepatotoxicity was determined based on the results of clinical laboratory monitoring and using the criteria developed by the European Association for the Study of the Liver (2019). Results. Hepatotoxic reactions developed more often in slow acetylators (43.2%), compared to fast acetylators (20.7%) and intermediate acetylators (10.9%); p=0.002. Serum alanine aminotransferase activity was 5 or more times above the upper limit of normal activity in 37.8% of slow acetylators, and in 8.7% of intermediate acetylators; p=0.001. Clinical manifestations of isoniazid hepatotoxicity were observed more often in slow acetylators (29.7%), than in fast acetylators (3.4%); p=0.000. Conclusion. Slow acetylation type ought to be considered an important risk factor for developing isoniazid hepatotoxicity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

scholarly journals 369. Clinical Characteristics of the First 177 Patients Admitted with COVID-19 at a Bronx Community Hospital

2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S254-S254
Author(s):  
Victoria Bengualid ◽  
Maria Martinez ◽  
Zhenisa Hysenaj ◽  
Debra M Willner ◽  
Judith Berger
Keyword(s):  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Retrospective Chart Review ◽  
Patient Characteristics ◽  
Altered Mental Status ◽  
Channel Blockers ◽  
First Case ◽  
Overall Mortality

Abstract Background The first case of COVID-19 was admitted on March 15th 2020 to our community based hospital in the Bronx, NY. The aim of this study is to describe the clinical characteristics and outcome of these first COVID-19 patients. Patient Characteristics and Outcome Methods IRB approved retrospective chart review study of all COVID-19 patients admitted during March 2020 focusing on patient characteristics, co-morbidities, clinical manifestations and outcome. Results A total of 177 patients were admitted during March 2020: 57% African American 23.1% Hispanic and 16.9% White. 44.9% female, average age 60 years, and 90% had at least one comorbidity. Outcome was available on all patients except for one who was transferred to another institution for ECMO. Overall mortality was 33%. Clinical presentation: 69.4% presented with cough or shortness of breath, 15.8% with diarrhea, nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain, and 14.6% with myalgia, dizziness or altered mental status. 6.2% presented only with fever. However 59.8% of patients presented with fever and respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. Mortality The table compares patients who died vs discharged (either home or to a short term facility). Those that were 65 years or older, hypertensive or presented to the ER with an oxygen saturation of 94% or lower, were more likely to die. Ventilated patients: 31.6% of patients were intubated with a mortality rate of 77%. 22% of these patients were intubated in the first 24 hours. Compared to non-intubated patients, there was no difference in BMI, diabetes, hypertension, COPD/Asthma, use of statins, aspirin or calcium channel blockers. Intubated patients older than 64 years had significantly higher mortality rates (p=0.0001). Conclusion This cohort of COVID-19 patients is unique as almost all received Hydroxychloroquine and Azithromycin. Only 9% received steroids and even fewer received an interleukin-6 inhibitor, convalescent plasma or Remdesivir. African Americans and Hispanics accounted for 80% of patients. Greater than 90% received Medicaid. Overall mortality was 33%. The most common presentation was respiratory followed by gastrointestinal symptoms. The overall mortality was 33% but increased to 77% in intubated patients. Age, hypertension, and ER oxygen saturation correlated with mortality. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

scholarly journals Defining Kawasaki disease and pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome-temporally associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection during SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in Italy: results from a national, multicenter survey

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Cattalini ◽  
◽  
Sara Della Paolera ◽  
Fiammetta Zunica ◽  
Claudia Bracaglia ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Kawasaki Disease ◽  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Troponin T ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Age At Onset ◽  
Laboratory Data ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Pediatric Society ◽  
Multicenter Survey

Abstract Background There is mounting evidence on the existence of a Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome-temporally associated to SARS-CoV-2 infection (PIMS-TS), sharing similarities with Kawasaki Disease (KD). The main outcome of the study were to better characterize the clinical features and the treatment response of PIMS-TS and to explore its relationship with KD determining whether KD and PIMS are two distinct entities. Methods The Rheumatology Study Group of the Italian Pediatric Society launched a survey to enroll patients diagnosed with KD (Kawasaki Disease Group – KDG) or KD-like (Kawacovid Group - KCG) disease between February 1st 2020, and May 31st 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory data, treatment information, and patients’ outcome were collected in an online anonymized database (RedCAP®). Relationship between clinical presentation and SARS-CoV-2 infection was also taken into account. Moreover, clinical characteristics of KDG during SARS-CoV-2 epidemic (KDG-CoV2) were compared to Kawasaki Disease patients (KDG-Historical) seen in three different Italian tertiary pediatric hospitals (Institute for Maternal and Child Health, IRCCS “Burlo Garofolo”, Trieste; AOU Meyer, Florence; IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa) from January 1st 2000 to December 31st 2019. Chi square test or exact Fisher test and non-parametric Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney test were used to study differences between two groups. Results One-hundred-forty-nine cases were enrolled, (96 KDG and 53 KCG). KCG children were significantly older and presented more frequently from gastrointestinal and respiratory involvement. Cardiac involvement was more common in KCG, with 60,4% of patients with myocarditis. 37,8% of patients among KCG presented hypotension/non-cardiogenic shock. Coronary artery abnormalities (CAA) were more common in the KDG. The risk of ICU admission were higher in KCG. Lymphopenia, higher CRP levels, elevated ferritin and troponin-T characterized KCG. KDG received more frequently immunoglobulins (IVIG) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (81,3% vs 66%; p = 0.04 and 71,9% vs 43,4%; p = 0.001 respectively) as KCG more often received glucocorticoids (56,6% vs 14,6%; p < 0.0001). SARS-CoV-2 assay more often resulted positive in KCG than in KDG (75,5% vs 20%; p < 0.0001). Short-term follow data showed minor complications. Comparing KDG with a KD-Historical Italian cohort (598 patients), no statistical difference was found in terms of clinical manifestations and laboratory data. Conclusion Our study suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection might determine two distinct inflammatory diseases in children: KD and PIMS-TS. Older age at onset and clinical peculiarities like the occurrence of myocarditis characterize this multi-inflammatory syndrome. Our patients had an optimal response to treatments and a good outcome, with few complications and no deaths.

scholarly journals Molecular Tumor Subtypes of HPV-Positive Head and Neck Cancers: Biological Characteristics and Implications for Clinical Outcomes

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2721
Author(s):  
Tingting Qin ◽  
Shiting Li ◽  
Leanne E. Henry ◽  
Siyu Liu ◽  
Maureen A. Sartor
Keyword(s):  
Head And Neck ◽  
Stromal Cells ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Molecular Subtypes ◽  
Squamous Cell Carcinomas ◽  
Head And Neck Cancers ◽  
Molecular Signatures ◽  
Tumor Subtypes ◽  
Mesenchymal Differentiation ◽  
High Incidence

Until recently, research on the molecular signatures of Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated head and neck cancers mainly focused on their differences with respect to HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). However, given the continuing high incidence level of HPV-related HNSCC, the time is ripe to characterize the heterogeneity that exists within these cancers. Here, we review research thus far on HPV-positive HNSCC molecular subtypes, and their relationship with clinical characteristics and HPV integration into the host genome. Different omics data including host transcriptomics and epigenomics, as well as HPV characteristics, can provide complementary viewpoints. Keratinization, mesenchymal differentiation, immune signatures, stromal cells and oxidoreductive processes all play important roles.

scholarly journals SAT0507 CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND TREATMENT RESPONSE IN JUVENILE GOUT PATIENTS: A SINGLE CENTER EXPERIENCE

2020 ◽  
Vol 79 (Suppl 1) ◽  
pp. 1210.2-1210
Author(s):  
S. Zheng ◽  
P. Y. Lee ◽  
Y. Huang ◽  
Q. Huang ◽  
S. Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Function ◽  
Uric Acid ◽  
Treatment Response ◽  
Serum Uric Acid ◽  
Clinical Characteristics ◽  
Disease Onset ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Joint Involvement ◽  
Normal Body Mass Index ◽  
Finger Joints

Background:The incidence of juvenile gout is increasing in China. The clinical manifestations of juvenile gout and treatment strategies to reduce uric acid levels in children are not well described due to the limited number of cases in the past.Objectives:We aim to describe the clinical characteristic of children with gout and study the treatment response to febuxostat.Methods:These studies were approved by the Institutional Review Board of Guangdong Second provincial General Hospital. We performed a retrospective analysis on 98 juvenile gout patients (age ≤ 18 years) evaluated in our hospital from Jan 2016 to Dec 2019. We analyzed clinical parameters, laboratory data and treatment response.Results:The average age of disease onset in children with gout was 15.2 ± 2.0 years and the youngest patient was 9 years old. The majority of patients were male (94/98) and mean serum uric acid (sUA) level were 705.8 ± 145.7 μmol/L (reference range <420 μmol/L). More than half of the cohort had normal body mass index (mean 24.7 ± 4.7 kg/m2; range 14.9 to 36.1 kg/m2). Renal function was generally normal in these children (serum creatinine 96.9 ± 17.8 μmol/L). In terms of joint manifestations, juvenile gout preferentially affected finger joints (29%), ankles (28%) and metatarsal joints (MTP; 20%). The most frequent sites of initial gout attack were ankles (45%), MTP (39%) and fingers (6%). In addition, tophi can occur in pediatric patients and typically develop in the finger joints (54%). Tophi was observed in about 25% of juvenile gout patients, typically within the first two years of disease onset (mean duration 1.7 ± 0. 9 years). We have found tophi in children as young as 10 years of age.For treatment for chronic hyperuricemia, 32 patients (32.7%) were started on febuxostat and 5 patients (5.1%) received allopurinol. A decrease in sUA was observed in both groups after the first month of treatment (febuxostat: baseline 690.4 ± 99.7 μmol/L to 482.7 ± 140.8 μmol/L vs. allopurinol: baseline 728.8 ±112.8 μmol/L to 565.0 ± 116.7 μmol/L, P=0.477). Serum uric acid of 6 patients in the febuxostat group (none in the allopurinol group) dropped below 360 μmol/L. There were no statistical differences in Cr, AST and ALT between the groups. During follow-up after 3 months, further decline in sUA level were observed in patients treated with febuxostat (409.5 ± 83.4, compared with baseline P<0.001).Conclusion:Juvenile gout has a different pattern of joint involvement and is less associated with elevated BMI compared to gout in adults. We show that febuxostat is effective in reducing uric acid levels in juvenile gout. These findings will help clinicians better understand the clinical manifestations and treatment response in juvenile gout.Figure 1Compared treatment response with allopurinol and febuxostatReferences:[1]Kishimoto K, Kobayashi R, Hori D, et al. Febuxostat as a Prophylaxis for Tumor Lysis Syndrome in Children with Hematological Malignancies. Anticancer Res. 2017 Oct;37(10):5845-5849.[2]Lu, C.C., et al. Clinical characteristics of and relationship between metabolic components and renal function among patients with early-onset juvenile tophaceous gout. J Rheumatol, 2014. 41(9): p. 1878-83.Disclosure of Interests:None declared

scholarly journals Making a Difference: Adaptation of the Clinical Laboratory in Response to the Rapidly Evolving COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 237428952110239
Author(s):  
Nikhil S. Sahajpal ◽  
Ashis K. Mondal ◽  
Sudha Ananth ◽  
Allan Njau ◽  
Sadanand Fulzele ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Laboratory ◽  
Clinical Manifestations ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Next Generation Sequencing Technology ◽  
Making A Difference ◽  
Scale Population ◽  
Wide Scale ◽  
Pooling Strategy ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Phylogenetic Evolution

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, led to unprecedented demands assigned to clinical diagnostic laboratories worldwide, forcing them to make significant changes to their regular workflow as they adapted to new diagnostic tests and sample volumes. Herein, we summarize the modifications/adaptation the laboratory had to exercise to cope with rapidly evolving situations in the current pandemic. In the first phase of the pandemic, the laboratory validated 2 reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction–based assays to test ∼1000 samples/day and rapidly modified procedures and validated various preanalytical and analytical steps to overcome the supply chain constraints that would have otherwise derailed testing efforts. Further, the pooling strategy was validated for wide-scale population screening using nasopharyngeal swab samples and saliva samples. The translational research arm of the laboratory pursued several initiatives to understand the variable clinical manifestations that this virus presented in the population. The phylogenetic evolution of the virus was investigated using next-generation sequencing technology. The laboratory has initiated the formation of a consortium that includes groups investigating genomes at the level of large structural variants, using genome optical mapping via this collaborative global effort. This article summarizes our journey as the laboratory has sought to adapt and continue to positively contribute to the unprecedented demands and challenges of this rapidly evolving pandemic.

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