scholarly journals Orally administered epeleuton inhibits SARS-CoV-2 viral load, replication and pathology in the Syrian Hamster model

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Climax ◽  
Moayed Hamza ◽  
Adam Lafferty ◽  
Kate Guilfoyle ◽  
Geert van Amerongen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
Early Treatment ◽  
Syrian Hamster ◽  
Outpatient Treatment ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Upper Airways ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Clinical Safety ◽  
Treatment And Prevention

Early treatment of patients with confirmed COVID-19 presenting mild symptoms can reduce the number that progress to more severe disease and require hospitalization. Considering the potential for the development of drug resistance to existing therapies and the emergence of new SARS-CoV-2 variants, there is a need for an expanded armamentarium of treatment options for COVID-19. Epeleuton is a novel orally administered second-generation n-3 fatty acid with potential direct antiviral and immunomodulatory actions, and a favourable clinical safety profile. In this study we show that epeleuton inhibits SARS-CoV-2 infectious viral load, replication and disease pathology in the lungs and upper airways in the Syrian hamster model of SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data support the potential utility of epeleuton in the early treatment and prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of epeleuton as an outpatient treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

scholarly journals Simulation of the Clinical and Pathological Manifestations of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Golden Syrian Hamster Model: Implications for Disease Pathogenesis and Transmissibility

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jasper Fuk-Woo Chan ◽  
Anna Jinxia Zhang ◽  
Shuofeng Yuan ◽  
Vincent Kwok-Man Poon ◽  
Chris Chung-Sing Chan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Loss ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Syrian Hamster ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Neutralizing Antibody ◽  
Adaptive Mutation ◽  
Lung Pathology ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Golden Syrian Hamster ◽  
Virus Challenge

Abstract Background A physiological small-animal model that resembles COVID-19 with low mortality is lacking. Methods Molecular docking on the binding between angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) of common laboratory mammals and the receptor-binding domain of the surface spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 suggested that the golden Syrian hamster is an option. Virus challenge, contact transmission, and passive immunoprophylaxis studies were performed. Serial organ tissues and blood were harvested for histopathology, viral load and titer, chemokine/cytokine level, and neutralizing antibody titer. Results The Syrian hamster could be consistently infected by SARS-CoV-2. Maximal clinical signs of rapid breathing, weight loss, histopathological changes from the initial exudative phase of diffuse alveolar damage with extensive apoptosis to the later proliferative phase of tissue repair, airway and intestinal involvement with viral nucleocapsid protein expression, high lung viral load, and spleen and lymphoid atrophy associated with marked chemokine/cytokine activation were observed within the first week of virus challenge. The mean lung virus titer was between 105 and 107 TCID50/g. Challenged index hamsters consistently infected naive contact hamsters housed within the same cages, resulting in similar pathology but not weight loss. All infected hamsters recovered and developed mean serum neutralizing antibody titers ≥1:427 14 days postchallenge. Immunoprophylaxis with early convalescent serum achieved significant decrease in lung viral load but not in lung pathology. No consistent nonsynonymous adaptive mutation of the spike was found in viruses isolated from the infected hamsters. Conclusions Besides satisfying Koch’s postulates, this readily available hamster model is an important tool for studying transmission, pathogenesis, treatment, and vaccination against SARS-CoV-2.

Effect of intestinal alkalinization on irinotecan (CPT-11)-induced diarrhea in the golden Syrian hamster model

2001 ◽  
Vol 120 (5) ◽  
pp. A613-A613
Author(s):  
T IKEGAMI ◽  
P LATHAM ◽  
K KOBAYASHI ◽  
K ARIMORI ◽  
B BOUSCAREL
Keyword(s):  
Syrian Hamster ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Golden Syrian Hamster

scholarly journals Use of monoclonal antibody therapy for nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients at high risk for severe COVID-19: experience from a tertiary-care hospital in Germany

Infection ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Johanna Koehler ◽  
Barbara Ritzer ◽  
Simon Weidlich ◽  
Friedemann Gebhardt ◽  
Chlodwig Kirchhoff ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Risk ◽  
Tertiary Care Hospital ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Antibody Therapy ◽  
Additional Treatment ◽  
Care Hospital ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Asymptomatic Patients

AbstractAdditional treatment options for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are urgently needed, particularly for populations at high risk of severe disease. This cross-sectional, retrospective study characterized the outcomes of 43 patients with nosocomial severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection with and without treatment using monoclonal SARS-CoV-2 spike antibodies (bamlanivimab or casirivimab/imdevimab). Our results indicate that treatment with monoclonal antibodies results in a significant decrease in disease progression and mortality when used for asymptomatic patients with early SARS-CoV-2 infection.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of systemic sclerosis: a multi-database population-based study in Tuscany (Italy)

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessio Coi ◽  
◽  
Simone Barsotti ◽  
Michele Santoro ◽  
Fabio Almerigogna ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systemic Sclerosis ◽  
Rare Diseases ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Pulmonary Involvement ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Vital Statistics ◽  
Drug Prescriptions ◽  
Malignant Neoplasms ◽  
Lower Survival ◽  
Treatment And Prevention

Abstract Background Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a complex pathogenesis that includes vascular injury, abnormal immune activation, and tissue fibrosis. We provided a complete epidemiological characterization of SSc in the Tuscany region (Italy), considering prevalence and incidence, survival, comorbidities and drug prescriptions, by using a multi-database population-based approach. Cases of SSc diagnosed between 1st January 2003 and 31st December 2017 among residents in Tuscany were collected from the population-based Rare Diseases Registry of Tuscany. All cases were linked to regional health and demographic databases to obtain information about vital statistics, principal causes of hospitalization, complications and comorbidities, and drug prescriptions. Results The prevalence of SSc in Tuscany population resulted to be 22.2 per 100,000, with the highest prevalence observed for the cases aged ≥ 65 years (33.2 per 100,000, CI 95% 29.6–37.3). In females, SSc was predominant (86.7% on the total) with an overall sex ratio F/M of 6.5. Nevertheless, males presented a more severe disease, with a lower survival and significant differences in respiratory complications and metabolic comorbidities. Complications and comorbidities such as pulmonary involvement (HR = 1.66, CI 95% 1.17–2.35), congestive heart failure (HR = 2.76, CI 95% 1.80–4.25), subarachnoid and intracerebral haemorrhage (HR = 2.33, CI 95% 1.21–4.48) and malignant neoplasms (HR = 1.63, CI 95% 1.06–2.52), were significantly associated to a lower survival, also after adjustment for age, sex and other SSc-related complications. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, endothelin receptor antagonists, and phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors were the drugs with the more increasing prevalence of use in the 2008–2017 period. Conclusions The multi-database approach is important in the investigation of rare diseases where it is often difficult to provide accurate epidemiological indicators. A population-based registry can be exploited in synergy with health databases, to provide evidence related to disease outcomes and therapies and to assess the burden of disease, relying on a large cohort of cases. Building an integrated archive of data from multiple databases linking a cohort of patients to their comorbidities, clinical outcomes and survival, is important both in terms of treatment and prevention.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 and Obesity: “CoVesity”—a Pandemic Within a Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kimberley Zakka ◽  
◽  
Swathikan Chidambaram ◽  
Sami Mansour ◽  
Kamal Mahawar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Risk Factor ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
Respiratory Failure ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Vulnerable Population ◽  
Low Grade ◽  
Obesity Management ◽  
Low Grade Inflammation

AbstractIndividuals who are overweight or suffering from obesity are in a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, making them particularly susceptible to developing severe forms of respiratory failure. Studies conducted in past pandemics link obesity with worse health outcomes. This population is thus of particular concern within the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, considering the cessation of obesity management services. This systematic review highlights [1] the reciprocal link between the obesity and COVID-19 pandemics, [2] obesity as a risk factor for more severe disease in past pandemics, [3] potential mechanisms that make individual’s suffering from obesity more susceptible to severe disease and higher viral load, and [4] the need to safely resume bariatric services as recommended by expert guidelines, in order to mitigate the health outcomes of an already vulnerable population.

scholarly journals H5N1 Influenza Virus Pathogenesis in Genetically Diverse Mice Is Mediated at the Level of Viral Load

mBio ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 2 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Adrianus C. M. Boon ◽  
David Finkelstein ◽  
Ming Zheng ◽  
Guochun Liao ◽  
John Allard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Viral Load ◽  
H5n1 Virus ◽  
Inbred Mouse ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Mouse Strains ◽  
H5n1 Influenza Virus ◽  
Resistant Mouse ◽  
H5n1 Influenza ◽  
Host Genetic

ABSTRACTThe genotype of the host is one of several factors involved in the pathogenesis of an infectious disease and may be a key parameter in the epidemiology of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus infection in humans. Gene polymorphisms may affect the viral replication rate or alter the host’s immune response to the virus. In humans, it is unclear which aspect dictates the severity of H5N1 virus disease. To identify the mechanism underlying differential responses to H5N1 virus infection in a genetically diverse population, we assessed the host responses and lung viral loads in 21 inbred mouse strains upon intranasal inoculation with A/Hong Kong/213/03 (H5N1). Resistant mouse strains survived large inocula while susceptible strains succumbed to infection with 1,000- to 10,000-fold-lower doses. Quantitative analysis of the viral load after inoculation with an intermediate dose found significant associations with lethality as early as 2 days postinoculation, earlier than any other disease indicator. The increased viral titers in the highly susceptible strains mediated a hyperinflamed environment, indicated by the distinct expression profiles and increased production of inflammatory mediators on day 3. Supporting the hypothesis that viral load rather than an inappropriate response to the virus was the key severity-determining factor, we performed quantitative real-time PCR measuring the cytokine/viral RNA ratio. No significant differences between susceptible and resistant mouse strains were detected, confirming that it is the host genetic component controlling viral load, and therefore replication dynamics, that is primarily responsible for a host’s susceptibility to a given H5N1 virus.IMPORTANCEHighly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus has circulated in Southeast Asia since 2003 but has been confirmed in relatively few individuals. It has been postulated that host genetic polymorphisms increase the susceptibility to infection and severe disease. The mechanisms and host proteins affected during severe disease are unknown. Inbred mouse strains vary considerably in their ability to resist H5N1 virus and were used to identify the primary mechanism determining disease severity. After inoculation with H5N1, resistant mouse strains had reduced amounts of virus in their lungs, which subsequently resulted in lower production of proinflammatory mediators and less pathology. We therefore conclude that the host genetic component controlling disease severity is primarily influencing viral replication. This is an important concept, as it emphasizes the need to limit virus replication through antiviral therapies and it shows that the hyperinflammatory environment is simply a reflection of more viral genetic material inducing a response.

Innovative Draping Method to Mitigate Aerosolization During Coronavirus Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 73-76
Author(s):  
Kripa Dongol ◽  
Yogesh Neupane ◽  
Dipesh Shakya
Keyword(s):  
Viral Load ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Operating Room ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Operative Procedure ◽  
High Viral Load ◽  
Upper Airways ◽  
Self Confidence ◽  
Additional Form

Otolaryngologists are at high risk of acquiring coronavirus because most of the procedures are aerosol generating and we have to deal with upper airways which contain high viral load. The objective of this study is to elaborate the draping technique which diminishes aerosol in the operating room. Use of a framework and a drape with customized hand insertion ports help to contain the aerosol generated during the operative procedure. The draping technique acts as an additional form of protection from aerosol along with an increase in self-confidence to the healthcare workers during this pandemic.

Clinical, Microbial, and Biochemical Aspects of the Exfoliative Toxins Causing Staphylococcal Scalded-Skin Syndrome

1999 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 224-242 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamez Ladhani ◽  
Christopher L. Joannou ◽  
Denise P. Lochrie ◽  
Robert W. Evans ◽  
Susan M. Poston
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Features ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Entire Body ◽  
Secondary Complications ◽  
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome ◽  
Treatment And Prevention ◽  
Causative Agents ◽  
Underlying Diseases ◽  
Disease Understanding ◽  
Significant Mortality

SUMMARY The exfoliative (epidermolytic) toxins of Staphylococcus aureus are the causative agents of the staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome (SSSS), a blistering skin disorder that predominantly affects children. Clinical features of SSSS vary along a spectrum, ranging from a few localized blisters to generalized exfoliation covering almost the entire body. The toxins act specifically at the zona granulosa of the epidermis to produce the characteristic exfoliation, although the mechanism by which this is achieved is still poorly understood. Despite the availability of antibiotics, SSSS carries a significant mortality rate, particularly among neonates with secondary complications of epidermal loss and among adults with underlying diseases. The aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the literature spanning more than a century and to cover all aspects of the disease. The epidemiology, clinical features, potential complications, risk factors, susceptibility, diagnosis, differential diagnoses, investigations currently available, treatment options, and preventive measures are all discussed in detail. Recent crystallographic data on the toxins has provided us with a clearer and more defined approach to studying the disease. Understanding their mode of action has important implications in future treatment and prevention of SSSS and other diseases, and knowledge of their specific site of action may provide a useful tool for physiologists, dermatologists, and pharmacologists.

scholarly journals MBX-500, a Hybrid Antibiotic withIn VitroandIn VivoEfficacy against Toxigenic Clostridium difficile

2012 ◽  
Vol 56 (9) ◽  
pp. 4786-4792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michelle M. Butler ◽  
Dean L. Shinabarger ◽  
Diane M. Citron ◽  
Ciarán P. Kelly ◽  
Sofya Dvoskin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Weight Gain ◽  
Clostridium Difficile ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Normal Weight ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Hamster Model ◽  
Resistance Development ◽  
Content Type

ABSTRACTClostridium difficileinfection (CDI) causes moderate to severe disease, resulting in diarrhea and pseudomembranous colitis. CDI is difficult to treat due to production of inflammation-inducing toxins, resistance development, and high probability of recurrence. Only two antibiotics are approved for the treatment of CDI, and the pipeline for therapeutic agents contains few new drugs. MBX-500 is a hybrid antibacterial, composed of an anilinouracil DNA polymerase inhibitor linked to a fluoroquinolone DNA gyrase/topoisomerase inhibitor, with potential as a new therapeutic for CDI treatment. Since MBX-500 inhibits three bacterial targets, it has been previously shown to be minimally susceptible to resistance development. In the present study, thein vitroandin vivoefficacies of MBX-500 were explored against the Gram-positive anaerobe,C. difficile. MBX-500 displayed potency across nearly 50 isolates, including those of the fluoroquinolone-resistant, toxin-overproducing NAP1/027 ribotype, performing as well as comparator antibiotics vancomycin and metronidazole. Furthermore, MBX-500 was a narrow-spectrum agent, displaying poor activity against many other gut anaerobes. MBX-500 was active in acute and recurrent infections in a toxigenic hamster model of CDI, exhibiting full protection against acute infections and prevention of recurrence in 70% of the animals. Hamsters treated with MBX-500 displayed significantly greater weight gain than did those treated with vancomycin. Finally, MBX-500 was efficacious in a murine model of CDI, again demonstrating a fully protective effect and permitting near-normal weight gain in the treated animals. These selective anti-CDI features support the further development of MBX 500 for the treatment of CDI.

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