scholarly journals Facility-based surveillance for influenza and respiratory syncytial virus in rural Zambia

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gideon Loevinsohn ◽  
Mutinta Hamahuwa ◽  
Pamela Sinywimaanzi ◽  
Katherine Z. J. Fenstermacher ◽  
Kathryn Shaw-Saliba ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Clinical Severity ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Rural Zambia

Abstract Background While southern Africa experiences among the highest mortality rates from respiratory infections, the burden of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in rural areas is poorly understood. Methods We implemented facility-based surveillance in Macha, Zambia. Outpatients and inpatients presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) underwent testing for influenza A, influenza B, and RSV and were prospectively followed for 3 to 5 weeks to assess clinical course. Log-binomial models assessed correlates of infection and clinical severity. Results Between December 2018 and December 2019, 17% of all outpatients presented with ILI and 16% of inpatients were admitted with an acute respiratory complaint. Influenza viruses and RSV were detected in 17% and 11% of outpatient participants with ILI, and 23% and 16% of inpatient participants with ILI, respectively. Influenza (July–September) and RSV (January-April) prevalence peaks were temporally distinct. RSV (relative risk [RR]: 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.51–2.11), but not influenza, infection was associated with severe disease among patients with ILI. Underweight patients with ILI were more likely to be infected with influenza A (prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.72; 95% CI 1.04–2.87) and to have severe influenza A infections (RR: 2.49; 95% CI 1.57–3.93). Conclusions Populations in rural Zambia bear a sizeable burden of viral respiratory infections and severe disease. The epidemiology of infections in this rural area differs from that reported from urban areas in Zambia.

scholarly journals A comparison of influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infections among infants admitted to hospital with acute respiratory infections

1976 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 383-392 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. O. Caul ◽  
D. K. Waller ◽  
S. K. R. Clarke ◽  
B. D. Corner
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Influenza B Virus ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Virus Infections ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
One Year

SUMMARYAmong 741 children under 5 years admitted to hospital with respiratory infections during two winters, infection with influenza A virus was diagnosed in 70 (9%), with influenza B virus in 8 (1%), and with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 259 (35 %). Both influenza virus and RSV infections were diagnosed most frequently in children under the age of one year, and diagnosed more frequently in males than females. Influenza illnesses were more severe in boys than girls. Both infections occurred more often, but were not more severe, in children from a conurbation than in those from ‘rural’ areas. Convulsions were the cause of 36% of admissions with influenza A infections, but were rare in RSV infections. Bronchiolitis was the reason for 39% of admissions with RSV infections, but was rare in influenza infections. It is suggested that infants admitted to hospital are a good source of influenza virus strains for monitoring arttigenic variation.

scholarly journals Verification of the Abbott Alinity m Resp-4-Plex Assay for detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A/B, and respiratory syncytial virus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Cheng ◽  
Stefan Riedel ◽  
Ramy Arnaout ◽  
James E. Kirby
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Random Access ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Analytical Sensitivity ◽  
Multiplex Pcr Assay ◽  
Life Saving ◽  
Syncytial Virus

AbstractCOVID-19 symptomology may overlap with other circulating respiratory viruses that may also cause severe disease and for which there are specific and potentially life-saving treatments. The Abbott Alinity m Resp-4-Plex assay is a multiplex PCR assay that simultaneously detects and differentiates infection with SARS-CoV-2, influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We characterized its accuracy, precision, and analytical sensitivity. All were found to be robust for measures examined. In the context of sample-to-answer, near random access automation on the Alinity m platform, we believe that the Resp-4-Plex assay offers significant utility in addressing the current needs of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and future needs during anticipated endemic circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses.

scholarly journals Thapsigargin Is a Broad-Spectrum Inhibitor of Major Human Respiratory Viruses: Coronavirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and Influenza A Virus

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 234
Author(s):  
Sarah Al-Beltagi ◽  
Cristian Alexandru Preda ◽  
Leah V. Goulding ◽  
Joe James ◽  
Juan Pu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza Virus ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Influenza A Virus ◽  
Broad Spectrum ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Virus Challenge ◽  
2009 H1n1 ◽  
Syncytial Virus

The long-term control strategy of SARS-CoV-2 and other major respiratory viruses needs to include antivirals to treat acute infections, in addition to the judicious use of effective vaccines. Whilst COVID-19 vaccines are being rolled out for mass vaccination, the modest number of antivirals in use or development for any disease bears testament to the challenges of antiviral development. We recently showed that non-cytotoxic levels of thapsigargin (TG), an inhibitor of the sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca2+ ATPase pump, induces a potent host innate immune antiviral response that blocks influenza A virus replication. Here we show that TG is also highly effective in blocking the replication of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), common cold coronavirus OC43, SARS-CoV-2 and influenza A virus in immortalized or primary human cells. TG’s antiviral performance was significantly better than remdesivir and ribavirin in their respective inhibition of OC43 and RSV. Notably, TG was just as inhibitory to coronaviruses (OC43 and SARS-CoV-2) and influenza viruses (USSR H1N1 and pdm 2009 H1N1) in separate infections as in co-infections. Post-infection oral gavage of acid-stable TG protected mice against a lethal influenza virus challenge. Together with its ability to inhibit the different viruses before or during active infection, and with an antiviral duration of at least 48 h post-TG exposure, we propose that TG (or its derivatives) is a promising broad-spectrum inhibitor against SARS-CoV-2, OC43, RSV and influenza virus.

scholarly journals Influenza A and B viruses in the population of Vojvodina, Serbia

2014 ◽  
Vol 66 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-50 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Radovanov ◽  
V. Milosevic ◽  
I. Hrnjakovic ◽  
V. Petrovic ◽  
M. Ristic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B Virus ◽  
Nasopharyngeal Swab ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Influenza A Viruses ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Life Threatening ◽  
Seasonal Epidemic

At present, two influenza A viruses, H1N1pdm09 and H3N2, along with influenza B virus co-circulate in the human population, causing endemic and seasonal epidemic acute febrile respiratory infections, sometimes with life-threatening complications. Detection of influenza viruses in nasopharyngeal swab samples was done by real-time RT-PCR. There were 60.2% (53/88) positive samples in 2010/11, 63.4% (52/82) in 2011/12, and 49.9% (184/369) in 2012/13. Among the positive patients, influenza A viruses were predominant during the first two seasons, while influenza B type was more active during 2012/13. Subtyping of influenza A positive samples revealed the presence of A (H1N1)pdm09 in 2010/11, A (H3N2) in 2011/12, while in 2012/13, both subtypes were detected. The highest seroprevalence against influenza A was in the age-group 30-64, and against influenza B in adults aged 30-64 and >65.

scholarly journals Circulation of Respiratory Viruses in Hospitalized Adults before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in Brescia, Italy: A Retrospective Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (18) ◽  
pp. 9525
Author(s):  
Maria Antonia De Francesco ◽  
Caterina Pollara ◽  
Franco Gargiulo ◽  
Mauro Giacomelli ◽  
Arnaldo Caruso
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Contact Tracing ◽  
Nucleic Acid Detection ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Human Coronaviruses

Different preventive public health measures were adopted globally to limit the spread of SARS-CoV-2, such as hand hygiene and the use of masks, travel restrictions, social distance actions such as the closure of schools and workplaces, case and contact tracing, quarantine and lockdown. These measures, in particular physical distancing and the use of masks, might have contributed to containing the spread of other respiratory viruses that occurs principally by contact and droplet routes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of different respiratory viruses (influenza viruses A and B, respiratory syncytial virus, parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, 3 and 4, rhinovirus, adenovirus, metapneumovirus and human coronaviruses) after one year of the pandemic. Furthermore, another aim was to evaluate the possible impact of these non-pharmaceutical measures on the circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses. This single center study was conducted between January 2017–February 2020 (pre-pandemic period) and March 2020–May 2021 (pandemic period). All adults >18 years with respiratory symptoms and tested for respiratory pathogens were included in the study. Nucleic acid detection of all respiratory viruses was performed by multiplex real time PCR. Our results show that the test positivity for influenza A and B, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus and human coronaviruses decreased with statistical significance during the pandemic. Contrary to this, for adenovirus the decrease was not statistically significant. Conversely, a statistically significant increase was detected for rhinovirus. Coinfections between different respiratory viruses were observed during the pre-pandemic period, while the only coinfection detected during pandemic was between SARS-CoV-2 and rhinovirus. To understand how the preventive strategies against SARS-CoV-2 might alter the transmission dynamics and epidemic patterns of respiratory viruses is fundamental to guide future preventive recommendations.

scholarly journals Respiratory syncytial virus and airway microbiota -- A complex interplay and its reflection on morbidity

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giovanni Rossi ◽  
Stefania Ballarini ◽  
Michela Silvestri ◽  
Oliviero Sacco ◽  
Andrew Colin
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Disease Severity ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Pediatric Population ◽  
Bacterial Species ◽  
Severe Disease ◽  
Microbial Community Composition ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Tract Infections

The immunopathology of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, the most common cause of lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in the pediatric population, with severe disease being the exception. The variability of the clinical presentation is incompletely explained by host, viral and environmental factors but, in infants and young children, disease severity is certainly linked to the physiological immune immaturity. There is evidence that the maturation of the host immune response is, at least in part, promoted by the composition of the nasopharyngeal microbiome that, modulating excessive inflammation, can counteract the predisposition to develop viral respiratory infections and lower the risk of disease severity. However, interaction between the nasopharyngeal microbiota and respiratory viruses can be bidirectional. Microbial dysbiosis can drive disease pathogenesis but may also represents a reflection of the disease-induced alterations of the local milieu. Moreover, viruses like RSV, can also increase the virulence of potential pathogens in nasopharynx, which is a main reservoir of bacteria, and therefore promote their spread to the lower airways causing superinfection. Negative changes in microbial community composition in early life may constitute a heightened risk towards severe RSV respiratory infection and bacterial superinfection, whilst specific groups of microorganisms can be associated with protection. A better understanding into the potential negative and positive role of the different nasopharyngeal bacterial species in disease prevention as well as into the possible benefits of microbiome therapeutic manipulation, may improve patient outcomes.

scholarly journals Epidemiology of Respiratory Pathogens among Elderly Nursing Home Residents with Acute Respiratory Infections in Corsica, France, 2013–2017

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shirley Masse ◽  
Lisandru Capai ◽  
Alessandra Falchi
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Home ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Nursing Home Residents ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Sudden Onset ◽  
Influenza Viruses ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Respiratory Pathogens

Background. The current study aims to describe the demographical and clinical characteristics of elderly nursing home (NH) residents with acute respiratory infections (ARIs) during four winter seasons (2013/2014–2016/2017), as well as the microbiological etiology of these infections. Methods. Seventeen NHs with at least one ARI resident in Corsica, France, were included. An ARI resident was defined as a resident developing a sudden onset of any constitutional symptoms in addition to any respiratory signs. Nasopharyngeal swabs from ARI residents were screened for the presence of 21 respiratory agents, including seasonal influenza viruses. Results. Of the 107 ARI residents enrolled from NHs, 61 (57%) were positive for at least one of the 21 respiratory pathogens. Forty-one (38.3%) of the 107 ARI residents had influenza: 38 (92%) were positive for influenza A (100% A(H3N2)) and three (8%) for influenza B/Victoria. Axillary fever (≥38°C) was significantly more common among patients infected with influenza A(H3N2). Conclusion. The circulation of seasonal respiratory viruses other than influenza A(H3N2) seems to be sporadic among elderly NH residents. Investigating the circulation of respiratory viruses in nonwinter seasons seems to be important in order to understand better the dynamic of their year-round circulation in NHs.

scholarly journals Performance of a Novel Point-of-Care Molecular Assay for Detection of Influenza A and B Viruses and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Enigma MiniLab) in Children with Acute Respiratory Infection

2015 ◽  
Vol 54 (1) ◽  
pp. 212-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam T. Douthwaite ◽  
Charlotte Walker ◽  
Elisabeth J. Adams ◽  
Catherine Mak ◽  
Andres Vecino Ortiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Virus ◽  
Point Of Care ◽  
Influenza B Virus ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Molecular Assay ◽  
B Virus ◽  
Syncytial Virus ◽  
Virus Influenza

The performance of the Enigma MiniLab assay for influenza A and B viruses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was compared to a centralized laboratory respiratory virus panel. The positive and negative percent agreement for influenza A virus, influenza B virus, and RSV were 79.2% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 57.8 to 92.9%) and 99.4% (95% CI, 98.4 to 99.9), 100% (95% CI, 47.8 to 100%) and 100% (95% CI, 99.3 to 100%), 98.5% (95% CI, 94.6 to 99.8%) and 94.5% (95% CI, 91.9 to 96.4%), respectively.

scholarly journals Transmission of Acute Respiratory Infections in a City: Agent-Based Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
pp. 338-356
Author(s):  
A.I. Vlad ◽  
T.E. Sannikova ◽  
A.A. Romanyukha
Keyword(s):  
Incidence Rate ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Reproductive Rate ◽  
Immune Memory ◽  
Influenza B Virus ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
Agent Based ◽  
Syncytial Virus

An incidence curve of acute respiratory infections in Moscow has three picks between September and April and reaches its maximum in January- February. The emergence of new strains of influenza A could account for only one pick a year. The most cases of common cold are caused by ubiquitous low pathogenic viruses. In order to simulate weekly fluctuation of incidence rate of acute respiratory illnesses we developed an agent-based model. It contains 10 millions agents with such attributes as sex, age, social status, levels of specific immune memory and lists of contacts. Each agent can contact with members of its household, colleagues or classmates. Through such contacts susceptible agent can be infected with one of seven circulating respiratory viruses. Viruses differ in their immunologic properties and assume to present influenza A virus, influenza B virus, parainfluenza, adenovirus, coronavirus, rhinovirus and respiratory syncytial virus. The rate of transmission depends on duration of contact, vulnerability of susceptible agent, infectivity of infected agent and air temperature. Proposed network of social interactions proved to be sufficiently detailed as it provided good fitting for observed incidence rate including periods of school holidays and winter public holidays. Additionally, the estimates of basic reproductive rate for the viruses confirm that all these viruses except new strains of influenza A are relatively harmless and unable to cause significant growth of acute respiratory infections morbidity.

scholarly journals Absence of nosocomial influenza and respiratory syncytial virus infection in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) era: Implication of universal masking in hospitals

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-4 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuk-Ching Wong ◽  
Germaine Kit-Ming Lam ◽  
Christine Ho-Yan AuYeung ◽  
Veronica Wing-Man Chan ◽  
Newton Lau-Dan Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus ◽  
Virus Infection ◽  
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Influenza A ◽  
Influenza B ◽  
Syncytial Virus

Abstract Universal masking for healthcare workers and patients in hospitals was adopted to combat coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), with compliance rates of 100% and 75.9%, respectively. Zero rates of nosocomial influenza A, influenza B, and respiratory syncytial virus infection were achieved from February to April 2020, which was significantly lower than the corresponding months in 2017–2019.

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