scholarly journals The possible puzzles of BCG vaccine in protection against COVID-19 infection

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Basheer Abdullah Marzoog ◽  
Tatyana Ivanovna Vlasova
Keyword(s):  
Viral Infections ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Clinical Effectiveness ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Bacillus Calmette Guerin ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Abstract Background The paper aimed to analyze and evaluate the present literature data on the clinical effectiveness of using the bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine in protecting against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Main body Several novel clinical data have shown a relationship between the vaccinated population with the bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine and the severity and mortality rate from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, the linkage between the BCG vaccine and COVID-19 infection mortality and morbidity rate is still ambiguous. The BCG has been protected previously from many other respiratory viral infections. The efficacy of the BCG vaccine in the protection against COVID-19 depends on various factors including social, economic, cultural norms, mitigation efforts, health infrastructure, and demographic differences between countries. Conclusion Thus, the literature analyses show a noticed difference between the countries that follow national vaccination programs than in countries that do not follow such programs (Italy, Netherlands, USA). However, there are not any recommendations for using BCG in the protection against severe cases of COVID-19. The severity of COVID-19 maybe depends on the age, immune state of the patient, and the level of vaccine coverage. The possible reason for BCG protection is trained immunity in both diseases.

scholarly journals BCG Vaccination and Mortality of COVID-19 across 173 Countries: An Ecological Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (15) ◽  
pp. 5589 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitsuyoshi Urashima ◽  
Katharina Otani ◽  
Yasutaka Hasegawa ◽  
Taisuke Akutsu
Keyword(s):  
Urban Population ◽  
Ecological Study ◽  
Randomized Clinical Trials ◽  
Vaccine Coverage ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
Bacillus Calmette Guerin ◽  
Ecological Studies ◽  
Bcg Vaccination ◽  
Insufficient Physical Activity ◽  
Pcr Test

Ecological studies have suggested fewer COVID-19 morbidities and mortalities in Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG)-vaccinated countries than BCG-non-vaccinated countries. However, these studies obtained data during the early phase of the pandemic and did not adjust for potential confounders, including PCR-test numbers per population (PCR-tests). Currently—more than four months after declaration of the pandemic—the BCG-hypothesis needs reexamining. An ecological study was conducted by obtaining data of 61 factors in 173 countries, including BCG vaccine coverage (%), using morbidity and mortality as outcomes, obtained from open resources. ‘Urban population (%)’ and ‘insufficient physical activity (%)’ in each country was positively associated with morbidity, but not mortality, after adjustment for PCR-tests. On the other hand, recent BCG vaccine coverage (%) was negatively associated with mortality, but not morbidity, even with adjustment for percentage of the population ≥ 60 years of age, morbidity, PCR-tests and other factors. The results of this study generated a hypothesis that a national BCG vaccination program seems to be associated with reduced mortality of COVID-19, although this needs to be further examined and proved by randomized clinical trials.

scholarly journals A proposed insight into the anti-viral potential of metallic nanoparticles against novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19)

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghadha Ibrahim Fouad
Keyword(s):  
Global Health ◽  
Targeted Delivery ◽  
Metallic Nanoparticles ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Diagnostic Tools ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Diagnostic Systems ◽  
Theranostic Agents ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Effective Diagnosis

Abstract Background Over the last ten months since December 2019, the world has faced infectious emerging novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks that had a massive global impact affecting over 185 countries. Main body Emerging novel COVID-19 is a global health emergency on a pandemic scale that represents a terror to human health through its ability to escape anti-viral measures. Such viral infections impose a great socioeconomic burden, besides global health challenges. This imposes a pressing need for the development of anti-viral therapeutic agents and diagnostic tools that demonstrate multifunctional, target-specific, and non-toxic properties. Nanotheranostics is regarded as a promising approach for the management of different viral infections. Nanotheranostics facilitates targeted drug-delivery of anti-viral therapeutics as well as contributing to the development of diagnostic systems. Multifunctional metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have emerged as innovative theranostic agents that enable sustainable treatment and effective diagnosis. Here we have reviewed current advances in the use of theranostic metallic NPs to fight against COVID-19, and discussed the application as well as limitations associated with nanotechnology-based theranostic approaches. Conclusion This review verified the potential use of some metal-based NPs as anti-viral nanotheranostic agents. Metal-based NPs could act as carriers that enable the sustainable and targeted delivery of active anti-viral molecules, or as diagnostic agents that allow rapid and sensitive diagnosis of viral infections.

scholarly journals Exercising caution in correlating COVID-19 incidence and mortality rates with BCG vaccination policies due to variable rates of SARS CoV-2 testing

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Janine Hensel ◽  
Kathleen M. McAndrews ◽  
Daniel J. McGrail ◽  
Dara P. Dowlatshahi ◽  
Valerie S. LeBleu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mortality Rates ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Bacillus Calmette Guerin ◽  
Vaccination Policy ◽  
Bcg Vaccination ◽  
The Past ◽  
Incidence And Mortality ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
A Current

ABSTRACTThe Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine provides protection against tuberculosis (TB), and is proposed to provide protection to non-TB infectious diseases. The COVID-19 outbreak results from infection with the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (CoV-2) and was declared a pandemic on March 11th, 2020. We queried whether the BCG vaccine offers protection against CoV-2 infection. We observed that countries with a current universal BCG vaccination policy have a significantly lower COVID-19 incidence than countries which never had a universal BCG policy or had one in the past. However, population density, median age, TB incidence, urban population, and, most significantly, CoV-2 testing rate, were also connected with BCG policy and could potentially confound the analysis. By limiting the analysis to countries with high CoV-2 testing rates, defined as greater than 2,500 tests per million inhabitants, these parameters were no longer statistically associated with BCG policy. When analyzing only countries with high testing rates, there was no longer a significant association between the number of COVID-19 cases per million inhabitants and the BCG vaccination policy. Although preliminary, our analyses indicate that the BCG vaccination may not offer protection against CoV-2 infection. While reporting biases may confound our observations, our findings support exercising caution in determining potential correlation between BCG vaccination and COVID-19 incidence, in part due significantly lower rates of CoV-2 testing per million inhabitants in countries with current universal BCG vaccination policy.

Tuberculosis, BCG Vaccination and COVID-19: Are They Connected?

2022 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kellen Christina Malheiros Borges ◽  
Adeliane Castro da Costa ◽  
Lília Cristina de Souza Barbosa ◽  
Kaio Mota Ribeiro ◽  
Laura Raniere Borges dos Anjos ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Preventive Measure ◽  
Cross Protection ◽  
Innate Immune ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
Bacillus Calmette Guerin ◽  
Immunomodulatory Properties ◽  
Immunological Protection ◽  
Cellular Immune

Abstract: Evidence from multiple scientific studies suggests that the Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine, widely used worldwide as a preventive measure against tuberculosis, also offers cross-protection against other pathogens. This review aimed to gather data from research that studied the mechanisms involved in the immunological protection induced by the BCG vaccine, which may be important in the control of viral infections, such as COVID-19. Through a literature review, we compiled information about the different BCG strains used worldwide, as well as the responses and protection elicited by them. We commented on the mechanisms of immune response to Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and we discussed the possibility of cross-protection of different BCG strains on the control of COVID-19. Due to the immunomodulatory properties of BCG, some BCG strains were able to induce an effective cellular immune response and, through epigenetic modifications, activate cells of the innate immune system, such as monocytes, macrophages and natural killer cells, which are crucial for the control of viral infections. Although several vaccines have already been developed and used in an attempt to control the COVID-19 pandemic, some BCG vaccine strains may help stimulate the basal defences against these pathogens and can be used as additional defences in this and future pandemics.

scholarly journals Gender differences in vaccine therapy: where are we in COVID-19 pandemic?

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tiziana Ciarambino ◽  
Elena Barbagelata ◽  
Graziamaria Corbi ◽  
Immacolata Ambrosino ◽  
Cecilia Politi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Vaccine Trials ◽  
Post Menopausal ◽  
Recognition And Response ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Successful Prevention

Vaccination is one of the greatest achievements of public health. Vaccination programs have contributed to the decline in mortality and morbidity of various infectious diseases. This review aims to investigate the impact of sex/gender on the vaccine acceptance, responses, and outcomes. The studies were identified by using PubMed, until 30th June 2020. The search was performed by using the following keywords: SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, gender, sex, vaccine, adverse reaction. Clinical trials, retrospective and prospective studies were included. Studies written in languages other than English were excluded. Studies were included if gender differences in response to vaccination trials were reported. All selected studies were qualitatively analyzed. Innate recognition and response to viruses, as well as, adaptive immune responses during viral infections, differ between females and males. Unfortunately, a majority of vaccine trials have focused on healthy people, with ages between 18 to 65 years, excluding the elderly, pregnant women, post-menopausal female and children. In conclusion, it is apparent that the design of vaccines and vaccine strategies should be sex-specific, to reduce adverse reactions in females and increase immunogenicity in males. It should be mandatory to examine sex-related variables in pre-clinical and clinical vaccine trials, such as their crucial role for successful prevention of pandemic COVID-19.

Drug-Induced Agranulocytosis: A Mini Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-59
Author(s):  
Pavithra D ◽  
Praveen D ◽  
Vijey Aanandhi M
Keyword(s):  
Bone Marrow ◽  
Complete Blood Count ◽  
Genetic Manipulation ◽  
White Blood Cells ◽  
Deep Infection ◽  
Morbidity Rate ◽  
Drug Induced ◽  
Serious Adverse Event ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
The Individual

Agranulocytosis is also known to be granulopenia, causing neutropenia in circulating blood streams .The destruction of white blood cells takes place which leads to increase in the infection rate in an individual where immune system of the individual is suppressed. The symptoms includes fever, sore throat, mouth ulcers. These are commonly seen as adverse effects of a particular drug and are prescribed for the common diagnostic test for regular monitoring of complete blood count in an admitted patient. Drug-induced agranulocytosis remains a serious adverse event due to occurrence of severe sepsis with deep infection leading to pneumonia, septicaemia, and septic shock in two/third of the patient. Antibiotics seem to be the major causative weapon for this disorder. Certain drugs mainly anti-thyroid drugs, ticlopidine hydrochloride, spironolactone, clozapine, antileptic drugs (clozapine), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, dipyrone are the potential causes. Bone marrow insufficiency followed by destruction or limited proliferative bone marrow destruction takes place. Chemotherapy is rarely seen as a causative agent for this disorder. Genetic manipulation may also include as one of the reason. Agranulocytosis can be recovered within two weeks but the mortality and morbidity rate during the acute phase seems to be high, appropriate adjuvant treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics are prerequisites for the management of complicated neutropenia. Drugs that are treated for this are expected to change as a resistant drug to the patient. The pathogenesis of agranulocytosis is not yet known. A comprehensive literature search has been carried out in PubMed, Google Scholar and articles pertaining to drug-induced agranulocytosis were selected for review.

Recent Advances towards Drug Design Targeting the Protease of 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)

2020 ◽  
Vol 27 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sehrish Bano ◽  
Abdul Hameed ◽  
Mariya Al-Rashida ◽  
Shafia Iftikhar ◽  
Jamshed Iqbal
Keyword(s):  
Drug Design ◽  
Rna Polymerase ◽  
Drug Targets ◽  
Antiviral Agents ◽  
Structural Features ◽  
Antiviral Drugs ◽  
Rna Dependent Rna Polymerase ◽  
Mortality And Morbidity ◽  
Functional Relationships ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), also known as coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) acute respiratory syndrome has recently emerged and continued to spread rapidly with high level of mortality and morbidity rates. Currently, no efficacious therapy is available to relieve coronavirus infections. As new drug design and development takes much time, there is a possibility to find an effective treatment from existing antiviral agents. Objective: In this case, there is a need to find out the relationship between possible drug targets and mechanism of action of antiviral drugs. This review discusses about the efforts to develop drug from known or new molecules. Methods: Viruses usually have two structural integrities, proteins and nucleic acids, both of which can be possible drug targets. Herein, we systemically discuss the structural-functional relationships of the spike, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro), papain like protease (PLpro) and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp), as these are prominent structural features of corona virus. Certain antiviral drugs such as Remdesivir are RNA dependent RNA polymerase inhibitor. It has the ability to terminate RNA replication by inhibiting ATP. Results: It is reported that ATP is involved in synthesis of coronavirus non-structural proteins from 3CLpro and PLpro. Similarly, mechanisms of action of many other antiviral agents has been discussed in this review. It will provide new insights into the mechanism of inhibition, and let us develop new therapeutic antiviral approaches against novel SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. Conclusion: In conclusion, this review summarizes recent progress in developing protease inhibitors for SARS-CoV-2.

Can Mandated BCG Vaccine Promote herd Immunity against Novel Coronavirus? A Potential Solution at Hand to Tackle Covid-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
pp. 6-11
Author(s):  
Ashok Arasu ◽  
Pavithra Balakrishnan ◽  
Thirunavukkarasu Velusamy ◽  
Thiagarajan Ramesh
Keyword(s):  
Protective Factor ◽  
Herd Immunity ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
Intestinal Cells ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Wuhan City ◽  
Live Attenuated Vaccine ◽  
Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2 ◽  
Lung Epithelial ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) infection is an emerging pandemic that poses a severe threat to global public health. This pandemic started from the Wuhan City of Hubei Province in China, and is speculated to have originated from bats and spread among humans with an unknown intermediate transmitter. The virus binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is abundantly expressed on various human cells, including lung epithelial and intestinal cells, thereby entering into these cells and causing infection. It is transmitted to other humans through airborne droplets from infected patients. Presently there are no specific treatments or vaccines that are available to curtail the spread of this disease. There are few indirect reports that explain the potential importance of the mandated BCG vaccine as a protective factor against COVID-19. There is a speculation that a live attenuated vaccine (BCG vaccine) can be beneficial against COVID-19 to develop the initial immune response, and can also spread in the community, thereby boosting herd immunity to fight against COVID-19. This review summarizes the conclusions of various reports on the BCG vaccine, and is an attempt to establish BCG-vaccination mediated herd immunity as an effective instant intermediate approach in curbing COVID-19 spread in highly populous countries.

Immunobiological Markers in Prophylaxis Post-exposure with Single Dose of Rifampicin and BCG Vaccine in Contacts of Multibacillary Leprosy Cases: Study Protocol (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Camila Massae Sato ◽  
Omar Ariel Espinosa Domínguez ◽  
Gutembergue Santos de Sousa ◽  
Fabiane Verônica da Silva ◽  
Roberta Olmo Pinheiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Dose ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
Reference Laboratory ◽  
Serological Response ◽  
Bacillus Calmette Guerin ◽  
Prophylactic Measure ◽  
Mato Grosso ◽  
Household Contacts ◽  
Ifn Γ ◽  
Multibacillary Leprosy

BACKGROUND Leprosy contacts are sensitive indicator of the magnitude of severity, and a high risk for infection and disease, especially if the individuals are exposed to the bacillus with multibacillary cases, which reinforces the need for chemoprophylactic measures, such as the use single-dose rifampicin (SDR) combined with BCG vaccine. OBJECTIVE Our study will analyze the serological response of anti-NDO-LID, HO-1/HMOX and serum IFN-γ concentration as a prophylactic measure after the use of single-dose rifampicin (SDR) combined with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG) among multibacillary leprosy household contacts. METHODS Intervention study based on a prospective cohort of household contacts of new cases of multibacillary leprosy diagnosed and registered in the Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declaration (SINAN – Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) and residents in the municipalities of Cuiabá and Cáceres, Mato Grosso, in the years 2019 and 2020. Contacts with no signs and symptoms compatible with the disease of the intervention group will receive single-dose rifampicin (SDR) combined with BCG vaccine and will be compared to the control group. The follow-up of the cohort will last 12 months. The analyses of the anti-NDO-LID, HO-1/HMOX and serum concentration of IFN-γ tests as immunological markers before, 6 and 12 months after the intervention will be conducted in a reference laboratory (FIOCRUZ). RESULTS The study is still recruiting participants and is expected to be completed in September 2020. CONCLUSIONS Our study seeks to analyze the response of anti-NDO-LID, HO-1/HMOX tests and serum IFN-γ concentration as a prophylactic measure after the use of single-dose rifampicin (SDR) combined with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccine (BCG) in home contacts of multibacillary leprosy cases. CLINICALTRIAL Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC), RBR-6yg2z9. Retrospectively registered on 3 de Out. de 2019.

Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine for preventing Buruli ulcer

2002 ◽  
Author(s):  
R Phillips ◽  
H Ejere ◽  
C Preston ◽  
Asiamah ◽  
E
Keyword(s):  
Buruli Ulcer ◽  
Bcg Vaccine ◽  
Bacillus Calmette Guerin
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