scholarly journals Seroprevalence of Cytomegalovirus Antibodies Among COVID-19 Patients

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 1561-1565
Author(s):  
Mohamed N. Ibrahim

One of the biggest infectious diseases for humans in modern history is the COVID-19 pandemic. The disease mechanisms of human viral infections have been modified by virus-virus interaction. This study was carried out to detect the seroprevalence of CMV in COVID-19 patients. A total of 105 cases (58 females and 47 males) with an age range of 17-65 years (mean age 39.52±11.02 years) were included in this study. HCMV-IgG and IgM were determined in subjects' cases. Sixty-five out of 105 (62%) were positive for SARS-CoV-2, while 40 (38%) had negative SARS-CoV-2. Forty-seven (72.3%) and 11 (16.9%) cases out of 65 SARS-CoV-2 positive patients were positive for CMV-IgG and IgM antibodies, respectively. No significant differences were noted between females and males in terms of seroprevalence rates. A high rate of positive CMV-IgG was observed among 40-64 years COVID-19 patients. It is concluded that the seroprevalence of CMV antibodies amongst COVID-19 cases is high in relation to findings in cases without SARSCoV-2.

2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 43-57 ◽  
Author(s):  
Russel J Reiter ◽  
Qiang Ma ◽  
Ramaswamy Sharma

This review summarizes published reports on the utility of melatonin as a treatment for virus-mediated diseases. Of special note are the data related to the role of melatonin in influencing Ebola virus disease. This infection and deadly condition has no effective treatment and the published works documenting the ability of melatonin to attenuate the severity of viral infections generally and Ebola infection specifically are considered. The capacity of melatonin to prevent one of the major complications of an Ebola infection, i.e., the hemorrhagic shock syndrome, which often contributes to the high mortality rate, is noteworthy. Considering the high safety profile of melatonin, the fact that it is easily produced, inexpensive and can be self-administered makes it an attractive potential treatment for Ebola virus pathology.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jyotsna Shah ◽  
Song Liu ◽  
Hari-Hara Potula ◽  
Prerna Bhargava ◽  
Iris Cruz ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Rapid and simple serological assays for characterizing antibody responses are important in the current COVID-19 pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2. Multiplex immunoblot (IB) assays termed COVID-19 IB assays were developed for detecting IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus proteins in COVID-19 patients. Methods Recombinant nucleocapsid protein and the S1, S2 and receptor binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 were used as target antigens in the COVID-19 IBs. Specificity of the IB assay was established with 231 sera from persons with allergy, unrelated viral infections, autoimmune conditions and suspected tick-borne diseases, and 32 goat antisera to human influenza proteins. IgG and IgM COVID-19 IBs assays were performed on 84 sera obtained at different times after a positive RT-qPCR test from 37 COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms. Results Criteria for determining overall IgG and IgM antibody positivity using the four SARS-CoV-2 proteins were developed by optimizing specificity and sensitivity in the COVID-19 IgG and IgM IB assays. The estimated sensitivities and specificities of the COVID-19 IgG and IgM IBs for IgG and IgM antibodies individually or for either IgG or IgM antibodies meet the US recommendations for laboratory serological diagnostic tests. The proportion of IgM-positive sera from the COVID-19 patients following an RT-qPCR positive test was maximal at 83% before 10 days and decreased to 0% after 100 days, while the proportions of IgG-positive sera tended to plateau between days 11 and 65 at 78–100% and fall to 44% after 100 days. Detection of either IgG or IgM antibodies was better than IgG or IgM alone for assessing seroconversion in COVID-19. Both IgG and IgM antibodies detected RBD less frequently than S1, S2 and N proteins. Conclusions The multiplex COVID-19 IB assays offer many advantages for simultaneously evaluating antibody responses to different SARS-CoV-2 proteins in COVID-19 patients.


npj Vaccines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Camille Zenobia ◽  
Karla-Luise Herpoldt ◽  
Marcelo Freire

AbstractMucosal tissues act as a barrier throughout the oral, nasopharyngeal, lung, and intestinal systems, offering first-line protection against potential pathogens. Conventionally, vaccines are applied parenterally to induce serotype-dependent humoral response but fail to drive adequate mucosal immune protection for viral infections such as influenza, HIV, and coronaviruses. Oral mucosa, however, provides a vast immune repertoire against specific microbial pathogens and yet is shaped by an ever-present microbiome community that has co-evolved with the host over thousands of years. Adjuvants targeting mucosal T-cells abundant in oral tissues can promote soluble-IgA (sIgA)-specific protection to confer increased vaccine efficacy. Th17 cells, for example, are at the center of cell-mediated immunity and evidence demonstrates that protection against heterologous pathogen serotypes is achieved with components from the oral microbiome. At the point of entry where pathogens are first encountered, typically the oral or nasal cavity, the mucosal surfaces are layered with bacterial cohabitants that continually shape the host immune profile. Constituents of the oral microbiome including their lipids, outer membrane vesicles, and specific proteins, have been found to modulate the Th17 response in the oral mucosa, playing important roles in vaccine and adjuvant designs. Currently, there are no approved adjuvants for the induction of Th17 protection, and it is critical that this research is included in the preparedness for the current and future pandemics. Here, we discuss the potential of oral commensals, and molecules derived thereof, to induce Th17 activity and provide safer and more predictable options in adjuvant engineering to prevent emerging infectious diseases.


Author(s):  
Simran Kaur ◽  
Nikita Sharma ◽  
Arpita Roy

Background: The plant, Cannabis sativa is heavily explored and researched with many industrial and pharmaceutical applications. The medicinal and therapeutic role of cannabis Sativa has been summarized in the paper, citing its mechanism of action and influence on the human body. Diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders pose negative and long-term drastic effects on the body like neurodegeneration and other chronic system failures. Several existing literature has proved its effectiveness against such diseases. Objectives: This review aims to provide an overview of the role of cannabinoids in various diseases like metabolic disorders, infectious diseases, and psychological disorders. Method: Various e-resources like Pubmed, Science Direct, and Google Scholar were thoroughly searched and read to form a well-informed and information-heavy manuscript. Here we tried to summaries the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa and its bioactive compound cannabinoids in various diseases. Result: This review highlights the various constituents which are present in Cannabis sativa, the Endocannabinoid system, and the role of cannabinoids in various diseases Conclusion: Recent research on Cannabis has suggested its role in neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, sleep disorders, pediatric diseases, and their analgesic nature. Therefore, the authors majorly focus on the therapeutic aspect of Cannabis sativa in various diseases. The focus is also on the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and its role in fighting or preventing bacterial, parasitic, fungal, and viral infections.


2021 ◽  
pp. 51-58
Author(s):  
N. D. Yushchuk ◽  
I. V. Maev ◽  
A. L. Vertkin

According to the who, the share of acute respiratory viral infections (амма? and influenza) accounts for about 90–95% of all infectious diseases; in russia, influenza and arvi take up to 40% of the total duration of official disability, which determines the significance of this pathology. At the same time, the primary contact of the overwhelming majority of patients with suspected arvi and influenza occurs with a therapist or general practitioner of polyclinics. The proposed consensus of experts is intended to systematize the known approaches to the diagnosis, treatment and secondary prevention of influenza, acute respiratory viral infections and community-acquired pneumonia for their use at outpatient clinics. The schemes of using interferon therapy for arvi and influenza are considered in detail.


2021 ◽  
Vol 28 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Magnasco ◽  
Chiara Sepulcri ◽  
Roberta Maria Antonello ◽  
Stefano Di Bella ◽  
Laura Labate ◽  
...  

Background: In recent years, many aspects of the physiological role of PCSK9 have been elucidated, particularly regarding its role in lipid metabolism, cardiovascular risk, and its role in innate immunity. Increasing evidence is available about the involvement of PCSK9 in the pathogenesis of viral infections, mainly HCV, and the regulation of host response to bacterial infections, primarily sepsis and septic shock. Moreover, the action of PCSK9 has been investigated as a crucial step in the pathogenesis of malaria infection and disease severity. Objective: This paper aims to review the available published literature on the role of PCSK9 in a wide array of infectious diseases. Conclusion: Besides the ongoing investigation on PCSK9 inhibition among HIV-infected patients to treat HIV- and ART-related hyperlipidemia, preclinical studies indicate how PCSK9 is involved in reducing the replication of HCV. Interestingly, high plasmatic PCSK9 levels have been described in patients with sepsis. Moreover, a protective role of PCSK9 inhibition has also been proposed against dengue and SARS-CoV-2 viral infections. Finally, a loss of function in the PCSK9-encoding gene has been reported to reduce malaria infection mortality.


2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-152
Author(s):  
Rūta Dubakienė ◽  
Vilija Rubinaitė ◽  
Malvina Petronytė ◽  
Indrė Dalgėdienė ◽  
Odilija Rudzevičienė ◽  
...  

Background. Allergic diseases are the most prevalent chronic diseases in the developed countries. It is believed that early allergic sensitization and respiratory viral infections play an important role in the development of allergic diseases and asthma. Methods. The current study investigated the correlation between asthma, allergy, and various markers – allergen-specific IgE, IgG4 and IgA, ECP, IgM, and IgG antibodies against respiratory viruses hRSV and hPIV1-4 – in blood serum samples from 80 children (mean age 5.2 years) recruited from the Lithuanian birth cohort. Children were divided into three groups according to their diagnosis: asthma (n = 25), allergy without asthma (n = 14), and control group (n = 41). Results. Based on retrospective data, airway infections and bronchitis by the age of two years were associated with asthma in later childhood. The presence of IgM and IgG antibodies against hRSV and hPIV1–4 at the age of five years were not associated with asthma and allergy: a high rate of persistent or past respiratory viral infections was revealed in all three groups. Among allergic children, increased levels of allergen-specific IgE and d1-specific IgG4 were determined. Conclusion. The current study provides new insights into the relationships between allergic sensitization and respiratory virus infections in children.


Neurosurgery ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 53 (4) ◽  
pp. 836-857 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joachim Klisch ◽  
Hans Juergen Huppertz ◽  
Uwe Spetzger ◽  
Andreas Hetzel ◽  
Wolfgang Seeger ◽  
...  

Abstract OBJECTIVE To evaluate findings for patients with carotid cavernous fistulae or dural arteriovenous fistulae (AVFs) who underwent transvenous embolization via different transvenous approaches. METHODS Retrospective analysis of data for 31 patients (age range, 17–81 yr; mean age, 59.3 yr) with carotid cavernous fistulae (n = 6) or dural AVFs (cavernous sinus [CS], n = 11; transverse/sigmoid sinus, n = 14) was performed. The AVFs were treated with coils via different transvenous approaches, in 56 procedures. Doppler ultrasonography and time-resolved, two-dimensional, magnetic resonance projection angiography were performed to confirm the treatment. The mean clinical follow-up period was 32.5 months. RESULTS A total of 34 transvenous procedures were performed for 17 AVFs of the CS. Eleven patients with AVFs of the CS (63%) were cured with respect to clinical symptoms, and six patients experienced improvement (37%). The approach via the internal jugular vein and inferior petrosal sinus (n = 15) was possible in 60% of cases, with complete occlusion of the fistula in 78% of cases. With the approach via the facial vein (n = 8), there was a 50% success rate. The superior ophthalmic vein approach (n = 5) was associated with a high rate of technical success (100%), with a rate of complete fistula occlusion of 80%. We encountered complications, with transient morbidity, in four cases (23.5%). For 14 dural AVFs of the transverse/sigmoid sinus, 22 transvenous procedures were performed; 12 patients were cured (85.7%) and 2 experienced improvement (14.3%). The technical success rate was 86%, with complete occlusion in 42% of cases. Minor complications occurred in six cases (42.9%) but did not lead to permanent morbidity. CONCLUSION Transvenous treatment of CS and transverse/sigmoid sinus AVFs can be effective if all transvenous approaches, including combined surgical/endovascular approaches, are considered.


2021 ◽  
Vol 74 (10) ◽  
pp. 2392-2399
Author(s):  
Aidyn G. Salmanov ◽  
Orusia A. Kovalyshyn ◽  
Roman S. Scoreiko ◽  
Victor M. Zinchenko ◽  
Serhiy M. Baksheev ◽  
...  

The aim: To determine current age at the initiation of puberty for Ukrainian school-aged girls and infections impact to puberty. Materias and methods: We performed a multicentre cohort study. The analyses are based on data that were collected and evaluated biannually on Ukrainian school girls aged 6-17 years from 5 regions of Ukraine. Pubertal development was classified according to the Marshall and Tanner criteria. Results: Overall, 2,784 girls have been included in the study. Mean age of onset of puberty in Ukrainian girls was 10.1±1.0 yrs. Age of onset of pubic hair was 11.0±1.0 yrs and that of axillary hair was 11.6±1.0 yrs. Mean age in girls of menarche was 12.2±0.9 yrs. There were no significant correlations between age at onset of puberty and body mass index, final height, total peak height velocity, duration of puberty, and peak height velocity. A total of 2,420 infectious diseases were diagnosted. Of these, 64.8% were viral and 35.2% bacterial infections, respectively. Ukrainian girls with infectious diseases (especially viral infections) had older age at pubertal onset and positive association of infections in childhood with late age of menarche. Conclusions: Infectious morbidity (especially viral infections) in girls may be associated with later puberty. The lowering of the number of infections in childhood could be an additional factor that contributes to earlier puberty. To reduce infectious diseases, more attention should be paid to the vaccination of children.


2012 ◽  
pp. 1527-1553
Author(s):  
Sara A. Lohser ◽  
Camille Sabella ◽  
Kenneth J. Tomecki

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