scholarly journals Coronavirus - Drug Discovery and Therapeutic Options

2021 ◽  
pp. 154-158
Author(s):  
Abdul Samad Tayyab ◽  
Maria Qurban ◽  
Maryam Mazhar ◽  
Zaid Tayyab ◽  
Mariam Tahir ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Genetic Recombination ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
Care Workers

COVID-19 is basically a medium size RNA virus and the nucleic acid is about 30 kb long, positive in sense, single stranded and polyadenylated. The RNA which is found in this virus is the largest known RNA and codes for a large polyprotein. In addition, coronaviruses are capable of genetic recombination if 2 viruses infect the same cell at the same time. SARS-CoV emerged first in southern China and rapidly spread around the globe in 2002–2003. In November 2002, an unusual epidemic of atypical pneumonia with a high rate of nosocomial transmission to health-care workers occurred in Foshan, Guangdong, China. In March 2003, a novel CoV was confirmed to be the causative agent for SARS, and was thus named SARS-CoV. Despite the report of a large number of virus-based and host-based treatment options with potent in vitro activities for SARS and MERS, only a few are likely to fulfil their potential in the clinical setting in the foreseeable future. Most drugs have one or more major limitations that prevent them from proceeding beyond the in vitro stage. First, many drugs have high EC50/Cmax ratios at clinically relevant dosages.

scholarly journals Coronavirus - Drug Discovery and Therapeutic Drug Monitoring Options

2022 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 01-04
Author(s):  
Kashif Aziz Ahmad ◽  
Saleha Akram Nizami ◽  
Muhammad Haroon Ghous
Keyword(s):  
Genetic Recombination ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Medium Size ◽  
Therapeutic Drug ◽  
Atypical Pneumonia ◽  
Care Workers

COVID-19 is basically a medium size RNA virus and the nucleic acid is about 30 kb long, positive in sense, single stranded and polyadenylated. The RNA which is found in this virus is the largest known RNA and codes for a large polyprotein. In addition, coronaviruses are capable of genetic recombination if 2 viruses infect the same cell at the same time. SARS-CoV emerged first in southern China and rapidly spread around the globe in 2002–2003. In November 2002, an unusual epidemic of atypical pneumonia with a high rate of nosocomial transmission to health-care workers occurred in Foshan, Guangdong, China. In March 2003, a novel CoV was confirmed to be the causative agent for SARS, and was thus named SARS-CoV. Despite the report of a large number of virus-based and host-based treatment options with potent in vitro activities for SARS and MERS, only a few are likely to fulfil their potential in the clinical setting in the foreseeable future. Most drugs have one or more major limitations that prevent them from proceeding beyond the in vitro stage. First, many drugs have high EC50/Cmax ratios at clinically relevant dosages

scholarly journals Screening for Tuberculosis in Health Care Workers: Experience in an Italian Teaching Hospital

2017 ◽  
Vol 2017 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Napoli ◽  
Filippo Ferretti ◽  
Filippo Di Ninno ◽  
Riccardo Orioli ◽  
Alessandra Marani ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Teaching Hospital ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Screening Tests ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
Large Teaching Hospital ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Low Incidence ◽  
Positive Results

Health care workers (HCW) are particularly at risk of acquiring tuberculosis (TB), even in countries with low TB incidence. Therefore, TB screening in HCW is a useful prevention strategy in countries with both low and high TB incidence. Tuberculin skin test (TST) is widely used although it suffers of low specificity; on the contrary, the in vitro enzyme immunoassay tests (IGRA) show superior specificity and sensitivity but are more expensive. The present study reports the results of a three-year TB surveillance among HCW in a large teaching hospital in Rome, using TST (by standard Mantoux technique) and IGRA (by QuantiFERON-TB) as first- and second-level screening tests, respectively. Out of 2290 HCW enrolled, 141 (6.1%) had a positive TST; among them, 99 (70.2%) underwent the IGRA and 16 tested positive (16.1%). The frequency of HCW tested positive for TB seems not far from other experiences in low incidence countries. Our results confirm the higher specificity of IGRA, but, due to its higher cost, TST can be considered a good first level screening test, whose positive results should be further confirmed by IGRA before the patients undergo X-ray diagnosis and/or chemotherapy.

scholarly journals Universal COVID-19 screening of 4040 health care workers in a resource-limited setting: an Egyptian pilot model in a university with 12 public hospitals and medical centers

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aya Mostafa ◽  
Sahar Kandil ◽  
Manal H El-Sayed ◽  
Samia Girgis ◽  
Hala Hafez ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Care Facility ◽  
Public Hospitals ◽  
Public Health Care ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Suspected Case ◽  
Pilot Model ◽  
Resource Limited ◽  
Care Workers

Abstract Background The scale of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among health care workers (HCWs), particularly in resource-limited settings, remains unclear. To address this concern, universal (non-symptom-based) screening of HCWs was piloted to determine the proportion of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the associated epidemiological and clinical risk factors at a large public health care facility in Egypt. Methods Baseline voluntary screening of 4040 HCWs took place between 22 April and 14 May 2020 at 12 hospitals and medical centres in Cairo. Epidemiological and clinical data were collected using an online survey. All participants were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and rapid IgM and IgG serological tests. Results Of the 4040 HCWs screened, 170 [4.2%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.6-4.9] tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by either of the three tests (i.e. infected); 125/170 (73.5%) tested PCR-positive. Most infected HCWs were nurses (97/170, 57.5%). Median age of infected HCWs was 31.5 [interquartile range (IQR): 27.0–41.3] years. Of infected HCWs, 78 (45.9%) reported contact with a suspected case and 47 (27.6%) reported face-to-face contact within 2 m with a confirmed case. The proportion of infection among symptomatic HCWs (n = 54/616) was 8.8% (95% CI: 6.7-11.3); 6/54 (11.1%) had fever ≥38°C and 7/54 (13.0%) reported severe symptoms. Most infected HCWs were asymptomatic (116/170, 68.2%). The proportion of infection among asymptomatic HCWs (n = 116/3424) was 3.4% (95% CI: 2.8-4.0). Conclusions The high rate of asymptomatic infections among HCWs reinforces the need for expanding universal regular testing. The infection rate among symptomatic HCWs in this study is comparable with the national rate detected through symptom-based testing. This suggests that infections among HCWs may reflect community rather than nosocomial transmission during the early phase of the COVID-19 epidemic in Egypt.

Hypersensitivity to Latex in Health Care Workers: Report of Five Cases

1993 ◽  
Vol 109 (4) ◽  
pp. 731-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Arie Rosen ◽  
David Isaacson ◽  
Mary Brady ◽  
Jacquelynne P. Corey
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Latex Allergy ◽  
Total Ige ◽  
Latex Gloves ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Long Term Treatment ◽  
History Of

Concern about transmission of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and hepatitis has greatly increased the use of latex gloves. Latex allergy is a newly emerging problem with potential life-threatening sequelae among health care personnel. Patients are also at risk. We report on five cases of latex allergy in health care workers who were using latex gloves for variable lengths of time before their allergic reaction. All workers had a significant history of reactions to other allergens, including inhalants and food. Each individual had at least one systemic symptom that was directly attributed to latex exposure. Reactions to latex ranged from severe contact urticaria (all cases), bronchospasm (three cases), angioedema (two cases), and rhinorrhea (one case) to anaphylactic reactions that required immediate attention in three cases. Levels of specific IgE to latex (as measured by in vitro enzyme immunoassay) and total IgE were elevated in all five patients (total IgE > 100 kU/L). Long-term treatment included avoidance of latex, administration of antihistamines, and desensitization to other, nonlatex allergens. Health care workers should have increased awareness of latex allergy. At risk are health care workers with a history of other allergies and those with atopic dermatitis or eczema. In vitro testing may be useful, especially in persons with skin conditions such as eczema or urticaria or for persons with a history of systemic reactions to the latex allergen as reported in these five cases

scholarly journals Attitudes of mental health workers to treatment in their own workplaces

1996 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 20-22
Author(s):  
John Stephens ◽  
Mark Prunty ◽  
Wojciech Falkowski
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Mental Health Workers ◽  
Local Service ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Operational Policies ◽  
Mental Health Care Workers

Recent questions have been raised regarding the development of policies by Trusts for the treatment of their locally resident staff outside the hospitals in which they work. A questionnaire was developed to elicit views of mental health care workers on this issue. Overwhelming agreement was found among a wide variety of staff groups on the need for provision of treatment options outside the local service. Considerable thought and planning are needed in the development of formal operational policies to ensure such a service is provided by all hospitals/Trusts.

scholarly journals Endoscopic intervention in a case proven latterly to be a COVID-19

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shaimaa Elkholy ◽  
Mohamed-Naguib Wifi ◽  
Karim K. Maurice ◽  
Kerolos Youssif ◽  
Karim Mashhour ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
High Rate ◽  
Stent Insertion ◽  
Main Body ◽  
Infection Control Measures ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Duodenal Stent ◽  
Risk Of Exposure

Abstract Background COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the newly developed worldwide outbreak of coronavirus disease with a high rate of mortality especially among elderly and multiple co-morbid personnel. Asymptomatic COVID-19-infected patients are a well-known source of transmission of infection. The risk of exposure to respiratory secretions and/or feces is hardly avoidable during the endoscopic procedure; also, the aerosol and droplets take up to an hour disperse, so they remain a risk to staff and other patients after they leave the room; therefore, strict infectious precautions should be taken by all health care workers to limit the virus spread. Main body We present an endoscopic trial of duodenal stent insertion in non-operable gastric carcinoma that is proven 2 days later to be a COVID-19-positive case. Fortunately, no one of the health care workers that came in contact with the case becomes infected owing to the proper infection control measures. Conclusion We recommended that the endoscopy examination and procedures should be strictly limited to urgent cases to minimize the risk of virus infection among health care workers.

scholarly journals The epidemiology of the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in Hong Kong – what we do know and what we don't

2004 ◽  
Vol 132 (5) ◽  
pp. 781-786 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. T. S. YU ◽  
J. J. Y. SUNG
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome ◽  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Housing Estate ◽  
Modes Of Transmission ◽  
Aerosol Generation ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Private Housing ◽  
Mode Of Transmission

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) struck Hong Kong bitterly in the spring of 2003, infecting 1755 persons and claiming nearly 300 lives. The epidemic was introduced by travellers from southern China, where the disease had originated. It started in late February and lasted until early June. Two notable ‘super-spreading’ events were reported, one inside a teaching hospital and the other in a private housing estate. Other than in the super-spreading events, the infectivity in the community appeared to be low, and there were few, if any, asymptomatic or subclinical infections. Health-care workers were at particular risk and accounted for 22% of all probable cases. The main modes of transmission were through droplet spread and close/direct contacts, but situations conducive to aerosol generation appeared to be associated with higher risk. Our review suggests that there are still many unknown factors concerning the mode of transmission and environmental risk that need to be clarified.

scholarly journals The Proteasomal Rpn11 Metalloprotease Suppresses Tombusvirus RNA Recombination and Promotes Viral Replication via Facilitating Assembly of the Viral Replicase Complex

2014 ◽  
Vol 89 (5) ◽  
pp. 2750-2763 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Reddisiva Prasanth ◽  
Daniel Barajas ◽  
Peter D. Nagy
Keyword(s):  
Viral Replication ◽  
Genetic Recombination ◽  
Rna Virus ◽  
Viral Rna ◽  
Rna Recombination ◽  
Viral Recombination ◽  
Antiviral Responses ◽  
New Hosts

ABSTRACTRNA viruses co-opt a large number of cellular proteins that affect virus replication and, in some cases, viral genetic recombination. RNA recombination helps viruses in an evolutionary arms race with the host's antiviral responses and adaptation of viruses to new hosts. Tombusviruses and a yeast model host are used to identify cellular factors affecting RNA virus replication and RNA recombination. In this study, we have examined the role of the conserved Rpn11p metalloprotease subunit of the proteasome, which couples deubiquitination and degradation of proteasome substrates, in tombusvirus replication and recombination inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeand plants. Depletion or mutations of Rpn11p lead to the rapid formation of viral RNA recombinants in combination with reduced levels of viral RNA replication in yeast orin vitrobased on cell extracts. Rpn11p interacts with the viral replication proteins and is recruited to the viral replicase complex (VRC). Analysis of the multifunctional Rpn11p has revealed that the primary role of Rpn11p is to act as a “matchmaker” that brings the viral p92polreplication protein and the DDX3-like Ded1p/RH20 DEAD box helicases into VRCs. Overexpression of Ded1p can complement the defect observed inrpn11mutant yeast by reducing TBSV recombination. This suggests that Rpn11p can suppress tombusvirus recombination via facilitating the recruitment of the cellular Ded1p helicase, which is a strong suppressor of viral recombination, into VRCs. Overall, this work demonstrates that the co-opted Rpn11p, which is involved in the assembly of the functional proteasome, also functions in the proper assembly of the tombusvirus VRCs.IMPORTANCERNA viruses evolve rapidly due to genetic changes based on mutations and RNA recombination. Viral genetic recombination helps viruses in an evolutionary arms race with the host's antiviral responses and facilitates adaptation of viruses to new hosts. Cellular factors affect viral RNA recombination, although the role of the host in virus evolution is still understudied. In this study, we used a plant RNA virus, tombusvirus, to examine the role of a cellular proteasomal protein, called Rpn11, in tombusvirus recombination in a yeast model host, in plants, andin vitro. We found that the cellular Rpn11 is subverted for tombusvirus replication and Rpn11 has a proteasome-independent function in facilitating viral replication. When the Rpn11 level is knocked down or a mutated Rpn11 is expressed, then tombusvirus RNA goes through rapid viral recombination and evolution. Taken together, the results show that the co-opted cellular Rpn11 is a critical host factor for tombusviruses by regulating viral replication and genetic recombination.

scholarly journals The Third Wave: H7N9 Endemic Reassortant Viruses and Patient Clusters

2015 ◽  
Vol 9 (02) ◽  
pp. 122-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yisu Liu ◽  
Stéphane G Paquette ◽  
Li Zhang ◽  
Alberto J Leon ◽  
Weidong Liu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care Workers ◽  
Southern China ◽  
Guangdong Province ◽  
Protective Equipment ◽  
Third Wave ◽  
The Third ◽  
Care Givers ◽  
Care Workers ◽  
Human Infections ◽  
Reassortant Viruses

Southern China experienced few cases of H7N9 during the first wave of human infections in the spring of 2013. The second and now the third waves of H7N9 infections have been localized mostly in Southern China with the Guangdong province an epicenter for the generation of novel H7N9 reassortants. Clusters of human infections show human-to-human transmission to be a rare but well-documented event. A recent cluster of infections involving hospital health care workers stresses the importance of care givers utilizing personal protective equipment in treating H7N9 infected or suspected patients.

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