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Abstract Introduction The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has been affecting the health and economic, as well as social, life of the entire globe since the end of 2019. The virus causes COVID-19, with a wide range of symptoms among the infected individuals, from asymptomatic infection to mortality. This, along with a high infection rate, prompted efforts to investigate the potential mechanisms of the different clinical manifestations caused by SARS-CoV-2 among the infected populations. Hypothesis One of the possible mechanisms that has been reported is the ABO blood system polymorphism. Indeed, one of the major proposed mechanisms is the presence of naturally occurring anti-A antibodies in individuals of groups O and B, which could be partially protective against SARS-CoV-2 virions. Objective and Method This article aimed to review the published data on the potential effect of the ABO blood group system on the susceptibility to COVID-19 and the disease progression and outcomes. Results The reviewed data suggest that individuals of blood group A are at a higher risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and may develop severe COVID-19 outcomes, whereas blood group O is considered protective against the infection, to some extent. However, some of the available studies seem to have been influenced by unaccounted confounders and biases. Conclusion Therefore, further appropriately controlled studies are warranted to fully investigate the possible association between the ABO blood groups and COVID-19 susceptibility and severity.
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Sistema ABO de Grupos Sanguíneos , Suscetibilidade a Doenças , COVID-19 , SARS-CoV-2RESUMO
RESUMEN Introducción: La paragonimiasis pulmonar es una trematodiasis tropical poco común, causada por Paragonimus spp. Se adquiere por la ingestión de cangrejos de agua dulce, que puede provocar sintomatología respiratoria con tos crónica y expectoración herrumbrosa. El derrame pleural es una complicación rara con disnea y dificultad respiratoria. Objetivo: describir un caso con derrame pleural bilateral por infección de Paragonimus spp. Caso clínico: Mujer indígena Kichwa de 51 años, de la Amazonía del Ecuador, hospitalizada por dificultad respiratoria y disnea progresiva, con tos y expectoración hemoptoica. En radiografía y tomografía axial computarizada de tórax, se observa derrame pleural bilateral y en esputo se visualizan al microscopio huevos de Paragonimus spp. Se administró praziquantel 1 800 mg/día por 3 días. Al quinto día es dada de alta y a los 45 días existe resolución del cuadro respiratorio y del derrame pleural. Conclusiones: Considerar la búsqueda de huevos del parásito en esputo y/o líquido pleural en pacientes con sintomatología respiratoria y derrame pleural, incluso en migrantes de países endémicos, para un diagnóstico temprano y tratamiento oportuno.
ABSTRACT Introduction: Pulmonary paragonimiasis is an uncommon tropical trematode infection caused by Paragonimus spp. Acquired through the intake of freshwater crabs, this condition is characterized by respiratory symptoms such as chronic coughing and rusty expectoration. Pleural effusion is a rare complication accompanied by dyspnea and difficulty breathing. Objective: Describe a case of bilateral pleural effusion due to Paragonimus spp. infection. Clinical case: A female 51-year-old indigenous Kichwa woman was admitted for difficulty breathing and progressive dyspnea, coughing and hemoptoic expectoration. Chest radiography and computed axial tomography showed bilateral pleural effusion, whereas Paragonimus spp. eggs were visible in sputum samples under the microscope. Praziquantel 1 800 mg/day was administered for three days. The patient was discharged on the fifth day and at 45 days the respiratory picture and the pleural effusion were found to have resolved. Conclusions: Consideration should be given to the search for eggs of the parasite in sputum and/or pleural fluid of patients with respiratory symptoms and pleural effusion, even if they are migrants from endemic countries, with a view to an early diagnosis and timely treatment.
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Objective: To evaluate the existing status of human milk banks in India with reference toinfrastructure, human resources, funding mechanisms, operating procedures and qualityassurance. Methods: A pretested questionnaire was administered to 16 out of 22 human milkbanks across India, operational for more than one year prior to commencing the study.Results: 11 (69%) milk banks were in government or charitable hospitals; only 2 (12.5%)were established with government funding. 8 (50%) had a dedicated technician and only1(6%) had more than five lactation counsellors. Milk was collected predominantly frommothers of sick babies and in postnatal care wards followed by pediatric outpatientdepartments, camps, satellite centers, and homes. 10 (63%) reported gaps between donormilk demand and supply. 12 (75%) used shaker water bath pasteurizer and cooled the milkmanually without monitoring temperature, and 4 (25%) pooled milk under the laminar airflow.10 (63%) tracked donor to recipient and almost all did not collect data on early initiation,exclusive breastfeeding or human milk feeding. Conclusion: Our study reports the gaps ofmilk banking practices in India, which need to be addressed for strengthening them. Gapsinclude suboptimal financial support from the government, shortage of key human resources,processes and data gaps, and demand supply gap of donor human milk.