Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the incidence, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance of healthcare-associated infections in a critical care unit in Western Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) in critical patients affect the quality and safety of patient care and increase patient morbidity and mortality. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the incidence of HAIs, particularly device-associated infections (DAIs), was reported worldwide. In this study, we aimed to estimate the incidence of HAIs in an intensive care unit (ICU) during a 10-year period and compare HAI incidence during the preCOVID-19 and COVID-19 periods. METHODS: A retrospective, observational study of HAIs in the medical-surgical ICU at The Cuban Hospital was conducted. DAIs included central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTI), and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Data included the annual incidence of HAIs, etiology, and antimicrobial resistance, using definitions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, except for other respiratory tract infections (RTIs). RESULTS: 155 patients with HAI infections were reported, from which 130 (85.5%) were identified during the COVID-19 period. The frequencies of DAIs and non-DAIs were higher during the COVID-19 period, except for Clostridium difficile infections. Species under Enterobacter, Klebsiella, and Pseudomonas dominated in both periods, and higher frequencies of Acinetobacter, Enterococcus, Candida, Escherichia coli, Serratia marcescens, and Stenotrophoma maltophila were noted during COVID-19 period. Device utilization ratio increased to 10.7% for central lines and 12.9% for ventilators, while a reduction of 15% in urinary catheter utilization ratio was observed. DAI incidence was higher during the COVID-19 pandemic, with risks for CLABSI, VAP, and CAUTI increased by 2.79 (95% confidence interval, 0.93-11.21; p < 0.0050), 15.31 (2.53-625.48), and 3.25 (0.68-31.08), respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence of DAIs increased during the pandemic period, with limited evidence of antimicrobial resistance observed. The infection control program should evaluate strategies to minimize the impact of the pandemic on HAIs.

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) Extracts-Suitable Pharmacological Interventions for COVID-19? A Review.

Even though vaccination has started against COVID-19, people should continue maintaining personal and social caution as it takes months or years to get everyone vaccinated, and we are not sure how long the vaccine remains efficacious. In order to contribute to the mitigation of COVID-19 symptoms, the pharmaceutical industry aims to develop antiviral drugs to inhibit the SARS-CoV-2 replication and produce anti-inflammatory medications that will inhibit the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which is the primary cause of mortality among the COVID-19 patients. In reference to these tasks, this article considers the properties of a medicinal plant named licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra), whose phytochemicals have shown both antiviral and anti-inflammatory tendencies through previous studies. All the literature was selected through extensive search in various databases such as google scholar, Scopus, the Web of Science, and PubMed. In addition to the antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties, one of the licorice components has an autophagy-enhancing mechanism that studies have suggested to be necessary for COVID-19 treatment. Based on reviewing relevant professional and historical literature regarding the medicinal properties of licorice, it is suggested that it may be worthwhile to conduct in vitro and in vivo studies, including clinical trials with glycyrrhizic and glycyrrhetinic acids together with other flavonoids found in licorice, as there is the potentiality to provide natural interventions against COVID-19 symptoms.

Does Climate Play Any Role in COVID-19 Spreading?-An Australian Perspective.

Compared to other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic did not severely affect Australia as measured by total deaths until mid-2021. Though a substantial number of daily confirmed cases (up to 698) were reported during the second wave, most of them were from the southern state of Victoria. This study examined the possible correlations between climate variables and the number of daily confirmed COVID-19 cases in Victoria, Australia, from 25 January to 31 October 2020. Appropriate regression models and cross-correlation diagnostics were used to examine the effect of temperature, rainfall, solar exposure, and ultraviolet index (UVI) with the number of daily confirmed cases. Significant positive associations were identified for solar exposure and maximum and average UVI for confirmed cases one and 19 days later. Negative associations for these variables were found for confirmed cases five days later. Minimum temperature had a significant negative correlation one day later and a positive effect 21 days later. No significant correlation was found for maximum temperature and rainfall. The most significant relationships were found for confirmed cases 19 days after changes in the meteorological variables. A 1% increase in solar exposure, maximum UVI, and average UVI was associated with a 0.31% (95% CI: 0.13 to 0.51), 0.71% (95% CI: 0.43 to 0.98), and 0.63% (95%CI: 0.20 to 1.61) increase 19 days later in the number of confirmed cases, respectively. The implications of these results can be used in the public health management of any possible future events in Australia. It also highlights the significance of considering the climatic variables and seasonality in all kinds of epidemics and pandemics.

Can Copper Products and Surfaces Reduce the Spread of Infectious Microorganisms and Hospital-Acquired Infections?

Pathogen transfer and infection in the built environment are globally significant events, leading to the spread of disease and an increase in subsequent morbidity and mortality rates. There are numerous strategies followed in healthcare facilities to minimize pathogen transfer, but complete infection control has not, as yet, been achieved. However, based on traditional use in many cultures, the introduction of copper products and surfaces to significantly and positively retard pathogen transmission invites further investigation. For example, many microbes are rendered unviable upon contact exposure to copper or copper alloys, either immediately or within a short time. In addition, many disease-causing bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, hospital superbugs, and several viruses (including SARS-CoV-2) are also susceptible to exposure to copper surfaces. It is thus suggested that replacing common touch surfaces in healthcare facilities, food industries, and public places (including public transport) with copper or alloys of copper may substantially contribute to limiting transmission. Subsequent hospital admissions and mortality rates will consequently be lowered, with a concomitant saving of lives and considerable levels of resources. This consideration is very significant in times of the COVID-19 pandemic and the upcoming epidemics, as it is becoming clear that all forms of possible infection control measures should be practiced in order to protect community well-being and promote healthy outcomes.

Can Optimum Solar Radiation Exposure or Supplemented Vitamin D Intake Reduce the Severity of COVID-19 Symptoms?

The foremost mortality-causing symptom associated with COVID-19 is acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). A significant correlation has been identified between the deficiency in vitamin D and the risk of developing ARDS. It has been suggested that if we can reduce or modify ARDS in COVID-19 patients, we may significantly reduce the severity of COVID-19 symptoms and associated mortality rates. The increased mortality of dark-skinned people, who have a reduced UV absorption capacity, may be consistent with diminished vitamin D status. The factors associated with COVID-19 mortality, such as old age, ethnicity, obesity, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, are all found to be linked with vitamin D deficiency. Based on this review and as a precautionary measure, it is suggested that the adoption of appropriate and safe solar exposure and vitamin D enriched foods and supplements should be considered to reduce the possible severity of COVID-19 symptoms. Safe sun exposure is deemed beneficial globally, specifically in low and middle-income countries, as there is no cost involved. It is also noted that improved solar exposure and vitamin D levels can reduce the impact of other diseases as well, thus assisting in maintaining general human well-being.

COVID-19 infection among healthcare workers in a national healthcare system: The Qatar experience.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to determine the prevalence of COVID-19 infection in healthcare workers (HCWs) in a national healthcare system and to understand the risk factors for infection. METHODS: The study was conducted at Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC) in Qatar, a national healthcare system with 14 hospitals and >28,000 employees, between March 10 and June 24, 2020. Data on COVID-19+ HCWs were retrieved from the electronic health records and employment records, followed by an email survey and a focused telephone interview. RESULTS: Among 16,912 HCWs tested, 10.6% tested positive. Hospitalization rate was 11.6%, 1.3% required supplemental oxygen, 0.6% needed intensive care unit admission, and 0.3% required mechanical ventilation. There were no deaths. In a follow-up survey of 393 HCWs, 5% reported acquiring infection at a COVID-19-designated facility and 95% at a non-COVID-19 facility having acquired the infection through accidental exposure to a colleague (45%) or a patient (29%). Full personal protective equipment (PPE) adherence was 82% at COVID-19-designated facilities but only 68% at non-COVID-19 facilities. CONCLUSIONS: COVID- 19 infection among HCWs often occurs among those not directly working with COVID-19 patients. PPE use is less stringent in such settings. Risk of exposure and need for strict PPE must be stressed upon all HCWs in all settings.