ABSTRACT
According to current data, SARS-CoV-2 virus has the ability to cause multi-organ pathology, leading to acute damage of various organs and systems and long-term consequences characterized by polymorphic symptoms. Recently, a high incidence of invasive mycoses, particularly mucormycosis - COVID-M, has been noted among the COVID-19 complications. The predisposing factor for the development of this pathology is diabetes mellitus, immunodeficiency states, and prolonged use of high doses of glucocorticosteroids. Mucormycosis is characterized by severe clinical manifestations and high lethality, and timely diagnostics of this pathology often represents a difficult problem. The aim of this study was to analyze a clinical case of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in convalescent COVID-19 patient. In the study, there was used mucopurulent nasal discharge from the patient previously hospitalized with a severe novel coronavirus infection. Here, we describe the methodology allowing to isolate and identify a pure mold fungus culture from the biomaterial using methods of routine bacteriology and MALDI-ToF mass spectrometry. Direct microscopy examination of nasal cavity discharge revealed branched non-septic hyphae with a characteristic branching angle, allowing to preliminarily diagnose invasive mucormycosis. Growth of mycelial fungus colony was observed by using Sabouraud's medium with potassium tellurite. Microscopy of the pure culture revealed branching mycelium without septa, broad, with irregular thickness, unsegregated hyphae, and sporangia with a typical column specific to mucormycetes. Analysis of the obtained mass spectra allowed to establish the microbial species identity as Lichtheimia corymbifera. The latter along with other members of the order Mucorales, are known to cause mucormycosis. As a result of antifungal treatment (Amphotericin B) and timely surgical intervention, the patient was discharged from the hospital with prominent clinical improvement and no complaints during further outpatient follow-up period. The analysis of this clinical case showed the lack of alertness in some clinical diagnostic laboratories to detect pathogens of invasive mycoses. To avoid errors, while making a diagnosis, attention should be paid not only to detection of fungal spores in clinical material, but also take into account the structure of mycelium underlying major difference between yeast-like fungi, higher and lower molds. The isolation and identification of a pure pathogen culture allows to confidently verify the diagnosis, timely correct the treatment tactics and monitor circulation of mycotic agents to prevent occurrence of mycoses in most vulnerable patients cohorts.
ABSTRACT
Background. The ongoing pandemic of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) draws attention to the significance of molecular and genetic monitoring of the SARS-CoV-2 spread among the population of the Russian Federation. The aim of the study was to analyze the dynamics of circulation of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in Russia. Materials and methods. The analysis of the circulation dynamics for SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in Russia was carried out, covering the period from 28/12/2020 to 26/6/2022. The analysis included the data from Rospotrebnadzor Report No. 970 "Information about Infectious Diseases in Individuals with Suspected Novel Coronavirus Infection" and the Virus Genome Aggregator of Russia (VGARus). The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was confirmed by the real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The primer panels developed at the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology were used for amplification of genomic fragments and the subsequent sequencing. Results and discussion. Using the Russian VGARus platform developed by the Central Research Institute of Epidemiology, we received the data on mutational variability of SARS-CoV-2. By monitoring the circulation of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in Russia from 28/12/2020 to 26/6/2022, we found that Delta and Omicron genetic variants prevailed at different stages of the epidemic. Conclusion. The data of molecular and genetic studies are an essential component of epidemiological surveillance, being critically important for making executive decisions aimed at prevention of further spread of SARS-CoV-2 and laying the groundwork for creating new vaccines. © 2022, Central Research Institute for Epidemiology. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Background. The ongoing pandemic of a new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) determines the relevance of the analysis of epidemiological patterns of SARS-CoV-2 spread among the population of the Russian Federation. Aim — study of the manifestations of the epidemic process of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation in 2020–2022. Materials and methods. A retrospective epidemiological analysis of the incidence of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation was carried out from 03/30/2020 to 04/24/2022. The data from the Rospotrebnadzor report No. 970 “Information on cases of infectious diseases in persons with suspected new coronavirus infection”, information portal Stopcoronavirus.rf, etc. were used. The presence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was confirmed by real-time RT-PCR. Results and discussion. The analysis of the manifestations of the epidemic process of COVID-19 in the Russian Federation in 2020–2022 showed the presence of two stages which differed depending on the influence of the biological factor and the ongoing anti-epidemic measures. There was a pronounced trend in the development of the epidemic process, starting from megacities (Moscow, Moscow region and St. Petersburg), which are major transport hubs and centers of migration activity of the population, to the regions of the Russian Federation. The SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity has been shown to decrease with each subsequent cycle of the rise in the incidence of COVID-19 against the background of the increased contagiousness of the virus. Conclusion. As a result of the study, risk areas (megacities) and risk groups were identified. © 2022, Central Research Institute for Epidemiology. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Objective. Detection of additional factors favoring progression of COVID-19 and developing lethal outcomes in hospitalized patients. Materials and methods. Analysis of 98 medical records of lethal cases of patients that underwent hospitalization with diagnosis of COVID-19 associated pneumonia of two in-patient facilities of the Amur oblast and Khabarovsk krai was performed. Two groups were formed: first included medical records of patients hospitalized in severe condition (n = 52) and second group included patients with state of moderate severity (n = 46). Length of hospitalization stay, time from admission to the medical facility to progression of the disease, time from hospitalization to death and bacterial pathogens species composition isolated from lungs tissue autopsy material were analyzed. Statistical assessment of obtained data was performed with StatSoft Statistica 12.0. Results. Majority of patients of 1st and 2nd groups (66.7 ± 6.80% and 69.6 ± 6.78%) were hospitalized on fourth day of the COVID-19 clinical manifestations onset or later. Two thirds of patients hospitalized in severe condition progressed to critical health status on 1st–3rd day of hospitalization. Majority of second group patients (65.2 ± 7.02%) deteriorated from moderate severity to severe health condition on 4th–14th day of hospital stay. Bacteriological assessment analysis of autopsy material revealed that material obtained from first group showed more frequent absence of bacterial flora growth compared with second group both in the Amur oblast (44.4 ± 9.74% и 29.4 ± 11.39%) and in the Khabarovsk krai (в 40.0 ± 10.0% and 27.6 ± 8.45% of cases). Klebsiella pneumoniae (57.7 ± 5.86%) and Candida spp. (18.3 ± 4.59%) were revealed more frequently in the structure of diagnosed pathogens. Substantial proportion of pathogens (81.7 ± 4.59%) were isolated in autopsy material of patients which hospital stay was 4 days and longer. Prolonged hospital stay was associated with more frequent detection of K. pneumoniae and Candida spp. in patients that suffered from COVID-19 pneumonia and eventually died from the disease. With duration of hospitalization of 4 days and longer Acinetobacter baumannii – an extremely virulent pathogen with natural drug resistance was isolated from autopsy material. Conclusion. Factors influencing unfavorable outcomes of COVID-19 include signs of secondary bacterial infection as well as detection of aggressive drug-resistant bacterial microflora that most likely had nosocomial origin due to prolonged hospitalization. © 2021, Dynasty Publishing House. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The review analyses the information on the epidemiological situation on COVID-19 around the world. Presented is the assessment of the major epidemiological parameters (basic reproductive rate, lethality, incubation period, and serial interval). Demonstrated is the share of severe cases among different age groups and the general structure of incidence by the severity of clinical course. The paper provides the classification of response models internationally depending upon the complex of measures undertaken at different stages of epidemic process. Reviewed are the key response actions to control the COVID-19 transmission in different countries of the world and the Russian Federation and given is the assessment of their effectiveness. © 2020 Russian Research Anti-Plague Institute. All rights reserved.