ABSTRACT
The insufficient provision of micronutrients (vitamins A, D, E, C, and B-group, the minerals zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, copper, and phosphorus) weakens the immune response, which can increase the risk of infection, contribute to disease severity and COVID-19 complications. The population of Russia, both adults and children, has deficiencies of multiple micronutrients (vitamins D, B-group, calcium, magnesium, zinc, and iodine), their simultaneous deficiency is experienced by about one third of the surveyed population. The micronutrients in the body are interconnected to form metabolic networks. A lack of one or more vitamins can disrupt the conversion of other vitamins to their biologically active forms, causing a functional vitamin deficiency. The percentage of vitamins and minerals in the diet of the population is a modifiable risk factor for infectious diseases. This implies replenishing the insufficient dietary intake of micronutrients not only to cover the needs of the body, but also to achieve their optimal provision. We are not dealing with therapy with and use of vitamins in pharmacological dosages. The intake of multivitamins provides protection against COVID-19, a decrease in the severity of the disease, a reduction in the manifestations of post-COVID sequels, and an increase in the efficiency of vaccination. Optimization of the vitamin status in all population groups through the intake of vitamin and mineral supplements (VMS) containing a complete set of vitamins and immunotropic elements is an underestimated important preventive factor in protecting from viral infections. Conclusion: The relevance of taking VMS in pregnancy and lactation during the pandemic is becoming even more important. During the pandemic, the use of VMS by pregnant and lactating women will not only improve their own micronutrient status and subsequently optimize the percentage of vitamins and minerals in breast milk, and thus the micronutrient status of the baby, but will also contribute to the body's resistance to disease.
ABSTRACT
The review article presents data on the prevalence of candidiasis of various localization against the history of coronavirus infection (COVID-19). The predisposing factors for the development and recurrence of candidiasis in patients after therapy for corona-virus infection have been analysed. Candida is one of the most common pathogens in intensive care units (ICUs), affecting 6 to 10% of patients, and some studies have reported an increasing trend in the prevalence of candidemia. The literature data that we analysed showed that the most common types of fungal infection among patients with a severe course of COVID-19 were C. albicans, then C. auris, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, S. cerevisiae, C. krusei and Rhodotorula spp. Candida non-albicans species, in particular C. glabrata, C. auris, were the most common causes of death. The previous treatment regimens for patients with COVID-19 included antibiotics, but at present time corticosteroids are more often used, which have an immunosuppressive effect and, accordingly, predispose to the development of candidiasis. The epithelial injury caused by SARS-CoV-2 also enables Candida to attach to the basement membrane, subsequently triggering the development of mucosal candidiasis. As the systemic and local candidiasis are conditioned by common immune mechanisms that are affected by coronavirus infection, vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) may recur during COVID-19 therapy. The timely diagnosis and treatment of fungal infections in patients who underwent COVID-19 are crucial for achieving a positive clinical outcome. The article provides an algorithm for the management of patients with recurrent VVC, the principles of action of antifungal drugs, their acceptability and efficacy. © 2021, Remedium Group Ltd. All rights reserved.