The origins of new SARS-COV-2 variants in immunocompromised individuals.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To explore the origins of new severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants in immunocompromised individuals and whether the emergence of novel mutations in these individuals is responsible for the development of variants of concern (VOC). RECENT FINDINGS: Next generation sequencing of samples from chronically infected immunocompromised patients has enabled identification of VOC- defining mutations in individuals prior to the emergence of these variants worldwide. Whether these individuals are the source of variant generation is uncertain. Vaccine effectiveness in immunocompromised individuals and with respect to VOCs is also discussed. SUMMARY: Current evidence on chronic SARS-CoV-2 infection in immunocompromised populations is reviewed including the relevance of this to the generation of novel variants. Continued viral replication in the absence of an effective immune response at an individual level or high levels of viral infection at the population level are likely to have contributed to the appearance of the main VOC.

Generation of Novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Variants on the B.1.1.7 Lineage in 3 Patients With Advanced Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Disease.

The emergence of new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants is of public health concern in case of vaccine escape. Described are 3 patients with advanced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 and chronic SARS-CoV-2 infection in whom there is evidence of selection and persistence of novel mutations that are associated with increased transmissibility and immune escape.

An audit of the North East London Child Sexual Abuse Hub against RCPCH Clinical & Service Standards between 2019–2021

564 Figure 1Methods[Figure omitted. See PDF]ConclusionThe North East London CSA hub continued to adhere to RCPCH quality standards. Our recommendations focused on reducing waiting times, facilitating greater support from the play therapy team, amending the clinic assessment proforma, and improving awareness of psychological services. Our aim for 2021-2022 is to collect patient experience data to better understand our patients’ needs.ReferencesReview of pathway following sexual assault for children and young people in London (2015), Goddard et al.Service specification for the clinical evaluation of children and young people who may have been sexually abused (2015), RCPCH.BASHH National Guideline on the Management of Sexually Transmitted Infections and Related Conditions in Children and Young People (2021), Ashby et al.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Placental Infection Is Associated With Massive Perivillous Fibrin Deposition at the Maternal-Fetal Interface: A Preliminary Study.

We observed an increased frequency of massive perivillous fibrin deposition (MPFD) during the second coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic wave dominated by the Alpha variant of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). MPFD associated with 100% reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) positivity for SARS-CoV-2 and detection by immunohistochemistry. The Alpha variant was identified in all placentas with MPFD that could be sequenced.