ABSTRACT
On 25 November 2021, the world health organization listed Omicron as a newly arisen and the fifth variant of concern (VoC) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The genome sequence of Omicron showed the utmost number of mutations compared to other known VoCs up to now, and it was regarded as the only SARS-CoV-2 variant with changes in the receptor-binding domain (RBD). However, the Omicron is still detectable via previous polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests. Clinical presentation of the disease is identical to previous VoCs, however in vitro and in vivo studies revealed a higher transmission rate. The biggest obstacles posed by Omicron are the immune escape and reduction in vaccine effectiveness, as indicated by many simulations and real-world studies. Although the efficacy of the two-dose vaccinations is suboptimal for Omicron, preliminary studies have considered the injection of a booster shot is beneficial and can decrease the risk of severe disease. All these new features of Omicron warranted close investigation of this VoC as a new chapter in the pandemic, especially with emersion of subvariants BA.4 and BA.5. This review presents a conspectus of the current knowledge on the COVID-19 Omicron variant biological, clinical, and epidemiological changes. © 2023 The Author(s).
ABSTRACT
SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for COVID-19, has infected hundreds of millions since its emergence in late December 2019. Recently, concern has been raised due to the increased prevalence of co-infections with opportunistic pathogens among these pa-tients. Though not common, co-infections may be associated with adverse outcomes and increased risk of morbidity and mortality among patients suffering from COVID-19. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a serious problem among immunocompromised and critically ill patients. So far, few cases of co-infection with COVID-19 and CMV have been reported. Here, we report the co-infection with COVID-19 and CMV in a young woman presenting with sudden, progressive fever, delusion, agitation, bizarre behavior, seizure, and loss of consciousness leading to death despite receiving appropriate anti-viral treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of coexisting SARS-CoV-2 and CMV infection presenting with severe, progressive meningoencephalitis in the era of COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
The emergence arid rapid spread of COVID-19 led to the development of novel vaccines to light against the disease. Although COVID-19 vaccines are the major key to controlling the disease and have a good safety profile, they may be associated with some adverse events. Recently, a few studies noted that inadvertent incorrect injection of COVID-19 vaccines may lead to the development of serious adverse events. Herein, we report a case of inadvertent intravenous COVID-19 vaccine injection who developed severe anaphylactic shock following receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Proper vaccine injection technique training may help to reduce the risk of developing adverse events and improve vaccine safety and efficacy.
ABSTRACT
Since SARS-CoV-2 virus emerging in winter 2019 in Wuhan, Hubei, China, COVID-19 has spread among different countries. The novel corona virus has affected more than 15,000,000 people all around the world. Becoming pandemic, COVID-19 is a major concern for both people and health systems. Novel corona virus affects multiple organs such as lungs and kidneys which can lead to acute respiratory distress syndrome and acute kidney injury (AKI) ending to death. Furthermore, patients with COVID-19 may present different atypical symptoms making the diagnoses more complicated. The current patient presented to the emergency department with a 7-day history of hemoptysis and hematuria which are among the less common symptoms among patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 virus. In addition to delayed diagnosis, atypical symptoms and signs make management and treatment more difficult. Awareness of new, atypical symptoms and the effective treatment is associated with better outcome and prognosis.
ABSTRACT
Since the novel coronavirus emerged in late December, 2019 in Wuhan, China, millions of people have been infected and thousands of patients have died. Fever and dyspnea are the most common symptoms of infection with SARS-CoV-2. However, these symptoms are neither specific nor diagnostic for COVID-19. Symptom overlap between COVID-19 and some other conditions may lead other diseases to be missed and underdiagnosed. Just like COVID-19, pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) and pulmonary infarction may present with fever and respiratory symptoms. Since COVID-19 emerged and spread worldwide, many clinicians are focused on diagnosis and treatment of this novel viral infection. Hence, other diseases presenting with the same symptoms as COVID-19 may remain underdiagnosed. Here, we report three cases of PTE and pulmonary infarction presenting with fever and respiratory symptoms mimicking COVID-19.