ABSTRACT
In December 2019, genomic screening of clinical samples from patients with viral pneumonia in Wuhan, China, revealed the presence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). COVID-19 is the official name for the disease caused by this virus, according to the World Health Organization. SARS-CoV-2 can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome directly in apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC)-dependent or independent manner through several proteins, including viroporins. Viroporins are viral proteins with ion channel functions that play crucial roles in different aspects of virus replication and pathogenesis. SARS-CoV-2 viroporins encoded by Open Reading Frame (ORF) 3a, ORF8 and the E gene activate the NLRP3 inflammasome and trigger the cleavages of pro-interleukin 1 beta (IL1 beta) and pro-IL18 by the caspase enzyme and convert them to the mature form (IL-1 beta, IL18). Most of the inflammation in severe COVID-19 patients is caused by the activation of inflammasomes. Studies revealed that SARS-CoV-2 viroporins could be the possible targets for therapeutic interventions.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Each year more than two million Muslims from 185 countries gather in Mecca for the pilgrimage. Respiratory viral infections are the most common diseases that occur during the Hajj. The aim of this study was to examine Iranian pilgrims with severe acute respiratory infections (SARI) returning from Hajj in 2015 and 2017, with particular attention paid to the detection of human rhinovirus (HRV), human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV), and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Method(s): A total of 451 throat swabs collected from pilgrims with SARI but negative for influenza viruses were tested for HRV, HRSV, and MERS-CoV in 2015 and 2017. RT-PCR was used for MERS-CoV and HRSV detection and conventional nested RT-PCR for HRV detection. Result(s): None of the cases had MERS-CoV but HRV was detected in 8.4% (38/451) patients, 5.6% (19/338) in 2015, and 16.8% (19/113) in 2017. A single case of HRSV was detected in 2015 (1/338). Conclusion(s): The study showed HRV to be the most common infection. The test results contributed towards continuing surveillance efforts, infection control, and comprehensive planning and the process should be replicated for other respiratory viruses in pilgrims.
ABSTRACT
Objectives: Pilgrims returning from the Hajj can augment the international spread of viral respiratory infections. In this study the prevalence of non-influenza viral infection in pilgrims returning from the Hajj was investigated. Method(s): A cross-sectional study in which 120 pilgrims returning from the Hajj participated. Nasal and throat swab specimens were obtained from patients hospitalized for respiratory complications and who tested negative for influenza viruses. All samples were examined for adenovirus using nested-PCR, bocavirus using PCR, rhinovirus using nested-RT-PCR, and RSV, HCov-229E, HCoV-OC43, HCoV-HKU1, HCoV-NL63 and HMPV using real-time PCR. Result(s): Over 44.0% (n = 53) of participants showed viral-related symptoms. Viruses detected were: adenovirus (n = 24, 20.0%);rhinovirus (n = 19, 15.8%);HCoV-OC43 (n = 3, 2.5%), detected for the first time in Iran;HCov-229E (n = 2, 1.6% and bocavirus (n = 1, 0.8%). RSV, HMPV, HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 were not detected. Co-infection was diagnosed in six participants (5.0%). Conclusion(s): The annual Hajj ritual lasts for at least five days and over three million people participate from around the world. Because antivirals and vaccines are only available for influenza, to prevent other respiratory infections healthcare education during or prior to Hajj, including the importance of using alcohol-based hand scrubs, is recommended.