ABSTRACT
Given the rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) globally, test systems are needed for its diagnosis, timely treatment, and introduction of quarantine measures. In the shortest possible time, a diagnostic system based on real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction to detect the ribonucleic acid of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal smears was developed and registered. The method determines the nucleocapsid and small-membrane protein genes and the human PGK1 gene, acting as internal control reactions. The nucleotide sequences of SARS-CoV-2 were analyzed, and primers were selected. The conditions for carrying out real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and the composition of a set of reagents were set. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the kit were tested on biological samples, with the addition of inactivated SARSCoV-2. The high analytical characteristics of the developed set of reagents were demonstrated, with a sensitivity of at least 103 GE/mL and a specificity of 100%, and no false-positive or false-negative results were recorded. The high specificity of the test system was shown on a representative sample of genetic materials of respiratory viral pathogens. Clinical and laboratory tests of the diagnostic "SARS-CoV-2 test” were conducted in the N.F. Gamalei National Research Center for Epidemiology and Microbiology. A set of reagents for the detection of ribonucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2 through on real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for in vitro diagnostics "SARS-CoV-2 test” was registered in the Russian Federation as a medical device (Registration certificate no. RZN 2020/10632, dated 06/03/2020). The article can be used under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license © Authors, 2022.
ABSTRACT
Respiratory viral infections (RVIs) are of major clinical importance in immunocompromised patients and represent a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with hematologic malignancies and those who have undergone hematopoietic cell transplantation. Similarly, patients receiving immunotherapy with CD19-targeted chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells, natural killer cells, and genetically modified T-cell receptors are susceptible to RVIs and progression to lower respiratory tract infections. In adoptive cellular therapy recipients, this enhanced susceptibility to RVIs results from previous chemotherapy regimens such as lymphocyte-depleting chemotherapy conditioning regimens, underlying B-cell malignancies, immune-related toxicities, and secondary prolonged, profound hypogammaglobulinemia. The aggregated risk factors for RVIs have both immediate and long-term consequences. This review summarizes the current literature on the pathogenesis, epidemiology, and clinical aspects of RVIs that are unique to recipients of adoptive cellular therapy, the preventive and therapeutic options for common RVIs, and appropriate infection control and preventive strategies.
ABSTRACT
Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of therapy for acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs) in children with antiviral medications: inosine pranobex (Groprinosin, Gedeon Richter) and Kagocel (Kagocel, Niarmedic Pharma LLC) in comparison with symptomatic treatment without etiotropic agents based on clinical and laboratory parameters. Patients and methods. The clinical and laboratory observation was conducted in an outpatient setting in the pre-COVID-19 period between 2018 and 2020. Acute respiratory infections were diagnosed using licensed testing systems by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with detection of nucleic acid viral genomes: influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, seasonal coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and bocavirus). A total of 151 children aged 3 to 15 years were examined and monitored in dynamics, with 78.7% of positive and 21.3% of negative results detected by PCR in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. The patients were randomized into three groups depending on the antiviral medication prescribed: group 1 (53 children) received Groprinosin;group 2 (52 children) received Kagocel;group 3 (control, 46 children) received only symptomatic therapy without antiviral agents. Results. The study demonstrated a significant positive effect in patients in group 1 treated with Groprinosin (n = 53). At the end of therapy for both mono- and mixed infections, there were 95.8% of negative results (according to PCR diagnosis, that is, the absence of viral genome). In children in group 2 (n = 52) treated with Kagocel, the absence of viral nucleic acids (NAs) was observed less frequently (in 77.3% of cases). In children in group 3 (n = 46) who did not receive etiotropic antiviral therapy, there were only 40.3% of negative results after the end of treatment, and viral NAs were detected in 59.7% of patients. In this case, a 5-day course of Groprinosin was prescribed, after which the PCR results became negative in all patients. Therefore, children with recurrent respiratory infections, mixed infections, and herpesvirus infections require longer therapy. Additionally, a high frequency of ARVI complications was noted in group 3 (5 (10.9%) patients, where otitis was observed in 1 case, sinusitis - in 2 cases, bronchitis - in 2 cases), whereas 1 (1.8%) patient taking Groprinosin had otitis, and 1 (1.9%) patient taking Kagocel had pneumonia. Conclusion. This study was the first to investigate antibody titers to respiratory viruses in dynamics at 3, 6 and 12 months after the onset of ARVI. It showed that the development of antibodies to respiratory viruses is very unstable and does not occur in all patients. Antibodies almost disappeared by the third month after ARVI and were no longer detectable by the sixth month. After 12 months, patients suffered a new ARVI and developed the corresponding antibodies. This information will be especially relevant in conditions of the rise in the incidence of ARVIs, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic observed in recent years.Copyright © 2022, Voprosy Prakticheskoi Pediatrii. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Respiratory viral infections are common respiratory diseases. Influenza viruses, RSV and SARS-COV2 have the potential to cause severe respiratory infections. Numerous studies have shown that unregulated immune response to these viruses can cause excessive inflammation and tissue damage. Therefore, regulating the antiviral immune response in the respiratory tract is of importance. In this regard, recent years studies have emphasized the importance of vitamin D in respiratory viral infections. Although, the most well-known role of vitamin D is to regulate the metabolism of phosphorus and calcium, it has been shown that this vitamin has other important functions. One of these functions is immune regulation. Vitamin D can regulate the antiviral immune response in the respiratory tract in order to provide an effective defense against respiratory viral infections and prevention from excessive inflammatory response and tissue damage. In addition, this vitamin has preventive effects against respiratory viral infections. Some studies during the COVID-19 pandemic have shown that vitamin D deficiency may be associated with a higher risk of mortality and sever disease in patients with COVID-19. Since, more attention has recently been focused on vitamin D. In this article, after a brief overview of the antiviral immune response in the respiratory system, we will review the role of vitamin D in regulating the antiviral immune response comprehensively. Then we will discuss the importance of this vitamin in influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.
ABSTRACT
Acute respiratory viral infections are distributed across the globe and are the most numerous human diseases caused by several hundreds of diverse viruses. Human rhinovirus is one of the most common respiratory pathogens worldwide, causing more than half of all acute respiratory viral infection cases. Seasonal human coronaviruses account for 10-15% of common cold cases;respiratory syncytial (RS) virus is the most common cause of respiratory hospitalization in infants;influenza viruses, adenoviruses, human parainfluenza virus, metapneumoviruses, and some other pathogens are also widespread. It is believed that viral common colds are mostly self-limited, causing mild infections that usually resolve within 8-10 days. However, the role of common seasonal respiratory viruses in total respiratory morbidity should not be underestimated. It turned out that during extraordinary conditions of pandemics, they behave differently. This was clearly demonstrated in the last 2009 influenza pandemic. Whereas some viruses lost relevance under the burden of a new aggressive pandemic strain, others, e.g., rhinovirus, continued to fight for existence and not only circulated along with the pandemic pathogen, but delayed its spread in some cases. For instance, the data from some European countries pointed out that the circulation of the H1N1pdm09 influenza A pandemic virus was interrupted by the annual rhinovirus outbreak. Ten years after the H1N1pdm09 influenza pandemic, a new virus outbreak emerged - the COVID-19 pandemic has begun. This pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, has disrupted well-established pathogenetic and epidemiological relationships. The level of circulation of many respiratory pathogens has changed dramatically. For instance, global influenza activity has been at a much lower level than expected for the second year from now. In many regions of the world, the flu season has not been started yet. But what is interesting is that rhinoviruses together with RS-virus again showed their unique ability to compete with highly pathogenic and aggressive pathogens. Along with profoundly reduced circulation of many other seasonal respiratory viruses, rhinovirus, and RS-virus are the most frequently detected viruses. In this review, we have brought together the main biological characteristics of such genetically distinct viruses such as rhinovirus, influenza A virus, RS-virus, and SARS-CoV-2. We focused on their main similarities and discrepancies in the attempt to understand why they behave so differently in extreme pandemic conditions as well as what allows rhinoviruses and RS-viruses to coexist with SARS-CoV-2, which in turn almost fully replaced the influenza virus.
ABSTRACT
Currently, the disease caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possibility of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in the current epidemic situation continues to be of particular interest. The review, based on the analysis of literature and own materials, outlines the features of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Particular attention is paid to the combined course of COVID-19 and influenza, a comparative characteristic of the severity of the clinical picture. An assessment of the epidemic situation against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in foreign countries and the Russian Federation (RF) revealed the pres-ence of the phenomenon of SARS-CoV-2 interference with other viral respiratory agents, based on the facts of a sharp suppression of the circulation of influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other ARVI pathogens during the period of active spread of pandemic coronavirus. The main epidemiological indicators of the course of coronavirus infection were compared and the contribution of various pathogens to the etiology of acute respiratory viral infections during the development of the second wave of COVID-19 in the RF was assessed. It was noted that the decrease in the number of new cases by 11.4 and deaths by 2.1 times due to COVID-19 at 6 and 13 weeks in 2022 occurred with unchanged laboratory detection of the influenza virus (0.8%) and an increase in the frequency detection of pathogens of other SARS. The results of observations showed that against the background of a decrease in the incidence of COVID-19, there was no increase in the proportion of diagnosed cases of infections caused by other pathogens, especially influenza. The re-sults obtained confirm the need to ensure effective epidemiological surveillance and additional application of pathogen identification methods for monitoring various ARVI, which can significantly affect the approach to differential diagnosis, patient management tactics and the decision on appropriate preventive measures.
ABSTRACT
Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of therapy for acute respiratory viral infections (ARVIs) in children with antiviral medications: inosine pranobex (Groprinosin, Gedeon Richter) and Kagocel (Kagocel, Niarmedic Pharma LLC) in comparison with symptomatic treatment without etiotropic agents based on clinical and laboratory parameters. Patients and methods. The clinical and laboratory observation was conducted in an outpatient setting in the pre-COVID-19 period between 2018 and 2020. Acute respiratory infections were diagnosed using licensed testing systems by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with detection of nucleic acid viral genomes: influenza, rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus, metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, seasonal coronaviruses, adenoviruses, and bocavirus). A total of 151 children aged 3 to 15 years were examined and monitored in dynamics, with 78.7% of positive and 21.3% of negative results detected by PCR in the nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal swabs. The patients were randomized into three groups depending on the antiviral medication prescribed: group 1 (53 children) received Groprinosin;group 2 (52 children) received Kagocel;group 3 (control, 46 children) received only symptomatic therapy without antiviral agents. Results. The study demonstrated a significant positive effect in patients in group 1 treated with Groprinosin (n = 53). At the end of therapy for both mono- and mixed infections, there were 95.8% of negative results (according to PCR diagnosis, that is, the absence of viral genome). In children in group 2 (n = 52) treated with Kagocel, the absence of viral nucleic acids (NAs) was observed less frequently (in 77.3% of cases). In children in group 3 (n = 46) who did not receive etiotropic antiviral therapy, there were only 40.3% of negative results after the end of treatment, and viral NAs were detected in 59.7% of patients. In this case, a 5-day course of Groprinosin was prescribed, after which the PCR results became negative in all patients. Therefore, children with recurrent respiratory infections, mixed infections, and herpesvirus infections require longer therapy. Additionally, a high frequency of ARVI complications was noted in group 3 (5 (10.9%) patients, where otitis was observed in 1 case, sinusitis - in 2 cases, bronchitis - in 2 cases), whereas 1 (1.8%) patient taking Groprinosin had otitis, and 1 (1.9%) patient taking Kagocel had pneumonia. Conclusion. This study was the first to investigate antibody titers to respiratory viruses in dynamics at 3, 6 and 12 months after the onset of ARVI. It showed that the development of antibodies to respiratory viruses is very unstable and does not occur in all patients. Antibodies almost disappeared by the third month after ARVI and were no longer detectable by the sixth month. After 12 months, patients suffered a new ARVI and developed the corresponding antibodies. This information will be especially relevant in conditions of the rise in the incidence of ARVIs, as well as the COVID-19 pandemic observed in recent years.Copyright © 2022, Voprosy Prakticheskoi Pediatrii. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the comparative statistical analysis of the incidence of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI), new coronavirus infection Covid-19 and community-acquired pneumonia in one of the administrative districts of St. Petersburg. It was found that the total number of people with ARVI, new coronavirus infection Covid-19 and community acquired pneumonia observed in pediatric and adult clinics had two "waves". In the structure of the incidence of Covid-19 in the first "wave", adult patients prevailed. During the second "wave" of the rise in the incidence of Covid-19, the proportion of children doubled to 12.9%. The increased infectious morbidity required the involvement of additional medical personnel, transport, as well as the introduction of new organizational technologies for providing medical care to the population. The data of regular statistical observation became the basis for making operational management decisions for the organization of medical care for the population in the context of an epidemic rise in morbidity. © ISTE Ltd 2022.
ABSTRACT
Lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) is one of the most common analytical platforms for point-of-care testing (POCT), which is capable of large-scale primary screening and home self-testing of infectious diseases. However, the sensitivity of conventional AuNPs-based LFIA is relatively low and more prone to false negatives. Herein, we report a novel LFIA based on gold-core-silver-shell bimetallic nanoparticles (Au4-ATP@Ag NPs) emitting Surface-enhanced Raman scatting (SERS) and Photothermal (PT) effect, named SERS/PT-based dual-modal LFIA (SERS/PT-dmLFIA), for the antigen detection of infectious diseases pathogens, which displayed an excellent performance. For influenza A virus (IAV), influenza B virus (IBV), and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) N protein detection, the limit of detections (LoD) with Raman as signal were 31.25, 93.75, and 31.25 pg mL-1 respectively, and the LoDs with temperature difference (∆T) as signal were as low as 15.63, 187.5, and 15.63 pg mL-1 respectively, which were over 4-fold more sensitive than visual-based LFIA. The proposed SERS/PT-dmLFIA was used for detecting virus antigen in pharyngeal swabs and showed ideal coincidence rate of over 95% compared to the commercialized assays. In addition, we explored the development of multiplex SERS/PT-dmLFIA that can detect IAV, IBV, and SARS-CoV-2 antigens simultaneously without cross reactivity. Overall, the SERS/PT-dmLFIA for antigen detection not only exhibits high sensitivity, accuracy and specificity, but also have characteristics of rapidity and simplicity, which holds high potential for rapid diagnosis of infectious diseases in laboratory testing, mass screening, and home self-testing. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
ABSTRACT
Motivation: The low solubility, weak acid drug, niclosamide is a host cell modulator with broad-spectrum anti-viral cell-activity against many viruses, including stopping the SARS-CoV-2 virus from infecting cells in cell culture. As a result, a simple universal nasal spray preventative was proposed and investigated in earlier work regarding the dissolution of niclosamide into simple buffers. However, starting with pharmaceutical grade, niclosamide represents a new 505(b)(2) application. The motivation for this second paper in the series was therefore to explore if and to what extent niclosamide could be extracted from commercially available and regulatory-approved niclosamide oral tablets that could serve as a preventative nasal spray and an early treatment oral/throat spray, with possibly more expeditious testing and regulatory approval. Experimental: Measurements of supernatant niclosamide concentrations were made by calibrated UV-Vis for the dissolution of niclosamide from commercially available Yomesan crushed into a powder for dissolution into Tris Buffer (TB) solutions. Parameters tested were as follows: time (0-2 days), concentration (300 µM to -1 mM), pH (7.41 to 9.35), and anhydrous/hydrated state. Optical microscopy was used to view the morphologies of the initial crushed powder, and the dissolving and equilibrating undissolved excess particles to detect morphologic changes that might occur. Results: Concentration dependence: Niclosamide was readily extracted from powdered Yomesan at pH 9.34 TB at starting Yomesan niclosamide equivalents concentrations of 300 µM, 600 µM, and 1 mM. Peak dissolved niclosamide supernatant concentrations of 264 µM, 216 µM, and 172 µM were achieved in 1 h, 1 h, and 3 h respectively. These peaks though were followed by a reduction in supernatant concentration to an average of 112.3 µM ± 28.4 µM after overnight stir on day 2. pH dependence: For nominal pHs of 7.41, 8.35, 8.85, and 9.35, peak niclosamide concentrations were 4 µM, 22.4 µM, 96.2 µM, and 215.8 µM, respectively. Similarly, the day 2 values all reduced to 3 µM, 12.9 µM, 35.1 µM, and 112.3 µM. A heat-treatment to 200 °C dehydrated the niclosamide and showed a high 3 h concentration (262 µM) and the least day-2 reduction (to 229 µM). This indicated that the presence, or formation during exposure to buffer, of lower solubility polymorphs was responsible for the reductions in total solubilities. These morphologic changes were confirmed by optical microscopy that showed initially featureless particulate-aggregates of niclosamide could grow multiple needle-shaped crystals and form needle masses, especially in the presence of Tris-buffered sodium chloride, where new red needles were rapidly made. Scale up: A scaled-up 1 L solution of niclosamide was made achieving 165 µM supernatant niclosamide in 3 h by dissolution of just one fifth (100 mg niclosamide) of a Yomesan tablet. Conclusion: These comprehensive results provide a guide as to how to utilize commercially available and approved tablets of niclosamide to generate aqueous niclosamide solutions from a simple dissolution protocol. As shown here, just one 4-tablet pack of Yomesan could readily make 165 L of a 20 µM niclosamide solution giving 16,500 10 mL bottles. One million bottles, from just 60 packs of Yomesan, would provide 100 million single spray doses for distribution to mitigate a host of respiratory infections as a universal preventative-nasal and early treatment oral/throat sprays throughout the world. Graphical Abstract: pH dependence of niclosamide extraction from crushed Yomesan tablet material into Tris buffer (yellow-green in vial) and Tris-buffered saline solution (orange-red in vial). Initial anhydrous dissolution concentration is reduced by overnight stirring to likely monohydrate niclosamide; and is even lower if in TBSS forming new niclosamide sodium needle crystals grown from the original particles. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s41120-023-00072-x.
ABSTRACT
With the rapid outbreak of respiratory viral infections, various biological (e.g. vaccines, peptides, recombinant proteins, antibodies and genes) and antiviral agents (e.g. ribavirin, palivizumab and valaciclovir) have been successfully developed for the treatment of respiratory virus infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and SARS-CoV-2 infections. These therapeutics are conventionally delivered via oral, intramuscular or injection route and are associated with several adverse events due to systemic toxicity. The inherent in vivo instability of biological therapeutics may hinder them from being administered without proper formulations. Therefore, we have witnessed a boom in nanotechnology coupled with a needle-free administration approach such as the inhalation route for the delivery of complex therapeutics to treat respiratory infections. This review discussed the recent advances in the inhalation strategies of nanoformulations that target virus respiratory infections.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections , Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human , Respiratory Tract Infections , Vaccines , Humans , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/drug therapy , Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections/prevention & control , SARS-CoV-2 , Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use , Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy , Respiratory Tract Infections/prevention & control , Vaccines/therapeutic useABSTRACT
Neutralising monoclonal antibody (mAb) is an important weapon in our arsenal for combating respiratory viral infections. However, the effectiveness of neutralising mAb has been impeded by the rapid emergence of mutant variants. Early administration of broad-spectrum mAb with improved delivery efficiency can potentially enhance efficacy and patient outcomes. WKS13 is a humanised mAb which was previously demonstrated to exhibit broad-spectrum activity against SARS-CoV-2 variants. In this study, a dual targeting formulation strategy was designed to deliver WKS13 to both the nasal cavity and lower airways, the two critical sites of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Dry powders of WKS13 were first prepared by spray drying, with cyclodextrin used as stabiliser excipient. Two-fluid nozzle (TFN) was used to produce particles below 5 µm for lung deposition (C-TFN formulation) and ultrasonic nozzle (USN) was used to produce particles above 10 µm for nasal deposition (C-USN formulation). Gel electrophoresis and size exclusion chromatography studies showed that the structural integrity of mAb was successfully preserved with no sign of aggregation after spray drying. To achieve dual targeting property, C-TFN and C-USN were mixed at various ratios. The aerosolisation property of the mixed formulations dispersed from a nasal powder device was examined using a Next Generation Impactor (NGI) coupled with a glass expansion chamber. When the ratio of C-TFN in the mixed formulation increased, the fraction of particles deposited in the lung increased proportionally while the fraction of particles deposited in the nasal cavity decreased correspondingly. A customisable aerosol deposition profile could therefore be achieved by manipulating the mixing ratio between C-TFN and C-USN. Dual administration of C-TFN and C-USN powders to the lung and nasal cavity of hamsters, respectively, was effective in offering prophylactic protection against SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant. Viral loads in both the lung tissues and nasal wash were significantly reduced, and the efficacy was comparable to systemic administration of unformulated WKS13. Overall, dual targeting powder formulation of neutralising mAb is a promising approach for prophylaxis of respiratory viral infections. The ease and non-invasive administration of dual targeting nasal powder may facilitate the widespread distribution of neutralising mAb during the early stage of unpredictable outbreaks.
Subject(s)
Antibodies, Monoclonal , COVID-19 , Humans , Powders , SARS-CoV-2 , Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets , Administration, Inhalation , Particle Size , Dry Powder InhalersABSTRACT
Interleukin-38 (IL-38) is the most recent member of the IL-1 family that acts as a natural inflammatory inhibitor by binding to cognate receptors, particularly the IL-36 receptor. In vitro, animal and human studies on autoimmune, metabolic, cardiovascular and allergic diseases, as well sepsis and respiratory viral infections, have shown that IL-38 exerts an anti-inflammatory activity by modulating the generation and function of inflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-6, IL-8, IL-17 and IL-36) and regulating dendritic cells, M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Accordingly, IL-38 may possess therapeutic potential for these types of diseases. IL-38 down-regulates CCR3+ eosinophil cells, CRTH2+ Th2 cells, Th17 cells, and innate lymphoid type 2 cells (ILC2), but up-regulates Tregs, and this has influenced the design of immunotherapeutic strategies based on regulatory cells/cytokines for allergic asthma in future studies. In auto-inflammatory diseases, IL-38 alleviates skin inflammation by regulating γδ T cells and limiting the production of IL-17. Due to its ability to suppress IL-1ß, IL-6 and IL-36, this cytokine could reduce COVID-19 severity, and might be employed as a therapeutic tool. IL-38 may also influence host immunity and/or the components of the cancer microenvironment, and has been shown to improve the outcome of colorectal cancer, and may participate in tumour progression in lung cancer possibly by modulating CD8 tumour infiltrating T cells and PD-L1 expression. In this review, we first briefly present the biological and immunological functions of IL-38, and then discuss the important roles of IL-38 in various types of diseases, and finally highlight its use in therapeutic strategies.
Subject(s)
COVID-19 , Interleukin-17 , Animals , Humans , Interleukin-17/metabolism , Immunity, Innate , Interleukin-6 , Clinical Relevance , Lymphocytes/metabolism , Cytokines/metabolism , InterleukinsABSTRACT
Currently, the disease caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possibility of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in the current epidemic situation continues to be of particular interest. The review, based on the analysis of literature and own materials, outlines the features of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Particular attention is paid to the combined course of COVID-19 and influenza, a comparative characteristic of the severity of the clinical picture. An assessment of the epidemic situation against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in foreign countries and the Russian Federation (RF) revealed the presence of the phenomenon of SARS-CoV-2 interference with other viral respiratory agents, based on the facts of a sharp suppression of the circulation of influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other ARVI pathogens during the period of active spread of pandemic coronavirus. The main epidemiological indicators of the course of coronavirus infection were compared and the contribution of various pathogens to the etiology of acute respiratory viral infections during the development of the second wave of COVID-19 in the RF was assessed. It was noted that the decrease in the number of new cases by 11.4 and deaths by 2.1 times due to COVID-19 at 6 and 13 weeks in 2022 occurred with unchanged laboratory detection of the influenza virus (0.8%) and an increase in the frequency detection of pathogens of other SARS. The results of observations showed that against the background of a decrease in the incidence of COVID-19, there was no increase in the proportion of diagnosed cases of infections caused by other pathogens, especially influenza. The results obtained confirm the need to ensure effective epidemiological surveillance and additional application of pathogen identification methods for monitoring various ARVI, which can significantly affect the approach to differential diagnosis, patient management tactics and the decision on appropriate preventive measures.Copyright © 2022 Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The human respiratory tract is a complex system characterized by a series of niches colonized with specific microbial communities. Until recently, researchers were mostly interested in lung microbiomes associated with acute and chronic infections. The upper respiratory tract microbiota has gained attention during COVID-19 (COronaVIrus Disease 2019) pandemic because it was suspected to influence the course and the outcome of viral infections. Aim. In this two-part review (see part 1, Pul'monologiya. 2022;32 (5): 745-754), we summarize current knowledge of the microbial communities at each upper respiratory tract location, considering the proposed barrier function of the respiratory microbiome. Conclusion. Based on the evidence presented in this review, we can see how the respiratory microbiome is involved in the pathogenesis of viral respiratory infections, including SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome CoronaVirus 2).Copyright © Starikova E.V. et al., 2022.
ABSTRACT
Acute respiratory viral infections are the most common human diseases. Symptoms of the infection vary from a slight cold to critical condition requiring artificial lung ventilation and support of cardiovascular system. Main risk factors of severe disease include high viral load, co-infection with other pathogens, age from 0 to 2 years and older than 65 years, and immunodeficiency. Cardiac manifestations of the infection are usually caused by indirect effects due to inflammatory reaction resulting in systemic increase in proinflammatory cytokines, so called cytokine storm. However, there have been reports on the identification of respiratory viruses isolated directly from the myocardial tissue, or testing of viral RNA in the myocardium using real-time polymerase chain reaction. This review discusses the direct and indirect effects of respiratory viral infections on causing cardiovascular complications. The authors discuss the similarities and differences of the immunopathogenic mechanisms associated with COVID-19, influenza infection, as well as diseases caused by enteroviruses, respiratory syncytial viruses, metapneumoviruses, and parainfluenza viruses. © 2022 Tomsk State University. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
Currently, the disease caused by the new coronavirus (COVID-19) and the possibility of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens in the current epidemic situation continues to be of particular interest. The review, based on the analysis of literature and own materials, outlines the features of the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and pathogens of acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). Particular attention is paid to the combined course of COVID-19 and influenza, a comparative characteristic of the severity of the clinical picture. An assessment of the epidemic situation against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic in foreign countries and the Russian Federation (RF) revealed the presence of the phenomenon of SARS-CoV-2 interference with other viral respiratory agents, based on the facts of a sharp suppression of the circulation of influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and other ARVI pathogens during the period of active spread of pandemic coronavirus. The main epidemiological indicators of the course of coronavirus infection were compared and the contribution of various pathogens to the etiology of acute respiratory viral infections during the development of the second wave of COVID-19 in the RF was assessed. It was noted that the decrease in the number of new cases by 11.4 and deaths by 2.1 times due to COVID-19 at 6 and 13 weeks in 2022 occurred with unchanged laboratory detection of the influenza virus (0.8%) and an increase in the frequency detection of pathogens of other SARS. The results of observations showed that against the background of a decrease in the incidence of COVID-19, there was no increase in the proportion of diagnosed cases of infections caused by other pathogens, especially influenza. The results obtained confirm the need to ensure effective epidemiological surveillance and additional application of pathogen identification methods for monitoring various ARVI, which can significantly affect the approach to differential diagnosis, patient management tactics and the decision on appropriate preventive measures. Copyright © 2022 Saint Petersburg Pasteur Institute. All rights reserved.
ABSTRACT
The aim of the study was to identify the viral etiology of acute respiratory diseases in patients hospitalized to the infectious hospitals in Yakutsk. Methods: nasal and pharyngeal swabs were obtained from the examined patients. The presence of the genetic material of the respiratory viruses was determined by real-time PCR. Results: During the study, 178 patients admitted to the infectious hospitals in Yakutsk from November 2019 to April 2020 were selected according to the inclusion criteria. 99/178 (55.6%) samples were positive for at least one of the studied viruses, 79/178 (44.4%) samples were negative. Respiratory syncytial virus;rhinoviruses;metapneumovirus;parainfluenza viruses of types 1, 2, 3 and 4;coronaviruses NL-63, 229E, HKU-1 and OC-43;adenoviruses groups B, C and E;bokavirus, as well as influenza A and influenza B viruses were identified. The results of the study are necessary to improve and optimize diagnostic tactics, for control and prevention of respiratory viral infections.
ABSTRACT
Background: The circulation of respiratory viruses poses a significant health risk among those residing in congregate settings. Data are limited on seasonal human coronavirus (HCoV) infections in homeless shelter settings. Methods: We analysed data from a clinical trial and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance study at 23 homeless shelter sites in King County, Washington between October 2019-May 2021. Eligible participants were shelter residents aged ≥3 months with acute respiratory illness. We collected enrolment data and nasal samples for respiratory virus testing using multiplex RT-PCR platform including HCoV. Beginning April 1, 2020, eligibility expanded to shelter residents and staff regardless of symptoms. HCoV species was determined by RT-PCR with species-specific primers, OpenArray assay or genomic sequencing for samples with an OpenArray relative cycle threshold <22. Findings: Of the 14,464 samples from 3281 participants between October 2019-May 2021, 107 were positive for HCoV from 90 participants (median age 40 years, range: 0·9-81 years, 38% female). HCoV-HKU1 was the most common species identified before and after community-wide mitigation. No HCoV-positive samples were identified between May 2020-December 2020. Adults aged ≥50 years had the highest detection of HCoV (11%) among virus-positive samples among all age-groups. Species and sequence data showed diversity between and within HCoV species over the study period. Interpretation: HCoV infections occurred in all congregate homeless shelter site age-groups with the greatest proportion among those aged ≥50 years. Species and sequencing data highlight the complexity of HCoV epidemiology within and between shelters sites. Funding: Gates Ventures, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute of Health.
ABSTRACT
Hexedra+® is a nasal spray containing hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, beta-cyclodextrin, and usnic acid. It has been developed with the aim of reducing the risk of transmission of airborne viral infections, with particular reference to influenza and COVID-19. As part of the preclinical development of the product, we carried out a study on thirty male Wistar rats divided into three study groups and treated with Hexedra+, an alternative formulation containing a double concentration of usnic acid (0.015% instead of 0.0075%) or saline solution. Products were administered at the dose of 30 µL into each nostril, three times a day for seven consecutive days by means of a micropipette. By the end of the treatment period, no significant changes were observed in body weight. Histological examination of nasal mucosa and soft organs did not show any significant difference in the three study groups. Serum transaminase level remained in the normal limit in all the animals treated. The serum level of usnic acid was measured in order to assess the absorption of the molecule through the nasal mucosa. By the end of the study period, the usnic acid serum level was negligible in all the animals treated. In conclusion, the safety profile of Hexedra+ appears favorable in the animal model studied.