Viral aetiology of influenza-like illnesses and severe acute respiratory illnesses in Morocco, September 2014 to December 2016.

Background: There is a scarcity of information on the viral aetiology of influenza-like illness (ILI) and severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) among patients in Morocco. Methods: From September 2014 to December 2016, we prospectively enrolled inpatients and outpatients from all age groups meeting the World Health Organization (WHO) case definition for ILI and SARI from 59 sentinel sites. The specimens were tested using real-time monoplex reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction method for detecting 16 relevant respiratory viruses. Results: At least one respiratory virus was detected in 1423 (70.8%) of 2009 specimens. Influenza viruses were the most common, detected in 612 (30.4%) of processed samples, followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 359 (17.9%), human rhinovirus (HRV) in 263 (13.1%), adenovirus (HAdV) in 124 (6.2%), parainfluenza viruses (HPIV) in 107 (5.3%), coronaviruses (HCoV) in 94 (4.7%), human bocavirus (HBoV) in 92 (4.6%), and human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in 74 (3.7%). From 770 samples from children under 5 years old, RSV (288, 36.6%), influenza viruses (106, 13.8%), HRV (96, 12.5%) and HAdV (91, 11.8%) were most prevalent. Among 955 samples from adults, Influenza viruses (506, 53.0%), and HRV (167, 17.5%) were most often detected. Co-infections were found in 268 (18.8%) of 1423 positive specimens, and most (60.4%) were in children under 5 years of age. While influenza viruses, RSV, and HMPV had a defined period of circulation, the other viruses did not display clear seasonal patterns. Conclusions: We found that RSV was predominant among SARI cases in Morocco, particularly in children under 5 years of age. Our results are in line with reported data from other parts of the world, stating that RSV is the leading cause of lower respiratory tract infections in infants and young children.

Gut-Lung Axis in COVID-19.

COVID-19 is a pandemic infection of the respiratory system caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The viral ribonucleic acid (RNA) was found in many parts of the COVID-19 patients including the stool, suggesting a potential interaction with the host's gut microbiome. The gut microbiome also plays major roles in immunity and inflammation. It also impacts pulmonary functions through the gut-lung axis. There have been recent reports of the importance of the host microbiome in infection and pathogenicity. The understanding of the gut and lung microbiomes would open the gate to new therapeutic approaches.

Metagenomics Approaches to Investigate the Gut Microbiome of COVID-19 Patients.

Over the last decade, it has become increasingly apparent that the microbiome is a central component in human well-being and illness. However, to establish innovative therapeutic methods, it is crucial to learn more about the microbiota. Thereby, the area of metagenomics and associated bioinformatics methods and tools has become considerable in the study of the human microbiome biodiversity. The application of these metagenomics approaches to studying the gut microbiome in COVID-19 patients could be one of the promising areas of research in the fight against the SARS-CoV-2 infection and disparity. Therefore, understanding how the gut microbiome is affected by or could affect the SARS-CoV-2 is very important. Herein, we present an overview of approaches and methods used in the current published studies on COVID-19 patients and the gut microbiome. The accuracy of these researches depends on the appropriate choice and the optimal use of the metagenomics bioinformatics platforms and tools. Interestingly, most studies reported that COVID-19 patients' microbiota are enriched with opportunistic microorganisms. The choice and use of appropriate computational tools and techniques to accurately investigate the gut microbiota is therefore critical in determining the appropriate microbiome profile for diagnosis and the most reliable antiviral or preventive microbial composition.

A review on current diagnostic techniques for COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: SARS-Cov-2 first appeared in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and spread all over the world soon after that. Given the infectious nature ofSARS-CoV-2, fast and accurate diagnosis tools are important to detect the virus. In this review, we discuss the different diagnostic tests that are currently being implemented in laboratories and provide a description of various COVID-19 kits. AREAS COVERED: We summarize molecular techniques that target the viral load, serological methods used for SARS-CoV-2 specific antibodies detection as well as newly developed faster assays for the detection of SARS-COV 2 in various biological samples. EXPERT OPINION: In the light of the widespread pandemic, the massive diagnosis of COVID-19, using various detection techniques, appears to be the most effective strategy for monitoring and containing its propagation.