A serological survey of pathogens associated with the respiratory and digestive system in the Polish European bison (Bison bonasus) population in 2017-2022.

BACKGROUND: The European bison (Bison bonasus) is a near threatened species and requires health monitoring. The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies to pathogens known to cause respiratory and digestive illness in ruminants. RESULTS: In the studied 328 European bison, the highest seroprevalence was observed for Bovine herpesvirus-1 (BoHV-1) (50.27%), Bovine Coronavirus (BCoV) (26.36%), and Bluetongue Virus (BTV) (12.83%). For Mycoplasma bovis strains and Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus (BVDV), positive results were rare. Interestingly, a higher prevalence of BTV antibodies was noted in the northeastern populations and older animals. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that the Polish European bison population appears to have considerable contact with BoHV-1; however, this does not appear to be of great significance, as clinical symptoms and post-mortem lesions are rarely noted in Polish European bison population. The high seroprevalence of BTV in the north-east of Poland is an ongoing trend, also noted in previous studies. It is possible that European bison may perpetuate the virus in this region. This is the first report of antibodies for BCoV in European bison.

Involvement of the digestive system in covid-19. A review. / Afectación del aparato digestivo en la covid-19. Una revisión sobre el tema.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is leading to high mortality and a global health crisis. The primary involvement is respiratory; however, the virus can also affect other organs, such as the gastrointestinal tract and liver. The most common symptoms are anorexia and diarrhea. In about half of the cases, viral RNA could be detected in the stool, which is another line of transmission and diagnosis. covid19 has a worse prognosis in patients with comorbidities, although there is not enough evidence in case of previous digestive diseases. Digestive endoscopies may give rise to aerosols, which make them techniques with a high risk of infection. Experts and scientific organizations worldwide have developed guidelines for preventive measures. The available evidence on gastrointestinal and hepatic involvement, the impact on patients with previous digestive diseases and operating guidelines for Endoscopy Units during the pandemic are reviewed.

Real-World Evidence for COVID-19 Delta Variant's Effects on the Digestive System and Protection of Inactivated Vaccines from a Medical Center in Yangzhou, China: A Retrospective Observational Study.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly disseminated worldwide, and it continues to threaten global public health. Recently, the Delta variant has emerged as the most dreaded variant worldwide. COVID-19 predominantly affects the respiratory tract, and studies have reported the transient effects of COVID-19 on digestive system function. However, the relationship between the severity of the Delta variant and digestive system function remains to be investigated. Additionally, data on the ability of the inactive Chinese vaccines (Sinovac or Sinopharm) to protect against the Delta variant or COVID-19-induced gastrointestinal symptoms in the real world are insufficient. Thus, the present retrospective observational study first attempted to use the total gastrointestinal symptom rating scale scores (GSRS) to quantify the possible changes in digestive system functions following the Delta variant infection in the early stage. In addition, the study discusses the potential of inactivated vaccines in preventing severe or critical symptoms or Delta variant-induced digestive system dysfunction. Methods: To evaluate the difference between mild illness group, moderate illness group, and severe or critical illness group, analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to compare the three groups' total gastrointestinal symptom rating scale scores (GSRS). A chi-squared test was used to compare the differences in the ratio of the abnormal biochemical measurements among the three groups first. Then, the percentage of the vaccinated population was compared among the three groups. Additionally, the ratio of the abnormal serum markers between the vaccinated and nonvaccinated cohorts was compared. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Significant differences were observed in the abnormal ratio of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) ratio among the three groups (P < 0.05). Additionally, no significant difference was observed in the abnormal serum markers ratio between day 14 and day 21 after treatment (P > 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the total GSRS scores among the three groups and the ratio of the vaccinated population among the three groups (P < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the ratio of the abnormal serum ALT and AST levels between the vaccinated and nonvaccinated cohorts (P < 0.05). Conclusions: In summary, serum AST, DBIL, LDH, and IL-6 levels are potential markers for distinguishing severe or critical patients in the early stage of the Delta variant infection. Additionally, changes in the levels of these serum makers are transient, and the levels can return to normal after treatment. Furthermore, severe gastrointestinal discomfort was significantly more prevalent in patients with severe or critical diseases and should thus be considered in patients diagnosed with Delta variant infection. Finally, inactivated vaccines may prevent severe or critical symptoms and Delta variant-induced liver dysfunction. Vaccination programs must be promoted to protect public health.

Digestive system involvement and clinical outcomes among COVID-19 patients: A retrospective cohort study from Qatar.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus most commonly presents with respiratory symptoms. While gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations either at presentation or during hospitalization are also common, their impact on clinical outcomes is controversial. Some studies have described worse outcomes in COVID-19 patients with GI symptoms, while others have shown either no association or a protective effect. There is a need for consistent standards to describe GI symptoms in COVID-19 patients and to assess their effect on clinical outcomes, including mortality and disease severity. AIM: To investigate the prevalence of GI symptoms in hospitalized COVID-19 patients and their correlation with disease severity and clinical outcomes. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 601 consecutive adult COVID-19 patients requiring hospitalization between May 1-15, 2020. GI symptoms were recorded at admission and during hospitalization. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, and treatment data were retrieved. Clinical outcomes included all-cause mortality, disease severity at presentation, need for intensive care unit (ICU) admission, development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, and need for mechanical ventilation. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of the adverse outcomes. RESULTS: The prevalence of any GI symptom at admission was 27.1% and during hospitalization was 19.8%. The most common symptoms were nausea (98 patients), diarrhea (76 patients), vomiting (73 patients), and epigastric pain or discomfort (69 patients). There was no difference in the mortality between the two groups (6.21% vs 5.5%, P = 0.7). Patients with GI symptoms were more likely to have severe disease at presentation (33.13% vs 22.5%, P < 0.001) and prolonged hospital stay (15 d vs 14 d, P = 0.04). There was no difference in other clinical outcomes, including ICU admission, development of acute respiratory distress syndrome, or need for mechanical ventilation. Drugs associated with the development of GI symptoms during hospitalization were ribavirin (diarrhea 26.37% P < 0.001, anorexia 17.58%, P = 0.02), hydroxychloroquine (vomiting 28.52%, P = 0.009) and lopinavir/ritonavir (nausea 32.65% P = 0.049, vomiting 31.47% P = 0.004, and epigastric pain 12.65% P = 0.048). In the multivariate regression analysis, age > 65 years was associated with increased mortality risk [odds ratio (OR) 7.53, confidence interval (CI): 3.09-18.29, P < 0.001], ICU admission (OR: 1.79, CI: 1.13-2.83, P = 0.012), and need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.89, CI:1.94-2.99, P = 0.007). Hypertension was an independent risk factor for ICU admission (OR: 1.82, CI:1.17-2.84, P = 0.008) and need for mechanical ventilation (OR: 1.66, CI: 1.05-2.62, P = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Patients with GI symptoms are more likely to have severe disease at presentation; however, mortality and disease progression is not different between the two groups.

Effects of coronavirus disease 2019 on the digestive system and its nutritional implications.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There has been a deluge of scientific data since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was first reported. The effects of COVID-19 on the digestive system are now increasingly well understood. This article aims to review the current data on the effects of COVID-19 on the digestive system with particular emphasis on preexisting digestive diseases and its implications on nutrition practices. RECENT FINDINGS: Evidence has shown that Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus affects the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, pancreas and hepatobiliary system resulting in different GI manifestations. Several preexisting digestive diseases have been investigated. These studies have revealed that these special patient population groups are generally not at an increased risk to contract COVID-19, but are susceptible to develop increasing severity of disease. Aside from medical therapy, optimizing nutritional care has a beneficial role in this group of patients. SUMMARY: GI manifestations of COVID-19 in addition to preexisting digestive diseases have an impact on patient's nutrition. Digestion, absorption and transport of nutrients may be impaired. To date, there are no existing guidelines on the nutritional management of patients for this particular at-risk group. Most nutrition practices are based only on observations and clinical experience. Basic prepandemic nutrition care principles are primarily followed but often individualized based on clinical judgment.

COVID-19 and its effects on the digestive system.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by infection of the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) with typical respiratory symptoms. SARS-CoV-2 invades not only the respiratory system, but also other organs expressing the cell surface receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2. In particular, the digestive system is a susceptible target of SARS-CoV-2. Gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 include anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and liver damage. Patients with digestive damage have a greater chance of progressing to severe or critical illness, a poorer prognosis, and a higher risk of death. This paper aims to summarize the digestive system symptoms of COVID-19 and discuss fecal-oral contagion of SARS-CoV-2. It also describes the characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and discusses precautions for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection during gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. Improved attention to digestive system abnormalities and gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 patients may aid health care providers in the process of clinical diagnosis, treatment, and epidemic prevention and control.

COVID-19 and the digestive system: protection and management during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The purpose of this rapid review is to provide an update on the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on Gastroenterology and Hepatology departments, our patients, and our new way of working. The gastrointestinal tract and the liver are affected by SARS-CoV-2, especially in patients with immunosuppressive therapies. Patients with liver transplantation should be followed closely. Digestive endoscopy is a high-risk procedure for the transmission of SARS-CoV-2. While the pandemic lasts, we must adapt its indications and promote protective measures for patients and healthcare professionals alike. The COVID-19 pandemic has changed our priorities and the way we work, although we do not know what the repercussions will be after normality is reinstated.

Digestive system symptoms and function in children with COVID-19: A meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of children exhibiting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) with digestive system involvement remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on the digestive system of children.In this meta-analysis, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science from January 1, 2020, to June 31, 2020. We also searched for COVID-19 publications in specific journals for more comprehensive results. We included studies that reported the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19, and we excluded duplicate publications, reviews, animal studies, case reports, publications without the full text, studies with incomplete information, and studies from which data extraction was impossible.We conducted a meta-analysis of the incidence of gastrointestinal symptoms and changes in liver function involving 19 studies. The pooled prevalence of diarrhea was 10% (95% CI: 7-14; I2  = 84%), that of nausea or vomiting was 7% (95% CI: 5-11; I2  = 77%), and that of abdominal pain was 4% (95% CI: 2-9; I2  = 79%). In addition, the pooled incidence of increased alanine aminotransferase was 8% (95% CI: 5-15; I2  = 46%), and the pooled incidence of increased AST was 15% (95% CI: 9-26; I2  = 66%). The pooled rate of recovery was 97% (95% CI: 94-100; I2  = 86%), and the pooled rate of death, which was 1% (95% CI: 1-4; I2  = 48%), was much smaller than the recovery rate.Our research shows that digestive system symptoms and function in children with COVID-19 are not uncommon. More attention should be paid to this unique group of patients.

The Fatty Acid Lipid Metabolism Nexus in COVID-19.

Enteric symptomology seen in early-stage severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-2003 and COVID-19 is evidence of virus replication occurring in the intestine, liver and pancreas. Aberrant lipid metabolism in morbidly obese individuals adversely affects the COVID-19 immune response and increases disease severity. Such observations are in line with the importance of lipid metabolism in COVID-19, and point to the gut as a site for intervention as well as a therapeutic target in treating the disease. Formation of complex lipid membranes and palmitoylation of coronavirus proteins are essential during viral replication and assembly. Inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FASN) and restoration of lipid catabolism by activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) impede replication of coronaviruses closely related to SARS-coronavirus-2 (CoV-2). In vitro findings and clinical data reveal that the FASN inhibitor, orlistat, and the AMPK activator, metformin, may inhibit coronavirus replication and reduce systemic inflammation to restore immune homeostasis. Such observations, along with the known mechanisms of action for these types of drugs, suggest that targeting fatty acid lipid metabolism could directly inhibit virus replication while positively impacting the patient's response to COVID-19.

Alimentary system is directly attacked by SARS-COV-2 and further prevents immune dysregulation caused by COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: SARS-COV-2 causes digestive system symptom, the effect of which remains equivocal. METHODS: Patients with COVID-19 were classified into four groups according to symptom. The study traced the onset and duration of symptoms, compared laboratory examinations and conducted bioinformatic analysis. Immune indices were further analysed. RESULTS: By March 16, 25 patients with COVID-19 and 13 with suspect COVID-19 were admitted to West China Hospital, Sichuan University. Digestive system symptom group had the highest level of ESR (mm/h, P < .0001), serum ferritin (ng/ml, P < .0001), hepatic enzymes (P < .05) and retentive lymphocyte count/percentage (P < .05) and its subsets (P < .05). Combined group (respiratory combined with subsequent digestive system symptom) had the highest level of IL-6 (pg/ml, P = .0046), CRP (mg/L, P = .0004) and moderate lymphocyte depletion. Respiratory system symptom and asymptomatic groups suffered the most from lymphocyte depletion (P < .05). Bioinformatic analysis indicated co-expression of binding related proteins of SARS-COV-2 (ACE2, TMPRSS2 and Furin) in small intestine. CD147 was extensively expressed in alimentary tract. CTSL, PIKfyve, TPC2 and CTSB could be detected with ≥moderate expressions in a variety of organs including alimentary system. CONCLUSIONS: Alimentary system is possibly attacked by SARS-COV-2 other than hyperinflammation or immune dysregulation caused by it. Involvement of alimentary system might further protect mild and moderate cases from lymphocyte depletion caused by COVID-19.

COVID-19: pathogenesis, genetic polymorphism, clinical features and laboratory findings

COVID-19 caused by a novel agent SARS-CoV-2 progressed to a pandemic condition and resulted in a major public health concern worldwide, leading to social and economic issues at the same time. The pathogenesis of COVID-19 starts with the bonding of the virus to ACE2 receptors expressed in many tissues, and the triggered excessive immune response plays a critical role in the course of the disease. The cytokine storm that occurs upon excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines is considered responsible for the severe progression of the disease and the organ damage. However, the accurate pathophysiological mechanism of the disease, which progresses with various clinical presentations, is still substantially unknown. While various studies have been conducted on the effect of genetic polymorphism on the course and severity of the disease, the presence of a significant effect has not been proven yet. The clinical course of the disease is variable, with clinical representation ranging from 81% mild course to 14% severe course along with 5% critical course in patients. Asymptomatic course is considered to be higher than expected, although its frequency is not known exactly. Older adults and those with comorbidities are exposed to a more severe disease course. The disease progress with various symptoms, such as fever, cough, dyspnea, malaise, myalgia, taste and smell dysfunctions, diarrhea, and headache. A range of complications (acute respiratory distress syndrome, thromboembolic conditions, arrhythmia and cardiac events, secondary infections) could be seen during the course of the disease. Varied laboratory tests are vital to determine these verity and prognosis of the disease, along with the condition and exposure of the affected systems during thecourse of COVID-19.

Addressing multiple gastroenterological aspects of coronavirus disease 2019.

The outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID­19) pandemic has become the biggest challenge for the whole human community since many years. It seems that the proper identification of all people infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS­CoV­2) is the best strategy to limit the transmission. However, in a significant proportion of patients, there are no clinical manifestations of the disease, and symptoms may be very mild or atypical. There is a growing body of evidence that digestive manifestations of COVID­19 are frequently reported and may precede typical respiratory symptoms. Moreover, SARS­CoV­2 particles were found in the gastrointestinal epithelial cells, and viral RNA was detected in the feces of patients with COVID­19. These data suggest that gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID­19 are not accidental findings and they may result from direct digestive involvement. Patients with new­onset diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting without any other evident etiological factors should be tested for SARS­CoV­2 infection. Gastroenterologists and members of other medical specialties should also remember that the current epidemiological situation has changed diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms in the management of several gastrointestinal and liver disorders. This review article summarizes the currently available data on multiple gastroenterological aspects of COVID­19 and provides information on practical recommendations and position statements of the most prominent associations in the field of gastroenterology, which appeared in response to the emergence of the pandemic.

Author´s answer to: "Effect of adacolumn® in ulcerative colitis with COVID-19".

We have read with interest the article published by Pérez et al., we really appreciate their interesting comments and would like to qualify some points. With the except of the clinical practice, currently there is no recommendation based on scientific evidence about the use of apheresis in the treatment of ulcerative colitis (UC), and even less in Crohn's disease (CD). However, the results obtained in the case of Pérez et al. in relation to systemic inflammation and pulmonary clinical improvement are very interesting from a pathophysiological and clinical point of view.

Sex differences in the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders in 1942 nonhospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

INTRODUCTION: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) is a communicable disease caused by a novel coronavirus. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess self­reported frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders in nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19 in Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This cross­sectional survey was conducted between April 17 and 18, 2020, in 4516 nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19 in Poland. The questionnaire included 8 questions related to the health status, symptoms of COVID­19, comorbidities, and smoking status. RESULTS: Completed questionnaires were obtained from 1942 patients with COVID­19 with a response rate of 43%. The median age of the respondents was 50 years; 60.2% were women. Among nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19, 21.3% had hypertension, 4.5% had diabetes, and 3.1% had a chronic respiratory disease. Regular tobacco use was declared by 11.2% of patients with COVID­19. At least one gastrointestinal symptom was reported by 53.6% of patients. Almost half of patients (47%) with COVID­19 reported lack of appetite and 24.2% reported diarrhea. Among 1942 interviewed patients, 54.2% reported at least 1 olfactory or taste disorder and 42.5% reported both alterations. Self­reported olfactory and taste disorders were 49.2% and 47.5%, respectively. Self­reported frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders during COVID­19 was significantly higher (P <0.001) in women than men. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that olfactory and taste disorders are frequent symptoms in patients with mild­to­moderate COVID­19. Moreover, our study indicated sex differences in the frequency of gastrointestinal symptoms and olfactory or taste disorders among nonhospitalized patients with COVID­19.