Characteristics Of COVID-19 Infection Research Articles

Autoimmune rheumatic diseases and COVID-19 vaccination: a retrospective cross-sectional study from Astana.

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus has had an unprecedented impact on people around the world, particularly those who were suffering from autoimmune rheumatic diseases (AIRDs). The world community acknowledges the significance of COVID-19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune disorders and emphasizes the priority of this category to receive vaccination over the general population. Although many studies have been published since the first phases of vaccination all over the world, multiple related factors still need to be further investigated. We investigated the COVID-19 vaccination status in patients with AIRDs, by performing a cross-sectional, interview-based study filled in by patients attending their clinics in the Astana city, capital of Kazakhstan, from April to July 2023. The survey questionnaire consisted of a set of questions, concerning patient characteristics, treatment details, accepted vaccines and characteristics of COVID-19 infection. The study objectives were to evaluate vaccine hesitancy, adverse effects, breakthrough infections and flare of underlying rheumatic disease in this population subgroup. There were 193 participants, with a median age of 50.3 ±12.9 years. Among them, 62 (32.1%) were vaccinated with at least single dose of vaccine, 16 (25.8%) of whom were fully vaccinated. The commonest (89; 68%) reason for vaccine hesitancy was a fear of autoimmune disease worsening. Vaccine-related adverse effects (AEs) were reported by 66.7% of patients. We found that vaccination provoked AIRD exacerbation in 19% of patients with AEs. Eight patients reported flare of pre-existing rheumatic disease after vaccination. The incidence of breakthrough infections was similar in the groups of vaccinated individuals (n = 12), 12.9% of whom were partially and 6.5% fully vaccinated. The vaccination was found to be safe in patients with rheumatic diseases. Fear of autoimmune status was the major reason for vaccine reluctance. All reported adverse events were minor. The minority subgroup within the sample had subsequent breakthrough infections or autoimmune disease flare-ups.

COVID-19 infection in children with cancer in Armenia: report for the whole pandemic period

Background and aims. Immunocompromised pediatric patients with cancer are more susceptible to experiencing severe COVID-19 infection compared to other children. In a global registry study of childhood cancer with COVID-19, involving 1500 patients, severe of critical infections were detected in 20 % of the cases. The mortality rate of 4 % excelled that of the general pediatric population. Data about the development of COVID-19 complications in children with cancer remains limited and varies across different countries. This study aims to describe the incidence and characteristics of COVID-19 infection in children with cancer in Armenia.Methods. A prospective analysis was conducted on PCR-confirmed cases of COVID-19 infection in children with cancer aged 0–18 years from 2020 to 2022 at the Pediatric Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Armenia, Yeolyan Hematology Center, the only pediatric hematology/ oncology institution in our country.Results. Between June 2020 and March 2022, we studied 201 children with cancer in Armenia, of whom 35 cases of COVID-19 infection were confirmed. The median age was 8.4, and the male/female ratio was 1.3. Among the COVID-19-positive patients, 15 had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, 5 had lymphomas, 4 patients had neuroblastoma, and 2 each had medulloblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma and Ewing sarcoma. There were single cases of osteosarcoma, acute myeloid leukemia and malignant triton tumor. Twenty patients (57 %) were asymptomatic, and the rest presented with fever, sore throat, and cough. Among the patients with hematological malignancies, four developed pneumonia, and two of them experienced cancer progression subsequently. Additionally, four patients had pancytopenia/thrombocytopenia, likely due to the infection with the Omicron in the last three months of the mentioned period. Overall, the incidence of COVID-19 complications was 11 %, and mortality was zero.Conclusion. This is the first nationwide report on COVID-19 in children with cancer in Armenia. The findings indicate lower rates of severe infection and mortality among compared to global estimates. Further studies are emerging to explore these differences.

Characteristics of Covid-19 infection with the original SARS-Cov-2 virus and other variants: A comparative review

Characteristics of Covid-19 infection with the original SARS-Cov-2 virus and other variants: A comparative review

Four Waves of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison of Clinical and Pregnancy Outcomes.

During the last two and a half years, clinical manifestations, disease severity, and pregnancy outcomes have differed among pregnant patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. These changes were preceded by the presence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2, known in the literature as variants of concern. The aim of this study is to describe the differences between maternal clinical characteristics and perinatal outcomes among pregnant women with COVID-19 during four waves of the COVID-19 epidemic in Serbia. This retrospective study included a series of 192 pregnant patients who were hospitalized due to the severity of their clinical status of SARS-CoV-2 infection. During four outbreaks of COVID-19 infection in Serbia, we compared and analyzed three sets of variables, including signs, symptoms, and characteristics of COVID-19 infection, clinical endpoints, and maternal and newborn parameters. During the dominance of the Delta variant, the duration of hospitalization was the longest (10.67 ± 1.42 days), the frequency of stillbirths was the highest (17.4%), as well as the frequency of progression of COVID infection (28.9%) and the requirement for non-invasive oxygen support (37%). The dominance of the Delta variant was associated with the highest number of prescribed antibiotics (2.35 ± 0.28), the most common presence of nosocomial infections (21.7%), and the highest frequency of corticosteroid therapy use (34.8%). The observed differences during the dominance of four variants of concern are potential pathways for risk stratification and the establishment of timely and proper treatments for pregnant patients. Early identification of the Delta variant, and possibly some new variants with similar features in the future, should be a priority and, perhaps, even an opportunity to introduce more accurate and predictive clinical algorithms for pregnant patients.

Covid and Diabetes: A Literature Review

In December 2019, the WHO China Country office was informed of an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology, in Wuhan city. The pathogen was later identified as a member of the β-coronaviridae family, and the disease it caused was named Covid-19. The outbreak rapidly evolved over the next few months to become a pandemic that resulted in drastic effects on global healthcare and economy. Diabetic patients were affected equally as non-diabetic individuals; however, the impact of the disease was much worse amongst them. We aim to briefly review the incidence and characteristics of Covid-19 infection among diabetic patients, elaborating into the pathophysiology of the disease and the possible mechanisms which may explain the severity of the disease amongst them, through a review of published articles in Pubmed, Google Scholar and Cochrane databases, till the first of January 2022.

Characteristics of COVID-19 Infection in Paediatric Patients: A Narrative Review

Aims: The COVID-19 pandemic has been a global crisis for more than two years, which caused an immense global burden on economy, health care and education. More than 250 million people have been infected with this novel virus, among which more than 5 million have died. Prevention is the best strategy against COVID-19 infection in both children and adults. This narrative review aimed at summarizing the important epidemiological and clinical findings of COVID-19 infection and its transmission, clinical manifestation, laboratory findings, radiographic findings, and diagnosis.

Comparison of clinical characteristics of COVID-19 between children and adult

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection in children and adult. This observational cross-sectional study was conducted in multiple corona dedicated hospitals, situated in Dhaka, Bangladesh from April 2020 to January 2021. Data of COVID -19 positive hospitalized patients were collected in a pre-tested question- naire during hospital stay with proper protective measures. Clinical characteristics of the COVID-19 positive hospitalized children and adult patients were evaluated. Approval was taken from institutional review board of respective institutes. Statistical analyses of the results were obtained by using SPSS-25. In this study the male-to-female ratio was 1:1.6 and 2.8:1 in child and adult patients respectively. More than three quarter (75.4%) of subjects had family members affected before the illness in the child group and more than half (50.9%) cases in the adult group. History of contact or exposure with any symptomatic case was present in 61.4% cases in the adult group but only 14% in the child group. The mean duration of illness was less (9.1}8.6 days) in the child group than in the adult group (14.8}9.5 days). The difference was statistically significant (p<0.05) between the two groups. The most common symptoms in the child group were fever (71.9%), cough (77.2%) and runny nose (52.6%) whereas in the adult group most common symptoms were fatigue, excessive tiredness, or lethargy (80.7%), cough (77.2%) and anosmia (70.3%). There were statistically significant (p<0.05) differences in symp- toms between the two groups. Raised body temperature was (>1010 F) was found in the majori- ty (86.0%) subjects' in the child group than in the adult group where it was 50.9%. The mean SPo2 without oxygen was 96.8}1.2% in the child group and 92.8}5.7% in the adult group. Ten (17.5%) subjects had a symptom-free total illness in the child group and 3(5.3%) in the adult group. The difference in temperature, SPo2 without oxygen, consciousness, and symptom-free total illness were statistically significant (p<0.05) between the two groups. In adult group 94.7% patient required hospital admission according to guideline, but in child group only 40.3% actually needed hospitalization, rest of the children got admitted along with family member or due to other diseases. Fever, cough and runny nose were more frequent symptoms in children however, fever, fatigue, excessive tiredness, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, anosmia, diarrhoea and body ache were more common in adult patients. These differences were statistically signifi- cant. In comparison to COVID-19 infected adult cases, infected children had higher oxygen saturation (without additional oxygen) by pulse oximeter. BSMMU J 2022; 15(1): 35-42

COVID-19 Infection among Elite Football Players: A Nationwide Prospective Cohort Study.

Little is known about the risk of COVID-19 infection among footballers. We aimed to investigate the incidence and characteristics of COVID-19 infection among footballers. In total, 480 football players of Super League Greece and 420 staff members participated in a prospective cohort study, which took place from May 2020 to May 2021. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from footballers and staff members weekly. All samples (n = 43,975) collected were tested using the reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test for the detection of “SARS-CoV-2”. In total, 190 positive cases (130 among professional football players and 60 among staff) were recorded. Out of the 190 cases that turned positive, 64 (34%) cases were considered as symptomatic, and 126 (66%) cases were asymptomatic. The incidence rate of a positive test result for footballers was 0.57% (confidence interval (CI) 0.48–0.68%) and for staff members it was 0.27% (CI 0.20%, 0.34%), respectively. Footballers recorded a twofold increased risk of COVID-19 infection in comparison to staff members (relative risk = 2.16; 95% CI = 1.59–2.93; p-value < 0.001). No significant transmission events were observed during the follow-up period. We found a low incidence of COVID-19 infection among professional footballers over a long follow-up period. Furthermore, the implementation of a weekly diagnostic testing (RT-PCR) was critical to break the transmission chain of COVID-19, especially among asymptomatic football players and staff members.

A challenging case of COVID-19: a COVID-19 positive adolescent presented with severe diabetic ketoacidosis, resistant hypertension

BackgroundSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a virus which causes COVID-19. It binds to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, expressed in key metabolic organs and tissues, including pancreatic beta cells, adipose tissue, the small intestine, and kidneys. This condition has been linked to a variety of additional symptoms, including acute encephalopathy, changes in consciousness, and even gastrointestinal bleeding.Case presentationIn this study, we have reported a 13-year-old boy, 69 kg, with SARS-COV-2 infection. In this case, multiple systems, including the endocrine, renal, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems, were affected.ConclusionsIt is speculated that different manifestations of COVID-19 can be seen in clinical settings, and practitioners should be more cautious not to miss the chimeric characteristics of COVID-19 infection.

COVID-19 and pemphigus: A descriptive series of twelve cases

Background: Patients with pemphigus receiving immunosuppressive therapy are considered at risk of developing severe forms of COVID-19. We aimed to analyze the clinical and evolutionary characteristics of COVID-19 infection in patients with pemphigus receiving general corticosteroid therapy by a retrospective descriptive study of twelve cases. Patients and Methods: We identified´ pemphigus cases that developed a COVID-19 infection. The data collected included the characteristics and treatment of pemphigus and the features and course of COVID-19 infection. Results: Twelve patients were followed at our department for pemphigus and a developed COVID-19 infection. Nine patients had a severe form of pemphigus, and three were in clinical remission. The infection was severe in three patients. The evolution was good in all patients. Discussion: Our study suggests that systemic corticosteroid therapy in patients with severe forms of pemphigus may be a protective factor against severe forms of SARS-CoV-2 infection. This theory should be evaluated by a larger study.

The Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic On Neuromyelitis Optica Disorder Patients, After one Year

Background: Coronavirus 2019 created a pandemic with high mortality recently. People with underlying disease are prone to severe infection. The nature of NMOSD disease and its treatment by immunosuppressant predisposes patients to infection. Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 pandemic on the clinical course of NMOSD and also the characteristics of COVID-19 infection in NMOSD patient. Materials &amp; Methods: This descriptive study was done in Isfahan, Iran from March 2020 to March 2021. We considered relapses during the year of epidemic and the year before, and also the presentation of COVID-19 infection in the patients of NMOSD Clinic of Isfahan Kashani hospital. Results: Study included 120 patients. Their mean age was 36.37±9.69 and mean duration of disease was 8.49±5.35 years. They experienced overall 36 relapses during the year before epidemic (ARR:0.3) and 29 relapses during COVID-19 epidemic (ARR is 0.24). The maintenance therapy of NMOSD was rituximab in 96 cases, azathioprine in 22 and methotrexate in 2 ones. 35 patients infected by COVID-19 (based on RT-PCR test). 6 of them admitted in hospital and two patients received ICU care. There was one death due to respiratory failure. Conclusion: In spite of suppression of the immune system, neither incidence nor the number of the serious complications of COVID-19 infection was high. Therefore, regarding the disabling nature of NMOSD as well as prolonged epidemic period, it may be reasonable to continue the routine treatment of these patients along with training patients to stick to health protection instructions.

1189. COVID 19 Infection in Children in Colombia, Experience from a Nationwide Network (CORONARED)

BackgroundWorldwide SARS-CoV-2 infections increase every day. Despite the infection is less severe in children, it can be severe and associated with complications. However, local data remain scarce. We sought to describe epidemiological and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection in this population across different age groups. MethodsObservational, multicenter study across 23 Colombian hospitals from 22 different territories. We included all patients from 0 months to 17 years with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection by either antigen or RT-PCR testing. ResultsFrom March 1, 2020, to October 31, 2021, we identified 1,186 patients: neonates (88), 1 to 3 months (130), 4 to 23 months (306), 2 to 4 years (169), 5 to 11 years (229) and 12 to 18 years (226) with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Of those,77(6.2%) were asymptomatic, 631(53.2%) hospitalized, 132(11.2%) required PICU. 58 cases met WHO definition of MIS-C. Patients less than 24 months of age were characterized by fever (74%) and more respiratory distress (30.1%) compared to other groups. Patients >5yo seemed to have a more severe presentation. They had more gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms (31% vs 37.8%), had more need for ICU care given presentation with shock increased with age ( >5yo 9.5%; 5-12yo 10.6%; 12-18yo 11.5%). Lab markers including thrombocytopenia and Lymphopenia were more common on this age group. Antibiotic treatment was common (%%) especially in neonates (40.9%), despite bacterial coinfection was rare (8.7%), length of hospitalization was longer in older than 2-year-old groups. 23(1.9%) patients died, similar across different age groups. Heat map by age group ConclusionCOVID-19 infection in Colombian children presented differently across different age groups. Children older than 5 years had a more severe clinical course and prolonged hospital stays. Clinical findings according to age groups could help clinicians in characterizing and identifying COVID 19 infections in Children.Disclosures Ivan Felipe Gutiérrez Tobar, n/a, Pfizer and MSD (Advisor or Review Panel member, Research Grant or Support, Speaker’s Bureau, Has received support from Pfizer and MSD for participation in congresses and has received conference payments from Pfizer)Pfizer and MSD (Speaker’s Bureau, Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses) Juan P. Rojas -Hernandez, Candidate for doctorate in Public Health, Pfizer (Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses) Eduardo López Medina, n/a, Pfizer (Other Financial or Material Support, Has received support from Pfizer for participation in congresses)

Epidemiological, clinical and biomarker profile of pediatric patients infected with COVID-19.

BackgroundGiven the limited and diverse nature of published literature related to COVID-19 in pediatrics, it is imperative to provide evidence-based summary of disease characteristics for guiding policy decisions. We aim to provide comprehensive overview of epidemiological, clinical and biomarker profile of COVID-19 infection in pediatric population.MethodsFor this umbrella review, published systematic reviews from PubMed and pre-print databases were screened. Literature search was conducted from December 2019 to April 2021. Details of clinical, radiological, laboratory features were collected from each review. Qualitative observations were synthesized and pooled prevalence of mortality and asymptomatic cases were assessed using meta-analysis.ResultsEvidence synthesis of 38 systematic reviews included total 1145 studies and 3,34,398 children and adolescents. Review revealed that COVID-19 is relatively milder with better prognosis in pediatrics. However, patients with comorbidity are at higher risk. Meta-analysis of reviews showed that 21.17% (95% CI: 17.818 to 24.729) of the patients were asymptomatic and mortality rate was 0.12% (95% CI:0.0356-0.246). Though there was no publication bias, significant heterogeneity was observed. Fever (48-64%) and cough (35-55.9%) were common symptoms, affecting almost every alternate patient. Ground glass opacities (prevalence range:27.4-61.5%) was most frequent radiographic observation. Rise in C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase and D-dimer ranged from 14-54%, 12.2-50% and 0.3-67% respectively. Some of the included reviews (44.7%-AMSTAR; 13.2%-GRADE) were of lower quality.ConclusionCurrent umbrella review provides most updated information regarding characteristics of COVID-19 infection in pediatrics and can be used to guide policy decision regarding vaccination prioritization, early screening and identification of at-risk population.

Characteristics of COVID-19 infection and antibody formation in patients known at a tertiary immunology department

BackgroundKnowledge about COVID-19 infections is expanding, although knowledge about the disease course and antibody formation in patients with an auto-immune disease or immunodeficiency is not fully unraveled yet. It could be hypothesized that immunodeficient patients, due to immunosuppressive drugs or their disease, have a more severe disease course due to their immunocompromised state. However, it could also be hypothesized that some of the immunosuppressive drugs protect against a hyperinflammatory state. MethodsWe collected data on the incidence of COVID-19, disease course and SARS-CoV-2 antibody formation in COVID-19 positive patients in a cohort of patients (n ​= ​4497) known at the Clinical Immunology outpatient clinic in a tertiary care hospital in the Netherlands. ResultsIn the first six months of the pandemic, 16 patients were identified with COVID-19, 14 by nasal swab PCR, and 2 patients by SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Eight patients were admitted to the hospital. SARS-CoV-2 antibodies were measured in 8 patients and were detectable in all, including one patient on B-cell ablative therapy and one patient with Common Variable Immunodeficiency Disorder. ConclusionThis study indicates that the disease course differs among immunocompromised patients, independently of (dis)continuation of immunosuppressive drugs. Antibody production for SARS-CoV-2 in immunocompromised patients was shown. More research needs to be conducted to confirm these observations and guidelines regarding (dis)continuation of immunosuppressive drugs in COVID-19 positive immunocompromised patients should be developed.

COVID-19 Epidemic Situation, the Outbreak Peak and Cycle Centered on China's No-Drug Control Actions: A Modeling Study

Background: New characteristics have created significant challenges in non-drug regulation on the 2019 Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak while there are few related research articles in recent months. In view of these recent developments, a more comprehensive analysis on the role of non-drug control measures (NDC) will provide a further guide for the work on disease prevention faced with a range of changes. Methods: This paper measures and divides the intensity of the NDC into eleven tiers according to the World Health Organization (WHO) and Chinese emergency classification criteria. The paper then proposes a new model for control-measures-susceptible-exposed-infected-removed-dead (CM-SEIRD), based upon the standard susceptible-exposed-infected-removed (SEIR) model, which parameterizing the new characteristics of COVID-19 infection and NDC. The start time and intensity of implementation of the NDC were taken as variables to obtain the special impact of NDC on the COVID-19 epidemic. The theoretical study on variable discretization and continuity was carried out for the Wuhan model system. Findings: NDC can efficiently minimize deaths, minimize infection risk, and delay the outbreak peak for 1-2 months. The highest outbreak time discussed in this study was around 16-23 days. If NDC can be carried out within the time threshold and intensity level, more than 10% of the total death toll will be reduced, more than 8% of the peak infected number will be reduced, and more than 90% of the population will be able to prevent infection. In contrast to the NDC starting time, the intensity of NDC impacts the outbreak more directly and has a good impact on the overall number of people exposed, sick and dead from the beginning to the end. This study also found that it would take 23 days to clear new cases in the blocked areas based on the strength of Chinese control measures. Interpretation: Despite great pressure due to the new characteristics and situation of the COVID-19 outbreak, at this point, NDC is still the most effective prevention and control step. Different countries and regions need to implement strict NDCs as quickly as possible to contain the outbreak and to promote development and economic growth as soon as possible.Funding Statement: Guangxi University.Declaration of Interests: All authors declare no competing interests.

Traditional Chinese herbal medicine at the forefront battle against COVID-19: Clinical experience and scientific basis

BackgroundThroughout the 5000-year history of China, more than 300 epidemics were recorded. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine (TCM) has been used effectively to combat each of these epidemics’ infections, and saved many lives. To date, there are hundreds of herbal TCM formulae developed for the purpose of prevention and treatment during epidemic infections. When COVID-19 ravaged the Wuhan district in China in early January 2020, without a deep understanding about the nature of COVID-19, patients admitted to the TCM Hospital in Wuhan were immediately treated with TCM and reported later with >90% efficacy. ApproachWe conducted conduct a systematic survey of various TCM herbal preparations used in Wuhan and to review their efficacy, according to the published clinical data; and, secondly, to find the most popular herbs used in these preparations and look into the opportunity of future research in the isolation and identification of bioactive natural products for fighting COVID-19. ResultsAlthough bioactive natural products in these herbal preparations may have direct antiviral activities, TCM employed for fighting epidemic infections was primarily based on the TCM theory of restoring the balance of the human immune system, thereby defeating the viral infection indirectly. In addition, certain TCM teachings relevant to the meridian system deserve better attention. For instance, many TCM herbal preparations target the lung meridian, which connects the lung and large intestine. This interconnection between the lung, including the upper respiratory system, and the intestine, may explain why certain TCM formulae showed excellent relief of lung congestion and diarrhea, two characteristics of COVID-19 infection. ConclusionThere is good reason for us to learn from ancient wisdom and accumulated clinical experience, in combination with cutting edge science and technologies, to fight with the devastating COVID-19 pandemic now and emerging new coronaviruses in the future.

Characteristics of COVID-19 Infection in Patients without a History of Travel to Infected Areas or Direct Contact with a Case-Patient.

Little is known about COVID-19 patients who have not traveled to infected areas or had direct contact with infected persons. This report describes the clinical features of 28 such patients with confirmed COVID-19 infection. Data on clinical characteristics during hospitalization were collected. Epidemiological exposures were investigated among patients reporting no travel to infected areas or direct contact with a case-patient. Patients presented with various symptoms, increased levels of inflammatory markers, and consolidation or ground-glass opacification on computed tomography scans. The present report contributes critical information on the clinical presentation of COVID-19 patients without typical epidemiological exposures.

КОРОНАВИРУСНАЯ ИНФЕКЦИЯ COVID-19 И ДЕТИ

Basing on the most recent publications, the review presents epidemiological data, course features, clinical, laboratory and radiological characteristics of COVID-19 infection in children. The review discusses the causes of a milder course of the disease in children compared with adult patients, as well as the possibility of vertical transmission of the infection.

A case series describing the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 infection in Jilin Province

ABSTRACT Since its outbreak in Wuhan, Hubei Province China, 2019-coronavirus infected disease (COVID-19) had been widely spread all over the world, the control of which calls for a better understanding of its epidemiology and clinical characteristics. We included 12 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in First Affiliated Hospital of Jilin University from 23 January 2020 to 11 February 2020, which were retrospectively analyzed for epidemiological, demographic, clinical, laboratory, and radiological features. All the patients were confirmed by nucleic acid detection, the average age of whom was 45.25 years (range, 23–79 years). Most patients had a history of Wuhan traveling or had contact with Wuhan travelers or infected cases. Obvious family cluster was observed. Clinical manifestations included fever (12/12), fatigue (10/12), cough (6/12), sore throat (4/12), headache (3/12), and diarrhea (2/12). Only three out of eight patients had pneumonia manifestation on radiography. Most patients had a normal white blood cell (WBC) count and normal or reduced lymphocyte (LY) count. Pneumonia changes were observed in all the four patients who underwent a chest CT scan. Only one elderly patient developed severe pneumonia, while all the rest were mild disease and had a self-limiting course.

Characteristics of COVID-19 infection in Beijing

BackgroundSince the first case of a novel coronavirus (COVID-19) infection pneumonia was detected in Wuhan, China, a series of confirmed cases of the COVID-19 were found in Beijing. We analyzed the data of 262 confirmed cases to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 in Beijing. MethodsWe collected patients who were transferred by Beijing Emergency Medical Service to the designated hospitals. The information on demographic, epidemiological, clinical, laboratory test for the COVID-19 virus, diagnostic classification, cluster case and outcome were obtained. Furthermore we compared the characteristics between severe and common confirmed cases which including mild cases, no-pneumonia cases and asymptomatic cases, and we also compared the features between COVID-19 and 2003 SARS. FindingsBy Feb 10, 2020, 262 patients were transferred from the hospitals across Beijing to the designated hospitals for special treatment of the COVID-19 infected by Beijing emergency medical service. Among of 262 patients, 46 (17.6%) were severe cases, 216 (82.4%) were common cases, which including 192 (73.3%) mild cases, 11(4.2%) non-pneumonia cases and 13 (5.0%) asymptomatic cases respectively. The median age of patients was 47.5 years old and 48.5% were male. 192 (73.3%) patients were residents of Beijing, 50 (26.0%) of which had been to Wuhan, 116 (60.4%) had close contact with confirmed cases, 21 (10.9%) had no contact history. The most common symptoms at the onset of illness were fever (82.1%), cough (45.8%), fatigue (26.3%), dyspnea (6.9%) and headache (6.5%). The median incubation period was 6.7 days, the interval time from between illness onset and seeing a doctor was 4.5 days. As of Feb 10, 17.2% patients have discharged and 81.7% patients remain in hospital in our study, the fatality of COVID-19 infection in Beijing was 0.9%. InterpretationOn the basis of this study, we provided the ratio of the COVID-19 infection on the severe cases to the mild, asymptomatic and non-pneumonia cases in Beijing. Population was generally susceptible, and with a relatively low fatality rate. The measures to prevent transmission was very successful at early stage, the next steps on the COVID-19 infection should be focused on early isolation of patients and quarantine for close contacts in families and communities in Beijing. FundingBeijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission and Ministry of Science and Technology.