Sore Throat Research Articles

Antibacterial Activity Test of Ethanol Extract of Torch Ginger Flowers (Etlingera elatior) Against Streptococcus Pyogenes Bacteria Causing Pharyngitis Disease in Vitro

Background: In Indonesia, practically everyone has experienced pharyngitis, an illness with a relatively high prevalence. Coughing, sore throat, and trouble swallowing are all symptoms of pharyngitis. According to the WHO, pharyngitis can be caused by a range of species, with viral and bacterial infections being the most prevalent. The goal was to investigate the antibacterial activity of kecombrang flower extract in an ethanol solvent against microorganisms that cause pharyngitis, specifically Streptococcus pyogenes. Methodology: This study was conducted utilizing laboratory experimental procedures. Bacteria were cultivated on nutrient agar media, and 70% ethanol was used to extract kecombrang blossoms. The test was conducted out using the diffusion method, which involved soaking paper discs in a solution of kecombrang flower extract at concentrations of 20%, 40%, and 60% before placing them in NA media. As a positive control, amoxicillin was utilized. The incubation procedure took 24 hours and was carried out at 370 degrees Celsius. Three inhibitory zone measurements were performed on each extract and positive control. Results: This experiment revealed that the inhibition zone generated by kecombrang flower extract as an antibacterial was an average of 9 mm at a concentration of 20%, 11.6 mm at a concentration of 40%, 12.8 mm at a concentration of 60%, and 14.8 mm at the positive control, 100 mg amoxicillin tablets. Conclusion: The results show that kecombrang flower extract has antibacterial activity against Streptococcus pyogenes bacterium and is considered strong. The best ethanol extract of kecombrang flowers is at a concentration of 60%. Statistical analysis using One Way Annova revealed significant differences between treatments (p<0.05). To confirm, a Post Hoc Tukey (HSD) test was used.

Nano Revolution: Harnessing Nanoparticles to Combat Antibiotic-resistant Bacterial Infections.

Nanoparticles, defined as particles ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers in size, are revolutionizing the approach to combating bacterial infections amid a backdrop of escalating antibiotic resistance. Bacterial infections remain a formidable global health challenge, causing millions of deaths annually and encompassing a spectrum from common illnesses like Strep throat to severe diseases such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. The misuse of antibiotics has precipitated the rise of resistant strains like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), underscoring the critical need for innovative therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology offers a promising avenue in this crisis. Nanoparticles possess unique physical and chemical properties that distinguish them from traditional antibiotics. Their high surface area to volume ratio, ability to be functionalized with various molecules, and distinctive optical, electronic, and magnetic characteristics enable them to exert potent antibacterial effects. Mechanisms include physical disruption of bacterial membranes, generation of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS), and release of metal ions that disrupt bacterial metabolism. Moreover, nanoparticles penetrate biofilms and bacterial cell walls more effectively than conventional antibiotics and can be precisely targeted to minimize off-target effects. Crucially, nanoparticles mitigate the development of bacterial resistance by leveraging multiple simultaneous mechanisms of action, which make it challenging for bacteria to adapt through single genetic mutations. As research advances, nanotechnology holds immense promise in transforming antibacterial treatments, offering effective solutions that address current infections and combat antibiotic resistance globally. This review provides a comprehensive overview of nanoparticle applications in antibacterial therapies, highlighting their mechanisms, advantages over antibiotics, and future directions in healthcare innovation.

Impact of Education on Inappropriate Antibiotic Prescription for Respiratory Tract Infection Based on Physicians’ Justifications: A Web-Based Survey in Japan

Background: Antibiotics are inappropriately prescribed for respiratory tract infections for various reasons. The differences of the effects of education based on these reasons has not been fully elucidated. This study assessed the impact of an educational film on antibiotic prescription patterns according to physicians’ prescribing justifications. Methods: This was a secondary analysis of a nationwide web-based survey involving 1100 physicians. The physicians were required to view a short educational film and determine the need for prescribing antibiotics in simulated scenarios of different acute respiratory tract infectious diseases. The associations between the reasons for antibiotic prescription to patients not requiring antibiotics before viewing the educational film and the positive effects of the intervention were analyzed. Results: The educational intervention positively affected prescribing trends among physicians who prescribed antibiotics for “fever” in mild acute rhinosinusitis (prescription rates from 100% to 25.9%), “pus in the laryngopharynx” in mild acute pharyngitis (prescription rates from 100% to 29.6%), and “purulent sputum” in acute bronchitis without chronic lung disease (prescription rates from 100% to 29.9%) before viewing the film. In contrast, no benefits were observed when the justification was “patient’s desire for antibiotics” in mild acute pharyngitis (prescription rates from 100% to 48.5%) and acute bronchitis without chronic lung disease (prescription rates from 100% to 44.0%) or “parents’ desire for antibiotics” in narrowly defined common cold in children (prescription rates from 100% to 45.7%). Conclusions: although educational interventions might reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescription by providing accurate knowledge about respiratory tract infections, they appear ineffective for physicians who prescribe antibiotics based on patients’ or parents’ desires for antibiotic treatment.

Respiratory Carriage of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus-Encoding Gene in Hajj Pilgrims.

To assess the carriage of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-encoding genes (MRSA) among French Hajj pilgrim cohorts. A prospective cohort study was conducted on pilgrims from Marseille during the 2014 to 2018 Hajj. Respiratory samples were collected before and after the pilgrimage. S. aureus and then MRSA-encoding genes were identified using real-time PCR. A total of 606 pilgrims were included with a sex ratio of 1:1.3 with a median age of 61 years (interquartile = 56-66 years, range = 21-88 years). A total of 511/606 (84.3%) pilgrims presented at least one respiratory symptom during their pilgrimage. Cough was the most frequent symptom occurring in 76.2% of pilgrims, followed by sore throat (57.6%), rhinitis (54.6%), and voice failure (36.3%). 87 (14.4%) were positive with S. aureus before travelling. On return, 130/606 (21.4%) participants were positive. The acquisition rate of S. aureus was 13.0% (79/606). The prevalence of MRSA pre- and post-travel and acquisition rate was 4.1% (25/606), 10.6% (62/606), and 8.2% (50/606), respectively. All MRSA were positive with mecA gene. No case was positive with mecC. Our study highlights the importance of surveillance and infection control measures during mass gatherings such as the Hajj to mitigate the spread of infectious pathogens, including antimicrobial-resistant bacteria like MRSA. Further research is warranted to elucidate the specific factors contributing to S. aureus and MRSA transmission during the pilgrimage and to inform targeted interventions aimed at reducing the burden of MRSA infection among pilgrims.

Over-the-counter antibiotics compromising aminoglycoside activity.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue that needs addressing. While antibiotic stewardship has improved often by restricting antibiotic use, some antibiotics that are still sold legally over the counter (OTC), notably in sore throat medications. Recent findings suggest OTC antibiotics could trigger cross-resistance to antibiotics used in clinical treatments, whether systemic or topical. Here we investigated the impact of three antibiotics contained in OTC sore throat medicines on emerging AMR in vitro. Bacterial pathogens were exposed to a bactericidal concentration of an aminoglycoside in the presence or absence of a during-use concentration of bacitracin, gramicidin or tyrothricin in a time-kill assay. Damage to the bacterial membrane was also investigated by measuring potassium leakage and membrane potential alteration post-OTC antibiotic exposure. Gramicidin (15 µg/mL) significantly decreased the bactericidal activity of amikacin, tobramycin or gentamicin in Acinetobacter baumannii. It also decreased gentamicin bactericidal activity in Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while tyrothricin decreased the aminoglycoside efficacy in E. cloacae and E. coli. Gramicidin significantly decreased bacterial membrane potential and caused significant potassium leakage. Gramicidin and to some extent tyrothricin impacted aminoglycoside efficacy by affecting membrane potential, which is essential for aminoglycosides uptake. Thus, some OTC antibiotics can interfere with aminoglycoside activity, which could in turn affect treatment efficacy. Although the likelihood of OTC antibiotics and aminoglycosides being used at the same time might not be common, this research highlights one potential reason for OTC antibiotics' usage to result in treatment failure and their contribution to AMR development.

Real world effectiveness of early ensitrelvir treatment in patients with SARS-CoV-2, a retrospective case series

BackgroundEnsitrelvir, a 3C-like protease inhibitor, received emergency approval in Japan in November 2022 for treating non-hospitalized patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. However, confirmation of its real-world clinical effectiveness is limited. MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated 18 vaccinated outpatients (15 men; median age, 39.5 years; range, 26–56), treated with a 5-day oral ensitrelvir regimen (375 mg loading dose, followed by 125 mg daily) between December 1, 2022, and January 31, 2023. Nasal swabs were collected on days 0, 3, 6, and 9 for RT-qPCR to assess viral load. Variants were identified by Sanger sequencing, and outcomes were compared to historical controls. Patients were followed for 60 days to monitor for post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). ResultsSymptoms such as mild fever and sore throat improved rapidly after one day of ensitrelvir treatment, with 66 % of patients recovering within six days. All individuals were infected with the BA.5 Omicron variant. Viral loads, as measured by Ct values, increased significantly from 21.82 at symptom onset to 37.65 b y day 6, with SARS-CoV-2 RNA undetectable in most patients by day 9. Those treated within 48 h of symptom onset showed the viral load reduction. Compared to historical controls, where symptom resolution took 8.5 days, ensitrelvir shortened recovery time to as little as 1.4 days for over 66 % of patients. ConclusionEnsitrelvir treatment resulted in rapid symptom relief and significant viral load reduction, with no adverse events, viral rebound, or PASC symptoms, demonstrating its potential efficacy and safety. Larger studies are needed for further confirmation.

Self-reported health effects from wildfire smoke: A cross-sectional study in New York State

Abstract Background Wildfires and exposure to wildfire smoke (WFS) are forecasted to increase, in part driven by climate change. As witnessed in 2023, regions in Europe and North America are facing more sustained periods of poor air quality due to WFS. Growing evidence suggests average daily WFS correlates with morbidity and mortality, but the impact of prolonged WFS exposure remains understudied, especially in areas where WFS is a newer occurrence. We examine associations between consecutive days of WFS experienced and self-reported health symptoms in the northeastern United States. Methods This retrospective cross-sectional study explored New York State (NYS) residents’ experience with WFS in summer 2023 via an online survey. Participants reported the longest period of consecutive WFS days and symptoms experienced. Log-binomial regression models estimated prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results 553 NYS residents were included, representing a healthy, primarily female and White population, ranging from 18 to 86 years. 549 (99.3%) reported experiencing WFS, with the longest period of consecutive WFS days varying (≤3 days: n = 152; 4 to 6 days: n = 255; ≥7 days: n = 146). 490 (88.6%) reported ≥1 health symptom, with itchy/watery eyes, sore throat, and headache as the most frequent. Compared to ≤ 3 consecutive WFS days, symptom prevalence was 9.1% higher for those reporting 4 to 6 days (PR [95% CI]:1.09 [1.00, 1.19]) and 16.7% higher for ≥7 days (1.17 [1.07, 1.27]). The trend of increased symptom prevalence with longer WFS periods persisted and was pronounced for specific symptoms. Control for potential confounders did not appreciably change estimates. Conclusions Our findings suggest longer sustained WFS exposure associates with higher symptom prevalence, which may be precursors to more serious health conditions. As global populations face more WFS with climate change, public health professionals should prioritize strategies to mitigate prolonged exposure. Key messages • In a convenience sample of 553 primarily healthy New York State residents, 99.3% reported experiencing wildfire smoke and 88.6% reported at least 1 symptom of poor health during summer 2023. • Associations between consecutive days of wildfire smoke experienced and prevalence of any and specific symptoms tended to vary in a dose-response manner.

Clinical characteristics and distinguishing factors of patients with COVID-19 complicated with active pulmonary tuberculosis.

The current study was conducted aimed at exploring the clinical characteristics and distinguishing factors of patients with the novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19) complicated with active pulmonary tuberculosis. A total of 354 patients with COVID-19 in our hospital from November 2022 to February 2023 were included in the present study, of whom 87 patients were also combined with active pulmonary tuberculosis. Significant differences were found in fever, fatigue, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sore throat, expectoration, and weight loss between the two groups (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte count, monocyte, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and CD4/CD8 between the two groups (p < 0.05). There were significant differences in pulmonary consolidation, multifocal ground-glass opacities in both lungs and infiltrating shadows, "cavity" by CT imaging between the two groups (p < 0.05). The independent variables were set as the indicators with different results of clinical characteristics and CT imaging, including fever, fatigue, nasal congestion, nasal discharge, sore throat, expectoration, weight loss, leukocytes, count neutrophils and lymphocytes, monocytes, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, CD4/CD8, pulmonary consolidation, multifocal ground-glass opacities in both lungs and infiltration shadows. Our findings have revealed that fever, fatigue, expectoration, leukocytes, neutrophils, monocytes, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, lymphocytes, CD4/CD8, pulmonary consolidation, multifocal ground-glass opacities in both lungs, and infiltration shadows were the risk factors responsible for the patients with COVID-19 complicated with active pulmonary tuberculosis.

Use of McIsaac Scoring and Rapid Streptococcal Antigen Detection Test for Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children

Use of McIsaac Scoring and Rapid Streptococcal Antigen Detection Test for Diagnosis of Group A Streptococcal Pharyngitis in Children

The effect of COVID-19 vaccination on symptomatic infection and related symptoms among preterm-born children aged 3–7 years in China

Vaccination plays a crucial role in preventing and controlling SARS-CoV-2 infections as well as their associated adverse outcomes. But there is a notable lack of research on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination in children, particularly those young preterm-born children, who are more vulnerable to severe outcomes from SARS-CoV-2 infection. We aimed to determine the effect of vaccination with inactivated vaccines BBIBP-CorV and CoronaVac on symptomatic COVID-19 infection and related symptoms in preterm-born children aged 3–7 years after relaxation of the COVID-19 prevention and control measures in December 2022 in China. We performed a retrospective cohort study involving 242 preterm-born children aged 3–7 years and the data were collected in March 2023. Logistic regression models and modified Poisson regression models combined with entropy balancing were used to explore the associations of vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 with symptomatic COVID-19, specific symptoms, and persistent symptoms one month after recovery from COVID-19. Of the 242 recruited preterm-born children, 156 (64.5%) were vaccinated with inactivated vaccines BBIBP‐CorV and CoronaVac. After entropy balancing, the covariates were balanced between the vaccinated and the unvaccinated groups, with standardized mean difference < 0.001. Vaccination with the said SARS-CoV-2 vaccines lowered the risk of developing symptomatic COVID-19 in preterm-born children (risk ratio [RR] = 0.783; 95% confidence interval [CI]: (0.711, 0.861). Likewise, COVID-19 vaccination was associated with a decline in the risk of pneumonia (odds ratio [OR] = 0.318; 95% CI 0.110, 0.913), fever (RR = 0.710; 95% CI 0.635, 0.794), high fever (RR = 0.542; 95% CI 0.297, 0.988), sore throat (OR = 0.304; 95% CI 0.139, 0.664), and persistent symptoms (RR = 0.425; 95% CI 0.182, 0.993). Immunization with inactivated vaccines BBIBP‐CorV and CoronaVac provides protection against symptomatic COVID-19 for preterm-born children 3–7 years.

Acute Ear, Nose and Throat Pain in Children in Brazzaville

Objective: To evaluate the intensity of acute pain associated with ENT conditions during consultations and the effectiveness of the analgesic prescribed. Patients and Methods: We conducted a prospective, experimental, randomised, double-blind study in the ENT CCF department of the CHUB. The study took place over a period of 9 months (01 March to 30 November 2021) and involved only children aged 2-12 years presenting with an acute ENT complaint and having been treated in the ENT consultation department of the CHUB. Paracetamol and ibuprofen were administered after pain assessment. Results: During the study period, 60 patients presented with acute ENT complaints and were managed on an outpatient basis. The mean age was 7.7 +/- 31 years, with extremes ranging from 2 to 12 years. Tekes were the most represented ethnic group at 58.4%. Schoolchildren represented the most common school level. Acute pain affected patients' life activities. Acute pharyngitis was the most common pathology. Acute ENT pain. Paracetamol and ibuprofen were the molecules most frequently used, and pain was virtually absent on the 3rd day of use (96.7% and 75% respectively for paracetamol and ibuprofen). Conclusion : Acute pain in children is often underestimated or sometimes inadequately treated.

Analysis of the efficacy of vocal cord botulinum toxin injection for refractory laryngeal contact granuloma

Objective: To observe the efficacy of vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection in the treatment of refractory laryngeal contact granuloma and to analyze the factors affecting the curative effect. Methods: Fifty-two patients with refractory laryngeal contact granuloma who received vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection under topical anesthesia from May 2021 to May 2023 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, 51 were males and 1 was female, aged 22-66 (48.98±8.87)years old. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 12 months. Outcome measures in terms of patient cure rate, total effective rate, complications and recurrence rate were calculated. The median [M (Q1, Q3)] was used to represent non-normally distributed measurement data, and Logistic regression analysis was used to determine independent risk factors affecting efficacy. Results: The cure rate of 52 patients with refractory laryngeal contact granuloma treated by vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection was 78.8% (41/52), and the total effective rate (including cure, marked and effective) was 90.4% (47/52). The median number of injections was 1[1,2]. Following a single injection, the cure rate was 69.2% (36/52), and the median treatment duration for cured patients was 3 [3,3] months. Hoarseness occurred in 88.5% (46/52) of patients, with recovery within 3 months in all cases. Additionally, 21.2% (11/52) of the patients experienced cough, sore throat, dyspnea, all of whom recovered within 3 months. One patient among the 41 cured cases was lost to follow-up, and the recurrence rate at the 12th month was 17.5% (7/40). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that age, granuloma size, history of PPI treatment, previous corticosteroid injections, prior surgical excision, pharyngeal reflux, chronic cough, pharyngeal reflux, chronic cough and vocal overuse were not independent risk factors for cure and recurrence. Conclusion: Vocal cord botulinum toxin type A injection is an alternative for the treatment of refractory laryngeal contact granuloma, which offers benefits such ashigh cure rate, short treatment cycle and less injection times.

Review: Current Laboratory and Point-of-Care Pharyngitis Diagnostic Testing and Knowledge Gaps.

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory condition of the pharynx and/or tonsils commonly seen in both children and adults. Viruses and bacteria represent the most common encountered etiologic agents-yeast/fungi and parasites are infrequently implicated. Some of these are predominantly observed in unique populations (eg, immunocompromised or unvaccinated individuals). This manuscript (part 2 of 3) summarizes the current state of laboratory and point-of-care diagnostic testing and highlights the expanding role of nucleic acid amplification in the expedited diagnosis and management of patients with acute pharyngitis. It discusses preanalytical, analytical, and postanalytical variables that impact the performance of culture, rapid antigen, and nucleic acid amplification testing. Finally, it sets the stage for part 3, which discusses the emerging role of biomarkers in the management of individuals with acute pharyngitis.

Epidemiology of human metapneumovirus in Taiwan from 2013 to 2023

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a member of the genus Metapneumovirus in the family Pneumoviridae of the order Mononegavirales that can cause upper and lower respiratory tract disease. This retrospective study describes the epidemiology of hMPV based on community viral surveillance results from sentinel sites across Taiwan from 2013 to 2023. A total of 114 hMPV strains were isolated and analyzed to assess viral evolution through sequencing of their fusion protein genes. This study revealed that hMPV cases occur almost year-round in Taiwan, with a peak occurring during spring (March to May). Of the 114 infected patients, 68.4% were children under 4 years old. The geographical distribution of hMPV positivity was highest in Penghu County, followed by Changhua County and Hsinchu County. The clinical symptoms of hMPV infection are nonspecific, with fever (56.1%), cough (44.7%), rhinorrhea (21.1%), and sore throat (14.9%) being the most common. However, a few patients also developed severe central nervous system symptoms (1.8%) or dyspnea (0.9%). Phylogenetic analysis revealed genetic diversity among the 114 isolated hMPV strains, with the A2 lineage (57.9%) being the most frequently observed, followed by the B2 lineage (33.3%), in the Taiwanese community from 2013 to 2023. In conclusion, hMPV causes a serious acute respiratory disease in Taiwan that should not be neglected. Further epidemiological surveillance and investigations of the clinical characteristics of hMPV should be performed continually for prevention and control of this virus.

Review: Known, Emerging, and Remerging Pharyngitis Pathogens.

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory condition of the pharynx and/or tonsils commonly seen in both children and adults. Viruses and bacteria represent the most common encountered etiologic agents-yeast/fungi and parasites are infrequently implicated. Some of these are predominantly observed in unique populations (eg, immunocompromised or unvaccinated individuals). This article (part 1 of 3) summarizes the impact of acute pharyngitis on the health care system and reviews the etiologic agents of acute pharyngitis, including both emerging and reemerging pathogens that health care providers should consider when evaluating their patients. Finally, it sets the stage for parts 2 and 3, which discuss the current and evolving state of diagnostic testing for acute pharyngitis.

Review: Diagnostic Potential for Collaborative Pharyngitis Biomarkers.

Pharyngitis is an inflammatory condition of the pharynx and/or tonsils commonly seen in both children and adults. Viruses and bacteria represent the most common encountered etiologic agents-yeast/fungi and parasites are infrequently implicated. Some of these are predominantly observed in unique populations (eg, immunocompromised or unvaccinated individuals). This manuscript (part 3 of 3) summarizes the current state of biomarker diagnostic testing and highlights the expanding role they will likely play in the expedited diagnosis and management of patients with acute pharyngitis. Biomarkers, in conjunction with rapid antigen and/or nucleic acid amplification testing, will likely become the standard of care to accurately diagnose the etiologic agent(s) of pharyngitis. This novel testing paradigm has the potential to guide appropriate patient management and antibiotic stewardship by accurately determining if the cause of pharyngitis is due to a viral or bacterial etiology.

Effects of Nebulization With Ketamine and Budesonide on Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries Under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Clinical Study

Effects of Nebulization With Ketamine and Budesonide on Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries Under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Clinical Study

Epidemiology, presentation, management and outcomes of patients with acute epiglottitis - A 10-year retrospective study based on a tertiary hospital in northern China.

This study aimed to explore the new clinical characteristics and trends of acute epiglottitis (AE) in northern China. A retrospective, observational study was conducted on patients diagnosed with AE between January 2014 and December 2023 at a single-center medical institution in northern China. The clinical profiles of patients with AE were investigated. This study encompassed 366 AE patients (M: F = 1.79:1). The average age of the patients was 47.31 ± 13.18 years, and 33.4% patients had comorbidities. Common initial symptoms: sore throat (93.17%), dysphagia (48.09%), fever (10.65%). Dyspnea reported in 14.48%. AE incidence rose annually over a decade, with mild seasonal variations.Laryngoscopy remains the primary means of confirming AE. Almost all patients received intravenous antibiotic therapy, and 98% of them were also treated with corticosteroids. Emergency airway intervention needed in 2.73% (cricothyroidotomy: 0.54%; tracheotomy: 2.19%). Among all patients, 353 (96.44%) had a good prognosis, 1 death (0.27%) from cardiopulmonary arrest during tracheotomy, 1 anoxic encephalopathy (0.27%) after tracheotomy in the emergency room due to intubation failure. The incidence rate of AE is on the rise. Even if airway intervention is rarely required, clinicians must maintain a high degree of vigilance and conduct early identification of risk factors and emergencies that could progress severe cases into life-threatening. Furthermore, the development of safe and efficacious management strategies is crucial to prevent catastrophic complications and safeguard patient lives.

Study on the Correction Between Postoperative Sore Throat and Intraoperative Hypothermia in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Study on the Correction Between Postoperative Sore Throat and Intraoperative Hypothermia in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Association between sore throat and early immune responses against COVID-19 before and after the emergence of the Omicron variant.

Sore throat is a prevalent symptom of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), particularly when caused by the Omicron variants. However, the association between sore throat and immune responses to different severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 variants remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the characteristics of immune responses associated with sore throat in patients with COVID-19 before and after the emergence of Omicron. In this prospective observational study, we enrolled patients with COVID-19 hospitalized between December 2020 and April 2022, which covered the pre-Omicron and Omicron (BA.1 variant) endemic periods. Sore throat was assessed using a daily questionnaire, including an analog scale for sore throat grade (0 to 3) from admission until discharge. Serum levels of immune indicators were assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A total of 47 patients infected with Omicron and 136 patients infected with preceding variants were included in the analyses. The frequency of sore throat was significantly higher in participants infected with Omicron than that in those infected with preceding variants (66% vs. 42%, P<0.005). Sore throat was associated with nasopharyngeal viral load, interleukin-6 (IL-6)/interferon-α (IFN-α) levels in participants infected with preceding variants, whereas, it was associated with age, the body mass index, and interferon-λ1 (IFN-λ1) in participants infected with Omicron. Infection with the Omicron variant is characterized by increased sore throat frequency and altered associations between sore throat and several immune indicators, including IFN-α, IL-6, and IFN-λ1.