Current Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak Research Articles

Specific Immune Marker Associated With Coronavirus Disease 2019

Background: The infection that caused the pneumonia, the virus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the source of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the source of the global pandemic. The pneumonia cases began in Wuhan, China in December 2019 and had no apparent reason. Essential inflammatory mediators Chemokines are necessary for an immune response to eliminate pathogens. However, the fundamental cause of hyperinflammation is their excessive release. Chemokines may be directly responsible for the acute respiratory illness syndrome in the current COVID-19 outbreak. Objective: The current study aimed to estimate hematological changes with immunogenic markers CD177, GNLY, and CXCR4 gene expression in COVID-19 patients, and compare these parameters among patients and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted at Al-Yarmouk Teaching Hospital and Medical Teaching Laboratories. Finally, to detect the immune markers level in samples of patients, by RT-PCR. Results: The results revealed the gene expression results in patients with COVID-19 means Ct difference of CD177 (24.70) fold more than (10.5) elevated when compared with the mean of Ct control healthy group is (28.21) fold of gene expression is 1.00 of CD177 when our study showed increased gene expression the mean of GNLY Ct receptor was reached to (28.70 ng/L) with fold more than 15.0 in COVID-19 patients, while mean Ct in healthy control was (32.61 ng/L) with fold 1.00, the current study found mean CT of CXCR4 gene expression ( 31.2) with fold (1.1) compared with healthy control CT(31.3) fold of gene expression was (1.0). Conclusion: It was concluded that COVID-19 caused significant changes in many immunological parameters and found the titer of immune markers was higher in infection compared with control.

Lessons Learned from COVID-19 to better address future threats to global health security: A Critical Analysis of Experts Perspectives

Emerging infectious diseases have had a significant impact on the Asia-Pacific region in recent years, including a severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak that occurred in 2002-2003, which had a substantial impact on several Asia-Pacific economies, the outbreak of highly pathogenic Asian avian influenza A (H5N1) that followed in 2006, strains of H1N1, and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). There is an increasing frequency and impact of emerging infectious diseases (EID), as demonstrated by the current global outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019). The Asia-Pacific region is particularly vulnerable to the spread of EID across national borders. In collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia, the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Health Working Group conducted an International Workshop on Managing Emerging Infectious Diseases (MEID) in Jakarta, Indonesia, on 12–16 September 2022. The workshop focused on a lesson-learning approach and aimed to strengthen global and domestic preparedness for the next pandemic. Four key lessons can be drawn from the APEC region's COVID-19 pandemic. First, zoonotic outbreaks threaten health security, making One Health an urgent necessity. Secondly, collaboration and partnership are essential to combating the pandemic. Thirdly, decisive leadership is essential at all global and local levels. Finally, risk communication builds trust and acknowledges uncertainty during a crisis. These lessons could strengthen the evidence base for regional policy responses and better responses to future threats.

Epidemiological and molecular description of nosocomial outbreak of COVID-19 Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant in Saudi Arabia

BackgroundNosocomial outbreaks frequently occurred during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic; however, sharing experiences on outbreak containment is vital to reduce the related burden in different locations. ObjectivesThis article aims at sharing a practical experience on COVID-19 outbreak containment, including contact tracing, screening of target population, testing including molecular analysis, and preventive modalities. It also provides an epidemiological and molecular analysis of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS‑CoV‑2) infection outbreak in a tertiary care hospital in Saudi Arabia. MethodsThe outbreak occurred in a non-COVID medical ward at a tertiary care hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, from 22nd March and 15th April 2021. The multidisciplinary outbreak response team performed clinical and epidemiological investigations. Whole-Genome Sequencing (WGS) was implemented on selected isolates for further molecular characterization. ResultsA total of eight nurses (20 % of the assigned ward nurses) and six patients (16.2 % of the ward admitted patients at the time of the outbreak) tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus based on PCR testing. The outbreak investigation identified strong evidence of an epidemiologic link between the affected cases. WGS revealed a set of spike mutations and deletions specific to the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage). All the nurses had mild symptoms, and the fatality among the patients was 50 % (three out of the six patients). ConclusionsThe current nosocomial COVID-19 outbreak, caused by the Alpha variant, revealed multiple breaches in the adherence to the hospital infection control recommended measures. Containment strategies were successful in controlling the outbreak and limiting infection spread. Molecular analysis and genome sequencing are essential tools besides epidemiological investigation to inform appropriate actions, especially with emerging pathogens.

From Bilateral Periorbital Necrotic Wound to Fungal Brain Abscess: A Complicated Case of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis

COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) is categorized as rhinocerebral-orbital (RCOM), pulmonary, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and disseminated mucormycosis. An alarming surge in morbidity and mortality attributed to mucormycosis concurrent with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a cause for concern during the current outbreak of COVID-19. The global incidence of CAM has been attributed to environmental, host, and iatrogenic factors. Further, Mucorales interacting with epithelial cells followed by endothelium invasion are pivotal in developing mucormycosis in patients with COVID-19. In essence, CAM is an emerging condition that requires increased vigilance in all COVID-19 patients, including those who have recovered. In this case report, we describe a rare case of CAM in a 33-year-old immunocompetent man who developed bilateral periocular pain and a small area of cutaneous necrosis in both medial canthi associated with impaired vision, which progressed into a fungal brain abscess formation in the post-COVID period. Furthermore, this case aims to illustrate the potential underlying risk factors of CAM other than known risk factors, especially in immunocompetent individuals.

Genomic evolution of the Coronaviridae family

The current outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) caused by SARS-CoV-2 poses unparalleled challenges to global public health. SARS-CoV-2 is a Betacoronavirus, one of four genera belonging to the Coronaviridae subfamily Orthocoronavirinae. Coronaviridae, in turn, are members of the order Nidovirales, a group of enveloped, positive-stranded RNA viruses. Here we present a systematic phylogenetic and evolutionary study based on protein domain architecture, encompassing the entire proteomes of all Orthocoronavirinae, as well as other Nidovirales. This analysis has revealed that the genomic evolution of Nidovirales is associated with extensive gains and losses of protein domains. In Orthocoronavirinae, the sections of the genomes that show the largest divergence in protein domains are found in the proteins encoded in the amino-terminal end of the polyprotein (PP1ab), the spike protein (S), and many of the accessory proteins. The diversity among the accessory proteins is particularly striking, as each subgenus possesses a set of accessory proteins that is almost entirely specific to that subgenus. The only notable exception to this is ORF3b, which is present and orthologous over all Alphacoronaviruses. In contrast, the membrane protein (M), envelope small membrane protein (E), nucleoprotein (N), as well as proteins encoded in the central and carboxy-terminal end of PP1ab (such as the 3C-like protease, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, and Helicase) show stable domain architectures across all Orthocoronavirinae. This comprehensive analysis of the Coronaviridae domain architecture has important implication for efforts to develop broadly cross-protective coronavirus vaccines.

Comparison of various epidemic models on the COVID-19 outbreak in Indonesia

This paper compares four mathematical models to describe Indonesia's current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The daily confirmed case data are used to develop the four models: Logistic, Richards, SIR, and SEIR. A least-square fitting computes each parameter to the available confirmed cases data. We conducted parameterization and sensitivity experiments by varying the length of the data from 60 until 300 days of transmission. All models are susceptible to the epidemic data. Though the correlations between the models and the data are pretty good (>90%), all models still show a poor performance (RMSE>18%). In this study case, Richards model is superior to other models from the highest projection of the positive cases of COVID-19 in Indonesia. At the same time, others underestimate the outbreak and estimate too early decreasing phase. Richards model predicts that the pandemic remains high for a long time, while others project the pandemic will finish much earlier.

Realities and Challenges of Healthcare Workers in Kosovo during COVID-19: An Overview in Healthcare Workers

Introduction: Healthcare workers across the world have been raised to the demands of treating COVID-19 patients, potentially at significant cost to their own health and wellbeing. The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused an increasing of challenges for healthcare professionals not only in Kosovo but globally. However, the psychological impact and change behavior, of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, among healthcare workers, are still unknown. Aim: The purpose of this paper is to know the reality and challenges of healthcare workers in Kosovo during the current COVID-19 outbreak. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, online survey which was conducted from 15 March 2020 to 30 July 2020 on 309 healthcare workers at three hospitals in Kosovo. An online survey questionnaire was used to collect data on participants’ characteristics, questions about gel hand sanitizer, disposable gloves, masks, facial protective shields, including questions such as: Do they have any chronic disease? Do they have fear from infection? Were they getting information about COVID-19? Do they have a stress during their work? Do they carry about public health measures and policies? The study protocol was approved by the ethical commission of our university. Findings: A total of 309 healthcare workers and medical practices completed the online survey. Most participants were female (n = 233; 75.4%), and live in city (n = 174; 56.3%). Based on their income (n = 250; 80.9%), by having a middle income and (n = 44; 14.2%) low income. Regarding provide services to people with COVID-19, 69.3% of participants were directly with infected patients, and during this time those who were worried to get infected with coronavirus were 31.4%, who said that they were afraid of becoming infected. The frustration was that if they become infected, the possibility of transmitting the virus to other family members will increase, where 35% stated that they are very scared and extremely scared 21.4%. Conclusion: Our study highlighted the importance of taking into consideration the experiences and concerns on front-line staff during pandemic. Factors such as older age, being female, chronic diseases and trainings may protect healthcare workers from fear during pandemic.

Developing a Minimum Dataset for a Mobile-based Contact Tracing System for the COVID-19 Pandemic

Context: Contact tracing is a cornerstone community-based measure for augmenting public health response preparedness to epidemic diseases such as the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). However, there is no an agreed data collection tool for the unified reporting of COVID-19 contact tracing efforts at the national level. Objectives: The purpose of this research was to determine the COVID-19 Contact Tracing Minimal Dataset (COV-CT-MDS) as a prerequisite to develop a mobile-based contact tracing system for the COVID-19 outbreak. Methods: This study was carried out in 2020 by a combination of literature review coupled with a two-round Delphi survey. First, the probable data elements were identified using an extensive literature review in scientific databases, including PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest, Science Direct, and Web of Science (WOS). Then, the core data elements were validated using a two-round Delphi survey. Results: Out of 388 articles, 24 were eligible to be included in the study. By the full-text study of the included articles and after the Delphi survey, the designed COV-CT-MDS was categorized into two clinical and administrative data sections, nine data classes, and 81 data fields. Conclusions: COV-CT-MDS is an efficient and valid tool that could provide a basis for collecting comprehensive and standardized data on COVID-19 contact tracing. It could also provide scientific teamwork for health care authorities, which may lead to the enhanced quality of documentation, research, and surveillance outcomes.

SP2-4 Impact of COVID-19 on clinical practice and research in oncology in Singapore – experience of the National University Cancer Institute

The viral pathogen, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is the strain of coronavirus responsible for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly disrupted the care of cancer patients worldwide. Despite the widespread disruption, the continual delivery of cancer care remains essential. The multidisciplinary, time-sensitive, and resource-intensive nature of cancer care generates unique challenges during a viral pandemic. In this presentation, building on our collective experience from the severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) epidemic of 2003, I will share lessons learnt during the SARS 2003 crisis and how these have shaped current policies and workflows at a comprehensive cancer centre in Singapore during the current COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, approaches that enabled the continuity of (a) patient care (b) clinical research and (c) education will also be described. Strategies include the use of a segregated-team work flow, resource conservation and allocation, clear communication from senior management, and standardised management of oncology patients with suspected infection. The impact on outpatient clinic load, utilization rate of chemotherapy chairs, average waiting time for new consults and to start treatment will also be presented.

Tracking safe haven properties of cryptocurrencies during the COVID-19 pandemic: A smooth transition approach

The study aims to examine the hedge and safe-haven properties of three heavyweight cryptocurrencies—Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum—against the stock, commodity, and foreign exchange markets. The study sample covers the period of August 2011 to September 2020 and therefore includes the current coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) crisis. Using a logistic smooth transition regression model (LSTR2), the study findings indicate the ability of monitored cryptocurrencies to act as safe-haven assets, but such behavior differs across markets. Interestingly, during the pandemic period, Ethereum provides the strongest safe haven function for the commodity market. According to our findings, we are mindful of that the COVID-19 outbreak provides an exciting opportunity to advance our knowledge of the prominence of new coins such as Ethereum that are gradually gaining supremacy in the cryptocurrency market to the detriment of traditional cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.

Handwashing revisited in dental practice during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Healthcare-associated infections are well-studied in the literature, but remain a significant challenge for healthcare workers (HCWs) in dental practice. This type of infection is strongly correlated with the hand route of transmission of infectious agents. Thus, hand hygiene can be considered a crucial element in the prevention and control of infections.The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is an experience of a new human coronavirus infection that has been difficult for HCWs, such as dentists and dental assistants, to control. Handwashing (HW) is a keystone method for the prevention and control of spreading severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).In healthcare settings, contrary to the general consideration of HW as a simple practice, HW is regarded as a specific procedure that should be clearly instructed to HCWs. Handwashing is based on using a correct method and the necessary equipment, and its role should be continually emphasized to reinforce compliance. Proper HW might contribute to avoiding possible cross-infection during healthcare activities, particularly in the pandemic situation.The aim of this article was to report on different HW techniques in medical and dental practice, and appropriate HW equipment to perform this simple but important procedure to prevent cross-infection, particularly during the current COVID-19 outbreak.

Predict The Spread of COVID-19 in Iran with A SEIR Model

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has recently been declared a pandemic and spread over 200 countries and territories. Forecasting the long-term trend of the COVID-19 epidemic can help health authorities determine the transmission characteristics of the virus and take appropriate prevention and control strategies beforehand. Previous studies that solely applied traditional epidemic models or machine learning models were subject to underfitting or overfitting problems. This paper designed a predictive model based on the mathematical model Susceptible-Exposed-Infective-Recovered (SEIR). SEIR is represented by a set of differential-algebraic equations incorporated with machine learning techniques to fit the data reported to estimate the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic in long-term in the Islamic Republic of Iran up to the end of July 0f 2020. This paper reduced R0 after a certain amount of days to account for containment measures and used delays to allow for lagging official data. Two evaluation criteria, R2 and RMSE, had used in this research which estimates the model on officially reported confirmed cases from different regions in Iran. The results proved the model’s effectiveness in simulating and predicting the trend of the COVID-19 outbreak. Results showed the integrated approach of epidemic and machine learning models could accurately forecast the long-term trend of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Unveiling the Potential Role of Nanozymes in Combating the COVID-19 Outbreak.

The current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak is considered as one of the biggest public health challenges and medical emergencies of the century. A global health emergency demands an urgent development of rapid diagnostic tools and advanced therapeutics for the mitigation of COVID-19. To cope with the current crisis, nanotechnology offers a number of approaches based on abundance and versatile functioning. Despite major developments in early diagnostics and control of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), there is still a need to find effective nanomaterials with low cost, high stability and easy use. Nanozymes are nanomaterials with innate enzyme-like characteristics and exhibit great potential for various biomedical applications such as disease diagnosis and anti-viral agents. Overall the potential and contribution of nanozymes in the fight against SARS-CoV-2 infection i.e., rapid detection, inhibition of the virus at various stages, and effective vaccine development strategies, is not fully explored. This paper discusses the utility and potential of nanozymes from the perspective of COVID-19. Moreover, future research directions and potential applications of nanozymes are highlighted to overcome the challenges related to early diagnosis and therapeutics development for the SARS-CoV-2. We anticipate the current perspective will play an effective role in the existing response to the COVID-19 crisis.

Levels and predictors of fear and health anxiety during the current outbreak of COVID-19 in immunocompromised and chronic disease patients in Saudi Arabia: A cross-sectional correlational study.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection has become a clinical threat to healthy people as well as immunocompromised patients and those with pre-existing chronic diseases around the world. This study, which used a cross-sectional correlational design, aimed to assess the levels of fear and health anxiety and to investigate their predictors during the current outbreak of COVID-19 in immunocompromised and chronic disease patients in Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic and clinical data, fear of COVID-19, and health anxiety measurements were collected by online surveys from June 15 to July 15, 2020. Univariate and multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify predictors. A total of 1,030 patients in 13 provinces in Saudi Arabia completed the questionnaire. A significant number of patients with chronic diseases experienced considerable levels of fear and anxiety during the COVID-19 outbreak. It was found that 21.44% of participants met the criteria for anxiety cases, and 19.4% were considered borderline anxiety cases. In regression analysis, significant predictors of fear and health anxiety were female gender, lower education, middle-aged, divorced or widowed, receiving immunosuppressants, type of chronic disease (Crohn’s disease, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases), and media use as a source of knowledge about COVID-19. Immunocompromised and chronic disease patients are vulnerable to fear and anxiety during epidemic infectious diseases such as COVID-19. Optimizing this population’s compliance with appropriate infection prevention and control strategies is crucial during the infectious outbreaks to ensure their safety, to decrease the risk of infection and serious complications, and reduce their fear and health anxiety. Effective positive psychological interventions and support strategies also need to be immediately implemented to increase psychological resilience and improve the mental health of these patients. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, chronic disease patients in Saudi Arabia need special attention from health authorities, policymakers, and healthcare professionals to manage maladaptive forms of health anxiety and fear.

Computed tomographic features of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia in three groups of Iranian patients: A single center study

Introduction and objectivesThe pivotal role of chest computed tomographic (CT) to diagnosis and prognosis coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still an open field to be explored. This study was conducted to assess the CT features in confirmed cases with COVID-19. Materials and methodsRetrospectively, initial chest CT data of 363 confirmed cases with COVID-19 were reviewed. All subjects were stratified into three groups based on patients’ clinical outcomes; non-critical group (n=194), critical group (n=65), and death group (n=104). The detailed of CT findings were collected from patients’ medical records and then evaluated for each group. In addition, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors according to CT findings in three groups of patients with COVID-19. ResultsCompared with the non-critical group, mixed ground-glass opacities (GGO) and consolidation lesion, pleural effusion lesion, presence of diffuse opacity in cases, more than 2 lobes involved and opacity scores were significantly higher in the critical and death groups (P<0.05). Having more mixed GGO with consolidation, pleural effusion, lack of pure GGO, more diffuse opacity, involvement of more than 2 lobes and high opacity score identified as independent risk factors of critical and death groups. ConclusionCT images of non-critical, critical and death groups with COVID-19 had definite characteristics. CT examination plays a vital role in managing the current COVID-19 outbreak, for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, initial CT findings may be useful to stratify patients, which have a potentially important utility in the current global medical situation.

COVID-19 and Gaza: The Ideal Time to Establish a Medical Reserve Corps of Public Health Preventive Medicine Specialists.

COVID-19 and Gaza: The Ideal Time to Establish a Medical Reserve Corps of Public Health Preventive Medicine Specialists.

Características en tomografía computarizada de la neumonía por coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19) en tres grupos de pacientes iraníes: estudio de un solo centro

Introduction and ObjectivesThe pivotal role of chest computed tomographic (CT) to diagnosis and prognosis coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is still an open field to be explored. This study was conducted to assess the CT features in confirmed cases with COVID-19. Materials and MethodsRetrospectively, initial chest CT data of 363 confirmed cases with COVID-19 were reviewed. All subjects were stratified into three groups based on patients’ clinical outcomes; non-critical group (n=194), critical group (n=65), and death group (n=104). The detailed of CT findings were collected from patients’ medical records and then evaluated for each group. In addition, multinomial logistic regression was used to analyze risk factors according to CT findings in three groups of patients with COVID-19. ResultsCompared with the non-critical group, mixed ground-glass opacities (GGO) and consolidation lesion, pleural effusion lesion, presence of diffuse opacity in cases, more than 2 lobes involved and opacity scores were significantly higher in the critical and death groups (P<0.05). Having more mixed GGO with consolidation, pleural effusion, lack of pure GGO, more diffuse opacity, involvement of more than 2 lobes and high opacity score identified as independent risk factors of critical and death groups. ConclusionCT images of non-critical, critical and death groups with COVID-19 had definite characteristics. CT examination plays a vital role in managing the current COVID-19 outbreak, for early detection of COVID-19 pneumonia. In addition, initial CT findings may be useful to stratify patients, which have a potentially important utility in the current global medical situation.

Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) outcomes during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have not been fully evaluated and some structural programs in the world have been suspended during this period. We sought to evaluate and compare clinical outcomes in patients undergoing TAVI in pandemic versus nonpandemic era. In a single center, we compared 198 TAVI patients performed during 2019 to 59 patients performed during the COVID-19 pandemic period (March 1st to June 30th, 2020). Primary outcome was procedural success according to VARC criteria and 30-day mortality rates. VARC-defined procedural success was high in both groups (93.3% vs 96.6%; p = 0.53). There were no differences in any vascular complications (26% vs 19%; p = 0.3), permanent pacemaker implantation (11.8% vs 15.3%; p = 0.63), and length of hospital stay (5.2 vs 4.2 days; p = 0.29). Thirty-day mortality was similar (3% vs 3.4%; p = 1.0). We had no documented COVID-19 disease in our patients during follow up. In conclusion, TAVI procedures can be performed effectively and safely during the COVID-9 pandemic, using a minimalist approach, early discharge, and by maintaining proper use of personal protective equipment.

An Insight Into COVID-19: A 21st Century Disaster and Its Relation to Immunocompetence and Food Antioxidants.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) ranks third in terms of fatal coronavirus diseases threatening public health, coming after SARS-CoV (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus), and MERS-CoV (Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus). SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2) causes COVID-19. On January 30, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that the current outbreak of COVID-19 is the sixth global health emergency. As of December 3, 2020, 64 million people worldwide have been affected by this malaise, and the global economy has experienced a loss of more than $1 trillion. SARS-CoV-2 is a positive-sense single-stranded RNA virus belonging to the Betacoronavirus genus. The high nucleotide sequence identity of SARS-CoV-2 with the BatCoV RaTG13 genome has indicated that bats could be the possible host of SARS-CoV-2. SARS-CoV-2 penetrates the host cell via binding its spike protein to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor, which is similar to the mechanisms of SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV. COVID-19 can spread from person to person via respiratory droplets and airborne and contaminated fomites. Moreover, it poses a significant risk to smokers, the elderly, immunocompromised people, and those with preexisting comorbidities. Two main approaches are used to control viral infections, namely, vaccination, and biosecurity. Studies to analyze the antigenicity and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine candidates are underway, and few vaccines may be available in the near future. In the current situation, the Human Biosecurity Emergency (HBE) may be the only way to cope effectively with the novel SARS-CoV-2 strain. Here, we summarize current knowledge on the origin of COVID-19 as well as its epidemiological relationship with humans and animals, genomic resemblance, immunopathogenesis, clinical-laboratory signs, diagnosis, control and prevention, and treatment. Moreover, we discuss the interventional effects of various nutrients on COVID-19 in detail. However, multiple possibilities are explored to fight COVID-19, and the greatest efforts targeted toward finding an effective vaccine in the near future. Furthermore, antioxidants, polyphenols, and flavonoids, both synthetic and natural, could play a crucial role in the fight against COVID-19.

COVID-19 pandemic: an online-based survey of knowledge, perception, and adherence to preventive measures among educated Nigerian adults

AimsOne of the ways to manage the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is to monitor the public knowledge, risk perceptions, adherence to preventive measures, and level of preparedness behaviors. This is important in resource-limited countries. This study determined the knowledge and perception regarding COVID-19; adherence to COVID-19 preventive measures; as well as predictors of self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 among Nigerian adults.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among Nigerian adults ≥18 years using an online survey. A convenience sampling method was utilized to recruit a total of 1022 study participants. The participants were recruited using the authors’ social media networks. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at a 5% level of statistical significance.ResultsGenerally, a high proportion of respondents had correct knowledge about COVID-19. However, only approximately half (49.8% and 49.9%) had correct knowledge that obesity was a risk factor for COVID-19 and that antibiotics cannot be used to treat COVID-19. Most (84.1%) did not have a self-perceived risk of contracting COVID-19. Most (81.0%) have been avoiding crowded places and 61.3% washed their hands frequently. Predictors of self-perceived risk of COVID-19 were age 40–59 years (OR 2.05, CI 1.217–3.435), ≥ 60 years (OR 4.68, CI 1.888–11.583), and visiting crowded places (OR 2.27, CI 1.499–3.448).ConclusionOur study recommends more rigorous public health education aimed at improving COVID-19 outbreak response in Nigeria. In addition, physical and social distancing should be emphasized across all age groups with additional focus on the older population.