Infected Subjects Research Articles

Early Versus Delayed Usage of Paxlovid in Severe Omicron-Infected Patients With Hypoxemia: A Prospective Multiple-Center Cohort Study.

Early stage administration of Paxlovid has been shown to improve the prognosis of mild to moderate COVID-19 patients with high risk. However, few evidence was validated in severe COVID-19 patients with hypoxemia. It is also unclear whether delayed usage of Paxlovid affected prognosis in COVID-19 patients or not. In this multiple-centers prospective study, we collected the clinical data in hospitalized severe adult Omicron infection patients with hypoxemia. All patients were divided into two groups according to the time of Paxlovid usage after the symptom onset: early group (Paxlovid administration in 5 days after symptom onset) and delayed group (Paxlovid administration beyond 5 days after symptom onset). The 28-day composite outcomes were evaluated. Totally 198 hospitalized severe omicron-infected subjects with hypoxemia were enrolled. There was no difference between the two groups about the baseline characteristics and laboratory parameters, except for leukocytes (5.29 × 109 vs. 7.90 × 109/L, p = 0.01) and albumin levels (35 vs. 31 g/L, p = 0.04). The 28-day composite outcomes in early group were slightly lower than that in delayed group but with no difference (12.8% vs. 16.67%, p = 0.602). The viral clearance ratio at Day 7 after Paxlovid treatment in early group was higher than that in delayed group (79.48% vs. 58.33%, p = 0.029). The medium hospitalized duration in early group was shorter than that in delayed group (11.31 vs. 15.32 days, p = 0.005). Logistic analysis showed the independent risk factors of prognosis including underlying diseases ≥ 3 kinds (ORR = 1.72), d-dimer ≥ 2.0 μg/mL (ORR = 1.35), and MODS (ORR = 14.01). In Omicron-infected subjects with hypoxemia, early usage of Paxlovid received benefits in hospitalized time and viral clearance, but delayed usage did not result in a worse composite prognosis. This result might provide direct evidence of antiviral strategy in severe Omicron infection subjects with hypoxemia.

Clinical epidemiology and impact of Haemophilus influenzae airway infections in adults with cystic fibrosis

BackgroundHaemophilus influenzae is prevalent within the airways of persons with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). H. influenzae is often associated with pulmonary exacerbations (PEx) in pediatric cohorts, but in adults, studies have yielded conflicting reports around the impact(s) on clinical outcomes such as lung function decline. Accordingly, we sought to discern the prevalence, natural history, and clinical impact of H. influenzae in adult pwCF.MethodsThis single-centre retrospective cohort study reviewed all adult pwCF with H. influenzae sputum cultures between 2002 and 2016. From this cohort, persistently infected subjects (defined as: ≥2 samples with the same pulsotype and > 50% sputum culture-positive for H. influenzae in each year) were matched (1:2) to controls without H. influenzae. Demographic and clinical status (baseline health or during periods of PEx) were obtained at each visit that H. influenzae was cultured. Yearly biobank isolates were typed using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) to assess relatedness.ResultsOver the study period, 30% (n = 70/240) of pwCF were culture positive for H. influenzae, of which 38 (54%) were culture-positive on multiple occasions and 12 (17%) had persistent infection. One hundred and thirty-seven isolates underwent PFGE, with 94 unique pulsotypes identified. Two (1.5%) were serotype f with the rest non-typeable (98.5%). H. influenzae isolation was associated with an increased risk of PEx (RR = 1.61 [1.14–2.27], p = 0.006), however, this association was lost when we excluded those who irregularly produced sputum (i.e. only during a PEx). Annual lung function decline did not differ across cohorts.ConclusionsIsolation of H. influenzae was common amongst adult pwCF but often transient. H. influenzae infection was not associated with acute PEx or chronic lung function decline.

Attenuated neutralization, maintained specificity: Humoral response to SARS-CoV-2 booster in kidney allograft recipients

Despite the lower virulence of current SARS-CoV-2 variants and high rates of vaccinated and previously infected subjects, COVID-19 remains a persistent threat in kidney transplant recipients (KTRs). This study evaluated the parameters of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody production in 120 KTRs. The production of neutralizing antibodies in KTRs, following booster vaccination with the mRNA vaccine BNT162b2, was significantly decreased and their decline was faster than in healthy subjects. Factors predisposing to the downregulation of anti-SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies included age, lower estimated glomerular filtration rate, and a full dose of mycophenolate mofetil. Neutralizing antibodies correlated with those targeting the SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD), SARS-CoV-2 Spike trimmer, total SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein, as well as with antibodies to the deadly SARS-CoV-1 virus. No cross-reactivity was found with antibodies against seasonal coronaviruses. KTRs exhibited lower postvaccination production of neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2; however, the specificity of their humoral response did not differ compared to healthy subjects.

Human Ascaris infection is associated with higher frequencies of IL-10 producing B cells.

Ascaris lumbricoides has dual effects on the immune system of infected hosts. The IgE response to this parasite has been thoroughly studied, but little is known about cellular responses induced by infection. This study aims to explore the interplay between A. lumbricoides infection and B cell responses, especially B regulatory cells. Participants from Santa Catalina, Bolívar, Colombia, a helminth-endemic town, were screened for soil-transmitted helminthiasis (STH) using stool examinations. Eighteen A. lumbricoides-infected and 11 non-infected subjects were selected. Blood samples were analyzed for Breg cells and related cytokines, and immunoglobulins specific to the A. lumbricoides excretory/secretory product, ABA-1. Infected subjects exhibited higher frequencies of Breg cells, especially those with a higher A. lumbricoides egg burden. Higher frequencies of different Breg subsets were observed in infected individuals, with CD25+CD71+CD73- B cells being notably increased in strongly infected individuals. Additionally, A. lumbricoides infection was associated with reduced levels of circulating ABA-1-specific IgG1 and IgE. IL-10+ B cell frequencies correlated inversely with ABA-1-specific IgE. A. lumbricoides infection has a significant impact on the immune response, particularly on Breg cell populations and antibody responses. Our findings suggest that A. lumbricoides infection mediates a dose-dependent immunosuppressive response characterized by an increase in Breg cells and concomitant suppression of ABA-1-specific humoral responses.

Distribution and risk factors of Trichomonas vaginalis infection with relevance to interleukin profile among population in Duhok city, Iraq

BackgroundVaginal trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted disease causes adverse health outcomes, the causative agent is Tichomonas vaginalis. Infected women develop abnormal vaginal discharge with vaginitis. While, men mostly suffer from prostatitis and urethritis. ObjectivesThis study aimed to detect the rate of T.vaginalis infection in association with risk factors, measurement of blood parameters, interleukine-2 (IL-2) and interleukine-8(IL-8) levels among individuals. MethodsA total of 500 females were tested, a vaginal swab and blood were collected from the participants, and they were within the age range of 18–70 years old. High vaginal swabs were examined microscopically using wet mount preparation, the blood used for measurement of blood parameters using coulter count machine and IL-2 and IL-8 levels were evaluated using ELISA technique. ResultsOut of 500 individuals, the prevalence of T. vaginalis infection was 45(9.0 %). The maximum infection rates were reported among age group (18–28) years, rural residents, illiterates, married women (16.7 %), (15.9 %),(30.0 %),(11.7 %),respectively. Moreover, high positivity of infection revealed among low economical level 12.5 % compared to only 1.7 % in high economy group. Unemployed women, those with bad vaginal hygiene showed high incidence of infection 10.5 % and 6.3 %, respectively. It was noted a significant decrease in red blood cells and hemoglobin concentration, however, there was a significantly increased in white blood cells among infected subjects. Furthermore, the levels of both interleukin-2 and interleukin-8 were significantly higher among infected individuals compared to healthy ones. ConclusionsEffective strategies for disease awareness are needed and should include health promotion, education, and prevention.

Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer-Changing Trends and Global Disparities.

Overall, the past century has seen a substantial decline in gastric cancer, attributable to decreases in risk factors such as H. pylori infection, tobacco smoking, and the intake of salt-preserved food. One potential preventive strategy for those at high risk is H. pylori eradication for infected subjects, but confirmation of this effect awaits longer follow-up. Obesity continues to advance and may cause increases in cardia cancer, particularly in Western populations, and careful monitoring of this outcome is warranted in both Western and Asian populations. These changes in gastric cancer epidemiology foreshadow a new era in gastric cancer control and warrant further monitoring of descriptive patterns and risk factors.

Trabecular bone score assessed by dual-energy X ray absorption predicts vertebral fractures in HIV infected young adults

IntroductionBone mineral density (BMD) is reduced in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Trabecular bone score (TBS) is an additional feature calculated by dual-energy X ray absorption (DXA) that measures texture inhomogeneity at lumbar spine level, providing an index of bone microarchitecture. However, its clinical value still needs to be fully addressed. Aims of the study were to assess BMD and TBS in a cohort of patients with HIV compared to a population of healthy subjects and to investigate the prognostic value of TBS in HIV infected patients. MethodBone health was assessed by DXA in 165 patients with HIV infection (120 men, mean age 40 ± 7 years) and in 164 healthy subjects (53 male, mean age 37 ± 10 years). BMD was measured at level of lumbar spine (L1-L4), femoral neck and total hip. TBS was computed from the images of lumbar spine using machine proprietary software. ResultsBMD at femoral neck level was similar in HIV infected patients and healthy subjects (p = 0.57), whereas BMD measured in total femur was lower in HIV infected patients compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Although mean BMD in lumbar spine was similar between HIV infected patients and healthy subjects (p = 0.90), mean lumbar TBS was lower in patients with HIV infection compared to healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Age, sex and HIV infection resulted independent predictors of reduced TBS. In HIV infected patients age, sex and protease inhibitor duration resulted independent predictors of reduced TBS. TBS was a significant predictor of vertebral fractures during follow-up (p < 0.05). ConclusionPatients with HIV infection have a significant reduction of TBS, a texture parameter related to bone microarchitecture that may provide skeletal information that is not captured from the standard BMD measurement.

A systematic review on Nipah virus: global molecular epidemiology and medical countermeasures development.

Nipah virus (NiV) is an emerging pathogen that causes encephalitis and a high mortality rate in infected subjects. This systematic review aimed to comprehensively analyze the global epidemiology and research advancements of NiV to identify the key knowledge gaps in the literature. Articles searched using literature databases, namely PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Science Direct yielded 5,596 articles. After article screening, 97 articles were included in this systematic review, comprising 41 epidemiological studies and 56 research developments on NiV. The majority of the NiV epidemiological studies were conducted in Bangladesh, reflecting the country's significant burden of NiV outbreaks. The initial NiV outbreak was identified in Malaysia in 1998, with subsequent outbreaks reported in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines. Transmission routes vary by country, primarily through pigs in Malaysia, consumption of date palm juice in Bangladesh, and human-to-human in India. However, the availability of NiV genome sequences remains limited, particularly from Malaysia and India. Mortality rates also vary according to the country, exceeding 70% in Bangladesh, India, and the Philippines, and less than 40% in Malaysia. Understanding these differences in mortality rate among countries is crucial for informing NiV epidemiology and enhancing outbreak prevention and management strategies. In terms of research developments, the majority of studies focused on vaccine development, followed by phylogenetic analysis and antiviral research. While many vaccines and antivirals have demonstrated complete protection in animal models, only two vaccines have progressed to clinical trials. Phylogenetic analyses have revealed distinct clades between NiV Malaysia, NiV Bangladesh, and NiV India, with proposals to classify NiV India as a separate strain from NiV Bangladesh. Taken together, comprehensive OneHealth approaches integrating disease surveillance and research are imperative for future NiV studies. Expanding the dataset of NiV genome sequences, particularly from Malaysia, Bangladesh, and India will be pivotal. These research efforts are essential for advancing our understanding of NiV pathogenicity and for developing robust diagnostic assays, vaccines and therapeutics necessary for effective preparedness and response to future NiV outbreaks.

THE SAFETY AND OUTCOME OF ACUTE ISCHAEMIC STROKE PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 TREATED WITH INTRAVENOUS RECOMBINANT TISSUE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW

Background: Strokes associated with SARS-CoV-2 may be linked to increased mortality rates. The utilization of intravenous thrombolysis is anticipated to enhance the clinical results in such patients. Moreover, emerging evidence underscores the importance of evaluating the safety and effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis in individuals suffering from Acute Ischaemic Stroke along with COVID-19. Objective: To assess the safety and effectiveness of intravenous thrombolysis in Acute Ischaemic Stroke patients with COVID-19. Methods: A systematic literature search (Pubmed, Elsevier, and Cochrane database) with keywords (((intravenous thrombolysis) AND (acute ischemic stroke)) AND (covid-19)) AND (outcome))). We selected research studies for evaluation based on specific inclusion and eligibility criteria. Two independent reviewers then proceeded to extract and analyze various data points, including the name of the first author, the year of publication, the study's design, the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores at admission and post-treatment, hospitalization-related mortality, and the occurrence of hemorrhagic transformation. Results: Three studies (n=153 patients) were included, mostly men with advanced age with the most common comorbidity being hypertension. Median of NIHSS Score of subjects on admission is 11, 12, and 13, with interquartile range from 3 to 20 (minor to severe stroke). The mRS at discharge and 1 month after admission is: 0–2 pts in 57 patients, ≥2 in 43 patient. Hemorrhagic transformation involved 3.23% of patients from total samples, death within hospitalization and 1-month mortality were in 23 patients (15%). In numerous studies, there was inadequate data available to determine the precise reason for mortality. Conclusion: Following IV-rTPA therapy, our COVID-19 infection subjects' mRS scores ranged from mild to moderate disability. Fifteen percents of all subjects died, and 3.23% of subjects experienced hemorrhagic transformation. However, majority of our subjects have high median NIHSS scores at admission, advanced age, complicated with baseline risk factors as high blood pressure, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

Ultrasonography Analysis and Incidence of Urinary Schistosomiasis among some Selected Junior Secondary School Students in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, Nigeria

Study’s Excerpt/Novelty This study assesses urinary schistosomiasis prevalence and associated ultrasonographic abnormalities among school-aged children in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. By combining urine sample analysis and ultrasound examination, the research identifies a significant infection rate (5.00%) and highlights the presence of urinary tract abnormalities in 70% of infected subjects. The findings underscore the ongoing disease burden of schistosomiasis in the region and advocate for expanded research on adult populations and snail intermediate hosts to inform targeted intervention strategies. Full Abstract This study evaluated urinary schistosomiasis and ultrasonography incidence among school-aged children in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Three hundred urine samples were collected from students within 5-16 years from 3 selected schools. The samples were tested for urinary schistosomiasis, and information was gathered using a standardized questionnaire. The weight and height of the samples were measured using an electronic scale (9201 SV3R) and a portable stadiometer (ADE MZ10042). 5.29% of males and 3.70% of females tested positive for urinary schistosomiasis. Ultrasound examination was performed on ten positive and one negative subjects for confirmation. The mean age was 11.00±5.72 years. Seven out of ten (70%) subjects showed urinary tract abnormalities. The ultrasound findings revealed two out of ten (20%) had bladder wall thickening, four out of ten (40%) had an irregular shape of the bladder wall, and ureteric dilatation was observed in one out of ten (10%) among the subjects. Ultrasound is a useful tool for identifying the morbidity of S. haematobium. Schistosomiasis infection amongst schools in Rigachikun was established at 5.00%. This has confirmed that schistosomiasis is still a disease burden amongst school-aged students in Rigachikun and, by extension, all the study area's inhabitants. It can be recommended that further studies need to be carried out on adults and snail intermediate hosts.

Adenovirus 36 seropositivity is related to the expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 and MEG3 in adipose tissue obtained from subjects with obesity.

Human Adenovirus D-36 (HAdV-D36) promotes adipogenesis in cellular and animal models and may contribute to the development of human obesity. Induction of PPARγ by HAdV-D36 seems to have a central role in the maintenance of adipogenic status. There is limited information about epigenetic mechanisms contributing to this process in human adipose tissue. This study evaluated the expression of lncRNAs (ADINR, GAS5 and MEG3) and miRNAs (miR-18a and miR-140) involved in the adipogenic process in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of subjects with obesity with previous HAdV-D36 infection (seropositive) and unexposed (seronegative) subjects with obesity. Individuals with obesity were grouped according to the presence of antibodies against HAdV-D36 (Seropositive: HAdV-D36[+], n = 29; and Seronegative: HAdV-D36[-], n = 28). Additionally, a group of individuals without obesity (n = 17) was selected as a control group. The HAdV-D36 serology was carried out by ELISA. Biopsies of VAT were obtained during an elective and clinically indicated surgery (bariatric or cholecystectomy). RNA extraction from VAT was performed and the expression of PPARG and non-coding RNAs was evaluated by qPCR. HAdV-D36[+] individuals had lower expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 (p = 0.016) and MEG3 (p = 0.035) compared with HAdV-D36[-] subjects with obesity. HAdV-D36[+] subjects also presented increased expression of the adipogenic miRNA miR-18a (p = 0.042), which has been reported to be modulated by GAS5 through a RNA sponging mechanism during adipogenic differentiation. Additionally, an inverse correlation of GAS5 with PPARG expression was observed (r = -0.917, p = 0.01). Our results suggest that HAdV-D36 is related to non-coding RNAs implicated in adipogenesis, representing a potential mechanism by which previous HAdV-D36 infection could be associated with the long-term maintenance of adipogenic status, probably through the GAS5/miR-18a axis.

Study on intestinal parasitic infections and gut microbiota in cancer patients at a tertiary teaching hospital in Malaysia

Intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) can lead to significant morbidity and mortality in cancer patients. While they are unlikely to cause severe disease and are self-limiting in healthy individuals, cancer patients are especially susceptible to opportunistic parasitic infections. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in various aspects of health, including immune regulation and metabolic processes. Parasites occupy the same environment as bacteria in the gut. Recent research suggests intestinal parasites can disrupt the normal balance of the gut microbiota. However, there is limited understanding of this co-infection dynamic among cancer patients in Malaysia. A study was conducted to determine the prevalence and relationship between intestinal parasites and gut microbiota composition in cancer patients. Stool samples from 134 cancer patients undergoing active treatment or newly diagnosed were collected and examined for the presence of intestinal parasites and gut microbiota composition. The study also involved 17 healthy individuals for comparison and control. Sequencing with 16S RNA at the V3–V4 region was used to determine the gut microbial composition between infected and non-infected cancer patients and healthy control subjects. The overall prevalence of IPIs among cancer patients was found to be 32.8%. Microsporidia spp. Accounted for the highest percentage at 20.1%, followed by Entamoeba spp. (3.7%), Cryptosporidium spp. (3.0%), Cyclospora spp. (2.2%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (0.8%). None of the health control subjects tested positive for intestinal parasites. The sequencing data analysis revealed that the gut microbiota diversity and composition were significantly different in cancer patients than in healthy controls (p < 0.001). A significant dissimilarity was observed in the bacterial composition between parasite-infected and non-infected patients based on Bray–Curtis (p = 0.041) and Jaccard (p = 0.021) measurements. Bacteria from the genus Enterococcus were enriched in the parasite-infected groups, while Faecalibacterium prausnitzii reduced compared to non-infected and control groups. Further analysis between different IPIs and non-infected individuals demonstrated a noteworthy variation in Entamoeba-infected (unweighted UniFrac: p = 0.008), Cryptosporidium-infected (Bray–Curtis: p = 0.034) and microsporidia-infected (unweighted: p = 0.026; weighted: p = 0.019; Jaccard: p = 0.031) samples. No significant dissimilarity was observed between Cyclospora-infected groups and non-infected groups. Specifically, patients infected with Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba showed increased obligate anaerobic bacteria. Clostridiales were enriched with Entamoeba infections, whereas those from Coriobacteriales decreased. Bacteroidales and Clostridium were found in higher abundance in the gut microbiota with Cryptosporidium infection, while Bacillales decreased. Additionally, bacteria from the genus Enterococcus were enriched in microsporidia-infected patients. In contrast, bacteria from the Clostridiales order, Faecalibacterium, Parabacteroides, Collinsella, Ruminococcus, and Sporosarcina decreased compared to the non-infected groups. These findings underscore the importance of understanding and managing the interactions between intestinal parasites and gut microbiota for improved outcomes in cancer patients.

Human infections by Hymenolepis diminuta in Europe: a case report and literature review.

We performed a review of published and gray literature of human Hymenolepis diminuta cases across Europe up to July 2022. Of all detectable publications and records, we further analyzed only those that contained demographic, clinical or epidemiological data regarding the infected subjects. Additionally, one case of hymenolepiasis in a 16-mo-old boy living in the urban part of Belgrade was included in the analysis. Published studies were based in 13/50 European countries and identified 104 laboratory-confirmed cases in total. Almost one-half (49%) of all cases originated from Mediterranean countries. Among symptomatic children, the infection most often manifested with diarrhea, abdominal pain, allergic reaction and behavioral changes. The diagnosis was made by the detection and identification of H. diminuta eggs or parts of strobila in stool samples, although cases of misdiagnosis were also reported. The parasite clearance was established with praziquantel or niclosamide, while the administration of albendazole or mebendazole led to unfavorable results. Future multicentric prospective studies focused on infection screening and the gathering of detailed sociodemographic and clinical data could provide an updated insight into the true distribution and characteristics of H. diminuta infection across Europe.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection of Salivary Glands Compromises Oral Antifungal Innate Immunity and Predisposes to Oral Candidiasis.

Saliva contains antimicrobial peptides considered integral components of host innate immunity, and crucial for protection against colonizing microbial species. Most notable is histatin-5 which is exclusively produced in salivary glands with uniquely potent antifungal activity against the opportunistic pathogen Candida albicans. Recently, SARS-CoV-2 was shown to replicate in salivary gland acinar cells eliciting local immune cell activation. In this study, we performed mechanistic and clinical studies to investigate the implications of SARS-CoV-2 infection on salivary histatin-5 production and Candida colonization. Bulk RNA-sequencing of parotid salivary glands from COVID-19 autopsies demonstrated statistically significant decreased expression of histatin genes. In situ hybridization, coupled with immunofluorescence for co-localization of SARS-CoV-2 spike and histatin in salivary gland cells, showed that histatin was absent or minimally present in acinar cells with replicating viruses. To investigate the clinical implications of these findings, salivary histatin-5 levels and oral Candida burden in saliva samples from three independent cohorts of mild and severe COVID-19 patients and matched healthy controls were evaluated. Results revealed significantly reduced histatin-5 in SARS-CoV-2 infected subjects, concomitant with enhanced prevalence of C. albicans. Analysis of prospectively recovered samples indicated that the decrease in histatin-5 is likely reversible in mild-moderate disease as concentrations tended to increase during the post-acute phase. Importantly, salivary cytokine profiling demonstrated correlations between activation of the Th17 inflammatory pathway, changes in histatin-5 concentrations, and subsequent clearance of C. albicans in a heavily colonized subject. The importance of salivary histatin-5 in controlling the proliferation of C. albicans was demonstrated using an ex vivo assay where C. albicans was able to proliferate in COVID-19 saliva with low histatin-5, but not with high histatin-5. Taken together, the findings from this study provide direct evidence implicating SARS-CoV-2 infection of salivary glands with compromised oral innate immunity, and potential predisposition to oral candidiasis.

Timing of oral and maxillofacial surgery in infected COVID-19 subjects: A retrospective cohort study

This study aims to investigate the association of time to oral and maxillofacial surgery after Covid-19 infection with the risk of postoperative complications in a population from China.In the current study, a total of 1342 consecutive patients underwent general anesthesia (GA) in the maxillofacial district of the Chinese Oral and Maxillofacial COVID Collaborative, which consists of 27 teaching hospitals. Pulmonary, cardiovascular and thrombotic complications were monitored for 1 month after GA surgery (GAS) and their incidence was reported for the first 30 days.Post-operative complications were observed in 4 of 1076 cases (0.37%) who had suffered from mild Omicron infection and in none of the controls. Results from the Quasi-Poisson multivariate regression models showed that Omicron infection was not associated with increased post-operative complications compared to controls. Among the infected patients, delays of >4 but not >6 weeks were associated with lower OR of complications (0.08, 95% CI 0.01–0.78 and 0.06, 95% CI 0.01–1.80, respectively).Findings of this study suggest that delaying surgery for a period of 4–6 weeks following infection can provide a protective effect.

Impact of Malnutrition on Serum Levels of Pro-inflammatory Cytokines among Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Subjects in Nigeria.

Understanding the impact of malnutrition on innate immune response in Plasmodium falciparum (Pf)-infected subjects is critical for malaria control. This study aims to investigate the nutritional status and innate immune response of Pf-infected subjects in Lagos, Nigeria. A total of 1183 patients with a history of fever or axillary temperature ≥37°C were screened microscopically for Pf at Ijede General Hospital, Lagos, Nigeria. Malnutrition was determined according to the U.S National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) as stunting, wasting, or underweight when the Z-score is <-2 in the participants aged <20 years. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and IL-12 were determined by capture ELISA while hematological parameters were measured using an automated hematology system. A total of 384 volunteers were positive for Pf, of which 114 were <20 years with a median age of 10 years. Overall malaria prevalence was 20.89%. The malnutrition rate was 89.5%; 24 (21.05%) were stunted, 30 (26.32%) were underweight, and 48 (42.11%) were wasted. Pro-inflammatory cytokine responses were not affected by the type of malaria. TNF-α was higher in participants <5 years (P = 0.001) and in malnourished patients (P < 0.05). Together, it could be deduced that nutritional status influences Plasmodium falciparum malaria outcomes and progression pattern.

Gut resistome linked to sexual preference and HIV infection

BackgroundPeople living with HIV (PLWH) are at increased risk of acquisition of multidrug resistant organisms due to higher rates of predisposing factors. The gut microbiome is the main reservoir of the collection of antimicrobial resistance determinants known as the gut resistome. In PLWH, changes in gut microbiome have been linked to immune activation and HIV-1 associated complications. Specifically, gut dysbiosis defined by low microbial gene richness has been linked to low Nadir CD4 + T-cell counts. Additionally, sexual preference has been shown to strongly influence gut microbiome composition in PLWH resulting in different Prevotella or Bacteroides enriched enterotypes, in MSM (men-who-have–sex-with-men) or no-MSM, respectively. To date, little is known about gut resistome composition in PLWH due to the scarcity of studies using shotgun metagenomics. The present study aimed to detect associations between different microbiome features linked to HIV-1 infection and gut resistome composition.ResultsUsing shotgun metagenomics we characterized the gut resistome composition of 129 HIV-1 infected subjects showing different HIV clinical profiles and 27 HIV-1 negative controls from a cross-sectional observational study conducted in Barcelona, Spain. Most no-MSM showed a Bacteroides-enriched enterotype and low microbial gene richness microbiomes. We did not identify differences in resistome diversity and composition according to HIV-1 infection or immune status. However, gut resistome was more diverse in MSM group, Prevotella-enriched enterotype and gut micorbiomes with high microbial gene richness compared to no-MSM group, Bacteroides-enriched enterotype and gut microbiomes with low microbial gene richness. Additionally, gut resistome beta-diversity was different according to the defined groups and we identified a set of differentially abundant antimicrobial resistance determinants based on the established categories.ConclusionsOur findings reveal a significant correlation between gut resistome composition and various host variables commonly associated with gut microbiome, including microbiome enterotype, microbial gene richness, and sexual preference. These host variables have been previously linked to immune activation and lower Nadir CD4 + T-Cell counts, which are prognostic factors of HIV-related comorbidities. This study provides new insights into the relationship between antibiotic resistance and clinical characteristics of PLWH.

Haemoglobin Variants, ABO/Rh Blood Groups and their Associa-tions with Levels of Malaria Parasitaemia amongst Infected Subjects at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria

The aim of the study was to associate haemoglobin variants, ABO/Rh blood groups with levels of malaria parasitaemia amongst infected subjects at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. ABO/Rh D blood groups were analyzed using monoclonal antisera, and haemoglobin electrophoresis was analyzed using the alkaline cellulose acetate electrophoresis method, while malaria parasites were identified by microscopic examination of stained blood films. Graph Pad Prism version 8.0 was used to statistically analyze odd ratios, confidence intervals, likelihood ratios and relative risks. All 147 subjects (87 females, 60 males) were positive for malaria (Plasmodium falciparum). For 3+ falciparum malaria, the order of infection for haemoglobin genotype was AA &gt; AS/SS; ABO blood group was B &gt; A &gt; O &gt; AB; Rh blood group was Rh D+ &gt; Rh D-; gender was females &gt; males at p &gt; 0.05. At p &gt; 0.05, for 2+ falciparum malaria: haemoglobin genotype was SS &gt;AA &gt; AS; ABO blood group was B &gt; A &gt; O &gt; AB; Rh blood group was Rh D- &gt; Rh D+; and gender was females &gt; Males. At p &gt; 0.05, for 1+ falciparum malaria infection: haemoglobin genotype was AS &gt;AA &gt; SS; ABO blood group was AB &gt; O &gt; A &gt; B; Rh blood group was Rh D+ &gt; Rh D-; and gender was males &gt; females. Conclusively, 3+ Plasmodium falciparum malaria infection is common amongst individuals with: AA haemoglobin genotype, blood group B, Rh D+, and females; 2+ P. falciparum infection is common amongst individuals with: haemoglobin genotype AA, blood group B, Rh D-, and females; while 1+ P. falciparum malaria infection is common amongst individuals with: AS haemogobin genotype, blood group AB, Rh D+, and amongst males than females.

Development of a novel Colorimetric Assay for the rapid diagnosis of Coronavirus disease 2019 from nasopharyngeal samples.

Emergence of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has posed a huge threat to public health. Rapid and reliable test to diagnose infected subjects is crucial for disease spread control. We developed a colorimetric test for COVID-19 detection using a Colorimetric Assay based on thiol-linked RNA modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and oligonucleotide probes. This method was conducted on RNA from 200 pharyngeal swab samples initially tested by Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) as gold standard. A specific oligonucleotide probe designed based on ORF1ab of COVID-19 was functionalized with AuNPs-probe conjugate. The exposure of AuNP-probe to isolated RNA samples was tested using hybridization. In this comparative study, the colorimetric functionalized AuNPs assay exhibited a detection limit of 25copies/µL. It was higher in comparison to the RT-PCR method, which could only detect 15copies/µL. The results demonstrated 100% specificity and 96% sensitivity for the developed method. Herein, we developed an incredibly rapid, simple and cost-effective Colorimetric Assay lasting approximately 30min which could process considerably higher number of COVID-19 samples compared to the RT-PCR. This AuNP-probe conjugate colorimetric method could be considered the optimum alternatives for conventional diagnostic tools especially in over-populated and/or low-income countries.

Human Antibodies against Herpes Simplex Virus 2 Glycoprotein G Do Not Neutralize but Mediate Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity.

Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) is a sexually transmitted infection affecting 491 million individuals globally. Consequently, there is a great need for both prophylactic and therapeutic vaccines. Unfortunately, several vaccine clinical trials, primarily employing the glycoprotein D of HSV-2 (gD-2), have failed. The immune protection conferred by human anti-HSV-2 antibodies in genital infection and disease remains elusive. It is well-known that gD-2 elicits cross-reactive neutralizing antibodies, i.e., anti-gD-2 antibodies recognize gD in HSV-1 (gD-1). In contrast, anti-glycoprotein G in HSV-2 (mgG-2) antibodies are exclusively type-specific for HSV-2. In this study, truncated versions of gD-2 and mgG-2 were recombinantly produced in mammalian cells and used for the purification of anti-gD-2 and anti-mgG-2 antibodies from the serum of five HSV-2-infected subjects, creating a pool of purified antibodies. These antibody pools were utilized as standards together with purified mgG-2 and gD-2 antigens in ELISA to quantitatively estimate and compare the levels of cross-reactive anti-gD-1 and anti-gD-2 antibodies, as well as anti-mgG-2 antibodies in sera from HSV-1+2-, HSV-2-, and HSV-1-infected subjects. The median concentration of anti-mgG-2 antibodies was five times lower in HSV-1+2-infected subjects as compared with cross-reactive anti-gD-1 and anti-gD-2 antibodies, and three times lower in HSV-2 infected subjects as compared with anti-gD-2 antibodies. The pool of purified anti-gD-2 antibodies presented neutralization activity at low concentrations, while the pool of purified anti-mgG-2 antibodies did not. Instead, these anti-mgG-2 antibodies mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by human granulocytes, monocytes, and NK-cells, but displayed no complement-dependent cytotoxicity. These findings indicate that antibodies to mgG-2 in HSV-2-infected subjects are present at low concentrations but mediate the killing of infected cells via ADCC rather than by neutralizing free viral particles. We, and others, speculate that Fc-receptor mediated antibody functions such as ADCC following HSV-2 vaccination may serve as a better marker of protection correlate instead of neutralizing activity. In an mgG-2 therapeutic vaccine, our findings of low levels of anti-mgG-2 antibodies in HSV-2-infected subjects may suggest an opportunity to enhance the immune responses against mgG-2. In a prophylactic HSV-2 mgG-2 vaccine, a possible interference in cross-reactive immune responses in already infected HSV-1 subjects can be circumvented.