Moderate Infection Research Articles

Efficacy of Single-Dose Praziquantel for the Treatment of Schistosoma mansoni Infections among School Children in Rwanda.

Preventive chemotherapy with single-dose praziquantel is the WHO-recommended intervention strategy to eliminate schistosomiasis as a public health problem in endemic countries. Surveillance of drugs used in mass drug administration (MDA) programs is recommended to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing transmissions. After a decade-long implementation of a school-based MDA program in Rwanda, we conducted efficacy surveillance of single-dose praziquantel MDA against S. mansoni infection. Two weeks before MDA, stool examinations were performed to screen MDA-eligible school children (n = 4998) for S. mansoni infection using the Kato-Katz technique, and 265 (6.5%) children tested positive for the infection. All children received praziquantel and albendazole as preventive chemotherapy through the MDA campaign. Infected children were enrolled and followed for efficacy monitoring, and stool examination was repeated after three weeks post-MDA (n = 188). Before treatment, 173 (92%) had a light infection, and 15 (8%) had a moderate infection intensity. The primary and secondary outcomes were parasitological cure and egg reduction rates at three weeks post-treatment. The overall cure and egg reduction rates for S. mansoni infection were 97.9% (95% CI = 94.6-99.4) and 97.02%, respectively. Among the 173 children with light infection intensity, 170 (98.3%, 95% CI = 95.0-99.6) were cured, and among the 15 children who had moderate infection intensity, 14 (93.3%) were cured. No significant association between cure rate and pre-treatment infection intensity was observed. We conclude that single-dose praziquantel is efficacious against light-to-moderate S. mansoni infection. Preventive chemotherapy with praziquantel effectively reduces schistosome reservoirs and transmission among school-age children.

Evaluation of Giardiasis in Companion Birds in Mashhad, Iran

Introduction: Giardia spp. are parasitic protozoans that infect the digestive system of ornamental birds, especially in Psittaciformes, with different prevalence in various species. Symptoms of Giardia infection vary from no noticeable signs in adult birds to poor growth, weakness, anorexia, ruffled feathers, and diarrhea in chicks. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of giardiasis in some parrots referred to a private veterinary clinic in Mashhad, Iran, during 2022. Case report: Feces of 215 birds suspected of being infected with Giardia spp. were collected. The birds were visited at one of the clinics in Mashhad, Iran, in 2022. Wet smear was prepared from their fresh feces and then sent to the laboratory department of the clinic for diagnosis. The parrots included adult cockatiels, cockatiel chicks, lovebirds, African grey parrots, and Green-cheeked parakeets. After the final diagnosis, metronidazole was administered orally at a dosage of 50 milligrams per kilogram of body weight every 12 hours for 5 consecutive days. Sick birds were tested again after the treatment to confirm they were parasite-free. The obtained results of the laboratory indicated 60 positive Cockatiels (47.6%), 10 positive cockatiel chicks (43.4%), 4 positive lovebirds (14.2%), 2 Green-cheeked parakeets (8.6%), and only 1 positive African grey parrot (6.6%). Among the positive cases, the severity of infection varied, with some birds showing severe, moderate, or mild infection levels. Upon a second examination, birds with mild and moderate contamination were found to be disease-free, while those with severe contamination required further treatment. Conclusion: The results suggested that treatment with metronidazole for 5 consecutive days was effective against mild to moderate infection in sick parrots. However, birds with severe conditions need to continue the treatment procedure.

Metformin Effectiveness in Reducing Mortality among Covid-19 Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus at a Tertiary Hospital in Indonesia

Highlights: 1. As there is a scarcity of publications on the use of metformin for COVID-19 in Indonesia, the findings of this present study may contribute more insight to the existing body of research and provide data specific to the Southeast Asian population.2. This study revealed a decreased mortality rate associated with metformin use in diabetic patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection.3. This study suggests that diabetic patients may continue metformin treatment during a COVID-19 infection as the medication has sustained therapeutic effects. Abstract COVID-19 patients with comorbidities, such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM), have a higher mortality rate compared to those without any comorbidities. T2DM patients usually receive metformin as their first-line treatment. However, the effectiveness of metformin in reducing mortality rates still requires further analysis. The objective of this study was to analyze the effectiveness of metformin in reducing mortality rates among COVID-19 patients with T2DM. An analytic observational design with a retrospective cohort approach was used in this study. Samples were acquired from hospitalized COVID-19 patients with T2DM medical records at Fatmawati Central General Hospital, Jakarta, Indonesia, throughout 2020–2021. The samples were collected using a purposive sampling technique and analyzed using Chi-square test (p<0.05; RR<1). This study comprised 137 samples, with 56 samples receiving metformin and 81 not receiving metformin. The mortality rate in the sample group that received metformin was lower (19.6%) compared to the group that was not given the medication (38.3%). The Chi-square test results indicated a statistically significant relationship between metformin treatment and a lower mortality rate among COVID-19-contracted individuals with T2DM (p=0.020; RR=0.513). Therefore, this study concludes that the administration of metformin treatment reduces mortality among COVID-19 patients with T2DM.

RELATION BETWEEN VITAMIN D AND THE SEVERITY OF COVID-19

Acute respiratory disorders which caused by infection with COVID-19 resulted in problems in societies health care system in worldwide. Deficiency of vitamin D correlated with COVID-19 risk and vitamin D providing reduced respiratory infections. Vitamin D considered as essential modulator for innate and adaptive immunity. In current study ,sixty patients attended private clinics in Diwaniyah city are involved, according to the severity of disease patients divided into three groups.Vitamin D concenterations were estimated in blood for patients and healthy persons (as control group) .Results showed significant decrease in vitamin D concenterations in patients compared to control group.regarding the relation between concenteration of vitamin D and disease severity ,results recorded significant decrease in vitamin D concenteration in moderate and severe infection with COVID-19 in comparison with mild infection while non significant difference between moderate and severe infection . It is concluded the important relation between disease severity and vitamin D concenterations

Association between SNP rs4986790 and COVID-19 infection severity among Baghdad patients

Introduction and Aim: COVID-19, an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, is distinguished by the manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are signaling molecules that play crucial roles in the innate immune system through their recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns in diverse microorganisms, including coronaviruses. The primary aim of this research was to investigate the plausible association between the TLR4 gene Asp299Gly polymorphism and the degree of infection severity among individuals who contracted COVID-19 in Baghdad, Iraq. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional prospective study was carried out in Baghdad to investigate the Asp299Gly polymorphism within the TLR4 gene in a cohort of 90 patients diagnosed with Covid-19. Out of the total number of patients, 45 individuals exhibited symptoms indicative of a moderate infection, while the remaining 45 patients presented with a severe illness. The Asp299Gly polymorphism was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: Genotyping for the Asp299Gly polymorphism showed only one among the 90 (1.1%) Covid-19 patients tested to be positive. No significant association was seen between covid-19 severity and Asp299Gly (P = 0·31) polymorphism. Conclusion: Our study found no association between SNP rs4986790 of TLR4 gene and COVID-19 severity among Covid-19 patients in Baghdad city.

Detection of Early Cardiac Affection in Post-COVID Syndrome Using Heart Rate Variability and 2D Global Longitudinal Strain Echocardiographic Assessment of the Left Ventricle

Abstract Aim and objectives The aim of our study is to estimate the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) & two-dimensional global longitudinal strain (GLS) by speckle tracking echocardiography (2D STE) in post-COVID-19 patients after mild to moderate acute SARS COV-2 infection. Patients and Methods This study included fifty consecutive subjects between 17 & 82 years of age who were symptomatic after three weeks up to 3 months of experiencing mild to moderate COVID19 illness according to the CDC criteria of severity. Patients enrolled were coming for follow-up clinic visits at Ain Shams University Hospitals between June 2021- Jan2022. All patients had normal LVEF upon enrollment as assessed by M-mode and Modified Simpson's method. 2D Left Ventricular Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) and 24-hours Holter monitoring were performed for all patients. Results The LVGLS and HRV were significantly impaired in the symptomatic post-COVID-19. LVGLS was below -16 in 20% of the patients while 22% were in the grey zone; between -18 and -16. SDNN was decreased (< 100 msec) in 24% of the patients. RMSSD values favored a mean below 40 msec with prevalence of 58% among the study population. LF/HF ratio was above 2 in 42% of the patients. Our research suggested a highly significant association between LVGLS and HRV; as 66.7% of patients with decreased SDNN had impaired LVGLS, as opposed to 33% who had normal LVGLS (p-value 0.000) Conclusion LVGLS measured by Speckle Tracking Echocardiography (STE) is an important bedside tool, alternative to CMR which is the gold standard, in assessing LV systolic functions post COVID-19. HRV can explain a lot of post- COVID symptoms attributed to dysautonomia. In our study, we targeted the patients having prolonged symptoms after COVID-19 illness, GLS and HRV were assessed trying to explain the cardiac involvement and if it is the cause of the so called" long COVID". We found high incidence of GLS impairment using STE as well as significant prevalence of diminished HRV. HRV (especially SDNN) and GLS were significantly correlated as 80% of the patients with impaired GLS had decreased SDNN (p-value 0.00).

Health disparities in COVID-19: immune and vascular changes are linked to disease severity and persist in a high-risk population in Riverside County, California

BackgroundHealth disparities in underserved communities, such as inadequate healthcare access, impact COVID-19 disease outcomes. These disparities are evident in Hispanic populations nationwide, with disproportionately high infection and mortality rates. Furthermore, infected individuals can develop long COVID with sustained impacts on quality of life. The goal of this study was to identify immune and endothelial factors that are associated with COVID-19 outcomes in Riverside County, a high-risk and predominantly Hispanic community, and investigate the long-term impacts of COVID-19 infection.Methods112 participants in Riverside County, California, were recruited according to the following criteria: healthy control (n = 23), outpatients with moderate infection (outpatient, n = 33), ICU patients with severe infection (hospitalized, n = 33), and individuals recovered from moderate infection (n = 23). Differences in outcomes between Hispanic and non-Hispanic individuals and presence/absence of co-morbidities were evaluated. Circulating immune and vascular biomarkers were measured by ELISA, multiplex analyte assays, and flow cytometry. Follow-up assessments for long COVID, lung health, and immune and vascular changes were conducted after recovery (n = 23) including paired analyses of the same participants.ResultsCompared to uninfected controls, the severe infection group had a higher proportion of Hispanic individuals (n = 23, p = 0.012) than moderate infection (n = 8, p = 0.550). Disease severity was associated with changes in innate monocytes and neutrophils, lymphopenia, disrupted cytokine production (increased IL-8 and IP-10/CXCL10 but reduced IFNλ2/3 and IFNγ), and increased endothelial injury (myoglobin, VCAM-1). In the severe infection group, a machine learning model identified LCN2/NGAL, IL-6, and monocyte activation as parameters associated with fatality while anti-coagulant therapy was associated with survival. Recovery from moderate COVID infection resulted in long-term immune changes including increased monocytes/lymphocytes and decreased neutrophils and endothelial markers. This group had a lower proportion of co-morbidities (n = 8, p = 1.0) but still reported symptoms associated with long COVID despite recovered pulmonary function.ConclusionThis study indicates increased severity of COVID-19 infection in Hispanic individuals of Riverside County, California. Infection resulted in immunological and vascular changes and long COVID symptoms that were sustained for up to 11 months, however, lung volume and airflow resistance was recovered. Given the immune and behavioral impacts of long COVID, the potential for increased susceptibility to infections and decreased quality of life in high-risk populations warrants further investigation.

Early Trends to Show the Efficacy of Cordyceps militaris in Mild to Moderate COVID Inflammation.

Background/objective Cordyceps enhances animal survival against influenza by boosting the immune system. In animal studies, it also had anti-inflammatory and preventive properties. Cordyceps stimulates the immune system by increasing the activity and production of various immune cells. Some studies have shown the role of Cordyceps in the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus responsible for the COVID-19 pandemic, in addition to other respiratory diseases caused by the Picorna viruses, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and Influenza viruses. However, it remains unknown whether this food supplement is safe and has anti-inflammatory effects in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to evaluate the use and efficacy of Cordyceps capsules as an adjunct to standard treatment in patients with mild (symptomatic) to moderate COVID-19 infection. Methods A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cordyceps capsules (a food supplement) 500 mg as adjuvant therapy in patients with COVID-19. The rationale for dose selection was as per the existing evidence from toxicity studies. The inclusion criteria were patients with either a mild or moderate COVID-19 infection. Clinical features suggestive of dyspnoea or hypoxia, fever, and cough, including SpO2 <94% (range 90-94%) on room air and a respiratory rate ≥24 per minute, were also included. Results Sixty-five patients were recruited for the study, with 33 in the Cordyceps group and 32 in the placebo group. Out of 58 evaluable patients, 33 recovered on day 5, 49 on day 10, and 58 on days 16 and 30. The recovery of patients steadily increased from 56.9% on day 5 to 100% on day 30. The time to clinical recovery was shorter in the Cordyceps group than in the placebo group (mean 6.6 vs. 7.3 days; p > 0.05) overall and for mild disease. However, there was no difference in the time to recovery (time from day 1 to the resolution of all symptoms) for moderate disease. A lower frequency of normal chest X-rays on day 1 and a higher number on day 16 in the treatment group than in the placebo group suggest an improvement in the number of normal chest X-rays with Cordyceps. Significant changes were seen in biomarkers MCPIP, CxCL10, and IL-1β for overall (both mild and moderate patients) on days 5 and 10 as compared to baseline, and in biomarkers CRP and CxCL10 in moderate category patients on days 5 and 10, respectively. There were no statistically significant changes in IL-6, ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), C-reactive protein (CRP), or D-dimer levels between baseline and day 5/10 in patients taking Cordyceps capsules and also between the treatment and placebo groups. Conclusion Cordyceps capsules administered at a dose of 500 mg three times a day along with supportive treatment showed effectiveness in patients with mild to moderate COVID-19 infection, as evidenced by the proportionately higher number of recoveries on day 5, the relatively shorter time for improvement of clinical symptoms, and the proportionately higher number of patients showing negative RT-PCR tests on day 10. Thus, Cordyceps appears to be a safe immunological adjuvant for the treatment of patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19. Future studies with a larger sample size would shed more light on the evidence, as there are limitations in the generalizability of the results from the present study due to the small sample size.

Clinical characteristics of moderate or severe COVID-19 infection in patients with rheumatic diseases and analysis of risk factors leading to severe disease.

To explore the clinical characteristics of rheumatic disease (RD) patients who suffered from moderate or severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and to evaluate risk factors of COVID-19 infection in RD patients. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 148 moderate or severe COVID-19 patients admitted to the First People's Hospital of Suqian Affiliated to Nanjing Medical University, including 74 RD patients and 74 non-RD patients. Clinical data were collected including clinical characteristics and laboratory tests. The RD group showed a higher proportion of females with a higher incidence of interstitial lung disease and kidney disease than the non-RD group. Also, the incidence of fatigue, olfactory dysfunction and musculoskeletal pain was higher in the RD group, but the incidence of cough, wheezing, and fever was lower compared with non-RD patients. The hospitalized course of the RD group (12.7 days ± 6.55) was significantly longer than that in the non-RD group (8.07 days ± 3.40). Also, patients in the RD group had higher levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-4 than the non-RD group. The logistic regression analysis showed that dizziness and headache, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 8 mg/L and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) > 248 μ/L were independent risk factors for severe COVID-19 infections of RD patients. RD patients who suffered from moderate or severe COVID-19 infections have a higher risk of comorbidities, higher levels of inflammation, and longer hospitalized course. Dizziness and headache, CRP > 8 mg/L and LDH > 248 μ/L are risk factors for severe COVID-19 infections in RD patients.

System Analysis and Mathematical Modeling of Infection Safety Human Caused by COVID-19 Coronavirus Strains

The purpose of research is to develop models characterizing the "Cell–Virus–Habitat" system. Methods. The ability of coronaviruses to exit the cell without its apoptosis is an important factor providing the possibility of moderate infection. A description of the complete 2019-nCoV gene can be found in the GenBank Virus Genome bank: MN908947.3. Currently, information about the epidemiology, clinical features, prevention and treatment of this disease is being studied by scientists all over the world. Theoretical approaches in the study were based on the theory of virology, system analysis, differential integral calculus and probability theory. The materials were immunogram indicators for the period 2020-2021. According to studies of the effect of coronavirus infection on residents of the Perm Region. Data on the activity of the coronavirus and the number of sick residents were taken from open sources. Data on the number of residents living in the Perm Region were taken from the population census. The structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome is reflected in the GenBank data-base: MN908947.3. The SARS-CoV-2 mutation tracker was studied by the repository: https://users.math.msu.edu/users/weig/SARS-CoV-2 Mutation Tracker.html . Results: the "Cell–Virus–Habitat" model was developed and investigated; a system of differential empirical equations characterizing changes in immunogram parameters among underage and child-aged residents of the Perm Region was constructed and investigated; a system of Kolmogorov equations describing the dynamics of the pandemic in the Perm Region was constructed and investigated. Conclusion. One of the consequences of a new coronavirus infection may be a change in the immune system of the human population. A detailed analysis of the immunological status of various racial groups, different ages and gender characteristics under the influence of a new coronavirus infection is currently poorly understood.

Initial antibiotic therapy for postoperative moderate or severe diabetic foot infections: Broad versus narrow spectrum, empirical versus targeted.

To retrospectively evaluate clinical and microbiological outcomes after combined surgical and medical therapy for diabetic foot infections (DFIs), stratifying between the empirical versus the targeted nature, and between an empirical broad versus a narrow-spectrum, antibiotic therapy. We retrospectively assessed the rate of ultimate therapeutic failures for each of three types of initial postoperative antibiotic therapy: adequate empirical therapy; culture-guided therapy; and empirical inadequate therapy with a switch to targeted treatment based on available microbiological results. We included data from 332 patients who underwent 716 DFI episodes of surgical debridement, including partial amputations. Clinical failure occurred in 40 of 194 (20.6%) episodes where adequate empirical therapy was given, in 77 of 291 (26.5%) episodes using culture-guided (and correct) therapy from the start, and in 73 of 231 (31.6%) episodes with switching from empirical inadequate therapy to culture-targeted therapy. Equally, a broad-spectrum antibiotic choice could not alter this failure risk. Group comparisons, Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression analyses failed to show either statistical superiority or inferiority of any of the initial antibiotic strategies. In this study, the microbiological adequacy of the initial antibiotic regimen after (surgical) debridement for DFI did not alter therapeutic outcomes. We recommend that clinicians follow the stewardship approach of avoiding antibiotic de-escalation and start with a narrow-spectrum regimen based on the local epidemiology.

Saliva microbiome in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection in a prospective cohort of healthy US adults.

The clinical outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection vary in severity, potentially influenced by the resident human microbiota. There is limited consensus on conserved microbiome changes in response to SARS-CoV-2 infection, with many studies focusing on severely ill individuals. This study aimed to assess the variation in the upper respiratory tract microbiome using saliva specimens in a cohort of individuals with primarily mild to moderate disease. In early 2020, a cohort of 831 adults without known SARS-CoV-2 infection was followed over a six-month period to assess the occurrence and natural history of SARS-CoV-2 infection. From this cohort, 81 participants with a SARS-CoV-2 infection, along with 57 unexposed counterparts were selected with a total of 748 serial saliva samples were collected for analysis. Total bacterial abundance, composition, population structure, and gene function of the salivary microbiome were measured using 16S rRNA gene and shotgun metagenomic sequencing. The salivary microbiome remained stable in unexposed individuals over the six-month study period, as evidenced by all measured metrics. Similarly, participants with mild to moderate SARS-CoV-2 infection showed microbiome stability throughout and after their infection. However, there were significant reductions in microbiome diversity among SARS-CoV-2-positive participants with severe symptoms early after infection. Over time, the microbiome diversity in these participants showed signs of recovery. These findings demonstrate the resilience of the salivary microbiome in relation to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Mild to moderate infections did not significantly disrupt the stability of the salivary microbiome, suggesting its ability to maintain its composition and function. However, severe SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with temporary reductions in microbiome diversity, indicating the limits of microbiome resilience in the face of severe infection. This project was supported in part by Danone North America and grants from the National Institutes of Health, United States.

Maternal, Perinatal, and Neonatal Outcomes of COVID-19 Severity in Pregnant Women: A Retrospective Study from Oman.

To evaluate the effect of COVID-19 severity on maternal, perinatal, and neonatal outcomes in pregnant women infected with SARS-CoV-2. We also aimed to assess the effect of medical comorbidities on the severity of COVID-19. A retrospective cohort study was conducted on women who became infected with SARS-CoV-2 during pregnancy and delivered at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Oman, from 1 March 2020 to 31 December 2021. A total of 118 pregnant women with COVID-19 and their 118 newborns were included in the study. Mean maternal age was 32.0 years, with 60.2% of women infected in the third trimester. The majority of the participants had mild symptoms. Eleven (9.3%) women had moderate infection needing inpatient care. Six (5.1%) with severe infection were admitted to intensive care unit. The chronic diseases among the participants were hypothyroidism, obesity, sickle cell disease, epilepsy, and diabetes. The mean gestational age at delivery was 37.0 weeks with 20.9% of women delivering by cesarean section out of whom 37.5% had moderate-to-severe COVID-19. The most common complications associated with COVID-19 severity were preterm labor (p =0.002), preeclampsia (p =0.002), and intrauterine fetal death (p =0.089). Of the total 118 newborns, 111 were singletons and six were twins. One fetus died and three singletons were lost to miscarriage. Placental histopathology conducted in 64 patients had no COVID-specific findings in most cases. Most pregnant women with COVID-19 infections had mild symptoms. The majority of women with moderate-to-severe infection were admitted for COVID-19 pneumonia. There was no direct effect of COVID-19 severity in neonatal outcomes or placental histopathology changes.

Mönckeberg's Medial Calcific Sclerosis Makes Traditional Arterial Doppler's Unreliable in High-Risk Patients with Diabetes.

To assess Mönckeberg's medial calcific sclerosis (MMCS) severity in patients with a diabetic foot infection. This was an analysis of 2 randomized clinical trials in which we evaluated the treatment of 233 patients admitted to the hospital for moderate and severe foot infections. Arterial calcification was defined as visible radiopaque arteries on foot and ankle radiographs, recorded as the most distal visible artery involved (toes, metatarsals, and ankle/hindfoot). Most subjects (57.1%, n = 133) had MMCS, with extension to toes in 79 (59.4%), to metatarsals in 32 (24.1%), and to ankle/hindfoot in 22 patients (16.5%). In 7 patients (5.2%) MMCS was solely seen in dorsalis pedis (DP) artery, in 13 patients (9.8%) in posterior tibialis (PT) artery, and in 113 patients (85.0%) MMCS was seen in both arteries. Only 29.2% (n = 68) of DP arteries and 34.8% (n = 81) of PT arteries were not compressible by Doppler. DP and PT arteries were not compressible more often in MMCS (DP 34.3% vs 20.4%, P = .02 and PT 43.1% vs 21.4%, P < .01), toe-brachial indices of ≥0.7 were significantly more common in people without MMCS (46.0% vs 67.4%, P < .01). In contrast, there were no differences in skin perfusion pressure measurements (>50 mmHg; 67.7% vs 68.0%, P = .96), waveforms (biphasic/triphasic 83.5% vs 77.0%, P = .22), and pulse volume recording (9.6 ± 3.3 vs 13.7 ± 36.0) between patients with and without MMCS. MMCS is common in patients with diabetic foot infections. MMCS is associated with noncompressible arterial Doppler studies and likely interferes with the accuracy of arterial Doppler studies.

Use of Monoclonal Antibodies in Pregnant Women Infected by COVID-19: A Case Series.

Monoclonal antibodies are designed to target specific proteins of COVID-19 and can be used as a treatment for people with mild to moderate infection and at a high risk of severe disease. Casirivimab/imdevimab, sotrovimab, and Bamlanivimab/etesevimab have been authorized for emergency use in the treatment of COVID-19. However, during pregnancy, these drugs have not been extensively studied. A total of 22 pregnant women with mild to moderate infection were treated with three different monoclonal antibodies, and efficacy and safety were evaluated in the first period and until six months of follow-up. No infusion/allergic reactions occurred. No fatal or adverse events were observed in the pregnant women or fetus. The time of negativization with sotrovimab was shorter in comparison to Imdevimav/casirivimab (p = 0.0187) and Bamlanivimab/etesevimab (p < 0.00001). The time of negativization with sotrovimab was earlier in comparison to Imdevimav/casirivimab (t-value: 2.92; p = 0.0052) in vaccinated patients and similar in comparison to Imdevimav/casirivimab (t-value: 1.48; p = 0.08). In unvaccinated patients, sotrovimab was faster to achieve negativization in comparison to Bamlanivimab/etesevimab (t-value: 10.75; p < 0.0005). Pregnant COVID-19 patients receiving sotrovimab obtained better clinical outcomes. Pregnancy or neonatal complications were not observed after monoclonal treatment, confirming the safety and tolerability of these drugs in pregnant women.

Epidemiology of schistosomiasis in the town of Manjo, littoral - Region,Cameroon

BackgroundSchistosomiasis is endemic in Cameroon and continues to cause serious public health problems, especially among populations in rural areas. This study aimed at determining the prevalence and risk factors of urinary and intestinal schistosomiasis in Manjo. MethodA cross-sectional study was conducted in the city of Manjo in 2020. Stool and urine samples were collected from 400 participants. These stool and urine samples were examined by the Kato Katz, and centrifugation methods respectively. ResultsThe results obtained showed an overall prevalence of 6.25%, with 5% and 1.25% for S. mansoni and S. haematobium respectively. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was revealed among occupations, age groups, neighborhood, water usage, educational level, knowledge of the disease meanwhile no significant difference was observed between gender and occupation according to prevalence. The most infected ages were] 50-; + [and]20–35] with 13.36% and 11.86% respectively. S. haematobium revealed a low infection intensity while S. mansoni showed moderate infection intensity. The mean parasite load for S. haematobium was 6 ± 3.225 Eggs/10 ml in females and 7 ± 4.243 Eggs/10 ml for males; while the mean parasitic load in S. mansoni was 180 ± 142.441 Epg in females and 146.67 ± 82.286 Epg in males. ConclusionManjo can be classified as a low endemic area with a prevalence rate of 6.25% and species observed were S. haematobium and S. mansoni. Also, risk factors where observed including the use of water from the river for domestic purposes. Therefore, the intensification of health education campaigns among the population would delay the development of this disease in the locality.

Recent progression in nanocarrier based techniques to address fungal infections and patent status in drug development process.

Fungal infections are becoming one of the most common diseases in recent years, especially when it comes about dealing skin infections. Different drugs are available commercially with antifungal activity for topical application and are effective for treatment of mild to moderate fungal infections. However they lack dermal bioavailability due to their poor penetrability, and less retention at the site thereby resulting in poor efficacy. The remaining systemic treatment options available so far may cause adverse drug effects and many other complications. In recent years nano carrier based formulations promised to overcome the limitations of the conventional topical dosage forms. Lipid based nano carriers and their importance for potential use in delivery of antifungal agents for the treatment of superficial fungal infections have been well discussed in this review article. It comprises of different nano lipid systems involved in treatment of topical fungal infections, effect of different polymers on their size, stability, and their mechanistic action behind skin penetration and dermal retention of drug into deeper epidermal layers is also highlighted to depict recent efforts of researchers in this context. Further, the addressing of the disease by novel drug delivery systems for the efficacious treatment, status of clinical trials, novel commercial formulations available for use in dermal drug delivery and patents claimed/granted in the respective field have been discussed in detail.

Biochemical and Clinical profile of COVID-19 patients and its association with severity of the disease: A study at tertiary care centre

: The Novel Corona Virus pandemic caused significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. The biochemical parameters in affected individuals can differentiate between moderate and severe COVID-19 infection. Early identification will facilitate appropriate care and reduce the mortality.: In the present study, we are exploring the possibility of association of the data of biochemical investigations done at the time of admission with COVID-19 severity in patients, as timely modulation in medical management could reduce the mortality and shorten hospital stay.: A cross sectional study including 452RT-PCR positive, moderate to severe cases of COVID-19 patients admitted to a tertiary care centre, New Delhi were enrolled in the study, in the months of June to October 2020.Biochemical profile of moderate and severe COVID 19 patients was evaluated on admission and correlated with severity of the disease.Out of 452 patients, 331 patients had moderate disease while 121 had severe disease. Total bilirubin in moderate disease was 0.6mg/dl(0.4-0.9) and 0.6mg/dl(0.4-0.8) in severe disease (p=0.780). AST was 46U/L(31-73.75) and 45 U/L(30-76) in moderate and severe disease respectively (p=0.544), while ALT was 42U/L(25-78.25) and 42U/L(26-72)(p=0.936) respectively in moderate and severe disease. The ALP was 111U/L(86.5-165.5) and 106U/L(77-157) in moderate and severe disease respectively (p=0.828). The serum urea in moderate COVID-19 patients was 32mg/dl(22-61) while 42mg/dl(22-94) in severe disease (p=0.016). The serum creatinine in moderate disease was 0.7mg/dl(0.6-1.1) while 0.8mg/dl(0.6-1.8)(p=0.143) in severe disease. The median (IQR) serum HsCRP in moderate disease was 103.2mg/L(9.7-202) and in severe disease it was 103.76mg/L(19.53-181.26)(p=0.132). The median (IQR) LDH level in moderate COVID-19 patients was 245U/L(137.25-372.25) while in severe disease it was 385U/L(278-598)(p&amp;#60;0.001).: The serum biomarkers Urea and inflammatory marker LDH could serve as potential biomarkers to differentiate between moderate and severe COVID-19 patients.

Identifikasi Infeksi WSSV (White Spot Syndrome Virus) Pada Udang Vaname (Litopaneus vannamei) Dengan Metode PCR (Polimarace Chain Reaction) Di Kecamatan Wanggarasi

This study aims to identify White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) infection in vannamei shrimp ponds cultivated in Wanggarasi Sub-district, Pohuwato Regency, using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) test method. The method applies descriptive analysis method, observation method, and laboratory analysis. The results showed that after being detected by PCR from 4 sampling stations, stations 3 was detected positive (+) for moderate virus infection at stations 1, 2, and 4. The results of identification using the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method at the Fish Quarantine Station and Quality Assurance of Gorontalo Province, the white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) was not detected in vannamei shrimp, or negative (-) with clinical symtomps, namely; pale color, slow movement, leaning against the embankment, there is a light spot on the head, swimming on the surface.

TREE HEALTH ASSESSMENT FOR ROADSIDE TREE IN KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE, SABAH

This study aimed to assess the health of main tree in the Kota Kinabalu City Centre, Sabah. In this study, principal evaluation standards were made by using visual observation of trees or Visual Tree Assessment (VTA). This study was conducted to identify any effect of damage or defect on trees via the observation of trees at their roots, stems, branches and leaves. There were five zones in the study area, namely from KK Lama and Jesselton Point (Zone 1) to Pasar Besar. The tree health parameters were evaluated from the presence of pests and diseases, trees health, foliage colour, the growth rate of trees, infections of the trees and potential failure of tree roots. In this study, nine of pathogens, pests and diseases of trees were observed, which were termites, fungi, aphid, mushrooms, epiphytes, parasites, ants, weeds and Whiteflies. This study showed that there were 23 species from the 688 stand of trees in the study area. The study found that the state average foliage colour was normal, a moderate growth rate and infection of the tree was still under controlled. The potential failure of tree root was found in low level as well. In a nutshell, the overall health of trees was found to be in good and moderate levels. This study was conducted as a reference in health detection of tree for The City Hall management (DBKK) and also as a reference for University students in conducting tree health assessment.