Outbreak Of Respiratory Disease Research Articles

Optimal adaptive nonpharmaceutical interventions to mitigate the outbreak of respiratory infections following the COVID-19 pandemic: a deep reinforcement learning study in Hong Kong, China.

Long-lasting nonpharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) suppressed the infection of COVID-19 but came at a substantial economic cost and the elevated risk of the outbreak of respiratory infectious diseases (RIDs) following the pandemic. Policymakers need data-driven evidence to guide the relaxation with adaptive NPIs that consider the risk of both COVID-19 and other RIDs outbreaks, as well as the available healthcare resources. Combining the COVID-19 data of the sixth wave in Hong Kong between May 31, 2022 and August 28, 2022, 6-year epidemic data of other RIDs (2014-2019), and the healthcare resources data, we constructed compartment models to predict the epidemic curves of RIDs after the COVID-19-targeted NPIs. A deep reinforcement learning (DRL) model was developed to learn the optimal adaptive NPIs strategies to mitigate the outbreak of RIDs after COVID-19-targeted NPIs are lifted with minimal health and economic cost. The performance was validated by simulations of 1000 days starting August 29, 2022. We also extended the model to Beijing context. Without any NPIs, Hong Kong experienced a major COVID-19 resurgence far exceeding the hospital bed capacity. Simulation results showed that the proposed DRL-based adaptive NPIs successfully suppressed the outbreak of COVID-19 and other RIDs to lower than capacity. DRL carefully controlled the epidemic curve to be close to the full capacity so that herd immunity can be reached in a relatively short period with minimal cost. DRL derived more stringent adaptive NPIs in Beijing. DRL is a feasible method to identify the optimal adaptive NPIs that lead to minimal health and economic cost by facilitating gradual herd immunity of COVID-19 and mitigating the other RIDs outbreaks without overwhelming the hospitals. The insights can be extended to other countries/regions.

Treatment of Infectious Coryza in Canaries: Antibiotic Sensitivity and Clinical Outcomes

Introduction: Infectious coryza (IC) is a respiratory disease that affects poultry and other avian species. It is caused by Avibacterium paragallinarum. Common clinical signs of IC include rhinitis, facial swelling, anorexia, and retarded growth in young poultry. Case report: This report delves into a specific outbreak of IC among a herd of 120 ornamental canaries in Iran in February 2021, where 15 canaries succumbed to the disease. The canaries indicated symptoms, such as swollen heads, closed eyes, severe sinusitis, weight loss, loss of appetite, and reduced ovulation. After the necropsy, a clumpy discharge in the eyes and sinuses and minor bleeding were observed in the trachea. Samples from the sinuses of dead canaries were taken to the laboratory (Mashhad, Iran), and it was determined that the bacteria responsible for the deaths belonged to the genus Avibacterium. Avibacterium spp. are slow-growing and require a specific factor, Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD), for growth. The antibacterial susceptibility of the bacteria was tested using 18 different antibiotics. Based on the results, fosfomycin and amikacin were selected for treatment. The birds were administered oral fosfomycin (160 milligrams per kilogram) and injection amikacin (10 milligrams per kilogram) for 7 consecutive days. However, a recurrence of symptoms was observed a week after the initial treatment (second outbreak), prompting a further 5 days of treatment. The isolate was completely sensitive to fosfomycin, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, vancomycin, penicillin, amikacin, and furazolidone and the bacterium showed intermediate susceptibility to other antibiotics which tested. After 72 hours of treatment, casualties ceased, and clinical symptoms were reduced. Complete resolution of symptoms was observed within a week. In the second outbreak of the disease, no casualties occurred, and the symptoms vanished within 48 hours of initiating treatment. Conclusion: This case report underscored the infection of canaries flock by Avibacterium spp., which was sensitive to fosfomycin and amikacin in laboratory conditions, and and effectively facilitated the recovery of the infected birds in vivo. The antibiotic sensitivity test provided useful information for finding an effective treatment against bacterial infection, emphasizing the significance of collaborating with laboratories for optimal results. Furthermore, continuous monitoring of this isolate is imperative, as it may potentially play a role in upper respiratory disease outbreaks across diverse avian species.

#3410 COVID-19 PANDEMIC: STRUCTURAL AND FINANCIAL CHALLENGES AND QUALITY OF TREATMENT IN HEMODIALYSIS CLINICS

Abstract Background and Aims In December 2019, Chinese Centers for Disease Control and Prevention was the first to report an outbreak of febrile respiratory disease where a new coronavirus identified, called SARS-CoV-2 that triggered a complex multisystemic disease, Covid-19. It spread rapidly, reaching countries in all five continents. The World Health Organization declared Covid-19 a pandemic in March 2020. The following years were a challenge for humanity and health systems around the world. Studies show that Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) with glomerular filtration rate <30 ml/min/1.73 m2 is an important risk factor for critical disease. Patients undergoing in-center hemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for COVID-19, as they stay indoors without renewed air, which is important to control transmission, the same occurring with the professionals involved in the treatment. In our units, in order to mitigate the contamination, in addition to all measures required by health authorities, all SARS-Cov-2 positive patients performed their treatment in a separate room and with an in-center different flow from negative patients. The aim of this study was to verify whether the significant structural disarrangement that occurred in this period could interfere with the goals of the quality indicators established by the Patient Safety Program (PSP). Method We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study to evaluate the evolution of both operating costs and PSP quality markers during 2019 to 2022. We studied 457 patients undergoing in-center HD, with no distinction by gender, race, age or underlying disease. In the measurement of costs, only materials/medications specifically to HD, as well as the expenses in the remuneration of the constant changes of the care team, the absence due to contracting the disease or the established health standards. The following were analyzed: Conversion of viral hepatitis, with a target of 0%; SpKt/V ≥1.2, target 70%; Healthcare-Related Infections for Arterio-Venous Fistula (HRI-AVF) target <1%. Hospitalization/deaths ratio as an index of the impact of the disease on our population was also calculated. All indexes were measured monthly and annualized using mean (costs), median and standard deviation, as a measure of central trend. Statistical analysis was used ANOVA and Kruskal-Wallis Test. Results In 2019, the cost of items corresponded 22.2% SD±1.6 of the value of the dialysis session; 30.4% SD±2.8 in 2020; 32.3% SD±3.0 in 2021 and finally 31.1% SD±3.0 in 2022. Obtaining statistical significance only from 2019 for other periods, p<0.05. We did not observe viral hepatitis conversion at all times, reaching the goal. In the SpKt/V indicator, we observed 78% SD±4 in 2019, 73% SD±4 in 2020, 72% SD±6 in 2021 and 79% SD±6 in 2022, with no statistical significance observed between years. HRI-AVF rate was 1% in 2019, 3%, 2% and 2% in 2020, 2021 and 2022, respectively. No static significance found. The hospitalization/deaths ratio was 13% in 2019, 45% in 2020, 41% and 31% in 2021 and 2022, respectively. Conclusion The pressure in health units, a large increase in hospital costs due to the scarcity of materials/medicines and equipment for patient care, and especially the absence of sick professionals and/or increased workload, led to structural and financial disorganization in all health units including HD centres. This destructuring could somehow interfere with the quality of treatment. However, we did not show this relationship, because we found increased costs, and achievement of the goals of Viral Conversion Rates, SpKt/V>1.2 and AVF-related IRAS. The number of hospitalizations was large, as in the whole world, with high lethality. We are in line with the official Brazilian Government: a fall in the prevalence of CKD per 100,000 inhabitants and a fall in deaths due to CKD, leading cause of death from Covid-19, as shown in the graphs below. The implementation of the PSP with a work of solidification of its standards and its objectives, go through continuous work with each patient, and incessant training of all professionals involved. With this, they become a strong barrier of protection to adverse events of the size to those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Learning Management Systems as a platform for information sharing during the COVID-19

Background: During the outbreak of the deadly respiratory coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in the 2019–2022 period, many South African institutions of higher learning adopted online learning management systems (LMS) to share information and salvage the academic project. This adoption was fraught with challenges including a lack or preparedness, resources and strategy on how to manage change. Objectives: The study examined the challenges faced while using an online LMS as an information sharing platform in academia, specifically in a rural-based university in South Africa during (COVID-19) lockdown period. In addition, the study also explored the state of readiness of the rural-based university to transition to an online LMS. Method: A quantitative research methodology was used to collect data through the administration of a survey to respondents from a rural-based university. The target population for the study was students and academic staff. Results: The study revealed that online learning management provided a collaborative knowledge and information sharing platform. This study established that LMS enabled the university to continue sharing knowledge and interact with their students, staff, and stakeholders to continue to facilitate teaching and learning. Internet connectivity, a lack of preparedness and data costs were cited as key challenges. Conclusion: This study highlighted how an online LMS was used as a collaborative and knowledge sharing platform during a global crisis. Contribution: The study contributes to information and knowledge sharing disciplines to create awareness to authorities on the importance of technology during a crisis.

Assessment of ventilation in low-resource healthcare settings: Montserrado County, Liberia—2022−2023

Background: Mitigating the risk of nosocomial respiratory disease transmission in the healthcare facilities of low- and middle−income countries (LMICs) poses unique challenges because mechanical ventilation and mixed−mode strategies are often unavailable. Carbon dioxide (CO2) can serve as a proxy for ventilation and, hence, airborne infectious disease transmission risk in naturally ventilated spaces. We assessed the adequacy of ventilation in Liberian hospitals. Methods: We sampled 3 hospitals, both urban and rural, in Montserrado County, Liberia. Moreover, 3 CO2 meters were concurrently utilized to measure CO2 levels at a 1-meter height in every patient-care room in each facility. We recorded temperature, humidity, room dimensions, and number of people in the rooms. From these variables, we calculated absolute ventilation using the ASHRAE equation to determine areas with the highest risk of nosocomial respiratory disease transmission. We also recorded qualitative observations about the sampled spaces. Results: From August 2022 to February 2023, 39 rooms in 3 healthcare facilities were sampled. Initial quantitative findings show that only 8 rooms (21%) met the WHO-recommended ventilation rate of 60 L per second per person. The average ventilation rate per person in the adequately ventilated settings was 86 L per second per patient, compared to 19 liters per second per patient in inadequately ventilated rooms. Additionally, 467 ppm mean CO2 was noted in well-ventilated rooms compared to 895 ppm mean CO2 in inadequately ventilated rooms.Initial qualitative observations showed that facilities with lower CO2 readings tended to be older constructions that likely had been constructed with airborne disease such as tuberculosis in mind. Willingness to open windows was limited by lack of window screens for malaria prevention, and there was a pervasive fallacy that air conditioning was a source of ventilation. Correspondingly, of the 31 inadequately ventilated rooms, 22 (71%) had operating air conditioning units compared with 4 (50%) of the 8 adequately ventilated rooms. Overall, of the 13 rooms without air conditioning, 7 (54%) were more frequently characterized by open windows compared to only 5 of 26 (28%) of rooms that did have air conditioners. Conclusions: Being prepared for the next respiratory disease outbreak and creating more resilient healthcare systems in LMICs requires a frameshift of prevention strategies. Measuring CO2 provides a simple strategy for identifying areas at highest risk for nosocomial respiratory disease transmission, which can be prioritized for low-cost environmental interventions, such as provision of window screens, as part of routine infection prevention and control efforts.Disclosure: None

Recent Clinical Isolates of Enterovirus D68 Have Increased Replication and Induce Enhanced Epithelial Immune Response Compared to the Prototype Fermon Strain.

In 2014, enterovirus D68 (EV-D68), previously associated primarily with mild respiratory illness, caused a large outbreak of severe respiratory illness and, in rare instances, paralysis. We compared the viral binding and replication of eight recent EV-D68 clinical isolates collected both before and during the 2014 outbreak and the prototype Fermon strain from 1962 in cultured HeLa cells and differentiated human primary bronchial epithelial cells (BEC) to understand the possible reasons for the change in virus pathogenicity. We selected pairs of closely related isolates from the same phylogenetic clade that were associated with severe vs. asymptomatic infections. We found no significant differences in binding or replication in HeLa cell cultures between the recent clinical isolates. However, in HeLa cells, Fermon had significantly greater binding (2-3 logs) and virus progeny yields (2-4 logs) but a similar level of replication (1.5-2 log increase in viral RNA from 2 h to 24 h post infection) compared to recent isolates. In differentiated BECs, Fermon and the recent EV-D68 isolates had similar levels of binding; however, the recent isolates produced 1.5-2-log higher virus progeny yields than Fermon due to increased replication. Interestingly, no significant differences in replication were identified between the pairs of genetically close recent EV-D68 clinical isolates despite the observed differences in associated disease severity. We then utilized RNA-seq to define the transcriptional responses in BECs infected with four recent EV-D68 isolates, representing major phylogenetic clades, and the Fermon strain. All the tested clinical isolates induced similar responses in BECs; however, numerous upregulated genes in antiviral and pro-inflammatory response pathways were identified when comparing the response to clinical isolates versus Fermon. These results indicate that the recent emergence in severe EV-D68 cases could be explained by an increased replication efficiency and enhanced inflammatory response induced by newly emerged clinical isolates; however, host factors are likely the main determinants of illness severity.

Pathogenic bacteria associated with outbreaks of respiratory disease in Iranian broiler farms.

Multi-causal respiratory infections are more commonly observed than uncomplicated cases with single agents in the commercial poultry industry. Recently, increased mortality rates associated with respiratory clinical signs have been reported in Iranian broiler farms. The present study aimed to determine the spectra of avian mycoplasmas (Mycoplasma gallisepticum, MG and Mycoplasma synoviae, MS) and Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale (ORT) in the broiler farms with the multi-causal respiratory disease (MCRD) from 2017 to 2020. Trachea and lung tissue samples were collected from 70 broiler flocks presenting increased mortality and acute respiratory disease. MG, MS, and ORT were detected by performing polymerase chain reaction with primers complementary to the 16S rRNA, vlhA, and 16S rRNA genes, respectively. Genetic materials of MG, MS, and ORT were detected in five, three, and five of the 70 flocks. Based on the phylogenetic analysis of the complete mgc2 coding sequences, all MG strains formed a distinct cluster along with other Iranian MG isolates. According to the phylogenetic analysis of the partial vlhA gene of MS strains, two isolates were located along with Australian and European strains. In addition, one of them displayed an out-group association with MS isolates from Jordan. Phylogenetic analysis of Iranian ORT strains using a partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene showed a distinct group among the other ORT strains. The results indicate that MG, MS, and ORT are not predominantly responsible for the MCRD. However, continuous monitoring of poultry flocks could be significant for obtaining valuable information related to different MG, MS, and ORT strains and designing effective control strategies.

Generation and Characterization of a Replication-Competent Human Adenovirus Type 55 Encoding EGFP.

Human adenovirus 55 (HAdV-55) has recently caused outbreaks of acute respiratory disease (ARD), posing a significant public threat to civilians and military trainees. Efforts to develop antiviral inhibitors and quantify neutralizing antibodies require an experimental system to rapidly monitor viral infections, which can be achieved through the use of a plasmid that can produce an infectious virus. Here, we used a bacteria-mediated recombination approach to construct a full-length infectious cDNA clone, pAd55-FL, containing the whole genome of HadV-55. Then, the green fluorescent protein expression cassette was assembled into pAd55-FL to replace the E3 region to obtain a recombinant plasmid of pAd55-dE3-EGFP. The rescued recombinant virus rAdv55-dE3-EGFP is genetically stable and replicates similarly to the wild-type virus in cell culture. The virus rAdv55-dE3-EGFP can be used to quantify neutralizing antibody activity in sera samples, producing results in concordance with the cytopathic effect (CPE)-based microneutralization assay. Using an rAdv55-dE3-EGFP infection of A549 cells, we showed that the assay could be used for antiviral screening. Our findings suggest that the rAdv55-dE3-EGFP-based high-throughput assay provides a reliable tool for rapid neutralization testing and antiviral screening for HAdV-55.

Web-based surveillance of respiratory infection outbreaks: retrospective analysis of Italian COVID-19 epidemic waves using Google Trends.

Large-scale diagnostic testing has been proven insufficient to promptly monitor the spread of the Coronavirus disease 2019. Electronic resources may provide better insight into the early detection of epidemics. We aimed to retrospectively explore whether the Google search volume has been useful in detecting Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus outbreaks early compared to the swab-based surveillance system. The Google Trends website was used by applying the research to three Italian regions (Lombardy, Marche, and Sicily), covering 16 million Italian citizens. An autoregressive-moving-average model was fitted, and residual charts were plotted to detect outliers in weekly searches of five keywords. Signals that occurred during periods labelled as free from epidemics were used to measure Positive Predictive Values and False Negative Rates in anticipating the epidemic wave occurrence. Signals from "fever," "cough," and "sore throat" showed better performance than those from "loss of smell" and "loss of taste." More than 80% of true epidemic waves were detected early by the occurrence of at least an outlier signal in Lombardy, although this implies a 20% false alarm signals. Performance was poorer for Sicily and Marche. Monitoring the volume of Google searches can be a valuable tool for early detection of respiratory infectious disease outbreaks, particularly in areas with high access to home internet. The inclusion of web-based syndromic keywords is promising as it could facilitate the containment of COVID-19 and perhaps other unknown infectious diseases in the future.

Abstract #1408228: Potential Association Among Enteroviruses, Acute Flaccid Myelitis and Type 1 Diabetes

Non-polio enteroviruses, like EV-D68, caused a nationwide outbreak of respiratory illness in the US in the fall of 2021. It has been shown that EV-D68 plays a role in causing acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). In addition, the association between enterovirus infections and type 1 diabetes (T1DM) has been widely studied and established. We report a case in which a 19-year-old male consulted for progressively ascending bilateral weakness in the lower extremities. Four weeks prior, he was diagnosed with T1DM and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). On exam, he had decreased sensation to light touch, vibration, and temperature below the knees, decreased motor strength 2/5 in bilateral lower extremities, and absence of patellar and Achille reflexes. Thyroid tests, Creatinine Kinase, Aldolase, and vitamin B12 were all normal. Spine MRI showed an enhancement along the L5 and sacral roots. CSF studies were significant for the positive oligoclonal band, the elevated protein level (87gm/dL), and no white blood cell count. CSF gram stain was negative for any organisms. EBV, HSV, and HIV testing were negative. A nonspecific respiratory panel only performed at the time of diagnosis with AFM was negative. The electromyogram did not show any type of acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy or evidence of myopathy. CT abdomen/pelvis demonstrated mild splenomegaly with small swollen lymph nodes of the periaortic and mesenteric area, which are commonly seen in viral infections. A Digital Subtraction Angiography study did not show any abnormality in spinal vessels. The patient received immunoglobulin and steroid, which was stopped early due to bradycardia and hyperglycemia. Neurology diagnosed the patient with AFM secondary to viral infection, in which the patient may have been infected prior to his diagnosis of DKA. The patient’s weakness resolved, and he was discharged with basal-bolus insulin and is to follow up with neurology and endocrinology outpatient. Enterovirus infection has been associated with T1DM and AFM. While the Respiratory PCR Panel was negative, it was only obtained several weeks after the onset of symptoms. Pathogenesis of extra-respiratory complications of enteroviruses may associate with viremia and systemic dissemination of the virus, which may not be detected by a respiratory PCR panel. Infection by an enterovirus remains the most likely etiology for both immune-mediated disorders, especially during a nationwide outbreak. We recommend providers consider enterovirus infection as a potential cause of AFM, and autoimmune diabetes in order to perform a throughout workup. In a patient with hyperglycemia and flaccid paralysis, T1DM should be suspected.

Humanization and characterization of a murine monoclonal neutralizing antibody against human adenovirus 7

Human adenovirus type 7 (HAdV7) is commonly associated with febrile acute respiratory disease (ARD) outbreaks. We have reported that 10G12, a mouse monoclonal antibody (mAb) specifically recognizing and neutralizing HAdV7, is a promising candidate for humanization. In this study, we engineered the six variants of 10G12 with increased degree of humanization and investigated their biological activity. The humanized monoclonal antibody (mAb) 10G12-M2 was shown to retain the parental antibody's high binding affinity, specificity and potent efficacy of viral suppression. The mAb 10G12-M2 recognized a conformational neutralization epitope of the hexon protein. Complex structure-based molecular docking simulation showed that the hexon protein formed several interactions with 10G12-M2, including hydrogen bonds and salt bridges interaction. Physicochemical properties analysis of 10G12-M2 demonstrated that it is stable and desirable lead candidate. In general, 10G12-M2 had excellent biological activity after humanization combined with the potential for use in prophylactic or therapeutic applications against HAdV7.

Interactions of heparin with key glycoproteins of human respiratory syncytial virus.

Introduction: The unexpected surge of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases following pandemic phase of COVID-19 has drawn much public attention. Drawing on the latest antiviral research, revisiting this heightened annual outbreak of respiratory disease could lead to new treatments. The ability of sulfated polysaccharides to compete for a variety of viruses binding to cell surface heparan sulfate, suggests several drugs that might have therapeutic potential for targeting RSV-glycosaminoglycan interactions. Methods: In the current study, the binding affinity and kinetics of two RSV glycoproteins (RSV-G protein and RSV-F protein) to heparin were investigated by surface plasmon resonance. Furthermore, solution competition studies using heparin oligosaccharides of different lengths indicated that the binding of RSV-G protein to heparin is size-dependent, whereas RSV-F protein did not show any chain length preference. Results and discussion: The two RSV glycoproteins have slightly different preferences for heparin sulfation patterns, but the N-sulfo group in heparin was most critical for the binding of heparin to both RSV-G protein and RSV-F protein. Finally, pentosan polysulfate and mucopolysaccharide polysulfate were evaluated for their inhibition of the RSV-G protein and RSV-F protein-heparin interaction, and both highly negative compounds showed strong inhibition.

Antimicrobial sensitivity pattern and detection of antimicrobial resistance genes of E. coli isolated from respiratory tract infections in poultry

The present study was conducted at College of Veterinary Science, Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University with the objective to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern and anti-microbial resistance genes on E. coli isolates obtained from respiratory infection samples of poultry. A total of 115 samples were collected from different respiratory disease outbreaks from various poultry farms of Ludhiana district of Punjab. Various bacteria related to respiratory infections were isolated and E. coli was found to be in highest number among the isolated bacteria. The isolates of E. coli were confirmed by MALDI-TOF and were subjected to Kirby Bauer’s disc diffusion method to study the antimicrobial sensitivity pattern phenotypically. The isolates were also screened for the presence of six antimicrobial resistance genes associated with certain antibiotics by Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). All the isolates showed 100% resistance towards the antibiotics, viz. tetracycline, chlortetracycline, enrofloxacin, erythromycin, ofloxacin, tylosin, amikacin, and ciprofloxacin. This demonstrates the multidrug-resistance of the isolates. The antimicrobial resistance gene strA (60%) was found to be expressed more among the isolates followed by ere (50%), tetA (47.5%), aac-(3)-(IV) (37.5%) and blaTEM (32.5%). None of the isolate was found to have tetC gene.

Association of ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 with an outbreak of acute respiratory disease in dairy cattle

This study investigated the cause of an outbreak of an acute respiratory disease syndrome followed by episodes of diarrhea in a dairy cattle herd from Southern Brazil. Deep nasal swabs (DNS) from asymptomatic calves, calves with pulmonary discomfort, and diarrheic calves after episodes of respiratory distress were used in molecular assays designed to detect the principal pathogens associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Fecal samples were used for the molecular detection of bovine enteric disease agents. Pulmonary tissues from three calves and a cow that died were evaluated by molecular assays to identify 11 agents associated with the development of BRD. The intestinal and pulmonary fragments of one calf and the cow revealed atrophic enteritis and interstitial pneumonia by histopathology, respectively. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) identified intralesional antigens of a malignant catarrhal fever virus, genus Macavirus, within epithelial cells of the lungs and intestines. Molecular assays amplified ovine gammaherpesvirus 2 (OvGHV2) from most of the DNS, and the pulmonary and intestinal fragments from the animals that died, confirming that the Macavirus identified by IHC was OvGHV2. Concomitant pulmonary infections of OvGHV2 with bovine gammaherpesvirus 6 and bovine coronavirus were identified. Additionally, bovine viral diarrhea virus 1b and Aichivirus B were detected in the fecal samples. These findings demonstrated that OvGHV2, a Macavirus, was the disease agent most frequently (81.2%; 13/16) associated with singular pulmonary infections during this outbreak of BRD, suggesting that this virus may be another potential agent of respiratory disease of cattle.

Detection of Influenza D-Specific Antibodies in Bulk Tank Milk from Swedish Dairy Farms.

Influenza D virus (IDV) has been detected in bovine respiratory disease (BRD) outbreaks, and experimental studies demonstrated this virus's capacity to cause lesions in the respiratory tract. In addition, IDV-specific antibodies were detected in human sera, which indicated that this virus plays a potential zoonotic role. The present study aimed to extend our knowledge about the epidemiologic situation of IDV in Swedish dairy farms, using bulk tank milk (BTM) samples for the detection of IDV antibodies. A total of 461 and 338 BTM samples collected during 2019 and 2020, respectively, were analyzed with an in-house indirect ELISA. In total, 147 (32%) and 135 (40%) samples were IDV-antibody-positive in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Overall, 2/125 (2%), 11/157 (7%) and 269/517 (52%) of the samples were IDV-antibody-positive in the northern, middle and southern regions of Sweden. The highest proportion of positive samples was repeatedly detected in the south, in the county of Halland, which is one of the counties with the highest cattle density in the country. In order to understand the epidemiology of IDV, further research in different cattle populations and in humans is required.

Is this time the same? Housing market performance during SARS and COVID-19*

PurposeThis paper aims to examine the housing market responses to two outbreaks of respiratory diseases in Hong Kong during the Information Era – the 2003 SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks.Design/methodology/approachThe authors first investigate the aggregate housing price changes during SARS and COVID-19. Next, the authors conduct a battery of univariate analyses pertaining to the relationship between district-level housing price movements and geographic and demographic patterns during the pandemic periods. Finally, to shed light on the housing price dynamics at the micro level, the authors conduct an estate-level analysis with the data of 234 residential estates from 2003 to 2020, focusing on the impacts of SARS and COVID-19 on the idiosyncratic volatility of residential estates.FindingsOverall, SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks are negatively associated with housing prices. However, unlike SARS, the impact of COVID-19 on housing prices was moderate and transient. The geographic imbalances of the epidemic-induced underperformance are observed at the district and estate levels. Finally, the estate-level analysis presented in this paper indicates that the average idiosyncratic volatility of residential estates is 1.5% higher during the SARS period but 3.7% lower during the COVID-19 period. Lower volatility during COVID-19 is likely explained by household learning from the SARS period.Practical implicationsRegulators and investors could resort to efficient information disclosure to attenuate idiosyncratic volatility's adverse impact on housing market returns.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, the authors are among the first to examine housing market responses to the 2003 SARS and COVID-19 outbreaks using the Hong Kong housing market as a laboratory.

Molecular Epidemiology of Bovine Enteroviruses and Genome Characterization of Two Novel Bovine Enterovirus Strains in Guangxi, China.

Bovine enterovirus (BEV) is a highly infectious pathogen that may cause respiratory and gastrointestinal disease outbreaks in cattle. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and genetic characteristics of BEVs in Guangxi Province, China. A total of 1,168 fecal samples from 97 different bovine farms were collected between October 2021 and July 2022 in Guangxi Province, China. BEV was confirmed using a reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) method targeting the 5' untranslated region (UTR), and isolates were genotyped by sequencing their genomes. The nearly complete genome sequences of eight BEV strains showing cytopathic effects in MDBK cells were determined and analyzed. In total, 125 (10.7%) of 1,168 fecal samples were positive for BEV. BEV infection was significantly associated with farming patterns and clinical symptoms (P < 0.05; odds ratio [OR] > 1). Molecular characterization indicated that five BEV strains from this study belonged to EV-E2 and one strain to EV-E4. Two BEV strains (GXNN2204 and GXGL2215) could not be assigned to a known type. Strain GXGL2215 showed the closest genetic relationship with GX1901 (GenBank accession number MN607030; China) in its VP1 (67.5%) and P1 (74.7%) and with NGR2017 (MH719217; Nigeria) in its polyprotein (72.0%). It was also close to the EV-E4 strain GXYL2213 from this study when the complete genome (81.7%) was compared. Strain GXNN2204 showed the closest genetic relationship with Ho12 (LC150008; Japan) in the VP1 (66.5%), P1 (71.6%), and polyprotein (73.2%). Genome sequence analysis suggested that strains GXNN2204 and GXGL2215 originated from the genomic recombination of EV-E4 and EV-F3 and EV-E2 and EV-E4, respectively. This study reports the cocirculation of multiple BEV types and the identification of two novel BEV strains in Guangxi, China, and it will provide further insights into the epidemiology and evolution of BEV in China. IMPORTANCE Bovine enterovirus (BEV) is a pathogen that causes intestinal, respiratory, and reproductive disease infections in cattle. This study reports on the widespread prevalence and biological characteristics of the different BEV types which currently exist in Guangxi Province, China. It also provides a reference for the study of the prevalence of BEV in China.

Human death due to H5N1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Mpox outbreak: A call for action.

Human death due to H5N1 amid the COVID-19 pandemic and Mpox outbreak: A call for action.

Zombies and COVID-19: An Examination of the Psychological Contagions Through the Pandemic and Zombie Movies

Two and a half years ago, a new infectious disease later named COVID-19 caused a respiratory illness outbreak in Wuhan, China. By now, much research has been done across various fields on its biological effects on the human body for the sake of controlling the virus, while researchers across the world have conducted limited studies regarding its psychological and socio-political impacts on the population. This research focuses on the effect of three types of contagions, consumer behavior contagion, deliberate self-harm contagion, and hysterical contagion, on people's behavior. By comparing the effects of these contagions in COVID-19 and several zombie movies, this research paper concluded that the spread of fear in both COVID-19 and zombie movies is causing the spread of these contagions.

Cluster analysis of bovine respiratory disease (BRD)-associated pathogens shows the existence of two epidemiological patterns in BRD outbreaks

A hierarchical cluster analysis was used to classify outbreaks of bovine respiratory disease (BRD; n = 156) in natural groups according to the detection of nine pathogens (parainfluenza 3 virus (PI-3), bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), bovine coronavirus (BCV), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), and bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1), Mannheimia haemolytica, Pasteurella multocida, Histophilus somni, and Mycoplasma bovis. Pathogens were detected by individual q-PCRs. Two clusters were identified. Cluster 1 was characterized by a relatively high frequency (40–72%) of four BRD-associated viruses, supporting their primary involvement in BRD. Cluster 2 was characterized by frequencies of PI-3, BRSV, or BVDV below 10% each. P. multocida and M. haemolytica were detected with high frequencies in both clusters (P > 0.05), while M. bovis and H. somni showed a significantly higher frequency in cluster 1and 2, respectively. Outbreaks in cluster 1 were associated with preweaning calves younger than 5 months (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.1–4.5) and with cold months, whereas cluster 2 was associated with fattening calves older than 5 months after arrival to feedlots and without any seasonality. Thus, in addition to the classic epidemiological BRD pattern characterized by the primary involvement of viruses occurring preferably during winter and affecting young calves, there is a second pattern in which viruses would be less relevant, affecting mainly calves older than 5 months at any time of the year. This study allows a better understanding of the BRD epidemiology, which can be useful when implementing management and prophylaxis measures for a better control of this disease.