Management Of Respiratory Infections Research Articles

Is There a Role for Immunostimulant Bacterial Lysates in the Management of Respiratory Tract Infection?

Bacterial Lysates are immunostimulants clinically prescribed for the prevention of respiratory tract infections (RTIs). It has been shown that Bacterial Lysates upregulate the immune system, acting both on innate and adaptive reactions. In fact, there are demonstrations of their efficacy in restoring the integrity and immune function of epithelial barriers, activating ILC3 and dendritic cells with an enhanced Th1 response, and producing serum IgG and serum and salivary IgA specific to the administered bacterial antigens. The activated immune system also protects against other bacteria and viruses due to a trained immunity effect. Most studies show that the number of RTIs and their severity decrease in Bacterial Lysates-pretreated patients, without relevant side effects. The Bacterial Lysates treatment, in addition to reducing the number of RTIs, also prevents the deterioration of the underlying disease (i.e., COPD) induced by repeated infections. Despite these positive data, the most recent meta-analyses evidence the weakness of the studies performed, which are of low quality and have an inadequate number of patients, some of which were non-randomized while others were without a control group or were performed contemporarily in different clinical conditions or with different ages. The high heterogeneity of the studies does not allow us to state Bacterial Lysates' effectiveness in preventing RTIs with sufficient certainty. To completely define their indications, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, randomized clinical trials should be performed for each product and for each indication. The study population should be adequate for each indication. For this purpose, an adequate run-in phase will be necessary.

Molecular Investigation of Seven Respiratory Viruses in Patients with Acute Respiratory Tract Infections

Introduction: Respiratory tract infection (RTI) is among the important factors that can threaten human health and is one of the most prevalent etiological agents of death, especially in young children. Viruses account for approximately 80% of various RTIs worldwide. Our study aimed to investigate the molecular prevalence of seven respiratory viruses in RTI. Our results can help develop appropriate public health strategies and treatment management of RTIs. Materials and Methods: 120 respiratory samples were obtained from patients with flu-like manifestations from hospitals referred to the Iran University of Medical Sciences during 2020-2022. Nucleic acid extraction was performed, and then real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed to analyze the specimens to investigate seven respiratory viruses. Results: Of the 120 respiratory specimens collected from patients with RTI, viruses were identified in 41 (34.16%) samples, encompassing 24 (40.7%) females and 17 (27.9%) males. SARS-CoV-2 (n = 22, 18.3%) and Parainfluenza virus (n=18, 15%) were the predominant detected viruses in the present study, followed by respiratory syncytial viruses (n=1, 0.8%). Other viruses like Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Rhinovirus were not found in our study. We could not detect any co-infection in our analysis. Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 and Parainfluenza-virus were the predominant viruses detected in our study, followed by respiratory syncytial viruses. Other viruses, such as Metapneumovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Rhinovirus, have not been found in our study. We could not detect any co-infection in our consideration. This result can help develop appropriate public health strategies, targeting prevention and avoiding inappropriate treatment such as using unnecessary antibiotics.

Primary Health Care Interventions for Potentially Preventable Ear, Nose, and Throat Conditions in Rural and Remote Areas: A Systematic Review.

Background:Primary and secondary level preventive primary health care programs providing early detection and timely management of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) conditions in rural and remote regions are fundamental to preventing downstream impacts on health, social, and educational outcomes. However, the range and quality of evidence is yet to be reviewed. Objectives: The study objectives were to identify and synthesize the evidence of primary health care interventions for detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote areas, and evaluate the quality of the research and effectiveness of interventions. Methods: A systematic literature search of 6 databases (February 2023). The review was reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement, and the quality appraisal of studies was evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (initial screening questions: Are there clear research questions? Do the collected data allow to address the research questions?). Results: Ten studies met the inclusion criteria. The results describe interventions for detection and management of respiratory tract infections, otitis media, and ear disease in primary health care settings. No studies met the inclusion criteria for tonsillitis. The role of community-based programs and allied health workers in the detection and management of ENT conditions was found to be effective in rural and remote regions. Only 2 of the studies met the screening criteria for quality appraisal. Conclusions: The study findings may inform future programs and policy development to address detection and management of ENT conditions in rural and remote primary care settings, and supports the need for further research on innovative models of care targeting potentially preventable hospitalizations through primary and secondary level prevention.

The role of viral diagnostic tests in respiratory tract infections: moving forward.

The increased knowledge on virology and the increased potential of their diagnostic has risen several relevant question about the role of an early viral diagnosis and potential early treatment on the management of respiratory tract infections (RTI). In order to further understand the role of viral diagnostic tests in the management of RTI, a panel of experts was convened to discuss about their potential role, beyond what had been agreed in Influenza. The objective of this panel was to define the plausible role of aetiologic viral diagnostic into clinical management; make recommendations on the potential expanded use of such tests in the future and define some gaps in the management of RTI. Molecular Infection Viral Diagnostic (mIVD) tests should be used in all adult patients admitted to Hospital with RTI, and in paediatric patients requiring admission or who would be referred to another hospital for more specialised care. The increased use of mIVD will not only reduce the inappropriate use of antibiotics so reducing the antibiotic microbe resistance, but also will improve the outcome of the patient if an aetiologic viral therapy can be warranted, saving resource requirements and improving patient flows. Implementing IVD testing in RTI has various organizational benefits as well, but expanding its use into clinical settings would need a cost-effectiveness strategy and budget impact assessment.

Prescription trends on the preference of antibiotics for the management of respiratory tract infections in India

Prescription trends on the preference of antibiotics for the management of respiratory tract infections in India

Evidence for using point-of-care diagnostics in the management of respiratory tract infections in primary care: a scoping review protocol.

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AmR) is widely considered a global health threat and is associated with significant morbidity, mortality and costs. Inappropriate antimicrobial use is the most important modifiable risk factor for AmR. Most human antimicrobial medicines use occurs in primary care [prescribed by general practitioners (GPs), dispensed by community pharmacists (CPs)]. However, up to 50% of use is deemed inappropriate. Point-of-care diagnostic tests are used as a basis for antimicrobial stewardship interventions to improve the diagnostic certainty of respiratory tract infections (RTIs), and therefore ensure prudent antimicrobial use. However, there is a lack of guidance on their use, and they are therefore not routinely used in clinical practice. Objective: A scoping review will be conducted to synthesise the available evidence to inform the development of best practice guidance for using point-of-care diagnostics in the management of RTIs in primary care. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted following guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and reported using the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Databases including Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, the International HTA database and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, as well as grey literature, will be searched. Screening will be undertaken independently by two reviewers to identify studies and literature reporting the use of point-of-care diagnostics in the management of RTIs in primary care by GPs and/ or CPs. Findings will be described using narrative synthesis. Conclusion: The findings of this scoping review will be used to produce draft guidance on the use of point-of-care diagnostic tests in primary care, which will undergo further development using a Delphi consensus methodology involving experts in the field of RTIs, antimicrobial stewardship, point-of-care diagnostics and primary care.

High burden of RSV and influenza in patients presenting with suspected pneumonia in the emergency room of a German tertiary hospital in fall of 2022

PurposeBacterial pneumonia, a major cause of respiratory tract infections (RTI), can be challenging to diagnose and to treat adequately, especially when seasonal viral pathogens co-circulate. The aim of this study was to give a real-world snapshot of the burden of respiratory disease and treatment choices in the emergency department (ED) of a tertiary care hospital in Germany in the fall of 2022.MethodsAnonymized analysis of a quality control initiative that prospectively documented all patients presenting to our ED with symptoms suggestive of RTI from Nov 7th to Dec 18th, 2022.Results243 patients were followed at the time of their ED attendance. Clinical, laboratory and radiographic examination was performed in 92% of patients (224/243). Microbiological work-up to identify causative pathogens including blood cultures, sputum or urine-antigen tests were performed in 55% of patients (n = 134). Detection of viral pathogens increased during the study period from 7 to 31 cases per week, while bacterial pneumonias, respiratory tract infections without detection of a viral pathogen and non-infectious etiologies remained stable. A high burden of bacterial and viral co-infections became apparent (16%, 38/243), and co-administration of antibiotic and antiviral treatments was observed (14%, n = 35/243). 17% of patients (41/243) received antibiotic coverage without a diagnosis of a bacterial etiology.ConclusionDuring the fall of 2022, the burden of RTI caused by detectable viral pathogens increased unusually early. Rapid and unexpected changes in pathogen distribution highlight the need for targeted diagnostics to improve the quality of RTI management in the ED.

Evaluation of BioFire Filmarray panel for respiratory pathogens: a demographic and clinical analysis in Istanbul, Turkey

We aimed to analyze the distribution of respiratory pathogens(RP) detected by a multiplex PCR-based method (BioFire Diagnostics, USA) among patients with suspected respiratory tract infections (RTI) and to evaluate the demographic, clinical and radiological characteristics of infected individuals . RP were detected in 1621/6376 (25.4%) of the samples in the years 2018-2020. Rhinovirus/enterovirus (RV/EV) were the most commonly detected pathogens (38.1%) followed by influenza A and B viruses (21%) and parainfluenza virus (PIV) (9.5%). Single pathogen was detected in 1361 (84%) and multi pathogens in 260 (16%) of 1621 samples. At least one comorbidity was present in 379 (30.5%) of the patients. Fever was the most common sign followed by cough and dyspnea. Thorax CT was present in 426 of 1243 RP positive patients (34.3%). Any radiological findings was found significantly related for a specific pathogen. No medication was given to 52.9% whereas antibiotics in 35.7% and antivirals in 3.8% of the patients. Film Array panel as a multiplex PCR test is not used rationally in our hospital and results were not dramatically improve management of RTI. A better communication between clinician and microbiologist is required for efficient use of laboratory and rational use of antimicrobials.

Nanopore-Based Metagenomic Sequencing in Respiratory Tract Infection: A Developing Diagnostic Platform.

Respiratory tract infection (RTI) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality across the globe. The optimal management of RTI relies upon timely pathogen identification via evaluation of respiratory samples, a process which utilises traditional culture-based methods to identify offending microorganisms. This process can be slow and often prolongs the use of broad-spectrum antimicrobial therapy, whilst also delaying the introduction of targeted therapy as a result. Nanopore sequencing (NPS) of respiratory samples has recently emerged as a potential diagnostic tool in RTI. NPS can identify pathogens and antimicrobial resistance profiles with greater speed and efficiency than traditional sputum culture-based methods. Increased speed to pathogen identification can improve antimicrobial stewardship by reducing the use of broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, as well as improving overall clinical outcomes. This new technology is becoming more affordable and accessible, with some NPS platforms requiring minimal sample preparation and laboratory infrastructure. However, questions regarding clinical utility and how best to implement NPS technology within RTI diagnostic pathways remain unanswered. In this review, we introduce NPS as a technology and as a diagnostic tool in RTI in various settings, before discussing the advantages and limitations of NPS, and finally what the future might hold for NPS platforms in RTI diagnostics.

Characterization of viral pathogens associated with symptomatic upper respiratory tract infection in adults during a low COVID-19 transmission period.

The epidemiology of respiratory tract infections (RTI) has dramatically changed over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. A major effort in the clinical management of RTI has been directed toward diagnosing COVID-19, while the causes of other, common community RTI often remain enigmatic. To shed light on the etiological causes of RTI during a low COVID-19 transmission period in 2021, we did a pilot study using molecular testing for virologic causes of upper RTI among adults with respiratory symptoms from Almaty, Kazakhstan. Adults presenting at two public hospitals with respiratory symptoms were screened using SARS-CoV-2 PCR on nasopharyngeal swabs. A subset of RTI+, COVID-19-negative adults (n = 50) was then tested for the presence of common RTI viruses and influenza A virus (IAV). Next generation virome sequencing was used to further characterize the PCR-detected RTI pathogens. Of 1,812 symptomatic adults, 21 (1.2%) tested SARS-CoV-2-positive. Within the COVID-19 negative outpatient subset, 33/50 subjects (66%) had a positive PCR result for a common community RTI virus, consisting of human parainfluenza virus 3-4 (hPIV 3-4) in 25/50 (50%), rhinovirus (hRV) in 2 (4%), hPIV4-hRV co-infection in four (8%) and adenovirus or the OCR43/HKU-1 coronavirus in two (4%) cases; no IAV was detected. Virome sequencing allowed to reconstruct sequences of most PCR-identified rhinoviruses and hPIV-3/human respirovirus-3. COVID-19 was cause to a low proportion of symptomatic RTI among adults. Among COVID-negative participants, symptomatic RTI was predominantly associated with hPIV and hRV. Therefore, respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 should be considered in the clinical management and prevention of adult RTI in the post-pandemic era.

Advances in inhaled antibiotics for management of respiratory tract infections.

The incidence of bacterial respiratory tract infections is growing. In a context of increasing antibiotic resistance and lack of new classes of antibiotics, inhaled antibiotics emerge as a promising therapeutic strategy. Although they are generally used for cystic fibrosis, their use in other conditions is becoming more frequent, including no-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, pneumonia and mycobacterial infections. Inhaled antibiotics exert beneficial microbiological effects in bronchiectasis and chronic bronchial infection. In nosocomial and ventilator-associated pneumonia, aerosolized antibiotics improve cure rates and bacterial eradication. In refractory Mycobacterium avium complex infections, amikacin liposome inhalation suspension is more effective in achieving long-lasting sputum conversion. In relation to biological inhaled antibiotics (antimicrobial peptides, interfering RNA and bacteriophages), currently in development, there is no still enough evidence that support their use in clinical practice. The effective antimicrobiological activity of inhaled antibiotics, added to their potential to overcoming resistances to systemic antibiotics, make inhaled antibiotics a plausible alternative.

Causes, Effects and Control of Respiratory Tract Infections Among Reproductive Age Women in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State-Nigeria

This study examined the causes, effects and control of respiratory tract infections among patients in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State. Data were collected from the primary source using survey research design. A sample of 365 respondents was drawn and used to represent the entire population of the study. The research instrument was validated and tested using Alpha cronbach with the reliability coefficient of 0.90. Data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency, simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The study found that, virus with flu, tobacco smoke, respiratory syncytial virus, indoor air burning from burning fuels, dust and chemicals, bacteria as well as fungal infections and staphylococcus aureus were accepted to be the main causes of respiratory tract infections. While congestive heart failure, respiratory failure, death occurs as a result of negligent to proper treatment, abnormal lung functioning, respiratory arrest and blood infection (sepsis) leading to organ shutdown were identified in this study as the major effects of effects of respiratory tract infections among patients in Jalingo Local Government Area of Taraba State. Recommendations: Health professionals and health management should provide adequate vital information to the general public to enlighten them on the preventive measure of respiratory tract infection so as to reduce the menace of the infections to its minimal point as well as promote good health among the populace in the study location and the state as a whole as well as Government and health policy formulators should as a matter of urgency provide substantial and effective measures through programmes and schemes as well as provide adequate vaccines for treatment and management of respiratory tract infections.

Impact of point-of-care C-reactive protein testing intervention on non-prescription dispensing of antibiotics for respiratory tract infections in private community pharmacies in Nigeria: a cluster randomized controlled trial

ObjectivesTo ascertain if access to C-reactive protein (CRP) test kits—and staff training on how to use them in respiratory tract infection (RTI) management—in private community pharmacies (PCPs) can reduce non-prescription antibiotic dispensing for RTI. MethodsA parallel cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted in Nigeria. The clusters—which were equally the participating units—were PCPs with blood testing experience. Stratified block randomization was done. PCPs were stratified by the baseline value of the primary outcome. PCPs were not blinded. The intervention PCPs were provided with CRP kits and trained to use them to make decisions regarding non-prescription antibiotic dispensing for RTI. The control PCPs received no intervention. The primary outcome was the non-prescription antibiotic dispensing rate for RTI. Data were collected by blinded simulated clients who visited each PCP 30 times before and after the intervention without prescriptions. Analyses were by intention-to-treat. ResultsTwenty PCPs were randomized, 1:1. Ten PCPs were analyzed in each arm. Each PCP contributed 30 data points to the multiple imputation analysis where antibiotic dispensing decreased by 15.66% (209/300 [intervention] vs 256/300 [control]) in the adjusted analysis (odds ratio = 0·279, 95% confidence interval = 0.107-0.726; P-value = 0.0090) and 16% (208/300 [intervention] vs 256/300 [control]) in the crude analysis (odds ratio = 0.299, 95% confidence interval = 0.098-0.911; P-value = 0.034). ConclusionAccess to CRP kits—and staff training on how to use them in RTI management—in PCPs reduced non-prescription antibiotic dispensing for RTI.

Prescription Patterns and Antibiotic Resistance Rates of Respiratory Tract Infections in a Saudi Tertiary Medical Centre

Objectives: Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are a significant cause of hospitalization due to morbidity and mortality. The unwise use of antimicrobial agents in RTI management may contribute to the emergence of bacterial resistance. Therefore, we aimed to assess prescription patterns and antibiotic resistance among hospitalized patients with RTIs. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included patients with any RTI who were hospitalized between 2016 and 2017. Antibiotics prescribed and changes in antibiotic resistance over time were evaluated. Results: The 405 included patients ranged in age from a few months old to over 65 years old. The most common clinical manifestations were fever (98% of patients) and sore throat (57.5%), followed by cough (46.7%) and dyspnea (27.2%). C-reactive protein was elevated in 43%. The most common diagnoses among all the patients were tonsillitis (43.2%), pharyngitis (36%), and pneumonia (23%). The most commonly isolated organisms were Haemophilus influenza (93.2%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (90.9%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (84.1%), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (84.1%). Amoxicillin/clavulanate was mostly prescribed for upper RTIs, whereas levofloxacin was mostly prescribed for lower RTIs. Amoxicillin/clavulanate was the major antibiotic prescribed for pediatric patients, whereas geriatric patients (≥65 years) were mostly prescribed levofloxacin. No major changes in resistance rates were observed for amoxicillin/clavulanate, levofloxacin, or ciprofloxacin before (in 2015), during the study period (2016–2017), and after the study (2018). Conclusion: Amoxicillin/clavulanate and levofloxacin were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics, but resistance to these antibiotics did not increase over time. However, clinicians should make every attempt to collect cultures from patients with severe RTIs to rule out bacterial involvement.

Appropriate Use of Antibiotics for the Management of Respiratory Tract Infections.

Lower Respiratory Tract Infections (LRTIs) and Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs) cause high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Lower respiratory tract infections are generally more serious than upper infections. Antibiotics are often inappropriately prescribed for patients with RTI. Inappropriate utilization of antibiotics, specifically the broad spectrum in respiratory tract infection, results in resistance to antibiotics. The common use of antibiotics is the prime reason for the spread of drug-resistant bacterial strains, which not only results in expensive treatments but also causes a high rate of morbidity and mortality due to undesired adverse effects of the drug. A literature survey was performed using PubMed, Science Direct, and Web of Science search engines. One hundred forty-five papers were retrieved, and more than 100 were included in this review. This article describes the overview and diagnosis of respiratory tract infections and the plethora of antibiotics that have been used in the management of RTIs.

EHealthResp, a Digital Intervention to Improve Antibiotic Prescribing in Respiratory Infections: A Pilot Study.

The emergence of antibiotic resistance (ABR) is one of the most serious public health threats worldwide. The inappropriate use of antibiotics is considered the main determinant for the increase and development of ABR, contributing to a greater risk of therapeutic ineffectiveness, particularly within primary care context. Therefore, this pilot study aims to raise awareness and promote an adequate antibiotic use among physicians, through the evaluation of the eHealthResp platform, a digital intervention composed by an online course and a mobile application, to aid in the management of respiratory tract infections. The global validation of the eHealthResp platform was carried out by 12 physicians who explored and performed a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of the contents of the online course and mobile app. The global evaluation of the analyzed parameters was very positive, with the highest median scores being attributed to adequacy, correction, format, and trust of the eHealthResp platform. The qualitative feedback enhanced the contents’ relevance, clarity, and consolidation, as well as the effectiveness of the educational intervention against ABR. Overall, this study revealed that the eHealthResp may be regarded as an important e-health tool for the management of respiratory tract infections and improvement of antibiotic prescription practices among physicians.

Implementation factor mapping of a pilot study of point-of-care C-reactive protein testing for respiratory tract infections in community pharmacy

BackgroundExplicit consideration of implementation factors in community pharmacy service development may facilitate widespread implementation and sustainability. ObjectivesThis study involved mapping the methodology for the pilot study of point-of-care C-reactive protein (CRP) testing to support pharmacists' management of respiratory tract infections in Western Australian pharmacies against an implementation factor framework, focussing on the resources and training program provided to participating pharmacy staff. MethodsPhase 1 involved post hoc mapping of the pilot study methodology against the framework previously described by Garcia-Cardenas et al.; phase 2 was an a priori evaluation of the resources and training program, involving pre-training, post-training, and post-pilot questionnaires administered to pharmacists and pharmacy assistants/interns. A mixed model analysis compared pharmacists' responses at the three time points. ResultsEmployment of comprehensive strategies to optimise service feasibility and sustainability was demonstrated across the five domains of ‘professional service’, ‘pharmacy staff’, ‘pharmacy’, ‘local environment’ and ‘system’; further consideration of ‘consumer’ or ‘patient’ factors is needed to address issues such as patient refusal. Study pharmacists (n = 10) and pharmacy assistants/interns (n = 5) reported high levels of satisfaction with the training (100% ‘good’/‘excellent’). Pharmacists reported significantly improved attitudes towards, confidence in, and knowledge about CRP testing and service provision from pre- to post-training (p < 0.05). Positive perceptions were maintained at the post-pilot time point. ConclusionsPost hoc mapping of implementation factors highlighted potential strengths and deficiencies of the current service model. Systematic, prospective mapping, coupled with strategies to explicitly emphasise the patient perspective, may have value in optimising service implementation or modifying future service delivery models.

Blue Skies research is essential for ending the Tuberculosis pandemic and advancing a personalized medicine approach for holistic management of Respiratory Tract infections.

ObjectivesInvestments into ‘Blue Skies’ fundamental TB research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have not been forthcoming. We highlight why blue skies research will be essential for achieving global TB control and eradicating TB.MethodsWe review the historical background to early TB discovery research and give examples of where investments into basic science and fundamental ‘blue skies research’ are delivering novel data and approaches to advance diagnosis, management and holistic care for patients with active and latent TB infection.FindingsThe COVID-19 pandemic has shown that making available adequate funding for priority investments into ‘Blue skies research’ to delineate scientific understanding of a new infectious diseases threat to global health security can lead to rapid development and rollout of new diagnostic platforms, treatments, and vaccines. Several advances in new TB diagnostics, new treatments and vaccine development are underpinned by basic science research.ConclusionsBlue Skies research is required to pave the way for a personalized medicine approach for management of TB and other Respiratory Tract Infections and preventing long-term functional disability. Transfer of skills and resources by wealthier nations is required to empower researchers in LMICs countries to engage in and lead Blue Skies research.

Sars-Cov-2 B.1.1.529 (Omicron) variant outbreak: case series presentations and response to treatment at the Islamic University in Uganda health facility

The object of research: The study, investigated the clinical presentations of patients who tested Positive for Covid-19 (Omicron Variant), their response to treatment, and the levels of transmissibility of the infection.&#x0D; Investigated problem: As the globe, continent, and nation are struggling with the emergency of the new COVID-19 omicron Virant outbreak there’s not much information known about the behavior of this new threat to enable clinicians, and public health specialists, and policymakers to curb the problem.&#x0D; The main scientific results: The study found that headache, cough, fevers and, general body weakness was the commonest presenting complaints, 3 of the cases reported difficulties in breathing. None of the cases required admission. There was no difference in the severity of the illness and the response to treatment between the vaccinated and the non-vaccinated cases. Cases that did steaming as an adjuvant/supplementary treatment reported a shorter duration of symptomatic relief than those that did not.&#x0D; The area of practical use of the research results: The findings will act as a practical guide to clinicians, public health specialists, and policymakers in the management of the COVID-19 Omicron Variant.&#x0D; Innovative technological product: The use of steaming as an adjuvant to symptomatic relief management of respiratory tract infections.&#x0D; Scope of the innovative technological product: Omicron Variant produces a less severe illness than earlier variants of COVID-19. The study also reveals that vaccination alone was not effective in the prevention of contraction of the Omicron Variant and other newer variants. However, vaccination may have been advantageous in protecting the cases from progressing to severe disease. Thus, other IPCs measures must be maintained and booster doses of COVID-19 vaccinations should be encouraged. Large-scale on the effectiveness of steaming and other locally made remedies for symptomatic management of respiratory tract infections should be done.

A roadmap for the development and evaluation of the eHealthResp online course.

BackgroundInappropriate antibiotic use constitutes one of the most concerning public health issues, being one of the main causes of antibiotic resistance. Hence, to tackle this issue, it is important to encourage the development of educational interventions for health practitioners, namely by using digital health tools. This study focuses on the description of the development and validation process of the eHealthResp online course, a web platform directed to physicians and pharmacists, with the overall goal of improving antibiotic use for respiratory tract infections, along with the assessment of its usability.MethodsThe eHealthResp platform and the courses, developed with a user-centered design and based on Wordpress and MySQL, were based on a previously developed online course. A questionnaire to assess the usability was distributed among physicians (n = 6) and pharmacists (n = 6). Based on the obtained results, statistical analyses were conducted to calculate the usability score and appraise the design of the online course, as well as to compare the overall scores attributed by both groups. Further qualitative comments provided by the participants have also been analyzed.ResultsThe eHealthResp contains two online courses directed to physicians and pharmacists aiming to aid in the management of respiratory tract infections. The average usability score of the eHealthResp online courses for physicians and pharmacists was of 78.33 (±11.57, 95%CI), and 83.75 (±15.90, 95%CI), respectively. Qualitative feedback emphasized the usefulness of the course, including overall positive reviews regarding user-friendliness and consistency.ConclusionsThis study led us to conclude that the eHealthResp online course is not recognized as a complex web platform, as both qualitative and quantitative feedback obtained were globally positive.