Risk Of Reinfection Research Articles

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Response Among Spectators of Amir Cup 2020 With a History of Recovery From COVID-19 in Qatar: A Historic Cohort Study.

Aim The aim of the study is to describe the antibody response after COVID-19 infection and assess its effectiveness against reinfection. Background COVID-19has recently emerged as a contagious infectious disease caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus2 (SARS-CoV-2). This infection is followed by a humoral immune antibody response, which may remain in the blood for a number of weeks. Studies have shown that antibodies protect against reinfection for at least seven months. The current study is aimed at investigating the persistence of circulating SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after COVID-19 infection and its behavior over 18 months of follow-up period, in additionto assessing the risk of reinfection of COVID-19 in unvaccinated individuals. Methodology A longitudinal historical cohort study of 3378 COVID-19 recovered individuals in connection with the Amir Cup football tournament held in Qatar, in December 2020 was analyzed. The health records of study participants were followed for a maximum of 18 months after serology testing or until the first dose of COVID-19 vaccination to detect any evidence of recurrent infection. Results The study found a statistically significant association between recurrence risk and the duration of risk exposure since the first COVID-19 episode. Compared to those with the lowest risk of exposure to reinfection (shortest duration after first infection) those beyond 299 days of at-risk exposure since the first episode, have a 51-fold higher risk of developing recurrent COVID-19. Conclusion Immunity developed after primary infection with SARS-CoV-2 may protect against reinfection from subsequent exposure to the virus in seropositive individuals up to nine months post-infection.

SARS-CoV-2 reinfection with Omicron variant in Shaanxi Province, China: December 2022 to February 2023

BackgroundPrior to December 2022, there were no reports of reinfection with the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Shaanxi province, China. Since then, China has refined its strategy in response to coronaviruses. The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections and its contributing factors, as well as to compare clinical characteristics between first and second episodes of infection in Shaanxi Province, China between December 2022 and February 2023.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional study using an epidemiological survey system and electronic questionnaires to investigate the incidence of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection among previously infected individuals during the epidemic wave owing to the Omicron variant that began in December 2022. A logistic regression model was used to determine those factors influencing SARS-CoV-2 reinfections.ResultsAccording to the virus variant that caused the first infection, the rate of reinfection for the Omicron variants was 1.28%, 1.96%, and 5.92% at 2–3 months, 4–5 months, and 7–9 months after the primary infection, respectively. The rate of reinfection for the Delta variants was 25.10% 11–12 months after the primary infection. Females, adults between 18 and 38 years and being a medical worker were associated with an increased risk of reinfection. Fever, cough, sore throat and fatigue were the four most common clinical symptoms during both first and second COVID-19 infections.ConclusionsIn our study, the rate of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection increased over time during epidemic waves predominantly involving the Omicron variant in Shaanxi province, China. Large-scale infections are less likely in subsequent Omicron epidemic waves. Nevertheless, it is essential to continuously monitor cases of infection as well as continue surveillance for emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.

COVID-19 reinfections in Mexico City: implications for public health.

Since its appearance, COVID-19 has immensely impacted our society. Public health measures, from the initial lockdowns to vaccination campaigns, have mitigated the crisis. However, SARS-CoV-2's persistence and evolving variants continue to pose global threats, increasing the risk of reinfections. Despite vaccination progress, understanding reinfections remains crucial for informed public health responses. We collected available data on clinical and genomic information for SARS-CoV-2 samples from patients treated in Mexico City from 2020 epidemiological week 10 to 2023 epidemiological week 06 encompassing the whole public health emergency's period. To identify clinical data we utilized the SISVER (Respiratory Disease Epidemiological Surveillance System) database for SARS-CoV-2 patients who received medical attention in Mexico City. For genomic surveillance we analyzed genomic data previously uploaded to GISAID generated by Mexican institutions. We used these data sources to generate descriptors of case number, hospitalization, death and reinfection rates, and viral variant prevalence throughout the pandemic period. The fraction of reinfected individuals in the COVID-19 infected population steadily increased as the pandemic progressed in Mexico City. Most reinfections occurred during the fifth wave (40%). This wave was characterized by the coexistence of multiple variants exceeding 80% prevalence; whereas all other waves showed a unique characteristic dominant variant (prevalence >95%). Shifts in symptom patient care type and severity were observed, 2.53% transitioned from hospitalized to ambulatory care type during reinfection and 0.597% showed the opposite behavior; also 7.23% showed a reduction in severity of symptoms and 6.05% displayed an increase in severity. Unvaccinated individuals accounted for the highest percentage of reinfections (41.6%), followed by vaccinated individuals (31.9%). Most reinfections occurred after the fourth wave, dominated by the Omicron variant; and after the vaccination campaign was already underway. Our analysis suggests reduced infection severity in reinfections, evident through shifts in symptom severity and care patterns. Unvaccinated individuals accounted for most reinfections. While our study centers on Mexico City, its findings may hold implications for broader regions, contributing insights into reinfection dynamics.

Risk of reinfection and severity with the predominant BA.5 Omicron subvariant China, from December 2022 to January 2023

ABSTRACT Data on reinfection in large Asian populations are limited. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the reinfection rate, disease severity, and time interval between the infections in the symptomatic and asymptomatic populations which are firstl infected with BA.2 Omicron Variant. We retrospectively included adult patients with COVID-19 discharged from four designated hospitals between 27 April 2021 and 30 November 2022, who were interviewed via telephone from 29 January to 1 March 2023. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to explore risk factors associated with reinfection. A total of 16,558 patients were followed up, during the telephone survey of an average of 310.0 days, 1610 (9.72%) participants self-reported reinfection. The mean time range of reinfection was 257.9 days. The risks for reinfection were analysed using multivariable logistic regression. Patients with severe first infection were at higher risk for reinfection (aORs, 2.50; P < 0.001). The male (aORs,0.82; P < 0.001), the elderly (aORs, 0.44; P < 0.001), and patients with full vaccination (aORs, 0.67; P < 0.001) or booster (aORs, 0.63; P < 0.001) had the lower risk of reinfection. Patients over 60 years of age (aORs,9.02; P = 0.006) and those with ≥2 comorbidities (aORs,11.51; P = 0.016). were at higher risk for severe reinfection. The number of clinical manifestations of reinfection increases in people with severe first infection (aORs, 2.82; P = 0.023). The overall reinfection rate was 9.72%, and the reinfection rate of Omicron-to-Omicron subvariants was 9.50% at one year. The severity of Omicron-Omicron reinfection decreased. Data from our clinical study may provide clinical evidence and bolster response preparedness for future COVID-19 reinfection waves.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection during multiple Omicron variant waves in the UK general population

SARS-CoV-2 reinfections increased substantially after Omicron variants emerged. Large-scale community-based comparisons across multiple Omicron waves of reinfection characteristics, risk factors, and protection afforded by previous infection and vaccination, are limited. Here we studied ~45,000 reinfections from the UK’s national COVID-19 Infection Survey and quantified the risk of reinfection in multiple waves, including those driven by BA.1, BA.2, BA.4/5, and BQ.1/CH.1.1/XBB.1.5 variants. Reinfections were associated with lower viral load and lower percentages of self-reporting symptoms compared with first infections. Across multiple Omicron waves, estimated protection against reinfection was significantly higher in those previously infected with more recent than earlier variants, even at the same time from previous infection. Estimated protection against Omicron reinfections decreased over time from the most recent infection if this was the previous or penultimate variant (generally within the preceding year). Those 14–180 days after receiving their most recent vaccination had a lower risk of reinfection than those >180 days from their most recent vaccination. Reinfection risk was independently higher in those aged 30–45 years, and with either low or high viral load in their most recent previous infection. Overall, the risk of Omicron reinfection is high, but with lower severity than first infections; both viral evolution and waning immunity are independently associated with reinfection.

Intramedullary Positive Tissue Culture Increases the Risk of Reinfection Following One-Stage Septic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty

BackgroundIntraoperative acquisition of representative tissue samples is essential during revision arthroplasty of the infected total knee arthroplasty (TKA). While the number of intraoperative tissue samples needed to identify the organism is well described in the literature, there is still a paucity of evidence regarding the location of positive intraoperative samples and their correlation to postoperative outcomes. MethodsThere were forty-two patients who had septic failure following one-stage revision TKA for periprosthetic joint infection who were identified between January 2009 and December 2017. They were matched to a control group of patients who had successful one-stage revision TKA without septic failure. The location of positive intraoperative tissue samples was categorized as: 1) soft tissue; 2) interface between bone and prosthesis; and 3) intramedullary (IM). Chi-square, Student’s t-, and Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney U-tests were used as appropriate. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate predictors of septic failure. ResultsWeight > 100 kilograms (P = .033), higher Charlson Comorbidity Index (P < .001), and positive IM cultures (P < .001) were associated with a higher risk of reinfection after one-stage revision TKA. A positive IM sample carried a nearly five-fold increase in odds of reinfection (odds ratio 4.86, 95% confidence interval 1.85 to 12.78, P = .001). ConclusionsA positive IM culture sample is significantly associated with septic failure after one-stage exchange for periprosthetic joint infection of the knee. Patients who had positive IM cultures may benefit from longer postoperative antibiotic therapy for the treatment of one-stage exchange arthroplasty to minimize the risk of reinfection.

Impact of Yoga on Immune Response with Special Reference to COVID- 19: A Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Abstract: Like other viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV- 2) continuously evolves due to mutations during genome replication. These mutations lead to various new variants and may alter the pathogenicity, immune escape capacity, and re-infection risk. In addition, it is also evident that a compromised immune system increases the susceptibility and severity of the disease. Therefore, strengthening the immune system is considered to combat Covid. Yoga is an ancient practice used for strengthening the body and mind. There are abundant studies that focus on yoga's benefits for stress management; however, lesser studies observed the effects of yoga on the immune system. Therefore, the present study aims to compile randomized controlled studies on the role of yoga in immunity and COVID-19. Our finding reported moderate evidence for the benefits of yoga in the levels of inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP), and cytokines, such as interleukin (IL) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). However, lesser shreds of evidence were observed on the effect of yoga on innate and adaptive immunity. Our finding reported a paucity of studies examining the impact of yoga on the immunity of Covid patients. Thus, its efficacy as a potential adjuvant to attenuate Covid-19 infection has yet to be proven. Further extensive studies are recommended to draw the inference on the impact of yoga on COVID-19.

Risk of SARS-CoV-2 Reinfection in Children Within the 12 Months Following Mild COVID-19: Insights From a Survey Study.

Understanding the correlation between immune response and protection from COVID-19 will play a pivotal role in predicting the effectiveness of vaccines in children. We studied SARS-CoV-2 reinfection risk in children 12 months post-mild COVID-19. Children under 5 years old exhibited lower reinfection risk than older infected or vaccinated siblings during 12 months postimmunization.

Frequency and risk of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections in Norway: a nation-wide study, February 2020 to January 2022

BackgroundSARS-CoV-2 reinfection rates have been shown to vary depending on the circulating variant, vaccination status and background immunity, as well as the time interval used to identify reinfections. This study describes the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 reinfections in Norway using different time intervals and assesses potential factors that could impact the risk of reinfections during the different variant waves.MethodsWe used linked individual-level data from national registries to conduct a retrospective cohort study including all cases with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 from February 2020 to January 2022. Time intervals of 30, 60, 90 or 180 days between positive tests were used to define potential reinfections. A multivariable Cox regression model was used to assess the risk of reinfection in terms of variants adjusting for vaccination status, demographic factors, and underlying comorbidities.ResultsThe reinfection rate varied between 0.2%, 0.6% and 5.9% during the Alpha, Delta and early Omicron waves, respectively. In the multivariable model, younger age groups were associated with a higher risk of reinfection compared to older age groups, whereas vaccination was associated with protection against reinfection. Moreover, the risk of reinfection followed a pattern similar to risk of first infection. Individuals infected early in the pandemic had higher risk of reinfection than individuals infected in more recent waves.ConclusionsReinfections increased markedly during the Omicron wave. Younger individuals, and primary infections during earlier waves were associated with an increased reinfection risk compared to primary infections during more recent waves, whereas vaccination was a protective factor. Our results highlight the importance of age and post infection waning immunity and are relevant when evaluating vaccination polices.

Debridement, Antibiotics, and Implant Retention (DAIR) Plus Offers Similar Periprosthetic Joint Infection Treatment Success Rates to Two-Stage Revision in Oncologic Megaprosthesis

BackgroundProsthetic joint infections (PJIs) after megaprosthesis implantation are associated with high rates of treatment failure and amputation. Our study analyzed PJI treatment success rates by surgical strategy and assessed risks of reinfection and amputation. MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of patients diagnosed with PJI after undergoing megaprosthesis implantation for oncologic indications. The 2011 Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria were used to define PJI. Reinfection, reoperation, and amputation for PJI recurrence were assessed. A total of 67 patients with megaprosthesis PJIs were included. There were fourteen patients who were treated with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR), 31 with DAIR plus (DAIR with modular component exchange and stem retention), and 21 with two-stage revisions. Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for survival analyses and Cox proportional hazards for risk factor analyses. ResultsThe two-year reinfection-free survival was 25% for DAIR and 60% for DAIR plus or two-stage revision (P = .049). The five-year amputation-free survival was 84% for DAIR plus or two-stage revision, and 48% for DAIR (P = .13). Reinfection-free, reoperation-free, and amputation-free survival were similar between DAIR plus and two-stage revision at the 2- and 5-year marks. Body mass index ≥30 (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.65) and chronic kidney disease (HR = 11.53) were risk factors for reinfection. Treatment with DAIR plus or two-stage revision (HR = 0.44) was a protective factor against reinfection. ConclusionsA DAIR was associated with high rates of treatment failure and higher amputation rates than DAIR plus or 2-stage surgery. A DAIR plus was not inferior to 2-stage revision clearing a PJI and might be performed in patients who cannot withstand two-stage revision surgery.

Impact on the time elapsed since SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination history, and number of doses, on protection against reinfection

SARS-CoV-2 reinfections have been frequent, even among those vaccinated. The aim of this study is to know if hybrid immunity (infection + vaccination) is affected by the moment of vaccination and number of doses received. We conducted a retrospective study in 746 patients with a history of COVID-19 reinfection and recovered the dates of infection and reinfection and vaccination status (date and number of doses). To assess differences in the time to reinfection(tRI) between unvaccinated, vaccinated before 6 months, and later; and comparing one, two or three doses (incomplete, complete and booster regime) we performed the log-rank test of the cumulative incidence calculated as 1 minus the Kaplan–Meier estimator. Also, an adjusted Cox-regression was performed to evaluate the risk of reinfection in all groups. The tRI was significantly higher in those vaccinated vs. non-vaccinated (p < 0.001). However, an early incomplete regime protects similar time than not receiving a vaccine. Vaccination before 6 months after infection showed a lower tRI compared to those vaccinated later with the same regime (adj-p < 0.001). Actually, early vaccination with complete and booster regimes provided lower length of protection compared to vaccinating later with incomplete and complete regime, respectively. Vaccination with complete and booster regimes significantly increases the tRI (adj-p < 0.001). Vaccination increases the time it takes for a person to become reinfected with SARS-CoV-2. Increasing the time from infection to vaccination increases the time in which a person could be reinfected and reduces the risk of reinfection, especially in complete and booster regimes. Those results emphasize the role of vaccines and boosters during the pandemic and can guide strategies on future vaccination policy.

A stronger antibody response in increased disease severity of SARS-CoV-2

BackgroundAn assessment of the factors that interfere with serum levels and the persistence of anti-SARs-CoV-2 IgG antibodies is essential in order to estimate the risk of reinfection and to plan vaccination. We analyzed the impact of the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the clinical and biological factors regarding the persistence of SARs-CoV-2 anti-spike protein (IgG-S) antibodies at 12 months.MethodsThis was an observational, longitudinal study with individuals who had recovered from COVID-19 between August 2020 and June 2021. Peripheral blood samples were collected from volunteers who were hospitalized (SERIOUS COVID-19) and those who required no hospitalization (COVID-19 LIGHT). Samples were grouped according to days after symptom onset: up to 90, between 91 and 180, ≥ 180 days after symptom onset. A semiquantitative test for IgG anti-spike protein S1(IgG-S1) was used.ResultsWe analyzed 238 individuals who had recovered from COVID-19, of whom 87 had been hospitalized and 151 had not. They provided 148 and 220 samples, respectively. Among those hospitalized, males (65.5%), volunteers aged over 60 years (41.1%), comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (67.8%) and diabetes mellitus (37.9%) were most frequent. We observed higher median serum IgG-S1 titers among those who had recovered from COVID-19 and had been hospitalized, at all collection time intervals (p < 0.001). We observed a weak correlation of increasing age with humoral IgG-S1 response (Spearman correlation = 0.298). There was a greater probability of IgG-S1 antibody persistence over time among samples from hospitalized individuals compared to samples from non-hospitalized participants (p = 0.001).ConclusionThis study has revealed higher titers and a higher probability of the persistence of IgG-S1 in severe cases after SARs-CoV-2 primary infection in unvaccinated recovered patients. Thus, in this study, the severe clinical presentation of COVID-19 was the main factor influencing serum levels and the persistence of IgG-S1 antibodies in COVID-19.

Development of a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic assay for rapid detection of nasal mucosal secretory IgA against SARS-CoV-2.

Infection with SARS-CoV-2 begins in the upper respiratory tract and can trigger the production of mucosal spike-specific secretory IgA (sIgA), which provides protection against reinfection. It has been recognized that individuals with high level of nasal spike-specific IgA have a lower risk of reinfection. However, mucosal spike-specific sIgA wanes over time, and different individuals may have various level of spike-specific sIgA and descending kinetics, leading to individual differences in susceptibility to reinfection. A method for detecting spike-specific sIgA in the nasal passage would be valuable for predicting the risk of reinfection so that people at risk can have better preparedness. In this study, we describe the development of a colloidal gold-based immunochromatographic (ICT) strip for detecting SARS-CoV-2 Omicron spike-specific sIgA in nasal mucosal lining fluids (NMLFs). The ICT strip was designed to detect 0.125 μg or more spike-specific sIgA in 80 μL of NMLFs collected using a nasal swab. Purified nasal sIgA samples from individuals who recently recovered from an Omicron BA.5 infection were used to demonstrate that this ICT strip can specifically detect spike-specific sIgA. The signal levels positively correlated with neutralizing activities against XBB. Subsequent analysis revealed that people with low or undetectable levels of spike-specific sIgA in the nasal passage were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 reinfection. This nasal spike-specific sIgA ICT strip provides a non-invasive, rapid, and convenient method to assess the risk of reinfection for achieving precision preparedness.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of COVID-19 Reinfection in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Observational Study.

To identify the prevalence and risk factors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) reinfection in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study retrospectively analyzed patients with RA with a documented COVID-19 infection between January 2021 and December 2022 at a tertiary hospital in Seoul, South Korea. Reinfection was defined as a subsequent positive test result for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 at least 3 months after the initial infection. Cox proportional hazards models with backward elimination were employed to assess the association between potential risk factors and risk of reinfection. Of 351 included patients with RA {female, 81.5%; median age, 58.0 years [interquartile range (IQR), 48.0-66.0]}, 252 (71.8%) were treated with methotrexate and 12 (3.4%) received leflunomide during the initial infection. Over a median follow-up of 1.5 (IQR, 1.1-1.6) years, 43 (12.3%) patients experienced reinfection, equating to an incidence rate of 8.97 per 100 patient-years. The median time interval between infections was 0.8 (IQR, 0.6-1.2) years. Among the risk factors, leflunomide use showed a significant association with reinfection (hazard ratio, 2.968; 95% confidence interval, 1.057-8.335; p=0.039). However, no significant changes occurred in disease activity following reinfection [disease activity score using 28 joints: baseline median, 2.3 (IQR, 1.9-2.8); post-reinfection median, 2.3 (IQR, 1.8-2.6), p for change=0.895]. In this retrospective cohort study of patients with RA with COVID-19 infection, approximately 12% of patients experienced reinfection without significant change in disease activity. Leflunomide use was associated with a higher risk of reinfection.

Temporal Heterogeneous in the Effectiveness of Inactivated CoronaVac and Sinopharm Vaccines Against SARS‐CoV‐2 Reinfections in China

We aimed to understand the temporal dynamics of SARS‐CoV‐2 reinfection risk and assess the impact of inactivated vaccination on the occurrence of reinfection. We investigated the reinfection risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 from November 1, 2022, to February 12, 2023, when China rapidly lifted the zero‐COVID policy. The study subjects were those who were first infected during the zero‐COVID period between January 1, 2020, and October 31, 2022, in Dalian city, China. Among the 1961 previous infections, 126 (6.4%, 95% CI: 5.4, 7.5) were reinfected. The risk of reinfection increased over time since initial infection. Compared with those who did not receive or received one dose of inactivated vaccine, receiving two or three doses was associated with additional protection against reinfection among individuals who were infected with pre‐Omicron more than a year earlier, with the OR ranged from 0.33 (95% CI: 0.03, 1.83) to 0.91 (95% CI: 0.22, 3.27). In contrast, no protective effect from two or three doses of vaccines against reinfection was observed among those who were first infected with Omicron variants within a year. Primary or booster vaccination contributed to limited protection against reinfection or symptomatic reinfection among individuals infected with Omicron SARS‐CoV‐2 within a year. However, a booster dose after 1 year of natural infection may provide additional protection against reinfection.

A retrospective study of tuberculosis prevalence and associated factors among HIV-positive key populations in Nigeria.

HIV is a major risk factor for active Tuberculosis (TB.) This raises patients' risk of original infection, reinfection, and TB reactivation. Providing healthcare to KPLHIV in developing countries requires TB prevalence research. This study aims to determine the prevalence of TB and HIV co-infection and associated factors among KPLHIV. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study among KP's living with HIV enrolled on care in One Stop Shop (OSS) of Heartland Alliance Ltd/GTE across six states in Nigeria. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 25.0. Secondary data analysis of client's records from the RADET files of the KPCARE 1 project from 6 states was conducted. Means with standard deviations were computed for continuous variables like age, and frequency tables were generated for categorical variables. Chi-square tests and t-tests were used for the bivariate analysis of variables. All tests were done at a 5% level of statistical significance (p = 0.05).TB prevalence was 19.1% among KP's living with HIV, with variations observed in age groups, geographic locations, target populations, marital status, educational backgrounds, clinical characteristics, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) history. KPs aged 51 and above exhibited the highest TB prevalence (21.0%), while those aged below 20 years had the lowest (18.2%). Jigawa KPs recorded the highest TB prevalence (38.4%), and Niger had the least (13.3%). TB was more prevalent among People who inject drugs (20.3%), divorced (32.3%), and those who attained Qur'anic education (29.7%). KPs who had to restart ART exhibited the highest TB prevalence (22.0%), whereas those who experienced Interruption in treatment (IIT) reported the lowest at 10.0%. Immune-suppressed KPs (CD4 counts < 200 cells/m3) had a higher TB prevalence of 26.6%. TB prevalence among KPs living with HIV varies greatly, underlining the need for targeted treatments, especially for high-risk categories, to improve HIV treatment outcomes and reduce TB prevalence.

Risk of COVID-19 reinfection and its severe complications in adults treated with long-term opioids for chronic non-cancer pain

Since December 2019, over 770 million cases and over 6.9 million deaths attributed to SARS-CoV-2 infection have been reported globally. 1 The pandemic has disproportionately affected populations impacted by chronic health issues, including people with chronic non- cancer pain. 2,3 Research has shown the COVID-19 pandemic increased the burden of chronic pain, with worsened social isolation, economic stress, anxiety, and disrupted access to pain management contributing to this distress. 2,4,5 Pharmacological treatments, including long-term opioid therapy (LTOT), are a part of standard of care in chronic non-cancer pain, 6,7 with an increase in opioid medication use for managing chronic pain noted likely in compensation for stopping physical/psychological treatments due to the pandemic.

Assessing risk of COVID-19 reinfection and complications in adults treated with stimulant medications: A retrospective study using electronic health records

Assessing risk of COVID-19 reinfection and complications in adults treated with stimulant medications: A retrospective study using electronic health records

2023 Korean Association of Urogenital Tract Infection and Inflammation guidelines for gonococcal infection.

The incidence of gonorrhea has increased significantly in recent years in the United States, especially among sexually active twenty-year-olds. Although the incidence of gonorrhea has decreased in Korea since the early 2000s, it is still common among people in their twenties. Nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is the most sensitive diagnostic test for detecting gonococcal infection. Gram-staining is a simple and useful laboratory test for diagnosing symptomatic male gonococcal urethritis. Although bacterial culture can be used to detect antimicrobial susceptibility, its sensitivity is lower than that of NAAT. Treatment for uncomplicated gonorrhea infection is a single intramuscular injection of ceftriaxone 500 mg. Doxycycline (100 mg twice daily for 7 days) is added if there is a possibility of co-infection with chlamydia. If ceftriaxone is difficult to use, spectinomycin 2 g can be injected intramuscularly in Korea. Patients with gonorrhea should have repeated examinations within three months at the exposure site because of a high risk of re-infection. A person diagnosed with gonorrhea should discuss the nature of the infection, the importance of informing partners, when sexual activity can resume, and how to reduce the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Past And Current Vaccine Development Effort of Gonorrhea

Neisseria gonorrhea causes gonorrhoea, which is one of the sexually transmitted infections (STI) diseases that can affect the health of women, men, and neonates. Reflecting on its history of treatment, the development and distribution of a vaccine hold significant potential for mitigating the impact of this disease, especially in vulnerable populations. However, developing a novel vaccine for Neisseria gonorrhoeae has posed considerable challenges. This is primarily due to the Gonorrhea's antigenic variation, rendering it difficult for the human immune system to identify. Neisseria Gonorrhea is currently exhibiting significant antimicrobial resistance, raising concerns about the potential for it to evolve into a superbug in the future. This escalating antimicrobial resistance has led to a diminishing effectiveness of antibiotics in treating Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections. Consequently, there is an increased risk of reinfection, potentially necessitating higher antibiotic doses during treatment. This, in turn, contributes to elevated treatment costs. Thus, the development of a new vaccine against Neisseria gonorrhoeae becomes imperative. This urgency is particularly pronounced for safeguarding the health of women and newborns. In this review, I explored the progress and efficacy of both historical and contemporary vaccines designed to address Neisseria gonorrhoeae infections.