Risk Of Respiratory Infections Research Articles

A Review: Toxic Chemicals Emitted from Air fresheners & Disinfectants

Abstract: Health and wealth are closely related to indoor air quality (IAQ). Breathing clean air can lead to a better quality of life, it reduces the risk of respiratory infections, and it minimize the risk of developing a number of chronic diseases. According to data from the WHO, 90% of people around the world spend their time indoors. Outdoor pollution is 2 to 5 times lower than that found indoors. In this review article, we discussed about how air fresheners, cleaning agents, and disinfectants affect people's health and how they release air pollutants. Air pollution is a significant hazard to people's quality of life. The majority of diseases and early deaths are brought on by breathing this contaminant air. since everyone today uses a variety of cleaning reagents and air fresheners without considering the potentially harmful effects. Spray cleaning technology and disinfectants have been linked to negative respiratory effects. The common Volatile Organic Compounds Emitted by air fragrance products are limonene, alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, and other terpenes. These pollutants have been linked to a number of adverse health effects, including contact dermatitis, migraine headaches, asthma attacks, respiratory problems, neurological issues, and mucosal symptoms. This review article emphasizes the drawbacks of chemical-based air fresheners and cleaning products. Here we also focus the unexpected respiratory diseases caused by long term exposure of chemical pollutants emitted by air fresheners on indoor environment.

Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and fatty acids in relation to the risk of microbial infections in children: The TRIGR Divia study

Nutrient status may affect the risk of microbial infections and play a role in modulating the immune response against such infections. The aim of this study was to determine whether serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and serum fatty acids in infancy are associated with microbial infections by the age of 18 months. Altogether 576 newborn infants from Trial to Reduce IDDM in the Genetically at Risk (TRIGR) born between 2002 and 2007 were included. The concentration of 25(OH)D vitamin and proportions of 26 fatty acids (presented as % of total fatty acids) were analyzed in cord blood serum and in sera taken at 6, 12, and 18 months of age. The cord blood samples and mean of 6-18-month values were used as exposures. Infections were detected by screening IgG antibodies against 10 microbes using enzyme immunoassay and antibodies against 6 coxsackievirus B serotypes by plaque neutralization assay in serum samples taken at 18 months of age. A higher proportion of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and especially long-chain n-3 PUFAs at birth and at the age of 6-18 months was associated with decreased risk of coxsackievirus B2 infection unadjusted and adjusted for region, case-control status, and maternal type 1 diabetes. Higher proportion of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3) at birth was associated with a decreased risk of respiratory syncytial virus infection. 25(OH)D vitamin concentration was not consistently associated with the risk of infections. When only infected children were included docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6 n-3) and arachidonic acid (20:4 n-6) proportions were positively associated with IgG antibody levels against influenza A virus. 25(OH)D vitamin concentration showed an inverse association with rotavirus IgG levels among children with rotavirus seropositivity. In young children with increased susceptibility to type 1 diabetes, long-chain n-3 PUFAs may influence the risk of viral infections and immune response against the infections. However, this association may depend on the type of virus suggesting virus-specific effects.

Vitamin D Supplementation Does Not Influence SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Efficacy or Immunogenicity: Sub-Studies Nested within the CORONAVIT Randomised Controlled Trial.

Vitamin D deficiency has been reported to associate with the impaired development of antigen-specific responses following vaccination. We aimed to determine whether vitamin D supplements might boost the immunogenicity and efficacy of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination by conducting three sub-studies nested within the CORONAVIT randomised controlled trial, which investigated the effects of offering vitamin D supplements at a dose of 800 IU/day or 3200 IU/day vs. no offer on risk of acute respiratory infections in UK adults with circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentrations <75 nmol/L. Sub-study 1 (n = 2808) investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection following two doses of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. Sub-study 2 (n = 1853) investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on titres of combined IgG, IgA and IgM (IgGAM) anti-Spike antibodies in eluates of dried blood spots collected after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. Sub-study 3 (n = 100) investigated the effects of vitamin D supplementation on neutralising antibody and cellular responses in venous blood samples collected after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination. In total, 1945/2808 (69.3%) sub-study 1 participants received two doses of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (Oxford–AstraZeneca); the remainder received two doses of BNT162b2 (Pfizer). Mean follow-up 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly elevated in the 800 IU/day vs. no-offer group (82.5 vs. 53.6 nmol/L; mean difference 28.8 nmol/L, 95% CI 22.8–34.8) and in the 3200 IU/day vs. no offer group (105.4 vs. 53.6 nmol/L; mean difference 51.7 nmol/L, 45.1–58.4). Vitamin D supplementation did not influence the risk of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection in vaccinated participants (800 IU/day vs. no offer: adjusted hazard ratio 1.28, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.84; 3200 IU/day vs. no offer: 1.17, 0.81 to 1.70). Neither did it influence IgGAM anti-Spike titres, neutralising antibody titres or IFN-γ concentrations in the supernatants of S peptide-stimulated whole blood. In conclusion, vitamin D replacement at a dose of 800 or 3200 IU/day effectively elevated 25(OH)D concentrations, but it did not influence the protective efficacy or immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination when given to adults who had a sub-optimal vitamin D status at baseline.

Good perceived sleep quality protects against the raised risk of respiratory infection during sleep restriction in young adults.

Prospectively examine the association between sleep restriction, perceived sleep quality (PSQ) and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI). In 1318 military recruits (68% males) self-reported sleep was assessed at the beginning and end of a 12-week training course. Sleep restriction was defined as an individualized reduction in sleep duration of ≥2 hours/night compared with civilian life. URTIs were retrieved from medical records. On commencing training, approximately half of recruits were sleep restricted (52%; 2.1 ± 1.6 h); despite the sleep debt, 58% of recruits with sleep restriction reported good PSQ. Regression adjusted for covariates showed that recruits commencing training with sleep restriction were more likely to suffer URTI during the course (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.29-6.69, p = .011). Moderation analysis showed this finding was driven by poor PSQ (B = -1.12, SE 0.50, p = .023), as no significant association between sleep restriction and URTI was observed in recruits reporting good PSQ, despite a similar magnitude of sleep restriction during training. Associations remained in the population completing training, accounting for loss to follow-up. Recruits reporting poor PSQ when healthy at the start and end of training were more susceptible to URTI (OR = 3.16, 95% CI 1.31-7.61, p = .010, vs good PSQ). Good perceived sleep quality was associated with protection against the raised risk of respiratory infection during sleep restriction. Studies should determine whether improvements in sleep quality arising from behavioral sleep interventions translate to reduced respiratory infection during sleep restriction.

Age-specific hospitalization risk of primary and secondary respiratory syncytial virus infection among young children

ObjectivesElucidating the infection dynamics that lead to severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) pneumonia and hospitalization among young children are critical. We explored the role of infection parity as well as age in months for RSV-associated hospitalization among young children in Japan. MethodsWe used a sequential transmission catalytic model to capture the transmission mechanisms of RSV among infants in an endemic state. We investigated data on the age-dependent seroprevalence and incidence rate of hospitalization in Japan, and jointly estimated the age-specific risk of hospitalization during primary RSV infection and relative risk of hospitalization during secondary infection in children aged <5 years. ResultsThe estimated risk of hospitalization with primary infection was 0.08 (95% CI: 0.05-0.14) in infants aged 0-2 months. The estimated relative risk of hospitalization owing to secondary infection was 0.18 (95% CI: 0.01-2.04). ConclusionOur simple models successfully captured the infection dynamics of RSV among young children in Japan. The age group of early infancy may be most vulnerable to infection and hospitalization, offering key insights into future vaccinations. The burden of hospitalization from secondary infection may be less important in young children.

Nutrition, Immunosenescence, and Infectious Disease: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence on Micronutrients and on Modulation of the Gut Microbiota

ABSTRACTThe immune system is key to host defense against pathogenic organisms. Aging is associated with changes in the immune system, with a decline in protective components (immunosenescence), increasing susceptibility to infectious disease, and a chronic elevation in low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), increasing the risk of multiple noncommunicable diseases. Nutrition is a determinant of immune cell function and of the gut microbiota. In turn, the gut microbiota shapes and controls the immune and inflammatory responses. Many older people show changes in the gut microbiota. Age-related changes in immune competence, low-grade inflammation, and gut dysbiosis may be interlinked and may relate, at least in part, to age-related changes in nutrition. A number of micronutrients (vitamins C, D, and E and zinc and selenium) play roles in supporting the function of many immune cell types. Some trials report that providing these micronutrients as individual supplements can reverse immune deficits in older people and/or in those with insufficient intakes. There is inconsistent evidence that this will reduce the risk or severity of infections including respiratory infections. Probiotic, prebiotic, or synbiotic strategies that modulate the gut microbiota, especially by promoting the colonization of lactobacilli and bifidobacteria, have been demonstrated to modulate some immune and inflammatory biomarkers in older people and, in some cases, to reduce the risk and severity of gastrointestinal and respiratory infections, although, again, the evidence is inconsistent. Further research with well-designed and well-powered trials in at-risk older populations is required to be more certain about the role of micronutrients and of strategies that modify the gut microbiota–host relationship in protecting against infection, especially respiratory infection.

Perspective: School Meal Programs Require Higher Vitamin D Fortification Levels in Milk Products and Plant-Based Alternatives—Evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES 2001–2018)

Poor vitamin D status impairs bone growth and immune defense in school-aged children and adolescents, particularly in minorities. Vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency increases the risk of acute viral respiratory infection, underscoring the need for adequate vitamin D intakes during school sessions when viral exposure may be greatest. We studied available vitamin D-related survey data and published findings based on NHANES (2001-2018) to assess the dependency of vitamin D status {25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]; in nmol/L} on vitamin D intake (μg/d) in elementary school-aged children (4-8 y), middle school children (9-13 y), and high school adolescents (14-18 y). We sought evidence supporting the need for school programs to facilitate vitamin D adequacy. Usual vitamin D intakes from food and beverages by children/adolescents (NHANES 2015-2018) examined at the 50th percentile intake by race/ethnicity (non-Hispanic White, non-Hispanic Black, Hispanic) showed all age groups consumed less than half of the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for vitamin D (10μg/d), independent of race/ethnicity. NHANES (2001-2010) analyses show evidence of lower vitamin D status in school-aged children that is linked to lower intakes of fortified milk varying over race/ethnicity and age. Adolescents had lower vitamin D status and milk intake than younger children. A total of 22-44% of vitamin D intakes occurred away from home, with larger percentages of total intakes at breakfast and lunch, at times consistent with school meals. Ever-present inadequate vitamin D intakes with a large percentage consumed away from home together with well-established benefits to growth, bone, and immune defense from enriched vitamin D-fortified milk in school intervention trials provide strong justification to require enriched vitamin D-fortified foods in school meals. An easy to implement plan for improving vitamin D intakes is possible through the FDA's amendment allowing higher vitamin D fortification levels of dairy and plant-based milk alternatives that could increase vitamin D intakes beyond the EAR with just 2 daily servings.

34346 Pooled safety analysis of respiratory tract infections, including COVID-19, in psoriasis patients treated with secukinumab

Objective: To assess risk of respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in secukinumab treated psoriasis patients, evaluate potential association of COVID-19 risk factors [age >65, diabetes, obesity (BMI >40), heart and respiratory disease] with RTI incidences and report COVID-19 cases from Periodic Safety Update Report (PSUR: 26-Dec-2019–25-Dec-2020). Methods: Pooled data from clinical trials and postmarketing safety surveillance, including patients who received ≥1 secukinumab dose, were analyzed. RTIs were reported as exposure-adjusted incidence rates (EAIRs) per 100 patient-years. Results: EAIR (95% CI; n) for ‘any RTI’ with secukinumab 150 mg/300 mg/150 mg+300 mg, was 42.1 (39.6–44.8; n = 2117)/47.5 (46.1–48.9; n = 9704)/46.6 (45.3–48.0; n = 11232). EAIR for ‘viral RTI’ at same doses was 7.1 (6.2–8.0)/7.4 (6.9–7.9)/7.3 (6.9–7.7), and for ‘other RTI’ was 34.3 (32.1–36.6)/38.8 (37.5–40.1)/ 37.7 (36.6–38.9). EAIR ratios in obese versus nonobese patients for viral pharyngitis/streptococcal pharyngitis/bacterial sinusitis with secukinumab 150 mg+300 mg were 4.2 (1.2–15.1)/3.4 (1.7–7.0)/6.9 (2.1–22.3), respectively. Strong associations with other COVID-19 risk factors were not observed. Of 952 COVID-19 cases retrieved, outcome was reported in 416 cases: completely recovered (n = 101), recovered with sequelae (n = 7), condition improving (n = 68), unchanged (n = 165), deteriorated (n = 54) and fatal (n = 21). Overall, 221 cases were confounded by risk factors (age >65, comorbidities, or concomitant use of immunosuppressant). Of 21 COVID-19 fatal cases, 14 had risk factors (age >65, comorbidities and smoking) whereas 7 had limited information. Conclusion: RTIs in secukinumab treated psoriasis patients from pooled clinical trials and postmarketing surveillance data were consistent with previous publications. In this analysis, obesity increased the risk for RTIs. COVID-19 cases in the PSUR revealed no new safety signals regarding known risk of ‘infections and infestations.’

Covid-19 Transmission, Risks Factors and Disease Characteristics in Asthmatics Patients

Abstract Background The World Health Organizations (WHO) scientific brief on the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and asthma from 2021, states individuals with asthma to be at a higher risk of respiratory infections as recorded in the annual influenza season. However, existing data from the COVID-19 pandemic does not till date establish an association of the disease with asthma. The disease burden of COVID-19 among asthmatic patients has not been very evident. This paucity of information forms the main rationale of our literature review, which is focused on collecting scattered literature around transmission, risks, as well as disease characteristics of COVID-19 among asthmatics world over including Saudi Arabia. Methodology This study report has been generated after detailed literature survey using keywords “asthma”, “coronavirus”, “COVID-19” and SARS-CoV-2 including quality high impact publications on relevant focus area through Google Scholar, Web of Science, and PubMed. Publication between year 2019 and 2021 were selected in specific to ensure the focus of the current literature review does not lose relevance in space of time. Results Our literature review identified elderly to have been reported to have high susceptibility to COVID-19; the risk being exacerbated among those with comorbidities. Further, no specific directives on asthma being one of the risk factors was found to be reported, especially with the current disease management strategy for COVID-19. The severely diseased COVID-19 patients also have been reported to exhibit increase in multiple cytokines, which may increase airway inflammation and exacerbate asthma attacks. However, contrary literature reports indicate an increase in T cells to reduce the disease impact of COVID-19. Conclusion There is paucity in significant evidence as of writing this review article to highlight exclusive negative impact of COVID-19 on asthmatics. Asthma patients however need to be recommended care pertaining to having their controller medication as new data continue to emerge on the clinic-pathological factors of the novel coronavirus.

A Preliminary Study on Acute Otitis Media in Spanish Children with Late Dinner Habits.

The timing of caloric intake plays an important role in the long-term process that leads to communicable diseases. The primary objective of this study was to analyse whether children who ate dinner early were at lower risks of acute respiratory infections than children who ate dinner late during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from July to December 2020 on children attending Majorcan emergency services. Our survey on dinner time habits was carried out by using self-administered questionnaires. Results: A total of 669 children were included in this study. The median dinner time was 8:30 pm. Late dinner eaters accounted for a higher proportion of acute otitis media (7% vs. 3%; p = 0.028) than early dinner eaters. Other infectious diseases were not associated with dinner time habits. Conclusions: We make a preliminary estimate of the link between late dinner habits and acute otitis media in children. However, no conclusions about causality can be established due to the observational design of the study, and further research is needed in order to confirm the different issues raised by our initial exploration of an emerging research area.

Post-trial follow-up after a randomized clinical trial of COVID-19 convalescent plasma

Background: COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CP) proved to be a safe acute intervention, however, the long-term clinical effects of COVID-19 CP are to date unknown. CP might have a prospective negative effect by down-regulating the inflammatory response suppressing antibody formation and promoting autoantibodies against interferons. Our objective was to establish the long-term safety profile of COVID-19 CP and determine if its administration increases the risk for further respiratory infections in older adults. Methods: All participants included in the intention to treat analysis of a randomized clinical trial evaluating the efficacy of COVID-19 CP in older adults were invited to participate in this post-trial follow-up study. Patients were strictly followed for at least 6 months after randomization. The primary endpoint was the number of patients with clinically confirmed acute respiratory infections (ARIs). Secondary endpoints included all-cause mortality, time to first respiratory infection, SARS-CoV-2 re-infection, adverse events, and persistence of COVID-19 symptoms after initial infection. Results: 142 patients were included in the study (total retention rate=92.8%). The mean age was 77.2 years (SD=8.6) and the median duration of follow-up was 10.4 months (IQR=1.63), with no differences among groups. 20 patients had a clinically confirmed ARI during the study. No differences were observed between groups in the proportion of ARIs (CP=11/72 and Placebo=9/70, p-value=0.678) and in the probability of ARI-free survival between groups (log-rank test p-value=0.63). No differences emerged when comparing groups regarding secondary endpoints. Conclusions: COVID-19 convalescent plasma remains a safe intervention without increasing the risk of acute respiratory infection or other clinical consequences in the long term.

Temporal-spatial risk assessment of COVID-19 under the influence of urban spatial environmental parameters: The case of Shenyang city.

Respiratory infection is the main route for the transmission of coronavirus pneumonia, and the results have shown that the urban spatial environment significantly influences the risk of infection. Based on the Wells-Riley model of respiratory infection probability, the study determined the human respiratory-related parameters and the effective influence range; extracted urban morphological parameters, assessed the ventilation effects of different spatial environments, and, combined with population flow monitoring data, constructed a method for assessing the risk of Covid-19 respiratory infection in urban-scale grid cells. In the empirical study in Shenyang city, a severe cold region, urban morphological parameters, population size, background wind speed, and individual behavior patterns were used to calculate the distribution characteristics of temporal and spatial concomitant risks in urban areas grids under different scenarios. The results showed that the correlation between the risk of respiratory infection in urban public spaces and the above variables was significant. The exposure time had the greatest degree of influence on the probability of respiratory infection risk among the variables. At the same time, the change in human body spacing beyond 1 m had a minor influence on the risk of infection. Among the urban morphological parameters, building height had the highest correlation with the risk of infection, while building density had the lowest correlation. The actual point distribution of the epidemic in Shenyang from March to April 2022 was used to verify the evaluation results. The overlap rate between medium or higher risk areas and actual cases was 78.55%. The planning strategies for epidemic prevention and control were proposed for the spatial differentiation characteristics of different risk elements. The research results can accurately classify the risk level of urban space and provide a scientific basis for the planning response of epidemic prevention and control and the safety of public activities.

Awareness of Vaccination against Respiratory Tract Diseases, Including Pneumonia, Influenza, and COVID-19 in Patients with Diabetes Mellitus

Patients with diabetes have an increased risk of severe acute respiratory infections, and vaccination is their life-saving option. This study aimed to investigate the interest and knowledge of patients about influenza, pneumonia, and COVID-19(coronavirus disease 2019) vaccines. Materials. We handed out a questionnaire to patients with diabetes who were admitted to the endocrinology clinic between April and August 2021. The questionnaire collected information on demographic data, knowledge about respiratory tract disease vaccines, and hesitancy about vaccines. Results. Four hundred twenty-four patients (female = 256, male = 168) enrolled in the study. In this study, 148 (34.9%) participants were vaccinated against pneumonia, 155 (36.6%) against flu, and 312 (73.6%) against COVID-19. In addition, antivaccination sentiment was recorded in 8.7% of patients with diabetes. We found that participants in the study primarily rely on doctors as the source of information about vaccines (doctor (46.7%), nurse (1.2%), television (8.7%), friend/neighbour (8.7%), and others (2.6%)). The rate of vaccination was statistically higher than the presence of comorbid diseases. Conclusions. We examined the vaccine awareness of patients with diabetes and investigated factors affecting it. İt was determined that vaccination awareness is affected by many factors, especially comorbid diseases and educational status. The study showed that patients primarily relied on doctors as their source of information for vaccination. Doctor-centered vaccination promotion programmes can increase the rate of vaccination.

Early childhood respiratory tract infections according to parental subfertility and conception by assisted reproductive technologies.

STUDY QUESTIONAre children conceived by ART or born to subfertile parents more susceptible to upper or lower respiratory tract infections (URTI, LRTI)?SUMMARY ANSWERART-conceived children had a higher frequency of and risk of hospitalization for respiratory infections up to age 3, which was only partly explained by parental subfertility.WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADYSome studies report increased risks of infections in children conceived by ART. Results for URTIs and LRTIs are inconclusive, and the contribution of underlying parental subfertility remains unclear.STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATIONWe included 84 102 singletons of the Norwegian Mother, Father and Child Cohort Study (MoBa) born between 1999 and 2009. Mothers reported time-to-pregnancy at recruitment and child history of, frequency of and hospitalization for, respiratory infections when the child was 6, 18 and 36 months old by questionnaires. Subfertility was defined as having taken 12 or more months to conceive. The Medical Birth Registry of Norway (MBRN) provided information on ART. URTI included throat and ear infections, while LRTI included bronchitis, bronchiolitis, respiratory syncytial virus and pneumonia.PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODSWe used log-binomial regression to estimate risk ratios (RR) and 95% CI of any respiratory tract infection and hospitalization, and negative-binomial regression to calculate incidence rate ratios (IRR) and 95% CI for number of infections. We compared children conceived by ART, and naturally conceived children of subfertile parents, to children of fertile parents (<12 months to conceive) while adjusting for maternal age, education, BMI and smoking during pregnancy and previous livebirths. We accounted for dependency between children born to the same mother.MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCEA total of 7334 (8.7%) singletons were naturally conceived by subfertile parents and 1901 (2.3%) were conceived by ART. Between age 0 and 36 months, 41 609 (49.5%) of children experienced any URTI, 15 542 (18.5%) any LRTI and 4134 (4.9%) were hospitalized due to LRTI. Up to age 3, children conceived by ART had higher frequencies of URTI (adjusted IRR (aIRR) 1.16; 95% CI 1.05–1.28) and hospitalizations due to LRTI (adjusted RR (aRR) 1.25; 95% CI 1.02–1.53), which was not seen for children of subfertile parents. Children conceived by ART were not at higher risks of respiratory infections up to age 18 months; only at age 19–36 months, they had increased risk of any LRTI (aRR 1.16; 95% CI 1.01–1.33), increased frequency of LRTIs (IRR 1.22; 95% CI 1.02–1.47) and a higher risk of hospitalization for LRTI (aRR 1.35; 95% CI 1.01–1.80). They also had an increased frequency of URTIs (aIRR; 1.19; 95% CI 1.07–1.33). Children of subfertile parents only had a higher risk of LRTIs (aRR 1.09; 95% CI 1.01–1.17) at age 19–36 months.LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTIONSelf-reported time-to-pregnancy and respiratory tract infections by parents could lead to misclassification. Both the initial participation rate and loss to follow up in the MoBa limits generalizability to the general Norwegian population.WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGSART-conceived children might be more susceptible to respiratory tract infections in early childhood. This appears to be only partly explained by underlying parental subfertility. Exactly what aspects related to the ART procedure might be reflected in these associations need to be further investigated.STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)Funding was received from the Swiss National Science Foundation (P2BEP3_191798), the Research Council of Norway (no. 262700), and the European Research Council (no. 947684). All authors declare no conflict of interest.TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERN/A.

Spread of Covid-19 in hemodialysis centres; the effects of ventilation and communal transport.

AimsHemodialysis (HD) patients are at increased risk of respiratory infections, due to increased use of communal travel, waiting areas, close proximity to others when dialysing, and contact with healthcare personnel. We wished to determine the major factors associated with transmission of COVID‐19 within dialysis centres.MethodsWe compared the differences in the number of COVID‐19 infections in patients and staff in 5 dialysis centres during the 1st COVID‐19 pandemic between March and June 2020, and analyzed differences between centres. Isolation policies and infection control practices were identical between centres.Results224 (30.3%) patients tested positive for COVID‐19, by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, ranging from 4.8% (centre 1 size 55 patients) to 41.5% (centre 5–248 patients) p = 0.007. Communal transport had a significant effect; with 160 of 452 (35.4%) patients using communal testing positive compared to 22.2% of those not using communal transport (X214.5, p < 0.001). Staff sickness varied; 35 of 36 (97.3% centre 5) dialysis staff contracting COVID‐19, compared to 60% from centre 4 (189 patients 30 staff) (p < 0.001). Whereas centre 5 had no natural ventilation, and fan assisted ventilation did not meet standards for air changes and air circulation, centre 4 met ventilation standards.ConclusionsAlthough there are many potential risk factors accounting for the increased risk of COVID‐19 infection in hemodialysis patients, we found that differences in communal transport for patients and ventilation between centres was a major contributor accounting for the differences in patients testing positive for COVID‐19 and staff sickness rates. This has important practical applications for designing kidney dialysis centres.

Infection risk in psoriatic patients receiving tumour necrosis factor inhibitors: a 20-year systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFis) are commonly used for treating psoriatic diseases; however, the risk of infection while receiving TNFis remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the infection risk in patients with psoriatic disease receiving TNFis. A prospectively registered systematic literature search was conducted in Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), EMBASE and the ClinicalTrials.gov databases from inception to December 31, 2021. We included double-blind randomized controlled trials that compared TNFis or other biologics with placebo in adults with psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis. The primary outcomes included overall and serious infection risks, and secondary outcomes included upper respiratory infections and nasopharyngitis risks. The risk ratio of the dichotomous outcome was calculated using the Mantel-Haenszel method with random effects, and heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran's Q statistic and quantified using the I-squared statistic. A total of 48 studies with 15 464 patients with psoriatic diseases were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated a slightly increased overall infection risk (risk ratio = 1.09; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.15) but not serious infection risk (risk ratio = 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-1.49) among patients receiving TNFis. There were also no increased risks of upper respiratory infections (risk ratio = 1.10; 95% confidence interval, 0.94-1.28) or nasopharyngitis (risk ratio = 1.14; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.30). In subgroup analyses using the fixed effects model, only etanercept and certolizumab pegol were, respectively, associated with an increased risk of overall infection (RR = 1.14, 95% CI, 1.03-1.27) and upper respiratory infections (RR = 1.42, 95% CI, 1.02-1.98). In conclusion, evidence to date suggests an increased overall infection risk that is generally tolerable in patients with psoriatic diseases receiving TNFis. There are no increased risks of serious infections, upper respiratory infections or nasopharyngitis.

The relationship between the gut microbiome and the risk of respiratory infections among newborns

BackgroundEmerging evidence points to a critical role of the developing gut microbiome in immune maturation and infant health; however, prospective studies are lacking.MethodsWe examined the occurrence of infections and associated symptoms during the first year of life in relation to the infant gut microbiome at six weeks of age using bacterial 16S rRNA V4-V5 gene sequencing (N = 465) and shotgun metagenomics (N = 185). We used generalized estimating equations to assess the associations between longitudinal outcomes and 16S alpha diversity and metagenomics species.ResultsHere we show higher infant gut microbiota alpha diversity was associated with an increased risk of infections or respiratory symptoms treated with a prescription medicine, and specifically upper respiratory tract infections. Among vaginally delivered infants, a higher alpha diversity was associated with an increased risk of all-cause wheezing treated with a prescription medicine and diarrhea involving a visit to a health care provider. Positive associations were specifically observed with Veillonella species among all deliveries and Haemophilus influenzae among cesarean-delivered infants.ConclusionOur findings suggest that intestinal microbial diversity and the relative abundance of key taxa in early infancy may influence susceptibility to respiratory infection, wheezing, and diarrhea.

Dung biomass smoke exposure impairs resolution of inflammatory responses to influenza infection

Epidemiological studies associate biomass smoke with an increased risk for respiratory infections in children and adults in the developing world, with 500,000 premature deaths each year attributed to biomass smoke-related acute respiratory infections including infections caused by respiratory viruses. Animal dung is a biomass fuel of particular concern because it generates more toxic compounds per amount burned than wood, and is a fuel of last resort for the poorest households. Currently, there is little biological evidence on the effects of dung biomass smoke exposure on immune responses to respiratory viral infections. Here, we investigated the impact of dung biomass exposure on respiratory infection using a mouse model of dung biomass smoke and cultured primary human small airway epithelial cells (SAECs). Mice infected with influenza A virus (IAV) after dung biomass smoke exposure had increased mortality, lung inflammation and virus mRNA levels, and suppressed expression of innate anti-viral mediators compared to air exposed mice. Importantly, there was still significant tissue inflammation 14 days after infection in dung biomass smoke-exposed mice even after inflammation had resolved in air-exposed mice. Dung biomass smoke exposure also suppressed the production of anti-viral cytokines and interferons in cultured SAECs treated with poly(I:C) or IAV. This study shows that dung biomass smoke exposure impairs the immune response to respiratory viruses and contributes to biomass smoke-related susceptibility to respiratory viral infections, likely due to a failure to resolve the inflammatory effects of biomass smoke exposure.

Factors associated with the risk of upper respiratory tract bacterial infections among HIV-positive patients.

BackgroundThe risk and characteristics of upper respiratory tract (URT) bacterial infections (URT-BI) among HIV (+) patients is understudied. We analyzed factors associated with its occurrence and the spectrum of culturable pathogens among patients routinely followed at the HIV Out-Patient Clinic in Warsaw.MethodsAll HIV (+) patients with available URT swab culture were included into analyses. Patients were followed from the day of registration in the clinic until first positive URT swab culture or last clinical visit from January 1, 2007 to July 31, 2016. Cox proportional hazard models were used to identify factors associated with positive URT swabs culture (those with p<0.1 in univariate included into multivariable).ResultsIn total 474 patients were included into the analyses, 166 with culturable URT swab. In general, 416 (87.8%) patients were male, 342 (72.1%) were infected through MSM contact, 253 (53.4%) were on antiretroviral therapy. Median follow-up time was 3.4 (1.3–5.7) years, age 35.2 (30.6–42.6) years and CD4+ count 528 (400–685) cells/μl. The most common cultured bacteria were S. aureus (40.4%) and S. pyogenes (13.9%) (Table 1). Patients with culturable URT-BI were more likely to be MSM (68.5% vs 78.9%; p<0.016), have detectable viral load (20.9% vs 12.0%; p<0.0001) and CD4+ cell count <500 cells/μl (55.2% vs 39.0%; p = 0.003) (Table 2). In multivariate survival analyses detectable viral load (HR3.13; 95%Cl: 2.34–4.19) and MSM (1.63;1.09–2.42) were increasing, but older age (0.63;0.58–0.69, per 5 years older) and higher CD4+ count (0.90;0.85–0.95, per 100 cells/μl) decreasing the risk of culturable URT-BI (Table 2).ConclusionsCulturable URT-BI are common among HIV-positive patients with high CD4+ count. Similarly to general population most common cultured bacteria were S. aureus and S. pyogenes. Risk factors identified in multivariate survival analysis indicate that younger MSM patients with detectable HIV viral load are at highest risk. In clinical practice this group of patients requires special attention.

Achieving Complete Immunization Status per Age to Reducing Risk of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs) among Infants in Nigeria: What should be done?

Immunization status as an outcome measure of vaccination is very critical in the prevention and control of vaccinepreventable diseases. Irrespective of several improvements in child survival strategies for over 3 decades, ARI still ranks among diseases such as malaria, diarrhea and measles responsible for majority of deaths among infants and young children in Nigeria and other developing countries. Immunity is a mechanism and process of the body system for preventing diseases by way of innate and adaptive/acquired means. This review paper, aimed at taking a critical look at how pattern of uptake of vaccination among infants according to the National Immunization Schedules under the classification of partial, complete and non-immunization status influence risk of ARI among infants. In view of this, a review of the essential literature was conducted to establish relevant concepts and evidences. It has been revealed from survey that, only 21% children had received all age-appropriate vaccinations and that 19% of children in Nigeria have not received any vaccinations. In addition, among several other studies, it was equally revealed that the Risk of ARI was higher among infants with none immunization (none and some uptake of vaccines per age) status with statistical significance (OR=1.97≈ 2, (p&lt;0.0001, 95%CI=1.495-2.604). Meaning infants with none immunization status per age are about 2 times at Risk of contracting ARI compared to infants with complete immunization status per age in Nigeria. Hence, from the principles and mechanisms of immunization responses and evidence-based reports, it is very clear that complete immunization status per age among infants is capable of reducing the Risk of ARI in that age group. Therefore, what should be done as enumerated in this publication need to be given required attention to achieving reduction in the burden of ARI among infants in Nigeria.