Severe Acute Respiratory Coronavirus Research Articles

Contact tracing in the hospital setting during the omicron wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: persons and periods of concern for nosocomial infection prevention and control.

This study evaluating the efficacy of coronavirus disease 2019 contact tracing in the hospital setting during the omicron variant era found a high incidence of nosocomial severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission in outbreaks, especially among individuals having close contact with infected persons. Identifying close contacts and outbreaks is essential to prevent nosocomial SARS-CoV-2 transmission.

Prediction model to identify infectious COVID-19 patients in the emergency department.

Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been the gold standard for diagnosing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) but has a lag time for the results. An effective prediction algorithm for infectious COVID-19, utilized at the emergency department (ED), may reduce the risk of healthcare-associated COVID-19. To develop a prototypic prediction model for infectious COVID-19 at the time of presentation to the ED. Retrospective cohort study of all adult patients admitted to Singapore General Hospital (SGH) through ED between March 15, 2020, and December 31, 2022, with admission of COVID-19 RT-PCR results. Two prediction models were developed and evaluated using area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC) to identify infectious COVID-19 patients (cycle threshold (Ct) of <25). Total of 78,687 patients were admitted to SGH through ED during study period. 6,132 of them tested severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 positive on RT-PCR. Nearly 70% (4,226 of 6,132) of the patients had infectious COVID-19 (Ct<25). Model that included demographics, clinical history, symptom and laboratory variables had AUROC of 0.85 with sensitivity and specificity of 80.0% & 72.1% respectively. When antigen rapid test results at ED were available and added to the model for a subset of the study population, AUROC reached 0.97 with sensitivity and specificity of 95.0% and 92.8% respectively. Both models maintained respective sensitivity and specificity results when applied to validation data. Clinical predictive models based on available information at ED can be utilized for identification of infectious COVID-19 patients and may enhance infection prevention efforts.

COVID-19 outbreak and genomic investigation in an inpatient behavioral health unit.

Inpatient behavioral health units (BHUs) had unique challenges in implementing interventions to mitigate coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) transmission, in part due to socialization in BHU settings. The objective of this study was to identify the transmission routes and the efficacy of the mitigation strategies employed during a COVID-19 outbreak in an inpatient BHU during the Omicron surge from December 2021 to January 2022. An outbreak investigation was performed after identifying 2 COVID-19-positive BHU inpatients on December 16 and 20, 2021. Mitigation measures involved weekly point prevalence testing for all inpatients, healthcare workers (HCWs), and staff, followed by infection prevention mitigation measures and molecular surveillance. Whole-genome sequencing on a subset of COVID-19-positive individuals was performed to identify the outbreak source. Finally, an outbreak control sustainability plan was formulated for future BHU outbreak resurgences. We identified 35 HCWs and 8 inpatients who tested positive in the BHU between December 16, 2021, and January 17, 2022. We generated severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomes from 15 HCWs and all inpatients. Phylogenetic analyses revealed 3 distinct but genetically related clusters: (1) an HCW and inpatient outbreak likely initiated by staff, (2) an HCW and inpatient outbreak likely initiated by an inpatient visitor, and (3) an HCW-only cluster initiated by staff. Distinct transmission clusters are consistent with multiple, independent SARS-CoV-2 introductions with further inpatient transmission occurring in communal settings. The implemented outbreak control plan comprised of enhanced personal protective equipment requirements, limited socialization, and molecular surveillance likely minimized disruptions to patient care as a model for future pandemics.

Diagnostic testing and antibiotic utilization among inpatients evaluated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia.

We evaluated diagnostic test and antibiotic utilization among 252 patients from 11 US hospitals who were evaluated for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia during the severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) omicron variant pandemic wave. In our cohort, antibiotic use remained high (62%) among SARS-CoV-2-positive patients and even higher among those who underwent procalcitonin testing (68%).

Antibody Response Following the Intranasal Administration of SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein-CpG Oligonucleotide Vaccine.

The new coronavirus infection causes severe respiratory failure following respiratory tract infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). All currently approved vaccines are administered intramuscularly; however, intranasal administration enhances mucosal immunity, facilitating the production of a less invasive vaccine with fewer adverse events. Herein, a recombinant vaccine combining the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding domain (RBD), or S1 protein, with CpG-deoxyoligonucleotide (ODN) or aluminum hydroxide (alum) adjuvants was administered intranasally or subcutaneously to mice. Serum-specific IgG titers, IgA titers in the alveolar lavage fluid, and neutralizing antibody titers were analyzed. The nasal administration of RBD protein did not increase serum IgG or IgA titers in the alveolar lavage fluid. However, a significant increase in serum IgG was observed in the intranasal group administered with S1 protein with CpG-ODN and the subcutaneous group administered with S1 protein with alum. The IgA and IgG levels increased significantly in the alveolar lavage fluid only after the intranasal administration of the S1 protein with CpG-ODN. The neutralizing antibody titers in serum and bronchoalveolar lavage were significantly higher in the intranasal S1-CpG group than in every other group. Hence, the nasal administration of the S1 protein vaccine with CpG adjuvant might represent an effective vaccine candidate.

Use of complementary medicine and its association with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination during the COVID-19 pandemic: a longitudinal cohort study.

Patients are increasingly using and requesting complementary medicine therapies, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it remains unclear whether they use them in conjunction with conventional medicine or to replace vaccination or other approaches and whether they discuss them with their physicians as part of shared decision-making. This study aimed to evaluate the use and initiation of complementary medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the association between complementary medicine use and COVID-19 vaccination status. This study is a part of the longitudinal cohort of the CoviCare program, which follows all outpatients tested for COVID-19 at the Geneva University Hospitals. Outpatients tested for COVID-19 were contacted 12 months after their positive or negative test between April and December 2021. Participants were asked about their vaccination status and if they had used complementary medicine in the past 12 months. Complementary medicine use was defined based on a specific list of therapies from which participants could choose the options they had used. Logistic regression models adjusting for age, sex, education, profession, severe acute respiratory system coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, and pre-existing conditions were used to evaluate the association between being unvaccinated and complementary medicine use. SARS-CoV-2 infection status was evaluated for effect modification in the association between being unvaccinated and complementary medicine use. This study enrolled 12,246 individuals (participation proportion = 17.7%). Their mean age was 42.8 years, 59.4% were women, and 63.7% used complementary medicine. Complementary medicine use was higher in women, the middle-aged, and those with a higher education level, a SARS-CoV-2 infection, or pre-existing comorbidities. A third of cases initiated complementary medicine therapies as prevention against COVID-19. Being unvaccinated was associated with complementary medicine use (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 1.22 [1.09-1.37]), and more specifically when these therapies were used for COVID-19 prevention (aOR 1.61 [1.22-2.12]). Being unvaccinated was associated with the use of zinc (aOR 2.25 [1.98-2.55]), vitamin D (aOR 1.45 [1.30-1.62]), and vitamin C (aOR 1.59 [1.42-1.78]), and more specifically when these therapies were used for COVID-19 prevention. Only 4% of participants discussed using complementary medicine with their primary care physicians. While complementary medicine is increasingly used, it is rarely discussed with primary care physicians. Complementary medicine use, especially for COVID-19 prevention, is associated with COVID-19 vaccination status. Communication between physicians, patients, and complementary medicine therapists is encouraged to facilitate a truly holistic approach to making a shared decision based on the best available information.

Insights into the ISG15 transfer cascade by the UBE1L activating enzyme

The attachment of the ubiquitin-like protein ISG15 to substrates by specific E1-E2-E3 enzymes is a well-established signalling mechanism of the innate immune response. Here, we present a 3.45 Å cryo-EM structure of a chemically trapped UBE1L-UBE2L6 complex bound to activated ISG15. This structure reveals the details of the first steps of ISG15 recognition and UBE2L6 recruitment by UBE1L (also known as UBA7). Taking advantage of viral effector proteins from severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and influenza B virus (IBV), we validate the structure and confirm the importance of the ISG15 C-terminal ubiquitin-like domain in the adenylation reaction. Moreover, biochemical characterization of the UBE1L-ISG15 and UBE1L-UBE2L6 interactions enables the design of ISG15 and UBE2L6 mutants with altered selectively for the ISG15 and ubiquitin conjugation pathways. Together, our study helps to define the molecular basis of these interactions and the specificity determinants that ensure the fidelity of ISG15 signalling during the antiviral response.

The relationship between body mass index and mortality is not linear in patients requiring venovenous extracorporeal support

ObjectiveMorbid obesity may influence candidacy for venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VVECMO) support. Indeed, body mass index (BMI) >40 is considered to be a relative contraindication due to increased mortality observed in patients with BMI above this value. There is scant evidence to characterize this relationship beyond speculating about the technical challenges of cannulation and difficulty in optimizing flows. We examined a national cohort to evaluate the influence of BMI on mortality in patients requiring VVECMO for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection. MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort analysis on National COVID Cohort Collaborative data evaluating 1,033,229 patients with BMI ≤60 from 31 US hospital systems diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome virus coronavirus 2 infection from September 2019 to August 2022. We performed univariate and multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression analysis on data pertaining to those who required VVECMO support during their hospitalization. A subgroup risk-adjusted analysis comparing ECMO mortality in patients with BMI 40 to 60 with the 25th, 50th, and 75th BMI percentile was performed. Outcomes of interest included BMI, age, comorbidity score, body surface area, and ventilation days. ResultsA total of 774 adult patients required VVECMO. Of these, 542 were men, median age was 47 years, mean adjusted Charlson Comorbidity Index was 1, and median BMI was 33. Overall mortality was 47.8%. There was a nonsignificant overall difference in mortality across hospitals (SD, 0.31; 95% CI, 0-0.57). After mixed multivariable logistic regression analysis, advanced age (P < .0001) and Charlson Comorbidity Index (P = .009) were each associated with increased mortality. Neither gender (P = .14) nor duration on mechanical ventilation (P = .39) was associated with increased mortality. An increase in BMI from 25th to 75th percentile was not associated with a difference in mortality (P = .28). In our multivariable mixed-effects logistic regression analysis, there exists a nonlinear relationship between BMI and mortality. Between BMI of 25 and 32, patients experienced an increase in mortality. However, between BMI of 32 and 37, the adjusted mortality in these patients subsequently decreased. Our subgroup analysis comparing BMIs 40 to 60 with the 25th, 50th, and 75th percentile of BMI found no significant difference in ECMO mortality between BMI values of 40 and 60 with the 25th, 50th, 75th percentile. ConclusionsAdvancing age and higher CCI are each associated with increased risk for mortality in patients requiring VVECMO. A nonlinear relationship exists between mortality and BMI and those between 32 and 37 have lower odds of mortality than those between BMI 25 and 32. This nonlinear pattern suggests a need for further adjudication of the contraindications associated with VVECMO, particularly those based solely on BMI.

Recommendations for United States Pandemic Prevention After COVID-19

Severe acute respiratory system coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a novel coronavirus that was responsible for the 2020 pandemic. As of June 2023, it has resulted in over 700 million confirmed cases and almost 7 million deaths globally (WHO, 2023). The United States suffered the most during the early pandemic, surpassing 1 million cases and 100,000 deaths by June 2020 (CDC, 2023). Several factors affected the US’s response to the SARs-CoV2 outbreak, including social forces, public health legislation, and the healthcare system. These all altered the rate at which COVID spread among Americans, as well as its lethality. This review examines the effects various factors had on the US government’s COVID-19 response, and how they either positively or negatively affected the spread of SARS-CoV2. This is a multidisciplinary review focused on not only the mechanisms of the virus, but also on political and social factors. Based on the successes and shortcomings of the United States COVID-19 response, this paper suggests recommendations that will help the United States respond more effectively to the next pandemic similar to the novel coronavirus outbreak.

1726. Characterization of humoral immune responses to COVID-19 vaccination in children in Canada: interim analysis from the Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 PRevalence In children and youNG adults in British Columbia (SPRING) Study

Abstract Background A vaccine series consisting of two doses of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccines plus one booster dose is currently recommended for healthy children aged 5-11 years in Canada. Additional studies are needed to understand the longitudinal immunity to COVID-19 vaccination in the pediatric population. The Severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 PRevalence In children and youNG adults in British Columbia (SPRING) sub-study aimed to specifically investigate antibody responses to COVID-19 vaccination in children aged 5-11 years. Methods Fifty-four children without immunocompromising conditions or taking immunosuppressive medications were enrolled prior to dose one or dose two of their COVID-19 vaccine. Responses were quantified via: anti-index virus spike protein specific IgG (S-IgG) geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) (binding antibody units, BAU/mL) and S-IgG avidity reported as total relative IgG avidity index (TRAI) (avidity units, AU) at pre-dose two, as well as one and six months post-dose two. A Welch’s t-test compared responses between timepoints. Results The cohort consisted of 55% male and 45% female with a median age of 8 years. The interval between first and second doses ranged from 7 – 18 (median 11) weeks. Concentrations of S-IgG increased from pre-dose two to one month post-dose two (222 vs. 1152 BAU/mL, p &amp;lt; 0.0001). GMCs then decreased by six months post-dose two (1152 vs. 343 BAU/mL, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) to levels similar to pre-dose two (p = 0.0696). TRAI increased between time points. By six months post-dose two, S-IgG TRAI (68 AU) remained higher than pre-dose two (46 AU, p &amp;lt; 0.0001) and one month post-dose two (65 AU, p = 0.0495). This increase in avidity was due to higher concentrations of medium high, high and very high avidity S-IgG as well as a decrease in very low avidity S-IgG at six months post-dose two. Conclusion Concentrations of S-IgG waned significantly by six months post-dose two. The results suggest that due to repeated exposure to the S-protein, affinity maturation has resulted in the production of higher avidity antibodies post-dose two. This suggests that both S-IgG concentrations and avidity should be considered when determining protection against COVID-19 and need to be further explored to support future booster recommendations. Disclosures Sofia R. Bartlett, PhD, Abbvie: Advisor/Consultant|Abbvie: Grant/Research Support|Cepheid: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Advisor/Consultant|Gilead: Grant/Research Support Manish Sadarangani, BM BCh, FRCPC, DPhil, GlaxoSmithKline: Grant/Research Support|Merck: Grant/Research Support|Moderna: Grant/Research Support|Pfizer: Grant/Research Support|Sanofi Pasteur: Grant/Research Support|Seqirus: Grant/Research Support|Symvivo: Grant/Research Support|VBI Vaccines: Grant/Research Support

Effective early strategy to prevent olfactory and gustatory dysfunction in COVID-19: a randomized controlled trial.

Olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions (OGDs) are key symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which may lead to neurological complications, and lack of effective treatment. This may be because post-disease treatments may be too late to protect the olfactory and gustatory functions. To evaluate the effectiveness of early use of saline nasal irrigation (SNI), corticosteroid nasal spray, and saline or chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash for preventing OGDs in COVID-19. This study was a double-blind randomized controlled trial. The study was conducted from 5 May to 16 June 2022. We recruited patients from three hospitals who were admitted with COVID-19 but without OGDs on the day of admission. Olfactory and gustatory functions were evaluated using the Taste and Smell Survey and the numerical visual analog scale. Participants were randomized to the saline, drug or control groups. The control group received no intervention, saline group received SNI plus saline nasal spray and mouthwash, and the trial group received SNI plus budesonide nasal spray and chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. Participants were assessed again on the day of discharge. A total of 379 patients completed the trial. The prevalence of OGDs was significantly lower in the saline (11.8%, 95% CI, 6.6-19.0%; P < 0.001) and drug (8.3%, 95% CI, 4.1-14.8%; P < 0.001) groups than in the control group (40.0%, 95% CI, 31.8-48.6%). Additionally, both interventions reduced the severity of OGDs. We demonstrated effective strategies for preventing COVID-19-related OGDs, and the findings may guide early management of severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection to reduce the incidence of COVID-19-related complications.

Interaction of Methylene Blue with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Envelope Revealed by Molecular Modeling.

Methylene blue has multiple antiviral properties against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The ability of methylene blue to inhibit different stages of the virus life cycle, both in light-independent and photodynamic processes, is used in clinical practice. At the same time, the molecular aspects of the interactions of methylene blue with molecular components of coronaviruses are not fully understood. Here, we use Brownian dynamics to identify methylene blue binding sites on the SARS-CoV-2 envelope. The local lipid and protein composition of the coronavirus envelope plays a crucial role in the binding of this cationic dye. Viral structures targeted by methylene blue include the S and E proteins and negatively charged lipids. We compare the obtained results with known experimental data on the antiviral effects of methylene blue to elucidate the molecular basis of its activity against coronaviruses.

COVID-19, Pregnancy, and Diabetes Mellitus.

During the severe acute respiratory distress virus coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, many women were infected during their pregnancies. The SARS-CoV-2-induced coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) has an impact on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes; peripartum and perinatal morbidity and mortality are increased. Pregnancy is considered a risk factor for severe COVID-19 course. Additional risk factors during pregnancy are diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and obesity. Systemic inflammation can lead to severe metabolic dysregulation with ketoacidosis. The endocrine pancreas is a target organ for SARS-CoV-2 and the fetal risk depends on inflammation of the placenta. Up to now there is no evidence that SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy leads to permanent diabetes in mothers or their offspring via triggering autoimmunity or beta cell destruction. The frequently observed increased prevalence of GDM compared to the years before the pandemic is most likely due to changed lifestyle during lockdown. Furthermore, severe COVID-19 may be associated with the development of GDM due to worsening of glucose tolerance. Vaccination with a mRNA vaccine is safe and highly effective to prevent infection and to reduce hospitalization. Registries support offering evidence-based recommendations on vaccination for pregnant women. Even with the current omicron virus variant, there are increased risks for symptomatic and unvaccinated pregnant women.

Shared genetic architecture of COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease

The severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the сoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have become a global health threat. At the height of the pandemic, major efforts were focused on reducing COVID-19-associated morbidity and mortality. Now is the time to study the long-term effects of the pandemic, particularly cognitive impairment associated with long COVID. In recent years much attention has been paid to the possible relationship between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease, which is considered a main cause of age-related cognitive impairment. Genetic predisposition was shown for both COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease. However, the analysis of the similarity of the genetic architecture of these diseases is usually limited to indicating a positive genetic correlation between them. In this review, we have described intrinsic linkages between COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease, pointed out shared susceptibility genes that were previously identified in genome-wide association studies of both COVID-19 and Alzheimer’s disease, and highlighted a panel of SNPs that includes candidate genetic risk markers of the long COVID-associated cognitive impairment.

The Role of Primary Care in Bridging Adolescents Awaiting Eating Disorder Treatment.

The striking rise in adolescent eating disorders since the severe acute respiratory coronavirus syndrome 2 pandemic has amplified demands for specialty eating disorders services and contributed to protracted delays in care. In the context of these delays, patients are at risk for increased weight loss, medical instability, escalating disease progression and poor prognosis. Primary care providers (PCPs) are frequently the first point of contact for young patients with eating disorders and are often left to bridge the gap while families struggle to establish specialty care. Yet, beyond case detection and medical comanagement, there are no evidence-based guidelines that can assist PCPs to prepare families for treatment, halt disease progression, and begin the lengthy process of weight and nutritional restoration in efforts to reduce medical complications and support a favorable prognosis. We present the case of a 13-year-old girl with a restrictive eating disorder to illustrate how PCPs can use intervention principles and strategies derived from evidence-based eating disorder treatment to successfully manage adolescent patients until they can access specialty treatment. We offer concrete guidelines for decision-making, as well as suggested behavioral and medical interventions for the PCP. With evidence-based tools, PCPs are well-positioned to support young patients with restrictive eating disorders and their family members as they begin the process of recovery from an eating disorder.

Evolution of humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccine in liver transplant recipients - a longitudinal study.

Liver transplant recipients show suboptimal vaccine-elicited immune responses to severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccination. This study aimed to assess real-world data on SARS-CoV-2 antibodies after the second and third SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in liver transplant recipients in Switzerland. We enrolled liver transplant recipients who attended regular follow-up visits between 01/07/2021 and 30/04/2022 at the outpatient clinic of the Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine at Bern University Hospital, Switzerland. Following the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health recommendations, we measured SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike IgG antibodies in 117 liver transplant recipients ≥4 weeks after the second SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination from 07/2021-04/2022. In case of antibody levels of <100 AU/ml, patients received a third vaccination and antibodies were re-measured. Patients with antibody levels of >100 AU/ml were defined as "responders", those with 12-100 AU/ml as "partial responders" and those with <12 AU/ml as "non-responders". After two vaccinations, 36/117 (31%) were responders, 42/117 (36%) were partial responders and 39/117 (33%) were non-responders. The humoral immune response improved significantly after the third vaccination, resulting in 31/55 (56%) responders among the previous partial or non-responders. A total of 26 patients developed COVID-19, of whom two had a moderate or severe course (both non-responders after three doses). One third of liver transplant recipients showed an optimal response following two vaccinations; a third dose achieved a complete antibody response in more than half of partial and non-responders. We observed only one severe course of COVID-19 and no deaths from COVID-19 in the vaccinated liver transplant recipients.

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA and viable virus contamination of hospital emergency department surfaces and association with patient coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) status and aerosol-generating procedures.

Emergency departments are high-risk settings for severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surface contamination. Environmental surface samples were obtained in rooms with patients suspected of having COVID-19 who did or did not undergo aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). SARS-CoV-2 RNA surface contamination was most frequent in rooms occupied by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who received no AGPs.

Low infectivity among asymptomatic patients with a positive severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) admission test at a tertiary care center, 2020-2022.

We used a strand-specific RT-qPCR to evaluate viral replication as a surrogate for infectiousness among 242 asymptomatic inpatients with a positive severe acute respiratory coronavirus virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) admission test. Only 21 patients (9%) had detectable SARS-CoV-2 minus-strand RNA. Because most patients were found to be noninfectious, our findings support the suspension of asymptomatic admission testing.

Bovine lactoferrin suppresses the cathepsin-dependent pathway of SARS-CoV-2 entry in vitro

Severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The frequent appearance of variants requires adjunct strategies to combat SARS-CoV-2 infections. Lactoferrin, a naturally occurring glycoprotein, exhibits promising antiviral properties. Here, we investigated the efficacy of bovine LF (bLF) against SARS-CoV-2 infection. SARS-CoV-2 pseudoviruses bearing the original Wuhan (wild-type), D614G mutant, or Omicron variant spike proteins were used to examine the effects of bLF on viral entry into host cells. We found that although bLF did not suppress entry of wild-type pseudoviruses into cells expressing both human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2), it did suppress entry of Omicron pseudoviruses into the cells. The results of this in vitro study highlight the spike protein-dependent effects of bLF on suppression of pseudovirus entry into host cells. Future clinical trials investigating the efficacy of bLF against SARS-CoV-2 infection should consider the differential impact of virus variants.

Peranan Camat dalam Pencegahan dan Pengendalian Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) di Kecamatan Gido, Kabupaten Nias

Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) is an epidemic that has an infectious nature. Covid - 19 first appeared in the city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, China and has spread to 190 countries in the world including Indonesia. Officially, WHO as the world health agency named this virus as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus-2 (SARS_CoV-2) or Corona Virus Disease 2019 (Covid-19). The Covid-19 virus outbreak is known to have clinical symptoms in human respiration, even to the point of severity causing death. On March 14, 2020 the Indonesian government declared the Covid-19 outbreak a national disaster. As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, the Indonesian government took strategic steps to prevent wider cases by issuing PSBB and PPKM policies. This policy aims to break the transmission rate of Covid-19. As an issue and problem, Covid-19 has also not escaped the attention of the Gido District government, so this study aims to find out the role of the sub-district head in preventing and controlling Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) in Gido District, Nias Regency and to find out the obstacles experienced by the Head of Gido subdistrict in the prevention and control of Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) in Gido District, Nias Regency. This researcher uses a qualitative method that is descriptive in nature, namely to provide a clear picture of the problem under study. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and documentation. The results showed that the role of the sub-district head in prevention and control was effective. This is marked by the activeness of the camat in providing advice and outreach and collaborating between various parties such as the Koramil and puskesmas as well as village government officials to jointly prevent the transmission of Covid-19 and provide health facilities for the community such as masks and hand sanitizers. The sub-district head also took firm action against immigrants to self-isolate. The sub-district head also plays a role in monitoring the process of recusing village funds to be diverted to communities affected by Covid-19 so that people can receive social assistance evenly. The inhibiting factor experienced by the sub-district head is that there are still many people who do not understand the dangers of Covid - 19 and the solution for this is that the sub-district head cooperates with the puskesmas to participate in explaining about Covid-19 and how it is transmitted as well as ways to prevent and overcome it.