Severe Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus Research Articles

Herpes simplex virus and SLE: Though uncommon yet with significant implications.

The relation between infectious agents, particularly viruses, with autoimmunity and autoimmune diseases, has been extensively studied during the last decades. Recently, the association was shown to be even stronger during the pandemic of COVID-19, as the causative virus, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2) has been linked to severe autoimmune sequela in infected individuals This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Cox regression using a calendar time scale was unbiased in simulations of COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness & safety

BackgroundObservational studies on corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines compare event rates in vaccinated and unvaccinated person time using Poisson or Cox regression. In Cox regression, the chosen time scale needs to account for the time-varying incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and COVID-19 vaccination.We aimed to quantify bias in person-time based methods, with and without adjustment for calendar time, using simulations and empirical data analysis. MethodsWe simulated 500,000 individuals who were followed for 365 days, and a point exposure resembling COVID-19 vaccination (cumulative incidence 80%). We generated an effectiveness outcome, emulating the incidence of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 infection in Denmark during 2021 (risk 10%), and a safety outcome with seasonal variation (myocarditis, risk 1/5,000). Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were set to 0.1 for effectiveness and 5.0 for safety outcomes. IRRs and hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Poisson and Cox regression with a time under observation scale, and a calendar time scale. Bias was defined as estimated IRR or HR−true IRR. Further, we obtained estimates for both outcomes using data from the Danish health registries. ResultsUnadjusted IRRs (biaseffectivenes +0.16; biassafety −2.09) and HRs estimated using a time-under-observation scale (+0.28;-2.15) were biased. Adjustment for calendar time reduced bias in Cox (+0.03; +0.33) and Poisson regression (0.00; −0.28). Cox regression using a calendar time scale was least biased (0.00, +0.12). When analyzing empirical data, adjusted Poisson and Cox regression using a calendar time scale yielded estimates in accordance with existing evidence. ConclusionLack of adjustment for the time-varying incidence of COVID-19 related outcomes may severely bias estimates.

COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF COBAS 6800, RT-PCR, AND TRUENAT SARS-COV-2 IN ROUTINE DIAGNOSIS OF COVID19.

Introduction - In December 2019, a group of patients of unknown aetiology with atypical pneumonia emerged in Wuhan, China [1]. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS CoV-2), a novel beta-coronavirus was identied as the cause of these cases [2]. RTPCR testing leads to delay in diagnosis in cases where early and rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 is warranted which leads to tension and anxiety both among patient and treating health care workers. Material And Methods- This retrospective observational study was designed and conducted at the Department of Microbiology; Moti Lal Nehru Medical College (MLNMC), Prayagraj Uttar Pradesh. This study was approved by the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). All study data was retrieved from Hospital Information System of medical college. Result - Among 200 patients, sample for Truenat, RT-PCR and Cobas 6800 testing were collected during study period. Out of 200 samples 57(28.5%) samples were positive by Cobas 6800 with 15(7.5%) invalid results and 128(64%) negative results. In RT-PCR 71(35.5%) samples were positive and 129(64.5%) samples were negative with no invalid results. 200 positive samples were then selected from the RTPCR and COBAS 6800 positive samples for Truenat testing. Out of these 200 positive samples results of 60(30%) samples were presumptive positive and 128(64%) were negative invalid results 12(6%). Conclusion- we have concluded that RT-PCR is the best diagnostic method for the detection of COVID-19 in a country like India, where there is shortage of trained man power, well equipped labs and poor infrastructure. It also reduces the nancial burden in the era of pandemics, where whole population needs to be catered.

Impact of COVID-19 on Cardiovascular Disease.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a viral infection with the novel severe acute respiratory distress syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Until now, more than 670 million people have suffered from COVID-19 worldwide, and roughly 7 million death cases were attributed to COVID-19. Recent evidence suggests an interplay between COVID-19 and cardiovascular disease (CVD). COVID-19 may serve as a yet underappreciated CVD risk modifier, including risk factors such as diabetes mellitus or arterial hypertension. In addition, recent data suggest that previous COVID-19 may increase the risk for many entities of CVD to an extent similarly observed for traditional cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Furthermore, increased CVD incidence and worse clinical outcomes in individuals with preexisting CVD have been observed for myocarditis, acute coronary syndrome, heart failure (HF), thromboembolic complications, and arrhythmias. Direct and indirect mechanisms have been proposed by which COVID-19 may impact CVD and CV risk, including viral entry into CV tissue or by the induction of a massive systemic inflammatory response. In the current review, we provide an overview of the literature reporting an interaction between COVID-19 and CVD, review potential mechanisms underlying this interaction, and discuss preventive and treatment strategies and their interference with CVD that were evaluated since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Long COVID: Is there a role for antidepressants

Three years into this historic pandemic, the scientific and healthcare communities continue to learn a great deal regarding COVID-19, the disease that is produced by the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).

Dengue amid COVID-19 pandemic.

The increasing in dengue cases nowadays is a global threat concern. Fifty per cent of the world's population is vulnerable to dengue infection with Asia contributing over two-thirds of the global burden. The double trouble of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) arising from novel severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and dengue virus is a major challenge, particularly in developing countries due to overburdened public health systems and economic constraints including the ability to diagnose. The objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of dengue in Thailand during the outbreak of COVID-19. We studied data on dengue cases reported at epidemiological information centers, the Bureau of Epidemiology, and the Ministry of Public Health, Thailand during 2019 to 2021. Patients can be observed across all age groups, particularly adolescents and adults. Dengue was seen year-round, with highest incidence in the rainy seasons between June and September. Total number of cases was markedly declined by nearly 93 percentage from 2019 to 2011. Taken together, Thailand is still at risk of spreading of dengue in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic. Continuous status updates on dengue patients in Thailand should be incorporated into global health advisory on preventive measures before travelling.

Post-Covid Orofacial Mucormycosis: A Clinico-Radiological Classification System and Management Protocol.

In the wake of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, a substantial number of individuals were afflicted by orofacial mucormycosis post-COVID. The immunocompromised state rendered by the SARS-COV2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) infection provides a breeding ground for the opportunistic mucor invasion. Corticosteroid and COVID-induced hyperglycemia contribute to the unhindered progress of the mucor infection in these patients. The sino-nasal region serves as the entry point and rapid progress of the disease to the oral cavity, mid-face, orbits, and ultimately the brain proves fatal. The aim of this study was to present a definitive clinico-radiological staging/classification system for patients of post-covid mid-face mucormycosis based on combined radiographic and clinical features for subsequent convenient staging of maxillofacial mucormycosis. The objectives are being to lay down a comprehensive management protocol for these patients. This retrospective study consisted of a cohort of 31 patients presenting to a tertiary care center over a 12-month period and diagnosed as post-covid mucormycosis. Their clinical features at the time of presentation along with radiographic presentation/extent of anatomical destruction were combined to create a clinico-radiological staging system. Further, a comprehensive management protocol including cultures, surgery and chemotherapy has been laid down. This included 18 males and 13 females. Average age of the patients was 53.5years. As per the clinico-radiological system formulated by the authors, 2 patients (1 males and 1 females) displayed features of Stage 0, 12 patients (7 males and 5 females) of Stage 1-A, 8 patients (5 males and 3 females) of Stage 1-B, 6 patients (4 males and 2 females) and 3 patients (1 male and 2 females) of Stage 3. The lacuna of a comprehensive staging/classification system for patients of maxillofacial mucormycosis was felt by the authors while treating those affected by post-covid mucormycosis along with a detailed algorithm for management of the study population. It is to this effect that this clinic-radiological classification system has been suggested by the authors along with a management protocol.

Complete Recovery of 94 Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated Cases from COVID-19 Treated at Home with Favipiravir, Dexamethasone, Antibiotics, and Other Supportive Medicines and Care

Objective: In 2002-2003 an extraordinary outbreak of coronavirus infection known as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona virus or SARS CoV infection occurred in south China and eventually spread in 28 countries around the world with 8096 cases. In December 2019, Corona virus infected disease 19 or COVID-19 or SARS CoV-2 first occurred in Wuhan, South China and rapidly spread all over the world. All the leading viral disease research group and clinical Institutions have been trying hard to find an effective antiviral regime to curve the COVID-19 mortality and morbidity. The preventive vaccinations for COVID-19 are in vogue with mixed response. The objective of this study was to provide treatment for COVID-19 cases at home at the earliest with proper selection and combination of medicines to stop the mortality, morbidity and heavy hospital expenditure. Methods: All the study cases were from Kolkata, India. Considering infectivity and mortality of SARSCoV-2, primarily all the clinical history including clinical data of the cases were collected through mobile media (smart phone). The accumulated data had been recorded in history sheets which were finally completed after the recovery of the cases by personal interview or interview of the family members in case of death. The majority cases were diagnosed by RT-PCR and rest by Rapid antigen test or by symptoms. The study could be labelled as an open label study considering all the facts and figures and outcome involved in the study design of this clinical research. This study included 123 COVID-19 cases, at an age range, 10-85 Years (mean age 48·66±17·69; median age 51 years). Out of these cases, 94 cases between 22-85 years (mean age 50·44±16·83; median age 53years) were selected for home treatment up to 2 weeks with our formulated protocol consisting of Favipiravir, Dexamethasone Antibiotics (Azithromycin/ Clarithromycin or Doxycycline), Pantoprazole and Doxophylline. Out of 94 cases only two cases had experienced little fall of oxygen saturation and treated with oxygen at home and Doxophylline. All the 94 cases treated with the protocol completely recovered after two weeks without any residual symptoms. The rest 29 cases, treated outside in hospitals or clinics and designated as external cases were used for comparison. Results: Out of total of 29 COVID-19 external cases, 25 cases had taken ivermectin for COVID-19 treatment of which 19 cases recovered with various post COVID symptoms. Six cases were unresponsive to ivermectin and were admitted to hospital and out of them one patient expired. All the 94 cases, treated at home by our protocol, had recovered completely from the disease without any residual symptoms and the recovery period was shortened. we found that, our formulated protocol for COVID-19 was an absolute success. Conclusion: From the study it is concluded that COVID-19 cases can be treated effectively at home without any casualty provided that the cases are diagnosed and treated with proper medicines at the earliest.

Adsorption and Inactivation of SARS-CoV-2 on the Surface of Anatase TiO2(101)

We investigated the adsorption of severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the current pandemic, on the surface of the model catalyst TiO2(101) using atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, fluorescence microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, accompanied by density functional theory calculations. Three different methods were employed to inactivate the virus after it was loaded on the surface of TiO2(101): (i) ethanol, (ii) thermal, and (iii) UV treatments. Microscopic studies demonstrate that the denatured spike proteins and other proteins in the virus structure readsorb on the surface of TiO2 under thermal and UV treatments. The interaction of the virus with the surface of TiO2 was different for the thermally and UV treated samples compared to the sample inactivated via ethanol treatment. AFM and TEM results on the UV-treated sample suggested that the adsorbed viral particles undergo damage and photocatalytic oxidation at the surface of TiO2(101) which can affect the structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2 and denature the spike proteins in 30 min. The role of Pd nanoparticles (NPs) was investigated in the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and TiO2(101). The presence of Pd NPs enhanced the adsorption of the virus due to the possible interaction of the spike protein with the NPs. This study is the first investigation of the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with the surface of single crystalline TiO2(101) as a potential candidate for virus deactivation applications. Clarification of the interaction of the virus with the surface of semiconductor oxides will aid in obtaining a deeper understanding of the chemical processes involved in photoinactivation of microorganisms, which is important for the design of effective photocatalysts for air purification and self-cleaning materials.

Integrative Medicine in the Treatment of COVID-19: An Indian Perspective

Background: Over recent years, evidence-based modern medicine has overshadowed the use and efficacy of natural and traditional medicines. However, in the wake of the pandemic, the interest in the quest for therapeutic resources linked to traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine has substantially increased. This has further facilitated the research and development of potential therapeutic crude drugs or their formulations in the management of COVID-19 and the symptoms associated with the latter. This article attempts to provide a comprehensive review of the various traditional medicines used as integrative medicines in alleviating symptoms attributed to the COVID-19 infection. Methods: The literature was thoroughly browsed for recent research articles, systematic reviews, case studies, and review articles on ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Google Scholar using keywords like complementary medicine, alternative medicine, and holistic approach to enlist a few. Subsequently, they were thoroughly screened to include only recent studies and evidence. Additionally, the official guidelines published by the Government and other regulatory bodies were also sought to be included in the article. Study Design: The review article follows the narrative literature review method. However, the primary data was skimmed for relevance and only recent shreds of evidence, pertinent to the review were included. Results: The review elucidated the pharmacological activity of various treatment regimens in different systems of medicine, with available supportive clinical evidence. Additionally, it also underscored the importance of holistic health interventions, and how these traditional and integrative systems of medicine cater to the same. Conclusions: The recent evidence presents a broad-spectrum effect of these therapeutic interventions, primarily in the fields of mental health, mild to moderate, and even severe forms of the infection, employing various pharmacological pathways. These studies primarily include studies and statistics pertaining to the SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2) but may include supporting evidence from other respiratory viruses. This information may prove imperative in guiding new research, and also to design and support an integrative treatment regimen. Conclusively, any suspicion pertaining to the COVID-19 infection should be sought by following the protocols recommended by the concerned health authorities of the respective region/country.

Pathophysiology of SARS-CoV2 Mediated Depression, Therapeutics, and Consequences: A Comprehensive Narrative.

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2), belongs to emerging and reemerging diseases, which was first identified and reported in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The genetic sequence of SARS-CoV-2 was similar to the SARS virus, a β-coronavirus. The epidemiological studies suggest that the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 mainly occurs from an infected person to others through close contact with the respiratory droplets or by having contact with SARS-CoV-2 adhering to objects and surfaces. The incubation period ranges from 5 to14 days. The symptoms include fever, dry cough, tiredness, aches, chest pain, conjunctivitis, diarrhea, headache, difficulty in breathing or short breath, loss of taste, smell, rashes on the skin, and sore throat. Some reports indicated that males exhibited lower scores than females, the younger populations displayed increased symptoms, Chinese/Taiwanese people registered only scarce symptoms, and Canadians experienced more symptoms. The results of several studies suggested that while COVID-19 had a significant effect on depression, job instability affected anxiety and depression. The diagnostics to detect the presence of coronavirus involve ELISA and RT-PCR. There is no specific treatment available to eradicate COVID-19. The therapeutics used to treat COVID 19 exhibited severe side effects. Recently, some Indian traditional medicinal plants have shown promise in reducing the risk of viral infection and also boosting the immunity of an individual. This paper presents an overview of the current status of depression in the SARS CoV2 infected people and the measures required to overcome COVID-19 induced depression in patients even after recovery.

Study of Lung Function in COVID-19 Pneumonia Recovered Individuals

BACKGROUND
 Corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Pulmonary system is the most commonly affected organ system by COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 results in disruption of ACE/ACE2 balance leading to RAAS activation. The present study was carried out to determine the lung function in the recovery phase of COVID -19 by spirometry in India.
 METHODS
 A prospective (Follow up) observational study was done on 100 patients from March 2021 to November 2021. COVID-19 patients with RT-PCR positive results aged between 25 to 60 years were enrolled in the study. All the subjects were health care workers working in King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam. They were followed for a period of 3 months.
 RESULTS
 The mean age was 48.35 ± 11.07 years. 71 % were males. The mean height was 162.85 ± 7.47 cm while the mean weight was 36.71 ± 1.12 kg. During enrolment, the mean forced vital capacity (FVC) was 2.22 ± 0.68 L, forced expiratory volume (FEV1) was 1.97 ± 0.63 L and FEV1/FVC% was 89.35 ± 13.27 %. There was no statistically significant difference in FVC between enrolment and various periods of follow up at 1 and 3 months. There was a statistically significant difference between FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% between enrolment and various periods of follow up at 1 and 3 months.
 CONCLUSIONS
 COVID-19 infection has an impact on the lung functions. PFT done 3 months later after clinical cure/discharge showed an improvement in FEV1 and FEV1/FVC% in the present study. Long-term follow-up of the lung function in post-COVID-19 survivors is recommended.

Impact of study design on vaccine effectiveness estimates of 2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine doses in patients with stage 5 chronic kidney disease

In observational studies, the World Health Organization recommends the test-negative design (TND) to assess corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine effectiveness (VE), due its accuracy and efficiency.1 The TND is a variation of the case–control design that restricts the study population to individuals who are tested for severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and have symptoms consistent with COVID-19.2 Although this design helps reduce bias resulting from differences in healthcare-seeking behavior,1 a major barrier when using administrative healthcare data is the requirement for individuals who are tested for SARS-CoV-2 infection to fulfill a specific case definition (i.e., being symptomatic), which requires symptom data to be well recorded.

SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine sequences circulate in blood up to 28 days after COVID-19 vaccination.

In Denmark, vaccination against Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been with the Pfizer-BioNTech (BTN162b2) or the Moderna (mRNA-1273) mRNA vaccines. Patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection followed in our clinic received mRNA vaccinations according to the Danish roll-out vaccination plan. To monitor HCV infection, RNA was extracted from patient plasma and RNA sequencing was performed on the Illumina platform. In 10 of 108 HCV patient samples, full-length or traces of SARS-CoV-2 spike mRNA vaccine sequences were found in blood up to 28 days after COVID-19 vaccination. Detection of mRNA vaccine sequences in blood after vaccination adds important knowledge regarding this technology and should lead to further research into the design of lipid-nanoparticles and the half-life of these and mRNA vaccines in humans.

Bioinformatic analysis of the S protein of human respiratory coronavirus

The present study aimed to apply bioinformatic methods to analyze the structure of the S protein of human respiratory coronaviruses, including severe respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), human coronavirus HKU1 (HCoV-HKU1), and severe respiratory disease syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We predicted and analyzed the physicochemical properties, hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity, transmembrane regions, signal peptides, phosphorylation and glycosylation sites, epitopes, functional domains, and motifs of the S proteins of human respiratory coronaviruses. All four S proteins contain a transmembrane region, which enables them to bind to host cell surface receptors. All four S proteins contain a signal peptide, phosphorylation sites, glycosylation sites, and epitopes. The predicted phosphorylation sites might mediate S protein activation, the glycosylation sites might affect the cellular orientation of the virus, and the predicted epitopes might have implications for the design of antiviral inhibitors. The S proteins of all four viruses have two structural domains, S1 (C-terminal and N-terminal domains) and S2 (homology region 1 and 2). Our bioinformatic analysis of the structural and functional domains of human respiratory coronavirus S proteins provides a basis for future research to develop broad-spectrum antiviral drugs, vaccines, and antibodies.

Coagulation Parameters Among Sudanese Individuals Vaccinated with Johnson and Johnson Vaccine at Khartoum State, 2022

<i>Background: </i>A COVID 19 vaccine is a vaccine intended to provide acquired immunity against severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2. Ad26.COV2.S (Johnson & Johnson) vaccine is adenovirus vector-based vaccine that targets the spike protein of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, when it enters the body it stimulates the immune response. <i>Materials and methods: </i>This was a cross sectional study, health facility base, Conducted in Vaccine centre at Omer ben Alkhatab, Khartoum, Sudan during the period July to August, 2022 to estimate changes of coagulation parameters among Sudanese vaccinated with Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Sixty samples were collected from the Participants that took the first dose of Johnson & Johnson vaccine; thirty samples before the vaccination, and thirty after vaccination. The coagulation parameters were performing by different methods. <i>Results:</i> The means of parameters before the vaccination were; APTT was (36.2 ±3), PT was (15.8±2.4), INR (1.2 ±0.2), platelets (285.9 ±7.2), fibrinogen (243.4 ±4.6) and D-dimer (0.17±0.03). The means of parameters after the vaccination for the APTT, PT, INR, platelets count, fibrinogen and the D-dimer were; (35.2 ±2.9), (13.9±2.1), (1.21±0.3), (272.8±57.9), (284.2 ±53.3) and (0.37±0.8) respectively. When compared between the results of parameters per and post vaccination the results revealed that; there was significant decrease in the time for the APTT and PTT (p value ≤0.05), in significant differences with the INR and platelets count (p value ≥0.05), significant increase for the fibrinogen and D- dimer level (p value ≤0.05). While when compared the mean of the parameters with the age, genders, and symptoms there was insignificant differences (p value ≥0.05), except the D – dimer had a significant differences with the age and symptoms (p value ≤0.05).<i> Conclusion:</i> In the conclusion of this study there was significant decrease of the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), Prothrombin time (PT), and significant increase in fibrinogen and D-dimer level in the Sudanese individuals after the first dose of Johnson and Johnson Vaccine.

Evaluating the transmission feasibility of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant to 143 mammalian hosts: insights from S protein RBD and host ACE2 interaction studies.

In comparison to previously known severe respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants, the newly emerged Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant shows higher infectivity in humans. Exceptionally high infectivity of this variant raises concern of its possible transmission via other intermediate hosts. The SARS-CoV-2 infectivity is established via the association of spike (S) protein receptor binding domain (RBD) with host angiotensin I converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) receptor. In the course of this study, we investigated the interaction between Omicron S protein RBD with the ACE2 receptor of 143 mammalian hosts including human by protein-protein interaction analysis. The goal of this study was to forecast the likelihood that the virus may infect other mammalian species that coexist with or are close to humans in the household, rural, agricultural, or zoological environments. The Omicron RBD was found to interact with higher binding affinity with the ACE2 receptor of 122 mammalian hosts via different amino acid residues from the human ACE2 (hACE2). The rat (Rattus rattus) ACE2 was found to show the strongest interaction with Omicron RBD with a binding affinity of -1393.6kcal/mol. These distinct strong binding affinity of RBD of Omicron with host ACE2 indicates a greater potential of new host transmissibility and infection via intermediate hosts. Though expected but the phylogenetic position of the mammalian species may not dictate the Omicron RBD binding to the host ACE2 receptor suggesting an involvement of multiple factors in guiding host divergence of the variant.

Recent Challenges and Opportunities on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS Cov)

Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus (MERS CoV) is an extremely contagious viral illness caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus (SARS – CoV). Whats more disease is transmitted via respiratory droplets of infected patients during coughing or sneezing and affects primarily the lung parenchyma. Present work were focused on an update of recent challenges and opportunities on Middle East Respiratory Syndrome corona virus the discovery of this MERS-CoV in Saudi Arabia and Jordan in 2012, the health threat increased all over the world. Most of the respiratory diseases in this danger came to the fore, the reason behind the occurrence of MERS CoV is an animal i.e. dromedari camel, due to which the virus spread to humans again and again. This viral domestication is a factor associated with zoonotic transmission, a transmission system within camels. This disease is rare in community joint family and group living together. The virus is also transmitted through direct contact with a health care worker, during the diagnosis of patients in hospitals, and care of patients. Its outbreak increased rapidly. There are many such viral infections and they affect the health facilities. Similarly, people affected by MERS CoV viral and pose a serious threat and methods of transmission of health related treatment used in prevention patients from this infection have been explained. Furthermore the global impact of this new epidemic is yet uncertain there is a need of some effective technologies and vaccines to protect from further attack.

Impact Of Severity Of Covid-19 On Haematological Parameters In Patients Reporting To Saidu Group Of Teaching Hospitals, Swat.

In 2019 novel coronavirus was discovered in Wuhan, China and declared pandemic by world health organization. The disease caused by this virus called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Among the corona family the actual virus responsible for COVID-19 is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Objective of the study was to determine the pattern of blood parameters in corona virus disease (COVID-19) positive cases and the association of these parameters with severity of COVID-19. This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted on 105 participants who were confirmed positive by SARS-CoV-2 through real-time reverse transcriptase PCR, both genders, and Pakistani nationals. The participants who were below 18 years age and missing data were excluded. Haemoglobin (Hb), total leukocyte count (TLC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, basophil and eosinophil counts were calculated. Comparison of blood parameters was done among various severity classes of COVID-19 by running one way ANOVA. The level of significance was p≤0.05. The mean age of the participants was 50.6±6.26 years. Males were 78 (74.29%) and females were 27 (25.71%). In critical type COVID-19 the mean haemoglobin was least (10.21±1.07 g/dl) and highest in mild cases (15.76±1.16 g/dl) and these differences were highly statistically significant (p<0.001). TLC was highest in critical COVID cases (15.90±0.51x103 /μl) followed by moderate (12.44±0.65x103/μl). Similarly, neutrophil count was highest in critical (89±2.1) followed by severe (86±1.12). There is significant decrease in mean haemoglobin level and platelet count but increase in TLC in patients infected from COVID-19.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and male fertility problems

In 2019, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has killed more than 6.6 millions of people around the world as of end of 2022. The long-term impact of COVID-19 is persisted, including its impact on male reproduction. SARS-CoV-2 enters into host cells using the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and transmembrane serine protease 2 (TMPRSS2) receptors. Both of these receptors are expressed more in men, and therefore men are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2. COVID-19 potentially cause infertility by damaging testicular tissues and interfering with the process of spermatogenesis. A decrease in serum levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) as well as a decrease in sperm quality in men with COVID-19 compared to healthy men of the same age has been reported in several studies. Utilizing existing research data, this study aims to explore in detail of how SARS-CoV-2 tends to affect male fertility.