Symptoms Of Respiratory Viral Infections Research Articles

B-207 Clinical Evaluation of ExiStation™ FA 96 RV for the detection of human respiratory viruses in human nasopharyngeal swab specimen

Abstract Background There has been growing demand for fully automated multiplex testing of respiratory viruses in molecular diagnostics following the COVID-19 pandemic. ExiStation™ FA 96 RV developed by BIONEER is a multiplex real-time RT-PCR assay. It is designed for the simultaneous detection and differentiation of SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV RNA in human nasopharyngeal swab specimens from individuals showing signs and symptoms of respiratory viral infection. ExiStation™ FA 96 automates the entire process from RNA extraction to real-time RT-PCR for up to 96 samples at once within 100 minutes. Moreover, the system is equipped to decap sample tubes, eliminating the need for handling sample transport media. In this study, the clinical performance of the ExiStation™ FA 96 RV assay was evaluated using nasopharyngeal swab samples. Methods Nasopharyngeal swab samples, totaling 859 samples, are collected according to the procedures by the clinical institution in France and preserved in Virus transport media. Once anonymized and randomly allocated, the swab transport media tube, without capping procedure, are directly placed onto the ExiStation™ FA 96. Subsequently, both extraction and real-time RT-PCR are automatically processed. Clinical sensitivity, specificity, and agreement are analyzed by comparing results with confirmatory reagents SARS-CoV-2 RT-qPCR Reagent Kit, PKAmp™ Respiratory SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR Panel Kit, and Bosphore SARS-CoV-2/Flu/RSV Panel Kit, as well as comparator reagent Allplex™ Respiratory Panel 1 and Allplex™ SARS-CoV-2 Assay. Results The comparison between confirmatory reagents and the ExiStation™ FA 96 RV resulted in a clinical sensitivity of at least 96.4% (164/164 for SARS-CoV-2, 64/65 for Influenza A, 74/75 for Influenza B, and 53/55 for RSV) and a clinical specificity of 100% (500/500 for all targets). When compared with the comparator reagent, the overall agreement and Cohen's kappa value were both determined to be above 99.1% and 0.989, respectively (664/664 for SARS-CoV-2, 564/565 for Influenza A, 573/575 for Influenza B, and 550/555 for RSV). Additionally, any discrepant samples identified in comparison with the comparator reagent were verified through sequencing analysis. Upon sequencing analysis on a total of 8 samples and aligning the confirmed results with the analysis content, no alterations observed in the analysis of clinical sensitivity and specificity. Conclusions The evaluation of the ExiStation™ FA 96 RV assay showed outstanding clinical performance in detecting four respiratory viruses, SARS-CoV-2, Influenza A, Influenza B, and RSV, with high sensitivity and specificity. This study supports that the ExiStation™ FA 96 RV assay is a reliable tool for simultaneous molecular diagnostics of various respiratory infections in clinical laboratories.

Peptide nucleic acid probe-assisted paper-based electrochemical biosensor for multiplexed detection of respiratory viruses

The similar transmission patterns and early symptoms of respiratory viral infections, particularly severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza (H1N1), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pose substantial challenges in the diagnosis, therapeutic management, and handling of these infectious diseases. Multiplexed point-of-care testing for detection is urgently needed for prompt and efficient disease management. Here, we introduce an electrochemical paper-based analytical device (ePAD) platform for multiplexed and label-free detection of SARS-CoV-2, H1N1, and RSV infection using immobilized pyrrolidinyl peptide nucleic acid probes. Hybridization between the probes and viral nucleic acid targets causes changes in the electrochemical response. The resulting sensor offers high sensitivity and low detection limits of 0.12, 0.35, and 0.36 pM for SARS-CoV-2 (N gene), H1N1, and RSV, respectively, without showing any cross-reactivities. The amplification-free detection of extracted RNA from 42 nasopharyngeal swab samples was successfully demonstrated and validated against reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (range of cycle threshold values: 17.43–25.89). The proposed platform showed excellent clinical sensitivity (100 %) and specificity (≥97 %) to achieve excellent agreement (κ ≥ 0.914) with the standard assay, thereby demonstrating its applicability for the screening and diagnosis of these respiratory diseases.

EFFECTIVENESS OF THE MAGNESIUM APPLICATION IN OBSTETRICAL PRACTICE.

The aim: Conducting an evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of the use of magnesium in pregnant women. Materials and methods: A comprehensive examination of 60 pregnant women was conducted, of which 30 were taking a magnesium preparation in a daily dose of 2473.72 mg of magnesium citrate and 40 mg of pyridoxine hydrochloride (the main group) and 30 pregnant women who were not taking a magnesium preparation (сomparison group). The analysis of the clinical course of the first half of the pregnancy with the determination the frequency and structure of complications, blood pressure levels, indicators of ultrasound, general and biochemical blood tests, urinalysis, lipid status and carbohydrarate metabolism. Results: The main complications of the first half of pregnancy were: threatening miscarriage, abortion in progress, early gestosis, anemia, respiratory viral infection, exacerbation of extragenital pathology, hypertension. During the analysis of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism increased atherogenic potential. Analyzing the results of ultrasound studies reliably earlier comes down the local hypertonus. Сonclusions: The correction of chronic magnesium deficiency, performed by the drug magnesium has allowed to reduce cases of threat of abortion, the abortion that was started, the symptoms of early preeclampsia, anemia of pregnant women, symptoms of respiratory viral infection, reduces the number of bed-days in the case of hospitalization. The use of magnesium helped to normalize blood pressure, carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, reduces hypertonus of the myometrium.

Indian Herb-Derived Phytoconstituent-Based Antiviral, Antimicrobial and Antifungal Formulation: An Oral Rinse Candidate for Oral Hygiene and the Potential Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreaks.

Outbreaks of emerging infectious diseases continue to challenge human health. Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has triggered a global coronavirus pandemic, known as COVID-19. Multiple variants of SARS-CoV-2 virus are circulating, thus raising questions with respect to the effectiveness of different lines of treatment, such as vaccines and antiviral drugs. To find the appropriate prevention/treatment, 21 plant-based ingredients (Glycyrrhizin, Withanone, Aloe-emodin, Rhein, Emodin, Chrysophanol, Physcion, Kaempferol, Progallin A, Gallic acid, Naringin, Quercetin, Luteolin, and Apigenin) having antiviral, antibacterial and antifungal properties were identified. We pseudo-typed SARS-CoV-2 on a lentiviral vector plasmid and tested the impact of five different herbal formulations in mammalian HEK293T cells. Viral inactivation assay showed that the natural extracts in a herb-derived phytoconstituent-based formulation, BITS-003, comprising Bacopa monnieri, Glycyerrhiza glabra, Asparagus racemosus-wild, and Nigella sativa had strong virucidal properties, inactivating enveloped viruses from 2log10 (or 99%) to >4log10 (or 99.99%). Moreover, bacterial and yeast cells treated with BITS-003 displayed reduced growth. Topical use of the formulation as a mouthwash/gargle could be effective in reducing symptoms of respiratory viral infections, with the potential to decrease the viral load in the buccal/oral cavity. This may inhibit the coronavirus spreading to the lungs of infected persons and at the same time may reduce the risk of viral transmission to other susceptible persons through micro-droplets originating from the oral cavity of the infected person.

The Effect of Melatonin and Azithromycin on Model Pulmonary Membranes

Pulmonary cell membranes form the first line of defense against respiratory viral infections and play an important role in modulating immune responses to airborne pathogens, such as the recent coronavirus (SARS-COV-2). Interestingly, common drugs, such as azithromycin and melatonin, have been reported as potential agents in slowing down and ameliorating the symptoms of respiratory viral infections, including SARS-COV-2. The generic effects of these drugs, across a range of viral infections, point to an indirect mechanism by which they inhibit viral activity - most likely by altering membrane properties and perturbing viral membrane-entry pathways.

Clinical and epidemiological features of infections caused by HHV-6A and HHV-6B

Objective. To determine the detection rates of HHV-6A and HHV-6B compared to other herpes viruses in children of different age groups. Materials and Methods. A total of 128 patients with symptoms of respiratory viral infections (RVI) aged from 1 to 16 years and 101 otherwise healthy children. A comprehensive examination of the patients, including ELISA, indirect immunofluorescence assay, rapid culture method, PCR, and determination of nucleotide sequences of HHV-6 was performed. Children positive for HHV-6 markers (antibodies, early and late antigens) and positive for HHV-6 DNA were selected into one group (n=59), of which 14 children aged from 3 to 10 years were healthy and 45 children (<3 years of age [20 children] and ≥3 years of age [25 children]) had clinical manifestations of RVI. Results. The incidence rates of acute HHV-6 infection and HHV-6 reactivation were similar between healthy children and children with RVI symptoms (21.9% each). The active Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) infection took a second place among examined children: acute EBV infection and EBV reactivation were determined in 19 (14.8%) and 10 (7.8%) children, respectively. The incidence rates of HHV-6A and HHV6B among children with RVI symptoms were similar (55.5% and 42.2%, respectively) whereas HHV-6B was predominant in healthy children (85.7%). The HHV-6A was more common (70%) in children under 3 years of age, but HHV-6B was more frequent (67%) in children aged 3 years and older. The most often initial manifestations of HHV-6A infection were acute fever and catarrhal syndrome; whereas HHV-6B was found more frequently in otherwise healthy children. A sudden exanthema and febrile seizures were significantly more common symptoms in children with HHV-6A infection, whereas tonsillar enlargement with exudate and swollen lymph nodes were observed more frequently in children with HHV-6B infection. Conclusions. HHV-6A more often causes acute infection in children less than 3 years of age, which is characterized by fever, febrile seizures, rash (roseola), and upper respiratory tract infection with significant catarrhal syndrome. HHV-6B more often causes acute infection in children aged 3 years and older and is rarely presented with specific symptoms of HHV-6 infection, such as sudden exanthema and febrile seizures. HHV-6B is characterized by lymphoid tissue proliferation (tonsillar enlargement and lymphadenopathy) and hepatomegaly in all age groups of children.

Health symptoms in relation to temperature, humidity, and self-reported perceptions of climate in New York City residential environments.

Little monitoring has been conducted of temperature and humidity inside homes despite the fact that these conditions may be relevant to health outcomes. Previous studies have observed associations between self-reported perceptions of the indoor environment and health. Here, we investigate associations between measured temperature and humidity, perceptions of indoor environmental conditions, and health symptoms in a sample of New York City apartments. We measured temperature and humidity in 40 New York City apartments during summer and winter seasons and collected survey data from the households' residents. Health outcomes of interest were (1) sleep quality, (2) symptoms of heat illness (summer season), and (3) symptoms of respiratory viral infection (winter season). Using mixed-effects logistic regression models, we investigated associations between the perceptions, symptoms, and measured conditions in each season. Perceptions of indoor temperature were significantly associated with measured temperature in both the summer and the winter, with a stronger association in the summer season. Sleep quality was inversely related to measured and perceived indoor temperature in the summer season only. Heat illness symptoms were associated with perceived, but not measured, temperature in the summer season. We did not find an association between any measured or perceived condition and cases of respiratory infection in the winter season. Although limited in size, the results of this study reveal that indoor temperature may impact sleep quality, and that thermal perceptions of the indoor environment may indicate vulnerability to heat illness. These are both important avenues for further investigation.

State and trait negative affect as predictors of objective and subjective symptoms of respiratory viral infections.

State and trait negative affect as predictors of objective and subjective symptoms of respiratory viral infections.

State and trait negative affect as predictors of objective and subjective symptoms of respiratory viral infections.

State and trait negative affect (NA) were measured in healthy people immediately before an illness was induced through exposure to a respiratory virus. State NA, disease-specific health complaints (e.g., runny nose, congestion, and sneezing), and an associated objective marker of disease severity (mucus secretion weights) were assessed daily during the illness. Baseline trait and state NA were both associated with increased numbers of subsequent complaints. Although greater numbers of complaints among people high in state NA were explicable in terms of greater disease severity, the association of trait NA and symptoms was independent of objective disease. The trait NA complaint association was also independent of state NA and hence not attributable to trait-elicited state affect. Greater trait NA was associated with biases in complaining during but not before illness. This suggested failure to discriminate between symptoms rather than increased sensitivity or hypochondriacal response.