Interaction Of Virus Research Articles

CMV Retinitis in the Context of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Study and Comprehensive Review of Viral Interactions

Purpose: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is a sight-threatening condition predominantly affecting immunocompromised individuals, such as those with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). We aimed to present an observational case report on CMV retinitis following Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to review the literature on the molecular and cellular changes in CMV and SARS-CoV-2 infections and how they may influence each other. Case Description: A 32-year-old man with a history of AIDS presented with decreased vision and ocular pain exacerbated by movement, beginning a day prior. Ocular examination revealed anterior uveitis, corneal endothelial edema, and retinal necrosis in the left eye. CMV retinitis was diagnosed based on positive serologic testing and a low cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count, with concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection detected. Treatment included valganciclovir and topical agents, with a focus on managing CMV complications. This case highlights the potential role of SARS-CoV-2 in reactivating dormant CMV in severely immunocompromised individuals. We also discuss the implications of this interaction for immunocompromised patients, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring and personalized treatment strategies. Conclusions: Our case suggests that SARS-CoV-2 may trigger reactivation of CMV infection, leading to bilateral involvement in patients with low CD4 lymphocyte counts, which can result in severe visual impairment. The review discusses the molecular and cellular interactions between CMV and SARS-CoV-2, as well as risk factors, pathophysiology, and diagnostic methods for CMV retinitis, providing recommendations based on the literature findings.

Viral interactions with host factors (TIM-1, TAM -receptors, Glut-1) are related to the disruption of glucose and ascorbate transport and homeostasis, causing the haemorrhagic manifestations of viral haemorrhagic fevers.

The haemorrhagic features of viral haemorrhagic fevers may be caused by common patterns of metabolic disturbances of the glucose and ascorbate homeostasis. Haemorrhages and vasculature disfunctions are a clinical feature not only of viral haemorrhagic fevers, but also in scurvy, diabetes and thrombotic microangiopathic haemolytic anaemia. Interestingly, the expression of glucose and ascorbate transporter Glut-1 on the erythrocyte membrane is associated with the inability to synthesize ascorbate and is restricted to that very species that are susceptible to filoviruses (primates, humans and fruit bats). Glut-1 may play a pivotal role in haemorrhagic fever pathogenesis. TIM-1 and TAM receptors have been recognized to enhance entry of Ebola, Lassa and Dengue viruses and viral interferences with TIM-1 could disturb its function, disturbing the expression of Glut-1. In those species not able to synthesize ascorbate and expressing Glut-1 on erythrocytes virus could interact with Glut-1 or other functionally related protein, and the influx of glucose into the cells would be severely impaired. As a consequence, transient hyperglycemia and a marked oxidative stress coupled with the high levels of glucose in plasma would be established, and then promote the activation of NF–κB transcription, exacerbating a pro-inflammatory response mediated by cytokines and chemokines: The inability to synthesize ascorbate is an Achilles Heel when trying to counteract the oxidative stress.

Longitudinal and Multi-Kingdom Gut Microbiome Alterations in a Mouse Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Gut microbial dysbiosis, especially bacteriome, has been implicated in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, nonbacterial members of the gut microbiome in AD, such as the mycobiome, archaeome, and virome, are unexplored. Here, we perform higher-resolution shotgun metagenomic sequencing on fecal samples collected longitudinally from a mouse model of AD to investigate longitudinal and multi-kingdom gut microbiome profiling. Shotgun metagenomic sequencing of fecal samples from AD mice and healthy mice returns 41,222 bacterial, 414 fungal, 1836 archaeal, and 1916 viral species across all time points. The ecological network pattern of the gut microbiome in AD mice is characterized by more complex bacterial–bacterial interactions and fungal–fungal interactions, as well as simpler archaeal–archaeal interactions and viral–viral interactions. The development of AD is accompanied by multi-kingdom shifts in the gut microbiome composition, as evidenced by the identification of 1177 differential bacterial, 84 differential fungal, 59 differential archaeal, and 10 differential viral species between healthy and AD mice across all time points. In addition, the functional potential of the gut microbiome is partially altered in the development of AD. Collectively, our findings uncover longitudinal and multi-kingdom gut microbiome alterations in AD and provide a motivation for considering microbiome-based therapeutics during the prevention and treatment of AD.

Insect–Virus Interactions: A Fascinating Area of Research That Requires Ongoing Attention

As the most abundant and diverse groups of animals, insects play many important roles in the ecosystem, such as those of herbivores, vectors, and pollinators [...]

Surface microlayer-mediated virome dissemination in the Central Arctic

BackgroundAquatic viruses act as key players in shaping microbial communities. In polar environments, they face significant challenges such as limited host availability and harsh conditions. However, due to the restricted accessibility of these ecosystems, our understanding of viral diversity, abundance, adaptations, and host interactions remains limited.ResultsTo fill this knowledge gap, we studied viruses from atmosphere-close aquatic ecosystems in the Central Arctic and Northern Greenland. Aquatic samples for virus-host analysis were collected from ~60 cm depth and the submillimeter surface microlayer (SML) during the Synoptic Arctic Survey 2021 on icebreaker Oden in the Arctic summer. Water was sampled from a melt pond and open water before undergoing size-fractioned filtration, followed by genome-resolved metagenomic and cultivation investigations. The prokaryotic diversity in the melt pond was considerably lower compared to that of open water. The melt pond was dominated by a Flavobacterium sp. and Aquiluna sp., the latter having a relatively small genome size of 1.2 Mb and the metabolic potential to generate ATP using the phosphate acetyltransferase-acetate kinase pathway. Viral diversity on the host fraction (0.2–5 µm) of the melt pond was strikingly limited compared to that of open water. From the 1154 viral operational taxonomic units (vOTUs), of which two-thirds were predicted bacteriophages, 17.2% encoded for auxiliary metabolic genes (AMGs) with metabolic functions. Some AMGs like glycerol-3-phosphate cytidylyltransferase and ice-binding like proteins might serve to provide cryoprotection for the host. Prophages were often associated with SML genomes, and two active prophages of new viral genera from the Arctic SML strain Leeuwenhoekiella aequorea Arc30 were induced. We found evidence that vOTU abundance in the SML compared to that of ~60 cm depth was more positively correlated with the distribution of a vOTU across five different Arctic stations.ConclusionsThe results indicate that viruses employ elaborate strategies to endure in extreme, host-limited environments. Moreover, our observations suggest that the immediate air-sea interface serves as a platform for viral distribution in the Central Arctic.Dvb_jZZ1H7pg55rxrDSVb2Video

Metagenomic time-series reveals a western English Channel viral community dominated by members with strong seasonal signals.

Marine viruses are key players of ocean biogeochemistry, profoundly influencing microbial community ecology and evolution. Despite their importance, few studies have explored continuous inter-seasonal viral metagenomic time-series in marine environments. Viral dynamics are complex, influenced by multiple factors such as host population dynamics and environmental conditions. To disentangle the complexity of viral communities, we developed an unsupervised machine learning framework to classify viral contigs into "chronotypes" based on temporal abundance patterns. Analysing an inter-seasonal monthly time-series of surface viral metagenomes from the Western English Channel, we identified chronotypes and compared their functional and evolutionary profiles. Results revealed a consistent annual cycle with steep compositional changes from winter to summer and steadier transitions from summer to winter. Seasonal chronotypes were enriched in potential auxiliary metabolic genes of the ferrochelatases and 2OG-Fe(II) oxygenase orthologous groups compared to non-seasonal types. Chronotypes clustered into four groups based on their correlation profiles with environmental parameters, primarily driven by temperature and nutrients. Viral contigs exhibited a rapid turnover of polymorphisms, akin to Red Queen dynamics. However, within seasonal chronotypes, some sequences exhibited annual polymorphism recurrence, suggesting that a fraction of the seasonal viral populations evolve more slowly. Classification into chronotypes revealed viral genomic signatures linked to temporal patterns, likely reflecting metabolic adaptations to environmental fluctuations and host dynamics. This novel framework enables the identification of long-term trends in viral composition, environmental influences on genomic structure, and potential viral interactions.

Structural Analysis of Virus Regulatory N6-Methyladenosine (m6A) Machinery of the Black Flying Fox (Pteropus alecto) and the Egyptian Fruit Bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus) Shows Evolutionary Conservation Amongst Mammals

Background: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is an abundant RNA epitranscriptomic modification in eukaryotes. The m6A machinery includes cellular writer, eraser and reader proteins that regulate m6A. Pteropus alecto (P. alecto) (the Australian black flying fox) and Rousettus aegyptiacus (R. aegyptiacus) (the Egyptian fruit bat) are bats associated with several viral zoonoses yet neglected in the field of m6A epigenetics studies. Objectives: This study utilises various bioinformatics and in silico tools to genetically identify, characterise and annotate the m6A machinery in P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus. Methods: A range of bioinformatic tools were deployed to comprehensively characterise all known m6A-associated proteins of P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus. Results: Phylogenetically, the m6A fat mass and obesity-associated protein (FTO) eraser placed the order Chiroptera (an order including all bat species) in a separate clade. Additionally, it showed the lowest identity matrices in P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus when compared to other mammals (74.1% and 72.8%) and Homo sapiens (84.0% and 76.1%), respectively. When compared to humans, genetic loci-based analysis of P. alecto and R. aegyptiacus showed syntenic conservation in multiple flanking genes of 8 out the 10 m6A-associated genes. Furthermore, amino acid alignment and protein tertiary structure of the two bats’ m6A machinery demonstrated conservation in the writers but not in erasers and readers, compared to humans. Conclusions: These studies provide foundational annotation and genetic characterisation of m6A machinery in two important species of bats which can be exploited to study bat–virus interactions at the interface of epitranscriptomics.

Early Steps of Individual Multireceptor Viral Interactions Dissected by High-Density, Multicolor Quantum Dot Mapping in Living Cells.

Viral capture and entry to target cells are the first crucial steps that ultimately lead to viral infection. Understanding these events is essential toward the design and development of suitable antiviral drugs and/or vaccines. Viral capture involves dynamic interactions of the virus with specific receptors in the plasma membrane of the target cells. In the last years, single virus tracking has emerged as a powerful approach to assess real time dynamics of viral processes in living cells and their engagement with specific cellular components. However, direct visualization of the early steps of multireceptor viral interactions at the single level has been largely impeded by the technical challenges associated with imaging individual multimolecular systems at relevant spatial (nanometer) and temporal (millisecond) scales. Here, we present a four-color, high-density quantum dot spatiotemporal mapping methodology to capture real-time interactions between individual virus-like-particles (VLPs) and three different viral (co-) receptors on the membrane of primary living immune cells derived from healthy donors. Together with quantitative tools, our approach revealed the existence of a coordinated spatiotemporal diffusion of the three different (co)receptors prior to viral engagement. By varying the temporal-windows of cumulated single-molecule localizations, we discovered that such a concerted diffusion impacts on the residence time of HIV-1 and SARS-CoV-2 VLPs on the host membrane and potential viral infectivity. Overall, our methodology offers the possibility for systematic analysis of the initial steps of viral-host interactions and could be easily implemented for the investigation of other multimolecular systems at the single-molecule level.

Circulation and Codetections of Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Other Respiratory Viruses During 2022–2023 Season in Latvia

This retrospective study analysed the routine data obtained by multiplex real-time RT-qPCR methods for respiratory virus detection. A total of 4814 respiratory specimens collected during 1 September 2022–31 August 2023 were included in the study. A total of 38% of the specimens were positive for at least one target, with the incidence maximum (82%) for the small children (age group 0–4 years). The five dominant virus groups were rhinovirus (RV, 12%), influenza virus A (IAV, 7%), adenovirus (AdV, 6%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 5%), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, 5%). The specimens with multi-detections represented 19% of the positives, unevenly distributed (n = 225, 56, 43, 24) among the age groups 0–4, 5–14, 15–64, and 65< years, respectively. The dominant virus groups in multi-positive specimens were RV (53%), AdV (43%), and bocavirus (BoV, 35%)—in mutual pairs as well as all three together—followed by RSV (21%), and IAV (15%). Our study focused on the specimens with codetections and provides an insight into the variety of the respiratory virus interactions in Latvia during the first year since pandemic-related social restriction measures were eased. The observations also emphasise the need to consider the differentiation between rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, especially for the youngest patients in the age group 0–4.

Is There such a Thing as Post-Viral Depression?: Implications for Precision Medicine.

Viral infections are increasingly recognized as triggers for depressive disorders, particularly following the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and the rise of long COVID. Viruses such as Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) are linked to depression through complex neurobiological mechanisms. These include immune system dysregulation, chronic inflammation, and neurotransmitter imbalances that affect brain function and mood regulation. Viral activation of the immune system leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, resulting in neuroinflammation and associated depressive symptoms. Furthermore, specific viruses can disrupt neurotransmitter systems, including serotonin, dopamine, and glutamate, all of which are essential for mood stabilization. The unique interactions of different viruses with these systems underscore the need for virus-specific therapeutic approaches. Current broad-spectrum treatments often overlook the precise neurobiological pathways involved in post-viral depression, reducing their efficacy. This review emphasizes the need to understand these virus-specific interactions to create tailored interventions that directly address the neurobiological effects induced by each type of virus. These interventions may include immunomodulatory treatments that target persistent inflammation, antiviral therapies to reduce the viral load, or neuroprotective strategies that restore neurotransmitter balance. Precision medicine offers promising avenues for the effective management of virus-induced depression, providing patient-specific approaches that address the specific biological mechanisms involved. By focusing on the development of these targeted treatments, this review aims to pave the way for a new era in psychiatric care that fully addresses the root causes of depression induced by viral infections.

Intra-host genomic diversity and integration landscape of human tissue-resident DNA virome.

The viral intra-host genetic diversitiesand interactions with the human genome during decades of persistence remain poorly characterized. In this study, we analyzed the variability and integration sites of persisting viruses in nine organs from thirteen individuals who died suddenly from non-viralcauses. The viruses studiedincluded parvovirus B19, six herpesviruses, Merkel cell (MCPyV) and JC polyomaviruses, totaling 127 genomes. The viral sequences across organs were remarkably conserved within each individual, suggesting that persistence stems from single dominant strains. This indicates that intra-host viral evolution, thus far inferred primarily from immunocompromised patients, is likely overestimated in healthy subjects. Indeed, we detected increased viral subpopulations in two individuals with putative reactivations, suggesting that replication status influences diversity. Furthermore, we identified asymmetrical mutationpatternsreflectingselective pressures exerted by the host. Strikingly, our analysis revealed non-clonal viral integrations even in individuals without cancer. These included MCPyV integrations and truncations resembling clonally expanded variants inMerkel cell carcinomas, as well as novel junctions between herpesvirus 6B and mitochondrial sequences, the significance of which remains to be evaluated. Our work systematically characterizes the genomic landscape of the tissue-resident virome, highlighting potential deviations occurring during disease.

Host combats porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus infection at non-coding RNAs level.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) poses a significant threat to the global swine industry. The emergence of new, highly virulent strains has precipitated recurrent outbreaks worldwide, underscoring the ongoing battle between host and virus. Thus, there is an imperative to formulate a more comprehensive and effective disease control strategy. Studies have shown that host non-coding RNA (ncRNA) is an important regulator of host - virus interactions in PRRSV infection. Hence, a thorough comprehension of the roles played by ncRNAs in PRRSV infection can augment our understanding of the pathogenic mechanisms underlying PRRSV infection. This review focuses on elucidating contemporary insights into the roles of host microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in PRRSV infection, providing both theoretical foundations and fresh perspectives for ongoing research into the mechanisms driving PRRSV infection and its pathogenesis.

Generalized Hamiltonian and Lagrangian aspects of a model for virus–tumor interaction in oncolytic virotherapy

We analyze the generalized Hamiltonian structure of a system of first‐order ordinary differential equations for the Jenner et al. system (Letters in Biomathematics 5 (2018), no. S1, S117–S136). The system of equations is used for modeling the interaction of an oncolytic virus with a tumor cell population. Our analysis is based on the existence of a Jacobi last multiplier and a time‐dependent first integral. Suitable conditions on the model parameters allow for the reduction of the problem to a planar system of equations, and the time‐dependent Hamiltonian flows are described. The geometry of the Hamiltonian flows is also investigated using the symplectic and cosymplectic methods.

Broad-Spectrum Antiviral Agents against SARS-CoV-2 Variants Inhibit the Conserved Viral Protein Nsp1-RNA Interaction.

The ongoing global threats posed by COVID-19 pandemic, catalyzed by SARS-CoV-2, underscores the pressing need for effective antiviral strategies. The viral non-structural protein 1 (Nsp1) significantly influences pathogenicity by impeding host protein expression and enhancing viral RNA translation through its interaction with the stem-loop 1 (SL1) in the 5' untranslated region (UTR). We have developed a novel dual-luciferase reporter assay, designed to investigate the critical Nsp1-SL1 interaction, and identified P23E02 as a potential inhibitor. Our investigation, combining molecular docking studies and alanine mutagenesis, has unveiled that P23E02 disrupts Nsp1-40S ribosomal subunit interaction, liberating translational inhibition and empowering host antiviral responses. P23E02 exhibits antiviral efficacy against various sarbecoviruses, making it a promising candidate for combatting COVID-19 and related diseases. This study underscores the therapeutic potential of targeting the Nsp1/SL1 axis and lays the foundation for innovative antiviral interventions, ultimately fortifying global preparedness against future viral threats.

Biothermodynamic analysis of the Dengue virus: Empirical formulas, biosynthesis reactions and thermodynamic properties of antigen-receptor binding and biosynthesis

After the experience with the COVID-19 pandemic, WHO has issued a warning about the possible causes of future pandemics. One such causative agent is the Dengue virus. Until now, we have had information mostly on biological properties of the Dengue virus and very little information about its chemical and thermodynamic properties. To be better prepared for a potential Dengue pandemic, the goal of this paper is to chemically and thermodynamically characterize the Dengue virus, as well as to describe the biophysical basis of the virus-host interactions of the Dengue virus. To that goal, the empirical formula was determined, as well as biosynthesis reactions and thermodynamic properties of antigen-receptor binding and thermodynamic properties of biosynthesis and multiplication of the Dengue virus. A model was developed of virus-host interactions between the Dengue virus and its host tissues, based on nonequilibrium thermodynamics.

Extensive longevity and DNA virus-driven adaptation in nearctic Myotis bats.

The rich species diversity of bats encompasses extraordinary adaptations, including extreme longevity and tolerance to infectious disease. While traditional approaches using genetic screens in model organisms have uncovered some fundamental processes underlying these traits, model organisms do not possess the variation required to understand the evolution of traits with complex genetic architectures. In contrast, the advent of genomics at tree-of-life scales enables us to study the genetic interactions underlying these processes by leveraging millions of years of evolutionary trial-and-error. Here, we use the rich species diversity of the genus Myotis - one of the longest-living clades of mammals - to study the evolution of longevity-associated traits and infectious disease using functional evolutionary genomics. We generated reference genome assemblies and cell lines for 8 closely-related (∼11 MYA) species of Myotis rich in phenotypic and life history diversity. Using genome-wide screens of positive selection, analysis of structural variation and copy number variation, and functional experiments in primary cell lines, we identify new patterns of adaptation in longevity, cancer resistance, and viral interactions both within Myotis and across bats. We find that the rapid evolution of lifespan in Myotis has some of the most significant variations in cancer risk across mammals, and demonstrate a unique DNA damage response in the long-lived M. lucifugus using primary cell culture models. Furthermore, we find evidence of abundant adaptation in response to DNA viruses, but not RNA viruses, in Myotis and other bats. This is in contrast to these patterns of adaptation in humans, which might contribute to the importance of bats as a reservoir of zoonotic viruses. Together, our results demonstrate the utility of leveraging natural variation to understand the genomics of traits with implications for human health and suggest important pleiotropic relationships between infectious disease tolerance and cancer resistance.

Viruses in the era of microplastics and plastispheres: Analytical methods, advances and future directions.

Research on microplastics and plastispheres now incorporates the study of viruses to evaluate their effects on the environment and human health. Sharing these new discoveries with the scientific community is crucial to fostering further research and collaborations. However, the current research and methodologies used are fragmented. To address this issue, this paper reviews the literature and the use of methodology developments in each study, identifying four emerging research areas: (1) viral interactions with microplastics; (2) viral population, diversity, and function in plastispheres; (3) the effects of viruses and plastic particles in host-associated environments; and (4) the impacts of viruses within plastispheres. To that end, the article is structured to streamline navigation and help readers easily access existing approaches, recent advancements, key findings, challenges, and opportunities in these areas. Our synthesis reveals that research methods include biochemical assays, omics techniques, spectroscopic analysis, and molecular and bioinformatic tools. Various mechanisms enable viruses to attach to microplastics and plastispheres, leading to widespread distribution and contributing to toxic effects and gene transfer. While the growing evidence is intriguing, there is still much to uncover about their ecological interactions, functions, and impacts.

Analyzing the impact of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on the reproductive system using network toxicology and molecular docking

Growing evidence suggests that perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) contribute to reproductive toxicity, with perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) being the most extensively studied. These chemicals are known to lower testosterone levels and compromise the integrity of the blood-testis barrier. However, the specific mechanisms of their reproductive toxicity remain largely unknown due to research limitations. In this study, we utilized network pharmacology to pinpoint the core genes and signaling pathways implicated in the reproductive toxicity caused by PFOA and PFOS. Molecular docking was employed to validate the interactions between these compounds and their targets. Key targets identified include CCL2, CXCR4, RPS27A, RPL5, PSMA7, and PSMC1, which are crucial in mediating reproductive toxicity. These genes are primarily involved in the chemokine signaling pathway, viral protein interactions with cytokines and cytokine receptors, and ribosomal functions. This study underscores the effectiveness of combining network toxicology and molecular docking to analyze the toxicity and molecular mechanisms of mixed environmental pollutants.

Decoding the mechanism of Qingjie formula in the prevention of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has played a positive role in preventing and controlling the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. Qingjie formula (QJF) developed to prevent COVID-19 is widely used in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China. However, the biological active ingredients of QJF and their specific mechanisms for preventing COVID-19 remain unclear. The study focused on exploring the pharmacological mechanism of QJF for the prevention of COVID-19 based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. The active ingredients of QJF were screened by TCMSP database. Databases such as Genecards and Swiss Target Prediction predicted potential targets of QJF against COVID-19. The “drug-active ingredient-potential target” network was constructed by Cytoscape software. We used STRING database to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. Enrichment of biological functions and signaling pathways were analyzed by using the DAVID database and R language. Then AutoDock Vina and Python software were used for molecular docking of hub targets and active ingredients. 147 active ingredients interacted with 316 potential targets of COVID-19. A PPI network consisting of 30 hub genes was constructed, and the top 10 hub genes were ALB, AKT1, TP53, TNF, IL6, VEGFA, IL1B, CASP3, JUN and STAT3. The results of GO analysis showed that these targets were mainly enriched in cell responses to oxidative stress, chemical stress, and other functions. KEGG analysis revealed that viral protein interactions with cytokines (e.g., human cytomegalovirus infection), endocrine resistance pathways (e.g., AGE-RAGE signaling pathway), PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway were the major signaling pathways. Moreover, the core active ingredients of QJF had good binding affinity with hub genes by molecular docking. QJF plays an important role in the prevention of COVID-19 by regulating host immune inflammatory response and oxidative stress response, inhibiting virus, improving immune function, regulating the hypoxia-cytokine storm, and inhibiting cell migration.

Circulating respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-2 during 2021-2022 season in Tunisia: Epidemiological and dynamic changes

BackgroundChanging patterns in community respiratory virus activity were reported in different geographical locations during the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study, we aimed to assess the prevalence of circulating respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, during the season 2021-2022 in Tunisia. MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 328 nasopharyngeal samples received at the Triage Center of Habib Bourguiba Hospital from patients with acute respiratory symptoms during September 2021-May 2022. All samples were screened for both SARS-CoV-2 and common respiratory viruses. This latter detection was performed using end-point multiplex RT-PCRs, Real-Time PCR, and AllplexTM Respiratory Panel 1 kit (Seegene) for Influenza Virus A (IFVA) and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) subtyping. ResultsAmong included patients, at least one viral pathogen was identified in 118 (35.9%) patients. The detection rate of SARS-CoV-2 was 21.6%. A low viral coinfection rate was observed (3.3%). The most prevalent pathogen among non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses was Enterovirus/Rhinovirus (HEV/HRV) (59.6%) followed by IFVA (15.3%) and Adenoviruses (ADV) (11.5%). Only IFVA H3N2 was found to circulate during the study period. A negative virus interaction was eventually induced by SARS-CoV-2, as it was shown by lower levels of activity of non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses (not exceeding 17.7%) while infections due to pandemic Omicron variants of concern became widespread. ConclusionsThis study highlights the relative return of community IFVA circulation during the 2021-2022 season in Tunisia. A negative viral interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viruses is highly suggested, which explains, in addition to the easing of COVID-19 restriction measures, the epidemiological changes in non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses circulation.