Viral Agents Research Articles

Evaluation of systemic inflammatory and fibrosis indices in Saprochaete capitata infections: a retrospective case-control study

Abstract Objectives Evaluation of inflammation and liver fibrosis by using well established indices of serum biomarkers in hepatitis caused by viral agents has been reported in recent studies. But the diagnostic performance and prediction of liver damage in S. capitata infections has not yet been reported. The aim of the current study was to investigate the levels of systemic inflammatory indices based on liver enzymes and platelets, their effectiveness in detecting S. capitata infection and its degree of damage to the liver. Methods We investigated the diagnostic performance of seven serum inflammation and fibrosis markers as fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score, AST/platelet ratio (APRI), AST/ALT ratio (De Ritis ratio), albumin/ALP ratio (AAR), platelet/albumin ratio (PAR), pan-immune-inflammation value (PIV) and GGT/platelet ratio (GPR) in total 62 S. capitata infected patients using cut-offs through receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis. Results Area under the curve of FIB-4 score was statistically significantly higher than ones of De Ritis ratio, AAR, PIV, APR, GPR, APRI index in determining liver damage in patients with S. capitata. The optimal cut off point for FIB-4 score was defined that the levels above 27.57 for FIB-4 score may be used for the diagnosis of S. capitata with 89 % of sensitivity and 91 % of specificity. Conclusions Serum fibrosis and immune-inflammation indices are independent, useful predictors, and FIB4 score is superior to the others in the diagnosis of inflammation and liver damage in S. capitata. These biomarkers may also be useful to specialists to follow up on the medical processes of these patients.

Ovarian sex steroid and epithelial control of immune responses in the uterus and oviduct: human and animal models†.

The female reproductive tract (FRT), including the uterus and oviduct (Fallopian tube), is responsible for maintaining an optimal microenvironment for reproductive processes, such as gamete activation and transportation, sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryonic and fetal development. The mucosal surface of the FRT may be exposed to pathogens and sexually transmitted microorganisms due to the opening of the cervix during mating. Pathogens and endotoxins may also reach the oviduct through the peritoneal fluid. To maintain an optimum reproductive environment while recognizing and killing pathogenic bacterial and viral agents, the oviduct and uterus should be equipped with an efficient and rigorously controlled immune system. Ovarian sex steroids can affect epithelial cells and underlying stromal cells, which have been shown to mediate innate and adaptive immune responses. This, in turn, protects against potential infections while maintaining an optimal milieu for reproductive events, highlighting the homeostatic involvement of ovarian sex steroids and reproductive epithelial cells. This article will discuss how ovarian sex steroids affect the immune reactions elicited by the epithelial cells of the non-pregnant uterus and oviduct in the bovine, murine, and human species. Finally, we propose that there are regional and species-specific differences in the immune responses in FRT.

Interaction of the viral infectious agents in the development and exacerbation of the multiple sclerosis

Interaction of the viral infectious agents in the development and exacerbation of the multiple sclerosis

Stability of pathogens on banknotes and coins: A narrative review.

For the prevention of infectious diseases, knowledge about potential transmission routes is essential. Pathogens can be transmitted directly (i.e. respiratory droplets, hand-to-hand contact) or indirectly via contaminated surfaces (fomites). In particular, frequently touched objects/surfaces may serve as transmission vehicles for different clinically relevant bacterial, fungal, and viral pathogens. Banknotes and coins offer ample surface area and are frequently exchanged between individuals. Consequently, many concerns have been raised in the recent past, that banknotes and coins could serve as vectors for the transmission of disease-causing microorganisms. This review summarizes the latest research on the potential of paper currency and coins to serve as sources of pathogenic viral, bacterial, and fungal agents. In contrast to the current perception of banknotes and coins as important transmission vehicles, current evidence suggests, that banknotes and coins do not pose a particular risk of pathogen infection for the public.

Microbiological Profile of Infectious Keratitis in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract Background: Microbial keratitis is a major preventable cause of visual impairment. In developed countries viral infections are the leading cause of corneal ulcer whereas bacteria and fungi attributes to maximum number of cases in the developing countries. There is paucity of recent data, risk factors and demographic distribution of patients for all three leading etiological agents of keratitis. Material and Methods: This study included all clinically diagnosed cases of infective keratitis from 01 Jan 2021 to 01 Jan 2022. In brief, four sets of corneal scrapings were taken from patients of infectious keratitis and processed for bacterial and fungal culture, microscopy and RTPCR of viral agents. Results: It was observed that rural elderly males were the most predisposed to occurrence of infectious keratitis and trauma being the leading cause. Out of total 151 samples processed, 49(32%) samples were found to have definitive evidence of bacterial, fungal and viral pathogens. Fungi were found to be the most common 37 (24%) etiological agent leading to keratitis followed by bacterial 7(5%) and viral agents 5(3%). Conclusion: Clinical signs alone are not sufficient to diagnose infectious keratitis, the importance of microbiology in the identification of pathogen and aiming at definitive therapy of infectious keratitis helps in rescuing the eye from this reversible cause of blindness.

Validation of In-Room UV-C-Based Air Cleaners

The risks to human health posed by airborne pathogens can be mitigated by the use of ultraviolet-C (UV-C) radiation. In general, UV-C-based systems should be applied in a manner that allows effective inactivation of airborne pathogens, while controlling human exposure to below defined limits. Among the methods used to apply UV-C radiation in indoor settings to meet these objectives are UV-C-based air cleaners. These devices can be effective for the control of airborne pathogens, but methods are needed to quantify and validate their performance. To address this need, an experiment-based method and a mathematical model were developed to quantify the effects of UV-C-based air cleaners on the concentration of an aerosolized, viral challenge agent. The method and model were demonstrated to allow quantification of disinfection efficacy and to allow translation of the results from the test environment to the application environment. The primary figure-of-merit from these tests was the clean air delivery rate (CADR), which is commonly used to characterize the disinfection efficacy of these devices. The ability of a validated air cleaner to improve indoor air quality in application settings is simulated based on the measured value of CADR from laboratory tests and the mathematical model.

Systemic Oxidative Stress Parameters in Skin Cancer Patients and Patients with Benign Lesions

Oxidative stress is caused by an imbalance between the production and subsequent accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells and tissues and the capacity of a biological system to eliminate these reactive substances. Systemic oxidative stress biomarkers in plasma, serum, urine, or red blood cells have been found to be elevated in many diseases, including skin cancer. UV radiation (UVR) induces damage to biomolecules that enter the bloodstream, reinforcing systemic oxidative stress. On the other hand, pre-existing systemic oxidative stress does not supply the skin with the adequate micronutrients and antioxidant resources to ameliorate the skin’s antioxidant defense against UVR. In both scenarios, skin cancer patients are exposed to oxidative conditions. In the case of warts, oxidation is linked to chronic inflammation, while impaired cutaneous antioxidant defense could ineffectively deal with possible oxidative stimuli from viral agents, such as HPV. Therefore, the aim of our study is to evaluate the existing data on systemic oxidative stress in skin diseases such as non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), basal-cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous-cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma as well as benign lesions such as actinic keratosis (AK), sebaceous keratosis (SK), and warts. Previous studies have demonstrated that patients with NMSC, melanoma, AK, and warts (both genital and non-genital) are subjected to severe oxidative stress, indicated by disturbed antioxidant enzyme levels, accumulated oxidized proteins and lipid products, and, to a lesser extent, lower concentrations of micronutrients. Interestingly, medical history of NMSC or melanoma as well as stage of skin cancer and treatment approach were found to affect systemic oxidative stress parameters. In the case of warts (both genital and non-genital), high oxidative stress levels were also detected, and they were found to be aligned with their recalcitrant character.

Central nervous system infection in a pediatric population in West Java.

Central nervous system (CNS) viral infections are critical causes of morbidity and mortality in children; however, comprehensive data on etiology is lacking in developing countries such as Indonesia. To study the etiology of CNS infections in a pediatric population, 50 children admitted to two hospitals in Bandung, West Java, during 2017-2018 were enrolled in a CNS infection study. Cerebrospinal fluid and serum specimens were tested using molecular, serological, and virus isolation platforms for a number of viral and bacteriological agents. Causal pathogens were identified in 10 out of 50 (20%) and included cytomegalovirus (n = 4), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n = 2), tuberculosis (n = 2), Salmonella serotype Typhi (n = 1) and dengue virus (n = 1). Our study highlights the importance of using a wide range of molecular and serological detection methods to identify CNS pathogens, as well as the challenges of establishing the etiology of CNS infections in pediatric populations of countries with limited laboratory capacity.

Current Status and Challenges in Anti-Hepatitis B Virus Agents Based on Inactivation/Inhibition or Elimination of Hepatitis B Virus Covalently Closed Circular DNA.

There has been over half a century since the discovery of hepatitis B virus (HBV) to now, but approximately 300 million patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) still live in the world, resulting in about one million deaths every year. Although currently approved antivirals (e.g., nucleoside analogues) are effective at reducing HBV replication, they have almost no impact on the existing HBV covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) reservoir. HBV cccDNA is a critical obstacle to the complete elimination of the virus via antiviral therapy. The true cure of HBV infection requires the eradication of viral cccDNA from HBV-infected cells; thus, the development of new agents directly or indirectly targeting HBV cccDNA is urgently needed due to the limitations of current available drugs against HBV infection. In this regard, it is the major focus of current anti-HBV research worldwide via different mechanisms to either inactivate/inhibit (functional cure) or eliminate (complete cure) HBV cccDNA. Therefore, this review discussed and summarized recent advances and challenges in efforts to inactivate/silence or eliminate viral cccDNA using anti-HBV agents from different sources, such as small molecules (including epigenetic drugs) and polypeptides/proteins, and siRNA or gene-editing approaches targeting/attenuating HBV cccDNA via different mechanisms, as well as future directions that may be considered in efforts to truly cure chronic HBV infection. In conclusion, no breakthrough has been made yet in attenuating HBV cccDNA, although a number of candidates have advanced into the phase of clinical trials. Furthermore, the overwhelming majority of the candidates function to indirectly target HBV cccDNA. No outstanding candidate directly targets HBV cccDNA. Relatively speaking, CCC_R08 and nitazoxanide may be some of the most promising agents to clear HBV infection in small molecule compounds. Additionally, CRISPR-Cas9 systems can directly target HBV cccDNA for decay and demonstrate significant anti-HBV activity. Consequently, gene-editing approaches targeting HBV cccDNA may be one of the most promising means to achieve the core goal of anti-HBV therapeutic strategies. In short, more basic studies on HBV infection need to be carried out to overcome these challenges.

Zoonoses in endemic, free-ranging mammals

Zoonoses are diseases and infections that can be transmitted naturally between animals and humans. Direct and indirect contact of humans with wildlife occur during hunting activities, when diseased wildlife is found and treated, and in shared fields, forests, parks, gardens, and homes. Zoonoses can only be understood and controlled when ecosystems, animals, and humans are considered holistically. This paper presents important zoonotic pathogens that are currently present in wild mammals as reservoirs in Germany. The literature was searched to determine the prevalence of zoonotic pathogens currently occurring in wild mammals. Viral zoonotic agents currently present in free-ranging, mammalian animals in Germany as reservoirs of natural origin are bornaviruses, lyssaviruses, hepatitisE virus genotype3, and Puumala orthohantavirus. Bacterial zoonotic agents beyond typical wound and foodborne pathogens include Brucella suis Biovar2, Francisella tularensis ssp. holarctica, Leptospira interrogans sensu latu, Mycobacterium caprae, and Yersinia pseudotuberculosis. In particular, parasitic zoonotic agents common in wildlife are Alaria alata, Baylisascaris procyonis, Echinococcus multilocularis, Sacoptes scabei, and Trichinella spp. The presence of zoonotic infectious agents of risk groups2 and3 has to be regularly expected in numerous endemic wildlife species, especially canines, small bears, rodents, insectivores, and bats. Animal caretakers, hunters, veterinarians, and human health professionals should be aware of this risk and take protective measures appropriate to the situation.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of the global prevalence of sexually transmitted infections in people living with HIV and associated risk factors.

People living with HIV (PLWH) constitute a vulnerable population for acquiring additional sexually transmitted infections (STIs). This study was conducted to provide a summary of the evidence on the global prevalence of STIs in PLWH with an emphasis on infectious agents, diagnostic methods, and related risk factors. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were systematically searched to include records published from January 01, 1990, to January 31, 2022, and the Google Scholar search engine was used to check the search strategy. In total, 132 eligible studies reporting STIs in PLWH were included, enrolling subjects from 35 countries across five continents. The pooled proportion of STIs was estimated to be 30.23% (95% CI, 26.1-34.45%) in PLWH and 20.01% (95% CI, 17.17-23.01%) in HIV-negative patients. Our meta-analysis indicated that in PLWH, the pooled OR of STIs compared to HIV-negatives was 1.77 (95% CI: 1.58-1.98) (p < 0.0001). The pooled OR of STIs by viral infectious agents was highest in PLWH (52.19% [95% CI: 43.88-60.43]) compared with fungal (22.19% [95% CI: 15.64-29.53]), bacterial (19.07% [95% CI: 13.59-26.63]), and parasitic (14.05% [95% CI: 11.88-16.38]) infections. Our findings show that there is a rather significant frequency of STIs among PLWH. This study highlights the need for new programs for the detection, treatment, and prevention of STIs in this at-risk population.

The Mystery of Tomato Flu in India

Introduction: While the globe fights against monkeypox and the coronavirus, a new virus known as "Tomato flu" threatens. This virus's recognized target is children. In May 2022, the virus was found for the first time in Kerala, India. Due to its principal symptom, tomato-shaped blisters all over the body, the ailment was given the term "Tomato Flu." Recent reports described it as type of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD). It is easily diagnosed by a history and physical examination. It is an infectious condition, but there are still a lot of unanswered questions. To shed light on this topic, we decided to collect and summarize the information on this novel viral pathogen. Materials and Methods: To accomplish this, we undertook a thorough literature assessment of the Tomato Flu research that has already been done. We analyzed data from various sources such as medical journals, government reports and news articles to gain a better understanding of this emerging disease. In addition, we conducted interviews with healthcare professionals who have treated patients with Tomato Flu to gain insights into their experiences. Results: Survey of literature showed that Tomato Flu is a self-limiting disease. Children under the age of 5 and immunocompromised individuals are more susceptible to this disease. There is no diagnostic test for the disease, differential diagnosis involves typical symptoms and the absence of other known viral agents. There is no treatment, supportive care brings relief. Conclusion: Overall, this review provides a better understanding of Tomato Flu and its potential impact on public health. By shedding light on this emerging virus, we hope to contribute to ongoing efforts to prevent and treat of this infectious disease. Medicine Today 2023 Vol.35(2): 129-133

Selection of effective therapy for inflammatory diseases of the pharynx

Inflammatory processes of the upper respiratory tract and pharynx occupy a leading position both in terms of the frequency of visits to an otolaryngologist and in the variety of pathogenic factors that cause processes accompanied by sore throat. With an inflammatory process occurring in the lymphoid ring of the pharynx, symptoms are usually caused by local factors, so local treatment, both anti-inflammatory and analgesic, is especially important. However, according to the literature, in most cases systemic antibacterial therapy is prescribed. According to modern concepts, it is known that systemic antimicrobial agents should be prescribed strictly according to indications, since the viral etiology of the inflammatory process is the most common. Based on this point of view, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are effective. In turn, according to many studies, preparations of the lysine salt of ketoprofen have shown their effectiveness in relieving symptoms without leading to the development of obvious side effects. Based on a review of literature data, it is shown that the lysine salt of ketoprofen has a wide therapeutic potential, good tolerability, and ease of use, which allows us to recommend this drug for use in patients with acute inflammatory processes in the pharynx caused by both microbial and viral agents. This drug is one of the most effective because there is no interaction with other drugs, and it can be used as part of combination therapy with antiseptics. If it is necessary to carry out antibacterial therapy for the treatment of an acute or exacerbation of a chronic process in the pharyngeal cavity, the drug of choice can be considered a third-generation semisynthetic cephalosporin antibiotic for oral administration with a broad spectrum of action, cefixime.

Adoption of a COVID-19 Contact Tracing App by Czech Youth: Cross-Cultural Replication Study.

During the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic crisis, the role of digital contact tracing (DCT) intensified. However, the uptake of this technology expectedly differed among age cohorts and national cultures. Various conceptual tools were introduced to strengthen DCT research from a theoretical perspective. However, little has been done to compare theory-supported findings across different cultural contexts and age cohorts. Building on the original study conducted in Belgium in April 2020 and theoretically underpinned by the Health Belief Model (HBM), this study attempted to confirm the predictors of DCT adoption in a cultural environment different from the original setting, that is, the Czech Republic. In addition, by using brief qualitative evidence, it aimed to shed light on the possible limitations of the HBM in the examined context and to propose certain extensions of the HBM. A Czech version of the original instrument was administered to a convenience sample of young (aged 18-29 y) Czech adults in November 2020. After filtering, 519 valid responses were obtained and included in the quantitative data analysis, which used structural equation modeling and followed the proposed structure of the relationships among the HBM constructs. Furthermore, a qualitative thematic analysis of the free-text answers was conducted to provide additional insights about the model's validity in the given context. The proposed measurement model exhibited less optimal fit (root mean square error of approximation=0.065, 90% CI 0.060-0.070) than in the original study (root mean square error of approximation=0.036, 90% CI 0.033-0.039). Nevertheless, perceived benefits and perceived barriers were confirmed as the main, statistically significant predictors of DCT uptake, consistent with the original study (β=.60, P<.001 and β=-.39; P<.001, respectively). Differently from the original study, self-efficacy was not a significant predictor in the strict statistical sense (β=.12; P=.003). In addition, qualitative analysis demonstrated that in the given cohort, perceived barriers was the most frequent theme (166/354, 46.9% of total codes). Under this category, psychological fears and concerns was a subtheme, notably diverging from the original operationalization of the perceived barriers construct. In a similar sense, a role for social influence in DCT uptake processes was suggested by some respondents (12/354, 1.7% of total codes). In summary, the quantitative and qualitative results indicated that the proposed quantitative model seemed to be of limited value in the examined context. Future studies should focus on reconceptualizing the 2 underperforming constructs (ie, perceived severity and cues to action) by considering the qualitative findings. This study also provided actionable insights for policy makers and app developers to mitigate DCT adoption issues in the event of a future pandemic caused by unknown viral agents.

Cell identification, characterization, and documentation for use in the production of biological products

There is always a concern about the quality of cell-based products in terms of the contamination of the cells and their lack of efficiency. Therefore, it is very important to ensure these cells' identity, purity, efficacy, and suitability for the production of biological products and diagnostic uses. So, cells must be identified, evaluated, documented, and stored to be used consistently and efficiently. With these conditions, vaccine manufacturers have a suitable reserve of efficient and valuable cells for the production and quality control of biological products. In this review article, a strategic plan for cell-substrate well-characterization and identification according to scientific principles, the author's work experience, and regulatory guidance for the optimal use of that cell in research and diagnostic studies especially for the biological product production process have been drawn. For this purpose, all aspects of cell identification, cell evaluation, and cell characterization are discussed. Because of the importance of cell identity in the competence of a cell substrate, in the cell identification section, all aspects of cell identification, including general cell information, and specific cell characteristics, especially in terms of cell passage history, cell storage conditions, and cell coding and labeling were studied. In the part of cell evaluation and determination of cell characteristics, all tests necessary to determine cell characteristics from various aspects including determination of cell identity, cell growth conditions, cell quality, and efficiency, and the possibility of cell contamination with adventitious agents, including cellular, viral, bacterial, mycoplasma, and mycobacterial agents were introduced. Due to the importance of endogenous virus contamination, this topic is specially discussed. Also, the stability of the cell both from the aspect of genetic stability and from the aspect of stability of cell efficiency, were discussed. In the end, while reviewing the necessary documents to be under the control of the cell for use in the laboratory, based on the studies conducted, the certificate of the cell has been compiled. Therefore, on this basis, the studied cell can be used for research and diagnostic studies of virology, and especially for the production and quality control of biological products.

Exploring Viral Metagenomics in Pediatric Patients with Acute Respiratory Infections: Unveiling Pathogens beyond SARS-CoV-2.

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent pandemic have prompted extensive diagnostic and clinical efforts to mitigate viral spread. However, these strategies have largely overlooked the presence of other respiratory viruses. Acute respiratory diseases in pediatric patients can be caused by a diverse range of viral agents, and metagenomics represents a powerful tool for their characterization. This study aimed to investigate the viral abundance in pediatric patients with acute respiratory symptoms who tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 during the Omicron pandemic wave. To achieve this, viral metagenomics and next-generation sequencing were employed on 96 nasopharyngeal swab samples, which were organized into 12 pools, with each pool consisting of eight individual samples. Metagenomic analysis revealed that the most prevalent viruses associated with acute disease in pediatric patients were respiratory syncytial virus (detected in all pools) and enteroviruses, which are known to cause significant morbidity and mortality in children. Additionally, clinically significant viruses such as mumps orthorubulavirus, human metapneumovirus, influenza A, and a wide array of human herpesviruses (1, 3-7) were identified. These findings highlight the extensive potential of viral metagenomics in identifying viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 that contribute to acute infections in children. Consequently, this methodology should garner clinical attention in terms of differential diagnosis and the development of public policies to address such conditions in the global pediatric population.

Evaluation of human papillomavirus DNA in colorectal cancer and adjacent mucosal tissue samples

BackgroundAlthough the role of viral agents, such as human papillomavirus (e.g. HPV16, HPV18) in colorectal cancer (CRC) has been previously investigated, results remain inconclusive.MethodsTo further evaluate the involvement of oncogenic HPV types in CRC, 40 frozen neoplastic and 40 adjacent colonic tissues collected from Italian patients were analyzed by Luminex-based assays that detect a broad spectrum of HPV types, i.e. Alpha (n = 21), Beta (n = 46) and Gamma HPVs (n = 52). In addition, 125 frozen CRC samples and 70 surrounding mucosal tissues were collected from Czech patients and analyzed by broad spectrum PCR protocols: (i) FAP59/64, (ii) FAPM1 and (iii) CUT combined with Next Generation Sequencing (NGS).ResultsUsing Luminex-basedassays, DNA from HPV16 was detected in 5% (2/40) CRC tissues from Italian patients. One HPV16 DNA-positive CRC case was subsequently confirmed positive for E6*I mRNA. Cutaneous beta HPV types were detected in 10% (4/40) adjacent tissues only, namely HPV111 (n = 3) and HPV120 (n = 1), while gamma HPV168 (n = 1) and HPV199 (n = 1) types were detected in adjacent and in tumor tissues, respectively. The NGS analysis of the CRC Czech samples identified HPV sequences from mucosal alpha-3 (HPV89), alpha-7 (HPV18, 39, 68 and 70) and alpha-10 species (HPV11), as well as cutaneous beta-1 (HPV20, 24, 93, 98, 105,124) beta-2 (HPV23), beta-3 (HPV49) and gamma-1 species (HPV205).ConclusionsOur findings indicate that HPV types belonging to the mucosal alpha, and the ‘cutaneous’ beta and gamma genera can be detected in the colonic mucosal samples with a low prevalence rate and a low number of HPV reads by Luminex and NGS, respectively. However, additional studies are required to corroborate these findings.

Analysis of Post-COVID-19 Guillain-Barré Syndrome over a Period of One Year in the University Hospital of Split (Croatia).

The virus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2) is capable of attacking the nervous system in several ways and leading to neurological diseases such as GBS (Guillain-Barré syndrome) through the resulting neurotropism and immune response. The aim of this study is to show the relationship between Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and GBS and to better understand the clinical symptoms to prevent poor outcomes. Data from 15 patients were extracted from the Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Split, Croatia, for the year 2021. The age of the patients ranged from 26 to 89 years, of whom 27% were women. Sixty seven percent of all GBS patients recovered from COVID-19 infection, whereas post-vaccinal polyradiculoneuritis was detected in 6%. Forty four percent of the patients who developed GBS had a severe form of COVID-19 infection. Forty percent of patients were treated with intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG), followed by therapeutic plasma exchange (PLEX) in 27%. After the therapy, improvement was observed in 13 patients, while two patients died. The results suggest that SARS-CoV-2 triggers GBS because it follows a similar pattern of infection as the other viral and bacterial agents that contribute to the onset of GBS. There is no evidence that prior infection with COVID-19 worsens the clinical presentation of GBS.

Mimicking the brain: Epstein-Barr virus and foreign agents as drivers of neuroimmune attack in multiple sclerosis.

T cells have an essential role in adaptive immunity against pathogens and cancer, but failure of thymic tolerance mechanisms can instead lead to escape of T cells with the ability to attack host tissues. Multiple sclerosis (MS) occurs when structures such as myelin and neurons in the central nervous system (CNS) are the target of autoreactive immune responses, resulting in lesions in the brain and spinal cord which cause varied and episodic neurological deficits. A role for autoreactive T cell and antibody responses in MS is likely, and mounting evidence implicates Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) in disease mechanisms. In this review we discuss antigen specificity of T cells involved in development and progression of MS. We examine the current evidence that these T cells can target multiple antigens such as those from pathogens including EBV and briefly describe other mechanisms through which viruses could affect disease. Unravelling the complexity of the autoantigen T cell repertoire is essential for understanding key events in the development and progression of MS, with wider implications for development of future therapies.

Transfusion transmissible infections among blood donors in Ghana: A 3-year multicentered health facility-based retrospective study.

Transfusion transmissible infections (TTIs) remain a major health challenge particularly in developing countries. Here, we present a multicentered hospital-based retrospective study on the prevalence, distribution, and risk factors of TTIs in Ghana. Data on blood donors from four health facilities, namely Nkwanta South Municipal Hospital (Oti region), Weija-Gbawe Municipal Hospital (Greater Accra region), SDA Hospital (Northern region) and Wa Municipal Hospital (Upper West region) were extracted and analyzed. Descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression were applied to compare sociodemographic data with TTI status. A total of 6094 blood donors were included in this study, and 2% were females. The overall prevalence of TTIs was 21.0% (1232/5868). Specifically, the prevalence of HBV, HCV, HIV, and Syphilis was 6.6% (385/5868), 4.9% (286/5830), 2.9% (168/5867), and 6.8% (393/5739), respectively. Wa dominated in all the viral agents considered in this study, while the Oti region recorded the highest prevalence in T. pallidum. The odds of HBV infection was 3.1 (p = 0.008) among first-time donors, while that for HCV was 2.8 (p = 0.042). For rural dwellers, donors significantly had T. pallidum (p < 0.001; OR = 2.8), HCV (p < 0.001; OR = 2.9), and HIV (p = 0.028; OR = 1.5) infections. Generally, the recipients of transfused blood were predominantly pregnant mothers, followed by children and accident victims. This study has revealed significant disparities and relatively high prevalence of TTIs in Ghana, specifically HBV, HCV, HIV and T. pallidum infections. The variations suggest the presence of unique health challenges per study area, hence the need for a tailored intervention for each study site.