Virus Route Research Articles

Investigation of acute kidney injury and related risk factors in patients with COVID-19

Introduction: The 2019 recent coronavirus disease (COVID- 19) is a novel pandemic disease in the world. The main organ involved in this viral sepsis is the respiratory system. Objectives: Regarding the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) receptors as entering route for virus’ particles into cells, the kidney organ is another important target in this catastrophic sepsis. There is little data about renal complications and related risk factors in victims. Patients and Methods: All patients with COVID-19 admitted to a referral and tertiary center (Shohada hospital, Khorramabad, Iran) were included in the study. The research was performed from February 20 to April 19, 2020. Diagnosis of patients was confirmed by COVID-19 upper respiratory sampling using real-time PCR. Patients’ demographic data, clinical and laboratory variables were included in pre-designed questionnaires according to the considered factors; then all collected data was entered into SPSS-26 software and statistical analysis was performed. Results: All COVID-19 patients included in the study were 232 cases. Out of them, 99 cases were female (42.7%) and 133 males (57.3%). Among patients, 19 cases had AKI (acute kidney injury); of these cases. Out of AKI patients, 12 (63.2%) were admitted to the ICU, whereas the mortality rate in patients with AKI was 63.2%. AKI was significantly associated with older age, ICU admission, and lower lymphocyte count. AKI occurrence was associated with the history of hypertension, or underlying kidney disease but hadn’t a significant relationship with diabetes. Conclusion: According to this study, age is an important risk factor for renal disease and poor outcomes in COVID-19 patients. Hence, old age patients should be given more attention. Concerning more prevalence of potassium disorders, further monitoring of hypokalemia or hyperkalemia is recommended. Considering, poor outcomes in patients with COVID-19 and AKI, nephrologist’s consultation is necessary.

Localizing viruses in their insect vectors.

The mechanisms and impacts of the transmission of plant viruses by insect vectors have been studied for more than a century. The virus route within the insect vector is amply documented in many cases, but the identity, the biochemical properties, and the structure of the actual molecules (or molecule domains) ensuring compatibility between them remain obscure. Increased efforts are required both to identify receptors of plant viruses at various sites in the vector body and to design competing compounds capable of hindering transmission. Recent trends in the field are opening questions on the diversity and sophistication of viral adaptations that optimize transmission, from the manipulation of plants and vectors ultimately increasing the chances of acquisition and inoculation, to specific "sensing" of the vector by the virus while still in the host plant and the subsequent transition to a transmission-enhanced state.

Human Herpesvirus-8 Infection in Hemodialysis Patients From São Paulo, Brazil: Preliminary Results

Epidemiological studies conducted in endemic areas of human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) infection have shown iatrogenic Kaposi’s sarcoma in renal transplant recipients. Hemodialysis has not yet been demonstrated to be a route of virus transmission/acquisition, although recently blood transfusion has been suggested as a vehicle of HHV-8 transmission. The present study searching HHV-8 antibodies among serum samples from 70 hemodialysis patients disclosed a high prevalence of infection (22.9%). There was an association between HHV-8 seroreactivity and previous transfusions and transplantation, as well as with a black/pardum ethnic background of patients. These results emphasized that chronic renal patients are at risk of developing HHV-8-related diseases.