Paediatric Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Associated with COVID-19: Advances, Controversies, and Future Perspectives |Chapter 1 | An Overview of Disease and Health Research Vol. 8

 

Paediatric multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C), temporally linked to SARS-CoV-2 infection, emerged in 2020 as a condition of significant clinical concern due to its potential to cause multiorgan dysfunction and severe outcomes. It is a post-infectious phenomenon characterised by a dysregulated immune response and intense systemic inflammation. This review analyses scientific findings from the past decade, with emphasis on advances in pathophysiology, updated diagnostic criteria, epidemiological changes over the course of the pandemic, diversity of clinical manifestations, therapeutic strategies, and future perspectives. In 2020, the first cases of MIS-C were diagnosed as Kawasaki disease, and after changes, like Kawasaki disease. The documented experience of a second-level hospital in Guanajuato, Mexico, is also incorporated, allowing reflection on diagnostic and therapeutic challenges in middle-resource settings. Although incidence has decreased following the circulation of recent variants and the implementation of vaccination, MIS-C continues to represent a challenge for global paediatrics.

 

Author(s) Details

Juan Pablo Martínez-Becerra
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

Miztli David Aguilar-Caballero
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

Ma Guadalupe León-Verdín
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

María de Jesús Gallardo-Luna
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

Efraín Navarro-Olivos
Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

Leticia Zamora-Ramos
General Directorate of Medical Care, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, México.

 

Nicolás Padilla-Raygoza

Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

 

Please see the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v8/6525

 

A Comparative Evaluation between Lateral Flow Antigen Assay (LFA) and RT PCR | Chapter 3 | Research Perspectives of Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 4

 

The Present study proposes to look for RT-PCR cycle threshold correlation with positive Rapid COVID-19 LFA results and the ability of LFAs to be used as a proxy, inexpensive marker of infectiousness in mass settings given the present global post-pandemic scenario. Lateral flow antigen assays (LFA) are a quick and affordable way to detect COVID-19 in healthcare settings with limited infrastructure. Rapid diagnostic tests are essential for early, timely case identification that allows for supportive care and patient isolation. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular testing is still an expensive endeavor. Moreover, residual RNA cannot be distinguished from replication-competent viruses using molecular techniques. The present study is a retrospective cross-sectional hospital-based study of 1.25 years duration (September 2020- January 2022). Rapid COVID-19 LFA results were compared with Real-time PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs. Two hundred rapid antigen-positive nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from COVID-19 suspects/contacts/preoperative/ screening patients were subjected to RT-PCR to study the correlation with cycle threshold (CT) values obtained for all the antigen-positive cases. 200 Rapid COVID-19 LFA-positive samples were analysed in the present study. Amidst the LFA-positive samples included in the study 187 (93.5%) were found to have concordant results when subjected to the gold-standard Real-time PCR. Discordant results were documented in 13 (6.5%) COVID-19 LFA-positive samples which were found to be negative by RT-PCR. The average Cycle threshold values were found to be 23.75 for the E gene, 25.36 for the N gene and 24.07 for RdRp gene. The average PCR Cycle threshold of LFA positive cases remained significantly undeterred (p<0.5) throughout the time period of the study stipulating the undaunted viral load across the different waves of the pandemic. Maximum association of LFA positivity with symptom manifestation was seen during the 1st wave of COVID-19 (September-December 2020 in India). The association of symptoms with LFA test positivity reduced to a significant extent during the 3rd wave of the pandemic in January 2022 (p<0.5) indicating the reduced clinical severity but not infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 3rd wave of the pandemic. When compared to RT-PCR, lateral flow assay-based diagnostic techniques are more economically and technically convenient while maintaining a high degree of concordance. These tests offer a clear benefit in terms of expediting patient triage and, consequently, improving patient management. RT-PCR being highly sensitive assay can aid diagnosis in patients with low viral load and seems superior than the LFA which requires a higher vial load for positivity. Considering the above factors SARS-CoV-2 LFAs find utility as proxy infectivity indicating modalities for rapid triaging and patient management.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Neetha S. Murthy

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

M.N. Sumana

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

A. Tejashree

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Vidyavathi B. Chitharagi

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Rashmi P. Mahale

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Murubagal Raghavendra Rao

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

G.S. Sowmya

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Ranjitha Shankare Gowda

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

R. Deepashree

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

S.R. Sujatha

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

 

Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpmab/v4/458

A Comparative Evaluation between Lateral Flow Antigen Assay (LFA) and RT PCR | Chapter 3 | Research Perspectives of Microbiology and Biotechnology Vol. 4

 

The Present study proposes to look for RT-PCR cycle threshold correlation with positive Rapid COVID-19 LFA results and the ability of LFAs to be used as a proxy, inexpensive marker of infectiousness in mass settings given the present global post-pandemic scenario. Lateral flow antigen assays (LFA) are a quick and affordable way to detect COVID-19 in healthcare settings with limited infrastructure. Rapid diagnostic tests are essential for early, timely case identification that allows for supportive care and patient isolation. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, molecular testing is still an expensive endeavor. Moreover, residual RNA cannot be distinguished from replication-competent viruses using molecular techniques. The present study is a retrospective cross-sectional hospital-based study of 1.25 years duration (September 2020- January 2022). Rapid COVID-19 LFA results were compared with Real-time PCR for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal swabs. Two hundred rapid antigen-positive nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from COVID-19 suspects/contacts/preoperative/ screening patients were subjected to RT-PCR to study the correlation with cycle threshold (CT) values obtained for all the antigen-positive cases. 200 Rapid COVID-19 LFA-positive samples were analysed in the present study. Amidst the LFA-positive samples included in the study 187 (93.5%) were found to have concordant results when subjected to the gold-standard Real-time PCR. Discordant results were documented in 13 (6.5%) COVID-19 LFA-positive samples which were found to be negative by RT-PCR. The average Cycle threshold values were found to be 23.75 for the E gene, 25.36 for the N gene and 24.07 for RdRp gene. The average PCR Cycle threshold of LFA positive cases remained significantly undeterred (p<0.5) throughout the time period of the study stipulating the undaunted viral load across the different waves of the pandemic. Maximum association of LFA positivity with symptom manifestation was seen during the 1st wave of COVID-19 (September-December 2020 in India). The association of symptoms with LFA test positivity reduced to a significant extent during the 3rd wave of the pandemic in January 2022 (p<0.5) indicating the reduced clinical severity but not infectivity of the SARS-CoV-2 infection during the 3rd wave of the pandemic. When compared to RT-PCR, lateral flow assay-based diagnostic techniques are more economically and technically convenient while maintaining a high degree of concordance. These tests offer a clear benefit in terms of expediting patient triage and, consequently, improving patient management. RT-PCR being highly sensitive assay can aid diagnosis in patients with low viral load and seems superior than the LFA which requires a higher vial load for positivity. Considering the above factors SARS-CoV-2 LFAs find utility as proxy infectivity indicating modalities for rapid triaging and patient management.

 

 

Author(s) Details

Neetha S. Murthy

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

M.N. Sumana

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

A. Tejashree

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Vidyavathi B. Chitharagi

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Rashmi P. Mahale

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Murubagal Raghavendra Rao

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

G.S. Sowmya

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

Ranjitha Shankare Gowda

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

R. Deepashree

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

S.R. Sujatha

Department of Microbiology, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, Karnataka, India.

 

Please see the link:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rpmab/v4/458

A Study Protocol to Assess Musculoskeletal Problems in Post Covid-19 Subjects | Chapter 4 | Disease and Health Research: New Insights Vol. 2

 

Background: The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the cause of the global pandemic known as COVID-19 (SARS-COV-2), which has captivated the entire world.  It has been demonstrated that the coronavirus interacts with the angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE-2) present in skeletal muscles, increasing its susceptibility to direct viral invasion. The fibrotic activity of muscle fibroblasts increases, aggravating the inflammatory response. The participants exhibit musculoskeletal complaints, including fatigue, myalgia, arthralgia, muscle weakness, decreased bone mineral density, and anomalies in soft tissues. Further examination of COVID-19 individuals showed elevated levels of creatine phosphokinase, myalgia, and arthritic changes, including myositis. A long-term study found that the most common musculoskeletal complaints between two weeks and one month after hospitalization were myalgia, arthralgia, and fatigue. The current study's goal is to analyze various musculoskeletal concerns in COVID-19 participants.

 

Outcome Measures: A standard Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire will be taken for all subjects. Depending on the problem and joint involved outcome measures like NPDI, SPADI, DASH, OLBDQ, HHS, WOMAC, FADI, CFS, LEFS, and FAS will be used.

 

Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistical analysis like mean, and standard deviation will be done by using SPSS’s latest version software by taking the help of a Biostatistician after ensuring the normal distribution and analysis. To find out the association between two variables Fisher’s exact test and Pearson chi-square test will be used.

 

Results: The results of this study will also be important for subjects affected with COVID-19 symptoms to better understand their long-term musculoskeletal problems with a duration of more than 3 months from affection with the virus which may or may not affect their functional performance and physical activity levels.

 

Conclusion: This study will be helpful in finding the prevalence of musculoskeletal problems among post-COVID-19 subjects. If any particular symptoms are found to be more prominent strategies to cope and manage those symptoms in COVID-19 subjects can be developed in the future by doing further research.

 

Clinical Trial Registration: The study is registered with the Clinical Trials Registry- India (CTRI), with the registration number for the trial being CTRI/2022/08/ 044661.

 

Author(s) Details

Noel Samuel Macwan
College of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat, 391760, India.

 

Kalpana Vasava
College of Physiotherapy, Sumandeep Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Piparia, Waghodia, Vadodara, Gujarat, 391760, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrni/v2/1256

The Coronavirus (Sars-Cov-2): An Overview of Its Origin, Mechanism of Replication and Preventive Measures for Future Outbreaks | Chapter 9 | Current Advances in Plant Science, Molecular Biology and Health Sector

 

Coronavirus (Sars-Cov-2) emerged from Wuhan city of China in 2019 and rapidly turned into a pandemic throughout the world, causing devastating effects to human beings. This virus was initially named as 2019-nCoV or Wuhan coronavirus. The popular name of the virus is now SARS-CoV-2 or Coronavirus and the disease is known as COVID-19 or CoV-19. This virus was developing severe acute respiratory syndrome, causing deaths at an exponential rate in all countries. In this study, different aspects of the virus, including its habitat of the virus, have been discussed. The method of the spread of the virus and its way of identification have also been described. Lastly, the cause and remedy of the spread of disease as a pandemic have been elaborated.

 

Author(s) Details

Professor Satyesh Chandra Roy
Department of Botany, Centre of Advanced Study for Cell and Chromosome Research, University of Calcutta, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-989371-7-9/CH9

Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies among Healthcare Workers | Chapter 3 | Medicine and Medical Research: New Perspectives Vol. 9

The state of Guanajuato in Mexico has a high prevalence of COVID-19 cases, significantly affecting healthcare workers due to their contact with infected patients. It was made a review of the literature on seroprevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in healthcare workers, and it was found a significant association between seropositivity and the type of work unit, as well as community exposure, while training in the proper use of personal protective equipment demonstrated a preventive and protective effect against SARS-CoV-2. These findings highlight the importance of healthcare workers adequately protecting themselves both in their work environment and in the community, not only in Guanajuato state.

 

Author (s) Details

Luis Ignacio Pérez-Velázquez
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

Mónica Natalia Morales-García
Coordination of Research, Hospital General León, Institute of Public Health, Guanajuato State, León, México.

 

Ana Elisa Jiménez-Nieto
Coordination of Research, Hospital General León, Institute of Public Health, Guanajuato State, León, México.

 

Gilberto Flores-Vargas
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

Nicolás Padilla-Raygoza
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, México.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mmrnp/v9/2123

Response of Targeted Therapy Alongside Chemotherapy in an AML Patient with COVID-19 | Chapter 8 | Medical Science: Recent Advances and Applications Vol. 1

In this chapter, more detailed information was provided, which describes the first cycle treatment in a case of a newly diagnosed COVID-19 pneumonia in an AML patient. Pneumonia is a major cause of death among patients with leukemia. Venetoclax, a BH3-mimetic and selective BCL-2 inhibitor, is a medication used to treat adults with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). A 70-year-old normotensive, non-diabetic male was diagnosed with endocarditis with Aerococcus Viridans after a third molar extraction, followed by persistent fatigue, fever, weakness, nausea, and excessive sweating, especially at night. Afterwards, he was also diagnosed with AML M2/FAB (Acute myeloblastic leukemia with maturation M2). In this severe COVID-19 case, it was shown that the venetoclax treatment functioned, even in its first cycle, and moreover even without increasing the daily dose over 100 mg. One observed that the initial high value of monocytes (12620/µL) dropped after the 28-day period close to the normalization threshold (2500/µL), more exactly to 2360/µL. The positive response to venetoclax occurred even if the patient developed other comorbidities during that period, such as for example severe anemia within the disease, thrombocytopenia, and SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome).

 

Author (s) Details

 

Radu Gaba
Institute of Mathematics of the Romanian Academy, RO-014700, Bucharest, Romania.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/msraa/v1/5013

SARS-CoV-2 Variants and Efficacy of Available COVID-19 Vaccines | Chapter 5 | Achievements and Challenges of Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 1

SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variants of concern might be related to changes in both morbidity and mortality. Changes in both morbidity and mortality in COVID-19-infected individuals may be due to suppression of the host immune response, altered viral transmission dynamics, or higher viral loads that might worsen the clinical outcomes. Identification and analysis of currently available COVID-19 vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variants of concern, efficacy, and adverse events are the objective of this study. The current variants of concern, lineages B.1.351, B.1.1.7, and P1 affect the function of the spike protein and other SARS-CoV-2 proteins and can alter interaction with hACE2. The first three COVID-19 vaccines expressing spike protein and a progressing national rollout have authorization for emergency use in the United Kingdom (UK) and demonstrated protection against COVID-19 and decreased transmission after vaccination in the preliminary report. The search was applied to the articles that were published between 2020 and 2023. The chosen keywords for developing this study were “SARS-CoV-2” or “COVID-19” or “Variants” “Vaccine Efficacy” or “Vaccine Adverse Events With strict literature search and screening processes, it yielded 14 articles (2020 = 2; 2021 = 10 articles; 2023 = 2 articles) from 400 articles of initial literature database (2020-2023). A study demonstrated in early March 2021 the efficacy of various COVID-19 vaccines produced by many manufacturers in symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) patients and patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variants as the following products (vaccine name), used technology, doses, efficacy against symptomatic disease, and efficacy against variants (B.1.1.7 (first detected in the United Kingdom) and B.1.351 (first detected in South Africa)). It is hard to predict the long-term risk of immune escape. From experience with avian coronavirus, vaccines against one variant will protect against similar variants, but not always against highly divergent variants. As SARSCoV-2 (COVID-19) variants are too divergent, similar to flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines will be changed. In conclusion, modifying COVID-19 vaccines would probably be the most straightforward step in involving SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variants. As SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) variants are too divergent, similar to flu vaccines, COVID-19 vaccines will be changed. It might be more robust that multivalent vaccines include the viral nucleoprotein in the long term. More challenging will be deciding when and how to deploy COVID-19 vaccines 2.0.

 

Author (s) Details

Cheepsattayakorn A
Faculty of Medicine, Western University, Thailand, Faculty of Medicine, Vajira Hospital, Navamindradhiraj University, Thailand, 10th Zonal Tuberculosis and Chest Disease Center, Thailand and Department of Disease Control, Ministry of Public Health, Thailand.

 

Cheepsattayakorn R
Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Thailand.

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/acmms/v1/2779

COVID-19: Known & Unknown Facts | Chapter 11 | Disease and Health: Research Developments Vol. 2

The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, has significantly reshaped global health systems, economies, and societal dynamics. Since its emergence in late 2019, extensive research has shed light on various aspects of the virus and its impact. Known facts about COVID-19 include its zoonotic origin, primarily attributed to wildlife-to-human transmission; its high transmissibility through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces; and its ability to cause a spectrum of disease severity ranging from asymptomatic infections to life-threatening complications like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The development and distribution of vaccines have been pivotal in mitigating the severity of outbreaks and reducing mortality rates. Treatments such as antiviral drugs, monoclonal antibodies, and supportive care have also improved patient outcomes.

Despite these advances, numerous unknowns persist. These include the exact origins of the virus, the mechanisms behind long-term effects such as “long COVID,” and the virus’s ability to mutate into more virulent or vaccine-resistant variants. Furthermore, questions remain regarding the duration of vaccine-induced immunity, the virus’s interaction with pre-existing chronic conditions, and the societal and psychological impacts of prolonged pandemic conditions. By consolidating the known and unknown facts about COVID-19, this chapter aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the disease’s multifaceted nature and inform public health policies worldwide.

 

Author (s) Details

 

Rakesh Tank
Department of General Medicine, SHKM Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana-122107, India.

 

Priyanka Tank
Department of Paediatrics, SHKM Government Medical College, Nuh, Haryana-122107, India.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrd/v2/3648

The Origin of Viruses: Advancement in Prevention, Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious and Somatic Diseases | Chapter 5 | Disease and Health: Research Developments Vol. 4

Viruses are extremely abundant and diverse parasites of cells. They might have arisen during an early phase of the evolution of life on Earth dominated by RNA or RNA-like macromolecules, or when a cellular world was already well established. It has been assumed that the virus appears from adaptogens circulating in prokaryotes (bacteria, archaea, etc.) in the form of complexes of molecular motifs designed to adapt mammals to changing environmental conditions. 

Here the mechanisms of the emergence of coronavirus as one of the crucial stages of the adaptation process of virus formation from adaptogens and its impact on the further development of mammals, including humans was discussed. It also discusses what new things can be done for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of both infectious and somatic diseases.

 

Author (s) Details

Vladyko A.S.
Republican Scientific and Practical Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk, Belarus.

 

Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/dhrd/v4/3755

COVID-19 in the Pediatric Population: What We Have Learned About Its Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis | Chapter 4 | Recent Updates in Disease and Health Research Vol. 8

 COVID-19, an acute respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, was first identified in Wuhan, China in December 2019 due to cases of atypical pneumonia and quickly spread globally, being declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020. Since its emergence, knowledge about its clinical presentation, especially in children, has evolved significantly. This article reviews the most recent literature to provide an updated perspective on the epidemiology of COVID-19 in children, its transmission mechanisms, typical and atypical clinical presentations, and the diagnostic approaches employed. It highlights that although children generally exhibit milder symptoms compared to adults, atypical manifestations and associated syndromes such as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) can pose significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.

 

Author(s)details:-

 

Luis Ignacio Perez-Velazquez
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Fernanda Edith Villanueva
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Michelle Arias Gonzales
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Gilberto Flores-Vargas
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Maria de Jesus Gallardo-Luna
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Efrain Navarro-Olivos
Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Ligia Gricelda Arce-Padilla
Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Nicolas Padilla-Raygoza
Department of Research and Technological Development, Directorate of Teaching and Research, Institute of Public Health from Guanajuato State, Guanajuato, Mexico.

 

Please See the book here :- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/rudhr/v8/567

Covid-19 Geriatric Considerations | Chapter 17 | Clinical Manifestations of Covid-19: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

 

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic was first reported in Wuhan, China in December 2019, moved across the globe at an unprecedented speed, and is having profound and yet still unfolding health and socioeconomic impacts in the elderly. SARS-CoV-2, a β-coronavirus, is a highly contagious respiratory pathogen that causes a disease that has been termed the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Clinical features in the elderly thus far indicate that COVID-19 is highly diverse, ranging from being without symptoms and mild to severe symptoms and causing mortality. The elderly risk factors including increasing age, male gender, smoking, obesity sex, and comorbid conditions are key determinants of disease severity and progression. The elderly may present with fever, myalgia, headache, nausea, vomiting, nasal congestion, sore throat cough, dyspnea, chest pain, excessive sputum production, asthenia, diarrhea, falls, ageusia, anosmia, delirium, body weakness, aphasia, hypotension, low oxygen saturation, low mood and anhedonia.

 

 Author(s) Details:

 

Kumbet John Sonny
Geriatric Medicine Subdivision of Family Medicine Department, Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nigeria.

 

Tahoma Jabbe
CBN Diagnostic and Treatment Centre, Abuja, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-973195-5-6/CH17

Paediatric Manifestations of Covid‐19 | Chapter 16 | Clinical Manifestations of Covid-19: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

 

COVID-19 manifests in children with or without symptoms, for the ones with symptoms, constitutional symptoms like: malaise, headache and fatigue. They may also present with Fever, Cough, tachypnea, tachycardia myalgia, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache, dizziness, seizure, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

 

Author(s) Details:

 

Patience Ungut Kanhu
Department of Paediatrics, Jos University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.

 

Kumbet John Sonny
Geriatric Medicine Subdivision of Family Medicine Department, Federal Medical Centre Keffi, Nigeria.

 

Please see the book here:  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-973195-5-6/CH16

Laboratory Diagnosis of COVID-19 | Chapter 3 | Clinical Manifestations of COVID-19: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

 

COVID-19 is a novel virus and despite the predilection for the respiratory tract, it has the potential of becoming a multi-systemic disease. With its emergence arose the need for prompt and appropriate diagnostic and prognostic molecular tests that cut across all sections of laboratory medicine. A proper laboratory diagnosis is critical in order to aid clinical management and control the disease transmission.

The ideal specimen for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 is bronchoalveolar lavage but this is quite an invasive specimen to obtain. There is a high risk of infecting the caregiver via aerosols generated during the procedure. Instead, the WHO recommends nasal and oropharyngeal swabs for routine testing using flocked nylon swabs. Lung biopsy is reserved for post-mortem cases.

During sample collection, it is crucial that appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn and that the procedure is performed in a room with adequate ventilation. The best transport medium is the viral transport medium (VTM) stored on ice.

Sample processing should be performed in a biosafety level two (BSL-2) laboratory facility (or higher) due to the high infectivity of the virus. The widely accepted test for the early detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA is the Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (NAAT) using reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Other modalities include antigen-based tests and viral cultures.

Concurrently, samples should also be obtained for biochemical tests due to the “cytokine storm” associated with severe COVID-19 infection. Hepatic and renal biomarkers including inflammatory markers such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) should be assayed as they could be elevated in severe manifestations of the disease.

The organ in the eye of the storm are the lungs and they were extensively studied during the pandemic. In COVID-19 infection, they may grossly appear to be heavy, congested and edematous with cut sections that show patchy areas of hemorrhage and focal areas of vascular plugging. Generally, the pulmonary pathologic features appear to be consistent with early/organizing diffuse alveolar damage (DAD).

The utility of laboratory tests for screening, diagnosis, monitoring and prognostication of COVID-19 is central to the management of this emerging infectious disease.

 

Author(s) Details:

 

Khadija Abimbola Abdulraheem
Department of Medical Microbiology, National Hospital Abuja, Nigeria.

 

Richard Kelechi Samuel
Histopathology Department, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Gwagwalada, Abuja FCT, Nigeria.

Selowo Temitope Toluse
Department of Chemical Pathology, Benue State University Teaching Hospital, Makurdi, Nigeria.

 

Mbwas Isaac Mashor
Morbid Anatomy Department, Bingham University Teaching Hospital, Jos, Nigeria.

 

 Please see the book here:  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-973195-5-6/CH3

Ocular Manifestations | Chapter 7 | Clinical Manifestations of Covid-19: A Multi-Disciplinary Approach

 

COVID-19 infection affects the eyes in a variety of ways.  Ocular manifestations have been reported in some individuals, especially health workers. With the infection spreading to every country in the world, this pandemic has far-reaching consequences and implications on the economy of many nations and the mental health of people. The mechanism of infection by the SARS Cov-2 virus has been attributed to its affinity to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Reports suggest that this enzyme is expressed in the conjunctival epithelium, cornea, and retina. The ocular involvement in COVID-19 infection therefore involves structures in the eye that have angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 such as the optic nerve and nerves controlling ocular motility. The involvement of ocular adnexal tissues is sparks interest in research.

 

Author(s) Details:

 

Olabisi Olayemi Yeye-Agba
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja, Nigeria.

 

Ejike J. Egbu
Department of Ophthalmology, Central Hospital, Warri, Delta State, Nigeria.

 

Ugochukwu Anthony Eze
Department of Ophthalmology, Federal Medical Centre, Asaba, Nigeria and Honorary Supervisor University of Edinburgh Masters of Surgery Program in Clinical Ophthalmology, United Kingdom.

 

 

Please see the book here:  https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/mono/978-81-973195-5-6/CH7

Phylogenetic Analysis of Omicron Variants and their Evolutionary Relationship with SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein | Chapter 11 | Innovations in Biological Science Vol. 3

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is one of the most serious pandemics that has invaded the world in recent years. The virus responsible for this pandemic was isolated for the first time in China in 2019, and then it spread throughout the world, where it caused up today about over 7 million deaths and about 800 million confirmed cases. Therefore, several efforts have been made to study this virus. In about one year, has been sequenced the whole genome of SARS-CoV-2 and has been elucidated its mechanism of infection and duplication in host cells and its physiological effect on humans. Furthermore, the S spike glycoprotein has been  identified as the main protein involved in the viral infection mechanism and it has been used as an antigen to develop several vaccines, including new generation mRNA-based ones. The data from World Health Organization (WHO) indicated that approximately 14 billion doses of vaccines have been dispensed far.
 
Since the beginning of the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 has evolved by accumulating mutations in the genome, resulting in new virus versions showing different characteristics, and which have replaced the pre-existing variants. To date, hundreds of variants of the virus have been isolated. As a general trend, the SARS-CoV-2 variants identified so far have increased their spread and reduced their danger and mortality. More than 15 million viral sequences have been carried out to monitor the virus spreading and its variability.
 
Among all new variants, a new group of variants was isolated in early 2022.They were named omicron, and in a few months replaced all the variants present up to then, because they were characterized by high transmissibility. We study the omicron variants (BA.1, BA.2, BA.2.12.1, BA.4 and BA.5) and their derivative variants (BQ.1, BQ.1.18 (CH.1.1), XBF, XBB, XBB.1.5, XBB.1.9 and XBB.1.16),  from a phylogenetic point of view. We generate a multiple alignment of the spike sequences and analyzed the mutations exhibited by these variants. Based on these results, we proposed a new phylogenetic tree of omicron variants, which includes several possible unidentified intermediate variants, proving insight into the origin of omicron variants.
 
SARS-CoV-2 has been characterized as a virus that has accumulated a high number of mutations in the genome that have drastically modified the infection mechanism by increasing the spread of the virus and reducing its mortality, transforming the pandemic form of SARS-CoV-2 into an endemic infection.

Author(s) Details:

Emilia Caputo,
Institute of Genetics and Biophysics-IGB-CNR, “A. Buzzati-Traverso”, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy.

Luigi Mandrich,
Research Institute on Terrestrial Ecosystems-IRET-CNR, Via Pietro Castellino 111, 80131 Naples, Italy.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/IBS-V3/article/view/14251

Keywords: Phylogenetic analysis, infection, SARS-CoV-2

Esophagitis Due to Actinomycosis in a Previously Immunocompetent Patient with a History of Steroids Treatment for Sars-COV-2 Infection: A Case Report | Chapter 9 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 7

We present an unusual case of esophageal actinomycosis that was developed in a previously inmunocompetent patient with transitory inmunosuppresion originated for receiving steroids for SARS-CoV-2 infection treatment.  Esophageal actinomycosis is a very rare entity in immunocompetent patients. It presents with subacute course and usually responds poorly to antibiotics, with frequent develop-ment of local complications, such as esophagotracheal fistula.
 
We report a case of a 56-year-old female patient without chronic degenerative pathologies with a history of non-severe acute Sars-CoV-2 infection that  occurred two months prior to her presentation, treated with prednisone and betamethasone orally and inhaled respectively for 21 days. The pivotal symptom is dysphagia and to get to the definitive diagnosis requires a tissue culture of the affected organ or a biopsy revealing the classic sulphur granules. Currently, antibiotic treatment with beta-lactams, such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, is still effective, as it was in our patient. Antibiotic treatment with beta-lactams, such as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, is still effective, as it was in our patient, who had a significant improvement by removing symptoms.

Author(s) Details:

Zamora Harvey,
Department of General Surgery, ISSSTE Tepic General Hospital APP, Tepic, Nayarit, México.

Hernández Gustavo,
Department of de Medicina Interna, ISSSTE Tepic General Hospital APP, Tepic, Nayarit, México.

González Melina,
Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, Puerta de Hierro Hospital, Tepic, Nayarit, México.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/NVMMS-V7/article/view/14226

Stem Cell Therapy: A Potential Solution for Covid-19 | Chapter 1 | New Visions in Medicine and Medical Science Vol. 3

 Coronavirus (Covid-19) is a contagious and infectious disease that has caused a global pandemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared this a global pandemic as Covid-19 has spread throughout the world causing over 2.9 million deaths. Consequently, companies have manufactured vaccines to combat the spread of Covid-19 and protect those who become vaccinated. However, the current vaccines do not seem to be effective against the new variants of the virus that have emerged. Stem cell therapy could be an alternative. This study aims to find an alternative solution to combat the new variant of Covid-19. Stem cells therapy is a potential noninvasive method for treating the emerging variants of SARS-COV-2 that the coronavirus vaccine is ineffective against. The immunomodulatory effects from stem cell therapy can inhibit the immune system overactivation therefore lower the mortality rate by preventing or attenuating the cytokine storm caused by Covid-19. It can reduce time to recovery with its regenerative effects by repairing damages caused by Covid-19 and improving bodily functions. In addition, unlike most traditional medicine, no adverse effects have been observed after treatment. All this suggests that stem cell therapy is a promising and viable solution to combat and treat Covid-19. This study examined that the Covid-19 can potentially be treated by stem cell therapy as stem cells can greatly improve the symptoms of patients with mild, moderate, and severe coronavirus infections, and repair the damage.

Author(s) Details:

Fu Nan Wang,
American Stem Cell Base, Los Angeles, CA, USA and Stem Cell Life Science Corporation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Ming Chu Hsu,
American Stem Cell Base, Los Angeles, CA, USA and Stem Cell Life Science Corporation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Sebo Ling Wang,
American Stem Cell Base, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Sebo Gene Wang,
American Stem Cell Base, Los Angeles, CA, USA.

Wei Chun Chen,
Stem Cell Life Science Corporation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Tsung Dao Lee,
Stem Cell Life Science Corporation, New Taipei City, Taiwan.

Sebo Michelle Wang,
Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, USA.

Howard Doong,
LifeCode Biotech Company, Taipei, Taiwan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/NVMMS-V3/article/view/13948

Structural Insights into SARS-CoV-2 Transmission between Humans and Other Mammals | Chapter 11 | Advanced Research in Biological Science Vol. 6

This episode reported about Structural Understandings into SARS-CoV-2 transmission betwixt humans and other animals. Recent reports have proved multiple instances of dogs contracting harsh acute respiring syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) from their human owners. On Pace 27, 2020, it was determined that there had happened a case of SARS-CoV-2 transfer from a human owner to a household puma. It was also claimed that a cub from a New York, USA, wild had contracted SARS-CoV-2. It is believed that SARS-CoV-2 was communicated to tigers from their caretakers, who were earlier infected with this bug. On May 25, 2020, the Dutch Minister of Farming, Nature and Fare Quality reported that two staff members were infected accompanying SARS-CoV-2 transmitted from minks. The three-dimensional building of the KGDFR hosting protein domain involved in direct interplays with SARS-CoV-2 spike RBD of the personal outerwear ACE2 appears to form a loop structurally had connection with the human ACE2 corresponding protein loop, despite of the discounted available protein distance (401 residues of the mink ACE2 available series vs 805 residues of the human ACE2). There are concerns that SARS-CoV-2 maybe transmitted from humans to whitetail hoofed animal and from whitetail deer to humans. It has too been convinced that SARS-CoV-2 types that are currently undetectable in persons, such as beginning and delta types, are latently infected inside whitetail deer. The Planet Health Organization currently released a report on the potential risks of reciprocal contaminations regarding SARS-CoV-2 broadcast from animals to humans. In cases place the data exposed by our investigations can assist with accuracy vaccine design and the finding of antiviral therapeutics, which will speed the growth of medical countermeasures.

Author(s) Details:

Takuma Hayashi,
National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan and START, Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), Tokyo, Japan.

Kaoru Abiko,
National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan.

Masaki Mandai,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan.

Nobuo Yaegashi,
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Miyagi, Japan.

Ikuo Konishi,
National Hospital Organization Kyoto Medical Center, Kyoto, Japan and Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kyoto University School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan and Asian Society of Gynecologic Oncology, Tokyo, Japan.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/ARBS-V6/article/view/12844

Protecting the Endothelial Cells, Reducing the Mortality of COVID-19 | Chapter 21 | Diagnostic and Treatment Advances in COVID-19 and SARS-CoV-2

As the current pandemic of SARS-CoV-2, physicians and hepatologists should be aware of the potential detrimental effects of this infection on the short-term outcome of such a fragile patient population. Especially, extra attention should be paid to the protection of endothelial cells, and actively respond to the acute inflammatory due to the endothelial cell injury. This would make a positive effect on the treatment of cirrhosis patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection and reduce the mortality of COVID-19.

Author(s) Details:

Jianshe Yang,
Third Affiliated Hospital of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China.

Please see the link here: https://stm.bookpi.org/DTACSC/article/view/9573