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The Urologic Clinics of North America Nov 2015Both urinary tract infection (UTI) and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) are common problems among elderly adults and represent a significant health care burden. Despite... (Review)
Review
Both urinary tract infection (UTI) and asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) are common problems among elderly adults and represent a significant health care burden. Despite their frequency, differentiating between ASB and true UTI remains controversial among health care providers. Several challenges exist in the evaluation of urinary symptoms in the elderly patient. Symptoms of UTI are variable; problems are encountered in the collection, testing, and interpretation of urine specimens; and results of urinalysis are often misinterpreted and mishandled. Multiple studies have shown no morbidity or mortality benefit to antibiotic therapy in either community or long-term care facility residents with ASB.
Topics: Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Asymptomatic Infections; Bacteriuria; Catheters, Indwelling; Device Removal; Homes for the Aged; Humans; Independent Living; Institutionalization; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Risk Factors; Urinary Catheters; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 26475952
DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2015.07.002 -
The Urologic Clinics of North America Nov 2015Bacteriuria during pregnancy may be classified as asymptomatic bacteriuria, infections of the lower urinary tract (cystitis), or infections of the upper urinary tract... (Review)
Review
Bacteriuria during pregnancy may be classified as asymptomatic bacteriuria, infections of the lower urinary tract (cystitis), or infections of the upper urinary tract (pyelonephritis). Lower tract bacteriuria is associated with an increased risk of developing pyelonephritis in pregnancy, which is itself associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Pregnant women should be screened for the presence of bacteriuria early in pregnancy. All bacteriuria in pregnancy should be treated, and antimicrobial choice in pregnancy should reflect safety for both the mother and the fetus. After treatment of bacteriuria, patients should be followed closely due to risk of recurrent bacteriuria.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Asymptomatic Infections; Bacteriuria; Contraindications; Cystitis; Female; Humans; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Pyelonephritis; Urinary Tract Infections
PubMed: 26475951
DOI: 10.1016/j.ucl.2015.05.004 -
Journal of Microbiology, Immunology,... Feb 2021Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in late December 2019, it has brought significant harm and challenges to over 200 countries and regions around...
Since the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in late December 2019, it has brought significant harm and challenges to over 200 countries and regions around the world. However, there is increasing evidence that many patients with COVID-19 are asymptomatic or have only mild symptoms, but they are able to transmit the virus to others. There are difficulties in screening for asymptomatic infections, which makes it more difficult for national prevention and control of this epidemic. This article reviews the characteristics, treatment, and outcomes of asymptomatic infections with COVID-19, hoping it would be helpful for early prevention and control of this severe public health threat worldwide.
Topics: Asymptomatic Infections; COVID-19; COVID-19 Nucleic Acid Testing; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 32425996
DOI: 10.1016/j.jmii.2020.05.001 -
Infectious Diseases of Poverty Jun 2020
Topics: Asymptomatic Infections; Betacoronavirus; COVID-19; China; Coronavirus Infections; Humans; Pandemics; Pneumonia, Viral; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 32564770
DOI: 10.1186/s40249-020-00679-2 -
Journal of Basic and Clinical... Sep 2021The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused and is still causing tremendous morbidity, mortality, and damage to our societies. The disease course of... (Review)
Review
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused and is still causing tremendous morbidity, mortality, and damage to our societies. The disease course of COVID-19 can be unpredictable ranging from asymptomatic infections to multi-organ failure and death. Transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) from an asymptomatic infected individual to others has been observed early in the pandemic. Asymptomatic individuals have been shown to have quantitative SARS-CoV-2 viral loads, there may or may not be radiological and/or laboratory abnormalities. No antiviral therapy has been approved for the treatment of asymptomatic SARS-CoV2- infection. The management of asymptomatic individuals at home requires that the person can be monitored for any signs and symptoms of deterioration and that the requirements for infection prevention and control measures can be fulfilled. It is crucial to properly diagnose and manage asymptomatic COVID-19 cases with effective testing, contact tracing, quarantine, and isolation strategies. Preventing asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections that have a major role in the unhindered transmission of the virus is a milestone to take control of the pandemic. Vaccination has been proven to be the crucial pillar for preventing asymptomatic infections and real-life data will continue to exhibit the effects of community vaccination in breaking the transmission chain of SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Topics: Asymptomatic Infections; COVID-19; Humans; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34517438
DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2021-0159 -
International Journal of Infectious... Sep 2023The burden of asymptomatic dengue infections is understudied. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature to estimate the global prevalence of asymptomatic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
The burden of asymptomatic dengue infections is understudied. Therefore, we systematically reviewed the literature to estimate the global prevalence of asymptomatic dengue infections.
METHODS
We searched cross-sectional studies reporting the prevalence of asymptomatic dengue infections from PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. Prevalence of asymptomatic dengue infections was pooled and reported as proportions with a 95% confidence interval (CI). This systematic review protocol was a priori registered in The International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Reg: No. CRD42020218446).
RESULTS
We included 41 studies with 131,953 cases in our analysis. The overall pooled prevalence of asymptomatic dengue infections was 59.26% (95% CI: 43.76-74.75, I = 99.93%), with 65.52% (95% CI: 38.73-92.32, I = 99.95%) during outbreaks and 30.78% (95% CI: 21.39-40.16, I = 98.78%) during non-outbreak periods. The pooled prevalence among the acutely infected individuals was 54.52% (95% CI: 17.73-46.76, I = 99.91%), whereas, among primary and secondary asymptomatic dengue infections, it was 65.36% (95% CI: 45.76-84.96, I = 98.82) and 48.99% (95% CI: 27.85-70.13, I = 99.08%) respectively.
CONCLUSION
The majority of dengue cases are asymptomatic and may play a significant role in disease transmission. Public health strategies aimed at dengue outbreak response and mitigation of disease burden should include early detection of asymptomatic cases.
Topics: Humans; Prevalence; Cross-Sectional Studies; Asymptomatic Infections; Coinfection; Dengue
PubMed: 37463631
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.07.010 -
Mathematical Biosciences and... Jul 2022In this paper, we propose a new mathematical model to study the epidemic and economic consequences of COVID-19, with a focus on the interaction between the disease...
In this paper, we propose a new mathematical model to study the epidemic and economic consequences of COVID-19, with a focus on the interaction between the disease transmission, the pandemic management, and the economic growth. We consider both the symptomatic and asymptomatic infections and incorporate the effectiveness of disease control into the respective transmission rates. Meanwhile, the progression of the pandemic and the evolution of the susceptible, infectious and recovered population groups directly impact the mitigation and economic development levels. We fit this model to the reported COVID-19 cases and unemployment rates in the US state of Tennessee, as a demonstration of a real-world application of the modeling framework.
Topics: Asymptomatic Infections; COVID-19; Humans; Models, Economic; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35942777
DOI: 10.3934/mbe.2022449 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2021Blocking malaria transmission is critical to malaria control programs but remains a major challenge especially in endemic regions with high levels of asymptomatic... (Review)
Review
Blocking malaria transmission is critical to malaria control programs but remains a major challenge especially in endemic regions with high levels of asymptomatic infections. New strategies targeting the transmissible sexual stages of the parasite, called gametocytes, are needed. This review focuses on gametocytogenesis and . Highlighting advances made elucidating genes required for gametocyte production and identifying key questions that remain unanswered such as the factors and regulatory mechanisms that contribute to gametocyte induction, and the mechanism of sequestration. Tools available to begin to address these issues are also described to facilitate advances in our understanding of this important stage of the life cycle.
Topics: Animals; Asymptomatic Infections; Life Cycle Stages; Malaria; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum
PubMed: 34926328
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.790067 -
Pathogens and Global Health Dec 2022Presently in India, high endemic zones of malaria are shifting towards low endemic zones and in this changing scenario, tackling the asymptomatic and low-density...
Presently in India, high endemic zones of malaria are shifting towards low endemic zones and in this changing scenario, tackling the asymptomatic and low-density infections (LDI) would be an important factor. Role of the asymptomatic and LDI in transmitting parasites successfully to mosquito vectors needs to be systematically investigated. We here highlight the limited work done on the burden of asymptomatic Plasmodium infections in India with an emphasis on its infectiousness, and infrastructure available for the detection of LDI. Studies reporting the threshold of gametocytes required for transmission of parasites are lacking for Indian malaria vectors. In the wake of malaria elimination target by 2030, specific point of care test is required to be developed for the detection of low density infections and/or asymptomatic patients. Also, mapping of asymptomatic malaria burden pan India and the role of LDI in vector infectivity would guide the way forward in achieving malaria elimination goal in India.
Topics: Animals; Humans; Malaria, Falciparum; Plasmodium falciparum; Malaria; Mosquito Vectors; India; Asymptomatic Infections
PubMed: 35979713
DOI: 10.1080/20477724.2022.2113304 -
Maternal & Child Nutrition Jan 2023Inadequate diet and frequent symptomatic infections are considered major causes of growth stunting in low-income countries, but interventions targeting these risk...
Inadequate diet and frequent symptomatic infections are considered major causes of growth stunting in low-income countries, but interventions targeting these risk factors have achieved limited success. Asymptomatic infections can restrict growth, but little is known about their role in global stunting prevalence. We investigated factors related to length-for-age Z-score (LAZ) at 24 months by constructing an interconnected network of various infections, biomarkers of inflammation (as assessed by alpha-1-acid glycoprotein [AGP]), and growth (insulin-like growth factor 1 [IGF-1] and collagen X biomarker [CXM]) at 18 months, as well as other children, maternal, and household level factors. Among 604 children, there was a continuous decline in mean LAZ and increased mean length deficit from birth to 24 months. At 18 months of age, the percentage of asymptomatic children who carried each pathogen was: 84.5% enterovirus, 15.5% parechovirus, 7.7% norovirus, 4.6% rhinovirus, 0.6% rotavirus, 69.6% Campylobacter, 53.8% Giardia lamblia, 11.9% malaria parasites, 10.2% Shigella, and 2.7% Cryptosporidium. The mean plasma IGF-1 concentration was 12.5 ng/ml and 68% of the children had systemic inflammation (plasma AGP concentration >1 g/L). Shigella infection was associated with lower LAZ at 24 months through both direct and indirect pathways, whereas enterovirus, norovirus, Campylobacter, Cryptosporidium, and malaria infections were associated with lower LAZ at 24 months indirectly, predominantly through increased systemic inflammation and reduced plasma IGF-1 and CXM concentration at 18 months.
Topics: Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Asymptomatic Infections; Biomarkers; Cryptosporidiosis; Cryptosporidium; Growth Disorders; Inflammation; Insulin-Like Growth Factor I; Malaria
PubMed: 36111423
DOI: 10.1111/mcn.13417