-
Epidemiology and Infection Feb 2020Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections in young children. RSV is also a major viral... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common pathogen associated with acute lower respiratory tract infections in young children. RSV is also a major viral pathogen causing severe lung disease in the adult population, particularly among the elderly. We conducted a review of adult RSV studies published from January 1970 to February 2017 to determine the burden of disease among adults worldwide. There were no restrictions on health care setting or definition of RSV infection. A total of 1530 published studies were identified, 95 of which were included in this review. The incidence rates of hospitalised RSV acute respiratory tract infection (ARI) in adults >65 years old ranged from 7.3 to 13.0/105 population in Africa and Asia and from 190 to 254/105 population in the USA. Higher incidence rates (195-1790/105 population) were observed in adults ≥50 years old for outpatient or emergency visits in the USA. Of all ARI patients, RSV accounted for 1-10% in adults and 2-14% in patients with chronic diseases or transplantation. Given the limitations in the existing data, significant efforts should be made to generate evidence on the burden of RSV infections in adults and to estimate the potential impact of future preventive interventions.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cost of Illness; Female; Global Health; Hospitalization; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Young Adult
PubMed: 32052719
DOI: 10.1017/S0950268820000400 -
BMC Medicine Dec 2020Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus poses a global public health threat given severe and fatal zoonotic infections since 1997 and ongoing A(H5N1) virus... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) virus poses a global public health threat given severe and fatal zoonotic infections since 1997 and ongoing A(H5N1) virus circulation among poultry in several countries. A comprehensive assessment of the seroprevalence of A(H5N1) virus antibodies remains a gap and limits understanding of the true risk of A(H5N1) virus infection.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of published serosurveys to assess the risk of subclinical and clinically mild A(H5N1) virus infections. We assessed A(H5N1) virus antibody titers and changes in titers among populations with variable exposures to different A(H5N1) viruses.
RESULTS
Across studies using the World Health Organization-recommended seropositive definition, the point estimates of the seroprevalence of A(H5N1) virus-specific antibodies were higher in poultry-exposed populations (range 0-0.6%) and persons exposed to both human A(H5N1) cases and infected birds (range 0.4-1.8%) than in close contacts of A(H5N1) cases or the general population (none to very low frequencies). Seroprevalence was higher in persons exposed to A(H5N1) clade 0 virus (1.9%, range 0.7-3.2%) than in participants exposed to other clades of A(H5N1) virus (range 0-0.5%) (p < 0.05). Seroprevalence was higher in poultry-exposed populations (range 0-1.9%) if such studies utilized antigenically similar A(H5N1) virus antigens in assays to A(H5N1) viruses circulating among poultry.
CONCLUSIONS
These low seroprevalences suggest that subclinical and clinically mild human A(H5N1) virus infections are uncommon. Standardized serological survey and laboratory methods are needed to fully understand the extent and risk of human A(H5N1) virus infections.
Topics: Animals; Birds; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; Influenza in Birds; Influenza, Human; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Zoonoses
PubMed: 33261599
DOI: 10.1186/s12916-020-01836-y -
Intervirology 2019The John Cunningham virus (JCV) is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Anti-JCV antibody seropositivity is an important consideration in... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The John Cunningham virus (JCV) is the causative agent of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. Anti-JCV antibody seropositivity is an important consideration in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The reported prevalence of JCV in MS patients has been conflicting.
OBJECTIVE
We aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to estimate the pooled prevalence of anti-JCV antibody seropositivity in cases with MS.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, Ovid, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and gray literature including reference of included studies, and conference abstracts which were published up to April 2019. Two independent researchers independently assessed the articles.
RESULTS
The literature search found 181 articles. After eliminating duplicates, reviews, case reports, and trials, 15 articles remained. Finally, 8 articles were included for the final analysis (from Asia, Europe, the USA, and Canada). In total, 16,041 MS cases were analyzed. The prevalence of anti-JCV antibody seropositivity varied between 40 and 80%, and the pooled estimate was calculated as 60% (95% CI: 56-64%), though with significant heterogeneity (I2 = 95%, p = 0.01).
CONCLUSION
The prevalence of anti-JCV antibody seropositivity is variable among MS patients in different countries, and the pooled estimate showed that this is 60% overall.
PubMed: 32623436
DOI: 10.1159/000507367 -
Systematic Reviews Jan 2024The interaction between modelers and policymakers is becoming more common due to the increase in computing speed seen in recent decades. The recent pandemic caused by...
BACKGROUND
The interaction between modelers and policymakers is becoming more common due to the increase in computing speed seen in recent decades. The recent pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus was no exception. Thus, this study aims to identify and assess epidemiological mathematical models of SARS-CoV-2 applied to real-world data, including immunization for coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19).
METHODOLOGY
PubMed, JSTOR, medRxiv, LILACS, EconLit, and other databases were searched for studies employing epidemiological mathematical models of SARS-CoV-2 applied to real-world data. We summarized the information qualitatively, and each article included was assessed for bias risk using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) and PROBAST checklist tool. The PROSPERO registration number is CRD42022344542.
FINDINGS
In total, 5646 articles were retrieved, of which 411 were included. Most of the information was published in 2021. The countries with the highest number of studies were the United States, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom; no studies were found in low-income countries. The SEIR model (susceptible, exposed, infectious, and recovered) was the most frequently used approach, followed by agent-based modeling. Moreover, the most commonly used software were R, Matlab, and Python, with the most recurring health outcomes being death and recovery. According to the JBI assessment, 61.4% of articles were considered to have a low risk of bias.
INTERPRETATION
The utilization of mathematical models increased following the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Stakeholders have begun to incorporate these analytical tools more extensively into public policy, enabling the construction of various scenarios for public health. This contribution adds value to informed decision-making. Therefore, understanding their advancements, strengths, and limitations is essential.
Topics: Humans; United States; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Pandemics; Vaccination; Outcome Assessment, Health Care
PubMed: 38229123
DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02411-1