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The Journal of Hospital Infection Dec 2023Norovirus outbreaks in hospitals can potentially impair patient care and result in significant financial expenses. There is currently limited information on hospital... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Norovirus outbreaks in hospitals can potentially impair patient care and result in significant financial expenses. There is currently limited information on hospital norovirus outbreaks in the Chinese mainland.
AIM
To systematically review the published literature to describe the characteristics of norovirus outbreaks in Chinese mainland hospitals to facilitate prompt identification and control of outbreaks.
METHODS
A systematic review was performed according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis standards. Databases including PubMed, Web of Science, and Chinese Journals Online databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Wan Fang digital database (WANFANG) were searched from inception to July 18, 2022.
FINDINGS
A total of 41 norovirus Chinese hospital outbreaks occurring before July 18, 2022 were reported in 32 articles. Most reported outbreaks were from Shanghai and Beijing, and occurred in December and January. Cases were mainly adults. The male:female ratio was 1.22:1. The majority of cases in norovirus outbreaks were hospitalized patients (56.82%); medical staff were affected in 15 outbreaks. Norovirus outbreaks occurred in both private and public hospitals, and in secondary and tertiary care centres, and occurred mainly in internal medicine and geriatric departments. Person-to-person transmission was the primary transmission mode and GII was more prevalent.
CONCLUSION
Norovirus outbreaks in hospitals can affect both patients and healthcare workers, sometimes causing serious financial losses. In order to have a more complete understanding of the disease burden caused by norovirus outbreaks, surveillance needs to be established in hospitals.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Female; Humans; Male; Caliciviridae Infections; China; Disease Outbreaks; Gastroenteritis; Genotype; Hospitals, Public; Norovirus
PubMed: 37805116
DOI: 10.1016/j.jhin.2023.09.016 -
Autonomic Neuroscience : Basic &... Dec 2023To address recent concerns of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurring after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
PURPOSE
To address recent concerns of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) occurring after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination.
METHODS
We searched PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus as of 1st June 2023. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled POTS rate in SARS-CoV-2-infected and COVID-19-vaccinated groups from epidemiological studies, followed by subgroup analyses by characteristic. Meta-analysis of risk ratio was conducted to compare POTS rate in infected versus uninfected groups. Meta-analysis of demographics was also performed to compare cases of post-infection and post-vaccination POTS from case reports and series.
RESULTS
We estimated the pooled POTS rate of 107.75 (95 % CI: 9.73 to 273.52) and 3.94 (95 % CI: 0 to 16.39) cases per 10,000 (i.e., 1.08 % and 0.039 %) in infected and vaccinated individuals based on 5 and 2 studies, respectively. Meta-regression revealed age as a significant variable influencing 86.2 % variance of the pooled POTS rate in infected population (P < 0.05). Moreover, POTS was 2.12-fold more likely to occur in infected than uninfected individuals (RR = 2.12, 95 % CI: 1.71 to 2.62, P < 0.001). Meta-analyzed demographics for cases of post-infection (n = 43) and post-vaccination (n = 17) POTS found no significant differences in several variables between groups, except that the time from exposure to symptom onset was shorter for cases of post-vaccination POTS (P < 0.05).
CONCLUSION
Although evidence is limited for post-vaccination POTS, our study showed that POTS occur more frequently following SARS-CoV-2 infection than COVID-19 vaccination.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19 Vaccines; Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome; Demography
PubMed: 38000119
DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103132 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2023In recent years, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been witnessed globally. However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on thyroid dysfunction and... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
In recent years, the outbreak of COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been witnessed globally. However, the impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on thyroid dysfunction and subclinical thyroid dysfunction remains unclear. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to assess the effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection on thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with the severity of COVID-19.
METHODS
We systematically searched databases including PubMed, Willey Library, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP. We focused on randomized controlled trials, case-control studies, and cohort studies published between December 2019 and August 2023, examining the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hypothyroidism, with a specific emphasis on the severity of the infection. The quality of the research was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS), while statistical analysis was conducted using the meta and metafor packages in R 4.2.1 software.
RESULTS
For the meta-analysis, a total of eight articles were identified based on strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. For the association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hypothyroidism, three studies (266 samples) comparing TSH levels of COVID-19 and control groups showed no difference in TSH levels [SMD=-0.04,95%CI(-1.22,1.15),]. Additionally, two studies examining TT3 (a sample of 176 cases) and two studies examining TT4 (a sample of 176 cases) also showed no difference in TT3 and TT4 between the COVID-19 group and the control group, respectively. However, when evaluating the severity of COVID-19, six studies (565 samples) showed that TSH in the severe group was significantly lower than in the mild group [SMD = -0.55, 95% CI (-0.96, -0.14)], while FT3 was also lower in the severe group [SMD = -0.96, 95% CI (-1.24, -0.67)]. No noticeable differences were observed between the severe and mild groups in their TT3, FT4, and TT4 levels.
CONCLUSION
SARS-CoV-2 infection may have detrimental effects on thyroid function in individuals with severe symptoms. More research is needed to confirm and explore this relationship.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION
https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO, identifier CRD42023486042.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Hypothyroidism; Thyroid Diseases; Thyrotropin
PubMed: 38111709
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1291774 -
International Journal of Environmental... Dec 2023The outbreak of coronavirus disease in 2019 has become a serious threat to human health. Whether meteorological conditions could influence the transmission and virulence... (Review)
Review
The outbreak of coronavirus disease in 2019 has become a serious threat to human health. Whether meteorological conditions could influence the transmission and virulence of COVID-19 remains controversial. In this study, we systematically reviewed the impact of temperature and humidity on the replication, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19. We also discussed the main factors underlying the inconsistency across studies. Pubmed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus were used to identify papers published up to 7 December 2020. We initially identified 3515 papers, and 28 articles met the inclusion criteria after screening. Most studies showed high temperature and high humidity can partly reduce the reproduction, morbidity, and mortality of COVID-19. But the rest papers failed to identify a significant association. The discrepant results may be related to the difference in the climate context, study design, exposure assessment, policy intervention, socioeconomic status, and public health service.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Temperature; Climate; Meteorological Concepts
PubMed: 35674116
DOI: 10.1080/09603123.2022.2083090 -
Clinical and Experimental Medicine Nov 2023Some human polymorphisms of ACE1, ACE2, IFITM3, TMPRSS2 and TNFα genes may have an effect on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase the risk to develop... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Genetic polymorphisms of ACE1, ACE2, IFTM3, TMPRSS2 and TNFα genes associated with susceptibility and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
BACKGROUND
Some human polymorphisms of ACE1, ACE2, IFITM3, TMPRSS2 and TNFα genes may have an effect on the susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and increase the risk to develop severe COVID-19. We conducted a systematic review of current evidence to investigate the association of genetic variants of these genes with the susceptibility to virus infection and patient prognosis.
METHODS
We systematically searched Medline, Embase and The Cochrane Library for articles published until May 2022, and included observational studies covering genetic association of ACE1, ACE2, IFITM3, TMPRSS2 and TNFα genes with COVID-19 susceptibility or prognosis. We evaluated the methodological quality of included studies, and pooled data as convenient in meta-analysis (MA). Odds ratio (OR) values and 95% confidence intervals were calculated.
RESULTS
We included 35 studies (20 on ACE, 5 each on IFITM3, TMPRSS2, TNFα), enrolling 21,452 participants, of them 9401 were COVID-19 confirmed cases. ACE1 rs4646994 and rs1799752, ACE2 rs2285666, TMPRSS2 rs12329760, IFITM3 rs12252 and TNFα rs1800629 were identifies as common polymorphisms. Our MA showed an association between genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection for IFITM3 rs12252 CC (OR 5.67) and CT (OR 1.64) genotypes. Furthermore, MA uncovered that both ACE DD (OR 1.27) and IFITM3 CC (OR 2.26) genotypes carriers had a significantly increased risk of developing severe COVID-19.
DISCUSSION
These results provide a critical evaluation of genetic polymorphisms as predictors in SARS-CoV-2 infection. ACE1 DD and IFITM3 CC polymorphisms would lead to a genetic predisposition for severe lung injury in patients with COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2; COVID-19; Membrane Proteins; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Polymorphism, Genetic; RNA-Binding Proteins; SARS-CoV-2; Serine Endopeptidases; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha
PubMed: 37055652
DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01038-9 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Dec 2023The rapid emergence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs) has hindered vaccine uptake. To inform policy, we investigated the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccination... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The rapid emergence of COVID-19 variants of concern (VOCs) has hindered vaccine uptake. To inform policy, we investigated the effectiveness of the BNT162b2 vaccination among adolescents against symptomatic and severe COVID-19 diseases using mostly real-world data (15 studies). We searched international databases until May 2022 and used Cochrane's risk of bias tools for critical appraisal. Random effects models were used to examine overall vaccine effectiveness (VE) across studies (general inverse-variance) and the effect of circulating VOCs on VE (log relative ratio and VE). Meta-regression assessed the effect of age and time on VE (restricted-maximum likelihood). BNT162b2 VE against PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 was 82.7% (95%CI: 78.37-87.31%). VE was higher for severe (88%) than non-severe (35%) outcomes and declining over time improved following booster dose in omicron era [73%(95%CI:65-81%)]. Fully vaccinated adolescents are protected from COVID-19 circulating VOCs by BNT162b2 especially for the need of critical care or life support.
Topics: Adolescent; Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; BNT162 Vaccine; Vaccination; RNA, Messenger
PubMed: 37277959
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2214495 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Jan 2024On 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization declared the global mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international significance. The mpox virus (MPXV) that... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
On 23 July 2022, the World Health Organization declared the global mpox outbreak as a public health emergency of international significance. The mpox virus (MPXV) that caused the outbreak was classified as clade IIb, which belongs to the West African clade. However, the relationship between MPXV clades and symptoms, as well as the severity of mpox outcomes, is not fully understood. Thus, we aimed to investigate the global mpox prevalence and the differences in clinical manifestations and outcomes among patients with mpox between pre-outbreak (2003-2021) and the current mpox outbreak. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, and Google Scholar were searched using the keyword "monkeypox" and "mpox" up to 13 October 2022. A random effects model was used to obtain the pooled prevalence and 95% confidence intervals. This study included 27 articles, and 5698 patients with mpox with 19 distinctive features from 19 countries across five continents were assessed. Patients with mpox during the 2022 mpox outbreak showed mild clinical manifestations and outcomes compared with those before the 2022 mpox outbreak: mild rash (relative ratio [RR]: 5.09, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.52-17.08), fever (0.68, 0.49-0.94), pruritus (0.25, 0.19-0.32), myalgia (0.50, 0.31-0.81), headache (0.56, 0.35-0.88), skin ulcer (0.32, 0.17-0.59), abdominal symptom (0.29, 0.20-0.42), pharyngitis (0.32, 0.18-0.58), nausea or vomiting (0.15, 0.02-0.93), conjunctivitis (0.11, 0.03-0.38), concomitant infection with HIV (1.70, 0.95-3 0.04), and death (0.02, 0.001-0.31). MPXV clade IIb exhibited higher infectivity but may cause mild disease symptoms and low mortality rate. It is important to consider MPXV infection in patients with mpox-related features and/or a history of sexual transmission to prevent the spread of the disease and recognise the current pandemic threat.
Topics: Humans; Mpox (monkeypox); Disease Outbreaks; Public Health; Exanthema; Fever; HIV Seropositivity; HIV-1
PubMed: 38282393
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2508 -
Journal of Infection and Public Health Oct 2023The newly discovered coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has sparked a worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, which has caused havoc on medical infrastructures, economies, and cultures... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
The newly discovered coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has sparked a worldwide pandemic of COVID-19, which has caused havoc on medical infrastructures, economies, and cultures around the world. Determining the whole scenario is essential since SARS-CoV-2 variants and sub-variants keep appearing after vaccinations and booster doses. The objective of this secondary meta-analysis is to analysis co-infection, secondary infections, and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in COVID-19 patients. This study used five significant databases to conduct a systematic review and an overlap meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled estimates of co-infections and secondary infections. The summary of the meta-analysis showed an overall co-infection effect of 26.19% (95% confidence intervals CI: 21.39-31.01, I =98.78, n = 14 meta-analysis) among patients with COVID-19. A coinfection effect of 11.13% (95% CI: 9.7-12.56, I =99.14, n = 11 meta-analysis) for bacteria; 9.69% (95% CI: 1.21-7.90, I =98.33) for fungal and 3.48% (95% CI: 2.15-4.81, I =95.84) for viruses. A secondary infection effect of 19.03% (95% CI: 9.53-28.54, I =85.65) was pooled from 2 meta-analyses (Ave: 82 primary studies). This is the first study that compiles the results of all the previous three years meta-analyses into a single source and offers strong proof of co-infections and secondary infections in COVID-19 patients. Early detection of co-infection and AMR is crucial for COVID-19 patients in order to effective treatment.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Coinfection; SARS-CoV-2; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Drug Resistance, Bacterial
PubMed: 37572572
DOI: 10.1016/j.jiph.2023.07.005 -
Current Environmental Health Reports Dec 2023Metals and metalloids are known for their nutritional as well as toxic effects in humans. In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, understanding the role of metals on... (Review)
Review
PURPOSE OF REVIEW
Metals and metalloids are known for their nutritional as well as toxic effects in humans. In the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, understanding the role of metals on COVID-19 infection is becoming important due to their role in infectious diseases. During the past 2 years, a significant number of studies have examined the impact of metals and metalloids on COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. We conducted a systematic review of peer-reviewed manuscripts on the association of metals and metalloids with SARS-CoV-2 infection and COVID-19 severity published since the onset of the pandemic.
RECENT FINDINGS
We searched for epidemiological studies available through the PubMed database published from January 2020 to December 2022. Of 92 studies identified, 20 met our inclusion criteria. These articles investigated the association of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), chromium (Cr), and/or lead (Pb) levels on SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or COVID-19 severity. Of the ten metals and metalloids of interest that reported either positive, negative, or no associations, Zn yielded the highest number of articles (n = 13), followed by epidemiological studies on Se (n = 7) and Fe (n = 5). Elevated serum Zn and Se were associated with reduced COVID-19 severity and mortality. Similarly, higher levels of serum Fe were associated with lower levels of cellular damage and symptoms of SARS-CoV-2 infection and with faster recovery from COVID-19. On the other hand, higher serum and urinary Cu and serum Mg levels were associated with higher COVID-19 severity and mortality. Along with the positive or negative effects, some studies reported no impact of metals on SARS-CoV-2 infection. This systematic review suggests that metals, particularly Zn, Fe, and Se, may help reduce the severity of COVID-19, while Cu and Mg may aggravate it. Our review suggests that future pandemic mitigation strategies may evaluate the role of Zn, Se, and Fe as potential therapeutic interventions.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2; Metals; Zinc; Cadmium; Selenium; Metalloids; Epidemiologic Studies; Metals, Heavy
PubMed: 37665544
DOI: 10.1007/s40572-023-00409-4 -
The Journal of Infectious Diseases Nov 2023There is no immunization campaign that currently exist for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seroprevalence studies are critical for assessing epidemiological dynamics...
BACKGROUND
There is no immunization campaign that currently exist for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Seroprevalence studies are critical for assessing epidemiological dynamics before and during an immunization program. A systematic literature review was conducted to summarize the evidence from seroprevalence studies on RSV.
METHODS
A systematic search of age-dependent RSV seroprevalence was conducted using the PubMed database and EMBASE. Age-dependent force of infections (FoI) and the decay rate of immunity were estimated. A mixture finite model was used, estimating the age-dependent disease state and the antibody concentrations in susceptible and infected or recovered populations.
RESULTS
Twenty-one studies were identified from 15 countries, with studies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay being the most represented. Using a catalytic model, the age-dependent force of infection was estimated to be the lowest in infants aged 6 months to 1 year and increased in older age groups. The proportion ever-infected/recovered was estimated to be above 90% by 3 years of age.
CONCLUSIONS
The number of seroprevalence studies covering a broad range of ages are limited. The age-dependent FoI indicated that the risk of infection was greatest among those aged >5 years. Additional data using valid assays are required to describe the transmission dynamics of RSV infection.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Aged; Child, Preschool; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Antibodies, Viral; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
PubMed: 37161934
DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiad147