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Microbial Pathogenesis Feb 2020Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a small bacterium characterized by the absence of cell wall. It is a human pathogen causing upper and lower respiratory...
Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) is a small bacterium characterized by the absence of cell wall. It is a human pathogen causing upper and lower respiratory infections, both in adults and children. However, it is also considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of several types of extra-respiratory diseases, including some gastrointestinal disorders. The liver involvement in children during or after M. pneumoniae infections is analyzed and discussed in this review. Through a systematic literature search, it is evidenced that M. pneumoniae is not infrequently associated with alteration of liver function, but rarely causes acute and severe hepatitis in children. M. pneumoniae should be considered as an unusual cause of acute hepatitis in children, whenever the most common hepatotropic viruses have been excluded. The pathogenesis of M. pneumoniae-related hepatitis is likely to be immune-mediated: both the innate and adaptive immune responses may play a fundamental role. However, the exact pathological mechanisms have to be elucidated yet. Further clinical studies are needed in order to understand the actual relevance of this microorganism in liver disease and its pathogenesis.
Topics: Acute Disease; Child; Databases, Factual; Gastrointestinal Diseases; Hepatitis; Humans; Liver; Mycoplasma pneumoniae; Pneumonia, Mycoplasma
PubMed: 31712120
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2019.103863 -
Journal of Gastroenterology and... May 2023Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH) is an acute, inflammatory liver disease with severe short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality. AAH can lead to severe... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Alcohol-associated hepatitis (AAH) is an acute, inflammatory liver disease with severe short-term and long-term morbidity and mortality. AAH can lead to severe complications including hepatic failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, sepsis, and the development or decompensation of cirrhosis. Rifaximin is an antibiotic that reduces bacterial overgrowth and gut translocation, and it may have a role in decreasing systemic inflammation and infection in patients with AAH. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the role of rifaximin in the management of AAH.
METHODS
A comprehensive search strategy was used to identify studies that met our inclusion criteria in Embase, MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, Web of Science Core Collection, and Google Scholar. Outcomes of interest included rates of infection, 90-day mortality, and overall mortality between the rifaximin versus non-rifaximin group. Open Meta Analyst software was used to compute the results.
RESULTS
Three studies with a total of 162 patients were included in the final meta-analysis. Of the three studies, two were randomized control trials (RCTs), and one was a case-control study. There was a significantly lower rate of infection in the rifaximin group versus the non-rifaximin group (RR: 0.331, 95% CI: 0.159-0.689, I = 0%, P = 0.003). There was no significant difference in 90-day mortality in the rifaximin versus non-rifaximin group (RR: 0.743, 95% CI: 0.298-1.850, I = 24%, P = 0.523), nor was there a significant difference in overall mortality (RR: 0.624, 95% 95% CI: 0.299-1.3, I = 7.1%, P = 0.208).
CONCLUSIONS
The use of rifaximin in AAH is associated with a lower rate of infection rate than the non-rifaximin group. Additional research is needed to determine whether this effect is more pronounced in patients concurrently being treated with prednisolone. Differences in 90-day or overall mortality did not reach statistical significance. Further studies, particularly large randomized controlled trials, are needed to establish the role of rifaximin in AAH, especially as an adjunct therapy with prednisolone.
Topics: Humans; Rifaximin; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Liver Cirrhosis; Acute Disease; Case-Control Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 36919224
DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16179 -
Roczniki Panstwowego Zakladu Higieny 2022Background. SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the largest RNA viruses, included in the coronavirus group, showing tropism to airway epithelial cells. SARS-CoV-2 causes an acute...
BACKGROUND
Background. SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the largest RNA viruses, included in the coronavirus group, showing tropism to airway epithelial cells. SARS-CoV-2 causes an acute respiratory infectious disease, Covid-19. According to WHO reports, mortality due to Covid-19 is higher in the elderly and in those burdened with comorbidities such as diabetes, obstructive pulmonary disease, coronary artery disease, cancer, hypertension, hepatitis B, obesity or chronic kidney disease.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to review the current literature on the influence and importance of vitamin D levels on the course of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
MATERIAL AND METHOD
A systematic review of studies published from January 1, 2009 to June 31, 2021 has been performed. For this purpose, bibliographic databases such as PubMed and Scopus were searched. The following keywords and combinations were used: Covid-19, vitamin D, 25-hydroxy-vitamin D, vitamin D supplementation, SARS-CoV-2.
RESULTS
It has been shown that vitamin D plays an important role in the mechanisms of the innate immunity in the course of the acute respiratory infections. The overlapping factors of the severity of COVID-19 disease, vitamin D deficiency, and the prevalence of obesity, age scare, ethnicity, has led some researchers to hypothesize that vitamin D supplementation may be promising as a preventive or therapeutic measure for COVID-19.
CONCLUSIONS
A very important factor that has an immunomodulatory character is vitamin D, the adequate supplementation of which can be a preventive or therapeutic measure in case of SARS-CoV-2 infection, especially in elderly people, with obesity and other chronic diseases.
Topics: Aged; COVID-19; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins
PubMed: 35322953
DOI: 10.32394/rpzh.2022.0191 -
Food and Environmental Virology Sep 2022Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans, through foodborne, zoonotic, and waterborne transmission routes. This study aimed to assess the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is responsible for acute hepatitis in humans, through foodborne, zoonotic, and waterborne transmission routes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of HEV in water matrices. Six categories were defined: untreated and treated wastewater, surface water (river, lake, and seawater), drinking water, groundwater, and other water environments (irrigation water, grey water, reservoir water, flood water, and effluent of pig slaughterhouse). We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Global Index Medicus, and Excerpta Medica Database. Study selection and data extraction were performed by at least two independent investigators. Heterogeneity (I) was assessed using the χ test on the Cochran Q statistic and H parameter. Sources of heterogeneity were explored by subgroup analysis. This study is registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42021289116. We included 87 prevalence studies from 58 papers, 66.4% of which performed in Europe. The overall prevalence of HEV in water was 9.8% (95% CI 6.4-13.7). The prevalence was higher in untreated wastewater (15.1%) and lower in treated wastewater (3.8%) and in drinking water (4.7%). In surface water, prevalence was 7.4%, and in groundwater, the percentage of positive samples, from only one study available, was 8.3%. Overall, only 36.8% of the studies reported the genotype of HEV, with genotype 3 (HEV-3) prevalent (168 samples), followed by HEV-1 (148 sample), and HEV-4 (2 samples). High-income countries were the most represented with 59/87 studies (67.8%), while only 3/87 (3.5%) of the studies were performed in low-income countries. The overall prevalence obtained of this study was generally higher in industrialized countries. Risk of bias was low in 14.9% of the studies and moderate in 85.1%. The results of this review showed the occurrence of HEV in different waters environments also in industrialized countries with sanitation and safe water supplies. While HEV transmission to humans through water has been widely demonstrated in developing countries, it is an issue still pending in industrialized countries. Better knowledge on the source of pollution, occurrence, survival in water, and removal by water treatment is needed to unravel this transmission path.
Topics: Animals; Developed Countries; Drinking Water; Hepatitis E; Hepatitis E virus; Humans; Swine; Wastewater
PubMed: 36036329
DOI: 10.1007/s12560-022-09530-3 -
The Journal of Infection Jan 2024The sudden outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology (SAHUA) in the first half of 2022 affected more than 1010 children in 35 countries worldwide. Dire... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
The sudden outbreak of severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology (SAHUA) in the first half of 2022 affected more than 1010 children in 35 countries worldwide. Dire clinical outcomes, such as acute liver failure necessitating transplantation, neurological symptoms, long-term sequelae, and death, highlight the need to determine the pathogenesis of this condition. Hypotheses on the aetiology include adenovirus and SARS-CoV-2 infections and an aberrant immune response to multiple pathogen exposure following lifting of lockdown measures but further investigation is required to reach an informed consensus.
METHODS
A literature search was performed on MEDLINE and EMBASE in accordance with PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Primary studies reporting data on severe acute hepatitis of unknown aetiology in children from the COVID-19 era were selected for inclusion in our review. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentation and outcomes, and diagnostic testing for coinfection were extracted. Meta-analysis used a random-effects model.
RESULTS
The 33 included studies (30 case series and 3 case-control studies) described a total of 3636 cases of SAHUA (reported 1 January, 2019-31 December, 2022), with a median age of 3.5 years. Of these, 214 children (5.9%) received a liver transplant and 66 (1.8%) died. Whilst data on diagnostic testing was incomplete, the most frequently detected coinfections were with adenovirus and/or adeno-associated virus 2 (AAV2). Other common childhood respiratory and enteric pathogens, such as enterovirus, rhinovirus, and herpesviruses (EBV and HHV-6), were also identified.
CONCLUSION
Coinfection with AAV2 and other common childhood pathogens may predispose children to develop this novel severe hepatitis. Altered susceptibility and response to such pathogens may be a consequence of immunological naivety following pandemic restrictions. Further investigations are needed to generate high-quality evidence on aetiology for different patient demographics and geographical areas.
Topics: Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Coinfection; COVID-19; Disease Outbreaks; Pandemics; Hepatitis; Acute Disease
PubMed: 38007049
DOI: 10.1016/j.jinf.2023.11.011 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Nov 2022With 583 million inhabitants, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a worldwide hub for travel, migration, and food trade. However, there is a scarcity of data on...
INTRODUCTION
With 583 million inhabitants, the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a worldwide hub for travel, migration, and food trade. However, there is a scarcity of data on the epidemiology of the hepatitis A virus (HAV).
METHODS
The MEDLINE and grey literature were systematically searched for HAV epidemiological data relevant to the EMR region published between 1980 and 2020 in English, French, or Arabic.
RESULTS
Overall, 123 publications were extracted. The proportion of HAV cases among acute viral hepatitis cases was high. HAV seroprevalence rate ranged from 5.7% to 100.0% and it was decreasing over time while the average age at infection increased.
CONCLUSION
In the EMR, HAV remains a significant cause of acute viral hepatitis. The observed endemicity shift will likely increase disease burden as the population ages. Vaccinating children and adopting sanitary measures are still essential to disease prevention; vaccinating at-risk groups might reduce disease burden even further.
Topics: Child; Humans; Hepatitis A; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Hepatitis A virus; Hepatitis A Antibodies; Travel; Acute Disease
PubMed: 35617508
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2073146 -
Canadian Liver Journal 2021Since December 2019, there are 30 million confirmed cases of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. As of... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Since December 2019, there are 30 million confirmed cases of a novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. As of 2020, hepatitis B virus (HBV) affects more than 200 million people worldwide. Both are caused by viral agents. The short-term mortality rate from COVID-19 is much higher than that of HBV.
OBJECTIVE
We sought to understand the impact of HBV coinfection on hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
SEARCH METHODS
Searches of the literature were conducted in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase electronic databases.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included cohort studies and randomized studies with information on rates of mortality and intensive care unit (ICU) admission from individuals coinfected by HBV and COVID-19.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Data from six cohort studies with 2,015 patients were collected between January and April 2020, and the results were analyzed by meta-analysis.
MAIN RESULTS
HBV coinfection did not lead to increased mortality or ICU admission rates among individuals hospitalized for COVID-19 (risk ratio 0.79, 95% CI 0.333-1.83, = 2,015; adjusted OR = 0.79, 95% CI 0.31-1.98). During their hospital stay, coinfected patients did not appear to have an increased hospital length of stay or risk of hepatitis B reactivation.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review and meta-analysis provides support that HBV is not a significant risk factor for serious adverse outcomes among patients hospitalized for COVID-19 infection.
PubMed: 35991468
DOI: 10.3138/canlivj-2020-0029 -
The Science of the Total Environment Jun 2022Enteric viruses are of great importance in wastewater due to their high excretion from infected individuals, low removal in wastewater treatment processes, long-time... (Review)
Review
Enteric viruses are of great importance in wastewater due to their high excretion from infected individuals, low removal in wastewater treatment processes, long-time survival in the environment, and low infectious dose. Among the other viruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) surveillance in wastewater systems has received particular attention as a result of the current COVID-19 epidemic. Viruses adhering to solid particles in wastewater treatment processes will end up as sewage sludge, and therefore insufficient sludge treatment may result in viral particles dissemination into the environment. Here, we review data on viruses' presence in sewage sludge, their detection and concentration methods, and information on human health issues associated with sewage sludge land application. We used combinations of the following keywords in the Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and PubMed databases, which were published between 2010 and January 21th, 2022: sludge (sewage sludge, biosolids, sewage solids, wastewater solids) and virus (enteric virus, viral particles, viral contamination, SARS-CoV-2, coronavirus). The sources were searched twice, once with and then without the common enteric virus names (adenovirus, rotavirus, norovirus, enterovirus, hepatitis A virus). Studies suggest adenovirus and norovirus as the most prevalent enteric viruses in sewage sludge. Indeed, other viruses include rotavirus, hepatitis A virus, and enterovirus were frequently found in sewage sludge samples. Untreated biological sludge and thickened sludge showed more viral contamination level than digested sludge and the lowest prevalence of viruses was reported in lime stabilized sludge. The review reveals that land application of sewage sludge may pose viral infection risks to people due to accidently ingestion of sludge or intake of crops grown in biosolids amended soil. Moreover, contamination of groundwater and/or surface water may occur due to land application of sewage sludge.
Topics: Adenoviridae; Biosolids; COVID-19; Enterovirus; Humans; Norovirus; Rotavirus; SARS-CoV-2; Sewage; Viruses; Wastewater
PubMed: 35182626
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.153886 -
Translational Cancer Research Apr 2022Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the main types of leukemia that threatens the life and health of patients. A large number of clinical studies have been conducted...
BACKGROUND
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the main types of leukemia that threatens the life and health of patients. A large number of clinical studies have been conducted on the etiology of the disease. However, there are few evidence-based medical studies and no definitive treatment guidelines.
METHODS
Related articles were searched from Medline, Excerpta Medica Database (EMBASE), EBSCO, OVID, Chinese Biology Medicine Disc (CBMDISC), and Wanfang databases. The search time limit was from the establishment of the database to September 2021. The search terms were as follows: acute myeloid leukemia, AML, electromagnetic field, case-control study, cohort study, and risk factors. All literatures were included according to PICOS standards, and the risk of deviation and literature quality were assessed. RevMan 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.
RESULTS
The 10 articles included were of high quality and low bias risk. The research results showed that compared with healthy people, among the risk factors for AML, family tumor history [risk ratio (RR) =0.98; 95% confidence interval (CI): (0.57, 1.69); Z=0.08; P=0.94] and the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection rate [odds ratio (OR) =1.34; 95% CI: (0.57, 3.13); Z=0.68; P=0.50] showed no significant differences, but the hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection rate [OR =1.60; 95% CI: (1.17, 2.19); Z=2.92; P=0.003] and environmental exposure rate [OR =1.49; 95% CI: (1.01, 2.21); Z=2.02; P=0.04] increased significantly.
CONCLUSIONS
A total of 10 articles were included to analyze AML risk factors and related content. The results suggested that HCV infection and environmental exposure history such as home decoration were risk factors for AML.
PubMed: 35571664
DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-27 -
BMC Public Health Nov 2023Hepatitis E can potentially progress to HEV-related acute liver failure (HEV-ALF). East and South Asia bear a substantial burden of HEV infection, with Bangladesh,... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis E can potentially progress to HEV-related acute liver failure (HEV-ALF). East and South Asia bear a substantial burden of HEV infection, with Bangladesh, China, and India facing the most severe threat in this region. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the burden of HEV-ALF in these three high-risk countries.
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed utilizing PubMed, the Cochrane Library, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. Studies in English or Chinese that reported data on the burden of HEV-ALF in Bangladesh, China and India were included. Outcomes were pooled with meta-analysis utilizing R software. Estimates were calculated with random-effects models, and subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis were conducted to address heterogeneity. Egger's test and Begg's test were performed to assess publication bias.
RESULTS
A total of 20 eligible studies were included in this study. The pooled HEV-attributable proportion of viral-related acute liver failure was estimated to be 40.0% (95% CI: 0.28-0.52), 30.0% (95% CI: 0.18-0.44), and 61.0% (95% CI: 0.49-0.72) among non-pregnant individuals in India, China and Bangladesh, while in Indian pregnant females, it was 71.0% (95% CI: 0.62-0.79). The combined prevalence among non-pregnant HEV-infected participants was 28.0% (95% CI: 0.20-0.37) and 10.0% (95% CI: 0.01-0.28) in India and China, and it was 34.0% (95% CI: 0.27-0.42) in Indian pregnant females with HEV infection. The overall mortality of HEV-ALF was estimated to be 32.0% (95% CI: 0.23-0.42) and 64.0% (95% CI: 0.50-0.77) among the non-pregnant and the pregnant participants in India, and it was 23.0% (95% CI: 0.14-0.34) in Chinese non-pregnant participants.
CONCLUSIONS
The burden of HEV-ALF in Bangladesh, China, and India is non-negligible despite geographic and population heterogeneity. The prevention of HEV infection and early recognition of HEV-ALF are of great significance, especially in high-risk countries and populations.
REGISTRATION
PROSPERO registration ID is CRD42022382101.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Humans; Bangladesh; Hepatitis E virus; Liver Failure, Acute; India; China
PubMed: 38031080
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-17302-2