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Journal of Translational Medicine Oct 2023Myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term disabling illness without a medically explained cause. Recently during COVID-19 pandemic, many... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Myalgic encephalitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) is a long-term disabling illness without a medically explained cause. Recently during COVID-19 pandemic, many studies have confirmed the symptoms similar to ME/CFS in the recovered individuals. To investigate the virus-related etiopathogenesis of ME/CFS, we conducted a systematic assessment of viral infection frequency in ME/CFS patients.
METHODS
We conducted a comprehensive search of PubMed and the Cochrane Library from their inception through December 31, 2022, using selection criteria of viral infection prevalence in ME/CFS patients and controls. Subsequently, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the extent of viral infections' contribution to ME/CFS by comparing the odds ratio between ME/CFS patients and controls (healthy and/or diseased).
RESULTS
Finally, 64 studies met our eligibility criteria regarding 18 species of viruses, including a total of 4971 ME/CFS patients and 9221 control subjects. The participants included healthy subjects and individuals with one of 10 diseases, such as multiple sclerosis or fibromyalgia. Two DNA viruses (human herpes virus (HHV)-7 and parvovirus B19, including their co-infection) and 3 RNA viruses (borna disease virus (BDV), enterovirus and coxsackie B virus) showed odds ratios greater than 2.0 compared with healthy and/or diseased subjects. Specifically, BDV exceeded the cutoff with an odds ratio of ≥ 3.47 (indicating a "moderate association" by Cohen's d test) compared to both healthy and diseased controls.
CONCLUSION
This study comprehensively evaluated the risk of viral infections associated with ME/CFS, and identified BDV. These results provide valuable reference data for future studies investigating the role of viruses in the causation of ME/CFS.
Topics: Humans; Encephalitis; Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic; Fibromyalgia; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 37898798
DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04635-0 -
Microbial Pathogenesis Apr 2023The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and potential association between infection with different herpes viruses and multiple sclerosis (MS). (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
AIM
The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence and potential association between infection with different herpes viruses and multiple sclerosis (MS).
METHODS
A systematic literature search was performed by finding relevant cross-sectional and case-control studies from a large online database. Heterogeneity, Odds ratio (OR), and corresponding 95% Confidence interval (CI) were applied to all studies by meta-analysis and forest plots. The analysis was performed using Stata Software v.14.
RESULTS
One hundred and thirty-four articles (289 datasets) were included in the meta-analysis, 128 (245 datasets) of which were case/control and the rest were cross-sectional. The pooled prevalence of all human herpes viruses among MS patients was 50% (95% CI: 45-55%; I2 = 96.91%). In subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), Human herpes virus 7 (HHV-7), and Human herpes virus 8 (HHV-8) was 32%, 52%, 74%, 41%, 39% 28%, and 28%, respectively. An association was found between infection with human herpes viruses and MS [summary OR 2.07 (95% CI (1.80-2.37); I2 = 80%)].
CONCLUSION
The results of the present study showed that EBV, VZV, and HHV-6 infection are associated with multiple sclerosis and can be considered as potential risk factors for MS. Although the exact molecular mechanism of the role of herpes viruses in the development of MS is still unknown, it seems that molecular mimicry, the release of autoreactive antibodies, and inflammation in the CNS following viral infection can be important factors in the induction of MS.
Topics: Humans; Multiple Sclerosis; Epstein-Barr Virus Infections; Herpesvirus 4, Human; Simplexvirus; Herpesviridae Infections; Herpesvirus 3, Human; Viruses
PubMed: 36775211
DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2023.106031 -
Viruses Mar 2021Plant viral diseases are the foremost threat to sustainable agriculture, leading to several billion dollars in losses every year. Many viruses infecting several crops... (Review)
Review
Plant viral diseases are the foremost threat to sustainable agriculture, leading to several billion dollars in losses every year. Many viruses infecting several crops have been described in the literature; however, new infectious viruses are emerging frequently through outbreaks. For the effective treatment and prevention of viral diseases, there is great demand for new techniques that can provide accurate identification on the causative agents. With the advancements in biochemical and molecular biology techniques, several diagnostic methods with improved sensitivity and specificity for the detection of prevalent and/or unknown plant viruses are being continuously developed. Currently, serological and nucleic acid methods are the most widely used for plant viral diagnosis. Nucleic acid-based techniques that amplify target DNA/RNA have been evolved with many variants. However, there is growing interest in developing techniques that can be based in real-time and thus facilitate in-field diagnosis. Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based innovative methods have shown great potential to detect multiple viruses simultaneously; however, such techniques are in the preliminary stages in plant viral disease diagnostics. This review discusses the recent progress in the use of NGS-based techniques for the detection, diagnosis, and identification of plant viral diseases. New portable devices and technologies that could provide real-time analyses in a relatively short period of time are prime important for in-field diagnostics. Current development and application of such tools and techniques along with their potential limitations in plant virology are likewise discussed in detail.
Topics: Crops, Agricultural; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Plant Diseases; Plant Viruses; Polymerase Chain Reaction; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 33807625
DOI: 10.3390/v13030412 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Apr 2021While the landscape of vaccine and treatment candidates against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reviewed systematically, prophylactic candidates...
BACKGROUND
While the landscape of vaccine and treatment candidates against the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been reviewed systematically, prophylactic candidates remain unexplored.
OBJECTIVES
To map pre- and postexposure prophylactic (PrEP and PEP) candidate for COVID-19.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed/Medline, Embase, International Committee of Medical Journal Editors and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform clinical trial registries and medRxiv.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND PARTICIPANTS
All studies in humans or animals and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in humans reporting primary data on prophylactic candidates against COVID-19, excluding studies focused on key populations.
INTERVENTIONS
PrEP and PEP candidate for COVID-19.
METHODS
Systematic review and qualitative synthesis of COVID-19 PrEP and PEP studies and RCTs complemented by search of medRxiv and PubMed and Embase for studies reporting RCT outcomes since systematic review search completion.
RESULTS
We identified 13 studies (from 2119 database records) and 117 RCTs (from 5565 RCTs listed in the registries) that met the inclusion criteria. Non-RCT studies reported on cross-sectional studies using hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) in humans (n = 2) or reported on animal studies (n = 7), most of which used antibodies. All five completed RCTs focused on the use of HCQ as either PrEP or PEP, and these and the cross-sectional studies reported no prophylactic effect. The majority of ongoing RCTs evaluated HCQ or other existing candidates including non-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) vaccines, anti(retro)virals or use of vitamins and supplements.
CONCLUSIONS
The key message from completed studies and RCTs seems to be that HCQ does not work. There is little evidence regarding other compounds, with all RCTs using candidates other than HCQ still ongoing. It remains to be seen if the portfolio of existing molecules being evaluated in RCTs will identify successful prophylaxis against COVID-19 or if there is a need for the development of new candidates.
Topics: Animals; Antibodies, Monoclonal; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Antibodies, Viral; Antimalarials; Antiviral Agents; COVID-19; Humans; Hydroxychloroquine; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; SARS-CoV-2; Vaccines
PubMed: 33476807
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.01.013 -
Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics Jan 2020The liver has a critical role in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to a spectrum of liver...
BACKGROUND
The liver has a critical role in the metabolism of glucose and lipids. Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection leads to a spectrum of liver disease including chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has a rising incidence owing to an epidemic of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and obesity. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is a liver manifestation of MetS and has become the most common cause of chronic liver disease worldwide.
AIM
To summarise the interplay among hepatitis viruses, MetS and its components.
METHODS
We searched the literature about HBV, HCV infection, MetS, fatty liver and its components from PubMed.
RESULTS
With respect to the viral replication cycle, lipids are important mediators between viral entry and hepatocyte in HCV infection, but not in HBV infection. Thus, HCV infection is inversely associated with hyperlipidaemia and lipid rebound occurs following sustained viral response induced by interferon-based therapy or direct antiviral agents. In addition, HCV infection is positively associated with insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, MetS and the risk of T2DM and atherosclerosis. In contrast, HBV infection may protect infected subjects from the development of MetS and hepatic steatosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that HBV infection is inversely associated with lipid metabolism, and exhibits no conclusive association with insulin resistance or the risk of T2DM and arteriosclerosis.
CONCLUSIONS
In patients with viral hepatitis and concurrent metabolic diseases, a multidisciplinary approach should be given rather than simply antiviral treatment.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis B, Chronic; Hepatitis C, Chronic; Humans; Incidence; Liver Cirrhosis; Liver Neoplasms; Metabolic Diseases; Metabolic Syndrome; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; Obesity
PubMed: 31746482
DOI: 10.1111/apt.15575 -
Digestive Diseases and Sciences Jul 2021Infectious etiologies are rare cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). We sought to investigate the frequency of viral-attributed AP (VIAP) and describe its natural course and...
Infectious etiologies are rare cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). We sought to investigate the frequency of viral-attributed AP (VIAP) and describe its natural course and clinical features. Comprehensive review of PubMed and EMBASE in English until December 31, 2019, was performed. AP diagnosis and severity were defined per the Revised Atlanta Classification. Viral infections were diagnosed by serology and/or histology. A diagnosis of viral infection, with a concurrent AP diagnosis, a temporal resolution of both entities, and the attempt to exclude the most common etiologies of AP defined VIAP. Two independent reviewers reviewed eligible publications. Bias risk was assessed with the Murad tool. A total of 209 cases identified in 128 publications met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 38.9 ± 1.28 years. Male-to-female ratio was 2.2:1, and 28% of patients were immunocompromised. Viral hepatitis (A, B, C, D and E) was the most common virus and accounted for 34.4% of cases, followed by coxsackie and echoviruses (14.8%), hemorrhagic fever viruses (12.4%), CMV (12.0%), VZV (10.5%), mumps and measles (3.8%), primary HIV infection (3.8%), HSV (1.9%), EBV (1.9%), and the remainder of cases (2.9%) attributed to adenovirus, influenza H1N1, and multiple viruses. Severity of AP was: 43.1% mild, 11.7% moderately severe, 32.4% severe. Death occurred in 42 (20.1%) patients. A significant portion of VIAP patients were immunocompromised (28.0%) and accounted for 71.4% of mortality cases. Mortality was higher than that reported for AP from other etiologies in the literature.
Topics: Humans; Pancreatitis; Prognosis; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 32789532
DOI: 10.1007/s10620-020-06531-9 -
PloS One 2021Detecting viruses, which have significant impact on health and the economy, is essential for controlling and combating viral infections. In recent years there has been a...
Detecting viruses, which have significant impact on health and the economy, is essential for controlling and combating viral infections. In recent years there has been a focus towards simpler and faster detection methods, specifically through the use of electronic-based detection at the point-of-care. Point-of-care sensors play a particularly important role in the detection of viruses. Tests can be performed in the field or in resource limited regions in a simple manner and short time frame, allowing for rapid treatment. Electronic based detection allows for speed and quantitative detection not otherwise possible at the point-of-care. Such approaches are largely based upon voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, field effect transistors, and similar electrical techniques. Here, we systematically review electronic and electrochemical point-of-care sensors for the detection of human viral pathogens. Using the reported limits of detection and assay times we compare approaches both by detection method and by the target analyte of interest. Compared to recent scoping and narrative reviews, this systematic review which follows established best practice for evidence synthesis adds substantial new evidence on 1) performance and 2) limitations, needed for sensor uptake in the clinical arena. 104 relevant studies were identified by conducting a search of current literature using 7 databases, only including original research articles detecting human viruses and reporting a limit of detection. Detection units were converted to nanomolars where possible in order to compare performance across devices. This approach allows us to identify field effect transistors as having the fastest median response time, and as being the most sensitive, some achieving single-molecule detection. In general, we found that antigens are the quickest targets to detect. We also observe however, that reports are highly variable in their chosen metrics of interest. We suggest that this lack of systematisation across studies may be a major bottleneck in sensor development and translation. Where appropriate, we use the findings of the systematic review to give recommendations for best reporting practice.
Topics: Electronics; Humans; Point-of-Care Systems; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 34591907
DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0258002 -
Revista Brasileira de Enfermagem 2021Analyze available evidence related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vertical transmission. (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVE
Analyze available evidence related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and vertical transmission.
METHODS
Scoping review, according to the Joanna Briggs Institute and PRISMA-ScR. Searches were conducted in five electronic databases to find publications about coronavirus infection and vertical transmission. Data were extracted, analyzed and synthesized by three independent researchers using a descriptive approach.
RESULTS
The search resulted in 76 publications. After selective steps, 15 articles - retrospective descriptive or case studies - were analyzed, all in English. In order to track the infection, specimens were collected from neonates through nasal swabs and C-reactive protein from breast milk, cord blood, amniotic fluid, placenta and vaginal secretion was analyzed. A small percentage of neonates tested positive for COVID-19, but these cases were not attributed to vertical transmission.
CONCLUSION
Vertical transmission could not be demonstrated. Research protocol registered with the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/fawmv).
Topics: C-Reactive Protein; COVID-19; DNA, Viral; Female; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infectious Disease Transmission, Vertical; Pandemics; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34037165
DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2020-0849 -
Frontiers in Immunology 2021Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while only a subset of patients experience clinical benefit. We aimed to... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND AND AIM
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have been widely used in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while only a subset of patients experience clinical benefit. We aimed to investigate the effects of viral etiology on response to ICIs in HCC and depict the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of virally infected and uninfected HCC.
METHODS
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane central register of controlled trials up to August 2021. Clinical trials reporting the efficacy of ICIs in HCC were eligible. Baseline characteristics including first author, year of publication, National Clinical Trials (NCT) registry number, study region, sample sizes, interventions, line of treatment, and viral status were extracted. Meta-analysis was conducted to generate combined odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) based on random or fixed effect model, depending on heterogeneity. Tumor immune microenvironment was depicted using ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithm.
RESULTS
Eight studies involving 1,520 patients were included. Combined data suggested that there was no significant difference of objective response rate (ORR) between virally infected HCC and non-viral HCC patients [OR = 1.03 (95% CI, 0.77-1.37; I = 30.9%, p = 0.152)]. Similarly, difference was not observed on ORR between HBV-HCC and HCV-HCC patients [OR = 0.74 (95% CI, 0.52-1.06; I = 7.4%, p = 0.374)]. The infiltration of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment did not differ by etiology except for M0 macrophages, M2 macrophages, regulatory T cells, naive B cells, follicular helper T cells, activated dendritic cells, activated mast cells, and plasma cells. Despite differences in infiltration observed in specific cell types, the immune score and stromal score were generally comparable among etiology groups.
CONCLUSION
Viral etiology may not be considered as the selection criteria for patients receiving ICIs in HCC, and viral status has little impact on TIME remodeling during HCC tumorigenesis.
Topics: Animals; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis C; Humans; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors; Immunotherapy; Liver Neoplasms; Tumor Microenvironment
PubMed: 34659220
DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.733530 -
BioMed Research International 2021Coinfections have a potential role in increased morbidity and mortality rates during pandemics. Our investigation is aimed at evaluating the viral coinfection prevalence... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
BACKGROUND
Coinfections have a potential role in increased morbidity and mortality rates during pandemics. Our investigation is aimed at evaluating the viral coinfection prevalence in COVID-19 patients.
METHODS
We systematically searched scientific databases, including Medline, Scopus, WOS, and Embase, from December 1, 2019, to December 30, 2020. Preprint servers such as medRxiv were also scanned to find other related preprint papers. All types of studies evaluating the viral coinfection prevalence in COVID-19 patients were considered. We applied the random effects model to pool all of the related studies.
RESULTS
Thirty-three studies including 10484 patients were identified. The viral coinfection estimated pooled prevalence was 12.58%; 95% CI: 7.31 to 18.96). Blood viruses (pooled prevalence: 12.48%; 95% CI: 8.57 to 16.93) had the most frequent viral coinfection, and respiratory viruses (pooled prevalence: 4.32%; 95% CI: 2.78 to 6.15) had less frequent viral coinfection. The herpesvirus pooled prevalence was 11.71% (95% CI: 3.02 to 24.80). Also, the maximum and minimum of viral coinfection pooled prevalence were in AMRO and EMRO with 15.63% (95% CI: 3.78 to 33.31) and 7.05% (95% CI: 3.84 to 11.07), respectively.
CONCLUSION
The lowest rate of coinfection belonged to respiratory viruses. Blood-borne viruses had the highest coinfection rate. Our results provide important data about the prevalence of blood-borne viruses among COVID-19 patients which can be critical when it comes to their treatment procedure.
Topics: COVID-19; Coinfection; Humans; Pandemics; Prevalence; SARS-CoV-2; Virus Diseases; Viruses
PubMed: 34485513
DOI: 10.1155/2021/5313832