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Respiratory Research Jun 2024The concurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses is unstoppable and represents a new diagnostic reality for clinicians and clinical microbiology...
BACKGROUND
The concurrent circulation of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses is unstoppable and represents a new diagnostic reality for clinicians and clinical microbiology laboratories. Multiplexed molecular testing on automated platforms that focus on the simultaneous detection of multiple respiratory viruses in a single tube is a useful approach for current and future diagnosis of respiratory infections in the clinical setting.
METHODS
Two time periods were included in the study: from February to April 2022, an early 2022 period, during the gradual lifting of COVID-19 prevention measures in the country, and from October 2022 to April 2023, the 2022/23 respiratory infections season. We analysed a total of 1,918 samples in the first period and 18,131 respiratory samples in the second period using a multiplex molecular assay for the simultaneous detection of Influenza A (Flu-A), Influenza B (Flu-B), Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (HRSV) and SARS-CoV-2.
RESULTS
The results from early 2022 showed a strong dominance of SARS-CoV-2 infections with 1,267/1,918 (66.1%) cases. Flu-A was detected in 30/1,918 (1.6%) samples, HRSV in 14/1,918 (0.7%) samples, and Flu-B in 2/1,918 (0.1%) samples. Flu-A/SARS-CoV-2 co-detections were observed in 11/1,267 (0.9%) samples, and HRSV/SARS-CoV-2 co-detection in 5/1,267 (0.4%) samples. During the 2022/23 winter respiratory season, SARS-CoV-2 was detected in 1,738/18,131 (9.6%), Flu-A in 628/18,131 (3.5%), Flu-B in 106/18,131 (0.6%), and HRSV in 505/18,131 (2.8%) samples. Interestingly, co-detections were present to a similar extent as in early 2022.
CONCLUSION
The results show that the multiplex molecular approach is a valuable tool for the simultaneous laboratory diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2, Flu-A/B, and HRSV in hospitalized and outpatients. Infections with Flu-A/B, and HRSV occurred shortly after the COVID-19 control measures were lifted, so a strong reoccurrence of various respiratory infections and co-detections in the post COVID-19 period was to be expected.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Influenza B virus; Influenza, Human; SARS-CoV-2; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Influenza A virus; Male; Female; Coinfection; Middle Aged; Adult; Molecular Diagnostic Techniques; Seasons; Aged
PubMed: 38840154
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-024-02862-7 -
Pediatric Allergy and Immunology :... Jun 2024Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. RSV bronchiolitis is associated with an increased risk of subsequent wheezing. We...
BACKGROUND
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is the leading cause of hospitalization in infants. RSV bronchiolitis is associated with an increased risk of subsequent wheezing. We aimed to document the parents' perception of the link between RSV infection and subsequent wheezing, wheezing-related healthcare and family resources use, and its impact on family daily life.
METHODS
This cross-sectional online survey enrolled 1200 parents with at least one child ≤6y living in the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, and Italy. Children diagnosed with RSV bronchiolitis before age of 2 years were included in the RSV group, and those never diagnosed with RSV bronchiolitis in the Reference group.
RESULTS
The odds of wheezing were 4.5-fold (95%CI 3.5-5.9) higher in the RSV than in the Reference group. The odds increased to 7.7-fold (95%CI 5.4-11.1) among children who were hospitalized, and 9-fold (95%CI 5.1-16.6) among those admitted to pediatric intensive care with RSV bronchiolitis. Similar trends were observed across all countries. In total, 57% of parents reported their child's wheezing to have moderate to severe impact on their emotional well-being, and 53% on their daily life activities and/or social life. 64% of parents reported moderate-severe impact of wheezing on child's quality of sleep and 49% and 46% reported a moderate-severe impact on their children's emotional well-being and physical activities.
CONCLUSIONS
This survey suggests an association between RSV infection and subsequent wheezing in children across different countries. Wheezing, especially in association with RSV infection, was associated with increased healthcare utilization and costs, and significantly impacted parents' and children daily life.
Topics: Humans; Respiratory Sounds; Cross-Sectional Studies; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Parents; Male; Female; Infant; Child, Preschool; Italy; Surveys and Questionnaires; Spain; United Kingdom; United States; Hospitalization; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Adult; Child; Cost of Illness
PubMed: 38837464
DOI: 10.1111/pai.14169 -
Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology Jun 2024Vacuum foam drying (VFD) has been shown to improve the thermostability and long-term shelf life of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). This study optimized the VFD process to...
Vacuum foam drying (VFD) has been shown to improve the thermostability and long-term shelf life of Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV). This study optimized the VFD process to improve the shelf life of NDV at laboratory-scale and then tested the optimized conditions at pilot-scale. The optimal NDV to T5 formulation ratio was determined to be 1:1 or 3:2. Using the 1:1 virus to formulation ratio, the optimal filling volumes were determined to be 13-17% of the vial capacity. The optimized VFD process conditions were determined to be at a shelf temperature of 25℃ with a minimum overall drying time of 44 h. The vaccine samples prepared using these optimized conditions at laboratory-scale exhibited virus titer losses of ≤ 1.0 log with residual moisture content (RMC) below 3%. Furthermore, these samples were transported for 97 days around China at ambient temperature without significant titer loss, thus demonstrating the thermostability of the NDV-VFD vaccine. Pilot-scale testing of the NDV-VFD vaccine at optimized conditions showed promising results for up-scaling the process as the RMC was below 3%. However, the virus titer loss was slightly above 1.0 log (approximately 1.1 log). Therefore, the NDV-VFD process requires further optimization at pilot scale to obtain a titer loss of ≤ 1.0 log. Results from this study provide important guidance for possible industrialization of NDV-VFD vaccine in the future. KEY POINTS: • The process optimization and scale-up test of thermostable NDV vaccine prepared through VFD is reported for the first time in this study. • The live attenuated NDV-VFD vaccine maintained thermostability for 97 days during long distance transportation in summer without cold chain conditions. • The optimized NDV-VFD vaccine preparations evaluated at pilot-scale maintained acceptable levels of infectivity after preservation at 37℃ for 90 days, which demonstrated the feasibility of the vaccine for industrialization.
Topics: Newcastle disease virus; Pilot Projects; Newcastle Disease; Viral Vaccines; Vacuum; Animals; Temperature; Chickens; Desiccation; China; Drug Stability; Viral Load
PubMed: 38836885
DOI: 10.1007/s00253-024-13174-7 -
Frontiers in Cellular and Infection... 2024The rabies virus enters the nervous system by interacting with several molecular targets on host cells to modify behavior and trigger receptor-mediated endocytosis of...
The rabies virus enters the nervous system by interacting with several molecular targets on host cells to modify behavior and trigger receptor-mediated endocytosis of the virion by poorly understood mechanisms. The rabies virus glycoprotein (RVG) interacts with the muscle acetylcholine receptor and the neuronal α4β2 subtype of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) family by the putative neurotoxin-like motif. Given that the neurotoxin-like motif is highly homologous to the α7 nAChR subtype selective snake toxin α-bungarotoxin (αBTX), other nAChR subtypes are likely involved. The purpose of this study is to determine the activity of the RVG neurotoxin-like motif on nAChR subtypes that are expressed in brain regions involved in rabid animal behavior. nAChRs were expressed in oocytes, and two-electrode voltage clamp electrophysiology was used to collect concentration-response data to measure the functional effects. The RVG peptide preferentially and completely inhibits α7 nAChR ACh-induced currents by a competitive antagonist mechanism. Tested heteromeric nAChRs are also inhibited, but to a lesser extent than the α7 subtype. Residues of the RVG peptide with high sequence homology to αBTX and other neurotoxins were substituted with alanine. Altered RVG neurotoxin-like peptides showed that residues phenylalanine 192, arginine 196, and arginine 199 are important determinants of RVG peptide apparent potency on α7 nAChRs, while serine 195 is not. The evaluation of the rabies ectodomain reaffirmed the observations made with the RVG peptide, illustrating a significant inhibitory impact on α7 nAChR with potency in the nanomolar range. In a mammalian cell culture model of neurons, we confirm that the RVG peptide binds preferentially to cells expressing the α7 nAChR. Defining the activity of the RVG peptide on nAChRs expands our understanding of basic mechanisms in host-pathogen interactions that result in neurological disorders.
Topics: alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor; Animals; Rabies virus; Humans; Xenopus laevis; Glycoproteins; Oocytes; Viral Proteins; Viral Envelope Proteins; Host-Pathogen Interactions; Protein Binding; Rabies; Acetylcholine; Neurotoxins
PubMed: 38836054
DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2024.1394713 -
Mikrochimica Acta Jun 2024A trendsetting direct competitive-based biosensing tool has been developed and implemented for the determination of the polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid...
A trendsetting direct competitive-based biosensing tool has been developed and implemented for the determination of the polyunsaturated fatty acid arachidonic acid (ARA), a highly significant biological regulator with decisive roles in viral infections. The designed methodology involves a competitive reaction between the target endogenous ARA and a biotin-ARA competitor for the recognition sites of anti-ARA antibodies covalently attached to the surface of carboxylic acid-coated magnetic microbeads (HOOC-MµBs), followed by the enzymatic label of the biotin-ARA residues with streptavidin-horseradish peroxidase (Strep-HRP) conjugate. The resulting bioconjugates were magnetically trapped onto the sensing surface of disposable screen-printed carbon transducers (SPCEs) to monitor the extent of the biorecognition reaction through amperometry. The operational functioning of the exhaustively optimized and characterized immunosensing bioplatform was highly convenient for the quantitative determination of ARA in serum samples from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2-) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-infected individuals in a rapid, affordable, trustful, and sensitive manner.
Topics: Humans; Arachidonic Acid; COVID-19; Biosensing Techniques; SARS-CoV-2; Horseradish Peroxidase; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses; Immunoassay; Streptavidin; Biotin; Limit of Detection
PubMed: 38834823
DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06440-y -
Developmental and Comparative Immunology Sep 2024Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are transcription factors involved in immune responses, such as pathogen response regulation, immune cell growth, and...
Interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) are transcription factors involved in immune responses, such as pathogen response regulation, immune cell growth, and differentiation. IRFs are necessary for the synthesis of type I interferons through a signaling cascade when pathogen recognition receptors identify viral DNA or RNA. We discovered that irf3 is expressed in the early embryonic stages and in all immune organs of adult zebrafish. We demonstrated the antiviral immune mechanism of Irf3 against viral hemorrhagic septicemia virus (VHSV) using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout zebrafish (irf3-KO). In this study, we used a truncated Irf3 protein, encoded by irf3 with a 10 bp deletion, for further investigation. Upon VHSV injection, irf3-KO zebrafish showed dose-dependent high and early mortality compared with zebrafish with the wild-type Irf3 protein (WT), confirming the antiviral activity of Irf3. Based on the results of expression analysis of downstream genes upon VHSV challenge, we inferred that Irf3 deficiency substantially affects the expression of ifnphi1 and ifnphi2. However, after 5 days post infection (dpi), ifnphi3 expression was not significantly altered in irf3-KO compared to that in WT, and irf7 transcription showed a considerable increase in irf3-KO after 5 dpi, indicating irf7's control over ifnphi3 expression. The significantly reduced expression of isg15, viperin, mxa, and mxb at 3 dpi also supported the effect of Irf3 deficiency on the antiviral activity in the early stage of infection. The higher mortality in irf3-KO zebrafish than in WT might be due to an increased inflammation and tissue damage that occurs in irf3-KO because of delayed immune response. Our results suggest that Irf3 plays a role in antiviral immunity of zebrafish by modulating critical immune signaling molecules and regulating antiviral immune genes.
Topics: Animals; Zebrafish; Interferon Regulatory Factor-3; CRISPR-Cas Systems; Novirhabdovirus; Zebrafish Proteins; Gene Knockout Techniques; Hemorrhagic Septicemia, Viral; Animals, Genetically Modified; Fish Diseases; Immunity, Innate; Signal Transduction; Rhabdoviridae Infections; Disease Models, Animal; Interferons
PubMed: 38834141
DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2024.105208 -
Journal of Medical Virology Jun 2024This study evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection among hospitalized patients with acute respiratory...
This study evaluated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of human metapneumovirus (hMPV) infection among hospitalized patients with acute respiratory infections during 2015-2021 and assessed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on hMPV infection. A single-center, retrospective cohort study was performed, including pediatric and adult patients with laboratory-confirmed hMPV. Of a total of 990 patients, 253 (25.6%), 105 (10.6%), 121 (12.2%), and 511 (51.6%) belonged to age groups 0-2, 3-17, 18-59, and ≥60 years, respectively. The highest percentage (23.0%) of patients were hospitalized during 2019 and the lowest (4.7%) during 2020. Patients < 18 years experienced high rates of comorbidities (immunodeficiencies: 14.4% and malignancies: 29.9%). Here, 37/39 (94.9%) of all bronchiolitis cases were diagnosed in patients < 2 years, whereas more patients in older age groups were diagnosed with pneumonia. A greater proportion of hMPV patients diagnosed with viral coinfection (mostly respiratory syncytial virus and adenovirus) were <18 years. The highest percentages of intensive care unit admissions were recorded among patients < 18 years. Our findings demonstrate that hMPV is an important cause of morbidity in young children and a possibly underestimated cause of morbidity among older adults.
Topics: Humans; Retrospective Studies; Metapneumovirus; Paramyxoviridae Infections; Israel; Middle Aged; Child; Male; Adult; Female; Infant; Adolescent; Child, Preschool; Hospitalization; Young Adult; COVID-19; Aged; Coinfection; Infant, Newborn; Respiratory Tract Infections; Comorbidity; Aged, 80 and over; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 38828947
DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29709 -
Veterinaria Italiana Dec 2023Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases shared between wildlife and domestic animals are continually spreading to new geographic locations, influenced by human...
Emerging and re-emerging viral diseases shared between wildlife and domestic animals are continually spreading to new geographic locations, influenced by human activities and environmental change. Canine distemper (CD) is probably one of the best examples of a disease that has been proved to be capable of compromising the conservation of several wild carnivore species. In this article, we describe a case report of CD in a grey wolf (Canis lupus) in Iran. A grey wolf was found in Fars Province close to Bamou national park. Clinical signs were characterized by neurologic signs, muscle twitching, hyperkeratosis of the footpads and nose and keratoconjunctivitis sicca. After the death of the animal, samples were taken from different organs and sent to collaborator laboratory of Fars Provincial Office of Veterinary Organization. RT-PCR assays confirmed canine distemper virus in the grey wolf. This is the first documented report of canine distemper virus in wild species from Fars Province of Iran.
Topics: Animals; Iran; Wolves; Distemper Virus, Canine; Distemper; Male
PubMed: 38828858
DOI: 10.12834/VetIt.3067.20864.2 -
Archives of Razi Institute Dec 2023Aluminum-containing adjuvants are extensively used in inactive human and animal vaccines owing to their favorable immunostimulatory and safe properties. Nonetheless,... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
A Comparative Study of the Effects of Al(OH) and AlPO Adjuvants on the Production of Neutralizing Antibodies (NAbs) against Bovine parainfluenza Virus Type 3 (BPIV3) in Guinea Pigs.
Aluminum-containing adjuvants are extensively used in inactive human and animal vaccines owing to their favorable immunostimulatory and safe properties. Nonetheless, there is controversy over the effects of different aluminum salts as an adjuvant for the bovine parainfluenza virus type 3 (BPIV3) vaccine. In order to find a suitable adjuvant, we studied the effects of two adjuvants (i.e., aluminum hydroxide [Al(OH)] and aluminum potassium sulfate [AlPO]) on the production of neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) for an experimental BPIV3 vaccine. The animals under study (Guinea pigs) were randomly assigned to five groups of experimental vaccines containing Al(OH) (AH), AlPO (AP), Al(OH)-AlPO mixture (MIX), commercial vaccine (COM), and control (NS). The treatment groups were immunized with two doses of vaccine 21 days apart (on days 0 and 21), and the control group received normal saline under the same conditions. The animals were monitored for 42 days, and blood samples were then taken. The results indicated that all vaccines were able to induce the production of NAbs at levels higher than the minimum protective titer (0.6). An increase in titer was observed throughout the monitoring period. Moreover, an increase in both the level and mean titer of NAbs obtained from the vaccine containing Al(OH) adjuvant was significantly higher than in the other studied groups (P≤0.005). The comparison of NAbs titer in other groups did not display a significant difference. Considering the speed of rising and the optimal titer of NAbs production in the experimental vaccine, the Al(OH) adjuvant is a suitable candidate for preparing a vaccine against BPIV3 for immunization.
Topics: Animals; Adjuvants, Immunologic; Aluminum Hydroxide; Antibodies, Neutralizing; Guinea Pigs; Parainfluenza Virus 3, Bovine; Viral Vaccines; Antibodies, Viral; Random Allocation; Aluminum Compounds; Female
PubMed: 38828184
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.6.1779 -
Archives of Razi Institute Dec 2023Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically significant and extremely spreadable viral illness affecting a wide variety of avian species. ND can rapidly spread within...
Newcastle disease (ND) is an economically significant and extremely spreadable viral illness affecting a wide variety of avian species. ND can rapidly spread within poultry farms and result in considerable economic losses for the global poultry industry. This disease is endemic in Iran, and despite intensive vaccination efforts in the poultry industry, outbreaks of ND occur unexpectedly. This study aimed to isolate the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) from poultry farms with breathing problems in Markazi province, Iran, and investigate the evolutionary relationship and molecular characteristics of the isolates during 2017-2019. To this end, tissue samples (lung, brain, and trachea) were taken from 42 broiler farms exhibiting respiratory symptoms. The samples were inoculated into 9-11-day-old embryonated eggs, and the virus was isolated from 20 (47.6%) of the 42 farms. Subsequently, RT-PCR was used to amplify partial fusion gene sequences from the new isolates. The amplified products were sequenced and compared phylogenetically to the standard pilot dataset (125 selected sequences) generated by the NDV consortium. As determined by phylogenetic analysis, all nine isolates belonged to subgenotype VII.1.1 of genotype VII and were highly similar to isolates from other parts of Iran and China. Moreover, all isolates possessed a polybasic cleavage site motif (112RRQKRF117), characteristic of virulent strains. Furthermore, the present isolates shared a high nucleotide identity (96%) with viruses previously isolated from other provinces of Iran, as determined by BLAST searches and multiple alignments. In addition, they shared a high degree of sequence similarity but were distinct from the existing NDV vaccines. Therefore, the genetic dissimilarity between current vaccine strains and circulating NDVs must be considered in vaccination programs.
Topics: Animals; Iran; Newcastle disease virus; Newcastle Disease; Chickens; Poultry Diseases; Phylogeny; Viral Fusion Proteins; Genotype
PubMed: 38828167
DOI: 10.32592/ARI.2023.78.6.1794