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Epidemiologia (Basel, Switzerland) May 2024Respiratory diseases, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, are common reasons for seeking healthcare among refugees and asylum seekers. A systematic... (Review)
Review
Respiratory diseases, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, are common reasons for seeking healthcare among refugees and asylum seekers. A systematic review with meta-analysis was designed to appraise all the available evidence on RSV infections among individuals in refugee camps. Three medical databases (PubMed, Embase, and Scopus) as well as the preprint repository medRxiv.org were searched for eligible observational studies, and the collected cases were pooled in a random-effects meta-analysis model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I statistics. Funnel plots and a regression analysis were calculated for analyzing reporting bias. Eventually, six studies were retrieved from three areas (Bangladesh, Thailand, and Kenya), with pooled estimates of 129.704 cases per 1000 samples (95% CI 66.393 to 237.986) for RSV compared to 110.287 per 1000 people for influenza A (95% CI 73.186 to 162.889), 136.398 cases per 1000 people (95% CI 84.510 to 212.741) for human adenovirus (HAdV), 69.553 per 1000 people (95% CI 49.802 to 96.343) for parainfluenzavirus (PIFV), and 60.338 per 1000 people (95% CI 31.933 to 111.109) for human metapneumovirus (hMPV). Using influenza A as a reference group, the risk for a positive specimen was greater for RSV (relative risk [RR] 1.514, 95% CI 1.396 to 1.641) and HAdV (RR 1.984, 95% CI 1.834 to 2.146) and lower for influenza B (RR 0.276, 95% CI: 0.239 to 0.319), PIFV (RR: 0.889, 95% CI 0.806 to 0.981), and hMPV (RR 0.594, 95% CI 0.534 to 0.662). In summary, high rates of RSV infections were documented among individuals sheltered in refugee camps, stressing the importance of specifically designed preventive strategies.
PubMed: 38920751
DOI: 10.3390/epidemiologia5020016 -
Infectious Disease Reports Mar 2024Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections. Usually associated with infants and children, an increasing amount of evidence... (Review)
Review
Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of respiratory tract infections. Usually associated with infants and children, an increasing amount of evidence suggests that RSV can cause substantial morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised individuals, including recipients of bone marrow transplantation (BMT). The present systematic review was therefore designed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines to collect available evidence about RSV infections in BMT recipients. Three medical databases (PubMed, Embase, and MedRxiv) were therefore searched for eligible observational studies published up to 30 September 2023 and collected cases were pooled in a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I statistics. Reporting bias was assessed by means of funnel plots and regression analysis. Overall, 30 studies were retrieved, including 20,067 BMT cases and 821 RSV infection episodes. Of them, 351 were lower respiratory tract infections, and a total of 78 RSV-related deaths were collected. A pooled attack rate of 5.40% (95% confidence interval [95%CI] 3.81 to 7.60) was identified, with a corresponding incidence rate of 14.77 cases per 1000 person-years (95%CI 9.43 to 20.11), and a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 7.28% (95%CI 4.94 to 10.60). Attack rates were higher in adults (8.49%, 95%CI 5.16 to 13.67) than in children (4.79%, 95%CI 3.05 to 7.45), with similar CFR (5.99%, 95%CI 2.31 to 14.63 vs. 5.85%, 95%CI 3.35 to 10.02). By assuming RSV attack rates as a reference group, influenza (RR 0.518; 95%CI 0.446 to 0.601), adenovirus (RR 0.679, 95%CI 0.553 to 0.830), and human metapneumovirus (RR 0.536, 95%CI 0.438 to 0.655) were associated with a substantially reduced risk for developing corresponding respiratory infection. Despite the heterogeneous settings and the uneven proportion of adult and pediatric cases, our study has identified high attack rates and a substantial CFR of RSV in recipients of BMT, stressing the importance of specifically tailored preventive strategies and the need for effective treatment options.
PubMed: 38667752
DOI: 10.3390/idr16020026 -
BMJ Open Dec 2023To determine the evidence for non-specific effects of the Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenza vaccine in children aged 5 years and under.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the evidence for non-specific effects of the Pneumococcal and Haemophilus influenza vaccine in children aged 5 years and under.
DATA SOURCES
A key word literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, the European Union Clinical Trials Register and ClinicalTrials.gov up to June 2023.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCT or cohort studies.
PARTICIPANTS
Children aged 5 or under.
STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS
Studies were independently screened by two reviewers, with a third where disagreement arose. Risk of bias assessment was performed by one reviewer and confirmed by a second. Results were tabulated and a narrative description performed.
RESULTS
Four articles were identified and included in this review. We found a reduction in hospitalisations from influenza A (44%), pulmonary tuberculosis (42%), metapneumovirus (45%), parainfluenza virus type 1-3 (44%), along with reductions in mortality associated with pneumococcal vaccine. No data on the Haemophilus vaccine was found.
CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS
In this systematic review, we demonstrate that there is a reduction in particular viral infections in children aged 5 years and under who received the 9-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine which differ from those for which the vaccine was designed to protect against. While limited studies have demonstrated a reduction in infections other than those which the vaccine was designed to protect against, substantial clinical trials are required to solidify these findings.
PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER
CRD42020146640.
Topics: Child; Humans; Haemophilus Vaccines; Pneumococcal Vaccines; Influenza, Human; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Cohort Studies
PubMed: 38101831
DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-077717 -
International Journal of Infectious... Dec 2023Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts have been made to contain the spread of the virus. However, the epidemiological burden of other respiratory viruses... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVES
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts have been made to contain the spread of the virus. However, the epidemiological burden of other respiratory viruses during the pandemic is unclear. We aim to address the epidemiology of respiratory viruses on adults/adolescents since the beginning of the pandemic.
METHODS
We systematically searched five databases and performed a meta-analysis to explore the pooled prevalence of respiratory viruses in different geographical regions, age groups, and periods and compared the prevalence between COVID-19 cases and non-COVID-19 patients.
RESULTS
Enteroviruses/rhinoviruses were highly prevalent compared to other viruses. Different viruses were dominant in different regions. No significant differences in prevalence were found between different age groups, except for human metapneumovirus. There was an increase in prevalence of non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses in the second half of the pandemic (July 2021-December 2022). Comparison of COVID-19 and non-COVID patients showed a higher prevalence in the non-COVID group, significant for influenza, seasonal coronaviruses, and human parainfluenza viruses.
CONCLUSION
Our findings indicate that enteroviruses/rhinoviruses were less impacted by healthcare measures compared with other respiratory viruses. The relaxation of measures in the second half led to an increased pooled prevalence of infections. Several factors may explain the lower prevalence among individuals infected with COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; Adult; Adolescent; COVID-19; Pandemics; Respiratory Tract Infections; Prevalence; Viruses; Rhinovirus; Enterovirus Infections; Enterovirus
PubMed: 37806653
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.10.001 -
Transboundary and Emerging Diseases Nov 2022Given the avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) disease burden in poultry worldwide and the evidence of a possible role played by wild birds in the virus epidemiology, the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Given the avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) disease burden in poultry worldwide and the evidence of a possible role played by wild birds in the virus epidemiology, the present study summarizes aMPV serological and molecular data on free-ranging avifauna available in the literature by conducting a systematic review and meta-analysis. A computerized literature research was performed on PubMed, Scopus, CAB Direct and Web of Science to identify relevant publications across the period 1990-2021, along with the screening of reference lists. A random-effect model was applied to calculate pooled prevalence estimates with 95% confidence intervals. The inconsistency index statistic (I ) was applied to assess between-study heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses for molecular studies only were performed according to geographical area of samplings, taxonomic order, genus and migration patterns of the birds surveyed. A total of 11 publications on molecular surveys and 6 on serological ones were retained for analysis. The pooled molecular prevalence was 6% (95% CI: 1-13%) and a high between-study heterogeneity was detected (I = 96%, p < .01). Moderator analyses showed statistically significant differences according to geographical area studied, taxonomic order and genus. Concerning serological prevalence, a pooled estimate of 14% (95% CI: 1-39%), along with a high between-study heterogeneity, was obtained (I = 98%, p < .01). Moderator analysis was not performed due to the scarcity of eligible serological studies included. Overall, molecular and serological evidence suggests that some wild bird taxa could play a role in aMPV epidemiology. Particularly, wild ducks, geese, gulls and pheasants, according to scientific contributions hereby considered, proved to be susceptible to aMPV, and due to host ecology, may act as a viral carrier or reservoir. Further surveys of wild birds are encouraged for a better comprehension of the poultry/wild bird interface in aMPV epidemiology and for better characterizing the virus host breadth.
Topics: Animals; Metapneumovirus; Paramyxoviridae Infections; Animals, Wild; Ducks; Geese; Poultry Diseases; Chickens
PubMed: 35960706
DOI: 10.1111/tbed.14680 -
Reviews in Medical Virology Sep 2022Acute respiratory infection is the third most frequent cause of mortality worldwide, causing over 4.25 million deaths annually. Although most diagnosed acute respiratory... (Review)
Review
Detection of respiratory viruses directly from clinical samples using next-generation sequencing: A literature review of recent advances and potential for routine clinical use.
Acute respiratory infection is the third most frequent cause of mortality worldwide, causing over 4.25 million deaths annually. Although most diagnosed acute respiratory infections are thought to be of viral origin, the aetiology often remains unclear. The advent of next-generation sequencing (NGS) has revolutionised the field of virus discovery and identification, particularly in the detection of unknown respiratory viruses. We systematically reviewed the application of NGS technologies for detecting respiratory viruses from clinical samples and outline potential barriers to the routine clinical introduction of NGS. The five databases searched for studies published in English from 01 January 2010 to 01 February 2021, which led to the inclusion of 52 studies. A total of 14 different models of NGS platforms were summarised from included studies. Among these models, second-generation sequencing platforms (e.g., Illumina sequencers) were used in the majority of studies (41/52, 79%). Moreover, NGS platforms have proven successful in detecting a variety of respiratory viruses, including influenza A/B viruses (9/52, 17%), SARS-CoV-2 (21/52, 40%), parainfluenza virus (3/52, 6%), respiratory syncytial virus (1/52, 2%), human metapneumovirus (2/52, 4%), or a viral panel including other respiratory viruses (16/52, 31%). The review of NGS technologies used in previous studies indicates the advantages of NGS technologies in novel virus detection, virus typing, mutation identification, and infection cluster assessment. Although there remain some technical and ethical challenges associated with NGS use in clinical laboratories, NGS is a promising future tool to improve understanding of respiratory viruses and provide a more accurate diagnosis with simultaneous virus characterisation.
Topics: COVID-19; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing; Humans; Influenza A virus; Influenza B virus; Respiratory Tract Infections; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 35775736
DOI: 10.1002/rmv.2375 -
Clinical Infectious Diseases : An... Jul 2022Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are increasingly associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD)... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human Metapneumovirus, and Parainfluenza Virus Infections in Lung Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review of Outcomes and Treatment Strategies.
BACKGROUND
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), and human metapneumovirus (hMPV) are increasingly associated with chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) in lung transplant recipients (LTR). This systematic review primarily aimed to assess outcomes of RSV/PIV/hMPV infections in LTR and secondarily to assess evidence regarding the efficacy of ribavirin.
METHODS
Relevant databases were queried and study outcomes extracted using a standardized method and summarized.
RESULTS
Nineteen retrospective and 12 prospective studies were included (total 1060 cases). Pooled 30-day mortality was low (0-3%), but CLAD progression 180-360 days postinfection was substantial (pooled incidences 19-24%) and probably associated with severe infection. Ribavirin trended toward effectiveness for CLAD prevention in exploratory meta-analysis (odds ratio [OR] 0.61, [0.27-1.18]), although results were highly variable between studies.
CONCLUSIONS
RSV/PIV/hMPV infection was followed by a high CLAD incidence. Treatment options, including ribavirin, are limited. There is an urgent need for high-quality studies to provide better treatment options for these infections.
Topics: Humans; Lung; Metapneumovirus; Parainfluenza Virus 1, Human; Parainfluenza Virus 2, Human; Paramyxoviridae Infections; Prospective Studies; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Respiratory Tract Infections; Retrospective Studies; Ribavirin; Transplant Recipients
PubMed: 35022697
DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciab969 -
Clinical Microbiology and Infection :... Jan 2022Point-of-care tests could be essential in differentiating bacterial and viral acute community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections and driving antibiotic... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Point-of-care tests could be essential in differentiating bacterial and viral acute community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections and driving antibiotic stewardship in the community.
OBJECTIVES
To assess diagnostic test accuracy of point-of-care tests in community settings for acute community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections.
DATA SOURCES
Multiple databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Open Gray) from inception to 31 May 2021, without language restrictions.
STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Diagnostic test accuracy studies involving patients at primary care, outpatient clinic, emergency department and long-term care facilities with a clinical suspicion of acute community-acquired lower respiratory tract infections. The comparator was any test used as a comparison to the index test. In order not to limit the study inclusion, the comparator was not defined a priori.
ASSESSMENT OF RISK OF BIAS
Four investigators independently extracted data, rated risk of bias, and assessed the quality using QUADAS-2.
METHODS OF DATA SYNTHESIS
The measures of diagnostic test accuracy were calculated with 95% CI.
RESULTS
A total of 421 studies addressed at least one point-of-care test. The diagnostic performance of molecular tests was higher compared with that of rapid diagnostic tests for all the pathogens studied. The accuracy of stand-alone signs and symptoms or biomarkers was poor. Lung ultrasound showed high sensitivity and specificity (90% for both) for the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia. Rapid antigen-based diagnostic tests for influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, and Streptococcus pneumoniae had sub-optimal sensitivity (range 49%-84%) but high specificity (>80%).
DISCUSSION
Physical examination and host biomarkers are not sufficiently reliable as stand-alone tests to differentiate between bacterial and viral pneumonia. Lung ultrasound shows higher accuracy than chest X-ray for bacterial pneumonia at emergency department. Rapid antigen-based diagnostic tests cannot be considered fully reliable because of high false-negative rates. Overall, molecular tests for all the pathogens considered were found to be the most accurate.
Topics: Bias; Biomarkers; Diagnosis, Differential; Humans; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Pneumonia, Viral; Point-of-Care Testing; Sensitivity and Specificity; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 34601148
DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2021.09.025 -
BMJ Global Health Jul 2021The burden of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), and common viral ALRI aetiologies among 5-19 years are less well understood. We conducted a systematic review to...
Global hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality associated with all-cause and virus-specific acute lower respiratory infections in children and adolescents aged 5-19 years between 1995 and 2019: a systematic review and modelling study.
INTRODUCTION
The burden of acute lower respiratory infections (ALRI), and common viral ALRI aetiologies among 5-19 years are less well understood. We conducted a systematic review to estimate global burden of all-cause and virus-specific ALRI in 5-19 years.
METHODS
We searched eight databases and Google for studies published between 1995 and 2019 and reporting data on burden of all-cause ALRI or ALRI associated with influenza virus, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus and human parainfluenza virus. We assessed risk of bias using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We developed an analytical framework to report burden by age, country and region when there were sufficient data (all-cause and influenza-associated ALRI hospital admissions). We estimated all-cause ALRI in-hospital deaths and hospital admissions for ALRI associated with respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus and human parainfluenza virus by region.
RESULTS
Globally, an estimated 5.5 million (UR 4.0-7.8) all-cause ALRI hospital admissions occurred annually between 1995 and 2019 in 5-19 year olds, causing 87 900 (UR 40 300-180 600) in-hospital deaths annually. Influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus were associated with 1 078 600 (UR 4 56 500-2 650 200) and 231 800 (UR 142 700-3 73 200) ALRI hospital admissions in 5-19 years. Human metapneumovirus and human parainfluenza virus were associated with 105 500 (UR 57 200-181 700) and 124 800 (UR 67 300-228 500) ALRI hospital admissions in 5-14 years. About 55% of all-cause ALRI hospital admissions and 63% of influenza-associated ALRI hospital admissions occurred in those 5-9 years globally. All-cause and influenza-associated ALRI hospital admission rates were highest in upper-middle income countries, Asia-Pacific region and the Latin America and Caribbean region.
CONCLUSION
Incidence and mortality data for all-cause and virus-specific ALRI in 5-19 year olds are scarce. The lack of data in low-income countries and Eastern Europe and Central Asia, South Asia, and West and Central Africa warrants efforts to improve the development and access to healthcare services, diagnostic capacity, and data reporting.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Global Health; Hospital Mortality; Hospitalization; Hospitals; Humans; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 34261758
DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006014 -
The Lancet. Global Health Jan 2021Human metapneumovirus is a common virus associated with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in children. No global burden estimates are available for ALRIs...
BACKGROUND
Human metapneumovirus is a common virus associated with acute lower respiratory infections (ALRIs) in children. No global burden estimates are available for ALRIs associated with human metapneumovirus in children, and no licensed vaccines or drugs exist for human metapneumovirus infections. We aimed to estimate the age-stratified human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI global incidence, hospital admissions, and mortality burden in children younger than 5 years.
METHODS
We estimated the global burden of human metapneumovirus-associated ALRIs in children younger than 5 years from a systematic review of 119 studies published between Jan 1, 2001, and Dec 31, 2019, and a further 40 high quality unpublished studies. We assessed risk of bias using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. We estimated incidence, hospital admission rates, and in-hospital case-fatality ratios (hCFRs) of human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI using a generalised linear mixed model. We applied incidence and hospital admission rates of human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI to population estimates to yield the morbidity burden estimates by age bands and World Bank income levels. We also estimated human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI in-hospital deaths and overall human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI deaths (both in-hospital and non-hospital deaths). Additionally, we estimated human metapneumovirus-attributable ALRI cases, hospital admissions, and deaths by combining human metapneumovirus-associated burden estimates and attributable fractions of human metapneumovirus in laboratory-confirmed human metapneumovirus cases and deaths.
FINDINGS
In 2018, among children younger than 5 years globally, there were an estimated 14·2 million human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI cases (uncertainty range [UR] 10·2 million to 20·1 million), 643 000 human metapneumovirus-associated hospital admissions (UR 425 000 to 977 000), 7700 human metapneumovirus-associated in-hospital deaths (2600 to 48 800), and 16 100 overall (hospital and community) human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI deaths (5700 to 88 000). An estimated 11·1 million ALRI cases (UR 8·0 million to 15·7 million), 502 000 ALRI hospital admissions (UR 332 000 to 762 000), and 11 300 ALRI deaths (4000 to 61 600) could be causally attributed to human metapneumovirus in 2018. Around 58% of the hospital admissions were in infants under 12 months, and 64% of in-hospital deaths occurred in infants younger than 6 months, of which 79% occurred in low-income and lower-middle-income countries.
INTERPRETATION
Infants younger than 1 year have disproportionately high risks of severe human metapneumovirus infections across all World Bank income regions and all child mortality settings, similar to respiratory syncytial virus and influenza virus. Infants younger than 6 months in low-income and lower-middle-income countries are at greater risk of death from human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI than older children and those in upper-middle-income and high-income countries. Our mortality estimates demonstrate the importance of intervention strategies for infants across all settings, and warrant continued efforts to improve the outcome of human metapneumovirus-associated ALRI among young infants in low-income and lower-middle-income countries.
FUNDING
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Topics: Acute Disease; Child, Preschool; Cost of Illness; Female; Global Health; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Linear Models; Male; Metapneumovirus; Paramyxoviridae Infections; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 33248481
DOI: 10.1016/S2214-109X(20)30393-4