-
EClinicalMedicine Feb 2024Post Coronavirus disease (COVID) and other post-viral infection syndromes present an overlap of pathogenesis, onset, progression, and symptom profile. We aimed to...
BACKGROUND
Post Coronavirus disease (COVID) and other post-viral infection syndromes present an overlap of pathogenesis, onset, progression, and symptom profile. We aimed to systematically describe studies on post-viral conditions and determine the entity of post COVID compared to other post-viral conditions in children.
METHODS
We conducted a systematic search of the Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and GoogleScholar databases (January 1946-3 November 2023), according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The main outcomes were differences in condition duration, symptom type, and development of chronic symptoms. This systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42023401789).
FINDINGS
35/5051 studies were included, with 42,934 children, adolescents and young adults (0-20 years old) overall. Twenty-eight studies focused on post COVID symptoms, followed by five papers on Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and Rhinovirus, one study on Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), and one on gastrointestinal viruses. Studies on post COVID mainly reported data on older children/adolescents, describing long-lasting symptoms, including fatigue, neurologic, cardiorespiratory, musculoskeletal, mental health, and gastrointestinal symptoms. The maximum described symptoms duration was eighteen months, with an average follow-up of seven months. The development of chronic symptoms was reported by 30 studies (93.8%) for 10,473/28,474 patients (36.8%). Recovery was achieved in 18,001/28,474 cases (63.2%). The study on EBV reported persistent fatigue in adolescents for a similar duration (6 months, 46% chronic). Studies on RSV and Rhinovirus were mainly done in children under three years, with development of recurrent wheezing (up to 3 years).
INTERPRETATION
Post-viral fatigue was a shared feature between post COVID and post EBV conditions. A better understanding of post COVID as a unique condition, sharing features with other post-viral syndromes, is needed. The healthcare burden and socio-economic consequences for children and their families warrant further investigation and development of appropriate healthcare management plans. The foremost requirement is the establishment of consistent and shareable definitions, as well as a consensus on outcomes, to effectively evaluate follow-up and quantify the burden of different viral infections.
FUNDING
EU Horizon, EDCTP, NIH.
PubMed: 38333536
DOI: 10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102436 -
Frontiers in Allergy 2023Unlike acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) which is mostly viral in etiology, the role of viruses in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. Viruses may play a role in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Unlike acute rhinosinusitis (ARS) which is mostly viral in etiology, the role of viruses in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains unclear. Viruses may play a role in initiation, exacerbations or perpetuate chronic inflammatory responses in the sinonasal mucosa. Research needs to characterize whether viruses are part of the normal sinonasal microbiome, colonizers or pathogenic.
METHODS
Systematic review of the English literature was conducted. Following databases were searched with an initial search conducted in November 2021 and then updated through June 2023: Ovid Medline (1946 to present), Ovid Embase (1988 to present), Scopus (2004 to present) and Web of Science (1975 to present). MeSH (Medical Subject Headings) terms included: viruses, virus diseases, sinusitis, and rhinovirus. Keywords: virus, viral infection*, sinusitis, rhinovirus, chronic rhinosinusitis, CRS, respiratory virus, respiratory infection*, and exacerbat*. A supplementary search was conducted through September 2023: Ovid Medline (1946 to present), Epub Ahead of Print, In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations and Ovid MEDLINE(R) Daily. Keywords used were: virus, viral infection*, sinusitis, chronic rhinosinusitis, CRS, respiratory virus, respiratory infection*, and exacerbat*.
RESULTS
Thirty studies on viruses in CRS met inclusion criteria for full review. These included 17 studies on prevalence of virus in CRS, 5 examining probable causes of host susceptibility to viral infections in CRS, and 8 studies examining pathological pathways in viral association of CRS. The prevalence of viruses in nasal specimens of CRS subjects was higher as compared to controls in most studies, though a few studies showed otherwise. Rhinovirus was the most common virus detected. Studies showed that viruses may be associated with persistent hyper-responsiveness in the sinonasal mucosa, susceptibility to bacterial infections, upregulation of genes involved in the immune response and airway remodeling as well as CRS exacerbations. Presence of viruses was also associated with worse symptom severity scores in CRS subjects.
CONCLUSION
Most data show higher presence of viruses in nasal and serum samples of CRS subjects as compared to controls but their exact role in CRS pathophysiology in unclear. Large studies with longitudinal sampling at all disease phases (i.e., prior to disease initiation, during disease initiation, during disease persistence, and during exacerbations) using standardized sampling techniques are needed to definitively elucidate the role of virus in CRS.
PubMed: 38116043
DOI: 10.3389/falgy.2023.1237068 -
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 -
International Journal of Infectious... Jan 2024This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
OBJECTIVE
This meta-analysis aimed to assess the prevalence of respiratory viruses among children under the special conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHODS
Five databases were systematically searched to assess the pooled prevalence of various respiratory viruses in different age groups, regions, seasons, and in patients with and without confirmed SARS-CoV-2 coinfection. Moreover, we looked at the virus distribution in the first and second half of the pandemic and countries with distinct economic status. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed, and the systematic review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42022379297).
RESULTS
Enterovirus/rhinovirus and human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) were the most prevalent pathogens among children. The prevalence of HRSV increased in the second half of the pandemic. The prevailing viruses vary according to the SARS-CoV-2-coinfection status, season, region, and country´s economic status.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis shows the epidemiology of respiratory viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 in children aged 0 to 12 years during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because major events, such as a pandemic, can alter epidemiology patterns, it is important to know them to improve health education measures, develop vaccines and medicines for vulnerable groups, as a guide for prevention strategies, and help with clinical decisions.
Topics: Child; Humans; SARS-CoV-2; COVID-19; Pandemics; Coinfection; Rhinovirus; Enterovirus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Respiratory Tract Infections
PubMed: 37951460
DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2023.10.023 -
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 -
BMJ Open Respiratory Research Sep 2023Epidemiological information is essential in providing appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy for pneumonia. This study aimed to clarify the epidemiology of...
OBJECTIVE
Epidemiological information is essential in providing appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy for pneumonia. This study aimed to clarify the epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) by conducting a systematic review of published studies in Japan.
DESIGN
Systematic review.
DATA SOURCE
PubMed and Ichushi web database (January 1970 to October 2022).
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Clinical studies describing pathogenic micro-organisms in CAP written in English or Japanese, excluding studies on pneumonia other than adult CAP, investigations limited to specific pathogens and case reports.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Patient setting (inpatient vs outpatient), number of patients, concordance with the CAP guidelines, diagnostic criteria and methods for diagnosing pneumonia pathogens as well as the numbers of each isolate. A meta-analysis of various situations was performed to measure the frequency of each aetiological agent.
RESULTS
Fifty-six studies were included and 17 095 cases of CAP were identified. Pathogens were undetectable in 44.1% (95% CI 39.7% to 48.5%). was the most common cause of CAP requiring hospitalisation or outpatient care (20.0% (95% CI 17.2% to 22.8%)), followed by (10.8% (95% CI 7.3% to 14.3%)) and (7.5% (95% CI 4.6% to 10.4%)). However, when limited to CAP requiring hospitalisation, was the third most common at 4.9% (95% CI 3.9% to 5.8%). was more frequent in hospitalised cases, while atypical pathogens were less common. Methicillin-resistant accounted for 40.7% (95% CI 29.0% to 52.4%) of cases. In studies that used PCR testing for pan-respiratory viral pathogens, human enterovirus/human rhinovirus (9.4% (95% CI 0% to 20.5%)) and several other respiratory pathogenic viruses were detected. The epidemiology varied depending on the methodology and situation.
CONCLUSION
The epidemiology of CAP varies depending on the situation, such as in the hospital versus outpatient setting. Viruses are more frequently detected by exhaustive genetic searches, resulting in a significant variation in epidemiology.
PubMed: 37751988
DOI: 10.1136/bmjresp-2023-001800 -
Paediatric Respiratory Reviews Mar 2024Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of infant hospitalization, linked to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV). Guidelines lack specific viral testing for... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Bronchiolitis is a leading cause of infant hospitalization, linked to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and rhinovirus (RV). Guidelines lack specific viral testing for bronchiolitis management. To establish effective management strategies, it is crucial to assess whether specific respiratory virus types are correlated with distinct examination features.
METHODS
Through a systematic search of three databases, 21 studies were qualitatively analyzed, with 18 used for meta-analysis. Various outcomes like wheezing on auscultation, fever, atopic traits, and infection severity were evaluated.
RESULTS
RSV-positive bronchiolitis was associated with a higher need for oxygen supplementation (OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.04-3.02) in 5 studies, while RV-positive bronchiolitis was more frequently linked to personal history of eczema (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.41-0.88) in 6 studies. No significant differences were observed in the other outcomes examined.
CONCLUSIONS
Bronchiolitis caused by RSV or RV presents with similar clinical features. Despite the associations between RSV-positive bronchiolitis and need for oxygen supplementation, and RV-positive bronchiolitis and a history of eczema, our study shows that viral etiology of bronchiolitis cannot be determined solely based on clinical presentation. Tailored management strategies, informed by accurate viral testing, seem crucial in clinical practice for enhancing patient outcomes in severe bronchiolitis.
Topics: Infant; Humans; Bronchiolitis; Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Hospitalization; Rhinovirus; Eczema; Respiratory Sounds
PubMed: 37743159
DOI: 10.1016/j.prrv.2023.09.003 -
Annals of Thoracic Medicine 2023Acute respiratory infections are a major trigger of asthma exacerbations. This study sought to estimate the overall proportion of viruses, atypical pathogens, and...
BACKGROUND
Acute respiratory infections are a major trigger of asthma exacerbations. This study sought to estimate the overall proportion of viruses, atypical pathogens, and bacteria detected in adults with asthma exacerbations.
METHODS
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases and all related studies from the reviews and references were searched from inception to February 13, 2020. Two authors independently performed study selection, data extraction, as well as quality evaluation. Subsequently, meta-analysis, between-study heterogeneity, and publication bias assessment were conducted on RStudio.
RESULTS
Forty-three eligible studies comprising 3511 adults were included, of which 21 publications mentioned multiple infections during acute asthma attacks. Meta-analysis showed an acute infection prevalence of 40.19% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.53%-45.99%). Viruses, atypical pathogens, and bacteria were detected in 38.76% (95% CI 32.02%-45.71%), 8.29% (95% CI 2.64%-16.27%), and 7.05% (95% CI 3.34%-11.81%) of asthmatics during exacerbations, respectively. Rhinovirus infections are always the dominant trigger for exacerbations with a proportion of 20.02% (95% CI 14.84%-25.73%). Substantial heterogeneity across studies (Cochran test: 479.43, < 0.0001, = 91.2%) was explained by subgroup analysis, indicating that year, region, population, respiratory secretion, detection method, pathogen, and study quality were all influencing factors.
CONCLUSION
This meta-analysis provided the first quantitative epidemiological data for adults, and in the future, more research and health-care supports are necessary in this area.
PubMed: 37663878
DOI: 10.4103/atm.atm_422_22 -
Respiratory Research Feb 2023Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) impact all age groups and have a significant economic and social burden on society, worldwide. Most URTIs are mild and... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) impact all age groups and have a significant economic and social burden on society, worldwide. Most URTIs are mild and self-limiting, but due to the wide range of possible causative agents, including Rhinovirus (hRV), Adenovirus, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Coronavirus and Influenza, there is no single and effective treatment. Over-the-counter (OTC) remedies, including traditional medicines and those containing plant derived substances, help to alleviate symptoms including inflammation, pain, fever and cough.
PURPOSE
This systematic review focuses on the role of the major plant derived substances in several OTC remedies used to treat cold symptoms, with a particular focus on the transient receptor potential (TRP) channels involved in pain and cough.
METHODS
Literature searches were done using Pubmed and Web of Science, with no date limitations, using the principles of the PRISMA statement. The search terms used were 'TRP channel AND plant compound', 'cough AND plant compound', 'cough AND TRP channels AND plant compound', 'cough AND P2X3 AND plant compound' and 'P2X3 AND plant compound' where plant compound represents menthol or camphor or eucalyptus or turpentine or thymol.
RESULTS
The literature reviewed showed that menthol activates TRPM8 and may inhibit respiratory reflexes reducing irritation and cough. Menthol has a bimodal action on TRPA1, but inhibition may have an analgesic effect. Eucalyptus also activates TRPM8 and inhibits TRPA1 whilst down regulating P2X3, aiding in the reduction of cough, pain and airway irritation. Camphor inhibits TRPA1 and the activation of TRPM8 may add to the effects of menthol. Activation of TRPV1 by camphor, may also have an analgesic effect.
CONCLUSIONS
The literature suggests that these plant derived substances have multifaceted actions and can interact with the TRP 'cough' receptors. The plant derived substances used in cough and cold medicines have the potential to target multiple symptoms experienced during a cold.
Topics: Humans; Transient Receptor Potential Channels; Menthol; Camphor; TRPM Cation Channels; TRPA1 Cation Channel; Cough; Pain; Analgesics
PubMed: 36755306
DOI: 10.1186/s12931-023-02347-z -
The World Allergy Organization Journal Feb 2023Omalizumab which downregulates the immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor site on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and thereby increases interferon-α (INF-α) production, may... (Review)
Review
Omalizumab which downregulates the immunoglobulin E (IgE) receptor site on plasmacytoid dendritic cells and thereby increases interferon-α (INF-α) production, may shorten the duration of viral infections by enhancing the antiviral immunity. A systematic review was conducted to investigate whether previous anti-IgE treatment with omalizumab could protect against SARS-CoV-2 disease ("COVID-19") (infection, disease duration, and severity), and whether IFN-α upregulation could be involved. The research included articles published from March 2020 to January 2022. An accurate search was performed on bibliographic biomedical database (MEDLINE - Pubmed, SCOPUS, EMBASE, BIOMED CENTRAL, Google scholar, COCHRANE LIBRARY, ClinicalTrial.gov) including cohorts, case reports and reviews. Different methods were used, based on the study design, to assess the quality of eligible studies. Several authors link omalizumab to a possible protection against viruses, but they often refer to studies carried out before the pandemic and with viruses other than SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2) (eg, rhinoviruses -RV). Few cases of COVID-19 patients treated with omalizumab have been recorded, and, in most of them, no increased susceptibility to severe disease was observed. According to these data, the current indication is to continue omalizumab therapy during the pandemic. Moreover, although omalizumab may enhance the antiviral immune response even for SARS-CoV-2, further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis. It would be helpful to establish a registry of omalizumab-treated (or in treatment) patients who have developed COVID-19. Finally, randomized controlled trials could be able to demonstrate the effect of omalizumab in protecting against severe SARS-CoV-2, through IFN-α upregulation or other immunological pathways.
PubMed: 36644451
DOI: 10.1016/j.waojou.2023.100741