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Current Allergy and Asthma Reports Sep 2020We provide a systematic review of experimental and clinical evidences linking allergy to acute, including common cold, and chronic rhinosinusitis in children....
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW
We provide a systematic review of experimental and clinical evidences linking allergy to acute, including common cold, and chronic rhinosinusitis in children. Furthermore, we questioned if anti-allergy treatment may prevent the occurrence of rhinosinusitis or improve outcomes of its specific management.
RECENT FINDINGS
Allergic rhinitis is a common childhood disease in industrialized countries that is responsible for a major impact on quality of life and healthcare resources. Over the years many authors tried to correlate allergy with comorbidities and in particular to the onset of rhinosinusitis including common cold, even though conflicting results are frequently reached. We performed a systematic review in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) process. Our search yielded 7103 that were finally screened. This resulted in 25 publications of which the full texts were assessed and included in a qualitative analysis per different phenotypes of rhinosinusitis. The evidence suggests that allergy may lead to overall impairment of mechanical and immunological defense function of the nasal mucosa against viruses and that anti-allergy treatment may significantly decrease the number and severity of upper respiratory tract infections including common colds in children. It was not possible to perform the analysis for allergy and post-viral acute rhinosinusitis, bacterial acute rhinosinusitis, and recurrent acute rhinosinusitis because of paucity and heterogeneity of data. Although there is no definitive proof of causation linking allergy to chronic rhinosinusitis, studies lead to suppose that anti-allergy treatment may improve outcomes of specific CRS treatments.
Topics: Acute Disease; Allergens; Biomarkers; Child; Chronic Disease; Histamine Antagonists; Humans; Rhinitis; Rhinitis, Allergic; Sinusitis
PubMed: 32889648
DOI: 10.1007/s11882-020-00967-9 -
Human Vaccines & Immunotherapeutics Sep 2016This systematic review evaluated the epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia in children <6 y of age within 90 developing and newly industrialized countries.... (Review)
Review
Epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia and implications for vaccination of children living in developing and newly industrialized countries: A systematic literature review.
This systematic review evaluated the epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia in children <6 y of age within 90 developing and newly industrialized countries. Literature searches (1990-2011), based on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane, CAB Global Health, WHO, UNICEF, country-specific websites, conferences, health-technology-assessment agencies, and the reference lists of included studies, yielded 8,734 records; 62 of 340 studies were included in this review. The highest incidence rate among included studies was 0.51 episodes/child-year, for children <5 y of age in Bangladesh. The highest prevalence was in Chinese children <6 months of age (37.88%). The main bacterial pathogens were Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae and Mycoplasma pneumoniae and the main viral pathogens were respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus and rhinovirus. Community-acquired pneumonia remains associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Improved and efficient surveillance and documentation of the epidemiology and burden of community-acquired pneumonia across various geographical regions is warranted.
Topics: Bacteria; Child, Preschool; Community-Acquired Infections; Developed Countries; Developing Countries; Humans; Incidence; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Pneumonia, Bacterial; Pneumonia, Viral; Prevalence; Viruses
PubMed: 27269963
DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2016.1174356 -
Viruses May 2022Many countries have implemented public health and social measures (PHSMs) to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although... (Review)
Review
Many countries have implemented public health and social measures (PHSMs) to control the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). Although the PHSMs are targeted at SARS-CoV-2 transmission control, they directly or indirectly impact the epidemiology of different respiratory viral diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the collateral impact of PHSMs used during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on the epidemiology of other respiratory viruses, including influenza, parainfluenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and adenovirus infections. We conducted a systematic review of the published literature on changes in the incidence of respiratory viral diseases and detection rates of the respiratory viruses during COVID-19 pandemic, lasting from 2020-2021, published between December 2019 and March 2022 in , and databases. We identified an overall decrease of 23-94% in the incidence of respiratory viral diseases and a decrease of 0-98% in the detection of the viruses. Our study suggests that the PHSMs implemented during COVID-19 pandemic reduced the incidence of respiratory viral diseases and transmission of respiratory viruses. At the time of this study, and as governments relax PHSMs, public health authorities should prepare for a probable increase in the burden of respiratory viral diseases.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Pandemics; Public Health; Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human; Respiratory Tract Infections; SARS-CoV-2; Viruses
PubMed: 35632810
DOI: 10.3390/v14051071 -
Allergy Apr 2011A major part of the burden of asthma is caused by acute exacerbations. Exacerbations have been strongly and consistently associated with respiratory infections.... (Review)
Review
A major part of the burden of asthma is caused by acute exacerbations. Exacerbations have been strongly and consistently associated with respiratory infections. Respiratory viruses and bacteria are therefore possible treatment targets. To have a reasonable estimate of the burden of disease induced by such infectious agents on asthmatic patients, it is necessary to understand their nature and be able to identify them in clinical samples by employing accurate and sensitive methodologies. This systematic review summarizes current knowledge and developments in infection epidemiology of acute asthma in children and adults, describing the known impact for each individual agent and highlighting knowledge gaps. Among infectious agents, human rhinoviruses are the most prevalent in regard to asthma exacerbations. The newly identified type-C rhinoviruses may prove to be particularly relevant. Respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus are important in infants, while influenza viruses seem to induce severe exacerbations mostly in adults. Other agents are relatively less or not clearly associated. Mycoplasma and Chlamydophila pneumoniae seem to be involved more with asthma persistence rather than with disease exacerbations. Recent data suggest that common bacteria may also be involved, but this should be confirmed. Although current information is considerable, improvements in detection methodologies, as well as the wide variation in respect to location, time and populations, underline the need for additional studies that should also take into account interacting factors.
Topics: Acute Disease; Asthma; Bacterial Infections; Humans; Respiratory Tract Infections; Virus Diseases
PubMed: 21087215
DOI: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2010.02505.x -
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 -
American Journal of Infection Control Aug 2023Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of acute respiratory tract illness and upper respiratory tract infections, traditionally defined as 'common colds'.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Human rhinoviruses (RVs) are the most common cause of acute respiratory tract illness and upper respiratory tract infections, traditionally defined as 'common colds'. Experimental transmission of RV has been studied for more than 50 years. However, there are divergent results as to whether hands and fomites or aerosols constitute the dominant route of transmission in natural settings.
METHODS
We have systematically reviewed the literature according to the PRISMA 2020 statement. Searches were run in PubMed and Web of Science until August 2022. Inclusion criteria were original studies of relevance for revealing the route of transmission of rhinovirus in humans.
RESULTS
The search yielded 663 results, and 25 studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for this review. These articles addressing RV transmission routes were assigned to 1 of 3 groups: (1) indirect transmission by fomites and hands, (2) direct transmission via large aerosols (droplets) or small aerosols, or (3) transmission either direct via large aerosols (droplets) or small aerosols and fomite or hands.
CONCLUSIONS
We found low evidence, that transmission via hands and fomite followed by self-inoculation is the dominant transmission route in real-life indoor settings. We found moderate evidence, that airborne transmission either via large aerosols or small aerosols is the major transmission route of rhinovirus transmission in real-life indoor settings. This suggests that the major transmission route of RVs in many indoor settings is through the air (airborne transmission).
Topics: Humans; Common Cold; Rhinovirus; Respiratory Aerosols and Droplets; Fomites
PubMed: 36535318
DOI: 10.1016/j.ajic.2022.12.005 -
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 -
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 -
The Lancet. Infectious Diseases May 2009Knowledge of the incubation period is essential in the investigation and control of infectious disease, but statements of incubation period are often poorly referenced,... (Review)
Review
Knowledge of the incubation period is essential in the investigation and control of infectious disease, but statements of incubation period are often poorly referenced, inconsistent, or based on limited data. In a systematic review of the literature on nine respiratory viral infections of public-health importance, we identified 436 articles with statements of incubation period and 38 with data for pooled analysis. We fitted a log-normal distribution to pooled data and found the median incubation period to be 5.6 days (95% CI 4.8-6.3) for adenovirus, 3.2 days (95% CI 2.8-3.7) for human coronavirus, 4.0 days (95% CI 3.6-4.4) for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, 1.4 days (95% CI 1.3-1.5) for influenza A, 0.6 days (95% CI 0.5-0.6) for influenza B, 12.5 days (95% CI 11.8-13.3) for measles, 2.6 days (95% CI 2.1-3.1) for parainfluenza, 4.4 days (95% CI 3.9-4.9) for respiratory syncytial virus, and 1.9 days (95% CI 1.4-2.4) for rhinovirus. When using the incubation period, it is important to consider its full distribution: the right tail for quarantine policy, the central regions for likely times and sources of infection, and the full distribution for models used in pandemic planning. Our estimates combine published data to give the detail necessary for these and other applications.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Humans; Infant; Infectious Disease Incubation Period; Male; Middle Aged; Respiratory Tract Infections; Young Adult
PubMed: 19393959
DOI: 10.1016/S1473-3099(09)70069-6 -
Journal of the Association of Medical... Oct 2019In asthmatic children, respiratory pathogens are identified in 60%-80% of asthma exacerbations, contributing to a significant burden of illness. The role of pathogens in... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
In asthmatic children, respiratory pathogens are identified in 60%-80% of asthma exacerbations, contributing to a significant burden of illness. The role of pathogens in the clinical evolution of exacerbations is unknown.
OBJECTIVE
We systematically reviewed the association between the presence of pathogens and clinical outcomes in children with an asthma exacerbation.
METHOD
PubMed, EMBASE, BIOSIS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched up to October 2016 for studies reporting on respiratory pathogen exposure and clinical outcome. The Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool was used for quality assessment.
RESULTS
Twenty-eight observational studies ( = 4,224 children) reported on 112 different associations between exposure to any pathogen ( = 45), human rhinovirus (HRV; = 34), atypical bacteria ( = 21), specific virus ( = 11), or bacteria ( = 1) and outcomes of exacerbation severity ( = 26), health care use ( = 38), treatment response ( = 19), and morbidity ( = 29). Restricting the analysis only to comparisons with a low to moderate risk of bias, we observed an association between HRV and higher exacerbation severity on presentation (regression = .016) and between the presence of any pathogen and emergency department treatment failure (odds ratio [OR] = 1.57; 95% CI 1.04% to 2.37%). High-quality evidence for effect on morbidity or health care use is lacking.
CONCLUSIONS
Further research on the role of pathogen-treatment interaction and outcomes is required to inform the need for point-of-care, real-time testing for pathogens. Studies with a sufficiently large sample size that address selection bias, correctly adjust for confounding, and rigorously report core patient-centred outcomes are necessary to improve knowledge.
PubMed: 36340656
DOI: 10.3138/jammi.2019-0004