scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2: Genetic variability, mutations and variants of concern for the global world

2021 ◽  
Vol 72 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Maja Ćupić
Keyword(s):  
Human Population ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Cell Receptor ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Clinical Tests ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Global World ◽  
First Time

Since emerging from Wuhan, China, in December of 2019, the novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV-2 has been causing devastating severe respiratory infections in human population worldwide. The new emerging disease was called COVID-19 and, as early as the beginning of 2020, the world found itself in a COVID 19 pandemic. Despite the slow evolutionary rate of SARS-CoV-2 relative to other RNA viruses, its massive and rapid transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled it to acquire significant genetic diversity since it first entered the human population. This led to the emergence of numerous variants, some of them recently being labeled, "variants of concern" (VOC). Emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants can be problematic if one or more of the independent mutations result in changes that make the virus more pathogenic, resistant to treatment, able to escape vaccines, or able to evade diagnostic tests. So far, four VOCs have been globally recognized (Alpha or B.1.1.7, Beta or B.1.351, Gamma or P.1 and newly recognized as VOC Delta or lineage B.1.617.2), and areas of the emerging variant of concern first time observed are United Kingdom, South Africa, Brazil, and India, respectively. Notable variants are those that contain mutations within the S gene, particularly within the region that codes for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that recognize and attach the specific ACE2 cell receptor. These mutations are responsible for increased viral transmission and influence disease severity, reliability of clinical tests as well as vaccine and therapy efficacy. The characteristics of VOCs and their mutational patterns indicate the necessity of permanent close monitoring on a global level.

scholarly journals An outline of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the complement cascade of immune system

2021 ◽  
Vol 45 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Padmalochan Hembram
Keyword(s):  
Immune System ◽  
Dark Side ◽  
Main Body ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Transmission Chain ◽  
The World ◽  
Therapeutic Molecules ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Near Future

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 19 is a viral infection caused by a novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. It was first notified in Wuhan, China, is now spread into numerous part of the world. Thus, the world needs urgent support and encouragement to develop a vaccine or antiviral treatments to combat the atrocious outbreak. Main body of the abstract The origin of this virus is yet unknown; however, rapid transmission from human-to-human “Anthroponosis” has widely confirmed. The world is witnessing a continuous hike in SARS-CoV-2 infection. In light of the outbreak of coronavirus disease 19, we have aimed to highlight the basic and vital information about the novel coronavirus. We provide an overview of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, timeline and its pathophysiological properties which would be an aid for the development of therapeutic molecules and antiviral drugs. Immune system plays a crucial role in virus infection in order to control but may have dark side when becomes uncontrollable. The host and SARS-CoV-2 interaction describe how the virus exploits host machinery and how overactive host immune response can cause disease severity also addressed in this review. Short conclusion Safe and effective vaccines may be the game-changing tools, but in the near future wearing mask, washing hands at regular intervals, avoiding crowed, maintaining physical distancing and hygienic surrounding, must be good practices to reduce and break the transmission chain. Still, research is ongoing not only on how vaccines protect against disease, but also against infection and transmission.

scholarly journals Immune Evasion of SARS-CoV-2 Emerging Variants: What Have We Learnt So Far?

Viruses ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1192
Author(s):  
Ivana Lazarevic ◽  
Vera Pravica ◽  
Danijela Miljanovic ◽  
Maja Cupic
Keyword(s):  
Immune Evasion ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Evolutionary Rate ◽  
Spike Protein ◽  
Close Monitoring ◽  
Global Level ◽  
Therapeutic Application ◽  
Neutralization Capacity ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Potential Impact

Despite the slow evolutionary rate of SARS-CoV-2 relative to other RNA viruses, its massive and rapid transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic has enabled it to acquire significant genetic diversity since it first entered the human population. This led to the emergence of numerous variants, some of them recently being labeled “variants of concern” (VOC), due to their potential impact on transmission, morbidity/mortality, and the evasion of neutralization by antibodies elicited by infection, vaccination, or therapeutic application. The potential to evade neutralization is the result of diversity of the target epitopes generated by the accumulation of mutations in the spike protein. While three globally recognized VOCs (Alpha or B.1.1.7, Beta or B.1.351, and Gamma or P.1) remain sensitive to neutralization albeit at reduced levels by the sera of convalescent individuals and recipients of several anti-COVID19 vaccines, the effect of spike variability is much more evident on the neutralization capacity of monoclonal antibodies. The newly recognized VOC Delta or lineage B.1.617.2, as well as locally accepted VOCs (Epsilon or B.1.427/29-US and B1.1.7 with the E484K-UK) are indicating the necessity of close monitoring of new variants on a global level. The VOCs characteristics, their mutational patterns, and the role mutations play in immune evasion are summarized in this review.

scholarly journals Can common coronavirus compete with novel coronavirus？

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
ZHONGNENG XU
Keyword(s):  
Resource Competition ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Medical Application ◽  
Theoretical Implication ◽  
Research Area ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Immunodeficiency Virus ◽  
The Common ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Virus Interactions

The novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, caused lethal human respiratory infections, and there is a big problem to control the disease. The application of other viruses to compete with the novel coronavirus was proposed in this paper. On the viewpoint of receptor competition, resource competition, and cross immunity, an attempt should be made to select a natural virus, such as the common coronavirus causing the common cold in human, or transform a virus with biotechnology in order to resist the novel coronavirus. Similar scenarios were suggested to deal with other viruses like human immunodeficiency virus. Microecological communities of viruses could form an independent research area to dig the deeper biological and medical significance. The present study provided the information to further the theoretical implication and medical application of the study of virus interactions.

scholarly journals COVID-19 in Renal Transplant Patient Presenting With Active Typical Symptoms and Resolved Atypical Symptoms

2020 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
pp. 232470962094930 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sreedhar Adapa ◽  
Venu Madhav Konala ◽  
Srikanth Naramala ◽  
Subba Rao Daggubati ◽  
Narayana Murty Koduri ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Renal Transplant ◽  
Renal Transplant Patient ◽  
Transplant Patient ◽  
Gastrointestinal Symptoms ◽  
Published Data ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Transplant Recipients ◽  
Atypical Symptoms ◽  
Rapid Transmission ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The novel coronavirus disease has brought the world to standstill with high infectivity and rapid transmission. The disease caused by novel coronavirus is termed as coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). We present the case of a renal transplant patient who was infected with COVID-19 through community spread and presented with fever and gastrointestinal symptoms. Transplant recipients are particularly vulnerable because of the immunosuppressed state. These patients can shed a virus for a prolonged period and can have a higher load of the virus. There have been no COVID-19 cases transmitted through organ donation. Preinfection immunological impairment can aggravate the severity of the infection. The transplant team plays a crucial role in donor and recipient evaluation and guiding the timing of the transplant. Although specific published data are lacking with regard to transplant recipients, they should follow the same precautions as the general population, like avoiding nonessential travel and practice social distancing.

scholarly journals The Role of Herbal and Nutritional Treatments in the Fight against COVID-19 and Other Respiratory Tract Infections

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (22) ◽  
pp. 12001
Author(s):  
Aline El Zakhem ◽  
May Annie Chalhoub ◽  
Maya Bassil
Keyword(s):  
Respiratory Tract Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Medical Treatments ◽  
Nutritional Interventions ◽  
Chinese Herbal ◽  
Upper Respiratory ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Tract Infections

With the growing spread of COVID-19 worldwide, the appeal to alternative and nutritional therapies in conjunction with medical therapies has been heightened. This article aims to review studies assessing the roles of Chinese traditional medicine and nutrition in upper respiratory infections, including COVID-19. Various Chinese herbal protocols have been shown to fight respiratory infections, with several having been tested on the novel coronavirus. Additionally, promising findings have been reported when medical treatments were complemented with nutritional interventions. Supplementation with vitamins C and D, Zinc and Selenium are discussed, in addition to certain phytochemicals and food that also possess immunoregulatory and antiviral properties. Further clinical studies are needed to establish these alternative treatments as part of the management of emerging respiratory infections.

scholarly journals The Importance of Building Community Trust for Sustained Malaria Elimination Interventions During Unforeseen Major Disruptive Events Such as COVID-19: A Cambodia Case Study

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mitra Feldman ◽  
Lieven Vernaeve ◽  
James Tibenderana ◽  
Leo Braack ◽  
Mark Debackere ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Rural Communities ◽  
Malaria Elimination ◽  
The Novel ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Patients At Risk ◽  
Building Community ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
High Level ◽  
First Time

Abstract Background Impressive progress in reducing malaria trends combined with the 2018 report of no malaria related deaths for the first time, puts Cambodia well on track to reaching its malaria elimination goals. However, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic presents a potential challenge to this goal. The path towards malaria elimination is dependent on sustained interventions to prevent rapid resurgence, which can quickly set back any gains achieved. Methods Mobile Malaria Workers (MMWs) need to have a strong understanding of the local geography and, most importantly, build and maintain trust among the communities they serve. To achieve this, Malaria Consortium uses a peer-to-peer approach for the MMWs and ensures the same level of trust operates between the MMWs and Malaria Consortium. Malaria Consortium’s policy during COVID-19 has been to follow national guidelines while continuing to support community-based malaria services via the MMWs / mobile malaria posts (MPs) with as minimal disruption as possible. A risk assessment was carried out by Malaria Consortium, with a mitigation plan quickly developed and implemented, to ensure MMWs were able to continue providing services without putting themselves or their patients at risk. Results Malaria Consortium ensured the MMW/ mobile MP program is built on trust, relevance to, and connection with the communities being served. An overall decline in malaria testing was reported from Health Centres and VMWs among all three provinces in March and April, not seen in previous years and possibly attributable to fear of COVID-19. However, Malaria Consortium supported MMWs have not reported any such decline in the utilization of their services and attribute this to the trust they have among the communities. Conclusion Malaria Consortium has effectively demonstrated care and solidarity with and among the MMWs and communities being served. This has ensured a high level of trust, and therefore willingness among the MMWs and communities to continue providing and utilising malaria services as usual despite the fear of COVID-19. Building trust among rural communities builds resilience and ensures uninterrupted and effective malaria elimination activities can continue even during a potential extraneous disruptive force, such as the Covid-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals SARS-CoV-2 Infection as a Cause of Acute Pancreatitis in a Child—A Case Report

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 552-557
Author(s):  
Natalia Kopiczko ◽  
Kamila Kwiatek-Średzińska ◽  
Mirosława Uścinowicz ◽  
Monika Kowalczuk-Krystoń ◽  
Dariusz Marek Lebensztejn
Keyword(s):  
Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
Abdominal Pain ◽  
Case Report ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Gastrointestinal Manifestations ◽  
Number Of Patients ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Mild Acute Pancreatitis ◽  
First Time

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) was detected for the first time in China in December 2019. Soon after it was declared a pandemic. Main symptoms include fever, dyspnea, cough, muscle pain, headache, anosmia and ageusia, however a growing body of evidence shows that other organs can be affected. Gastrointestinal manifestations have been observed in a considerable number of patients and include abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting. The involvement of liver as well as pancreas has been also described, however there are only a few cases of acute pancreatitis reported in patients with COVID-19. Therefore, we present a case of 6-year-old child with mild acute pancreatitis and COVID-19 pneumonia.

scholarly journals Emerging variants of novel coronavirus - myth and reality

2021 ◽  
pp. 26-26
Author(s):  
Tanja Jovanovic ◽  
Marko Jankovic ◽  
Aleksandra Knezevic
Keyword(s):  
United Kingdom ◽  
Receptor Binding ◽  
Vaccine Efficacy ◽  
Human Population ◽  
Viral Transmission ◽  
Receptor Binding Domain ◽  
Clinical Tests ◽  
Species Barrier ◽  
The United Kingdom ◽  
Novel Coronavirus

The new coronavirus has crossed the species barrier leading to the pandemic of COVID-19. The lengthy circulation of the virus within the human population has enabled the development of many new viral variants, some of which are conducive to further pathogen spread. Notable variants are those that contain mutations within the S gene, particularly within the region that codes for the receptor-binding domain (RBD) that links to the hACE-2 receptor. These mutations are responsible for increased viral transmission and influence disease severity, reliability of clinical tests as well as vaccine efficacy. At present, the variant first identified in the United Kingdom poses the greatest threat in Europe

scholarly journals Acute respiratory infections in outpatient care in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: the role and position of antibacterial therapy

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 214-218
Author(s):  
R.F. Khamitov ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Outpatient Care ◽  
Viral Infections ◽  
Respiratory Infections ◽  
Respiratory Viruses ◽  
Acute Respiratory Infections ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Coronavirus Infection ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Care Costs

Acute respiratory infections of the upper and lower respiratory tract are currently the leading cause of human morbidity, mainly due to the seasonal rise of the incidence rates of viral infections. This results in the heavy burden of annual health care costs. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the problem. The associations between respiratory viruses and bacteria are not always clear thus accounting for the diversity of the risks of the complicated course and fatal outcomes of various bacterial viral coinfections. Influenza virus is associated with the high rate of bacterial complications (in particular, during seasonal peaks). Meanwhile, this is less typical of the novel coronavirus infection. In addition, several studies demonstrate the competitive edge of SARS-CoV-2 when interacting with other respiratory viruses. The specificities of viral bacterial associations greatly affect the treatment whose inadequacy (in particular, the prescription of antibiotics) is the leading cause of the increasing antimicrobial resistance of contemporary germs. The novel coronavirus infection SARS-CoV-2 is no exception in terms of inappropriate antibiotic prescribing as occurred often in the seasonal rise of acute respiratory viral infections. The understanding of this issue, the optimization of treatment strategies, and a reduction in health care costs will allow for preserving antibiotics as a class of highly effective medications. KEYWORDS: acute respiratory infections, COVID-19, bacterial coinfection, outpatient care, lung damage, antimicrobial therapy. FOR CITATION: Khamitov R.F. Acute respiratory infections in outpatient care in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic: the role and position of antibacterial therapy. Russian Medical Inquiry. 2020;4(4):214–218. DOI: 10.32364/2587-6821-2020-4-4-214-218.

scholarly journals Potential Interaction Between SARS-CoV-2 and Thyroid: A Review

Endocrinology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 162 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Wenjie Chen ◽  
Yuang Tian ◽  
Zhihui Li ◽  
Jingqiang Zhu ◽  
Tao Wei ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Disease Burden ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Potential Interaction ◽  
Thyroid Diseases ◽  
The Novel ◽  
Epidemic Period ◽  
Novel Coronavirus ◽  
Short Time ◽  
And Control ◽  
First Time

Abstract The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) produced by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is sweeping the world in a very short time. Although much has been learned about the clinical course, prognostic inflammatory markers, and disease complications of COVID-19, the potential interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and the thyroid is poorly understood. In contrast to SARS-CoV-1, limited available evidence indicates there is no pathological evidence of thyroid injury caused by SARS-CoV-2. However, subacute thyroiditis caused by SARS-CoV-2 has been reported for the first time. Thyroid dysfunction is common in patients with COVID-19 infection. By contrast, certain thyroid diseases may have a negative impact on the prevention and control of COVID-19. In addition, some anti–COVID-19 agents may cause thyroid injury or affect its metabolism. COVID-19 and thyroid disease may mutually aggravate the disease burden. Patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection should not ignore the effect on thyroid function, especially when there are obvious related symptoms. In addition, patients with thyroid diseases should follow specific management principles during the epidemic period.

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