COVID-19, Rheumatic Diseases and Immunosuppressive Drugs: An Appeal For Medication Adherence

Rheumatology International 2020

Yun-Jung Kang

Dear Editor,

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak has raised concerns among patients on chronic immunosuppressive therapy because of immune response to virus perceived to be lowered, possibly fuelling non-adherence behaviour. Indeed, high frequency of infection has been observed in patients with rheumatic diseases. Despite immunosuppressive agents and impaired immune function had been associated with increased risk of infection, it must be remembered that uncontrolled disease activity is among the most sensitive and specific independent predictors.

Keywords

Clinical Aspects, Diagnosis, Treatment

How Sick Will The Coronavirus Make You? The Answer May Be In Your Genes

Science

Kaiser, Jocelyn

Introduction

COVID-19, caused by the new pandemic coronavirus, is strangely—and tragically—selective. Only some infected people get sick, and although most of the critically ill are elderly or have complicating problems such as heart disease, some killed by the disease are previously healthy and even relatively young. Researchers are now gearing up to scour the patients’ genomes for DNA variations that explain this mystery. The findings could be used to identify those most at risk of serious illness and those who might be protected, and they might also guide the search for new treatments.

Keywords

Clinical Aspects, Diagnosis, Treatment

Identification of Viral Etiology of Acute Respiratory Tract Infections in Children and Adults in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Access Microbiology

Widhidewi, Ni Wayan; Wiyatno, Ageng; Dewantari, Aghnianditya Kresno; Paramasatiari, Lila; Aryastuti, Sri Agung; Artika, I. Nengah; Setiawan, Wayan Doddy; Soebandrio, Amin; Aye Myint, Khin Saw; safari, Dodi

Dear Editor,

Acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI) is the most common infectious disease in humans worldwide. The morbidity and mortality rates are high, especially in developing countries from Southeast Asia and Africa. While ARTI is commonly associated with viruses, there is limited data on the spectrum of viruses causing ARTI in developing countries, including Indonesia. This study was based on utilizing molecular techniques targeting a panel of 11 endemic and emerging respiratory viral pathogens including zoonotic viruses in a cohort of children and adults presenting at Tabanan General Hospital, Bali, with acute respiratory illness, from January to November 2017. In total, 98 out of 200 samples (49.0 %) tested positive for viruses. Our study confirmed 64.3 % viral etiology in children and 12.2 % in adults. Viruses that were detected were Herpesviridae (15.0 %) followed by enteroviruses (12.0 %), influenza A virus (11.5 %), respiratory syncytial virus (8.0 %), Adenoviridae (6.5 %), human metapneumovirus (3.5 %), Paramyxoviridae (2.0 %), bocavirus (1.0 %) and Coronaviridae (0.5 %). The study sheds light on the viral spectrum of ARTI in children and adults in Tabanan, Bali, Indonesia

Keywords

Acute respiratory tract infection, etiology, virus, Bali