2020

Learning From History: Coronavirus Outbreaks In The Past

Dermatologic Therapy

Abdelmaksoud, Ayman; Kroumpouzos, George; Jafferany, Mohammad; Lotti, Torello; Sadoughifar, Roxanna; Goldust, Mohamad

Introduction

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it." -George Santayana
Coronaviruses were considered relatively harmless pathogens until they caused three major outbreaks of severe respiratory disease in the last 20 years. The current pandemic has compelled us to scrutinize the break-outs that have occurred in the past and imposed global threat time and again. Coronavirus is a single stranded enveloped RNA virus that belongs to the subfamily Coronavirinae. Based on the genomic structure, 4 subtypes of this zoonotic virus have been recognized- alphacoronavirus, betacoronavirus, gammacoronavirus and delta coronavirus. Alphacoronavirus and beta coronaviruses infect only mammals whereas gammacoronavirus and delta coronavirus infect mainly birds. Out of the former group, seven viruses are known to cause human disease. Four of these viruses, HCoV 229E, HCoV OC43, HCoVNL63 and HCoVHKU1, cause mild infections whereas three, SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV and the recently identified SARS-CoV2 cause serious respiratory illnesses in humans (Marra et al., 2003).

Keywords

Epidemiology

Complex Emergencies Of COVID-19: Management And Experience In Zhuhai

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Jin, Hao; Lu, Ligong; Liu, Junwei; Cui, Min

Abstract

The impact of communicable diseases (infectious diseases) on human health is obvious. The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 (Corona Virus Disease 2019) has made people realise the threat of communicable diseases to mankind. As a city of many migrants, Zhuhai Special Economic Zone experienced great challenges brought about by the COVID-19 epidemic. Experience has been acquired from all aspects of this. A highly reactive, multifunctional and efficient emergency management system should be established, and the significance of information communication should be fully understood for the future.

Keywords

COVID-19, Epidemic, Public health

COVID 19 in INDIA: Strategies to combat from combination threat of life and livelihood

Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection

Krishnakumar, Balaji; Rana, Sravendra

Abstract

INDIA- As for reported in 360 COVID-19 cases (till March 22, 2020), seven people were died, and 23 people were treated successfully.1 This virus can easily affect who having respiratory problem and especially who all have been aged older than sixty. Most of the affected peoples had reached India from different part of the world, as like of carrier. Owing to this, India made several precautionary measures to mitigate/neglect the disease in beginning stage, however, the denser population of country will not be simple to control the same for long time (community spread), if government will not incorporate the visionary strategies. Since attacked several nations have been worried mostly for their people life (health), despite that developing country like India with huge population should consider about the livelihood (for Below Poverty Line (BPL) people), equally with the life. This article will give insights to make effective strategy to culminate the world threat COVID-19 in India.

INDIA- As for reported in 360 COVID-19 cases (till March 22, 2020), seven people were died, and 23 people were treated successfully.1 This virus can easily affect who having respiratory problem and especially who all have been aged older than sixty. Most of the affected peoples had reached India from different part of the world, as like of carrier. Owing to this, India made several precautionary measures to mitigate/neglect the disease in beginning stage, however, the denser population of country will not be simple to control the same for long time (community spread), if government will not incorporate the visionary strategies. Since attacked several nations have been worried mostly for their people life (health), despite that developing country like India with huge population should consider about the livelihood (for Below Poverty Line (BPL) people), equally with the life. This article will give insights to make effective strategy to culminate the world threat COVID-19 in India.

Keywords

Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment

World In Lockdown

New Scientist
Volume 245, Issue 3275, March 2020, Page 7

Hamzelou, Jessica

Introduction

Around a fifth of the global population is in lockdown as COVID-19 cases continue to rise, reports Jessica Hamzelou.


HE covid-19 pandemic is speeding up, the World Health Organization's director general has warned. As New Scientist went to press, 382,000 cases of the disease had been confirmed, although the actual number is likely to be much higher. More than 16,500 people have died.

Keywords

Epidemiology

Do You Become Immune Once You Have Been Infected?

New Scientist
Volume 245, Issue 3275, 28 March 2020, Pages 10-11

GI.

Introduction

SAY you have caught COVID-19 and recovered – are you now immune for life, or could you catch it again? We just don't know yet.

In February, reports emerged of a woman in Japan who had been given the all-clear after having COVID-19 but then tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus a second time. There have also been reports of a man in Japan testing positive after being given the all-clear, and anecdotal cases of second positives have emerged from China, too.

Keywords

Epidemiology

Providing Pharmacy Services During The Coronavirus Pandemic

International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy

Liu, Shao; Luo, Ping; Tang, Mimi; Hu, Qin; Polidoro, Joseph P.; Sun, Shusen; Gong, Zhicheng

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is quickly spreading across China and globally. Pharmacy services are an important pillar in public health to prevent and contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Chinese pharmacists have acted swiftly in the public health response in China, such as drafting professional service guidance to pharmacists and pharmacies, establishing emergency drug formularies, monitoring and resolving drug shortages, establishing remote pharmacy services to prevent human-to-human infections, providing event-driven pharmaceutical care, educating the public on infection prevention and disease management, and participating in clinical trials and drug evaluation. This commentary reviews the unique needs of pharmacy services in the COVID-19 pandemic, and shares our experiences with the international pharmacy community in the response to these needs.

Keywords

China, Coronavirus, COVID-19, Pharmaceutical care, Pharmacists, Pharmacy service, Public health

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Outbreak: Could Pigs Be Vectors For Human Infections?

Xenotransplantation

Opriessnig, Tanja; Huang, Yao-Wei

Introduction

Coronaviruses (CoVs) have recently received an extraordinary level of global attention due to the discovery of a novel high pathogenic human coronavirus (CoV) in China in December 2019. CoVs are positive‐sense RNA viruses that belong to the subfamily Orthocoronavirinae in the family Coronaviridae (Source: International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses—ICTV, Taxonomy history: Orthocoronavirinae. Accessed January 24, 2020). This family can be divided into four genera, α‐CoVs, β‐CoVs, γ‐CoVs, and δ‐CoVs. CoV in humans are common, often associated with mild cold symptoms, and include the α‐CoVs HCoV‐229E and HCoV‐NL63, and the β‐CoVs HCoV‐OC43 and HCoV‐HKU1. In addition, to date three high pathogenic CoVs (all β‐CoVs) are recognized in humans and characterized by moderate (MERS‐CoV) or high (SARS‐CoV, SARS‐CoV‐2) transmission rates and association with mortality.

Keywords

Epidemiology

The Epidemiology, Diagnosis And Treatment Of COVID-19

International Journal of Antimicrobial Agents

Zhai, Pan; Ding, Yanbing; Wu, Xia; Long, Junke; Zhong, Yanjun; Li, Yiming

Abstract

In December 2019, the outbreak of the 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in China spread worldwide, becoming an emergency of major international concern. SARS-CoV-2 infection causes clusters of severe respiratory illness similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus. Human-to-human transmission has been described with incubation times between 2-14 days, facilitating its spread via droplets, contaminated hands or surfaces. Early diagnosis, quarantine, and supportive treatments are essential to cure patients. We therefore reviewed the literature on all available information about the epidemiology, diagnosis, isolation and treatments of COVID-19. Treatments, including antiviral agents, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, antibodies, convalescent plasma transfusion and vaccines, will be discussed in this article. Additionally, registered trials about treatment were listed to develop approaches for the current urgent demand for therapy.

Keywords

COVID-19, Pandemic, Diagnosis, Isolation, Remdesivir, Clinical trials

Chronic Kidney Disease Is Associated With Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Infection

International Urology and Nephrology

Henry, Brandon Michael; Lippi, Giuseppe

Editor,

As the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak expands, identification of predictive factors for severe infection is essential to enable risk stratification, optimize reallocation of hospital resource, and guide public health recommendations and interventions. Chronic Kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of both inpatient and outpatient pneumonia. Moreover, the pneumonia-related mortality rate in CKD patients seems to be 14–16 times higher than in the general population. In this article, we aim to explore the potential association between CKD and severity of COVID-19 infection.

Keywords

Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment

Arthralgia as an initial presentation of COVID-19: observation

Rheumatology International

Joob, Beuy; Wiwanitkit, Viroj.

Dear Editor,

Arthralgia is an important clinical complaint seen in many virus infections. For a new emerging disease from China, COVID-19, the data on the rheumatic manifestation are limited. In a clinical epidemiology report published in Lancet, no data on joint complaint of the patients are mentioned. Here, the authors would like to share observation from Thailand, the second country where the disease exists. In Thailand, at present (28 February 2020), there are 40 patients. Of these 40 patients, at least one patient (2.5%) presented with joint pain complaint. The case is a female patient who initially presented with high fever and low platelet count was observed…

Keywords

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Treatment

COVID-19 In Children: More Than Meets The Eye

Travel Medicine and Infectious Disease

Hagmann, Stefan H. F.

Abstract

The novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has so far resulted in more than 300,000 reported confirmed cases of Coronavirus virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and about 15,000 deaths. Today's very high degree of international interconnectedness and mobility has favored the truly rapid global spread of this novel virus as COVID-19 cases have been so far reported from almost every country on earth (190 out of 195 countries recognized by the United Nations). Severe respiratory illness and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), mostly observed in older adults, that have in many instances in several countries overloaded hospital capacities have so far dominated the media reports and the clinical literature on COVID-19.

Keywords

SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, Children, Morbidity

Can Companion Animals Become Infected With Covid-19?

The Veterinary Record
Volume 186, Issue 12, Pages 388-389

Almendros, Angel

Introduction

The veterinary community has been following the evolution of the global pandemic of Covid-19 to identify risks to animals and possible zoonotic transmission. With some exceptions, most coronavirus (CoV) infections in domestic animals are predominantly associated with gastrointestinal disease. Their genetic diversity and variety of hosts are likely to be connected to their high mutation frequency and their RNA instability. This makes CoVs a public health concern with future outbreaks being predicted.

Keywords

Ethics, social science, economics

The Effects Of Misleading Media Reports About COVID-19 On Chinese Tourists Mental Health: A Perspective Article

Anatolia

Zheng, Yi; Goh,Edmund; Wen, Jun.

Abstract

The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has been declared a public health emergency of international concern by the World Health Organization. This pandemic has since saturated the headlines of major international media channels that disseminate information to global citizens. However, some media coverage of COVID-19 has negatively influenced Chinese travellers’ mental health due to the outbreak having been labelled “Chinese virus pandemonium.” Key world leaders have also parroted such sensationalism; for example, President Donald Trump called COVID-19 the “Chinese virus”. This discriminatory labelling has resulted in violent attacks on Chinese international travellers and students. This perspective article explores how misleading and discriminatory media reports may affect the mental well-being of ethnically Chinese travellers during the global COVID-19 pandemic.

Keywords

COVID-19 outbreak, misleading information, media coverage, mental health, psychological well-being

Quantitative Detection and Viral Load Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 in Infected Patients

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Yu, Fengting; Yan, Liting; Wang, Nan; Yang, Siyuan; Wang, Linghang; Tang, Yunxia; Gao, Guiju; Wang, Sa; Ma, Chengjie; Xie, Ruming; Wang, Fang; Tan, Chianru; Zhu, Lingxiang; Guo, Yong; Zhang, Fujie 

Abstract

Background

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a public health emergency. The widely used reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) method has limitations for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

A total of 323 samples from 76 COVID-19 confirmed patients were analyzed by droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) and RT-PCR based two target genes (ORF1ab and N). Nasal swabs, throat swabs, sputum, blood, and urine were collected. Clinical and imaging data were obtained for clinical staging.

Results

In 95 samples tested positive by both methods, the cycle threshold (Ct) of RT-PCR was highly correlated with the copy numbed of ddPCR (ORF1ab gene, R2 = 0.83; N gene, R2 = 0.87). 4 (4/161) negative and 41 (41/67) single-gene positive samples tested by RT-PCR were positive according to ddPCR with viral load ranging from 11.1 to 123.2 copies/test. Then the viral load of respiratory samples was compared and the average viral load in sputum (17429 ± 6920 copies/test) was found to be significantly higher than in throat swabs (2552 ± 1965 copies/test, p < 0.001) and nasal swabs (651 ± 501 copies/test, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the viral load in the early and progressive stages were significantly higher than that in the recovery stage (46800 ± 17272 vs 1252 ± 1027, p < 0.001) analyzed by sputum samples.

Conclusions

Quantitative monitoring of viral load in lower respiratory tract samples helps to evaluate disease progression, especially in cases of low viral load.

Keywords

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, RT-PCR, ddPCR, Viral load

Would everyone wearing face masks help us slow the pandemic?

Science

Servick, Kelly.

Introduction

As cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) ballooned last month, people in Europe and North America scrambled to get their hands on surgical masks to protect themselves. Health officials jumped in to discourage them, worried about the limited supply of masks for health care personnel. “Seriously people-STOP BUYING MASKS!” began a 29 February tweet from U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams. The World Health Organization and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have both said that only people with COVID-19 symptoms and those caring for them should wear masks. But some health experts, including the director of the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, think that’s a mistake. Health authorities in parts of Asia have encouraged all citizens to wear masks in public to prevent the spread of the virus, regardless of whether they have symptoms. And the Czech Republic took the uncommon step last week of making nose and mouth coverings mandatory in public spaces, prompting a grassroots drive to hand-make masks.

Keywords

COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Treatment

Spotlight on Jails: COVID-19 Mitigation Policies Needed Now

Clinical Infectious Diseases

Wurcel, Alysse G.; Dauria, Emily; Zaller, Nicholas; Nijhawan, Ank; Beckwith, Curt; Nowotny, Kathryn; Brinkley-Rubinstein, Lauren 

Dear Editor,

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare institutions and public health experts are mobilizing to develop mitigation protocols based on the experiences of other countries, including China, South Korea, and Italy. Compared to these countries, the US has a higher incarceration rate, with 10.6 million people booked into jails each year.2 Jails pose a unique set of challenges to COVID-19 prevention, detection, and management mitigation that deserves immediate attention.

In Other Covid-19 News

The Veterinary Record
Volume 186, Issue 12, Pages 370-370

Introduction

Vet practices are putting aside human-compatible ventilators, oxygen supplies and personal protective equipment such as surgical masks, as well as anaesthetic machines and monitors, for use in saving human lives. The scheme has been promoted by the RCVS, the BVA and several other veterinary associations and businesses.

Keywords

Epidemiology

Papa Giovanni XXIII Bergamo Hospital At The Time Of The COVID-19 Outbreak: Letter From The Warfront

International journal of laboratory hematology

Buoro, Sabrina; Di Marco, Fabiano; Rizzi, Marco; Fabretti, Fabrizio; Lorini, Ferdinando Luca; Cesa, Simonetta; Fagiuoli, Stefano

Abstract

In early December 2019, the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) was identified as the agent responsible for the first pneumonia cases of unknown origin in Wuhan, the capital of the Hubei region in China. The virus has been identified as a novel enveloped RNA betacoronavirus2 , that has been promptly named SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2). The World Health Organization (WHO), on January 12, 2020 declared the COVID-19 a public health emergency of international concern. On March 11, the WHO made the assessment that COVID-19 can be characterized as a pandemic.

Keywords

Clinical aspects, diagnosis, treatment; Epidemiology