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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 120, Issue 22, May 2023.

Influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses that circulate worldwide. The annual epidemics are estimated to result in about 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and about 290 000 to 650 000 respiratory deaths in the world [1]. In addition, 4.8%-18.9% of children with influenza develop various neurologic complications, including febrile seizure, influenza-associated encephalopathy/encephalitis, transverse myelitis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and Reye\'s syndrome [2, 3].

AbstractBackgroundHigh-dose (HD) influenza vaccine offers improved protection from influenza virus infection among older adults compared with standard-dose (SD) vaccine. Here we explored whether HD vaccine attenuates disease severity among older adults with breakthrough influenza.MethodsRetrospective cohort study among adults ≥65 years from U.S. claims data, for seasons 2016-17, 2017-18 and 2018-19 defined as October 1st through April 30th. After adjusting the different cohorts for the probability of vaccination conditional on patients’ characteristics, we compared 30-day mortality rate post-influenza among older adults experiencing breakthrough infection after receipt of HD or SD influenza vaccines and among those not vaccinated (NV).ResultsWe evaluated 44,456 influenza cases: 23,109 (52%) were unvaccinated, 15,037 (33.8%) received HD vaccine and 6,310 (14.2%) received SD vaccine. Significant reductions in mortality rates among breakthrough cases were observed across all three seasons for HD vs NV, ranging from 17-29% reductions. A significant mortality reduction of 25% was associated with SD vaccination vs. NV in the 2016-17 season, when there was a good match between circulating influenza viruses and selected vaccine strains. When comparing HD vs. SD cohorts, mortality reductions were higher among those receiving HD in the last two seasons, when mismatch between vaccine strains and circulating H3N2 viruses were documented, albeit not significant.ConclusionHD vaccination was associated with lower post-influenza mortality among older adults with breakthrough influenza, even during seasons where antigenically drifted H3N2 circulated. Improved understanding of the impact of different vaccines on attenuating disease severity is warrant when assessing vaccine policy recommendations.

AbstractBackgroundImmunity to Streptococcus pyogenes in high burden settings is poorly understood. We explored S. pyogenes nasopharyngeal colonization after intranasal live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) among Gambian children aged 24-59 months, and resulting serological response to 7 antigens.MethodsA post-hoc analysis was performed in 320 children randomized to receive LAIV at baseline (LAIV group) or not (control). S. pyogenes colonization was determined by quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) on nasopharyngeal swabs from baseline (D0), day 7 (D7) and day 21 (D21). Anti-streptococcal IgG was quantified, including a subset with paired serum pre/post S. pyogenes acquisition.ResultsThe point prevalence of S. pyogenes colonization ranged from 7-13%. In children negative at D0, S. pyogenes was detected at D7 or D21 in 18% of LAIV group and 11% of control group participants (p=0.12). The odds ratio (OR) for colonization over time was significantly increased in the LAIV group (D21 vs D0 OR 3.18, p=0.003) but not in the control group (OR 0.86, p=0.79). The highest IgG increases following asymptomatic colonization were seen for M1 and SpyCEP proteins.ConclusionsAsymptomatic S. pyogenes colonization appears modestly increased by LAIV, and may be immunologically significant. LAIV could be used to study influenza-S. pyogenes interactions.

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 120, Issue 21, May 2023.

ObjectivesWe aim to quantify shifts in hospitalisation and mortality and how those were related to the first three phases of the epidemic and individuals’ demographics and health profile among those with a positive test for SARS-CoV-2 treated at the Mexican Social Security Institute’s facilities from March 2020 to October 2021. DesignRetrospective observational study using interrupted time series analysis to identify changes in hospitalisation rate and case fatality rate (CFR) by epidemic wave. SettingData from the Mexican Institute of Social Security’s (IMSS) Online Influenza Epidemiological Surveillance System (SINOLAVE) that include all individuals that sought care at IMSS facilities all over Mexico. ParticipantsAll individuals included in the SINOLAVE with a positive PCR or rapid test for SARS-CoV-2. Primary and secondary outcome measuresMonthly test positivity rates, hospitalisation rates, CFRs and prevalence of relevant comorbidities by age group. ResultsFrom March 2020 to October 2021, the CFR declined between 1% and 3.5%; the declines were significant for those 0–9, 20–29, 30–39, 40–49 and 70 and older. The decline was steep during the first wave and was less steep or was temporarily reversed at the beginning of the second and third waves (changes in the trend of about 0.3% and 3.8%, and between 0.7% and 3.8%, respectively, for some age groups), but then continued to the end of the analytical period. Prevalence of diabetes, hypertension and obesity among patients testing positive also declined—two for most age groups (reductions of up to 10 percentage points for diabetes, 12 percentage points for hypertension and 19 percentage points for obesity). ConclusionData suggest that the decrease in COVID-19 fatality rate is at least partially explained by a change in the profile of those contracting the disease, that is, a falling proportion of individuals with comorbidities across all age groups. …

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 120, Issue 22, May 2023.

Science Advances, Volume 9, Issue 20, May 2023.

It is estimated that up to 33.1 million episodes of RSV-associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) occur annually globally in children under-5 years of age, approximately 10% of which result in hospitalisation[1]. Of the nearly 120,000 estimated RSV-associated global deaths among children aged…

by Kyoko Hayashida, Alejandro Garcia, Lavel Chinyama Moonga, Tatsuki Sugi, Kodera Takuya, Mitsuo Kawase, Fumihiro Kodama, Atsushi Nagasaka, Nobuhisa Ishiguro, Ayato Takada, Masahiro Kajihara, Naganori Nao, Masashi Shingai, Hiroshi Kida, Yasuhiko Suzuki, William W. Hall, Hirofumi Sawa, Junya Yamagishi A novel multiplex loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) method combined with DNA chromatography was developed for the simultaneous detection of three important respiratory disease-causing viruses: severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza A virus, and influenza B virus. Amplification was performed at a constant temperature, and a positive result was confirmed by a visible colored band. An in-house drying protocol with trehalose was used to prepare the dried format multiplex LAMP test. Using this dried multiplex LAMP test, the analytical sensitivity was determined to be 100 copies for each viral target and 100–1000 copies for the simultaneous detection of mixed targets. The multiplex LAMP system was validated using clinical COVID-19 specimens and compared with the real-time qRT-PCR method as a reference test. The determined sensitivity of the multiplex LAMP system for SARS-CoV-2 was 71% (95% CI: 0.62–0.79) for cycle threshold (Ct) ≤ 35 samples and 61% (95% CI: 0.53–0.69) for Ct ≤40 samples. The specificity was 99% (95%CI: 0.92–1.00) for Ct ≤35 samples and 100% (95%CI: 0.92–1.00) for the Ct ≤40 samples. The developed simple, rapid, low-cost, and laboratory-free multiplex LAMP system for the two major important respiratory viral diseases, COVID-19 and influenza, is a promising field-deployable diagnosis tool for the possible future ‘twindemic, ‘ especially in resource-limited settings.

Influenza vaccine composition is reviewed and updated bi-annually to ensure optimal vaccine effectiveness for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres [1]. Influenza viruses circulating in the Southern Hemisphere can provide early indications of the effectiveness of antigens retained in subsequent Northern Hemisphere formulations for preventing severe illness [2]. Timely provision of Southern Hemisphere end-of-season vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates have important implications for public health policy in these countries and are especially valuable while Northern Hemisphere influenza epidemics are ongoing, but surveillance systems have yet to identify enough cases to reliably estimate VE.

A person in China was infected with avian influenza A(H3N8) virus in February, the nation’s health agency reported to the World Health Organization (WHO). The patient died after being hospitalized for severe pneumonia.

This study uses data from the US Department of Veterans Affairs to assess whether SARS-CoV-2 remains associated with higher risk of death compared with seasonal influenza in fall-winter 2022-2023.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 95, Issue 5, May 2023.

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

This review sought to assess the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of high‐dose inactivated influenza vaccines (HD‐IIV) for the prevention of laboratory‐confirmed influenza in individuals aged 18 years or older. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases and grey literature sources up to 7 February 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) were included. The search returned 28,846 records, of which 36 studies were included. HD‐IIV was shown to have higher relative vaccine efficacy in preventing influenza compared with standard‐dose influenza vaccines (SD‐IIV3) in older adults (Vaccine effectiveness (VE) = 24%, 95% CI 10–37, one RCT). One NRSI demonstrated significant effect for HD‐IIV3 against influenza B (VE = 89%, 95% CI 47–100), but not for influenza A(H3N2) (VE = 22%, 95% CI −82 to 66) when compared with no vaccination in older adults. HD‐IIV3 showed significant relative effect compared with SD‐IIV3 for influenza‐related hospitalisation (VE = 11.8%, 95% CI 6.4–17.0, two NRSIs), influenza‐ or pneumonia‐related hospitalisation (VE = 13.7%, 95% CI 9.5–17.7, three NRSIs), influenza‐related hospital encounters (VE = 13.1%, 95% CI 8.4–17.7, five NRSIs), and influenza‐related office visits (VE = 3.5%, 95% CI 1.5–5.5, two NRSIs). For safety, HD‐IIV were associated with significantly higher rates of local and systemic adverse events compared with SD‐IIV (combined local reactions, pain at injection site, swelling, induration, headache, chills and malaise). From limited data, compared with SD‐IIV, HD‐IIV were found to be more effective in the prevention of laboratory‐confirmed influenza, for a range of proxy outcome measures, and associated with more adverse events.

The most effective means of preventing seasonal influenza is through vaccination. In this systematic review, we investigated the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of MF59 adjuvanted trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccines to prevent laboratory‐confirmed influenza. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases and grey literature sources up to 7 February 2020. Randomised controlled trials and non‐randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) were eligible for inclusion. The search returned 28,846 records, of which 48 studies on MF59 adjuvanted vaccines met our inclusion criteria. No efficacy trials were identified. In terms of vaccine effectiveness (VE), MF59 adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccines were effective in preventing laboratory‐confirmed influenza in older adults (aged ≥65 years) compared with no vaccination (VE = 45%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 23%–61%, 5 NRSIs across 3 influenza seasons). By subtype, significant effect was found for influenza A(H1N1) (VE = 61%, 95% CI 44%–73%) and B (VE = 29%, 95% CI 5%–46%), but not for A(H3N2). In terms of relative VE, there was no significant difference comparing MF59 adjuvanted trivalent vaccines with either non‐adjuvanted trivalent or quadrivalent vaccines. Compared with traditional trivalent influenza vaccines, MF59 adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccines were associated with a greater number of local adverse events (RR = 1.90, 95% CI 1.50–2.39) and systemic reactions (RR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.02–1.38). In conclusion, MF59 adjuvanted trivalent influenza vaccines were found to be more effective than ‘no vaccination’. Based on limited data, there was no significant difference comparing the effectiveness of MF59 adjuvanted vaccines with their non‐adjuvanted counterparts.

The most effective means of preventing seasonal influenza is through vaccination. In this systematic review, we investigated the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of recombinant haemagglutinin (HA) seasonal influenza vaccines to prevent laboratory‐confirmed influenza. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases and grey literature sources up to 7 February 2020. Randomised controlled trials and non‐randomised studies of interventions were eligible for inclusion. The search returned 28,846 records, of which 10 studies on recombinant HA influenza vaccine met our inclusion criteria. One study found that the quadrivalent recombinant HA influenza vaccine had higher relative vaccine efficacy (rVE) in preventing laboratory‐confirmed influenza during the 2014–15 season compared with traditional quadrivalent vaccination in adults aged ≥50 years (rVE = 30%, 95% CI 10%–47%, moderate‐certainty evidence). In a subgroup analysis, higher rVE was reported for influenza A (rVE = 36%, 95% CI 14% to 53%), but not for B (non‐significant). Another study reported higher efficacy for the trivalent recombinant HA vaccine compared with placebo (VE = 45%, 95% CI 19–63, 1 RCT, low‐certainty evidence) in adults aged 18–55 years. With the exception of a higher rate of chills (RR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.03–1.72), the safety profile of recombinant HA vaccines was comparable to that of traditional influenza vaccines. The evidence base for the efficacy and effectiveness of recombinant HA influenza vaccines is limited at present, although one study found that the quadrivalent recombinant HA influenza vaccine had higher rVE compared with traditional quadrivalent vaccination in adults aged ≥50 years.

The most effective means of preventing seasonal influenza is through strain‐specific vaccination. In this study, we investigated the efficacy, effectiveness and safety of cell‐based trivalent and quadrivalent influenza vaccines. A systematic literature search was conducted in electronic databases and grey literature sources up to 7 February 2020. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non‐randomised studies of interventions (NRSIs) were eligible for inclusion. Two reviewers independently screened, extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies. Certainty of evidence for key outcomes was assessed using the GRADE methodology. The search returned 28,846 records, of which 868 full‐text articles were assessed for relevance. Of these, 19 studies met the inclusion criteria. No relative efficacy data were identified for the direct comparison of cell‐based vaccines compared with traditional vaccines (egg‐based). Efficacy data were available comparing cell‐based trivalent influenza vaccines with placebo in adults (aged 18–49 years). Overall vaccine efficacy was 70% against any influenza subtype (95% CI 61%–77%, two RCTS), 82% against influenza A(H1N1) (95% CI 71%–89%, 2 RCTs), 72% against influenza A(H3N2) (95% CI 39%–87%, 2 RCTs) and 52% against influenza B (95% CI 30%–68%, 2 RCTs). Limited and heterogeneous data were presented for effectiveness when compared with no vaccination. One NRSI compared cell‐based trivalent and quadrivalent vaccination with traditional trivalent and quadrivalent vaccination, finding a small but significant difference in favour of cell‐based vaccines for influenza‐related hospitalisation, hospital encounters and physician office visits. The safety profile of cell‐based trivalent vaccines was comparable to traditional trivalent influenza vaccines. Compared with placebo, cell‐based trivalent influenza vaccines have demonstrated greater efficacy in adults aged 18–49 years. Overall cell‐based vaccines are well‐tolerated in adults, however, evidence regarding the effectiveness of these vaccines compared with traditional seasonal influenza vaccines is limited.

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory viral infections are a major cause of morbidity and hospitalization in young children. Nevertheless, the population burden of respiratory viral infections, especially asymptomatic cases, is not known due to the lack of prospective community-based cohort studies with intensive monitoring.MethodsTo address this gap, we enacted the PREVAIL cohort, a CDC-sponsored birth cohort in Cincinnati, Ohio where children were followed from birth to 2 years of age. Weekly text surveys were administered to mothers to record acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs), which were defined as the presence of cough or fever (≥38oC). Weekly mid-turbinate nasal swabs were collected and tested using the Luminex Respiratory Pathogen Panel, which detected 16 viral pathogens. Viral infection was defined as one or more positive tests from the same virus or viral subtype within 30 days of previous positive. Maternal report and medical chart abstractions identified health care utilization.ResultsFrom 4/2017 to 7/2020, 245 mother-infant pairs were recruited and followed. From the 13,781 nasal swabs tested, a total of 2,211 viral infections were detected, of which, 821 (37%) were symptomatic. Children experienced 9.4 respiratory viral infections/child-year; half were rhinovirus/enterovirus. Viral ARI incidence was 3.3 episodes/child-year. Emergency department visits or hospitalization occurred with only 15% of respiratory syncytial virus infections, 10% of influenza infections, and only 4% of all viral infections. Regardless of pathogen, most infections were asymptomatic or mild.ConclusionsRespiratory viral infections are common in children 0-2 years. Most viral infections are asymptomatic or non-medically attended, underscoring the importance of community-based cohort studies.

Abstract Having a proper understanding of the impact of influenza is a fundamental step towards improved preventive action. This paper reviews findings from the Burden of Acute Respiratory Infections study on the burden of influenza in Iberia, and its potential underestimation, and proposes specific measures to lessen influenza’s impact. …

by Brandon Shaw, Derek Gatherer The “Russian Influenza”-coronavirus theory (RICT) proposes that the pandemic of 1889–1892, conventionally regarded as an influenza pandemic, was caused by the emergence of human coronavirus OC43 (HCoV-OC43) as a zoonosis of bovine coronavirus (BCoV). RICT is based on a Bayesian phylogenetic calculation of the date of the most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of HCoV-OC43 and BCoV. The theory also draws on comparison of both symptoms and some epidemiological parameters of the best studied coronavirus pandemic, i.e. COVID-19, with those reported in 1889–1892. The case is completed with circumstantial evidence involving a panzoonotic among cattle in the decade prior to the “Russian Influenza”, with characteristics suggesting it may have been caused by BCoV. In this paper, we review the Bayesian phylogenetic evidence for RICT, replicating previous studies and adding our own, in each case critically reviewing the suitability of the datasets used and the parameters applied. We conclude that the most probable date for the MRCA of HCoV-OC43 and BCoV is 1898–1902. This is a decade too late for compatibility with RICT but happens to coincide with another serious outbreak of respiratory illness, reported in both the USA and the UK, in the winter of 1899–1900.

Publication date: Available online 6 May 2023 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling Author(s): Georges Bucyibaruta, C.B. Dean, Mahmoud Torabi …

by Namita Varudkar, Elisabeth M. Shiffer, Jeremiah L. Oyer, Alicja Copik, Griffith D. Parks Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is one of the most powerful mechanisms for Natural Killer (NK) cells to kill cancer cells or virus-infected cells. A novel chimeric protein (NA-Fc) was created, which when expressed in cells, positions an IgG Fc domain on the plasma membrane, mimicking the orientation of IgG bound to the cell surface. This NA-Fc chimera was tested with PM21-NK cells, produced through a previously developed particle-based method which yields superior NK cells for immunotherapeutic applications. Real time viability assays revealed higher PM21-NK killing of both ovarian and lung cancer cells expressing NA-Fc, which correlated with increased release of TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokines from NK cells and was dependent on CD16-Fc interactions. Lentivirus delivery of NA-Fc to target cells increased the rate of PM21-NK cell killing of A549 and H1299 lung, SKOV3 ovarian and A375 melanoma cancer cells. This NA-Fc-directed killing was extended to virus infected cells, where delivery of NA-Fc to lung cells that were persistently infected with Parainfluenza virus resulted in increased killing by PM21-NK cells. In contrast to its effect on PM21-NK cells, the NA-Fc molecule did not enhance complement mediated lysis of lung cancer cells. Our study lays the foundation for application of the novel NA-Fc chimera that could be delivered specifically to tumors during oncolytic virotherapy to mark target cells for ADCC by co-treatment with adoptive NK cells. This strategy would potentially eliminate the need to search for unique cancer specific antigens for development of new antibody therapeutics.

Wastewater-based epidemiology can be used to obtain information on circulation of respiratory viruses at a localised, community level without the need to test many individuals because a single sample of wastewater represents the entire contributing community. Results from wastewater can be available within 24 h of sample collection, generating real time information to inform public health responses, clinical decision making, and individual behaviour modifications.

Journal Name: The American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene Volume: 108 Issue: 5 Pages: 1028-1030 …

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Purpose of review The most common infectious etiologies of meningitis and encephalitis are viruses. In this review, we will discuss current epidemiology, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common causes of viral meningitis and encephalitis worldwide. Recent findings Viral meningitis and encephalitis are increasingly diagnosed as molecular diagnostic techniques and serologies have become more readily available worldwide but recent progress in novel antiviral therapies remains limited. Emerging and re-emerging viruses that have caused endemic or worldwide outbreaks or epidemics are arboviruses (e.g., West Nile virus, Japanese encephalitis, Tick borne encephalitis, Dengue, Zika, Toscana), enteroviruses (e.g., Enterovirus 71, Enterovirus D68), Parechoviruses, respiratory viruses [e.g., severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), influenza, metapneumoviruses, measles, mumps], and herpes viruses [e.g., herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 (HSV-1), HSV-2, human herpes (HV) 6, varicella zoster virus (VZV)]. Future efforts should concentrate in increasing availability for those viruses with effective vaccination [e.g., Japanese encephalitis, Tick borne encephalitis, varicella zoster viruses, SARS-CoV-2, influenza], prompt initiation of those with encephalitis with treatable viruses (e.g., HSV-1, VZV), increasing the diagnostic yield by using novel techniques such as metagenomic sequencing and avoiding unnecessary antibiotics in those with viral meningitis or encephalitis. Summary We review the current epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of the common causative agents of viral meningitis and encephalitis worldwide.

AbstractPost-acute cardiac sequelae, following SARS-CoV-2 infection, are well recognised as complications of COVID-19. We have previously shown the persistence of autoantibodies against antigens in skin, muscle, and heart in individuals following severe COVID-19; the most common staining on skin tissue displayed an inter-cellular cement pattern consistent with antibodies against desmosomal proteins. Desmosomes play a critical role in maintaining the structural integrity of tissues. For this reason, we analysed desmosomal protein levels and the presence of anti-desmoglein (DSG) 1, 2 and 3 antibodies in acute and convalescent sera from patients with COVID-19 of differing clinical severity. We find increased levels of DSG2 protein in sera from acute COVID-19 patients. Furthermore, we find that DSG2 autoantibody levels are increased significantly in convalescent sera following severe COVID-19 but not in hospitalised patients recovering from influenza infection or healthy controls. Levels of autoantibody in sera from patients with severe COVID-19 were comparable to levels in patients with non-COVID-19-associated cardiac disease, potentially identifying DSG2 autoantibodies as a novel biomarker for cardiac damage. To determine if there was any association between severe COVID-19 and DSG2, we stained post-mortem cardiac tissue from patients who died from COVID-19 infection. This confirmed DSG2 protein within the intercalated discs and disruption of the intercalated disc between cardiomyocytes in patients who died from COVID-19. Our results reveal the potential for DSG2 protein and autoimmunity to DSG2 to contribute to unexpected pathologies associated with COVID-19 infection.

by Zhenyu Qiu, Shouqing Guo, Geng Liu, Mengyuan Pei, Yuejiao Liao, Jiamin Wang, Jiayou Zhang, Di Yang, Zilin Qiao, Zhuo Li, Zhongren Ma, Zhenbin Liu, Xiaoming Yang Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells are one of the main cell lines used for influenza vaccine production due to their high virus yield and low mutation resistance. Due to their high tumorigenicity, the safety of vaccines produced from these cells is controversial. TGM2 is a multifunctional protein that plays an important role in the adhesion and migration of cells and is associated with tumor formation. We found that the expression level of TGM2 was significantly up-regulated in low tumorigenic MDCK cells. We first analyzed TGM2-overexpressed and knockout MDCK cells in vitro. Scratch-wound assay and Transwell chamber experiments showed that TGM2 overexpression significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of MDCK cells and significantly reduced their proliferation. TGM2 knockout significantly enhanced cell migration, invasion, and proliferation. The tumorigenesis results in nude mice were consistent with those in vitro. TGM2 knockout significantly enhanced the tumorigenesis rate of MDCK cells in nude mice. We also investigated the effects of TGM2 gene expression on the replication of the H1N1 influenza A virus in MDCK cells. The results showed that TGM2 induced the negative regulation of H1N1 replication. These findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the tumor regulation mechanism and biological functions of TGM2.

Journal of Medical Virology, Volume 95, Issue 5, May 2023.

ObjectivesTo explore how cardiorenal disease (CRD; heart failure and/or chronic kidney disease) impacted mortality in men and women hospitalised for COVID-19 during the first three waves of the pandemic in Sweden in comparison to previous influenza outbreaks. DesignA registry-based, retrospective, case–control study. SettingHospital care in Sweden. ParticipantsAll patients in Sweden with a main hospital diagnosis of COVID-19 (January 2020–September 2021) or influenza (January 2015–December 2019) with previous CRD were identified in registries and compared with a reference group free from CRD but with COVID-19 or influenza. Primary outcome measureAssociated risk of all-cause death during the first year was analysed using adjusted Cox proportional hazards models. ResultsIn COVID-19 patients with and without prior history of CRD (n=44 866), mean age was 79.8 years (SD 11.8) and 43% were women. In influenza patients (n=8897), mean age was 80.6 years (SD 11.5) and 45% were women. COVID-19 versus influenza was associated with higher mortality risk during the first two COVID-19 waves (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.45 to 1.62, p

AbstractEthanol (EtOH) effectively inactivates enveloped viruses in vitro, including influenza and SARS-CoV-2. Inhaled EtOH vapor may inhibit viral infection in mammalian respiratory tracts, but this has not yet been demonstrated. Here we report that unexpectedly low EtOH concentrations in solution, approximately 20% (v/v), rapidly inactivate influenza A virus (IAV) at mammalian body temperature (37°C) and are not toxic to lung epithelial cells upon apical exposure. Furthermore, brief exposure to 20% (v/v) EtOH decreases production of infectious progeny viruses in IAV-infected cells. Using an EtOH vapor exposure system that is expected to expose murine respiratory tracts to 20% (v/v) EtOH solution by gas-liquid equilibrium at 37°C, we demonstrate that brief EtOH vapor inhalation twice a day protects mice from lethal IAV respiratory infection by reducing viruses in the lungs without harmful side effects. Our data suggest that EtOH vapor inhalation may provide a versatile therapy against various respiratory viral infectious diseases.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 120, Issue 17, April 2023.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Volume 120, Issue 17, April 2023.

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Volume 12, Issue 1, December 2023 .

Publication date: March 2023 Source: Infectious Disease Modelling, Volume 8, Issue 1 Author(s): Venkata R. Duvvuri, Joseph T. Hicks, Lambodhar Damodaran, Martin Grunnill, Thomas Braukmann, Jianhong Wu, Jonathan B. Gubbay, Samir N. Patel, Justin Bahl …

Volume 14, Issue 1, December 2023 .