International journal of infectious diseases : IJID : official publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · Jul 2021
The initial impact of a national BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
This study examined the initial impact of a national BNT162b2 vaccine rollout on SARS-CoV-2 infections in Qatar. ⋯ The results were consistent with an early protective effect of BNT162b2 vaccine against all degrees of SARS-CoV-2 severity.
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A third wave of COVID-19 occurred after Christmas 2020 in Madrid, one of the European pandemic epicenters. We noticed 6 major differential features to previous waves. First, household contacts were a large proportion of cases. ⋯ Lastly, reinfections were more common. By Easter 2021, approximately 25% of the population in Madrid had been infected with SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, massive and accelerated vaccination campaigns are warranted to prevent new COVID-19 waves.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · May 2021
COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi: Did public sociopolitical events gatherings contribute to its first-wave local transmission?
The COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi emerged amidst widespread anti-government demonstrations and subsequent mass gatherings. This paper describes the incidence and factors associated with the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malawi. ⋯ Mass political gatherings and cross-border immigration from high-risk areas were drivers for infection. Males, older age and urban residence were associated with increased COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. To control the spread of COVID-19 there is a need to regulate mass gatherings and repatriation of citizens, and strengthen the use of preventive health interventions. Men, the older age groups and urban areas should be prioritised for COVID-19 prevention strategies.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · May 2021
Treatment outcome and adverse effects of colistin in adult patients with carbapenem resistant gram-negative bacteremia from Pakistan.
Polymyxins (colistin) have emerged for the treatment of carbapenem resistant (CR) gram-negative infections. There is a paucity of data on treatment outcomes and adverse effects of high-dose colistin treatment in Pakistan. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy and toxicity of colistin in CR bacteremia, including patients with renal failure and on hemodialysis, and to determine patient outcomes. ⋯ Colistin is efficacious in clearing bacteremia even in patients with impaired renal function. The adverse effects were found to be minimal and reversible. We recommend the use of colistin in combination with carbapenems for CR gram-negative bacteria in renal failure. Most importantly, however, this study highlights the role of empirical colistin treatment in patients with risk factors for CR bacteremia.
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Int. J. Infect. Dis. · May 2021
Randomized Controlled TrialSide effects of BNT162b2 mRNA COVID-19 vaccine: A randomized, cross-sectional study with detailed self-reported symptoms from healthcare workers.
Concerns are prevailing about the safety and side effects of the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). ⋯ Commonly reported symptoms (occurrence in descending order) were soreness, fatigue, myalgia, headache, chills, fever, joint pain, nausea, muscle spasm, sweating, dizziness, flushing, feelings of relief, brain fogging, anorexia, localized swelling, decreased sleep quality, itching, tingling, diarrhoea, nasal stuffiness and palpitations. Despite this, remarkable acceptance for the second dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine was found among HCWs.