Articles: sars-cov-2.
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Review
Emerging COVID-19 variants and their impact on SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccines.
The emergence of novel and evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2 has fostered the need for change in the form of newer and more adaptive diagnostic methods for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 infections. On the other hand, developing rapid and sensitive diagnostic technologies is now more challenging due to emerging variants and varying symptoms exhibited among the infected individuals. In addition to this, vaccines remain the major mainstay of prevention and protection against infection. ⋯ Key messageThe emergence of novel variants of the SARS-CoV-2 in the past couple of months, highlights one of the primary challenges in the diagnostics, treatment, as well as vaccine development against the virus. Advancements in SARS-CoV-2 detection include nucleic acid based, antigen and immuno- assay-based and antibody-based detection methodologies for efficient, robust, and quick testing; while advancements in COVID-19 preventive and therapeutic strategies include novel antiviral and immunomodulatory drugs and SARS-CoV-2 targeted vaccines. The varied COVID-19 vaccine platforms and the immune responses induced by each one of them as well as their ability to battle post-vaccination infections have all been discussed in this review.
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Observational Study
SARS-CoV-2 infection risk among 77,587 healthcare workers: a national observational longitudinal cohort study in Wales, United Kingdom, April to November 2020.
To better understand the risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection among healthcare workers, leading to recommendations for the prioritisation of personal protective equipment, testing, training and vaccination. ⋯ These findings have important policy implications for the prioritisation of vaccination, testing, training and personal protective equipment provision for patient-facing roles and the higher risk staff groups.
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Am. J. Respir. Crit. Care Med. · Dec 2022
Prevalence and Mechanisms of Mucus Accumulation in COVID-19 Lung Disease.
Rationale: The incidence and sites of mucus accumulation and molecular regulation of mucin gene expression in coronavirus (COVID-19) lung disease have not been reported. Objectives: To characterize the incidence of mucus accumulation and the mechanisms mediating mucin hypersecretion in COVID-19 lung disease. Methods: Airway mucus and mucins were evaluated in COVID-19 autopsy lungs by Alcian blue and periodic acid-Schiff staining, immunohistochemical staining, RNA in situ hybridization, and spatial transcriptional profiling. ⋯ Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 infection is associated with a high prevalence of distal airspace mucus accumulation and increased MUC5B expression in COVID-19 autopsy lungs. HBE culture studies identified roles for EGFR and IL-1R signaling in mucin gene regulation after SARS-CoV-2 infection. These data suggest that time-sensitive mucolytic agents, specific pathway inhibitors, or corticosteroid administration may be therapeutic for COVID-19 lung disease.
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Critical care nurse · Dec 2022
A Care Step Pathway for the Diagnosis and Treatment of COVID-19-Associated Invasive Fungal Infections in the Intensive Care Unit.
In March 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, a pandemic. Patients with severe cases resulting in hospitalization and mechanical ventilation are at risk for COVID-19-associated pulmonary aspergillosis, an invasive fungal infection, and should be screened for aspergillosis if they have persistent hemodynamic instability and fever. Early detection and treatment of this fungal infection can significantly reduce morbidity and mortality in this population. ⋯ The Care Step Pathway is an effective educational tool to help intensive care unit clinicians consider fungal infection when caring for COVID-19 patients receiving mechanical ventilation in the intensive care unit, especially when the clinical course is deteriorating and antibiotics are ineffective.
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The SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic has shed a bright light on the long-standing health inequities experienced by Blacks across the United States. The need to promote the health and well-being for the Black population has been highlighted. ⋯ This concept resulted from empathetic and non-judgmental conversations over a 10-year period with over one thousand patients. This article will provide simple solutions through the practical application of patient engagement and cultural sensitivity using the common thread of the human experience.