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Microorganisms
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Advances in Viral Disease Epidemiology and Molecular Pathogenesis
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Advances in Viral Disease Epidemiology and Molecular Pathogenesis

A special issue of Microorganisms (ISSN 2076-2607). This special issue belongs to the section "Molecular Microbiology and Immunology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2025 | Viewed by 2397

Special Issue Editor

Dr. José Arellano-Galindo

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Laboratorio de Virología Clínica y Experimental, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
2. Centro Interdisciplinario de Ciencias de la Salud, Departamento de Medicina, Unidad Milpa Alta, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Mexico City, Mexico
Interests: virology; epidemiology of viral diseases

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is dedicated to advancing our understanding of respiratory and mosquito-borne viral diseases, which have had significant impacts on global health. We aim to explore the latest research on the epidemiological patterns and molecular mechanisms underlying these viral infections, with a focus on emerging and re-emerging viruses, such as SARS, COVID-19, zika, and dengue. We invite submissions of original research articles, reviews, and perspectives that contribute to our understanding of these viral diseases from both epidemiological and molecular perspectives. The scope of this Special Issue includes, but is not limited to, the following areas:

  1. Epidemiological and Molecular Foundations of Respiratory and Mosquito-Borne Viral Diseases: Sharing studies on the distribution and determinants of diseases caused by viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, and mosquito-borne viruses including zika and dengue. This can include analysis of viral genetic variation, the emergence of new strains, and the factors contributing to their pandemic potential.
  2. Host–Virus Dynamics and Immune Response: Exploring the complex interactions between these viruses and their hosts, focusing on the immune evasion strategies employed by the SARS-CoV-2, zika, and dengue viruses and the development of host immunity, particularly in the context of recent outbreaks.
  3. Transmission, Surveillance, and Modeling of Viral Diseases: Examining the dynamics of transmission for respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, and mosquito-borne viruses, employing mathematical models for disease spread prediction, and evaluating surveillance strategies to inform public health responses, as seen in the tracking of COVID-19 and zika virus outbreaks.
  4. Prevention and Control Strategies: Assessing the development and efficacy of vaccines and antiviral therapies specific to respiratory and mosquito-borne viruses, such as those currently in use for COVID-19 and those under development for zika and dengue, alongside public health interventions to achieve their prevention and control.
  5. Diagnosis, Zoonosis, and Environmental Aspects: Advancing molecular diagnostics for the early and accurate detection of infections caused by the SARS-CoV-2, zika, and dengue viruses, investigating their zoonotic origins, and understanding the role of environmental reservoirs in their persistence and spread, particularly in the context of emerging diseases.
  6. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Viral Research: Encouraging cross-disciplinary research that applies computational biology, bioinformatics, systems biology, genomics, and proteomics to elucidate the molecular basis of diseases caused by the SARS-CoV-2, zika, and dengue viruses and to inform epidemiological understanding and response strategies.

By focusing on these critical areas, in this Special Issue, we aim to foster a deeper understanding of respiratory and mosquito-borne viruses, providing key insights toward the development of effective strategies to combat these infectious diseases.

Dr. José Arellano-Galindo
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Microorganisms is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • epidemiology
  • molecular pathogenesis
  • host–virus interactions
  • genetic variation
  • viral transmission
  • vaccines and antivirals
  • zoonotic viruses
  • environmental reservoirs.

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 1252 KiB  
Article
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Epidemiological Trends in Pediatric Cervical Abscess-Forming Infections
by Shuhei Takahashi, Ai Kishino, Kentaro Miyai, Shigeru Takishima, Tae Omori, Hidehiro Furuno, Ryosei Iemura, Makoto Ono, Keisuke Ogasawara, Akito Sutani and Masayuki Nagasawa
Microorganisms 2025, 13(1), 190; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13010190 - 17 Jan 2025
Viewed by 625
Abstract
Abscess-forming cervical bacterial infections are rare and serious infections. Methods: We retrospectively examined the trends in abscess-forming cervical bacterial infections in children who required inpatient treatment in three periods before (January 2016 to June 2020), during (July 2020 to December 2022) and after [...] Read more.
Abscess-forming cervical bacterial infections are rare and serious infections. Methods: We retrospectively examined the trends in abscess-forming cervical bacterial infections in children who required inpatient treatment in three periods before (January 2016 to June 2020), during (July 2020 to December 2022) and after the COVID-19 pandemic (January 2023 to June 2024). Results: The study included 96 patients with superficial cervical abscesses and 111 patients with deep cervical abscesses (34 with retropharyngeal abscesses, 51 with peritonsillar abscesses, and 26 with deep neck abscesses). Both decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic and increased significantly after the COVID-19 pandemic compared to before the COVID-19 pandemic (0.94 ± 0.92 vs. 0.50 ± 0.72 vs. 1.67 ± 1.11/month, 0.93 ± 0.96 vs. 0.60 ± 0.84 vs. 2.39 ± 1.70/month), which was related with the trends of respiratory viral infections. Bacteria were identified in 79 of the 97 cases in which punctures were performed; however, there were no significant differences between the three periods. No significant changes were found in the pharyngeal streptococcal antigen positivity rate, rate of oral antibiotic use before hospitalization, length of hospital stay, or duration of antibiotic administration before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusions: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the epidemiology of cervical abscess-forming bacterial infections in children. Although the reemergence of respiratory viral infections after the COVID-19 pandemic may be a factor, the cause of the doubling in the number of neck abscesses after the COVID-19 pandemic remains unclear and requires further investigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viral Disease Epidemiology and Molecular Pathogenesis)
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18 pages, 1920 KiB  
Article
The Clinical Anatomy of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Central Greece During October 2020–July 2022
by Ioanna Voulgaridi, Zacharoula Bogogiannidou, Katerina Dadouli, Achilleas P. Galanopoulos, Maria A. Kyritsi, Alexandros Vontas, Alexia Matziri, Konstantina Kola, Evangelia Vachtsioli, Lemonia Anagnostopoulos, Anastasia Tsispara, Katerina G. Oikonomou, Dimitris Babalis, Efthymia Petinaki, Maria Tseroni, Fani Kalala, Matthaios Speletas, Varvara A. Mouchtouri and Christos Hadjichristodoulou
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2573; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122573 - 13 Dec 2024
Viewed by 652
Abstract
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates investigation into their clinical differentiation and outcomes. This study aimed to examine these differences among VOCs, considering multiple related factors. An observational cohort study was conducted on patients diagnosed with [...] Read more.
The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (VOCs) during the COVID-19 pandemic necessitates investigation into their clinical differentiation and outcomes. This study aimed to examine these differences among VOCs, considering multiple related factors. An observational cohort study was conducted on patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection via nasopharyngeal/oropharyngeal swab who visited the emergency department of a public Greek hospital between October 2020 and July 2022 during different VOC circulation in the region. Data on clinical manifestations, outcomes, and medical history (comorbidities, prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, vaccination status against COVID-19) were collected through a questionnaire and medical records for those hospitalized. A total of 913 patients were included in this study (813 adults ≥18 years old, 100 children <18 years old). Significant differences were observed across VOCs for both adults and children. A lower proportion of children developed symptoms during the non-Omicron variants, 73.5%, compared to Omicron variants, 86.4%. Fever, dyspnea, and taste and smell disorders were observed more frequently among non-Omicron adult cases, in contrast to upper respiratory symptoms, which were more common symptoms among Omicron infections. The non-Omicron variants were associated with higher rates of hospitalization at 30.6%, pneumonia at 23.0%, and death at 6.1% compared to Omicron variants at 8.0%, 5.0%, and 1.8%, respectively. Vaccination against COVID-19 was shown to be a protective factor for severe outcomes. Our findings suggest distinct clinical presentations and outcomes associated with different VOCs. Despite the fact that current VOCs circulating are less severe, the COVID-19 vaccine continues to play a protective role for severe cases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viral Disease Epidemiology and Molecular Pathogenesis)
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Review

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13 pages, 2618 KiB  
Review
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation for Chronic Pouchitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
by Magnus Chun, Kyaw Min Tun, Tahne Vongsavath, Renuka Verma, Kavita Batra, David Limsui and Erin Jenkins
Microorganisms 2024, 12(12), 2430; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12122430 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 694
Abstract
Pouchitis is a common complication after ileal-pouch anal anastomosis in patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis. There has been a lack of high-level evidence focusing on the safety and efficacy outcomes of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We aim to evaluate outcomes and complications [...] Read more.
Pouchitis is a common complication after ileal-pouch anal anastomosis in patients with medically refractory ulcerative colitis. There has been a lack of high-level evidence focusing on the safety and efficacy outcomes of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We aim to evaluate outcomes and complications of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) for chronic pouchitis. Databases were systematically searched to retrieve English-only, original studies, published from inception to 31 March 2024, investigating chronic pouchitis only. Primary outcomes included overall remission, clinical response, remission, relapse, and complications. Seven studies with 94 patients were included. The pooled overall remission rate was 15% (95% CI: 0–29%, p < 0.001), the clinical response rate was 33% (95% CI: 19–46%, p = 0.14), the clinical remission rate was 14% (95% CI: 19–46%, p < 0.001), and the clinical relapse rate was 36% (95% CI: 16–55%, p = 0.11). The pooled proportion of patients with mild adverse events after FMT treatment was 39% (95% CI: 6–71%, p < 0.001). No severe adverse events or deaths were reported. Although FMT is an effective treatment for chronic pouchitis, there is still a high rate of mild adverse events. High-level evidence for FMT is still sparse, limiting recommendations for clinical use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Viral Disease Epidemiology and Molecular Pathogenesis)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Title: Evolution of Epstein-Barr virus infection seroprevalence before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in a French university hospital
Author: Castelain
Highlights: The COVID-19 pandemic have had little impact on EBV transmission. The difference in incidence among the youngest children between 2020 and 2021 suggests that circulation slowed in 2020 and picked up again in 2021. The distribution of the different serological statuses did not show any marked variation between the pre- and post-COVID periods.

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