Viruses

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17 pages, 1278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Severity Patterns in COVID-19 Hospitalised Patients in Spain: I-MOVE-COVID-19 Study

by Miriam Latorre-Millán, María Mar Rodríguez del Águila, Laura Clusa, Clara Mazagatos, Amparo Larrauri, María Amelia Fernández, Antonio Rezusta and Ana María Milagro

Viruses 2024, 16(11), 1705; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16111705 - 30 Oct 2024

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Abstract

In the frame of the I-MOVE-COVID-19 project, a cohort of 2050 patients admitted in two Spanish reference hospitals between March 2020 and December 2021 was selected and a range of clinical factor data were collected at admission to assess their impact on the [...] Read more.

In the frame of the I-MOVE-COVID-19 project, a cohort of 2050 patients admitted in two Spanish reference hospitals between March 2020 and December 2021 was selected and a range of clinical factor data were collected at admission to assess their impact on the risk COVID-19 severity outcomes through a multivariate adjusted analysis and nomograms. The need for ventilation and intensive care unit (ICU) admission were found to be directly associated with a higher death risk (OR 6.9 and 3.2, respectively). The clinical predictors of death were the need for ventilation and ICU, advanced age, neuromuscular disorders, thrombocytopenia, hypoalbuminemia, dementia, cancer, elevated creatin phosphokinase (CPK), and neutrophilia (OR between 1.8 and 3.5), whilst the presence of vomiting, sore throat, and cough diminished the risk of death (OR 0.5, 0.2, and 0.1, respectively). Admission to ICU was predicted by the need for ventilation, abdominal pain, and elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR 371.0, 3.6, and 2.2, respectively) as risk factors; otherwise, it was prevented by advanced age (OR 0.5). In turn, the need for ventilation was predicted by low oxygen saturation, elevated LDH and CPK, diabetes, neutrophilia, obesity, and elevated GGT (OR between 1.7 and 5.2), whilst it was prevented by hypertension (OR 0.5). These findings could enhance patient management and strategic interventions to combat COVID-19. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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34 pages, 1784 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Circulation and Codetections of Influenza Virus, SARS-CoV-2, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, Bocavirus, and Other Respiratory Viruses During 2022–2023 Season in Latvia

by Inara Kampenusa, Baiba Niedre-Otomere, Julija Trofimova, Ilva Pole, Gatis Pakarna, Oksana Savicka and Sergejs Nikisins

Viruses 2024, 16(11), 1650; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16111650 - 22 Oct 2024

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Abstract

This retrospective study analysed the routine data obtained by multiplex real-time RT-qPCR methods for respiratory virus detection. A total of 4814 respiratory specimens collected during 1 September 2022–31 August 2023 were included in the study. A total of 38% of the specimens were [...] Read more.

This retrospective study analysed the routine data obtained by multiplex real-time RT-qPCR methods for respiratory virus detection. A total of 4814 respiratory specimens collected during 1 September 2022–31 August 2023 were included in the study. A total of 38% of the specimens were positive for at least one target, with the incidence maximum (82%) for the small children (age group 0–4 years). The five dominant virus groups were rhinovirus (RV, 12%), influenza virus A (IAV, 7%), adenovirus (AdV, 6%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 5%), and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2, 5%). The specimens with multi-detections represented 19% of the positives, unevenly distributed (n = 225, 56, 43, 24) among the age groups 0–4, 5–14, 15–64, and 65< years, respectively. The dominant virus groups in multi-positive specimens were RV (53%), AdV (43%), and bocavirus (BoV, 35%)—in mutual pairs as well as all three together—followed by RSV (21%), and IAV (15%). Our study focused on the specimens with codetections and provides an insight into the variety of the respiratory virus interactions in Latvia during the first year since pandemic-related social restriction measures were eased. The observations also emphasise the need to consider the differentiation between rhinoviruses and enteroviruses, especially for the youngest patients in the age group 0–4. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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17 pages, 2645 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Insights into Genetic and Antigenic Characteristics of Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 Viruses Circulating in Sicily During the Surveillance Season 2023–2024: The Potential Effect on the Seasonal Vaccine Effectiveness

by Fabio Tramuto, Carmelo Massimo Maida, Giulia Randazzo, Adriana Previti, Giuseppe Sferlazza, Giorgio Graziano, Claudio Costantino, Walter Mazzucco and Francesco Vitale

Viruses 2024, 16(10), 1644; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101644 - 21 Oct 2024

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Abstract

After disruption in the influenza circulation due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the intensity of seasonal outbreaks has returned to the pre-pandemic levels. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution and variability of whole-genome sequences of A(H1N1)pdm09, the predominant influenza virus in Sicily [...] Read more.

After disruption in the influenza circulation due to the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the intensity of seasonal outbreaks has returned to the pre-pandemic levels. This study aimed to evaluate the evolution and variability of whole-genome sequences of A(H1N1)pdm09, the predominant influenza virus in Sicily (Italy) during the season 2023–2024. The potential vaccine efficacy was calculated using the p_epitope model based on amino acid changes in the dominant epitope of hemagglutinin. The HA gene sequences showed several amino acid substitutions, some of which were within the major antigenic sites. The phylogenetic analysis showed that Sicilian strains grouped into two main genetic clades (6B.1A.5a.2a.1 and 6B.1A.5a.2a) and several subclades. Notably, about 40% of sequences partially drifted from the WHO-recommended vaccine strain A/Victoria/4897/2022 for the Northern Hemisphere. These sequences mostly belonged to the subclades C.1.8 and C.1.9 and harboured the amino acid mutations responsible for the modest predicted vaccine efficacy (E = 38.12% of 53%, p_epitope = 0) against these viruses. Amino acid substitutions in other gene segments were also found. Since influenza viruses are constantly evolving, genomic surveillance is crucial in monitoring their molecular evolution and the occurrence of genetic and antigenic changes, and, thus, their potential impact on vaccine efficacy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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11 pages, 2662 KiB

Open AccessArticle

COVID-19 in Relation to Polypharmacy and Immunization (2020–2024)

by Anna Puigdellívol-Sánchez, Marta Juanes-González, Ana Calderón-Valdiviezo, Roger Valls-Foix, Marta González-Salvador, Celia Lozano-Paz and Josep Vidal-Alaball

Viruses 2024, 16(10), 1533; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101533 - 27 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Background: Observational studies reported worse COVID-19 evolution in relation to polypharmacy and reductions in COVID-19 hospital admissions and death in patients receiving chronic antihistamine treatment. The current profile of hospitalized patients with regard to different variants was analyzed to identify specific targets for [...] Read more.

Background: Observational studies reported worse COVID-19 evolution in relation to polypharmacy and reductions in COVID-19 hospital admissions and death in patients receiving chronic antihistamine treatment. The current profile of hospitalized patients with regard to different variants was analyzed to identify specific targets for future prospective trials. Methods: COVID-19 admissions to the Hospital of Terrassa (11 March 2020–28 August 2024 (n = 1457), from the integral Consorci Sanitari de Terrassa population (n = 167,386 people) were studied. Age, gender, the number of chronic treatments (nT), and immunization status were analyzed. Results: After 5 May 2023, 291 patients (54% females) required COVID hospitalization. Of these, 39% received >8 nT (23% receiving 5–7 nT), 70.2% were >70 years, and 93.4% survived. In total, 12% of patients admitted after 5 May 2024 were not vaccinated, while 59% received ≥4 vaccines (43% within the last 12 months). In total, 49% of admitted patients presented no previous infection (while 3% presented infection during the last year). Delta or Omicron variants would have accounted for ≥80% of admissions > 60 years compared to the first pandemic wave if no vaccines existed. Conclusions: Patients > 70 years who receive ≥5 nT, without prior COVID-19 infections, should be the priority for prevention, with updated vaccination and early treatments to reduce hospitalizations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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14 pages, 1752 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pediatric Respiratory Hospitalizations in the Pre-COVID-19 Era: The Contribution of Viral Pathogens and Comorbidities to Clinical Outcomes, Valencia, Spain

by Valérie Bosch Castells, Ainara Mira-Iglesias, Francisco Xavier López-Labrador, Beatriz Mengual-Chuliá, Mario Carballido-Fernández, Miguel Tortajada-Girbés, Joan Mollar-Maseres, Joan Puig-Barberà, Javier Díez-Domingo and Sandra S. Chaves

Viruses 2024, 16(10), 1519; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16101519 - 25 Sep 2024

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Abstract

Viral respiratory diseases place a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with children making up a significant portion of related hospitalizations. While comorbidities increase the risk of complications and poor outcomes, many hospitalized children lack clear risk factors. As new vaccines for respiratory [...] Read more.

Viral respiratory diseases place a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with children making up a significant portion of related hospitalizations. While comorbidities increase the risk of complications and poor outcomes, many hospitalized children lack clear risk factors. As new vaccines for respiratory viral diseases emerge, this study examined pediatric respiratory hospitalizations, focusing on viral etiology, complication rates, and the impact of comorbidities to guide future policy. Data were analyzed from eight pre-COVID influenza seasons (2011/2012–2018/2019) involving patients under 18 years hospitalized with respiratory complaints across 4–10 hospitals in Valencia, Spain. Respiratory specimens were tested for eight viral targets using multiplex real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Demographics, clinical outcomes, discharge diagnoses, and laboratory results were examined. Among the hospitalized children, 26% had at least one comorbidity. These children had higher rates of pneumonia, asthma exacerbation, and pneumothorax, and were twice as likely to require ICU admission, though mechanical ventilation and length of stay were similar to those without comorbidities. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most common virus detected (23.1%), followed by rhinovirus/enterovirus (9.5%) and influenza (7.2%). Viral codetection decreased with age, occurring in 4.6% of cases. Comorbidities increase the risk of complications in pediatric respiratory illnesses, however, healthcare utilization is driven largely by otherwise healthy children. Pediatric viral vaccines could reduce this burden and should be further evaluated. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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13 pages, 1831 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Serum Levels of Arachidonic Acid, Interleukin-6, and C-Reactive Protein as Potential Indicators of Pulmonary Viral Infections: Comparative Analysis of Influenza A, Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection, and COVID-19

by Simona Iftimie, Xavier Gabaldó-Barrios, Joan Penadés-Nadal, Marta Canela-Capdevila, Rubén Piñana, Andrea Jiménez-Franco, Ana F. López-Azcona, Helena Castañé, María Cárcel, Jordi Camps, Antoni Castro and Jorge Joven

Viruses 2024, 16(7), 1065; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16071065 - 1 Jul 2024

Viewed by 1344

Abstract

Acute respiratory tract infections, including influenza A (FluA), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and COVID-19, can aggravate to levels requiring hospitalization, increasing morbidity and mortality. Identifying biomarkers for an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of these infections is a clinical need. We performed a [...] Read more.

Acute respiratory tract infections, including influenza A (FluA), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, and COVID-19, can aggravate to levels requiring hospitalization, increasing morbidity and mortality. Identifying biomarkers for an accurate diagnosis and prognosis of these infections is a clinical need. We performed a cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the changes in circulating levels of arachidonic acid, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in patients with FluA, RSV, or COVID-19, and to analyze the potential of these parameters as diagnosis or prognosis biomarkers. We analyzed serum samples from 172 FluA, 80 RSV, and 217 COVID-19 patients, and 104 healthy volunteers. Individuals with lung viral diseases showed reduced arachidonic acid concentrations compared to healthy people, with these differences being most pronounced in the order COVID-19 > RSV > FluA. Conversely, IL-6 and CRP levels were elevated across diseases, with IL-6 emerging as the most promising diagnostic biomarker, with areas under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristics plot higher than 0.85 and surpassing arachidonic acid and CRP. Moreover, IL-6 displayed notable efficacy in distinguishing between FluA patients who survived and those who did not (AUC = 0.80). These findings may provide useful tools for diagnosing and monitoring the severity of acute viral respiratory tract infections, ultimately improving patient outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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20 pages, 3557 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Whole-Genome Sequencing and Genetic Diversity of Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus in Patients with Influenza-like Illness in Sicily (Italy) from 2017 to 2023

by Fabio Tramuto, Carmelo Massimo Maida, Giulia Randazzo, Valeria Guzzetta, Arianna Santino, Rita Li Muli, Claudio Costantino, Giorgio Graziano, Emanuele Amodio, Walter Mazzucco and Francesco Vitale

Viruses 2024, 16(6), 851; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060851 - 26 May 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1483

Abstract

Monitoring the genetic variability of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is of paramount importance, especially for the potential implication of key antigenic mutations on the emergence of immune escape variants. Thus, to describe the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of hRSV circulating in [...] Read more.

Monitoring the genetic variability of human respiratory syncytial virus (hRSV) is of paramount importance, especially for the potential implication of key antigenic mutations on the emergence of immune escape variants. Thus, to describe the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of hRSV circulating in Sicily (Italy), a total of 153 hRSV whole-genome sequences collected from 770 hRSV-positive subjects between 2017 and 2023, before the introduction of expanded immunization programs into the population, were investigated. The phylogenetic analyses indicated that the genotypes GA.2.3.5 (ON1) for hRSV-A and GB.5.0.5a (BA9) for hRSV-B co-circulated in our region. Amino acid (AA) substitutions in the surface and internal proteins were evaluated, including the F protein antigenic sites, as the major targets of immunoprophylactic monoclonal antibodies and vaccines. Overall, the proportion of AA changes ranged between 1.5% and 22.6% among hRSV-A, whereas hRSV-B varied in the range 0.8–16.9%; the latter was more polymorphic than hRSV-A within the key antigenic sites. No AA substitutions were found at site III of both subgroups. Although several non-synonymous mutations were found, none of the polymorphisms known to potentially affect the efficacy of current preventive measures were documented. These findings provide new insights into the global hRSV molecular epidemiology and highlight the importance of defining a baseline genomic picture to monitor for future changes that might be induced by the selective pressures of immunological preventive measures, which will soon become widely available. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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9 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Impact of the H274Y Substitution on N1, N4, N5, and N8 Neuraminidase Enzymatic Properties and Expression in Reverse Genetic Influenza A Viruses

by Alexandre Gaymard, Caroline Picard, Guilhem Vazzoler, Pascale Massin, Emilie Frobert, Murielle Sabatier, Mendy Barthelemy, Martine Valette, Michèle Ottmann, Jean-Sébastien Casalegno, Bruno Lina and Vanessa Escuret

Viruses 2024, 16(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16030388 - 1 Mar 2024

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Abstract

The H274Y substitution (N2 numbering) in neuraminidase (NA) N1 confers oseltamivir resistance to A(H1N1) influenza viruses. This resistance has been associated with reduced N1 expression using transfected cells, but the effect of this substitution on the enzymatic properties and on the expression of [...] Read more.

The H274Y substitution (N2 numbering) in neuraminidase (NA) N1 confers oseltamivir resistance to A(H1N1) influenza viruses. This resistance has been associated with reduced N1 expression using transfected cells, but the effect of this substitution on the enzymatic properties and on the expression of other group-1-NA subtypes is unknown. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antiviral resistance, enzymatic properties, and expression of wild-type (WT) and H274Y-substituted NA for each group-1-NA. To this end, viruses with WT or H274Y-substituted NA (N1pdm09 or avian N4, N5 or N8) were generated by reverse genetics, and for each reverse-genetic virus, antiviral susceptibility, NA affinity (Km), and maximum velocity (Vm) were measured. The enzymatic properties were coupled with NA quantification on concentrated reverse genetic viruses using mass spectrometry. The H274Y-NA substitution resulted in highly reduced inhibition by oseltamivir and normal inhibition by zanamivir and laninamivir. This resistance was associated with a reduced affinity for MUNANA substrate and a conserved Vm in all viruses. NA quantification was not significantly different between viruses carrying WT or H274Y-N1, N4 or N8, but was lower for viruses carrying H274Y-N5 compared to those carrying a WT-N5. In conclusion, the H274Y-NA substitution of different group-1-NAs systematically reduced their affinity for MUNANA substrate without a significant impact on NA Vm. The impact of the H274Y-NA substitution on viral NA expression was different according to the studied NA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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10 pages, 1738 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influenza A, like Omicron SARS-CoV-2, Is Similarly Detected in Saliva or Nasopharyngeal Samples via RT-qPCR

by Hellen Abreu, Carla Adriane Royer, Carolina Gracia Poitevin, Ana Flávia Kohler, Ana Carolina Rodrigues, Sonia Mara Raboni, Meri Bordignon Nogueira, Pedro Henrique Cardoso, Monica Barcellos Arruda, Patrícia Alvarez da Silva Baptista, Ana Claudia Bonatto, Daniela Fiori Gradia, Douglas Adamoski, Emanuel Maltempi de Souza and Jaqueline Carvalho de Oliveira

Viruses 2023, 15(12), 2352; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15122352 - 30 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1275

Abstract

After the Coronavirus pandemic, the importance of virus surveillance was highlighted, reinforcing the constant necessity of discussing and updating the methods for collection and diagnoses, including for other respiratory viruses. Although the nasopharyngeal swab is the gold-standard sample for detecting and genotyping SARS-CoV-2 [...] Read more.

After the Coronavirus pandemic, the importance of virus surveillance was highlighted, reinforcing the constant necessity of discussing and updating the methods for collection and diagnoses, including for other respiratory viruses. Although the nasopharyngeal swab is the gold-standard sample for detecting and genotyping SARS-CoV-2 and Influenza viruses, its collection is uncomfortable and requires specialized teams, which can be costly. During the pandemic, non-invasive saliva samples proved to be a suitable alternative for SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis, but for Influenza virus the use of this sample source is not recognized yet. In addition, most SARS-CoV-2 comparisons were conducted before the Omicron variant emerged. Here, we aimed to compare Influenza A and Omicron RT-qPCR analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs and saliva self-collection in paired samples from 663 individuals. We found that both nasopharyngeal swab and saliva collection are efficient for the diagnosis of Omicron (including sub-lineages) and for Influenza A, with high sensitivity and accuracy (>90%). The kappa index is 0.938 for Influenza A and 0.905 for SARS-CoV-2. These results showed excellent agreement between the two samples reinforcing saliva samples as a reliable source for detecting Omicron and highlighting saliva as a valid sample source for Influenza detection, considering this cheaper and more comfortable alternative. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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Review

Jump to: Research, Other

14 pages, 2991 KiB

Open AccessReview

Does Prior Respiratory Viral Infection Provide Cross-Protection Against Subsequent Respiratory Viral Infections? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

by Vennila Gopal, Matthew Chung Yi Koh, Jinghao Nicholas Ngiam, Ong Hang-Cheng, Jyoti Somani, Paul Anatharajah Tambyah and Jeremy Tey

Viruses 2024, 16(6), 982; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16060982 - 19 Jun 2024

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Abstract

The epidemiology of different respiratory viral infections is believed to be affected by prior viral infections in addition to seasonal effects. This PROSPERO-registered systematic review identified 7388 studies, of which six met our criteria to answer the question specifically. The purpose of this [...] Read more.

The epidemiology of different respiratory viral infections is believed to be affected by prior viral infections in addition to seasonal effects. This PROSPERO-registered systematic review identified 7388 studies, of which six met our criteria to answer the question specifically. The purpose of this review was to compare the prevalence of sequential viral infections in those with previously documented positive versus negative swabs. The pooled prevalence of sequential viral infections over varying periods from 30–1000 days of follow-up was higher following a negative respiratory viral swab at 0.15 than following a positive swab at 0.08, indicating the potential protective effects of prior respiratory viral infections. However, significant heterogeneity and publication biases were noted. There is some evidence, albeit of low quality, of a possible protective effect of an initial viral infection against subsequent infections by a different virus, which is possibly due to broad, nonspecific innate immunity. Future prospective studies are needed to validate our findings. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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10 pages, 771 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Prevalence of Co-Infections in Primary Care Patients with Medically Attended Acute Respiratory Infection in the 2022/2023 Season

by Maja Sočan, Katarina Prosenc and Maja Mrzel

Viruses 2024, 16(8), 1289; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16081289 - 13 Aug 2024

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Abstract

In the post-pandemic period, an endemic circulation of respiratory viruses has been re-established. Respiratory viruses are co-circulating with SARS-CoV-2. We performed a retrospective analysis of co-infections in primary care patients with medically attended acute respiratory infections (MAARI) who consulted from week 40/2022 to [...] Read more.

In the post-pandemic period, an endemic circulation of respiratory viruses has been re-established. Respiratory viruses are co-circulating with SARS-CoV-2. We performed a retrospective analysis of co-infections in primary care patients with medically attended acute respiratory infections (MAARI) who consulted from week 40/2022 to week 39/2023 and were tested for a panel of respiratory viruses. Out of 2099 samples tested, 1260 (60.0%) were positive for one virus. In 340 samples, co-infection was detected: two viruses in 281 (13.4%), three viruses in 51 (2.4%), and four viruses in eight (0.4%) samples. Respiratory viruses co-infected the patients with MAARI at very different rates. The lowest rates of co-infections were confirmed for influenza B (13.8%) and influenza A (22.9%) and the highest for human bocaviruses (84.0%) and human parechoviruses (82.1%). Co-infections were detected in 28.2% of SARS-CoV-2 positive samples. SARS-CoV-2 has never been co-infected with influenza B virus, enterovirus or adenovirus, although the latter was found as a co-infecting virus with all other respiratory viruses tested. The rate of co-infections decreased significantly with increasing age (p-value 0.000), and no difference was found regarding gender (p-value 0.672). It is important to understand the epidemiology of respiratory co-infections for prevention and management decisions in patients with MAARI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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8 pages, 1755 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Influenza Virus Genomic Surveillance, Arizona, USA, 2023–2024

by Rabia Maqsood, Matthew F. Smith, LaRinda A. Holland, Regan A. Sullins, Steven C. Holland, Michelle Tan, Gabrielle M. Hernandez Barrera, Alexis W. Thomas, Mario Islas, Joanna L. Kramer, Lora Nordstrom, Mary Mulrow, Michael White, Vel Murugan and Efrem S. Lim

Viruses 2024, 16(5), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050692 - 27 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1554

Abstract

Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and are therefore monitored worldwide in the hope to reduce the burden of disease by annual updates to vaccine recommendations. We conducted genomic sequencing of 110 influenza A and 30 influenza B viruses from specimens collected between October [...] Read more.

Influenza viruses are constantly evolving and are therefore monitored worldwide in the hope to reduce the burden of disease by annual updates to vaccine recommendations. We conducted genomic sequencing of 110 influenza A and 30 influenza B viruses from specimens collected between October 2023 and February 2024 in Arizona, USA. We identified mutations in the hemagglutinin (HA) antigenic sites as well as the neuraminidase (NA) gene in our samples. We also found no unique HA and NA mutations in vaccinated yet influenza-infected individuals. Real-time genomic sequencing surveillance is important to ensure influenza vaccine effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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10 pages, 598 KiB

Open AccessCase Report

Sudden Infant Death Associated with Rhinovirus Infection

by Christelle Auvray, Stéphanie Perez-Martin, Isabelle Schuffenecker, Cécile Pitoiset, Georges Tarris, Katia Ambert-Balay, Laurent Martin, Nathalie Dullier-Taillefumier, Jean-Baptiste Bour and Catherine Manoha

Viruses 2024, 16(4), 518; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16040518 - 27 Mar 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1969

Abstract

A less than one-month-old infant with symptoms of rhinitis died unexpectedly in his sleep. He was not born prematurely and had no known underlying disease. Cerebrospinal fluid, nasopharyngeal and lung samples, and rectal swab were found to be positive for subgroup A rhinovirus, [...] Read more.

A less than one-month-old infant with symptoms of rhinitis died unexpectedly in his sleep. He was not born prematurely and had no known underlying disease. Cerebrospinal fluid, nasopharyngeal and lung samples, and rectal swab were found to be positive for subgroup A rhinovirus, while the blood was negative. This case highlights the important finding that the rhinovirus, a common pathogen associated with upper respiratory tract infections, can sometimes, as the only pathogen, lead to complications such as a cerebrospinal infection and be involved in the sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Vigilance is necessary in case of viral infections in the infant’s environment, and measures of hygiene and protection must be encouraged in order to reduce the risk of the SIDS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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9 pages, 1132 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Temporal Shift of the Respiratory Syncytial Virus Epidemic Peak for the Years 2020–2023 in Marseille, Southern France

by Lucille Claire De Maria, Philippe Colson, Aurélie Morand, Noémie Vanel, Didier Stoupan, Bernard La Scola and Céline Boschi

Viruses 2023, 15(8), 1671; https://doi.org/10.3390/v15081671 - 31 Jul 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1762

Abstract

Respiratory syncytial virus is among the most common causes of respiratory infections. Typically, this viral infection has a seasonality during the cold months but with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic this has been considerably modified. Here, we studied the epidemiology of this virus in university [...] Read more.

Respiratory syncytial virus is among the most common causes of respiratory infections. Typically, this viral infection has a seasonality during the cold months but with the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic this has been considerably modified. Here, we studied the epidemiology of this virus in university hospitals of Marseille, South of France, over the period 2020 to 2023. We tested in our laboratory from July 2020 to October 2021 16,516 nasopharyngeal swabs from 16,468 patients for RSV infection using different qPCR assays. We then analyzed data from previous and subsequent winters (from 2018 to 2023) and previous summers (from 2015 to 2021). A total of 676 patients were RSV-positive; their mean age was 3 years and 91 were under 5 years of age. We observed a delay of 4 months of the RSV epidemic’s onset compared to other years with an epidemic that peaked in March 2021. We had significantly more RSV-positive cases during summer 2021 compared to previous summers, whereas the incidence of RSV infections was not significantly higher during winter 2022 versus previous winters. Moreover, 494 patients were diagnosed as RSV-positive in the emergency unit and 181 were subsequently hospitalized, and 34 patients were diagnosed RSV-positive while already in the intensive care unit. Over all the study periods, 38 patients diagnosed as RSV-positive died, the majority of whom (23/28) were over 65 years of age. These data show an atypical evolution of the incidence of RSV infections in our city and is another example of the unpredictability of infectious disease epidemiology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses: Prevention, Diagnosis, Treatment)

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