Journal of medical virology
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Following the announcement of the first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case on 11 March 2020 in Turkey, we aimed to report the coinfection rates, and the clinical, laboratory, radiological distinctive features of viral pneumonia caused by viruses other than severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). A cross-sectional study was conducted between 18 and 31 March 2020. COVID-19 suspected cases admitted to pandemic policlinic, who had nasopharyngeal swab specimens tested for both SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory viral pathogens, were included. ⋯ Peripheral involvement (80% vs 20%; P ≤ .001), pure ground-glass opacity (65% vs 33%; P = .04), apicobasal gradient (60% vs 40%; P = .08), involvement of greater than or equal to three lobes (80% vs 40%; odds ratio: 6.0; 95% confidence interval: 1.33-27.05; P = .02), and consolidation with accompanying ground-glass opacity (4% vs 33%; P = .031) were more common in SARS-CoV-2 group. Some clinical, laboratory, and radiological findings may help in the differential diagnosis of non-SARS-CoV-2 viruses from COVID-19. However, coinfections may occur, and a non-SARS-CoV-2 pathogen positivity does not exclude accompanying COVID-19.
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In the last months of 2019, an outbreak of fatal respiratory disease started in Wuhan, China, and quickly spread to other parts of the world. It was named COVID-19, and to date, thousands of cases of infection and death are reported worldwide. This disease is associated with a wide range of symptoms, which makes accurate diagnosis of it difficult. ⋯ We evaluated the presence of influenza A/B virus, human metapneumovirus, bocavirus, adenovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and parainfluenza viruses in 105 SARS-CoV-2 positive dead patients, using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR tests. We found coinfection with influenza virus in 22.3%, RSV, and bocavirus in 9.7%, parainfluenza viruses in 3.9%, human metapneumovirus in 2.9%, and finally adenovirus in 1.9% of SARS-CoV-2 positive dead cases. Our findings highlight a high prevalence of coinfection with influenza A virus and the monopoly of coinfection with Human metapneumovirus in children.
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Information about severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in HIV-infected individuals is scarce. In this prospective study, we included HIV (human immunodefeciency virus)-infected individuals (people living with HIV [PLWHIV]) with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection and compared them with PLWHIV negative for SARS-CoV-2. We compared 55 cases of SARS-CoV-2 infection with 69 asymptomatic PLWHIV negative for SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and/or serology. ⋯ HIV-infected individuals are not protected from SARS-CoV-2 infection or have a lower risk of severe disease. Indeed, those with low CD4 cell counts might have worse outcomes. Infection is asymptomatic in a large proportion of subjects and this is relevant for epidemiological studies.
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Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can lead to a massive cytokine release. The use of the anti-interleukin-6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) has been proposed in this hyperinflammatory phase, although supporting evidence is limited. We retrospectively analyzed 88 consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia that received at least one dose of intravenous TCZ in our institution between 16 and 27 March 2020. ⋯ Lymphocyte count and pulse oximetry oxygen saturation/FiO2 ratio increased by days 3 and 5, whereas C-reactive protein levels dropped by day 2. There were no TCZ-attributable adverse events. In this observational single-center study, TCZ appeared to be useful and safe as immunomodulatory therapy for severe COVID-19 pneumonia.
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There is currently very limited information on the nature and prevalence of post-COVID-19 symptoms after hospital discharge. ⋯ This is the first study from the United Kingdom reporting on postdischarge symptoms. We recommend planning rehabilitation services to manage these symptoms appropriately and maximize the functional return of COVID-19 survivors.