The American journal of tropical medicine and hygiene
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Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. · Dec 2020
Factors of Severity in Patients with COVID-19: Cytokine/Chemokine Concentrations, Viral Load, and Antibody Responses.
The severity of COVID-19 ranges from mild to critical diseases. However, limited data have been published on the detailed kinetics of viral load and host immune response throughout the disease course depending on disease severity. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed viral load, antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2, and cytokines/chemokines during the disease course, and identified the factors related to severity. ⋯ The antibody response in severe and critical cases was slightly delayed but stronger than those in others. High levels of interferon (IFN)-α, IFN-γ-induced protein-10, monokine induced by IFN-γ, and interleukin-6 at 5-10 days from symptom onset were associated with the severity of COVID-19. Our data indicate that high viral load in the respiratory tract and excessive production of cytokines and chemokines between 1 and 2 weeks from the symptom onset were significantly associated with the severity of COVID-19.
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Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. · Dec 2020
A Sensitive Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Assay for Direct Visual Detection of SARS-CoV-2.
A simple and rapid reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay was developed for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. The RT-LAMP assay was highly specific for SARS-CoV-2 and was able to detect one copy of transcribed SARS-CoV-2 RNA within 24 minutes. Assay validation performed using 50 positive and 32 negative clinical samples showed 100% sensitivity and specificity. The RT-LAMP would be valuable for clinical diagnosis and epidemiological surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 infection in resource-limited areas as it does not require the use of sophisticated and costly equipment.
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Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. · Dec 2020
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Emergency Distance Teaching on the Psychological Status of University Teachers: A Cross-Sectional Study in Jordan.
The COVID-19 pandemic has struck many countries globally. Jordan has implemented strict nationwide control measures to halt the viral spread, one of which was the closure of universities and shifting to remote teaching. The impact of this pandemic could extend beyond the risk of physical harm to substantial psychological consequences. ⋯ Engagement with family was the most reported self-coping activity. More than half of the participants were most concerned and fearful about SARS-CoV-2 infection. In conclusion, university teachers have shown to exhibit various levels of psychological distress and challenges during the implementation of precautionary national measures in the battle against COVID-19 in Jordan.
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Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. · Dec 2020
Case ReportsCase Report: COVID-19 and Chagas Disease in Two Coinfected Patients.
American trypanosomiasis, also named Chagas disease (CD), is an anthropozoonosis caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. The disease affects millions of people worldwide, leading yearly to approximately 50,000 deaths. COVID-19, generated by SARS-CoV-2, can lead to lymphopenia and death. We hereby describe the first report of two patients with CD and COVID-19 coinfection, from hospitalization until patients' death.
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Am. J. Trop. Med. Hyg. · Oct 2020
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Consumers' Access to Essential Medicines in Nigeria.
COVID-19 is a global pandemic which has seriously impacted the economy of nations. Access to essential medicines is of utmost importance. This study examined the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the ease of access to essential medicines by end users. ⋯ Increase in cost of medicines was observed by 77.7% of participants, with 73.9% of respondents living with chronic illness affirming that their income was negatively affected by the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic had minimal impact on consumers' ability to access essential medicines. However, important challenges identified were poor availability of means of transportation, reduced income, and high cost of medicines, as well as fear of contracting the virus.