Microbes and infection
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Microbes and infection · Oct 2020
Comparative Study Observational StudyClinical features of COVID-19 and influenza: a comparative study on Nord Franche-Comte cluster.
Clinical descriptions about influenza-like illnesses (ILI) in COVID-19 seem non-specific. We aimed to compare the clinical features of COVID-19 and influenza. We retrospectively investigated the clinical features and outcomes of confirmed cases of COVID-19 and influenza in Nord Franche-Comté Hospital between February 26th and March 14th 2020. ⋯ Anosmia (53% vs 17%,p < 0.001), dysgeusia (49% vs 20%,p = 0.001), diarrhea (40% vs 20%,p = 0.021), frontal headache (26% vs 9%,p = 0.021) and bilateral cracklings sounds (24% vs 9%,p = 0.034) were statistically more frequent in COVID-19. Sputum production (52% vs 29%,p = 0.010), dyspnea (59% vs 34%,p = 0.007), sore throat (44% vs 20%,p = 0.006), conjunctival hyperhemia (30% vs 4%,p < 0.001), tearing (24% vs 6%,p = 0.004), vomiting (22% vs 3%,p = 0.001) and rhonchi sounds (17% vs 1%,p = 0.002) were more frequent with influenza infection. We described several clinical differences which can help the clinicians during the co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2.
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Microbes and infection · Oct 2020
EditorialOut of the frying pan and into the fire? Due diligence warranted for ADE in COVID-19.
Antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) is an atypical immunological paradox commonly associated with dengue virus re-infection. However, various research models have demonstrated this phenomenon with other viral families, including Coronaviridae. ⋯ Whether SARS-CoV-2 is augmented by ADE remains undetermined and has therefore garnered criticism for the improper attribution of the phenomenon to the pandemic. Thus, critical evaluation of ADE in SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development will be indispensable to avoid a global setback and the erosion of public trust.
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Microbes and infection · Oct 2020
Predictive factors of mortality in patients treated with tocilizumab for acute respiratory distress syndrome related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
COVID-19 patients (n = 34) suffering from ARDS were treated with tocilizumab (TCZ). Outcome was classified in two groups: "Death" and "Recovery". ⋯ At baseline, all patients had multiple biological abnormalities (lymphopenia, increased CRP, ferritin, fibrinogen, D-dimer and liver enzymes). 24 patients (70.5%) recovered after TCZ therapy and 10 died (29.5%). Deceased subjects differed from patients in whom treatment was effective with regard to more pronounced lymphopenia (0.6 vs 1.0 G/l; p = 0.037), lower platelet number (156 vs 314 G/l; p = 0.0001), lower fibrinogen serum level (0.6 vs 1.0 G/l; p = 0.03), higher aspartate-amino-transferase (108 vs 57 UI/l; p = 0.05) and greater O2 requirements (11 vs 8 l/min; p = 0.003).