Infection, genetics and evolution : journal of molecular epidemiology and evolutionary genetics in infectious diseases
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Infect. Genet. Evol. · Mar 2021
ReviewCovid-19 pathogenesis in prostatic cancer and TMPRSS2-ERG regulatory genetic pathway.
Members of Coronaviridae family have been the source of respiratory illnesses. The outbreak of SARS-CoV-2 that produced a severe lung disease in afflicted patients in China and other countries was the reason for the incredible attention paid toward this viral infection. It is known that SARS-CoV-2 is dependent on TMPRSS2 activity for entrance and subsequent infection of the host cells and TMPRSS2 is a host cell molecule that is important for the spread of viruses such as coronaviruses. ⋯ The possible molecular relation between fusion positive prostate cancer patients and the increased risk of lethal respiratory viral infections especially SARS-CoV-2 can candidate TMPRSS2 as an attractive drug target. The studies show that some molecules such as nicotinamide, PARP1, ETS and IL-1R can be studied deeper in order to control SARS-CoV-2 infection especially in prostate cancer patients. This review attempts to investigate the possible relation between the gene expression pattern that is produced through TMPRSS2-ERG fusion positive prostate cancer and the possible influence of these fluctuations on the pathogenesis and development of viral infections such as SARS-CoV-2.
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Infect. Genet. Evol. · Oct 2020
Meta AnalysisAssociation between ABO blood groups and COVID-19 infection, severity and demise: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
The COVID-19 spreads rapidly around the world which has brought a global health crisis. The pathogen of COVID-19 is SARS-COV-2, and previous studies have proposed the relationship between ABO blood group and coronavirus. Here, we aim to delve into the association between ABO blood group and COVID-19 infection, severity and demise. ⋯ The current meta-analysis suggest that blood type A might be more susceptible to infect COVID-19 while blood type O might be less susceptible to infect COVID-19; there were no correlation between ABO blood group and severity or demise of COVID-19. However, more investigation and research are warranted to clarify the relationship between COVID-19 and ABO blood type.
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Infect. Genet. Evol. · Sep 2020
ReviewRecent progress and challenges in drug development against COVID-19 coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) - an update on the status.
Coronaviruses are a large group of viruses known to cause illnesses that vary between the common cold and more severe diseases to include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS). A novel coronavirus was identified in December 2019 in Wuhan city, Hubei province, China. This virus represents a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. ⋯ Moreover, Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, drugs used to treat malaria and arthritis, respectively, were recommended by the National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China for treatment of COVID-19. Presently, chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine are under investigation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for COVID-19. The first COVID-19 vaccine is not expected to be ready for clinical trials before the end of the year.
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Infect. Genet. Evol. · Nov 2019
Review Meta AnalysisA systematic review and meta-analysis on Exo-toxins prevalence in hospital acquired Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) is an opportunistic pathogen that produces widespread and often overwhelming infections. Among different virulence factors, toxins are important bacterial agent which increases PA pathogenesis especially in immunocompromised patients. The aim of this meta-analysis was to determine the prevalence of exotoxin production in PA isolates in the world. Also according to the importance of drug resistance in isolates with more pathogenicity this estimation was conducted in resistant isolates. ⋯ This first meta-analysis on PA isolates with toxin potency indicated high prevalence of exotoxin production in clinical isolates of PA which is an alarming point as a clinical aspect. It was found that the ExoT has the most prevalence rate among toxins. The results of simultaneous evaluation of exotoxins and antimicrobial resistance can develop treatment policies against PA infections in hospitals and hospitalized patients.
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Infect. Genet. Evol. · Aug 2019
ReviewImproving diagnosis and case management of patients with tuberculosis: A review of gaps, needs and potential solutions in accessing laboratory diagnostics.
Tuberculosis (TB) recently surpassed HIV/AIDS as the deadliest infectious disease. Despite some advancements in technologies and programs, TB remains a global health epidemic that, without significant gains in better diagnostic and management, will not abate. This review describes the molecular diagnostic gaps, needs, and potential solutions for improving access to diagnosis and management of patients with drug susceptible and drug resistant TB. ⋯ Closing these gaps will enable national programs to more efficiently diagnose TB, monitor treatment efficacy, and control drug resistance. Prioritization is based on technologies that address facilitate a more patient-centered approach, and are appropriate for low-resource and high-burden TB settings. New diagnostics must complement current or anticipated developments elsewhere and accelerate increased coverage, quality, and impact at the lower levels of the healthcare system.