Articles: sars-cov-2.
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Although severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) can infect the gastrointestinal (GI) tract in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, the mechanism of GI tract injury is largely unknown. We aimed to study the potential factors that cause COVID-19 GI symptoms. ⋯ ACE2 and TMPRSS2 were essential proteins in the SARS-CoV-2 infection of GI tract, while TMPRSS2 rather than ACE2 may play a more important role. GI symptoms may derive from the host receptor expression level and pro-inflammatory response in COVID-19 patients after viral infection of GI tissues, and further exacerbate the disease. So targeting TMPRSS2 and inflammation may represent an effective strategy for treating COVID-19 patients with GI symptoms.
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African health sciences · Dec 2023
Performance of two SARS-CoV-2 rapid antigen detection tests in resource limited settings, the case of Mali.
While real-time reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) is the recommended laboratory method to diagnose severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, its use in resource limited settings can be difficult to maintain due to high testing demand and shortage of reagents. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performances of Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ in comparison to RT-PCR in a relatively low COVID-19 prevalence setting, Mali. ⋯ While waiting for more complete data, these preliminary studies suggest that Realy Tech™ and Standard Q™ should not be used alone for COVID-19 diagnosis in Mali.
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African health sciences · Dec 2023
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of Moroccan cancer patients and their relatives towards the COVID-19 pandemic.
This study aims to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of cancer patients and their relatives regarding the COVID-19 pandemic in Morocco. ⋯ Although the level of knowledge and practices of cancer patients and relatives was very satisfying, disparities between the two groups were still to be noted. Cancer patients go out less and practice more, despite the impact of confinement on their health.
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Access to testing during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was limited, impacting patients with COVID-19-like symptoms. Current qualitative studies have been limited to one country or were conducted outside Europe. ⋯ Patients experiencing novel and severe symptoms, particularly those with comorbidities, experienced a significant emotional and psychological burden due to concerns about COVID-19. Testing provided reassurance over health status and helped patients identify which guidance to follow. Testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 led to some patients thinking they were immune from future infection, thus influencing subsequent behaviour.