Articles: sars-cov-2.
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Observational Study
Diagnostic performance of rapid antigen tests for SARS-CoV-2 transmission risk based on cycle threshold values in the emergency department.
This study aimed to investigate the diagnostic performance of the rapid antigen test (RAT) for screening patients with cycle threshold (Ct) values of SARS-CoV-2 reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in the emergency department. Previous studies have shown that Ct values could be used as indicators of infectiousness. Therefore, we considered the Ct value an indicator of potential infectiousness. ⋯ The RAT might be a rapid screening tool for detecting patients with the infectiousness of SARS-CoV-2. However, considering the low NPV, it is challenging to depend only on a negative test result from an antigen test to terminate quarantine. Clinicians should consider additional factors, such as the duration of symptoms and the immunocompromised state, for SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
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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
High resolution chest computed tomography findings in patients with clinically suspected COVID-19 pneumonia in Uganda: a cross-sectional study.
The alarming spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a shortage of RT-PCR kits in Uganda necessitating the use of high-resolution chest Computed Tomography to guide patient management and treatment. ⋯ HRCT was found superior to RT-PCR in diagnosing COVID-19. A patient with positive HRCT findings should be treated as COVID 19 when RT-PCR is inaccessible or results are negative. A patient with negative HRCT requires complimentary RT-PCR and possibly follow up CT scans if symptoms persist before treating for COVID 19.
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While severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes significant morbidity and mortality in humans, there is a wide range of disease outcomes following virus exposures. Some individuals are asymptomatic while others develop complications within a few days after infection that can lead to fatalities in a smaller portion of the population. In the present study, we have analyzed the factors that may influence the outcome of post-SARS-CoV-2 infection. ⋯ This is due to cross-reactive antibodies and T-cells that recognize SARS-CoV-2 antigens. We also have reviewed the current literature that has also proposed that human infections with eCOVIDs impart protection against disease caused by subsequent exposure to SARS-CoV-2. We propose that a nasal spray vaccine consisting of selected genes of eCOVIDs would be beneficial against SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogenic coronaviruses.
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African health sciences · Dec 2023
Clinical characteristics and variables associated with COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in Luanda, Angola, in the first year of the pandemic.
The impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection in Africa is still unclear. In comparison to Europe and North America, morbidity and death rates are lower. Several factors have been proposed, including geographical variation in virus impact, environmental factors, differences in age distribution, and the impact of infectious diseases such as malaria, HIV infection and tuberculosis. ⋯ We identified putative factors related to SARS-CoV-2 infection and mortality. HIV and TB were protective and not associated with mortality. Further study with a broader scope should be conducted to explain the main features related to COVID-19 mortality in Angola.