Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Tuomo A. Nieminen, Kari Auranen, Sangita A. Kulathinal, Tommi Haerkaenen, Merit Melin, Arto A. Palmu, Jukka Jokinen
Summary: During the first wave of the COVID-19 epidemic in Finland, there were 1 to 5 SARS-CoV-2 infections for every diagnosed COVID-19 case. The underreporting of infections was highest before April, with 4 to 17 infections for every COVID-19 case. By the beginning of July 2020, it is estimated that 0.5%-1.0% of the adult population in the Helsinki-Uusimaa region were infected with SARS-CoV-2.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Shamik Majumdar, Philip M. Murphy
Summary: SARS-CoV-2 is the third coronavirus causing severe pneumonia epidemics in humans, and the immune response to coronavirus infection can have both protective and harmful effects. Chemokines and chemokine receptors play crucial roles in coordinating immune responses during infection with epidemic coronaviruses, and they may serve as important biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Margarita Pons-Salort, Jacob John, Oliver J. Watson, Nicholas F. Brazeau, Robert Verity, Gagandeep Kang, Nicholas C. Grassly
Summary: India reported over 10 million COVID-19 cases and 149,000 deaths in 2020. Using serosurveys and data on reported deaths, the study estimated a cumulative infection rate of 48.7% in the Indian population by the end of September 2020. Only 15.0% of COVID-19 deaths were reported, indicating significant underreporting or lower age-specific infection fatality ratios compared to high-income countries. Despite the high infection rate, additional waves of the epidemic occurred in late 2020 and April-May 2021.
EMERGING INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Samuel P. C. Brand, John Ojal, Rabia Aziza, Vincent Were, Emelda A. Okiro, Ivy K. Kombe, Caroline Mburu, Morris Ogero, Ambrose Agweyu, George M. Warimwe, James Nyagwange, Henry Karanja, John N. Gitonga, Daisy Mugo, Sophie Uyoga, Ifedayo M. O. Adetifa, J. Anthony G. Scott, Edward Otieno, Nickson Murunga, Mark Otiende, Lynette Ochola-Oyier, Charles N. Agoti, George Githinji, Kadondi Kasera, Patrick Amoth, Mercy Mwangangi, Rashid Aman, Wangari Ng'ang'a, Benjamin Tsofa, Philip Bejon, Matt J. Keeling, D. James Nokes, Edwine Barasa
Summary: Policy decisions on COVID-19 interventions should take into account local, regional, and national understanding of SARS-CoV-2 transmission. Three epidemic waves have been observed in Kenya, with the first two attributed to differences in contact rates among high and low socioeconomic groups, and the third wave to the introduction of highly transmissible variants. Reopening of schools led to a slight increase in transmission between the second and third waves. Socioeconomic status and urban-rural population structure play critical roles in viral transmission in Kenya.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Valentina Pecoraro, Tiziana Cassetti, Marisa Meacci, Raffaele Gargiulo, Maria Rosaria Capobianchi, Cristina Mussini, Elena Vecchi, Monica Pecorari, Carlo Gagliotti, Tommaso Trenti, Mario Sarti
Summary: In this study, the accuracy of CLIA and two LFIA methods in detecting IgG and IgM antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 virus was evaluated. CLIA showed higher sensitivity and specificity for IgG and IgM detection compared to LFIA methods, especially in patients.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Allison N. Grossberg, Lilia A. Koza, Aurelie Ledreux, Chad Prusmack, Hari Krishnan Krishnamurthy, Vasanth Jayaraman, Ann-Charlotte Granholm, Daniel A. Linseman
Summary: This study presents results from a multiplex serology test for assessing COVID-19 antibody responses, showing distinct dynamics of IgG, IgM, and IgA responses in patients with different disease severity. It suggests that antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 may serve as important biomarkers for assessing the risk of viral transmission.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ramanan Laxminarayan, Chandra B. Mohan, T. G. Vinay, K. V. Arjun Kumar, Brian Wahl, Joseph A. Lewnard
Summary: A large-scale SARS-CoV-2 surveillance programme in Madurai, India revealed equal risk of asymptomatic infection among children, teenagers, and working-age adults, with increasing risk of infection and death associated with older age and comorbidities.
LANCET INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Manon Ragonnet-Cronin, Olivia Boyd, Lily Geidelberg, David Jorgensen, Fabricia F. Nascimento, Igor Siveroni, Robert A. Johnson, Marc Baguelin, Zulma M. Cucunuba, Elita Jauneikaite, Swapnil Mishra, Oliver J. Watson, Neil Ferguson, Anne Cori, Christl A. Donnelly, Erik Volz
Summary: The study indicates that early implementation of strong non-pharmaceutical interventions can reduce COVID-19 morbidity and mortality. The time elapsed between epidemic origin and intervention is associated with epidemic severity and explains part of the variance in reported deaths. Delay in implementing interventions resulted in more severe epidemics.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Ching-Wen Hou, Stacy Williams, Kylee Taylor, Veronica Boyle, Bradley Bobbett, Joseph Kouvetakis, Keana Nguyen, Aaron McDonald, Valerie Harris, Benjamin Nussle, Phillip Scharf, Megan L. Jehn, Timothy Lant, Mitchell Magee, Yunro Chung, Joshua LaBaer, Vel Murugan
Summary: This study examined the seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among adults and found a high prevalence of antibodies, especially in those who had previous infections or multiple vaccinations. These findings are important for developing university risk mitigation protocols and taking appropriate actions to combat future surges of COVID-19.
Article
Immunology
Jaya Singh Kshatri, Debdutta Bhattacharya, Sidhartha Giri, Subrata Kumar Palo, Srikanta Kanungo, Asit Mansingh, Debaprasad Parai, Subha Soumya Dany, Anjan Bisoyee, Hari Ram Choudhary, Abhinav Sinha, Rakesh Kumar Sahoo, Trilochan Bhoi, Amiya Ranjan Mohanta, Akhila Bihari Ota, Bigyanananda Mohanty, Uttam Kumar Sahoo, Sanghamitra Pati, Odisha State Serosurvey Team
Summary: This study evaluated the seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibodies in the tribal population of Odisha post-second wave and found a high seroprevalence rate. The vaccination coverage was comparable to the general population, but efforts are needed to address knowledge gaps and improve coverage in the future.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hakon Jonsson, Olafur T. Magnusson, Pall Melsted, Jonas Berglund, Arna B. Agustsdottir, Berglind Eiriksdottir, Run Fridriksdottir, Elisabet Eir Garoarsdottir, Gudmundur Georgsson, Olafia S. Gretarsdottir, Kjartan R. Guomundsson, Thora Rosa Gunnarsdottir, Hannes Eggertsson, Arnaldur Gylfason, Hilma Holm, Brynjar O. Jensson, Aslaug Jonasdottir, Frosti Jonsson, Kamilla S. Josefsdottir, Marianna Thordardottir, Karl G. Kristinsson, Thorour Kristjansson, Droplaug N. Magnusdottir, Louise Le Roux, Jona Saemundsdottir, Asgeir Sigurdsson, Gudrun Sigmundsdottir, Gardar Sveinbjornsson, Solvi Rognvaldsson, Ogmundur Eiriksson, Magnus Karl Magnusson, Kristin Eva Sveinsdottir, Maney Sveinsdottir, Emil Aron Thorarensen, Bjarni Thorbjornsson, Arthur Love, Gudmundur L. Norddahl, Ingileif Jonsdottir, Patrick Sulem, Gisli Masson, Alma Moller, Thorolfur Gudnason, Mar Kristjansson, Agnar Helgason, Daniel F. Gudbjartsson, Unnur Thorsteinsdottir, Kari Stefansson
Summary: The study demonstrates how molecular information can be utilized to evaluate epidemic control effectiveness by tracking changes in viral concentration and accumulation of mutations in SARS-CoV-2 infections during different phases of the outbreak. This information can help determine the phase of the epidemic at a population level.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Lene H. Harritshoj, Mikkel Gybel-Brask, Shoaib Afzal, Pia R. Kamstrup, Charlotte S. Jorgensen, Marianne Kragh Thomsen, Linda Hilsted, Lennart Friis-Hansen, Pal B. Szecsi, Lise Pedersen, Lene Nielsen, Cecilie B. Hansen, Peter Garred, Trine-Line Korsholm, Susan Mikkelsen, Kirstine O. Nielsen, Bjarne K. Moller, Anne T. Hansen, Kasper K. Iversen, Pernille B. Nielsen, Rasmus B. Hasselbalch, Kamille Fogh, Jakob B. Norsk, Jonas Henrik Kristensen, Kristian Schonning, Nikolai S. Kirkby, Alex C. Y. Nielsen, Lone H. Landsy, Mette Loftager, Dorte K. Holm, Anna C. Nilsson, Susanne G. Saekmose, Birgitte Grum-Schwensen, Bitten Aagaard, Thoger G. Jensen, Dorte M. Nielsen, Henrik Ullum, Ram B. Dessau
Summary: This study evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of 15 commercial and one in-house anti-SARS-CoV-2 assays in Danish laboratories. Most total antibody and IgG assays showed high sensitivity and specificity, with some overlap in confidence intervals. IgM results were more variable, with one assay demonstrating higher sensitivity and specificity.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jayanthi Shastri, Swapneil Parikh, Sachee Agrawal, Nirjhar Chatterjee, Manish Pathak, Sakshi Chaudhary, Chetan Sharma, Akshay Kanakan, A. Vivekanand, Janani Srinivasa Vasudevan, Ranjeet Maurya, Saman Fatihi, Lipi Thukral, Anurag Agrawal, Lancelot Pinto, Rajesh Pandey, Sujatha Sunil
Summary: This study successfully confirmed reinfections in two patients, provided weak evidence of reinfection in the third patient, and could not rule out prolonged infection in the fourth patient, based on whole genome sequencing, clinical presentation, and serological tests. The importance of detailed analysis of clinical and serological information, as well as the genomic variations of the virus, in assessing cases of SARS-CoV-2 reinfection, is emphasized.
FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Virology
Sanjeet Kumar, Kanika Bansal
Summary: This study conducted a genomic evolutionary analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in India, revealing changes in mutation rates and the emergence of variants of concern. Such analysis is crucial for timely management of the pandemic.
Article
Microbiology
Wayne Dimech, Shannon Curley, Lorenzo Subissi, Ute Stroher, Mark D. D. Perkins, Jane Cunningham
Summary: The markets are flooded with various SARS-CoV-2 serology tests, but there are limited comparative reports on their performance. This study compared 35 rapid diagnostic tests and enzyme immunoassays using samples from individuals with mild to moderate COVID-19 and other coronavirus infections. The results show that independent comparative assessments are important for selecting appropriate test kits, especially during a pandemic.
MICROBIOLOGY SPECTRUM
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bipasa Kar, Chanakya Nath Kundu, Sanghamitra Pati, Debdutta Bhattacharya
Summary: Amid the rise of multi-drug resistance, finding new antibiotics is challenging. This study utilized molecular docking to screen and identify three phytocompounds with potential antimicrobial activity, outperforming the reference drug meropenem. The compounds showed competitive inhibition against the target proteins and demonstrated stability through molecular dynamics simulations. These findings suggest that the phytocompounds have potential as Metallo beta-lactamase inhibitors and warrant further in vitro and in vivo clinical trials.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ashish Kumar Nayak, Sonam Karna, Subrat Kumar Sahoo, Subrata Kumar Palo, Srikanta Kanungo, Jaya Singh Kshatri, Debaprasad Parai, Kamini Walia, Taru Singh, Hari Ram Choudhary, Sanghamitra Pati, Debdutta Bhattacharya
Summary: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding antimicrobial use and AMR among rural communities in Tigiria, India. The study found that about 44.47% of the participants have heard of antimicrobial medicines and approximately 14.75% bought antibiotics without a prescription. Furthermore, the study revealed that 20.14% of the participants stopped taking antibiotics before completing the full course. The findings highlight the need for antimicrobial stewardship programs and educational initiatives to raise awareness about antimicrobial resistance.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Jyotsnamayee Sabat, Subhra Subhadra, Sonalika Rath, Lal Mohan Ho, Tanushree Satpathy, Dipankar Pattnaik, Sanghamitra Pati, Jyotirmayee Turuk
Summary: This study evaluated the application of a rapid antigen test kit in suspected COVID-19 patients, with a sensitivity of 75.17%. False negative results for symptomatic individuals and positive results for asymptomatic contacts are important for isolation and containment of the infection from spreading in a community.
BMC INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jyoti Ghosal, Madhusmita Bal, Manoranjan Ranjit, Arundhuti Das, Manas Ranjan Behera, Sudhir Kumar Satpathy, Ambarish Dutta, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: Despite socio-economic growth, anaemia prevalence in Indian non-pregnant women has not declined. This study examines trends in anaemia among tribal and general non-pregnant women, finding that anaemia remained unchanged or increased in both groups. Structural determinants alone do not explain anaemia in India, suggesting the need for further research on micronutrient deficiency and absorption.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Bipasa Kar, Chanakya Nath Kundu, Mahender Kumar Singh, Budheswar Dehury, Sanghamitra Pati, Debdutta Bhattacharya
Summary: ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae infection is a serious global threat. Silibinin, a plant compound, has been found to have inhibitory and bactericidal effects against ESBL proteins. This study validated the inhibitory activity of silibinin through bioinformatics and microbiological analyses, suggesting it as a potential lead for further research.
JOURNAL OF BIOMOLECULAR STRUCTURE & DYNAMICS
(2023)
Article
Microbiology
Haimanti Bhattacharya, Debaprasad Parai, Subrat Kumar Sahoo, Aparjita Swain, Matrujyoti Pattnaik, Ira Mohapatra, Hariram Choudhary, Girish Chandra Dash, Nausaba Akhtar, Jaya Singh Kshatri, Debdutta Bhattacharya, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) among tribal populations in Odisha, India. The results showed that HBsAg positivity ranged from 1.79% to 2.94% across different age groups, with 42.9% of HBsAg positive individuals also having the presence of HBV DNA and high viral load. This study highlights the need for a statewide survey to assess the prevalence of Hepatitis B infection and the impact of the Hepatitis B vaccination program among the tribal population in Odisha.
FRONTIERS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Suchanda Dey, Mahendra Gaur, Ellen M. E. Sykes, Monica Prusty, Selvakumar Elangovan, Sangita Dixit, Sanghamitra Pati, Ayush Kumar, Enketeswara Subudhi
Summary: This study identified a large number of variable genes and antibiotic resistance genes in high-risk Klebsiella pneumoniae ST147 clones. The presence of virulence genes and a putative transposon in the genomes indicates the pathogenicity and transmission ability of this clone. Bayesian phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary history of ST147. These findings provide insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of high-risk K. pneumoniae.
Article
Infectious Diseases
Ritik Agrawal, Jogesh Murmu, Sweta Pattnaik, Srikanta Kanungo, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: Plague cases have been surging in Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, and Peru. The disease is transmitted through fleas that bite humans and is caused by the bacteria Yersinia pestis. The mortality rate for the bubonic plague can be as high as 40-70% without treatment, making it a major concern in countries like Madagascar. It is crucial to implement effective disease control measures, including training healthcare providers, reducing human-rodent interactions, and improving diagnostic capabilities. Raising awareness among the general population and ensuring proper protection for healthcare professionals are also important steps to prevent the spread of the disease. The importance of addressing this issue is rated at 8 out of 10.
INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF POVERTY
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Ritik Agrawal, Jogesh Murmu, Srikanta Kanungo, Sanghamitra Pati
NEW MICROBES AND NEW INFECTIONS
(2023)
Letter
Infectious Diseases
Ritik Agrawal, Jogesh Murmu, Sweta Pattnaik, Srikanta Kanungo, Sanghamitra Pati, Patricia Schlagenhauf
NEW MICROBES AND NEW INFECTIONS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Triyambakesh Mohanty, Sujeet Kumar, Sunil Swick Rout, Sarita Kar, Himadri Bhusan Bal, Jyotirmayee Turuk, Dasarathi Das, Sooman Sundaray, Sanghamitra Pati, Sidhartha Giri
Summary: A retrospective study was conducted in Bhubaneswar to evaluate the burden of tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance in patients with pleural effusion. The study found that the positivity rate varied over time and across age groups.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL MICROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Arohi Chauhan, Malik Parmar, Girish Chandra Dash, Hardik Solanki, Sandeep Chauhan, Jessica Sharma, Krushna Chandra Sahoo, Pranab Mahapatra, Raghuram Rao, Ravinder Kumar, Kirankumar Rade, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the prevalence of tuberculosis infection (TBI) in India based on various factors. The study found a high prevalence of TBI in India, with an overall prevalence rate of 41%. The burden of TBI was found to be commensurate with the burden of active tuberculosis, indicating the possible conversion of TBI to active TB.
INDIAN JOURNAL OF MEDICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ritik Agrawal, Jogesh Murmu, Abhinav Sinha, Srikanta Kanungo, Sanghamitra Pati
Summary: This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of hypertension among older adults in India and its association with salt intake and sociodemographic variables. The results showed that the overall prevalence of hypertension was around 41.1% in India, with significant determinants being age group 70-79 years, females, wealthiest individuals, and consuming far too little salt. Therefore, more intervention strategies should be incorporated into the existing healthcare program, considering factors such as older age group, females, and wealthiest individuals, and gender sensitivity must be extensively incorporated.
CLINICAL EPIDEMIOLOGY AND GLOBAL HEALTH
(2023)
