Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Heather Richardson
Summary: Detecting coronavirus in samples from treatment plants can provide early warning of outbreaks and new variants.
Article
Microbiology
Michael T. Hawkes, Michael F. Good
Summary: According to a mathematical epidemiological model, childhood vaccination against COVID-19 can have modest public health benefits, including reducing child morbidity and mortality and decreasing adult cases, hospitalizations, and mortality. However, the ethical considerations and global social justice, especially in terms of prioritizing children in high-income settings over vulnerable adults in low-income settings, should also be taken into account.
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Holly Else
Summary: Researchers are attempting to calculate the number of years lost due to disability and death.
News Item
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Dyani Lewis
Summary: The coronavirus can linger on surfaces, but they are not a major source of infection.
Article
Immunology
Ashley H. Tjaden, Lida M. Fette, Sharon L. Edelstein, Michael Gibbs, Amy N. Hinkelman, Michael Runyon, Roberto P. Santos, William S. Weintraub, Joshua Yukich, Diane Uschner
Summary: Self-reported dates and product details for COVID-19 vaccination can be a good surrogate when medical records are unavailable in large observational studies. Confirmation of dates for a subset of participants with EHR data will provide internal validity.
Article
Immunology
Nobuaki Matsunaga, Kayoko Hayakawa, Mari Terada, Hiroshi Ohtsu, Yusuke Asai, Shinya Tsuzuki, Setsuko Suzuki, Ako Toyoda, Kumiko Suzuki, Mio Endo, Naoki Fujii, Michiyo Suzuki, Sho Saito, Yukari Uemura, Taro Shibata, Masashi Kondo, Kazuo Izumi, Junko Terada-Hirashima, Ayako Mikami, Wataru Sugiura, Norio Ohmagari
Summary: This study in Japan examined hospitalized patients with COVID-19, finding that they are typically middle-aged males with close contact to confirmed or suspected cases. The most common comorbidities were hypertension and diabetes. Most patients admitted were nonsevere cases, with a majority not requiring oxygen support during hospitalization.
CLINICAL INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Asma Asghar, Hafiz Muhammad Imran, Naheed Bano, Sadia Maalik, Sajida Mushtaq, Asim Hussain, Sunita Varjani, Lotfi Aleya, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Muhammad Bilal
Summary: The 2019 coronavirus pandemic has had a significant impact globally, with millions of confirmed cases and deaths. The origin and evolutionary trends of the virus remain unknown. Scientific investigations have disproven rumors of human transmission and instead suggest that bats were the origin of SARS-CoV-2, with pangolins acting as intermediary species. Airborne droplets were initially believed to be the main method of human-to-human transmission, but further studies have shown that contaminated surfaces and other environmental factors also play a role. The emergence of different SARS-CoV-2 variants has worsened the situation and poses a challenge to overcome the pandemic.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Infectious Diseases
David Chun-Ern Ng, Kah Kee Tan, Ling Chin, Marlindawati Mohd Ali, Ming Lee Lee, Fatin Mahirah Mahmood, Mohammad Faid Abd Rashid, Harlina Abdul Rashid, Erwin Jiayuan Khoo
Summary: In Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, children with COVID-19 exhibited mild symptoms and a good prognosis, with 57.9% of cases being asymptomatic. Family clustering was identified as an important epidemiological feature in the outbreak, and the risk of transmission from children to guardians was minimal despite close contact.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Dan H. Barouch
Summary: This article reviews the protective effects of vaccination and prior infection on severe Covid-19, and proposes future research directions.
NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL OF MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qin Liu, Qi Su, Fen Zhang, Hein M. Tun, Joyce Wing Yan Mak, Grace Chung-Yan Lui, Susanna So Shan Ng, Jessica Y. L. Ching, Amy Li, Wenqi Lu, Chenyu Liu, Chun Pan Cheung, David S. C. Hui, Paul K. S. Chan, Francis Ka Leung Chan, Siew C. Ng
Summary: By integrating clinical features and multi-omics data, the authors identified specific gut microbiome patterns associated with disease severity and development of post-acute COVID-19 syndrome. These findings highlight the potential utility of host phenotype and multi-kingdom microbiota profiling as a prognostic tool for patients with COVID-19.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Foteini Malli, Ioannis C. Lampropoulos, Garifallia Perlepe, Dimitrios Papagiannis, Konstantinos I. Gourgoulianis
Summary: We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 vaccinations, cases, and outcomes in Greece during different periods of variant dominance. The Omicron period had higher weekly cases compared to the Delta and Alpha periods, while vaccination rates were lower. The rise of the Omicron wave led to an increase in cases but a decrease in ICU admissions and COVID-19-related deaths. Evaluation of vaccination trends showed fluctuations throughout the study period. Our findings suggest that the Omicron variant is associated with increased transmissibility but reduced morbidity and mortality.
Review
Ophthalmology
Camilo Brandao-de-Resende, Alberto Diniz-Filho, Fabiano de Almeida Brito, Daniel Vitor Vasconcelos-Santos
Summary: This review provides an overview of the impact of COVID-19 on ophthalmology, discusses the role of the eye in disease transmission and manifestations, and summarizes preventive measures for eye care in the context of the pandemic.
CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Virology
Yan Chen, Shiyong Li, Wei Wu, Shuaipeng Geng, Mao Mao
Summary: This study provides insights into the evolutionary and expansion dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 by analyzing viral genomes. It reveals the changes and distributions of major viral genotypes, which can be used as molecular barcodes to monitor the spreading routes of the pandemic and evaluate the effectiveness of control measures. Additionally, the study helps in early identification of new strains, development of molecular diagnosis and vaccines, and assessment of their accuracy and efficacy.
JOURNAL OF MEDICAL VIROLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Rustom Antia, M. Elizabeth Halloran
Summary: The article discusses the basic concepts underlying the transition from an epidemic to an endemic state, as well as the implications of this transition for COVID-19.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Nils Chr Stenseth, Guha Dharmarajan, Ruiyun Li, Zheng-Li Shi, Ruifu Yang, George F. Gao
Summary: This article summarizes the timeline of the COVID-19 pandemic and the lessons learned by the public health community, discussing the implications for future public health policy and outlining an agenda for improved pandemic control. It contrasts the ongoing pandemic with the SARS outbreak, identifying areas where valuable lessons were learned as well as key areas where international public health policy failed.
FRONTIERS IN PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
George Sie Williams, Benido Impouma, Franck Mboussou, Theresa Min-Hyung Lee, Opeayo Ogundiran, Charles Okot, Tatiana Metcalf, Mary Stephen, Senait Tekeste Fekadu, Caitlin M. Wolfe, Bridget Farham, Cristina Hofer, Bertil Wicht, Claudia Codeco Tores, Antoine Flahault, Olivia Keiser
Summary: The study reviewed epidemic intelligence activities conducted by the WHO Regional Office for Africa from 2017 to 2020. Media monitoring played a crucial role in the initial detection of outbreaks, with the most common outbreaks being vaccine-preventable diseases. Rapid risk assessments provided evidence and formed the basis for WHO to trigger operational processes to support member states in responding to outbreaks with potential for international spread.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benido Impouma, Franck Mboussou, Caitlin M. Wolfe, Bridget Farham, George Sie Williams, Opeayo Ogundiran, Roland Ngom, Milse Nzingou, Antoine Flahault, Claudia Torres Codeco, Ambrose Talisuna, Zabulon Yoti, Olivia Keiser
Summary: Successive waves of COVID-19 transmission have led to exponential increases in new infections globally. This study assessed the risk of continuing transmission in 46 countries in Africa, with the majority at community transmission stage and limited health system response capacity. Enhanced assistance is needed to prevent further escalation of the risk.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benido Impouma, Tamayi Mlanda, Arish Bukhari, George Sie Williams, Bridget Farham, Caitlin Wolfe, Franck Mboussou, Sara Botero Mesa, Roland Ngom, Theresa Lee, Olivia Keiser
Summary: The study implemented a flexible information management strategy focusing on data collection and management, reporting and analysis to facilitate WHO AFRO in gathering surveillance and epidemiological data, showing some success but also facing challenges. Strengthening data systems, digital capacity, and promoting openness and data sharing are crucial for health system strengthening.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Franck Mboussou, Benido Impouma, Bridget Farham, Caitlin M. Wolfe, George Sie Williams, Roland Ngom, Milse Nzingou, Aziza Merzouki, Erol Orel, Yahaya Ali Ahmed, Olivia Keiser, Matshidiso R. Moeti
Summary: This study analyzed the reported incidence of COVID-19 and associated factors in the WHO African region, finding that an increasing urban population percentage was associated with low incidence, while increasing SARS-CoV-2 testing per 10,000 population and the proportion of population aged 15-64 years were associated with high incidence. The findings stress the importance of increasing and decentralizing testing capacities and adjusting testing strategies to target at-risk populations in the face of limited testing capacities and overwhelmed health systems.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benido Impouma, George Sie Williams, Fleury Moussana, Franck Mboussou, Bridget Farham, Caitlin M. Wolfe, Charles Okot, Katrina Downing, Claudia Codeco Tores, Antoine Flahault, Cyril Pervilhac, Georges Ki-Zerbo, Peter Clement, Steven Shongwe, Olivia Keiser, Ibrahima Soce Fall
Summary: Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, the three West African countries at the centre of the Ebola outbreak, implemented rapid readiness and response measures in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have been influenced by lessons learned from the devastating Ebola epidemic.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benido Impouma, Alice L. J. Carr, Alexander Spina, Franck Mboussou, Opeayo Ogundiran, Fleury Moussana, George Sie Williams, Caitlin M. Wolfe, Bridget Farham, Antoine Flahault, Claudia Codeco Tores, Jessica L. Abbate, Flavio Codeco Coelho, Olivia Keiser
Summary: This study explores the risk factors associated with mortality among COVID-19 cases in the WHO African region. The findings indicate that male sex, older age, living in capital cities, and having comorbidities are linked to a higher risk of death. However, being a healthcare worker lowers the risk. The COVID-19-related mortality in the African region is comparable to other regions but could be underestimated.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jyoti Dalal, Isotta Triulzi, Ananthu James, Benedict Nguimbis, Gabriela Guizzo Dri, Akarsh Venkatasubramanian, Lucie Noubi Tchoupopnou Royd, Sara Botero Mesa, Claire Somerville, Giuseppe Turchetti, Beat Stoll, Jessica Lee Abbate, Franck Mboussou, Benido Impouma, Olivia Keiser, Flavio Codeco Coelho
Summary: In sub-Saharan Africa, women have a lower case fatality rate (CFR) than men for COVID-19, and this difference is more significant in older age groups. As age increases, CFR estimates also increase, with significant differences observed in the 40+ age group. It is important for countries to collect and utilize sex-disaggregated data to inform public health interventions and promote a gender-sensitive response to the pandemic.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Sara Botero-Mesa, Flavio Codeco Coelho, Kenechukwu Nwosu, Bertil Wicht, Akarsh Venkatasubramanian, Olena Wagner, Camille Valera, Benedict Nguimbis, Daniel Camara, Izabel Reis, Lucas Bianchi, Morteza Mahdiani, Papy Ansobi Onsimbie, Papa Amadou Niang Diallo, Lea Jacques, Artur Manuel Muloliwa, Moussa Bougma, Leckson Mukavhi, Adit Kaneria, Ram Peruvemba, Ajay Gupta, Isotta Triulzi, Ananthu James, Verena Carrara, Wingston Ngambi, Zahra Habibi, Michael Tedros Adhanom, Sabina Rodriguez Velasquez, Paolo Sestito, Timokleia Kousil, Loza Biru, Daniela Vivacqua, Jyoti Dalal, Anatole Mian, Maroussia Roelens, Erol Orel, Cristina Barroso Hofer, Fatihiyya Wangara, Franck Mboussou, Tamayi Mlanda, Arish Bukhari, Theresa Min-Hyung Lee, Roland Ngom, Beat Stoll, Cleophas Chimbetete, Jessica Abbate, Benido Impouma, Olivia Keiser
Summary: Emerging infectious diseases pose a growing threat in sub-Saharan African countries, and their capacity to respond quickly to outbreaks is limited. To support the COVID-19 response, the WHO Regional Office for Africa collaborated with global experts, scholars, and students to provide actionable epidemiological analysis. Based on national situation reports, they prepared country-specific epidemiological and data quality reports, as well as transmission and mortality risk indices. This collaborative approach to health data management and analyses plays a significant role in enhancing national responses to health emergencies and outbreaks.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Joseph Waogodo Cabore, Humphrey Cyprian Karamagi, Hillary Kipchumba Kipruto, Joseph Kyalo Mungatu, James Avoka Asamani, Benson Droti, Regina Titi-Ofei, Aminata Binetou Wahebine Seydi, Solyana Ngusbrhan Kidane, Thierno Balde, Abdou Salam Gueye, Lindiwe Makubalo, Matshidiso R. Moeti
Summary: COVID-19 has impacted the African region significantly. Through a comprehensive model, it is estimated that the number of infections in the region from Jan 2020 to Dec 2021 was 505.6 million, with only 1.4% reported. Deaths are estimated at 439,500, with 35.3% related to COVID-19. By the end of 2022, infections are predicted to remain high, but deaths will decrease significantly.
LANCET GLOBAL HEALTH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Timokleia Kousi, Daniela Vivacqua, Jyoti Dalal, Ananthu James, Daniel Cardoso Portela Camara, Sara Botero Mesa, Cleophas Chimbetete, Benido Impouma, George Sie Williams, Franck Mboussou, Tamayi Mlanda, Arish Bukhari, Olivia Keiser, Jessica Lee Abbate, Cristina Barroso Hofer
Summary: Island nations in Africa region have different conditions and responses to the COVID-19 pandemic compared to mainland countries. This study investigates the initial period of the pandemic in six island nations and explores potential factors affecting infection and severe disease burden. The results indicate that strict movement restrictions and higher detection capacity can reduce the burden of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while countries with low healthcare investment, older populations, and higher prevalence of underlying health risk factors are more likely to face severe COVID-19 burden.
Article
Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology
Zahra Habibi, Mahsa Sepehrnejad, Farshid Rahimi Ghooradel, Mohammad Hossein Nilforoush
Summary: This study aimed to obtain normative data on wideband tympanometry (WBT) in the adult Iranian ethnic. The results showed variations in WBT features with frequency and significant differences in V-eq and A(d) between males and females.
AUDIOLOGY AND NEURO-OTOLOGY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benido Impouma, Akpaka A. Kalu, Lindiwe Makubalo, Alex Gasasira, Joseph Cabore, Matshidiso Moeti
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2023)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benido Impouma, Franck Mboussou, Bridget Farham, Lindiwe Makubalo, Kasonde Mwinga, Adelheid Onyango, Lisa Sthreshley, Kalu Akpaka, Thierno Balde, Phionah Atuhebwe, Abdou Salam Gueye, Felicitas Zawaira, Helen Rees, Joseph Cabore, Matshidiso Moeti
Summary: By the end of June 2022, two countries in the WHO African region have achieved the vaccination targets set by WHO, and seven countries are on track. Additionally, some countries have made significant progress in increasing their vaccination rates in a short period of time. However, the African region still has the lowest vaccination rate globally and efforts need to continue to improve the vaccination coverage.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Benido Impouma, Franck Mboussou, Cyrus Shahpar, Caitlin M. Wolfe, Bridget Farham, George Sie Williams, Humphrey Karamagi, Roland Ngom, Ngoy Nsenga, Antoine Flahault, Claudia Torres Codeco, Zabulon Yoti, Francis Kasolo, Olivia Keiser
Summary: As of 03 January 2021, the WHO African region has been the least affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, raising concerns about the accuracy of reported cases and deaths reflecting the true burden of the disease, as well as how monitoring the trajectory of the pandemic can inform response measures. Retrospective estimates using a prevalence calculator tool showed a low detection rate in most countries of the region, suggesting the need to strengthen testing capacities for SARS-CoV-2 and adjust testing strategies.
EPIDEMIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2021)
