Articles tagged with Sars Cov 2
A severe COVID-19 outbreak in Delhi, India, highlights the challenge of reaching herd immunity due to the Delta variant's transmissibility and ability to infect previously infected individuals. Mathematical modeling and genomic analysis suggest the Delta variant is 30-70% more contagious than previous lineages.
A large Swedish cohort study found that obese patients (BMI >35 kg/m2) were twice as likely to experience a prolonged ICU stay or die from COVID-19. The study also showed that obesity is an independent risk factor for severe outcomes, suggesting closer monitoring for individuals with obesity hospitalized for COVID-19.
Pooled saliva sample COVID-19 testing demonstrated over 95% agreement with the gold standard and detected 83% of semester's cases. The approach is among the most sensitive available, detecting virus at very low viral load, and provides results in under 8 hours.
Researchers investigated possible role of children in SARS-CoV-2 transmission using data from a Belgian primary school. The study found that children who tested positive for COVID-19 could transmit the virus to others after symptoms had resolved.
Researchers have identified a highly potent antibody that effectively blocks the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, halting viral replication and enabling the immune system to eliminate the virus. This breakthrough discovery offers a potential preventive-treatment option for unvaccinated individuals or those with weakened immune systems.
A Texas A&M study found that over half of American adults resumed risky social and travel activities before vaccines were widely available. The survey also revealed that younger individuals, those with lower socioeconomic status, and fiscally conservative respondents were more likely to engage in such behaviors.
A study by researchers at Wayne State University found a dose-response relationship between SARS-CoV-2 severity and the risk of preterm birth, with severely infected mothers more likely to experience early birth. The study also linked severe COVID-19 infection to an increased risk of preeclampsia.
A team of scientists has developed an air sampling surveillance system that can detect COVID-19 in indoor environments, producing a higher detection rate compared to surface swab samples. The system's potential for early warning of infection risks makes it valuable in hospitals and nursing homes.
A stable regime can be achieved at low case numbers through non-pharmaceutical interventions, but a fast and efficient 'test-trace-and-isolate' system is crucial for maintaining freedom without lockdowns. This approach has been proven effective in containing disease spread during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have created D-peptides that can neutralize SARS-CoV-2 and several of its variants, stopping infection in cultured human cells. The mirror-image peptides are stable, inexpensive to produce, and may be formulated as a nasal spray to prevent infection.
A study of 1,236 participants in 310 households found that SARS-CoV-2 infection risks were similar between children and adults, regardless of household contact. The study provides insights into the clinical characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 infection among both age groups.
Researchers in Japan developed a vaccination approach that promotes the production of antibodies neutralizing SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses. The new strategy involves genetically engineering the spike protein receptor-binding domain to shield its head region, boosting antibody production against the core region.
A study published by the American College of Cardiology found a significant inverse relationship between oral health and COVID-19 severity, as well as delayed recovery and increased inflammation in patients with cardiovascular diseases. Researchers recommend maintaining good oral hygiene to prevent or decrease COVID-19 disease severity.
Dr. Eric Lazartigues received a $2.6 million NIH grant to establish mouse models of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the brain, testing whether the virus can infect the brain and cause disease. The project aims to determine the cell types most affected by the virus and the effect on respiration control by the brain.
A US study of 580,000 vaccinated individuals found that those with substance use disorders were more likely to contract COVID-19. The risk was largely attributed to co-occurring health conditions and socioeconomic factors rather than the disorder itself.
A pre-clinical study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers shows that a drug targeting specific immune pathways can prevent lung damage and death in mice infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The study suggests targeted treatments may be more suitable for COVID-19 patients than broad immune suppressants.
A large Ontario study confirms SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern like Delta increase the risk of severe outcomes, including hospitalization and death. Vaccination blunts severity, reducing risk in partially and fully vaccinated individuals by about 80-90%.
Scientists at Karolinska Institutet have discovered a carbohydrate called mannose as a biomarker for severe COVID-19 disease severity. The study found that glycolysis and glutaminolysis play a crucial role in SARS-CoV-2's spread and growth, providing potential new therapeutic strategies.
Researchers found that liver transplant recipients who contracted COVID-19 recovered faster and with less severe inflammation compared to heart or kidney recipients. The study suggests testing certain immunosuppressants to treat COVID-19 patients, regardless of their transplant status.
A new study published in The Lancet confirms that two doses of Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine are 90% effective against COVID-19 hospitalizations for all variants, including delta. Effectiveness against infection declined over time but remained high against hospitalizations.
Researchers found that T-cell tests are prone to false-positive responses due to cross-reactive reactions with other infections. The study suggests that these tests should not be used for individual diagnosis, but may still have a role in research and studies.
Research from the University of Georgia found that individuals living in multifamily housing units were more likely to experience mental health problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Renters had higher odds of experiencing mental health issues due to factors such as tighter living quarters, financial anxieties, and lack of control over...
A study by University of Minnesota Medical School researchers found that fully vaccinated individuals with a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection have a stronger immune response, producing more memory B cells. This increased immune response may reduce the risk of breakthrough infections and potentially fewer doses needed for booster shots.
The project aims to enhance U.S. surveillance of laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and other respiratory viruses through a network of emergency departments across 21 states and 100 hospitals. Data will be obtained from electronic medical records, providing insights into viral infection trends and patient outcomes.
A study suggests that immunity from natural infection is short-lived and can wane over time, increasing the risk of reinfection. This could lead to a shift in the disease's progression from pandemic to endemic, making vaccination crucial for those who have been naturally infected.
Researchers at NTNU have developed a promising new drug combination that effectively suppresses SARS-CoV-2 infection by targeting the TMPRSS2 factor. The combination of nafamostat and Pegasys (IFNα) shows great potential in treating COVID-19, with low doses needed for clinical advantages.
Pediatric transplant recipients have a more robust immune response to COVID-19 vaccines, achieving higher antibody levels after two doses compared to adult counterparts. This study suggests that the standard two-dose regimen may be safe and effective in pediatric transplant recipients.
A new study suggests that COVID-19 transmission in Italy was more closely tied to the number of social contacts individuals had with people of all ages. Researchers found that Italian social networks were characterized by a higher average number of face-to-face interactions than those in Germany and the UK.
The study reveals that SARS-CoV-2 damages the kidneys by interacting with ACE2, leading to an imbalance in blood pressure regulation and inflammation. This can result in impaired kidney function, reduced glomerular filtration rate, and increased risk of acute renal injury.
Researchers in Berlin examined the impact of pandemic restrictions on student health-related quality of life and found associations between lockdown measures and increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infections. The study assessed over 1,000 students, teachers and household members during a 2021 lockdown.
Researchers developed a model using data from over 1.1 million volunteers to identify the 7 most informative symptoms for COVID-19 test allocation. The model predicted PCR positivity with high accuracy, resulting in potential 30% to 40% increase in eligible individuals and 70% to 75% detection of positive cases.
A study analyzed genetic material from 86 discordant couples infected by SARS-CoV-2 and found associations between certain genetic variants and efficient activation of natural killer cells. These cells play a crucial role in the innate immune response, destroying infected cells to prevent disease development.
A recent Cleveland Clinic study found that patients who use steroid nasal sprays are less likely to develop severe COVID-19-related disease, including lower risk of hospitalization, ICU admission, and mortality. The study showed a 20-25% reduction in these outcomes for patients using intranasal corticosteroids.
Studies found distinct patterns in nasal microbiota of individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2, with symptomatic patients showing reduced bacterial counts and increased presence of certain bacteria. The findings suggest that altered microbiota may impact immune response to the virus.
Researchers at DTU Health Tech have invented a one-pot assay, NISDA, for rapid detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA without the need for enzyme-based methods. The assay detects low concentrations of RNA in 30 minutes and has shown high accuracy and sensitivity.
Researchers at Texas Biomedical Research Institute developed 'reporter viruses' that allow for real-time tracking of SARS-CoV-2 spread in cells and animal models. This enables faster screening of potential anti-viral drugs, vaccines, and neutralizing antibodies.
A Canadian study found that children and youth are at low risk of severe acute COVID-19 during the first half of the pandemic. The study analyzed hospitalizations of 264 children and youth with SARS-CoV-2 infection and found that only half had severe disease, with underlying health conditions being a significant factor.
Researchers have found a protein called CD47 on the surface of infected cells that may protect them from immune system recognition, resulting in more severe disease. High CD47 levels are associated with higher risk factors for severe COVID-19, including age and diabetes.
A new study suggests that COVID-19 may trigger Guillain-Barré syndrome in some patients, particularly those over 50 years old. Researchers analyzed data from an international cohort of Guillain-Barré syndrome patients and found a strong association between COVID-19 infection and the development of the condition.
Researchers developed a numerical model to estimate ozone concentration needed for proper disinfection. The system was validated through tests on metro and tram wagons, achieving high virus inactivation efficiency with minimal residual ozone emission.
A new study from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found that COVID-19 disease severity is linked to the characteristics of white blood cells called granulocytes. Combined measurements of granulocyte characteristics and widely used biomarkers can predict key clinical features such as respiratory function and multiorgan failure.
TB202-3 binds to a specific area of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein that has not been impacted by most viral mutations, making it an important candidate for clinical testing. The antibody demonstrates potency against multiple strains of COVID-19, including those with various mutations.
Researchers developed a mathematical model to study the action of SARS-CoV-2, enabling the examination of individual virus particles and their spikes. This analysis can help fine-tune prevention and treatment by providing insights into viral load, spike distribution, and cell infection potential.
A global collaboration has identified three groups of antibodies resistant to mutations in the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein, which could target vulnerable sites on the protein. The study provides a framework for selecting durable antibody cocktails for COVID-19 treatment and will guide the development of more effective antibody therapies.
Researchers have developed a microneedle patch that delivers a COVID-19 DNA vaccine into the skin, causing strong immune responses in cells and mice. The patch can be stored at room temperature for over 30 days, making it an important tool for global COVID-19 vaccine distribution.
Weekly saliva polymerase chain reaction testing in asymptomatic staff and students in an urban public school district significantly increased SARS-CoV-2 case detection, surpassing county-level infection rates. This study highlights the effectiveness of targeted screening strategies in reducing COVID-19 transmission.
Researchers at the Rosalind Franklin Institute have developed nanobodies from llama antibodies that can effectively target SARS-CoV-2 virus. These nanobodies were able to significantly reduce signs of COVID-19 disease in infected animal models and show promise as a new treatment option.
A recent systematic review and meta-analysis found that COVID-19 infection during pregnancy significantly increases the risk of developing preeclampsia. Women with SARS-CoV-2 infection had a 62% higher odds of developing preeclampsia than those without the infection.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo found that a hypertonic saline solution can inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by up to 88% in human epithelial lung cells. The study suggests that the use of such a solution could contribute to the development of novel prophylactic interventions or treatments for COVID-19.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 proteolysis and identifies key cellular substrates with therapeutic potential. The research provides a powerful resource for developing targeted strategies to inhibit the virus, which has caused over 227 million infections and 4.6 million deaths worldwide.
Researchers identified four immune markers that are elevated in SARS-CoV-2 patients in the early phase of infection but not in other viral infections. These findings could provide starting points for future therapeutic approaches and serve as comparative parameters for further studies on chronic COVID-19 forms.
Patients with cancer show strong immune response to COVID-19 vaccination without increased side effects. A third booster dose may further increase protection.
Researchers designed novel molecules that bound tightly to SARS-CoV-2's molecular scissors, inhibiting the virus's replication. The breakthrough could lead to new treatments for COVID-19.
A study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 vaccination distribution in Massachusetts, finding lower vaccine coverage and infection risk in communities with increased socioeconomic vulnerability. The analysis also revealed larger proportions of Black and Latinx individuals in these areas, highlighting disparities in COVID-19 vaccination access.
A study found that elevated mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell activation is strongly correlated with poor immune coordination and increased mortality in severe COVID-19 patients. In contrast, focused immune responses driven by interferon-alpha are associated with survival.
A new study found that people infected with COVID-19 exhale infectious virus in their breath, putting others at risk. Using tight-fitting masks can reduce the amount of virus in the air by half.
A recent review of international studies found that persistent symptoms after COVID-19 infection were most common among children with pre-existing health conditions. However, symptoms rarely lasted beyond 12 weeks in young people, suggesting long COVID may be less concerning than in adults.
A study has identified key risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among farmworkers in California. These include proximity to infected individuals, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE), and seasonal flu-like symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that SARS-CoV-2 viruses grown in successive generations exhibit increased infectivity, binding to heparan sulfate, and reduced virulence. The study suggests that evolved strains may be used as a basis for development of stable live attenuated vaccines.
Researchers investigated aerosol production from singing and playing wind instruments to develop recommendations for minimizing COVID transmission. They found that placing a surgical mask reduced plume velocities and lengths, decreasing aerosol concentrations.