Response to the Novel Corona Virus (COVID-19) Pandemic Across Africa: Successes, Challenges, and Implications for the Future

Frontiers in Pharmacology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 11

Published: Sept. 11, 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has already claimed considerable lives. There are major concerns in Africa due to existing high prevalence rates for both infectious and non-infectious diseases limited resources terms of personnel, beds equipment. Alongside this, that lockdown other measures will have on prevention management non-communicable (NCDs). NCDs an increasing issue with rising morbidity mortality rates. World Health Organization (WHO) warns a lack nets treatment could result up 18 million additional cases malaria 30,000 deaths sub-Saharan Africa.

Language: Английский

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mRNA vaccines: The future of prevention of viral infections?

Journal of Medical Virology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 95(2)

Published: Feb. 1, 2023

Abstract Messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines against COVID‐19 are the first authorized biological preparations developed using this platform. During pandemic, their administration has been proven to be a life‐saving intervention. Here, we review main advantages of mRNA vaccines, identify further technological challenges met during development platform, and provide an update on clinical progress leading vaccine candidates different viruses that include influenza viruses, human immunodeficiency virus 1, respiratory syncytial virus, Nipah Zika cytomegalovirus, Epstein‐Barr virus. The prospects manufacturing in low‐income countries also discussed. ongoing interest research technology likely overcome some existing for (e.g., related storage conditions immunogenicity components lipid nanoparticles) enhance portfolio diseases which classical formulations already authorized. It may open novel pathways protection infections consequences no safe efficient immunization methods currently available.

Language: Английский

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Asthma and COVID‐19 in children: A systematic review and call for data

Pediatric Pulmonology, Journal Year: 2020, Volume and Issue: 55(9), P. 2412 - 2418

Published: June 18, 2020

Whether asthma constitutes a risk factor for coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is unclear. Here, we aimed to assess whether asthma, the most common chronic disease in children, associated with higher COVID-19 or severity pediatric populations.We performed systematic literature search three stages: first, reviewed PubMed, EMBASE, and CINAHL reviews of severe acute respiratory syndrome 2 (SARS-CoV-2) populations, their primary articles; second, searched PubMed studies on SARS-CoV-2 asthma/wheeze, evaluated resulting included populations; third, repeated second BioRxiv.org MedRxiv.org find pre-prints that may have information asthma.In first search, eight were found, which five done none 67 data as comorbidity COVID-19. In found 34 results reported adults, but children. third 25 MedRxiv We one report by US Centers Disease Control Prevention stating 40/345 (~11.5%) children conditions had "chronic lung diseases including asthma," from tertiary hospital New York 11/46 (~23.9%) hospitalized COVID-19.There scarcely any childhood (or other diseases) constitute factors infection severity. Studies are needed go beyond counting number cases age range.

Language: Английский

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Acute Infection of Viral Pathogens and Their Innate Immune Escape

Frontiers in Microbiology, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 12

Published: June 22, 2021

Viral infections can cause rampant disease in human beings, ranging from mild to acute, that often be fatal unless resolved. An acute viral infection is characterized by sudden or rapid onset of disease, which resolved quickly robust innate immune responses exerted the host or, instead, may kill host. Immediately after infection, elements immunity, such as physical barriers, various phagocytic cells, group cytokines, interferons (IFNs), and IFN-stimulated genes, provide first line defense for clearance. Innate immunity not only plays a critical role clearance but also lead progression through immune-mediated tissue injury. Although antiviral are armed counter invasion, viruses have evolved strategies escape surveillance establish successful infections. Understanding complex mechanisms underlying interaction between host’s system would help develop rational treatment infectious diseases. In this review, we discuss pathogenesis caused pathogens highlight broad exhibited viruses.

Language: Английский

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Epidemiology of Crimean-Congo Hemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) in Africa—Underestimated for Decades

American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Journal Year: 2021, Volume and Issue: 104(6), P. 1978 - 1990

Published: April 26, 2021

Abstract. Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is endemic in Africa, but the epidemiology remains to be defined. Using a broad database search, we reviewed literature better define CCHF evidence Africa. We used One Health approach impact of by reviewing case reports, human and animal serology, records virus (CCHFV) isolations (1956–mid-2020). In addition, published unpublished collection data were estimate geographic distribution Hyalomma ticks infection vectors. implemented previously proposed classification scheme for organizing countries into five categories level evidence. From January 1, 1956 July 25, 2020, 494 cases (115 lethal) reported Since 2000, nine (Kenya, Mali, Mozambique, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Tunisia) have their first cases. Nineteen assigned 1 or 2 based on maturity surveillance system. Thirty with CCHFV circulation absence 3 4. Twelve which no available 5. The goal this review inform international organizations, local governments, healthcare professionals about shortcomings Africa assist movement toward strengthening policy improve surveillance.

Language: Английский

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Prevention, Risk Exposure, and Knowledge of Monkeypox in Occupational Settings: A Scoping Review

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 7(10), P. 276 - 276

Published: Sept. 29, 2022

With ongoing climate change, which alters the conditions for pathogens and vectors, zoonotic diseases such as monkeypox virus will become a challenge great threat impacting global health in future decades. A current outbreak of is occurring over 125 countries, with report thousands cases countries where this has never appeared. Occupational exposure to recently been identified an issue major concern occupational health, especially healthcare settings. scoping review following PRISMA guidelines was performed, aiming analyze effects that workplaces, given potential workers virus, possible spread settings, preventive measures are necessary implement. At end selection process, 21 studies were included review. Healthcare considered at high risk, similar those adopted during SARS-CoV-2 pandemic must be implemented all The main recommendations preventing managing settings vaccination exposed workers, prompt identification isolation infected individuals, good hygiene practices. Education specific training non-endemic make able recognize disease prevent further contagions. Although seems unlikely reach COVID-19, approach even avoid epidemics required by stakeholders.

Language: Английский

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Mpox, Caused by the MPXV of the Clade IIb Lineage, Goes Global

Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 8(2), P. 76 - 76

Published: Jan. 20, 2023

Mpox is a great public health concern worldwide currently; thus, global primary epidemiological analysis of mpox and phylogenetic currently circulating MPXV strains based on open-source data necessary. A total 83,419 confirmed cases with 72 deaths were reported from 7 May to 23 December 2022, representing an ongoing increasing trend. was largely restricted being endemic in children West Africa (WA) before it mainly spread animals humans. Our highlights that has not only across regions within but also led most infection events outside Africa. Currently, been dominated by human-to-human 110 countries, the majority distributed non-endemic Europe North America. These indicate geographic range, transmission route, vulnerable populations, clinical manifestations have changed, which suggests niche potential change. Remarkably, approximately 38,025 suspected recorded Central during 1970–2022, implied epidemiology two remained cryptic, suggesting strengthening accuracy molecular diagnosis this continent priority. Moreover, 617 genomes obtained 12 different hosts; these imply high host diversity may contribute its circulation outbreak. Furthermore, 175 genome sequences 38 countries (regions) showed current outbreak caused multiple sub-clades clade IIb lineage. suggest lineage play predominated role worldwide, implying single source. However, further investigations into origin new are Therefore, our adjusted timely interventive measures surveillance programs, especially using cheap quick strategies such as wastewater monitoring DNA (WA), important for uncovering disease’s source chain, will help curb spread.

Language: Английский

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Mechanisms of resistance to cell wall and plasma membrane targeting antifungal drugs in candida species isolated in africa

Expert Review of Anti-infective Therapy, Journal Year: 2025, Volume and Issue: unknown, P. 1 - 14

Published: Jan. 4, 2025

There is a rise in the emergence of multidrug resistant fungal pathogens worldwide, including Africa.

Language: Английский

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Key Considerations during the Transition from the Acute Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Narrative Review

Vaccines, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 11(9), P. 1502 - 1502

Published: Sept. 19, 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has been met with an unprecedented response from the scientific community, leading to development, investigation, and authorization of vaccines antivirals, ultimately reducing impact SARS-CoV-2 on global public health. However, is far being eradicated, continues evolve, causes substantial health economic burdens. In this narrative review, we posit essential points its responsible management during transition acute phase pandemic. As discussed, despite Omicron (sub)variant(s) causing clinically milder infections, a negligible pathogen. It requires continued genomic surveillance, particularly if one considers that future (sub)lineages do not necessarily have be milder. Antivirals remain elements in management. former could benefit further development improvements dosing, while seasonal administration latter simplification increase interest tackle vaccine hesitancy. also ensure accessibility pharmaceuticals low-income countries improve understanding their use context long-term goals Regardless location, primary role awareness education must played by healthcare workers, who directly communicate patients serve as models for healthy behaviors.

Language: Английский

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Exploiting cellulose-based hydrogels for sustainable, intelligent wearables in pandemic preparedness and control

European Polymer Journal, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 212, P. 113041 - 113041

Published: April 15, 2024

Language: Английский

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