Current Issue : July-September Volume : 2025 Issue Number : 3 Articles : 5 Articles
Algal lectin Griffithsin (GRFT) is a well-known mannose-binding protein which has broad-spectrum antiviral activity against several important infectious viruses including HIV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, GRFT has been brought great attention to antiviral therapeutic development. In this report, we have tested GRFT’s activity against the lethal Ebola virus in vitro and in vivo. Our data have shown that the IC50 value is about 42 nM for inhibiting Zaire Ebola virus (EBOV) infection in vitro. The preliminary in vivo mice model using mouse-adapted EBOV has also shown a certain efficacy for delayed mortality compared to the control animals. A GRFT pull-down experiment using viral particles demonstrates that GRFT can bind to N-glycans of EBOV. Thus, it can be concluded that GRFT, through binding to viral glycans, may block Ebola virus infection and has potential for the treatment of Ebola virus disease (EVD)....
Background: The global COVID-19 crisis significantly impacted socioeconomic structures worldwide. To enhance the response, international authorities approved experimental vaccines, and the COVAX initiative facilitated their distribution to various countries. However, successful vaccination campaigns depended on strong public adherence. This study aimed to evaluate the knowledge level of populations in crisis-affected areas and assess their acceptance of the vaccination. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out from November to December 2022 in the city of Dori. Data were gathered through interviews and a specially designed survey tool. The collected data were processed using Excel and analyzed with SPSS software version 25. Findings: Among the participants, 91.2% (67 out of 73) were informed about COVID-19, and 93.06% perceived the disease as severe. Communication efforts were made, with radio being the most frequently mentioned source of information on the disease and vaccination. Those who remained unvaccinated primarily cited a lack of willingness, distrust, or unawareness of being part of the priority group. Conclusions: The study revealed a commendable level of adherence among respondents, indicating that further efforts are needed to enhance the role of social media as a communication tool to improve outreach and effectiveness....
Background: In Epstein–Barr virus infectious mononucleosis, hemolytic anemia occasionally occurs. Methods: To characterize hemolytic anemia linked to Epstein– Barr virus infectious mononucleosis, we performed a systematic review (PROSPERO CRD42024597183) in the United States National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Medica, and Web of Science with no restrictions on language. Only reports published since 1970 were included. Eligible were reports describing hemolytic anemia in subjects with clinical signs and microbiological markers of Epstein–Barr virus mononucleosis. Results: In the literature, we detected 56 reports released between 1973 and 2024, documenting 60 individuals (32 females and 28 males; 27 children and 33 adults) with hemolytic anemia linked to Epstein–Barr virus infectious mononucleosis. The mechanism underlying anemia was categorized as cold-antibody-mediated (N = 31; 52%), warm-antibody-mediated (N = 18, 30%), mixed warm- and cold-antibody-mediated (N = 4; 6.7%), or paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria (N = 2; 3.3%). The remaining 5 cases (8.3%) remained unclassified. Observation alone was the chosen approach in 23% of cases (N = 14). Steroids (67%; N = 40) and blood transfusions (38%; N = 23) were the most commonly used treatment, while plasma exchange, intravenous polyclonal immunoglobulin, rituximab, and splenectomy were used less frequently. Observation was slightly but significantly (p = 0.032) more common in cases of cold-antibody-mediated anemia compared to all other cases combined. Patients recovered a median of 28 [interquartile range 21–39] days after disease onset. Two patients with warm-antibody-mediated hemolytic anemia died. Conclusions: This literature review points out that Epstein–Barr virus, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, may act as a trigger for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia....
A cross-sectional survey conducted between July and September 2020 and August and September 2021 estimated the prevalence and predictors of common mental disorders (CMDs) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among healthcare workers (HCWs) at an infectious disease referral center during the COVID-19 pandemic. CMDs were assessed using the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12), and PTSD using the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R). Multivariate logistic regressions identified predictors of CMD and PTSD. The study included 371 HCWs in 2020 and 167 in 2021. The CMD prevalence was 34.3% (95% confidence interval (CI): 29.5–39.4) in 2020 and 30.5% (95% CI: 23.7–38.1) in 2021. The PTSD prevalence was 25.4% (95% CI: 21.0–30.2) in 2020 and 32.7% (95% CI: 25.6–40.5) in 2021. Factors increasing CMD odds included lower education (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 3.71, 95% CI: 1.60–8.61), lack of physical activity (AOR = 2.23, 95% CI: 1.33–3.73), and experiencing COVID-19 symptoms (AOR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.02–2.64) in 2020; chronic diseases (AOR = 3.14, 95% CI: 1.34–7.35) and SARS-CoV-2 testing (AOR = 3.39, 95% CI: 1.13–10.17) raised CMD odds in 2021. Frontline HCWs had lower CMD odds in 2020 (AOR = 0.60, 95% CI: 0.36–1.00) and 2021 (AOR = 0.33, 95% CI: 0.14–0.75). PTSD was associated with having COVID-19 symptoms (AOR = 2.06, 95% CI: 1.23–3.45), living with high-risk individuals (AOR = 1.75, 95% CI: 1.03–2.95), and losing loved ones (AOR = 1.86, 95% CI: 1.09–3.17) in 2020. Chronic diseases increased PTSD odds in 2020 (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.25–3.86) and 2021 (AOR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.03–5.13), while age decreased them in 2020 (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.93–0.98) and 2021 (AOR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.91–0.99). Younger HCWs with chronic conditions living with high-risk individuals were particularly affected. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted emotional support and stress management programs for HCWs....
Background: Monkeypox (Mpox) is an infectious disease caused by the virus, which has become a global concern in recent years. As a result of its outbreak, the World Health Organization (WHO) has twice declared monkeypox a global emergency, in June 2022 and on 14 August 2024. In cases of such diseases, pregnant and breastfeeding women are typically considered a sensitive or high-risk group; however, very few studies have been published on that group. Objective: This review aims to evaluate the risks of monkeypox virus infection in pregnant and breastfeeding women, assessing prevention strategies, safety measures, treatment options, and management protocols. Methods: we systematically searched for desired data in PubMed, ScienceDirect, Wiley Online, Scilit, and Google Scholar from 2009 to 2024. After removing duplicates, the search yielded 2031 results, of which 49 full-text papers were assessed for eligibility. From these, 32 studies were included in the final analysis. Results: It has been established that Mpox infection contributes to adverse maternal outcomes and complications such as miscarriage, fetal death, congenital Mpox, etc. This review noted that although there are some accessible guidelines for the treatment of Mpox in general, there is a severe lack of comprehensive protocols for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers. This article covers precautions such as vaccination and isolation, available therapies like tecovirimat, and guidelines on fetal monitoring. Conclusion: Finally, this paper proposes an integrated defense and treatment system for monkeypox prevention in pregnant and breastfeeding women, potentially aiding in determining prevalence and contributing to the third number goal of the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG)....
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