The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comprehensive Review of Taxonomy, Genetics, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Control

A pneumonia outbreak with unknown etiology was reported in Wuhan, Hubei province, China, in December 2019, associated with the Huanan Seafood Wholesale Market. The causative agent of the outbreak was identified by the WHO as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), producing the disease named coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). The virus is closely related (96.3%) to bat coronavirus RaTG13, based on phylogenetic analysis. Human-to-human transmission has been confirmed even from asymptomatic carriers. The virus has spread to at least 200 countries, and more than 1,700,000 confirmed cases and 111,600 deaths have been recorded, with massive global increases in the number of cases daily. Therefore, the WHO has declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The disease is characterized by fever, dry cough, and chest pain with pneumonia in severe cases. In the beginning, the world public health authorities tried to eradicate the disease in China through quarantine but are now transitioning to prevention strategies worldwide to delay its spread. To date, there are no available vaccines or specific therapeutic drugs to treat the virus. There are many knowledge gaps about the newly emerged SARS-CoV-2, leading to misinformation. Therefore, in this review, we provide recent information about the COVID-19 pandemic. This review also provides insights for the control of pathogenic infections in humans such as SARS-CoV-2 infection and future spillovers

Molecular Assessment of <i>MCR</i>-1 Gene among Pandrug-Resistant <i>Acinetobacter baumannii</i>

Background Antimicrobial resistance has become one of the most widespread threats to humans. Acinetobacter baumannii is one of the pathogens responsible for healthcare-associated infections (nosocomial). Colistin is considered the last resort antibiotic against infections with pandrug-resistant (PDR) pathogens. Results: Eleven isolates were detected phenotypically as PDR A. baumannii and were confirmed molecularly using 16S rDNA. The MCR-1 gene was not detected within the chromosomal DNA of the selected isolates. Plasmid bearing the MCR-1 gene was identified in 10 selected isolates of A. baumannii that had not been previously observed to carry the MCR-1 gene. Moreover, the use of colistin in combination with anionic antibiotics or natural compound pterostilbene poses a viable therapeutic alternative for PDR and revives colistin’s bactericidal effects on MCR-1-positive A. baumannii. Finally, the transmission electron microscopy studies proved the synergistic effect of these combinations and revealed the disruption of resistant A. baumannii’s outer membrane and alteration of the permeability properties that allowed overcoming the resistance of the isolates to colistin. Conclusions: Antimicrobial resistance of A. baumannii is related to the presence of the transferable plasmid-bearing MCR-1 gene. This study proved the ability of the combinations of colistin with anionic antibiotics and/or natural compound pterostilbene to restore the bactericidal effect of colistin. Overall, these combinations could be novel promising clinical alternatives against the increasing threat of the widespread multidrug-resistant A. baumannii

Estimating the expression levels of genes controlling biofilm formation and evaluating the effects of different conditions on biofilm formation and secreted aspartic proteinase activity in Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae: a comparative study

Abstract Background Characterization of yeast virulence genes is an important tool for identifying the molecular pathways involved in switching yeast virulence. Biofilm formation (BF) and secreted aspartic proteinase (SAP) activity are essential virulence factors that contribute to yeast pathogenicity. Results Four Candida albicans and two Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains were tested for BF and SAP activity under optimum conditions, and the expression levels of several genes controlling BF were quantified under the optimal conditions. Biofilm formation was assessed by the microplate method at different pH values, incubation times and culture media. Similarly, SAP activity was assessed at different pH values and incubation periods. The expression levels of nine genes were determined via qRT-PCR technique. All tests were carried out in triplicate, and the values presented as the means ± standard deviations and were analysed with the SPSS programme. Only C. albicans (1), C. albicans (2) and S. cerevisiae 43 formed biofilms. The optimal BF was obtained after culture in sabouraud dextrose broth with 8% glucose at pH 7.5, 4 and 6, respectively, for 48h. Candida albicans biofilm production was more significant than that of S. cerevisiae 43. Moreover, the SAP activity was estimated under the optimum conditions. All yeasts showed optimal SAP activity at pH 4, but astonishingly the SAP activity of S. cerevisiae 44 was higher than that of C. albicans. The expression levels of EFG1 and ZAP1 (transcription factors); ALS3, HWP1and YWP1 (adhesion genes); SAP1 and SAP4 (aspartic proteinase) in C. albicans (1); and FLO11 (adhesion gene) and YPS3 (aspartic proteinase) in S. cerevisiae 43 were quantified during biofilm development at different time intervals. The expression levels of EFG1, ALS3, YWP1, SAP1, SAP4, FLO11 and YPS3 were upregulated at 8 h, while that of ZAP1 was upregulated at 48 h. Only HWP1 was downregulated. Conclusions The findings of the present study may provide information for overcoming yeast BF and pathogenicity by regulating specific genes at specific times. Additionally, this study revealed the virulence of the commensal S. cerevisiae, which may take the pathogenicity direction as C. albicans

In-vivo and in-vitro effectiveness of three insecticides types for eradication of the tick Rhipicephalus sanguineus in dogs

Background: External parasites contribute to extensive harmful impacts on their hosts which is why control and eradication of external parasites have been included in all biosecurity plans of dog houses.Aim: To evaluate the in-vitro and in-vivo effectiveness of chemicals like Doramectin injectable and Fipronil 50 mg/ml drops and herbal mixes eco-friendly insecticides like phenylpyrazole–garlic–camphor mix spray for combating the external parasitism in dogs and their influence on the hematological, biochemical, and cortisol (CORT) profiles.Method: The in-vitro effectiveness of the insecticides was conducted by using a total of 216 developmental stage Rhipicephalus sanguineus (72 adults, 72 larvae, and 72 eggs) designed into three replicates of petri dishes (3 plates × 8 units × 3 stages/replicate); each replicate was exposed to 1 ml insecticide. The number of surviving ticks was recorded after 0, 2, 4, 8, 16, and 24 hours. Sixteen Rottweiler male dogs aged 1 year and 45.5 kg were divided into four groups. Three groups (G1, G2, and G3) were experimentally infested with R. sanguineus ticks 3–4 weeks post-dog arrival and kept under observation from zero-time of experimental infestation for 1–2 weeks. The three experimentally infested dog groups were treated with Doramectin injectable, Fipronil 50 mg/ml drops, and phenylpyrazole–garlic–camphor mix spray, respectively, and the fourth group was designed as a negative control.&nbsp; A total of 144 samples, including 48 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood, 48 whole blood, and 48 sera samples, were collected.Results: The in-vitro efficacy revealed highly significant (p &lt; 0.01) 100% killing efficacy that was achieved after 8 hours in Doramectin and Fipronil 50 mg/ml and 24 hours in phenylpyrazole–garlic–camphor mix. The in-vivo trials revealed highly significant (p &lt; 0.01) improvements of red blood cells, hematocrit, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentrations, platelets, total and differential leukocytic counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rates in the second hour, total protein, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase, urea, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and CORT levels in the 2-week (P1) and 4-week posttreatment (P2) samples in Dormectin, Fipronil 50 mg/ml, and phenylpyrazole–garlic–camphor mix-treated dogs with more pronounced recovery in phenylpyrazole–garlic–camphor mix spray-treated dogs.Conclusion: The insecticides were able to provide a high level of protection against experimental infestation with concern to the different modes of application. Phenylpyrazole–garlic–camphor mix spray (eco-friendly) achieved higher insecticidal action compared to the chemicals

Heterologous Expression of Cyanobacterial Cyanase Gene (CYN) in Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for Bioremediation of Cyanide Pollution

Recombinant DNA technology offered the creation of new combinations of DNA segments that are not found together in nature. The present study aimed to produce an ecofriendly bioremediation model to remediate cyanide pollution from a polluted marine system. Cyanide is a known toxic compound produced through natural and anthropogenic activities. An Agrobacterium-tumefaciens-mediated genetic transformation technique was used to generate transformed Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using plant expression vector pTRA-K-cTp carries isolated coding sequence of the cyanobacterial cyanase gene (CYN) isolated from Synechococcus elongatus (PCC6803). qRT-PCR analysis showed the overexpression of CYN in transgenic C. reinhardtii, as compared with the respective wild type. Growth parameters and biochemical analyses were performed under cyanide stress conditions using transgenic and wild C. reinhardtii for evaluating the effect of the presence of the cyanobacterial cyanase gene in algae. The transgenic C. reinhardtii strain (TC. reinhardtii-2) showed promising results for cyanide bioremediation in polluted water samples. Cyanide depletion assays and algal growth showed a significant resistance in the transgenic type against cyanide stress, as compared to the wild type. Genetically modified alga showed the ability to phytoremediate a high level of potassium cyanide (up to150 mg/L), as compared to the wild type. The presence of the CYN gene has induced a protection response in TC. Reinhardtii-2, which was shown in the results of growth parameter analyses. Therefore, the present study affirms that transgenic C. reinhardtii by the CYN coding gene is a potential effective ecofriendly bioremediator model for the remediation of cyanide pollutants in fresh water

Management of dyslipidaemia in patients with coronary heart disease: Results from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey in 27 countries

Background and aims: One of the objectives of the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey is to determine how well European guidelines on the management of dyslipidaemias are implemented in coronary patients. Methods: Standardized methods were used by trained technicians to collect information on 7824 patients from 130 centers in 27 countries, from the medical records and at a visit at least 6 months after hospitalization for a coronary event. All lipid measurements were performed in one central laboratory. Patients were divided into three groups: on high-intensity LDL-C-lowering-drug therapy (LLT), on low or moderate-intensity LLT and on no LLT. Results: At the time of the visit, almost half of the patients were on a high-intensity LLT. Between hospital discharge and the visit, LLT had been reduced in intensity or interrupted in 20.8% of the patients and had been started or increased in intensity in 11.7%. In those who had interrupted LLT or had reduced the intensity, intolerance to LLT and the advice of their physician were reported as the reason why in 15.8 and 36.8% of the cases, respectively. LDL-C control was better in those on a high-intensity LLT compared to those on low or moderate intensity LLT. LDL-C control was better in men than women and in patients with self-reported diabetes. Conclusions: The results of the EUROASPIRE V survey show that most coronary patients have a less than optimal management of LDL-C. More professional strategies are needed, aiming at lifestyle changes and LLT adapted to the need of the individual patient

Management of dyslipidaemia in patients with coronary heart disease: Results from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey in 27 countries

WOS: 000468732700018PubMed ID: 31054483Background and aims: One of the objectives of the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey is to determine how well European guidelines on the management of dyslipidaemias are implemented in coronary patients. Methods: Standardized methods were used by trained technicians to collect information on 7824 patients from 130 centers in 27 countries, from the medical records and at a visit at least 6 months after hospitalization for a coronary event. All lipid measurements were performed in one central laboratory. Patients were divided into three groups: on high-intensity LDL-C-lowering-drug therapy (LLT), on low or moderate-intensity LLT and on no LLT. Results: At the time of the visit, almost half of the patients were on a high-intensity LLT. Between hospital discharge and the visit, LLT had been reduced in intensity or interrupted in 20.8% of the patients and had been started or increased in intensity in 11.7%. In those who had interrupted LLT or had reduced the intensity, intolerance to LLT and the advice of their physician were reported as the reason why in 15.8 and 36.8% of the cases, respectively. LDL-C control was better in those on a high-intensity LLT compared to those on low or moderate intensity LLT. LDL-C control was better in men than women and in patients with self-reported diabetes. Conclusions: The results of the EUROASPIRE V survey show that most coronary patients have a less than optimal management of LDL-C. More professional strategies are needed, aiming at lifestyle changes and LLT adapted to the need of the individual patient.ESC - EORP; AmgenAmgen; Eli LillyEli Lilly; PfizerPfizer; SanofiSanofi-Aventis; Ferrer; Novo NordiskNovo NordiskThe EUROASPIRE V survey was carried out under the auspices of the ESC - EORP. Since the start of EORP, the following companies have supported the programme: Amgen, Eli Lilly, Pfizer, Sanofi, Ferrer and Novo Nordisk. The sponsors of the EUROASPIRE surveys had no role in the design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, decision to publish, or writing the manuscript

Management of dyslipidaemia in patients with coronary heart disease: Results from the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey in 27 countries

Background and aims: One of the objectives of the ESC-EORP EUROASPIRE V survey is to determine how well European guidelines on the management of dyslipidaemias are implemented in coronary patients. Methods: Standardized methods were used by trained technicians to collect information on 7824 patients from 130 centers in 27 countries, from the medical records and at a visit at least 6 months after hospitalization for a coronary event. All lipid measurements were performed in one central laboratory. Patients were divided into three groups: on high-intensity LDL-C-lowering-drug therapy (LLT), on low or moderate-intensity LLT and on no LLT. Results: At the time of the visit, almost half of the patients were on a high-intensity LLT. Between hospital discharge and the visit, LLT had been reduced in intensity or interrupted in 20.8\% of the patients and had been started or increased in intensity in 11.7\%. In those who had interrupted LLT or had reduced the intensity, intolerance to LLT and the advice of their physician were reported as the reason why in 15.8 and 36.8\% of the cases, respectively. LDL-C control was better in those on a high-intensity LLT compared to those on low or moderate intensity LLT. LDL-C control was better in men than women and in patients with self-reported diabetes. Conclusions: The results of the EUROASPIRE V survey show that most coronary patients have a less than optimal management of LDL-C. More professional strategies are needed, aiming at lifestyle changes and LLT adapted to the need of the individual patient