Use of Complementary Medicine in SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV: a Narrative Review

Severe acute respiration syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is characterized by severe cytokine storm syndrome following inflammation. SARS-CoV-2 is the 7th coronavirus that causes infection in human bodies; SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 can purpose severe diseases. SARS-CoV-2 at once interacts with angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptors inside the body and causes respiratory problems. Interestingly, complementary medicines and herbal drugs affect the expression of IgE and IgG antibodies and improve the immune system; for that reason, complementary medicine could be beneficial for infectious diseases like SARS-COV-2. In this review, we assessed some related articles to evaluate the effect of complementary medicine on SARS-COV2 and MERS-COV

Clinical and microbiological profile of spondylodiscitis: a retrospective analysis

Abstract Background Spondylodiscitis is a rare infectious disease with rising incidence in recent years. From 2005 till 2021 the incidence of Spondylodiscitis rose by 104%. Given its potential to cause complications and mortality, it demands greater attention. Epidemiological data and predisposing factors can vary significantly across different geographical regions, suggesting that data from Iran may differ from those in other parts of the world. This study aims to evaluate the demographic, clinical, laboratory, and imaging characteristics of spondylodiscitis patients treated at Loghman Hakim Hospital in Tehran. Additionally, it seeks to analyze the treatment outcomes and complications associated with the disease. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of 65 adult patients diagnosed with spondylodiscitis over the past decade (2012–2022). The data collected encompassed demographic characteristics, underlying diseases, clinical presentations, laboratory and radiological findings, microbiological results, treatment approaches, and outcomes. Results The study included 65 adult patients with a mean age of 55.12 years, showing a slight male predominance (58.5%). Spondylodiscitis was community-acquired in 49.2% of cases and hospital-acquired postoperatively in 50.8%. The lumbosacral spine was the most affected region (47.4%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequently isolated microorganism (28.2%), followed by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Complications included abscess formation in 49.2% of patients and multiorgan failure in 6.2%, resulting in death. Treatment primarily involved antibiotic therapy, with surgical intervention in select cases. Poor outcomes were observed in patients with unidentified microorganisms and those with longer delays in diagnosis. Conclusions Spondylodiscitis is associated with significant morbidity and a high rate of complications, particularly in cases with delayed diagnosis. Early diagnosis, appropriate antimicrobial therapy, and surgical intervention when necessary are crucial for improving patient outcomes. This study highlights the need for ongoing research to optimize diagnostic pathways and develop long-term management strategies for spondylodiscitis

Profiles of primary brain abscesses and their impact on survival: An international ID-IRI study

Objectives: This study of 331 primary brain abscess (PBA) patients aimed to understand infecting agents, predisposing factors, and outcomes, with a focus on factors affecting mortality. Methods: Data were collected from 39 centers across 16 countries between January 2010 and December 2022, and clinical, radiological, and microbiological findings, along with their impact on mortality, were analyzed. Results: The patients had a mean ± SD age of 46.8 ± 16.3 years, with a male predominance of 71.6%. Common symptoms included headache (77.9%), fever (54.4%), and focal neurological deficits (53.5%). Gram-positive cocci were the predominant pathogens, with Viridans group streptococci identified as the most frequently isolated organisms. All patients received antimicrobial therapy and 71.6% underwent interventional therapies. The 42-day and 180-day survival rates were 91.9% and 86.1%, respectively. Significant predictors of 42-day mortality included intravenous drug addiction (HR: 6.02, 95% CI: 1.38-26.26), malignancy (HR: 3.61, 95% CI: 1.23-10.58), confusion (HR: 2.65, 95% CI: 1.19-5.88), and unidentified bacteria (HR: 4.68, 95% CI: 1.76-12.43). Significant predictors of 180-day mortality included malignancy (HR: 2.70, 95% CI: 1.07-6.81), confusion (HR: 2.14, 95% CI: 1.11-4.15), temporal lobe involvement (HR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.08-4.08), and unidentified bacteria (HR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.49-6.15). Conclusion: The risk of death in PBA extends beyond the infection phase, with different factors influencing the 42-day and 180-day mortality rates. Intravenous drug addiction was associated with early mortality, while temporal lobe involvement was associated with late mortality