• Title/Summary/Keyword: Coronavirus infections

Search Result 118, Processing Time 0.025 seconds

Characteristics of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection in Hospitalized Children Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Thailand

  • Wilawan Chaiut;Ratana Sapbamrer;Sauwaluk Dacha;Tavitiya Sudjaritruk;Ida Parwati;Anton Sumarpo;Rungnapa Malasao
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
    • /
    • v.56 no.3
    • /
    • pp.212-220
    • /
    • 2023
  • Objectives: This study compared the epidemiological and clinical manifestations of patients hospitalized with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection before and during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic at a tertiary care hospital in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. Methods: This retrospective observational study utilized data from all cases of laboratory-confirmed RSV infection at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital from January 2016 to December 2021. Differences in the clinical presentation of RSV infection before (2016 to 2019) and during (2020 to 2021) the COVID-19 pandemic were analyzed and compared. Results: In total, 358 patients hospitalized with RSV infections were reported from January 2016 to December 2021. During the COVID-19 pandemic, only 74 cases of hospitalized RSV infection were reported. Compared to pre-pandemic levels, the clinical presentations of RSV infection showed statistically significant decreases in fever on admission (p=0.004), productive cough (p=0.004), sputum (p=0.003), nausea (p=0.03), cyanosis (p=0.004), pallor (p<0.001), diarrhea (p<0.001), and chest pain (p<0.001). Furthermore, vigilant measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including lockdowns, also interrupted the RSV season in Thailand from 2020 to 2021. Conclusions: The incidence of RSV infection was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, which also changed the clinical presentation and seasonal pattern of RSV infection in children.

A Convergence Study on the Effects of Workplace Spirituality on Infection Control Knowledge, Performance, and Job Stress of Dental Hygienists in the COVID-19 Pandemic (일터 영성이 COVID-19 팬데믹 상황에서 치과위생사의 감염관리 지식, 수행과 직무 스트레스에 미치는 영향에 관한 융복합 연구)

  • Kim, Seol-Hee
    • Journal of Digital Convergence
    • /
    • v.20 no.1
    • /
    • pp.231-238
    • /
    • 2022
  • This study aimed to analyze the Influence of workplace spirituality on job stress and infection control performance of dental hygienists in the COVID-19 pandemic situation Questionnaire was conducted for 149 dental hygienists from February to March 2021. COVID-19 knowledge and practice of infection control, job stress. and workplace spirituality. Survey data were analyzed t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation using statistical programs of PASW Statistics ver. 21.0. Workplace spirituality was investigated to increase infection control performance and reduce job stress in a pandemic situation. The group with high infection control knowledge and performance showed low levels of job instability, organizational system, and stress. As for job stress, those with less than 2 years of experience reported relationship conflict, those with 3 to 5 years of experience showed high levels of job instability, organizational system, inadequate compensation, and workplace culture. In a pandemic situation, workplace spirituality was investigated to increase infection control performance and reduce job stress, so a plan to improve the quality of medical care was required for holistic and systematic organizational operation in preparation for the post-coronavirus.

A Case Report on a Patient with Aggravated Functional Dyspepsia due to COVID-19 Improved by Korean Medicine Treatment (COVID-19 후유증으로 기능성 소화불량이 악화된 환자에 대한 한의치험 1례)

  • Joo-hee Oh;Woo-sub Song;Eun-je Oh;Seung-hee Lee;Mu-jin Park;Yoon-jung Lee;Ju-yeun Shin;Dong-jin Jang;Jeong-hee Noh;Tae-ha Kwon;Dong-soo Seol
    • The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
    • /
    • v.44 no.5
    • /
    • pp.875-884
    • /
    • 2023
  • Objective: The purpose of this study is to report the clinical improvement of aggravated functional dyspepsia due to COVID-19 with Korean medicine treatment. Methods: To assess treatment outcomes, we used the GIS (Gastrointestinal Symptom Score), European Quality of Life-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) scale, and Numeral Rating Scale (NRS). Results: After treatment, the patient's clinical symptoms improved, as indicated by GIS, EQ-5D, and NRS scores. Conclusions: Korean medicine treatment improved late complications in COVID-19 patients. This finding suggests the possibility of Korean medicine treatment for long-term COVID infections.

Evaluation of Filtration Efficiency and Inhalation Airflow Resistance of Uncertified Masks in Asian Countries

  • Sohyun Kang;Soomin Kim;Ji Soo Kim;Gayoung Lee;Annisa Utami Rauf;Kraichat Tantrakarnapa;Shih-Chun Candice Lung;Kiyoung Lee
    • Journal of Environmental Health Sciences
    • /
    • v.50 no.4
    • /
    • pp.267-273
    • /
    • 2024
  • Background: During the coronavirus pandemic, masks played a critical role in preventing respiratory infections. While the performance of masks such as KF-certified masks and N95 masks was evaluated and managed by the authorities, the performance of common masks was not. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the performance of uncertified masks in four Asian countries against certification standards (Korean KF80, KF94, and US N95). Methods: Thirty uncertified mask products from Indonesia, 20 from South Korea, 26 from Taiwan, and 30 from Thailand were purchased to perform performance evaluations. The uncertified masks included disposable dental masks, cloth masks, and children's masks. Filtration efficiency and inhalation airflow resistance tests were conducted according to Korean KF80, KF94, and US N95 protocols. Results: None of the 106 identified masks complied with the KF94 standard. A few complied with the KF80 standard: four from Indonesia, four from South Korea, 13 from Taiwan, and 16 from Thailand. Some of the masks met the N95 standard: one from Indonesia, three from South Korea, two from Taiwan, and one from Thailand. Conclusions: Since many uncertified masks did not comply with performance standards, wearing them might not have provided sufficient protection. Performance of uncertified masks could provide critical information for next pandemic management.

Clinical Presentation and Prognosis of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Infants Aged ≤90 Days: Insights for Management During Outbreaks

  • Hye Jeong Moon;Mi Seon Han;Kyung Min Kim;Kyung Jin Oh;Ju Young Chang;Seong Yong Lee;Ji Eun Choi
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
    • /
    • v.30 no.2
    • /
    • pp.84-90
    • /
    • 2023
  • Purpose: Infants aged ≤90 days with fever are susceptible to severe infections. This study aimed to analyze the clinical features of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in this particular age group. Methods: Infants aged ≤90 days who were diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and hospitalized between March 1, 2020, and May 1, 2022 were included. Medical records of patients were retrospectively reviewed. Results: A total of 105 infants with COVID-19 were included; 27 (25.7%) neonates aged <28 days, and 48 (45.7%) and 30 (28.6%) infants aged 28-59 days and 60-90 days, respectively. Five (4.7%) patients remained asymptomatic and 68 (62.8%) were febrile, with a median fever duration of 2 days. The most common symptoms were respiratory including cough (66.6%), nasal stuffiness (51.4%), and rhinorrhea (40.9%). Blood cultures were performed in 10 infants but no organisms were detected. Cultures of bag-collected urine specimens from 8 infants were grown, resulting in positive growth for 2 without pyuria. Nine (8.6%) infants were treated with empirical antibiotics for a median duration of 2.3 days (range, 1-7 days). All 105 infants showed improvement without any complications, and there were no fatal cases. Conclusions: In this study, most infants aged ≤90 days with COVID-19 presented with mild symptoms and none of those evaluated had documented bacterial co-infection. The favorable prognosis among young infants with SARS-CoV-2 may aid clinicians in tailoring their approach to evaluation and management during outbreaks.

Clinical characteristics of acute lower respiratory tract infections due to 13 respiratory viruses detected by multiplex PCR in children (소아에서 13종 호흡기 바이러스에 의한 급성 하기도 감염의 임상 양상)

  • Lim, Jeong-Sook;Woo, Sung-Il;Baek, Yun-Hee;Kwon, Hyuk-Il;Choi, Young-Ki;Hahn, Youn-Soo
    • Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics
    • /
    • v.53 no.3
    • /
    • pp.373-379
    • /
    • 2010
  • Purpose : This study was performed to investigate the epidemiologic and clinical features of 13 respiratory viruses in children with acute lower respiratory tract infections (ALRIs). Methods : Nasopharyngeal aspirates were prospectively obtained from 325 children aged 15 years or less from May 2008 to April 2009 and were tested for the presence of 13 respiratory viruses by multiplex real-time-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results : Viruses were identified in 270 children (83.1%). Co-infections with ${\geq}2$ viruses were observed in 71 patients (26.3 %). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) was the most common virus detected (33.2%), followed by human rhinovirus (hRV) (19.1%), influenza virus (Flu A) (16.9%), human metapneumovirus (hMPV) (15.4%), parainfluenza viruses (PIVs) (8.3%), human bocavirus (hBoV) (8.0%), adenovirus (ADV) (5.8%), and human coronavirus (hCoV) (2.2%). Clinical diagnoses of viral ALRIs were bronchiolitis (37.5%), pneumonia (34.5%), asthma exacerbation (20.9%), and croup (7.1%). Clinical diagnoses of viral bronchiolitis and pneumonia were frequently demonstrated in patients who tested positive for RSV, hRV, hMPV, or Flu A. Flu A and hRV were most commonly identified in children older than 3 years and were the 2 leading causes of asthma exacerbation. hRV C was detected in 14 (4.3%) children, who were significantly older than those infected with hRV A ($mean{\pm}SD$, $4.1{\pm}3.5$ years vs. $1.7{\pm}2.3$ years; P =0.009). hBoV was usually detected in young children ($2.3{\pm}3.4$ years) with bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Conclusion : This study described the features of ALRI associated with 13 respiratory viruses in Korean children. Additional investigations are required to define the roles of newly identified viruses in children with ALRIs.

Anticipating the Need for Healthcare Resources Following the Escalation of the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Republic of Kazakhstan

  • Semenova, Yuliya;Pivina, Lyudmila;Khismetova, Zaituna;Auyezova, Ardak;Nurbakyt, Ardak;Kauysheva, Almagul;Ospanova, Dinara;Kuziyeva, Gulmira;Kushkarova, Altynshash;Ivankov, Alexandr;Glushkova, Natalya
    • Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
    • /
    • v.53 no.6
    • /
    • pp.387-396
    • /
    • 2020
  • Objectives: The lack of advance planning in a public health emergency can lead to wasted resources and inadvertent loss of lives. This study is aimed at forecasting the needs for healthcare resources following the expansion of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the Republic of Kazakhstan, focusing on hospital beds, equipment, and the professional workforce in light of the developing epidemiological situation and the data on resources currently available. Methods: We constructed a forecast model of the epidemiological scenario via the classic susceptible-exposed-infected-removed (SEIR) approach. The World Health Organization's COVID-19 Essential Supplies Forecasting Tool was used to evaluate the healthcare resources needed for the next 12 weeks. Results: Over the forecast period, there will be 104 713.7 hospital admissions due to severe disease and 34 904.5 hospital admissions due to critical disease. This will require 47 247.7 beds for severe disease and 1929.9 beds for critical disease at the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak. There will also be high needs for all categories of healthcare workers and for both diagnostic and treatment equipment. Thus, Republic of Kazakhstan faces the need for a rapid increase in available healthcare resources and/or for finding ways to redistribute resources effectively. Conclusions: Republic of Kazakhstan will be able to reduce the rates of infections and deaths among its population by developing and following a consistent strategy targeting COVID-19 in a number of inter-related directions.

Epidemiologic Characteristics of Human Bocavirus-Associated Respiratory Infection in Children (소아 보카바이러스 호흡기 감염증의 역학적 특징)

  • Choi, Jae Hong;Paik, Ji Yeun;Choi, Eun Hwa;Lee, Hoan Jong
    • Pediatric Infection and Vaccine
    • /
    • v.18 no.1
    • /
    • pp.61-67
    • /
    • 2011
  • Purpose : This study was performed to investigate the epidemiologic characteristics of human bocavirus (HBoV)-associated lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in children. Methods : Nasopharyngeal aspirate samples were obtained from 658 children who had been hospitalized for LRTIs in Seoul National University (SNU) Children's Hospital and SNU Bundang Hospital from March 2000 to September 2005. Multiplex RT-PCR was performed to detect 11 respiratory viruses including respiratory syncytial virus, adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza viruses 1 and 3, influenza viruses A and B, human metapneumovirus, HBoV, human coronavirus (HCoV) OC43/ 229E, and HCoV-NL63. Clinical data were reviewed retrospectively. Results : Overall, respiratory viruses were detected in 325 (49.4%) among 658 patients. HBoV was detected in 62 cases (9.4%) and was responsible for 19.1% of virus-positive cases. HBoV was prevalent among infants and young children aged from 3 months to 5 years with the mean age of 25.3 months. Co-detection of HBoV and other respiratory viruses was observed in 37.1% which is significantly higher than average co-detection rate (12.3%) among overall virus-positive cases (P=0.000). HBoV was identified mainly in late spring and early summer from May to July. Conclusion : This study describes epidemiologic features of HBoV in Korean children compared with those associated with other respiratory viruses. HBoV was prevalent among LRTIs in childhood, especially in late spring and early summer season in Korea.

Simple, Rapid and Sensitive Portable Molecular Diagnosis of SFTS Virus Using Reverse Transcriptional Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification (RT-LAMP)

  • Baek, Yun Hee;Cheon, Hyo-Soon;Park, Su-Jin;Lloren, Khristine Kaith S.;Ahn, Su Jeong;Jeong, Ju Hwan;Choi, Won-Suk;Yu, Min-Ah;Kwon, Hyeok-il;Kwon, Jin-Jung;Kim, Eun-Ha;Kim, Young-il;Antigua, Khristine Joy C.;Kim, Seok-Yong;Jeong, Hye Won;Choi, Young Ki;Song, Min-Suk
    • Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology
    • /
    • v.28 no.11
    • /
    • pp.1928-1936
    • /
    • 2018
  • Recently, human infections caused by severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome virus (SFTSV), which can lead to fatality, have dramatically increased in East Asia. With the unavailability of vaccines or antiviral drugs to prevent and/or treat SFTSV infection, early rapid diagnosis is critical for prevention and control of the disease. Here, we report the development of a simple, rapid and sensitive portable detection method for SFTSV infection applying reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) combined with one-pot colorimetric visualization and electro-free reaction platform. This method utilizes a pocket warmer to facilitate diagnosis in a resource-limited setting. Specific primers were designed to target the highly-conserved region of L gene of SFTSV. The detection limit of the RT-LAMP assay was approximately $10^0$ viral genome copies from three different SFTSV strains. This assay exhibited comparable sensitivity to qRT-PCR and 10-fold more sensitivity than conventional RT-PCR, with a rapid detection time of 30 to 60 minutes. The RT-LAMP assay using SFTSV clinical specimens has demonstrated a similar detection rate to qRT-PCR and a higher detection rate compared to conventional RT-PCR. Moreover, there was no observed cross-reactive amplification of other human infectious viruses including Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), Dengue, Enterovirus, Zika, Influenza and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV). This highly sensitive, electro- and equipment-free rapid colorimetric visualization method is feasible for resource-limited SFTSV field diagnosis.

A Comparative Study on the Characteristics of Crimes in Quarterly according to the Corona 19 Pandemic Period (코로나19 감염병 유행 시기에 따른 분기별 범죄특성 비교분석)

  • Oh, Seiyouen;Kim, Hakbum
    • Journal of the Society of Disaster Information
    • /
    • v.17 no.4
    • /
    • pp.674-683
    • /
    • 2021
  • Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the changes in the pattern of crimes caused by the spread and slowdown of coronavirus infections and to devise preventive and countermeasures against various crimes in the future. Method: In order to find out the characteristics of each crime in the non-face-to-face and face-to-face environment, the results of previous prior research and data officially released by the National Police Agency and the prosecution office were compared and analyzed. Result: In the early epidemic of infectious diseases, overall crime has decreased, and civil life-related crimes and crimes targeting the socially disadvantaged are increasing. In the second half of the infectious disease, unlike the first half, the prolonged corona caused the economic recession and unemployment, deepening the damage from illegal private finance and significantly increasing illegal gambling game crimes. Conclusion: According to the time of the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the quarterly crime characteristics showed that there was a difference in crime type and crime increase and decrease rate, and that crime response measures should be changed accordingly.