Search

Background and aims: In late December 2019, a cluster of progressive pneumonia-like respiratory syndromes broke out in Wuhan, China. As the number of cases continued to rise, the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has been declared a global public health emergency. The causative agent, i.e., SARS-CoV-2, is a highly contagious strain, which has resulted in the rapid worldwide outbreak of COVID-19. COVID-19 is an overwhelmingly transmissible disease that requires early and accurate diagnosis for proper and timely treatment of suspected cases. Materials and Methods: In order to access the scientific documentation and evidence related to the subject published during 2019 to 2021, English keywords including “COVID-19”, “SARS-CoV-2”, “Diagnosis”, “Immunoglobulin G (IgG)”, “Immunoglobulin M (IgM)”, and ‘Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)” were searched in Medline, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases and Persian versions of these keywords were also looked for in Jihad-e Daneshgahi’s Scientific Information Database (SID) and Iranian Journals database (Magiran) Results: With respect to diagnosis, serum antibody assays, nucleic acid sequencing, and radiologic evaluation are among the most reliable methods to rule out the disease in suspicious cases. This review is a synopsis of the pathogenesis of coronavirus, which will mainly focus on the diagnostic methods, as well as laboratory changes in immunoglobulins, polymerase chain reaction results, and computed tomography (CT) findings. Conclusion: Early diagnosis matters in that it not only contributes to the prevention of further transmission of the virus by asymptomatic carriers but also paves the way for clinicians to accurately choose the best therapeutic approach depending on the status of the patients.

Urmia is located in the northwestern part of Iran with close proximity to Turkey and Iraq borders. Urmia has an important status in Iran’s medical history because it is the home of Iranian’s first modern medical school, established by Dr. Joseph Plumb Cochran in 1878. Joseph Plumb Cochran was born in an American missionary family in Urmia city. After graduating from New York University, School of Medicine, he returned to his birthplace in 1879 to establish the first teaching hospital in Iran which was called Westminster hospital. Even though he was very proficient in all the local languages of the region (Persian, Azari, Kurdish & Asori), he taught most of the courses in English and the first group of students graduated in 1883 under his direct supervision. The Medical School was well known for its top academic work in Iran. He worked for 27 years, visiting thousands of patients. Throughout these years, 28 physicians were graduated from this medical school. Dr. Joseph Plumb Cochran died at the age of 50 from Typhoid Fever and was buried in a small Christian cemetery in the village of Sir near the city of Urmia.

Abstract Background It has been 8 years since the first case of Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) was reported in Saudi Arabia and the disease is still being reported in 27 countries; however, there is no international study to estimate the overall burden related of this emerging infectious disease. The present study was conducted to assess the burden of premature mortality due to Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) worldwide. Methods In this retrospective analysis, we have utilized publicly available data from the WHO website related to 1789 MERS patients reported between September 23, 2012 and May 17, 2019. To calculate the standard expected years of life lost (SEYLL), life expectancy at birth was set according to the 2000 global burden of disease study on levels 25 and 26 of West model life tables from Coale-Demeny at 82.5 and 80 years for females and males, respectively. Results Overall, the total SEYLL in males and females was 10,702 and 3817.5 years, respectively. The MERS patients within the age range of 30–59 year-olds had the highest SEYLL (8305.5 years) in comparison to the patients within the age groups 0–29 (SEYLL = 3744.5 years) and ≥ 60 years (SEYLL = 2466.5 years). The total SEYLL in all age groups in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 were 71.5, 2006.5, 3162, 4425.5, 1809.5, 878, 1257.5 and 909 years, respectively. The most SEYLL related to MERS-CoV infection was in the early four years of the onset of the pandemic (2012 to 2015) and in the last four years of the MERS-CoV pandemic (216 to 2019), a significant reduction was observed in the SEYLL related to MERS-CoV infection in the MERS patients. Conclusion We believe that the findings of this study will shed light about the burden of premature mortality due to MERS infection in the world and the results may provide necessary information for policy-makers to prevent, control, and make a quick response to the outbreak of MERS-CoV disease.

Abstract Background Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) is considered to be responsible for a new viral epidemic and an emergent threat to global health security. This study describes the current epidemiological status of MERS-CoV in the world. Methods Epidemiological analysis was performed on data derived from all MERS-CoV cases recorded in the disease outbreak news on WHO website between 1.1.2017 and 17.1.2018. Demographic and clinical information as well as potential contacts and probable risk factors for mortality were extracted based on laboratory-confirmed MERS-CoV cases. Results A total of 229 MERS-CoV cases, including 70 deaths (30.5%), were recorded in the disease outbreak news on world health organization website over the study period. Based on available details in this study, the case fatality rate in both genders was 30.5% (70/229) [32.1% (55/171) for males and 25.8% (15/58) for females]. The disease occurrence was higher among men [171 cases (74.7%)] than women [58 cases (25.3%)]. Variables such as comorbidities and exposure to MERS-CoV cases were significantly associated with mortality in people affected with MERS-CoV infections, and adjusted odds ratio estimates were 2.2 (95% CI: 1.16, 7.03) and 2.3 (95% CI: 1.35, 8.20), respectively. All age groups had an equal chance of mortality. Conclusions In today’s “global village”, there is probability of MERS-CoV epidemic at any time and in any place without prior notice. Thus, health systems in all countries should implement better triage systems for potentially imported cases of MERS-CoV to prevent large epidemics.

Plague has been among the most devastating infectious diseases in human history. The decrease in the plague in recently reported cases and studies implies that the plague should not recur, but the fact is that it (Black Death) is still around and may appear again. The disease can be occult for many years. The reemergence of the plague epidemic with unusual clinical form, magnitude, and rapid expansion at any place and time without prior notice could pose a serious risk to public health. Plague outbreaks most likely result from the reactivation of organisms in local foci. The reemergence of foci suggests that environmental or climatic changes could be favorable for an epidemiological cycle of Yersinia pestis. Thus, countries harboring plague foci can be at risk of outbreaks in the future. Different epidemiological aspects of the plague must be emphasized in prophylactic medical plans and health education systems, and healthcare workers should be alert and aware of the natural cycle, as well as clinical symptoms and signs of plague. Finally, surveillance, education, and research are also suggested regarding this fatal infection and other emerging diseases.

Abstract Objective The present study applied the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement to observational studies published in prestigious occupational medicine and health journals. Results A total of 60 articles was evaluated. All sub-items were reported in 63.74% (95% confidence interval [CI], 56.24–71.24%), not reported in 29.70% (95% CI, 20.2–39.2%), and not applicable in 6.56% (95% CI, 4.86–8.26%) of the studies. Of the 45 sub-items investigated in this survey, eight were reported 100% of the time, 13 were addressed in more than 90% of the articles, 22 were included in more than 75% of the studies, and 27 sub-items were applied in more than 50% of the articles published in the journals included in this study.

As a result of the global crisis related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), confusion, anxiety, fear, and some psychological effects have been created among the general population in this global village. Unfortunately, these factors have provoked inappropriate behavior converting the infection to the virus to a social stigma, which can affect the dignity of people died due to COVID-19. In addition to the patient, the stigma can also affect interpersonal relationship among nurses, family members, friends, as well as social relationships. In this critical situation, we need to take care of each other with empathy, which is the key to successfully cope with the issue and prevent social stigma associated with COVID-19. This commentary evaluates the effects of social stigma related to COVID-19 and suggests some practical measures for the world communities to deal with this global public health problem.