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Background BBV152 is a whole-virion inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine that has been deployed in India. The results of the phase 3 trial have shown clinical efficacy of BBV152. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of BBV152 against symptomatic RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection. Methods We conducted a test-negative, case-control study among employees of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (a tertiary care hospital in New Delhi, India), who had symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 and had an RT-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 during the peak of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in India between April 15 and May 15, 2021. Cases (test-positives) and controls (test-negatives) were matched (1:1) on the basis of age and gender. The odds of vaccination with BBV152 were compared between cases and controls and adjusted for level of occupational exposure (to COVID-19), previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and calendar time, using conditional logistic regression. The primary outcome was effectiveness of two doses of BBV152 (with the second dose received at least 14 days before testing) in reducing the odds of symptomatic RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, expressed as (1 – odds ratio) × 100%. Findings Between April 15 and May 15, 2021, 3732 individuals had an RT-PCR test. Of these, 2714 symptomatic employees had data on vaccination status, and 1068 matched case-control pairs were available for analysis. The adjusted effectiveness of BBV152 against symptomatic COVID-19 after two doses administered at least 14 days before testing was 50% (95% CI 33–62; p

Dengue is transmitted by female Aedes mosquitoes. It has been reported that about 2.5 billion peoples are at the risk of dengue virus. Millions of cases of dengue virus occur worldwide each year. There is no antiviral drug available still. Hence, the researchers are in the search of new anti-dengue drugs from natural products. The present study is aimed to determine the anti-dengue activity of supercritical extracts of Andrographis paniculata, Berberis vulgaris, Carica papaya, Euphorbia hirta, Phyllanthus niruri and Tinospora cordifolia in vitro and in silico. The cell viability was evaluated in C6/36 cells line by using MTT assay using a microplate reader at 595 nm. The maximum non-toxic dose of C. papaya and B. vulgaris extracts were reported as 46.87µg/ml, 31.25µg/ml for A. paniculata, P. niruri and E. hirta and 23.43 µg/ml, for T. cordifolia. Further, the anti-dengue activity of plants extract was analyzed by real-time RT-PCR. 100 copies/ml of DENV-2 virus was used for the antiviral assay. A. paniculata supercritical extract showed complete inhibition against the dengue-2 virus at 40ºC temperature and 15Mpa pressure. The other plant extracts showed the inhibition in order of T. cordifolia (83.44%) > C. papaya (34.71%) > E. hirta (28.70%) whereas P. niruri and B. vulgaris failed to inhibit dengue virus. Andrographolide a major compound present in A. paniculata has been reported to have antiviral activity against hepatitis B, C virus, herpes simplex virus, influenza virus, chikungunya virus, dengue virus 2 and 4. Results of molecular docking showed that the interaction between andrographolide and NS1protein shows the maximum binding energy -7.30 Kcal/mol. The docking study was conducted to validate the result against the anti-dengue activity using dengue NS1 protein with andrographolide. It was concluded that A. paniculata could be a source for isolation of therapeutic compounds against the dengue-2 virus.

To study the clinical, laboratory characteristics and outcomes of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) temporally related to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a resource-limited setting. All children meeting the World Health Organization case definition of MIS-C were prospectively enrolled. Baseline clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between survivors and non-survivors. Enrolled subjects were followed up for 4–6 weeks for evaluation of cardiac outcomes using echocardiography. The statistical data were analyzed using the stata-12 software. Thirty-one children with MIS-C were enrolled in an 11-month period. Twelve children had preexisting chronic systemic comorbidity. Fever was a universal finding; gastrointestinal and respiratory manifestations were noted in 70.9% and 64.3%, respectively, while 57.1% had a skin rash. Fifty-eight percent of children presented with shock, and 22.5% required mechanical ventilation. HSP like rash, gangrene and arthritis were uncommon clinical observations.The median duration of hospital stay was 9 (6.5–18.5) days: four children with preexisting comorbidities succumbed to the illness. The serum ferritin levels (ng/ml) [median (IQR)] were significantly higher in non-survivors as compared to survivors [1061 (581, 2750) vs 309.5 (140, 720.08), p value = 0.045]. Six patients had coronary artery involvement; five recovered during follow-up, while one was still admitted. Twenty-six children received immunomodulatory drugs, and five improved without immunomodulation. The choice of immunomodulation (steroids or intravenous immunoglobulin) did not affect the outcome. Most children with MIS-C present with acute hemodynamic and respiratory symptoms.The outcome is favorable in children without preexisting comorbidities.Raised ferritin level may be a poor prognostic marker. The coronary outcomes at follow-up were reassuring. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00296-021-05030-y.

Background/Aims: Predictors of short-term outcome of intravenous (IV) steroid therapy in acute severe ulcerative colitis (ASUC) have been well described, but the impact of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection as a predictor of outcome remains debatable. We investigated the role of quantitative CMV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) as a predictor of short-term outcome in patients with ASUC.Methods: Consecutive patients with ASUC satisfying Truelove and Witts criteria hospitalized at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) from May 2016 to July 2019 were included; all received IV steroid. The primary outcome measure was steroid-failure defined as the need for rescue therapy (with ciclosporin or infliximab) or colectomy during admission. AIIMS’ index (ulcerative colitis index of severity > 6 at day 1+fecal calprotectin > 1,000 μg/g at day 3), with quantitative CMV PCR on biopsy samples obtained at initial sigmoidoscopy were correlated with the primary outcome.Results: Thirty of 76 patients (39%) failed IV corticosteroids and 12 (16%) underwent surgery. Patients with steroid failure had a significantly higher mucosal CMV DNA than responders (3,454 copies/mg [0–2,700,000] vs. 116 copies/mg [0–27,220]; P< 0.01). On multivariable analysis, mucosal CMV DNA load > 2,000 copies/mg (odds ratio [OR], 10.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.6–39.7; P< 0.01) and AIIMS’ index (OR, 39.8; 95% CI, 4.4–364.4; P< 0.01) were independent predictors of steroid-failure and need for colectomy. The combination correctly predicted outcomes in 84% of patients with ASUC.Conclusions: High mucosal CMV DNA ( > 2,000 copies/mg) independently predicts failure of IV corticosteroids and short-term risk of colectomy and it has an additional value to the established markers of disease severity in patients with ASUC.

Haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality due to respiratory infections and their frequency is not well studied in Indian HSCT recipients. A cohort of 55 HSCT recipients were enrolled prospectively for respiratory episodes. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was performed for respiratory viral aetiology. A total of 153 episodes of acute respiratory infections occurred, [107 episodes (mean; 2.8/patient) in autologous HSCT (n=38); 46 episodes (mean; 2.7/patients) in allogeneic HSCT (n=17)]. From these episodes, 70 samples could be tested for respiratory viruses, of which 33 (47.1%) samples tested positive. A higher infection rate (52%; 26/50) was seen in autologous HSCT compared with allogeneic HSCT (35%; 7/20). Rhinoviruses were detected most often (18/33; 54.5%), followed by parainfluenza viruses, (PIV, 6/33; 18.1%). Human metapneumoviruses, (hMPV) and influenza A/H3N2 were detected in 4 samples each (4/33; 12.1%) followed by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV, 2/33; 6.1%). Of the 13 patients with an unfavourable outcome, 4 had respiratory viral infections. Significantly higher fatality was observed in allogeneic than in autologous recipients. Respiratory viruses cause multiple episodes of infection contributing to morbidity and mortality in HSCT recipients.

Data pertaining to risk factor analysis in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is confounded by the lack of data from an ethnically diverse population. In addition, there is a lack of data for young adults. This study was conducted to assess risk factors predicting COVID‐19 severity and mortality in hospitalized young adults. A retrospective observational study was conducted at two centers from China and India on COVID‐19 patients aged 20–50 years. Regression analysis to predict adverse outcomes was performed using parameters including age, sex, country of origin, hospitalization duration, comorbidities, lymphocyte count, and National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) score at admission. A total of 420 patients (172 East Asians and 248 South Asians) were included. The predictive model for intensive care unit (ICU) admission with variables NEWS2 Category II and higher, diabetes mellitus, liver dysfunction, and low lymphocyte counts had an area under the curve (AUC) value of 0.930 with a sensitivity of 0.931 and a specificity of 0.784. The predictive model for mortality with NEWS2 Category III, cancer, and decreasing lymphocyte count had an AUC value of 0.883 with a sensitivity of 0.903 and a specificity of 0.701. A combined predictive model with bronchial asthma and low lymphocyte count, in contrast, had an AUC value of 0.768 with a sensitivity of 0.828 and a specificity of 0.719 for NEWS2 score (5 or above) at presentation. NEWS2 supplemented with comorbidity profile and lymphocyte count could help identify hospitalized young adults at risk of adverse COVID‐19 outcomes., Highlights In a total of 420 young East and South Asian patients with COVID‐19, National Early Warning Score 2 (NEWS2) combined with individual comorbidity profile helps evaluate the risk of intensive care unit admission or death during hospitalization.

We describe the clinical and demographic characteristics, virological follow-up, and management of five confirmed monkeypox cases from New Delhi, India without any international travel history. The viral load kinetics and viral clearance were estimated in oropharyngeal swabs (OPS), nasopharyngeal swabs (NPS), EDTA blood, serum, urine, and various lesion specimens on every fourth day of follow-up ranging from 5 to 24 post onset day (POD) of illness. All five cases presented with mild to moderate-grade intermittent fever, myalgia, and lesions on the genitals, groins, lower limb, trunk, and upper limb. Four cases had non-tender firm lymphadenopathy. No secondary complications or sexually transmitted infections were recorded in these cases except for the presence of viral hepatitis B infection marker hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) in one case. All the cases were mild and had a good recovery. A higher viral load was detected in lesion fluid (POD 9), followed by lesion roof (POD 9), urine (POD 5), lesion base (POD 5), and OPS/NPS (POD 5). The monkeypox virus (MPXV) DNA was detected in clinical samples from 5th to 24th POD. These monkeypox cases without international travel history suggest the underdiagnosed monkeypox infection in the community. This emphasizes the need for active surveillance of MPXV in the high-risk population such as men having sex with men and female sex workers.

Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is an enveloped virus that causes serious respiratory tract infection among immunocompromised populations especially haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Here, we describe 3 cases of hMPV infection which led to mortality among post HSCT adults. 66 post HSCT adults enrolled between January 2017 and March 2019 at Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Institute Rotary Cancer Hospital, AIIMS, New Delhi, were followed up for a period varying from 16 days to 18 months for any episode of respiratory illness until March 2019. Real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) was used to detect the virus from appropriate specimens when symptoms of acute respiratory infection appeared. Samples from 88 out of a total of 172 episodes of suspected acute respiratory infection could be tested by rRT-PCR. Of these, 9 episodes were positive for hMPV. Three patients with hMPV associated lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) expired within 30 days of HSCT. The possible risk factors associated with mortality included LRTI, infection during early post-transplant period (first week following HSCT), absolute lymphocyte count less than 200/µl, absolute neutrophil count less than 500/µl, use of steroid within 30 days prior to infection and need for mechanical ventilation.

Background & objectives: In the present scenario, the most common sample for diagnosis of COVID-19 by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is nasal and throat swab (NTS). Other sampling options such as gargle lavage have found limited application in clinical use mostly because of unavailability of an appropriate gargling liquid. This study was conducted to assess the stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in normal saline at 4°C that can serve as a gargling liquid as well as a transport medium. The study also looked at the agreement between NTS and gargle lavage/saliva for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. Methods: In 29 consecutive real-time RT-PCR (rRT-PCR) positive COVID-19 patients, paired NTS, gargle and saliva samples were taken. Samples were processed by rRT-PCR for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. To assess the SARS-CoV-2 RNA stability in normal saline, gargle lavage specimens were divided into two aliquots; one subset of the specimen was run within 4-6 h along with the routine samples (NTS and saliva) and the other subset was stored at 4°C and processed after 24-30 h. Agreement between cycle threshold (Ct) values from both the runs was compared using Bland–Altman (BA) analysis. Results: The positivity rates of rRT-PCR in NTS, saliva and gargle lavage samples were 82.7 (24/29), 79.3 (23/29) and 86.2 per cent (25/29), respectively. BA plot showed a good agreement between the Ct values of fresh and stored gargle samples, stipulating that there were no significant differences in the approximate viral load levels between the fresh and stored gargle lavage samples (bias: E gene −0.64, N gene −0.51, ORF gene −0.19). Interpretation & conclusions: Our study results show stability of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the gargle samples collected using normal saline up to 24-30 h. Gargle lavage and saliva specimen collection are cost-effective and acceptable methods of sampling for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA by rRT-PCR. These simplified, inexpensive and acceptable methods of specimen collection would reduce the cost and workload on healthcare workers for sample collection.

Background & objectives: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has so far affected over 41 million people globally. The limited supply of real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) kits and reagents has made meeting the rising demand for increased testing incompetent, worldwide. A highly sensitive and specific antigen-based rapid diagnostic test (RDT) is the need of the hour. The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of a rapid chromatographic immunoassay-based test (index test) compared with a clinical reference standard (rRT-PCR). Methods: A cross-sectional, single-blinded study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in north India. Paired samples were taken for RDT and rRT-PCR (reference standard) from consecutive participants screened for COVID-19 to calculate the sensitivity and specificity of the RDT. Further subgroup analysis was done based on the duration of illness and cycle threshold values. Cohen's kappa coefficient was used to measure the level of agreement between the two tests. Results: Of the 330 participants, 77 were rRT-PCR positive for SARS-CoV-2. Sixty four of these patients also tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RDT. The overall sensitivity and specificity were 81.8 and 99.6 per cent, respectively. The sensitivity of RDT was higher (85.9%) in participants with a duration of illness ≤5 days. Interpretation & conclusions: With an excellent specificity and moderate sensitivity, this RDT may be used to rule in COVID-19 in patients with a duration of illness ≤5 days. Large-scale testing based on this RDT across the country would result in quick detection, isolation and treatment of COVID-19 patients.

Background & objectives: Chloroquine (CQN) administered as nasal drops has the potential to achieve much greater local tissue levels than with oral/systemic administration. This trial was undertaken to study the efficacy and safety profile of topical nasal administration of CQN drops in reducing viral load and preventing clinical progression in early COVID-19 infection. Methods: This randomized clinical trial was done with a sample size of 60. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed asymptomatic patients or those with mild COVID-19 illness [National Early Warning Score (NEWS) ≤4] were included. Patients were randomized in a 1:1 manner. Control arm (standard supportive treatment, n=30) was compared with intervention arm (n=30) of standard treatment plus CQN eye drops (0.03%) repurposed as nasal drops administered six times daily (0.5 ml/dose) for 10 days. Outcome measures were adverse events and adherence; clinical progression and outcomes were measured by NEWS; sequential RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values were also noted on days 0, 3, 7 and 10. Results: Nasal CQN was associated with local irritation in seven and non-compliance in one of 30 patients. Eleven patients were excluded due to enrolment error (2 – recovered; 9 – false-positive referral), and 49 patients were analyzed as per modified intention-to-treat analysis. Clinical recovery was noted as similar with 100 per cent asymptomatic by day seven in both arms. Virological outcomes also indicated similarly improving Ct values in both arms, and similar proportion of patients transitioning to non-infectivity by day 10 (controls - 19/25; nasal CQN - 15/24). Nine false-positive patients with enrolment error and day 0 RT-PCR negative were initially uninfected but had continuing COVID-19 exposure and treatment as per randomization. Patients receiving nasal CQN (n=5) demonstrated stable Ct values from day 0 to 10, while patients with no nasal CQN (n=4) demonstrated significant dip in Ct value indicating to infection (Ct

Seasonal influenza epidemics cause significant pediatric mortality and morbidity worldwide. Live attenuated influenza vaccines (LAIVs) can be administered intranasally, induce a broad and robust immune response, demonstrate higher yields during manufacturing as compared to inactivated influenza vaccines (IIVs), and thereby represent an attractive possibility for young children in developing countries. We summarize recent pediatric studies evaluating LAIV efficacy in developing countries where a large proportion of the influenza-virus-associated respiratory disease burden occurs. Recently, two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing Russian-backbone trivalent LAIV in children reported contradictory results; vaccine efficacy varied between Bangladesh (41 %) and Senegal (0.0 %) against all influenza viral strains. Prior to 2013, Ann Arbor-based LAIV demonstrated superior efficacy as compared to IIV. However, due to low effectiveness of the Ann Arbor-based LAIV against influenza A(H1N1)pdm09-like viruses, the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommended against the use of LAIV during the 2016-17 and 2017-18 influenza seasons. Reduced replicative fitness of the A(H1N1)pdm09 LAIV strains is thought to have led to the low effectiveness of the Ann-Arbor-based LAIV. Once the A(H1N1)pdm09 component was updated, the ACIP reintroduced the Ann-Arbor-based LAIV as a vaccine choice for the 2018-19 influenza season. In 2021, results from a 2-year RCT evaluating the Russian-backbone trivalent LAIV in rural north India reported that LAIV demonstrated significantly lower efficacy compared to IIV, but in Year 2, the vaccine efficacy for LAIV and IIV was comparable. A profounder understanding of the mechanisms underlying varied efficacy of LAIV in developing countries is warranted. Assessing replicative fitness, in addition to antigenicity, when selecting annual A(H1N1)pdm09 components in the Russian-backbone trivalent LAIVs is essential and may ultimately, enable widespread utility in resource-poor settings.

The aim of this study was to analyze the presence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the corneal tissue of asymptomatic deceased novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients.This was a cross-sectional study performed at a tertiary eye hospital. All corneas of the deceased asymptomatic donors who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on a nasopharyngeal swab at the time of corneal tissue harvesting were included in the study. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemistry were performed. mRNA in situ hybridization for SARS-CoV-2 was performed in all specimens that showed positive immunostaining. The main outcome measure was the presence of SARS-CoV-2 virus in the corneal tissues.Twenty-two corneal tissues of 11 donors were analyzed. The mean age was 72.2 ± 14.2 years. On histological examination, no signs of inflammation or any other abnormalities were detected in the cornea and adjacent bulbar conjunctiva. Immunohistochemistry revealed faint to moderate cytoplasmic staining in the basal layer of the corneal epithelium in 8 specimens from 5 patients. None of the specimens with positive immunostaining showed the presence of SARS-CoV-2 mRNA.In line with previous studies , our study also reflects the absence of SARS-CoV-2 viral mRNA in corneal tissues of clinically asymptomatic deceased COVID-19 donors, thereby indicating a probable low risk of transmission of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the transplantation of corneas from donors who tested positive for, but were asymptomatic for COVID-19. In addition, further studies on the subject should include histopathological examination because of the false positive and negative rates of molecular tests.

This study endeavours to comprehensively the study the spectrum of ENT manifestations in mild and asymptomatic COVID-19 and observe the natural course of anosmia and dysgeusia consequent to SARS-Cov-2 infection. A prospective cohort study was undertaken at a tertiary care centre in India on admitted patients with RT-PCR proven COVID-19. Patients were included provided the baseline National Early Warning Score (NEWS) was less than 4. Patients were screened for ENT manifestations using a questionnaire at baseline, 7 days, 14 days and 28 days. 225 patients were included in the study. Of these complete data at 4 weeks was available for 210. Out of 145 patients with mild COVID-19 (asymptomatic = 80), ENT manifestations accounted for 66.2% of all symptoms. Smell and taste disturbance had an overall incidence of 20% and 45% of ENT manifestations. Temporal trends of the recovery rate of anosmia and dysgeusia were 53.6% and 66.7% at 2 weeks, respectively. Corresponding rates at 3 weeks were 89.29% and 86.7%, respectively. By the end of 4 weeks 96% of the patients had recovered completely. The incidence of anosmia and dysgeusia in this study parallels the rates reported from other Asian countries, albeit, lower than the rates quoted from the Western Hemisphere. We recommend structured reporting of all ENT manifestations especially smell and taste disturbances to accurately identify individuals infected with SARS-Cov-2.

Our health and wealth are highly influenced by a number of viruses. Dengue is one of them having a global influence in absence of vaccines and antiviral. WHO suggested that the morbidity of dengue is increasing more than 6 times from 0.5 million in 2010 to over 3.34 million in 2016, following a sharp increase in 2019. The aim of the present study is to check the in vitro and in silico anti-dengue activity of Cyamopsis tetragonoloba supercritical extract in cell lines. The optimum yield of supercritical extract was obtained 0.13 g/10 g (1.3% w/w) at 40 °C temp and 15 MPa pressure and further characterized by GC–MS. The antiviral assay was performed on C6/36 cell lines with 100 copies of dengue-2 virus and maximum non-toxic dose (31.25 µg/ml) of supercritical extract and their effect was detected by real-time RT-PCR. This study revealed that C. tetragonoloba supercritical extract inhibited the dengue-2 virus (99.9%). GC–MS analysis of C. tetragonoloba supercritical extract showed the presence of 10 compounds. The major compounds identified were Hexadecanoic acid, 15-methyl–methyl ester (24.498%); 9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride, (z,z)- (23.718%); methyl dodecanoic acid (13.228%); methyl-stearate (8.696%); Tridecanoic acid, 12-methyl-, methyl-ester (8.426%), dodecanoic acid (6.102%). The study reveals that C. tetragonoloba can be exploited to develop an effective, inexpensive, and specific anti-dengue. The molecular docking study demonstrated the binding energy of 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester (− 4.1 kcal/mol), 9,12-octadecadienoyl chloride (z,z) (− 4.0 kcal/mol) ligands were higher than others. It is concluded that C. tetragonoloba can play a major role to inhibit dengue-2 virus.

Background and Aim There is a paucity of data on the clinical presentations and outcomes of Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) in patients with underlying liver disease. We aimed to summarize the presentations and outcomes of COVID-19-positive patients and compare with historical controls. Methods Patients with known chronic liver disease who presented with superimposed COVID-19 (n = 28) between 22 April 2020 and 22 June 2020 were studied. Seventy-eight cirrhotic patients without COVID-19 were included as historical controls for comparison. Results A total of 28 COVID-19 patients (two without cirrhosis, one with compensated cirrhosis, sixteen with acute decompensation [AD], and nine with acute-on-chronic liver failure [ACLF]) were included. The etiology of cirrhosis was alcohol (n = 9), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (n = 2), viral (n = 5), autoimmune hepatitis (n = 4), and cryptogenic cirrhosis (n = 6). The clinical presentations included complications of cirrhosis in 12 (46.2%), respiratory symptoms in 3 (11.5%), and combined complications of cirrhosis and respiratory symptoms in 11 (42.3%) patients. The median hospital stay was 8 (7–12) days. The mortality rate in COVID-19 patients was 42.3% (11/26), as compared with 23.1% (18/78) in the historical controls (p = 0.077). All COVID-19 patients with ACLF (9/9) died compared with 53.3% (16/30) in ACLF of historical controls (p = 0.015). Mortality rate was higher in COVID-19 patients with compensated cirrhosis and AD as compared with historical controls 2/17 (11.8%) vs. 2/48 (4.2%), though not statistically significant (p = 0.278). Requirement of mechanical ventilation independently predicted mortality (hazard ratio 13.68). Both non-cirrhotic patients presented with respiratory symptoms and recovered uneventfully. Conclusion COVID-19 is associated with poor outcomes in patients with cirrhosis, with worst survival rates in ACLF. Mechanical ventilation is associated with a poor outcome.

Aims: Globally, viral agents, especially herpes simplex virus (HSV), have overtaken the bacterial causes of genital ulcers. Very few laboratories in India, perform culture techniques and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for diagnosis of genital ulcers. This study aimed to establish the utility of existing tests, which are cheaper and need less technical expertise, when compared to newer tests such as PCR. Study Design: This cross sectional study was carried out to determine the aetiology of genital ulcers, with emphasis on diagnosis of herpetic ulcers, using newer and more accurate methods of diagnosis and evaluating their performance by comparing against viral culture as gold standard test. Place and Duration of the Study: The study was carried out over a period of one year in the Apex Regional Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STD) Centre at Safdarjung Hospital, New Delhi and the Department of Microbiology, AIIMS, New Delhi. Methodology: Fifty three patients with genital ulcers were included in the study. Specimens from ulcers were taken for various tests, including Giemsa stain, ELISA for HSV-1 & 2, PCR and Viral culture for HSV. Results: HSV was identified in 31 of 53 cases (58.5%), including 03 cases of HSV-1, and 28 cases of HSV-2. Sensitivity and specificity of PCR was 90.0% and 84.85%, respectively. Viral culture positivity was 37.7%. Conclusion: Genital herpes is associated with an increased risk of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) acquisition, and clinical manifestations are diverse; hence a presumptive diagnosis should be confirmed by reliable laboratory tests. Nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) are the most sensitive methods for direct detection of HSV. The extensive validation of these tests allows for their application in routine laboratory settings with consistency and greater diagnostic accuracy. When standardised and used, PCR is a highly reproducible, rapid and labour efficient method for HSV detection.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: An outbreak of respiratory illness of unknown aetiology was reported from Hubei province of Wuhan, People's Republic of China, in December 2019. The outbreak was attributed to a novel coronavirus (CoV), named as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-CoV-2 and the disease as COVID-19. Within one month, cases were reported from 25 countries. In view of the novel viral strain with reported high morbidity, establishing early countrywide diagnosis to detect imported cases became critical. Here we describe the role of a countrywide network of VRDLs in early diagnosis of COVID-19. METHODS: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, established screening as well as confirmatory assays for SARS-CoV-2. A total of 13 VRDLs were provided with the E gene screening real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (rRT-PCR) assay. VRDLs were selected on the basis of their presence near an international airport/seaport and their past performance. The case definition for testing included all individuals with travel history to Wuhan and symptomatic individuals with travel history to other parts of China. This was later expanded to include symptomatic individuals returning from Singapore, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and South Korea. RESULTS: Within a week of standardization of the test at NIV, all VRDLs could initiate testing for SARS-CoV-2. Till February 29, 2020, a total of 2,913 samples were tested. This included both 654 individuals quarantined in the two camps and others fitting within the case definition. The quarantined individuals were tested twice - at days 0 and 14. All tested negative on both occasions. Only three individuals belonging to different districts in Kerala were found to be positive. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSIONS: Sudden emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and its potential to cause a pandemic posed an unsurmountable challenge to the public health system of India. However, concerted efforts of various arms of the Government of India resulted in a well-coordinated action at each level. India has successfully demonstrated its ability to establish quick diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 at NIV, Pune, and the testing VRDLs.

With millions of people getting affected with COVID-19 pandemic caused by a novel severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), people living with post COVID-19 Symptoms (PCS) are expected to rise in the future· The present study aimed at assessing PCS comprehensively and its associated factors among COVID-19 recovered adult population in north India.MethodsIn a tertiary health centre at Delhi, an online based cross-sectional study was conducted using a semi-structured questionnaire, developed by employing a nominal group technique, in aged 18 years and above who were SARS-CoV-2 positive during the month of January to April 2021. Socio-demographic, various potential risk factors, including pre-existing morbidities, vaccination status, and severity of acute COVID-19 illness, information on acute illness for management and a spectrum of PCS were collected between June 16 to July 28, 2021. Each participant was contacted telephonically before sending the survey link. PCS were presented as relative frequency; chi-square test, odds ratio, including adjusted, were calculated to rule out association between PCS and potential predictors.ResultsA total of 773 of 1801 COVID recovered participants responded to the link reaching a participation rate of 42·9%, with a median age of 34 years (IQR 27 to 44). Male respondents were 56·4%. Around 33·2% of them had PCS at four or more weeks, affecting almost all body organ systems. The most prevalent PCS were fatigue (79·3%), pain in the joins (33·4%), muscle (29·9%), hair loss (28·0%), headache (27·2%), breathlessness (25·3%), sleep disturbance (25·3%) and cough (24·9%). The prevalence of PCS was reduced to 12·8% at 12 weeks after positive test. Factor such as female gender, older age, oxygen supplementation during the acute illness, working in healthcare care facilities, the severity of acute illness, and pre-existing co-morbid were risk factors for PCS. Further, vaccination (second dose) reduced the odds of developing PCS by 45% compared to unvaccinated participants (aOR 0·65; 95%CI 0·45-0·96). Finally, 8·3% of participants rated their overall health status was either poor or very poor following COVID-19 illness.ConclusionsThe PCS involves almost all organ systems, regardless of the severity of acute COVID-19 illness. Two doses of vaccine help to reduce development of PCS.Research in ContextEvidence before this studyAlthough the evidence is mounting in prolonged COVID-19 symptoms among COVID-19 survivors, to date, the full range of such post-COVID-19 symptoms (PCS) is not yet fully understood. There is a lack of studies that assessed PCS comprehensively among persons who have recovered from the COVID-19illness. For example, limited data are available on psychosocial, behavioral, and oral manifestations related to PCS. Further, there is a paucity of studies that included a wide range of determinants of PCS and the association of vaccination with the development of PCS across the world. Our study is the first such study conducted among COVID-19 recovered persons who with a majority of them employed in a tertiary health care institute of north India.Added value of this studyOur study, for the first time, investigated a wide range of post-COVID-19 manifestations among COVID-19 recovered persons in organ-specific and psychosocial behavioral aspects, making this the largest categorization of PCS currently (in total 16). The study included telephonic calls to each eligible candidate which helped in ensuring the COVID-19 status at the time of the study. Since the participants either were employees in the hospital or their dependents that enhance the accuracy of reporting PCS. The most prevalent symptom was unspecific PCS (85.6%), e.g., fatigue, followed by musculoskeletal manifestations (49·8%), Ear, Nose and Throat symptoms (47·5%), neurological (47·0%), cardio-respiratory (42·4%, gastrointestinal (36·2%), ocular symptoms (31·9%), dermatological symptoms (31·5%), and cardio-vascular (24·5%) symptoms, and mental health symptoms (23·7%). The rest of the organ specific symptoms were observed in less than 20% of the respondents. Older age, female gender, pre-existing co-morbid, oxygen supplementation during acute illness, the severity of illness, working in health care institutions were associated with PCS. Vaccination after the second dose was protective against PCS compared to non-vaccinated participants. Further, our study also reported a rating of the overall health status among COVID survivors, whereby around 8.3% of them reported being a poor or very poor health.Implications of all the available evidencePCS affects a multi-organ organ system, irrespective of the severity of acute-phase COVID-19 illness and hospitalization. Such persistent COVID-19 symptoms, compounded by its heterogeneity among COVID survivors can pose a substantial burden to the affected individuals and their families and additional challenges for healthcare delivery and public health service. The current study shows that one in three individuals experience persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Since the COVID pandemic is still ongoing across the world, therefore, the number of people experiencing PCS is likely to be increased substantially further. An integrated PCS care strategy, but not limited to organ-specific healthcare disciplines, others such as psychosocial support, including counseling and education, rehabilitation, community-based rehabilitation programs will be required for management. Prioritization of PCS care to elder and co-morbid patients should be recommended. Expediting the vaccination drive will be helpful to reduce the development of persistent COVID-19 symptoms. Research, collaborative and multidisciplinary, is required to understand the underlying pathophysiology mechanism for PCS.

Introduction and Background: Both human papillomavirus (HPV) and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are sexually transmitted. High-risk (HR) HPV types are a causal factor in cervical cancer. Persistent HPV infection in this subset of immunocompromised women results in faster disease progression. The study determined the prevalence of HPV genotypes in cervicovaginal secretions of HIV seropositive women and the correlation with CD4 counts and cytology.Method: One hundred, non-pregnant, HIV-positive women of 18 years of age and above were enrolled in this cross-sectional study following approval by the institutional ethical committee. A written consent, questionnaire, followed by sample collection including a Papanicolaou (Pap) smear for cytology was undertaken. Cervicovaginal secretion samples were collected in the Digene® specimen transport medium (STM) (Qiagen Gaithersburg Inc., MD, USA). HPV genotyping was carried out with PCR amplification of a 65-base pair (bp) fragment in the L1 region of the HPV genome using the short PCR fragment (SPF10) primers followed by reverse hybridization by line probe assay (LPA) using the INNOLiPA HPV Genotyping Extra kit (Fujirebio, Belgium). Quantitation of HPV-16 and−18 viral loads (VLs) was done by real-time PCR. Results of Pap smear cytology were correlated with CD4 counts and HPV-16 and−18 VLs.Results: Mean age of the subjects was 34.9 years ± 7.2 years (median 33.0 years, range 24–60 years). HPV was detected in 62 of 93 (66.6%) samples. Twenty (32.25%) of these 62 samples harbored a single HPV genotype. Multiple genotypes (more than two) were detected in 38 (61.3%) samples. HPV-16 was the commonest genotype detected in 26 (27.9%) of all samples and 41.9% of HPV positive samples. Pap smear cytology was reported for 93 women included in the study. Women who had normal cytology were reported as negative for intraepithelial malignancy or lesion (NILM; n = 62; 71.36%), two women had a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL; n = 11), atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS; n = 12). Those smears with inadequate material were reported as scant (n = 6). The median CD4 count was 363/cu.mm (range 39–787) in HPV-positive women compared to 423/cu.mm (range 141–996) in those HPV-negative women. Quantitation of HPV-16 and−18 VL was done in duplicate for samples positive by PCR reverse hybridization (INNOLiPA). Of these 20 samples (65%), 12 samples were positive by real-time PCR. The normalized HPV-16 VL ranged between 18 and 240,000 copies/cell. The normalized HPV-18 VL in cervical samples ranged between ~24 and 60,000 copies/cell.Conclusion: HIV-positive women may be infected with multiple genotypes other than HPV-16 and−18. This may have implications on the vaccines available currently which target few specific genotypes only. Studies are required to determine the predictive role of HR HPV genotypes, in significant copy numbers especially in HIV seropositive women. It would be clinically relevant if the HPV VLs, cervical cytology, and CD4 counts are considered into cervical cancer screening programs for triage and follow-up of these women.

Background There are limited data on incidence, risk factors and etiology of acute lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) among older adults in low- and middle-income countries. Methods We established a cohort of community dwelling older adults ≥60 years and conducted weekly follow-up for acute respiratory infections (ARI) during 2015-2017. Nurses assessed ARI cases for LRTI, collecting combined nasal/throat swabs from all LRTI cases and an equal number of age- and sex-matched asymptomatic neighbourhood controls. Swabs were tested for influenza viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus (hMPV), and parainfluenza viruses (PIV) using polymerase chain reaction. LRTI and virus-specific LRTI incidence was calculated per 1000 person-years. We estimated adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) for risk factors using Poisson regression and calculated etiologic fractions (EF) using adjusted odds ratios for detection of viral pathogens in LRTI cases vs controls. Results We followed 1403 older adults for 2441 person-years. LRTI and LRTI-associated hospitalization incidences were 248.3 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 229.3-268.8) and 12.7 (95% CI = 8.9-18.1) per 1000 person-years. Persons with pre-existing chronic bronchitis as compared to those without (incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 4.7, 95% CI = 3.9-5.6); aged 65-74 years (IRR = 1.6, 95% CI = 1.3-2.0) and ≥75 years (IRR = 1.8, 95% CI = 1.4-2.4) as compared to 60-64 years; and persons in poorest wealth quintile (IRR = 1.4, 95% CI = 1.1-1.8); as compared to those in wealthiest quintile were at higher risk for LRTI. Virus was detected in 10.1% of LRTI cases, most commonly influenza (3.8%) and RSV (3.0%). EF for RSV and influenza virus was 83.9% and 83.6%, respectively. Conclusion In this rural cohort of older adults, the incidence of LRTI was substantial. Chronic bronchitis was an important risk factor; influenza virus and RSV were major viral pathogens.