COVID 19 Special Collection
COVID-19 (SARS-CoV-2) Special Collection
Latest COVID-19 Articles
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Research Article
Clinical Characteristics and Immune Injury Mechanisms in 71 Patients with COVID-19
The dysregulation of CD3+ CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD16+ CD56+ NK cells, C1q as well as IL-6, along with bacterial coinfection, were important causes of exacerbation of the patients’ condition and death.
15 July 2020, mSphere
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Perspective
Human Infection Challenge Studies: a Test for the Social Value Criterion of Research Ethics
Human infection challenge studies involving the intentional infection of research participants with a disease-causing agent have recently been suggested as a means to speed up the search for a vaccine for the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Calls for challenge studies, however, rely on the expected social value of these studies. This value represents more than the simple possibility that a successful study will lead to the rapid development and dissemination of vaccines but also some expectation that this will actually occur. I show how this expectation may not be realistic in the current political moment and offer potential ways to make sure that any challenge trials that arise actually achieve their goals.
15 July 2020, mSphere
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Research Article
Evaluation of six commercial mid to high volume antibody and six point of care lateral flow assays for detection of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies
COVID serological tests are essential to determine the overall seroprevalence of a population, and to facilitate exposure estimates within that population. We performed a head-to-head assessment of enzyme immunoassays (EIA) and point of care lateral flow assays (POCT) to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies. Demographics, symptoms, co-morbidities, treatment, and mortality of patients whose sera was used were also reviewed.…Serology assays can detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as early as 10 days post onset. Serology assays vary in their sensitivity based on the marker (IgA/M vs. IgG vs. total) and by manufacturer; however, overall only 4 EIA and 4 POCT assays had sensitivities >95% >21 days post symptom onset. Cross-reactivity with other seasonal coronaviruses is of concern. The use of serology assays should not be used for the diagnosis of acute infection, but rather for use in carefully designed serosurveys to facilitate understanding of seroprevalence in a population and to identify previous exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Accepted Manuscript Posted 14 July 2020, JCM
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Letter to the Editor
Comparison of Extraction Methods and Thermocyclers for SARS-CoV-2 Molecular Detection using Clinical Specimens
Clinical and public health laboratories throughout the world have rapidly expanded diagnostic testing for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) (1-3).…
Accepted Manuscript Posted 14 July 2020, JCM
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Research Article
Oscillations in U.S. COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality Data Reflect Diagnostic and Reporting Factors
The incidence and mortality data for the COVID-19 data in the United States show periodic oscillations, giving the curve a distinctive serrated pattern. In this study, we show that these periodic highs and lows in incidence and mortality data are due to daily differences in testing for the virus and death reporting, respectively. These findings are important because they provide an explanation based on public health practices and shortcomings rather than biological explanations, such as infection dynamics. In other words, when oscillations occur in epidemiological data, a search for causes should begin with how the public health system produces and reports the information before considering other causes, such as infection cycles and higher incidences of events on certain days. Our results suggest that when oscillations occur in epidemiological data, this may be a signal that there are shortcomings in the public health system generating that information.
14 July 2020, mSystems
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Research Article
Efficacy and safety of interferon β-1a in treatment of severe COVID-19: A randomized clinical trial
To the best of our knowledge, there is no published study regarding use of IFN β-1a in the treatment of severe COVID-19. In this randomized clinical trial efficacy and safety of IFN β-1a has been evaluated in patients with severe COVID-19.…Although IFN did not change time to reach the clinical response, adding it to the national protocol significantly increased discharge rate on day 14 and decreased 28-day mortality.
Accepted Manuscript Posted 13 July 2020, AAC
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Gem
Metabolic Syndrome and Viral Pathogenesis: Lessons from Influenza and Coronaviruses
Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of severe disease due to viral infection. Yet, few studies have assessed the pathogenesis of respiratory viruses in high-risk populations. Here, we summarize how metabolic dysregulation impairs immune responses and we define the role of metabolism during influenza and coronavirus infections. We also discuss the use of various in vitro, in vivo, and ex vivo models to elucidate the contribution of host factors to viral susceptibility, immunity, and disease severity.
Accepted Manuscript Posted 13 July 2020, JVI
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Research Article
Broad and differential animal ACE2 receptor usage by SARS-CoV-2
SARS-CoV-2 uses human ACE2 as primary receptor for host cell entry. Viral entry mediated by the interaction of ACE2 with spike protein largely determines host range and is the major constraint to interspecies transmission. We examined the receptor activity of 14 ACE2 orthologues and found that wild type and mutant SARS-CoV-2 lacking the furin cleavage site in S protein could utilize ACE2 from a broad range of animal species to enter host cells. These results have important implications in the natural hosts, interspecies transmission, animal models and molecular basis of receptor binding for SARS-CoV-2.
Accepted Manuscript Posted 13 July 2020, JVI
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Letter to the Editor
The SARS-CoV-2 N protein is a good component in a vaccine
Dutta and co-workers suggest in a recent letter (1) that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein (N) might be a good vaccine target.…
Accepted Manuscript Posted 13 July 2020, JVI
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Research Article
Direct Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 Analytical Limits of Detection across Seven Molecular Assays
Analytical sensitivity for SARS-CoV-2 detection is a key performance metric for evaluation of viral detection assays. We determined analytical limits of detection for seven SARS-CoV-2 assays using serial dilutions of pooled patient material quantified with droplet digital PCR. Limits of detection ranged from ≤10–74 copies/mL for commercial high-throughput laboratory analyzers (Roche Cobas, Abbott m2000, Hologic Panther Fusion) and 167–511 copies/mL for sample to answer (Diasorin Simplexa, Genmark ePlex) and point of care instruments (Abbott ID NOW). The CDC assay yielded limits of detection ranging from 85–499 copies/mL, depending on the extraction method and thermocycler used. These results can help to inform the assay choice for testing approaches to manage the current COVID-19 outbreak.
Accepted Manuscript Posted 10 July 2020, JCM
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Genome Sequences
Coding-Complete Genome Sequence of SARS-CoV-2 Isolate from Bangladesh by Sanger Sequencing
A coding-complete genome sequence of a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolate was revealed. The sample for the virus was isolated from a female patient from Dhaka, Bangladesh, suffering from coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
9 July 2020, MRA
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Genome Sequences
Coding-Complete Genome Sequences of Two SARS-CoV-2 Isolates from Early Manifestations of COVID-19 in Israel
We announce the genome sequences of two strains of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) isolated in Israel, one imported by a traveler who returned from Japan and the second strain collected from a patient infected by a traveler returning from Italy. The sequences obtained are valuable as early manifestations for future follow-up of the local spread of the virus in Israel.
9 July 2020, MRA
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Research Article
Effect of Systemic Inflammatory Response to SARS-CoV-2 on Lopinavir and Hydroxychloroquine Plasma Concentrations
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) leads to inflammatory cytokine release, which can downregulate the expression of metabolizing enzymes. This cascade affects drug concentrations in the plasma. We investigated the association between lopinavir (LPV) and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) plasma concentrations and the values of acute phase inflammation marker C-reactive protein (CRP).…High LPV plasma concentrations were observed in COVID-19 patients. The ratio of calculated unbound drug fraction to published SARS-CoV-2 EC50 values indicated insufficient LPV concentrations in the lung. CRP values significantly correlated with LPV but not HCQ plasma concentrations, implying inhibition of cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) metabolism by inflammation.
Accepted Manuscript Posted 8 July 2020, AAC
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Letter to the Editor
Under Allocation: Critical Supply Chain Hurdles Negatively Impact the Ability of Community Hospitals to Perform Repeat SARS-CoV-2 Testing
There is increasing recognition that not all SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR assays are created equal with respect to test performance (1).…
Accepted Manuscript Posted 8 July 2020, JCM
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Research Article
LY6E Restricts the Entry of Human Coronaviruses, Including the Currently Pandemic SARS-CoV-2
Virus entry into host cells is one of the key determinants of host range and cell tropism and is subjected to the control by host innate and adaptive immune responses. In the last decade, several interferon inducible cellular proteins, including IFITMs, GILT, ADAP2, 25CH and LY6E, had been identified to modulate the infectious entry of a variety of viruses. Particularly, LY6E was recently identified as host factors to facilitate the entry of several human pathogenic viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus, influenza A virus and yellow fever virus. Identification of LY6E as a potent restriction factor of coronaviruses expands the biological function of LY6E and sheds new light on the immunopathogenesis of human coronavirus infection.
Accepted Manuscript Posted 8 July 2020, JVI