The Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant of SARS-CoV-2 was only recently detected in southern Africa, but its subsequent spread has been extensive, both regionally and globally. It is expected to become dominant in the coming weeks, probably due to enhanced transmissibility. A striking feature of this variant is the large number of spike mutations that pose a… Continue reading Striking Antibody Evasion Manifested by the Omicron Variant of SARS-CoV-2
Tag: coronavirus
A randomized controlled study of convalescent plasma for individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia
Antibody-based strategies for COVID-19 have shown promise in prevention and treatment of early disease. COVID-19 convalescent plasma (CCP) has been widely used but results from randomized trials supporting its benefit in hospitalized patients with pneumonia are limited. Here, we assess the efficacy of CCP in severely ill, hospitalized adults with COVID-19 pneumonia. Methods. We performed… Continue reading A randomized controlled study of convalescent plasma for individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia
Rapid Progression of Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma Following BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Booster Shot: A Case Report
Since nucleoside-modified mRNA vaccines strongly activate T follicular helper cells, it is important to explore the possible impact of approved SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines on neoplasms affecting this cell type. Herein, we report and discuss unexpected rapid progression of lymphomatous lesions after administration of a BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine booster in a man recently diagnosed with AITL.… Continue reading Rapid Progression of Angioimmunoblastic T Cell Lymphoma Following BNT162b2 mRNA Vaccine Booster Shot: A Case Report
Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Myocarditis Post mRNA Vaccination: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
AbstractBackground: Myocarditis is being increasingly reported as a potential complication of both Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna vaccines for COVID-19. One thousand five hundred and twenty-two cases were reported as of September 02, 2021, as per CDC’s (Centers for Disease Control) vaccine adverse event reporting system. Most of the published data is available in the form of… Continue reading Clinical Presentation and Outcomes of Myocarditis Post mRNA Vaccination: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Transparency of COVID-19 vaccine trials: decisions without data
Summary boxData transparency has become a well-established norm in biomedical research, and is especially important for broadly used public health interventions like COVID-19 vaccines. Tax payers helped fund COVID-19 vaccine trials and should have the right to access the results. There is inadequate availability of COVID-19 vaccine trial documents and data; individual participant data will… Continue reading Transparency of COVID-19 vaccine trials: decisions without data
Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
The world is in the grip of the COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures that can reduce the risk of infection and death in addition to quarantines are desperately needed. This article reviews the roles of vitamin D in reducing the risk of respiratory tract infections, knowledge about the epidemiology of influenza and COVID-19, and how… Continue reading Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths
Ivermectin prophylaxis used for COVID-19 reduces COVID-19 infection and mortality rates: A 220,517-subject, populational-level retrospective citywide
Background: Ivermectin has demonstrated different mechanisms of actions that could potentially protect from both COVID-19 infection and COVID-19-related comorbidities. Based on the existing literature and safety profile of ivermectin, a citywide program of prophylactic use of ivermectin for COVID-19 was implemented in Itajai, a Southern city in Brazil in the state of Santa Catarina. The… Continue reading Ivermectin prophylaxis used for COVID-19 reduces COVID-19 infection and mortality rates: A 220,517-subject, populational-level retrospective citywide
Increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 Beta, Gamma, and Delta variant compared to Alpha variant in vaccinated individuals
The extent to which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOC) break through infection- or vaccine-induced immunity is not well understood. Here, we analyze 28,578 sequenced SARS-CoV-2 samples from individuals with known immune status obtained through national community testing in the Netherlands from March to August 2021. We find evidence for… Continue reading Increased risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 Beta, Gamma, and Delta variant compared to Alpha variant in vaccinated individuals
The evolution of the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 evolution revealing vaccine-resistant mutations in Europe and America
The importance of understanding SARS-CoV-2 evolution cannot be overemphasized. Recent studies confirm that natural selection is the dominating mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 evolution, which favors mutations that strengthen viral infectivity. We demonstrate that vaccine-breakthrough or antibody-resistant mutations provide a new mechanism of viral evolution. Specifically, vaccine-resistant mutation Y449S in the spike (S) protein receptor-bonding domain (RBD),… Continue reading The evolution of the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 evolution revealing vaccine-resistant mutations in Europe and America
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