Tag: infection

New method for early detection of SARS-CoV-2 infection

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New Delhi: A new sandwich-based lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the detection of Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) could provide an efficient substitute for RT-PCR tests.
According to Union Ministry of Science and Technology, it can detect the RBD antigen of the SARS-CoV-2 at an early stage of infection with a visual line of detection (LOD).
Popularly used gold standard techniques such as RT-PCR and ELISA are usually time-consuming, require skilled labor, specific equipment and are not feasible for on-site detection.

In order to overcome this challenge, a team of researchers from DBT-National Institute of Animal Biotechnology (NIAB) and Gandhi Medical College developed a rapid and robust platform for early and on-field detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus.
A smartphone app (Colour grab) has been used for the qualitative analysis of the test strip. The developed LFIA working on the principle of antigen-antibody interaction holds the potential to be used for detection of SARS-CoV-2 without any requirement of skilled personnel and subsequently reduce the spread of the virus.
Officials said that with support from Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), an institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) the scientists came together to clone the gene responsible for RBD protein expression, and purify it to generate the antibody (Ab). The generated antibodies were then conjugated with monodisperse gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to be used as a capture probe for colorimetric detection.
The fabricated LFIA works in a sandwich format, where the RBD target analyte in the sample interacts with the gold nanoparticle conjugated RBD antibody to form a complex (AuNPs-Ab), which further moves along the nitrocellulose membrane and reacts with the RBD antibody coated as test line on the membrane to form a red colour band.
The RBD Ab and IgG secondary Ab were coated on the nitrocellulose membrane as test and control, respectively to test the presence of antigen (Ag) in the sample. Further, the excess antibody bonded with the control line coated with a secondary IgG antibody validating the functionality of the test strip. An absorbent pad was placed at the end of the strip to prevent backflow across the strip.

The presence of band colour at test and control line indicates a positive result whereas a single line in control indicates a negative result. Depending on the target analyte, various parameters such as blocking buffer, antibody conjugation concentration, and antibody coating concentration on the membrane have been optimised to obtain band color with maximum binding efficiency.
The band intensity of the test line was analysed using a simple smartphone-based application for image acquisition and analysis of the test line color, which can split any color data into its three primary color components — red, green, and blue (RGB data). The specific colour component shows the trend of increasing or decreasing intensity of color. This study was published in the Journal of Medical Virology recently.
Officials said that the developed LFIA strips can be useful as a portable, point of care device (PoC) for on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 particularly atA home or even in rural areas. Moreover, the cost of LFIA strips is much less as compared to standard RT-PCR test making it a more economical option for people who cannot afford the RT-PCR test.
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#method #early #detection #SARSCoV2 #infection
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

April 5, 2023
Vatican: Pope to be hospitalized for days for lung infection

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It immediately raised questions about Francis’ overall health, and his ability to celebrate the busy Holy Week events that are due to begin this weekend with Palm Sunday.
Bruni said Francis had been suffering breathing troubles in recent days and went to the Gemelli hospital for tests.
“The tests showed a respiratory infection (Covid-19 infection excluded) that will require some days of medical therapy,” Bruni’s statement said.
Francis appeared in relatively good form during his regularly scheduled general audience earlier Wednesday, though he grimaced strongly while getting in and out of the “popemobile.”
Francis had part of one lung removed when he was a young man due to a respiratory infection, and he often speaks in a whisper. But he got through the worst phases of the Covid-19 pandemic without at least any public word of ever testing positive.
Francis had been due to celebrate Palm Sunday this weekend, kicking off the Vatican’s Holy Week observances: Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and finally Easter Sunday on April 9. He has canceled all audiences through Friday, but it wasn’t clear whether he could keep the Holy Week plans.
Francis has used a wheelchair for over a year due to strained ligaments in his right knee and a small knee fracture. He has said the injury was healing and been walking more with a cane of late.
Francis also has said he resisted having surgery for the knee problems because he didn’t respond well to general anesthesia during the 2021 intestinal surgery.

He said soon after the surgery that he had recovered fully and could eat normally. But in a Jan. 24 interview with The Associated Press, Francis said his diverticulosis, or bulges in the intestinal wall, had “returned.”
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#Vatican #Pope #hospitalized #days #lung #infection
( With inputs from : www.politico.com )

March 30, 2023
H3N2 Scare: CD Hospital Data Reveals over 100 Persons Infected with Viral Infection in Nearly One-and-a-half Month

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Absolutely Nothing To Worry About, Infection Much Like Seasonal Flu: HOD CD Hospital Dr. Naveed Nazir Shah
ASIF IQBAL
Srinagar, Mar 9 (GNS): As H3N2 scare continues to looms large in various parts of North India, the viral infection is being evenly witnessed in Union Territory as most cases of viral infections over a period of one-and-a-half month fall in this subtype of Influenza-A, as revealed by figures of Chest & Disease Hospital here.
As many as 47 persons out of a total of 103 samples have reverted infected by the influenza infection in nearly 50 days, reveals the data, as per GNS.
A total of 103 samples were sent for RT PCR testing by the dedicated hospital in last nearly one-and-a-half month among whom 47 samples (45%) were found to be infected from Influenza-A, 5 from Influenza-B (a total of 52 for Influenza), 19 (18%) for RSV (Respiratory Sensation Virus) and only 3 (2.9%) for COVID-19.
When contacted, leading Pulmonologist and Head of the Department Chest & Disease Hospital, Dr. Naveed Nazir told GNS that there was absolutely nothing to worry about as the most of the patients with viral infection is much like seasonal flu. But a good number of patients admitted with pneumonia had evidence of viral infection mostly influenza and RSV infections when the danger of another wave of covid was looming large.
Shah said that the symptoms of H3N2 include; fever, cough, nausea, vomiting, sore-throat, body ache and diarrhea. “These ailments gradually go with time”, he said adding though if one has undergone vaccination, he/she has not much to be concerned about it for we are used to such things given the nature of prevailing weather this time around.
Asked whether the persons with co-morbidities need to maintain any extra caution, Shah said that “We have been receiving patients, complaining of persistent cough which continues for prolonged periods extending for weeks after the symptoms of flu settle.”

Reiterating that there isn’t much to be concerned about spurt in cases of H3N2, the renowned Pulmonologist was quick to add that since schools have started the possiblility of spread of these viral infection is high. It’s better to isolate the patients with respiratory tract symptoms. (GNS)
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#H3N2 #Scare #Hospital #Data #Reveals #Persons #Infected #Viral #Infection #Oneandahalf #Month
( With inputs from : thegnskashmir.com )

March 9, 2023
Covid may cause increased chest pain months after infection: Study

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Washington: COVID-19 patients may be at increased risk of suffering chest pain in the six months to a year after the infection, which could be a sign of future cardiovascular complications, according to a study.
Nearly 19 per cent of US adults who had previously tested positive for COVID-19 report having “Long COVID,” where they experience signs and symptoms for four weeks or more after the initial phase of infection.
Researchers from Intermountain Health in the US studied nearly 150,000 patients for cardiovascular symptoms. They found that patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had higher rates of chest pain in the six months to a year after the infection.
“Many COVID-19 patients experience symptoms well beyond the acute phase of infection,” said Heidi T. May, cardiovascular epidemiologist at Intermountain Health and principal investigator of the study.
“While we didn’t see any significant rates of major events like heart attack or stroke in patients who had an initial mild initial infection, we did find chest pains to be a persistent problem, which could be a sign of future cardiovascular complications,” May said.
The study finding was presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 2023 Scientific Conference in New Orleans, US.
In the large retrospective study, researchers compared three groups of Intermountain Health patients.
The team found that at six months and one-year intervals, patients who tested positive for COVID-19 had significantly higher rates of experiencing chest pain, but saw no other increases in cardiovascular events.

“As of right now, the symptoms aren’t necessary translating into hard outcomes, but that’s something that will need to be reassessed over time,” May said.
“It could be that lasting effects of infection on the cardiovascular system are hard to quantify in terms of diagnoses or other events in the short-term and won’t be realised until longer follow up,” the researcher added.
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#Covid #increased #chest #pain #months #infection #Study
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

March 8, 2023
MP: 11 children fall sick with measles infection in Indore in one week

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Indore: Indore city has reported 11 measles cases among children in the last seven days, a health official said on Thursday.
Ten of these children were not vaccinated against the infectious disease, he added.
Eleven children in the 6 months-to-nine years age group have contracted the infection since February 2, district immunization officer Dr Tarun Gupta told PTI.
One of these children had received the first shot of the vaccine while others had not received a single shot, he said.
Notably, the government is aiming to eradicate measles from India by the end of 2023.
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#children #fall #sick #measles #infection #Indore #week
( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

February 10, 2023
Try these natural home remedies to combat viral infection

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These days, viral fever is a prevalent illness that affects both adults and children. One of the risk factors for viral fever during this season is the shift in the climate. Most airborne infections, which we contract through the air we breathe and can potentially spread from an infected person, are what cause viral fever. Humans are vulnerable to a variety of viral illnesses, including the common cold and the flu. The most typical sign of many viral infections is a mild fever or low-grade fever. Do not worry; a mild viral fever can be well treated at home with a well-balanced diet that includes many comforting foods, plenty of drinks, and appropriate rest. In addition to this, Mother Nature has bestowed upon us a wide variety of herbs that function as a wonderful natural cure for treating viral fever. To treat low-grade viral fever, though, try some of these all-natural treatments if the fever doesn’t go away right away.
Source: Pexels
Honey Ginger Tea
Ginger’s extraordinary ability to relieve pain and lessen the symptoms of viral fever is made possible by its significant anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic capabilities. Strong antibacterial qualities in honey help treat coughs and reduce the severity of infections. To relieve viral fever, steep one teaspoon of grated ginger in a cup of water for two to five minutes. Strain the mixture, then add one teaspoon of honey.
Source: Pexels
Black pepper
Due to its remarkable healing and balancing effects, black pepper is a multipurpose spice that is frequently used in Ayurveda. It is helpful in treating respiratory conditions because it is brimming with powerful antibacterial and antibiotic characteristics. Black pepper also supports the development of a strong immune system and the prevention of sickness because it is high in vitamin C.
Source: Pexels
Ajwain
Indian traditional medicine often prescribes ajwain, or carom seeds, as a home cure for colds and coughs. They contain substances with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial characteristics, like thymol, which may help to alleviate the signs and symptoms of colds and other respiratory infections. Additionally, they provide a high amount of fibre, vitamins, and minerals.
Source: Pexels
Fennel
Fennel, also known as saunf, is a very common spice in Indian cuisine and is effective against a variety of viruses that may cause respiratory tract infections and prolonged fevers. The presence of a substance known as trans-anethole causes fennel extracts to have potent antiviral properties. Additionally, it may strengthen your immune system to help you recover more quickly from the infection that is thought to be the main contributor to your chronic fever.
Source: Twitter
Tulsi Tea
Volatile oils including eugenol, citronellol, and linalool found in tulsi leaves help to reduce inflammation. Tulsi leaves’ potent antibacterial, germicidal, antibiotic, and fungicidal qualities work effectively to decrease the signs and symptoms of viral fever. If you have a fever, headache, cold, cough, flu, or sore throat, drink tulsi water or chew a few tulsi leaves to receive relief.
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#natural #home #remedies #combat #viral #infection

( With inputs from www.siasat.com )

January 23, 2023