Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases最新文献

{"title":"Comprehensive Review on Viral RNA Extraction Strategies for Enhanced Molecular Diagnostics.","authors":"I Made Artika, Chairin Nisa Ma'roef, Edison Johar, Frilasita Aisyah Yudhaputri, Khin Saw Aye Myint","doi":"10.1155/ipid/5579320","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/5579320","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>RNA viruses, characterized by their RNA-based genomes, have garnered significant concern due to their role in numerous lethal pandemics and remain a significant global health threat. Their predominance among emerging pathogens underscores the need for rapid detection and molecular characterization. PCR has been proven to be an indispensable tool for monitoring the emergence and spread of RNA viruses, but its success requires efficient viral RNA isolation. Poor RNA recovery may lead to failed detection, limiting downstream applications such as genome sequencing and molecular epidemiology. This review provides an overview of major RNA extraction strategies, including TRIzol-based, spin column-based, and magnetic bead-based methods, as well as novel and automated platforms. We compared their advantages, limitations, and trade-offs, emphasizing compatibility with downstream processes such as PCR and next-generation sequencing. Challenges related to sample collection, transport, storage, and RNA integrity are discussed, particularly in resource-limited settings where cold-chain and biosafety infrastructure may be limited. Additionally, we discussed applications of extracted RNA for diagnostics, viral characterization, and public health interventions, as well as advances in point-of-care (POC) technologies that integrate extraction with detection. Future directions focus on developing robust, cost-effective, and scalable extraction methods that are adaptable to both high-throughput laboratories and portable POC systems, ensuring global preparedness against emerging RNA viruses.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5579320"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12752832/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Avian Influenza: Understanding Avian Influenza Transmission via Mallard Migration Data.","authors":"Sena Mursel, Brian D Davison, Thomas McAndrew, Bilal Khan, Paolo Bocchini","doi":"10.1155/ipid/5555858","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/5555858","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Influenza, categorized as one of the emergent infectious diseases, presents a substantial public health concern due to its capacity to trigger extensive epidemics and global pandemics. Every recent pandemic of human influenza has been attributed to avian influenza viruses (AIVs), underscoring their pandemic potential and the associated public health risks. Interestingly, there remains a significant knowledge gap concerning the mechanisms that sustain the survival and proliferation of these viruses within their natural avian reservoirs. Migratory waterfowl, in particular mallard (<i>Anas platyrhynchos</i>), plays a crucial role as potential reservoirs, facilitating the spread of the virus through their migratory patterns. In order to better understand the factors that contribute to AIV spillover and hotspots, we built a mechanistic transmission model and investigated the likelihood of an AIV hotspot for the animal-to-human spillover of the virus in a region in Kansas. Our findings challenge the notion that the size of the overall mallard population is a reliable predictor of spillover hazard. To study this aspect, we systematically evaluated weekly trends in both the total population density and the total infected population density. In more than 70% of the locations studied, these two indicators showed periods with opposite trends. This conclusion stresses the importance of developing and calibrating compartmental models that can capture the diffusion of the virus within the reservoir and its spatiotemporal distribution due to animal movement.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"5555858"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12752836/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879294","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Chikungunya Virus: Unveiling Its Global Impact (2002-2024).","authors":"Rakhi Issrani, Hafiz Muhammad Zeeshan, Jawairia Javed, Faqeeha Javed, Abid Iqbal, Shahzad Ahmad, Muhammad Amber Fareed, Shazia Iqbal","doi":"10.1155/ipid/8288313","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/8288313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), an arbovirus transmitted by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes, has caused massive global epidemics, where it causes periodic outbreaks of febrile illness. In recent years, it has afflicted populations of Africa, South America, and Southeast Asia. <i>Aedes albopictus</i> and <i>Aedes aegypti</i> mosquitoes are the carriers of the virus causing severe clinical manifestations with multiorgan involvement which can last for years and have a significant negative impact on the health, quality of life, and ability to work and are the hallmarks of chikungunya fever. The effects of climate change as well as increased globalization of trade and travel have led to growth of the habitat of <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes. As a result, increasing numbers of people will be at risk of chikungunya fever in the coming years. In the absence of specific antiviral treatments and with vaccines still in development, surveillance and vector control are essential to suppress re-emergence and epidemics. This review discusses the role of oxidative stress and inflammation in pathogenesis, therapeutic potential of antioxidants, preventive methods like vector control, public health education, and molecular techniques for early detection. A holistic review of literature from 2002 to 2024 was carried out using the Web of Science database to observe disease prevention and diagnostic advancements, particularly in vaccine research highlighting the continuous global public health initiatives aimed at reducing the virus's effects. To prevent epidemics from resurfacing, however, constant monitoring and vector control are necessary.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8288313"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-12-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12752846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145879280","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Knowledge, Attitude, and Performance Among First High School Students in the Prevention of COVID-19 in Schools of Khorramabad City in 2022.","authors":"Salah Apsham, Ali Pajouhi, Soodabeh Zare, Amir Mohammad Karimi, Pegah Shakib, Azadeh Jafrasteh","doi":"10.1155/ipid/8870159","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/8870159","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The purpose of this study was to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and performance of the first secondary-level students in preventing COVID-19 in the schools of Khorramabad in 2022.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In our study, the information, knowledge, attitude, and performance of 370 first-grade secondary school students were recorded using a standard questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 26 software and descriptive statistical methods (mean and standard deviation) and appropriate inferential tests to compare groups and examine the correlation between knowledge, attitude, and performance.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The average score of knowledge, attitude, and performance was 59.11 ± 20.51, 81.25 ± 13.68, and 65.4 ± 23.1. The average score of knowledge in students over 14 years of age, ninth-grade students and good academic status, the score of knowledge and attitude of students with mothers with university education, and finally, the average score of knowledge, attitude, and performance of students with underlying disease were significantly higher than other students. Also, knowledge had a direct and significant relationship with attitude and performance. In addition, attitude and performance also had a direct and significant relationship.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The level of knowledge of the people was average, and attitude and performance were positive. Based on the importance of performance, people's attitude towards COVID-19 should be improved, because knowledge alone cannot improve people's performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8870159"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12681415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702305","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Prevalence of <i>Salmonella</i> Species in Blood Samples: Insights From a Tertiary Care Center in Nepal.","authors":"Shiv Kumar Sah, Dhruba Dhungana, Shiva Pandeya, Arjun Budthapa, Deepak Basyal, Balmukunda Regmi, Junu Ricchinbung Rai","doi":"10.1155/ipid/9167226","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/9167226","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Typhoidal <i>Salmonella</i> infections remain a significant public health concern in low- and middle-income countries, with antimicrobial resistance (AMR) posing a major challenge. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and AMR patterns of <i>Salmonella</i> species in clinical samples from a tertiary care center in Nepal.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study was conducted at the microbiology department in the country's largest public tertiary care hospital, TUTH, Nepal. A retrospective analysis was performed on 16,579 clinical specimens with culture-confirmed <i>Salmonella</i> isolates. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion method. Resistance and susceptibility trends were analyzed.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Among 16,579 clinical samples analyzed, enteric fever was identified in 114 cases (0.7%). Of these, <i>Salmonella</i> Typhi accounted for 77.2%, while <i>Salmonella</i> Paratyphi comprised 22.8%. No multidrug resistance was observed, and all isolates were susceptible to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefixime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime) and β-lactamase inhibitors (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam).<i>Salmonella</i> Paratyphi showed 100% sensitivity to ampicillin, amoxicillin, and cotrimoxazole, while susceptibility to chloramphenicol was high for both <i>S.</i> Typhi (88.9%) and <i>S.</i> Paratyphi (92.9%). Gentamicin exhibited comparatively lower sensitivity, with rates of 78.3% for <i>S.</i> Typhi and 80% for <i>S.</i> Paratyphi. Ciprofloxacin showed the lowest susceptibility, at 47.6% for <i>S.</i> Typhi and 60% for <i>S.</i> Paratyphi.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Our study identified a lower prevalence of culture-confirmed typhoidal <i>Salmonella</i> infections, with <i>Salmonella</i> Typhi predominating over <i>Salmonella</i> Paratyphi. High resistance to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin was observed, while susceptibility to ampicillin, chloramphenicol, and cotrimoxazole re-emerged, suggesting their potential for reintroduction in treatment. No multidrug resistance or resistance to third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins (e.g., cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefepime) and β-lactamase inhibitors (e.g., piperacillin-tazobactam) was noted, supporting their reliability for empirical therapy. These findings underscore the need for ongoing antimicrobial surveillance to guide effective treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"9167226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12672062/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145670122","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mapping the Global Landscape of Dengue Fever Research: A Scientometric Analysis.","authors":"Meisam Dastani, Jalal Mardaneh, Reza Ahmadi","doi":"10.1155/ipid/8275781","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/8275781","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Dengue fever (DF), an illness caused by the dengue virus and mainly spread by <i>Aedes</i> mosquitoes, has become a global health concern.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>With the considerable increase in the incidence of DF in recent decades, there is a need for a comprehensive scientometric analysis to map the landscape of scientific research in this field.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This descriptive study utilized scientometric techniques for scientific analysis. The population consisted of all scientific publications on DF indexed in the Scopus database. Data were analyzed using Biblioshiny, a web-based graphical interface for the Bibliometrix package in the R programming language.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The study identified 3172 publications on DF from the Scopus database, with a significant growth observed since the early 1990s and peak publication years in 2019 (<i>n</i> = 202) and 2020 (<i>n</i> = 203). India, China, and the United States emerged as the most productive countries, forming the core of the international research collaboration network. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed dominant research focuses on \"dengue virus,\" \"<i>Aedes aegypti</i>,\" and \"vector control.\" Thematic mapping showed that foundational themes such as \"dengue fever\" and \"<i>Aedes aegypti</i>\" are central but underdeveloped, while niche themes like \"rainfall\" and \"temperature\" are highly developed but less central. Thematic evolution analysis showed a clear shift from virology-centered topics (pre-2005) to predictive modeling, climate impact, and machine learning applications (2020-2024).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The comprehensive scientometric analysis shows that scientific production in the field of DF has significantly increased in recent decades. International collaborations play a vital role in advancing research and combating DF. Thematic analysis and mapping of research topics highlight significant advancements and the need for further research in specific areas. Continued collaborations and innovations are essential for effectively addressing the challenges of DF.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"8275781"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12668833/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145662232","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Forecasting the Monkeypox Outbreak Using Limited Data: A Case Study of Thailand.","authors":"Sherif Eneye Shuaib, Jirapond Muangprathub, Arthit Intarasit, Pakwan Riyapan","doi":"10.1155/ipid/7199833","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/7199833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>On August 14, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox (mpox) a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). Shortly thereafter, Thailand reported Asia's first confirmed case of the Clade Ib strain. Given Thailand's high international travel volume, anticipating short-term case trajectories is essential for situational awareness.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We forecast monthly mpox cases using the Department of Disease Control (DDC) data from July 2022 to September 2024 and evaluate Poisson and negative binomial generalized linear models (GLMs), Holt-Winters exponential smoothing, NeuralProphet, and a stacked ensemble. Rolling-origin cross-validation was used to assess out-of-sample accuracy (MAE, RMSE, and MAPE) and empirical interval coverage (80% and 95%).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Holt-Winters provided the most accurate single-model forecasts by RMSE, while the stacked ensemble yielded the most reliable uncertainty calibration. Forecasts for October-December 2024 suggest relatively low case counts with non-negligible uncertainty, indicating the need for continued vigilance.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These findings are exploratory decision-support inputs that complement ongoing surveillance and may help inform adaptive planning under both low- and high-incidence scenarios.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"7199833"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12668862/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145662080","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Evaluating the Role of <i>Candida albicans</i> as a Potential Oral Carcinogen.","authors":"Fatemeh Amirinia, Marjan Motamedi, Pegah Ardi, Ahmad Jabrodini","doi":"10.1155/ipid/4057977","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/4057977","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Oral cavity cancers, especially oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), are a major subset of head and neck malignancies. Increasing evidence indicates that oral microbiota, particularly <i>Candida albicans</i> (<i>C. albicans</i>), plays a significant role in OSCC development and progression. While <i>C. albicans</i> is normally a commensal organism in the human microbiome, it can become pathogenic under certain conditions. The carcinogenic potential of <i>C. albicans</i> contributes to oral cancer by acting both as a co-factor and a direct pathogen. This involves complex interactions with the host immune system and the expression of multiple virulence factors. The dynamic relationship between <i>C. albicans</i> and its host influences disease outcomes and cancer progression. This review focuses on key virulence mechanisms of <i>C. albicans</i>, including adhesion to host cells, secretion of hydrolytic enzymes, production of carcinogenic metabolites, induction of chronic inflammation, and release of candidalysin, a cytolytic peptide toxin. Understanding these factors is essential to clarify how <i>C. albicans</i> promotes OSCC initiation and progression. Improved knowledge of <i>C. albicans</i> virulence may lead to targeted therapies, preventive strategies, and novel biomarkers for early detection, ultimately enhancing treatment outcomes and prognosis for patients with oral cavity cancers.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"4057977"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12660631/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145649329","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Association of Behavioral and Socioeconomic Factors With Sexually Transmitted Infection Positivity in Vulnerable Women From a Neotropical Setting.","authors":"Gabriel Rodrigues Côra, José de Ribamar Ross, Flávia Castello Branco Vidal, Iagho José Lima Diniz, Maria Edileuza Soares Moura","doi":"10.1155/ipid/4600610","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/4600610","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) represent a global public health concern, particularly among vulnerable populations. In Brazil, women from quilombola, Roma, and rural communities face increased risks due to socioeconomic and cultural conditions that exacerbate susceptibility to these infections. Furthermore, they are frequently underrepresented in scientific studies, leading to a limited understanding of the epidemiological characteristics of STIs within these groups. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of STIs among women in vulnerable situations in a neotropical region of Brazil and to analyze the association between the pathogen presence, symptoms, behavioral risk factors, and socioeconomic aspects.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted in eastern Maranhão, in the municipality of Caxias, involving 295 quilombola, Roma, and rural women. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire addressing sociodemographic and behavioral factors, along with cervical liquid-based cytology samples. The samples were tested using real-time PCR with the Seegene Allplex STI Essential Assay kit. Statistical analysis employed both descriptive and inferential methods, including chi-square and Fisher's exact tests, as well as unconditional univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The overall prevalence of STIs was 72.9% (95% CI: 66.8-77.3), with <i>Ureaplasma parvum</i> being the most common pathogen (61.7%), followed by <i>Mycoplasma hominis</i> (35.3%). <i>Trichomonas vaginalis</i> was significantly associated with vaginal pruritus (OR = 2.566, <i>p</i>=0.047). Behavioral and socioeconomic factors associated with the presence of STIs included the absence of previous cytology screening (AOR = 2.39, <i>p</i>=0.046), high frequency of daily bathing (AOR = 3.28, <i>p</i>=0.042), and prolonged use of tight underwear (AOR = 1.83, <i>p</i>=0.027).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study revealed a high prevalence of STIs among quilombola, rural, and Roma women. The findings highlight the complexity of sexual and reproductive health in these communities and underscore the need for tailored, culturally sensitive approaches in public health policies.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"4600610"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12660635/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145649178","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Impact of Smoking and Deprivation in Patients Admitted With Severe COVID-19 Infection to ICU: A Retrospective Cohort Study.","authors":"James Ainsworth, Suresh Pillai","doi":"10.1155/ipid/2029135","DOIUrl":"10.1155/ipid/2029135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Smoking is known to be harmful to health, contributing to increased severity in respiratory infections such as influenza. The impact in COVID-19 remains controversial. Social deprivation and inequality are associated with worse outcomes in infectious disease and may impact on mortality in COVID-19.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A retrospective cohort study in a tertiary hospital general adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU). 174 patients with COVID-19 confirmed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing between March 21st 2020 and May 15th 2021 included. Data collection was by retrospective review of clinical notes. Patients were grouped into three categories: current smokers, former smokers (ex-smokers) and never smokers. Statistical analysis carried out on IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) for Windows, version 28.0 (Armonk, NY:IBM Corp). Values reported as means, standard deviation (SD), median and interquartile ranges (IQR). Comparisons with the Mann-Whitney <i>U</i> test for median and IQR and two sample <i>t</i>-test for mean and SD. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 174 patients, 11 were current smokers (6.3%), 51 were former smokers (29%) and 112 were never smokers (64%). Current smokers were younger and frailer, with longer hospital and ICU length of stay (ICULOS). Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation (WIMD) scores were collected using UK postcodes and ranked 1909 areas, showing current smokers from the most deprived areas. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed current smokers are less likely to survive.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Despite 6.3% prevalence of smoking in patients with severe COVID-19 in the ICU, smokers had increased hospital and ICU LOS with reduced survival. The relationship between COVID-19 and deprivation is multifaceted and complex and may relate to demographic, socioeconomic and environmental factors; health-related risk factors; and practices. From our data we can see that current smokers admitted to ICU with severe COVID-19 were from the most deprived areas in Wales, with a higher mortality risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":39128,"journal":{"name":"Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Infectious Diseases","volume":"2025 ","pages":"2029135"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12602042/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145497000","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}