Respiratory viruses in returning Hajj & Umrah pilgrims with acute respiratory illness in 2014-2015

Abstract

Background & objectives:Respiratory tract infections are common among Hajj and Umrah pilgrims which pose a public health risk of spread of respiratory infections. Influenza has been reported from Indian Hajj and Umrah returning pilgrims, but data on other respiratory pathogens are sparse in India. Here we report the presence of common respiratory viral pathogens in returning Hajj and Umrah pilgrims suffering from acute respiratory illness (ARI) in 2014-2015.Methods:Respiratory specimens (nasopharyngeal and throat swabs) were collected from 300 consenting pilgrims with ARI in the past one week and tested for influenza and Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and other respiratory viruses using in-house standardized quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Clinical features among the pathogen positive and negative patients were compared. The patients received symptomatic treatment and antivirals where appropriate and were followed telephonically to collect data on illness outcome.Results:Ninety seven (32.3%) of the 300 participants were tested positive for any virus, most common being influenza viruses (n=33, 11%). Other respiratory viruses that were detected included human coronaviruses [n=26, 8.7%; OC43 (n=19, 6.3%) and C229E (n=7, 2.3%)], rhinovirus (n=20, 6%), adenoviruses (n=8, 2.6%), parainfluenza viruses (n=7, 2.3%), respiratory syncytial virus (n=3, 1%) and bocaviruses (n=2, 0.6%). Clinical features observed in pathogen positive and pathogen negative patients did not differ significantly. Eighteen influenza positive patients were treated with oseltamivir.Interpretation & conclusions:Pilgrims returning from mass gatherings are often afflicted with respiratory pathogens with a potential to facilitate transmission of respiratory pathogens across international borders. The study reinforces the need for better infection prevention and control measures such as vaccination, health education on cough etiquette and hand hygiene.

A systematic review of emerging human coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak: focus on disinfection methods, environmental survival, and control and prevention strategies

“…Among the included studies, 10 eligible studies were focused on the IPC of coronaviruses (Ki et al 2019 ; Koul et al 2018 ; Rabaan et al 2017 ; Sikkema et al 2017 ; El Bushra et al 2017 ; Butt et al 2016 ; Wiboonchutikul et al 2016 ; Wong and Wai-San Tam 2005 ; Al-Tawfiq et al 2019 ; Huh 2020 ). According to finding of the included studies, the SARS-CoV-2 can be easily spread via two main ways in human-to-human transmission: (1) respiratory droplet and (2) direct and indirect contact with aerosol infected surfaces.…”

“…These databases are recommended guidelines for IPC for emergency responses to outbreaks of respiratory viruses. Recommended strategies play an essential role in preventing the infection transmission (Ki et al 2019 , Koul et al 2018 , Butt et al 2016 , Rabaan et al 2017 , Sikkema et al 2017 , El Bushra et al 2017 , (WHO) 2014 , 2020a , Al-Tawfiq et al 2019 , Wong and Wai-San Tam 2005 , Wiboonchutikul et al 2016 , (CDC) 2020 , Huh 2020 ). Some of the most important recommendations to consider for IPC include the following (Fig.…”

Health literacy of inland population in the mitigation phase 3.2. of COVID-19's pandemic in Portugal - a descriptive cohort study

“…As well as for other respiratory viruses, respiratory etiquette has a preponderant role in controlling the transmission of an infectious respiratory disease [40][41][42] . Looking at the numbers in our study, the absolute and relative frequencies of subjects who mentioned it as a necessary preventive measure was disappointingly low.…”

Respiratory virus detection among the overseas returnees during the early phase of COVID-19 pandemic in India

“…The initial COVID-19 testing strategy included individuals who had international travel history with symptoms, symptomatic contacts of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients and symptomatic healthcare workers managing respiratory distress/severe acute respiratory illness (SARI) 3 . Throat and nasal swabs collected from the travellers were tested for influenza, other common respiratory viruses [parainfluenza viruses (PIV), Adeno, Rhino, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and human metapneumovirus (hMPV)] along with known human coronaviruses (229E, Oc43, HKU 1 and NL 63) 4 in addition to the SARS-CoV-2 as per WHO guidelines 5 . A total of 362 clinical samples were received during January 22 to February 29, 2020 collected at the airport screening centre and a few samples of the SARS-CoV-2 suspected overseas returnees developing signs and symptoms were referred by the State Health department from 24 States.…”

“…A total of 362 clinical samples were received during January 22 to February 29, 2020 collected at the airport screening centre and a few samples of the SARS-CoV-2 suspected overseas returnees developing signs and symptoms were referred by the State Health department from 24 States. All the specimens were tested by real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) for the following viruses: influenza A [A(H1N1) pdm09 and A(H3N2)], influenza B [B/Yamagata and B/Victoria] along with housekeeping RNaseP gene (CDC, WHO) and RSV A&B, hMPV, PIV 1, 2, 3, 4, rhinovirus and adenovirus including 229E, OC43, HKU1 and NL63 using a protocol described earlier 4 . RNA was extracted using MagMax-96 Viral RNA Isolation kit as per manufacturer's protocol (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Lithuania).…”