Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis following the COVID-19 Vaccine Sinopharm in low- and middle-income country: a case report.

Introduction and importance: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and various vaccines against it have been developed. Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) is a disease of the central nervous system that cause inflammation and demyelination and manifests as a multi-symptom acute neurological condition. Although infections are usually the cause of ADEM, vaccines may cause 5-10% of cases. Case presentation: A 40-year-old woman had received a second dose of the Sinopharm COVID-19 vaccine 4 months before her visit and experienced sudden gait imbalance and vertigo a day after her vaccination, which lasted for more than a month. On examination, no signs of skin bruising or bleeding were observed, and her vital signs were within the normal range. On neurological assessment, the patient had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 14/15 (E4V5M5), had normal pupil size and light reaction, normal fundus, normal deep tendon reflexes and bilateral extensor plantar response. Meningeal symptoms were absent, and SARS-CoV-2 RNA tests using NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) were negative. Development of central nervous system (CNS) manifestations during the recovery phase of fever, along with typical MRI findings; the diagnosis of para-infectious ADEM with COVID-19 vaccination was made. After the treatment with methylprednisolone sodium succinate injection, the patient showed improvement. Clinical discussion: ADEM associated with post-vaccinations is a rare condition. There has been growing evidence that shared epitopes between neuronal proteins and SARS-CoV-2 antigens may trigger autoimmune reactions against the CNS through molecular mimicry as its pathogenesis. Conclusion: We suggest the need for a strict vaccine safety monitoring system and post-vaccine monitoring and surveillance.

Concerns over cardiovascular manifestations associated with monkeypox immunization: a literature review.

Following the recent surge in monkeypox cases worldwide, vaccines have gained popularity due to their protective role against the disease in the absence of specific pharmacological therapies for the disease. This article explores the possible challenges associated with the treatment and prevention of monkeypox with special emphasis on cardiovascular concerns relating to vaccines, warranting further investigation and research. Methods: Multiple electronic databases from inception till October 2022 were searched to find articles reporting the cardiovascular adverse events associated with monkeypox immunization. Results: Smallpox vaccines ACAM2000, JYNNEOS, and modified vaccinia Ankara have been used for monkeypox. ACAM2000 has been reported to have major cardiovascular adverse events such as myocarditis, dilated cardiomyopathy, and heart failure. Whereas JYNNEOS and modified vaccinia Ankara are associated with minor cardiovascular adverse events such as tachycardia, palpitation, electrocardiogram changes such as T wave inversion, and ST elevation. Conclusions: Despite having cardiovascular issues with the existing vaccines, clinicians and public health experts should measure the risk benefit aspect of smallpox vaccines to decide whether to go for mass immunization or not. Based on the lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, immunization will be a better strategy to halt the monkeypox spread throughout the globe. However, further research is needed to determine the exact incidence and susceptibility to develop cardiovascular complications among monkeypox immunized individuals.

Exploring the possible therapeutic role of influenza vaccine in chronic kidney disease patients.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible change in kidney function and structure with a prevalence of about 9.1% worldwide. Toxins and heavy metal exposure, as well as hypertension and diabetes mellitus, are common causes of CKD. Despite extensive therapeutic options such as renal replacement therapy and renal transplants, most changes in kidney function remain irreversible, causing lifelong morbidity and affecting the quality of life of patients. Increased susceptibility to infections as well as serious complications from influenza, is a major cause of concern in nephrological care. Therefore, it is imperative to consider the protective role of influenza vaccination against seasonal influenza, which can worsen preexisting kidney dysfunction. This commentary explores a possible relationship between the influenza vaccine and patient outcomes in CKD in terms of complications, hospitalization, and possibly prognostic improvements in patient outcomes from CKD.

Urogenital myiasis in a post-menopausal rural woman: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Genital myiasis in females is a parasitic infection of the vulval region with the larva of various files species. Only a few cases of urogenital myiasis have been reported in the literature. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case of 55 years postmenopausal, farmer female otherwise healthy presenting to the outpatient department with complaints of maggots and severe itching in the vulval region. Examination revealed erythema in the labia major and groin without lymphadenopathy. In the vaginal examination; inflammation and a large number of maggots were observed in the urethral meatus, labia minora, and vaginal canal, progressing to the cervix. With this, she was diagnosed to be a case of urogenital myiasis. She was managed with the extraction of maggots using turpentine oil, along with broad-spectrum antibiotics and Foleys catheterization for a week. Later during follow up, she was asymptomatic and examination revealed no maggots, and the lesions were healed. CLINICAL DISCUSSION: Extraction of maggots along with symptomatic management is the mainstay of treatment of myiasis. A significant number of the adult population in the rural areas of developing countries are illiterate and are not familiarized with education regarding genital hygiene. So, along with physicians, policy makers should also be involved in public awareness for genital hygiene. CONCLUSION: Despite being rare, urogenital myiasis is preventable and treatable condition. Efforts at increasing genital hygiene awareness in a low resource country are utmost for its prevention.

Cholera amid COVID-19: Call from three nations; India, Bangladesh, and Nepal.

Covid-19 was a major pandemic of the 21st century that flinched away every individual worldwide. The extensive impact of this rapidly spreading deadly virus doomed the health care systems with the unexpected wave wreaked havoc leading to a global health crisis. It has been a high burden on the functioning existing medical system, overloads health professionals, disruption of the medical supply chain. The economy of the nations has been at losses with a significant slowing down in revenue growth over the past 2 years. After taking its toll, drawing away other diseases including cholera. The three developing nations; India, Bangladesh and Nepal, are now at the verge of facing an outbreak of Cholera. It is not surprising to hear cholera in this nation but the fact that its negligence due to Covid-19 pandemic and monkeypox along with a crumbled health system due to the pandemic has made these nations vulnerable for health crisis. Along with this three nations, cholera has made its way to different parts of this globe and it is high time that attention must be drawn towards it as mismanagement could even cause life.

Association of asthma and herpes zoster, the role of vaccination: A literature review.

Herpes Zoster (HZ) is the reactivation of a previous infection with varicella-zoster virus (VZV) which shares the same mode of transmission as HZ. It presents with painful erythematous vesicles in a dermatome which is characterized by a burning sensation before and after the rash. Any conditions with suppressed cellular immunity example diabetes mellitus, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, cardiovascular diseases, chronic steroid uses, malignancy, etc. causes reactivation of the virus. Impaired immune responses in asthma patients either in any age group may increase their susceptibility to HZ infection owing to skewed Th1/Th2 immunity, resulting in predominant Th2 conditions and an unwarranted Th2 cell response against respiratory allergens. Similarly, many studies have delineated the association of asthma with HZ. However, the relation between steroid use in asthma and HZ is uncertain, its immunosuppressive effect might be responsible for increased susceptibility to the infection. As HZ increases the economic burden and morbidity, its prevention should use vaccines. There are two types of Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved vaccine available against HSV one of which is given as a single dose vaccine called Zostavax, for people 50-59 years but its efficacy falls after 3rd dose and on the subsequent 4th dose and is also contraindicated in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, pregnancy and people taking immunosuppressive drugs. Shingrix is preferred by FDA which is a two doses vaccine that is given 6 months apart for people above 50 years and to immunocompromised people. Hence, proper counseling and education about the risks of herpes should be informed to the patients with timely utilization of the vaccine.

The scenario of self-medication practices during the covid-19 pandemic; a systematic review.

Background: Self-medication association with an ongoing pandemic is evident in the studies conducted throughout the world. To summarize the findings of previous papers, we carried out a systematic review to observe the current scenario of self-medication during COVID-19. Methodology: Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, MedRxiv preprints, SciELO Preprints, google, and google scholar were searched using keywords related to the topic. Studies reporting original data and assessing the self-medication practices during Covid-19 were included. Results: A total of 660 papers were collected and 14 cross-sectional studies among them were finalized from 12 different countries after apposite screening processes. Our study measured that during the COVID-19 pandemic, there was a 44.786% prevalence of self-medication. Analgesics, antibiotics, and nutritional supplements were commonly practiced drugs. Pharmacy and hospital outlets were the main sources of the drugs. Fever, sore throat, body ache (muscle pain), and flu or cough were among the most frequently recorded illnesses; treatment and prevention of COVID-19 were the main culprit behind self-medication. During COVID-19, the major factors associated with self-medication were fear, anxiety, and perception regarding COVID-19. Thus, in this pandemic, fear, anxiety, and rumors regarding immunity boosters, nutritional supplements, financial burden, and easy accessibility to even non-OTC drugs; all have their fair share in self-medication practices. Conclusion: As there was heterogeneity regarding COVID-19 and self-medication found among the assessed studies, educating general people about safe self-medication practices, hazards of superfluous drug usage, and provision of an affordable quality-health system should become a priority, especially in low and middle-income countries.

Cefixime induced Steven Johnson syndrome: A case report from Bangladesh.

Introduction: Stevens Jonson syndrome, a type IV mediated hypersensitivity reaction is a rare mucocutaneous disorder accounting for <10% of TBSA. It affects skin, oral mucosa, eyes, esophagus, mouth, pharynx, larynx, skin and genitals. SJS is caused mainly due to drugs, infectious agents, immunization, and radiation therapy. Presentation of case: We present a case of a 40 years old male who developed SJS after being administered cefixime for a short period. Given the patient's past profile, he was admitted due to RTA and was under treatment with cefixime. Irrespective of any symptoms of SJS in the past, he started developing symptoms soon after being treated with cefixime giving us a clue about cefixime-induced SJS. Discussion: Steven-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) are opposite ends of a spectrum of diseases arising usually from an adverse reaction to medications. The most common drug reactions include penicillin in antibiotics, carbamazepine in antiepileptics and allopurinol in gout treatment in the Asian community. In our case, the patient was under Cefixime for 6 days after which cutaneous manifestations were seen. SJS is a fatal condition, with a global mortality rate stretching between 10% and 34%. The first step in its management is to identify the culprit drug and stop its use. Other is symptomatic, with special attention to airway and hemodynamic stability, wound care, and pain alleviation measures. Medical therapy include corticosteroids, cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), and TNF- α inhibitors. Conclusion: Cephalosporin group, like cefixime, is a commonly prescribed drug in developing countries due to its efficacy and cost-effectiveness. Therefore, physicians must beforehand be mindful of the consequences of its use and advice patients to visit the hospital with even the slightest cutaneous manifestation.

Epilepsy associated tuberous sclerosis; a case report from Bangladesh.

Tuberous sclerosis or Bourneville's disease is a rare autosomal dominant disease affecting many organs like the brain, heart, lungs, eyes, kidneys and skin. It is characterized by neurological manifestation like epilepsy, cutaneous changes and the formation of benign lesions in multiple organs. The symptoms are apparent only in late childhood, which limits the early diagnosis in infancy. Here, we report a case of a 15 year old female child with tuberous sclerosis.