Convergence between global BCG vaccination and COVID-19 pandemic.

The novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has kept the whole world in tenterhooks due to its severe life-threatening infectious disease, COVID-19. The virus is distinct from its cousins, SARS-CoV and MERS-CoV in terms of severity of the infection. The obligated killing properties of the SARS-CoV-2 virus is mediated by its unique structure. Efforts for developing vaccines for COVID-19 are ongoing, but it is unlikely to be available in the immediate future. Due to the absence of precise treatment, the investigators are discovering other effective, protective, and healing choices. However, the lower than a predictable number of SARS-CoV-2 cases in countries with fragile health systems is mystifying. Recently, there has been a buzz about the protective effect of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in COVID-19 through long-term boosting of trained immunity. Based on epidemiological correlations, we link up that BCG vaccination adopted by different countries might influence the SARS-CoV-2 transmission patterns and/or COVID-19 associated mortality through the vaccine's capacity to confer heterologous protection. A number of clinical studies are underway to investigate this possibility but even if they prove effective-many questions will remain. Moreover, responsible stewardship of the BCG vaccine in the context of the COVID-19 epidemic is directly needed.

Recurring food source-based Listeria outbreaks in the United States: An unsolved puzzle of concern?

Recurring Listeria outbreaks in the United States is a growing public healthcare concern. Although no associated reported death, 17 were hospitalized out of the 18 reported illnesses in the recent outbreak in 15 US states. The United States has experienced about 30 Listeria outbreaks in the last decade with 524 Listeriosis cases and 80 deaths. The identified origin were ice cream, leafy greens, mushroom, meat slice, dairy products like cheese, packaged salads, cooked chicken, hard-boiled egg, pork product, frozen vegetable, raw milk, packaged caramel apple, bean sprout and soya products. Although rare, Listeria may lead to serious illness (invasive listeriosis) or death. Listeriosis is critically harmful and medically complicated, especially in the pregnant, the old above 65 years and in the immunocompromised. It could cause premature birth, miscarriage or even neonatal death. Hospitalization is often necessary in the geriatric, being fatal at times. Among Listeria sp., Listeria monocytogenes is often human infection-associated. It is a gram-positive, non-sporulating, motile bacillus opportunistic pathogen. Food-borne listeriosis is often associated with frozen foods due to its ability to thrive at low temperatures. Hypervirulent strains of L. monocytogenes with an ability to infect the respiratory system (the lungs) was recently reported in the coronavirus disease-19 patients during the pandemic. L. monocytogenes seemed to have developed antimicrobial resistance to ciprofloxacin and meropenem, possibly acquired through the food chain. An early onset of listeriosis in the newborn is evident in the first 7 days postparturition. As the bacteria colonize the genitourinary tract, majority of such cases result from teratogenic transfer during vaginal delivery. Premature newborns, neonates born outside healthcare facilities and low-birth-weight babies were increasingly predisposed to an early onset of listeriosis. Listeria outbreaks were earlier reported in South Africa, Australia and Europe, with an unclear origin of the outbreaks. Social media updates about such outbreaks, the most likely food source, and measures to self-protect are suggested as preventive measures. The article deals on various such aspects related to listeriosis primarily originating from food, to ensure better public healthcare and human wellness.

Exploration of sex-specific and age-dependent COVID-19 fatality rate in Bangladesh population.

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory tract infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health emergency and a threat the entire world. The COVID-19 shows a wide spectrum of clinical presentations, severity, and fatality rates. Although the fatal outcomes of the COVID-19 pandemic are evident in all age groups, the most devastating impact on the health consequences and death from COVID-19 are associated with older adults, especially older men. COVID-19 pandemic is affecting different countries in the world especially in the 65+ years age male group. In fact, several genes involved into the regulation of the immune system are strategically placed on the X-chromosome and trigger a gendered mediated antiviral fight. The aim of this study is to explore and exploit whether a relationship exists between male sex and COVID-19 mortality and the relationship is age dependent. Herein we discuss the possible role of physiological and immunological sex differences into the higher morbidity and mortality of SARS-CoV-2 between females and males. Deciphering gender differences in COVID-19 offers a window into the principles of immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection and this information on ageing dependent gender disparity might contribute to our current understanding of COVID-19 infection and disease treatment.