HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 seroprevalence and its relationship with the clinical features of COVID-19 patients from Villavicencio, Colombia / Seroprevalencia de HCoV-NL63 y HCoV-HKU1 y su relación con las características clínicas de pacientes con COVID-19 de Villavicencio, Colombia

INTRODUCTION: Due to the cross-reactivity between SARS-CoV-2 and common human coronaviruses, previous infections with these viruses could contribute to serological or cellular cross-protection against severe COVID-19. However, protective immunity may not develop, or pre-existing immunity could increase COVID-19 severity. OBJECTIVE: To determine the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against HCoV-NL63 and HCoV-HKU1 and correlate previous exposure with COVID-19 signs in patients from Villavicencio. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional retrospective study was conducted. ELISA technique was used to search for IgG antibodies against HCoV-NL3 and HCoV-HKU1 in patients with positive RT-qPCR results for SARS-CoV-2. Patients were grouped according to COVID-19 clinical characteristics in four groups: group 1: asymptomatic (n = 23); group 2: hospitalized (n = 24); group 3: intensive care units (n = 24), and group 4: dead (n = 22). RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against HCoV was 74.2% (n = 69; 95% CI: 65.3-83.1), with 66.7% of HCoV-NL63 (n = 62; 95% CI: 57,1-76,2), and 25.8% of HCoV-HKU1 (n = 24; 95% CI: 16,9-34,7). Based on crosstab analysis, prior exposure to HCoV-NL63 was associated with protection against severe COVID-19 (p = 0.042; adjusted OR = 0.159; 95% CI: 0.027-0.938), and previous coinfection of HCoV-NL63 and HCoVHKU1 was considered a positive association to severe COVID-19 (p = 0.048; adjusted OR = 16.704; 95% CI: 1.020 - 273.670). CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first study addressing seroprevalence of HCoV IgG antibodies in Colombia and Latin America. Previous exposure to HCoV-NL63 could protect against severe COVID-19, whereas patients with underlying HCoV-NL63 and HCoVHKU1 coinfection could be hospitalized with severe signs of COVID-19.

Introducción: Debido a la reactividad cruzada entre SARS-CoV-2 y los coronavirus humanos comunes, las infecciones previas con estos virus podrían contribuir a la protección cruzada serológica o celular contra la COVID-19 grave. Sin embargo, la inmunidad protectora puede no desarrollarse o la inmunidad preexistente podría generar COVID-19 grave. Objetivo: Determinar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG frente a HCoV-NL63 y HCoVHKU1, y correlacionar su previa exposición con los signos de COVID-19 en pacientes de Villavicencio. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo observacional analítico y transversal. Se utilizó la técnica ELISA para buscar anticuerpos IgG contra HCoV-NL3 y HCoV-HKU1 en pacientes con resultado positivo de RT-qPCR para SARS-CoV-2. Los pacientes se agruparon según los signos de COVID-19 en cuatro grupos: grupo 1: asintomáticos (n = 23); grupo 2: hospitalizados (n = 24); grupo 3: unidad de cuidados intensivos (n = 24), y grupo 4: fallecidos (n = 22). Resultados: La seroprevalencia general de IgG anti-HCoV fue de 74.2 % (n = 69; IC95%: 65,3-83,1), con 66,7 % de HCoV-NL63 (n = 62; IC95% :57,1-76,2) y 25,8 % de HCoV-HKU1 (n = 24; [IC95%:16,9-34,7). Según el análisis de las tablas de contingencia, la exposición previa a HCoV-NL63 se asoció con protección de una COVID-19 grave (p = 0,042; OR ajustado = 0,159; IC95%: 0,027-0,938) y la previa coinfección de HCoV-NL63 y HCoV-HKU1 se asoció con padecimiento de signos clínicos graves por COVID-19 (p = 0,048; OR ajustado = 16,704; IC95%: 1,020- 73,670). Conclusión: Según la literatura revisada hasta la fecha, este es el primer estudio sobre la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos IgG de HCoV en Colombia y Latinoamérica. La exposición previa a HCoV-NL63 podría proteger contra la COVID-19 grave, mientras que los pacientes con coinfección subyacente de HCoV-NL63 y HCoV-HKU1 podrían resultar hospitalizados con signos graves de COVID-19.

Exploring the Spike-hACE 2 Residue-Residue Interaction in Human Coronaviruses SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and HCoV-NL63.

Coronaviruses (CoVs) have been responsible for three major outbreaks since the beginning of the 21st century, and the emergence of the recent COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in considerable efforts to design new therapies against coronaviruses. Thus, it is crucial to understand the structural features of their major proteins related to the virus-host interaction. Several studies have shown that from the seven known CoV human pathogens, three of them use the human Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (hACE-2) to mediate their host's cell entry: SARS-CoV-2, SARS-CoV, and HCoV-NL63. Therefore, we employed quantum biochemistry techniques within the density function theory (DFT) framework and the molecular fragmentation with conjugate caps (MFCC) approach to analyze the interactions between the hACE-2 and the spike protein-RBD of the three CoVs in order to map the hot-spot residues that form the recognition surface for these complexes and define the similarities and differences in the interaction scenario. The total interaction energy evaluated showed a good agreement with the experimental binding affinity order: SARS-2 > SARS > NL63. A detailed investigation revealed the energetically most relevant regions of hACE-2 and the spike protein for each complex, as well as the key residue-residue interactions. Our results provide valuable information to deeply understand the structural behavior and binding site characteristics that could help to develop antiviral therapeutics that inhibit protein-protein interactions between CoVs S protein and hACE-2.

Fracaso multiorgánico secundario a infección por coronavirus no COVID-19 / Multiple-organ failure as a result of non-COVID-19 coronavirus infection

Las infecciones por coronavirus son habituales en los pacientes pediátricos. Por lo general, producen un cuadro clínico leve de infección del tracto respiratorio superior que no suele afectar a los pulmones, salvo en prematuros y niños con enfermedades crónicas de base. Excepcionalmente, afectan a otros órganos (corazón, cerebro, tracto gastrointestinal) e incrementan su gravedad.En relación con la coincidencia temporal con el inicio de la actual pandemia por el nuevo beta coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsable de su enfermedad asociada (COVID-19), se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 5 años con fracaso multiorgánico y secuelas neurológicas por afectación bulbar y trombosis vascular ocasionados por un alfa coronavirus (CoV-NL63) debido a su gravedad y excepcionalidad

Coronavirus infections (CoV) are common in pediatric patients. In general, they produce a mild clinical presentation consisting of an upper respiratory tract infection that does not usually infect the lungs, with the exception of preterm infants and children with chronic diseases. These infections exceptionally affect other organs (heart, brain, gastrointestinal tract), thus increasing their severity.In relation to the temporal coincidence with the beginning of the current situation of pandemic by the new beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for its associated disease (COVID-19), this study presents a clinical case of a 5-year-old patient showing multiple-organ failure and neurological sequelae due to bulbar injury and vascular thrombosis caused by an alpha coronavirus (CoV-NL63) due to its severity and exceptionality

Multiple-organ failure as a result of non-COVID-19 coronavirus infection. / Fracaso multiorgánico secundario a infección por coronavirus no COVID-19.

Coronavirus infections (CoV) are common in pediatric patients. In general, they produce a mild clinical presentation consisting of an upper respiratory tract infection that does not usually infect the lungs, with the exception of preterm infants and children with chronic diseases. These infections exceptionally affect other organs (heart, brain, gastrointestinal tract), thus increasing their severity. In relation to the temporal coincidence with the beginning of the current situation of pandemic by the new beta coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 responsible for its associated disease (COVID-19), this study presents a clinical case of a 5-year-old patient showing multiple-organ failure and neurological sequelae due to bulbar injury and vascular thrombosis caused by an alpha coronavirus (CoV-NL63) due to its severity and exceptionality.

Las infecciones por coronavirus son habituales en los pacientes pediátricos. Por lo general, producen un cuadro clínico leve de infección del tracto respiratorio superior que no suele afectar a los pulmones, salvo en prematuros y niños con enfermedades crónicas de base. Excepcionalmente, afectan a otros órganos (corazón, cerebro, tracto gastrointestinal) e incrementan su gravedad. En relación con la coincidencia temporal con el inicio de la actual pandemia por el nuevo beta coronavirus (SARSCoV- 2), responsable de su enfermedad asociada (COVID-19), se presenta el caso clínico de un paciente de 5 años con fracaso multiorgánico y secuelas neurológicas por afectación bulbar y trombosis vascular ocasionados por un alfa coronavirus (CoVNL63) debido a su gravedad y excepcionalidad.

More than just a common cold: Endemic coronaviruses OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E associated with severe acute respiratory infection and fatality cases among healthy adults.

Respiratory viral infection can cause severe disease and hospitalization, especially among children, the elderly, and patients with comorbidities. In Brazil, the official surveillance system of severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) investigates influenza A (IAV) and B (IBV) viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), adenovirus (HAdV), and parainfluenza viruses (hPIV 1-3). In Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil, many fatalities associated with SARI between 2013 and 2017 occurred among patients without underlying diseases and for whom the causative agent had not been identified using official protocols. This cross-sectional study analyzed the presence of coronaviruses (HCoV), bocavirus (HBoV), metapneumovirus (hMPV), and rhinovirus in patients who died of SARI despite not having comorbidities, and that were negative for IAV, IBV, RSV, HAdV, and hPIV. Nasopharyngeal aspirates/swabs from patients were used for nucleic acid extraction. The presence of HCoVs OC43, HKU1, NL63, and 229E; HBoV; hMPV; and rhinovirus was assessed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. Clinical data were also analyzed. Between 2013 and 2017, 16 225 cases of SARI were reported in RS; 9.8% of the patients died; 20% of all fatal cases were patients without comorbidities and for whom no pathogen was detected using standard protocols. Analysis of 271 of these cases identified HCoV in nine cases; HBoV, hMPV, and rhinovirus were detected in 3, 3, and 10 cases, respectively. Of note, patients infected with HCoV were adults. Results reinforce the importance of including coronaviruses in diagnostic panels used by official surveillance systems because besides their pandemic potential, endemic HCoVs are associated to severe disease in healthy adults.

Infections with human coronaviruses NL63 and OC43 among hospitalised and outpatient individuals in São Paulo, Brazil.

The incidence and clinical features of human coronaviruses (HCoVs) among Brazilian patients with respiratory illness are not well known. We investigated the prevalence of HCoVs among Brazilian outpatients and hospitalised patients with respiratory illnesses during 2009 and 2010. To identify the HCoVs, pancoronavirus and species-specific reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction assays were performed. Five of 394 samples were positive for HCoVs (1.2%): 1/182 (0.5%) outpatients and 4/212 (1.8%) hospitalised patients. The OC43 and NL63 HCoVs were identified. Two patients were admitted to the intensive care unit. Underlying chronic disease was reported in cases and one diabetic adult died. HCoVs can cause lower respiratory infections and hospitalisation. Patients with pre-existing conditions and respiratory infections should be evaluated for HCoV infections.

Human coronavirus NL-63 infection in a Brazilian patient suspected of H1N1 2009 influenza infection: description of a fatal case.

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) cause upper respiratory tract and occasionally lower respiratory tract diseases. The recently described human coronavirus NL63 has not been well investigated among Brazilian patients. We reported the clinical course of an HCoV-NL63 infection in a hospitalised patient suspected of H1N1 2009 infection during the second pandemic wave of influenza activity. A 46-year-old female, health care worker with diabetes and presenting with influenza-like illness (ILI) was admitted to the hospital. During 9 days of influenza-like symptoms, the patient had diabetes decompensation, haemorrhagic pneumonia, rhabdomyolysis, respiratory and renal failure, pericarditis, and brain edema and died. HCoV-NL63 may be a causative agent of previously unexplained respiratory illnesses.