Exploring the Possible Phenomenon of Viral Interference Between the Novel Coronavirus and Common Respiratory Viruses.

At the peak of the 2021 wave of the SARS-CoV-2 alpha variant in North America, there was concern for a superimposed wave of viral respiratory infections. There was, however, an apparent shift in the usual epidemiology of these pathogens, especially during the traditional influenza season from approximately October 2020 to March 2021. This article seeks to briefly describe the epidemiology of notable respiratory pathogens during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and to focus on one possible factor for the trends observed. There are many contributory elements to the observed viral trends, but in particular, we present a synopsis of the data supporting the phenomenon of viral interference in relation to the clinically relevant early variants of SARS-CoV-2 (ancestral lineage, alpha, delta, omicron). Viral interference has been implicated in previous pandemics and is currently not well characterized in the setting of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is important to understand this dynamic and its effect on the predominant variants of COVID-19 thus far so that we may appropriately consider its possible influence in patient pathology going forward.

The presentation, etiologies, pathophysiology, and treatment of pulmonary renal syndrome: A review of the literature.

Pulmonary renal syndrome (PRS) is a constellation of different disorders that cause both rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and diffuse alveolar hemorrhage. While antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody associated vasculitis and anti-glomerular basement membrane disease are the predominant causes of PRS, numerous other mechanisms have been shown to cause this syndrome, including thrombotic microangiopathies, drug exposures, and infections, among others. This syndrome has high morbidity and mortality, and early diagnosis and treatment is imperative to improve outcomes. Treatment generally involves glucocorticoids and immunosuppressive agents, but treatment targeted to the underlying disorder can improve outcomes and mitigate side effects. Familiarity with the wide range of possible causes of PRS can aid the clinician in workup, diagnosis and early initiation of treatment. This review provides a summary of the clinical presentation, etiologies, pathophysiology, and treatment of PRS.