Coronaviruses - Volume 7, Issue 2, 2026

Some evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic has had negative effects on the mental health status of different sections of society, including the medical staff.

The current study was conducted with the aim of investigating the mental health status of obstetrics and gynecology (OB-GYN) assistants during the COVID-19 pandemic in Iran.

The present cross-sectional study was conducted in 23 hospitals across Iran in 2021 (January-March). Four hundred OB-GYN assistants were randomly and voluntarily enrolled in the study. The instrument used in this study was the 28-item General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28), which had four subscales, including somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression. To collect data and to reach respondents in distant areas, the questionnaires were provided to the OB-GYN assistants by the online platform.

The mean age of the OB-GYN assistants was 32.3±2.6 years, and all were female. Of 400 OB-GYN assistants, 132 (33%) had no distress and 268 (67%) had psychiatric distress. According to subscales scoring, 72 (18%), 68 (17%), 92 (23%) and 64 (16%) had severe distress in somatic symptoms, anxiety/insomnia, social dysfunction and severe depression, respectively.

Considering that more than half of the Iranian OB-GYN assistants had poor mental health, it seems that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative and destructive effect on the mental health of OB-GYN assistants. In this situation, they need psychological support and appropriate intervention.

This review study examines mucormycosis treatment challenges, gaps in medicines, and COVID-19-related effects. This paper examines diagnostic and drug development advances while addressing safety and specificity.

This review study searches PubMed, Web Science, and Scopus for relevant material. Keywords associated with mucormycosis, therapy, diagnosis, medication advancement, and COVID-19 are used to identify pertinent articles. Data extraction summarizes therapeutic obstacles, diagnostic advances, and innovative drug options.

This review article covers mucormycosis therapy, diagnostics, and drug development. It reveals limitations in present medicines, such as selectivity, safety, and resistance mechanisms. Diagnostic advances and mucormycosis in COVID-19 have also been explored.

This review emphasizes the need for more secure, specific mucormycosis therapies. It discusses therapy obstacles, diagnostic advances, and new drug techniques. Overall, this research emphasizes improving mucormycosis therapy to enhance patient outcomes.

COVID-19 is a deadly virus, but there is still no appropriate cure for it. Hence, the target of this study was to estimate the clinical value of thrombocytopenia and other blood parameters in COVID-19 patients referred to Ilam Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital from April and September 2020.

In this cross-sectional study, patients with thrombocytopenia, associated with COVID-19, diagnosed at the Shahid Mostafa Khomeini Hospital in Ilam City during the spring and summer of 2020 were included. A checklist was used to record the hematological indicators of the patients. Further, an analysis of data using SPSS V20 software was performed.

Overall, 66 thrombocytopenic patients were studied. Among patients who succumbed to the disease complications, 40 (67.8%) were male, and 19 (32.2%) were female. Mortality and survival rates were 90% and 10%, respectively.

Due to the high mortality rate of COVID-19 patients with thrombocytopenia, platelet count can be considered a major risk factor, as well as a prognostic and diagnostic indicator in these patients.

Self-care is any activity that establishes and maintains one’s own health and prevents and deals with illnesses. According to the evidence, epidemiological crises affect individuals' mental health. Also, dealing with infertility can lead to mental health issues. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship of self-care knowledge towards the COVID-19 crisis with anxiety and quality of life among infertile women.

A cross-sectional online survey via the social media platform WhatsApp based on convenience sampling of infertile women active in the virtual network was conducted from April to December 2019 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Infertility centers of Shiraz, a metropolis in the South of Iran. Data was collected by demographic and infertility-related questionnaire, self-structured questionnaire of self-care knowledge towards the COVID-19 crisis, Spielberger state anxiety and Fertility Quality of Life questionnaire using Porsline software on a self-report basis. SPSS software IBM company version 20 was used for data analysis.

Most of the participants (62.2%) had average self-care knowledge about COVID-19. There was an inverse, and significant relationship between self-care knowledge of COVID-19 and anxiety of infertile women, i.e., the lower level of self-care knowledge of infertile women towards COVID-19 crisis was associated with a higher level of anxiety (p < 0.05). No significant relationship was found between the level of self-care knowledge of COVID-19 and infertile women’s quality of life (p > 0.05).

Increasing self-care knowledge of COVID-19 among infertile women could affect their mental health. Education and increasing self-care knowledge during pandemics are recommended to manage the anxiety of infertile women and, as a consequence, promoting fertility.

In the face of the rise of COVID-19, the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) associated with COVID-19 has been reported, and an increase in MIS-C cases has been observed throughout the world. The majority of these cases were similar to Kawasaki disease concerning clinical presentation.

Despite similarities, MIS-C cases present clinical and laboratory differentiation, which makes it essential to portray similar cases worldwide to have a better consensus in the future. A 7-year-old male child visited the hospital with the chief complaints of fever associated with chills, rigors, and excessive myalgia for 3 days. He had a history of elevated high C-reactive protein (CRP) of 42.7 mg/L. He was diagnosed with Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS)-grade 3. Here, for the first time, we bring an Indian MIS-C case with COVID-19-associated Paediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS)-grade 3.

PIMS-TS infection in paediatrics is associated with a wider range of complications, and the importance of musculoskeletal complications in PIMS-TS has been discussed.

Global healthcare faces challenges in combating COVID-19, with rising cases despite widespread vaccination. Severe COVID-19 cases, marked by acute respiratory distress and cytokine release syndrome, highlight the importance of managing cytokine storms. Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, such as tofacitinib, show promise in this regard. While tofacitinib is recommended for severe cases, challenges include adverse effects, conflicting studies, and the need for further investigation of new virus strains. Overcoming these hurdles is crucial for developing an effective treatment protocol and reducing COVID-19 mortality.

This study conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science for observational studies on tofacitinib treatment in human adults with COVID-19. The search covered a specified period up to 2024. Data extraction, including study characteristics and quality assessment, employed the Newcastle Ottawa Scale and a modified Cochrane tool. Statistical analysis, conducted with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis Software, assessed heterogeneity and significance levels.

The meta-analysis of the three studies showed a significant reduction in mortality (Risk Ratio: 0.372, 95% CI: 0.213–0.649, p-value = 0.001) with low heterogeneity (Cochrane p-value = 0.793), while no significant reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation was observed (Cochrane p-value = 0.194).

Tofacitinib administration shows a significant reduction in COVID-19 mortality. However, the limited studies on its efficacy highlight the need for cautious interpretation in clinical assessments.

The spectrum of COVID-19 in adults ranges from asymptomatic infection to mild respiratory tract symptoms to severe pneumonia with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and multiorgan dysfunction. In our study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 vaccine on lung involvement and hospitalization.

Cases over the age of 18, who had a history of contact with cases infected with COVID-19 or had clinical findings suggestive of COVID-19, who applied to the emergency department and who were diagnosed with COVID-19 by reverse-transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were included in the study. Age, gender, comorbid diseases, hospitalization status, thorax tomography findings, and vaccination status in the last 3 months of the patients included in the study were obtained by examining the hospital information system and patient files.

Our study included 496 patients. One hundred eighty-three of the cases were vaccinated and 42.6% (n = 78) of the vaccinated patients were male. Of the 313 unvaccinated patients, 36% (n = 113) were male. Comorbid disease was observed in 55.2% (n = 101) of the vaccinated patients and 38.7% (n = 121) of the unvaccinated patients. Of the 313 unvaccinated patients, 72.2% (n = 226) were discharged from the emergency department, 19.8% (n = 62) were admitted to the service, and 8% (n = 25) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Of the 183 vaccinated patients, 78.1% (n = 143) were discharged from the emergency department, 16.4% (n = 30) were admitted to the service, and 5.5% (n = 10) were admitted to the intensive care unit. In the vaccinated patient group, both the service admission rate and the intensive care hospitalization rate were found to be significantly lower than the non-vaccinated patient group (p < 0.05). Thoracic tomography findings of 32.9% (n = 103) of 313 unvaccinated patients were reported as CORADS 1-2-3, and thoracic tomography of the remaining 210 patients was reported as CORADS 4-5. The number of patients whose thorax tomography report was CORADS 4-5 was found to be significantly higher in the unvaccinated group than in the vaccinated group (p < 0.05).

In our study, it was found that vaccination significantly reduced hospitalization in COVID-19 patients. Although the mean age was higher in the vaccinated patient group, both the service admission rate and the intensive care admission rate were found to be lower.

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant influence on several critical industries, including agriculture, education, and the economy. This essay investigates these processes, with a focus on agriculture, where the repercussions have been particularly harsh for poor groups dealing with unpredictable food supplies and food safety.

Along with a critical examination of the shift to digital education systems, the report highlights the major obstacles that lie ahead for regions lacking adequate digital infrastructure and digital literacy. There have been notable disruptions in the economy as well. Manufacturing, the financial markets, and tourism have all seen major downturns.

The study emphasizes the crucial part that following safety measures and boosting immunization campaigns play in mitigating these negative consequences while supporting economic recovery. Also, new technical solutions have emerged throughout this time. The application of drone technology to contactless food delivery is a notable illustration of how creativity can overcome the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Finally, the report recommends the development of specific and rigorous methods to strengthen recovery efforts in these critical areas.

Primary bloodstream infections are most commonly related to health care and are associated with intravascular devices, increasing patient mortality, length of stay, and health care costs. Among the complications of hospitalizations for COVID-19, bloodstream infection is one of the most prevalent, requiring prevention and early treatment. Due to the contingency of hospital resources during the pandemic, understanding the prevalence and incidence of antimicrobial agents that cause bloodstream infections and using exams judiciously are essential public health measures, avoiding the misuse of antimicrobials and being able to establish treatment.

This study aimed to determine the antimicrobial susceptibility profile and the prevalence of etiological agents of bloodstream infections in patients with COVID-19 at the field hospital in the city of São Bernardo do Campo - SP.

A descriptive, observational, and retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out on the results of blood cultures already collected for diagnostic purposes from patients from May to August 2020 at the same hospital.

Of the 300 blood cultures analyzed, 73.7% of the samples showed no bacterial growth. Among the others, the main bacteria found were Klebsiella pneumoniae, sensitive to tigecycline, present in 30 (10%), followed by Staphylococcus sp. (coagulase-negative, non-lugdunensis), sensitive only to doxycycline, gentamicin, tetracycline, and vancomycin, in only 2 (14.3%) samples.

In this study, a low rate of laboratory-confirmed bacterial coinfection was identified in patients with COVID-19.

Although the COVID-19 pandemic has passed, some patients still experience post-COVID-19 symptoms. It has been reported that COVID-19 symptoms can persist for more than three months after recovery.

This study aims to analyze biomarkers, severity, and outcome factors associated with post-COVID-19 symptoms.

This prospective cohort study involves hospitalised COVID-19 patients who were followed for up to 3 months after discharge. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests for MMP-9, TIMP-1, and IL-6 were conducted during hospitalisation and after three months.

We enrolled 76 COVID-19 patients, with a mortality rate of 30.26%. Among them, 55 individuals (30.91%) had no residual symptoms, 54.5% had acute COVID-19, 9.09% had ongoing COVID-19, and 5.45% had long-term COVID-19. Symptomatic post-COVID-19 had oxygen demand and respiratory rates higher than no-symptoms groups. Early IL-6, IL-10, MMP-9, and TIMP-1 were lower in symptomatic post-COVID-19 compared to dead and asymptomatic post-COVID-19 groups. IL-6 and MMP-9 decrease, and TIMP-1 increases after cure. IL-6 significantly still increases in post-COVID-19 symptoms compared to no-symptoms (p=0.01). Patients more than 50 years old and critically ventilated patients are prone to have symptoms post-COVID-19.

More than half of patients suffer from post-COVID-19 symptoms with various related factors. Even though IL-6 decreases after recovery, IL-6 levels are still higher in symptomatic post-COVID-19 patients.

This study aimed to assess the impact of an educational intervention on the cleaning and disinfection processes within a respiratory syndrome unit, serving as a designated facility for COVID-19 patients.

A quasi-experimental design was employed, incorporating a pre-intervention and post-intervention assessment. The evaluation of surfaces involved various monitoring techniques, including Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) testing, colony-forming unit analysis, and visual inspections. All statistical analyses were conducted at a significance level of 5% (p < 0.05).

Following the implementation of the educational intervention, a notable reduction in surface contamination rates was observed. Significant improvements were noted for specific surfaces when utilizing the ATP testing method, including benchtops (p = 0.030), mattresses (p = 0.014), doorknobs (p = 0.014), and armchairs (p = 0.014). Furthermore, a decrease in the total count of aerobic bacteria was observed for benchtops (p = 0.014), mattresses (p = 0.014), and doorknobs (p = 0.014). Visual inspection results also indicated enhancements, with approval rates for benchtops, armchairs, and mattresses rising from 0% before the intervention to 37.5% afterward.

The findings of this study demonstrate substantial improvements in approval rates following the implementation of the educational intervention. Additionally, this research provides valuable insights for the development of ongoing educational initiatives for the healthcare team, incorporating evaluation and feedback mechanisms as well as updates to cleaning and disinfection protocols.

This study presents a comprehensive strategy for combating cholera in Syria, with a focus on clean water initiatives, treatment, surveillance, and vaccination, and the critical role of clean water in halting disease transmission.

The review design has involved a thorough research and review of existing literature and data on cholera outbreaks in Syria. It has also included an analysis of vaccination and treatment options, as well as an exploration of cholera surveillance systems and clean water initiatives.

Key findings have indicated that prioritizing access to clean water through community water management plans and water purification technologies is essential for cholera prevention. Case studies, supported by epidemiological data up to September 2023, have underscored the importance of clean water in stopping cholera spread.

The study has highlighted the urgent need for a comprehensive strategy to protect millions in Syria through enhanced water, sanitation, and vaccination measures. It has advocated for improved cholera surveillance and response systems, along with continued efforts to ensure clean water access for all.

Identifying and treating patients with COVID-19 requires the use of quick and precise laboratory diagnostic techniques that assess the patient's health and identify the illness.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship between hematological and biochemical parameters and length of hospitalization in patients with COVID-19.

This is a cross-sectional study of a descriptive-analytical type, which was conducted by census method on 360 medical records of patients with COVID-19 in Imam Khomeini Hospital in Jiroft in 2022. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics tests.

The average number of days of hospitalization in the present study was 4 days. The rate of COVID-19 was higher in men than in women. The most common underlying diseases in the patients were heart, pulmonary, and diabetes. Among the biochemical parameters, only lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), platelet (PLT), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) parameters had a statistically significant relationship with the total length of hospitalization (p-value<0.001). LDH, AST, ALT, creatinine (Cr), creatine phosphokinase (CPK), blood sugar (BS), total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin parameters were higher than normal in hospitalized patients.

The results showed that there is a relationship between LDH, BUN, AST, ALT, PLT, and ESR parameters and the length of hospitalization of patients. The levels of LDH, AST, ALT, Cr, CPK, BS, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin parameters in patients were higher than normal.

Postpartum depression has a profound impact, both physically and psychologically, on both the mother and her newborn. With a focus on the prevalent psychological complications following the onset of this condition, this study aimed to explore the correlation between antenatal depression and corona disease anxiety, personality traits, and postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This cross-sectional descriptive-analytical study investigated women receiving care at health centers affiliated with Kerman University of Medical Sciences during the last month of their pregnancy and the postpartum period in 2022. Following the acquisition of informed consent, participants were assessed using various measures, including demographic and obstetric information, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and the NEO Personality Inventory-Revised during their third trimester of pregnancy. The same group of participants completed the Edinburgh Depression Scale and the Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS) 4-6 weeks after childbirth.

There was a significant correlation between family income, unwanted pregnancy as perceived by both the mother and father, and antenatal depression. Additionally, marital satisfaction played a significant role in postpartum depression. Furthermore, antenatal depression was significantly associated with neuroticism, agreeableness, and physical symptoms related to corona disease anxiety. Personality traits, with the exception of extroversion and conscientiousness, and various domains of corona disease anxiety, excluding psychological symptoms, were also significantly associated with postpartum depression.

During pandemics or epidemics, such as the COVID-19 outbreak, experiencing mental distress during pregnancy can contribute to mental health issues during the postpartum period. This risk is particularly true in individuals with unique personality traits, emphasizing the need for increased focus on mental health within prenatal care during these crises.

This study aimed to investigate the severity of disease and length of hospital stay for COVID-19 patients admitted to a hospital in Southeastern Iran.

This cross-sectional study was conducted in Kerman, Iran. Data were collected from patients who visited Afzalipour Hospital in Kerman more than twice during the COVID-19 epidemic from the end of February 2020 to March 21, 2021. We conducted two key analyses: 1. Mixed effect logistic regression was used to check the relationship between the variables and COVID-19 severity. 2. Mixed effect linear regression was used to check the relationship between the variables and the length of stay in the hospital.

The findings indicated that the most important risk factors for the severity of COVID-19 were heart diseases (OR=1.67,95% CI:1.20-2.30), increasing age (OR=2.23 for age >54, 95% CI:1.70-2.90), male gender (OR=1.47,95% CI:1.10-1.96), respiratory diseases other than asthma, and frequency of admission (OR=1.60,95% CI:1.20-2.15). All patients who underwent readmission experienced a shorter duration of hospitalization during their subsequent admission (OR=0.94,95% CI:0.91, 0.96) and had a higher mortality rate (30% within 14 days, 26.6% between 14-90 days). Patients readmitted at intervals of 14-90 days and greater than 90 days exhibited lower disease severity compared to those readmitted within the 0-14 day period.

Examining readmissions, the severity of COVID-19, and the length of hospital stay in affected patients are important factors for planning and allocating resources for COVID-19 management and treatment. These factors can help policymakers develop effective clinical guidelines for hospitalization or outpatient treatment of COVID-19 patients and contribute to reducing the burden of disease in the community.