The effects of 105 biological, socioeconomic, behavioral, and environmental factors on the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of COVID-19: a prospective, explorative cohort study

Review Substance Abuse

The association of smoking status with SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization and mortality from COVID-19: a living rapid evidence review with Bayesian meta-analyses (version 7)

David Simons et al.

Summary: The study shows that current smokers have a lower risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection compared to never smokers, while former smokers have a higher risk of hospitalization, disease severity, and mortality from COVID-19.

ADDICTION (2021)

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Review Hematology

The impact of ABO blood group on COVID-19 infection risk and mortality: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Nanyang Liu et al.

Summary: The study indicated that individuals with blood group A and B have a significantly higher risk of COVID-19, while individuals with blood group O are less prone to develop the disease. Additionally, blood group A is associated with an increased risk of COVID-19 mortality.

BLOOD REVIEWS (2021)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Risk factors of the severity of COVID-19: A meta-analysis

Abdur Rahman et al.

Summary: Through meta-analysis, it was found that being male, having hypertension, diabetes, fatigue or myalgia, and a history of smoking may be potential risk factors for the severity of COVID-19.

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PRACTICE (2021)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Nationwide seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and identification of risk factors in the general population of the Netherlands during the first epidemic wave

Eric R. A. Vos et al.

Summary: During the first epidemic wave, the overall seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in the Netherlands was estimated to be 2.8%, with the highest rates among 18-39 year-olds and the lowest among children aged 2-17. Those taking immunosuppressants and individuals from the Orthodox-Reformed Protestant community had higher odds of being seropositive. Anosmia/ageusia was the most discriminative symptom between seropositive and seronegative individuals.

JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY AND COMMUNITY HEALTH (2021)

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Article Ecology

The role of balancing selection in maintaining human RhD blood group polymorphism: A preregistered cross-sectional study

Jaroslav Flegr et al.

Summary: This study suggests that RhD polymorphism may be maintained by heterozygote advantage, and balancing selection may play an important role in human evolution.

JOURNAL OF EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY (2021)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Demographic risk factors for COVID-19 infection, severity, ICU admission and death: a meta-analysis of 59 studies

Bart G. Pijls et al.

Summary: A systematic review and meta-analysis showed that men and patients aged 70 and above have a higher risk for COVID-19 infection, severe disease, ICU admission, and death. The study included 59 studies comprising 36,470 patients, with men having a higher risk for infection and severe disease, while patients aged 70 and above having a higher risk for all outcomes once infected.

BMJ OPEN (2021)

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Review Medicine, General & Internal

Face Mask Use in the Community for Reducing the Spread of COVID-19: A Systematic Review

Daniela Coclite et al.

Summary: The findings of the review and meta-analysis support the effectiveness of wearing face masks in a community setting to reduce infection rates and mortality. The filtration efficiency of masks depends on the materials used, and in the best-case scenario, mask efficacy is crucial in reducing transmission.

FRONTIERS IN MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Parasitology

Toxoplasmosis is a risk factor for acquiring SARS-CoV-2 infection and a severe course of COVID-19 in the Czech and Slovak population: a preregistered exploratory internet cross-sectional study

Jaroslav Flegr

Summary: Latent toxoplasmosis, a lifelong infection affecting a large segment of the human population, is found to have significant impact on the risk and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection, while cat-keeping in multi-member families may serve as a vector for the transmission of the virus within households.

PARASITES & VECTORS (2021)

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Article Veterinary Sciences

SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Dogs and Cats: Facts and Speculations

Nicola Decaro et al.

FRONTIERS IN VETERINARY SCIENCE (2021)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Assessment of Seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 and Risk Factors Associated With COVID-19 Infection Among Outpatients in Virginia

Elizabeth T. Rogawski McQuade et al.

Summary: This statewide study in Virginia found that 2.4% of adults had been exposed to SARS-CoV-2, significantly higher among Hispanic individuals, those living in multifamily units, and those in contact with confirmed COVID-19 cases. Most infections were asymptomatic, indicating a largely immunologically naive population in Virginia as of August 2020.

JAMA NETWORK OPEN (2021)

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Article Nutrition & Dietetics

Increased risk for COVID-19 in patients with vitamin D de fi ciency

Joseph Katz et al.

Summary: The study reveals a significant association between vitamin D deficiency and increased risk of COVID-19 infection, with deficient patients being more susceptible to the virus. Testing for vitamin D levels in patients may play a crucial role in the prevention and control of COVID-19.

NUTRITION (2021)

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Review Virology

Current State of Knowledge about Role of Pets in Zoonotic Transmission of SARS-CoV-2

Mateusz Drozdz et al.

Summary: Pets are crucial for human emotional and social development, but questions regarding the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 to and from pets remain. Research on SARS-CoV-2 transmission pathways and animal models is ongoing to provide a better understanding of the virus.

VIRUSES-BASEL (2021)

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Article Medicine, General & Internal

Risk Factors of Infection, Hospitalization and Death from SARS-CoV-2: A Population-Based Cohort Study

Jesus Castilla et al.

Summary: This prospective study in Spain found that certain demographic factors and chronic conditions were associated with higher risks of SARS-CoV-2 infection, hospitalization, and death. It identified groups such as the older population, nursing home residents, and individuals with specific health conditions as priorities for COVID-19 prevention and vaccination. The study also highlighted the need for additional support for immigrants in terms of preventive measures.

JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE (2021)

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Article Public, Environmental & Occupational Health

Jobs, Housing, and Mask Wearing: Cross-Sectional Study of Risk Factors for COVID-19

Eline M. van den Broek-Altenburg et al.

Summary: This study focuses on the prevalence of COVID-19 in an asymptomatic population within a hospital service area (HSA) and identifies factors that affect exposure to the virus. The results show that a higher number of daily contacts with adults and older adults increases the probability of infection, while occupation, living situation, and mask-wearing behaviors can also impact the number of daily contacts. The findings suggest that nonclinical factors such as behavior and living environment may contribute to increased SARS-CoV-2 exposure.

JMIR PUBLIC HEALTH AND SURVEILLANCE (2021)

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Article Immunology