Host genetic variation has been recognized as a key predictor of diverse clinical sequelae among severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-infected patients. Insights into the link between the Interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R) and Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) genetic variation and severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are crucial for developing new predictors and therapeutic targets. We aimed to investigate the association of IL-6R rs12083537, IL-1β rs16944, and IL-1β rs1143634 SNPs with the severity of COVID-19. Our study was conducted on 300 COVID-19-negative individuals (control group) and 299 COVID-19-positive cases, classified into mild, moderate, and severe subgroups. Analyses of IL-1β (rs16944, rs1143634) and IL-6R (rs12083537) SNPs’ genotypes were performed using qPCR genotyping assays. The IL-1β (rs16944) CC genotype and IL-6R (rs12083537) GG genotype were substantially related to COVID-19 severity, which was also associated with comorbidities and some laboratory parameters (p < 0.001). The IL-1β (rs1143634) TT genotype was found to be protective. Likewise, the IL-1β (rs16944) CC genotype was associated with increased mortality. IL-1β rs16944 and IL-6R rs12083537 SNPs are promising potential predictors of SARS-CoV-2 disease severity. Meanwhile, the rs1143634 SNP T allele was protective against severity and mortality risk.

Signal joint T cell receptor excision circles (sjTRECs) are a promising marker for age estimation and immunosenescence in different ethnic groups. Several limitations are expected to overshadow their use as accurate markers for age prediction. The current study was conducted to determine the influence of immunologic disorders, such as autoimmune diseases and COVID-19, on the accuracy of sjTRECs as molecular markers for age estimation and immunosenescence among living Egyptians. Peripheral blood sjTRECs level was measured by qPCR in 90 autoimmune patients, 58 COVID-19 patients, and 85 healthy controls. The mean dCt values were significantly (p = 0.0002) different between the three groups, with the highest values in healthy subjects, followed by autoimmune and COVID-19 patients. A significant negative correlation was identified between the sjTRECs levels and ages in all studied cases. There were significant positive correlations between chronological age and predicted age for healthy individuals, autoimmune, and COVID-19 patients with mean absolute deviations (MAD) of 9.40, 11.04, and 9.71, respectively. The two patients’ groups exhibited early immunosenescence, which was more noticeable among the young adults with COVID-19 and autoimmune patients of age range (18–49 years). Autoimmunity may represent a critical factor impacting the accuracy of sjTRECs quantitation for age prediction.

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation, cartilage destruction, and disability. Activation of the nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptor (NLR) family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and its adaptor protein PYCARD (ASC) plays a crucial role in pathogenesis by promoting the release of interleukin-1β and IL-18, and pyroptotic cell death. Genetic variations such as the NLRP3 rs4612666 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) may influence the activity and susceptibility to RA. Understanding the interplay between serum PYCARD levels and NLRP3 gene polymorphisms could provide insights into RA prognosis. Aim: This study aimed to investigate the association between serum PYCARD levels and NLRP3 rs4612666 polymorphism with RA susceptibility and disease activity. Methodology: This comparative cross-sectional study included 21 RA patients and 21 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Serum PYCARD levels were quantified using Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay. Genotyping of the NLRP3 rs4612666 polymorphism was performed using Polymerase Chain Reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Results: Serum PYCARD levels were significantly higher in RA patients compared to controls and positively correlated with disease activity and inflammatory markers. The NLRP3 rs4612666 CC genotype was associated with increased RA susceptibility and higher disease activity scores, while the TT genotype appeared protective. Multivariate analysis revealed that serum PYCARD and the CC genotype are potential predictors of RA and its activity. Conclusion: Elevated serum PYCARD and NLRP3 rs4612666 SNP are strongly associated with RA susceptibility and disease activity. These markers may serve as tools for early diagnosis, prognosis, and personalized therapy in RA.

Background: Normal sexual function is a crucial element of a female sexual and mental health. Disruptions in this function for any reason can lead to emotional and interpersonal communication problems, which may impact other aspects of a woman's life. Many women who suffer from different types of vaginal infections also experience sexual dysfunction. Objective: This study was performed to evaluate the association between aerobic vaginitis (AV) and female sexual dysfunction (FSD). Methodology: A cross-sectional observational study was carried out on 150 females with vaginal infections. A microbiological examination of vaginal samples was done to identify the causative microorganisms using stains, microbiological culture, and biochemical reactions. Female sexual function was measured by the use of the Arabic version of the Female Sexual Function Index (ArFSFI) questionnaire. Results: The most prevalent isolate was Candida (55.3%). Aerobic bacteria were detected in 48.6% either mixed with Candida or as a single infection ( Staph aureus 14.7%, E.coli 10.7%, Klebsiella 8.7%, Strept agalactiae 7.3%, and Neisseria gonorrheae (N gonorrheae 7.3% ). Trichomonas vaginalis (T vaginalis) was only just detected among 2.6 % of the participants. 72.7% of studied females had sexual dysfunction (FSFI score ≤ 26.5). The mean full-scale score was 24.12±3.79. The presence of pain was significantly associated with lower FSFI scores in all other domains. Conclusion: Vaginal infection with various aerobic microorganisms negatively impacted females’ sexual function. Thus, patients with vaginal infections should be assessed prudently for sexual dysfunction to enhance their quality of life.

Background: Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile) is a major cause of morbidities that ranges in severity from asymptomatic infection to antibiotic associated diarrhea (AAD), and pseudomembranous colitis (PMC). It was recognized that C. difficile infection (CDI) is a disease of advanced age with an increasing incidence worldwide. Notably, children are no longer in the safe zone due to increasing risk of associated comorbidities that predispose to a greater incidence of CDI among this age group. Few data are available to describe the incidence and the risk factors associated with CDI among children in the middle east. Objective: To identify the risk factors associated with (CDI) in children. Methodology: A multicenter retrospective case-control study was done to review the data collected electronically from the medical records during the five years of the study period. The adjusted and unadjusted regression analysis were used to identify the risk factors. Results: The odd ratio of developing CDI in children is higher than adults (OR:1.52, 95%CI:1.01-2.28, P = 0.0423). Children with asthma (OR:2.77, 95%CI:1.14-6.76, P=0.0251) and children with Sickle cell disease (SCD) (OR: 6.25, 95%CI: 2.03-19.27, P=0.0014) have higher risk of developing CDI. Conclusion: This study demonstrates a higher risk of developing CDI in hospitalized children. A significant association was found between CDI in children and certain comorbidities such as asthma and SCD.