Viral Sepsis: Pathogenesis, Diagnostics and Therapeutics

A special issue of Viruses (ISSN 1999-4915). This special issue belongs to the section "Viral Immunology, Vaccines, and Antivirals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 May 2025 | Viewed by 5886

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor

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Guest Editor
Department of Medicine, University of Patras, Metropolitan General Athens, Rio, Greece
Interests: sepsis; COVID-19; immunology of infection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue, titled "Viral Sepsis: Pathogenesis and Therapeutics", delves into the complex and critical realm of sepsis, a life-threatening condition triggered by a viral infection. We hope that this compilation of articles will bring together cutting-edge research and insights from experts in the field to shed light on the multifaceted aspects of viral sepsis. The Special Issue begins by exploring the pathogenesis of viral sepsis, elucidating the intricate interplay between the virus and the host immune response. It delves into the molecular mechanisms that underlie the dysregulation of the immune system, the cytokine storms, and organ dysfunction that characterize this devastating condition. Furthermore, it will examine the latest diagnostic tools and biomarkers that can aid in the early detection and monitoring of viral sepsis, facilitating timely intervention. One of the central themes of this Special Issue will also be the development of therapeutics for viral sepsis. It presents a comprehensive overview of the current state of antiviral treatments, immunomodulatory strategies, supportive therapies and potential vaccines aimed at mitigating the severity of viral sepsis and improving patient outcomes. Researchers and clinicians alike will find valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities in the quest to develop effective therapies. Additionally, the Special Issue will explore the role of precision medicine in tailoring treatment approaches to individual patients, taking into account their genetic and immunological profiles.

Dr. Karolina Akinosoglou
Prof. Dr. Charalambos Gogos
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • viral sepsis
  • HIV
  • HBV
  • HCV
  • EBV
  • HDV
  • HEV
  • CMV
  • HSV
  • HPV
  • influenza
  • RSV
  • COVID-19
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • other viruses
  • viral infection
  • sepsis
  • pathogenesis
  • diagnosis
  • therapy
  • biomarkers
  • vaccination

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Roma Vulnerable Communities in Western Romania: Insights and Predictive Factors from a Retrospective Study
by Ionut Dragos Capraru, Catalin Marian, Dan Dumitru Vulcanescu, Sonia Tanasescu, Tiberiu Liviu Dragomir, Teodora Daniela Marti, Casiana Boru, Cecilia Roberta Avram, Monica Susan and Cristian Sebastian Vlad
Viruses 2024, 16(3), 435; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16030435 - 12 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1557
Abstract
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected vulnerable populations like Roma patients in Western Romania due to marginalization and limited healthcare access. Methods: A retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 cases between March 2020 and August 2022 using data from the Directorate of Public Health in [...] Read more.
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic disproportionately affected vulnerable populations like Roma patients in Western Romania due to marginalization and limited healthcare access. Methods: A retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 cases between March 2020 and August 2022 using data from the Directorate of Public Health in Timis county. Demographic, epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory data were assessed, along with risk factors and biomarkers for ICU admission and mortality prediction. The following biomarkers were assessed: C-reactive protein (CRP), ferritin (FER), IL-6, D-dimers, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL), and 25-OH vitamin D (25-OHD). Results: In comparison with the general population (GP), Roma patients were more overweight (p = 0.0292), came from rural areas (p = 0.0001), could not recall transmission source (p = 0.0215), were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU, p = 0.0399) more frequently, had worse symptomatology (p = 0.0490), showed more elevated levels of CRP (p = 0.0245) and IL-6 (p < 0.0001) and lower levels of HDL (p = 0.0008) and 25-OHD (p = 0.0299). A stronger, significant correlation was observed between CRP and severity (rho = 0.791 vs. 0.433 in GP), and an inverse stronger significant one was observed between HDL and severity (rho = −0.850 vs. −0.734 in GP) in the Roma patients. The male sex continues to be an important risk factor for ICU admission (OR = 2.379) and death (OR = 1.975), while heavy smoking was more important in relation to ICU admission (OR = 1.768). Although the Roma ethnicity was 1.454 times more at risk of ICU admission than the GP, this did not prove statistically significant (p = 0.0751). CRP was the most important predictive factor in regards to admission to the ICU for both Roma (OR = 1.381) and the GP (OR = 1.110) and in regards to death (OR = 1.154 for Roma, OR = 1.104 for GP). A protective effect of normal values of HDL and 25-OHD was observed in the GP for both ICU admission (OR = 0.947, 0.853, respectively) and death (OR = 0.920, 0.921, respectively), while for the Roma group, normal 25-OHD values were only considered protective in regards to death (OR = 0.703). Cutoff values for ICU admission were 28.98 mg/L for Roma and 29.03 mg/L for GP patients, with high specificity for both groups (over 95). Conclusions: Higher rates of ICU admissions, severe symptomatology, and distinct laboratory biomarker profiles among Roma patients emphasize the critical importance of personalized care strategies and targeted interventions to mitigate the disproportionate burden of COVID-19 on vulnerable communities. CRP values at admission have had a clear impact as a risk assessment biomarker for Roma patients, while the significance of IL-6, HDL, and 25-OHD should also not be overlooked in these patients. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Sepsis: Pathogenesis, Diagnostics and Therapeutics)

Review

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18 pages, 443 KiB  
Review
Macrophage Activation Syndrome in Viral Sepsis
by Despoina Papageorgiou, Charalambos Gogos and Karolina Akinosoglou
Viruses 2024, 16(7), 1004; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16071004 - 22 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1962
Abstract
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome triggered by various infections, particularly viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancy. The condition is characterized by an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines resulting in a cytokine storm and has been associated with poor [...] Read more.
Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a life-threatening systemic hyperinflammatory syndrome triggered by various infections, particularly viral infections, autoimmune disorders, and malignancy. The condition is characterized by an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines resulting in a cytokine storm and has been associated with poor clinical outcomes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients with severe manifestations developed features similar to those of MAS, although these characteristics remained well defined within the lung. Additionally, other viral infections including EBV, the herpes family of viruses, hepatitis viruses, influenza, HIV, and hemorrhagic fevers can be complicated by MAS. The diagnosis and management of the condition remain challenging due to the lack of consensus on specific guidelines, especially among the adult population. Currently, therapeutic options primarily rely on medications that are typically used to treat primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, such as corticosteroids and etoposide. In addition, cytokine-targeted therapies present promising treatment options. The objective of this review is to discuss the emergence of MAS in the context of viral infections including, but not limited to, its occurrence in COVID-19. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Sepsis: Pathogenesis, Diagnostics and Therapeutics)
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15 pages, 654 KiB  
Review
Impact of Prior COVID-19 Immunization and/or Prior Infection on Immune Responses and Clinical Outcomes
by Achilleas Livieratos, Charalambos Gogos and Karolina Akinosoglou
Viruses 2024, 16(5), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16050685 - 26 Apr 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1760
Abstract
Cellular and humoral immunity exhibit dynamic adaptation to the mutating SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is noteworthy that immune responses differ significantly, influenced by whether a patient has received vaccination or whether there is co-occurrence of naturally acquired and vaccine-induced immunity, known as hybrid immunity. [...] Read more.
Cellular and humoral immunity exhibit dynamic adaptation to the mutating SARS-CoV-2 virus. It is noteworthy that immune responses differ significantly, influenced by whether a patient has received vaccination or whether there is co-occurrence of naturally acquired and vaccine-induced immunity, known as hybrid immunity. The different immune reactions, conditional on vaccination status and the viral variant involved, bear implications for inflammatory responses, patient outcomes, pathogen transmission rates, and lingering post-COVID conditions. Considering these developments, we have performed a review of recently published literature, aiming to disentangle the intricate relationships among immunological profiles, transmission, the long-term health effects post-COVID infection poses, and the resultant clinical manifestations. This investigation is directed toward understanding the variability in the longevity and potency of cellular and humoral immune responses elicited by immunization and hybrid infection. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Sepsis: Pathogenesis, Diagnostics and Therapeutics)
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