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Infectious Disease Reports
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Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination
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Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination

A special issue of Infectious Disease Reports (ISSN 2036-7449). This special issue belongs to the section "Viral Infections".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 August 2025 | Viewed by 7851

Special Issue Editor

Dr. George Rachiotis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Medical Faculty, University of Thessaly, 41222 Larissa, Greece
Interests: epidemiology; occupational medicine; social determinants of health
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Viral diseases represent some of the complex interactions between the three components of the causal epidemiologic triad: agent, host, and environment. Viral agents have been characterized by a substantial degree of heterogeneity. In particular, certain viral agents (e.g., measles, rubella) seem to have evolved to a stable state with relatively little genetic variation over time at the population level, and diseases due to these biological agents have proved highly controllable through vaccination. On the contrary, several RNA viruses (e.g., influenza and coronaviruses, including SARS CoV-2) are more prone to mutations than many DNA viruses. Past and current experience indicate that certain viral agents of this group have been proved as considerable health hazards and socio-economic disruptors (Great Flu of 1918 and COVID-19 pandemics). Furthermore, for several viral-related diseases, there are effective and safe vaccines available, but there is a need for seroprevalence studies and also for the continuous monitoring of vaccination coverage. Moreover, vaccine hesitancy is an important obstacle to the vaccination against viral diseases.

Therefore, this Special Issue of Infectious Disease Reports entitled “Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination” is being launched, and we look forward to receiving your submissions (case reports, original papers, and systematic reviews/meta-analyses). You are welcome to send short proposals for submissions of feature papers to our Editorial Office for evaluation.

Dr. George Rachiotis
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Infectious Disease Reports is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • viral infectious diseases
  • epidemiology
  • molecular epidemiology
  • seroprevalence
  • vaccination coverage
  • vaccine hesitancy

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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11 pages, 629 KiB  
Article
Comparative Epidemiological and Clinical Outcomes on COVID-19 and Seasonal Influenza Hospitalized Patients during 2023
by Constantin-Marinel Vlase, Mariana Stuparu Cretu, Mihaela-Camelia Vasile, George-Cosmin Popovici and Manuela Arbune
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(5), 783-793; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16050060 - 23 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1462
Abstract
COVID-19 and influenza are highly contagious respiratory viral diseases and priority global public health concerns. We conducted a retrospective observational study of COVID-19 and/or influenza hospitalized cases, during 2023. We identified 170 influenza cases, 150 COVID-19 cases and 3 co-infections. Overall, 29.10% of [...] Read more.
COVID-19 and influenza are highly contagious respiratory viral diseases and priority global public health concerns. We conducted a retrospective observational study of COVID-19 and/or influenza hospitalized cases, during 2023. We identified 170 influenza cases, 150 COVID-19 cases and 3 co-infections. Overall, 29.10% of patients had at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose and 4.6% received the seasonal Flu vaccine. The demographic data found older patients in the COVID-19 group and a higher index of the comorbidities, mainly due to chronic heart diseases, hypertension, and diabetes. Fever, chills, and rhinorrhea were more frequently related to influenza, while cough was prevalent in COVID-19. Antibiotics were more used in influenza than COVID-19, either pre-hospital or in-hospital. The mortality rate within the first 30 days from the onset of the respiratory infection was higher in influenza compared to COVID-19. We concluded that the COVID-19 clinical picture in hospitalized patients is changing to influenza-like symptoms. The evolution is variable, related to chronic comorbidities, but influenza had more frequent severe forms. All through 2023, due to poor vaccination rates, COVID-19 and influenza have continued to cause numerous hospitalizations, and a new strategy for efficient vaccinations is required. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination)
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12 pages, 875 KiB  
Article
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG Antibodies in Healthcare Personnel in El Salvador Prior to Vaccination Campaigns
by José Elías Aguilar Ramírez, Adrianna Maliga, Allison Stewart, Allison Lino, José Eduardo Oliva, Xochitl Sandoval, Emily Zielinski-Gutierrez, Rafael Chacon-Fuentes, Parminder S. Suchdev, Susana Zelaya, Mario Sánchez, Delmy Lisseth Recinos, Beatriz López, Ella Hawes, Julie Liu, Shannon E. Ronca, Sarah M. Gunter, Kristy O. Murray and Rhina Domínguez
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(3), 531-542; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16030040 - 7 Jun 2024
Viewed by 1982
Abstract
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a highly pathogenic emerging infectious disease. Healthcare personnel (HCP) are presumably at higher risk of acquiring emerging infections because of occupational exposure. The prevalence of COVID-19 in HCP is unknown, particularly in low- to middle-income countries [...] Read more.
COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, is a highly pathogenic emerging infectious disease. Healthcare personnel (HCP) are presumably at higher risk of acquiring emerging infections because of occupational exposure. The prevalence of COVID-19 in HCP is unknown, particularly in low- to middle-income countries like El Salvador. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among HCP in El Salvador just prior to vaccine rollout in March 2021. We evaluated 2176 participants from a nationally representative sample of national healthcare institutions. We found 40.4% (n = 880) of the study participants were seropositive for anti-spike protein antibodies. Significant factors associated with infection included younger age; living within the central, more populated zone of the country; living in a larger household (≥7 members); household members with COVID-19 or compatible symptoms; and those who worked in auxiliary services (i.e., housekeeping and food services). These findings provide insight into opportunities to mitigate SARS-CoV-2 risk and other emerging respiratory pathogens in HCP in El Salvador. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination)
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10 pages, 2546 KiB  
Brief Report
Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity Against SARS-CoV-2 in Healthcare Personnel Who Received Multiple mRNA Vaccines: A 4-Year Observational Study
by Hideaki Kato, Kaori Sano, Kei Miyakawa, Takayuki Kurosawa, Kazuo Horikawa, Yayoi Kimura, Atsushi Goto and Akihide Ryo
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2025, 17(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr17030042 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 32
Abstract
Background/Objectives: The long-term effects of multiple updated vaccinations against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have not been clarified. Humoral or cellular immunity dynamics in healthcare workers for four years were analyzed. Methods: Blood samples were collected at five time points from April [...] Read more.
Background/Objectives: The long-term effects of multiple updated vaccinations against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) have not been clarified. Humoral or cellular immunity dynamics in healthcare workers for four years were analyzed. Methods: Blood samples were collected at five time points from April 2021 to January 2024. Humoral immunity was analyzed using the 50% neutralizing titer (NT50) against the original Omicron XBB and Omicron BA.2.86 strains and cellular immunity were analyzed using the ELISpot interferon-gamma releasing assay. NT50s and the spot-forming count (SFC) of the ELISpot assay were compared in the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron XBB-, Omicron-infected, and uninfected subjects. Results: 32 healthcare workers (median age, 47 years) who received 3–7 vaccine doses were enrolled. The NT50s against the original strain decreased after the second vaccination but were maintained after the third vaccine dose. NT50s against the Omicron XBB and BA.2.86 strains were detected before the Omicron vaccine was introduced and increased following the updated vaccination. The NT50s against the Omicron XBB and BA.2.86 strains were elevated after natural infection by the Omicron strain, albeit without differences compared with the findings in uninfected subjects. Multivariate regression analysis revealed no confounder that affected the antibody titer against the BA.2.86 strain at the fifth blood sampling. The median number of SFCs ranged from 78 to 208 after the first two doses. Conclusions: Multiple vaccinations induced the production of antibodies with divergent activity against emerging mutant strains and enhanced protective effects against the original strain. This finding supported the importance of updated vaccination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination)
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10 pages, 857 KiB  
Case Report
Primary Varicella Infection in a Young Adult from the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Case Report and Mini-Review
by Andrew McNaughton, Nessika Karsenti, Jason Kwan, Asal Adawi, Saniya Mansuri and Andrea K. Boggild
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(4), 628-637; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16040048 - 19 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1682
Abstract
We describe a case of an immunocompetent adult male patient originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who was referred to our unit for a several-day history of fever and a pruritic, vesicular rash. There was initial concern in the Emergency Department [...] Read more.
We describe a case of an immunocompetent adult male patient originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who was referred to our unit for a several-day history of fever and a pruritic, vesicular rash. There was initial concern in the Emergency Department for Mpox (formerly known as “monkeypox”) given the current epidemiology versus other viral etiologies. Primary varicella zoster virus (pVZV) infection was ultimately diagnosed by PCR from a swabbed, unroofed lesion, and he recovered completely with supportive management and without antiviral therapy. We herein describe how common viral exanthems may best be differentiated in an emergency or outpatient setting. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination)
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8 pages, 583 KiB  
Brief Report
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Hospitalizations in the Elderly in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Southern Italy as a Useful Proxy for Targeting Vaccine Preventive Strategies
by Francesca Centrone, Daniela Loconsole, Alfredo Marziani, Valentina Annachiara Orlando, Arianna delle Fontane, Martina Minelli and Maria Chironna
Infect. Dis. Rep. 2024, 16(3), 491-498; https://doi.org/10.3390/idr16030037 - 31 May 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1800
Abstract
RSV infection causes severe respiratory illness and mortality in the elderly, especially in the presence of comorbidities. Early identification of infection would result in appropriate clinical-therapeutic management, avoiding hospitalizations, the risk of healthcare-associated infections, and inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, thus reducing healthcare costs and [...] Read more.
RSV infection causes severe respiratory illness and mortality in the elderly, especially in the presence of comorbidities. Early identification of infection would result in appropriate clinical-therapeutic management, avoiding hospitalizations, the risk of healthcare-associated infections, and inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions, thus reducing healthcare costs and fighting antimicrobial resistance. The aim of this study was to assess RSV hospitalizations in subjects >64 years hospitalized in a large tertiary care hospital in Southern Italy, in order to assess their usefulness as a proxy for targeting a potential vaccination strategy. Fifty-two RSV-positive patients were identified from the 2014–2015 to the 2022–2023 seasons. RSV type B was found in 71.2% of cases. The median age was 78 years (IQR: 72–84) and 40.4% of the subjects had at least one comorbidity; 5.8% needed intensive care. The use of combined rapid tests for SARS-CoV-2/influenza/RSV identification in primary care settings may contribute to an improved definition of the burden of RSV in the elderly. The implementation of an anti-RSV vaccination strategy in the elderly population would reduce direct and indirect infection costs. More robust epidemiological data in Italy are needed for targeted preventive strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Viral Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology and Prevention through Vaccination)
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