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Introduction: Loss to follow-up (LTFU) slows the progress in reaching the goals of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention and treatment. Therefore, it is important to understand the causes behind this phenomena. Herein, we aimed to systematically review the prevalence of LTFU among people living with HIV and the reasons behind this event. Material and methods: A systematic search was conducted with key words applied in online databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, UpToDate, and Science Direct, from January 2015 to March 2021. Most relevant papers were retrieved and screened in two phases against inclusion criteria, based on their title/abstract and their full texts, and eligible records were included in the review. Results: In this systematic review, 54 studies were included. Unfavorable socio-demographic and supportive status, distance to facility, age, gender, challenges related to antiretroviral therapy initiation and its’ side effects, and CD4+ counts were among the most common reasons cited for LTFU in HIV clinics. Conclusions: LTFU remains a major factor halting the progress in the prevention and treatment of HIV. Great efforts are still needed to address this issue, especially in populations and regions with higher LTFU incidence. Accessibility of receiving care should be increased to encourage patients to continue their treatments. Upcoming follow-up studies are needed to re-evaluate the progress and to report future challenges and limitations.

Abstract Introduction Patients with chronic underlying diseases are more susceptible to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) complications. Recent studies showed people living with HIV (PLWH) are not at greater risk than the general population. Few studies have reviewed the impacts of COVID‐19 on PLWH. The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the impact of COVID‐19 on patients infected with HIV. Methods We executed a systematic search using four databases of PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Web of Science and screened the records in two steps based on their title/abstract and full text. This study follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) checklist to elevate the validity and reliability of its results. Results We reviewed 36 studies. The patients' age was above 20 years in all studies. In almost all studies, the inflammatory parameters were reported high. In most of the studies, all HIV patients completely recovered from the COVID 19 infection. Although CD4 count was not recorded in all studies, the minimum level was reported as 12 cells/µl. Conclusion Based on the current review, we concluded that HIV patients at advanced stages (3 or 4) of the disease, whose CD4 counts are low, may show less severe COVID‐19 infection symptoms. Similarly, Interference can reduce the severity of immune reactions and subsequent cytokine storms and consequently mitigate the symptoms. Therefore, in most of the studies, the majority of HIV patients showed no severe symptoms and completely recovered from COVID 19 infection.

Objective: Understanding the minimum infective dose is significant for risk assessment in the performance of suitable infection control strategies in healthcare centers. However, the literature lacks strong evidence regarding this value for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the minimum infectious dose of coronavirus disease 2019. Methods: We searched the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane and retrieved all the relevant literature by 25 July 2021. The records were downloaded into the EndNote software and underwent title/abstract and full-text screenings. A summary of included studies was organized into tables for further analysis, interpretation, and drafting of the results. Results: Nineteen studies including the laboratory data on human and animal hosts were selected based on the eligibility criteria. All the literature reported on the infective dose, particularly in humans. The main methods for measurement of infection were through tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50) and counting plaque-forming units. The range of minimum infective was 1.26–7 × 10 6.25 PFU. Conclusion: In this study, we have presented a range of minimum infective doses in humans and various animal species. Such numbers can possibly vary between the individuals based on numerous demographic, immunologic, or other factors.

Abstract Introduction Since the outbreak of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) began, necessary measures to prevent virus transmission and reduce mortality have been implemented, including mandatory public use of masks, regular hand-sanitizing and hand-washing, social distancing, avoidance of crowds, remote work, and cancellation of public events. During and after the introduction of COVID-19 lockout, we performed a systematic review of available published literature to investigate the incidence of seasonal influenza and other respiratory viral infections. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, Science Direct, Google Scholar, Research Gate, and the World Health Organization databases and websites were systematically searched for original studies concerning the impact of COVID-19 prevention means and measures on other common respiratory infectious diseases during the pandemic published by March 2021. Results The findings showed that the adherence to health protocols to prevent COVID-19 could help to reduce the incidence of other infectious diseases such as influenza, pneumonia, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Conclusion The implemented prevention measures and protocols might have reduced the incidence of influenza and some other common respiratory infections. However, controversies exist on this matter and future large population-based studies might provide further information to address these controversies.

Introduction: Controversies existed regarding the duration of COVID-19 vaccines’ protection and whether receiving the usual vaccine doses would be sufficient for long-term immunity. Therefore, we aimed to systematically review the studies regarding the COVID-19 vaccines’ protection three months after getting fully vaccinated and assess the need for vaccine booster doses. Methods: The relevant literature was searched using a combination of keywords on the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane on September 17th, 2021. The records were downloaded and the duplicates were removed. Then, the records were evaluated in a two-step process, consisting of title/abstract and full-text screening processes, and the eligible records were selected for the qualitative synthesis. We only included original studies that evaluated the efficacy and immunity of COVID-19 vaccines three months after full vaccination. This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement to ensure the reliability of results. Results: Out of the 797 retrieved records, 12 studies were included, 10 on mRNA-based vaccines and two on inactivated vaccines. The majority of included studies observed acceptable antibody titers in most of the participants even after 6 months; however,it appeared that the titers could also decrease in a considerable portion of people. Due to the reduction in antibody titers and vaccine protection, several studies suggested administering the booster dose, especially for older patients and those with underlying conditions, such as patients with immunodeficiencies. Conclusion: Studies indicated that vaccine immunity decreases over time, making people more susceptible to contracting the disease. Besides, new variants are emerging, and the omicron variant is continuing to spread and escape from the immune system, indicating the importance of a booster dose.

Abstract Introduction Patients with COVID‐19 may present different viral loads levels. However, the relationship between viral load and disease severity in COVID‐19 is still unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to systematically review the association between SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load and COVID‐19 severity. Methods The relevant studies using the keywords of “COVID‐19” and “viral load” were searched in the databases of PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. A two‐step title/abstract screening process was carried out and the eligible studies were included in the study. Results Thirty‐four studies were included from the initial 1015 records. The vast majority of studies have utilized real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction of the nasopharyngeal/respiratory swabs to report viral load. Viral loads were commonly reported either as cycle threshold (Ct) or log10 RNA copies/ml. Conclusion The results were inconclusive about the relationship between COVID‐19 severity and viral load, as a similar number of studies either approved or opposed this hypothesis. However, the studies denote the direct relationship between older age and higher SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load, which is a known risk factor for COVID‐19 mortality. The higher viral load in older patients may serve as a mechanism for any possible relationships between COVID‐19 viral load and disease severity. There was a positive correlation between SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load and its transmissibility. Nonetheless, further studies are recommended to precisely characterize this matter.

Abstract Introduction The use of new technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT) in the management of chronic diseases, especially in the COVID pandemics, could be a life‐saving appliance for public health practice. The purpose of the current study is to identify the applications and capability of IoT and digital health in the management of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Methods This systematic review was conducted by searching the online databases of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science using selected keywords to retrieve the relevant literature published until December 25th, 2021. The most relevant original English studies were included after initial screening based on the inclusion criteria. Results Overall, 18 studies were included. Most of the studies reported benefits and positive responses in the form of patients' and healthcare providers' satisfaction and trust in the online systems. Many services were provided to the patients, including but not limited to training the patients on their conditions; monitoring vital signs and required actions when vital signs were altered; ensuring treatment adherence; monitoring and consulting the patients regarding diet, physical activity, and lifestyle. Conclusion IoT is a new technology, which can help us improve health care services during the COVID‐19 pandemic. It has a network of various sensors, obtaining data from patients. We have found several applications for this technology. Future studies can be conducted for the capability of other technologies in the management of chronic diseases.