Necrosis retinal aguda. Dos casos clínicos / Acute retinal necrosis. A report of two clinical cases

La necrosis retinal aguda es una afección grave que amenaza la visión. Es frecuente en adultos, tanto inmunocompetentes como inmunocomprometidos. Se presentan dos pacientes, uno de 38 años, con antecedentes de salud anterior que acude a consulta con síntomas y signos de necrosis retinal aguda en el ojo izquierdo, la que fue diagnosticada luego; y otro de 48 años de edad con antecedentes de infección por herpes zóster, tres meses antes de los síntomas oculares, que concluyó con igual diagnóstico. No existió evolución satisfactoria, a pesar del tratamiento adecuado, lo que demostró que independientemente de datos estadísticos y estudios realizados que demuestran lo infrecuente de esta enfermedad, se diagnosticaron dos casos en el periodo de un año, dato que nos exhorta al estudio y práctica de alternativas diagnósticas y terapéuticas para minimizar las consecuencias devastadoras de esta afección.

Acute retinal necrosis is a serious vision-threatening condition. It is common in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised adults. We present two male patients; one aged 38 years, with a previous health history who comes to consultation with symptoms and signs of acute retinal necrosis in his left eye, which was later diagnosed; and another one aged 48 years with a history of herpes zoster infection three months before the ocular symptoms, which concluded with the same diagnosis. Regardless of the statistical data and research carried out on this rare disease, there was no satisfactory evolution despite adequate treatment. Two cases were diagnosed in a period of one year, data that urges us to study and practice diagnostic and therapeutic alternatives to minimize the devastating consequences of this condition.

Etiología de las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) diagnosticadas por la técnica de PCR múltiple-hibridación en población colombiana de la ciudad de Medellín atendida en el Laboratorio Clínico VID / Etiology of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) diagnosed by multiplex PCR-hibridization assay technique in a Colombian population attending the VID Clinical Laboratory in Medellin

Introducción. Las infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS) son y seguirán siendo un serio problema de salud pública en todo el mundo según los datos de la OMS, con el agravante que la mayoría de los casos son asintomáticos y, además, no existe otro reservorio distinto al humano. El diagnóstico se puede realizar con pruebas tradicionales y moleculares, estas últimas incluyen la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), de las cuales existen varios tipos, entre ellas, la PCR múltiple que tiene la capacidad de detectar ITS polimicrobianas a partir de una sola muestra. El objetivo de este estudio fue establecer cuáles fueron las infecciones de transmisión sexual más frecuentes en diferentes grupos de pacientes, así como determinar la utilidad del uso de la técnica de PCR múltiple en el diagnóstico de las ITS. Metodología. Se trata de un estudio observacional de corte transversal realizado entre los años 2021 y 2022 con pacientes que acudieron al servicio de diagnóstico del Laboratorio Clínico VID por sospecha de ITS. Las muestras recolectadas fueron evaluadas utilizando una prueba comercial basada en la técnica de PCR múltiple e hibridación. Las muestras procesadas fueron: orina e hisopados de endocérvix, uretra, recto, faringe y úlceras. Resultados. Se estudiaron 1.027 pacientes, de estos, 228 (22,2 %) fueron positivos para diferentes agentes de trasmisión sexual, distribuidos así: 50 (21,9 %) mujeres, 129 (56,6 %) hombres heterosexuales y 49 (21,5 %) hombres que tenían sexo con hombres (HSH). La edad promedio de las mujeres fue 30 años, y la de ambos grupos de hombres fue 36 años. Los microorganismos más frecuentemente identificados en mujeres fueron: C. trachomatis (A-K) en 28,6 %, seguido de virus herpes simplex tipo 2 (VHS-2) en 26,8 % y N. gonorrhoeae en 17,9 %. En hombres heterosexuales fueron C. trachomatis (A-K) en 37,5 %, N. gonorrhoeae en 21,5 % y VHS-2 en 18,7 %. En HSH fueron C. trachomatis (L1-L3) en 32,7 %, seguido de N. gonorrhoeae en 27,6 %, y de C. trachomatis (A-K) y VHS-2, ambos en 13,8 %. En 11 hombres heterosexuales, 8 HSH y en 6 mujeres, se identificó infección polimicrobiana. Conclusiones. C. trachomatis (A-K) fue el microorganismo más prevalente causante de ITS, seguido de N. gonorrhoeae en ambos grupos de hombres, y de VHS-2 en las mujeres, muy similar a lo reportado a nivel mundial. La prueba de PCR múltiple permite la detección de infecciones polimicrobianas comúnmente asociadas a ITS y el diagnóstico es preciso y confiable, incluso en pacientes asintomáticos

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are and will continue to be a serious public health problem throughout the world according to WHO data, with the aggravating factor that most cases are asymptomatic and, furthermore, there is no other reservoir other than humans. The diagnosis can be made with traditional and molecular tests, the latter include the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), of which there are several types, among them, multiplex PCR that has the capacity to detect polymicrobial STIs from a single sample. The objective of this study was to establish which were the most frequent sexually transmitted infections in different groups of patients, as well as to determine the usefulness of the multiplex PCR technique in the diagnosis of STIs. Methodology. This is an observational, cross-sectional study carried out between 2021 and 2022 with patients who attended the VID Clinical Laboratory for suspected STIs. The collected samples were evaluated using a commercial test based on the multiplex PCR technique and hybridization. The samples processed were: urine and swabs from endocervix, urethra, rectum, pharynx, and ulcers. Results. The study included 1,027 patients, of these, 228 (22.2%) were positive for different sexually transmitted agents, distributed as follows: 50 (21.9%) women, 129 (56.6%) heterosexual men and 49 (21.5%) men who had sex with men (MSM). The average age of the women was 30 years, and that of both groups of men was 36 years. The microorganisms most frequently identified in women were: C. trachomatis (A-K) in 28.6%, followed by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) in 26.8% and N. gonorrhoeae in 17.9%. In heterosexual men they were C. trachomatis (A-K) in 37.5%, N. gonorrhoeae in 21.5% and HSV-2 in 18.7%. In MSM they were C. trachomatis (L1-L3) in 32.7%, followed by N. gonorrhoeae in 27.6%, and C. trachomatis (A-K) and HSV-2, both in 13.8%. Polymicrobial infection was identified in 11 heterosexual men, 8 MSM, and 6 women. Conclusions. C. trachomatis (A-K) was the most prevalent STI-causing microorganism, followed by N. gonorrhoeae in both groups of men, and HSV-2 in women, very similar to that reported worldwide. The multiplex PCR test allows the detection of polymicrobial infections commonly associated with STIs and the diagnosis is accurate and reliable, even in asymptomatic patients

Cervicitis necrótica por co-infección de virus herpes simplex 2 y Mycoplasma genitalium / Necrotic cervicitis for co-infection of herpes simplex virus 2 and Mycoplasma genitalium

Resumen Las cervicitis es una condición frecuente causada principalmente por agentes de transmisión sexual. Su presentación clínica varía desde cuadros asintomáticos hasta procesos inflamatorios extensos, que incluso asemejan un tumor maligno. Presentamos el caso de una adolescente que presentó úlceras genitales, síntomas generales y cérvix necrótico con aspecto tumoral. Los estudios de laboratorio confirmaron una co-infección por virus herpes simplex 2 (HSV-2) y Mycoplasma genitalium. El estudio histológico descartó una neo- plasia. Evolucionó favorablemente al tratamiento antimicrobiano, con recuperación progresiva del aspecto del cérvix. La cervicitis en raras ocasiones se presenta con compromiso necrótico. La co-infección por HSV-2 y M. genitalium, en este caso, pudo ser el determinante del daño cervical y la necrosis. Una evaluación acuciosa y estudio con exámenes diagnósticos de alta sensibilidad y especificidad permitieron hacer un diagnóstico y tratamiento adecuado.

Abstract Cervicitis is a frequent condition caused mainly by sexually trans- mitted agents. The clinical spectrum varies from absence of symptoms to extensive inflammatory processes that may simulate a malignant neoplasm. We present a clinical case of an adolescent with genital ulcers and systemic disease. Speculoscopy revealed a tumoral-looking cervix. Laboratory studies confirm infection with herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) and Mycoplasma genitalium, together with a histological study that ruled out neoplasia. It progresses favorably to antimicrobial treatment, with recovery of the appearance of the cervix. Cervicitis rarely presents with necrotic involvement. Co-infection with HSV-2 and M. genitalium infection may have been the determinant of cervical damage and the necrotic appearance. A thorough evaluation and study with highly sensitive and specific diagnostic tests allowed an adequate diagnosis and treatment.

Arbovirus, herpesvirus, and enterovirus associated with neurological syndromes in adult patients of a university hospital, 2017-2018

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Herpesviruses, enteroviruses, and arboviruses are important because of their clinical relevance and ability to cause meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, and other diseases. The clinical virology associated with diagnostic technologies can reduce the morbidity and mortality of such neurological manifestations. Here we aimed to identify the genomes of agents that cause neurological syndromes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients with suspected nervous system infections admitted to the University Hospital of the University of Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil, in 2017-2018. METHODS: CSF samples collected from adult patients with neurological syndrome symptoms and negative CSF culture results were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR), reverse transcriptase-PCR, and real-time PCR, and their results were compared with their clinical symptoms. One CSF sample was obtained from each patient. RESULTS: Viral genomes were detected in 148/420 (35.2%) CSF samples: one of 148 (0.2%) was positive for herpes simplex virus-1; two (0.5%) for herpes simplex virus-2; eight (1.9%) for varicella-zoster virus; four (1%) for Epstein-Barr virus; one (0.2%) for cytomegalovirus; 32 (7.6%) for human herpesvirus-6; 30 (7.1%) for non-polio enterovirus; 67 (16.0%) for dengue virus, three (0.7%) for yellow fever virus, and 21 (5%) for Zika virus. CONCLUSIONS: The viral genomes were found in 35.2% of all analyzed samples, showing the high prevalence of viruses in the nervous system and the importance of using a nucleic acid amplification test to detect viral agents in CSF samples.

Caracterización epidemiológica y clínica de pacientes con infecciones oculares causadas por herpesvirus / Clinical and epidemiological characterization of patients with eye infections caused by herpesvirus

Introducción: Las enfermedades oftalmológicas originadas por virus ocupan un lugar importante en el quehacer diario de la especialidad. Objetivo: Caracterizar pacientes con infecciones oculares por herpesvirus según variables clínicas y epidemiológicas de interés. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y transversal de 29 pacientes adultos con infecciones por herpesvirus, atendidos en la consulta oftalmológica del Hospital General Docente Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso de Santiago de Cuba, desde septiembre de 2012 hasta igual mes de 2013. Resultados: En la casuística predominaron los pacientes de piel blanca (55,1 %), el sexo femenino (69,0 %) y el grupo etario de 57 años y más (48,3 %). El ojo rojo y la inyección cilioconjuntival constituyeron los síntomas y signos más comunes (75,9 %). Las lesiones más frecuentes estuvieron localizadas en los párpados, la piel y la córnea (31,0 %). La afectación de la agudeza visual por debajo de 0,3 estuvo relacionada con la ocurrencia de afectación estromal y la localización de las lesiones en el área pupilar. Ningún paciente presentó inflamación del segmento posterior. Conclusiones: No se encontraron argumentos referidos a la relación existente entre la localización de las lesiones y la afectación de la agudeza visual, lo cual impidió realizar comparaciones.

Introduction: Eye diseases originated due to virus occupy an important place in daily routine of the specialty. Objective: To characterize patients with eye infections due to herpesvirus according to clinical and epidemiological variables of interest. Methods: A descriptive and cross-sectional study of 29 adult patients with infections due to herpesvirus was carried out, they were assisted in the ophthalmologic service of Dr. Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso Teaching General Hospital in Santiago de Cuba, from September, 2012 to the same month in 2013. Results: In the case material white skin patients (55.1 %), female sex (69.0 %) and 57 years and over age group (48.3 %) prevailed. Red eye and ciliumconjuntival injection constituted the most common symptoms and signs (75.9 %). The most frequent lesions were located in the eyelids, the skin and cornea (31.0 %). The affectation of the visual acuteness below 0.3 was related to the occurrence of stromal affectation and the localization of lesions in the pupilar area. No patient presented inflammation of the later segment. Conclusions: Arguments about the existent relationship between the localization of lesions and the affectation of the visual acuteness were not found, which prevented to carry out comparisons.

Meningitis linfocítica recurrente por virus herpes simple tipo 2 / Recurrent lymphocytic meningitis by herpes simplex virus type 2

La meningitis linfocítica recurrente o meningitis de Mollaret es una entidad asociada a un gran número de etiologías infecciosas, autoinmunes, toxicológicas y neoplásicas. En la actualidad el virus herpes simple tipo 2 (HSV-2) es el agente más frecuentemente aislado. Afecta frecuentemente a mujeres de mediana edad y tiende a autolimitarse sin secuelas dentro de la primera semana de inicio de síntomas. El diagnóstico se basa en la detección de ácidos nucleicos virales en el líquido cefalorraquídeo. Al momento no se ha demostrado beneficio en el uso de tratamiento antiviral en la prevención de recurrencias.

Recurrent lymphocytic meningitis or Mollaret´s meningitis is a rare condition caused by a number of infectious, autoimmune, toxic and neoplastic diseases. Herpes simplex type 2 is the most commonly isolated agent. It usually compromises middle aged women, with a self-limited clinical presentation that resolves within a week leaving no sequelae. Its diagnosis is mainly based on nucleic acid detection on cerebrospinal fluid. Antiviral prophylaxis has not shown conclusive to avoid recurrences.

Meningite recorrente de Mollaret: uma revisão / Mollaret's recurrent meningitis: an overview

A meningite recorrente linfocítica benigna ou meningite de Mollaret, inicialmente descrita pelo neurologista francês Pierre Mollaret em 1944, é uma condição relativamente rara, benigna mas incapacitante durante os seus períodos de agudização. Trata-se de quadro inflamatório meníngeo recorrente devido a reativação de infecção pelo herpes simples vírus, particularmente o herpesvirus do tipo 2 (HSV-2). Pode ser reconhecida a partir do seu quadro clínico de meningismo agudo, perfil liquórico linfocítico e identificação do genoma viral por PCR no líquor. Aciclovir e seus derivados podem ser utilizado no seu tratamento ou na sua profilaxia. Sua identificação é importante no sentido de se excluir outras causas de quadros meníngeos recorrentes.

Benign recurrent lymphocytic meningitis or Mollaret's meningitis (MM) was frst described by the French neurologist Pierre Mollaret in 1944. MM is a relatively rare, benign but disabling condition. MM is a recurrent meningeal inflammatory illness due to reactivation of herpes simplex virus infection, particularly herpesvirus type 2 (HSV-2). It can be recognized from its clinical picture of acute meningism, lymphocytic CSF profle and by the identifcation of the viral genome in the CSF by PCR. Acyclovir and its derivatives may be used for its treatment or prophylaxis. The identifcation of MM is important in order to exclude other causes of recurrent meningeal conditions.

Novel variants of human herpesvirus 2 from Brazilian HIV-1 coinfected subjects

BACKGROUND Human herpesvirus 2 (HHV-2) have DNA genome with a limited genetic variability and have been classified into two clades. OBJECTIVES To identify and characterise six HHV-2 isolates derived from Brazilian women. METHODS HHV-2 isolates were performed polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing of 2250 pb of the glycoprotein B (gB) coding regions. FINDINGS Four HHV-2 isolates were classified into clade B, while the remaining two, derived from HIV-1 co-infected women, showed a notable genetic divergence (> 1%). MAIN CONCLUSION The results reveal novel HHV-2 variants. The impact of these novel variants on HHV-2 pathogenesis and HIV/HHV-2 coinfection need to be investigated.

Detection of herpes simplex-1 and -2 and varicella zoster virus by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in corneas from patients with bacterial keratitis / Detecção de vírus herpes simplex tipo 1 e 2 e varicella zoster por reação em cadeia de polimerase em tempo real em córneas de pacientes com ceratites bacterianas

ABSTRACT Objective: Bacterial keratitis occurs worldwide, and despite recent developments, it remains a potentially blinding condition. This study assesses the presence of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and -2) and varicella zoster virus (VZV) by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) in corneal scrapings from patients with bacterial keratitis. Methods: A total of 65 patients with clinical diagnoses of infectious corneal ulcers prospectively underwent clinical eye examinations. Corneal scrapings were investigated by Gram staining, Giemsa staining, culture, and qPCR (the study group). Risk factors and epidemiological data were recorded. The control group comprising 25 eyes with typical herpes dendritic keratitis was also analyzed by qPCR. Results: From the study group (n=65), nine patients (13.8%) had negative smears, cultures, and qPCR findings. Fifty-six (86.2%) patients had positive cultures: 51 for bacteria, 4 for fungi, and 1 for amoebae. Of the patients who had positive bacterial cultures, qPCR identified 10 patients who were also positive for virus: one for VZV and nine for HSV-1. Of the 25 patients in the control group, 21 tested positive for HSV-1 by qPCR analysis. Conclusions: Herpes may be present in patients with bacterial corneal ulcers, and qPCR may be useful in its detection.

RESUMO Objetivo: Ceratites bacterianas ocorrem mundialmente e apesar dos novos desenvolvimentos permanece como uma condição que pode levar à cegueira. Avaliar a presença de herpes simples (-1 e -2) e vírus varicella zoster (VZV) por reação em cadeia quantitativa de polimerase em tempo real (qPCR) em raspados corneanos de pacientes com ceratite bacteriana. Métodos: Sessenta e cinco pacientes com ceratite infecciosa foram submetidos a raspados corneanos estudados para gram, Giemsa, cultura e qPCR (grupo de estudo). Foram avaliados fatores de risco e epidemiológicos. O grupo controle foi composto por 25 casos de úlcera dendrítica típica por herpes analisados por qPCR. Resultados: Do grupo de estudo (n=65), nove pacientes (13,8%) apresentaram cultura, qPCR e raspado negativos. Cinquenta e seis (86,2%) pacientes apresentaram cultura positiva, 51 para bacteria, 4 para fungo e 1 para ameba. A qPCR identificou 10 pacientes do grupo de cultura positiva para bactéria que também foram positivos para vírus, um VZV e 9 para HSV-1. Dos 25 pacientes que compunham o grupo controle, 21 apresentaram qPCR positivo para HSV-1. Conclusão: Herpes pode estar presente em pacientes com úlceras de córnea bacterianas e a qPCR pode ser útil na sua detecção.

Diagnosis of human herpes virus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2): use of a synthetic standard curve for absolute quantification by real time polymerase chain reaction

The use of quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for herpesvirus detection has improved the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis, as it is able to detect shedding episodes in the absence of clinical lesions and diagnose clinical specimens that have low viral loads. With an aim to improve the detection and quantification of herpesvirus by qPCR, synthetic standard curves for human herpesvirus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2) targeting regions gD and gG, respectively, were designed and evaluated. The results show that synthetic curves can replace DNA standard curves in diagnostic herpes qPCR.

Cutaneous neonatal herpes simplex virus infection type 2: a case report

Abstract Neonatal herpes is a serious condition. Newborns can be contaminated in utero via transplacental hematogenic transmission, upon delivery (the most frequent route), or during the postnatal period (indirect transmission). Optimal management requires prompt and accurate recognition, particularly in newborns, in order to prevent complications. Acyclovir is the treatment of choice, but its implementation is often delayed while awaiting test results, such as PCR and serology. Cytology for diagnostic purposes is rarely used in dermatology, despite the quick and reliable results. We report a case of neonatal herpes caused by type 2 herpes simplex virus diagnosed by cytology.

Microbicidas para la prevención de infecciones de transmisión sexual: estado actual y estrategias para la evaluación preclínica de nuevos candidatos / Microbicides for preventing sexually transmitted infections: current status and strategies for preclinical evaluation of new candidates

Los microbicidas constituyen una nueva herramienta, todavía en proceso de investigación, que podrían ayudar en la prevención de la infección por los virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (Human immunodeficiency virus: HIV) y de otras infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS). Una serie de evidencias ha demostrado que la complejidad de la transmisión sexual de patógenos virales requiere de la identificación de compuestos capaces de bloquear los eventos tempranos del ciclo de infección viral. En este manuscrito hacemos una revisión exhaustiva de las diferentes estrategias que se han estudiado o se están considerando para prevenir ITS mediante el uso de microbicidas, haciendo particular énfasis en aquellos con el potencial de bloquear la infección por el HIV. También se revisa el proceso complejo de evaluación preclínica que se requiere para llegar a estudios en humanos y se concluye con un breve análisis de las estrategias que podrían formar parte del futuro inmediato en la investigación de microbicidas

Microbicides are a new tool, still under investigation, which could help prevent infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Increasing evidence shows that the complexity of sexual transmission of viral pathogens requires the identification of compounds able to block the early events during the cycle of viral infection. In this manuscript we provide a comprehensive review of the different microbicide strategies that have been studied or are currently being considered for STI prevention, particularly emphasizing those having the potential to block HIV infection. The manuscript also reviews the complex process that is required to conduct future clinical studies in humans and concludes with a brief discussion of the strategies that could be part of the immediate future in microbicide research

Coinfection of Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, human papillomavirus and anal intraepithelial neoplasia in HIV patients in Amazon, Brazil

OBJECTIVE: The prevention of anal cancer is a goal of worldwide Aids support centers. Despite the efforts that have been made and progress in the antiretroviral therapy, effective disease control remains elusive. Difficulty in preventing anal cancer may result from the ineffectiveness of highly active antiretroviral therapy on the human papillomavirus (HPV) since the coinfection with HIV and HPV appears to increase the risk of HPV-infected cells, becoming cancerous. METHODS: We evaluated 69 HIV-positive and 30 HIV-negative male patients who underwent cytological evaluation by RT-PCR for the presence of HPV, Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and herpes virus types (HSV) 1 and 2, and histopathology analysis of the anal canal. RESULTS: The prevalence of anal intraepithelial neoplasia was 35% and it was restricted to HIV-positive patients. Patients infected with high-risk HPV and with fewer than 50 TCD4 cells/µL showed an anal intraepithelial neoplasia rate of 85.7% compared to those with TCD4 cells > 200 cells/µL (p<0.01). The rate of viral coinfection was 16.9% of the sexual transmitted diseases cases and it was correlated with HIV-1 viral load of more than 10.001 copies/mL (p=0.017). The rate of AIN in coinfected patients was 36.4% (p=0.047). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, at the main institution for the treatment of HIV/AIDS in the Amazon region of Brazil, anal coinfection with HPV, cytomegalovirus, HSV-1, HSV-2 and Epstein-Barr virus occurred only in HIV-positive patients and it was directly influenced by the viral load of HIV-1. In this study, anal viral coinfection showed no additional risk for the development of anal intraepithelial neoplasia. (AU)

OBJETIVO: A prevenção do câncer anal tem sido aplicada pelos centros de apoio a pacientes com Aids em todo o mundo. Apesar dos esforços empregados, o eficaz controle da doença permanece distante. A dificuldade na prevenção do câncer anal pode resultar, em parte, da ineficácia da ação da terapia antirretroviral sobre o papilomavírus humano (HPV), pois a coinfecção com HIV e HPV parece aumentar o risco das células infectadas pelo HPV em tornarem-se cancerosas. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados 69 HIV-positivos e 30 pacientes HIV-negativos do sexo masculino, que foram submetidos à avaliação citológica anal por real time-PCR para a presença de HPV, vírus Epstein-Barr, citomegalovírus e herpes vírus tipos (HSV) 1 e 2 além da análise histopatológica de fragmento de mucosa do canal anal. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de neoplasia intraepitelial anal foi de 35% e foi restrita a pacientes HIV-positivos. Os pacientes infectados com o HPV de alto risco e com contagem inferior a 50 células TCD4/µL mostraram taxa de neoplasia intraepitelial anal de 85,7%. A diferença foi significativa quando comparado a pacientes com células TCD4 > 200 células/µL (p<0,01). A taxa de coinfecção viral foi de 16,9% dos casos de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis e diretamente correlacionada à carga viral HIV-1 superior a 10,001 cópias/mL (p=0,017). A taxa de neoplasia intraepitelial anal em pacientes coinfectados foi de 36,4% (p=0,047). CONCLUSÕES: Neste estudo, realizado na principal instituição para o tratamento de HIV/Aids na região amazônica do Brasil, a coinfecção anal com HPV, citomegalovírus, HSV-1, HSV-2 e vírus Epstein-Barr ocorreu somente em pacientes HIV-positivos e foi influenciada pela carga viral do HIV-1. Neste estudo, a coinfecção viral anal não representou risco adicional ao desenvolvimento da neoplasia intraepitelial anal. (AU)

Avaliação clínica da uncaria tomentosa no tratamento e controle de lesões decorrentes de Infecção pelo vírus herpes simplex / Clinical evaluation of uncaria tomentosa in the treatment and control of lesions caused by herpes simplex infection

As infecções causadas pelos vírus herpes simplex 1 e 2 representam uma das doenças sexualmente transmissíveis mais comuns em nível global e apresentam um amplo espectro de acometimento clínico. A Uncaria tomentosa é uma planta popularmente conhecida como unha-de-gato, cujo sextratos são amplamente utilizados por suas propriedades farmacológicas, que influenciam com ações benéficas nas alergias, bem como possuem ação antiinflamatória,antimicrobiana e antioxidante. Objetivo: o objetivo geral foi avaliar o uso tópico do extrato de Uncaria tomentosa na forma de gel 50 mg/gcomo adjuvante no tratamento e controle das lesões orais e genitais decorrentes da infecção com herpes simplex. Os objetivos específicos foram avaliara eficácia e segurança do uso tópico do extrato como adjuvante no tratamento e controle das lesões orais e genitais decorrentes da infecção com herpessimplex, através de avaliações clínicas das lesões herpéticas e questionários realizados pelo paciente e pelo médico investigador; exame físico; incidênciade eventos adversos; incidência de alteração de parâmetros laboratoriais. Métodos: estudo clínico em pacientes apresentando lesões decorrentes de infecção por HSV-1 ou HSV-2, tratados com o extrato de Uncaria tomentosa 50 mg/g na forma de gel tópico, durante um mínimo de 5 dias e um máximo de 10dias. As avaliações de eficácia foram realizadas a partir de dados coletados antes do tratamento (pré-tratamento), após 5 dias de tratamento (visita 2), e após 10 dias de tratamento (visita final). As medidas primárias de eficácia incluíram a cura (definida como a perda da crosta dura) das lesões e a presençade dor e prurido nas lesões. As medidas secundárias de eficácia incluíram a presença de edema e/ou rubor nas lesões, e a incidência de desenvolvimento denovas lesões durante o período de tratamento, bem como a Avaliação do Médico, a Avaliação do Paciente e a Avaliação Global de Eficácia. A tolerabilidade clínica geral e a segurança foram analisadas pela incidência de todos os eventos adversos; pelos eventos adversos sérios e/ou hospitalizações; e síndromesde abstinência devidas a qualquer evento adverso; pela incidência de alteração clinicamente significativa nos exames laboratoriais realizados, bem como pela Avaliação Global de Segurança. Os resultados foram comparados para cada avaliação (pré-tratamento, avaliação 2, avaliação 3). Resultados: umtotal de 150 pacientes foi incluído na análise. Após 5 dias de tratamento (visita 2), 45 (30%) pacientes apresentavam cura total de todas as lesões, sendo considerados como sucesso terapêutico. Ao final de 10 dias e tratamento, 69 (68,3%) dos 101 pacientes que permaneceram no tratamento apresentavam cura total de todas as lesões. Foi observada uma redução estatisticamente significativa na porcentagem de pacientes apresentando dor quanto na visita 2(p < 0,0001) tanto na visita 3 (p < 0,0001). Também foram observadas reduções estatisticamente significativas (p < 0,0001 para todos) na porcentagem de pacientes apresentando prurido, eritema e ardência na visita 2 e na visita 3. Na visita 3 foi observada uma redução estatisticamente significativa (p =0,0032) na porcentagem de pacientes apresentando rubor. Não houve alteração nos sinais vitais registrados na visita 2 e visita 3 em relação aos valores prétratamento.Eventos adversos (EAs) foram registrados entre dez pacientes, sendo estes de intensidade branda ou moderada e transitórios. Na Avaliação do Paciente realizada durante a visita final, 70 pacientes (69,3%) responderam à avaliação com pontuação de 8-10. Na Avaliação do Médico realizada durantea visita final, 66 pacientes (65,3%) foram avaliados com 8-10 pontos. Na Avaliação Global de Eficácia realizada pelo médico investigador, a eficácia do medicamento foi avaliada como Muito Bom em 57 pacientes (38,3%). Na Avaliação Global de Segurança realizada pelo médico investigador ao final do período de tratamento, a tolerabilidade do medicamento foi considerada Muito Boa em 81 (54,4%) dos pacientes. Conclusão: com base nos resultados obtidos nesta avaliação, concluímos que o extrato de Uncaria tomentosa na forma de gel 50 mg/g foi eficaz e seguro no tratamento e controle das lesões orais e genitais decorrentes da infecção com HSV-1 e HSV-2, na população de pacientes avaliada.

Virus del herpes simple tipo 2: influencia en el origen de las lesiones premalignas y malignas del cuello uterino / Herpes simplex virus type 2: influence in the origin of premalignant and malignat lesions of uterine cervix

Determinar si la interacción del virus del herpes simple tipo 2 con diferentes factores epidemiológicos, tiene influencia en las lesiones premalignas y malignas del cuello uterino. Ambulatorios de Los Olivos, Crujicito, Salud Maracaibo, La Victoria y la consulta de Patología de Cuello Uterino del Hospital "Manuel Noriega Trigo", (Seguro Social), Maracaibo. Cincuenta y tres pacientes con neoplasia intraepitelial cervical y 10 controles fueron analizados. Se tomó un hisopado cervical para la determinación del virus del herpes simple tipo 2 mediante la técnica de la inmunofluorescencia indirecta y para el virus del papiloma humano por la técnica de la reacción en cadena de polimerasa. La presencia del virus del herpes simple 2-fue del 27,65 por ciento (n=18) de las pacientes. Las pacientes con lesiones premalignas del cerviz (n= 48) y las pacientes del grupo control (n= 10) presentaron un 27,1 por ciento y 30 por ciento de positividad al virus del herpes simple-2, respectivamente. No se encontró ninguna asociación entre el virus del herpes simple -2 y la neoplasia intraepitelial cervical. El virus del herpes simple-2 no está asociado a las lesiones premalignas del cuello uterino

Seroepidemiological study of herpes simplex virus type 2 in patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in the city of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

This study was designed to determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and to evaluate its association with age, sex as well as other demographic and behavioural factors in 150 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive adults patients attending the general medical outpatient ward for routine care of Niterói, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Serum samples were screened for HSV-2 antibodies using an indirect ELISA. Eighty-three patients were men (mean age: 38.8) and 67 were women (mean age: 35.4). The estimated prevalence of HSV-2 was 52 percent (95 percent CI: 44-60 percent) and it was higher among men (53 percent) than among women (50.7 percent). Overall, the age of first sexual intercourse and past history of genital herpes were associated with HSV-2 seropositivity. Analysis by gender disclosed significant association of number of lifetime sex partners only among men. Although HSV-2 antibodies were frequent in the study group, genital herpes was reported by 21.8 percent of the HSV-2 positive subjects, indicating low awareness of the HSV-2 infection. These results may have public health importance for Brazil as the high rate of HSV-2 infection may act as a cofactor of HIV transmission.

Seropervalencia de la infección por virus herpes simplex tipo 2 en pacientes atendidos en centros de referencia de ETS de Santiago / Seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) infection in two clinics for sexually transmitted diseases in Santiago, Chile

Background: Genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), is found in 3.8percent of all sexually transmitted diseases (STD) in Chile. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) and to identify an association between HSV-2 and HIV-1, other STD, and to study its demographic characteristics. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study at two STD public clinics in Santiago was conducted among 200 consecutive patients. Samples were tested for HSV-2, HIV-1, syphilis and hepatitis B virus surface antigen. Results: The seroprevalence for HSV-2 was 43percent. Four patients had a history of genital herpes. There was a strong association between HSV-2 infection and HIV-1 positivity (OR=8.7, 95percent CI 3.4-22.4, p <0.001) and the condition of being a sexual worker (OR=4.5, 95percent CI 1.7-11.9, p <0.01). Conclusions: The high association with HIV-1 and sexual workers, emphasizes the need of having HSV-2 specific diagnostic tests, counseling on sign and symptom recognition and taking preventive measures.

Síndrome Torch / Torch syndrome

Con el propósito de mostrar la importancia del examen oftalmológico en niños con afecciones sistémicas y manifestaciones oculares se describe el caso de un lactante de 41 días, con antecedentes de meningoencefalistis, neumopatía , microcefalia y opacidad corneal, en cuyos examen oftalmológico con biomicroscopio se comprobó una extensa úlcera de la córnea, de la cual se identificó-mediante cultivo, reacción de polimerasa en cadena y anticuerpos monoclonales-un virus herpes simples tipo 2. El examen oftalmológico completo en niños con alteraciones o malformaciones oculares, asociadas a manifestaciones sistemáticas, posiblemente causadas por infección congénita o perinatal puede ser de gran utilidad para orientar el diagnóstico y tratamiento. El examen oftalmológico puede facilitar la orientación del diagnóstico y el establecimiento oportuno del tratamiento correspondiente al agente etiológico en recién nacidos o lactantes menores con alteraciones oculares asociadas a manifestaciones sistémicas, posiblemente causadas por infecciones congénitas o perinatales, es posible que el diagnóstico pueda tener gran importancia en el pronóstico y la prevención de secuelas en el propio niño y en el control del riesgo de transmisión de la infección a otros recién nacidos. Para ilustrar la contribución del examen oftalmológico en estos pacientes se describe a continuación el caso de un lactante menor con síndrome TORCH, en el cual la sospecha clínica del agente etiológico fue posible mediante el examen oftalmológico.

Encefalitis: ¿cuáles y cómo tratar? / Encephalitis: which are and how to treat?

La causa más frecuente de encefalitis es la infección viral que invade el SNC por vía sanguínea (p ej.: enterovirus) , nervios periféricos (p ej.: rabia) y menos frecuentemente, vía nervio olfatorio (p ej.: amebas de vida libre). El compromiso focal de las células nerviosas explica las variaciones sintomáticas. En nuestro medio ningún virus predomina ostensiblemente y las características epidemiológicas y clínicas pueden crear confusión inicial. La encefalitis herpética es una emergencia neurológica por la necesidad de un diagnóstico precoz, para instalar el tratamiento específico. El VHS-1 es importante en niños y los adultos; VHS-2 en el neonato. El rendimiento del aislamiento viral en el LCR es bajo, la RPC tiene una sensibilidad aproximada de 91 por ciento y alta especificidad permaneciendo positiva hasta cinco a siete días después de iniciada la sintomatología y/o el tratamiento. El EEG es sensible pero poco especifico. La RM es el examen imagenológico indicado en etapa aguda; la TAC permite controlar la evolución. La biopsia cerebral se reserva para casos con falta de respuesta objetiva al tratamiento. El aciclovir reduce la letalidad y las secuelas de la encefalitis herpética, dosis de 60 mg/kg/d en recién nacidos han elevado su sobrevida. Valaciclovir y famciclovir, con similar actividad antiviral, podrían emplearse para prolongar el efecto antiviral más allá de 21 días. En la encefalitis por enterovirus las manifestaciones cutáneas o la miocarditis pueden orientar el diagnóstico etiológico inicialmente. Se debate la capacidad de Mycoplasma pneumoniae para producir trastornos del SNC, si bien invade el LCR, no se ha logrado definir su rol patógeno. Menos importantes son VHH-6, virus de Epstein-Barr, adenovirus, Bartonella henselae, Cryptococcus neoformans, Leptospira sp. y otros. Es posible que nuevos tratamientos específicos estimulen el desarrollo de tecnologías que nos permitan conocer mejor los reales agentes de encefalitis aguda en nuestro país.