Whole Genome Sequence-Based Analysis of Bovine Gammaherpesvirus 4 Isolated from Bovine Abortions.

Bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoGHV4) is a member of the Gammaherspivirinae subfamily, Rhadinovirus genus. Its natural host is the bovine, and it is prevalent among the global cattle population. Although the complete genome of BoGHV4 has been successfully sequenced, the functions of most of its genes remain unknown. Currently, only six strains of BoGHV4, all belonging to Genotype 1, have been sequenced. This is the first report of the nearly complete genome of Argentinean BoGHV4 strains isolated from clinical cases of abortion, representing the first BoGHV4 Genotype 2 and 3 genomes described in the literature. Both Argentinean isolates presented the highest nt p-distance values, indicating a greater level of divergence. Overall, the considerable diversity observed in the complete genomes and open reading frames underscores the distinctiveness of both Argentinean isolates compared to the existing BoGHV4 genomes. These findings support previous studies that categorized the Argentinean BoGHV4 strains 07-435 and 10-154 as Genotypes 3 and 2, respectively. The inclusion of these sequences represents a significant expansion to the currently limited pool of BoGHV4 genomes while providing an important basis to increase the knowledge of local isolates.

Modulation of Apoptosis by Bovine Gammaherpesvirus 4 Infection in Bovine Endometrial Cells and the Possible Role of LPS in This Process.

The prevalent pathogens associated with bovine uterine infections are bacteria that appear to increase the host's susceptibility to secondary infections with other bacteria or viruses, among which BoGHV4 is the most frequently found. In this work, the study of the pathways of apoptosis induction was carried out on an experimental model of primary culture of endometrial cells, in order to know the implication of BoGHV4 and the presence of bacterial LPS in the pathogenesis of the bovine reproductive tract. For this, different staining techniques and molecular analysis by RT-PCR were used. The results obtained allowed us to conclude that the level of cell death observed in the proposed primary culture is directly related to the time of viral infection and the presence of LPS in BoGHV4 infection. The apoptosis indices in cells infected with BoGHV4 and BoGHV4 + LPS revealed a maximum that correlated with the appearance of cytopathic effects and the maximum viral titers in the model studied. However, morphological, biochemical, and molecular changes were evident during both early and late stages of apoptosis. These findings provide information on the factors that may influence the pathogenesis of BoGHV4 and help to better understand the mechanisms involved in virus infection.

Genomic diversity and phylodynamic of bovine viral diarrhea virus in Argentina.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) is an important pathogen of ruminants worldwide and is characterized by high genetic diversity and a wide range of clinical presentations. In Argentina, several studies have evaluated the genetic diversity of BVDV but no phylodynamic study has been published yet. In this study, a comprehensive compilation and update of Argentinean BVDV sequences were performed, and the evolutionary history of BVDV was characterized by phylodynamic analyses based on the 5´UTR. Although BVDV-1b and BVDV-1a were the most frequent subtypes, novel subtypes for Argentina, 1e and 1i, were identified. The phylodynamic analysis suggested that BVDV started its diversification in the mid-1650s with an exponential increase in viral diversity since the late 1990s, possibly related to the livestock expansion and intensification in the country. Evolutionary rate in the 5´UTR was faster for BVDV-1a than for BVDV-1b, and both subtypes presented an endemic nature according to the demographic reconstructions. The current study contributes to clarify the evolutionary history of BVDV in the main cattle region of the country and provides useful information about the epidemiology and future development of diagnostic and control tools in Argentina.

Frequency of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in Argentinean bovine herds and comparison of diagnostic tests for BVDV detection in bovine serum samples: a preliminary study.

Bovine viral diarrhea (BVD) is a major worldwide disease with negative economic impact on cattle production. Successful control programs of BVD require the identification and culling of persistently infected (PI) animals with bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV). A variety of diagnostic tests are available to detect BVDV, but no comparison has been performed among those tests in Argentina. Sera collected from 2864 cattle, belonging to 55 herds from three Argentinean provinces, were analyzed by nested RT-PCR (RT-nPCR) to detect BVDV for diagnostic purposes. Additionally, this study evaluated the agreement of the RT-nPCR along with virus isolation, antigen-capture ELISA, and real-time RT-PCR for BVDV detection in archived bovine serum samples (n = 90). The RT-nPCR was useful for BVDV detection in pooled and individual serum samples. BVDV was detected in 1% (29/2864) of the cattle and in 20% (11/55) of the herds. The proportion of BVDV-positive sera was not statistically different among the tests. In addition, comparisons showed high agreement levels, with the highest values between both RT-PCR protocols. The frequency of BVDV infection at individual and herd level was lower than the reported values worldwide. Since follow-up testing was not performed, the frequency of PI cattle was unknown. Also, this study demonstrated that the four diagnostic tests can be used reliably for BVDV identification in individual serum samples. Further epidemiologically designed studies that address prevalence, risk factors, and economic impact of BVDV in Argentina will be necessary to implement effective control programs.

Detection methods and characterization of bovine viral diarrhea virus in aborted fetuses and neonatal calves over a 22-year period.

Detection of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) in aborted fetus samples is often difficult due to tissue autolysis and inappropriate sampling. Studies assessing different methods for BVDV identification in fetal specimens are scarce. The present study evaluated the agreement between different diagnostic techniques to detect BVDV infections in specimens from a large number of bovine aborted fetuses and neonatal deaths over a period of 22 years. Additionally, genetic, serological, and pathological analyses were conducted in order to characterize BVDV strains of fetal origin. Samples from 95 selected cases from 1997 to 2018 were analyzed by antigen-capture ELISA (AgELISA), nested RT-PCR (RT-nPCR), and real-time RT-PCR (RT-qPCR). In addition, amplification and sequencing of the 5'UTR region were performed for phylogenetic purposes. Virus neutralization tests against the BVDV-1a, BVDV-1b, and BVDV-2b subtypes were conducted on 60 fetal fluids of the selected cases. Furthermore, the frequency and severity of histopathological lesions were evaluated in BVDV-positive cases. This study demonstrated that RT-nPCR and RT-qPCR were more suitable than AgELISA for BVDV detection in fetal specimens. However, the agreement between the two RT-PCR methods was moderate. The BVDV-1b subtype was more frequently detected than the BVDV-1a and BVDV-2b subtypes. Neutralizing antibodies to any of the three subtypes evaluated were present in 94% of the fetal fluids. Microscopically, half of the BVDV-positive cases showed a mild non-suppurative inflammatory response. These results emphasize the need to consider different methods for a diagnostic approach of BVDV associated to reproductive losses.

Genetic characterization of bovine herpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) isolates from Argentine cattle suggests a complex evolutionary scenario.

Bovine herpevsirus 4 (BoHV-4) is a gammaherpesvirus that has been associated with different clinical conditions in cattle. In Argentina, BoHV-4 was detected in diverse bovine samples. The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic relationship of 48 field BoHV-4 strains isolated from cattle in Argentina. According to thymidine kinase (tk) gene sequences, BoHV-4 isolates belong to genotypes 1, 2 and 3. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the presence of the three previously described viral genotypes. However, some of the studied isolates presented conflicting phylogenetic signals between the studied markers. This suggests a complex evolutionary background, that is a history of recombination, incomplete lineage sorting (deep coalescence) or a combination of these, which requires further study. These potential events make difficult the diagnosis of BoHV-4 from clinical samples of cattle and may pose a significant problem for the control of the virus in the herds.

Analysis of the transcripts encoding for antigenic proteins of bovine gammaherpesvirus 4.

The major glycoproteins of bovine gammaherpesvirus 4 (BoHV-4) are gB, gH, gM, gL, and gp180 with gB, gH, and gp180 being the most glycosylated. These glycoproteins participate in cell binding while some act as neutralization targets. Glycosylation of these envelope proteins may be involved in virion protection against neutralization by antibodies. In infected cattle, BoHV-4 induces an immune response characterized by low neutralizing antibody levels or an absence of such antibodies. Therefore, virus seroneutralization in vitro cannot always be easily demonstrated. The aim of this study was to evaluate the neutralizing capacity of 2 Argentine BoHV-4 strains and to associate those findings with the gene expression profiles of the major envelope glycoproteins. Expression of genes coding for the envelope glycoproteins occurred earlier in cells infected with isolate 10/154 than in cells infected with strain 07/435, demonstrating a distinct difference between the strains. Differences in serological response can be attributed to differences in the expression of antigenic proteins or to post-translational modifications that mask neutralizing epitopes. Strain 07/435 induced significantly high titers of neutralizing antibodies in several animal species in addition to bovines. The most relevant serological differences were observed in adult animals. This is the first comprehensive analysis of the expression kinetics of genes coding for BoHV-4 glycoproteins in 2 Argentine strains (genotypes 1 and 2). The results further elucidate the BoHV-4 life cycle and may also help determine the genetic variability of the strains circulating in Argentina.

Delayed type hypersensitivity induced by intradermal inoculation of a Neospora caninum tachyzoite antigen in previously exposed cattle.

The aim of this study was to evaluate delayed type hypersensitivity (DTH) induced by the intradermal inoculation of a Neospora caninum tachyzoite soluble lysate in cattle previously exposed with the protozoa. Four experimental groups were selected according to the prior exposure to N. caninum antigen. All cows were intradermally injected with a N. caninum tachyzoite soluble lysate and skinfold thickness growth at the inoculation sites was measured at 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h post inoculation (hpi). Additionally, specific antibodies and IFN-γ production were assessed. Cows experimentally infected with live N. caninum tachyzoites and cows naturally exposed to N. caninum developed skin reactions compatible with DTH between 24 and 96 hpi (p < 0.05). Moreover, cows inoculated with an experimental N. caninum vaccine and cows without evidence of exposure to N. caninum did not show a significant increase in skin thickness (p > 0.05). Furthermore, serological status of the animals was not modified due to the intradermal inoculation. The highest IFN-γ production was observed at 15 days after intradermal inoculation (p < 0.05). Therefore, these results suggest that cattle previously exposed to N. caninum develop a reaction compatible with DTH which could be useful as in vivo cell mediated immunity parameter for assessed bovine neosporosis.

Dual natural infection with bovine viral diarrhea virus -1 and -2 in a stillborn calf: tissue distribution and molecular characterization.

Dual infections with both bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV)-1 and -2 seem to be unusual. The aim of this study was to describe an infection with both BVDV genotypes in a stillborn calf. Virus isolation and phylogenetic analyses of the 5´UTR and NS5B regions confirmed the presence of BVDV-1b and -2b in spleen and lung, whereas BVDV-2b was also detected in brain, heart, liver, kidney and, fluid of cavities. These results confirm that dual infections with both BVDV-1 and BVDV-2 species can occur naturally and their tissue distribution can be different.

[Kaposi's Sarcoma in patients with late HIV diagnosis. Case report and review of literature.] / Sarcoma de Kaposi en paciente con diagnóstico tardío de VIH. Presentación de un caso y revisión.

Kaposi's sarcoma is a limphoangioproliferous tumor described for the first time in the year 1872 by Moritz Kaposi. There are four clinical variants, the classical form, the endemic, the iatrogenic associated to transplantation or immunosuppression and the epidemic associated with AIDS, which will be referred in this publication. In this research,(case, paperwork, investigation) a 31 year old male patient, who was diagnosed AIDS and Kaposi's sarcoma at the same time while in hospital, is described.

El sarcoma de Kaposi es un tumor linfoangioproliferativo descripto por primera vez en el año 1872 por Moritz Kaposi. Hay cuatro variantes clínicas, la forma clásica, la endémica, la iatrogénica asociada a trasplante o inmunosupresión y la epidémica asociada a SIDA, de la cual se hará referencia en esta publicación. Se describe un paciente varón de 31 años, al cual durante la misma internación se hace el diagnóstico de SIDA y de sarcoma de Kaposi.

Enfermedad de Darier. Presentación en dos hermanos / Darier's disease. Report in two brothers

La enfermedad de Darier (ED) o disqueratosis folicular fue descripta por Darier y White en 1889. Se trata de una alteración de herencia autosómica dominante, causada por la mutación del gen ATP2A2. Esta mutación interfiere en los procesos de diferenciación y crecimiento celular calcio dependientes. El diagnóstico es clínico e histopatológico. Se manifiesta con pápulas y costras eritematoparduzcas queratósicas, pruriginosas, localizadas principalmente en áreas seborreicas, pápulas blanquecinas en mucosa oral y alteraciones ungueales. Presentamos dos casos de ED en dos hermanos y realizamos una revisión de esta entidad (AU)

Darier's disease (DD) or keratosis follicularis was described by Darier and White in 1889. It is an autosomic dominant inheritance disorder caused by mutation of ATP2A2 gene. This mutation interferes in the processes of cell differentiation and calcium dependent growth. Diagnosis is clinical and histopathological. Clinical features include itchy keratotic papules and crusts, located mainly on seborrheic areas, whitish papules on oral mucosa and nail changes. Two cases of DD in two brothers is reported and a review of this entity is made (AU)

Pioderma gangrenoso en paciente trasplantado renal: respuesta al tratamiento con tacrolimus tópico / Pyoderma gangrenosum in renal transplanted patient: response to treatment with topical tacrolimus

Se presenta un paciente de sexo masculino, trasplantado renal, medicado con ciclosporina A 140 mg cada 12 hs, acido micofenólico 360 mg cada 12 hs, metilprednisolona 30 mg/ día, acido fólico 5 mg/día, ranitidina 150 mg/día, aciclovir 200 mg cada 8 hs, calcio 500 mg/día, insulina NPH 10 U/día y amlodipina 5 mg/día. Se le diagnostica pioderma gangrenoso (PG) tipo ulcerativo localizado en tobillo izquierdo. Se inicia tratamiento con tacrolimus tópico 0,1% 2 veces por día, logrando una excelente respuesta con cicatrización de la lesión a los 5 meses. Se destaca la aparición de esta enfermedad en un paciente que a pesar de estar bajo tratamiento inmunosupresor con drogas que son de indicación para el tratamiento del PG, desarrolla la patología. El PG es una enfermedad cutánea ulcerativa crónica, recurrente y poco frecuente, cuyo diagnóstico requiere una correlación clínicopatológica y se asocia con frecuencia a enfermedades sistémicas...

Neoplasia de células dentríticas plasmocitoides blásticas y lepra. ¿Asociación o coincidencia? / Blastic plasmacytoid dentritic cell neoplasm and leprosy. Association or coincidence?

La neoplasia de células dendríticas plasmocitoides blásticas es una entidad de baja incidencia originada en las células precursoras de las células dendríticas plasmocitoides o tipo2, anteriormente llamada linfoma de células blásticas NK. Afecta principalmente a adultos entre la quinta y séptima década de la vida, aunque hay casos descritos en niños y adolescentes.Presentamos un paciente masculino de 87 años con este diagnóstico, quienademás presentó baciloscopia intensamente positiva para bacilos de Mycobacterium lepraecon una mejoría importante de las lesiones al instaurar tratamiento para lepra multibacilar...

Eritroqueratodermia simétrica progresiva: seguimiento prolongado de un paciente / Erythrokeratodermia progressive symmetrical: extended follow-up of a patient

La eritroqueratodermia simétrica progresiva (EQSP) es una genodermatosis rara que se manifiesta por placas queratósicas con base eritematosa, simétricas, policíclicas, localizadas principalmente en las extremidades. Se presenta un caso de un varón de 16 años, controlado desde el nacimiento, con un gran porcentaje de la superficie cutánea afectada.

The progressive symmetrical erythrokeratodermia (EQSP) is a rare genodermatosis manifested by symmetric erythematous and keratotic plaques, polycyclic, located mainly on the limbs. We report a case of a 16 years old boy, controlled from birth, with a large percentage of skin surface affected.

Lepra: estado actual en Córdoba, Argentina / Leprosy: current status in Córdoba, Argentina

Se realiza una definición de la lepra o enfermedad de Hansen. Se hacen comentarios sobre las áreas geográficas epidemiológicamente afectadas en Argentina y el registro de pacientes con lepra bajo tratamiento a nivel nacional y provincial, así como los casos nuevos denunciados que se mantienen en los últimos años y que son indicadores que la cadena de la transfisión de la enfermedad aún se mantienen.

Performing a definition of Hansen's disease leprosy. Comments are made about the geographic areas affected epidemiologically inArgentina and recording leprosy patients under treatment at national and provincial level, as well as the newly reported cases maintained in recent years and are indicators that the chain of transfisión the disease still remain.

Cuidados de enfermería en paciente con edema agudo de pulmón / Nursing care in patient with acute lung edema

En el siguiente artículo, las autoras presentan el caso de una paciente con diagnóstico de Edema Agudo de Pulmón (EAP). Se detalla la fisiopatología, la evolución de la enfermedad y su tratamiento. Se describe un Plan de Cuidados específico para el caso presentado.

Wade's histoid leprosy: three clinical presentations.

Wade's histoid leprosy is a rare form of multibacillary leprosy with distinctive characteristics which were first described in patients treated with a short course of sulfones. Wade's histoid leprosy may occur as a relapse, in the setting of sulfone resistance, or may present de novo. We report the clinical, histologic, immunologic, and bacteriologic features of three adult male patients with this rare variant of lepromatous leprosy as the initial presentation of the disease, observed in the Dermatology Department of Hospital Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina between 1999 and 2003. Two of the three patients were from an endemic leprosy area. All patients presented with a number of erythematous to brownish gray, firm but elastic nodules involving mainly the extremities, which responded to treatment for multibacillary leprosy without reactional episodes.

Chagas' disease reactivation with skin symptoms in a patient with kidney transplant.

Immunodepressed patients in the intermediate phase of Chagas' disease may undergo reactivation of the disease together with atypical symptoms. The case of an immunodepressed kidney transplant patient with reactivation of Chagas' disease with skin symptoms is reported. A 65-year-old man presented with infiltrated erythematous lesions on the anterior aspect of the right thigh of 2 weeks' duration. The lesions later extended to the abdomen, thorax, and lower limbs. In the histologic skin examination, amastigotes and Trypanosoma cruzi trypoamastigotes were observed. A fresh smear showed positive parasitemia. Using the Strout hemoconcentration method, multiple Trypanosoma cruzi trypoamastigotes with motility could be seen. Polymerase chain reaction was positive for Trypanosoma cruzi. An immunofluorescence test was positive (1 : 64) and there was hemoagglutination (1 : 32). Treatment was started with benznidazole, 7 mg/kg/day. The patient did not evolve favorably and died 20 days after hospitalization. Skin lesions may be a manifestation of the reactivation of Chagas' disease in immunosuppressed patients. All patients with positive Chagas' serology who require immunosuppressant drugs should receive specific treatment for Chagas' disease.