Assessing the Clinical Impact of the SARS-CoV-2 Gamma Variant on Intensive Care Unit Admissions: Insights from a Reference Hospital in Northeastern Brazil.

The global challenge posed by the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic underscores the critical need for ongoing genomic surveillance to identify emerging variants and formulate effective public health strategies. This retrospective observational study, conducted in a reference hospital in Northeast Brazil and comprising 2116 cases, employed PCR genotyping together with epidemiological data to elucidate the impact of the Gamma variant during its emergence, revealing distinct patterns in hospitalization rates, severity of illness, and outcomes. The study emphasizes the challenges posed by the variant, particularly an increased tendency for ICU admissions and respiratory support, especially among adults aged 18 to 59 without comorbidities. Laboratory analyses further demonstrate elevated inflammatory, coagulation, and hepatic markers in the Gamma variant cohort, suggesting a more severe systemic response. Despite limitations, including a retrospective approach and single-institution data, the study underscores the importance of ongoing genomic surveillance. Overall, this research contributes valuable insights into the impact of the Gamma variant on COVID-19 dynamics, advocating for continued research and surveillance to inform effective public health strategies regarding evolving viral variants.

Phylodynamics of classical swine fever virus in Brazil.

The classical swine fever virus is the etiologic agent of one of the diseases with the greatest impact on swine farming worldwide. An extensive area of Brazil is considered free of the disease, but some states in Northeast Brazil have registered outbreaks since 2001. The objective of this study was to analyze the genetic variations of the virus and its spread over time and space. Partial sequences of the viral E2 protein obtained from samples collected during the Brazilian outbreaks were compared with sequences from the GenBank database (NCBI). The results demonstrated the continuous presence of the virus in the state of Ceará, with diffusion to at least two other states. The Brazilian Northeast virus presents specific polymorphisms that separate it from viruses isolated in other countries.

Tuberculose: perfil epidemiológico em hospital referência no tratamento da doença / Tuberculosis: epidemiological profile in a reference hospital in the treatment of disease

OBJETIVO: Este estudo transversal objetivou determinar o perfil epidemiológico, clínico e diagnóstico de pacientes portadores de micobactérias entre março de 2008 e fevereiro de 2010. MÉTODO: A coleta de dados foi feita junto aos prontuários médicos e pacientes. RESULTADOS: De 175 casos, 170 com Mycobacterium tuberculosis, dois M. tuberculosis/complexo M. avium, dois complexo M. avium e um M. bovis/M. tuberculosis. 75,4% dos casos em pacientes do sexo masculino, com mediana etária de 40 anos, 14,3% em HIV positivos, 32% com renda familiar baixa e moradia precária. A doença pulmonar ocorreu em 94,9%. 45,1% se curaram, 24,0% abandonaram o tratamento e 9,7% vieram a óbito. A supervisão do tratamento ocorreu em 60% dos casos e em 56% com investigação para HIV. Das 9,6% amostras paucibacilares e 55,5% das extrapulmonares, o diagnóstico só foi possível pela cultura. CONCLUSÃO: Evidenciou-se predileção por indivíduos masculinos, com doença pulmonar, muitos sem positividade para HIV conhecida e com supervisão de tratamento parcial. A cultura foi uma importante ferramenta diagnóstica, complementar a baciloscopia.

This cross-sectional descriptive study aimed to determine the epidemiological, clinical and diagnosis of patients with mycobacteria between March 2008 and February 2010, in Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais State. Methods: Data collection was performed at the medical records and patients. Results: In 175 cases, 170 with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, two M. tuberculosis/M. avium complex, two M. avium complex and oneM. bovis/M. tuberculosis. 75.4% of cases in male patients, meian age 40 years, 14.3% in HIV positive, 32% with low family income and poor housing. Pulmonary disease occurred in 94.9%. 45.1% were cured, 24.0% abandoned the treatment and 9.7% died. Supervision of treatment occurred in 60% of cases and 56% of cases was tested for HIV. 9.6% of paucibacillary specimens and 55.5% of extrapulmonary TB the diagnosis was possible only by culture. Conclusion: Was a clear predominance of the disease in male patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. The treatment was partially observed and several pacients with no known diagnosis of HIV. The use of mycobacterial culture was an important diagnostic tool, complementary to smear.