First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Concurrent progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and central nervous system infiltration by multiple myeloma: A case report.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy rarely occurs in patients with multiple myeloma. Intracranial central nervous system invasion is also an uncommon event in multiple myeloma, occurring in less than 1% of cases. We describe herein an exceptional case of coexisting progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and intraparenchymal central nervous system myeloma infiltration. A 73-year-old woman with relapsed multiple myeloma was treated with 15 cycles of lenalidomide and dexamethasone, but therapy had to be stopped because of a hip fracture after a fall. During hospitalization, the patient developed progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy caused by John Cunningham virus, and a prominent intra-parenchymal CD138-positive infiltrate was detected. VDJ rearrangements of the immunoglobulin heavy chain gene and the mutational profile of plasma cells in bone marrow at the time of diagnosis and in brain biopsy after progression were analyzed by next generation sequencing, showing genetic differences between medullary and extramedullary myeloma cells. The role of long-term treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in the development progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy or intraparenchymal central nervous system myeloma infiltration remains unknown. However, our results suggest that both events may have arisen as a consequence of treatment-related immunosuppression. Thus, an appropriate clinical approach compatible with the simultaneous treatment of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and multiple myeloma should be developed.

Could polymerase chain reaction tests on conjunctival swabs be useful to diagnose herpetic keratitis?

INTRODUCTION: Diagnosis of HSV-1 keratitis (HK) is frequently based on clinical findings. Invasive specimens (corneal scrapings, biopsies) are required for microbiological diagnosis. METHODS: Corneal scrapings and conjunctival swabs were collected on patients with/without clinical suspicion of HK from 2007 to 2012. RESULTS: The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values for conjunctival swabs by PCR was 77.8, 92.1, 84.4 and 88.3, respectively. DISCUSSION: Conjunctival swabs by PCR may help in the diagnosis of HK, despite the limited sensitivity.