Baseline prevalence and type distribution of Human papillomavirus in sexually active non-vaccinated adolescent girls from Argentina.

In 2011, Argentina launched a government-funded national Human papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program incorporating a bivalent HPV vaccine, with a 0-1-6-month schedule, for girls 11 years of age, born after January 2000. Monitoring the changes of HPV infection prevalence among young women has been proposed as an endpoint for early assessment of HPV vaccination programs. However, the data on HPV prevalence at young ages are very limited. The aim of this work was to determine the prevalence of HPV infection and type-specific distribution in sexually active 15-17-year-old non-vaccinated girls. Cervical samples from 1073 adolescents were collected for HPV detection and genotyping using the BSGP5+/GP6+PCR-reverse line blot (RLB) assay. Out of 957 specimens analyzed, 56.3% were positive for any HPV type; 42.2% harbored at least one high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) type and 30.8% low-risk HPV (LR-HPV) types. Multiple and single infections were identified in 36.3% and 20.0% of the samples respectively. The 6 most common HR-HPV types were HPV16 (11.1%), HPV52 (10.8%), HPV56 (8.3%), HPV51 (7.4%), HPV58 (7.3%) and HPV31 (7.1%). The prevalence of HR-HPV-16/18 was 15.2%. In conclusion, results confirm that HPV (particularly HR-types) are very common among sexually active adolescents, and prevalence rises quickly after their sexual debut. Our HPV type-specific prevalence baseline may be used to monitor post-vaccinal longitudinal changes in Argentina.

[Bocavirus in infants under 5 years with acute respiratory infection. Chaco Province, Argentina, 2014]. / Bocavirus en niños menores de 5 años con infección respiratoria aguda. Provincia del Chaco, 2014.

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most frequent pathology along human life, being the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of bocavirus (BoV) in infants under 5 years with symptoms of ARI from north Argentina (Chaco province). The study was performed on nasopharyngeal aspirates from 488 patients, in the period of January-December 2014. The samples were tested by real time PCR and 36 positive BoV cases (7.4%) were detected. The period with the highest detection rate was June-September with 28 cases (77.8%), of which 26 (72.2%) were infants between 6-18 moths of life. In half of BoV positive cases this virus was detected as single infection of the upper respiratory tract, and in the remaining 50%, as concomitant infection with other microorganisms. To our knowledge, this would be the first study on molecular epidemiology of BoV in northern Argentina. We emphasize the importance of investigating these new viruses capable of generating acute respiratory disease and also to disseminate awareness on their circulation within the community.

Human papillomavirus detection in Corrientes, Argentina: High prevalence of type 58 and its phylodynamics.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has the highest mortality rate due to cervical cancer in Northeastern Argentina. The aim of this work was to detect and characterize HPV in samples from the Province of Corrientes, Argentina. HPV detection and typing was performed using PCR-RFLP on samples with different cervical lesions (n=255). Seventeen viruses typified as HPV-58 were sequenced (E6 and E7 genes) and mutations were analyzed. HPV DNA was detected in 56.1% of the cervical lesions (143/255). Twenty-two different HPV types were detected. The type most frequently found among the total number of samples and HPV-positive samples was HPV-16 (14.5% and 25.9%, respectively), followed by HPV-58 (8.2%/14.7%, respectively), which is also considered a high-risk viral type. Increased severity of the cytological status was associated with greater rates of HPV detection and, especially, with the detection of greater rates of high-risk types. In addition, the evolutionary dynamics of the alpha-9 species group and HPV-58 was studied. All HPV-58 viruses reported in this work belonged to lineage A, sublineage A2. The phylodynamic analysis indicated that diversification of main groups within lineage A might have accompanied or preceded human migrations across the globe. Given that the most prevalent viruses found belonged to high-risk HPV types, some concerns might arise about the extent of cross protection of the vaccines against the types not included in their design.

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Infection and Risk Behavior in Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated Paraguayan Young Women.

Cervical cancer is a global health concern and ranks fourth among the most prevalent cancers in women worldwide. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a known precursor of cervical cancer and preventive measures include prophylactic vaccines. This study focused on sexually active Paraguayan women aged 18-25 years, exploring the intersection of HPV vaccination and sexual behavior. Among 254 participants, 40.9% received the Gardasil-4 vaccine, with no significant differences in sexual behavior between the vaccinated and unvaccinated sexually active groups. However, a notable decrease in the prevalence of HPV among the vaccinated women highlights the efficacy of this vaccine in reducing infections. The prevalence of any HPV type was 37.5% in vaccinated participants compared to 56.7% in unvaccinated participants (p = 0.0026). High-risk HPV types showed a significant difference, with a prevalence of 26.0% in vaccinated women compared with 52.7% in unvaccinated women (p < 0.001). Although a potential decline in genital warts was observed among the vaccinated individuals, statistical significance (p = 0.0564) was not reached. Despite the challenges in achieving high vaccination coverage, the observed reduction in HPV prevalence underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring, healthcare professional recommendations, and comprehensive risk management. These findings contribute to dispelling concerns about HPV vaccination influencing sexual behavior, advocating further large-scale research to explore the impact of vaccines on various HPV types and potential cross-protection.

Human papillomavirus and other genital infections in indigenous women from Paraguay: a cross-sectional analytical study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cervical cancer in Paraguay is among the highest in the world, with the human papillomavirus (HPV) being a necessary factor for cervical cancer. Knowledge about HPV infection among indigenous women is limited. This cross-sectional study analyzed the frequency of HPV and other genital infections in indigenous Paraguayan women of the Department of Presidente Hayes. METHODS: This study included 181 sexually active women without cervical lesions. They belonged to the following ethnicities: Maká (n = 40); Nivaclé (n = 23); Sanapaná (n = 33); Enxet Sur (n = 51) and Toba-Qom (n = 34). The detection of HPV and other gynecological infectious microorganisms was performed by either molecular methods (for Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis), gram staining and/or culture (for Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida sp, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae), serological methods (for Treponema pallidum, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) or cytology (cervical inflammation). RESULTS: A high prevalence (41.4%) of women positive for at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI) was found (23.2% any-type HPV, 11.6% T pallidum, 10.5% T vaginalis, 9.9% C trachomatis and 0.6% HIV) with 12.2% having more than one STI. HPV infection was the most frequent, with 16.1% of women positive for high-risk HPV types. There was a statistically significant association observed between any-type HPV and C trachomatis (p = 0.004), which indicates that the detection of one of these agents should suggest the presence of the other. There was no association between any-type HPV and other genital infections or cervical inflammation, suggesting that other mechanism could exist to favor infection with the virus. CONCLUSION: This multidisciplinary work suggests that STIs are frequent, making it necessary to implement control measures and improve diagnosis in order to increase the number of cases detected, especially in populations with poor access to health centers.

[Oral HPV infection in HIV-positive persons from Corrientes, Argentina]. / Infecciones orales por VPH en personas HIV positivas de Corrientes, Argentina.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cavity HPV infections are associated with a subgroup of cancers whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. HIV infected people are in an increased risk of contracting HPV infection and developing cancer. The present study reveals the frequency and genotypic variability of this virus in the oral cavity and its association with probable risk factors in an HIV+ population of the province of Corrientes. METHODS: Mouthwashes were taken from 133 participants. After DNA extraction, the presence of HPV was detected by nested PCR. Positive cases were typed by reverse line blot or by sequencing. RESULTS: HPV was detected in 22% (29/133) of the mouthwashes. In 62% (18/29) of the positive samples, at least one high-risk genotype was detected. Participants older than 36 years (p = 0.03, aOR = 3.2, CI = 1.1-9.4) and a viral load of more than 40 copies (p = 0.04, aOR = 3.3, CI = 1.1-10.3) had higher risk of infection by any HPV genotype. In relation to the age of initiation of sexual intercourse, it was a significant parameter in the case of patients with infections by high-risk genotypes (p = 0.04, aOR = 7.2, IC = 1.6-32.3). In addition, previously unreported low-risk genotypes were observed in the oral cavity of inhabitants of the region like HPV-13 and HPV-114. DISCUSSION: Collecting baseline epidemiological data in this type of vulnerable population helps to clarify the natural history of the virus in extragenital locations and focus on regional particularities that allow the development of health policies in accordance with the magnitude of the regional problem.

Introducción: Las infecciones por virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en cavidad oral se asocian a un subgrupo de cánceres cuya prevalencia está en incremento en todo el mundo. Las personas portadoras HIV (PHIV) tienen un mayor riesgo de contraer una infección por VPH y eventualmente desarrollar cáncer. El presente estudio trata de relevar la frecuencia y variabilidad genotípica de dicho virus en cavidad oral y su asociación con probables factores de riesgo en una población HIV+ de la provincia de Corrientes. Métodos: Se tomaron enjuagados bucales de 133 participantes. Luego de la extracción de ADN se detectó por PCR anidada la presencia de VPH. Los casos positivos se tipificaron por Reverse Line Blot y por secuenciación. Resultados: En la serie analizada se detectó una frecuencia global de VPH del 22% (29/133) en los enjuagados bucales. El 62% (18/29) de los casos positivos presentó al menos un genotipo de alto riesgo. Los participantes con más de 36 años (p = 0.03, aOR = 3.2, IC = 1.1-9,4) y una carga viral de más de 40 copias/mL (p = 0.04, aOR = 3.3, IC = 1.1-10.3) reflejaron mayor riesgo de infección por VPH. La edad de inicio de relaciones sexuales también resultó un indicador útil en los casos que presentaron infecciones por genotipos de alto riesgo (p = 0.04, aOR = 7.2, IC = 1.6-32.3). Además, se observaron genotipos de bajo riesgo no reportados con anterioridad en cavidad oral de habitantes de la región (VPH-13 y VPH-114). Discusión: Relevar datos epidemiológicos basales en poblaciones vulnerables y altamente expuestas a VPH ayuda a clarificar la historia natural del virus en localizaciones extragenitales y a focalizarnos en particularidades regionales que permitan elaborar políticas de salud acordes a la magnitud del problema local.

High prevalence and co-infection of high-risk Human Papillomavirus genotypes among unvaccinated young women from Paraguay.

Paraguay launched a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination program in 2013, so virological surveillance is important for measuring the impact of HPV vaccines. This study aimed to estimate the type-specific HPV frequency in unvaccinated sexually active women aged 18-25 years in the metropolitan area of Asuncion as a baseline for monitoring the HPV vaccination program. This study included 208 women, attending the Central Laboratory of Public Health between May 2020 and December 2021, were invited for testing through social networks and flyers at local health centers and higher education institutes. All participants who agreed to contribute to the study signed a free, prior, and informed consent form and answered a questionnaire that included basic demographic data and determining factors of HPV infection. Human papillomavirus detection and genotyping were conducted using the CLART HPV2 test (Genomica, Madrid, Spain) that allows the individual identification of 35 genotypes. 54.8% women were positive for any HPV type, with 42.3% positive for high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) types. Several factors were associated with HPV detection including the number of sexual partners, new sexual partners, non-use of condoms, and history of other sexual infections. Moreover, multiple infections were identified in 43.0% of the young women. We detected 29 different viral types present in both single and multiple infections. HPV-58 was the most commonly detected HPV type (14.9%), followed by HPV-16, HPV-51, and HPV-66 (12.3%). We estimated the prevalence of bivalent (16/18), quadrivalent (6/11/16/18), and nonavalent (6/11/16/18/31/33/45/52/58) vaccine types to be 8.2%, 13%, and 38%, respectively. These results reinforce the importance of surveillance studies and provide the first data regarding circulating HPV genotypes in the unvaccinated population in Paraguay, thus generating a baseline to compare future changes in the overall and type-specific HPV prevalence after HPV vaccination.

Human papilloma virus risk factors for infection and genotype distribution in aboriginal women from Northern Argentina.

The mortality rate for cervical cancer (CC) in Northern Argentina is three times higher than the average for the country (7.8 deaths/100,000 women). We determined the prevalence and genotype distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) in 227 sexually active women of the native Pilagá community in Formosa, Argentina. We also conducted an HPV-16 variant analysis and studied several community factors that might play a role in viral entry and infection. Endo and exocervical samples were tested for HPV DNA with MY09/11-PCR or with GP5+/6+-PCR. HPV was detected in 46.7% of the samples and 21 different types were found; the most frequent being HPV-16 (19.4%), -6 and -18 (5.3%), -58 (3.5%) and -31 and -33 (3.1%). In relation to HPV-16 variants, 68.2% were European and 31.8% Asian-American. Among the cofactors analyzed only disposal of hu man excreta to the open air (P=0.01) was significantly associated with HPV infection. Our prevalence estimates clearly show that Pilagá women are highly exposed to or infected with high risk HPV types and therefore are at a high risk of developing precancerous lesions and eventually CC at the population level.

Infecciones orales por VPH en personas HIV positivas de Corrientes, Argentina / Oral HPV infection in HIV-positive persons from Cor rientes, Argentina

Resumen Introducción : Las infecciones por virus del papiloma humano (VPH) en cavidad oral se asocian a un subgrupo de cánceres cuya prevalencia está en incremento en todo el mundo. Las personas portadoras HIV (PHIV) tienen un mayor riesgo de contraer una infección por VPH y eventualmente desarrollar cáncer. El presente estudio trata de relevar la frecuencia y variabilidad genotípica de dicho virus en cavidad oral y su asociación con pro bables factores de riesgo en una población HIV+ de la provincia de Corrientes. Métodos : Se tomaron enjuagados bucales de 133 participantes. Luego de la extracción de ADN se detectó por PCR anidada la presencia de VPH. Los casos positivos se tipificaron por Reverse Line Blot y por secuenciación. Resultados : En la serie analizada se detectó una fre cuencia global de VPH del 22% (29/133) en los enjuagados bucales. El 62% (18/29) de los casos positivos presentó al menos un genotipo de alto riesgo. Los participantes con más de 36 años (p = 0.03, aOR = 3.2, IC = 1.1-9,4) y una carga viral de más de 40 copias/mL (p = 0.04, aOR = 3.3, IC = 1.1-10.3) reflejaron mayor riesgo de infección por VPH. La edad de inicio de relaciones sexuales también resultó un indicador útil en los casos que presenta ron infecciones por genotipos de alto riesgo (p = 0.04, aOR = 7.2, IC = 1.6-32.3). Además, se observaron genotipos de bajo riesgo no reportados con anterioridad en cavidad oral de habitantes de la región (VPH-13 y VPH-114). Discusión : Relevar datos epidemiológicos basales en pobla ciones vulnerables y altamente expuestas a VPH ayuda a clarificar la historia natural del virus en localizaciones extragenitales y a focalizarnos en particularidades regio nales que permitan elaborar políticas de salud acordes a la magnitud del problema local.

Abstract Introduction : Oral cavity HPV infections are associ ated with a subgroup of cancers whose prevalence is increasing worldwide. HIV infected people are in an increased risk of contracting HPV infection and devel oping cancer. The present study reveals the frequency and genotypic variability of this virus in the oral cavity and its association with probable risk factors in an HIV+ population of the province of Corrientes. Methods : Mouthwashes were taken from 133 partici pants. After DNA extraction, the presence of HPV was detected by nested PCR. Positive cases were typed by reverse line blot or by sequencing. Results : HPV was detected in 22% (29/133) of the mouthwashes. In 62% (18/29) of the positive samples, at least one high-risk genotype was detected. Participants older than 36 years (p = 0.03, aOR = 3.2, CI = 1.1-9.4) and a viral load of more than 40 copies (p = 0.04, aOR = 3.3, CI = 1.1-10.3) had higher risk of infection by any HPV genotype. In relation to the age of initiation of sexual intercourse, it was a significant parameter in the case of patients with infections by high-risk genotypes (p = 0.04, aOR = 7.2, IC = 1.6-32.3). In addition, previously unreport ed low-risk genotypes were observed in the oral cavity of inhabitants of the region like HPV-13 and HPV-114. Discussion : Collecting baseline epidemiological data in this type of vulnerable population helps to clarify the natural history of the virus in extragenital locations and focus on regional particularities that allow the development of health policies in accordance with the magnitude of the regional problem.

[Chlamydia trachomatis and papillomavirus infection in women with cytohistological abnormalities in uterine cervix]. / Infección por Chlamydia trachomatis y papilomavirus en mujeres con alteraciones citohistológicas de cuello uterino.

The presence of Chlamydia trachomatis and human papillomavirus (HPV) was evaluated by PCR technique in 189 sexually active women, between 15 and 58 years old, with cytological abnormalities in their uterine cervical epithelium and belonging to a region of Argentina with high incidence of cervical cancer. Risk factors in relation to chlamydial infection were also analyzed. Total prevalence for C. trachomatis infection was 24.9%, but there was a significant difference between prevalence in low socio-economical level (32.9%) and high or medium socio-economical level (17.7%). Total prevalence for DNA of HPV was 52.9%, but women infected with C. trachomatis showed a higher risk for viral infection than non-infected ones (OR = 2.27 / CI 95% = 1.10-4.73), with statistical significant difference (p = 0.016).

Desigualdades sociales, inequidades y enfermedades desatendidas: sífilis congénita en la agenda de salud internacional / Social inequalities, iniquities and neglected diseases: congenital syphilis on the international health agenda / Desigualdades sociais, iniquidades e doenças negligenciadas: sífilis congênita na agenda internacional da saúde

Resumen Objetivo: Identificar el lugar que ocupa la sífilis congénita en la agenda de salud y analizar el proceso de determinación social y los determinantes que, en distintos niveles, influyen para que este tema avance (o no) hacia una agenda de decisión, desde un enfoque del derecho a la salud. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo exploratorio, descriptivo y transversal, basado en datos primarios (entrevistas semi-estructuradas a actores involucrados en la temática del nivel global, regional y local) y secundarios. Se elaboró un modelo para analizar la agenda de salud internacional y la posición que ocupa un tema, en este caso sífilis congénita. Resultados: Determinantes sociales en distintos niveles, vinculados a la política exterior, comercio, ciencia/innovación tecnológica y los sistemas de producción, dificultan el avance de la sífilis congénita desde una agenda formal a una agenda de decisión, sumado a la ausencia de grupos de presión y un bajo grado de visibilidad de la enfermedad como problema. Conclusiones: La sífilis congénita persiste como problema de salud pública. En muchos países de la región no logra pasar a una agenda de decisión, dificultando su efectivo control. El modelo elaborado y los determinantes sociales identificados en sus distintos niveles constituyen un aporte en esta dirección.

Abstract Objective: To identify the place of congenital syphilis on the health agenda and analyze the process of social determination and social determinants having an influence, at different levels, on the health policy agenda setting, from a right to health perspective. Methods: Qualitative exploratory, descriptive and transversal study, based on primary data (semi-structured interviews with those involved in the subject at the global, regional and local level) as well as secondary data. A model was developed to analyze the health agenda and the position that a topic occupies in it, in this case, congenital syphilis. Results: Social determinants, at different levels, linked to foreign policy, trade, science / technological innovation and production systems, hinder the advance of congenital syphilis from a formal agenda to a decision agenda. This process is also influenced by the absence of pressure groups and a low visibility of the disease as a public health problem. Conclusions: Congenital syphilis persists as a public health problem, and in many countries of the region, this issue does not move up to a decision agenda, which hinders its effective control. The elaborated model and the social determinants identified at its different levels constitute a contribution in this direction.

Resumo Objetivo: Identificar o lugar que a sífilis congênita ocupa na agenda da saúde e analisar o processo de determinação social e os determinantes que, em diferentes níveis, influenciam esta questão para avançar (ou não) em uma agenda de decisão a partir de uma abordagem do direito à saúde. Métodos: Estudo qualitativo exploratório, descritivo e transversal, com base em dados primários (entrevistas semiestruturadas com atores envolvidos com o tema em nível global, regional e local) e dados secundários. Foi desenvolvido um modelo para analisar a agenda internacional de saúde e a posição de um problema, neste caso a sífilis congênita. Resultados: Determinantes sociais em diferentes níveis, vinculados a política externa, comércio, ciência / inovação tecnológica e sistemas de produção dificultam o avanço da sífilis congênita de uma agenda formal para uma agenda de decisão, somada a ausência de grupos de pressão e baixa visibilidade da doença como problema. Conclusões: A sífilis congênita persiste como problema de saúde pública. Em muitos países da região, não é possível avançar para uma agenda de decisões, o que dificulta seu controle eficaz. O modelo elaborado e os determinantes sociais identificados em seus diferentes níveis são uma contribuição nessa direção.

Distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and bacterial vaginosis presence in cervical samples from Paraguayan indigenous.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) types and to assess bacterial vaginosis (BV) possible associations with cervical infections in indigenous Paraguayan women of the Department of Presidente Hayes. METHODS: This study included 181 sexually active women without cervical lesions. HPV typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction with primers PGMY 09/11 followed by reverse line hybridization. BV was diagnosed by the Nugent criteria using the results from a Gram stain smear. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of women were positive for at least one high risk HPV type (HR-HPV). The most frequent genotypes were HPV 16 (4.4%), followed by HPV 58 (3.3%), HPV 45 (3.3%), HPV 53 (2.8%) and HPV 11 (2.8%). A significant association between HR-HPV and BV was observed (p=0.01). In addition, women with BV had a higher frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis (p=0.0007), Trichomonas vaginalis (p=0.00009), Mycoplasma hominis (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A large variety of HPV genotypes was detected and showed a slightly different pattern from previous studies on urban women in Paraguay, with the predominance of HR-HPV. Furthermore, the information of co-infections involved in BV could be useful for the improvement of national prevention programs, as well as for laboratory surveillance of these genital infections.

Human papillomavirus genotypes in women with cervical cytological abnormalities from an area with high incidence of cervical cancer.

It has been well demonstrated the relationship between the infection with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPVs) genotypes and cervical cancer. In Northeastern Argentina a high incidence of this pathology has been described and therefore a high prevalence of HPV infection is expected. In order to identify HPV genotypes associated with malignant and pre-malignant cervical lesions present in the area, 53 ecto-endo cervical cell specimens obtained from women with cytohistological alterations were studied by a PCR-RFLP technique. Out of 53 patients, 34 (64.2%) were positive for HPV infection, being HPV-16 (32.3%) the most frequently found genotype, followed by HPV-58 (14.7%), -6, -18 and -45 (5.9%), -33, -52, -53, -54, -56, -66, -MM4 and -LVX100 (2.9%). Also 5 cases of infection caused by multiple genotypes were found, which corresponded to 14.7% of the positive cases. Results indicate that besides HPV-16 and -18, the most prevalent high-risk HPV genotypes worldwide, others like -45 and -58 as well as co-infection cases are frequent between women of Northeastern Argentina, and a particular attention should be paid to this circumstance because it could be an epidemiological feature of regional importance and a useful information for a future vaccination program.

Presencia de especies de Legionaella en reservorios domciliarios de agua de Resistencia Chaco, Argentina / Presence of Legionella Species in Residential Water Reservoirs of Resistencia Chaco, Argentina

INTRODUCCIÓN: : El género Legionella comprende especies que se encuentran en ambientes acuáticos, pero se deben incorporar a aerosoles e inhalar para producir enfermedad. Si bien la mayoría de los casos de neumonía son causados por L. pneumophila, de las 58 especies que constituyen este género, 24 se relacionaron a enfermedad humana. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la presencia de especies de Legionella en reservorios domiciliarios de agua potable de Resistencia, Chaco. MÉTODOS: Se estudiaron 46 muestras de agua tomadas en diferentes puntos de la ciudad. La detección de Legionella se realizó por cultivo según lo establecido en la norma ISO 11731:1998. La técnica molecular de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa en tiempo real con colorante intercalante (Syber Green) se aplicó a los aislamientos obtenidos por cultivo e identificados como Legionella spp. Las secuencias diana utilizadas correspondieron a fragmentos conservados del gen 23S rRNA para la confirmación del género y el gen mip específico para la especie L. pneumophila. RESULTADOS: En 16 (34,9%) de las 46 muestras estudiadas se recuperaron cepas de Legionella spp. Por la técnica molecular se confirmó la presencia de Legionella pneumophila en 15 de las muestras positivas por cultivo. Además, 3 de estas muestras (6,5%) también resultaron positivas para otras especies del género Legionella. CONCLUSIONES: Este trabajo demostró la presencia de L. pneumophila y otras especies en los reservorios domiciliarios de agua potable en Resistencia

Bocavirus en niños menores de 5 años con infección respiratoria aguda: Provincia del Chaco, 2014 / Bocavirus in infants under 5 years with acute respiratory infection. Chaco Province, Argentina, 2014

La infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) es la patología más frecuente a lo largo de la vida de una persona y es la causa más común de morbi-motalidad en menores de 5 años. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la frecuencia de bocavirus (BoV) en pacientes menores de 5 años con diagnóstico presuntivo de IRA en una ciudad capital del norte argentino (Resistencia, Chaco). Se analizaron aspirados nasofaríngeos correspondientes a 488 niños durante el año 2014. Los mismos fueron testeados por PCR en tiempo real hallándose BoV en 36 casos (7.4%), de los cuales 26 (72.2%) fueron infantes de 6-18 meses de vida. La mayor concentración de positivos se registró en el período junio-septiembre con un total de 28 pacientes (77.8%). Los casos positivos para BoV se observaron como infección única en el 50% de los mismos y el resto como infecciones concomitantes con otros microorganismos. No conocemos que haya otro estudio de epidemiología molecular de BoV en el norte argentino y destacamos la importancia de investigar los nuevos virus capaces de generar infección respiratoria aguda, y difundir el conocimiento de su circulación en la comunidad.

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most frequent pathology along human life, being the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of bocavirus (BoV) in infants under 5 years with symptoms of ARI from north Argentina (Chaco province). The study was performed on nasopharyngeal aspirates from 488 patients, in the period of January-December 2014. The samples were tested by real time PCR and 36 positive BoV cases (7.4%) were detected. The period with the highest detection rate was June-September with 28 cases (77.8%), of which 26 (72.2%) were infants between 6-18 moths of life. In half of BoV positive cases this virus was detected as single infection of the upper respiratory tract, and in the remaining 50%, as concomitant infection with other microorganisms. To our knowledge, this would be the first study on molecular epidemiology of BoV in northern Argentina. We emphasize the importance of investigating these new viruses capable of generating acute respiratory disease and also to disseminate awareness on their circulation within the community.

Chlamydia trachomatis as a probable cofactor in human papillomavirus infection in aboriginal women from northeastern Argentina.

OBJECTIVES: High-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) are strongly associated with cervical cancer (CC), and Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), the most frequent sexually transmitted bacterial infection (STBI) worldwide, seems to be a risk factor for HPV infection and for CC. It is also known that both agents are more prevalent in vulnerable communities where lack of adequate primary health care is a cause for concern. The aim of this work was to determine the impact of CT and HPV infections in women belonging to an isolated aboriginal population (Pilaga community) from a poor region in Northern Argentina (province of Formosa). For this purpose, a cross-sectional study was performed in all sexually active Pilaga women, who attended a local community-based gynecological health screening project. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method on a cervical brush specimen was used to detect both agents. RESULTS: A total of 227 women (20% of the total female population of the Pilaga community) were studied and the overall prevalence was 26.4% for CT, 46.7% for HPV and 16.3% for concurrent infection. CT infection was higher in HPV DNA positive (34.2%) than in HPV DNA negative women (19%; OR: 2.22/95% CI = 1.16-4.28 / p = 0.009) and the most prevalent HPV types were HPV-16 (19.4%), 6 and 18 (5.3%), 58 (3.5%) and 33 (3.1%). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of CT and HPV observed in Pilaga women are among the worst registered in Latin America. Also, data collected suggest that chlamydial infection may play an important role in the natural history of HPV infection. On this respect, we propose that the association between these two agents seems to be more related to a mutual potentiation than to the fact that they share a common route of transmission.

Circulación de Bocavirusen niños menores de 5 años con infección respiratoria aguda de la provincia del Chaco: análisis de los años 2014 y 2015 / Bocavirus circulation in children under 5 years with acute respiratory infection in the province of Chaco: analysis of 2014 and 2015

Acute respiratory infection (ARI) is the most frequent pathology along human life, being the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in children under 5 years old. The aim of this study was to determine the circulation of HBoV in infants under 5 years old with symptoms of ARI from north Argentina (Chaco province). Were analyzed 882 nasopharyngeal aspirates obtained during the years 2014 and 2015. The samples were tested by real time PCR and the overal frequency of HBoV was 7.6%. The period with the major detection report was June-September with 77.6% of all positive cases. It is interesting that 98.5% of all cases were in infants aged 0 to 2 years of life. HBoV positive cases were given as single infection in 46.3% of patients and the remaining 53.7% as concomitant infections with other viruses. The evaluation of two full years calendar of molecular epidemiological study in northern Argentina of HBoV, reflects more accurately the current situation and could lead to re-formulate strategies for diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of this disease. We intend to highlight the importance of investigate this new virus capable of produce an acute respiratory disease by providing information about it to the community.

A infecção respiratória aguda (IRA) é a mais frequente ao longo da vida de uma patologia individual e é a causa mais comum de mortalidade/morbidade em crianças com menos de 5 anos. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o movimento do Bocavírus Humano (HBoV) em crianças menores de 5 anos com um diagnóstico presuntivo de IRA numa capital estadual do norte da Argentina (Resistencia, Chaco). Foram analizados 882 aspirados nasofaríngeos, obtidos durante os anos 2014 e 2015. As pessoas foram testeadas por PCR em tempo real, onde se encontrou uma frequência de HBoV do 7,6% (67/882), dando a maior concentração de casos positivos no período de junho a setembro (77,6%). Curiosamente, 98,5% dos casos foram em crianças de 0 a 2 anos de vida. Os casos positívos de HBoV foram dados como única infecção em 46,3% dos pacientes e os restantes 53,7% como infecções concomitantes com outros vírus. A avaliação de dois anos, calendário completo de estudo de epidemiologia molecular HBoV no norte da Argentina, reflete com mais precisão a realidade, e pode reformular as estratégias para o diagnóstico, tratamento e prognóstico da patología. Temos a intenção de destacar a importância de se investigar o novo vírus capaz de gerar doença respiratória aguda, fornecendo informações dele para a comunidade

La infección respiratoria aguda (IRA) es la patología más frecuente a lo largo de la vida de una persona y es la causa más común de morbi-motalidad en niños menores de 5 años. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la circulación del Bocavirus Humano (HBoV) en niños menores de 5 años con diagnóstico presuntivo de IRA en una ciudad capital del norte argentino (Resistencia, Chaco). Ruiz Díaz, Natalia; y Col. Rev. Fac. Med. UNNE XXXVI: 3, 5-12, 2016 Se analizaron 882 aspirados nasofaríngeos obtenidos durante los años 2014 y 2015. Los mismos fueron testeados por PCR en tiempo real encontrándose una frecuencia de HBoV de 7.6% (67/882), dándose la mayor concentración de casos positivos en el período junio-septiembre (77,6%) y es interesante destacar que el 98,5% del total de casos se registraron en infantes entre 0 a 2 año de vida. Los casos positivos para HBoV se dieron como infección única en el 46.3% de los pacientes y el 53.7% restante como infecciones concomitantes con otros virus. La evaluación de dos años -calendarios completos- de estudio epidemiológico molecular de HBoV en el norte argentino, refleja de manera más fiel la realidad ya que permite reformular las estrategias en cuanto al diagnóstico, el tratamiento y el pronóstico de esta patología. Pretendemos destacar la importancia de investigar los nuevos virus capaces de generar patología respiratoria aguda brindando información sobre el mismo a la comunidad

Detección del virus del papiloma humano en Corrientes, Argentina: alta prevalencia de genotipo 58 y su filodinámica / Human papillomavirus detection in Corrientes, Argentina: High prevalence of type 58 and its phylodynamics

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has the highest mortality rate due to cervical cancer in Northeastern Argentina. The aim of this work was to detect and characterize HPV in samples from the Province of Corrientes, Argentina. HPV detection and typing was performed using PCR-RFLP on samples with different cervical lesions (n = 255). Seventeen viruses typified as HPV-58 were sequenced (E6 and E7 genes) and mutations were analyzed. HPV DNA was detected in 56.1 % of the cervical lesions (143/255). Twenty-two different HPV types were detected. The type most frequently found among the total number of samples and HPV-positive samples was HPV-16 (14.5 % and 25.9 %, respectively), followed by HPV-58 (8.2 %/14.7 %, respectively), which is also considered a high-risk viral type. Increased severity of the cytological status was associated with greater rates of HPV detection and, especially, with the detection of greater rates of high-risk types. In addition, the evolutionary dynamics of the alpha-9 species group and HPV-58 was studied. All HPV-58 viruses reported in this work belonged to lineage A, sublineage A2. The phylodynamic analysis indicated that diversification of main groups within lineage A might have accompanied or preceded human migrations across the globe. Given that the most prevalent viruses found belonged to high-risk HPV types, some concerns might arise about the extent of cross protection of the vaccines against the types not included in their design.

El virus del papiloma humano (Human papillomavirus [HPV]) tiene la mayor tasa de mortalidad por cáncer de cuello uterino en el noreste de Argentina. El objetivo de este trabajo fue detectar y caracterizar el HPV en muestras de la provincia de Corrientes, Argentina. La detección y la tipificación se realizó mediante PCR-RFLP en muestras con diferentes lesiones cervicales (n=255). Se secuenciaron 17 virus tipificados como HPV-58 (genes E6 y E7) y se analizaron sus mutaciones. Además, se estudió la dinámica evolutiva de los virus del grupo alfa-9 y, en particular, del HPV-58. Se detectó ADN viral en el 56,1% de las lesiones cervicales (143/255) y se detectaron 22 tipos del HPV. El tipo encontrado con mayor frecuencia entre el total de muestras y entre las HPV-positivas fue el HPV-16 (14,5%/25,9%, respectivamente), seguido por el HPV-58 (8,2%/14,7%, respectivamente), también considerado como de alto riesgo. El aumento de la gravedad de las lesiones se asoció a mayores tasas de detección del HPV y, en especial, con mayores tasas de detección de tipos de alto riesgo. Todos los HPV-58 encontrados pertenecieron al linaje A, sublinaje A2. El análisis filodinámico indicó que la diversificación de los grupos principales dentro del linaje A podría haber acompañado o precedido las migraciones humanas en todo el mundo. Dado que los virus más prevalentes pertenecieron a los tipos del HPV de alto riesgo, podrían surgir interrogantes sobre el alcance de la protección cruzada de las vacunas contra los tipos no incluidos en su diseño