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Under the recently adopted Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, 196 Parties committed to reporting the status of genetic diversity for all species. To facilitate reporting, three genetic diversity indicators were developed, two of which focus on processes contributing to genetic diversity conservation: maintaining genetically distinct populations and ensuring populations are large enough to maintain genetic diversity. The major advantage of these indicators is that they can be estimated with or without DNA-based data. However, demonstrating their feasibility requires addressing the methodological challenges of using data gathered from diverse sources, across diverse taxonomic groups, and for countries of varying socio-economic status and biodiversity levels. Here, we assess the genetic indicators for 919 taxa, representing 5271 populations across nine countries, including megadiverse countries and developing economies. Eighty-three percent of the taxa assessed had data available to calculate at least one indicator. Our results show that although the majority of species maintain most populations, 58% of species have populations too small to maintain genetic diversity. Moreover, genetic indicator values suggest that IUCN Red List status and other initiatives fail to assess genetic status, highlighting the critical importance of genetic indicators.
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Biodiversidad , Conservación de los Recursos Naturales , Variación Genética , AnimalesRESUMEN
The exact mechanisms involved in flaviviruses virions' release and the specific secretion of viral proteins, such as the Non Structural protein-1 (NS1), are still unclear. While these processes might involve vesicular transport to the cell membrane, NS1 from some flaviviruses was shown to participate in viral assembly and release. Here, we assessed the effect of the Zika virus (ZIKV) NS1 expression on the cellular proteome to identify trafficking-related targets that may be altered in the presence of the viral protein. We detected an increase in the synaptotagmin-9 (SYT9) secretory protein, which participates in the intracellular transport of protein-laden vesicles. We confirmed the effect of NS1 on SYT9 levels by transfection models while also detecting a significant subcellular redistribution of SYT9. We found that ZIKV prM-Env proteins, required for the viral particle release, also increased SYT9 levels and changed its localization. Finally, we demonstrated that ZIKV cellular infection raises SYT9 levels and promotes changes in its subcellular localization, together with a co-distribution with both Env and NS1. Altogether, the data suggest SYT9's implication in the vesicular transport of viral proteins or virions during ZIKV infection, showing for the first time the association of synaptotagmins with the flavivirus' life cycle.
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Infección por el Virus Zika , Virus Zika , Humanos , Proteoma , Sinaptotagminas , Proteínas ViralesRESUMEN
St. Louis encephalitis virus (SLEV) is a mosquito-borne re-emerging flavivirus in Argentina. It is currently necessary to develop specific serological tests that can efficiently discriminate the flaviviruses that circulate in our country. The immunoassays to diagnose SLEV lack specificity because they are based on the detection of structural viral proteins and the human immunoglobulins produced during infection against these proteins cross-react with other flaviviruses. Here, we describe an enzyme-immunoassay designed to detect human IgG antibodies specific to the viral non-structural protein NS5. The results indicate that NS5 is a promising antigen useful to discriminate SLEV from other circulating flaviviruses.
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Virus de la Encefalitis de San Luis/inmunología , Encefalitis de San Luis/diagnóstico , Pruebas Serológicas , Proteínas no Estructurales Virales/inmunología , Argentina , Reacciones Cruzadas , Flavivirus/inmunología , HumanosRESUMEN
Hydrophobin-fused domain III of dengue envelope proteins serotypes 1 and 2 were expressed in Rachiplusia nu larvae and purified by aqueous two-phase system. This biotechnological approach of hydrophobin-fused proteins, which allowed obtaining 97.7 µg/larva of fusion protein DomIII serotype 1 and 61.4 µg/larva of fusion protein DomIII serotype 2, represents an integrated strategy for simple production of recombinant antigens. Purified fusion proteins induced serotype-specific neutralizing antibodies without cross-reaction against other serotypes and arboviruses after mouse immunization. hydrophobin-fused domain III of dengue envelope protein could be a promising strategy for easy and low-cost production of components of a tetravalent sub-unit vaccine against dengue.
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Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Vacunas contra el Dengue/inmunología , Virus del Dengue/inmunología , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral/inmunología , Animales , Vacunas contra el Dengue/genética , Virus del Dengue/genética , Femenino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C , Dominios Proteicos , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes de Fusión/inmunología , Serogrupo , Células Sf9 , Spodoptera , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral/genéticaRESUMEN
Dengue incidence has grown dramatically in the last years, with about 40% of the world population at risk of infection. Recently, a vaccine developed by Sanofi Pasteur has been registered, but only in a few countries. Moreover, specific antiviral drugs are not available. Thus, an efficient and accurate diagnosis is important for disease management. To develop a low-cost immunoassay for dengue diagnosis, in the present study we expressed the envelope protein domain III of dengue virus type 2 in Rachiplusia nu larvae by infection with a recombinant baculovirus. The antigen was expressed as a fusion to hydrophobin I (DomIIIHFBI) to easily purify it by an aqueous two-phase system (ATPS) and to efficiently immobilize it in immunoassay plates. A high level of recombinant DomIIIHFBI was obtained in R. nu, where yields reached 4.5 mg per g of larva. Also, we were able to purify DomIIIHFBI by an ATPS with 2% of Triton X-114, reaching a yield of 73% and purity higher than 80% in a single purification step. The recombinant DomIIIHFBI was efficiently immobilized in hydrophobic surface plates. The immunoassay we developed with the immobilized antigen was able to detect IgG specific for dengue virus type 2 in serum samples and not for other serotypes.
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Anticuerpos Antivirales , Virus del Dengue/genética , Dengue , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral , Animales , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Baculoviridae , Dengue/sangre , Dengue/diagnóstico , Dengue/inmunología , Virus del Dengue/química , Virus del Dengue/inmunología , Humanos , Larva , Mariposas Nocturnas , Dominios Proteicos , Proteínas Recombinantes/biosíntesis , Proteínas Recombinantes/genética , Proteínas Recombinantes/inmunología , Proteínas Recombinantes/aislamiento & purificación , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral/biosíntesis , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral/genética , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral/inmunología , Proteínas del Envoltorio Viral/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Dengue is an important public health problem in Argentina, as in many other countries. We reviewed and updated information on the dengue disease burden in Argentina over a 10-year period. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective descriptive study from 2010 to 2020 based on data from the National Health Surveillance System. The main outcomes included dengue cases, incidence rates, deaths, and serotype distribution by season, age group, and region. RESULTS: A total of 109,998 confirmed cases of dengue were reported. Seasonality stands out, prevailing during summer and autumn. Two main outbreaks (seasons 2015/16 and 2019/20), with increasing magnitude, were observed. The 2019/20 season showed the highest number of cases (58,731) and incidence rate (135/100,000). The Northeast region had the highest number of cases and incidence rate. In 2020, for the first time, autochthonous cases were registered in the Cuyo region. The only region with no autochthonous cases was the South. Adolescents and young adults showed the highest incidence rate. The case fatality rate for the period was 0.05%. Four serotypes circulated, but the predominant one was DEN-1 (78%). CONCLUSIONS: Dengue has been expanding temporally and spatially. Although the DEN-1 serotype widely predominated, the increasing circulation of other serotypes raises concerns regarding re-exposure and the severity of future cases. Understanding epidemiological trends is key to defining public prevention and control policies.
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Following an Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever (AHF) outbreak in the early 1990s, a rodent survey for Junín virus, a New World Clade B arenavirus, in endemic areas of Argentina was conducted. Since 1990, INEVH has been developing eco-epidemiological surveillance of rodents, inside and outside the Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever endemic area. Samples from rodents captured between 1993 and 2019 that were positive for Arenavirus infection underwent Sanger and unbiased, Illumina-based high-throughput sequencing, which yielded 5 complete and 88 partial Mammarenaviruses genomes. Previously, 11 genomes representing four species of New World arenavirus Clade C existed in public records. This work has generated 13 novel genomes, expanding the New World arenavirus Clade C to 24 total genomes. Additionally, two genomes exhibit sufficient genetic diversity to be considered a new species, as per ICTV guidelines (proposed name Mammarenavirus vellosense). The 13 novel genomes exhibited reassortment between the small and large segments in New World Mammarenaviruses. This work demonstrates that Clade C Mammarenavirus infections circulate broadly among Necromys species in the Argentine Hemorrhagic Fever endemic area; however, the risk for Clade C Mammarenavirus human infection is currently unknown.
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Arenaviridae , Arenavirus , Arenavirus del Nuevo Mundo , Fiebre Hemorrágica Americana , Virus Junin , Animales , Humanos , Arenaviridae/genética , Roedores , Fiebre Hemorrágica Americana/epidemiología , Argentina/epidemiología , Arenavirus del Nuevo Mundo/genética , Virus Junin/genética , Arenavirus/genéticaRESUMEN
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) has emerged as a significant public health concern due to its rapid spread and potential for causing debilitating epidemics. In Argentina, the virus has garnered attention since its introduction to the Americas in 2013, due to its growing incidence and impact in neighbouring countries. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of CHIKV in Argentina, focusing on the evolutionary trajectory of its genetic variants. Through a combination of active surveillance, screening of historical and recent samples, and whole-genome sequencing, we traced the evolutionary history of CHIKV lineages circulating within the country. Our results reveal that two distinct genotypes circulated in Argentina: The Asian lineage during the 2016 epidemic and the ECSA lineage in 2023. This distribution reflects the dominance of particular variants across Latin America. Since 2023, the ECSA lineage has led to a surge in cases throughout the Americas, marking a significant shift. The replacement of lineages in the American region constitutes a major epidemiological event, potentially affecting the dynamics of virus transmission and the clinical outcomes in impacted populations. The spatiotemporal analysis highlights CHIKV's distribution across Argentina and underscores the significant role of human mobility, especially when considering recent epidemics in neighbouring countries such as Paraguay and Uruguay, which have facilitated the spread and introduction of the viral strain into different districts. By integrating epidemiological data with genomic insights, we elucidate the patterns of virus dissemination, highlighting key areas of transmission and potential factors contributing to its spread.
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Fiebre Chikungunya , Virus Chikungunya , Evolución Molecular , Genotipo , Filogenia , Argentina/epidemiología , Virus Chikungunya/genética , Virus Chikungunya/clasificación , Virus Chikungunya/aislamiento & purificación , Fiebre Chikungunya/epidemiología , Fiebre Chikungunya/virología , Fiebre Chikungunya/transmisión , Humanos , Genoma Viral , América Latina/epidemiología , Secuenciación Completa del Genoma , Análisis Espacio-Temporal , Variación GenéticaRESUMEN
Despite evidence of West Nile virus (WNV) activity in Colombia, Venezuela and Argentina, this virus has not been reported in most South American countries. In February 2009, we commenced an investigation for WNV in mosquitoes, horses and caimans from the Pantanal, Central-West Brazil. The sera of 168 horses and 30 caimans were initially tested using a flaviviruses-specific epitope-blocking enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (blocking ELISA) for the detection of flavivirus-reactive antibodies. The seropositive samples were further tested using a plaque-reduction neutralisation test (PRNT90) for WNV and its most closely-related flaviviruses that circulate in Brazil to confirm the detection of specific virus-neutralising antibodies. Of the 93 (55.4%) blocking ELISA-seropositive horse serum samples, five (3%) were seropositive for WNV, nine (5.4%) were seropositive for St. Louis encephalitis virus, 18 (10.7%) were seropositive for Ilheus virus, three (1.8%) were seropositive for Cacipacore virus and none were seropositive for Rocio virus using PRNT90, with a criteria of ≥ four-fold antibody titre difference. All caimans were negative for flaviviruses-specific antibodies using the blocking ELISA. No virus genome was detected from caiman blood or mosquito samples. The present study is the first report of confirmed serological evidence of WNV activity in Brazil.
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Caimanes y Cocodrilos/virología , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/sangre , Culicidae/virología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/virología , Caballos/virología , Fiebre del Nilo Occidental/veterinaria , Virus del Nilo Occidental/inmunología , Caimanes y Cocodrilos/inmunología , Animales , Anticuerpos Neutralizantes/inmunología , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Anticuerpos Antivirales/inmunología , Brasil , Culicidae/inmunología , Ensayo de Inmunoadsorción Enzimática , Femenino , Enfermedades de los Caballos/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Caballos/inmunología , Caballos/inmunología , Masculino , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa de Transcriptasa Inversa , Fiebre del Nilo Occidental/diagnóstico , Virus del Nilo Occidental/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
We report the case of a male, 80-year-old resident in the City of Buenos Aires, with a diagnosis of St. Louis encephalitis (SLE) during a countrywide dengue outbreak, from January to May 2009. The patient had a chronic lymphocytic leukemia treated with chlorambucil, prostate cancer (hormone therapy and radiotherapy) and images consistent with bone metastases. Cerebrospinal fluid examination showed pleocytosis with a predominance of mononuclear cells and high protein concentration. Bacteria, fungi and mycobacteria cultures, as well as the PCR for herpes virus, HSV, CMV and EBV, were negative. We confirmed the diagnosis of SLE by detection of IgM antibodies in both CSF and serum sample with IgG seroconversion by neutralization in cell cultures and negative results for other flaviviruses with known circulation in Argentina. We review the evidence for the presence of the St. Louis virus in our country and point to the importance of the diagnosis and the search of other Flavivirus in suspected dengue cases with severe or atypical presentation. This work emphasizes the need to strengthen both the epidemiological surveillance of SLE, and vector control to prevent different infections transmitted by mosquitoes and to understand their true impact on public health in Argentina.
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Dengue/epidemiología , Brotes de Enfermedades , Encefalitis de San Luis/diagnóstico , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Argentina/epidemiología , Humanos , Inmunoglobulina M/sangre , Inmunoglobulina M/líquido cefalorraquídeo , MasculinoRESUMEN
Zika Virus (ZIKV) is an RNA virus that belongs to the Flavivirus (FV) genus. In the last years, several unique characteristics of ZIKV among FV have been revealed, as the multiple routes of transmission and its ability to reach different human tissues, including the central nervous system. Thus, one of the most intriguing features of ZIKV biology is its ability to cross diverse complex biological barriers. The main aim of this study is to contribute to the understanding of the still unclear mechanisms behind this viral activity. We investigated an African strain and two South American ZIKV isolates belonging to the Asian lineage, in order to characterize possible differences regarding their ability to disturb intercellular junctions. The Asian isolates correspond to an imported (Venezuelan) and an autochthonous (Argentinian) ZIKV strain for which there is still no data available. We focused on occludin and DLG1 expression as markers of tight and adherent junctions, respectively. For this, we applied a quantitative immunofluorescence assay that can ascertain alterations in the cell junction proteins expression in the infected cells. Our findings indicated that the different ZIKV strains were able to reduce the levels of both polarity proteins without altering their overall cell distribution. Moreover, the grade of this effect was strain-dependent, being the DLG1 reduction higher for the African and Asian Venezuelan isolates and, on the contrary, occludin down-regulation was more noticeable for the Argentinian strain. Interestingly, among both junction proteins the viral infection caused a relative larger reduction in DLG1 expression for all viruses, suggesting DLG1 may be of particular relevance for ZIKV infections. Taken together, this study contributes to the knowledge of the biological mechanisms involved in ZIKV cytopathogenesis, with a special focus on regional isolates.
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Homólogo 1 de la Proteína Discs Large , Ocludina , Infección por el Virus Zika , Homólogo 1 de la Proteína Discs Large/genética , Humanos , Ocludina/genética , Virus ZikaRESUMEN
There are gaps in understanding the causes and consequences of microcephaly. This paper describes the epidemiological characteristics, clinical presentations, and etiologies of children presenting microcephaly during the Zika outbreak in Argentina. This observational retrospective study conducted in the pediatric hospital of Juan P. Garrahan reviewed the medical records of 40 children presenting microcephaly between March 2017 and November 2019. The majority (60%) were males and born full-term. At first evaluation, microcephaly was defined as congenital (31/40, 77%) and associated with other features (68%) such as seizures, developmental delay, non-progressive chronic encephalopathy, and West Syndrome. It was found manifestations restricted to central nervous system (55%), ocular (8/40, 20%), and acoustic (9/40, 23%) defects, and abnormal neuroimaging findings (31/39, 79%). Non-infectious diseases were the primary cause of isolated microcephaly (21/37, 57%), largely related to genetic diseases (13/21, 62%). Only 3 were children were diagnosed with Congenital Zika infection (3/16, 7.5%).
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Introduction: Microcephaly and brain abnormalities may be due to multiple etiologies, one of them is the congenital infection by Zika virus (ZIKV). From 2016 to the present, there has been a series of ZIKV outbreaks in Argentina. Methods: National Network of Congenital Anomalies (RENAC) and the National Institute of Viral Diseases (INEVH), under the National Administration of Laboratories and Health Institutes "Carlos Malbrán" (ANLIS), carry out the intensified surveillance of newborns with microcephaly and brain abnormalities. This article presents the clinical characteristics and laboratory testof patients detected with congenital infection by ZIKV between April 2016 to March 2018, Results: 10 cases with embryopathy were detected, six autochthonous and four imported; in two cases, the mothers were asymptomatic during pregnancy; all the cases presented microcephaly and cranial facial disproportion, ventriculomegaly in seven cases and in six cerebral calcifications. The diagnosis of congenital infection by Zika in the newborn was made by antigen-specific Immunoglobulin M (MAC-ELISA) and plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT90 ). PCR was negative in all cases. Conclusion: the patients presented clinical features that were consistent with those reported in other countries. The need for serological studies that allow confirmation is emphasized, ruling out cross-reactivity with other Flaviviruses.
Introducción: La microcefalia y las anomalías cerebrales congénitas pueden deberse a múltiples etiologías, siendo uno de ellas la infección congénita por el virus Zika (ZIKV). Desde 2016 hasta hoy se han sucedido una serie de brotes del ZIKV en Argentina. Métodos: La Red Nacional de Anomalías Congénitas (RENAC) y el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Virales (INEVH), dependientes de la Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Carlos Malbrán" (ANLIS), realizan la vigilancia intensificada de recién nacidos con microcefalia y anomalías cerebrales. Este trabajo presenta las características clínicas y estudios de laboratorio de los pacientes con infección congénita por ZIKV detectados entre abril de 2016 a marzo 2018. Resultados: se detectaron 10 casos con embriopatía, seis fueron autóctonos y cuatro importados; en dos casos las madres fueron asintomática durante el embarazo; todos los casos presentaron microcefalia y desproporción cráneo facial, ventriculomegalia en siete casos y en seis calcificaciones cerebrales. El diagnóstico de infección congénita por Zika en el recién nacido se realizó por estudios serológicos inmunoglobulina M antígeno específica (MAC-ELISA) y prueba de neutralización por reducción de placas (PRNT90). La PCR fue negativa en todos los casos. Conclusión: Los pacientes presentaron características clínicas coincidentes con las reportadas en otros países Se enfatiza la necesidad de estudios serológicos que permitan la confirmación, descartando la reactividad cruzada con otros Flavivirus.
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Microcefalia/virología , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/virología , Infección por el Virus Zika/complicaciones , Argentina/epidemiología , Femenino , Humanos , Recién Nacido , Masculino , Microcefalia/diagnóstico , Microcefalia/epidemiología , Embarazo , Complicaciones Infecciosas del Embarazo/epidemiología , Infección por el Virus Zika/epidemiologíaRESUMEN
La encefalitis equina del oeste (WEEV, por su sigla en inglés, Western Equine Encephalitis) es una enfermedad reemergente en Argentina a partir del año 2023. La co-municación inicial fue en 1933, las últimas epizootias ocurrieron en 1983 y el último caso humano se registró en 1996. Se revisan las características del agente causal, la ecología con especial referencia a los vectores iden-tificados en el país, su competencia en la transmisión y el ciclo así como los factores de riesgo para adquirir la enfermedad. La situación epidemiológica en equinos y humanos desde noviembre 2023 hasta marzo 2024 es analizada. Se describen las formas clínicas de presen-tación de la enfermedad humana, las posibilidades evo-lutivas, los datos disponibles en los casos confirmados y el tratamiento. La metodología y algoritmo empleados para el diagnóstico etiológico en el Centro Nacional de Referencia son detallados. Las estrategias para la pre-vención y el control se basan en la vacunación de los equinos, el saneamiento ambiental y el control del foco ante la presentación de la enfermedad animal (vigilancia epidemiológica activa)
Western equine encephalitis (WEE) is a re-emerging dis-ease in Argentina starting in 2023. Since the initial notifi-cation in 1933, the last epizootics occurred in 1983, and the last human case was recorded in 1996.The charac-teristics of the causative agent, the ecology with special reference to vectors identified in the country, their compe-tence in transmission, and the cycle as well as the risks factors for acquiring the disease, are reviewed.The epidemiological situation in horses and humans from November 2023 to March 2024 is analyzed. The clinical presentation of the human disease, its evolutionary po-tential, available data in confirmed cases, and the treat-ment are described.The methodology and algorithm used for the etiological diagnosis at the National Reference Center are detailed. Strategies for prevention and control are based on vaccination of horses, environmental sani-tation and outbreak control in the presence of the animal disease (active epidemiological surveillance)
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Humanos , Animales , Masculino , Femenino , Saneamiento/legislación & jurisprudencia , Factores de Riesgo , Encefalomielitis Equina del Oeste/epidemiología , Virus de la Encefalitis Equina del Oeste/inmunología , Monitoreo Epidemiológico/veterinariaRESUMEN
The importance of Zika virus (ZIKV) has increased noticeably since the outbreak in the Americas in 2015, when the illness was associated with congenital disorders. Although there is evidence of sexual transmission of the virus, the mosquito Aedes aegypti is believed to be the main vector for transmission to humans. This species of mosquito has not only been found naturally infected with ZIKV, but also has been the subject of study in many vector competence assays that employ different strains of ZIKV around the world. In Argentina, the first case was reported in February 2016 and a total of 278 autochthonous cases have since been confirmed, however, ZIKV virus has not been isolated from any mosquito species yet in Argentina. In order to elucidate if Argentinian Ae. aegypti populations could be a possible vector of ZIKV, we conducted vector competence studies that involved a local strain of ZIKV from Chaco province, and a Venezuelan strain obtained from an imported case. For this purpose, Ae. aegypti adults from the temperate area of Argentina (Buenos Aires province) were fed with infected blood. Body, legs and saliva were harvested and tested by plaque titration on plates of Vero cells for ZIKV at 7, 11 and 14 days post infection (DPI) in order to calculate infection, transmission, and dissemination rates, respectively. Both strains were able to infect mosquitoes at all DPIs, whereas dissemination and transmission were observed at all DPIs for the Argentinian strain but only at 14 DPI for the Venezuelan strain. This study proves the ability of Ae. aegypti mosquitoes from Argentina to become infected with two different strains of ZIKV, both belonging to the Asian lineage, and that the virus can disseminate to the legs and salivary glands.
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Aedes/virología , Mosquitos Vectores/virología , Virus Zika/crecimiento & desarrollo , Estructuras Animales/virología , Animales , Argentina , Femenino , Saliva/virología , Carga ViralRESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Zika virus (ZIKV) vertical transmission may lead to microcephaly and other congenital anomalies. In March and April 2016, the first outbreak of ZIKV occurred in Argentina. The objective was to describe the surveillance of newborns with microcephaly and other selected brain anomalies in Argentina, and evaluation different etiologies. METHODS: Participants were enrolled between April 2016 and March 2017. CASES: newborns from the National Network of Congenital Abnormalities of Argentina (RENAC) with head circumference lower than the 3rd percentile according to gestational age and sex, or selected brain anomalies. Blood and urine samples from cases and their mothers were tested for ZIKV by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), antigen-specific Immunoglobulin M (MAC-ELISA) and plaque-reduction neutralization test (PRNT90 ). Toxoplasmosis, rubella, herpes simplex, syphilis, and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection were also tested. RESULTS: A total of 104 cases were reported, with a prevalence of 6.9 per 10,000 [95% confidence interval (CI): 5.7-8.4], a significant increase when compared with the data prior to 2016, Prevalence Rate Ratio 1.7 (95% CI 1.2-2.3). In five cases positive serology for ZIKV (IgM and IgG by PRNT) was detected. The five cases presented microcephaly with craniofacial disproportion. We detected four cases of CMV infection, three cases of congenital toxoplasmosis, two cases of herpes simplex infection, and one case of congenital syphilis. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of microcephaly was significantly higher when compared with the previous period. The system had the capacity to detect five cases with congenital ZIKV syndrome in a country with limited viral circulation.
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Encéfalo/anomalías , Microcefalia/epidemiología , Microcefalia/virología , Vigilancia de la Población , Infección por el Virus Zika/congénito , Infección por el Virus Zika/epidemiología , Virus Zika/fisiología , Argentina/epidemiología , Humanos , Recién Nacido , PrevalenciaRESUMEN
The complete nucleotide sequences of two West Nile virus (WNV) strains isolated in Argentina were determined. Phylogenetic trees were constructed from the aligned nucleic acid sequences of these two strains along with other previously published complete WNV genome sequences. Phylogenetic data showed that both strains belonged to clade 1a of lineage 1 and clustered in a subclade with American strains isolated during 1999-2002. These results suggest two independent routes of introduction of WNV in Argentina and that the virus could have been circulating in Argentina for some time before being isolated.
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Genoma Viral/genética , Fiebre del Nilo Occidental/veterinaria , Virus del Nilo Occidental/genética , Secuencia de Aminoácidos , Sustitución de Aminoácidos , Animales , Argentina/epidemiología , Secuencia de Bases , Encéfalo/virología , Chlorocebus aethiops , Genotipo , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/virología , Caballos , Filogenia , ARN Viral/química , ARN Viral/genética , Alineación de Secuencia , Análisis de Secuencia de ARN , Células Vero , Fiebre del Nilo Occidental/epidemiología , Fiebre del Nilo Occidental/virología , Virus del Nilo Occidental/clasificación , Virus del Nilo Occidental/aislamiento & purificaciónRESUMEN
As a consequence of YF outbreaks that hit Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay in 2008-2009, a significant demand for YF vaccination was subsequently observed in Argentina, a country where the usual vaccine recommendations are restricted to provinces that border Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. The goal of this paper is to describe the adverse events following immunization (AEFI) against YF in Argentina during the outbreak in the northeastern province of Misiones, which occurred from January 2008 to January 2009. During this time, a total of nine cases were reported, almost two million doses of vaccine were administered, and a total of 165 AEFI were reported from different provinces. Case study analyses were performed using two AEFI classifications. Forty-nine events were classified as related to the YF vaccine (24 serious and 1 fatal case), and 12 events were classified as inconclusive. As the use of the YF 17D vaccine can be a challenge to health systems of countries with different endemicity patterns, a careful clinical and epidemiological evaluation should be performed before its prescription to minimize serious adverse events.