Perfil epidemiológico de óbitos decorrentes da Covid-19 em um município do sudoeste do Paraná / Epidemiological profile of death resulting from Covid-19 in a municipality in southwest of Paraná / Perfil epidemiológico de las muertes por Covid-19 en un municipio del suroeste de Paraná

Introdução: No final do ano de 2019 surgiu na China uma doença infectocontagiosa de característica respiratória e alto grau de disseminação até então desconhecida. No Brasil o primeiro caso de Covid-19 foi confirmado no final de fevereiro de 2020 e a primeira morte em meados de março. Segundo dados da plataforma Coronavírus Brasil, em 17 de março de 2021, houve registro de 11.603.535 casos confirmados e 282.127 óbitos. Objetivo: Descrever o perfil de pessoas que morreram tendo como causa básica do óbito a Covid-19, em um município do Sudoeste do Paraná, entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo transversal, descritivo, documental de caráter quantitativo que foi realizado na prefeitura municipal de Francisco Beltrão. Resultados: Houve prevalência de óbitos em pacientes do sexo masculino, idosos, com presença de alguma comorbidade associada, sendo hipertensão a mais citada (50,8%). Os sintomas mais prevalentes foram tosse (74,4%), dispneia (56,3%) e saturação < 95% (48,3%), necessitando ainda de hospitalização em algum período da doença (94,1%), sendo os leitos de Sistema Único de Saúde os mais procurados (74,4%). Quanto à taxa de ocupação 49,6% dos casos necessitou apenas de leitos de enfermaria e 42% unidades de terapia intensiva. Discussão: Diversas pesquisas apontam que o sexo masculino é o mais acometido por condições graves de saúde, devido à demora na busca de assistência médica. No que se refere à idade, neste estudo, a prevalência de óbitos se deu entre 71 e 75 anos (15,1%) o que justifica que o envelhecimento é um fator de risco elevado para complicações da doença. Durante a análise dos dados, notou- se que grande parte dos pacientes que tiveram como desfecho o óbito, possuíam algum fator associado, dentre os mais citados, verificou-se a Hipertensão Arterial Sistêmica (50,8%) Diabetes Mellitus (24,8%), doenças cardiovasculares (23,9%) e obesidade (14,7%). No que diz respeito à hospitalização, nesse estudo notou-se que 74,4% da amostra foram hospitalizadas em leitos de SUS, 18,5% em hospitais particulares e 7,1% não possuíam essa informação. Conclusão: É possível observar a importância do estudo epidemiológico para identificar o perfil da população em risco, podendo auxiliar no planejamento do atendimento, rastreamento e controle da doença, além de conhecer a evolução da patologia, a fim de buscar ações adequadas para seu enfrentamento.

Introduction: At the end of 2019, a previously unknown infectious disease with respiratory characteristics and a high degree of dissemination emerged in China. In Brazil the first case of Covid-19 was confirmed in late February 2020 and the first death in mid-March. According to data from the Coronavirus Brazil platform, as of March 17, 2021, 11,603,535 confirmed cases and 282,127 deaths were recorded. Objective: To describe the profile of people who died with Covid-19 as the underlying cause of death in a city in southwestern Paraná between the years 2020 and 2021. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, documental, quantitative study carried out at the Francisco Beltrão City Hall. Results: There was a prevalence of deaths in male patients, elderly, with the presence of some associated comorbidity, hypertension being the most cited (50.8%). The most prevalent symptoms were cough (74.4%), dyspnea (56.3%) and saturation < 95% (48.3%), requiring hospitalization in some period of the disease (94.1%), and the Unified Health System beds were the most sought (74.4%). As for the occupancy rate, 49.6% of the cases required only ward beds and 42% intensive care units. Discussion: Several studies show that men are the most affected by serious health conditions, due to the delay in seeking medical assistance. Regarding age, in this study, the prevalence of deaths was between 71 and 75 years (15.1%), which justifies that aging is a high risk factor for disease complications. During data analysis, it was noted that most patients who died had some associated factor, among the most cited were systemic arterial hypertension (50.8%), diabetes mellitus (24.8%), cardiovascular diseases (23.9%) and obesity (14.7%). Regarding hospitalization, in this study it was noted that 74.4% of the sample were hospitalized in SUS beds, 18.5% in private hospitals, and 7.1% did not have this information. Conclusion: It is possible to observe the importance of the epidemiological study to identify the profile of the population at risk, which can help in planning care, tracking and control of the disease, besides knowing the evolution of the pathology in order to seek appropriate actions for its confrontation

Introducción: A finales del año 2019 apareció en China una enfermedad infecto- contagiosa de característica respiratoria y alto grado de diseminación desconocida hasta entonces. En Brasil se confirmó el primer caso de Covid-19 a finales de febrero de 2020 y la primera muerte a mediados de marzo. Según los datos de la plataforma Coronavirus Brasil, hasta el 17 de marzo de 2021, había 11.603.535 casos confirmados y 282.127 muertes. Objetivo: Describir el perfil de las personas fallecidas con Covid-19 como causa subyacente de muerte en una ciudad del sudoeste de Paraná entre los años 2020 y 2021. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio transversal, descriptivo, documental de carácter cuantitativo que se realizó en la prefectura municipal de Francisco Beltrão. Resultados: Hubo una prevalencia de muertes en pacientes masculinos, de edad avanzada, con presencia de alguna comorbilidad asociada, siendo la hipertensión la más citada (50,8%). Los síntomas más prevalentes fueron la tos (74,4%), la disnea (56,3%) y la saturación < 95% (48,3%), requiriendo hospitalización en algún periodo de la enfermedad (94,1%), siendo las camas del Sistema Único de Salud las más solicitadas (74,4%). En cuanto a la tasa de ocupación, el 49,6% de los casos sólo necesitaban camas de sala y el 42% unidades de cuidados intensivos. Discusión: Varias investigaciones señalan que el género masculino es el más afectado por las condiciones de salud graves, debido al retraso en la búsqueda de asistencia médica. En cuanto a la edad, en este estudio, la prevalencia de muertes se produjo entre los 71 y los 75 años (15,1%), lo que justifica que el envejecimiento sea un factor de riesgo elevado para las complicaciones de la enfermedad. Durante el análisis de los datos, se observó que la mayoría de los pacientes que fallecieron tenían algún factor asociado, entre los más citados estaban la Hipertensión Arterial Sistémica (50,8%), la Diabetes Mellitus (24,8%), las enfermedades cardiovasculares (23,9%) y la obesidad (14,7%). En lo que respecta a la hospitalización, en este estudio se observó que el 74,4% de la muestra estaba hospitalizada en camas del SUS, el 18,5% en hospitales privados y el 7,1% no tenía esta información. Conclusión: Es posible observar la importancia del estudio epidemiológico para identificar el perfil de la población en riesgo, pudiendo ayudar en la planificación de la atención, el rastreo y el control de la enfermedad, además de conocer la evolución de la patología, con el fin de buscar las acciones adecuadas para su enfrentamiento.

Repercusión de la covid-19 en la salud materno-infantil / Covid-19 repercussions on maternal and infantile health

RESUMEN El año 2020 ha sorprendido al planeta con la pandemia de la covid-19. Este artículo tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre las repercusiones del nuevo coronavirus en la salud materno-infantil. Pese al poco tiempo transcurrido desde el inicio de la pandemia, en las embarazadas con covid-19 se han descrito algunas comorbilidades, así como alteraciones placentarias, abortos espontáneos, muertes fetales y maternas, e incremento en los partos por cesárea y nacimientos pretérminos. Los riesgos potenciales demandarán una vigilancia estrecha del comportamiento del embarazo en el futuro inmediato. Por otra parte, del total de la población afectada por la covid-19, los pacientes en edad pediátrica representan entre el 1 y el 2 %, y la mayoría presentan manifestaciones clínicas leves. No obstante, en los menores de un año cerca del 10 % puede evolucionar a formas severas o críticas. De especial interés ha sido la presentación del síndrome inflamatorio multisistémico en niños, debido a su gravedad y riesgo para la vida. En los recién nacidos, la infección por SARS-CoV-2 podría asociarse a dos formas, de acuerdo al momento de adquisición: la covid perinatal y la postnatal. Hasta el momento, las evidencias sobre la existencia de la vía de transmisión vertical son insuficientes, pero no pueden ser descartadas. En conclusión, por tratarse de un fenómeno en desarrollo, aún quedan muchas interrogantes sobre los efectos de la covid-19 en la salud materna e infantil, que demandarán en los próximos meses un gran esfuerzo por parte de investigadores, médicos de asistencia y directivos (AU).

ABSTRACT The year 2020 has surprised the planet with the covid-19 pandemics. This article is aimed to reflect on the repercussions of the novel coronavirus on maternal and infantile health. Despite of the short time elapsed from the onset of the pandemics, some comorbidities have been described in pregnant women with COVID-19, as well as placental anomalies, spontaneous abortions, stillbirths, maternal deaths, and an increasing number on cesarean section and preterm births. The potential risk will demand a close surveillance of pregnancy behavior in the near future. Moreover, pediatric patients are among 1 and 2% of the population affected by COVID-19, and most of them show mild clinical signs. Nevertheless, about 10% of the children aged less than a year may evolve to severe and critical forms. The multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children has been of special interest, due to its severity and risk for life. In newborns, SARS-CoV-2 infection could be associated to two forms according to the acquisition time: perinatal and postnatal COVID-19. Up to the moment, evidences on vertical transmission are insufficient, but they could not be discarded. In conclusion, as this is an ongoing phenomenon, many questions about the effects of COVID-19 on maternal and infantile health are pending; they will demand a crucial effort by researchers, health providers and decision makers (AU).

Review of infective dose, routes of transmission and outcome of COVID-19 caused by the SARS-COV-2: comparison with other respiratory viruses.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is pandemic. Prevention and control strategies require an improved understanding of SARS-CoV-2 dynamics. We did a rapid review of the literature on SARS-CoV-2 viral dynamics with a focus on infective dose. We sought comparisons of SARS-CoV-2 with other respiratory viruses including SARS-CoV-1 and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus. We examined laboratory animal and human studies. The literature on infective dose, transmission and routes of exposure was limited specially in humans, and varying endpoints were used for measurement of infection. Despite variability in animal studies, there was some evidence that increased dose at exposure correlated with higher viral load clinically, and severe symptoms. Higher viral load measures did not reflect coronavirus disease 2019 severity. Aerosol transmission seemed to raise the risk of more severe respiratory complications in animals. An accurate quantitative estimate of the infective dose of SARS-CoV-2 in humans is not currently feasible and needs further research. Our review suggests that it is small, perhaps about 100 particles. Further work is also required on the relationship between routes of transmission, infective dose, co-infection and outcomes.

Lockdown e outras intervenções não farmacológicas / Lockdown and other non-pharmacological interventions

Trata-se de síntese de evidências sobre as Intervenções Não Farmacológicas (INF). Sabe-se que estas têm desempenhado um papel fundamental na redução das taxas de transmissão da COVID-19 ao redor do mundo. Enquanto não houver vacinas seguras e efetivas para todos, principalmente para aqueles com maior risco de desenvolver a forma grave da doença, as INF continuam a figurar como as principais ações de saúde pública contra o SARS-CoV-2. Como a maioria das INF podem ter impactos negativos no bem-estar geral da população, nas atividades funcionais da sociedade e na economia, é necessário que seu uso seja norteado por dados da situação epidemiológica de cada local em que forem empregadas, com o objetivo geral de proteger os indivíduos mais vulneráveis da sociedade (ECDC, 2020). São analisadas intervenções em diferentes níveis e o lockdown é uma das mais drásticas e intrusivas INF para contenção da disseminação do SARS-CoV-2, com potencial impacto econômico, social e na vida das pessoas (HAUG et al, 2020)

This is a synthesis of evidence on non-pharmacological interventions (INFs). It is known that these have played a key role in reducing COVID-19 transmission rates around the world. As long as there are no safe and effective vaccines for all, especially those at higher risk of developing the severe form of the disease, INFs continue to be the main public health actions against SARS-CoV-2. Since most INFs can have negative impacts on the general well-being of the population, on the functional activities of society and on the economy, it is necessary that their use be based on data on the epidemiological situation of each place in which they are employed, with the general objective of protecting the most vulnerable individuals in society (ECDC, 2020). Interventions at different levels are analyzed and the lockdown is one of the most drastic and intrusive INF to contain the spread of SARS-CoV-2, with potential economic, social and life impact on people (HAUG et al, 2020)

Covid-19 e o retorno às aulas presenciais nas escolas / Covid-19 and the return to classes in the schools

As escolas são instituições que desempenham um papel fundamental em diversas culturas no mundo inteiro. No decorrer da pandemia da COVID-19, os longos períodos de fechamento dos estabelecimentos de ensino acarretam em uma série de prejuízos para os indivíduos em idade escolar. Apesar das atividades de ensino contribuírem de forma positiva para diferentes setores da sociedade, infelizmente, as escolas são ambientes aparentemente propícios para a propagação de infecções respiratórias em decorrência das aglomerações e contatos muito próximos em ambientes geralmente mal ventilados (FLASCHE et al, 2020). Sendo assim, estratégias devem ser empregadas para desacelerar a propagação do novo coronavírus e proteger alunos, professores e demais trabalhadores (CDC, 2021b)

Schools are institutions that play a key role in diverse cultures around the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the long closing periods of educational establishments result in a series of losses for school-age individuals. Although teaching activities contribute positively to different sectors of society, unfortunately, schools are environments apparently conducive to the spread of respiratory infections due to agglomerations and very close contacts in generally poorly ventilated environments (FLASCHE et al, 2020). Therefore, strategies should be employed to slow the spread of the new coronavirus and protect students, teachers and other workers (CDC, 2021b)

Trabalhadoras da saúde face à pandemia: por uma análise sociológica do trabalho de cuidado / Female healthcare workers and the Covid-19 pandemic in Brazil: a sociological analysis of healthcare work

Resumo Este texto tem como finalidade discutir o cuidado de trabalhadoras da área da saúde em face da Covid-19, sob a análise sociológica de autoras que o vêm discutindo enquanto um trabalho que é desempenhado, na sua maioria, pelas mulheres das classes populares, é desvalorizado e sofre baixa remuneração. É uma atividade que envolve as construções sociais das emoções e tem utilizado o corpo como um instrumento de trabalho no cuidado com o outro. Além disso, a precarização do trabalho em saúde na sociedade brasileira acirrada nas últimas décadas, como o aumento de contratos temporários, perdas de direitos trabalhistas, a sobrecarga das atividades, condições de trabalho precárias, dentre outros, soma-se com o aumento dos atendimentos médico-hospitalares diante da pandemia da Covid-19. Neste contexto, as trabalhadoras em saúde vivenciam as ausências de equipamentos de proteção individual, medo de contaminação pelo vírus, preocupações com filhos e familiares, vivências diante da morte e do adoecimento de si e de colegas de profissão. Este texto aponta para a necessidade de atenção governamental, bem como para a gestão do trabalho em saúde e dos órgãos de classe profissional, analisando as condições de trabalho que as trabalhadoras em saúde estão vivendo no enfrentamento da pandemia.

Abstract The article aims to discuss the care provided by female healthcare workers in Brazil during the Covid-19 pandemic, based on a sociological analysis by authors who discuss such care as devalued and poorly paid work performed to a large extent by low-income women. The work involves social constructions of emotions and has used the body as a work instrument in care for others. In addition, the increasingly precarious nature of health work in Brazilian society, aggravated in recent decades, with an increase in temporary contracts, loss of labor rights, overload of tasks, and adverse work conditions, among others, adds to the increase in medical and hospital care in the Covid-19 pandemic. In this context, female healthcare workers experience lack of personal protective equipment, fear of coronavirus infection, concerns with their children and other family members, and illness and death of coworkers and themselves. The article highlights the need for government attention and management of healthcare work and professional societies, analyzing the work conditions female healthcare workers are experiencing in confronting the pandemic.

Coronavirus 2019 y personas en situación de calle en el estado de Mato Grosso, Brasil / Coronavirus 2019 and people living on the streets in Mato Grosso State, Brazil

Introducción: La expansión de Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) en nuevos territorios representa un gran desafío para la salud pública en el mundo, especialmente para países como Brasil, debido a sus amplias extensiones territoriales y desigualdades regionales. Objetivos: Describir, durante la pandemia, el brote de COVID-19 en una población sin hogar en el interior de Mato Grosso, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio descriptivo sobre un brote de COVID-19 en el interior del estado de Mato Grosso. Los datos fueron recolectados de los registros documentales de la investigación epidemiológica municipal, en línea con el Sistema Único de Salud. Resultados: Del caso índice, una persona en situación de calle que fue trasladada al albergue municipal de Tangará da Serra/Mato Grosso, 47 personas infectadas por Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) fueron confirmadas por pruebas serológicas y/o moleculares: (i) en el albergue: 8 personas en situación de calle y 5 empleados; (ii) contacto con el hogar de los empleados: 3 miembros de la familia; (iii) en la unidad hospitalaria: 19 profesionales y 6 pacientes en la unidad de cuidados intensivos. Conclusiones: La falta de protección individual fue un factor decisivo para la infección por SARS-CoV-2 en el caso índice y se extendió en el albergue por la participación de contactos en el hogar. Además de los profesionales en el entorno hospitalario, donde el brote se produjo debido a factores estructurales, la falta de equipos de protección personal adecuados y la falta de una cuidadosa adopción de la bioseguridad(AU)

Introduction: The expansion of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in new territories represents great challenge for public health in the world, especially for countries like Brazil, due to its wide territorial extensions and regional inequalities. Objectives: To describe, during the pandemic, the COVID-19 outbreak in homeless people in inner Mato Grosso, Brazil. Methods: A descriptive study on COVID-19 outbreak was carried out in inner Mato Grosso state. The data were collected from the documentary records of the municipal epidemiological investigation, in line with the Unified Health System. Results: From the index case, a person living on the street who was transferred to the municipal shelter in Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso. Forty seven (47) people got infected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and they were confirmed by serological tests and / or molecular: (i) in the shelter: 8 homeless people and 5 employees; (ii) contact with the employees' home: 3 family members; (iii) in the hospital unit: 19 professionals and 6 patients in the intensive care unit. Conclusions: The lack of individual protection was a critical factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in the index case and it spreads in the shelter due to the involvement of domestic contacts. In addition to professionals in the hospital environment, where the outbreak occurred due to structural factors, the lack of adequate personal protection equipment and the lack of careful adoption of biosecurity(AU)

¿Milagro cubano? / Cuban miracle?

La epidemia de la enfermedad por coronavirus Covid-19 ha puesto en tensión a los tres actores principales de su enfrentamiento: al gobierno, a los científicos y a la población. El gobierno con sus estructuras organizativas de diversos ministerios y sus recursos humanos, financieros y materiales. Los científicos que funcionan como asesores expertos y la población como sujetos responsables activos en su autocuidado, no como simples usuarios de servicios de atención a su salud. Las estadísticas de salud en relación con la enfermedad por coronavirus no son desalentadoras en comparación con las de otros países y regiones. Cuba tiene la tasa de mortalidad por 100 000 habitantes más baja de Latinoamérica, e incluso menor que algunos países con mayor nivel de desarrollo económico. La letalidad de la Covid-19 en Cuba también es relativamente baja, por ellos tenemos condiciones morales, éticas, científicas y políticas para exponer algunas ideas vinculadas a estos resultados los cuales demuestran que no se trata de un...(AU)

Novas variantes da SARS-CoV-2-atualização / New variants of the SARS-CoV-2-update

Desde o início da pandemia causada pelo novo coronavírus (SARS-CoV-2) já era de se esperar o surgimento de novas linhagens virais resultantes de mutações ao longo do tempo. De acordo com o Centro de Controle e Prevenção de Doenças ­ CDC, algumas variantes do vírus emergem e desaparecem, enquanto outras emergem e persistem (CDC, 2021a).

Since the beginning of the pandemic caused by the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) it was expected that new viral strains resulting from mutations over time were expected. According to the Cdc, some variants of the virus emerge and disappear, while others emerge and persist (CDC, 2021a).

La COVID-19: comunicado conjunto sobre el nuevo coronavirus y los perros y gatos / COVID-19. Joint statement on the new coronavirus and cats and dogs

El Centro Panamericano de Fiebre Aftosa y Salud Pública Veterinaria de la Organización Panamericana de la Salud / Organización Mundial de la Salud (PANAFTOSA-OPS/OMS) y la Protección Animal Mundial (PAM) comunican al público en general los aspectos referentes al COVID-19 y la relación con las mascotas (perros y gatos).

Isolation of MERS-related coronavirus from lesser bamboo bats that uses DPP4 and infects human-DPP4-transgenic mice.

While a number of human coronaviruses are believed to be originated from ancestral viruses in bats, it remains unclear if bat coronaviruses are ready to cause direct bat-to-human transmission. Here, we report the isolation of a MERS-related coronavirus, Tylonycteris-bat-CoV-HKU4, from lesser bamboo bats. Tylonycteris-bat-CoV-HKU4 replicates efficiently in human colorectal adenocarcinoma and hepatocarcinoma cells with cytopathic effects, and can utilize human-dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 and dromedary camel-dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 as the receptors for cell entry. Flow cytometry, co-immunoprecipitation and surface plasmon resonance assays show that Tylonycteris-bat-CoV-HKU4-receptor-binding-domain can bind human-dipeptidyl-peptidase-4, dromedary camel-dipeptidyl-peptidase-4, and Tylonycteris pachypus-dipeptidyl-peptidase-4. Tylonycteris-bat-CoV-HKU4 can infect human-dipeptidyl-peptidase-4-transgenic mice by intranasal inoculation with self-limiting disease. Positive virus and inflammatory changes were detected in lungs and brains of infected mice, associated with suppression of antiviral cytokines and activation of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. The results suggest that MERS-related bat coronaviruses may overcome species barrier by utilizing dipeptidyl-peptidase-4 and potentially emerge in humans by direct bat-to-human transmission.

Novas variantes do Sars-Cov-2 / New variants of sars-cov-2

A pandemia desencadeada pela disseminação do novo coronavírus tornou-se uma grande e constante preocupação para a população, governos e serviços de saúde do mundo inteiro. Devido aos inúmeros impactos que atingiram diferentes setores da sociedade, todos os temas referentes ao SARS-CoV-2 atraem muita atenção e, recentemente, o assunto que trata das novas variantes deste agente etiológico tornou-se bastante frequente em diferentes veículos de comunicação. Os vírus são organismos que constantemente sofrem mudanças por meio de mutações e, portanto, o surgimento de novas variantes é um evento esperado

Lineamientos para el abordaje de casos positivos para SARS-COV-2 de viajeros que ingresan al país por el aeropuerto internacional "La Aurora" (AILA) / Guidelines for addressing positive cases for SARS-COV-2 of travelers entering the country through the international airport "La Aurora" (AILA)

En los antecedentes se presentan estadísticas del COVID-19 a la fecha en la que se elaboró el documento (enero 2021) y aborda las tres mutaciones del virus conocidas hasta la fecha del documento. Así mismo, menciona el tema de las mutaciones y las tres variantes conocidas hasta ese momento: Reino Unido e Irlanda del Norte, República de Sudáfrica y Brasil, siendo la de mayor transmisibilidad, según el documento, la del Reino Unido En relación a ello y enfocado en el tema principal, menciona que: "La enfermedad por el coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) se ha propagado a través de varias fronteras, lo que ha dado lugar a la demanda de medidas de detección y gestión de los casos sospechosos en los puntos de entrada, en particular los puertos, aeropuertos y pasos fronterizos" Por lo que los objetivos del documento son: "1. Generar información genética mediante la vigilancia genómica de casos confirmados de COVID-19 en el Aeropuerto Internacional "La Aurora". 2. Determinar las variantes genéticas del SARS-CoV-2 de casos confirmados para COVID-19 de pasajeros que ingresan al país. 3. Detectar oportunamente las variantes genómicas del SARS-CoV-2 de interés nacional e internacional." En el anexo 1 incluye: Escenarios para la realización de prueba diagnóstica de COVID-19 y referencia para secuenciación y en el 2: Solicitud de Análisis, Secuenciación SARS-CoV-2

Development and Expression of Subunit Vaccines Against Viruses in Plants.

Various systems exist for the robust production of recombinant proteins. However, only a few systems are optimal for human vaccine protein production. Plant-based transient protein expression systems offer an advantageous alternative to costly mammalian cell culture-based systems and can perform posttranslational modifications due to the presence of an endomembrane system that is largely similar to that of the animal cell. Technological advances in expression vectors for transient expression in the last two decades have produced new plant expression systems with the flexibility and speed that cannot be matched by those based on mammalian or insect cell culture. The rapid and high-level protein production capability of transient expression systems makes them the optimal system to quickly and versatilely develop and produce vaccines against viruses such as 2019-nCoV that have sudden and unpredictable outbreaks. Here, expression of antiviral subunit vaccines in Nicotiana benthamiana plants via transient expression is demonstrated.

T-cell responses to MERS coronavirus infection in people with occupational exposure to dromedary camels in Nigeria: an observational cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) remains of global public health concern. Dromedary camels are the source of zoonotic infection. Over 70% of MERS coronavirus (MERS-CoV)-infected dromedaries are found in Africa but no zoonotic disease has been reported in Africa. We aimed to understand whether individuals with exposure to dromedaries in Africa had been infected by MERS-CoV. METHODS: Workers slaughtering dromedaries in an abattoir in Kano, Nigeria, were compared with abattoir workers without direct dromedary contact, non-abattoir workers from Kano, and controls from Guangzhou, China. Exposure to dromedaries was ascertained using a questionnaire. Serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were tested for MERS-CoV specific neutralising antibody and T-cell responses. FINDINGS: None of the participants from Nigeria or Guangdong were MERS-CoV seropositive. 18 (30%) of 61 abattoir workers with exposure to dromedaries, but none of 20 abattoir workers without exposure (p=0·0042), ten non-abattoir workers or 24 controls from Guangzhou (p=0·0002) had evidence of MERS-CoV-specific CD4+ or CD8+ T cells in PBMC. T-cell responses to other endemic human coronaviruses (229E, OC43, HKU-1, and NL-63) were observed in all groups with no association with dromedary exposure. Drinking both unpasteurised camel milk and camel urine was significantly and negatively associated with T-cell positivity (odds ratio 0·07, 95% CI 0·01-0·54). INTERPRETATION: Zoonotic infection of dromedary-exposed individuals is taking place in Nigeria and suggests that the extent of MERS-CoV infections in Africa is underestimated. MERS-CoV could therefore adapt to human transmission in Africa rather than the Arabian Peninsula, where attention is currently focused. FUNDING: The National Science and Technology Major Project, National Institutes of Health.

One year update on the COVID-19 pandemic: Where are we now?

We are living through an unprecedented crisis with the rapid spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) worldwide within a short time. The timely availability of thousands of SARS-CoV-2 genomes has enabled the scientific community to study the origin, structures, and pathogenesis of the virus. The pandemic has spurred research publication and resulted in an unprecedented number of therapeutic proposals. Because the development of new drugs is time consuming, several strategies, including drug repurposing and repositioning, are being tested to treat patients with COVID-19. Researchers have developed several potential vaccine candidates that have shown promise in phase II and III trials. As of 12 November 2020, 164 candidate vaccines are in preclinical evaluation, and 48 vaccines are in clinical evaluation, of which four have cleared phase III trials (Pfizer/BioNTech's BNT162b2, Moderna's mRNA-1273, University of Oxford & AstraZeneca's AZD1222, and Gamaleya's Sputnik V vaccine). Despite the acquisition of a vast body of scientific information, treatment depends only on the clinical management of the disease through supportive care. At the pandemic's 1-year mark, we summarize current information on SARS-CoV-2 origin and biology, and advances in the development of therapeutics. The updated information presented here provides a comprehensive report on the scientific progress made in the past year in understanding of SARS-CoV-2 biology and therapeutics.