Predicting Antigenic Peptides from Rocio Virus NS1 Protein for Immunodiagnostic Testing Using Immunoinformatics and Molecular Dynamics Simulation.

The mosquito-borne disease caused by the Rocio virus is a neglected threat, and new immune inputs for serological testing are urgently required for diagnosis in low-resource settings and epidemiological surveillance. We used in silico approaches to identify a specific antigenic peptide (p_ROCV2) in the NS1 protein of the Rocio virus that was theoretically predicted to be stable and exposed on its surface, where it demonstrated key properties allowing it to interact with antibodies. These findings related to the molecular dynamics of this peptide provide important insights for advancing diagnostic platforms and investigating therapeutic alternatives.

Burden of Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Viruses in Suspected COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional and Meta-Analysis Study.

Non-SARS-CoV-2 respiratory viral infections, such as influenza virus (FluV) and human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have contributed considerably to the burden of infectious diseases in the non-COVID-19 era. While the rates of co-infection in SARS-CoV-2-positive group (SCPG) patients have been determined, the burden of other respiratory viruses in the SARS-CoV-2-negative group (SCNG) remains unclear. Here, we conducted a cross-sectional study (São José do Rio Preto county, Brazil), and we collected our data using a meta-analysis to evaluate the pooled prevalence of FluV and RSV among SCNG patients. Out of the 901 patients suspected of COVID-19, our molecular results showed positivity of FluV and RSV in the SCNG was 2% (15/733) and 0.27% (2/733), respectively. Co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and FluV, or RSV, was identified in 1.7% of the patients (3/168). Following our meta-analysis, 28 studies were selected (n = 114,318 suspected COVID-19 patients), with a pooled prevalence of 4% (95% CI: 3-6) for FluV and 2% (95% CI: 1-3) for RSV among SCNG patients were observed. Interestingly, FluV positivity in the SCNG was four times higher (OR = 4, 95% CI: 3.6-5.4, p < 0.01) than in the SCPG. Similarly, RSV positivity was significantly associated with SCNG patients (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 2-4, p < 0.01). For subgroup analysis, cold-like symptoms, including fever, cough, sore throat, headache, myalgia, diarrhea, and nausea/vomiting, were positively associated (p < 0.05) with the SCPG. In conclusion, these results show that the pooled prevalence of FluV and RSV were significantly higher in the SCNG than in the SCPG during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prediction of MAYV peptide antigens for immunodiagnostic tests by immunoinformatics and molecular dynamics simulations.

The Mayaro virus is endemic to South America, and the possible involvement of Aedes spp. mosquitoes in its transmission is a risk factor for outbreaks of greater proportions. The virus causes a potentially disabling illness known as Mayaro fever, which is similar to that caused by the chikungunya virus. The cocirculation of both viruses, with their clinical and structural similarities, and the absence of prophylactic and therapeutic measures highlight the need for studies that seek to understand the Mayaro virus. Using approaches in silico, we identified an antigenic and specific epitope (p_MAYV4) in domain A of the E2 glycoprotein of the Mayaro virus. This epitope was theoretically predicted to be stable and exposed on the surface of the protein, where it showed key properties that enable its interaction with neutralizing antibodies. These characteristics make it an interesting target for the development of immunodiagnostic platforms. Molecular dynamics simulation-based structural analysis showed that the PHE95 residue in the E1 fusion loop region is conserved among Alphavirus family members. PHE95 interacts with the hydrophobic residues of the E2 glycoprotein to form a cage-shaped structure that is critical to assemble and stabilize the E1/E2 heterodimer. These results provide important insights useful for the advancement of diagnostic platforms and the study of therapeutic alternatives.

Molecular and serological surveys of canine distemper virus: A meta-analysis of cross-sectional studies.

BACKGROUND: Canine morbillivirus (canine distemper virus, CDV) persists as a serious threat to the health of domestic dogs and wildlife. Although studies have been conducted on the frequency and risk factors associated with CDV infection, there are no comprehensive data on the current epidemiological magnitude in the domestic dog population at regional and national levels. Therefore, we conducted a cross-sectional study and included our results in a meta-analysis to summarize and combine available data on the frequency and potential risk factors associated with CDV infection. METHODS: For the cross-sectional study, biological samples from dogs suspected to have canine distemper (CD) were collected and screened for viral RNA. Briefly, the PRISMA protocol was used for the meta-analysis, and data analyses were performed using STATA IC 13.1 software. RESULTS: CDV RNA was detected in 34% (48/141) of dogs suspected to have CD. Following our meta-analysis, 53 studies were selected for a total of 11,527 dogs. Overall, the pooled frequency of CDV positivity based on molecular and serological results were 33% (95% CI: 23-43) and 46% (95% CI: 36-57), respectively. The pooled subgroup analyses of clinical signs, types of biological samples, diagnostic methods and dog lifestyle had a wide range of CDV positivity (range 8-75%). Free-ranging dogs (OR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.05-1.97), dogs >24 months old (OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.1-3) and unvaccinated dogs (OR: 2.92, 95% CI: 1.26-6.77) were found to be positively associated with CDV infection. In contrast, dogs <12 months old (OR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.20-0.64) and dogs with a complete anti-CDV vaccination (OR: 0.18, 95% CI: 0.05-0.59) had a negative association. CONCLUSION: Considering the high frequency of CDV positivity associated with almost all the variables analyzed in dogs, it is necessary to immediately and continuously plan mitigation strategies to reduce the CDV prevalence, especially in determined endemic localities.

Seropositivity diagnosis for hantavirus in Jataí, Goiás State, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION:: Emerging diseases are of great interest, especially those associated with high mortality rates such as hantaviruses. We aimed to conduct a seroepidemiological survey to determine the levels of hantavirus infection. METHODS:: In-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect specific antibodies. RESULTS:: Of the 429 samples collected, seropositivity of 3.9% to anti-hantavirus immunoglobulin G (IgG) was observed (CI 95%: 2.3-5.7). Moreover, in three cases, immunoglobulin M (IgM) was detected, of which two were diagnosed as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). CONCLUSIONS:: Our data indicate the considerable occurrence of previous hantavirus infections, highlighting occurrences from sub-clinical cases to HCPS.

Cross-sectional study on case fatality rate due to hantavirus infection in Goiás State, Brazil, 2007-2013. / Estudo transversal da letalidade da hantavirose no estado de Goiás, 2007-2013.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of hantavirus infection and to analyze factors associated with case-fatality in Goiás, Brazil. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study on case fatality due to hantavirus infection from 2007 to 2013 using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for Goiás State. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: 1,171 suspected cases were reported, of which 73 (6.2%) were confirmed. Among the confirmed cases, greater frequency was found among males (n=50), fever was the most common symptom (n=70), and there was a high proportion of hospitalization (n=68). The case-fatality rate was 57.5% . The following factors were associated with death: acute respiratory failure (ARF) (OR=3.6; 95%CI 1.2;10.6), hemoconcentration (OR=3.3; 95%CI 1.1;7.9) and not using a mechanical ventilator (OR=3.4; 95%CI 1.3;9.1). After adjustment, the ARF was still associated with death (OR=3.4; 95%CI 1.0;11.6). CONCLUSION: the case-fatality rate was high, primarily associated with respiratory failure.

Serological evidence of hantavirus infection in an urban area in Mato Grosso State, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: In Brazil, Mato Grosso (MT) has the highest number of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome cases. Our study aimed to identify anti-hantavirus antibodies in the sera of patients from Sinop, MT, presenting with acute febrile illness. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data for 198 sera samples assessed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted. RESULTS: Immunoglobulins G (IgGs) against the hantavirus nucleoprotein were found in 13.6% of the tested sera. No sample had immunoglobulin M (IgM) antibodies to hantavirus. Seropositivity occurred mainly in female residents in urban areas who worked around the household. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest circulation of hantavirus in Sinop.

Seropositivity diagnosis for hantavirus in Jataí, Goiás State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Emerging diseases are of great interest, especially those associated with high mortality rates such as hantaviruses. We aimed to conduct a seroepidemiological survey to determine the levels of hantavirus infection. METHODS: In-house enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect specific antibodies. RESULTS: Of the 429 samples collected, seropositivity of 3.9% to anti-hantavirus immunoglobulin G (IgG) was observed (CI 95%: 2.3-5.7). Moreover, in three cases, immunoglobulin M (IgM) was detected, of which two were diagnosed as hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS). CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate the considerable occurrence of previous hantavirus infections, highlighting occurrences from sub-clinical cases to HCPS.

Estudo transversal da letalidade da hantavirose no estado de Goiás, 2007-2013 / Estudio transversal de la letalidad de la infección por hantavirus en el estado de Goiás, Brasil, 2007-2013 / Cross-sectional study on case fatality rate due to hantavirus infection in Goiás State, Brazil, 2007-2013

OBJETIVO: descrever o perfil epidemiológico e clínico da hantavirose e analisar fatores associados à letalidade em Goiás, Brasil. MÉTODOS: foi conduzido um estudo transversal com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), referentes ao período de 2007 a 2013, no estado de Goiás. Regressão logística foi empregada para estimar razões de chances (OR) com intervalos de confiança de 95% (IC95%). RESULTADOS: foram notificados 1.171 casos suspeitos de hantavirose e 73 (6,2%) confirmados. Entre os confirmados, observou-se maior frequência entre homens (n=50), febre como sintoma mais frequente (n=70) e elevada proporção de hospitalizações (n=68). A taxa de letalidade foi de 57,5%. Foram fatores associados ao óbito: insuficiência respiratória aguda (IRpA) (OR=3,6; IC95%1,2;10,6), hemoconcentração (OR=3,3; IC95%1,1;7,9) e não uso do respirador mecânico (OR=3,4; IC95%1,3;9,1). Após ajuste, a IRpA permaneceu associada ao óbito (OR=3,4; IC95%1,0;11,6). CONCLUSÃO: foi identificada alta taxa de letalidade, associada principalmente com insuficiência respiratória.

OBJETIVO: evaluar el perfil clínico y epidemiológico del hantavirus y los factores asociados con su letalidad en Goiás, Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudio transversal usando datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (Sinan), referentes al periodo 2007-2013, en el estado de Goias. Usamos regresión logística para calcular odds ratio (OR) con intervalos de confianza al 95%. RESULTADOS: fueron reportados 1.171 casos sospechosos de hantavirus 73 fueron confirmados (6,2%). Entre los confirmados la frecuencia fue mayor entre hombres (n=50), fiebre fue síntoma más común (n=70), 68 fueron hospitalizados, la tasa de letalidad fue 57,5%. Variables asociadas con letalidad: insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (IRpA) (OR=3,6 IC95% 1,2; 10,6), hemoconcentración (OR=3.3 IC95% 1,1; 7,9) y no usar respirador mecánico (OR=3,4 IC95% 1,3; 9,1). Sólo IRpA se mantuvo asociado en modelos multivariados (OR=3,4 IC95% 1,0; 11,6). CONCLUSIÓN: identificamos una alta tasa de letalidad asociada principalmente con insuficiencia respiratoria.

OBJECTIVE: to describe the epidemiological and clinical profile of hantavirus infection and to analyze factors associated with case-fatality in Goiás, Brazil. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study on case fatality due to hantavirus infection from 2007 to 2013 using data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) for Goiás State. Logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). RESULTS: 1,171 suspected cases were reported, of which 73 (6.2%) were confirmed. Among the confirmed cases, greater frequency was found among males (n=50), fever was the most common symptom (n=70), and there was a high proportion of hospitalization (n=68). The case-fatality rate was 57.5% . The following factors were associated with death: acute respiratory failure (ARF) (OR=3.6; 95%CI 1.2;10.6), hemoconcentration (OR=3.3; 95%CI 1.1;7.9) and not using a mechanical ventilator (OR=3.4; 95%CI 1.3;9.1). After adjustment, the ARF was still associated with death (OR=3.4; 95%CI 1.0;11.6). CONCLUSION: the case-fatality rate was high, primarily associated with respiratory failure.

Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome: a report of two cases / Síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavírus: relato de dois casos

Infection with hantavirus, from the family Bunyaviridae, causes hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS) in the Americas. This highly lethal anthropozoonosis afflicts preferentially individuals in rural areas and is transmitted by aerosol of excreta from infected wild rodents. The aim of this study is to report the almost simultaneous occurrence of two cases of HCPS in the municipality of Jataí, state of Goiás, Brazil.

A infecção por hantavírus, família Bunyaviridae, provoca a síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavírus (SCPH) nos países da América. Ela é uma antropozoonose, de elevada letalidade, que tem acometido preferencialmente indivíduos em contato com o meio rural, sendo transmitida por aerossóis a partir das excretas dos roedores silvestres infectados. O objetivo deste estudo foi relatar a ocorrência, quase que simultânea, de dois casos de SCPH ocorridos no município de Jataí, Estado de Goiás, Brasil.

Principais parâmetros biológicos avaliados em erros na fase pré-analítica de laboratórios clínicos: revisão sistemática / Main biological parameters evaluated in pre-analytical phase errors at clinical laboratories: a systematic review

O diagnóstico laboratorial passou por várias mudanças devido à automatização. Além do aparelhamento, a adoção de um programa de garantia de qualidade (PGQ) está resultando em maior precisão nos exames. Para fins de controle em qualidade, o processamento de uma amostra biológica é didaticamente dividido em três fases: pré-analítica, analítica e pós-analítica. Na fase pré-analítica ocorre a maioria dos erros; a divulgação dessas falhas e sua discussão corroboram para a eficiência dos PGQs. No presente estudo, descrevemos as principais variações biológicas encontradas na fase pré-analítica em laboratórios clínicos, por meio de uma revisão sistemática. Fizeram parte dessa revisão 14 artigos. Os parâmetros biológicos descritos na revisão foram, principalmente, glicose, colesterol, triglicérides, enzimas e hormônios. Um erro frequente na punção venosa foi o uso prolongado do torniquete e entre as principais causas de erros observadas foram tempo de armazenamento, tempo de torniquete, técnicas de flebotomia, falta de informações aos pacientes, relação incorreta sangue/anticoagulante, tubos inadequados, amostras contaminadas, medicamentos e alterações interlaboratoriais. Nossos achados são similares aos encontrados em outras pesquisas, mas não encontramos estudos que avaliassem especificamente as alterações na fase pré-analítica decorrentes do uso de medicamentos. Concluímos que os parâmetros biológicos mais avaliados coincidiram com os exames de rotina e uma das formas de evitar às inexatidões laboratoriais é pôr em prática um eficiente PGQ e a produção de trabalhos que explanem o assunto a pacientes e profissionais da saúde.

Laboratory diagnosis has undergone several changes due to automation. Both equipment supplying and the introduction of quality assurance programs (QAP) have led to higher precision in tests. With the aim to promote quality control, the processing of biological samples comprises three phases: pre-analytical, analytical and post-analytical. Most errors occur in the pre-analytical phase. Thus, their determination and corresponding assessment maximize QAP efficiency. In this study, by means of a systematic review, which comprised 14 articles, we describe the main biological variations found in the pre-analytical phase at clinical laboratories. The biological parameters described in the review included glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, enzymes and hormones. As far as venipuncture is concerned, a common error was the prolonged use of tourniquet. The main error causes were the following: storage time, tourniquet time, phlebotomy techniques, insufficient information to patients, incorrect blood/anticoagulant ratio, inadequate tubes, contaminated samples, medication and interlaboratory alterations. Our results corroborated other studies, although we did not find other investigations that specifically evaluated changes in the pre-analytical phase due to the use of medication. The most assessed biological parameters coincided with clinical tests. Accordingly, both the implementation of an efficient QAP and the development of professional awareness may prevent laboratory inaccuracies.