HLA-G, LILRB1 and LILRB2 Variants in Zika Virus Transmission from Mother to Child in a Population from South and Southeast of Brazil.

During the 2015-2016 epidemic, Brazil was the country with the highest rate of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in the Americas. Twenty-nine percent of pregnant women positive for ZIKV exhibited ultrasound scans with fetus anomalies. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) exerts immunoregulatory effects by binding to inhibitory receptors, namely LILRB1 and LILRB2, thus preventing mother-fetus rejection and vertical pathogen transmission. The binding of HLA-G to one of its receptors modulates both innate and adaptive immunity. However, in a viral infection, these molecules may behave as pathogenic mediators shifting the pregnancy environment from an anti-inflammatory profile to a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Genetic mutations might be associated with the change in phenotype. This study aimed to explore the possible role of polymorphic sites in HLA-G, LILRB1 and LILRB2 in mother-fetus ZIKV transmission. Polymorphisms were detected by direct sequencing. Differences in allele and/or genotype frequencies for each SNP analyzed among ZIKV non-transmitting and transmitting mother-child pairs, among ZIKV-transmitting and non-transmitting mothers and between ZIKV-infected and non-infected children were compared by Mid-P exact test or Yates' correction. Significant susceptibility of ZIKV vertical transmission is suggested in ZIKV-transmitting and non-transmitting mothers and ZIKV-infected and non-infected children for LILRB1_rs1061684 T/T (p = 0.03, Pc = 0.06, OR = 12.4; p = 0.008, Pc = 0.016, OR = 16.4) and LILRB1_rs16985478 A/A (p = 0.01, Pc = 0.02, OR = 19.2; p = 0.008, Pc = 0.016, OR = 16.4). HLA-G_rs1710 (p = 0.04, Pc = 0.52, OR = 4.30) was also a susceptibility factor. LILRB2_rs386056 G/A (p = 0.02, Pc = 0.08, OR = 0.07), LILRB2_rs7247451 G/G (p = 0.01, Pc = 0.04, OR = 0.04) and HLAG_rs9380142 T/T (p = 0.04, Pc = 0.52, OR = 0.14) were suggested as protective factors against vertical transmission. The current study suggests that polymorphic sites in the LILRB1 and HLA-G genes might be associated with mother-to-child ZIKV transmission while LILRB2 might be associated with protection against ZIKV transmission in the womb in a population from the south and southeast of Brazil.

Association of the Functional MICA-129 Polymorphism With the Severity of Chronic Chagas Heart Disease.

MICA-129 polymorphism affects the binding affinity of MICA molecules with the NKG2D receptor and influences effector cell function. The genotype met/met was associated with the severity of left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) in patients with chronic Chagas heart disease, while the val/val genotype was associated with the absence of LVSD.

Human extracellular vesicles and correlation with two clinical forms of toxoplasmosis.

AIM: This study analyzed microvesicles and exosomes, called as extracellular vesicles (EVs) excreted in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with cerebral or gestational toxoplasmosis. METHODS: Clinical samples from 83 individuals were divided into four groups. Group I, 20 sera from healthy individuals and pregnant women (seronegative for toxoplasmosis); group II, 21 sera from seropositive patients for toxoplasmosis (cerebral or gestational forms); group III, 26 CSF samples from patients with cerebral toxoplasmosis/HIV co-infection (CT/HIV) (seropositive for toxoplasmosis); and group IV, 16 CSF samples from seronegative patients for toxoplasmosis, but with HIV infection and other opportunistic infections (OI/HIV). Serum and CSF samples were ultracentrifuged to recover EVs. Next, vesicle size and concentration were characterized by Nanoparticle Tracking Analysis (NTA). RESULTS: Concentrations of serum-derived EVs from toxoplasmosis patients (mean: 2.4 x 1010 EVs/mL) were statically higher than of non-infected individuals (mean: 5.9 x 109 EVs/mL). Concentrations of CSF-derived EVs were almost similar in both groups. CT/HIV (mean: 2.9 x 109 EVs/mL) and OI/HIV (mean: 4.8 x 109 EVs/mL). Analyses by NTA confirmed that CSF-derived EVs and serum-derived EVs had size and shape similar to microvesicles and exosomes. The mean size of EVs was similar in serum and CSF. Thus, the concentration, and not size was able distinguish patients with toxoplasmosis than healthy individuals. Presence of exosomes was also confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and evidence of tetraspanins CD63 and CD9 in immunoblotting. Relative expressions of miR-146a-5p, miR-155-5p, miR-21-5p, miR-29c-3p and miR-125b-5p were estimated in exosomal miRNA extracted of EVs. Serum-derived EVs from group II (cerebral and gestational toxoplasmosis) up-expressed miR-125b-5p and miR-146a-5p. CSF-derived EVs from CT/HIV patients) up-expressed miR-155-5p and miR-21-5p and were unable to express miR-29c-3p. CONCLUSION: These data suggest the participation of EVs and exosomal miRNAs in unbalance of immune response as elevation of TNF-α, IL-6; and downregulation of IFN-γ in cerebral and gestational forms of toxoplasmosis.

Plasmodium vivax infection among Duffy antigen-negative individuals from the Brazilian Amazon region: an exception?

We present evidence for Plasmodium vivax infection among Duffy blood group-negative inhabitants of Brazil. The P. vivax identification was determined by both genotypic and non-genotypic screening tests. The Duffy blood group was genotyped by PCR/RFLP and phenotyped using a microtyping kit. We detected two homozygous FY*B-33 carriers infected by P. vivax, whose circumsporozoite protein genotypes were VK210 and/or P. vivax-like. Additional efforts are necessary in order to clarify the evidence that P. vivax is being transmitted among Duffy blood group-negative patients from the Brazilian Amazon region.

Molecular screening of Plasmodium sp. asymptomatic carriers among transfusion centers from Brazilian Amazon region.

The transmission of malaria in Brazil is heterogeneous throughout endemic areas and the presence of asymptomatic Plasmodium sp. carriers (APCs) in the Brazilian Amazon has already been demonstrated. Malaria screening in blood banks is based on the selection of donors in respect to possible risks associated with travel or residence, clinical evidence and/or inaccurate diagnostic methods thereby increasing the probability of transfusion-transmitted infection. We evaluated the frequency of APCs in four blood services in distinct areas of the Brazilian Amazon region. DNA was obtained from 400 human blood samples for testing using the phenol-chloroform method followed by a nested-PCR protocol with species-specific primers. The positivity rate varied from 1 to 3% of blood donors from the four areas with an average of 2.3%. All positive individuals had mixed infections for Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum. No significant differences in the results were detected among these areas; the majority of cases originated from the transfusion centres of Porto Velho, Rondônia State and Macapá, Amapá State. Although it is still unclear whether APC individuals may act as reservoirs of the parasite, efficient screening of APCs and malaria patients in Brazilian blood services from endemic areas needs to be improved.

Frequency of anti- Toxoplasma gondii IgA, IgM, and IgG antibodies in high-risk pregnancies, in Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasmosis during pregnancy can be severe; thus, it is essential to diagnose the disease via serological tests. METHODS: An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to investigate anti-Toxoplasma gondii immunoglobulin A (IgA), M (IgM) and G (IgG) antibodies in 62 high-risk pregnant women. RESULTS: Forty-three (69.4%) women were positive for IgA, 31 (50%) for IgG, and 57 (91.9%) for IgM; 4 (6,5%) were positive for IgA but negative for IgM; 10 (16.1%) were negative for IgA and IgM but positive for IgG. CONCLUSIONS: Testing for these antibodies can help diagnose infection in pregnant women, thereby contributing to clinical management.

Total IgE plasma levels vary according to gender and age in Brazilian patients with allergic rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis is a disease that affects the upper airways and causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa and it is mediated by IgE antibodies produced after sensitization to environmental allergens. Previous reports have indicated that this disease affects males more often than females. The objective of this study was to verify whether total IgE plasma levels vary between genders in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. METHODS: A total of 171 adult patients suffering from allergic rhinitis (55 males and 116 females) were enrolled. Total IgE plasma levels were determined using commercial kits, with 140 IU/mL considered as a reference value. The mean total IgE plasma levels were compared according to gender and age. RESULTS: The mean age of the overall patient group with allergic rhinitis was 38.4 ± 19.0 years and a significant difference in age was observed between genders (males: 32.2 ± 17.8 years; females: 41.4 ± 18.9 years; p=0.0027). Additionally, the mean total IgE plasma levels were higher in males (413.0 ± 143.0 IU/mL) than in females (147.9 ± 98.0 IU/mL) (p<0.0001). These differences persisted even when males and females were stratified by age (up to or older than 20 years of age). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, total IgE plasma levels are higher in young adult males than in females suffering from allergic rhinitis. Evaluating total IgE plasma levels can be useful to identify patients at risk of allergic rhinitis in areas with low industrial pollution.

Structural diversity and biological importance of ABO, H, Lewis and secretor histo-blood group carbohydrates

ABSTRACT ABO, H, secretor and Lewis histo-blood system genes control the expression of part of the carbohydrate repertoire present in areas of the body occupied by microorganisms. These carbohydrates, besides having great structural diversity, act as potential receptors for pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms influencing susceptibility and resistance to infection and illness. Despite the knowledge of some structural variability of these carbohydrate antigens and their polymorphic levels of expression in tissue and exocrine secretions, little is known about their biological importance and potential applications in medicine. This review highlights the structural diversity, the biological importance and potential applications of ABO, H, Lewis and secretor histo-blood carbohydrates.

The ADA*2 allele of the adenosine deaminase gene (20q13.11) and recurrent spontaneous abortions: an age-dependent association.

OBJECTIVE: Adenosine deaminase acts on adenosine and deoxyadenosine metabolism and modulates the immune response. The adenosine deaminase G22A polymorphism (20q.11.33) influences the level of adenosine deaminase enzyme expression, which seems to play a key role in maintaining pregnancy. The adenosine deaminase 2 phenotype has been associated with a protective effect against recurrent spontaneous abortions in European Caucasian women. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the G22A polymorphism of the adenosine deaminase gene is associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions in Brazilian women. METHODS: A total of 311 women were recruited to form two groups: G1, with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions (N = 129), and G2, without a history of abortions (N = 182). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood with a commercial kit and PCR-RFLP analysis was used to identify the G22A genetic polymorphism. Fisher's exact test and odds ratio values were used to compare the proportions of adenosine deaminase genotypes and alleles between women with and without a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (p<0.05). The differences between mean values for categorical data were calculated using unpaired t tests. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was assessed with a chi-square test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were identified for the frequencies of adenosine deaminase genotypes and alleles between the G1 and G2 groups when adjusted for maternal age. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the adenosine deaminase *2 allele is associated with a low risk for recurrent spontaneous abortions, but this association is dependent on older age.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant women and their newborn infants in the region of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Toxoplasmosis transmission during pregnancy can cause severe sequelae in fetuses and newborns. Maternal antibodies may be indicators of risk or immunity. The aim here was to evaluate seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma gondii (anti-T. gondii) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and IgG avidity in pregnant women and their newborn infants. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinic. METHODS: Serum samples from pregnant women (n = 87) and their respective newborns (n = 87) were evaluated for anti-T. gondii antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) (IgM and IgG), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IgG) and an avidity test. RESULTS: Anti-T. gondii antibodies were identified in 64.4% of the serum samples from the mothers and their infants (56/87). Except for two maternal serum samples (2.3%), all others were negative for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies, using IIF. The results showed that 92.9% of the pregnant women had high IgG avidity indexes (> 30%) and four samples had avidity indexes between 16 and 30%. Two women in the third trimester of pregnancy were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies; their babies had avidity indexes between 16 and 30%. The avidity indexes of serum from the other 83 newborns were similar to the results from their mothers. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 2% of the pregnant women were at risk of T. gondii transmission during the gestational period. These data seem to reflect the real situation of gestational toxoplasmosis in the northwestern region of the state of São Paulo.

Seropositivity rates for toxoplasmosis, rubella, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis and HIV among pregnant women receiving care at a public health service, São Paulo state, Brazil.

Infectious and parasitic diseases affecting women during their reproductive age may result in vertical transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence for TORSCH among pregnant women receiving care at a university hospital. Records of 574 pregnant women who received medical attention from January 2006 to December 2007 were assessed. The mean age was 27.2 ± 6.5 years ranging from 13 to 44. The results of the immunodiagnostic tests were: 62.0% (345/556) for IgG and 3.4% (19/556) for IgM anti-T. gondii; 93.1% (433/465) for IgG and 0.6% (3/465) for IgM anti-rubella; 0.9% (5/561) for VDRL; 1.8% (10/554) for HBsAg; 0.7% (4/545) for anti-HCV and 2.1% (11/531) for HIV. In conclusion, the results of immunodiagnostic tests for the TORSCH panel among pregnant women attending a perinatal service of a university hospital are in agreement with those reported by previous studies and by governmental sources.

Ocular toxoplasmosis with positive polymerase chain reaction in peripheral blood ­ report of two cases, São Paulo State, Brazil / Toxoplasmose ocular com reação em cadeia da polimerase positiva em sangue periférico ­ relato de dois casos, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Aims: To describe the use of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in peripheral blood and demonstrate its importance in the clinical follow-up of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis. Case description: Two immunocompetent patients were clinically diagnosed with acute ocular toxoplasmosis. The routine clinical evaluation consisted of fundus examination using binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy, color fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, and spectral domain optical coherence tomography. The serological diagnosis was made by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and confirmed by enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (ELFA). The molecular diagnosis was made by PCR in peripheral blood using the B1 gene of Toxoplasma gondii as marker. The younger patient was male, had previous lesion in the right eye, complained of low visual acuity in the left eye and was under treatment. The older patient was male, had retinal detachment, and presented with sudden loss of acuity in the right eye. The fundus examination revealed chorioretinal scar in the left eye. IgG was reactive, IgM was non-reactive, and PCR was positive in the peripheral blood of both patients. New blood samples were collected for serological and molecular monitoring and PCR remained positive in both cases. Six weeks after treatment with oral sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine, the PCR yielded negative results. Conclusion: The results show that T. gondii antigens may be found in peripheral blood during ocular reactivations and that PCR may be a good tool for the follow-up of patients with ocular toxoplasmosis.

Objetivos: Descrever o uso da reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) no sangue periférico e demonstrar sua importância no acompanhamento clínico de pacientes com toxoplasmose ocular. Descrição dos casos: Dois pacientes imunocompetentes foram clinicamente diagnosticados com toxoplasmose ocular aguda. Rotineiramente, a avaliação clínica foi feita por fundoscopia com o uso de oftalmoscópio binocular indireto, retinografia colorida, angiografia fluorescente e tomografia de coerência óptica espectral. A sorologia foi realizada por ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) e confirmada por ensaio imunoenzimático fluorescente ELFA (IgG, IgM). O diagnóstico molecular foi realizado por PCR em sangue periférico usando o gene B1 de Toxoplasma gondii como marcador. O paciente mais jovem era do sexo masculino, apresentava lesão prévia no olho direito, queixa de baixa acuidade visual no olho esquerdo e estava sob tratamento. O paciente mais velho era do sexo masculino, apresentava descolamento de retina e súbita diminuição de visão no olho direito. A fundoscopia revelou cicatriz coriorretiniana no olho esquerdo. Ambos os pacientes tinham IgG reagente, IgM não reagente e PCR positivo em sangue periférico. Novas amostras de sangue foram coletadas para monitoramento sorológico e molecular e a PCR permaneceu positiva em ambos os casos. Seis semanas após o início do tratamento com sulfadiazina e pirimetamina oral, os resultados do PCR tornaram-se negativos. Conclusões: Os resultados mostram que antígenos de T. gondii podem ser encontrados em sangue periférico durante as reativações oculares e que a PCR parece ser uma boa ferramenta para o acompanhamento de pacientes com toxoplasmose ocular.

Total IgE plasma levels vary according to gender and age in Brazilian patients with allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE: Allergic rhinitis is a disease that affects the upper airways and causes inflammation of the nasal mucosa and it is mediated by IgE antibodies produced after sensitization to environmental allergens. Previous reports have indicated that this disease affects males more often than females. The objective of this study was to verify whether total IgE plasma levels vary between genders in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis. METHODS: A total of 171 adult patients suffering from allergic rhinitis (55 males and 116 females) were enrolled. Total IgE plasma levels were determined using commercial kits, with 140 IU/mL considered as a reference value. The mean total IgE plasma levels were compared according to gender and age. RESULTS: The mean age of the overall patient group with allergic rhinitis was 38.4±19.0 years and a significant difference in age was observed between genders (males: 32.2±17.8 years; females: 41.4±18.9 years; p = 0.0027). Additionally, the mean total IgE plasma levels were higher in males (413.0±143.0 IU/mL) than in females (147.9±98.0 IU/mL) (p<0.0001). These differences persisted even when males and females were stratified by age (up to or older than 20 years of age). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, total IgE plasma levels are higher in young adult males than in females suffering from allergic rhinitis. Evaluating total IgE plasma levels can be useful to identify patients at risk of allergic rhinitis in areas with low industrial pollution. .

Evidence of an association between the O blood group and allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to verify if ABO phenotypes are associated with allergic rhinitis. METHODS: 168 patients with allergic rhinitis and 168 control individuals from the same geographical region and paired by gender and age were enrolled in the study. ABO phenotypes were identified in red blood cells using the hemagglutination technique. The Fisher exact and chi-squared tests were employed to compare proportions. Statistical significance was set for an alpha error of 5 percent (p-value < 0.05). RESULTS: The overall differences in the frequencies of the ABO phenotypes of patients and controls were marginal (χ2: 7.569; degrees of freedom (DF): 3; p-value = 0.055) however the O blood group was associated with allergic rhinitis (χ2: 5.764; DF: 1; p-value = 0.016; OR: 1.735; CI 95 percent: 1.127-2.673). The differences in the frequencies of the O phenotype in patients and controls were statistically different for men (χ2: 8.520; DF: 1; p-value = 0.003) but not for women (χ2: 0.6375; DF: 1; p-value = 0.4246). The A phenotype was associated with protection (OR: 0.4385; CI 95 percent: 0.2043-0.9415; p-value = 0.049) and the O phenotype was associated with susceptibility (OR = 2.789; CI 95 percent: 1.385-5.616; p-value = 0.005) to allergic rhinitis only for men. CONCLUSION: The O blood group phenotype is associated with allergic rhinitis in male but not in female patients.

The ADA*2 allele of the adenosine deaminase gene (20q13.11) and recurrent spontaneous abortions: an age-dependent association

OBJECTIVE: Adenosine deaminase acts on adenosine and deoxyadenosine metabolism and modulates the immune response. The adenosine deaminase G22A polymorphism (20q.11.33) influences the level of adenosine deaminase enzyme expression, which seems to play a key role in maintaining pregnancy. The adenosine deaminase 2 phenotype has been associated with a protective effect against recurrent spontaneous abortions in European Caucasian women. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the G22A polymorphism of the adenosine deaminase gene is associated with recurrent spontaneous abortions in Brazilian women. METHODS: A total of 311 women were recruited to form two groups: G1, with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortions (N = 129), and G2, without a history of abortions (N = 182). Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood with a commercial kit and PCR-RFLP analysis was used to identify the G22A genetic polymorphism. Fisher's exact test and odds ratio values were used to compare the proportions of adenosine deaminase genotypes and alleles between women with and without a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion (p<0.05). The differences between mean values for categorical data were calculated using unpaired t tests. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium was assessed with a chi-square test. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were identified for the frequencies of adenosine deaminase genotypes and alleles between the G1 and G2 groups when adjusted for maternal age. CONCLUSIONS:The results suggest that the adenosine deaminase *2 allele is associated with a low risk for recurrent spontaneous abortions, but this association is dependent on older age.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in pregnant women and their newborn infants in the region of São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil / Anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em gestantes e seus neonatos na região de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil

CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Toxoplasmosis transmission during pregnancy can cause severe sequelae in fetuses and newborns. Maternal antibodies may be indicators of risk or immunity. The aim here was to evaluate seropositivity for anti-Toxoplasma gondii (anti-T. gondii) immunoglobulin M (IgM) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies and IgG avidity in pregnant women and their newborn infants. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study in a high-risk pregnancy outpatient clinic. METHODS: Serum samples from pregnant women (n = 87) and their respective newborns (n = 87) were evaluated for anti-T. gondii antibodies using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) (IgM and IgG), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (IgG) and an avidity test. RESULTS: Anti-T. gondii antibodies were identified in 64.4 percent of the serum samples from the mothers and their infants (56/87). Except for two maternal serum samples (2.3 percent), all others were negative for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies, using IIF. The results showed that 92.9 percent of the pregnant women had high IgG avidity indexes (> 30 percent) and four samples had avidity indexes between 16 and 30 percent. Two women in the third trimester of pregnancy were positive for anti-T. gondii IgM antibodies; their babies had avidity indexes between 16 and 30 percent. The avidity indexes of serum from the other 83 newborns were similar to the results from their mothers. CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that 2 percent of the pregnant women were at risk of T. gondii transmission during the gestational period. These data seem to reflect the real situation of gestational toxoplasmosis in the northwestern region of the state of São Paulo.

CONTEXTO E OBJETIVOS: A toxoplasmose, quando transmitida durante a gestação, pode causar graves sequelas em fetos e neonatos. Anticorpos maternos podem ser indicadores de risco ou de imunidade. O objetivo foi avaliar a positividade dos anticorpos das classes imunoglobulina M (IgM) e imunoglobulina G (IgG) anti-Toxoplasma gondii (anti-T. gondii), bem como a avidez de IgG em gestantes e seus neonatos. TIPO DE ESTUDO E LOCAL: Estudo transversal em ambulatório de gestação de alto risco. MÉTODOS: Anticorpos anti-T. gondii foram avaliados em amostras de soro de gestantes (n = 87) e seus respectivos neonatos (n = 87) com o uso dos métodos imunofluorescência indireta (IFI) (IgM e IgG), ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) (IgG) e avidez. RESULTADOS: Anticorpos anti-T. gondii foram identificados em 64,4 por cento das amostras de soro das mães e seus bebês (56/87). Com exceção de duas amostras de soro materno (2,3 por cento), todas as demais foram negativas anticorpos IgM anti-T. gondii determinado pela IFI. Os resultados mostraram que 92,9 por cento das gestantes tinham índices elevados de avidez de IgG (> 30 por cento) e 4 amostras apresentaram índices de avidez entre 16-30 por cento. Duas gestantes no terceiro trimestre da gravidez eram positivas IgM anti-T. gondii; seus bebês apresentaram índices de avidez entre 16 e 30 por cento. Os índices de avidez dos soros dos outros 83 recém-nascidos foram semelhantes àqueles encontrados nas amostras maternas. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados mostraram que 2 por cento das gestantes estavam sob risco de transmissão de T. gondii durante o período gestacional. Estes dados parecem refletir a real situação da toxoplasmose gestacional na região noroeste do Estado de São Paulo.

The frequency of HLA-DRB1 polymorphisms in Brazilian Plasmodium vivax malaria patients and in blood donors from the Amazon Region / Frequência de polimorfismos HLA-DRB1 em pacientes brasileiros com malária por Plasmodium vivaxe em doadores de sangue da Região Amazônica

We evaluated the frequency of different HLA-DRB1 alleles in Plasmodium vivax-infected individuals and in healthy blood donors from malaria endemic areas of Brazil. Low-resolution human leukocyte antigen-DRBl genotyping was performed for 73 malaria patients and 29 healthy blood donors. The most frequent alleles in individuals from northern Brazil were human leukocyte antigen-DRB1*04, *08, *07 and *13. The frequency of human leukocyte antigen-DRB1*07 was higher in malaria-infected individuals than in the control group, which reinforces the theory that this allele plays an important role in susceptibility to malaria. This study offers new information about a potential susceptibility factor for P. vivax malaria in a Brazilian population that is naturally exposed to malaria.

Este estudo avaliou a frequência de diferentes alelos HLA-DRB1 em indivíduos infectados por Plasmodium vivax e em doadores de sangue saudáveis provenientes de áreas endêmicas de malária do Brasil. Foi realizada uma genotipagem de baixa resolução dos alelos HLA-DRB1 em 73 pacientes com malária e em 29 doadores de sangue saudáveis. Os alelos mais frequentes em indivíduos do norte do Brasil foram HLA-DRB1 *04, *08, *07 e *13. A frequência de HLA-DRB1 *07 foi maior nos indivíduos infectados com malária do que no grupo controle, o que reforça a hipótese de que esse alelo desempenha um papel importante na suscetibilidade à malária. Esta pesquisa fornece novas informações sobre um fator potencial de suscetibilidade à malária por P. vivax em uma população brasileira naturalmente exposta à doença.

Seropositivity rates for toxoplasmosis, rubella, syphilis, cytomegalovirus, hepatitis and HIV among pregnant women receiving care at a public health service, São Paulo state, Brazil

Infectious and parasitic diseases affecting women during their reproductive age may result in vertical transmission. The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence for TORSCH among pregnant women receiving care at a university hospital. Records of 574 pregnant women who received medical attention from January 2006 to December 2007 were assessed. The mean age was 27.2 ± 6.5 years ranging from 13 to 44. The results of the immunodiagnostic tests were: 62.0 percent (345/556) for IgG and 3.4 percent (19/556) for IgM anti-T. gondii; 93.1 percent (433/465) for IgG and 0.6 percent (3/465) for IgM anti-rubella; 0.9 percent (5/561) for VDRL; 1.8 percent (10/554) for HBsAg; 0.7 percent (4/545) for anti-HCV and 2.1 percent (11/531) for HIV. In conclusion, the results of immunodiagnostic tests for the TORSCH panel among pregnant women attending a perinatal service of a university hospital are in agreement with those reported by previous studies and by governmental sources.