Caracterización clínica de la Nefropatía por Poliomavirus BK en pacientes trasplantados renales / Clinical characterization of Polyomavirus BK nephropathy in kidney transplanted patients

INTRODUCCIÓN. La nefropatía por poliomavirus BK resulta un problema emergente en el trasplante renal, pues contribuye a la pérdida temprana de los injertos renales. OBJETIVO. Caracterizar clínicamente a los pacientes trasplantados renales con nefropatía por poliomavirus BK. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS. Estudio observacional, descriptivo, realizado en el Hospital de Especialidades Carlos Andrade Marín en el período 2013-2022, se obtuvo una base de datos anonimizada, 479 pacientes trasplantados renales, de estos se identificaron 37 pacientes que corresponde a un 7,7% con nefropatía por poliomavirus BK, se realizó un análisis con el programa estadístico SPSS v26®. RESULTADOS. La población estuvo caracterizada por pacientes del sexo masculino (56,8%), con una edad media de 48,2 años, el donante cadavérico fue el más frecuente (94,5%), la mayor parte del tratamiento de la nefropatía por poliomavirus BK consistió en cambio de micofenolato sódico a everolimus y se mantuvo con 50% de Tacrolimus y Prednisona (40,5%); al valorar el cambio de los valores de creatinina, los niveles más elevados fueros a los 12 meses cuando la pérdida renal fue temprana (p: 0,042), y de la misma manera a los 12 meses, fueron más elevados los niveles de creatinina cuando el diagnóstico histopatológico fue Nefropatía por Poliomavirus Clase 3 (p: 0,01). DISCUSIÓN. La prevalencia de la nefropatía se mantuvo por debajo del 10% reportado a nivel global, la creatinina empeoró en pacientes con pérdida temprana del injerto renal y con una clase patológica avanzada, hecho reportado en la fisiopatología de la enfermedad. CONCLUSIÓN. La pérdida del injerto renal temprano presentó una creatinina más alta que la tardía. Es recomendable un tamizaje adecuado para la detección temprana del virus BK siendo crucial para prevenir el deterioro de la función renal y limitar la posterior pérdida del injerto.

INTRODUCTION: BK polyomavirus nephropathy is emerging as a significant concern in kidney transplantation, as it contributes to the early loss of renal grafts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to clinically characterize renal transplant recipients with BK polyomavirus nephropathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational and descriptive study was conducted at Carlos Andrade Marín Specialties Hospital during the period of 2013 to 2022. An anonymized database comprising 479 renal transplant patients was utilized. Among these, 37 patients, constituting 7.7%, were identified with BK polyomavirus nephropathy. Data analysis was performed using the statistical program SPSS v26®. RESULTS: The study population was predominantly composed of male patients (56.8%) with a mean age of 48.2 years. Deceased donors accounted for the majority (94.5%) of cases. The primary approach for managing BK polyomavirus nephropathy involved transitioning from mycophenolate sodium to everolimus, alongside maintaining a regimen of 50% tacrolimus and 40.5% prednisone. When assessing changes in creatinine values, the highest levels were observed at 12 months, coinciding with early renal loss (p: 0.042). Similarly, at the 12-month mark, elevated creatinine levels were associated with a histopathological diagnosis of Polyomavirus nephropathy Class 3 (p: 0.01). DISCUSSION: The prevalence of nephropathy remained below the globally reported threshold of 10%. Creatinine levels worsened in patients experiencing early graft loss and an advanced pathological classification, aligning with established disease pathophysiology. CONCLUSION: Early renal graft loss was associated with higher creatinine levels compared to delayed loss. Adequate screening for early detection of BK virus is recommended, as it plays a crucial role in preventing renal function deterioration and limiting subsequent graft loss.

Tiempo de ciclado y carga viral en pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2 en Sonora, México / Cycle threshold and viral load in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients in Sonora, Mexico

Resumen Antecedentes: La infección por SARS-CoV-2 se confirma con la prueba de reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Su positividad se determina mediante el tiempo de ciclado (Ct, cycle threshold), el cual es inversamente proporcional a la carga viral. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de pacientes infectados por SARS-CoV-2 de acuerdo con su carga viral estimada mediante Ct. Material y métodos: Estudio transversal que incluyó 21 110 casos confirmados, los cuales fueron estratificados conforme a su carga viral: baja (Ct > 30), media (Ct 25-30) y alta (Ct < 25). Resultado: 53 % de los casos tuvo una carga viral alta, la hospitalización fue más frecuente en sujetos con carga viral media y las defunciones fueron más prevalentes en aquellos con carga viral alta. La mediana del Ct fue más baja durante los primeros cinco días y aumentó linealmente con los días de evolución clínica. Hubo una mayor prevalencia de defunciones, hospitalizaciones y apoyo ventilatorio en sujetos con infección confirmada por SARS-CoV-2 que presentaron carga viral media y alta. Conclusiones: El valor de Ct, correlacionado con otras características del paciente, puede orientar el pronóstico, así como al diseño de intervenciones que limiten la diseminación poblacional del virus.

Abstract Background: SARS-CoV-2 infection is confirmed with the polymerase chain reaction test. Its positivity is determined by the cycle threshold (Ct), which is inversely proportional to viral load. Objective: To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients according to their viral load estimated by Ct. Material and methods: Cross-sectional study that included 21,110 confirmed cases, which were stratified according to their viral load: low (Ct > 30), medium (Ct 25-30) and high (Ct < 25). Results: High viral load was identified in 53% of the cases, hospitalization was more common in subjects with medium viral load, and deaths were more prevalent in those with high viral load. Median Ct was lower during the first five days and linearly increased with the days of clinical evolution. There was a higher prevalence of deaths, hospitalizations and ventilatory support in subjects with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection who had a medium and high viral load. Conclusions: The Ct value, correlated with other patient characteristics, can guide the prognosis, as well as the design of interventions that limit the spread of the virus within the population.

Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 viral load in asymptomatic and symptomatic children attended in a referral public pediatric hospital in Argentina / Comparación de la carga viral de SARS-CoV-2 en niños asintomáticos y sintomáticos atendidos en un hospital pediátrico público de referencia en Argentina

Abstract At present, different reports have shown that children reach similar SARS-CoV-2 viral load (VL) levels compared to adults; however, the impact of VL on children remains ambiguous when asymptomatic versus symptomatic cases are compared. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess VL at the time of diagnosis in asymptomatic and symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infected children. VL analysis was retrospectively carried out from nasopharyngeal swabs on 82 SARS-CoV-2 infected children, from March to October 2020. Of the 82 children, 31 were asymptomatic. Symptomatic patients had significantly higher VL values compared to asymptomatic ones (median = 7.41 vs4.35 log10 copies/ml, respectively). Notwithstanding, 8 out of 31 asymptomatic children had high VL levels, overlapping levels observed above the first quartile in the symptomatic group. Analysis of different age groups revealed that median VL values were higher in the symptomatic groups, although there was only a significant difference in children younger than 5 years of age. On the other hand, there was no significant difference between the VL values from the 82 SARS-CoV-2 infected children according to age, sex, underlying disease, symptoms or severity of COVID-19 related disease. This study emphasizes the importance of VL analysis in SARS-CoV-2 infected children, who could contribute to viral spread in the community. This concern could be extended to healthcare workers, who are in contact with children.

Resumen Diferentes informes han demostrado que los ninos alcanzan niveles de carga viral (CV) de SARS-CoV-2 similares a los de los adultos, pero el impacto de la CV en los niños continua siendo incierto cuando se compara entre aquellos que son asintomáticos y sintomáticos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la CV al momento del diagnóstico en ninos asintomáticos y sintomáticos infectados por SARS-CoV-2. El análisis de CV se realizó retrospectivamente a partir de muestras de hisopados nasofaríngeos de 82 niños infectados por SARS-CoV-2 entre marzo y octubre de 2020. De ellos, 31 eran asintomáticos. Encontramos que el grupo sintomático tenía valores de CV significativamente más altos en comparación con el grupo asintomático (mediana = 7,41 vs. 4,35 log10 copias/ml, respectivamente). No obstante, 8 de los 31 ninos asintomáticos presentaron valores de CV elevados, equivalentes a los observados por encima del primer cuartil del grupo sintomático. El análisis por grupos de edad reveló que la mediana de CV fue más alta en los niños sintomáticos, aunque esta diferencia fue significativa solamente en los menores de 5 anos. A su vez, los valores de CV obtenidos a partir de los 82 niños infectados por SARS-CoV-2 no mostraron diferencias significativas según el grupo etario, el sexo, la enfermedad de base, los síntomas y la gravedad de la COVID-19. Este estudio enfatiza la necesidad del análisis de la CV en ninos infectados por SARS-CoV-2, quienes podrían contribuir a la propagación del virus en la comunidad. Esta preocupación podría extenderse a los trabajadores de la salud que están en contacto con los ninños.

Impact Of Integrated Yoga Practice on Immune Parameters and Quality of Life of Adult People Living With HIV: Protocol for A Randomized Open-Label Trial in Chittoor, India

Background: Yoga therapy can be a promising adjunct to antiretroviral therapy. However, evidence on the ef-fectiveness of Yoga therapy is scanty. The proposed trial will estimate the effect of integrated yoga practice for six months on immune parameters (CD4 (cluster of differentiation 4), viral load) among adult people living with HIV (PLWH) and its cost-effectiveness from the healthcare system’s perspective. Methods: In this randomized open-label parallel-group trial, 110 PLWH in stage 2 HIV, between 18 and 49 years in the intervention arm and 220 PLWH in the same stage will be recruited by block randomization. Inte-grated yoga practice will be given for six months in the intervention arm, and health education on yoga prac-tice in the control arm, besides antiretroviral therapy. After six months, the difference in immune parameters, cardio-metabolic indicators and quality of life (QOL) will be assessed. Besides, an economic evaluation will be done with sensitivity analysis. If found useful, the intervention can be tested at large scale for further confir-mation of the outcomes. Irrespective of the study's outcome, the results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals.

A Mouthwash with Cetylpyridinium Chlorideis reducing salivary SARS-CoV-2 viral load in +COVID-19 / Un enjuague con Cloruro de Cetilpiridinio redujo la carga salival del virus SARSCoV-2 en pacientes con Covid-19

Aim: The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial is to evaluate the capacity of a mouthwash to reduce SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the saliva of patients with COVID-19. Methods: Twenty-three symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-positive outpatients were selected andrandomised into two groups and registered at NTC 04563689. Both groups rinsed and gargled for one minute with either distilled water (Placebo) or with 0.05% Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) plus 0.12% Chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthwash (PERIOAID Intensive Care). Saliva samples were collected before the use of placebo or mouthwash and after 15 minutes and 1 and 2 hours of either of the above treatment. A saliva sample was also taken five days after regular use of placebo or mouthwash twice daily. The virus was detected by qRT-PCR. Results: A great heterogeneity in the viral load values was observed at baseline in both groups for nasopharyngeal and saliva samples. Most of the patients who used the mouthwash (8/12) had a significant decrease in baseline viral load after 15 min (greater than 99% reduction). This inhibitory effect was maintained for up to two hours in 10 of the 12 patients. At five days, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detectedin only 1 patient from the mouthwash group and in 5 from the placebo group. Conclusions: This study points out that a CPC mouthwash can reduce the viral load in saliva of COVID-positive patients. This finding may be important in transmission control of SARS-CoV-2. Nevertheless, the clinical relevance of CPC mouthwash-reduction on SARS-CoV-2 shedding in saliva requires further study.

Objetivo: El objetivo de este ensayo clínico piloto aleatorizado, doble ciego y controlado con placebo es evaluar la capacidad de un enjuague bucal para reducir la carga viral del SARS-CoV-2 en la saliva de pacientes con COVID-19. Materiales y métodos:Veintitrés pacientes ambulatorios positivos para SARS-CoV-2 sintomáticos fueron seleccionados y aleatorizados en dos grupos y registrados en el NTC 04563689. Ambos grupos se enjuagaron y hicieron gárgaras durante un minuto con agua destilada (placebo) o con cloruro decetilpiridinio al 0 ,05 % (CPC). ) más enjuague bucal con Clorhexidina (CHX) al 0,12% (PERIOAID Intensive Care). Se recolectaron muestras de saliva antes del uso de placebo o enjuague bucal y después de 15 minutos y 1 y 2 horas de cualquiera de los tratamientos anteriores. También se tomó una muestra de saliva cinco días después del uso regular de placebo o enjuague bucal dos veces al día. El virus fue detectado por qRT-PCR. Resultados:Se demostró una gran heterogeneidad en los valores de carga viral al inicio del estudio en grupos ambos para muestras de nasofaringe y saliva. La mayoría de los pacientes que usaron el enjuague bucal (8/12) tuvieron una disminución significativa en la carga viral inicial después de 15 minutos (reducción superior al 99 %). Este efecto inhibidor se mantuvo hasta dos horas en 10 de los 12 pacientes. A los cinco días, se detectó ARN del SARS-CoV-2 en solo 1 paciente del grupo de enjuague bucal y en 5 del grupo de placebo. Conclusiones:Este señala que un enjuague bucal CPC puedereducir la carga viral en saliva de pacientes COVID positivos. Este hallazgo puede ser importante en el control de la transmisión del SARS-CoV-2. Sin embargo, la relevancia clínica de la reducción del enjuague bucal con CPC en la excreción de SARS-CoV-2 en la saliva requiere más estudios.

CCR5 Polymorphisms and its Relationship with HIV Susceptibility, Viral Load and CD4 Count in Early Antiretroviral Therapy among HIV Patients in Selangor and Terengganu

@#Introduction: Early studies have suggested the role of C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) polymorphisms in influencing HIV pathogenesis and phenotypes, including the protection against HIV infection and delaying disease progression to AIDS. This study aimed to further determine the impact of CCR5 variants (CCR5-Δ32 and CCR5- R223Q) on HIV susceptibility, viral load suppression and CD4 recovery during highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) among Malaysian HIV patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved 182 HIV-infected who were recruited from three out-patient clinics, and 150 non-HIV subjects from Malay, Chinese and Indian ethnicities. CD4 count and viral load data at 4-6 months (t1) and 8-12 months (t2) after starting HAART were gathered from hospital records. Chi-square test was used to analyse the correlation between CCR5 variants with dependent variables. Results: Heterozygous CCR5-Δ32 and CCR5-R223Q occurred in a percentage of 0.5% (1/182) and 1.7% (3/182) among HIV patients respectively, while none of homozygous mutant for CCR5-Δ32 and CCR5-R223Q were found. CCR5-R223Q was found more frequently in non-HIV as compared to the HIV group (P=0.018). However, both polymorphisms were not found to be correlated with CD4 recovery to ≥500 cells/mm3 (P>0.05) and viral load suppression ≤50 copies/mL (P>0.05). Conclusion: CCR5-R223Q and CCR5-Δ32 alleles probably have no modifying effects on HIV susceptibility virological and immunological recoveries in the first 12 months of HAART, partially due to the low prevalence of these mutations in the studied population.

Effect of breastfeeding on immune function in infants with human cytomegalovirus infection / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To study the effect of breastfeeding on immune function in infants with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of 135 infants with HCMV infection who were admitted to Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2021 to May 2022, and all these infants received breastfeeding. According to the results of breast milk HCMV-DNA testing, the infants were divided into two groups: breast milk HCMV positive (n=78) and breast milk HCMV negative (n=57). According to the median breast milk HCMV-DNA load, the infants in the breast milk HCMV positive group were further divided into two subgroups: high viral load and low viral load (n=39 each). Related indicators were compared between the breast milk positive and negative HCMV groups and between the breast milk high viral load and low viral load subgroups, including the percentages of peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells), CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IgG, IgM, IgA, and urine HCMV-DNA load.@*RESULTS@#There were no significant differences in the percentages of CD3+ T cells, CD3+CD4+ T cells, CD3+CD8+ T cells, and CD19+ B cells, CD4+/CD8+ ratio, IgG, IgM, IgA, and urine HCMV-DNA load between the breast milk HCMV positive and HCMV negative groups, as well as between the breast milk high viral load and low viral load subgroups (P>0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Breastfeeding with HCMV does not affect the immune function of infants with HCMV infection.

Suppression of HIV in the first 12 months of antiretroviral therapy: a comparative analysis of dolutegravir- and efavirenz-based regimens

ABSTRACT Objective To compare viral suppression in treatment-naïve adults starting antiretroviral therapy with dolutegravir (50mg)- and efavirenz (600mg)-based regimens. Methods We analyzed secondary data from Brazilian health information systems of people living with human immunodeficiency virus who started antiretroviral therapy between 2015 and 2017 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The outcome was viral suppression, defined as the achievement of the first viral load <50 copies/mL within 12 months after initiating antiretroviral therapy. This outcome was also compared with viral load <1,000 copies/mL and analyzed in two scenarios: intention-to-treat versus per-protocol. Time to viral suppression and adjusted odds ratio accompanied by 95% confidence intervals were estimated. Results Of the 2,599 participants enrolled, 77.5% were men, and the median age was 34 years. In the intention-to-treat analysis, viral suppression was 58.1% for efavirenz and 76.7% for dolutegravir. People living with HIV on dolutegravir-based regimen were more likely to achieve viral suppression (aOR: 2.44; 95%CI: 2.01-2.95) and had a shorter median time to viral suppression (p<0.0001). Antiretroviral therapy initiation within <120 days, baseline CD4⁺T-cells ≥200 cells/mm3, and viral load <100,000 copies/mL had higher odds of viral suppression. According to the per-protocol analysis, viral suppression ≥90% was observed by considering viral load <1,000 copies/mL. Conclusion Our study demonstrated that viral suppression improved after introducing dolutegravir, although the proportion of patients with viral load <50 copies/mL was lower than expected. Improved access to routine viral load examinations and continuous surveillance of the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy should be considered.

Associations of SARS-CoV-2 cycle threshold values with age, gender, sample collection setting, and pandemic period

ABSTRACT Cycle threshold (Ct) values in COVID-19 reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) tests estimate the viral load in biological samples. Studies have investigated variables associated with SARS-CoV-2 viral load, aiming to identify factors associated with higher transmissibility. Using the results from tests performed between May/2020-July/2022 obtained from the database of a referent hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, we investigated associations between Ct values and patient's age, gender, sample collection setting and pandemic period according to the predominant SARS-CoV-2 variant locally. We also examined variations in Ct values, COVID-19 incidence, mortality, and vaccination coverage over time. The study sample included 42,741 tests. Gender was not significantly associated with Ct values. Age, sample collection setting and the pandemic period were significantly associated with Ct values even after adjustment to the multivariable model. Results showed lower Ct values in older groups, during the Gamma and Delta periods, and in samples collected in emergency units; and higher Ct values in children under 10 years old, home-based tests, during the Omicron period. We found evidence of a linear trend in the association between age and Ct values, with Ct values decreasing as age increases. We found no clear temporal associations between Ct values and local indicators of COVID-19 incidence, mortality, or vaccination between February/2020-November/2022. Our findings suggest that SARS-CoV-2 Ct values, a proxy for viral load and transmissibility, can be influenced by demographic and epidemiological variables.

"Tô tranquila, estou com meus exames indetectáveis": as relações afetivo-sexuais de mulheres jovens vivendo com HIV com carga viral indetectável / "I'm calm, I have my undetectable exams": the affective-sexual relationships of young women living with HIV with an undetectable viral load / "Estoy tranquila, tengo mis exámenes de laboratorio indetectables": las relaciones afectivo-sexuales de mujeres jovenes viviendo con VIH con carga viral indetectable

Resumo Neste artigo, discutimos de que modo o discurso biomédico sobre carga viral indetectável (re)organiza as trajetórias afetivas e sexuais de mulheres jovens vivendo com HIV. Realizamos entrevistas semiestruturadas com cinco jovens vivendo com HIV/aids, com idade entre 18 e 30 anos, tanto pela internet, como em um serviço de saúde especializado (SAE) em Salvador-Ba, no período entre 2015 e 2017. As interações online aconteceram através do Whatsapp e Facebook. As jovens vivenciam a necessidade de negociar o prazer e a prevenção. Posicionam-se como sujeitos de "risco" e adotam a noção de carga viral indetectável como forma de sentirem-se seguras na prevenção. Os novos discursos biomédicos são incorporados em seus cotidianos, e os sentimentos de medo, rejeição e a "possibilidade" de "perigo" para o outro (soronegativo) contribuem para a reorganização de suas vidas e de seus relacionamentos.

Abstract In this article, we discuss how the biomedical discourse of undetectable viral load reorganises the affective and sexual trajectories of young women living with HIV. We conducted semi-structured interviews with five young women living with HIV/AIDS, aged between 18 and 30 yo, on the internet and at a specialized health service (SAE) in Salvador-Ba, between 2015 and 2017. The online interactions occurred through Whatsapp and Facebook. Young women experience the need to negotiate pleasure and prevention. They position herself as at "risk" subjects and adopt the notion of undetectable viral load as a way to feel safe in prevention. The new biomedical discourses are incorporated into their daily lives, and the fear, rejection and "possibility" of "danger" for another (seronegative) contributed to the reorganization of their lives and relationships.

Resumen En este artículo, discutimos cómo el discurso biomédico sobre la carga viral indetectable (re)organiza las trayectorias afectivas y sexuales de las mujeres jovens que viven con el VIH. Realizamos entrevistas semiestructuradas con cinco jovenes que viven con VIH/ SIDA, con edades entre 18 y 30 años, tanto en línea como en un servicio especializado de salud (SAE) en Salvador-Ba, entre 2015 y 2017. Las interacciones en línea ocorrieron través de Whatsapp y Facebook. Las mujeres jóvenes experimentan la necesidad de negociar el placer y la prevención. Se posicionan como sujetos de "riesgo" y adoptan la noción de una carga viral indetectable como forma de sentirse seguras en la prevención. Los nuevos discursos biomédicos se incorporan a su cotidianidad, y los sentimientos de miedo, rechazo y "posibilidad" de "peligro" para el otro (seronegativo) contribuyen a la reorganización de sus vidas y relaciones.

Comparative analysis of Respiratory Syncytial Virus frequency rates and viral load in different patient cohorts in a University Hospital in São Paulo, Brazil, over an eight-year period (2005-2013)

Abstract Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) poses a global health concern, particularly affecting young children, the elderly, and immunosuppressed individuals. RSV viral load is essential for understanding transmission, disease severity, prevention, and treatment. This retrospective study aimed to analyze the frequency rates and viral loads of RSV infections in different patient cohorts and age groups over an eight-year period in a university hospital in São Paulo, Brazil. This study analyzed 1380 Immunocompetent (IC) and Immunosuppressed (IS) patients with acute respiratory tract infections. IC included patients with chronic Heart Disease (HD), Primary Care service recipients (PC), and a subgroup suspected of having Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome caused by Influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 virus (SARS H1N1). IS comprised transplant patients and those with HIV infection. Respiratory samples were collected between February 2005 and October 2013, with RSV detection and viral load quantification (Log10 copies of RNA/mL) using RT-qPCR. Overall RSV infection rate was 17.3 %, with higher rates in children (23.9 %) than in adults (12.9 %), particularly in children under two years of age (28.2 %). Children in the SARS H1N1 and PC subgroups had higher infection rates (16.4 % and 34.9 %, respectively), with the highest rate in PC children aged 1 to < 2 years (45.45 %). Adults with HD had a significantly higher frequency rate (27.83 %) than those in the SARS H1N1 (2.65 %) and IS (15.16 %) subgroups and higher hospitalization rate among adults under 65 years. RSV viral load ranged from 2.43 to 10.15 Log10 RNA copies/mL (mean ± SD 5.82 ± 2.19), with hospitalized patients exhibiting significantly higher viral loads (7.34 ± 1.9) than outpatients (4.38 ± 1.89). Elderly bone marrow transplant patients also had significantly higher viral loads (7.57 ± 2.41) than younger adults (5.12 ± 1.87). This study provides insights into the RSV infection patterns in different patient cohorts in Brazil. Further investigations are needed to understand susceptibility and risk factors associated with RSV infection. In conclusion, high RSV viral load among hospitalized patients could serve as a surrogate marker of disease severity. Additionally, patients with chronic heart disease deserve greater attention regarding complications associated with RSV infection.

Recuento de linfocitos CD4, carga viral y colonización oral por Candida en personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA

Objetivos: determinar la correlación entre el recuento de CD4, carga viral y la colonización oral por Candida en personas viviendo con VIH/SIDA (PVVS) que reciben terapia antirretroviral (TAR). Métodos: se realizó un estudio transversal correlacional con 35 participantes que recibían tratamiento antirretroviral. Mediante citometría de flujo se determinó el recuento de CD4; la carga viral se determinó mediante RT-PCRq y la confirmación de colonización oral se realizó mediante aislamiento de Candida spp. Resultados: el recuento de CD4 se correlacionó significativamente de manera inversa con la carga viral (rho de Spearman = -0,457, p=0,006; Kendall Tau-b= -0,306, p=0,012) y con la colonización oral por Candida (rho de Spearman = -0,442, p=0,008; Kendall Tau-b= -0,366, p=0,010), no se encontró significancia estadística entre la carga viral y colonización (p>0,05). Conclusiones: En las PVVS que reciben TAR, los recuentos bajos de CD4 se relacionan con mayor colonización oral por Candida, no se encontró asociación de dicha colonización con la carga viral.

Objectives: to determine the correlation between CD4 count, viral load, and oral Candida colonization in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: a correlational cross-sectional study was conducted with 35 participants receiving antiretroviral treatment. Using flow cytometry, the CD4 count was determined; the viral load was determined by RT-PCRq and confirmation of oral colonization was made by isolating Candida spp. Results: CD4 count was significantly inversely correlated with viral load (Spearman's rho = -0.457, p=0.006; Kendall Tau-b= -0.306, p=0.012) and with oral Candida colonization (Spearman's rho = -0.442, p=0.008; Kendall Tau-b= -0.366, p=0,010), no statistical significance was found between viral load and colonization (p>0.05). Conclusions: in PLWHA receiving ART, low CD4 counts are associated with greater oral colonization by Candida; no association of said colonization with viral load was found.

Effects of hepatitis C virus genotypes and viral load on glucose and lipid metabolism after sustained virological response with direct-acting antivirals

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study, carried out at the university hospital of the Federal University of Rio Grande, was to assess whether the treatment of chronic hepatitis C with direct-acting antivirals and the sustained virological response will affect the metabolic influences of the hepatitis C virus and whether these effects will vary according to genotypes and virus load. METHODS: This is an intervention pre-post study, carried out from March 2018 to December 2019, evaluating 273 hepatitis C virus patients treated with direct-acting antivirals. Inclusion criteria included being monoinfected with hepatitis C virus and achieving sustained virological response . Exclusion criteria included the presence of decompensated cirrhosis or co-infected with hepatitis B virus or human immunodeficiency virus. Genotypes, genotype 1 subtypes, and hepatitis C virus viral load were analyzed. Glucose metabolism was evaluated by the Homeostasis Model Assessment-insulin resistance indices: Homeostasis Model Assessment-β, TyG, and HbA1c, measured at the beginning of treatment and in sustained virological response. Statistical analysis with a T test by paired comparison of the means of the variables in the pretreatment and in the sustained virological response. RESULTS: Homeostasis Model Assessment-insulin resistance analysis: there were no significant differences between pretreatment and sustained virological response. Homeostasis Model Assessment-β analysis: significant increase in genotype 1 patients (p<0.028). TyG index analysis: significant increase in genotype 1b (p<0.017), genotype 3 (p<0.024), and genotype non-1 with low viral load (p<0.039). HbA1c analysis: significant decrease in genotype 3 (p<0.001) and genotype non-1 patients with low viral load (p<0.005). CONCLUSION: We detected significant metabolic influences after sustained virological response: impairment in lipid profile and improvements in the glucose metabolism. We found significant differences in genotype dependence, genotype 1 subtypes, and viral load.

Factors associated with viral load suppression among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive adolescents and young adults in Ngororero District, Rwanda

Background Optimal viral load suppression results from good adherence to treatment. The viral load suppression advantages include the reduction of virus transmission. In Rwanda, however, viral load suppression among adolescents and young adults has been proven relatively low than in other age groups. Objectives To assess the factors associated with viral load suppression among adolescent and young adults in Ngororero district, Rwanda. Methods A cross sectional study that included 151 adolescents and young adults aged from 15 to 24 years was conducted in Ngororero district. Data were entered in Epi-Info version 7 software and analyzed using STATA15. Results Females and males were 68% and 32% respectively. Sixty percent of the participants were aged20-24 years. Multivariable analysis revealed the factors associated with viral load suppression: Ubudehe category 2, P= 0.016, AOR = 6.6, CI [1.4, 31.1]; ubudehe category 3, P= 0.004, AOR = 8.9, CI [2.01,39.8]; spending between 5 to 9 years on ART, P= 0.022, AOR = 0.16 [CI0.03, 0.89;) and often forget to take medication, P= 0.011, AOR = 0.35, CI [0.13, 0.97.] Conclusion Viral load suppression among adolescents and young adults was low. Improving socio-economic conditions of adolescents and young adults, as well as provision of continuous counselling to them during their whole treatment life can improve significantly their adherence.

Mechanism of Huashi Baidu Prescription in Treating Influenza Viral Pneumonia Based on Transcriptome / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo clarify the therapeutic effect of Huashi Baidu prescription on pneumonia in mice caused by influenza A （H1N1） virus and explore its mechanism based on the transcriptome. MethodA mouse influenza viral pneumonia model was built by intranasal infection with influenza A virus， and mice were continuously administered the drug for five days， so as to investigate the general condition， lung index， viral load， pathological morphology of lung tissue， survival time， and prolongation rate of survival time of mice and clarify the therapeutic effect of Huashi Baidu prescription on influenza viral pneumonia. Transcriptome technology was used to detect the differentially expressed genes in the lung tissue of mice in the model group and the normal group， as well as the Huashi Baidu prescription group and the model group， and the potential core target of the Huashi Baidu prescription for the treatment of influenza viral pneumonia was screened. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to verify the effect of Huashi Baidu prescription on the mRNA expression level of core target genes. ResultCompared with the normal group， the lung index and viral load in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the high-dose group of Huashi Baidu prescription significantly prolonged the survival time of mice infected with influenza A virus （P<0.05） and significantly reduced the lung index value of mice （P<0.05） and the viral load of lung tissue. The high-dose， medium-dose， and low-dose groups of Huashi Baidu prescription could significantly reduce lung tissue inflammation， blood stasis， swelling， and other pathological changes in mice （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Transcriptome analysis of lung tissue showed that core genes were mainly enriched in the nuclear transcription factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway， interleukin-17 （IL-17） signaling pathway， cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction， and other pathways after the intervention of Huashi Baidu prescription. TRAF6， NFKBIA， CCL2， CCL7， and CXCL2 were the top five node genes with combined score values. Real-time PCR validation showed that Huashi Baidu prescription significantly downregulated the mRNA expression of key genes TRAF6 and NFKBIA in the NF-κB signaling pathway， as well as chemokines CCL2， CCL7， and CXCL2 （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionHuashi Baidu prescription has a therapeutic effect on influenza viral pneumonia， possibly by inhibiting the expression of key nodes TRAF6 and NFKBIA in the NF-κB signaling pathway and that of chemokines CCL2， CCL7， and CXCL2， reducing the recruitment of inflammatory cells and viral load， and exerting anti-influenza viral pneumonia effects.

Liver inflammation and fibrosis in HBV-infected patients with a low viral load / 临床肝胆病杂志

Objective To investigate liver inflammation and fibrosis in patients with chronic HBV infection with a low viral load. Methods Among the HBsAg-positive patients who attended Ganzhou Fifth People's Hospital from April 2019 to June 2022, 41 patients with 20 IU/mL 200-2 000 IU/mL and 4 (26.67%) had an HBV DNA level of 20-200 IU/mL; the patients with G2 liver inflammation accounted for 73.33% (11/15), and those with S2 liver fibrosis accounted for 46.67% (7/15); the patients with ALT ≤30 U/L accounted for 46.67% (7/15); the patients aged ≥30 years accounted for 86.66% (13/15); the patients with LSM > 17 kPa accounted for 6.67% (1/15), those with an LSM value of 12.4-17 kPa accounted for 46.67% (7/15), and those with an LSM value of 9.4-12.4 kPa accounted for 33.33% (5/15). Conclusion Patients with chronic HBV infection and low-level viremia have a relatively high risk of progression of inflammation and fibrosis. ALT level cannot be used as a basis for antiviral therapy in HBV-infected people with a low viral load. LSM based on transient elastography can be used as a noninvasive test to screen for CHB patients with a low viral load, and antiviral therapy should be considered when HBV-infected patients with a low viral load have an age of > 30 years and an LSM value of > 9.4 kPa persistently.

Opinion on the definition of "occult hepatitis B virus infection" / 临床肝胆病杂志

The presence of replication-competent HBV DNA in the liver and/or serum of HBsAg-negative individuals is a sufficient and necessary condition for the diagnosis of occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI). In recent years, Chinese scholars have proposed what is considered a more "rigorous" definition, i.e., on this basis, HBV window period (WP) infection is excluded, which corresponds to a serum HBV DNA level of below the lower limit of detection or a low positive value (< 200 IU/mL). As the definition of WP for HBV infection remains unclear and its duration is highly variable, "HBV DNA < 200 IU/mL" is not the only criterion in OBI patients. Therefore, it is believed that there is still a lack of sufficient basis and operability for the definition of OBI based on "the exclusion of HBV WP infection" and "HBV DNA < 200 IU/mL" as "rigorous" conditions for the diagnosis of OBI.

Clinicopathological features and prognostic analysis of 44 patients with polyomavirus nephropathy after kidney transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To analyze the clinicopathological features and prognosis of polyomavirus nephropathy (PyVN) after kidney transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 44 patients who were diagnosed with PyVN after kidney transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The causes of puncture and the time of pathological diagnosis were analyzed. Histological grading was carried out according to Banff 2018 classification. Clinical data and pathological characteristics of patients at all grades were statistically compared. BK viral DNA loads in the blood and urine were measured and renal allograft function were assessed. Clinical prognosis of all patients was compared among different groups and the risk factors affecting clinical prognosis were also analyzed. Results The time interval between pathological diagnosis of PyVN and kidney transplantation was 16(8, 29) months, and the increase of serum creatinine level was the main cause for puncture. Among 44 patients, 19 cases were classified as grade ⅠPyVN, 21 cases of grade Ⅱ PyVN and 4 cases of grade Ⅲ PyVN, respectively. Under optical microscope, there was no significant difference in the positive rate of virus inclusion bodies among different groups (P=0.148). Inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial fibrosis and polyomavirus load in grade Ⅱ PyVN patients were all more or higher than those in grade Ⅰ counterparts. Inflammatory cell infiltration and polyomavirus load in grade Ⅲ patients were more or higher than those in grade Ⅰ counterparts. Polyomavirus load in grade Ⅲ patients was more or higher than that in grade Ⅱ counterparts. The differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05/3). Upon diagnosis, BK viral DNA load was detected in the blood and urine of 39 patients. Among them, 38 patients were positive for BK virus in the urine and 30 patients were positive for BK virus in the blood. The serum creatinine level upon diagnosis was higher compared with that at postoperative 1 month. The serum creatinine level at the final follow-up was significantly higher than that upon diagnosis. The differences were statistically significant (P < 0.001, P=0.049). There was no significant difference in the serum creatinine level among patients with different grades of PyVN at postoperative 1 month (P=0.554). The serum creatinine level of patients with grade Ⅱ PyVN upon diagnosis was significantly higher than that of those with grade Ⅰ PyVN (P=0.007). The 1-, 3- and 5-year cumulative survival rates of renal allografts were 95%, 69% and 62%, respectively. The survival rates of renal allografts significantly differed among patients with different grades of PyVN. The higher the grade, the lower the survival rate (P=0.014). Univariate and multivariate Cox's regression analyses prompted that intrarenal polyomavirus load and serum creatinine level upon diagnosis were the independent risk factors for renal allograft dysfunction (all P < 0.05). Conclusions PyVN mainly occurs within 2 years after kidney transplantation. Clinical manifestations mainly consist of increased serum creatinine level, BK viremia and BK viruria. Postoperative routine monitoring of BK virus contributes to early diagnosis and protection of renal allografts. Banff 2018 classification may effectively predict the prognosis of renal allografts.

Characteristics of HIV-infected persons and their spouses who became HIV-positive in HIV discordant couples in Dehong Prefecture， Yunnan Province / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo determine the characteristics， viral load and immunological status of HIV-infected persons and their spouses who became HIV-positive， and the reasons for HIV seroconversion in 55 HIV discordant couples in Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture （Dehong Prefecture）， Yunan Province. MethodsData on the 55 couples meeting the criteria of having a previously positive spouse were retrieved from the AIDS Integrated Prevention and Control Data Information System of the China Disease Control and Prevention Information System during 2015-2021. General socio-demographic information， age at diagnosis， exposure history， CD4+T lymphocyte count， and antiviral treatment were collected. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were used to compare the distribution of pre-HIV-positive spouses and their HIV seroconverted spouses. ResultsA total of 55 spouses from HIV discordant couples had HIV seroconversion. Of them， 72.7% （40/55） of pre-HIV-positive spouses were husbands. The most recent CD4+T lymphocyte count in the pre-HIV-positive spouses was （328.31±246.27） cells·μL-1 at the time of diagnosis of their seroconverted spouses， of which 36.3% （20/55） had a CD4+T lymphocyte count of less than 200 cells·μL-1. Furthermore， of those pre-HIV-positive spouses with low CD4+T lymphocyte count， 45.0% （9/20） had an undetectable viral load， 15.0% （3/20） <400 copies·mL-1， and 25.0%（5/20） ≥400 copies·mL-1. Additionally， 16.4% （9/55） of the pre-HIV-positive spouses did not have a viral load test. The main reasons for HIV seroconversion among HIV-negative spouses in the discordant couples were poor condom use， poor compliance with antiviral therapy， and treatment discontinuation. ConclusionThe follow-up management of HIV discordant couples should be strengthened in Dehong Prefecture， especially the monitoring of viral load levels and immunological status of pre-HIV-positive spouses， to improve their compliance with antiviral therapy and reduce treatment discontinuation， which would effectively prevent and control HIV transmission between spouses.

Trajectory and impact factors of cycle threshold values of virus load in respiratory tract in children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 Omicron variants / 中华传染病杂志

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics of children infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron variants, and the impact factors of duration of cycle threshold (Ct) values turning to ≥35 detected by nucleotide test.Methods:Children aged 0 to 14 years with clinical symptoms of Omicron variants infection who admitted to designated hospital in Shanghai City (Renji Hospital, South Branch, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine) from April 7 to June 2, 2022 were enrolled. The daily nasopharyngeal swab specimens were used for SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid detecting by polymerase chain reaction and the results were expressed as Ct values. The T Ct≥ x was defined as from the symptom onset or first positive nucleic acid test results (the earlier data) to Ct≥ x of the open reading frame 1ab ( ORF1 ab) gene, which was the time duration from the initial to a specific Ct value.Clinical data were collected, including age, sex, vaccination and comorbidities.Cox model was performed to analyzed the impact factors of T Ct≥35. Results:A total of 871 pediatric cases with a median age of two years (ranging from one month to 14 years old) were included. Among them, 474 cases (54.4%) were male, and 89 cases (10.2%) had underlying diseases including congenital heart disease, solid tumors and epilepsy. There were 572(65.7%) mild cases, 298(34.2%) common cases, one (0.1%) severe case and no critical cases or deaths. The T Ct≥35 was 12(10, 14) days. Cox model indicated that compared to children aged one to 12 months, children aged 37 to 84 months and 85 to 168 months had shorter T Ct≥35 (hazard ratio ( HR)=1.55 and 1.84, respectively, both P<0.001). After adjusted with age, comparing to unvaccinated patients, patients with one or two shots vaccine had shorter T Ct≥35 (adjected hazard ratio (a HR)=1.49, P=0.011), and common patients had longer T Ct≥35 than mild patients (a HR=0.78, P=0.002), and patients with comorbidities had longer T Ct≥35than patients without comorbidities (a HR=0.38, P<0.001).The duration of T Ct≥28, T Ct≥30, T Ct≥33 and T Ct≥35 in children without underlying diseases were 7(6, 9) d, 9(7, 10) d, 10(8, 11) d and 12(10, 14) d, respectively. Conclusions:Age, vaccination, disease severity and underlying diseases could affect the duration of SARS-CoV-2 nucleotide turning to negative (Ct value≥35) in children infected with Omicron variants.