RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) is a neglected rodent-borne arenavirus associated with transplacental transmission and fetal infection. AIM: To summarize the epidemiological, clinical, and diagnostic features of reported patients with congenital LCMV infection. METHODS: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Medline, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The keywords used were 'congenital lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus,' and 48 studies were included. In addition, we conducted a relevant search by Reference Citation Analysis (RCA) (https://www.referencecitationanalysis.com). RESULTS: The results have shown 27 reports of congenital LCMV infection in 86 patients, with 52.73% of them being males. Patients presented with chorioretinitis (83.53%), hydrocephalus (54.12%), and psychomotor retardation or developmental delay (54.12%). Computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging most often demonstrated ventriculomegaly (74.07%), periventricular calcifications (66.67%), and microcephaly (40%). Most mothers of congenitally infected infants were exposed to rodents during pregnancy, predominantly mice, with flu-like symptoms mainly occurring during the first two trimesters of gestation. Mortality in congenitally infected children was 16.47%. The diagnosis of congenital LCMV infection was confirmed serologically in most patients (86.67%). CONCLUSION: LCMV is still an insufficiently recognized fetal teratogen that often leads to long-term neurologic sequelae. Clinicians need to be familiar with LCMV and its potential teratogenic effect and as well as to effectively differentiate LCMV from other TORCH (T: Toxoplasma gondii, O: Other pathogens, R: Rubella virus, C: Cytomegalovirus, H: Herpes simplex virus) pathogens.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging virus of global health concern. The seroprevalence rates differ greatly according to geographic region and population group. AIM: To analyze the seroprevalence of HEV in exposed (animal-related professions) and nonexposed populations, as well as solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients. METHODS: Forestry workers (n = 93), hunters (n = 74), and veterinarians (n = 151) represented the exposed population. The general population (n = 126) and pregnant women (n = 118) constituted the control group. Transplant patients included liver transplant recipients (LTRs) (n = 83), kidney transplant recipients (KTRs) (n = 43), and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients (HSCRs) (n = 39). HEV immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and confirmed by the immunoblot test. RESULTS: The HEV seroprevalence significantly differed between groups: Veterinarians 15.2%, hunters 14.9%, forestry workers 6.5%, general population 7.1%, and pregnant women 1.7%. In transplant patients, the seropositivity was highest in LTRs (19.3%), while in KTRs and HSCRs, the seroprevalence was similar to the general population (6.9% and 5.1%, respectively). A significant increase in seropositivity with age was observed from 2.9% in individuals less than 30 years to 23.5% in those older than 60 years. Sociodemographic characteristics (sex, educational level, area of residence, and number of household members), eating habits (game meat, offal, and pork products consumption), and environmental and housing conditions (drinking water supply, type of water drainage/sewer, waste disposal, domestic animals) were not associated with HEV seropositivity. However, individuals who reported a pet ownership were more often seropositive compared to those who did not have pet animals (12.5% vs 7.0%). CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that individuals in professional contact with animals and LTRs are at higher risk for HEV infection. In addition, age is a significant risk factor for HEV seropositivity.