Immunogenetic Profile Associated with Patients Living with HIV-1 and Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

Viral coinfection among HIV-positive patients, coupled with the development of AIDS, remains a major public health problem. The synergism between the presence of HIV and other viruses has consequences in relation to changes in the severity of the infection, as well as changes in the natural course of both infections. Several polymorphisms present in genes that encode cytokines have a relevant influence on their transcription and consequently on the production of such immunological molecules. The present study evaluated the influence of SNPs located in the promoter regions of genes encoding the cytokines INF-É£, TNF, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-2, as well as their respective plasma concentrations, in patients infected with HIV and/or EBV in the state of Pará. Additionally, this study described the epidemiological profile and compared CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte counts among the groups studied. The associative analysis between the SNPs and plasma cytokine concentrations in different groups showed statistical relevance for three polymorphisms: rs2069762 (IL2), where the GG genotype demonstrated higher IL-2 levels in HIV mono-infected individuals; rs2243250 (IL4), where the CT genotype showed higher IL-4 levels in the control group; and rs2069705 (IFNG), where the TT genotype showed higher IFN-γ levels in the coinfected group. Regarding SNP associations with CD4+/CD8+ counts, significant findings were observed in HIV mono-infected individuals: the rs2069705 (IFNG) polymorphism was linked to higher CD4+ counts with the CT genotype, and rs1799964 (TNF) was associated with higher CD8+ counts with the CC genotype. Therefore, this study provides evidence that the rs2069705 (IFNG) SNP is associated with elevated IFN-γ levels, which may have pathogenic consequences, as depletion of this cytokine is concerning for people living with HIV due to its antiviral properties.

Sociobehavioral Risk Factors and Clinical Implications of Late Presentation Among People Living with HIV in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

This study aimed to analyze the prevalence, sociobehavioral factors and clinical-laboratory consequences of late presentation among people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the Brazilian Amazon region. In total, 402 HIV + individuals treated at reference units in Belém city (Pará, Brazil) between 2018 and 2019 were evaluated. Late presentation was defined as a first-collection LTCD4+ count below 350 cells/µL. Sociodemographic, behavioral and clinical data were obtained from questionnaires or medical records. Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokine profiles were evaluated by flow cytometry. Longitudinal data on viral load, T lymphocytes, and antiretroviral therapy administration were obtained from control and logistic databases. Approximately 52.73% of the participants were late presenters and sought medical care 7-12 + months after their primary HIV diagnosis. Sociobehavioral factors associated with late presentation included illicit drug use for more than 5 years, polyamory, no alcohol consumption, homosexuality, and sexual inactiveness after HIV diagnosis. Clinically, late presentation was associated with coinfection rate; polysymptomatology; high IFN-É£, IL-6 and IL-10 levels; nonresponse to antiretroviral therapy; and virological failure- and tuberculosis coinfection-motivated changes to therapy. In summary, the prevalence of late presentation in Pará in the Brazilian Amazon region is high. Delays in seeking specialized care after a primary HIV diagnosis cause medium/long-term changes in the life expectancy and health of PLHIV.

DRB1 locus alleles of HLA class II are associated with modulation of the immune response in different serological profiles of HIV-1/Epstein-Barr virus coinfection in the Brazilian Amazon region.

Background: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection involves distinct clinical and serological profiles. We evaluated the frequency of alleles of locus DRB1 of HLA class II in different serological profiles of EBV infection among HIV-1 infected patients. Methods: We recruited 19 patients with primary infection, 90 with serological transition and 467 with past infection by EBV, HIV-1 co-infection was 100% in primary infection and approximately 70% in other serological profiles. EBV viral load was quantified by real-time PCR, T lymphocyte quantification and cytokine level analysis were performed by flow cytometry, and HLA locus genotyping was performed by PCR-SSO. Results: The DRB1*09 allele was associated with primary infection (p: 0.0477), and carriers of the allele showed changes in EBV viral load (p: 0.0485), CD8(+) T lymphocyte counts (p: 0.0206), double-positive T lymphocyte counts (p: 0.0093), IL-4 levels (p: 0.0464) and TNF levels (p: 0.0161). This allele was also frequent in HIV-coinfected individuals (p: 0.0023) and was related to the log10 HIV viral load (p: 0.0176) and CD8(+) T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0285). In primary infection, the log10 HIV viral load was high (p: 0.0060) and directly proportional to the EBV viral load (p: 0.0412). The DRB1*03 allele correlated with serological transition (p: 0.0477), EBV viral load (p: 0.0015), CD4(+) T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0112), CD8(+) T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0260), double-negative T lymphocyte count (p: 0.0540), IL-4 levels (p: 0.0478) and IL-6 levels (p: 0.0175). In the serological transition group, the log10 HIV viral load was high (p: 0.0060), but it was not associated with the EBV viral load (p: 0.1214). Past infection was related to the DRB1*16 allele (p: 0.0477), with carriers displaying IgG levels (p: 0.0020), CD4(+) T lymphocyte counts (p: 0.0116) and suggestive CD8(+) T count alterations (p: 0.0602). The DRB01*16 allele was also common in HIV-1 patients with past EBV infection (p: 0.0192); however, the allele was not associated with clinical markers of HIV-1 infection. Conclusion: Our results suggest that HLA class II alleles may be associated with the modulation of the serological profiles of the immune response to Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients coinfected with HIV-1.

Síndromes compresivos del nervio mediano. Revisión y actualización de la bibliografía / Median nerve compression syndromes. Literature review and update

El nervio mediano desciende por el brazo y, en el codo, comienza a atravesar estructuras que pueden generar compresión, como el ligamento de Struthers, el lacertus fibrosus, el pronador redondo, el flexor superficial de los dedos. Finalmente, en la muñeca, se encuentra otro sitio de compresión producido por el ligamento transverso del carpo. Todas estas estructuras pueden provocar signos y síntomas de atrapamiento nervioso y favorecer el deterioro funcional del nervio. Nuestro objetivo es dar a conocer una actualización sobre estos sitios de atrapamiento del nervio mediano, y cómo realizar un diagnóstico preciso e indicar un trata-miento adecuado. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

The median nerve is a nervous structure that begins to cross structures at the level of the elbow that might cause compression. The Struthers ligament, lacertus fibrosus, pronator teres, and flexor digitorum superficialis are among them. Finally, the transverse carpal ligament creates another compression site in the wrist. All these structures can develop pathological signs and symptoms of nerve entrapment, which favors nerve functional degradation. Our objective is to provide an update on these median nerve entrap-ment sites, as well as information on how to establish an accurate diagnosis and provide adequate treatment. Level of Evidence: IV

Molecular Epidemiology of Sporadic and Outbreak-Related Salmonella Typhi Isolates in the Brazilian North Region: A Retrospective Analysis from 1995 to 2013.

Typhoidal salmonellosis is a global public health problem occurring in developing endemic regions. In Brazil, cases are mostly registered in the North and Northeast regions. Molecular characterization of the strains is important to understand the epidemiology of disease infections and to design control strategies. The present study retrospectively evaluates the genotyping features of sporadic and outbreak-related Salmonella Typhi isolates from the Brazilian North region. Bacterial isolates were recovered from blood and a rectal swab of patients in the states of Acre and Pará, Brazilian North region, in the period of 1995 to 2013, and were submitted to genotyping by applying Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) reference methods. MLST genotyping revealed the presence of epidemic clones ST1 and ST2, and 20 pulsotypes were identified by PFGE, including four distinct clusters (A-D), and six subclusters (A1-D1) with indistinguishable strains in different periods and locations. To conclude, the obtained data demonstrates the temporal stability, adaptation, and transmission of outbreak-related and sporadic S. Typhi strains over time, contributing to the transmission chain in the region.

Nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas sobre enfermedad periodontal en pacientes diabéticos / Level of knowledge, attitudes and practices on periodontal disease in diabetic patients

RESUMEN Fundamento: La diabetes mellitus y la enfermedad periodontal tienen una relación bidireccional, siendo la prevención la herramienta indispensable para lograr el mejoramiento del nivel de salud bucal. Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de la enfermedad periodontal en pacientes diabéticos. Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal de septiembre de 2019 a abril de 2020 en la población diabética de 19 a 40 años del Consultorio Médico de Familia n.o 11 del área de salud de Zaza del Medio perteneciente al municipio Taguasco, provincia Sancti Spíritus. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas sobre salud bucal. Resultados: En el 67.9 % de los pacientes se observó bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre la enfermedad periodontal, actitud desfavorable el 78.6 % y prácticas deficientes el 57.1 %. Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes diabéticos presentó bajo nivel de conocimientos, actitud desfavorable y prácticas deficientes para lograr la salud periodontal.

ABSTRACT Background: Diabetes mellitus and periodontal disease have a bidirectional relationship, being prevention the essential tool to achieve an improvement in the level of oral health. Objective: To identify the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices of periodontal disease in diabetic patients. Methodology: A cross-sectional descriptive observational study was conducted from September 2019 to April 2020 in the diabetic population aged 19 to 40 years at the doctor´s office 11 in Zaza del Medio health area of Taguasco municipality in Sancti Spíritus province. The variables age, sex, level of knowledge, attitudes and practices on oral health were studied. Results: 67.9 % of the patients had a low level of knowledge about periodontal disease, 78.6 % had an unfavorable attitude and 57.1 % had deficient practices. Conclusions: The majority of diabetic patients presented low level of knowledge, non-favorable attitude and poor practices to accomplish periodontal health.

First Record of Wyeomyia mitchellii in Nuevo León, Mexico.

On October 5, 2021, mosquito collections were conducted in Nuevo León in search of an undescribed species within the genus Wyeomyia reported previously in this state. Species collected included Aedes quadrivittatus, Ae. amabilis, Ae. triseriatus group, Ae. albopictus, and Wy. mitchellii. Although the undescribed species was not found, the occurrence record for Wy. mitchellii in Nuevo León constitutes the 1st record for this species in this state. Additionally, historical records of the presence of Wy. mitchelli in Mexico, available in the literature, were reviewed and updated. Specimens collected during this study were deposited in the Culicidae Collection of the Parasitology Department, Autonomous Agrarian University Antonio Narro, Laguna unit. With the addition of Wy. mitchellii to the mosquito fauna of Nuevo León, there are currently 67 species in the state.

HLA-B*13, B*35 and B*39 Alleles Are Closely Associated With the Lack of Response to ART in HIV Infection: A Cohort Study in a Population of Northern Brazil.

Introduction: Immune reconstitution failure after HIV treatment is a multifactorial phenomenon that may also be associated with a single polymorphism of human leukocyte antigen (HLA); however, few reports include patients from the Brazilian Amazon. Our objective was to evaluate the association of the immunogenic profile of the "classical" HLA-I and HLA-II loci with treatment nonresponse in a regional cohort monitored over 24 months since HIV diagnosis. Materials and Methods: Treatment-free participants from reference centers in the state of Pará, Brazil, were enrolled. Infection screening was performed using enzyme immunoassays (Murex AG/AB Combination DiaSorin, UK) and confirmed by immunoblots (Bio-Manguinhos, FIOCRUZ). Plasma viral load was quantified by real-time PCR (ABBOTT, Chicago, Illinois, USA). CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocyte quantification was performed by immunophenotyping and flow cytometry (BD Biosciences, San Jose, CA, USA). Infection was monitored via test and logistics platforms (SISCEL and SICLOM). Therapeutic response failure was inferred based on CD4+ T lymphocyte quantification after 1 year of therapy. Loci A, B and DRB1 were genotyped using PCR-SSO (One Lambda Inc., Canoga Park, CA, USA). Statistical tests were applied using GENEPOP, GraphPad Prism 8.4.3 and BioEstat 5.3. Results: Of the 270 patients monitored, 134 responded to treatment (CD4+ ≥ 500 cells/µL), and 136 did not respond to treatment (CD4+ < 500 cells/µL). The allele frequencies of the loci were similar to heterogeneous populations. The allelic profile of locus B was statistically associated with treatment nonresponse, and the B*13, B*35 and B*39 alleles had the greatest probabilistic influence. The B*13 allele had the highest risk of treatment nonresponse, and carriers of the allele had a detectable viral load and a CD4+ T lymphocyte count less than 400 cells/µL with up to 2 years of therapy. The B*13 allele was associated with a switch in treatment regimens, preferably to efavirenz (EFZ)-based regimens, and among those who switched regimens, half had a history of coinfection with tuberculosis. Conclusions: The allelic variants of the B locus are more associated with non-response to therapy in people living with HIV (PLHIV) from a heterogeneous population in the Brazilian Amazon.

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) Genotypes Associated with the Immunopathological Profile of People Living with HIV-1: Immunological Aspects of Primary EBV Infection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the immunological profile of adult HIV-1+ patients coinfected with primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection who were free of antiretroviral drugs and inhabitants of the Brazilian Amazon region. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Primary EBV infection was screened by the semiquantitative detection of IgM and IgG anti-VCA. Genotypes were determined by conventional PCR. EBV and HIV viral load (VL) were quantified by real-time PCR. Cytokine dosage and cell quantification were performed by cytometry. RESULTS: Only HIV-1+ individuals had primary EBV infection (7.12%). The EBV-1 genotype was the most prevalent (47.37%). The VL of HIV-1 was lower in the HIV/EBV-2 group. CD4+ T lymphocytes were inversely proportional to the VL of EBV in HIV/EBV-1/2 multi-infected patients. The HIV/EBV-2 group had the lowest cytokine levels, especially IFN-γ and IL-4. Different correlations were proposed for each coinfection. The late search for specific care related to HIV infection directly affected the cytokine profile and the number of CD8+ T lymphocytes. Symptoms were associated with the increase in VL of both viruses and cytokine profile. CONCLUSIONS: Different immunological profiles were associated with EBV genotypes in primary infection, with EBV-2 being more frequent in patients with low levels of HIV viral load. With late infection monitoring and consequent delay in the initiation of HAART, clinical changes and effects on the maintenance of the immune response were observed.

Nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas sobre enfermedad periodontal en pacientes diabéticos

Fundamento: La diabetes mellitus y la enfermedad periodontal tienen una relación bidireccional,siendo la prevención la herramienta indispensable para lograr el mejoramiento del nivel de saludbucal.Objetivo: Identificar el nivel de conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas de la enfermedad periodontalen pacientes diabéticos.Metodología: Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo de corte transversal de septiembre de2019 a abril de 2020 en la población diabética de 19 a 40 años del Consultorio Médico de Familia n.o11 del área de salud de Zaza del Medio perteneciente al municipio Taguasco, provincia SanctiSpíritus. Se estudiaron las variables edad, sexo, nivel de conocimiento, actitudes y prácticas sobresalud bucal.Resultados: En el 67.9 % de los pacientes se observó bajo nivel de conocimientos sobre laenfermedad periodontal, actitud desfavorable el 78.6 % y prácticas deficientes el 57.1 %.Conclusiones: La mayoría de los pacientes diabéticos presentó bajo nivel de conocimientos, actituddesfavorable y prácticas deficientes para lograr la salud periodontal [AU]

Triatomine home invasions in active foci of Chagas disease in Abaetetuba, Pará, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is a parasitic infection with high re-emergence rates in some Amazon regions. The main vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi are haematophagous insects, the triatomines. Only a few reports are available about the occurrence of these wild vectors and their contact with the inhabitants of the riverside regions of the Amazon. This study describes the unusual behaviour of the triatomines that have invaded the homes of the residents of Abaetetuba, the city that has the second highest number of cases of Chagas disease. METHODS: Two cross-sectional studies were conducted using sero-epidemiological surveys of the inhabitants of Abaetetuba with registered triatomine home invasions. The frequencies of the variables of interest were analysed using Epi Info version 7.2. RESULTS: In 2014 and 2017, 145 persons registered home invasions of triatomines in their domiciles and 16.55% reported having been bitten by insects. The environmental features described indicated potential conditions for the persistence of the parasite's life cycle. Of the enrolled inhabitants, 0.47% were positive for immunoglobulin G anti-T. cruzi antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: Home invasions of triatomines were confirmed in two periods, with a description of unusual behaviour for the genus Rhodnius. The use of serological surveillance in human populations at risk of this occurrence may constitute a new tool for the early detection of silent infections.

Epidemiological risk factors associated with primary infection by Epstein-Barr virus in HIV-1-positive subjects in the Brazilian Amazon region.

To identify the prevalence and risk factors for primary Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-positive adult treatment-naïve patients between January 2018 and December 2019 in a state of the Brazilian Amazon region. A total of 268 HIV-1 positive patients and 65 blood donors participated in the study. Epidemiological data were obtained from medical records and through a designed questionnaire. EBV infection was screened by the semiquantitative detection of anti-viral capsid antigen (VCA) EBV IgM and IgG, followed by molecular detection of the EBNA-3C gene. The plasma viral loads of HIV-1 and EBV were quantified using a commercial kit. The prevalence of primary coinfection was 7.12%. The associated risk factors were education level, family income, history of illicit drug use and sexually transmitted infections, homosexual contact and condom nonuse. Approximately 58.5% had late initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which influenced the risk of HIV-EBV 1/2 multiple infection (odds ratio (OR): 4.76; 95% CI 1.51-15.04) and symptom development (p = 0.004). HIV viral load was associated with patient age (OR: 2.04; 95% CI 2.01-2.07; p = 0.026) and duration of illicit drug use (OR: 1.57; 95% CI 1.12-2.22; p = 0.0548). EBV viral load was associated with younger age (OR: 0.82; 95% CI 0.79-1.03; p = 0.0579). The replication of both viruses was associated with symptom development (HIV = OR: 2.06; 95% CI 1.22-3.50; p = 0.0073; EBV = OR: 8.81; 95% CI 1-10; p = 0.0447). The prevalence of HIV/EBV coinfection was lower than that observed in other studies, and social vulnerability and promiscuous sexual behavior were associated risk factors. A long time of HIV-1 infection, without therapy, influenced the risk of coinfection and disease progression. The viral loads of both viruses may be associated with some epidemiological aspects of the population.

Effects of Dietary Crude Glycerin Concentration on Testicular Morphology and Oxidative Stress Markers and on Plasma Testosterone Concentrations.

We evaluated the effects of feeding 6%, 12% or 18% crude glycerin, containing 80.5% glycerol, on testicular histomorphometry and markers of oxidative stress and on plasma testosterone concentrations in lambs. Body weight, testicular biometric measurements, gonadosomatic index and net weight of the testicles were higher for the treated groups (P <0.05) compared with a control group that did not receive dietary glycerin. The mean total length of seminiferous tubules was higher in the 6% group (P <0.05), while the mean total tubular and seminiferous epithelium volumes increased in all treated groups (P <0.05). The volume of Leydig cells increased in the 12% group, while their number per gram of testicle decreased (P <0.05). There was a decrease in mean nuclear diameter and mean volume of Leydig cells, and an increase in the mean number of these cells per gram of testicle, in the 18% group (P <0.05). Plasma testosterone concentrations were unaffected. There was desquamation of seminiferous epithelium and vacuolation of Sertoli cells in the treated groups. Variable degrees of spermatocyte necrosis and the presence of giant cells were seen in all groups and there was intense vacuolation of Sertoli cells in the 12% and 18% groups. Superoxide dismutase and catalase production increased most in the 12% and 18% groups (P <0.05), while glutathione production was higher in the 18% group (P <0.05). Mean nitric oxide concentration decreased in all treated groups (P <0.05), while malondialdehyde production was higher in the 18% group than in the control and 6% groups (P <0.05). We conclude that the inclusion of 6% glycerin in the diet of lambs results in changes in testicular morphology that have been previously associated with improved reproductive function, but without evidence of oxidative stress.

Risk of Zika virus-associated birth defects in congenital confirmed cases in the Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: To establish the risk of microcephaly in neonates born to women infected with ZIKV during pregnancy. METHODS: A cohort of laboratory-confirmed ZIKV cases of congenital infections (109 mothers infected during pregnancy and 101 newborns) among 308 suspect cases was followed in Belem, Pará, Brazil, from October 2015 to December 2017. RESULTS: A microcephaly risk of 1.98% (95% CI 0.54-6.93%) was found, or 2 cases among the 101 neonates infected with ZIKV during pregnancy. 72% of the pregnant women had ZIKV infection confirmed by RT-qPCR during gestation. CONCLUSIONS: Results showed a low incidence of ZIKV-associated birth defects, stillbirth, and miscarriage, which contrasts with previous studies in other Brazilian regions. Previous exposure to yellow fever vaccine and/or multiserotype DENV infection could be implicated in the protection from ZIKV congenital infection.

OBJETIVO: Establecer el riesgo de microcefalia en los recién nacidos de mujeres infectadas con ZIKV durante el embarazo. MÉTODOS: Se siguió a una cohorte de casos con infección congénita por ZIKV confirmada por laboratorio (109 madres infectadas durante el embarazo, 101 recién nacidos) conformada a partir de 308 casos sospechosos en Belem, Pará, Brasil, de octubre de 2015 a diciembre de 2017. RESULTADOS: Se encontró un riesgo de microcefalia de 1,98% (IC95% 0,54-6,93%), o 2 casos entre los 101 neonatos infectados con ZIKV durante el embarazo. En el 72% de las mujeres embarazadas se confirmó mediante RT-qPCR la infección por ZIKV durante la gestación. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados mostraron una baja incidencia de malformaciones congénitas, mortinatos y abortos asociados al ZIKV, lo que contrasta con estudios anteriores de otras regiones de Brasil. La exposición previa a la vacuna contra la fiebre amarilla o la infección previa por varios serotipos de virus del dengue podrían estar implicados en la protección contra la infección congénita por ZIKV.

Risk of Zika virus-associated birth defects in congenital confirmed cases in the Brazilian Amazon

Objective. To establish the risk of microcephaly in neonates born to women infected with ZIKV during pregnancy. Methods. A cohort of laboratory-confirmed ZIKV cases of congenital infections (109 mothers infected during pregnancy and 101 newborns) among 308 suspect cases was followed in Belem, Pará, Brazil, from October 2015 to December 2017. Results. A microcephaly risk of 1.98% (95% CI 0.54-6.93%) was found, or 2 cases among the 101 neonates infected with ZIKV during pregnancy. 72% of the pregnant women had ZIKV infection confirmed by RT-qPCR during gestation. Conclusions. Results showed a low incidence of ZIKV-associated birth defects, stillbirth, and miscarriage, which contrasts with previous studies in other Brazilian regions. Previous exposure to yellow fever vaccine and/ or multiserotype DENV infection could be implicated in the protection from ZIKV congenital infection.

Objetivo. Establecer el riesgo de microcefalia en los recién nacidos de mujeres infectadas con ZIKV durante el embarazo. Métodos. Se siguió a una cohorte de casos con infección congénita por ZIKV confirmada por laboratorio (109 madres infectadas durante el embarazo, 101 recién nacidos) conformada a partir de 308 casos sospechosos en Belem, Pará, Brasil, de octubre de 2015 a diciembre de 2017. Resultados. Se encontró un riesgo de microcefalia de 1,98% (IC95% 0,54-6,93%), o 2 casos entre los 101 neonatos infectados con ZIKV durante el embarazo. En el 72% de las mujeres embarazadas se confirmó mediante RT-qPCR la infección por ZIKV durante la gestación. Conclusiones. Los resultados mostraron una baja incidencia de malformaciones congénitas, mortinatos y abortos asociados al ZIKV, lo que contrasta con estudios anteriores de otras regiones de Brasil. La exposición previa a la vacuna contra la fiebre amarilla o la infección previa por varios serotipos de virus del dengue podrían estar implicados en la protección contra la infección congénita por ZIKV.

Genotypes of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV1/EBV2) in individuals with infectious mononucleosis in the metropolitan area of Belém, Brazil, between 2005 and 2016.

Two types of Epstein Barr virus (EBV1/EBV2) have been shown to infect humans. Although their genomes are similar, the regions containing the EBNA genes differ. This study aimed to characterize the EBV genotypes of infectious mononucleosis (IM) cases in the metropolitan region of Belém, Brazil, from 2005 to 2016. A total of 8295 suspected cases with symptoms/signs of IM were investigated by infectious disease physicians at Evandro Chagas Institute, Health Care Service, from January 2005 to December 2016. Out of the total, 1645 (19.8%) samples had positive results for EBV by enzyme immunoassay and 251 (15.3%) were submitted to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, using the EBNA3C region, in order to determine the type of EBV. Biochemical testing involving aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase were also performed. EBV type was identified by PCR in 30.3% (76/251) of individuals; of those, 71.1% (54/76) were classified as EBV1, 17.1% (13/76) as EBV2, and 11.8% (9/76) as EBV1 + EBV2. The main symptoms/signs observed with EBV1 infection were cervical lymphadenopathy (64.8%, 35/54), fever (63%, 34/54), headache (20.4%, 11/54), arthralgia (20.4%, 11/54), and exanthema (18.5%, 10/54). EBV2 infection was detected in all but two age groups, with an average age of 24 years. The most common signs/symptoms of EBV2 were fever (76.9%, 10/13), average duration of 18 days, and lymphadenopathy (69.2%, 9/13). In contrast, EBV1 + EBV2 coinfections were more frequent in those aged five years or less (20.0%, 2/10). The symptoms of EBV1 + EBV2 coinfection included fever (66.7%, 6/9), and cervical lymphadenopathy and headache (33.3%, 3/9) each. The mean values of hepatic enzymes according to type of EBV was significantly different (p < 0.05) in those EBV1 infected over 14 years of age. Thus, this pioneering study, using molecular methods, identified the EBV genotypes in 30.3% of the samples, with circulation of EBV1, EBV2, and EBV1 + EBV2 co-infection in cases of infectious mononucleosis in the northern region of Brazil.

Echocardiographic Characteristics of Subjects With COVID-19: A Case Series.

Although coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) manifests in most cases with respiratory symptoms, other presentations can occur. Direct damage to the cardiovascular system has been reported and recently, acute myocardial injury has been identified as a risk factor for mortality. Transthoracic echocardiography is a non-invasive tool that allows the detection of myocardial damage with validated markers (left ventricular ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain). Herein, we present the echocardiographic findings in four patients with COVID-19. All cases had acute respiratory distress syndrome (100%). Three out of four had elevated levels of creatine kinase and creatine kinase myocardial band. One case had ventricular concentric remodeling (25%). All cases (100%) had altered ventricular function: two had a reduced ejection fraction (50%) and, of those available for global longitudinal strain analysis, all had abnormal global longitudinal strain (100%). One case was found to have a tricuspid vegetation of 12 × 10 mm with no other manifestation of endocarditis. All of our cases had left ventricular dysfunction as assessed by echocardiography. One of our patients had a vegetation in the tricuspid valve. Two of our cases had a reduced ejection fraction. The importance of acute cardiac injury in COVID-19 has recently been established. A recent study found it to be an independent risk factor for mortality in patients with this disease. Information regarding echocardiographic characteristics of this population is scarce. Further research to elucidate the impact of these characteristics on morbidity and mortality is urgently needed.

First Record of Mansonia dyari in the State of Morelos, Mexico, Based on Morphology and COI DNA Barcoding.

Collections of mosquitoes were conducted for the surveillance of species of medical importance in the state of Morelos, Mexico, in June 2017. Species collected included Mansonia (Mansonia) dyari, which was identified using morphological characters and cytochrome c oxidase I DNA barcoding. Although 3 species of genus Mansonia have been previously reported in Mexico, this is the 1st confirmed record of Ma. dyari in Morelos State, where no Mansonia species had been recorded. Historical records of Ma. dyari and Ma. indubitans in Mexico were reviewed. Therefore, this record increases the number of mosquito species occurring in Morelos to 46. The specimens collected in this study were deposited in the Culicidae collection of the Universidad Autónoma Agraria Antonio Narro, Unidad Laguna.