Impairing the function of MLCK, myosin Va or myosin Vb disrupts Rhinovirus B14 replication.

Together, the three human rhinovirus (RV) species are the most frequent cause of the common cold. Because of their high similarity with other viral species of the genus Enterovirus, within the large family Picornaviridae, studies on RV infectious activities often offer a less pathogenic model for more aggressive enteroviruses, e.g. poliovirus or EV71. Picornaviruses enter via receptor mediated endocytosis and replicate in the cytosol. Most of them depend on functional F-actin, Rab proteins, and probably motor proteins. To assess the latter, we evaluated the role of myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) and two myosin V isoforms (Va and Vb) in RV-B14 infection. We report that ML-9, a very specific MLCK inhibitor, dramatically reduced RV-B14 entry. We also demonstrate that RV-B14 infection in cells expressing dominant-negative forms of myosin Va and Vb was impaired after virus entry. Using immunofluorescent localization and immunoprecipitation, we show that myosin Va co-localized with RV-B14 exclusively after viral entry (15 min post infection) and that myosin Vb was present in the clusters of newly synthesized RNA in infected cells. These clusters, observed at 180 min post infection, are reminiscent of replication sites. Taken together, these results identify myosin light chain kinase, myosin Va and myosin Vb as new players in RV-B14 infection that participate directly or indirectly in different stages of the viral cycle.

Presence of enteric viruses in water samples for consumption in Colombia: Challenges for supply systems.

INTRODUCTION: Since drinking water can be a vehicle for the transmission of pathogens, the detection of enteric viruses in these water samples is essential to establish the appropriate measures to control and prevent associated diseases.  OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results obtained for enteric viruses in water samples for human consumption received at the Colombian Instituto Nacional de Salud and establish their association with the data on water quality in Colombian municipalities.  MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a descriptive-retrospective analysis of the results obtained in the detection of rotavirus, enterovirus, hepatitis A virus and adenovirus in water samples received for complementary studies of enteric hepatitis, acute diarrheal disease and foodborne diseases. Data were correlated with the results of water quality surveillance determined by the national human consumption water quality index (IRCA).  RESULTS: Of the 288 samples processed from 102 Colombian municipalities, 50.7% were positive for viruses: 26.73% for hepatitis A virus, 20.48% for enterovirus and rotavirus and 18.05% for adenovirus. Viruses were detected in 48.26% of non-treated water samples and in 45.83% of treated water samples. The IRCA index showed no correlation with the presence of viruses.  CONCLUSIONS: The presence of viruses in water represents a public health risk and, therefore, the prevention of virus transmission through water requires appropriate policies to reinforce water supply systems and improve epidemiological surveillance.

A vigilância e o monitoramento das principais doenças crônicas não transmissíveis no Brasil - Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde, 2013 / Surveillance and monitoring of major chronic diseases in Brazil - National Health Survey, 2013

RESUMO: Objetivo: Descrever as principais doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT) no país segundo as informações coletadas em indivíduos de 18 anos ou mais de idade. Métodos: Foram utilizados dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Saúde (PNS), 2013, estudo transversal de base populacional. As proporções de cada DCNT foram calculadas e apresentadas segundo sexo, com intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%), com os valores absolutos. Resultados: Do total de entrevistados, 45,1% referiram ter pelo menos uma DCNT. A Região com maior prevalência de DCNT foi a Sul (52,1%). A hipertensão arterial apresentou a maior prevalência dentre as DCNT, com 21,4%, seguida por problema crônico de coluna (18,5%), depressão (7,6%), artrite (6,4%) e diabetes (6,2%). O grau de limitação intenso/muito intenso apresentou maiores prevalências para outra doença mental (37,6%) e acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) (25,5%). Conclusão: A melhoria dos serviços de saúde é indispensável para uma resposta efetiva à dupla carga de adoecimento de países de média e baixa renda.

ABSTRACT: Objective: To describe the major noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in Brazil, according to the information collected from individuals aged 18 years or older. Methods: Data from the National Health Survey (PNS), 2013, a transversal population-based study, were used. The proportions of each NCD were calculated and presented according to sex, with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI), with the absolute values. Results: Of the total respondents, 45.1% reported presenting at least one NCD. The region with the highest prevalence of NCDs was the South (52.1%). Hypertension showed the highest prevalence among NCDs, with 21.4%, followed by chronic back problem (18.5%), depression (7.6%), arthritis (6.4%), and diabetes (6.2%). The intense/very intense degree of limitation showed a higher prevalence of other mental illnesses (37.6%) and cerebrovascular accident (25.5%). Conclusion: The improvement of health services is essential for an effective response to the double burden of illness in the middle- and low-income countries.

The role of microRNAs in enteroviral infections

ABSTRACTThe genus Enterovirus, a member of thePicornavirus family, are RNA viruses that can cause poliomyelitis, hand-food-mouth disease, viral meningitis or meningoencephalitis, viral myocarditis and so on. MicroRNAs are a class of highly conserved, small noncoding RNAs recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Recent studies found that MicroRNAs play a significant role in the infection ofEnterovirus, such as enterovirus 71, coxsackievirus B3 and other Enterovirus. Enteroviral infection can alter the expression of cellular MicroRNAs, and cellular MicroRNAs can modulate viral pathogenesis and replication by regulating the expression level of viral or host's genes. Herein, this review summarizes the role of MicroRNAs in enteroviral infection.

The role of microRNAs in enteroviral infections.

The genus Enterovirus, a member of the Picornavirus family, are RNA viruses that can cause poliomyelitis, hand-food-mouth disease, viral meningitis or meningoencephalitis, viral myocarditis and so on. MicroRNAs are a class of highly conserved, small noncoding RNAs recognized as important regulators of gene expression. Recent studies found that MicroRNAs play a significant role in the infection of Enterovirus, such as enterovirus 71, coxsackievirus B3 and other Enterovirus. Enteroviral infection can alter the expression of cellular MicroRNAs, and cellular MicroRNAs can modulate viral pathogenesis and replication by regulating the expression level of viral or host's genes. Herein, this review summarizes the role of MicroRNAs in enteroviral infection.

Clinical utility of the polymerase chain reaction for diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis in infancy.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the utility of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, and urine for rapid diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis in infants 3 months of age and younger. STUDY DESIGN: We identified prospectively infants 3 months of age and younger coming to the emergency department with fever whose examination included a lumbar puncture, blood culture, or both. Samples of CSF, serum, urine, throat, and stool specimens were collected for viral culture and, with the exception of stool, for PCR assay. Those infants who had not received prior antibiotic therapy and had sterile bacterial cultures of CSF, blood, and urine were selected for the present analysis. RESULTS: A total of 259 specimens for viral culture and 203 specimens for PCR assay were collected from 64 infants. Comparison of results of PCR assay of CSF with viral culture, the gold standard for diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis, demonstrated a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%. Because enteroviruses are not always detectable by culture, the following modified standard was established to define enteroviral meningitis: either CSF pleocytosis, sterile bacterial cultures and detection of an enterovirus in stool culture or positive viral culture of CSF, or both. With this modified definition, the sensitivity and specificity of the PCR assay of CSF were 92% and 94%, respectively. PCR assay of serum and urine offered no benefit over PCR assay of CSF alone for diagnosis of meningitis. CONCLUSION: PCR assay of CSF is useful for the rapid and reliable diagnosis of enteroviral meningitis. Application of this technique in the clinical setting can potentially diminish unnecessary hospitalization and use of antibiotics.