First molecular detection of Equine Herpesvirus type 3 (EHV-3) in Chile.

Equine coital rash (ECE) is a highly contagious benign infection that induces lesions on external genitals, and it is caused by the equine herpesvirus type 3 (EHV-3). Although the disease is globally distributed, its presence in Chile has not been documented from a genetic point of view. Here, we performed polymerase chain reaction screenings for EHV-3 in lesions of external genitals in four horses belonging to a riding station at Bulnes, Ñuble Region, Chile. We sequenced a fragment of the glycoprotein G (gG) gene from three horses with clinical signs of ECE. The sequences were identical between them and 99.7% similar to a haplotype of EHV-3 detected in Brazil, and phylogenetically related with homologue from Japan, Russia and Brazil. Our results show the presence of EHV-3 for the first time in horses with ECE in Chile.

Neuropathology of natural canid alphaherpesvirus 1 infection in dogs

The neuropathology of canid alphaherpesvirus 1 (CaHV-1) infection in dogs has been reported, but the importance of the cerebellar lesions in the routine diagnosis remains relatively understated in the veterinary literature. Here we characterize the neuropathology of natural CaHV-1 infection in 25 dogs. The disease affected predominantly male dogs (22 cases). Clinical signs in 15 cases varied and sudden death was reported in 10 cases. All dogs had the typical areas of necrosis and hemorrhage in multiple organs with eosinophilic intranuclear viral inclusions in epithelial and/or inflammatory cells in multiple organs in 21 cases. Cerebral swelling and reddening were reported in 3 cases. Neurohistologic changes consisted of mild lymphoplasmacytic meningoencephalitis with occasional vasculitis and widespread glial nodules. Rare intranuclear viral inclusions (4 cases) were observed in endothelial cells or inflammatory cells in glial nodules. Cerebellum was examined in 11 cases and had extensive segmental necrosis of Purkinje cell layer (8 cases) and granule neurons in the internal (9 cases) or external (2 cases) granular cell layer. Intranuclear viral inclusions were observed in 8 cases and occurred in necrotic granule neurons in the inner granular cell layer (7 cases), outer granular cell layer (2 cases), Purkinje neurons (1 case), or endothelial cells (1 case). Diagnostic confirmation in 23 cases was based on routine histology and fluorescent antibody testing for CaHV-1 on fresh or frozen tissue samples. A routine diagnosis was based solely on the visualization of intranuclear viral inclusions in 2 cases.(AU)

Equine herpesvirus myeloencephalopathy

Clinical History: A euthanized, 14-year-old, Warmblood gelding that had participated in an equine show was presented for necropsy and diagnostic workup to the San Bernardino laboratory of the California Animal Health and Food Safety Laboratory System. The animal had a 4-day history of mildly swollen limbs and hyperthermia, and developed neurologic signs shortly before euthanasia. Necropsy Findings: The urinary bladder had multifocal to coalescing hemorrhages in the mucosa and approximately 5 ml of turbid urine with sandy sludge (Figure 1). The entire spinal cord was removed and cross-sectioned serially after fixation in 10% neutral-buffered formalin during 48h. Multifocally, in multiple sections of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar segments, there were uni- or bilateral and asymmetrical, wedge-shaped areas of gray discoloration and hemorrhage (Figures 2-4). In addition, there were extensive hemorrhages around the nerve roots of the cauda equina. Follow-up questions: Five differential diagnoses for the gross lesions in the spinal cord (Fig. 1B-1D) Microscopic description for the lesions in the spinal cord (Fig. 2A-2D) Most likely cause based on clinical history and gross and microscopic findings.

Atypical ocular Chelonoid herpesvirus manifestations in a captive Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta).

A captive loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) of unknown sex, 3 years of age, presented with bilateral mucoid secretions, severe chemosis, conjunctival hyperemia, and globe retraction. The animal was evaluated ophthalmologically and systemically, and hematological, microbiological, and conjunctival cytological and biopsy samples were collected for complementary diagnosis. The histopathological examination showed amphophilic intranuclear inclusions associated with severe inflammatory infiltrate. The diagnosis of Chelonid alphaherpesvirus 5 (ChAHV 5) was confirmed with end point PCR. Following systemic treatment with L-lysine, acyclovir and vitamin A, the ocular signs resolved. No amphophilic intranuclear inclusions were seen in a follow-up biopsy 5 months later, and there has been no recurrence of clinical ophthalmic signs during a 4-year follow-up. It is suggested that ChAHV 5 be considered as a differential diagnosis in captive marine turtles that present for conjunctival disease other than fibropapillomatosis.

Herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia in renal transplant recipients: A longitudinal study.

BACKGROUND: The objective was to assess the oral shedding and viremia of human herpesviruses in renal transplant recipients. METHODS: This is a cohort study in which the participants were examined in three different periods: the first within 24 hours before renal transplantation and the second and third ones 15-20 and 45-60 days after the transplantation. Mouthwash and blood samples were collected in each period and then submitted to screening for the presence of eight types of human herpesviruses by using multiplex PCR. RESULTS: HSV-1 and EBV were more frequent in the saliva after renal transplantation, 15- to 20-day period after the transplant. EBV was found in the saliva of 26 (35.6%) patients before renal transplantation and in 56.2% and 46.6% of them, in the 15- to 20-day and 45- to 60-day periods after the transplant, respectively. High detection rates (75.3%-78.1%) were found for HHV-7 despite the lack of significant variations between the study periods. There was no concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia. CONCLUSION: We concluded that the pattern of excretion of HSV-1 and EBV in saliva is changed immediately after renal transplantation, increasing in the 15- to 20-day period after the transplant surgery. No concordance between herpesviruses oral shedding and viremia was observed.

Use of a commercial ELISA kit specific for glycoprotein E peptides to indirectly detect Caprine Herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Uso de kit ELISA comercial específico para peptídeos da glicoproteína E para detecção indireta de Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 (CpHv-1) no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) infection is associated with clinical manifestations related to animal age, with high mortality in kids and infertility in adults. Given the scarcity of research about the epidemiological situation of this infection in Brazilian flocks, we aimed to conduct a cross-sectional descriptive study to detect antibodies against CpHV-1 in goats in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Fifty-five male and female goats ­ kids and adult ­ were assessed in this study. Blood serum was analyzed by a commercial ELISA kit to detect antibodies against CpHV-1, which had not been used in Brazil before. No animals were reactive. Brazil lacks information about CpHV-1 infection in goat flocks. Continuing the study is crucial to understand the epidemiological situation of the disease and establish protocols for infection control.(AU)

A infecção pelo Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 (CpHv-1) está associada a manifestações clínicas relacionadas à idade dos animais, com alta mortalidade em filhotes e infertilidade em adultos. Diante da escassez de estudos sobre situação epidemiológica dessa infecção nos rebanhos brasileiros, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um estudo transversal e descritivo para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 em caprinos do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram avaliados 55 caprinos machos e fêmeas, filhotes e adultos. O soro sanguíneo foi analisado por um kit ELISA comercial para detecção de anticorpos contra CpHv-1, de utilização inédita no Brasil. Nenhum animal estudado foi sororreagente. O Brasil carece de informações acerca da infecção pelo Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 nos rebanhos caprinos do país. A continuidade do estudo é imprescindível para compreender a situação epidemiológica da enfermidade e estabelecer protocolos para controle da infecção.(AU)

Use of a commercial ELISA kit specific for glycoprotein E peptides to indirectly detect Caprine Herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) in the state of São Paulo, Brazil / Uso de kit ELISA comercial específico para peptídeos da glicoproteína E para detecção indireta de Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 (CpHv-1) no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1) infection is associated with clinical manifestations related to animal age, with high mortality in kids and infertility in adults. Given the scarcity of research about the epidemiological situation of this infection in Brazilian flocks, we aimed to conduct a cross-sectional descriptive study to detect antibodies against CpHV-1 in goats in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Fifty-five male and female goats ­ kids and adult ­ were assessed in this study. Blood serum was analyzed by a commercial ELISA kit to detect antibodies against CpHV-1, which had not been used in Brazil before. No animals were reactive. Brazil lacks information about CpHV-1 infection in goat flocks. Continuing the study is crucial to understand the epidemiological situation of the disease and establish protocols for infection control.(AU)

A infecção pelo Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 (CpHv-1) está associada a manifestações clínicas relacionadas à idade dos animais, com alta mortalidade em filhotes e infertilidade em adultos. Diante da escassez de estudos sobre situação epidemiológica dessa infecção nos rebanhos brasileiros, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo realizar um estudo transversal e descritivo para a detecção de anticorpos anti-Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 em caprinos do estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foram avaliados 55 caprinos machos e fêmeas, filhotes e adultos. O soro sanguíneo foi analisado por um kit ELISA comercial para detecção de anticorpos contra CpHv-1, de utilização inédita no Brasil. Nenhum animal estudado foi sororreagente. O Brasil carece de informações acerca da infecção pelo Herpesvírus Caprino tipo 1 nos rebanhos caprinos do país. A continuidade do estudo é imprescindível para compreender a situação epidemiológica da enfermidade e estabelecer protocolos para controle da infecção.(AU)

Active human herpesvirus infections in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus and correlation with the SLEDAI score

Abstract Background: Human herpesviruses (HHVs) are responsible for a significant number of clinical manifestations in systemic lupus erythematous (SLE) patients. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of active HHV infections in SLE patients and correlating them with disease activity. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 71 SLE patients and their DNAs were extracted and analyzed to detect HHV-DNA viruses using the nucleic acid amplification technique. Results: Fifteen out of the 71 (21.1%) patients tested positive for the HHV-DNA virus. Of them, 11/15 HHV-DNA-positive patients (73.3%) had SLE activity index (SLEDAI - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index) ≥8 (p = 0.0001). Active HCMV infection was the mostly frequently observed infection, occurring in 6/15 patients (40%). The frequencies of other active viral infections were 22% for HSV-1, 16.7% for HHV-7, and 5.5% for HSV-2. Viral coinfection (two or more viruses detected in the same sample) occurred in three patients (16.7%). Active HHV infections in SLE patients are more frequent in those with active SLE (≥8), who is at high risk of HHV reactivation and HCMV disease. Conclusion: Viral surveillance is important to identify active HHV infections that can cause clinical symptoms and other complication in SLE patients.

Multiplex qPCR facilitates identification of betaherpesviruses in patients with acute liver failure of unknown etiology.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of acute liver failure (ALF) is often unknown and reported to be associated with herpesviruses in a number of cases. In this study, we examined for betaherpesviruses infections in patients with ALF of unknown etiology using a multiplex qPCR to Betaherpesviruses subfamily. METHODS: Liver explant and serum samples from 27 patients with ALF of unknown etiology were analyzed with the aid of multiplex qPCR to identify betaherpesviruses. All positive samples were sequenced to confirm herpes infection and liver enzyme levels evaluated. RESULTS: Betaherpesviruses infection was effectively detected using multiplex qPCR. Six (22%) HHV-6, one (3%) HCMV and two (7%) dual infections (one with HHV-7/HHV-6, and the other with HHV-7/ HCMV). Interestingly, HHV-7 was only detected in the presence of other betaherpesviruses. Sequencing information confirmed betaherpesviruses infection. High hepatic enzyme levels and INR values> 1.5 were determined in all betaherpesvirus-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Multiplex qPCR facilitated efficient quantification, indicating that differentiation between betaherpesviruses is possible with the sole use of real-time PCR. Liver explant and serum samples were positive for some betaherpesviruses, and coinfection of HHV-7 with HHV-6 and HCMV was additionally detected. Based on these results, we propose that ALF patients should be screened for the presence of betaherpesviruses.

Fatal pulmonary parafilaroidiasis in a free-ranging subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) coinfected with two gammaherpesviruses and Sarcocystis sp.

A juvenile subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) found dead in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, presented with disseminated verminous pneumonia due to Parafilaroides sp. A concomitant infection with two different gammaherpesviruses was identified by PCR in different tissues; one of them possibly a novel species (tentatively named Otariid herpesvirus 7). Sarcocystis sp. DNA was identified molecularly in skeletal muscle samples with intrasarcoplasmic bradyzoites and no apparent tissue response. All analyzed samples (mandibular, laryngeal, tracheal, and mesenteric lymph nodes, and lung) were PCR-negative for Brucella spp. The most likely cause of death was severe pulmonary parafilaroidiasis. The pathogenic role of the gammaherpesviruses in several of the tissues was not evident. This study describes the pathogenicity of Parafilaroides sp. in a subantarctic fur seal, widens the host range of herpesvirus in pinnipeds, and reports the first molecular identification of Sarcocystis sp. in this species.

Fatal pulmonary parafilaroidiasis in a free-ranging subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) coinfected with two gammaherpesviruses and Sarcocystis sp / Parafilaroidose pulmonar fatal em um lobo-marinho-subantártico (Arctocephalus tropicalis) de vida livre coinfectado com dois gammaherpesvírus e Sarcocystis sp

Abstract A juvenile subantarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus tropicalis) found dead in Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil, presented with disseminated verminous pneumonia due to Parafilaroides sp. A concomitant infection with two different gammaherpesviruses was identified by PCR in different tissues; one of them possibly a novel species (tentatively named Otariid herpesvirus 7). Sarcocystis sp. DNA was identified molecularly in skeletal muscle samples with intrasarcoplasmic bradyzoites and no apparent tissue response. All analyzed samples (mandibular, laryngeal, tracheal, and mesenteric lymph nodes, and lung) were PCR-negative for Brucella spp. The most likely cause of death was severe pulmonary parafilaroidiasis. The pathogenic role of the gammaherpesviruses in several of the tissues was not evident. This study describes the pathogenicity of Parafilaroides sp. in a subantarctic fur seal, widens the host range of herpesvirus in pinnipeds, and reports the first molecular identification of Sarcocystis sp. in this species.

Resumo Um lobo-marinho-subantártico (Arctocephalus tropicalis) juvenil foi achado morto no Estado de Santa Catarina, sul do Brasil, apresentando pneumonia parasitária disseminada por Parafilaroides sp. Infecção concomitante por dois gammaherpesvírus diferentes foi identificada pela PCR em diversos tecidos, um desses herpesvírus possivelmente uma nova espécie (denominada provisoriamente Otariid herpesvirus 7). DNA de Sarcocystis sp. foi identificado molecularmente em amostras de músculo esquelético que apresentavam bradizoítos intra-sarcoplasmáticos sem aparente resposta tecidual. Todas as amostras analisadas (linfonodo mandibular, laríngeo, traqueal e mesentérico, e pulmão) pela PCR para Brucella spp. foram negativas. A causa mais provável da morte do animal foi parafilaroidose pulmonar severa. O papel patogénico dos gammaherpesvírus em vários tecidos não foi evidente. Este estudo descreve a patogenicidade de Parafilaroides sp. em um lobo-marinho-subantártico, amplia a variedade de hospedeiros de herpesvírus em pinípedes e reporta a primeira identificação molecular de Sarcocystis sp. para essa espécie.

Coinfections and differential diagnosis in immunocompetent patients with uveitis of infectious origin.

BACKGROUND: Making a definite diagnosis of infectious uveitis is a challenging task because many other infectious, and non-infectious uveitis, may have similar non-specific symptoms and overlapping clinical appearances. Co-infections in immunocompetent patients are not frequently proved with traditional serologic-diagnostic tools. METHODS: Descriptive transversal study, in a Uveitis Service of an Ophthalmology Reference Center, in Bogotá, Colombia, from July 2014 to February 2016. Aqueous humor (AH) and/or vitreous fluid, blood and serum samples were collected from consecutive patients suspected of having infectious uveitis. The diagnosis of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT) was confirmed by the Goldmann-Witmer coefficient (GWC) and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Differential diagnosis by PCR in AH was done for viral origin such as Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV2), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Mycobacterium tuberculosis. RESULTS: In 66 Colombian patients with uveitis of presumed infectious origin: 22 (33.3%) were confirmed as OT, 16 (24.2%) as undetermined OT, five (7.5%) as co-infections and 23 (34.8%) as other uveitis. Toxoplasma coinfection with M. tuberculosis was identified in one case by PCR and in four cases with HSV by GWC. The initial clinical diagnosis changed, after laboratory examination, in 21 cases (31.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Clinical diagnosis can be changed by laboratory examination in a significant proportion of cases of uveitis. Diagnosis of OT should combine the use of PCR and GWC to reach the maximum of confirmation of cases. The use of multiple laboratory methods is necessary to identify co-infections and viral infections that can mimic OT in immunocompetent patients.

Novel insights and therapeutic approaches in idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease.

Castleman disease (CD) describes a heterogeneous group of hematologic disorders that share characteristic lymph node histopathology. Patients of all ages present with either a solitary enlarged lymph node (unicentric CD) or multicentric lymphadenopathy (MCD) with systemic inflammation, cytopenias, and life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction resulting from a cytokine storm often driven by interleukin 6 (IL-6). Uncontrolled human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8) infection causes approximately 50% of MCD cases, whereas the etiology is unknown in the remaining HHV-8-negative/idiopathic MCD cases (iMCD). The limited understanding of etiology, cell types, and signaling pathways involved in iMCD has slowed development of treatments and contributed to historically poor patient outcomes. Here, recent progress for diagnosing iMCD, characterizing etio-pathogenesis, and advancing treatments are reviewed. Several clinicopathological analyses provided the evidence base for the first-ever diagnostic criteria and revealed distinct clinical subtypes: thrombocytopenia, anasarca, fever, reticulin fibrosis/renal dysfunction, organomegaly (iMCD-TAFRO) or iMCD-not otherwise specified (iMCD-NOS), which are both observed all over the world. In 2014, the anti-IL-6 therapy siltuximab became the first iMCD treatment approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, on the basis of a 34% durable response rate; consensus guidelines recommend it as front-line therapy. Recent cytokine and proteomic profiling has revealed normal IL-6 levels in many patients with iMCD and potential alternative driver cytokines. Candidate novel genomic alterations, dysregulated cell types, and signaling pathways have also been identified as candidate therapeutic targets. RNA sequencing for viral transcripts did not reveal novel viruses, HHV-8, or other viruses pathologically associated with iMCD. Despite progress, iMCD remains poorly understood. Further efforts to elucidate etiology, pathogenesis, and treatment approaches, particularly for siltuximab-refractory patients, are needed.

Development of a qPCR for the detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) based on the gE gene.

1. Infectious laryngotracheitis is a respiratory disease that affects the poultry industry worldwide. It is common in flocks with high-bird density, causing major economic losses. 2. In this study, a SYBR® FAST polymerase chain reaction (PCR) double-strand DNA intercalating agent assay was performed for the detection of infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) in clinical samples in comparison with a conventional nested-PCR, both based on the glycoprotein E encoding gene. This assay amplified 56 bp and was capable of detecting 19 to 1 copies of virus. 3. In total, 164 clinical samples were obtained from birds with respiratory problems from the period of 2009-2016. In the nested-PCR, there were 45.12% positive samples and 54.88% negative samples, while in the real-time PCR (qPCR), there were 81.1% positive samples and 18.9% negative samples. 4. In conclusion, qPCR from the DNA double-strand intercalating agent SYBR® GREEN FAST was useful for the diagnosis of ILTV because it detected samples that were negative in nested-PCR. This assay has advantages, such as a shortened processing-time, and no need for post-amplification processing (electrophoresis) with additional reagents, such as MgCl2 and agarose. Hence, qPCR proved to be useful, rapid and low cost for use with clinical samples.

On-site detection of equid alphaherpesvirus 3 in perineal and genital swabs of mares and stallions.

Equine coital exanthema (ECE) is an infectious, venereally transmitted muco-cutaneous disease affecting mares and stallions, caused by equid alphaherpesvirus 3 (EHV3). Diagnostic tools for rapid identification of EHV3 are of primary importance to diminish the risk of EHV3 dissemination at the time of breeding. In the last years, it has been shown that the performance of the insulated-isothermal polymerase chain reaction (iiPCR) is comparable to virus isolation, nested PCR and real-time PCR (qPCR) in detecting pathogens of various animal species. Analytical sensitivity and specificity of the iiPCR were compared with a qPCR, using a plasmid containing the target region of the EHV3 glycoprotein G gene and an Argentinian EHV3 isolate (E/9283/07 C3A). In order to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the iiPCR, nucleic acids of 85 perineal and genital swabs (PGS) of mares and stallions were extracted by tacoTM mini and tested by both techniques. EHV3 was detected in 46 and 45 of the 85 PGS by the iiPCR and qPCR, respectively. There was almost perfect agreement between the two diagnostic methods (98.82%; 95% CI: 95.03-100%; κ = 0.98). The iiPCR had a limit of detection of 95.00% at 6 genome equivalents per reaction and a detection endpoint for viral DNA comparable to that of the qPCR, and did not react with six non-targeted equine pathogens. The iiPCR represents a sensitive and specific method for the rapid on-site diagnosis of EHV3 infection. Its routinely implementation in breeding facilities, and artificial insemination and embryo transfer centers, will contribute to prevent the dissemination of this venereal, highly contagious disease in horses.

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) and coinfections with feline viral pathogens in domestic cats in Brazil / Ocorrência de Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) e coinfecções com patógenos virais felinos em gatos domésticos no Brasil

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) may causes an asymptomatic infection that result in an efficient transmission and subsequently dissemination of the virus in feline population. This study used molecular detection by qPCR (quantitative PCR) based on DNA polymerase gene fragment amplification to evaluate the occurrence of FcaGHV1 and its correlation with other feline viral pathogens, such as Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1), Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1), and feline retroviruses such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Of the 182 blood samples evaluated 23.6% (43/182) were positives for FcaGHV1. Approximately 37.9% (33/87) of the samples that tested positive for retrovirus were also were positive for FcaGHV1 infection (P 0.0001). Among FIV-infected samples, 49% (24/49) were positive for FcaGHV1 (P 0.0001). FcaGHV1 infection was not associated with FeLV (P>0.66) or CPPV-1 (P>0.46) coinfection. All samples were negative for FeHV-1. Male felines were significantly associated to FcaGHV1 (P 0.0001) and their risk of infection with FcaGHV1 was about of 7.74 times greater compared to females. Kittens ( 1year) were the least affected by FcaGHV1 infection, being verified a rate of 7.7% (4/52). Therefore, male cats over one year old and infected with FIV were considerably more likely to be infected with FcaGHV1. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the occurrence and molecular detection of FcaGHV1 infection in domestic cats in Brazil and in South America.(AU)

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) pode causar uma infecção assintomática, que resulta em uma transmissão eficiente e consequente disseminação do virus na população felina. Este estudo utilizou a detecção molecular por qPCR (PCR quantitativa) baseado na amplificação de um fragmento do gene da DNA polimerase para avaliar a ocorrência de FcaGHV1, sendo correlacionado a outros patógenos virais felinos como Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1), Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) e aos retrovírus felinos como vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Das 182 amostras de sangue avaliadas, 23,6% (43/182) foram positivas para FcaGHV1. Aproximadamente 37,9% (33/87) das amostras positivas para retrovirus também foram positivas para FcaGHV1 (P 0,0001). Entre as amostras FIV-infectadas, 49% (24/49) foram positivas para FcaGHV1 (P 0,0001). A infecção por FcaGHV1 não foi associada à coinfecção por FeLV (P>0,66) e CPPV-1 (P>0,46). Todas as amostras foram negativas para FeHV-1. Felinos machos foram significativativamente associados à infecção por FcaHV1 (P 0,0001) e o risco de infecção com FcaGHV1 foi aproximadamente 7,74 vezes maior comparados às femeas. Os filhotes (1 ano) foram os menos acometidos pela infecção por FcaGHV1 sendo verificado uma proporção de 7.7% (4/52). Assim, gatos machos com mais de um ano de idade e infectados por FIV foram, consideravelmente, mais susceptíveis a serem infectados com FcaGHV1. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo que relata a ocorrência de infecção e detecção molecular de FcaGHV1 em gatos domésticos no Brasil e na América do Sul.(AU)

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) and coinfections with feline viral pathogens in domestic cats in Brazil / Ocorrência de Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) e coinfecções com patógenos virais felinos em gatos domésticos no Brasil

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) may causes an asymptomatic infection that result in an efficient transmission and subsequently dissemination of the virus in feline population. This study used molecular detection by qPCR (quantitative PCR) based on DNA polymerase gene fragment amplification to evaluate the occurrence of FcaGHV1 and its correlation with other feline viral pathogens, such as Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1), Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1), and feline retroviruses such as feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV). Of the 182 blood samples evaluated 23.6% (43/182) were positives for FcaGHV1. Approximately 37.9% (33/87) of the samples that tested positive for retrovirus were also were positive for FcaGHV1 infection (P 0.0001). Among FIV-infected samples, 49% (24/49) were positive for FcaGHV1 (P 0.0001). FcaGHV1 infection was not associated with FeLV (P>0.66) or CPPV-1 (P>0.46) coinfection. All samples were negative for FeHV-1. Male felines were significantly associated to FcaGHV1 (P 0.0001) and their risk of infection with FcaGHV1 was about of 7.74 times greater compared to females. Kittens ( 1year) were the least affected by FcaGHV1 infection, being verified a rate of 7.7% (4/52). Therefore, male cats over one year old and infected with FIV were considerably more likely to be infected with FcaGHV1. To our knowledge, this is the first study to report the occurrence and molecular detection of FcaGHV1 infection in domestic cats in Brazil and in South America.

Felis catus gammaherpesvirus 1 (FcaGHV1) pode causar uma infecção assintomática, que resulta em uma transmissão eficiente e consequente disseminação do virus na população felina. Este estudo utilizou a detecção molecular por qPCR (PCR quantitativa) baseado na amplificação de um fragmento do gene da DNA polimerase para avaliar a ocorrência de FcaGHV1, sendo correlacionado a outros patógenos virais felinos como Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPPV-1), Felid alphaherpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) e aos retrovírus felinos como vírus da imunodeficiência felina (FIV) e vírus da leucemia felina (FeLV). Das 182 amostras de sangue avaliadas, 23,6% (43/182) foram positivas para FcaGHV1. Aproximadamente 37,9% (33/87) das amostras positivas para retrovirus também foram positivas para FcaGHV1 (P 0,0001). Entre as amostras FIV-infectadas, 49% (24/49) foram positivas para FcaGHV1 (P 0,0001). A infecção por FcaGHV1 não foi associada à coinfecção por FeLV (P>0,66) e CPPV-1 (P>0,46). Todas as amostras foram negativas para FeHV-1. Felinos machos foram significativativamente associados à infecção por FcaHV1 (P 0,0001) e o risco de infecção com FcaGHV1 foi aproximadamente 7,74 vezes maior comparados às femeas. Os filhotes (1 ano) foram os menos acometidos pela infecção por FcaGHV1 sendo verificado uma proporção de 7.7% (4/52). Assim, gatos machos com mais de um ano de idade e infectados por FIV foram, consideravelmente, mais susceptíveis a serem infectados com FcaGHV1. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro estudo que relata a ocorrência de infecção e detecção molecular de FcaGHV1 em gatos domésticos no Brasil e na América do Sul.

Castleman disease. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of 39 cases. / Enfermedad de Castleman. Análisis histopatológico e inmunohistoquímico de treinta y nueve casos.

Introduction: Castleman disease (CD) is a rare lymphoproliferative that comprises two distinct clinical subtypes (unicentric and multicentric) and has two basic histopathology patterns that are hyaline-vascular (HV) and plasma-cell (PC) type. Some cases of multicentric PC disease are associated with HHV-8 infection. Objective: To present the histopathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of 39 cases of CD. Methods: A review of cases with the diagnosis CD from the files of the Department of Pathology of the ABC Medical Centre in Mexico City was performed. Thirty-nine cases of CD were identified, and a detailed paraffin immunophenotypic study of 9 of them was completed using desmin, cytokeratin OSCAR (CO) and Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), to evaluate the dendritic cell population. Results and Conclusions: Of the 39 cases of CD, 24 were HV and 15 CP. All HV cases were unicentric and only one case of CP was multicentric. The most frequent localization in both subtypes was in lymph nodes; 21/24 cases in HV and 15 cases of CP. All cases were immunostained with CD20 that was expressed in the germinal centers (CGs), CD3 in the paracortical zone, and CD21 in follicular dendritic cells (CDF) within CGs, with expansion towards the area of the hyperplastic mantle zone (only in the HV variant). One case of CD CP was positive for HHV-8. Of the nine cases (6 HV and 3 PC cases) that were detailed with IHC, we found EGFR expression in FDC in all but one of the 9 cases studied and desmin was positive in fibroblastic reticulum cells (FRC) in all, but one of the cases of CD. CO was positive FRC in 3 of 6 cases of HV type and all (3) of the PC type. Clinical, histopathological and HIV and HHV-8 status markers, allow for the classification of CD into groups with markedly different outcomes and disease associations.

Refractory pemphigus foliaceus associated with herpesvirus infection: case report.

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune disease characterized by blistering of the skin. Infections caused by members of the herpesviridae family have been suggested as a possible triggering factor for pemphigus vulgaris (PV), but not for PF. The present study aimed to investigate the presence of Human herpesvirus (types 1, 2, 3) in corticosteroid refractory skin lesions from a patient with PF, by a Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. The sample collected from cutaneous blisters has tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) after sequence analysis of the amplified viral genomic segment. The study concluded that when PF patients present corticosteroid or immunosuppressants refractory lesions, herpetic infection should be considered.

Elevated Serum PSA is Associated With Human Herpesvirus 8 Infection and Increased Circulating Cytokine Levels in Men From Tobago.

BACKGROUND: Serum-prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels have been used for many years as a biomarker for prostate cancer. This usage is under scrutiny due to the fact that elevated PSA levels can be caused by other conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia and infections of or injury to the prostate. As a result, the identification of specific pathogens capable of increasing serum levels of PSA is important. A potential candidate responsible for elevated PSA is human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8). We have reported previously that HHV-8 is capable of infecting and establishing a latent infection in the prostate. In this current study we test the hypothesis that HHV-8 infection is associated with elevated PSA levels. Circulating cytokine levels between men with elevated PSA and controls are also compared. METHODS: HHV-8 serostatus was determined among men with elevated serum PSA (≥4 ng/ml; n = 168, no prostate cancer on biopsy) and age-matched controls (PSA <4 ng/ml; n = 234), Circulating cytokine levels were determined among a subset of each group (116 with elevated PSA and 85 controls). RESULTS: Men with an elevated serum PSA were significantly more likely to be HHV-8 seropositive (42.9%) than the age-matched cancer-free men (22.2%; OR 2.51; 95%CI 1.48-4.29, P = 00001). Comparison of circulating cytokine levels between men with elevated serum PSA and controls indicated that elevated serum PSA is associated with a pro-inflammatory response with a mixed Th1/Th2 response while HHV-8 infection was associated with significantly higher levels of IL12p70, IL-10, and IL-13 indicating a Th2 immune response. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant association between HHV-8 infection and increased levels of serum PSA. In an age of patient-centered medicine, men with an elevated serum PSA should be considered for HHV-8 serology testing to determine if HHV-8 is responsible for the elevated PSA. Prostate 77: 617-624, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.