SARS-CoV-2 and dialysis: humoral response, clinical and laboratory impacts before vaccination.

BACKGROUND: Patients with kidney disease on Hemodialysis (HD) are susceptible to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) due to multiple risk factors. AIM: This study aims to report the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among patients on hemodialysis before vaccination in Brazil and to compare with clinical, demographic, and laboratory data. METHODS: Blood samples from 398 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients treated in three different private institutions in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil were submitted to the total anti-SARS-CoV-2 testing. Kidney, liver, and hematological markers were also determined. Respiratory samples were tested by real-time PCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and positive samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing on the MinION device. RESULTS: Overall, anti-SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 54.5 % (217/398) and two individuals had SARS-CoV-2 RNA with variant B.1.1. High anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was found in male gender and those with hospital admission in the last 3-months before the inclusion in the study. Lower red blood cell count was observed in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositive group. High levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 were found in those who reported symptoms, had low levels of eosinophils and low hematocrit, and who practiced physical activity. CONCLUSION: High prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was found in CKD patients before the universal immunization in Brazil suggesting that dialysis patients were highly exposed to SARS-CoV-2.

Metalloproteinases in Restorative Dentistry: An In Silico Study toward an Ideal Animal Model.

In dentistry, various animal models are used to evaluate adhesive systems, dental caries and periodontal diseases. Metalloproteinases (MMPs) are enzymes that degrade collagen in the dentin matrix and are categorized in over 20 different classes. Collagenases and gelatinases are intrinsic constituents of the human dentin organic matrix fibrillar network and are the most abundant MMPs in this tissue. Understanding such enzymes' action on dentin is important in the development of approaches that could reduce dentin degradation and provide restorative procedures with extended longevity. This in silico study is based on dentistry's most used animal models and intends to search for the most suitable, evolutionarily close to Homo sapiens. We were able to retrieve 176,077 mammalian MMP sequences from the UniProt database. These sequences were manually curated through a three-step process. After such, the remaining 3178 sequences were aligned in a multifasta file and phylogenetically reconstructed using the maximum likelihood method. Our study inferred that the animal models most evolutionarily related to Homo sapiens were Orcytolagus cuniculus (MMP-1 and MMP-8), Canis lupus (MMP-13), Rattus norvegicus (MMP-2) and Orcytolagus cuniculus (MMP-9). Further research will be needed for the biological validation of our findings.

Glanders Diagnosis in an Asymptomatic Mare from Brazil: Insights from Serology, Microbiological Culture, Mass Spectrometry, and Genome Sequencing.

This manuscript elucidates the occurrence of glanders in an asymptomatic mare from Brazil presenting positive Burkholderia mallei antibody titers. The diagnosis was established through a multi-pronged approach encompassing microbiological culture, mass spectrometry, and genome sequencing. The outbreak occurred in 2019 in Tatuí, São Paulo, Brazil, and the infected mare, despite displaying no clinical symptoms, had multiple miliary lesions in the liver, as well as intense catarrhal discharge in the trachea. Samples were collected from various organs and subjected to bacterial isolation, molecular detection, and identification. The strain was identified as B. mallei using PCR and confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Whole-genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 5.51 Mb with a GC content of 65.8%, 5871 genes (including 4 rRNA and 53 tRNA genes), and 5583 coding DNA sequences (CDSs). Additionally, 227 predicted pseudogenes were detected. In silico analysis of different genomic loci that allow for differentiation with Burkholderia pseudomallei confirmed the identity of the isolate as B. mallei, in addition to the characteristic genome size. The BAC 86/19 strain was identified as lineage 3, sublineage 2, which includes other strains from Brazil, India, and Iran. The genome sequencing of this strain provides valuable information that can be used to better understand the pathogen and its epidemiology, as well as to develop diagnostic tools for glanders.

RT-LAMP Multicenter Study for SARS-CoV-2 Genome Molecular Detection in Brazilian Swab and Saliva Samples.

Reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) is a rapid method that can replace RT-qPCR. A simple molecular assay for SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection in gold-standard diagnosis through swabs and alternative specimens such as saliva could be helpful in promoting genomic surveillance. A multicenter study was conducted to evaluate the RT-LAMP assay method as an alternative for the molecular detection of SARS-CoV-2 lineages in swab and saliva samples. A total of 350 swabs from individuals with (n = 276) or without (n = 74) COVID-19 tested by RT-qPCR were collected. Paired saliva was also collected from 90 individuals who had SARS-CoV-2 RNA that was detectable (n = 30) or undetectable (n = 60) via RT-qPCR. For the RT-LAMP methodology, six primers were used for ORF1 gene amplification. As for SARS-CoV-2 genotyping, 39 swabs had the whole genome sequenced by MinION. The sensitivity of RT-LAMP to the swab was 90.2%. For the swab samples with Ct ≤ 30, the sensitivity improved by 96%. Considering saliva with Ct ≤ 30 in RT-qPCR testing, the RT-LAMP sensitivity was 100%. The RT-LAMP specificity was 100% for both the swab and saliva samples. This RT-LAMP assay was capable of detecting all the SARS-CoV-2 lineages circulating in the Brazilian swab samples. The RT-LAMP method has significant potential for use in clinical routines since it was capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 RNA in swab and saliva samples.

Characterisation of Neisseria meningitidis cc11/ET-15 variant by whole genome sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Neisseria meningitidis strains belonging to clonal complex 11 is the cause of numerous outbreaks and epidemics in the United States, Canada and Europe, accounting for 49.5% of cases of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup C worldwide. In Brazil, it is the second most frequent clonal complex within this serogroup. The genetic characterisation of cc11/ET-15 variants is important for the epidemiological monitoring of meningococcal disease, through the identification of circulating epidemic clones, to support specific actions of Health Surveillance aiming outbreaks control. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to identify features in the genome of cc11/ET-15 clones through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), that differ from cc11/non-ET-15 strains that could explain their virulence. METHODS: The whole genome of three cc11/ET-15 representative strains were sequenced with a minimum coverage of 100X with the MiSeq System and compared to the genome of cc11/non-ET-15 strains. RESULTS: Genome analysis of cc11/ET-15 variants showed the presence of resistance factors, mobile genetic elements and virulence factors not found in cc11/non-ET-15 strains. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that these strains carry virulence factors not identified in cc11/non-ET-15 strains, which could explain the high lethality rates attributed to this clone worldwide.

Characteristics of COVID-19 Infection in a Hospitalized Autoimmune Hepatitis Patient.

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a major public health worldwide. Hepatic dysfunction has been seen in patients with COVID-19 and could be related to a viral cytopathic effect, an exacerbated immune reaction, or drug-induced liver damage. Currently, routine modification of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection remains an important topic to be discussed. However, there is little evidence about this thematic to support any recommendation. Here, we described a case report in which the use of an immunosuppressive drug by a patient with diagnosed AIH might have influenced the COVID-19 clinical course with altered laboratory hematological and biochemical parameters during infection.

Characterisation of Neisseria meningitidis cc11/ET-15 variant by whole genome sequencing

BACKGROUND Neisseria meningitidis strains belonging to clonal complex 11 is the cause of numerous outbreaks and epidemics in the United States, Canada and Europe, accounting for 49.5% of cases of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup C worldwide. In Brazil, it is the second most frequent clonal complex within this serogroup. The genetic characterisation of cc11/ET-15 variants is important for the epidemiological monitoring of meningococcal disease, through the identification of circulating epidemic clones, to support specific actions of Health Surveillance aiming outbreaks control. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to identify features in the genome of cc11/ET-15 clones through whole-genome sequencing (WGS), that differ from cc11/non-ET-15 strains that could explain their virulence. METHODS The whole genome of three cc11/ET-15 representative strains were sequenced with a minimum coverage of 100X with the MiSeq System and compared to the genome of cc11/non-ET-15 strains. RESULTS Genome analysis of cc11/ET-15 variants showed the presence of resistance factors, mobile genetic elements and virulence factors not found in cc11/non-ET-15 strains. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results show that these strains carry virulence factors not identified in cc11/non-ET-15 strains, which could explain the high lethality rates attributed to this clone worldwide.

Aporé virus, a novel mammarenavirus (Bunyavirales: Arenaviridae) related to highly pathogenic virus from South America.

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the Aporé virus (Bunyavirales: Arenaviridae), obtained from a wild rodent Oligoryzomys mattogrossae captured in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. The genome of this virus showed strong similarity to highly pathogenic mammarenavirus from South America.

Aporé virus, a novel mammarenavirus (Bunyavirales: Arenaviridae) related to highly pathogenic virus from South America

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of the Aporé virus (Bunyavirales: Arenaviridae), obtained from a wild rodent Oligoryzomys mattogrossae captured in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. The genome of this virus showed strong similarity to highly pathogenic mammarenavirus from South America.

The seroprevalence of equine trypanosomosis in the Pantanal

Since little information is available on the epizootiological status of Trypanosoma evansi in South America and particularly Brazil, we evaluated equine serum samples collected in 1993, 1994, 1995 and 1997 for the presence of antibodies against this trypanosome species. Our study shows corroborative evidence about the correlation among high T. evansi seroprevalence and the rainy season in the Pantanal, Brazil. The higher seroprevalence was 79.2 (por cento) in horses from a ranch located in the Nhecolândia sub-region in 1994 and the lower 5.8 (por cento) in animals from the same ranch in 1997. No seroprevalence was found in 1993. The possible re-introduction of T. evansi in the region as well as the relationship among our results with the outbreaks reported in 1994, are briefly discussed.

Estimated financial impact of Trypanosoma vivax on the Brazilian Pantanal and Bolivian Lowlands

The financial impact of the first outbreak of Trypanosoma vivax in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland is estimated. Results are extended to include oubreaks in the Bolivian Lowlands providing a notion of the potential influence of the disease and an anlytical basis. More than 11 million head of cattle, valued at more than US$ 3 billion are found in the Brazilian Pantanal and Bolivian lowlands. The total estimated cost of the 1995 outbreak of T. vivax is the sum of the present values of mortality, abortion, and productivity losses and treatment costs, or about 4 (por cento) of total brood cow value on affected ranches. Had the outbrak gone untreated, the estimated losses would have exceeded 17 (por cento) of total brood cow value.

Pathogenesis of Trypanosoma evansi infection in dogs and horses: hematological and clinical aspects / Patogênese da infecção pelo Trypanosoma evansi em cães e cavalos: aspectos hematológicos e clínicos

Trypanosoma evansi caused severe anemia in horses and pronounced leukopenia in dogs, both naturally infected. The horses presented microcytic normochromic anemia and the dogs showed microcytic hypochromic anemia. The clinical signs observed were fever, anemia, edema of the legs and lower parts, weakness and inappetence. Light microscopic studies demonstrated that Trypanosoma evansi produced several alterations in erythrocytes of dogs and horses. These pathologic changes included vacuolation, acanthocytes, dacrocytes, codocytes, microspherocytes and bizarre shapes. Mature erythrocyte were observed adhered to trypanosomes. Erythrophagocytosis was also demonstred.

Trypanosoma evansi produziu severa anemia em cavalos e pronunciada leucopenia em cães, ambos naturalmente infectados. Os cavalos apresentaram anemia microcítica normocrômica e os cães desenvolveram uma anemia microcítica hipocrômica. Os sinais clínicos foram febre, anemia, edema das pernas e porções inferiores, fraqueza e inapetência. Estudos com microscopia ótica demonstraram que o Trypanosoma evansi produziu várias alterações nos eritrócitos dos cães e cavalos. Estas alterações patológicas incluíram vacuolação, acantócitos, dacrócitos, codócitos, microesferócitos e formas bizarras. Eritrócitos maduros foram observados aderidos a tripanosomas. Eritrofagocitose foi também observada.