Evaluation of Mastadenovirus and Rotavirus Presence in Phyllostomid, Vespertilionid, and Molossid Bats Captured in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil.

Bat-borne viruses may affect public health and the global economy. These mammals have a wide geographical distribution and unique biological, physiological, and immunogenic characteristics, allowing the dissemination of many known and unknown viruses. Enteric viruses, such as adeno (AdV) and rotaviruses, are recognized as the main causative agents of disease and outbreaks. In the present study, the presence of viruses from Adenoviridae and Reoviridae families was evaluated in molossid, phyllostomid, and vespertilionid bats captured in Rio Grande do Sul, Southern Brazil, between September 2021 and July 2022. Sixty bat rectal swabs were analyzed by PCR. Eight (13.3%) samples were positive for adenovirus and classified as human mastadenovirus C (HAdV-C) (three samples) and HAdV-E (five samples) by sequencing followed by phylogenetic analysis. All samples were negative in rotavirus specific RT-PCR. This is the first study to describe the presence of HAdV in samples of Glossophaga soricina, Eptesicus brasiliensis, and Histiotus velatus. Furthermore, the presence of HAdV-E in bats was reported, which is unusual and may suggest that other HAdV genotypes, in addition to HAdV-C, may also be harbored by wild animals. The data generated in the present study reinforces the importance of eco-surveillance of viral agents related to diseases in humans and wild animals. In addition, it is essential to identify possible new hosts or reservoirs that increase the risk of spillover and dissemination of infectious pathogens, helping to prevent and control zoonotic diseases.

Caenorhabditis elegans as a suitable model to evaluate the toxicity of water from Rolante River, southern Brazil.

Urbanization and agricultural activities increased environmental contaminants. Integrated analysis of water parameters and bioassays represents an essential approach to evaluating aquatic resource quality. This study aimed to assess water quality by microbiological and physicochemical parameters as well as the toxicological effects of water samples on the Ames test and Caenorhabditis elegans model. Samples were collected during (collection 1) and after (collection 2) pesticide application in the upper (S1), middle (S2), and lower (S3) sections of the Rolante River, southern Brazil. Metals were determined by GFAAS and pesticides by UPLC-MS/MS. Bioassays using the Ames test and the nematode C. elegans were performed. Levels of microbiological parameters, as well as Mn and Cu were higher than the maximum allowed limits established by legislation in collection 2 compared to collection 1. The presence of pesticide was observed in both collections; higher levels were found in collection 1. No mutagenic effect was detected. Significant inhibition of body length of C. elegans was found in collection 1 at S2 (P < 0.001) and S3 (P < 0.001) and in collection 2 at S2 (P = 0.004). Comparing the same sampling site between collections, a significant difference was found between the site of collection (F(3,6)=8.75, P = 0.01) and the time of collection (F(1,2)=28.61, P = 0.03), for the S2 and S3 samples. C. elegans model was useful for assessing surface water quality/toxicity. Results suggest that an integrated analysis for the surface water status could be beneficial for future approaches.

HIV-1 genetic diversity and transmitted drug resistance to integrase strand transfer inhibitors among recently diagnosed adults in Porto Alegre, South Brazil.

OBJECTIVES: The HIV-1 genetic diversity and the presence of transmitted drug resistance mutations (TDRMs) against integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) were assessed sequencing samples of antiretroviral (ARV)-naive HIV-1-infected individuals from South Brazil. METHODS: Viral RNA from 42 ART-naive individuals was submitted to complete HIV-1 integrase gene amplification by RT-PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: Viral strains carrying TDRMs against INSTIs were not detected in the present study. However, the polymorphisms L74M and L74I were each observed in 4.8% of the individuals. These accessory mutations have been reported as putative causes of TDRMs in ART with raltegravir, but only when associated with additional major mutations. When submitted to HIV-1 subtyping, 50% were classified as subtype C, 21% as recombinant BC, 19% as subtype B, 4.8% as subtype F1 and 4.8% as recombinant CF1. CONCLUSIONS: All 42 ARV-naive individuals were apparently susceptible to INSTIs, included in the Brazilian therapeutic guideline since 2009. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate TDRMs against INSTIs in Brazil. The most prevalent HIV-1 subtypes were subtype C, followed by the recombinant BC and subtype B, which is in agreement with previous studies. However, the presence of subtype F1 and recombinant CF1 reported herein was not observed in previous studies.

Detection of human Mastadenovirus C in wild guinea pigs (Cavia aperea aperea) feces.

The Adenoviridae family is composed by a high diversity of viruses that are extremely resistant in environment and are frequently excreted in animal reservoir feces for long periods. The knowledge of adenovirus (AdV) diversity among wild species may be important for the understanding of the epidemiology of putative emerging diseases. Cavia aperea aperea, commonly known as wild guinea pigs, wild cavies, or preas, are small herbivorous rodents widely distributed throughout South America and classified in Caviidae family, as well as domestic guinea pigs and capybaras. In order to investigate their potential role as reservoir of zoonotic agents, the present study aimed to verify the presence of AdV in fecal samples of 14 preas from Northeast Brazil. When submitted to nested PCR, two out of 14 samples (14.28%) were positive for AdV and classified as human Mastadenovirus C (HAdV-C) using DNA sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Wild guinea pigs are synanthropic rodents that live in close contact with humans. The investigation of viral agents in rodents is important due to their potential role as reservoirs of human and animal pathogens. Moreover, the present work presents the first known evidence of HAdV in wild guinea pig stool samples, which may represent both the impact of anthropogenic pollution to wild animals and an important knowledge in terms of human health.

Predominance of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 (Gamma) lineage inducing the recent COVID-19 wave in southern Brazil and the finding of an additional S: D614A mutation.

Recently, the highest wave of SARS-CoV-2 epidemic occurred since the beginning of the pandemic in Brazil was registered in Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Southern Brazil, considering the number of cases, deaths and hospitalization per day caused by COVID-19. In this study we described which lineages were circulating in the first quarter of 2021 in Southern Brazil to better understand the viral factors involved in the health crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2 in the region, searching also for possible additional SARS-CoV-2 sequence mutations. A total of 70 positive SARS-CoV-2 samples collected between January 28th, 2021 until April 23rd, 2021, were selected to sequencing. Whole genome sequencing of 70 SARS-CoV-2 samples showed a predominance of Gamma lineage (67%, 47/70), followed by P.2 lineage (27%, 19/70) and B.1.1.28 (6%, 4/70). Two Gamma lineage consensus sequences presented a new S:D614A mutation. Newly mutations could be emerging due the quick SARS-CoV-2 spreading. Thus, the greater understanding about immune protection and variants vigilance is essential to the better management of the health SARS-CoV-2 crisis.

Reinfection cases by closely related SARS-CoV-2 lineages in Southern Brazil.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic that started in late 2019 and still affects people's lives all over the world. Lack of protective immunity after primary infection has been involved with reported reinfection cases by SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we described two cases of reinfection caused by non-VOC (Variants of Concern) strains in southern Brazil, being one patient a healthcare worker. The four samples previously positive for SARS-CoV-2 by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were sequenced by a high-performance platform and the genomic analysis confirmed that lineages responsible for infections were B.1.91 and B.1.1.33 (patient 1), and B.1.1.33 and B.1.1.28 (patient 2). The interval between the two positive RT-qPCR for patients 1 and 2 was 45 and 61 days, respectively. This data shows that patients may be reinfected even by very closely related SARS-CoV-2 lineages.

Early detection of SARS-CoV-2 P.1 variant in Southern Brazil and reinfection of the same patient by P.2.

Multiple variants of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus 2 virus (SARS-CoV-2) have been constantly reported across the world. The B.1.1.28 lineage has been evolving in Brazil since February 2020 and originated the P.1 variant of concern (VOC), recently named as the Gamma variant by the newly WHO nomenclature proposal, and P.2 as a variant of interest (VOI). Here we describe an early case of P.1 primary infection in Southern Brazil in late November 2020, soon after the emergence of the variant in Manaus, Northern Brazil. The same male patient was reinfected by another B.1.1.28 variant, namely P.2, in March, 2021. The genomic analysis confirmed genetically significant differences between the two viruses recovered in both infections, the P.1 lineage in the first episode and P.2 in the reinfection. Due the very early detection of P.1, we have also investigated the circulation of P.1 in the same region by differential RT-qPCR, showing that this was an isolated case of P.1 at the time of detection, and this variant has disseminated and became prominent from late January to the end of March, 2021. SARS-CoV-2 recent reports of reinfection have raised critical questions on whether and how well a first infection protects against reinfection.

Pervasive transmission of E484K and emergence of VUI-NP13L with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection events by two different lineages in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Emergence of novel SARS-CoV-2 lineages are under the spotlight of the media, scientific community and governments. Recent reports of novel variants in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil (B.1.1.28-E484K) have raised intense interest because of a possible higher transmission rate or resistance to the novel vaccines. Nevertheless, the spread of B.1.1.28 (E484K) and other variants in Brazil is still unknown. In this work, we investigated the population structure and genomic complexity of SARS-CoV-2 in Rio Grande do Sul, the southernmost state in Brazil. Most samples sequenced belonged to the B.1.1.28 (E484K) lineage, demonstrating its widespread dispersion. We were the first to identify two independent events of co-infection caused by the occurrence of B.1.1.28 (E484K) with either B.1.1.248 or B.1.91 lineages. Also, clustering analysis revealed the occurrence of a novel cluster of samples circulating in the state (named VUI-NP13L) characterized by 12 lineage-defining mutations. In light of the evidence for E484K dispersion, co-infection and emergence of VUI-NP13 L in Rio Grande do Sul, we reaffirm the importance of establishing strict and effective social distancing measures to counter the spread of potentially more hazardous SARS-CoV-2 strains.

Soil contamination of a public park by human and canine mastadenovirus, as well as hookworms and Toxocara spp eggs.

Public parks are leisure environments widely used by both, adults and children, often accompained by their pets. Soil contamination of these environments by enteric viruses and intestinal parasites occurs through these animals feces. The aim of this work was to detect Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 (CPV-1) and different species of Mastadenovirus in soils samples from a park located in a medium-sized city in Brazil and evaluate the presence of helminth eggs and larvae in 18 points of a public park soil samples, as well as feces found on this site during six months. Parasitological analyzes were conducted through flotation and sedimentation techniques, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for viral detection. Of the 216 soil and 16 feces samples, 49% (106/216) and 12% (2/16) were positivefor nematodes larvae, respectively, through sedimentation techniques. Toxocara spp eggs were found in one soil sample and one feces sample, Trichuris spp eggs were found in only one feces sample and Hookworms eggs were found in four soil samples. After reconstruction work in the streets near the park, 30% (64/216) of the samples were positive for Human Mastadenovirus C (HAdV-C), 1.4% (3/216) for HAdV-E and 0.4% (1/216) for Canine Mastadenovirus A (CAdV-A). The parasitic forms found in this study have demonstrated that the contamination of the park's soil pose a threat to human and animal health. This was the first study to report the presence of HAdVs and CAdVs in soil samples.