Microbiological evaluation of homemade mayonnaise and self-serve acai sold in Araguaína, Tocantins.

Foodborne diseases are common illnesses caused by the consumption of food contaminated with microorganisms, such as viruses, fungi, bacteria, and protozoa. Every year, 600 million people become ill and 420,000 people die as a result of consuming contaminated food. Therefore, food safety is an important issue. In this study, samples of homemade spiced mayonnaise and self-serve acai sold in the city of Araguaína, Tocantins, Brazil were analyzed for microbiological contaminants. Acai was collected from 10 stores, one sample from each store, and tested for mold, yeast, and coliforms, as well as coliform identification and total and thermotolerant coliform counts. Mayonnaise was collected from 20 snack bars, one sample from each. These samples were inoculated on MacConkey and Salmonella Shigella agar plates, and the plates were analyzed for growth. Salmonella spp. were detected in some Mayonnaise samples, and coliforms were detected in all acai samples; 60% of samples had thermotolerant coliforms, and only 40% were within the limits established by ANVISA. The collected samples of mayonnaise and acai were contaminated with molds and yeasts above the established limit of 103 CFU/g. Thus, the analyzed mayonnaise and acai samples were contaminated and unfit for consumption, demonstrating the importance of hygienic-sanitary measures in food handling.

Electron-phonon superconductivity in C-doped topological nodal-line semimetal Zr5Pt3: a muon spin rotation and relaxation (µSR) study.

In the present work, we demonstrate that C-doped Zr5Pt3is an electron-phonon superconductor (with critical temperatureTC= 3.8 K) with a nonsymmorphic topological Dirac nodal-line semimetal state, which we report here for the first time. The superconducting properties of Zr5Pt3C0.5have been investigated by means of magnetization, resistivity, specific heat, and muon spin rotation and relaxation (µSR) measurements. We find that at low temperatures, the depolarization rate is almost constant and it can be well described by a single-bands-wave model with a superconducting gap of 2Δ(0)/kBTC= 3.84, somewhat higher than the value of BCS theory. From the transverse field µSR analysis, we estimate the London penetration depthλL= 469 nm, superconducting carrier densityns= 1.83 × 1026 m-3, and effective massm* = 1.428me. The zero field µSR confirms the absence of any spontaneous magnetic field in the superconducting ground state. In order to gain additional insights into the electronic ground state of C-doped Zr5Pt3, we also performed first-principles calculations within the framework of density functional theory (DFT). The observed homogenous electronic character of the Fermi surface as well as the mutual decrease ofTCand density of states at the Fermi level are consistent with the experimental findings of this study. However, the band structure reveals the presence of robust, gapless fourfold-degenerate nodal lines protected by 63screw rotations and glide mirror planes. Therefore, Zr5Pt3represents a novel, unprecedented condensed matter system to investigate the intricate interplay between superconductivity and topology.

Tetanus vaccination in pregnant women: a systematic review and meta-analysis of the global literature.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the effect of several factors on the uptake of tetanus vaccination in pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis of the global literature. METHODS: The search strategy was carried out in the EMBASE and MEDLINE (Pubmed) databases, without language restrictions. The databases were searched from the beginning until May 2020. Fixed and random effect models were applied according to the methodological heterogeneity between the included studies. The I2 test was performed to assess the magnitude of the heterogeneity. The results were presented as a grouped odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) and a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The initial search strategy generated 14,349 original articles. In total, 31 studies met all inclusion criteria and 20 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The grouped and subgroup analyses showed a significant association between tetanus vaccination and the following factors: higher number of prenatal visits (OR: 2.00; 95% CI: 1.17-3.42), higher maternal age (OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.02-1.50), being single (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.20-1.65), professional vaccine guidance (OR: 9.00; 95% CI: 1.81-44.75) and uptake of influenza vaccine (OR: 5.87; 95% CI: 1.39-24.73). CONCLUSIONS: The uptake of tetanus vaccine in pregnant women is associated with various factors. The identification of these factors is an important step towards the implementation of public health strategies aimed at improving immunisation against tetanus in pregnant women.

Evidence for a pressure-induced antiferromagnetic quantum critical point in intermediate-valence UTe2.

UTe2 is a recently discovered unconventional superconductor that has attracted much interest because of its potentially spin-triplet topological superconductivity. Our ac calorimetry, electrical resistivity, and x-ray absorption study of UTe2 under applied pressure reveals key insights on the superconducting and magnetic states surrounding pressure-induced quantum criticality at P c1 = 1.3 GPa. First, our specific heat data at low pressures, combined with a phenomenological model, show that pressure alters the balance between two closely competing superconducting orders. Second, near 1.5 GPa, we detect two bulk transitions that trigger changes in the resistivity, which are consistent with antiferromagnetic order, rather than ferromagnetism. Third, the emergence of magnetism is accompanied by an increase in valence toward a U4+ (5f 2) state, which indicates that UTe2 exhibits intermediate valence at ambient pressure. Our results suggest that antiferromagnetic fluctuations may play a more substantial role on the superconducting state of UTe2 than previously thought.

Improved fertility in suckled beef cows ovulating large follicles or supplemented with long-acting progesterone after timed-AI.

We aimed to evaluate the effects and the interaction of size of the preovulatory follicle (POF) and long-acting progesterone (P4) supplementation after timed-AI on CL function and pregnancy success in beef cows. In experiment 1, ovulations of beef cows were synchronized starting on Day -10, and cows were split to receive sodium cloprostenol (large follicle group; LF; n = 31) or nothing (small follicle group; SF; n = 35). Ovulations were induced on Day 0, and cows were inseminated. Ovulated cows were assigned to receive placebo (LF/control group, n = 14; and SF/control group, n = 9) or 150 mg of long-acting P4 on Day 4.5 (LF/P4 group, n = 13; and SF/P4 group, n = 12). Diameter of POF, blood flow in POF wall, ovulation rate, and size and vascularization of CL were greater (P < 0.05) in LF group. In experiments 2 (unknown cyclic status) and 4 (noncycling), ovulations were synchronized, and beef cows received placebo or 150 mg of long-acting P4 on Day 4 after timed-artificial insemination. In experiment 2, pregnancy/AI (P/AI) did not differ (P > 0.1) between P4-treated (53.2%; 209/393) and control cows (56.2%; 219/390), but P/AI was greater in cows with a CL < 0.9 cm(2) on Day 4 that were P4-treated (57.9%, 22/38) versus placebo-treated (40.4%, 21/52; P < 0.05). In Experiment 4, P/AI was greater (P < 0.05) in P4-treated cows (55.6%, 105/189 vs. 46.0%, 86/187). In Experiment 3, cyclic-suckled beef cows were treated as described in Experiment 1 to generate animals with small (SF; n = 111) or large POF (LF; n = 109), and subdivided to receive placebo or P4 on Day 4. POF size, ovulation rate, CL area, and P/AI were greater (P < 0.007) in the LF group. Pregnancy/AI in ovulated cows were lower (P = 0.05) in the SF/control group (41.5%, 17/41) compared to LF/control group (62%, 31/50) and were similar for the SF/P4 group (55.6%, 25/45) and LF/P4 group (57%, 28/49) compared to others. In summary, smaller and less vascularized POF results in less functional CL and reduces ovulatory rate and P/AI in cyclic beef cows; the long-acting P4 injection on Day 4 after timed-artificial insemination may attenuate the negative effects of small POF/CL; and postovulatory P4 supplementation improved fertility in anestrous beef cattle.

Association of subgingival colonization of Candida albicans and other yeasts with severity of chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to analyze the relationship between the subgingival colonization by Candida albicans and other yeasts with the severity of chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: After sample size calculation, 40 patients with CP and 20 healthy subjects (HS) were included in the study. Cases of slight-moderate (MCP, n = 23) and severe CP (SCP, n = 17) were defined according to the Centers for Disease Control/American Association of Periodontology classification. Subgingival samples were acquired using sterile paper-points from the sulcus or the deepest periodontal pocket of each healthy and subject with CP, respectively, and were cultured aerobically on three selective media. Yeast colonies that grew on the surface of plates were later identified by biochemical reactions. Statistical tests were used to analyze the association between subgingival yeast colonization (number of yeast-positive individuals and colony forming units (CFU) per subject) and periodontal disease status, considering statistical significance when P < 0.05. RESULTS: Although several yeast species were found (C. parapisilosis, Rhodotorula sp., C. dubliniensis and C. tropicalis), only C. albicans was present in all the patients with yeast-positive CP. Twelve patients (30%) with CP presented yeasts in the subgingival biofilm while only three patients (15%) in the HS group were positive for these microorganisms. No statistical difference was found between the CP and HS groups (P = 0.084). However, when the CP group was divided on the basis of severity, statistical differences were observed between the SCP and MCP groups (47% vs. 17%, P = 0.043), and between the SCP and HS groups (47% vs. 15%, P = 0.033). No statistical difference was observed between the MCP and HS groups (17% vs. 15%, P = 0.832). High densities of yeasts were found only in patients with MCP and SCP (mean and range 61.25 (0-100) CFU/plate and mean and range 51 (0-101) CFU/plate, respectively). CONCLUSION: In this group of patients, subgingival colonization of some yeasts, especially C. albicans, was associated with the severity of CP.

Lip squamous cell carcinoma in a Brazilian population: epidemiological study and clinicopathological associations.

OBJECTIVES: It was evaluated epidemiological aspects of primary lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) and its associations with clinicopathological factors. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective, cross-sectional study analysed a socio-demographic, clinical, and morphological data of HNSCC in a Brazilian population (n=30). Data analysis included descriptive statistics and bivariate analyses using the chi-square and Fisher 's exact tests to compare the variables. RESULTS: The LSCC represented 10.8% of all oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma. Lip malignant disease was more prevalent in elderly men, with male-to-female ratio of 5:1. Lower lip was more affected. It was observed high rates of chronic solar exposure, and tobacco and alcohol drinking habits. Clinically, early TNM staging, small tumour lesions, and non-metastatic disease were predominant findings. It was identified a high frequency of well differentiated tumor samples. Worse Karnofsky performance status was associated with cervical metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings showed that LSCC patients exhibited similar epidemiological and clinical profiles as noted in other studies. Still, the occurrence of metastatic disease was associated with a worse physical performance status of the LSCC patients during diagnosis.

Immunotherapy with the saponin enriched-Leishmune vaccine versus immunochemotherapy in dogs with natural canine visceral leishmaniasis.

Leishmune, the first licensed vaccine for prophylaxis against canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) and is also immunotherapeutic when used with double saponin adjuvant concentration. The Leishmune therapeutic vaccine was assessed for immunotherapy (IT) in 31 infected dogs and for immunochemotherapy (ICT) in combination with allopurinol or amphotericinB/allopurinol, in 35 dogs. Compared to infected untreated control dogs, at month 3, both treatments increased the proportion of dogs showing intradermal response to Leishmania antigen to a similar extent (from 8 to 67%, in the IT and to 76%, in the ICT groups), and conversely reduced from 100 to 38% (IT) and to 18% (ICT) the proportion of symptomatic cases, from 54 to 12% (IT) and to 15% (ICT) the proportion of parasite evidence in lymph nodes and from 48 to 19% (IT) and 12% (ICT) the proportion of deaths, indicating that the immunotherapy with enriched-Leishmune vaccine promotes the control of the clinical and parasitological signs of CVL rendering most dogs asymptomatic although PCR positive. By month 8, negative lymph node PCR results were obtained in 80% of the ICT-treated dogs, but only in 33% of the IT group (p=0.0253), suggesting that the combination of additional chemotherapy with Leishmune-enriched saponin vaccination abolished, not only the symptoms but also the latent infection condition, curing the dogs. The animals were followed up until 4.5 years after the beginning of the experiment and, compared to the untreated control group at month 3 (12/25 dogs; 48%), a decrease in the rate of CVL deaths was only seen after ICT treatment (7/35 dogs; 20%; 0.0273) but not after IT treatment (10/31 dogs; 32%; p=0.278), pointing out an additional advantage of the ICT treatment with the enriched-Leishmune in the control and cure of CVL.

Analysis of 724 cases of primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) with a focus on young patients and p53 immunolocalization.

This study evaluated 724 primary head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) in young and old patients, with regard to clinical profile and immunohistochemical expression of p53 protein. Associations among age, epidemiological and clinicopathological parameters, and survival analysis were evaluated. HNSCC in young people occurred in 14.5% (median age 40.7years; male-to-female ratio 5.9:1). A statistical association was demonstrated between age and family history of cancer, and between age and anatomical site. Among older patients, a higher presence of disease was noted in posterior sites. Expression of p53 was found in 71.7% of the samples and a higher expression was noted in lesions of young patients. Survival analysis showed that the age parameter is not a reliable prognostic factor for HNSCC. Among young patients, cervical metastasis was associated with worse survival. The presence of a family history of cancer in young patients could indicate genetic susceptibility and molecular disturbances in the p53 pathway in HNSCC of young and older patients seem to be distinct.

Nucleoside hydrolase DNA vaccine against canine visceral leishmaniasis.

The Nucleoside Hydrolase (NH36) is the main marker of the FML complex of Leishmania donovani, antigen of the licensed Leishmune® vaccine for prophylaxis of canine visceral leishmaniasis. As a DNA vaccine in mice, it induces a TH1 immune response. We vaccinated mongrel dogs with the VR1012NH36 vaccine for prophylaxis and immunotherapy against a high dose Leishmania chagasi infection (7 x 108 infective amastigotes). The untreated controls developed more symptoms, higher parasite/lymphocyte ratio, smaller DTH reactions, lower proportions of NH36-specific CD4+ cells and sustained NH36-specific CD8+ cell counts than dogs of the prophylaxis group. In the immunotherapy treated group, enlarged DTH reactions, enhanced CD4+ and sustained CD8+ lymphocyte proportions were also detected, however, without reduction of symptoms or parasite/lymphocyte ratio, indicating that the vaccine was sufficiently potent to prevent but not to control the disease. Both treatments determined higher survival rates. Anti-FML antibodies increased in vaccinated and control dogs while anti-NH36 antibodies were only increased in vaccinees (p= 0.000). The parasite load of an untreated survivor control dog (638.05 parasites) felt outside the IC95% of that of vaccinated dogs (32.02, IC95% 9.45-64.59) suggesting that both vaccination treatments succeeded in reducing the Leishmania infective burden. Accordingly, an untreated control dog showed lower levels of IFN γ-ß, IL-2, IL4 but not IL-10 ß actin-relative quantification. We conclude that the VR1012-NH36 vaccine induces strong prophylactic protection and a milder immunotherapeutic effect against a high dose canine experimental infection with Leishmania chagasi.

Change in the ileal bacterial population of turkeys fed different diets and after infection with Salmonella as determined with denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis of amplified 16s ribosomal DNA.

Changes in ileal bacterial populations of Salmonella-infected turkeys fed different diets were analyzed by using 16S-V3 PCR denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Turkeys raised on litter flooring were fed wheat- and corn-based diets with and without enzyme preparations (XY1 and XY2, respectively) from 0 to 126 d. Preparation XY1 contained exclusively endoxylanase, whereas preparation XY2 contained endoxylanase, protease, and alpha-amylase (Danisco, , Wiltshire, UK). The dietary activity levels of XY1 and XY2 were 2,500 and 650 endo-1,4-beta-xylanase units/kg of feed, respectively. Microbial DNA was extracted from the ileal content of 16-wk-old turkeys, and the 16S rDNA gene was amplified by PCR and analyzed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis. Diversity indexes, including richness (number of species, S), evenness (relative distribution of species, EH), diversity (using Shannon's index, H'), and Sorenson's pairwise similarities coefficient (measures the species in common between different habitats, Cs) were calculated. Additionally, diversity indexes were associated with Salmonella prevalence determined from fresh fecal droppings collected from each pen. On the basis of contrast analysis, the wheat-based diets resulted in higher microbial diversity indexes than the corn-based diets (S = 10 vs. 12; EH = 0.9 vs. 0.8; H' = 2.2 vs. 1.9, P < 0.05). Likewise, enzyme supplementation stimulated growth of the microbiota and increased the diversity indexes in comparison with unsupplemented treatments (S = 13 vs. 10; EH = 0.9 vs. 0.8; H' = 2.2 vs. 1.9, P < 0.05). Salmonella prevalence was higher (P < 0.05) at 15 wk in turkeys fed the corn-based diet (Salmonella prevalence = 50%) than in turkeys fed the corn-enzyme (Salmonella prevalence = 13%) and wheat-based (Salmonella prevalence = 0%) dietary treatments. Therefore, contrast analysis showed that birds fed the corn control diet had lower microbiota diversity but higher Salmonella prevalence than birds fed the enzyme-supplemented and wheat-based diets. In contrast, birds fed the wheat-based diets had higher diversity but lower Salmonella prevalence than birds fed the corn-based diets. High dietary nonstarch polysaccharides from wheat and dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation promoted microbial community diversity and apparently discouraged Salmonella colonization through competitive exclusion. Nonstarch polysaccharides and dietary exogenous enzyme supplementation may be practical tools to control enteric pathogens and benefit the intestinal health and food safety of the birds.

Effects of a direct-fed microbial (primalac) on turkey poult performance and susceptibility to oral Salmonella challenge.

A study was conducted to determine 1) the effect of a dietary direct-fed microbial (DFM) on turkey poult performance, 2) the effect of a DFM on a Salmonella challenge, and 3) the effect of feed processing on the efficacy of the dietary DFM. Day-of-hatch Large White female poults were placed in 2 rooms in 2 Petersime batteries per room. Twelve pens of 7 birds each were used in each battery (24 pens per room, 336 birds total). One of 4 dietary feed treatments was assigned to each pen (6 pens per room for each diet). One room housed non-Salmonella-challenged poults, and the other room housed poults challenged with a 1-mL oral gavage of Salmonella (10(10) cfu/mL). A single batch of starter ration was split into 4 parts and used to provide 4 dietary treatments: 1) mash feed with no DFM (M), 2) mash feed with DFM (Primalac; 0.9 kg/tonne of feed, MD), 3) pelleted (20-s steam conditioning at 80 degrees C) and crumbled feed with no DFM (C), and 4) pelleted and crumbled feed with DFM (CD). Feed and deionized, distilled water were provided ad libitum. Data were collected and analyzed separately for each room. Mortality was recorded for each pen on a daily basis and totaled by week and for the 3-wk period. Individual BW and feed consumption, by pen, were measured weekly. Weekly and cumulative BW gains and feed to gain ratios (F:G) were calculated. Liver, spleen, total and lower intestinal tract weights, intestinal length, and most-probable-number Salmonella populations were determined for one randomly selected bird per pen. Feeding processed feed resulted in improved BW and F:G. Feeding the DFM improved 3-wk cumulative F:G in birds not gavaged and reduced relative intestinal weight in birds gavaged. Salmonella populations were reduced 1 log by feeding DFM. Dietary DFM improved bird performance, reduced Salmonella populations, and was not affected by feed processing.

Influence of housing system, grain type, and particle size on Salmonella colonization and shedding of broilers fed triticale or corn-soybean meal diets.

Salmonella colonization in poultry may be influenced by grain type and particle size. Broilers reared either in nonlitter cage-based housing or in a conventionally floored litter house from 0 to 42 d were assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: 1) ground corn-soybean meal (C, 560 microm), 2) coarsely ground corn-soybean meal (CC, >1,700 microm), 3) ground triticale-soybean meal (T, 560 microm), or 4) whole triticale-soybean meal (WT). A 4-strain cocktail of Salmonella enterica was orally gavaged into each chick at placement. Growth performance, cecal and fecal Salmonella populations, gizzard and proventriculus pH, intestinal size, jejunum histomorphometry, and carcass yields were measured. Broilers responded differently to the dietary treatments according to the housing system used. At 42 d, birds reared on litter and fed ground grain had greater BW than those fed coarse grain (2.87 vs. 2.71 kg), whereas cage-reared broilers fed ground triticale were heavier than those fed corn (2.75 vs. 2.64 kg). Broilers raised on litter had a better feed conversion ratio than those raised in cages (1.71 vs. 1.81 g/g). Independent of the housing system, relative eviscerated carcass weights of birds fed T and C were heavier than those of CC- and WT-fed broilers (762 vs. 752 g/kg). Generally, the jejunum villus area and mucosal depth were larger, whereas the small intestine was lighter and shorter in broilers raised on litter. Relative gizzard weights of broilers raised on litter and fed the coarser diets were heavier than those of broilers reared in cages and fed finely ground diets. Feeding whole or coarsely ground grains decreased cecal Salmonella populations in 42-d-old broilers (3.8, 3.9, 4.4, and 4.4 log most probable number/g for CC, WT, C, and T, respectively). Additionally, 42-d-old broilers reared on litter had lower cecal Salmonella populations than those in cages (3.8 vs. 4.4 log most probable number/g). In conclusion, as a feed ingredient, triticale is a good alternative to corn, resulting in improved BW and reduced Salmonella colonization. Broilers raised on litter may have achieved lower cecal Salmonella populations than caged birds because access to litter may have modulated the intestinal microflora by increasing competitive exclusion microorganisms, which discouraged Salmonella colonization.

Genotypes, serotypes, and antibiotic resistance profiles of Salmonella isolated from commercial North Carolina turkey farms.

This study was designed to determine the serotypes, genotypes, and antibiotic resistance (AbR) patterns of 42 Salmonella isolates recovered from either fecal or litter samples of 12 commercial turkey farms across two seasons (summer and winter) and two ages (3 and 19 weeks). Isolates were serotyped on the basis of the Kauffmann-White scheme. Genotyping was done by restriction digestion of cDNA (XbaI) and subsequent pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE). The AbR was determined with Sensititre susceptibility plates. Serovar Kentucky was the most prevalent serotype (26%), followed by Senftenberg (19%), Muenster (17%), Mbandaka (10%), Javiana (7%), Hadar (5%), Heidelberg (5%), 8,(20):nonmotile (5%), Agona (2%), Infantis (2%), and 4,12:r:-(2%). Serovars Kentucky, Heidelberg, Hadar, and 8,(20):nonmotile were isolated only from the 19-week-old bird samples, whereas Senftenberg and Muenster were isolated only from the young birds (3 weeks old). Isolates within any one serotype showed minor PFGE banding pattern differences, but dendogram analysis indicated that sequence variability between serotypes was more significant than within serotypes. Isolates were resistant to tetracycline (86%), sulfisoxazole (71%), streptomycin (64%), gentamicin (41%), ampicillin (36%), kanamycin (26%), sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (7%), nalidixic acid (5%), cefoxitin (2%), and ceftiofur (2%). One isolate (Muenster) was resistant to nine antibiotics (2%), and the others were resistant to six (7%), five (12%), four (10%), three (21%), two (24%), and one (10%) antibiotic. Only two isolates (5%) were susceptible to all antibiotics tested. The AbR patterns were affected by age; on average, strains recovered from young birds were resistant to more than four drugs compared with fewer than three in older birds (P < 0.05). This study showed that Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotypes, genotypes and AbR patterns were affected by bird age but not by season or farm.

Salmonella populations and prevalence in layer feces from commercial high-rise houses and characterization of the Salmonella isolates by serotyping, antibiotic resistance analysis, and pulsed field gel electrophoresis.

Salmonella species are recognized as a major cause of foodborne illnesses that are closely associated with the consumption of contaminated poultry and egg products. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the Salmonella populations and prevalence in layer feces during the laying cycle and molting of the hen and to characterize the layer fecal Salmonella isolates by serotyping, antibiotic resistance analysis, and pulsed field gel electrophoresis. Fecal samples were collected from a commercial layer complex consisting of 12 houses. Composite fecal samples across each row were collected as a function of bird age [18 wk (at placement), 25 to 28 wk (first peak of production cycle), 66 to 74 wk (molting), and 75 to 78 wk (second peak of production cycle)]. Bird ages and molting practice did not significantly affect (P > 0.05) Salmonella populations with an average of 1.25, 1.27, 1.20, and 1.14 log most probable number/g for the 18-, 25- to 28-, 66- to 74-, and 75- to 7-wk birds, respectively. However, the 18-wk birds had the highest prevalence of Salmonella (55.6%), followed by the 25- to 28-wk birds (41.7%), 75- to 78-wk birds (16.7%), and 66- to 74-wk birds (5.5%). Of the 45 Salmonella isolates characterized, the most predominant serovar was Salmonella Kentucky (62%). Thirty-five percent of the Salmonella isolates were resistant to at least 1 antibiotic. As expected, considerable genetic diversity was observed within and across the different serovars.

Dengue virus surveillance: the co-circulation of DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3 in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

This study presents the results obtained in the monitoring of dengue virus (DENV) transmission in the Greater Metropolitan Region of the State of Rio de Janeiro, in the period 2000-2001. A total of 5324 serum samples from suspected cases of dengue were analysed in order to confirm dengue infection. The introduction of DENV-3 to the region in December 2000 resulted in the co-circulation of three serotypes: DENV-1, DENV-2 and DENV-3. In this study, virus isolation and/or reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) confirmed 52.3% (42/79) of DENV-3 cases, showing the importance of acute serum samples in the virological surveillance of the disease. Despite the introduction of a new serotype, an outbreak due to DENV-1 was observed in the municipality of Niteroi. The restriction site-specific PCR (RSS-PCR) patterns obtained for DENV-1 and DENV-2 isolated in that period showed that those strains belonged to the subtypes previously circulating in the state. DENV-3 RSS-PCR patterns confirmed that these viruses belonged to subtype C (Sri Lanka/India strains), represented by the strain circulating on the American continent. These data showed the importance of an active surveillance programme in countries where dengue is endemic.

Genetic characterization of dengue virus type 3 isolates in the State of Rio de Janeiro, 2001.

The genetic characterization of dengue virus type 3 (DEN-3) strains isolated from autochthonous cases in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2001 is presented. Restriction site-specific (RSS)-PCR performed on 22 strains classified the Brazilian DEN-3 viruses as subtype C, a subtype that contains viruses from Sri Lanka, India, Africa and recent isolates from Central America. Nucleic acid sequencing (positions 278 to 2550) of one DEN-3 strain confirmed the origin of these strains, since genotype III - classified by sequencing - and RSS-PCR subtype C are correlated. This genetic subtype has been associated with hemorrhagic dengue epidemics and the information provided here could be useful to implement appropriate prevention and control measures.

Genetic characterization of dengue virus type 3 isolates in the State of Rio de Janeiro, 2001

The genetic characterization of dengue virus type 3 (DEN-3) strains isolated from autochthonous cases in the State of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2001 is presented. Restriction site-specific (RSS)-PCR performed on 22 strains classified the Brazilian DEN-3 viruses as subtype C, a subtype that contains viruses from Sri Lanka, India, Africa and recent isolates from Central America. Nucleic acid sequencing (positions 278 to 2550) of one DEN-3 strain confirmed the origin of these strains, since genotype III - classified by sequencing - and RSS-PCR subtype C are correlated. This genetic subtype has been associated with hemorrhagic dengue epidemics and the information provided here could be useful to implement appropriate prevention and control measures

Rapid subtyping of dengue virus serotypes 1 and 4 by restriction site-specific PCR.

We previously reported a simple subtyping method, restriction site-specific PCR (RSS-PCR), for dengue virus serotypes 2 and 3; here we describe its application for subtyping dengue virus serotypes 1 and 4. Three major RSS-PCR types were observed for dengue virus serotype 1 and two types were observed for dengue virus serotype 4, in agreement with previous strain classifications based on sequence analysis. Because of its simplicity, this method is amenable to rapid subtyping and application to epidemiological studies of dengue in countries where dengue is endemic.

Evaluation of an IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for dengue diagnosis.

BACKGROUND: The hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test has been one of the standards, with the IgM antibody capture ELISA (MAC-ELISA), for the diagnosis of dengue virus infections. The spread of dengue throughout the world and the increasing number of cases to be tested makes an ELISA-format test for IgG antibodies to replace the HI test highly desirable. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the use of the IgG-ELISA as a substitute for the HI test in dengue diagnosis. STUDY DESIGN: Paired serum samples defined as being from primary or secondary dengue virus infections by HI, were tested by an ELISA that detects IgG antibodies. The correlations of titers and serologic interpretations between these two tests were examined. RESULTS: The IgG-ELISA showed a low correlation with the HI in primary infections, and a higher correlation in secondary infections because of the influence of IgM antibodies in the HI test. Nevertheless, IgG ELISA titers could be reliably associated with primary or secondary infections when analyzed by days after onset of symptoms, and can be used to characterize the immune response after flavivirus infections. CONCLUSION: The combination of the IgM and IgG ELISAs may be used to serologically diagnose dengue virus infections, since the IgG ELISA can substitute for the HI test in characterizing the immune response to dengue virus infections.