First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

First confirmation of importation and transmission in Spain of the newly identified SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant.

INTRODUCTION: A newly identified SARS-CoV-2 variant, VOC202012/01 originating lineage B.1.1.7, recently emerged in the United Kingdom. The rapid spread in the UK of this new variant has caused other countries to be vigilant. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We based our initial screening of B.1.1.7 on the dropout of the S gene signal in the TaqPath assay, caused by the 69/70 deletion. Subsequently, we confirmed the B.1.1.7 candidates by whole genome sequencing. RESULTS: We describe the first three imported cases of this variant from London to Madrid, subsequent post-arrival household transmission to three relatives, and the two first cases without epidemiological links to UK. One case required hospitalization. In all cases, drop-out of gene S was correctly associated to the B.1.1.7 variant, as all the corresponding sequences carried the 17 lineage-marker mutations. CONCLUSION: The first identifications of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant in Spain indicate the role of independent introductions from the UK coexisting with post-arrival transmission in the community, since the early steps of this new variant in our country.

Promoción de la detección del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en atención primaria / Promoting routine human immunodeficiency virus testing in primary care

Objetivos Promover la prueba diagnóstica frente al virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) en atención primaria y describir su aceptación. Métodos Estudio de intervención no aleatorizado en un centro de salud urbano sobre cinco médicos de atención primaria que atendían pacientes de 18 a 65 años de edad a quienes se iba a realizar un análisis de sangre por otro motivo. Se ofreció sistemáticamente la realización de la prueba del VIH si reconocían haber mantenido una relación sexual sin usar preservativo con una persona de la que desconocían su estado serológico frente al VIH. No realizarse la prueba del VIH requería una negativa expresa. El periodo de intervención fue de octubre a diciembre de 2008, y el periodo control de octubre a diciembre de 2007. La variable principal del estudio fue la diferencia en el número de pruebas del VIH solicitadas. Se analizó también la aceptación de dicha prueba. Resultados No hubo diferencias en las características demográficas de los pacientes en los dos periodos. El número de pruebas del VIH se incrementó de un 3,7% (22/599) a un 27,2% (212/780) (p <0,001). Se ofreció la prueba a 209 pacientes, cuya edad media fue de 45,6 años (desviación estándar: 11,7), 141 eran mujeres (68%) y 11 no habían nacido en España (5%). Ciento noventa y cinco pacientes (93%) reconocieron la posibilidad de haber estado o estar en situación de riesgo. Sin embargo, sólo tres de aquellos en posible riesgo (1,5%) rechazaron la prueba del VIH. Conclusiones Ofrecer sistemáticamente la prueba del VIH en atención primaria aumenta de manera significativa su realización, y en raras ocasiones es rechazada por la población (AU)

Objectives To promote human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in the primary care setting and to describe patients’ attitudes toward this practice. Methods A non-randomized intervention was conducted on five physicians of an urban primary care center attending patients aged 18-65 years old, who were scheduled to undergo blood tests for other reasons. The patients were systematically offered HIV blood testing if they reported having had sex without a condom with a person of unknown HIV status. Not being tested required active refusal. The intervention period was from October to December 2008 and the control period was from October to December 2007. The main variable was the difference in the number of HIV tests requested. The proportion of patients accepting the test was also analyzed. Results Demographic factors were similar in patients in the two periods. The number of HIV tests increased from 3.7% (22/599) to 27.2% (212/780), p <0.001. A total of 209 patients were offered the HIV test. Their mean age was 45.6 years (SD 11.7), 141 were women (68%) and 11 were born outside Spain (5%). One hundred and ninety-five patients (93%) admitted the possibility of having been or being at risk. Of these patients, only three (1.5%), refused the HIV test. Conclusions Routine HIV testing in the primary care setting is feasible and few patients refuse to be tested (AU)

[Promoting routine human immunodeficiency virus testing in primary care]. / Promoción de la detección del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana en atención primaria.

OBJECTIVES: To promote human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) testing in the primary care setting and to describe patients' attitudes toward this practice. METHODS: A non-randomized intervention was conducted on five physicians of an urban primary care center attending patients aged 18-65 years old, who were scheduled to undergo blood tests for other reasons. The patients were systematically offered HIV blood testing if they reported having had sex without a condom with a person of unknown HIV status. Not being tested required active refusal. The intervention period was from October to December 2008 and the control period was from October to December 2007. The main variable was the difference in the number of HIV tests requested. The proportion of patients accepting the test was also analyzed. RESULTS: Demographic factors were similar in patients in the two periods. The number of HIV tests increased from 3.7% (22/599) to 27.2% (212/780), p <0.001. A total of 209 patients were offered the HIV test. Their mean age was 45.6 years (SD 11.7), 141 were women (68%) and 11 were born outside Spain (5%). One hundred and ninety-five patients (93%) admitted the possibility of having been or being at risk. Of these patients, only three (1.5%), refused the HIV test. CONCLUSIONS: Routine HIV testing in the primary care setting is feasible and few patients refuse to be tested.