RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Recurrence is a hallmark of ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), and conditions that influence its occurrence remain a challenge. Natural killer cells (NK) are effectors cells whose primary is cytotoxic function against many parasites, including Toxoplasma gondii. Among the NK cell receptors, immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) deserve attention due to their high polymorphism. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyse the influence of KIR gene polymorphism in the course of OT infection and its association with recurrences after an active episode. METHODS: Ninety-six patients from the Ophthalmologic Clinic of the National Institute of Infectology Evandro Chagas were followed for up to five years. After DNA extraction, genotyping of the patients was performed by polymerase chain reaction sequence-specific oligonucleotide (PCR-SSO) utilising Luminex equipment for reading. During follow-up, 60.4% had a recurrence. FINDINGS: We identified 25 KIR genotypes and found a higher frequency of genotype 1 (31.7%) with worldwide distribution. We note that the KIR2DL2 inhibitor gene and the gene activator KIR2DS2 were more frequent in patients without recurrence. Additionally, we observed that individuals who carry these genes progressed recurrence episodes slowly compared to individuals who do not carry these genes. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: The KIR2DL2 and KIR2DS2 are associated as possible protection markers against ocular toxoplasmosis recurrence (OTR).
Assuntos
Toxoplasmose Ocular , Humanos , Brasil , Receptores KIR/genética , Genótipo , Imunoglobulinas/genética , Frequência do GeneRESUMO
We report five cases of Q fever among cadets during a training program for Military Firefighters Academy in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This cluster confirms the significance of Coxiella burnetii as an infectious agent in Brazil, where the occurrence of this zoonosis is poorly documented and highlights the potential risk for Q fever transmission in rural areas or farms with infected animals.
