The transmission dynamics and diversity of human metapneumovirus in Peru.

BACKGROUND: The transmission dynamics of human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in tropical countries remain unclear. Further understanding of the genetic diversity of the virus could aid in HMPV vaccine design and improve our understanding of respiratory virus transmission dynamics in low- and middle-income countries. MATERIALS & METHODS: We examined the evolution of HMPV in Peru through phylogenetic analysis of 61 full genome HMPV sequences collected in three ecologically diverse regions of Peru (Lima, Piura, and Iquitos) during 2008-2012, comprising the largest data set of HMPV whole genomes sequenced from any tropical country to date. RESULTS: We revealed extensive genetic diversity generated by frequent viral introductions, with little evidence of local persistence. While considerable viral traffic between non-Peruvian countries and Peru was observed, HMPV epidemics in Peruvian locales were more frequently epidemiologically linked with other sites within Peru. We showed that Iquitos experienced greater HMPV traffic than the similar sized city of Piura by both Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods. CONCLUSIONS: There is extensive HMPV genetic diversity even within smaller and relatively less connected cities of Peru and this virus is spatially fluid. Greater diversity of HMPV in Iquitos compared to Piura may relate to higher volumes of human movement, including air traffic to this location.

Enterovirus-71 genotype C isolated in Peru between 2006 and 2009.

Enterovirus-71 (EV71) was first isolated in California, United States in 1969, belongs to the genus Enterovirus, family Picornaviridae. Although infection normally causes mild, often undiagnosed illness, it can cause central nervous system infections that could turn fatal. Based on VP1 gene analysis, EV71 has been classified into six separate genotypes. Although the molecular epidemiology of EV71 has been well described via studies originating from Asia and Europe, it is mostly unknown in South America. From our study, four EV71 isolates from Peru were characterized using phylogenetic methods to determine their relationship with known reference strains. These four Peruvian EV71 isolates from between 2006 and 2009 were analyzed by RT-PCR using primers capable of amplifying the entire VP1 gene. Reference strains representing all six known genotypes were used to determine any recognizable phylogenetic relationships. In fact, all of our isolates clustered together within the genotype C1 lineage- separate from Asian, European, North American, and Australian strains. We present evidence that EV71 genotype C1 exists in Peru, and this is the first such report documenting EV71 genotype C1 circulating in South America. Gathering additional isolates will help elucidate a more complete global epidemiological picture of EV71 infections.

Molecular epidemiology of coxsackievirus A16 strains from four sentinel surveillance sites in Peru.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the molecular epidemiology of seven coxsackievirus A16 (CVA16) strains previously reported by this research group. METHODS: Full-length VP1 and VP4 sequences were obtained and phylogenetic analyses were performed. RESULTS: Six strains were classified as genotype C. Moreover, one divergent strain not clustered in any of the three currently reported genotypes was found. CONCLUSION: This is the first report of CVA16 in Peru and provides valuable baseline data about its potential distribution in South America, as well as evidence of a potential divergent genotype that has never before been reported.

Non-rhinovirus enteroviruses associated with respiratory infections in Peru (2005-2010).

BACKGROUND: Enteroviruses (EVs) are a common cause of respiratory tract infections and are classified into seven species (EVA-D and rhinoviruses [RHVs] A-C) with more than 200 different serotypes. Little is known about the role of non-RHV EVs in respiratory infections in South America. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiology of non-RHV EVs detected in patients with influenza-like illness enrolled in a passive surveillance network in Peru. METHODS: Throat swabs and epidemiological data were collected from participants after obtaining verbal consent. Viral isolation was performed in cell culture and identified by immunofluorescence assay. Serotype identification of EV isolates was performed using commercial monoclonal antibodies. Identification of non-serotypeable isolations was carried out by reverse transcriptase-PCR, followed by sequencing. RESULTS: Between 2005 and 2010, 24,239 samples were analyzed, and 9,973 (41.1%) possessed at least one respiratory virus. EVs were found in 175 samples (0.7%). Our results revealed a clear predominance of EVB species, 90.9% (159/175). No EVDs were isolated. The mean and median ages of EV-positive subjects were 9.1 and 4.0 years, respectively, much younger than the population sampled, 17.6 and 12.0 years. Sixteen serotypes were identified, four EVA, 11 EVB, and one EVC species. The most common serotypes were coxsackievirus B1, coxsackievirus B2, coxsackievirus B5, and coxsackievirus B3. CONCLUSION: This study provides data about the serotypes of EVs circulating in Peru and sets the need for further studies.

Occurrence and correlates of symptom persistence following acute dengue fever in Peru.

Dengue virus (DENV) infection causes an acute febrile illness generally considered to result in either complete recovery or death. Some reviews describe persistent symptoms after the febrile phase, although empirical data supporting this phenomenon is scarce. We evaluated symptom persistence in acute febrile DENV-infected and DENV-negative (controls) individuals from Peru. Self-reported solicited symptoms were evaluated at an acute and a follow-up visit, occurring 10-60 days after symptom onset. Rate of persistence of at least one symptom was 7.7% and 10.5% for DENV infected and control subjects, respectively (P < 0.01). The DENV-infected individuals had lower rates of persistent respiratory symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, headache, and fatigue, but higher rates of persistent rash compared with controls. Older age and female gender were positively associated with symptom persistence. As dengue cases continue to increase annually, even a relatively low frequency of persistent symptoms may represent a considerable worldwide morbidity burden.

Adenovirus respiratory tract infections in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a paucity of data regarding human adenovirus (HAdv) circulation in Andean regions of South America. To address this shortcoming, we report the clinical, phylogenetic, and epidemiologic characteristics of HAdv respiratory tract infection from a large sentinel surveillance study conducted among adults and children in Peru. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Oropharyngeal swabs were collected from participants visiting any of 38 participating health centers, and viral pathogens were identified by immunofluorescence assay in cell culture. In addition, molecular characterization was performed on 226 randomly selected HAdv samples. Between 2000 and 2010, a total of 26,375 participants with influenza-like illness (ILI) or severe acute respiratory infection (SARI) were enrolled in the study. HAdv infection was identified in 2.5% of cases and represented 6.2% of all viral pathogens. Co-infection with a heterologous virus was found in 15.5% of HAdv cases. HAdv infection was largely confined to children under the age of 15, representing 88.6% of HAdv cases identified. No clinical characteristics were found to significantly distinguish HAdv infection from other respiratory viruses. Geographically, HAdv infections were more common in sites from the arid coastal regions than in the jungle or highland regions. Co-circulation of subgroups B and C was observed each year between 2006 and 2010, but no clear seasonal patterns of transmission were detected. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: HAdv accounted for a significant fraction of those presenting with ILI and SARI in Peru and tended to affect the younger population disproportionately. Longitudinal studies will help better characterize the clinical course of patients with HAdv in Peru, as well as determine the role of co-infections in the evolution of illness.

Enteric disease surveillance under the AFHSC-GEIS: current efforts, landscape analysis and vision forward.

The mission of the Armed Forces Health Surveillance Center, Division of Global Emerging Infections Surveillance and Response System (AFHSC-GEIS) is to support global public health and to counter infectious disease threats to the United States Armed Forces, including newly identified agents or those increasing in incidence. Enteric diseases are a growing threat to U.S. forces, which must be ready to deploy to austere environments where the risk of exposure to enteropathogens may be significant and where routine prevention efforts may be impractical. In this report, the authors review the recent activities of AFHSC-GEIS partner laboratories in regards to enteric disease surveillance, prevention and response. Each partner identified recent accomplishments, including support for regional networks. AFHSC/GEIS partners also completed a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) survey as part of a landscape analysis of global enteric surveillance efforts. The current strengths of this network include excellent laboratory infrastructure, equipment and personnel that provide the opportunity for high-quality epidemiological studies and test platforms for point-of-care diagnostics. Weaknesses include inconsistent guidance and a splintered reporting system that hampers the comparison of data across regions or longitudinally. The newly chartered Enterics Surveillance Steering Committee (ESSC) is intended to provide clear mission guidance, a structured project review process, and central data management and analysis in support of rationally directed enteric disease surveillance efforts.

Frequency of human bocavirus (HBoV) infection among children with febrile respiratory symptoms in Argentina, Nicaragua and Peru.

BACKGROUND: Globally, respiratory infections are the primary cause of illness in developing countries, specifically among children; however, an etiological agent for many of these illnesses is rarely identified. OBJECTIVES: Our study aimed to estimate the frequency of human bocavirus (HBoV) infection among pediatric populations in Argentina, Nicaragua and Peru. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study using stored samples of an influenza-like illness surveillance program. Irrespective of previous diagnosis, nasopharyngeal or nasal swab specimens were randomly selected and tested using real-time PCR from three sites during 2007 from patients younger than 6 years old. RESULTS: A total of 568 specimens from Argentina (185), Nicaragua (192) and Peru (191) were tested. The prevalence of HBoV was 10·8% (95% CI: 6·3; 15·3) in Argentina, 33·3% in Nicaragua (95% CI: 26·6; 40·1) and 25·1% in Peru (95% CI: 18·9; 31·3). CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate circulation of HBoV in Argentina, Nicaragua and Peru among children with influenza-like symptoms enrolled in a sentinel surveillance program.

Primeros resultados comparativos de dos vías de abordajes de cirugía de revascularización coronaria mínimamente invasiva / First comparative results from two-ways surgical approaches of minimally-invasive coronary revascularization

INTRODUCCIÓN. El objetivo de esta investigación fue exponer y comparar los resultados de 2 vías de abordaje diferentes (toracotomía anterior izquierda y esternotomía media longitudinal) para revascularización miocárdica con corazón latiendo, practicadas en el Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras entre septiembre de 2007 (cuando se introdujo en el centro la técnica mediante toracotomía) y enero del 2008. MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo y descriptivo longitudinal para comparar resultados según la vía de abordaje quirúrgico para revascularización miocárdica mínimamente invasiva: vía habitual, por esternotomía media longitudinal (29 operados; 65,9 por ciento) y vía nueva y no habitual por toracotomía anterior izquierda (15 operados; 34,1 por ciento). RESULTADOS. El promedio de derivaciones realizadas fue de 3,31 mediante esternotomía y de 3 por toracotomía. Requirió transfusiones el 96,6 por ciento y el 26,7 por ciento de los pacientes operados por esternotomía y toracotomía, respectivamente, lo cual fue estadísticamente significativo. El uso de fármacos inotrópicos y de balón de contrapulsación intraórtico no fue estadísticamente significativo. El tiempo quirúrgico usual en ambas técnicas fue de 5 a 7 h, mientras que el tiempo de intubación fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes operados por esternotomía (11-14 h frente a 3-6 h en la toracotomía). Igual fue significativa la estadía, mayor en la esternotomía (3-4 días frente a 1-2 días en la toracotomía). La hemorragia posoperatoria fue significativamente mayor en la esternotomía. No hubo diferencia estadística cuando se compararon las complicaciones y la mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES. La vía de abordaje por toracotomía para la revascularización miocárdica es una técnica alternativa, efectiva y segura. Observamos que es posible realizar una revascularización miocárdica completa sin comprometer la seguridad del procedimiento y la calidad de las anastomosis. Los costos son algo menores por esta vía que por la habitual, e igualmente son significativos los resultados en cuanto a estadía hospitalaria y uso de hemoderivados, por lo cual proponemos continuar trabajando en la estabilización de esta nueva vía de cirugía coronaria en nuestro servicio(AU)

INTRODUCTION.The objective of present paper was to expose and to compare the results from two-ways different approaches (left anterior thoracotomy and longitudinal medium sternotomy) for myocardial revascularization with the heart beating carried out in the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital between September, 2007 (when this technique was introduced by thoracotomy ) and January, 2008. METHODS. A longitudinal, descriptive and prospective study was conducted to compare the results depending on the surgical approach for minimally invasive myocardial revascularization: usual route, by longitudinal medium sternotomy (29 operated on, 65,9 percent) and the new rout and unusual by left anterior thoracotomy (15 operated on, 34,1 percent). RESULTS. The average of shunts carried out was of 3,31 by sternotomy and of 3 by thoracotomy. The 96,6 and the 26,7 percent of operated on sternotomy and thoracotomy, respectively need blood transfusions which was statistically significant. The use of inotropic drugs and of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation hasn't statistical significance.The usual surgical time in both techniques was of 5 to 7 h, whereas the intubation was greater in patients operated on using sternotomy (11-14 h versus 3-6 h in the thoracotomy). The hospital stay was greater in the cases of sternotomy ( 3-4 days versus 1-2 days in those of sternotomy. There weren't statistical difference when complications and mortality were compared. CONCLUSIONS. The approach route using thoratocomy for myocardial revascularization is a alternative, effective and safe technique. It is possible to carry out a complete myocardial revascularization without compromising the procedure safe and he anastomoses quality. The costs are less using this route than with the usual one and the results are similarly significant as regards hospital stay and the use of hemoderivatives, thus, authors propose to continue working in the stabilization of this new route or coronary surgery in our service (AU)

Primeros resultados comparativos de dos vías de abordajes de cirugía de revascularización coronaria mínimamente invasiva / First comparative results from two-ways surgical approaches of minimally-invasive coronary revascularization

INTRODUCCIÓN. El objetivo de esta investigación fue exponer y comparar los resultados de 2 vías de abordaje diferentes (toracotomía anterior izquierda y esternotomía media longitudinal) para revascularización miocárdica con corazón latiendo, practicadas en el Hospital Hermanos Ameijeiras entre septiembre de 2007 (cuando se introdujo en el centro la técnica mediante toracotomía) y enero del 2008. MÉTODOS. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo y descriptivo longitudinal para comparar resultados según la vía de abordaje quirúrgico para revascularización miocárdica mínimamente invasiva: vía habitual, por esternotomía media longitudinal (29 operados; 65,9 por ciento) y vía nueva y no habitual por toracotomía anterior izquierda (15 operados; 34,1 por ciento). RESULTADOS. El promedio de derivaciones realizadas fue de 3,31 mediante esternotomía y de 3 por toracotomía. Requirió transfusiones el 96,6 por ciento y el 26,7 por ciento de los pacientes operados por esternotomía y toracotomía, respectivamente, lo cual fue estadísticamente significativo. El uso de fármacos inotrópicos y de balón de contrapulsación intraórtico no fue estadísticamente significativo. El tiempo quirúrgico usual en ambas técnicas fue de 5 a 7 h, mientras que el tiempo de intubación fue significativamente mayor en los pacientes operados por esternotomía (11-14 h frente a 3-6 h en la toracotomía). Igual fue significativa la estadía, mayor en la esternotomía (3-4 días frente a 1-2 días en la toracotomía). La hemorragia posoperatoria fue significativamente mayor en la esternotomía. No hubo diferencia estadística cuando se compararon las complicaciones y la mortalidad. CONCLUSIONES. La vía de abordaje por toracotomía para la revascularización miocárdica es una técnica alternativa, efectiva y segura. Observamos que es posible realizar una revascularización miocárdica completa sin comprometer la seguridad del procedimiento y la calidad de las anastomosis. Los costos son algo menores por esta vía que por la habitual, e igualmente son significativos los resultados en cuanto a estadía hospitalaria y uso de hemoderivados, por lo cual proponemos continuar trabajando en la estabilización de esta nueva vía de cirugía coronaria en nuestro servicio(AU)

INTRODUCTION.The objective of present paper was to expose and to compare the results from two-ways different approaches (left anterior thoracotomy and longitudinal medium sternotomy) for myocardial revascularization with the heart beating carried out in the Hermanos Ameijeiras Clinical Surgical Hospital between September, 2007 (when this technique was introduced by thoracotomy ) and January, 2008. METHODS. A longitudinal, descriptive and prospective study was conducted to compare the results depending on the surgical approach for minimally invasive myocardial revascularization: usual route, by longitudinal medium sternotomy (29 operated on, 65,9 percent) and the new rout and unusual by left anterior thoracotomy (15 operated on, 34,1 percent). RESULTS. The average of shunts carried out was of 3,31 by sternotomy and of 3 by thoracotomy. The 96,6 and the 26,7 percent of operated on sternotomy and thoracotomy, respectively need blood transfusions which was statistically significant. The use of inotropic drugs and of intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation hasn't statistical significance.The usual surgical time in both techniques was of 5 to 7 h, whereas the intubation was greater in patients operated on using sternotomy (11-14 h versus 3-6 h in the thoracotomy). The hospital stay was greater in the cases of sternotomy ( 3-4 days versus 1-2 days in those of sternotomy. There weren't statistical difference when complications and mortality were compared. CONCLUSIONS. The approach route using thoratocomy for myocardial revascularization is a alternative, effective and safe technique. It is possible to carry out a complete myocardial revascularization without compromising the procedure safe and he anastomoses quality. The costs are less using this route than with the usual one and the results are similarly significant as regards hospital stay and the use of hemoderivatives, thus, authors propose to continue working in the stabilization of this new route or coronary surgery in our service(AU)

Changes in the viral distribution pattern after the appearance of the novel influenza A H1N1 (pH1N1) virus in influenza-like illness patients in Peru.

BACKGROUND: We describe the temporal variation in viral agents detected in influenza like illness (ILI) patients before and after the appearance of the ongoing pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (pH1N1) in Peru between 4-January and 13-July 2009. METHODS: At the health centers, one oropharyngeal swab was obtained for viral isolation. From epidemiological week (EW) 1 to 18, at the US Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD) in Lima, the specimens were inoculated into four cell lines for virus isolation. In addition, from EW 19 to 28, the specimens were also analyzed by real time-polymerase-chain-reaction (rRT-PCR). RESULTS: We enrolled 2,872 patients: 1,422 cases before the appearance of the pH1N1 virus, and 1,450 during the pandemic. Non-pH1N1 influenza A virus was the predominant viral strain circulating in Peru through (EW) 18, representing 57.8% of the confirmed cases; however, this predominance shifted to pH1N1 (51.5%) from EW 19-28. During this study period, most of pH1N1 cases were diagnosed in the capital city (Lima) followed by other cities including Cusco and Trujillo. In contrast, novel influenza cases were essentially absent in the tropical rain forest (jungle) cities during our study period. The city of Iquitos (Jungle) had the highest number of influenza B cases and only one pH1N1 case. CONCLUSIONS: The viral distribution in Peru changed upon the introduction of the pH1N1 virus compared to previous months. Although influenza A viruses continue to be the predominant viral pathogen, the pH1N1 virus predominated over the other influenza A viruses.

Influenza-like illness sentinel surveillance in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory illnesses and influenza-like illnesses (ILI) are a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the public health importance, little is known about the etiology of these acute respiratory illnesses in many regions of South America. In 2006, the Peruvian Ministry of Health (MoH) and the US Naval Medical Research Center Detachment (NMRCD) initiated a collaboration to characterize the viral agents associated with ILI and to describe the clinical and epidemiological presentation of the affected population. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Patients with ILI (fever > or =38 degrees C and cough or sore throat) were evaluated in clinics and hospitals in 13 Peruvian cities representative of the four main regions of the country. Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs, as well as epidemiological and demographic data, were collected from each patient. During the two years of this study (June 2006 through May 2008), a total of 6,835 patients, with a median age of 13 years, were recruited from 31 clinics and hospitals; 6,308 were enrolled by regular passive surveillance and 527 were enrolled as part of outbreak investigations. At least one respiratory virus was isolated from the specimens of 2,688 (42.6%) patients, with etiologies varying by age and geographical region. Overall the most common viral agents isolated were influenza A virus (25.1%), influenza B virus (9.7%), parainfluenza viruses 1, 2, and 3, (HPIV-1,-2,-3; 3.2%), herpes simplex virus (HSV; 2.6%), and adenoviruses (1.8%). Genetic analyses of influenza virus isolates demonstrated that three lineages of influenza A H1N1, one lineage of influenza A H3N2, and two lineages of influenza B were circulating in Peru during the course of this study. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge this is the most comprehensive study to date of the etiologic agents associated with ILI in Peru. These results demonstrate that a wide range of respiratory pathogens are circulating in Peru and this fact needs to be considered by clinicians when treating patients reporting with ILI. Furthermore, these data have implications for influenza vaccine design and implementation in South America.