Molecular epidemiology suggests Venezuela as the origin of the dengue outbreak in Madeira, Portugal in 2012-2013.

An explosive epidemic occurred in Madeira Island (Portugal) from October 2012 to February 2013. Published data showed that dengue virus type 1 introduced from South America was the incriminated virus. We aim to determine the origin of the strain introduced to Madeira by travellers returning to Europe. Using phylogeographic analysis and complete envelope sequences we have demonstrated that the most probable origin of the strain is Venezuela.

Increased interleukin-8 expression in inflamed human dental pulps.

OBJECTIVE: Elevated levels of interleukin-8, a potent chemoattractant and activator of neutrophils, are associated with infectious and inflammatory diseases. However, little is known about interleukin-8 expression in human dental pulp. The purpose of this study was to determine whether tissue levels of interleukin-8 are elevated in irreversibly inflamed human pulps. STUDY DESIGN: Experimental samples were from teeth clinically diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis (diseased pulps). Controls were from freshly extracted, caries-free third molars (normal pulps). Samples were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and/or immunohistochemical analysis with specific antibodies to interleukin-8. RESULTS: The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay studies showed elevated levels of interleukin-8 in diseased pulps (mean, 1.82+/-0.79 pg/mL/microg protein), as compared to detectable interleukin-8 levels in samples from normal pulps (mean, 0.08+/-0.04 pg/mL/microg protein; P<.05). Immunohistochemical analyses demonstrated that diseased samples exhibited a higher density of localized interleukin-8 staining in areas with heavy infiltration of inflammatory cells. In contrast, normal pulps showed negative or weak interleukin-8 staining. CONCLUSIONS: Interleukin-8 concentration was higher in pulps diagnosed with irreversible pulpitis; only negligible amounts of interleukin-8 were present in normal pulps.