First isolation of Catu virus from a human in Trinidad

The first isolation of Catu virus from a human in Trinidad is reported. It is also the first human isolate outside of Brazil. A convalescent serum neutralized 5.0 logs of the homologous virus.(AU)

Epidemiological investigations following two human cases of a South American strain of Eastern Equine enchephalitis in Santa Cruz, Trinidad - abstract

In March, 1970, two human cases, one fata, of Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) occurred in Santa Cruz, Trinidad. Both cases were due to the South American strain of the virus. In addition, 3 of 5 persons on the farm where the fatal case occured, had HI and N antibodies to the virus. epidemiological investigations were undertaken in 1970 and 1971, to ascertain the vector(S) involved in the transmission; to determine whether there were any reservoir(s); and to determine the extent of human involvement. These were accomplished through the trapping and processing for virus isolations of biting diptera, small mammals and 113 wild birds. Also the testing of sera from wild animals and humans for evidence of EEE infections. The virus was not isolated from 457 mosquitos tested, nor from the processing of 18 small mammals and 113 wild birds. Sera of 4 of the birds with HI antibodies were also partially protective to sold 50 of the virus in mouse neutralization tests. None of 616 human sera had HI antibodies to EEE virus. It could be concluded that: (1) The two clinical cases became infected in the Santa Cruz Valley and not elsewhere; (2) The virus could have been introduced by a viraemic bird or a viraemic bird or a viraemic pet animal in the valley; (3) Introduction of a viraemic chick in the area should also be considered; (4) The virus is probably not endemic in the area (AU)

First isolation of Eastern equine virus from a case of encephalitis - abstract

A strain of Eastern Equine virus was isolated from a fatal human case of encephalitis for the first time in Trinidad in 1970. The virus was recovered from the blood and the brain of the patient. This new strain was found closely related to the TRVL prototype strain of Eastern Equine, isolated from Curlex nigripalpus in 1969. It was further identified at the National Communicable Diseases Centre as a South American strain of Eastern Equine. Validity of the isolate was confirmed by reisolation of the virus from the original materials. The etiological relationship of the virus to the patient's illness was established by the demonstration of a seroconversion to the isolated and to the TRVL prototype strain of Eastern Equine. A second case of human encephalitis occurred a week later in the same area. No virus was isolated from the acute phase blood. Diagnosis was made on the basis of an immuno-conversion to Eastern Equine. These two patients probably came into contact with the virus in the Santa Cruz Valley, which is situated in the Northern Range of Trinidad and fairly close to Port-of-Spain. In the Santa Cruz Valley, only three other humans have been found so far to have antibodies to Eastern Equine. They were living at the same spot where the first case supposedly became infected. Human survey as well as a field programme are stil in progress (AU)

First isolation of a South American strain of eastern equine virus from a case of encephalitis in Trinidad

A South American strain of Eastern Equine virus was isolated from a fatal human case of encephalitis for the first time in Trinidad in 1970. This virus was recovered from the blood and brain of the patient. Validity of the isolate was confirmed by reisolation of the virus from the original materials. The etiological relationship of the virus to patient's illness was established by the demonstration of a secroconversion to the isolate and to the TRVL prototype strain of Eastern Equine virus. A second case of human encephalitis occurred a week later in the same geogrphical area. No virus was isolated but the diagnosis was made on the basis of an immunoconversion. (Summary)