Increased expression of STAT3 and SOCS3 in placenta from hyperglycemic rats.

Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a transcription factor that is activated by interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 that generate nearly opposing responses. The suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) is the negative regulator of STAT3 and plays an important role in the negative regulation of the inflammatory process. Evidence has shown the importance of STAT3 and SOCS3 during implantation and normal pregnancy. However, little is known about the relationship of both factors under hyperglycemic condition. The aim of this study was to evaluate the placenta regions exhibiting immunopositivity for STAT3 and SOCS3 in hyperglycemic rats, as well as correlate these proteins with IL-10 and IL-6 levels. It was observed increased expression of STAT3 at the labyrinth (approximately 47% of increase compared to control) and junctional zone (approximately 32% of increase compared to control) from hyperglycemic placentas. Similar results were observed to SOCS3 (approximately 71% -labyrinth- and 53% -junctional zone- of increase compared to control). The levels of IL-10 were augmented at hyperglycemic placentas (approximately 1.5 fold of increase) and they were positively correlated with the increase of STAT3 at the labyrinth and SOCS at junctional zone. Therefore, under hyperglycemic conditions, the relation between STAT3 and SOCS3 was changed, leading to unbalance of the cytokine profile.

Past and current hepatitis E virus infection in renal transplant patients.

The chronic course of hepatitis E virus infection in immunosuppressed patients has been recently documented; however, clinical features and factors associated with this occurrence are not well known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of previous or current HEV infection in renal transplant patients. One hundred ninety-two kidney transplant patients were studied and classified in three groups: G1-infected with hepatitis B and/or C virus; G2-patients with elevated ALT; G3-patients with normal ALT and no hepatotropic virus infection. Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical characteristics were compared between the groups. Patients with HEV infection (previous or current) were also compared to those who tested negative for HEV. HEV infection was detected using serologic (anti-HEV IgG) and molecular (HEV RNA) methods. Anti-HEV IgG was positive in 28 (15%) while HEV RNA was positive in 20 (10%). When both markers were considered, 44 (23%) patients showed evidence of previous or current HEV infection. However, both markers were concomitantly positive in only four cases (2%). In the comparative analysis, patients infected with HBV and/or HCV showed lower frequency of anti-HEV IgG (P = 0.009). There was no difference regarding demographic, epidemiologic and laboratory variable between viremic and non-viremic patients. In conclusion, past and current infection with HEV was a frequent finding among renal transplant recipients. Actively infected patients (HEV RNA positive) did not present distinct demographic and epidemiological characteristics or laboratory alterations suggestive of underlying liver damage. Therefore, infection with HEV can only be detected in immunosuppressed patients by systematic investigation of HEV RNA.

Human coronavirus ocurrence in different populations of Sao Paulo: A comprehensive nine-year study using a pancoronavirus RT-PCR assay.

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are considered one of the most common respiratory viruses associated with respiratory tract illnesses. An emergent human coronavirus was identified as the causal agent of an epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) during 2002-2003. The severity of the disease combined with its rapid spread requires the continuous surveillance of coronaviruses in worldwide populations. Epidemiological and clinical data of HCoVs infectious in the Brazilian population are scarce and restricted to one or two groups of patients. Our study aimed to investigate retrospectively the presence of HCoVs in different populations of São Paulo presenting acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) during the years of 2001-2010. A pancoronavirus RT-PCR was performed in this study. Coronaviruses were detected in 126 (11.5%) of 1,087 specimens. Peaks detection frequency was observed during 2002-2004 and 2008-2009, with the highest detection in 2008. The prevalence of HCoVs was higher among children with heart diseases (24.6%), patients under stem cell transplantation program (24.3%) and renal transplanted patients (20.2%). Coryza, cough and fever were the most common symptoms at presentation of positive cases and wheezing, a lower respiratory tract infection symptom was reported by 12% of the total, and 27% of high at-risk patients. HCoVs may have an important role among patients with underlying conditions and transplanted ones.

Cancer causing viruses and the role of laboratory medicine: literature review and perspectives / Vírus causadores de câncer e o papel da medicina laboratorial: revisão de literatura e perspectivas

Cancer-causing viruses are responsible for up to 20% of cancers with infectious etiology, representing a serious public health problem worldwide. Since the discovery of the first human cancer-causing virus, several others have been associated with neoplasias. Recent advances in technologies for the determination of genomic and proteomic profiles have resulted in the discovery and availability of tumor markers with potential application in the screening, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of cancer. Therefore, laboratory medicine has stood out as a fundamental tool in the prevention and management of these diseases.

Os vírus causadores de câncer são responsáveis por até 20% dos cânceres de etiologia infecciosa, representando um grave problema de saúde pública em todo o mundo. Desde a descoberta do primeiro vírus causador de neoplasias em humanos, vários outros têm sido associados ao câncer. Recentes avanços nas tecnologias de determinação de perfis genômicos e proteômicos resultaram na descoberta e na disponibilização de marcadores tumorais com potencial aplicação no rastreamento, no diagnóstico, no prognóstico e no tratamento do câncer, destacando a medicina laboratorial como ferramenta fundamental na prevenção e no manejo dessas enfermidades.

First report and molecular characterization of hepatitis E virus infection in renal transplant recipients in Brazil.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes acute and chronic hepatitis in organ transplant recipients. Serological evidence for HEV infection has been discovered in various population groups in Brazil, and a single acute case has been confirmed. To date, however, no cases of HEV infection in immunocompromised patients have been reported in Brazil. This study aimed to identify and characterize hepatitis E cases in renal transplant recipients in Brazil. A retrospective study was performed on 96 serum samples from renal transplant recipients with unexplained liver enzymes elevation. Three confirmed cases of HEV infection were identified that lacked seroconversion to HEV IgG antibodies. The prevalence of HEV in these patients was 3.1%. Using a sequence analysis of a 304-nucleotide fragment within ORF2, the strains were classified as genotype 3 with a low percent identity to previously characterized strains. This is the first report of hepatitis E infection in renal transplant recipients in Brazil, and the data indicate that a novel genotype 3 subvariant may be present and that further investigation is necessary to characterize the circulating HEV strains. In this setting, HEV infection should be considered as a potential cause of abnormal liver tests of unknown origin.

Human coronavirus ocurrence in different populations of Sao Paulo: a comprehensive nine-year study using a pancoronavirus RT-PCR assay

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are considered one of the most common respiratory viruses associated with respiratory tract illnesses. An emergent human coronavirus was identified as the causal agent of an epidemic of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) during 2002-2003. The severity of the disease combined with its rapid spread requires the continuous surveillance of coronaviruses in worldwide populations. Epidemiological and clinical data of HCoVs infectious in the Brazilian population are scarce and restricted to one or two groups of patients. Our study aimed to investigate retrospectively the presence of HCoVs in different populations of São Paulo presenting acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs) during the years of 2001-2010. A pancoronavirus RT-PCR was performed in this study. Coronaviruses were detected in 126 (11.5%) of 1,087 specimens. Peaks detection frequency was observed during 2002-2004 and 2008-2009, with the highest detection in 2008. The prevalence of HCoVs was higher among children with heart diseases (24.6%), patients under stem cell transplantation program (24.3%) and renal transplanted patients (20.2%). Coryza, cough and fever were the most common symptoms at presentation of positive cases and wheezing, a lower respiratory tract infection symptom was reported by 12% of the total, and 27% of high at-risk patients. HCoVs may have an important role among patients with underlying conditions and transplanted ones

Surveillance of influenza A H1N1 2009 among school children during 2009 and 2010 in São Paulo, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Influenza A H1N1 2009 is associated with a high morbidity rate among children around the world, including Brazil. This survey was conducted on samples of symptomatic children (< 12 years) to investigate the influenza virus as the etiological agent of respiratory infections in a day care school in a health facility during the first and second pandemic wave of H1N1 (2009-2010) in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Influenza infections were determined by real-time PCR in 34% (47/137) of children with a median age of 5 years (8 months - 12 years), from June to October 2009 and in 16% (14/85) of those with median age of 6 years (1-12 years), from March to November 2010. RESULTS: In general, most positive cases (64%) occurred in children aged 5-12 years, this age group was significantly the most affected (39.8%, p = 0.001, OR = 8.3, CI 95% 1.9-36.9). Wheezing was reported by 31% (19/61) and dyspnea by 23% (14/61) of the studied patients. An outbreak of influenza H1N1 with an attack rate of 35.7% among children (median age 6 years) was documented in April 2010, before the vaccination campaign against the pandemic virus was extended for children up to 5 years in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the study reinforces the recommendation to immunize school children to reduce the incidence of the disease.

Surveillance of influenza A H1N1 2009 among school children during 2009 and 2010 in São Paulo, Brazil / Vigilância de influenza A H1N1 2009 entre crianças em idade escolar durante os anos de 2009 e 2010 em São Paulo, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Influenza A H1N1 2009 is associated with a high morbidity rate among children around the world, including Brazil. This survey was conducted on samples of symptomatic children (< 12 years) to investigate the influenza virus as the etiological agent of respiratory infections in a day care school in a health facility during the first and second pandemic wave of H1N1 (2009-2010) in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Influenza infections were determined by real-time PCR in 34% (47/137) of children with a median age of 5 years (8 months - 12 years), from June to October 2009 and in 16% (14/85) of those with median age of 6 years (1-12 years), from March to November 2010. RESULTS: In general, most positive cases (64%) occurred in children aged 5-12 years, this age group was significantly the most affected (39.8%, p = 0.001, OR = 8.3, CI 95% 1.9-36.9). Wheezing was reported by 31% (19/61) and dyspnea by 23% (14/61) of the studied patients. An outbreak of influenza H1N1 with an attack rate of 35.7% among children (median age 6 years) was documented in April 2010, before the vaccination campaign against the pandemic virus was extended for children up to 5 years in Brazil. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, the study reinforces the recommendation to immunize school children to reduce the incidence of the disease.

INTRODUÇÃO: Influenza A H1N1 2009 está associado com uma alta taxa de morbidade entre crianças ao redor do mundo, incluindo o Brasil. Esta pesquisa foi realizada em amostras de crianças sintomáticas (< 12 anos) em uma creche escola para filhos de funcionários do hospital durante a primeira e segunda onda pandêmica (2009-2010) em São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Infecções pelo vírus influenza foram determinadas por PCR em tempo real em 34% (47/137) em crianças com idade mediana de 5 anos (8 meses -12 anos), entre junho e outubro de 2009 e em 16% (14/85) daquelas com mediana de idade de 6 anos (1-12 anos), de março a novembro de 2010. RESULTADOS: Em geral, a maioria dos casos positivos (64%) ocorreu em crianças com idade entre 5-12 anos, esta faixa etária foi significativamente a mais afetada (39,8%, p = 0,001, OR = 8,3, CI 95%: 1,9-36,9). Chiado foi relatado em 31% (19/61) e dispnéia em 23% (14/61) dos pacientes estudados. Um surto de gripe H1N1 com uma taxa de ataque de 35,7% entre as crianças (mediana de idade de 6 anos) foi documentado em abril de 2010, antes da extensão da campanha de vacinação contra o vírus pandêmico para crianças até 5 anos no Brasil. CONCLUSÕES: Portanto, neste estudo reforça a recomendação para imunizar crianças em idade escolar para reduzir a incidência da doença.

Seroprevalence of HBV and HCV markers among young adult males in the Air Force in Florianópolis, South Brazil

We investigated the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serological markers of infection in young adults from the metropolitan region of Florianópolis who were conscripts of the Air Base of Florianópolis in the state of Santa Catarina, Brazil. A population-based cross-sectional seroprevalence study was conducted with 371 young males during a one year period starting in June 2009. Demographic characteristics, socio-economic characteristics and possible risk factors to HBV and HCV were assessed. Blood samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV and anti-HBs through automated microparticle enzymatic immunoassays (Abbott®, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). None of the participants showed positivity to HBsAg or anti-HCV. The prevalence of anti-HBc was 1.6% (95% CI 0.6 - 3.5), and the prevalence of anti-HBs was 40.7% (95% CI 35.7 - 45.9). Unsafe sex was associated with positive anti-HBc in a bivariate analysis. There was a very low prevalence of past HBV infection and no cases of past HCV infection in a young adult population in the metropolitan region of Florianópolis. The very low prevalence of markers of infection and risk factors indicates a very optimistic future with respect to HBV and HCV infection in this population.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a prevalência dos marcadores sorológicos de infecção pelo HBV e HCV em adultos jovens na Região Metropolitana de Florianópolis, conscritos da Base Aérea de Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo soroepidemiológico transversal de base populacional com 371 adultos jovens, no período de um ano a partir de junho de 2009. Foram pesquisadas características sócio-econômicas e possíveis fatores de risco para HBV e HCV. As amostras de sangue foram analisadas quanto à presença de HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HCV e anti-HBs pelo método imunoensaio enzimático automatizado de micropartículas (Abbott®, Sistema AxSYM, Wiesbaden, Alemanha). Nenhum dos participantes demonstrou positividade para HBsAg ou anti-HCV. A prevalência do anti-HBc foi de 1,6% (IC 95% 0,6 - 3,5) e do anti-HBs foi 40,7% (IC 95% 35,7 - 45,9). Relação sexual desprotegida associou-se com a positividade do anti-HBc na análise bivariada. Demonstrou-se prevalência muito baixa de infecção passada pelo HBV e ausência de HCV nesta população de adultos jovens na Região Metropolitana de Florianópolis. A particularidade desta prevalência muito baixa de marcadores de infecção e fatores de risco aponta para um quadro otimista em relação ao HBV e HCV no futuro para esta população.

Hepatitis B marker seroprevalence and vaccination coverage in adolescents in the City of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, in 2008.

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B infection constitutes an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Brazil, however, the current epidemiological situation is not clear. Considering the importance of establishing this prevalence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV markers in voluntary adolescents, junior high (secondary school) students, in the City of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS: A seroepidemiological, transverse study was conducted with 353 randomly chosen adolescents from elementary school in 2008. Blood samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs. All analyses were conducted by automated microparticle enzyme immunosorbent assay (Abbott®, AxSYM system, Deerfield, IL, USA), according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBsAg was 0.6% (CI 95% 0.1 - 2.0), that of anti-HBc was 1.1% (CI 95% 0.3 - 2.9) and that of detectable anti-HBs was 83.6% (CI 95% 79.3 - 87.3). Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 97.5% (CI 95% 95.2 - 98.8). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the success of the vaccination program against hepatitis B in the region studied and indicate that prevention strategies must be maintained and, if possible, expanded to contribute to the establishment of positive prevalence rates in all age groups.

Hepatitis B marker seroprevalence and vaccination coverage in adolescents in the City of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil, in 2008 / Soroprevalência de marcadores da hepatite B e cobertura de vacinação em adolescentes no município de Itajaí, Estado de Santa Catarina Sul do Brasil, em 2008

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B infection constitutes an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Brazil, however, the current epidemiological situation is not clear. Considering the importance of establishing this prevalence, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HBV markers in voluntary adolescents, junior high (secondary school) students, in the City of Itajaí, State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. METHODS: A seroepidemiological, transverse study was conducted with 353 randomly chosen adolescents from elementary school in 2008. Blood samples were analyzed for HBsAg, anti-HBc and anti-HBs. All analyses were conducted by automated microparticle enzyme immunosorbent assay (Abbott®, AxSYM system, Deerfield, IL, USA), according to the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: The prevalence of HBsAg was 0.6% (CI 95% 0.1 - 2.0), that of anti-HBc was 1.1% (CI 95% 0.3 - 2.9) and that of detectable anti-HBs was 83.6% (CI 95% 79.3 - 87.3). Hepatitis B vaccination coverage was 97.5% (CI 95% 95.2 - 98.8). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the success of the vaccination program against hepatitis B in the region studied and indicate that prevention strategies must be maintained and, if possible, expanded to contribute to the establishment of positive prevalence rates in all age groups.

INTRODUÇÃO: A hepatite B constitui uma causa relevante de morbidade e mortalidade em todo o mundo. No Brasil, entretanto, a situação epidemiológica atual não é claramente conhecida. Considerando-se a importância do estabelecimento de tal prevalência, o objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência dos marcadores de HBV em adolescentes voluntários, estudantes do ensino fundamental na Cidade de Itajaí, Santa Catarina, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo soroepidemiológico, transversal, conduzido com 353 adolescentes do ensino fundamental, randomicamente selecionados, em 2008. As amostras de sangue foram analisadas quanto à presença dos marcadores HBsAg, anti-HBc e anti-HBs. Todas as análises foram conduzidas em ensaio imunoenzimático de micropartículas automatizado (Abbott®, AxSYM system, Deerfield, IL, EUA), de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. RESULTADOS: A prevalência do HBsAg foi de 0,6% (CI 95% 0,1 - 2,0), do anti-HBc foi de 1,1% (CI 95% 0,3 - 2,9) e de títulos detectáveis de anti-HBs foi de 83,6% (CI 95% 79,3 - 87,3). A cobertura vacinal nos adolescentes estudados foi de 97,5% (CI 95% 95,2 - 98,8). CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados demonstram o sucesso do programa de vacinação contra a hepatite B na região estudada e indicam que as estratégias de prevenção devem ser mantidas e, se possível, expandidas para que contribuam no estabelecimento de taxas de prevalência positivas em todas as faixas etárias.

Hepatitis B immunity and vaccination coverage among young adult males in the Air Force in South Brazil.

We conducted a cross-sectional seroprevalence study to determine hepatitis B vaccination coverage and hepatitis B virus (HBV) immunity in a population of young adult males. Specifically, the population is comprised of Air Force conscripts from the metropolitan region of Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, South Brazil, who were born prior to the full implementation of the HBV vaccination program. Of the 371 young males surveyed, 90% received at least 1 dose of the vaccine and 84% completed the 3-dose schedule. Overall, 57% had positive anti-HBs titers. We must continue to vaccinate individuals up to 20 years of age in order to guarantee a significant reduction in cases of hepatitis B virus.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2% (95%CI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4% (95%CI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6% had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C markers in adolescents in Southern Brazil / Soroprevalência de marcadores de hepatite B e hepatite C em adolescentes no Sul do Brasil

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar a prevalência de marcadores do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) e do vírus da hepatite C (HCV) entre adolescentes com idade entre 10 e 16 anos, alunos do Ensino Fundamental da cidade de Chapecó, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo transversal incluindo 418 voluntários, realizado entre março e julho de 2008. As análises sorológicas incluíram: HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs e anti-HCV. Os testes foram realizados em Ensaio Enzimático de Micropartículas (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Alemanha). A prevalência de HBsAg foi de 0,2 por cento (IC95 por cento: 0,0-1,3), e a prevalência de anti-HBc foi de 1,4 por cento (IC95 por cento: 0,5-3,1). Quanto ao anti-HBs, 48,6 por cento dos voluntários apresentaram títulos maiores que 10UI/L. Nenhum dos voluntários apresentou resultados reativos para anti-HCV. Este estudo demonstrou uma baixa prevalência de marcadores de infecção HBV e HCV e um grande número de voluntários imunizados contra o HBV. Finalmente, demonstrou-se a importância de campanhas e políticas adequadas de saúde na redução dessas prevalências.

This study was carried out to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) markers among adolescents aged between 10 and 16 years old, who are elementary school students in the city of Chapecó, Santa Catarina State, Brazil. The study involved a cross-sectional survey that included 418 volunteers, from March to July, 2008. Serology comprised HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs and anti-HCV. Tests were performed using automated Microparticle Enzyme Immunosorbant Assay (Abbott, AxSYM System, Wiesbaden, Germany). The prevalence of HBsAg was found to be 0.2 percent (95 percentCI: 0.0-1.3), and the prevalence of anti-HBc was found to be 1.4 percent (95 percentCI: 0.5-3.1). Regarding anti-HBs, 48.6 percent had titers greater than 10UI/L. None of the volunteers presented reactive results for anti-HCV. This study showed a low prevalence of HBV and HCV markers of infection and a great number of volunteers immunized against HBV. Finally this study shows the importance of proper health campaigns and policies in reducing those prevalences.

Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus antibodies in blood donors in southern, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a matter of concern for blood bank professionals and blood transfusion recipients, especially in cases of transfusions to neonates and immunocompromised patients. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies among blood donors in the city of Lages, in the mountain region of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and to investigate possible associations between the socioeconomic characteristics of donors and CMV serological status. METHODS: A seroepidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,045 blood samples from donors that were used in serological screening over a one-year investigation. All the analyses were conducted using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay with Biokit(R) reagents (Barcelona, Spain), in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: Anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in the sample studied was 96.4% (95% CI: 95.23 - 97.50) and that of anti-CMV IgM was 2.3% (95% CI: 1.39 - 3.20). There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of antibodies and the socioeconomic characteristics of donors. CONCLUSIONS: The blood donors in the study region had high seroprevalence of anti-CMV IgG. Thus, blood component screening strategies and careful indication for blood transfusions require special attention among healthcare professionals as part of the actions for prevention and reduction of primary infections caused by CMV.

Seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus antibodies in blood donors in southern, Brazil / Soroprevalência de anticorpos contra citomegalovírus em doadores de sangue do Sul do Brasil

INTRODUCTION: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is a matter of concern for blood bank professionals and blood transfusion recipients, especially in cases of transfusions to neonates and immunocompromised patients. Thus, the present study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of CMV IgG and IgM antibodies among blood donors in the city of Lages, in the mountain region of Santa Catarina, southern Brazil, and to investigate possible associations between the socioeconomic characteristics of donors and CMV serological status. METHODS: A seroepidemiological cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,045 blood samples from donors that were used in serological screening over a one-year investigation. All the analyses were conducted using the microparticle enzyme immunoassay with Biokit® reagents (Barcelona, Spain), in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. RESULTS: Anti-CMV IgG seroprevalence in the sample studied was 96.4 percent (95 percent CI: 95.23 - 97.50) and that of anti-CMV IgM was 2.3 percent (95 percent CI: 1.39 - 3.20). There were no statistically significant associations between the presence of antibodies and the socioeconomic characteristics of donors. CONCLUSIONS: The blood donors in the study region had high seroprevalence of anti-CMV IgG. Thus, blood component screening strategies and careful indication for blood transfusions require special attention among healthcare professionals as part of the actions for prevention and reduction of primary infections caused by CMV.

INTRODUÇÃO: A infecção pelo citomegalovírus representa uma preocupação para os profissionais de bancos de sangue e para receptores de transfusões sanguíneas, especialmente em casos de transfusões para neonatos e pacientes imunocomprometidos. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar a soroprevalência de anticorpos IgG e IgM contra CMV em doadores de sangue da Cidade de Lages, Região Serrana de Santa Catarina, Sul do Brazil e investigar possíveis associações entre as características socioeconômicas dos doadores e a sorologia para CMV. MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo soroepidemiológico, transversal, conduzido com 1.045 amostras de sangue de doadores utilizadas na triagem sorológica durante um ano de investigação. Todas as análises foram conduzidas em ensaio imunoenzimático de micropartículas com reagentes Biokit® (Barcelona, Espanha), de acordo com as instruções do fabricante. RESULTADOS: A soroprevalência de IgG antiCMV na amostra estudada foi de 96,4 por cento (IC 95 por cento 95,23 - 97,50) e de IgM antiCMV foi de 2,3 por cento (IC 95 por cento 1,39 - 3,20). Não houve associação significativa entre a presença de anticorpos e as características socioeconômicas dos doadores. CONCLUSÕES: Os doadores de sangue da região estudada apresentaram uma alta soroprevalência de IgG antiCMV, e assim, estratégias de triagem de hemocomponentes e a indicação criteriosa de transfusões sanguíneas requerem atenção especial dos profissionais da saúde como parte das ações de prevenção e redução da infecção primária pelo CMV.

An overview of the mechanisms of HIV-related thrombocytopenia.

The first thrombocytopenia cases related to the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) were described even before its isolation in 1983. Subsequently, multiple mechanisms have been proposed to elucidate the etiology of thrombocytopenia. In addition to other types of cytopenia affecting patients with HIV, thrombocytopenia is observed in about 10-50% HIV patients as one of the first clinical signs of infection. Thus, in this review we aim to summarize the mechanisms proposed for thrombocytopenia since the discovery of HIV, and especially the innovations in the field in recent years. Among the different mechanisms suggested for HIV-related thrombocytopenia, there is emphasis on the accelerated destruction of platelets (PLTs) due to the action of immune complexes, and the presence of anti-PLT and anti-HIV antibodies that cross-react with the PLT membrane. There are also secondary causes of thrombocytopenia, such as the effect of drugs and opportunistic diseases associated with HIV.