Profile of human anti-rabies care and post-exposure prophylaxis in the state of São Paulo.

BACKGROUND: Rabies is an anthropozoonosis that greatly impacts public health and is transmitted by infected mammals. Aggression by animals is notifiable and may result in anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This study aimed to characterize anti-rabies PEP notifications in São Paulo state, Brazil. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using data provided by the SINAN between 2013 and 2017. RESULTS: A total of 572,889 aggressions were recorded during the study period, characterized mostly by dogs (83.5%), single wounds (56.9%), superficial wounds (58.6%), and hands/feet (34.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Animal observation was the most frequent recommendation, even in cases of attacks from non-domestic animals.

Rabies in Bats (Chiroptera, Mammalia) in Brazil: Prevalence and Potential Risk Factors Based on Twenty Years of Research in the Northwestern Region of São Paulo, Brazil.

The number of rabies cases in bats has increased recently in Brazil and in the state of São Paulo, representing a new epidemiological scenario for this zoonosis. This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of rabies in bats according to food habits, taxonomic classification, sex and season of the year to identify possible risk factors for rabies occurrence in bats. A retrospective analysis of 6389 records of bat samples, from different municipalities of São Paulo, submitted to rabies diagnosis and taxonomic identification was carried out at the Rabies Diagnostic and Chiroptera Laboratories of Unesp Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brazil, from 1998 to 2017. Seventy-six (1.1%) positive rabies cases were detected in bats from ten species and seven genera of three families. The number of rabies-positive cases was higher in the dry season, with a significant association. The prevalence was higher in the Vespertilionidae family (37), especially Myotis nigricans (19) and Eptesicus furinalis (14). Frugivorous bats had a greater association with positivity for rabies, whereas the variable "sex" had no association. We recommend that the surveillance and control of rabies should be undertaken primarily during the dry season, especially in the Vespertilionidae family species and other species with a frugivorous food habit.

Profile of human anti-rabies care and post-exposure prophylaxis in the state of São Paulo

ABSTRACT Background: Rabies is an anthropozoonosis that greatly impacts public health and is transmitted by infected mammals. Aggression by animals is notifiable and may result in anti-rabies post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP). This study aimed to characterize anti-rabies PEP notifications in São Paulo state, Brazil. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted using data provided by the SINAN between 2013 and 2017. Results: A total of 572,889 aggressions were recorded during the study period, characterized mostly by dogs (83.5%), single wounds (56.9%), superficial wounds (58.6%), and hands/feet (34.6%). Conclusions: Animal observation was the most frequent recommendation, even in cases of attacks from non-domestic animals.

Highly Diverse Arenaviruses in Neotropical Bats, Brazil.

We detected arenavirus RNA in 1.6% of 1,047 bats in Brazil that were sampled during 2007-2011. We identified Tacaribe virus in 2 Artibeus sp. bats and a new arenavirus species in Carollia perspicillata bats that we named Tietê mammarenavirus. Our results suggest that bats are an underrecognized arenavirus reservoir.

Paramyxoviruses from neotropical bats suggest a novel genus and nephrotropism.

Paramyxoviruses have a broad host range and geographic distribution, including human pathogens transmitted by bats, such as Nipah and Hendra viruses. In this study, we combined high-throughput sequencing and molecular approaches to investigate the presence of paramyxoviruses in neotropical bats (Microchiroptera suborder) in Brazil. We discovered and characterized three novel paramyxoviruses in the kidney tissues of apparently healthy common vampire bats (D. rotundus) and Seba's short-tailed bats (C. perspicillata), which we tentatively named Kanhgág virus (KANV), Boe virus (BOEV), and Guató virus (GUATV). In this study, we classified these viruses as putative species into the Macrojêvirus genus, a newly proposed genus of the Orthoparamyxovirinae subfamily. Using RT-PCR, we detected these viruses in 20.9% (9 out of 43) of bats tested, and viral RNA was detected exclusively in kidney tissues. Attempts to isolate infectious virus were successful for KANV and GUATV. Our results expand the viral diversity, host range, and geographical distribution of the paramyxoviruses.

Krykféie dicistrovirus: A novel dicistrovirus in velvety free-tailed bats from Brazil.

The Dicistroviridae family comprises positive single-stranded RNA viruses that are classified into Picornavirales order. These viruses are identified in arthropod hosts, including some having devastating economic consequences. Here, we described and characterized a novel nearly complete dicistrovirus genome identified in liver samples of velvety free-tailed bats (Molossus molossus) collected in June 2010 in Araçatuba city, São Paulo State, Brazil. This novel virus presents a genome of 9262 nucleotides in length and a typical dicistrovirus genome organization. Based on our phylogenetic analysis and ICTV criteria, we propose this virus as a novel species into the Triatovirus genus. Attempts of viral propagation in Vero E6 and C6/36 cell lines were unsuccessful. The novel dicistrovirus was detected only in one out of nine liver bat samples, representing for the first time an internal organ detection from a representative of this virus family.

Human rabies post-exposure prophylaxis relative to the disease epidemiological status.

This study evaluated the prophylactic measures adopted after attacks by dogs and cats in the main city of Northwester São Paulo State, based on the technical manual for post-exposure treatment, considering the not controlled (1990-1996) and controlled (1997-2010) rabies status. A retrospective analysis was done using the data from the SINAN records (W64-CID10) between 1990 and 2010. In most cases, the accidents were mild (76.9%), and biting animals were healthy (75.4%); therefore, no treatment was needed in 53.3% of the cases. In 64.6% of cases, the prescribed PEP treatment was inappropriate. The most indicated PEP treatments consisted of vaccine and RIG (43.4%), and either three doses of mouse brain vaccine or two doses of cell culture vaccine (76.5%), during the not controlled and controlled rabies periods, respectively. The treatment was more appropriate and followed the technical recommendations during controlled rabies periods compared to not controlled (p < 0.0001) periods. However, excessive application of RIG and rabies vaccine was observed in both periods.

Bat Influenza A(HL18NL11) Virus in Fruit Bats, Brazil.

Screening of 533 bats for influenza A viruses showed subtype HL18NL11 in intestines of 2 great fruit-eating bats (Artibeus lituratus). High concentrations suggested fecal shedding. Genomic characterizations revealed conservation of viral genes across different host species, countries, and sampling years, suggesting a conserved cellular receptor and wide-ranging occurrence of bat influenza A viruses.

Human rabies post-exposure prophylaxis relative to the disease epidemiological status / Tratamento antirrábico humano pós-exposição em relação à situação epidemiológica da doença

Abstract This study evaluated the prophylactic measures adopted after attacks by dogs and cats in the main city of Northwester São Paulo State, based on the technical manual for post-exposure treatment, considering the not controlled (1990-1996) and controlled (1997-2010) rabies status. A retrospective analysis was done using the data from the SINAN records (W64-CID10) between 1990 and 2010. In most cases, the accidents were mild (76.9%), and biting animals were healthy (75.4%); therefore, no treatment was needed in 53.3% of the cases. In 64.6% of cases, the prescribed PEP treatment was inappropriate. The most indicated PEP treatments consisted of vaccine and RIG (43.4%), and either three doses of mouse brain vaccine or two doses of cell culture vaccine (76.5%), during the not controlled and controlled rabies periods, respectively. The treatment was more appropriate and followed the technical recommendations during controlled rabies periods compared to not controlled (p < 0.0001) periods. However, excessive application of RIG and rabies vaccine was observed in both periods.

Resumo O objetivo da presente pesquisa foi avaliar a conduta profilática adotada após agressões por cães e gatos no município de Araçatuba, SP, com base no Manual Técnico de Tratamento Antirrábico Humano e considerando-se as situações de raiva não controlada (1990-1996) e controlada (1997-2010). Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva dos dados das fichas do SINAN (W64-CID10) preenchidas pelo serviço de atendimento antirrábico no período de 1990 a 2010. Na maioria dos casos os acidentes foram leves (76,9%) e os animais agressores estavam sadios (75,4%), resultando em 53,3% de dispensa do tratamento. Em 64,6% dos casos em que houve indicação de tratamento esta foi considerada inadequada. No período de raiva não controlada houve maior indicação do tratamento com vacina e soro (43,4%) e no de raiva controlada o tratamento com três doses de vacina Fuenzalida e Palácios ou duas doses de vacina de cultivo celular (76,5%). No período de raiva controlada as condutas foram mais adequadas, segundo as recomendações técnicas, do que no período de raiva não controlada (p < 0,0001), embora, em ambos os períodos, tenha se observado uma aplicação excessiva de soro e vacina.

Novel Parvoviruses from Wild and Domestic Animals in Brazil Provide New Insights into Parvovirus Distribution and Diversity.

Parvoviruses (family Parvoviridae) are small, single-stranded DNA viruses. Many parvoviral pathogens of medical, veterinary and ecological importance have been identified. In this study, we used high-throughput sequencing (HTS) to investigate the diversity of parvoviruses infecting wild and domestic animals in Brazil. We identified 21 parvovirus sequences (including twelve nearly complete genomes and nine partial genomes) in samples derived from rodents, bats, opossums, birds and cattle in Pernambuco, São Paulo, Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul states. These sequences were investigated using phylogenetic and distance-based approaches and were thereby classified into eight parvovirus species (six of which have not been described previously), representing six distinct genera in the subfamily Parvovirinae. Our findings extend the known biogeographic range of previously characterized parvovirus species and the known host range of three parvovirus genera (Dependovirus, Aveparvovirus and Tetraparvovirus). Moreover, our investigation provides a window into the ecological dynamics of parvovirus infections in vertebrates, revealing that many parvovirus genera contain well-defined sub-lineages that circulate widely throughout the world within particular taxonomic groups of hosts.

Discovery of novel anelloviruses in small mammals expands the host range and diversity of the Anelloviridae.

The Anelloviridae comprises single-stranded DNA viruses currently grouped in sixty-eight species classified in twelve genera. They have been found in many vertebrate hosts including primates. In this study, we describe the application of the high-throughput sequencing to examine the frequency and diversity of anelloviruses in rodents, bats and opossums captured in São Paulo State, Brazil. We report a total of twenty-six anelloviruses with sixteen nearly complete genomes and ten partial genomes, which include eleven potential novel species identified in rodents (Cricetidae), bats (Molossidae and Phyllostomidae), and opossums (Didelphidae). We also propose the inclusion of two potential new genera within the Anelloviridae family, provisionally named Omegatorquevirus and Sigmatorquevirus, including six and three novel species of anelloviruses, respectively. In summary, this study expands the diversity and the host range of the known anelloviruses.

Chapparvoviruses occur in at least three vertebrate classes and have a broad biogeographic distribution.

Chapparvoviruses are a highly divergent group of parvoviruses (family Parvoviridae) that have recently been identified via metagenomic sampling of animal faeces. Here, we report the sequences of six novel chapparvoviruses identified through both metagenomic sampling of bat tissues and in silico screening of published vertebrate genome assemblies. The novel chapparvoviruses share several distinctive genomic features and group together as a robustly supported monophyletic clade in phylogenetic trees. Our data indicate that chapparvoviruses have a broad host range in vertebrates and a global distribution.

Ocorrência da brucelose e tuberculose bovina e percepção de riscos no Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Occurrence of brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis and risk perception in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

Determinar a ocorrência da brucelose, da tuberculose e a percepção de riscos acerca de ambas as zoonoses foi o objetivo do estudo em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros do município de Paranaíba, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. As visitas ocorreram entre novembro de 2012 e março de 2013, em 42 propriedades georreferenciadas, nas quais foram aplicados questionários aos produtores e realizadas as coletas de sangue para testes sorológicos e de tuberculinização. A ocorrência de focos, tanto da brucelose quanto da tuberculose, nas propriedades foi de 2,38% (1/42), porém, há um baixo conhecimento dos produtores sobre os fatores de risco para essas doenças.(AU)

The aim of these study was to determine the occurrences of brucellosis and bovine tuberculosis, and the perception of dairy farmers on the risk of these diseases in dairy cattle herds in the municipality of Paranaíba, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. The total of 42 properties were visited for the application of a questionnaire to dairy farmers, and blood sample collection for serological and tuberculin test, from November 2012 to March 2013. The occurrence of outbreaks, both of brucellosis and tuberculosis, in the properties was 2.38% (1/42). The data showed deficiency in risk perception of these diseases on the part of the farmers.(AU)

Genetic diversity of bats coronaviruses in the Atlantic Forest hotspot biome, Brazil.

Bats are notorious reservoirs of genetically-diverse and high-profile pathogens, and are playing crucial roles in the emergence and re-emergence of viruses, both in human and in animals. In this report, we identified and characterized previously unknown and diverse genetic clusters of bat coronaviruses in the Atlantic Forest Biome, Brazil. These results highlight the virus richness of bats and their possible roles in the public health.

First detection of Leishmania spp. DNA in Brazilian bats captured strictly in urban areas.

Leishmania spp. is a protozoan that maintains its life cycle in domestic and wild animals and it may include bats, a population that has increased in urban environments. This study aimed to investigate the presence of Leishmania spp. in bats captured strictly in urban areas that are endemic for visceral leishmaniasis. The spleen and skin samples of 488 bats from 21 endemic cities in northwestern São Paulo State, Brazil, were tested for the presence of Leishmania kDNA using real-time PCR. Differentiation from Trypanosoma spp. was achieved by amplifying a DNA fragment of the ribosomal RNA gene. The presence of Leishmania spp. kDNA was verified in 23.9% of bats and Trypanosoma spp. DNA was identified in 3.9%. Leishmania species differentiation revealed the presence of Leishmania amazonensis in 78.3% of the bats; L. infantum in 17.4%, and 1 sample (4.3%) showed a mix pattern of L. infantum and L. amazonensis. We also detected, for the first time, L. infantum and L. amazonensis DNA in Desmodus rotundus, the hematophagous bat. The presence of Leishmania spp. DNA in bats strictly from urban areas endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in the State of São Paulo, Brazil indicates that these wild and abundant animals are capable of harboring Leishmania spp. in this new scenario. Due to their longevity, high dispersion capacity and adaptability to synanthropic environments, they may play a role in the maintenance of the life cycle of Leishmania parasites.

Rabies surveillance in bats in Northwestern State of São Paulo

Introduction Rabies is an important zoonosis that occurs in mammals, with bats acting as Lyssavirus reservoirs in urban, rural and natural areas. Rabies cases in bats have been recorded primarily in urban areas in Northwestern State of São Paulo since 1998. This study investigated the circulation of rabies virus by seeking to identify the virus in the brain in several species of bats in this region and by measuring rabies-virus neutralizing antibody levels in the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus. Methods From 2008 to 2012, 1,490 bat brain samples were sent to the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Rabies Laboratory in Araçatuba, and 125 serum samples from vampire bats that were captured in this geographical region were analyzed. Results Rabies virus was detected in the brains of 26 (2%) of 1,314 non-hematophagous bats using the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and the mouse inoculation test (MIT). None of the 176 hematophagous bat samples were positive for rabies virus when a virus detection test was utilized. Out of 125 vampire bat serum samples, 9 (7%) had levels of rabies virus neutralization antibodies (RVNAs) that were higher than 0.5IU/mL; 65% (81/125) had titers between 0.10IU/mL and 0.5IU/mL; and 28% (35/125) were negative for RVNAs using the simplified fluorescent inhibition ...

Rabies surveillance in bats in Northwestern State of São Paulo.

Introduction Rabies is an important zoonosis that occurs in mammals, with bats acting as Lyssavirus reservoirs in urban, rural and natural areas. Rabies cases in bats have been recorded primarily in urban areas in Northwestern State of São Paulo since 1998. This study investigated the circulation of rabies virus by seeking to identify the virus in the brain in several species of bats in this region and by measuring rabies-virus neutralizing antibody levels in the hematophagous bat Desmodus rotundus. Methods From 2008 to 2012, 1,490 bat brain samples were sent to the Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP) Rabies Laboratory in Araçatuba, and 125 serum samples from vampire bats that were captured in this geographical region were analyzed. Results Rabies virus was detected in the brains of 26 (2%) of 1,314 non-hematophagous bats using the fluorescent antibody test (FAT) and the mouse inoculation test (MIT). None of the 176 hematophagous bat samples were positive for rabies virus when a virus detection test was utilized. Out of 125 vampire bat serum samples, 9 (7%) had levels of rabies virus neutralization antibodies (RVNAs) that were higher than 0.5IU/mL; 65% (81/125) had titers between 0.10IU/mL and 0.5IU/mL; and 28% (35/125) were negative for RVNAs using the simplified fluorescent inhibition microtest (SFIMT) in BHK21 cells. The observed positivity rate (1.7%) was higher than the average positivity rate of 1.3% that was previously found in this region. Conclusions The high percentage of vampire bats with neutralizing antibodies suggests that recent rabies virus exposure has occurred, indicating the necessity of surveillance measures in nearby regions that are at risk to avoid diffusion of the rabies virus and possible rabies occurrences.

Rabies in southeast Brazil: a change in the epidemiological pattern.

This epidemiological study was conducted using antigenic and genetic characterisation of rabies virus isolates obtained from different animal species in the southeast of Brazil from 1993 to 2007. An alteration in the epidemiological profile was observed. One hundred two samples were tested using a panel of eight monoclonal antibodies, and 94 were genetically characterised by sequencing the nucleoprotein gene. From 1993 to 1997, antigenic variant 2 (AgV-2), related to a rabies virus maintained in dog populations, was responsible for rabies cases in dogs, cats, cattle and horses. Antigenic variant 3 (AgV-3), associated with Desmodus rotundus, was detected in a few cattle samples from rural areas. From 1998 to 2007, rabies virus was detected in bats and urban pets, and four distinct variants were identified. A nucleotide similarity analysis resulted in two primary groups comprising the dog and bat antigenic variants and showing the distinct endemic cycles maintained in the different animal species in this region.

Estudo da mcrobiota fúngica gastrintestinal de morcegos (Mammalia, Chiroptera) da região noroeste do estado de São Paulo: potencial zoonótico / Study of gastrointestinal fungal flora of bats (Mammalia, Chiroptera) of the northwest region of São Paulo state: zoonotic potential

Os morcegos são hospedeiros de uma rica diversidade de microrganismos. Muitos trabalhos apontam uma estreitaligação entre quirópteros e fungos com potencial patogênico, principalmente por habitarem ambientes como cavernas, grutas e ocos de árvores, favoráveis à manutenção e propagação dos fungos. O objetivo do trabalho foi estudar a microbiota fúngica gastrintestinal de morcegos. Das 98 amostras pertencentes a 11 espécies de morcegos procedentes de 15 cidades estudadas, 20% são da espécie Carollia perspicillata, 19% Artibeus lituratus, 17% Molossus rufus, 13% Glossophaga soricina, 9% Nyctinomops macrotis, 8% Molossus molossus, 7% Desmodus rotundus, 2% Lasiurus ega, e 1%Eptesicus furinalis, Myotis nigricans e Tadarida brasiliensis. O gênero Aspergillus sp. foi isolado de 29% das amostras, seguidos por 6% Microsporum sp. e Penicillium sp., 4% Tricophyton sp. e zigomicetos e 2% Fusarium sp. Das espécies deleveduras, 14% foram de Rhodotorula sp., 10% Candida sp. e 2% Cryptococcus sp., 22% dos isolados permaneceram sem identificação. Todos os 82 cultivos de vísceras foram negativos para Histoplasma capsulatum. Houve associação estatísticasignificativa entre os resultados do cultivo microbiológico e as espécies de morcegos (p < 0,05). Concluímos que osmorcegos podem atuar como agentes veiculadores de fungos com potencial patogênico, entretanto outros trabalhosdevem ser realizados a fim de estabelecer estratégias que permitam identificar os principais fatores correlacionados com o crescimento e a disseminação dos microrganismos na natureza e qual a implicação dos quirópteros no cicloepidemiológico.

Bats are hosts of a rich diversity of microorganisms. Many studies indicate a close link between bats and fungi with pathogenic potential, especially for living in environments such as caves, caverns and hollow trees, favorable to the maintenance and spread of fungi. The objective was to study the gastrointestinal mycoflora of bats. Of the 98 samples belonging to 11 species of bats coming from 15 studied cities, 20% of the species were Carollia perspicillata, 19% Artibeus lituratus, 17% Molossus rufus, 13% Glossophaga soricina, 9% Nyctinomops macrotis, 8% Molossus molossus, 7% Desmodus rotundus, 2% Lasiurus ega and 1% Eptesicus furinalis, Myotis nigricans and Tadarida brasiliensis. The genus Aspergillus sp. was isolated from 29% of the samples, followed by 6% Microsporum sp. and Penicillium sp. 4% Trichophyton sp. and zygomycetes and 2% Fusarium sp. Of yeast species, 14% were from Rhodotorula sp., 10% Candida sp. and 2% Cryptococcus sp., 22% of isolates remained unidentified. All 82 cultures of organs were negative for Histoplasma capsulatum. There was a statistically significant association between the results of microbiological culture and bat species (p < 0.05). We conclude that the bats can act as disperser agents of fungi with pathogenic potential, although other studies should be performed to establish strategies to identify the main factors correlated with the growth and spread of microorganisms in nature and implication of bats in the epidemiological cycle.