RESUMO

Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg), IgM and IgG antibodies to hepatitis B virus core antigen (anti-HBcIgM and anti-HBcIgG) comprise serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection of great importance in the epidemiological surveillance of hepatitis B, since they have been routinely considered for classifying the acute and chronic clinical forms of HBV infection. This classification is established according to the expression and dynamics of these markers in the infected person's bloodstream, which serves as the basis for the differential diagnosis between the two clinical entities. However, in certain circumstances, both acute and chronic infection, the detection of these markers may not occur in the bloodstream, favoring the occurrence of atypical serological profiles of infection, and compromising the correct infection clinical classification. In addition, the complex and varied nature of hepatitis B serological profiles may compromise the health professional's ability to analyze the case and, thus, correctly classify the infection's clinical form. Since the expression of these markers in the bloodstream occurs dynamically, with consequent changes in the patient's serological profile as he progresses towards recovery or chronicity, the diagnosis of acute or chronic infection may also be compromised, if it is established based on the collection of a single sample and without knowing the patient's clinical history and their epidemiological antecedents. This manuscript addresses the sensitivity and specificity of HBsAg, anti-HBcIgM, and anti-HBcIgG serological markers detection in the clinical classification of HBV infection and in the epidemiological surveillance of hepatitis B. This review is covering the clinical and epidemiological interpretations of the markers in and of themselves, not in reference to any specific assays.

RESUMO

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), the virus responsible for COVID-19, interacts with the host immune system through complex mechanisms that significantly influence disease outcomes, affecting both innate and adaptive immunity. These interactions are crucial in determining the disease's severity and the host's ability to clear the virus. Given the virus's substantial socioeconomic impact, high morbidity and mortality rates, and public health importance, understanding these mechanisms is essential. This article examines the diverse innate immune responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2's structural proteins, including the spike (S), membrane (M), envelope (E), and nucleocapsid (N) proteins, along with nonstructural proteins (NSPs) and open reading frames. These proteins play pivotal roles in immune modulation, facilitating viral replication, evading immune detection, and contributing to severe inflammatory responses such as cytokine storms and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The virus employs strategies like suppressing type I interferon production and disrupting key antiviral pathways, including MAVS, OAS-RNase-L, and PKR. This study also explores the immune pathways that govern the activation and suppression of immune responses throughout COVID-19. By analyzing immune sensing receptors and the responses initiated upon recognizing SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, this review elucidates the complex pathways associated with the innate immune response in COVID-19. Understanding these mechanisms offers valuable insights for therapeutic interventions and informs public health strategies, contributing to a deeper understanding of COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.

RESUMO

INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a common sexually transmitted infection often associated with cancer development. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of HPV in women receiving care at the AUNA healthcare network in Peru. METHODS: We conducted an observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study. A de-identified database of HPV-positive women who underwent the BD Onclarity™ HPV Assay between December 2018 and December 2021 at Auna clinics was analyzed. The database contained information regarding age, city, and HPV type. High-risk HPV types were analyzed individually (16, 18, 31, 45, 51, 52) and pooled [P1 (33, 58), P2 (56,59,66), and P3 (35,39,68)]. The study was approved by an independent research ethics committee in Peru. RESULTS: Of 68,714 women included in the study, the HPV prevalence was 14.21% (N = 9765, 95%CI:13.95%-14.47%). The highest prevalence was detected in Piura (16.85%, 95%CI:15.40%-18.38%), where HPV-51, HPV-52, HPV-P1, HPV-P2, and HPV-P3 were most common compared to other Peruvian cities included in the study. In Arequipa, the prevalence was the lowest (13.58%, 95%CI:12.38%-14.85%), but the percentage prevalence of HPV-16 was the highest compared to other cities. The prevalence of multiple HPV infections was 2.88% (N = 1981, 95%CI:2.76%-3.01%), with most of them co-presenting two types of HPV (N = 1522). The most frequent co-occurrences were P2 and P3, P2 and 52, and P2 and 16. Among HPV-positive women, the mean age was 41.31 years (±9.48) and 25.29% were in the 31-35 years group. HPV-P2 was the most frequent in all age groups except in the 65-72 years group, where HPV-P3 was the most common. CONCLUSION: HPV prevalence was shown to be highest in Piura, with the most prevalent types being HPV-16, HPV-52, and HPV-P2 (HPV-56, -59, -66). HPV infection was found to be more frequent among women in the 31-35 years age group.

RESUMO

This Photo Quiz article presents a case of acute dengue fever in an American traveler returning from Puerto Rico. In addition to the relevant epidemiologic and medical history, a key finding that allowed clinical diagnosis of the infection was the characteristic rash ("isles of white in a sea of red") that our patient manifested. This physical exam finding was documented and is featured prominently in the article. Despite the fact that initial testing for dengue virus infection was negative, the characteristic exposures, incubation period, and clinical syndrome our patient presented with allowed us to provide directed care for the most likely illness. Our clinical diagnosis was later confirmed on convalescent serologic testing. We use this case to illustrate and discuss highlights of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of both non-severe and severe dengue virus infection.

RESUMO

Respiratory viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, influenza, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are pathogens responsible for lower respiratory tract infections, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly. Upon infection, these viruses are recognized by pattern recognition receptors, leading to the activation of inflammasomes, which are essential for mediating inflammatory responses. This review discusses the mechanisms by which these RNA respiratory viruses activate inflammasomes, emphasizing the roles of various signaling pathways and components involved in this process. Additionally, we highlight the specific interactions between viral proteins and inflammasome sensors, elucidating how these viruses manipulate the host immune response to facilitate infection. Understanding the dynamics of inflammasome activation in response to respiratory viruses provides critical insights for developing immunomodulatory therapeutic strategies aimed at mitigating inflammation and improving outcomes in respiratory tract infections.

RESUMO

Recreational waters are routinely assessed by enumeration of fecal indicator bacteria, such as enterococci, but research suggests viral indicators may be better suited for recreational water quality applications. Somatic and F+ coliphage were proposed as predictors of viral pathogens in recreational waters, but concurrent measurements of enterococci and coliphages and comparisons across different risk-based beach action values (BAVs) are limited. We collected paired measurements of enterococci, E. coli, somatic and F+ coliphage from three Gulf of Mexico beaches. Enterococci (colony forming units: CFU) were enumerated on mEI agar and by qPCR (Entero1a: target sequence [TS]). E. coli was enumerated by qPCR (EC23S587, TS). Coliphages (plaque forming units: PFU) were enumerated using dead-end hollowfiber ultrafiltration and single agar layer assay. The largest correlation observed was between Entero1a and cultured enterococci (r ≥ 0.51, p ≤ 0.0001) and the smallest (r ≤ 0.01, p = 1.0) between F+ coliphage and cultured enterococci. Applying equivalent BAVs for culturable enterococci (60 CFU/100 mL), Entero1a (9658 TS per 100 mL) and suggested somatic (14 PFU/100 mL) and F+ (3 PFU/100 mL) thresholds resulted in the overall greatest agreement in beach advisory status between coliphages and Entero1a (74-82 %) and lowest between cultured enterococci and somatic coliphage (65 %). This rich data set not only provides valuable insights on the incidence of coliphage and FIB in the Gulf of Mexico but will also provide a foundation for future research on fecal source identification and water quality forecast modeling in sub-tropical marine waters.

RESUMO

Arboviral and rodent-borne infections are considered a public health concern and pose a significant threat to military service members when deployed in austere environments. In 1990, the U.S. Naval Medical Research Unit (NAMRU) SOUTH, in collaboration with the Peruvian Ministry of Health, initiated febrile illnesses surveillance in Iquitos, Loreto, later expanding to 33 health facilities throughout the country. Additionally, different techniques were developed to maximize virus detection. The activities were crucial in identifying evidence of circulating dengue, Venezuelan equine encephalitis, Mayaro, and Oropouche viruses in the region. Subsequently, Eastern equine encephalitis, encephalomyocarditis, Guaroa, Saint Louis encephalitis, and Rio Mamore viruses, among others, were discovered through our surveillance networks. The results of 3 decades of surveillance identified 16 novel arboviruses and rodent-borne viruses, contributing to public health control and force health protection for the United States and partner nations.

RESUMO

Norovirus is the worldwide leading cause of gastroenteric diseases. It affects mainly infants and older adults, but the findings are mainly derived from outbreak investigations rather than population-based cohorts. The U. S. Naval Medical Research Unit SOUTH (NAMRU SOUTH) developed and conducted research studies in the last 20 years focusing on the military and general populations afflicted by this pathogen. For the latter, studies included all age groups in 2 main communities in Peru, representing people from the highlands and tropical areas. The results helped elucidate the incidence of norovirus infection among different age groups as well as identifying risk factors, seasonality, and economic burden on the patient. The collected data demonstrate an increase of norovirus cases, not only in the previously reported age groups but also in adults. Consequently, this increase of norovirus cases in adults may impair the occupational productivity in civilian populations and operational readiness among service members.

RESUMO

Dengue is the most widespread vector-borne viral infection globally and a serious public health problem. The 2023-2024 dengue outbreak across Latin America has drastically impacted Peru, including previously unaffected areas such as metropolitan Lima and Amazonian rural communities, presumably due to climate change. Research studies conducted in Iquitos, the largest city in the Peruvian Amazon, showed that ultra-low-volume pyrethroid spray applications against the dengue vector Aedes aegypti were effective when adequate coverage and quality control were carried out. Insecticide-treated curtains were not effective at controlling dengue transmission in Iquitos, whereas the use of passive spatial repellent emanators demonstrated 34% protective efficacy against Aedes-borne virus infection. In modeling studies, targeted indoor residual spray strategies showed promising reductions in dengue transmission, which require empirical evaluation. Trials conducted in Iquitos have shown that larval control alone is not sufficient to control Ae. aegypti, urging that government programs must consider integrated vector management.

RESUMO

Some studies suggest that the respiratory microbiome of COVID-19 patients differs from that of healthy individuals, infected patients may have reduced diversity and increased levels of opportunistic bacteria, however, the role of the microbiome in fatal SARS-CoV-2 infection remains poorly understood. Our study aimed to determine whether there are differences in the respiratory microbiome between patients who recovered from COVID-19 and those who died, by characterizing the bacterial communities of both groups. A total of 24 patients who recovered from COVID-19 and 24 who died were included in the study, patient data were analyzed for signs, symptoms and clinical variables. Airway samples were collected and the 16 S rRNA variable regions V3-V4 were amplified and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. Elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase, and higher frequencies of cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus and renal disease were observed in patients with a fatal outcome. Compared to patients who recovered from COVID-19, patients who died exhibited a microbiome enriched in periodontal and pathogenic bacteria such as Klebsiella pneumoniae. Our results highlighted a dual relationship between SARS CoV-2 infection and an exacerbated periodontopathogen-induced immune response.

RESUMO

Antiviral therapies can yield different outcomes depending on their scheduling: a highly effective drug may produce treatment results ranging from successful to inconsequential, depending on therapeutic timing, dosing intervals, and dosage. The effectiveness of antiviral therapies can be assessed using mathematical models that describe viral spread within a host. In this work, we conduct a study based on the dynamic characterization of a target-cell model to address a multi-objective control problem aimed at designing highly effective and host-customizable antiviral therapies. These therapies involve finite-time antiviral treatments that minimize the viral load peak and the infection final size until infection clearance, while simultaneously reducing the total amount of drug intake as much as possible. Two optimization-based control strategies are proposed: a fixed-dose and a variable-dose approach. The variable-dose strategy achieves superior performance by explicitly considering the system dynamics in the design of the control. Simulation results, based on an identified model for COVID-19 patients treated with Paxlovid, illustrate the potential benefits of the proposed strategies.

RESUMO

Rhamnolipids, biosurfactants synthesized from natural resources, demonstrate significant applications, including notable insecticidal efficacy against Aedes aegypti L., the primary vector for numerous arboviruses. The global spread of A. aegypti poses substantial public health challenges, requiring innovative and sustainable control strategies. This research investigates the use of andiroba (Carapa guianensis Aubl.) biomass waste as a substrate for synthesizing a rhamnolipid biosurfactant (BSAW) produced by Pseudomonas aeruginosa and evaluates its insecticidal activity against A. aegypti. The findings indicate a biosurfactant yield of 4.42 mg mL-1, alongside an emulsification index approaching 60%. BSAW successfully reduced both surface and interfacial tensions to below 30 mN/m and 4 mN/m, respectively. Characterization revealed that BSAW is a di-rhamnolipid, consisting of two rhamnose units covalently linked to a saturated C10 fatty acid chain. At a concentration of 1.0 mg mL-1, BSAW exhibited notable larvicidal activity, leading to structural impairments and cellular dysfunctions in A. aegypti larvae while also disrupting their associated bacterial microbiota. Moreover, BSAW effectively deterred oviposition in adult mosquitoes. These findings underscore BSAW's potential to compromise various developmental stages of A. aegypti, supporting integrated arbovirus management approaches. Furthermore, this research emphasizes the feasibility of utilizing agro-industrial waste as substrates for microbial rhamnolipid production.

RESUMO

AIMS: This study aims to evaluate the antiviral activity of sophorolipids against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and develop an anti-herpetic formulation for treatment of cutaneous lesions caused by HSV-1. METHODS AND RESULTS: The antiherpetic activity of sophorolipids was evaluated in vitro against both sensitive (KOS) and acyclovir-resistant HSV-1 strains. used as a model to assess the antiviral activity of sophorolipids against non-enveloped viruses Poliovirus was used as a model to assess the antiviral activity of sophorolipids against non-enveloped viruses. The results showed that sophorolipids exhibit effective antiviral activity against both strains with low cytotoxicity to VERO cells. However, antiviral activity against poliovirus was not observed, suggesting that sophorolipids specifically target enveloped virus. In vivo, the sophorolipid-based cream formulation demonstrated good stability and efficacy in reducing herpetic lesions, including those caused by the drug-resistant strain. Promising antiviral activity was confirmed through histopathological analysis, indicating a reduced occurrence of tissue damage in the treated group compared to the viral control. CONCLUSIONS: Sophorolipids, whether isolated or incorporated as an active ingredient in a cream formulation, represent a promising and innovative alternative for the treatment of cutaneous lesions caused by HSV-1, including strains resistant to the reference drug.

RESUMO

COVID-19 is caused by SARS-CoV-2, first identified in 2019. The Cuban vaccines, Abdala and Mambisa, have demonstrated efficacy in preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Immunoglobulin A (IgA) are the main line of defense against pathogens invading the respiratory or digestive tract and its presence in serum can be measured to assess vaccine efficacy. ELISAs are a valuable tool for assessing vaccine immunogenicity. These tests should be validated to ensure their reliability and suitability. The objective of this study was to validate a non-commercial ELISA for the quantification of total anti-RBD IgA in serum samples to support clinical studies. This assay demonstrated high clinical specificity (97.3 %). The accuracy and precision of the assay showed an overall error of less than 20 % at all levels in QCs. Re-evaluation of samples showed a mean difference of less than 30 % in 90.2 % of cases. Anti-RBD IgA titers correlated with viral neutralization titers and percentage inhibition of RBD-ACE2 binding. This assay was found to be highly accurate and reproducible for the quantification of anti-RBD IgA, met the most stringent acceptance criteria and is fit for purpose. It is currently being used to evaluate the immunogenicity of the Abdala and Mambisa vaccines.

RESUMO

Arboviruses are transmitted by arthropods, and their spread from endemic to nonendemic regions has been accelerated by deforestation, climate change, and global mobility. Arbovirus infection in human results in symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening, with the impairment of central nervous system functions being reported in severe cases. Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms by which arboviruses led to neural dysfunction are still poorly understood. The lack of a widespread human central nervous system model to study the virus-host interaction challenges the advance of our knowledge on these mechanisms. In this context, human brain-derived ex vivo models have the advantage of preserving cellular diversity, cell connections, and tissue cytoarchitecture found in human brain, raising them as a powerful strategy to elucidate the cellular-molecular alterations underlying brain diseases. Here, we review recent advances in the field of neurotropic arboviruses obtained using ex vivo human brain tissue as the experimental model.

RESUMO

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the main form of head and neck cancer. Gap junctions (GJs) are communication channels involved in cell proliferation control; they consist of hemichannels formed by connexin (Cx) proteins. The abnormal expression/function of Cx43 has been associated with tumor progression. Also, some human papillomaviruses (HPVs) have been linked to squamous cell cancer. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing Cx43 as a potential OSCC biomarker and exploring its association with histopathological differentiation and HPV infection. OSCC samples were inspected using hematoxylin and eosin staining, and Cx43 expression and HPV 16/18 were tested by immunofluorescence. Pearson correlation tests, ANOVA, and Kaplan-Meier curves were used in the analysis. Samples from 39 patients with OSCC were studied. Most had well-differentiated histology and 61.5% were HPV+. Cx43 expression was significantly associated with HPV infection (p = 0.047), differentiation (p < 0.001), and survival (p = 0.009), and HPV positivity was also associated with the degree of differentiation (p = 0.012). Cx43 shows potential as a prognostic biomarker for OSCC. Lower Cx43 expression, correlated with poorer differentiation, is associated with an unfavorable prognosis. Further studies are needed to confirm its clinical utility.

RESUMO

Subgenomic RNAs (sgRNAs) are potential markers of active SARS-CoV-2 replication, serving as templates for the synthesis of structural and accessory proteins in infectious viral particles. This study aimed to use RT-qPCR to quantify sgRNA and negative RNA intermediates, assessing viral replication in virus samples inactivated by ß-propiolactone (ßPL). Inactivated viruses subjected to five blind serial passages (BSs) were amplified by RT-qPCR using primers to target the envelope (ENV) and nucleoproteins (N1 and N2) of genomic genes, subgenomic envelope RNA (sgENV), and intermediate envelope RNA (ENV-). All positive controls showed consistent viral titers across passages (10 log10 copies/mL in N1/N2 and 11 log10 copies/mL in ENV) during BSs. Inactivated viral samples for ENV and ENV- targets ranged from 11.34 log10 copies/mL in BS1 to 11.20 log10 copies/mL in BS5. The sgENV was no longer detected in the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 samples after the second passage, suggesting successful inactivation. Replication kinetics showed consistent profiles for N1/N2, ENV, and ENV- targets in the first three post-infection hours (pih) and maintained approximately 5 log10 copies/mL at 1 pih, 2 pih, and 3 pih. A sharp exponential increase in the viral titer was observed from 24 pih onwards, peaking at 11.64 log10 copies/mL at 48 pih. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed viral particles only in cells infected with active SARS-CoV-2. These results support the use of sgRNA as a reliable marker for SARS-CoV-2 replication, especially in distinguishing between active replication and non-viable particles and in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.

RESUMO

Spodoptera eridania is considered a polyphagous pest, as it attacks several crops. The aim of this study was to identify a virus isolate present in symptomatic S. eridania caterpillars. The virus sample was extracted and OBs purification performed. Viral DNA was extracted using the PureLink Viral RNA/DNA Mini Kit (ThermoFisher) and primers prl8-1 and prl8-1B were used for amplification of the gene fragment. The isolate was identified showing high genetic similarity with the isolate "Spodoptera eridania nucleopolyhedrovirus isolate CNPSo-165", characterizing itself as a novelty in the scenario and as promising, adding the tactics available for the integrated management of S. eridania.

RESUMO

Congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) is responsible for several malformations, including microcephaly. This study aimed to describe children's access to social public policies: lifetime benefit (E60) created in the face of the Zika virus public health emergency (Espin-ZIKV) or Continuous Cash Benefit/Type 87 (BPC/E87). Thus, this study compares the children's access before and after Espin-ZIKV. This was a cross-sectional study, with data extraction and description from the Brazilian Information System on Live Births (SINASC), the Registry of Public Health Events-Microcephaly (Resp-Microcephaly), and the Unified System for Benefits Information (SUIBE), from 2013 to 2021. We describe the E60 that were still active at the time of SUIBE data extraction in May, 2023. We compared the granting of BPC/E87 for microcephaly in 2013 and 2021 (before and after Espin-ZIKV). Of the 20,000,859 live births from 2015-2021, 20,464 suspected cases of CZS were reported in Resp-Microcephaly; 20% of affected patients received some social benefit: 705 received E60 and 3,822 received BPC/E87. The national average of BPC/E87 granted in 2013 for microcephaly was eight for every 100,000 live births (before Espin-ZIKV), while in 2021 it was five BPC/E87 for every 100,000 live births (after Espin-ZIKV) (p < 0.01). We observed 689 children with active E60 (from 3 to 8 years of age), in May, 2023. The study showed low social protection for children with suspected CZS. However, of those who benefited from the E60, 98% had active benefits in 2023, demonstrating the important survival of the benefited children. A reduction in the mean number of BPC/E87 grants for microcephaly without specified cause was observed after Espin-ZIKV.

A síndrome congênita da Zika (SCZ) é responsável por várias malformações, inclusive microcefalia. Os objetivos deste estudo foram: descrever o acesso das crianças às políticas públicas sociais de pensão vitalícia (E60), criada frente à emergência de saúde pública do Zika vírus (Espin-ZIKV), e ao Benefício de Prestação Continuada/Espécie 87 (BPC/E87), e comparar esse acesso antes e depois da Espin-ZIKV. Estudo transversal, com extração e descrição de dados do Sistema de Informações sobre Nascidos Vivos (SINASC), Registro de Eventos em Saúde Pública-Microcefalia (Resp-Microcefalia) e Sistema Único de Informação de Benefícios (SUIBE), entre 2013 e 2021. Descrevemos as E60 que ainda estavam ativas quando da extração de dados do SUIBE em maio de 2023. Comparamos a concessão do BPC/E87 por microcefalia em 2013 e 2021 (antes e depois da Espin-ZIKV). Dos 20.000.859 nascidos vivos entre 2015-2021, foram notificados 20.464 casos suspeitos de SCZ no Resp-Microcefalia; 20% dos pacientes acometidos receberam algum benefício social: 705 a E60 e 3.822 o BPC/E87. A média nacional de concessão de BPC/E87 em 2013 por microcefalia foi de 8 para cada 100 mil nascidos vivos (antes da Espin-ZIKV) e 5 BPC/E87 para cada 100 mil nascidos vivos em 2021 (após Espin-ZIKV) (p < 0,01). Observamos 689 crianças com E60 ativas (entre 3 e 8 anos de idade) em maio de 2023. O estudo evidenciou baixa proteção social das crianças com suspeita de SCZ, mas, dentre as que se beneficiaram da E60, 98% estavam com benefício ativo em 2023, demonstrando sobrevida importante das crianças beneficiadas. Foi observada redução na média de concessões de BPC/E87 para microcefalia sem causa especificada após Espin-ZIKV.

El síndrome congénito del Zika (SCZ) es responsable de varias malformaciones, incluida la microcefalia. Los objetivos de este estudio fueron: describir el acceso de los niños a las políticas públicas sociales -pensión vitalicia (E60) creada en respuesta a la emergencia de salud pública provocada por el virus del Zika (Espin-ZIKV) o Beneficio de Prestación Continuada/Especie 87 (BPC/E87)- y comparar este acceso antes y después de Espin-ZIKV. Estudio transversal, con extracción y descripción de datos del Sistema de Informaciones sobre Nacidos Vivos (SINASC), Registro de Eventos en Salud Pública-Microcefalia (Resp-Microcefalia) y Sistema Único de Información de Beneficios (SUIBE), entre el 2013 y el 2021. Describimos las E60 que todavía estaban activos cuando se extrajeron los datos de SUIBE en mayo del 2023. Comparamos la concesión del BPC/E87 por microcefalia en el 2013 y el 2021 (antes y después de Espin-ZIKV). De los 20.000.859 nacidos vivos entre 2015-2021, se notificaron 20.464 casos sospechosos de SCZ en Resp-Microcefalia; el 20% de los pacientes afectados recibió algún beneficio social: 705 la E60 y 3.822 recibieron BPC/E87. El promedio nacional de otorgamiento de BPC/E87 en el 2013 para microcefalia fue de ocho por cada 100.000 nacidos vivos (antes de Espin-ZIKV) y de 5 BPC/E87 por cada 100.000 nacidos vivos en el 2021 (después de Espin-ZIKV) (p < 0,01). Observamos 689 niños con E60 activas (entre 3 y 8 años) en mayo del 2023. El estudio puso de manifiesto una baja protección social para los niños con sospecha de SCZ, pero, de los que se beneficiaron de la E60, el 98% tenía beneficios activos en el 2023, lo que demuestra una importante sobrevida de los niños beneficiados. Se observó una reducción en el promedio de subvenciones de BPC/E87 para microcefalia sin causa especificada, tras Espin-ZIKV.

RESUMO

RNA interference (RNAi) mediated by the small interfering RNA (siRNA) pathway is a major antiviral mechanism in insects. This pathway is triggered when double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) produced during virus replication is recognized by Dicer-2, leading to the formation of virus-derived siRNA duplexes. These siRNAs are loaded onto the programmable nuclease Argonaute-2 (AGO2), with one strand serving as a guide to target and cleave fully complementary sequences of viral RNAs. While siRNAs are generated from viral dsRNA, the specific viral RNA species targeted for silencing during RNA virus replication remains unclear. In this study, we characterized the primary viral RNA targets of the Drosophila siRNA pathway during infections caused by negative and positive RNA viruses, namely Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and Sindbis virus (SINV). Our findings reveal that polyadenylated transcripts of VSV and SINV are the major targets of silencing by the siRNA pathway during infection, likely when they are poised for translation. Consistent with earlier findings, we show that AGO2 is associated with ribosomes in control and virus infected cells. Therefore, we propose that the inhibition of the replication of RNA viruses in Drosophila results from the silencing of incoming viral transcripts, facilitated by the association of AGO2 with ribosomes.