ICTV Virus Taxonomy Profile: Retroviridae 2021.

Viruses in the family Retroviridae are found in a wide variety of vertebrate hosts. Enveloped virions are 80-100 nm in diameter with an inner core containing the viral genome and replicative enzymes. Core morphology is often characteristic for viruses within the same genus. Replication involves reverse transcription and integration into host cell DNA, resulting in a provirus. Integration into germline cells can result in a heritable provirus known as an endogenous retrovirus. This is a summary of the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV) Report on the family Retroviridae, which is available at ictv.global/report/retroviridae.

Influence of the amino-terminal sequence on the structure and function of HIV integrase.

BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) can mitigate the morbidity and mortality caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Successful development of ART can be accelerated by accurate structural and biochemical data on targets and their responses to inhibitors. One important ART target, HIV integrase (IN), has historically been studied in vitro in a modified form adapted to bacterial overexpression, with a methionine or a longer fusion protein sequence at the N-terminus. In contrast, IN present in viral particles is produced by proteolytic cleavage of the Pol polyprotein, which leaves a phenylalanine at the N-terminus (IN 1F). Inspection of available structures suggested that added residues on the N-terminus might disrupt proper protein folding and formation of multimeric complexes. RESULTS: We purified HIV-1 IN 1F1-212 and solved its structure at 2.4 Å resolution, which showed extension of an N-terminal helix compared to the published structure of IN1-212. Full-length IN 1F showed increased in vitro catalytic activity in assays of coupled joining of the two viral DNA ends compared to two IN variants containing additional N-terminal residues. IN 1F was also altered in its sensitivity to inhibitors, showing decreased sensitivity to the strand-transfer inhibitor raltegravir and increased sensitivity to allosteric integrase inhibitors. In solution, IN 1F exists as monomers and dimers, in contrast to other IN preparations which exist as higher-order oligomers. CONCLUSIONS: The structural, biochemical, and biophysical characterization of IN 1F reveals the conformation of the native HIV-1 IN N-terminus and accompanying unique biochemical and biophysical properties. IN 1F thus represents an improved reagent for use in integration reactions in vitro and the development of antiretroviral agents.

Recent Advances in the Development of Integrase Inhibitors for HIV Treatment.

PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW: The complex multistep life cycle of HIV allows it to proliferate within the host and integrate its genome in to the host chromosomal DNA. This provirus can remain dormant for an indefinite period. The process of integration, governed by integrase (IN), is highly conserved across the Retroviridae family. Hence, targeting integration is not only expected to block HIV replication but may also reveal new therapeutic strategies to treat HIV as well as other retrovirus infections. RECENT FINDINGS: HIV integrase (IN) has gained attention as the most promising therapeutic target as there are no equivalent homologues of IN that has been discovered in humans. Although current nano-formulated long-acting IN inhibitors have demonstrated the phenomenal ability to block HIV integration and replication with extraordinary half-life, they also have certain limitations. In this review, we have summarized the current literature on clinically established IN inhibitors, their mechanism of action, the advantages and disadvantages associated with their therapeutic application, and finally current HIV cure strategies using these inhibitors.

Multicentric Round Cell Neoplasms and Their Viral Associations in Wild Turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo) in the Southeastern United States.

Multiple oncogenic viruses, including lymphoproliferative disease virus (LPDV) and reticuloendotheliosis virus (REV), have been detected in wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The prevalence of infection with these viruses appears to be more common than overt disease; thus, data on the manifestation of associated disease in wild turkeys are scarce. Diagnostic records from wild turkeys submitted to the Southeastern Cooperative Wildlife Disease Study from 1980 to 2017 were reviewed to identify cases of neoplasia. Neoplasia was reported in 59 of 851 (6.9%) wild turkeys submitted. Of the cases of neoplasia tested by polymerase chain reaction, LPDV was detected in 34 of 58 (59%), REV in 10 of 39 (26%), both viruses in 3 of 39 (8%), and no retroviruses detected in 5 of 39 (13%) turkeys. The most common gross lesions observed among turkeys with neoplasms were emaciation (30/40; 75%); nodules in the skin (26/59; 44%), liver (17/59; 29%), or spleen (9/59; 15%); and splenomegaly (14/59; 24%). Microscopically, nodules were composed of pleomorphic round cells with large eccentric nuclei and prominent nucleoli resembling lymphocytes or lymphoblasts (57/59; 97%) except for 2 cases, one of myeloid cell origin and the other with primarily spindloid cells. This study indicates the need to characterize the pathogenesis and potential health threat posed by REV and LPDV to wild turkeys. Experimental infection studies and the development of additional diagnostic tests to confirm the role of retroviruses in lymphoproliferative disease are warranted.

Retrovirus-Mediated Transfection of the Tissue-type Plasminogen Activator Gene Results in Increased Thrombolysis of Blood Clots.

Tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) is involved in the lysis of blood clots. In this study, we attempted to target thrombolysis and enhance blood clot lysis by generating a construct (pLEGFP-N1-tPA) to integrate tPA gene into the genome of different cell lines. pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct was generated and used to target the tPA gene in different cell lines. The thrombolytic effects mediated by the supernatant from transfected HeLa cells and Linx cells were assessed using plasma thrombus plates. Furthermore, enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP), which was fused to the tPA gene in the pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct, was analyzed under the fluorescent microscope to assess tPA localization. We also monitored tPA activity and expression in the transfected cell lines. As part of the study, we successfully generated the pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct. The sequence of this construct was verified and the construct was subsequently used to generate the PT67/pLEGFP-N1-tPA cell line. The pLEGFP-N1-tPA construct was also used to transfect HeLa cells and Linx cells. We observed that supernatants from transfected cells were capable of lysing thrombi. In addition, tPA activity and tPA concentration were elevated in the latter supernatants and tPA was rapidly and stably expressed in the transfected cell lines. These results reveal a potentially important thrombolytic role for tPA-targeted gene therapy following cardiac valve replacement.

Spatial distribution and risk factors for equine infectious anaemia in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil.

The prevalence of equine infectious anaemia (EIA) in the three biomes of the state of Mato Grosso (Amazon, Cerrado and Pantanal) was estimated. Serum samples were collected from 3,858 equines in 1,067 herds between Septemberand December 2014. The agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) assay was used to detect EIA virus antibodies, and if a herd contained a seropositive animal itwas classified as a focus. The prevalence rates were 17.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.9-19.8%) for herds and 6.6% (95% CI: 5.8-7.5%) for animals. The Pantanal region showed the highest prevalence rates: 36.1% (95% CI: 30.8-41.7%) for herds and 17.0% (95% CI: 14.7-19.6%) for animals. The spatial distribution of relative risk was calculated according to the kernel density, which revealed three major clusters with the highest prevalence rates occurring in the north-western(Amazon biome), north-eastern (Cerrado biome) and southern (Pantanal biome)regions. A high spatial correlation was found among ranches, with high intra-herd prevalence rates located in the Amazon and Cerrado biomes, but the highest spatial correlation with EIA foci was found in the Pantanal biome. Variables related to ranch management, reflecting human influence, were associated with positive equines. Based on the results, it can be concluded that EIA is present in all biomes of the state, and that the risk factors are associated with human interference in the transmission process. Given this situation, the EIA control programme should be re-evaluated and more prophylactic measures should be adopted to control the disease.

Les auteurs présentent les résultats d'une estimation de la prévalence de l'anémie infectieuse des équidés (AIE) dans les trois biomes de l'état du Mato Grosso (l'Amazonie, le Cerrado et le Pantanal) réalisée de septembre à décembre2014 à partir d'échantillons de sérum collectés chez 3 858 équidés dans1 067 troupeaux. La méthode d'immunodiffusion sur gélose était utilisée pour détecter les anticorps anti-AIE. En cas de test positif chez un individu, le troupeau était classé comme un foyer. La prévalence par troupeau était de 17,2 % (intervalle de confiance à 95 % [IC 95 %] de 14,9 à 19,8) tandis que la prévalence individuelle était de 6,6 % (IC 95 % de 5,8 à 7,5). La prévalence la plus élevée était enregistrée dans la région du Pantanal : 36,1 % (IC 95 % de 30,8 à 41,7) par troupeaux et17,0 (IC 95 % de 14,7 à 19,6) à l'échelle des individus. La distribution spatiale du risque relatif estimée par noyau montre trois grappes de prévalence élevée dans le nord-ouest (biome de l'Amazonie), le nord-est (biome du Cerrado) et le sud (biome du Pantanal). Si une corrélation spatiale forte est observée dans les élevages des biomes de l'Amazonie et du Cerrado où la prévalence intra-troupeau est élevée, la corrélation spatiale la plus élevée avec les foyers d'AIE se trouve dans le biome du Pantanal. Une association a été constatée entre les équidés testés positifs et les variables descriptives liées aux pratiques d'élevage, ce qui traduit l'importance de l'influence humaine. À partir de ces résultats, on peut conclure que l'AIE est présente dans l'ensemble des biomes de l'état et que les facteurs de risque sont associés à l'interférence humaine dans le processus de transmission. Ainsi, une réévaluation du programme de lutte contre l'AIE serait indiquée avec plus de mesures prophylactiques afin de contrôler la maladie.

Los autores describen el proceso seguido para estimar la prevalencia de anemia infecciosa equina en los tres biomas presentes en el estado de Mato Grosso (Amazonia, Cerrado y Pantanal). Entre septiembre y diciembre de 2014 se extrajeron muestras a 3.858 equinos de 1.067 rebaños, a las que se aplicó la técnica de inmunodifusión en gel de agar para detectar anticuerpos contra el virus de la anemia infecciosa equina: todo rebaño en el que hubiera un animal seropositivo era considerado un foco. La tasa de prevalencia de rebaños infectados resultó del 17,2% (intervalo de confianza [IC] al 95%: 14,9­19,8) y la de individuos infectados del 6,6% (IC 95%: 5,8­7,5). Las tasas más elevadas se observaron en la región de Pantanal: un 36,1% (IC 95%: 30,8­41,7) de prevalencia de rebaño y un 17,0% (IC 95%: 14,7­19,6) de prevalencia individual. La distribución espacial del riesgo relativo se determinó con arreglo a la densidad kernel, proceso que reveló la presencia de tres grandes conglomerados: las mayores tasas de prevalencia se situaban en las regiones del noroeste (en el caso del bioma amazónico), el noreste (biomade Cerrado) y el sur (bioma de Pantanal). Se observó que existía una estrecha correlación espacial entre explotaciones, y aunque en los biomas de la Amazonia y Cerrado había elevadas tasas de prevalencia intrarrebaño, fue en el bioma de Pantanal donde se observó la correlación espacial más estrecha con los focos de anemia infecciosa equina. La presencia de equinos seropositivos venía asociada a variables relacionadas con la gestión de las explotaciones, hecho que pone de relieve la influencia humana en la cuestión. A tenor de los resultados, cabe concluir que la anemia infecciosa equina está presente en todos los biomas del estado y que los factores de riesgo guardan relación con la interferencia humana en el proceso de transmisión. Ante tal situación, convendría evaluar de nuevo el programa de lucha contra la anemia infecciosa y poner mayor acento en las medidas profilácticas para combatir la enfermedad.

Native structure of a retroviral envelope protein and its conformational change upon interaction with the target cell.

Enveloped viruses enter their host cells by membrane fusion. The process of attachment and fusion in retroviruses is mediated by a single viral envelope glycoprotein (Env). Conformational changes of Env in the course of fusion are a focus of intense studies. Here we provide further insight into the changes occurring in retroviral Env during its initial interaction with the cell, employing murine leukemia virus (MLV) as model system. We first determined the structure of both natively membrane anchored MLV Env and MLV Env tagged with YFP in the proline rich region (PRR) by electron cryo tomography (cET) and sub-volume averaging. At a resolution of ∼20Å, native MLV Env presents as a hollow trimer (height ∼85Å, diameter ∼120Å) composed of step-shaped protomers. The major difference to the YFP-tagged protein was in regions outside of the central trimer. Next, we focused on elucidating the changes in MLV Env upon interaction with a host cell. Virus interaction with the plasma membrane occurred over a large surface and Env clustering on the binding site was observed. Sub-volume averaging did yield a low-resolution structure of Env interacting with the cell, which had lost its threefold symmetry and was elongated by ∼35Å in comparison to the unbound protein. This indicates a major rearrangement of Env upon host cell binding. At the site of virus interaction, the otherwise clearly defined bilayer structure of the host cell plasma membrane was much less evident, indicative of integral membrane protein accumulation and/or a change in membrane lipid composition.

Pathology of tumors in fish associated with retroviruses: a review.

Thirteen proliferative diseases in fish have been associated in the literature with 1 or more retroviruses. Typically, these occur as seasonal epizootics affecting farmed and wild fish, and most lesions resolve spontaneously. Spontaneous resolution and lifelong resistance to reinfection are 2 features of some piscine retrovirus-induced tumors that have stimulated research interest in this field. The purpose of this review is to present the reader with the epidemiological and morphological features of proliferative diseases in fish that have been associated with retroviruses by 1 or more of the following methods: detection of C-type retrovirus-like particles or reverse transcriptase activity in tumor tissues; successful tumor transmission trials using well-characterized, tumor-derived, cell-free inocula; or molecular characterization of the virus from spontaneous and experimentally induced tumors. Two of the diseases included in this review, European smelt spawning papillomatosis and bicolor damselfish neurofibromatosis, at one time were attributed to a retroviral etiology, but both are now believed to involve additional viral agents based on more recent investigations. We include the latter 2 entities to update the reader about these developments.

[Antiviral and virucidal activity of sodium deoxyribonucleate and its complex with iron against viruses of different kingdoms and families].

INTRODUCTION: The urgent problem of modern medicine is the fight against acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI). To combat ARVI, drugs of wide antiviral potency are needed, as well as immunomodulating drugs. Such antiviral and immunomodulatory effects has sodium deoxyribonucleate (DNA-Na) and its complex with iron (DNA-Na-Fe) developed on the basis of double-stranded DNA of natural origin. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess antiviral and virucidal activity of DNA-Na and DNA-Na-Fe against viruses of different kingdoms and families. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Antiviral and virucidal activity of DNA-Na and DNA-Na-Fe was assessed in cell cultures infected with viruses. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: DNA-Na and DNA-Na-Fe had antiviral activity against adenovirus at concentrations of 2501000 mcg/ml. Antiviral effect of both drugs was not detected in case of poliovirus. DNA-Na and DNA-Na-Fe had antiviral activity against coronavirus in all administration schemes. EC50 for DNA-Na ~ 2500 mcg/ml, for DNA-Na-Fe ~ 1000 mcg/ml. In cells treated with DNA-Na-Fe, secretion of following proinflammatory cytokines was detected: Interleukin (IL) 1, IL-2, IL-6, IL-18, interferon- (IFN-), IFN-, as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines: IL-4, IL-10, antagonist of IL-1 receptor. Evidently, DNA-Na and DNA-Na-Fe have antiviral effect, but mechanism of action does not seem to be associated with specific effect on viral replication. Presence of virucidal activity of drugs against representatives of Coronaviridae, Adenoviridae, Picornaviridae, Retroviridae, Herpesviridae in vitro test in range of 1.03.0 lg TCID50 was identified. CONCLUSION: Presence of simultaneous antiviral and virucidal activity of DNA-Na and DNA-Na-Fe against adeno- and coronaviruses shows their prospects for prevention and treatment of ARVI.

The emerging roles of retromer and sorting nexins in the life cycle of viruses.

Retromer and sorting nexins (SNXs) transport cargoes from endosomes to the trans-Golgi network or plasma membrane. Recent studies have unveiled the emerging roles for retromer and SNXs in the life cycle of viruses, including members of Coronaviridae, Flaviviridae and Retroviridae. Key components of retromer/SNXs, such as Vps35, Vps26, SNX5 and SNX27, can affect multiple steps of the viral life cycle, including facilitating the entry of viruses into cells, participating in viral replication, and promoting the assembly of virions. Here we present a comprehensive updated review on the interplay between retromer/SNXs and virus, which will shed mechanistic insights into controlling virus infection.

Equine Infectious Anemia Virus (EIAV): Evidence of Circulation in Donkeys from the Brazilian Northeast Region.

Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is listed by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) as one of the equine diseases that must be notified. No effective treatment or vaccine is available. EIA control is based on segregation and euthanasia of positive equids. The disease is caused by the equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), a member of the genus Lentivirus of the Retroviridae family. Despite the importance of this disease in equids, EIA has been poorly studied in donkeys (Equus asinus). We evaluate the sanitary conditions related to EIAV in donkeys from a shelter of abandoned animals captured on the roads of the Ceará. A total of 124 donkeys were randomly selected, and three horses lived at the same shelter. The animals were clinically evaluated, and a group of the 20 animals was submitted to hematological tests. Three diagnostic tests for EIA were used, agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using EIAV recombinant protein gp90 (rgp90) and recombinant protein p26 (rp26) ELISA, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for detection of the EIAV tat-gag gene. From the donkeys, only 1 animal was positive using AGID 0.81% (1/124), compared to 21.8% (27/124) in the rgp90 and 10.5% (13/124) in the rp26 ELISA. Proviral DNA was detected by PCR tat-gag in 8.8% (11/124), and phylogenetic analysis confirms that the EIAV sequences of donkeys from the Brazilian Northeast grouped with Pantanal Brazilian sequences. Thus, in light of the results, we conclude that donkeys are carriers of EIAV and could be sources of infection.

Influence of Immunogenetic Biomarkers in the Clinical Outcome of HTLV-1 Infected Persons.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1, a member of the Retroviridae family, causes a neglected, silent, persistent infection affecting circa 5 to 10 million people around the world, with biology, immune pathology, clinical diseases, epidemiology, and laboratory issues still unsolved. Most of the infected subjects are asymptomatic, but severe clinical disorders appear as a neurodegenerative disease (HTLV-1 associated myelopathy-HAM) or a lymphoprolipherative disorder (Adult T Leukemia/Lymphoma-ATLL) and in other target organs of the human body. HTLV-1 infections are frequently asymptomatic, but there is a large spectrum of diseases that have been described along the years. The mechanisms by which the virus interacts with the host, the different modes of response of the host to the infection, and the immunogenic characteristics of the host are some of the interesting and unanswered questions that may direct the outcome of the disease. The most relevant published results dealing with the genetic variations of the host, the immune response to HTLV-1 infection, and the outcome of the infection are presented herein, including Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA), Killer Immunoglobulin-like Receptors (KIR), interleukin 6, 10, 28, Fas and Fas ligand, IFN-gamma, TNF-A, and Mannose-binding lectin. In summary, there are still several unmet research needs in the field of useful biomarkers on HTLV-1 pathogenesis.

Analysis of swine leukocyte antigen class I gene profiles and porcine endogenous retrovirus viremia level in a transgenic porcine herd inbred for xenotransplantation research.

Molecular characterization of swine leukocyte antigen (SLA) genes is important for elucidating the immune responses between swine-donor and human-recipient in xenotransplantation. Examination of associations between alleles of SLA class I genes, type of pig genetic modification, porcine endogenous retrovirus (PERV) viral titer, and PERV subtypes may shed light on the nature of xenograft acceptance or rejection and the safety of xenotransplantation. No significant difference in PERV gag RNA level between transgenic and non-transgenic pigs was noted; likewise, the type of applied transgene had no impact on PERV viremia. SLA-1 gene profile type may correspond with PERV level in blood and thereby influence infectiveness. Screening of pigs should provide selection of animals with low PERV expression and exclusion of specimens with PERV-C in the genome due to possible recombination between A and C subtypes, which may lead to autoinfection. Presence of PERV-C integrated in the genome was detected in 31.25% of specimens, but statistically significant increased viremia in specimens with PERV-C was not observed. There is a need for multidirectional molecular characterization (SLA typing, viremia estimation, and PERV subtype screening) of animals intended for xenotransplantation research in the interest of xeno-recipient safety.

[SHTLV-I/II seroprevalence in blood donors of Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank during the period 2014-2015].

INTRODUCTION: The human-T cell lymphotropic virus is a retrovirus with various types known so far. HTLV-I and HTLV-II are of clinically importance as they cause different diseases such as adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, tropical spastic paraparesis, and human T-lymphotropic virus type I-associated myelopathy (HAM). OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of presumptive and confirmatory reactivity to HTLV-I/II in blood donors of Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank between 2014 and 2015. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The information was obtained from the Hospital Pablo Tobón Uribe Blood Bank database. We analyzed age, sex, place of origin, and place of residence of donors, and the reactivity using the screening test (ELISA) as well as the confirmatory test (immunoblot). RESULTS: The donor population studied included 6,275 men and 8,148 women, for a total of 14,423 donors recruited between March 1, 2014, and June 30, 2015. Of all tested donors, 25 were positive for HTLV-I/II by the screening test (ELISA). After performing the confirmatory test (immunoblot), only nine patients were positive for HTLV-I/II (36%), of whom eight were reactive to HTLV-I (32%) and one to HTLV-II (4%), for a global seroprevalence of 0.06% (CI 95%: 0.10-0.25). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings were consistent with those found in similar studies in non-endemic areas of the country and with those from studies at international level reported in the literature.

Factors associated with pain in individuals infected by human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1).

INTRODUCTION: Despite the high prevalence of chronic pain in individuals infected with HTLV-1, predictive and protective factors for its development are still unclear. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with chronic pain in individuals with HTLV-1. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a reference center for treatment of patients infected with HTLV-1 in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. The study included individuals infected with HTLV-1, over 18 years, and excluded those with difficulty to respond the pain protocol. Data on sociodemographic, health behavior, and clinical characteristics were collected in a standardized way. The prevalence ratio (PR) of pain is described, as well as the factors independently associated with the presence of pain, which were assessed by multiple logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 142 individuals were included in the study, mostly female (62.7%), aged 20-64 years (73.2%), married (61.3%), with less than eight years of education (54.2%), and with a steady income (79.6%). Multivariate analysis showed that being symptomatic for HTLV-1 - sensory manifestations, erectile dysfunction, overactive bladder, and/or HAM/TSP (PR=1.21, 95% CI: 1.05 to 1.38), self-medication (PR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.08-1.53), physiotherapy (PR=1.15, 95% CI: 1.02-1.28), and depression (PR=1.14, 95% CI: 1.01-1.29) were associated with an increased likelihood of presenting pain. On the other hand, physical activity (PR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.67-0.93) and religious practice (PR=0.83, 95% CI: 0.72-0.95) were associated with a decreased likelihood of having pain. CONCLUSION: The use of self-medication, physiotherapy and the presence of depression are independently associated with neurological symptoms in HTLV-1 infected patients. Religious practice and physical activity are both protective for the development of pain.

Análise epidemiológica dos casos de Aids no Sudeste brasileiro de 2010 a 2019 / Epidemiological analysis of Aids cases in Southeastern Brazil from 2010 to 2019 / Análisis epidemiológico de casos de Sida en el sudeste de Brasil de 2010 a 2019

Resumo Introdução: A epidemia de HIV e Aids representa um dos maiores problemas de saúde pública atualmente. No Brasil, estima-se que apenas 83 % das pessoas vivendo com HIV conhecem seu diagnóstico e somente 46 % possuem carga viral indetectável. Isso evidencia a necessidade de estudos voltados à compreensão do HIV e da Aids no Brasil, para a melhora das políticas públicas. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo é realizar um levantamento de dados sobre o perfil epidemiológico de pacientes portadores de Aids no Sudeste brasileiro. Métodos: Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico descritivo, de caráter quantitativo. Os dados foram obtidos no SINAN. A análise restringiu-se ao período de janeiro de 2010 a junho de 2019. Resultados: No período analisado, o ano de 2017 apresentou a maior prevalência da doença (11,97 %). Além disso, observa-se uma tendência de crescimento no número de casos entre 2010 e 2014 e uma tendência decrescente nos últimos anos. O Rio de Janeiro foi o estado com maior número de novos casos (21,90 %) da Região Sudeste. Observou-se que os grupos com maior incidência de casos foram: sexo masculino (71,1 %), jovens e adultos (79,37 %), cor branca (46,67 %), ensino médio completo (19,71 %) e heterossexuais (46,94 %). Contudo, foi observado um aumento relativo da incidência entre homens homossexuais e entre os pardos. Além disso, a principal forma de transmissão foi via sexual (78,09 %). Conclusão: O estudo concluiu que são necessárias mais pesquisas acerca do tema, para acompanhar a epidemiologia da Aids e orientar medidas governamentais eficientes.

Abstract Introduction: The HIV and Aids epidemic represents one of the biggest public health problems today. In Brazil, it is estimated that only 83 % of people living with HIV know their diagnosis and only 46 % have an undetectable viral load. This highlights the need for studies aimed at understanding HIV and Aids in Brazil, to improve public policies. Thus, this study aims to conduct a survey of data on the epidemiological profile of Aids patients in Southeast Brazil. Methods: It is a descriptive, quantitative epidemiological study. The data was extracted from SINAN. The analysis was restricted to the period from January 2010 to June 2019. Results: In the analyzed period, 2017 had the highest prevalence of the disease (11,97 %). In addition, there was an increase in the number of cases between 2010 and 2014 and a drop over the last few years. Rio de Janeiro was the state with the highest number of new cases (21,90 %) in the Southeast Region. Results: The groups with the highest incidence of cases were: man (71,1 %), young and adults (79,37 %), white (46,67 %), high school graduates (19,71 %) and heterosexuals (46,94 %). However, a relative increase in incidence was observed among homosexual men and among browns. Also, sexual transmission was the most prevalent (78,09 %). Conclusion: The study concluded that more research on the topic is needed, to monitor the epidemiology of Aids and to guide efficient government measures.

Resumen Introducción: La epidemia de VIH y Sida representa un gran problema de salud pública actualmente. En Brasil, se estima que solo el 83 % de las personas que viven con el VIH conocen su diagnóstico y solo el 46 % tiene una carga viral indetectable. Esto resalta la necesidad de estudios que comprendan el VIH y el Sida en Brasil, para mejorar las políticas públicas. El objetivo de este estudio es realizar una encuesta de datos sobre el perfil epidemiológico de los pacientes con Sida en el sudeste de Brasil. Métodos: Es un estudio epidemiológico descriptivo y cuantitativo. Los datos se obtuvieron del SINAN. El análisis se restringió al período de enero de 2010 a junio de 2019. Resultados: En el período analizado, el año 2017 presentó la mayor prevalencia de la enfermedad (11,97 %). Existe una tendencia creciente en el número de casos entre 2010 y 2014 y una tendencia decreciente en los últimos años. Rio de Janeiro fue el estado con mayor número de casos nuevos (21,90 %) en la Región Sudeste. Se observó que los grupos con mayor incidencia de casos fueron: hombres (71,1 %), jóvenes y adultos (79,37 %), blancos (46,67 %), escuela secundaria completa (19,71 %) y heterosexuales (46,94 %). Sin embargo, se observó un aumento relativo en la incidencia entre hombres homosexuales y entre pardos. Además, la principal forma de transmisión fue la sexual (78,09 %). Conclusión: Se necesita más investigación sobre el tema, para monitorear la epidemiología del Sida y orientar medidas gubernamentales eficientes.

Endogenous Retroviruses in Fish Genomes: From Relics of Past Infections to Evolutionary Innovations?

The increasing availability of fish genome sequences has allowed to gain new insights into the diversity and host distribution of retroviruses in fish and other vertebrates. This distribution can be assessed through the identification and analysis of endogenous retroviruses, which are proviral remnants of past infections integrated in genomes. Retroviral sequences are probably important for evolution through their ability to induce rearrangements and to contribute regulatory and coding sequences; they may also protect their host against new infections. We argue that the current mass of genome sequences will soon strongly improve our understanding of retrovirus diversity and evolution in aquatic animals, with the identification of new/re-emerging elements and host resistance genes that restrict their infectivity.