High incidence of herpes simplex virus-1 in cord blood and placenta infection of women in southern Brazil / Alta incidência do vírus herpes simplex 1 em sangue de cordão e infecção na placenta de mulheres no sul do Brasil

Abstract Objective Estimate the prevalence of human herpesvirus type 1 HSV-1 DNA in placental samples, its incidence in umbilical cord blood of newborns and the associated risk factors. Methods Placental biopsies and umbilical cord blood were analyzed, totaling 480 samples, from asymptomatic parturients and their newborns at a University Hospital. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and gene sequencingwere used to identify the virus; odds ratio (OR) and relative risk (RR) were performed to compare risk factors associated with this condition. Results The prevalence of HSV-1 DNA in placental samples was 37.5%, and the incidence in cord blood was 27.5%. Hematogenous transplacental route was identified in 61.4% from HSV-1+ samples of umbilical cord blood paired with the placental tissue. No evidence of the virus was observed in the remaining 38.6% of placental tissues, suggesting an ascendant infection from the genital tract, without replication in the placental tissue, resulting in intra-amniotic infection and vertical transmission, seen by the virus in the cord blood. The lack of condom use increased the risk of finding HSV-1 in the placenta and umbilical cord blood. Conclusion The occurrence of HSV-1 DNA in the placenta and in cord blood found suggests vertical transmission from asymptomatic pregnant women to the fetus.

Resumo Objetivo Estimar a prevalência do DNA do vírus herpes humano 1 (HSV-1) em amostras de placenta, sua incidência no sangue do cordão umbilical de recém-nascidos e fatores de risco associados. Métodos Biópsias de placenta e de sangue de cordão umbilical foram analisadas, totalizando 480 amostras de parturientes assintomáticas e seus recém-nascidos emum hospital universitário. Reação de cadeia de polimerase (RCP) nested e sequenciamento gênico foram usados para identificar o vírus; odds ratio (OR) e risco relativo (RR) foram realizados para comparar os fatores de risco associados à essa condição. Resultados A prevalência do DNA do HSV-1 em amostras de placenta foi de 37,5%, e a incidência no sangue do cordão foi de 27,5%. A via transplacentária hematogênica foi identificada em 61,4% das amostras de HSV-1+do sangue do cordão umbilical, pareadas com o tecido placentário. Nenhuma evidência do vírus foi observada nos restantes 38,6% dos tecidos placentários, sugerindo uma infecção ascendente do trato genital. A falta de uso do preservativo aumentou o risco de encontrar o HSV-1 na placenta e no sangue do cordão umbilical. Conclusão A ocorrência de DNA do HSV-1 na placenta e no sangue do cordão umbilical sugere uma transmissão vertical de gestantes assintomáticas para o feto.

Síndrome de TORCH: Enfoque racional del diagnóstico y tratamiento pre y post natal: Recomendaciones del Comité Consultivo de Infecciones Neonatales Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016 / TORCH Syndrome: Rational approach of pre and post natal diagnosis.: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Neonatal Infections. Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016

Existen numerosas infecciones bacterianas, virales y parasitarias que pueden transmitirse desde la madre al feto o recién nacido (RN) y que significan un riesgo para él. El acrónimo TORCH se utiliza en forma universal para caracterizar a aquel feto o RN que presenta un cuadro clínico compatible con una infección congénita y que permite un enfrentamiento racional, tanto diagnóstico como terapéutico. El concepto tradicional de realizar un "test de TORCH" sin consideraciones específicas a cada paciente, hoy en día se considera no adecuado y ha sido reemplazado por exámenes específicos para patógenos específicos bajo circunstancias bien definidas. El presente documento revisa las características generales, epidemiológicas, patogénicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas de los patógenos más frecuentemente involucrados en el estudio de pacientes con sospecha de TORCH.

There is a lot of bacterial, viral or parasite infections who are able to be transmitted vertically from the mother to the fetus or newborn which implicates an enormous risk for it. The TORCH acronym is used universally to refer to a fetus or newborn which presents clinical features compatible with a vertically acquired infection and allows a rational diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The traditional "TORCH test" is nowadays considered not appropriate and it has been replaced for specific test for specific pathogens under well defined circumstances. The present document reviews the general characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic options for the most frequently involved pathogens in the fetus or newborn with TORCH suspicion.

Manejo de las infecciones por citomegalovirus y virus herpes simple en gestantes y recién nacidos / Management of Cytomegalovirus Infections and Herpes Simplex Virus in Pregnant Women and Newborns

Existe un grupo de infecciones que pueden producir defectos congénitos graves cuando se adquieren durante la gestación. Estas inciden en la morbilidad y mortalidad infantil, especialmente si la infección ocurre antes de las 20 semanas de embarazo. Entre ellas se encuentran las producidas por el citomegalovirus y el virus del herpes simple que con frecuencia se asocian con infección congénita y daño al recién nacido. El citomegalovirus humano está mundialmente distribuido entre las poblaciones humanas, desde los países desarrollados hasta las comunidades aborígenes. En países en vías de desarrollo y en los estratos socioeconómicos bajos de los países desarrollados, la prevalencia es mayor (más de 90 por ciento) y el virus se adquiere en edades más tempranas de la vida. Es la infección viral congénita más frecuente, ocurre de 0,3 a 2 por ciento de los nacimientos y en el 40 por ciento la transmisión es vertical. La distribución del virus del herpes simple es amplia y la seroprevalencia en el adulto es entre 60 y 75 por ciento para virus del herpes simple -1 y de 11-30 por ciento para virus del herpes simple -2. El objetivo de la presente revisión es describir estas dos entidades al abordar las características más comunes de estas afecciones, la epidemiología, el diagnóstico, la clínica y la terapéutica. Es necesario que el médico de asistencia las conozca a profundidad para realizar un correcto manejo de estas(AU)

There is a group of infections, which can cause serious birth defects when acquired during pregnancy. They affect infant morbidity and mortality, especially if the infection occurs before 20 weekspregnant. These include those caused by cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus that are often associated with congenital infection and damage to the newborn.Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)is globally distributed among human populations from developed countries to Aboriginal communities. In developing and low socioeconomic strata of the developed countries, the prevalence is higher (over 90 percent) and the virus is acquired in earlier stages of life. It is the most common congenital viral infection. It occurs 0.3 to 2 percent of births and 40 percent transmission is vertical. The distribution of herpes simplex virus is broad and seroprevalence in adults is between 60 and 75 percent for herpes simplex 1 virus and 11-30 percent for herpes simplex virus -2. The aim of this review is to describe these two entities in addressing the most common features of these conditions as epidemiology, diagnosis, clinical and therapeutic. A profound knowledge is necessary for the attending physician to the proper handling of them(AU)

Evaluación preliminar de la actividad antiviral del extracto de Laurencia obtusa frente a herpesvirus y virus dengue / Preliminary evaluation of the antiviral activity of Laurencia obtuse extract against herpesvirus and dengue virus

Introducción: los virus del herpes simplex y el virus dengue se encuentran entre los patógenos humanos de mayor importancia dados los altos niveles de morbilidad y mortalidad que provocan. El fallo en el desarrollo de vacunas para ambos virus, así como la ausencia de fármacos para el tratamiento del dengue y el surgimiento de nuevas variantes virales resistentes a las drogas existentes para los herpesvirus, incrementa la necesidad de buscar nuevas fuentes de compuestos con actividad antiviral. En este sentido las algas son una alternativa interesante debido a la diversidad de compuestos con actividad biológica que se han aislado de estos organismos. Objetivo: evaluar la actividad antiviral in vitro de un extracto hidroalcohólico del alga roja Laurencia obtusa frente a virus herpes simplex tipo1, herpes simplex tipo 2 y virus dengue. Métodos: se determinó el valor de concentración citotóxica media empleando el ensayo de reducción de MTT en células Vero y C6/36HT. El cálculo de la concentración efectiva media se realizó mediante inhibición del efecto citopático en células Vero o C6/36HT, dependiendo del virus. El índice selectivo se calculó a partir de la relación IS=CC50/CE50. Resultados: el extracto hidroalcohólico de L obtusa no es tóxico en las células Vero y C6/36HT, en el rango de concentraciones evaluadas. El extracto inhibió la replicación in vitro de los virus HHV 1 y HHV 2 en células Vero con valores de IS>29 y 42, respectivamente. Por otra parte no se observó inhibición de la replicación de DENV-2 en células C6/36HT. Conclusiones: el extracto hidroalcohólico de L. obtusa posee actividad antiviral frente a HHV 1 y HHV 2 pudiera ser empleado en el desarrollo de fármacos antiherpéticos novedosos. Este trabajo constituye el primer informe sobre la actividad antiviral de esta especie de alga(AU)

Introduction: herpes simplex and dengue viruses are the most important human pathogens with high levels of morbidity and mortality. Lack of vaccine development for these viruses, non-existence of drugs for dengue treatment and the emergence of new herpes virus variants resistant to drugs currently in use reinforce the need for new sources of antiviral drugs. Algae remain an interesting alternative in this regard, due to the diversity of compounds with biological activity found in these organisms. Objective: to evaluate the in vitro antiviral activity of a hydroalcoholic extract of the red seaweed Laurencia obtusa against herpes simplex type 1, herpes simplex type 2 and dengue virus. Methods: the mean cytotoxic concentration was determined by using the MTT reduction assay in Vero and C6/36HT cells. Mean effective concentration was estimated with the cytopathic effect inhibition in Vero or C6/36HT cells depending on the virus. Selective index (SI) =CC50/EC50 was calculated. Results: hydroalcoholic extract from L.obtusa was not toxic at the evaluated concentrations The extract managed to inhibit HHV 1 y HHV 2 virus replication in Vero cells with SI values higher than 29 and 42, respectively. On the other hand there was no inhibition of DENV-2 replication in C6/36HT cells. Conclusions: hydroalcoholic extract from L. obtusa showed in vitro antiviral activity against HHV 1 and HHV 2 and could be employed as a source for new antiviral compounds. This is the first report on the antiviral activity of this alga species(AU)

Herpes simples: atualização clínica, epidemiológica e terapêutica / Herpes simplex: clinical update, epidemiology and therapeutics

Herpes é uma infecção causada por dois vírus da família Herpesviridae (herpes simples tipos 1 e 2; HSV-1 e HSV-1), que apresenta curso clínico variável e para o qual atualmente não existe cura. As manifestações da infecção por HSV-1 incluem herpes simples orofacial primário e recorrente, enquanto as do HSV-2 em geral ocorrem na forma de herpes simples genital, embora casos de lesões genitais pelo HSV-1 e orais pelo HSV-2 possam ocorrer. As infecções pelo vírus herpes simples (HSV-1 e HSV-2) representam as doenças sexualmente transmissíveis mais comuns a nível global, alcançando uma soroprevalência de 80% em adultos. Nesta revisão da literatura, abordaremos os aspectos clínicos da infecção pelo HSV, incluindo a epidemiologia, etiologia, manifestações clínicas, métodos diagnósticos e tratamento, bem como uma breve descrição da imunogenética da infecção pelo HSV

Herpes is an infection caused by two viruses in the Herpesviridae family (herpes simplex types 1 and 2; HSV-1 and HSV-2), which presents a variable clinical course and for which there is currently no cure. The manifestations of HSV-1 infection include primary and recurrent orofacial herpes simplex, while HSV-2 infection usually manifests in the form of genital herpes simplex, although cases of genital lesions from HSV-1 infection and oral lesions form HSV-2 infection can occur. Infections by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) represent one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases globally, reaching a serum prevalence of 80% in adults. In this review of the literature, we discuss the clinical aspects of HSV infection, including epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment, as well as a brief description of the immunogenetics of HSV infection.

Seroprevalencia contra agentes ToRCH en mujeres indígenas en edad fértil, estado Zulia, Venezuela / Prevalence of infectious agents in indigenous women of childbearing age in Venezuela

Introducción. El termino ToRCH comprende a los patógenos Toxoplasma gondii, virus de la rubéola, citomegalovirus y virus herpes simple 1 y 2. En mujeres embarazadas expuestas pueden ser causa de abortos y malformaciones congénitas en el neonato. Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia de infección por los agentes causantes del síndrome ToRCH en mujeres en edad fértil de algunas comunidades indígenas yukpa de Venezuela. Materiales y métodos. En el año 2007 fueron seleccionadas 109 muestras de 151 mujeres, en edades comprendidas entre 14 y 40 años. La detección de anticuerpos se hizo por el método de inmunoensayo enzimático indirecto o ELISA de Smartest Diagnostics™. Resultados. El 85,5 % presentó anticuerpos contra T. gondii, el 95,4 % para rubéola, el 75,2 % para citomegalovirus y el 97,2 % para el virus herpes simple 1 y 2. Se observa que el 21,1 % y el 30,2 % presentaron relación entre la variable aborto y las infecciones por citomegalovirus y virus herpes simple 1 y 2, respectivamente. Conclusiones. Existe alta seroprevalencia de infecciones por los agentes causantes del síndrome ToRCH en mujeres en edad fértil de la etnia indígena yukpa. Las condiciones sanitarias precarias y el consumo de agua contaminada con ooquistes, favorecen la adquisición de la infección por T. gondii. El hacinamiento, el inicio a temprana de edad de la actividad sexual y el número de parejas, pueden incidir en la presencia de citomegalovirus y virus herpes simple 1 y 2.

Introduction. The ToRCH syndrome includes the following infectious pathogens: Toxoplasma gondii, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. In susceptible pregnant women, these pathogens can cause abortions and congenital malformation in the newborn babies. Objective. The seroprevalence of infection by ToRCH agents was determined in women of childbearing age in several Venezuelan Yukpa indigenous communities. Material and methods. In 2007, 109 samples were selected from 151 women with an age range of 14 to 40 years old. The determination of antibodies against ToRCH agents was carried out through the indirect enzyme immunoassay technique by ELISA´s technique of Smartest Diagnostics. Results. Of the 109 samples, 85.5% presented antibodies against T. gondii, 95.4% for rubella, 75.2% for cytomegalovirus and 97.2% for and herpes simplex virus 1 and 2. A relationship between abortion and infection by cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus 1and 2 was noted in 21.1% and 30.2% of women presented, respectively. Conclusions. The findings show a high prevalence of ToRCH agents in women in childbearing age in Yukpa indigenous communities in Venezuela. Poor sanitary conditions and consumption of water contaminated with oocysts may be an important way of transmission of T. gondii. Overcrowding in the communities, sexual activity at an early age and number of partners and may be related to the presence of cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus HSV-1 and 2.

Infecção por vírus herpes simples na gestação: aspectos epidemiológicos, diagnósticos e profiláticos / Herpes simplex virus infection in pregnancy: epidemiological, diagnostic, and prophylactic aspects

A infecção por vírus herpes simples (HSV) é uma das mais frequentes doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (DST) e, quando presente no período gestacional, pode determinar uma de suas complicações de maior morbidade, o herpes neonatal. Características epidemiológicas de tal doença foram estudadas pela literatura em diversas instâncias, mas não foram produzidos dados definitivos a respeito do real impacto que tal doença determina. Estratégias diagnósticas e profiláticas também foram sugeridas e testadas, porém diretrizes universalmente aceitas, capazes de reduzir a morbimortalidade de tal complicação, ainda não se encontram em uso. Há muitas controvérsias acerca da abordagem ideal de um caso de infecção herpética que se manifesta na gravidez, seja ela uma primoinfecção ou um caso de recorrência. Sabe-se que a entidade é potencialmente prevenível, porém ainda não existe evidência definitiva de que o custo de tal prevenção seja proporcional ao impacto da infecção

Herpes simplex virus infection is one of the most common sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and when it affects pregnancy, one of its most morbid complications, neonatal herpes, can ensue. Epidemiological information on this disease has already been studied by literature, but definitive data regarding the real burden of disease have not been produced. Diagnostic and prophylactic strategies have already been suggested and tested, but universally accepted guidelines, capable of diminishing the consequences of disease, are still not in use. There is much controversy on the optimal management of herpes in pregnancy, whether a primo-infection or a reactivation. It is known that the disease is potentially preventable, but there is still no absolute evidence that the cost of such prevention is proportional to the impact of such disease

Seroepidemiological survey of transmissible infectious diseases in a portuguese prison establishment

A cross-sectional study was conducted in 151 (71.6 percent) of 211 male inmates of a regional Portuguese prison in order to establish the seroprevalence for viral hepatitis (HAV, HBV, HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), syphilis and herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) and to analyze some psychosocial and criminal characteristics. Mean age was 34 years. Anti-HAV was positive in 69.5 percent (n = 105) and in 34.4 percent (n = 52) for anti-HCV. One (0.7 percent) person had HBsAg and 29 (19.2 percent) had laboratory markers of past HBV infection. Non-immune inmates for HBV were 40.4 percent (n = 61). Syphilis was diagnosed in 6.0 percent (n = 9). The rate of HIV infection was 6.6 percent (n = 10; all HIV-1). The seropositivity of HSV-2 was 19.9 percent (n = 30) and of HSV-1 was 82.1 percent (n = 124). Alcohol dependence was reported by 26.5 percent (n = 40). Excluding tobacco and prescription medication, 73.5 percent (n = 111) reported drug use in prison. The most commonly used drugs were: cannabis (100 percent; n = 111) followed by heroin (56.7 percent; n = 63). Anti-HCV rate was noteworthy. The HIV infection rate (6.6 percent) in this regional prison is at least 13 to 22 times greater than in general population. As the inmate return to the community increases the risk of disease exposure for the general population, early detection and counseling is urgently needed for prisoners.

Estudio comparativo: prevalencia patologías bucales en pacientes pediátricos oncológicos 1997-2007 / Comparative study: oral pathologies prevalence in pediatric oncology patients 1997- 2007

Los pacientes pediátricos oncológicos con frecuencia presentan lesiones orales debido a su neoplasia o como efecto colateral del tratamiento. El objetivo de este estudio fue comparar la prevalencia de patologías de la mucosa oral en niños con cáncer que fueron hospitalizados y tratados con quimioterapia en el Hospital Regional de Concepción, en los años 1997 y 2007. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo longitudinal en datas de 148 pacientes (74 cada año) con patologías neoplásicas en tratamiento con quimioterapia (Leucemias, linfomas, tumores del Sistema Nervioso Central y otros), registrando sus datos generales y la patología bucal (mucositis (M), candidiasis (C), lesiones por Virus Herpes tipo 1 (VHS) y síndromes hemorragíparos (H) . Los datos se resumieron en tablas anuales y fueron sometidos a análisis estadísticos. Se encontró una disminución significativa del número de pacientes con patologías bucales en el año 2007 en relación al año 1997 (P<0.05, Tet de Fisher). Además se encontró una tendencia a la baja en los pacientes con candidiasis y con mucositis en el año 2007 en comparación con 1997. Es necesario seguir estudiando medidas para prevenir, diagnosticar y/o tratar tempranamente las patologías orales de los pacientes en tratamiento antineoplásico.

Pediatric oncology patients frequently have oral lesions due to malignancy or as a side effect of treatment. The aim of this study was to compare the prevalence of oral pathologies in oncology patients hospitalized and treated at the Regional Hospital of Concepción, Chile, in the years 1997 and 2007. A retrospective study was carried out in 74 patients each year. Patients suffered from acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloblastic leukemia, central nervous system tumors, lymphomas and other neoplasms. General data (age, gender, oncologic disease) and presence of oral pathologies (candidiasis, mucositis post-chemotherapy, herpetic lesions and hemorrhage) were obtained from their clinical records. Data was analyzed for statistical differences. A significant reduction in the number of patients with oral pathologies was found in 2007 in comparison to 1997 (P<0.05, Fisher´s test). In addition, candidiasis and oral mucositis showed less prevalence in 2007 as compared to 1997, although no significant differences were found. For the relevance of oral pathologies in the chemotherapy it´s important to continue studies about prevention, early detection and treatment of oral pathologies.

Soroprevalência de anticorpos contra vírus herpes simples 1-2 no Brasil / Seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra virus herpes simples 1-2 en Brasil / Seroprevalence of herpes simplex 1-2 antibodies in Brazil

OBJETIVO: Estimar a soroprevalência de anticorpos por vírus herpes simples (HSV-1 e HSV-2) e analisar fatores associados no Brasil. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal realizado entre 1996 e 1997 em 1.090 indivíduos com idade entre um e 40 anos da população geral, em quatro diferentes regiões geográficas no Brasil. Foram analisadas amostras sangüíneas para detecção de anticorpos para HSV-1 e HSV-2 com teste tipo-específico Elisa. Foram descritas freqüências e proporções, comparadas entre grupos utilizando o teste de Fisher bilateral exato. Foi realizada análise de regressão logística para avaliar influência das variáveis sociodemográficas e histórico de DST, sobre a soroprevalência de HSV-1 e/ou HSV-2. RESULTADOS: As soroprevalências de anticorpos para HSV-1 e HSV-2, ajustadas por idade, foram 67,2 por cento e 11,3 por cento respectivamente, sem diferença quanto ao sexo e maiores na Região Norte...

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies in Brazil and to analyze factors associated. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including subjects aged 1-40 years from the general population in four different geographical areas in Brazil between 1996 and 1997. All subjects were stratified by age and gender and 1,090 of them were included in the final analysis. Blood samples were tested for HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies by type-specific (gG1 and gG2) ELISA. Frequencies and proportions were described and compared among groups using two-sided Fisher's exact test. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the influence of the variables age, gender, geographical area, socioeconomic condition, past history of STD, seropositivity for anti-HSV-1 or anti-HSV-2 and interactions of any of these factors on the seroprevalence of HSV-1 and/or HSV-2. RESULTS: The age-adjusted seroprevalences of HSV-1 and HSV-2 antibodies were 67.2 percent and 11.3 percent, respectively, without sex differences and being higher in the North region...

OBJETIVO: Estimar la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos por virus herpes simples (HSV-1 y HSV-2) en diferentes áreas geográficas en Brasil y analizar factores asociados. MÉTODOS: Estudio transversal realizado entre 1996 y 1997 con individuos de la población en general en cuatro diferentes áreas geográficas en Brasil y estratificados por edad (de uno a 40 años) y sexo, de los cuales 1.090 fueron incluidos en el análisis final. Fueron analizadas muestras de sangre para detección de anticuerpos para HSV-1 y HSV-2 con prueba tipo-específica ELISA gG1-gG2. Fueron descritas frecuencias y proporciones y comparadas entre grupos utilizando la prueba de Fisher bilateral exacta. Fue realizado análisis de regresión logística para evaluar influencia de las variables edad, sexo, geografía, grupo económico, histórico de DST, seropositividad para anti-HSV-1 o anti-HSV-2 e interacciones de cualquiera de esos factores sobre la seroprevalencia de HSV-1 y/o HSV-2. RESULTADOS: La tasa de seroprevalencia de anticuerpos para HSV-1 ajustada por edad fue de 67,2 por ciento, sin diferencia con relación al sexo, siendo mayor en la Región Norte...

Elevada seroprevalencia de citomegalovirus, virus herpes simplex tipo 1 y virus Epstein Barr en adultos con virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / High seroprevalence of cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex type 1 virus and Epstein Barr virus infection among human immunodefciency virus-infected adults

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1) and Epstein Barr virus (EBV) are latent persistent infections. Their reactivation may cause illnesses and death in human immunodefciency virus-infected (HIV) people. World wide seroprevalence of these viruses is over 50 percent. In Chile, information is not available. Aim: To determine the seroprevalence of CMV, HSV-1 and EBV in Chilean HIV-infected adults. Patients and Methods: A total of 400 HIV- infected adults aged 17 to 67 years (340 males) were studied during 2005 and 2006. CMV, HSV-1 and EBV serum antibodies were measured by enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Results: The mean lapse from the diagnosis of HIV and serum testing was 67 months and 69.5 percent patients received antiretroviral therapy. Sixty seven percent of the sample were men who had sex with men (MSM). The seroprevalence for CMV, HSV-1 and EBV were 98.5, 92.2 and 99.7 percent, respectively. No patient had negative antibodies for all three viruses. Male patients that were negative for HSV-1 had a lower frequency of MSM than the rest of males (26 percent vs 62 percent, p < 0.01). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of positive antibodies against CMV, HSV-1 and EBV in Chilean adults infected with HIV. Specifc diagnostic tests and antiviral therapy should be available for these patients.

Sero-prevalence of viral Co-infections in HIV infected children of northern India.

Objective. To assess the prevalence of viral co-infections in HIV infected children. Methods. Children born to HIV seropositive parents and those children who were suspected to be HIV infected based on clinical presentation by the pediatrician were screened for HIV –1 and 2 antibodies as per National Aids Control Organization (NACO) guidelines. Those found to be seropositive for HIV infection were further tested for Hepatitis B&C, Herpes simplex virus and Human cytomegalovirus infection. Results. Among 803 children screened, 101 were found positive for HIVantibodies. Among the five viral markers tested, HCMV IgG was positive in 88 children (87.1%). HCMV IgM was positive in 35 cases (34.6%). HBsAg tested positive in 30 children, while anti-HCV IgM was reactive in 27 cases. IgM anti- HSV antibodies were observed positive in 59 (58.4%) cases. Both hepatitis virus coinfection (HBsAg and anti- HCV IgM antibodies) was observed in 10 HIV positive children, while both Herpesviridae family viruses (HCMV -IgM antibodies and HSV -IgM antibodies) were positive in 30 cases (29.7%). Conclusion. Viral co-infections are significantly higher in HIV positive children, which adds to significant mortality and morbidity and should therefore be screened in all HIV positive children for timely treatment in order to improve the quality of life and better survival of HIV infected children.

Etiology and outcome of oral mucosal lesions in children on chemotherapy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Microbiological cultures were taken from oral cavity and blood in 100 mucositis episodes in 70 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Oral mucositis was commonest in neutropenic children during induction chemotherapy. Fungal organisms (n=39) were commonest isolate from mucosa followed by bacteria (n=28). Isolation of organism from oral cavity had no association with those isolated from blood. Herpes serology was positive in 16% episodes compared to 2% of controls. Obtaining cultures from oral lesions is useful in appropriate management of lesions and thereby possibly preventing systemic spread.

Human herpes simplex virus infections: epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and managemenT

Eight of the more than 80 known herpesviruses are human pathogens. Human herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a contagious infection with a large reservoir in the general population. It has a potential for significant complications in the immunocompromised host. In addition, psychological distress caused by the negative stigma associated with genital herpes and visible facial lesions in those experiencing frequent outbreaks renders it a challenging clinical dilemma. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic features of HSV infections, providing the clinician with an up-to-date understanding of the available management strategies for mucocutaneous HSV-induced disease.

Seroprevalence of HSV1 and HSV2 infections in family planning clinic attenders.

Few studies from India documented seroprevalence of HSV 1 and 2 infection in different population groups. We determined HSV 1 and 2 seroprevalence in a cohort of adults 16-40 year of age, attending the family planning clinic. For the overall study population, 63% were seropositives, 33.3% for HSV 1 alone. 16.6% for HSV 2 and 13.3% had mixed infection. By the statistical analysis, the mean age difference between the two sexes for either infection was not significant. HSV-2 seroprevalence was associated with an increasing age. Men were more likely than women to be seropositive for HSV2. More studies from India are required to coroborate our findings.

Herpes simples no serviço de estomatologia do Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS: estudo epidemiológico / Herpes simplex at stomatology division of Hospital São Lucas, PUCRS: epidemiological study

O presente estudo teve por objetivo investigar o perfil epidemiológico do herpes simples entre os pacientes do Serviço de Estomatologia do Hospital São Lucas da PUCRS. Foram analisados 167 prontuários dos quais 98 (58,68%) tiveram diagnóstico de gengivoestomatite herpética primária e 69 (41,32%) de herpes recorrente. As variáveis idade e sexo dos pacientes, sintomas da manifestação herpética, sítios anatômicos afetados, linfadenopatia e complicações, bem como tratamento empregado foram analisadas. Na gengivoestomatite herpética, 69,38% dos pacientes tinham entre O e 20 anos de idade, já no herpes recorrente 41,42% dos pacientes tinham entre 21 e 40 anos. O sexo feminino foi o mais acometido tanto pela doença primária quanto pela recorrente. Entre os sítios da cavidade bucal destacaram-se língua e gengiva para a doença primária. e o vermelhão dos lábios para a secundária. Os sintomas mais freqüentes da primoinfecção foram febre e dor, já nas lesões recorrentes, destacaram-se dor e ardência. Todos os pacientes exibiram linfadenopatia. Analgésicos e antitérmicos foram as principais drogas no tratamento da gengivoestomatite herpética primária, enquanto, para o herpes recorrente, foram os anti-sépticos e antivirais