Seroprevalence of antibodies against herpesvirus type 2 in a female prison population in Mato Grosso / Soroprevalência de anticorpos contra herpesvírus tipo 2 em população prisional feminina mato-grossense

Descrever a soroprevalência de anticorpos contra herpes vírus simples 2 em reeducandas de uma cadeia pública feminina de Mato Grosso no ano de 2016. Trata-se de um estudo transversal com abordagem quantitativa, realizado com 50 reeducandas reclusas de uma cadeia pública feminina de Mato Grosso. A coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevista com 50 mulheres. Para determinar a soroprevalência da infecção por HSV-2, foram analisadas amostras de soro pelo método ELISA em busca de anticorpos do tipo IgG no Laboratório de Imunologia Viral do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz ­ RJ. A soroprevalência de HSV-2 encontrada na população avaliada foi de 80%, valor muito superior ao relatado na população geral brasileira e em outras estudos com populações prisionais em todo o mundo. O perfil das reeducandas predominou entre mulheres jovens, pardas, com baixa escolaridade, solteiras e com renda mensal baixa. O presente estudo encontrou alta soroprevalência de anticorpos contra HSV-2 nesta população. Esses dados fornecem importantes informações que podem auxiliar na implementação de ações efetivas que melhor previnam e controlem a herpes genital, bem como as demais ISTs em populações encarceradas.

High prevalence of hepatitis A and E viruses in environmental and clinical samples from West Argentina

ABSTRACT Environmental surveillance of water sources is important to monitoring viral hepatitis transmission in clinical settings. This study investigated the circulation of hepatitis A (HAV) and E (HEV) viruses in sewage and clinical samples from Argentina. Between 2016 and 2017, 80 raw sewage samples and 86 clinical samples (stool and serum) from suspected cases of hepatitis A and hepatitis E were obtained. HAV and HEV were tested by both real-time and nested PCR. Positive samples were sequenced for genotype determination and phylogenetic analysis. Overall, HAV was recovered in 39% of sewage samples and 61.1% of clinical samples. HEV was detected in 22.5% of sewage samples and 15.9% of clinical samples. HAV was found more frequently in sewage during the winter and in clinical samples in spring; HEV was more prevalent in sewage during summer and in clinical samples in autumn. All HAV isolates belonged to genotype IA and HEV isolates belonged to genotype 3, the most prevalent genotypes in South America. High prevalence of HAV and HEV in environmental and clinical samples in Mendoza, Argentina was observed. These findings reinforce the importance of environmental surveillance and implementation of health strategies to control the spread of HAV and HEV in developing countries.

Evaluation of herpesvirus members on hospital admission in patients with systemic lupus erythematous shows higher frequency of Epstein-Barr virus and its associated renal dysfunction / Avaliação de membros da família Herpesviridae na admissão hospitalar de pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico mostra maior frequência do vírus Epstein-Barr e sua disfunção renal associada

Abstract Introduction: Members of the Herpesviridae family have been described in patients with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE), but the clinical impact on renal function is not well known. Methods: HSV1, HSV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, and HHV-8 were evaluated by molecular biology on admission in blood samples from 40 consecutive SLE patients hospitalized for lupus activity. Results: Patients were 90.0% female, 77.5% non-white, with average age of 32.7 ± 13.6 years. We found positivity for EBV (65.0%), CMV (30.0%), HSV-1 (30.0%), HHV-6 (12.5%), and HHV-7 (7.5%). For all viruses, age, SLEDAI, hematological tests, ferritin, LDH, C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were not significant. However, EBV positivity was a significant factor for higher serum creatinine (3.0 ± 2.8 vs. 0.9 ± 0.8; P = 0.001) and urea (86 ± 51 vs. 50 ± 46; P = 0.03). Moreover, positive cases for EBV only or with combined co-infections (66.7%-CMV; 58.3%-HSV-1) or negative for EBV only were evaluated by Kruskal-Wallis test again showed statistical significance for serum creatinine and urea (both P ≤ 0.01), with posttest also showing statistical differences for renal dysfunction and EBV presence (alone or in combined co-infections). The presence of EBV viral load was also significant for nephrotic-range proteinuria, renal flare, and the need for hemodialysis. Conclusion: Members of the Herpeviridae family (mainly EBV, HSV-1 and CMV) are common on hospital admission of SLE patients, reaching 65% for EBV, which seems to be associated with renal dysfunction and could reflect a previous association or overlapping disease, which is not well understood.

Resumo Introdução: Membros da família Herpesviridae tem sido descritos em pacientes com lúpus eritematoso sistêmico (LES), mas o impacto clínico na função renal não é bem conhecido. Métodos: Avaliou-se HSV1, HSV2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8 por biologia molecular na admissão em amostras sanguíneas de 40 pacientes com LES consecutivos hospitalizados por atividade lúpica. Resultados: Pacientes 90,0% mulheres, 77,5% não brancos, idade média 32,7 ± 13,6 anos. Encontramos positividade para EBV (65,0%), CMV (30,0%), HSV-1 (30,0%), HHV-6 (12,5%), HHV-7 (7,5%). Para todos os vírus, idade, SLEDAI, exames hematológicos, ferritina, LDH, proteína C reativa, velocidade de hemossedimentação não foram significativos. Entretanto, positividade para EBV foi estatisticamente significativo para creatinina (3,0 ± 2,8 vs. 0,9 ± 0,8; P = 0,001) e ureia (86 ± 51 vs. 50 ± 46; P = 0,03) séricas mais elevadas. Ademais, casos positivos para EBV isolado ou com coinfecções combinadas (66,7%-CMV; 58,3%-HSV-1) ou negativos apenas para EBV foram avaliados pelo teste Kruskal-Wallis e novamente mostraram significância estatística para creatinina e ureia séricas (ambas P ≤ 0,01), com pós-teste mostrando também diferenças estatísticas para disfunção renal e presença de EBV (sozinho ou em coinfecções combinadas). A presença de carga viral do EBV também foi significativa para proteinúria de faixa nefrótica, inflamação aguda, necessidade de hemodiálise. Conclusão: Membros da família Herpeviridae (principalmente EBV, HSV-1, CMV) são comuns na admissão de pacientes com LES, chegando a 65% para EBV, que parece associar-se à disfunção renal podendo refletir associação prévia ou doença sobreposta, o que não é bem compreendido.

Hepatitis A and E among immigrants and refugees in Central Brazil

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis A virus (HAV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) among immigrants and refugees in Goiás, Central Brazil. METHODS Overall, 355 individuals were interviewed, and blood samples were tested for anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG. Anti-HEV-positive samples were similarly tested for HEV RNA. RESULTS All participants were from Latin American countries, most of whom, young adult males. The overall anti-HAV IgG prevalence was 87.4% (95%CI: 83.5-90.4), of whom 94.9%, 75.6%, and 60% were from Haiti, Venezuela, and other Latin American countries, respectively (p < 0.001). Age above 19 years and more than 36 months residing in Brazil were associated with a higher prevalence of previous HAV and HEV infection, respectively. Of the children eligible for HAV vaccination according to the National Immunization Program, only eight (44%) had been vaccinated. The overall anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 6.5% (95%CI: 4.4-9.5). All anti-HEV IgG-positive individuals were Haitians, including a child born in Brazil. HEV RNA was detected in two of the anti-HEV IgG-positive samples. CONCLUSION The survey detected a high prevalence of anti-HAV and anti-HEV IgG among immigrants and refugees, and active HEV infection among some Haitian participants. Prevention measures are urgently required to interrupt enteric virus transmission in this emergent and vulnerable population.

Diagnosis of human herpes virus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2): use of a synthetic standard curve for absolute quantification by real time polymerase chain reaction

The use of quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) for herpesvirus detection has improved the sensitivity and specificity of diagnosis, as it is able to detect shedding episodes in the absence of clinical lesions and diagnose clinical specimens that have low viral loads. With an aim to improve the detection and quantification of herpesvirus by qPCR, synthetic standard curves for human herpesvirus 1 and 2 (HHV-1 and HHV-2) targeting regions gD and gG, respectively, were designed and evaluated. The results show that synthetic curves can replace DNA standard curves in diagnostic herpes qPCR.

Poor sensitivity of rapid tests for the detection of antibodies to the hepatitis B virus: implications for field studies

Rapid tests (RTs) can be used as an alternative method for the conventional diagnosis of hepatitis B virus (HBV). This study aims to evaluate antibodies to HBsAg (anti-HBs) and antibodies to HBeAg (anti-HBe) RTs under different Brazilian settings. The following three groups were included: GI: viral hepatitis outpatient services; GII: low resource areas; and GIII: crack users and beauticians. Imuno-rápido anti-HBsAg™ and Imuno-rápido anti-HBeAg™ RTs were evaluated and showed specificities greater than 95% in all groups. The sensitivity values to anti-HBs were 50.38%, 51.05% and 46.73% and the sensitivity values to anti-HBe were 76.99%, 10.34% and 11.76% in the GI, GII and GIII groups, respectively. The assays had a low sensitivity and high specificity, which indicated their use for screening in regions endemic for HBV.

Detection of replication-defective hepatitis A virus based on the correlation between real-time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA in situ results

ELISA in situ can be used to titrate hepatitis A virus (HAV) particles and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been shown to be a fast method to quantify the HAV genome. Precise quantification of viral concentration is necessary to distinguish between infectious and non-infectious particles. The purpose of this study was to compare cell culture and RT-PCR quantification results and determine whether HAV genome quantification can be correlated with infectivity. For this purpose, three stocks of undiluted, five-fold diluted and 10-fold diluted HAV were prepared to inoculate cells in a 96-well plate. Monolayers were then incubated for seven, 10 and 14 days and the correlation between the ELISA in situ and RT-PCR results was evaluated. At 10 days post-incubation, the highest viral load was observed in all stocks of HAV via RT-PCR (10(5) copies/mL) (p = 0.0002), while ELISA revealed the highest quantity of particles after 14 days (optical density = 0.24, p < 0.001). At seven days post-infection, there was a significant statistical correlation between the results of the two methods, indicating equivalents titres of particles and HAV genome during this period of infection. The results reported here indicate that the duration of growth of HAV in cell culture must be taken into account to correlate genome quantification with infectivity.

An immunoenzymatic assay for the diagnosis of hepatitis A utilising immunoglobulin Y

The detection of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibody levels by diagnostic kits in the convalescent period of disease generally use immunoglobulin G (IgG), which is expensive. An alternative to IgG is immunoglobulin Y (IgY), an immunoglobulin antibody encountered in birds and reptiles. The aim of this study was to develop a competitive immunoenzymatic assay to measure total anti-HAV antibody levels using anti-HAV IgY as the capture and conjugated immunoglobulins. For this purpose, anti-HAV IgY was conjugated to horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and the optimal dilution of HRP-conjugated antibodies was evaluated to establish the competitive immuneenzymatic assay. The results obtained from our "in-house" assay were plotted on a receiver operator curve, which showed a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 98.8%, demonstrating that a competitive anti-HAV IgY immunoenzymatic assay developed "in house" could be used as an alternative to commercial assays that utilise IgG.

Declining prevalence of hepatitis A virus antibodies among children from low socioeconomic groups reinforces the need for the implementation of hepatitis A vaccination in Brazil

Age-related seroprevalence studies that have been conducted in Brazil have indicated a transition from a high to a medium endemicity of hepatitis A virus (HAV) infection in the population. However, most of these studies have focused on urban populations that experience lower incidence rates of HAV infection. In the current study, the prevalence of anti-HAV antibodies was investigated in children with a low socioeconomic status (SES) that live on the periphery of three capital cities in Brazil. A total of 1,162 dried blood spot samples were collected from individuals whose ages ranged from one-18 years and tested for anti-HAV antibodies. A large number of children under five years old (74.1-90%) were identified to be susceptible to HAV infection. The anti-HAV antibody prevalence reached ≥ 50% among those that were 10-14 years of age or older. The anti-HAV prevalence rates observed were characteristics of regions with intermediate level of hepatitis A endemicity. These data indicated that a large proportion of children with a low SES that live at the periphery of urban cities might be at risk of contracting an HAV infection. The hepatitis A vaccine that is currently offered in Brazil is only available for high-risk groups or at private clinics and is unaffordable for individuals with a lower SES. The results from this study suggest that the hepatitis A vaccine should be included in the Brazilian National Program for Immunisation.

Conhecimento e utilização de medidas de precaução-padrão por profissionais de saúde / Knowledge and utilization of standard precaution measures by health professionals

O objetivo deste trabalho foi descrever o conhecimento sobre medidas de precaução-padrão (MPP), bem como analisar a sua utilização entre 266 profissionais de saúde do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Foi utilizado um questionário autoaplicável com três domínios: A - Identificação e capacitação profissional; B - Conhecimento e suporte após acidente biológico; C - Utilização de MPP em atividades profissionais. Na população estudada, 174 (65,4%) relataram ter feito nos últimos dois anos algum curso de atualização em sua área, 106 (39,8%) fizeram algum curso contendo temas de biossegurança, e 31,9% relataram acidente de trabalho anteriormente. Observamos que os acidentados tinham maior mediana de idade e tempo de conclusão de curso. Concluímos que a maioria dos profissionais reconhece e utiliza as principais MPPs, porém uma parcela desta população ainda não utiliza estas medidas. É importante a capacitação em biossegurança a fim de minimizar o risco durante a atividade profissional.

The aim of this study was to describe knowledge about standard precautions (MPP) and analyze its usage among 266 health professionals from the State of Rio de Janeiro. We used a selfadministered questionnaire with three domains: A - Identification and vocational training; B-Knowledge and support after biological accident, C-Use of MPP in professional activities. In this population, 174 (65.4%) reported having done in the last two years a course in your area, 106 (39.8%) made some progress containing matters of biosecurity, and 31.9% reported work-related accident previously. We observed that the victims had a higher median age and time of completion. We conclude that most professionals recognize and use the key MPPs, but a part of the population still does not use these measures. It is important training in biosafety in order to minimize risk during their career.

El objetivo de este estudio fue describir los conocimientos acerca de las medidas de precauciones patrón (MPP) y analizar su uso entre los 266 profesionales de salud del Estado de Rio de Janeiro. Se utilizó un cuestionario autoadministrado con tres dominios: A - Identificación y formación profesional; B - Conocimiento y apoyo después de accidente biológico, C - Uso del MPP en las actividades profesionales. En esta población, 174 (65,4%) informaron que habían hecho en los últimos dos años un curso en su área, 106 (39,8%) que lograron algunos cursos que contienen temas de bioseguridad, y el 31,9% relataron accidente de trabajo anteriormente. Se observó que las víctimas tenían una edad mediana y mayor tiempo de ejecución. Se concluye que la mayoría de los profesionales reconocen y utilizan el MPP clave, pero una parte de la población todavía no utiliza estas medidas. Es importante la formación en bioseguridad con el fin de minimizar los riesgos durante su actividad profesional.

Fulminant hepatitis failure in adults and children from a Public Hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Fulminant hepatic failure (FHF) is characterized by massive hepatocellular injury, whose physiopathology is still unclear. Hepatitis B (HBV) is probably the most common viral cause of FHF, while hepatitis A (HAV) virus seem occurs less frequently. However, the host and viral factors that determine the outcome of these infections are poorly understood. In the present study, viral load and genotyping determining regions of HAV and HBV genomes were sequenced. Eight FHF patients and one patient with severe acute hepatitis (SAH) were included. Liver and blood samples were collected during liver transplantation or necropsy procedures. HAV-RNA and HBV-DNA were extracted from serum, biopsy and paraffin liver. Nucleotide sequencing of HAV-RNA was performed from VP1/2A and HBV-DNA from PreS/S region. The amplified samples were quantified by Real-Time PCR. The cases of HAV infection were due to subgenotype IA. The cases of HBV infection were due to genotype A2 and D4. The case of HAV/HBV coinfection was infected by genotype IA and D3. Hepatitis A and B infection were associated with genotypes most prevalent in Brazil. In hepatitis A infection the mean of period evolution was 13 days. In hepatitis B, FHF patients infected by genotype D have a shorter period of evolution than FHF patients infected by genotype A (mean 15 v. 53 days). There was no association with genotype-determining region with the severity of hepatitis, however nucleotide differences and high viral load could be observed among FHF.

Investigação de acidentes biológicos entre profissionais de saúde / Investigation of biological accidents among health care workers / Investigación de accidentes biológicos entre los trabajadores de la salud

Os objetivos deste trabalho foram identificar a principal categoria profissional exposta a risco biológico e os principais tipos de acidentes ocorridos entre trabalhadores da área de saúde, em Campos dos Goytacazes, RJ. A partir da análise das fichas denotificação de acidentes biológicos dos 183 profissionais acidentados entre janeiro de 2005 e setembro de 2005, observamos que a categoria profissional mais exposta foi a dos auxiliares/técnicos de enfermagem (54,1%), seguida pela dos acadêmicos de medicina e odontologia (10,4%). A ocorrência de acidentes com materiais perfurocortantes foi relacionada à manipulação frequente desses objetos e ao comportamento dos profissionais que utilizam práticas que oferecem riscos de acidentes com agulhas, tais como o descarte inadequado de objetos perfurocortantes.

A percepção ambiental entre os habitantes da região noroeste do estado do Rio de Janeiro / Environmental perception among inhabitants of northwest region of the state of Rio de Janeiro / La Percepción del Medio Ambiente entre los Habitantes de la Región Noroeste de Rio de Janeiro

Foi desenvolvido um estudo para avaliar a percepção ambiental de indivíduos residentes do Município de Itaperuna, localizado na região Noroeste do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram selecionados 243 indivíduos, entre os meses de julho a outubro de 2005, que responderam sobre questões que abordavam a relação indivíduo/ambiente; ações individuais em favor da área ambiental;preocupação com o impacto ambiental e consumo; hábitos pessoais e ambiente. Com base na análise das respostas dosindivíduos, foi observada maior percepção ambiental em indivíduos mais velhos em relação a crianças e jovens. Este resultado demonstra que os programas de educação ambiental nesta região devem ser voltados para crianças e adolescentes, para que os mesmos se tornem adultos conscientes, uma vez que os indivíduos respondentes apresentaram grande interesse pelos temas ambientais e disposição para participar de campanhas e ações de recuperação ambiental.

A percepção ambiental entre os habitantes da região noroeste do estado do Rio de Janeiro / Environmental perception among inhabitants of northwest region of the state of Rio de Janeiro / La Percepción del Medio Ambiente entre los Habitantes de la Región Noroeste de Rio de Janeiro

Foi desenvolvido um estudo para avaliar a percepção ambiental de indivíduos residentes do Município de Itaperuna, localizado na região Noroeste do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Foram selecionados 243 indivíduos, entre os meses de julho a outubro de 2005,que responderam sobre questões que abordavam a relação indivíduo/ambiente; ações individuais em favor da área ambiental;preocupação com o impacto ambiental e consumo; hábitos pessoais e ambiente. Com base na análise das respostas dosindivíduos, foi observada maior percepção ambiental em indivíduos mais velhos em relação a crianças e jovens. Este resultado demonstra que os programas de educação ambiental nesta região devem ser voltados para crianças e adolescentes, para que os mesmos se tornem adultos conscientes, uma vez que os indivíduos respondentes apresentaram grande interessepelos temas ambientais e disposição para participar de campanhas e ações de recuperação ambiental.

Hepatitis A virus subgenotypes dissemination during a community outbreak in a surrounding region of Rio de Janeiro

From December 1999 to December 2001, many cases of hepatitis A were notified in the county of Belford Roxo involving individuals aged 0 to 79 years. Serum samples were collected to evaluate the prevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies, to detect HAV-RNA and to correlate with possible risk factors of HAV infection. Serum samples were screened by commercial IgM and total anti-HAV antibody ELISA and HAV-RNA was isolated and subsequently amplified by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at VP1/2A region, sequenced and analyzed. Total anti-HAV prevalence was 87.9 percent (203/231) and IgM anti-HAV prevalence was 38.7 percent (89/231). Multivariate analysis showed that individuals under 20 years old are risks groups to acquire the infection suggesting that hygienic habits of young subjects are the principal factor of transmission and so they could be the target for vaccine programs. HAV-RNA was amplified from 29 (32.5 percent) IgM anti-HAV positive patients and 26 samples were sequenced and classified into subgenotypes IB (8 isolates) and IA (18 isolates). Isolates classified into subgenotype IB were identical representing one distinct strain. We could observe both subgenotypes circulating during the study which suggests different sources of infection. Prophylactic measures as vaccination strategies added to improvements in hygienic and sanitary conditions would be highly effective to reduction of infection.

Comparison of four extraction methods to detect hepatitis A virus RNA in serum and stool samples

The efficiency of extraction methods for hepatitis A virus (HAV) RNA in clinical samples is of great importance for molecular diagnosis, especially in regions endemic for HAV, such as Brazil. We compared the efficiency of four different extraction techniques in serum and stool samples for the detection of hepatitis A virus by reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). We used PCR to analyse serum and stool samples of 12 patients who were referred to the Brazilian Reference Center for Viral Hepatitis (BRCVH) in Rio de Janeiro. The methods tested were Proteinase K, Silica, TRIzol and Guanidine isothiocyanate. Proteinase K extraction was the best method for serum samples; it detected the HAV-RNA in 11 of the 12 samples. The guanidine isothiocyanate method was the most effective for stool samples, detecting HAV-RNAs in 9 of the samples. The TRIzol« method worked best with serum samples, and the silica method was unsatisfactory with both serum and stool samples. The RNA extraction method affected the outcome. The use of appropriate RNA extraction methods is a critical step for successful and valid PCR studies on clinical samples. We recommend that RNA extraction techniques be carefully selected for their efficiency with each type of specimen

Hepatitis A Outbreak in a Public School in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

From June 1 to July 1 1999, an outbreak involving 25 cases of hepatitis A occurred in a public school in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Since these cases were notified to the State Health Department, the National Reference Center for Hepatitis Viruses (CNRHV) was required to investigate the extent of hepatitis A virus (HAV) dissemination. Blood samples from all students were tested for IgM and total anti-HAV antibodies using a commercial enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA). At the same time, a questionnaire was completed in order to identify possible risk factors for HAV infection. The environmental investigation showed that there was no fecal contamination of the water supply. The epidemiological investigation demonstrated that almost 50 percent of this population was susceptible to HAV infection and probably person-to-person transmission was the principal mode of virus dissemination. In this situation, a massive vaccination campaign could control the HAV infection