The rare enterovirus c99 and echovirus 29 strains in Brazil: potential risks associated to silent circulation

Human enteroviruses (EVs) are associated with a wide spectrum of human diseases. Here we report the complete genome sequences of one EV-C99 strain and one E29 strain obtained from children suffering from acute gastroenteritis, without symptoms of enteroviral syndromes. This is the first report of EV-C99 in South America, and the second E29 genome described worldwide. Continuous surveillance on EVs is vital to provide further understanding of the circulation of new or rare EV serotypes in the country. The present study also highlights the capacity of EVs to remain in silent circulation in populations.

Viral investigation of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis outbreak (2003) in Nepal using molecular methods.

A nationwide outbreak of acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) occurred in Nepal during August to September 2003, which affected nearly half of the population. Sixty conjunctival swabs from AHC patients were collected at Tilganga Eye Center in Kathmandu. For the first time in Nepal, we demonstrated the etiologic viral agents of AHC, namely, Coxsackievirus A24 variant (CA24v) by reverse transcription real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Of the 60 samples, 19 were positive for CA24v. No difference in the two genders was observed. Conversely, Adenovirus (AdV) was detected in 32 samples, which suggested that the epidemic was caused by mixed infection. AdV was detected also on 10 rupee notes. Findings indicated that inadequate personal hygiene was the main cause of the spread of these highly contagious viruses in the community environment in Nepal during the summer of 2003.