Simultaneous detection of arboviruses by a multiplex RT-qPCR assay in Tocantins, a northern state of Brazil

ABSTRACT In Brazil, Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya viruses constitute a major threat to the public health system. Simultaneous circulation of these arboviruses occurs in many regions of the world due to the expansion of transmission vectors. The infection by these arboviruses triggers similar symptoms during their acute phase. However, in some cases, severe symptoms may occur, leading to different types of disabilities and even death. In this context, considering the similarity of the symptoms, the problems caused by the infection of these arboviruses, and the increasing risk of coinfection in humans, the differential diagnosis of these infections is essential for clinical management and epidemiological investigation. Thus, this study aimed to identify, through diagnosis via Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction with Reverse Transcription, arbovirus coinfection in patients from the Tocantins state (Northern Brazil). A total of 495 samples were analyzed, three from which were determined to be a coinfection of Dengue and Chikungunya viruses. The data obtained here indicate the co-circulation and coinfection by Dengue and Chikungunya viruses in the Tocantins state. These results highlight the importance of monitoring the circulation of these arboviruses for the development of health actions that aim their prevention and combat, as well as their clinical and therapeutic management.

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.

Human sapovirus GI. 2 and GI. 3 from children with acute gastroenteritis in northern Brazil

Human sapoviruses (HSaV) are considered important causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. However, knowledge of the genetic characteristics of the whole genome of HSaV in Brazil is limited. Here we report the complete genome sequences of six HSaVs GI.2 and two GI.3 strains obtained from children with acute gastroenteritis in the Northern region of Brazil. Next generation sequencing was used to obtain the full genome and molecular characterization of the genome was performed. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome was also performed. Only one complete HSaV GI.2 genome characterization in the country precedes that of the present study. This is the first complete genome sequence of genotype GI.3 in Brazil. The data obtained in this investigation can contribute to the augmentation of the database on the molecular diversity of HSaVs strains circulating in Brazil, and to the improvement of current typing protocols.

Giardíase / Giardiasis

Este artigo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão sobre aspectos clínicos, diagnóstico, tratamento e profilaxia da giardíase. A Giardia lamblia é um parasita intestinal de ampla distribuição mundial e elevada prevalência em países com baixo desenvolvimento socioeconômico. A giardíase apresenta um amplo espectro clínico e as principais manifestações incluem diarreia e má absorção intestinal. Está associada a síndrome do intestino irritável e a redução da função cognitiva em crianças. O exame parasitológico de fezes é um método de baixo custo tradicionalmente usado para o diagnóstico de giardíase. Outros métodos incluem os testes de detecção de antígeno em amostras de fezes, a biópsia e a análise do fluido duodenal. O tratamento da giardíase deve ser adaptado para cada grupo de pacientes, considerando posologia, efeitos adversos, interações medicamentosas, gestação e prevalência de outras parasitoses. As principais medidas para o controle da giardíase são tratamento adequado da água, lavagem dos alimentos e boa higiene pessoal...