Avaliação da acurácia do teste rápido para diagnóstico de Helicobacter pylori em pacientes não submetidos à terapia de erradicação prévia sujeitados á endoscopia digestiva alta / Assessment of the accuracy of the rapid test for the diagnosis of helicobacter pylori in patients that didn't undergo previous eradication therapy and who went through endoscopy

ABSTRACT Background: Helicobacter pylori infection is widely spread globally and is known to cause potentially serious diseases. Several diagnostic methods exist to identify and treat carriers of this bacterium. Serological tests for the diagnosis of infection are based on the detection of antibodies immunoglobulin G against H. pylori, a non-invasive, inexpensive, and easy-to-perform option. Objective: This research aims to ascertain the accuracy of an immunochromatographic serological test to verify the feasibility of using this method in patients who have not undergone previous eradication therapy. Methods: Rapid tests and questionnaires were applied to 53 patients that underwent upper digestive endoscopy with research for H. pylori between the period of September and October 2021. The results were compared with histopathology. Results: In the rapid tests, seven positive and 46 negative results were obtained. When compared with the gold stan­dard, the following values were described: sensitivity 54.5%, specificity 97.6%, positive predictive value 85.7%, and negative predictive value 89.1%. Conclusion: In the present study, the immunochromatographic serological tests had an accuracy close to the values found in other similar studies. Therefore, it may be concluded that the rapid serological test remains a reasonable choice for screening large populations due to its low cost and ease of application, especially in those individuals who have not undergone previous treatment.

RESUMO Contexto: A infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori apresenta-se amplamente difundida globalmente e é comprovadamente causadora de patologias potencialmente graves. Diversos métodos diagnósticos existem com o propósito de identificar e tratar os portadores dessa bactéria. Testes sorológicos para diagnóstico da infecção se baseiam na detecção de anticorpos imunoglobulina G anti-H.pylori, sendo uma opção não-invasiva, barata e de fácil realização. Objetivo: O objetivo dessa pesquisa é determinar a acurácia de um teste sorológico imunocromatográfico para verificar a viabilidade do uso desse método em pacientes que não realizaram terapia de erradicação prévia. Métodos: Foram aplicados testes rápidos e questionários em 53 participantes que realizaram endoscopia digestiva alta com pesquisa de H. pylori entre o período de setembro e outubro de 2021. Os resultados foram comparados com a histopatologia. Resultados: Foram obtidos nos testes rápidos 7 resultados positivos e 46 negativos. Ao comparar com o padrão-ouro, os seguintes valores foram descritos: Sensibilidade 54,5%, especificidade 97,6%, valor preditivo positivo 85,7% e valor preditivo negativo 89,1%. No presente estudo, os testes sorológicos imunocromatográficos tiveram acurácia próxima aos valores encontrados em outros trabalhos semelhantes. Conclusão: Sendo assim, conclui-se que o teste rápido sorológico permanece como escolha razoável para screening de grandes populações devido ao seu baixo custo e facilidade de aplicação, especialmente naqueles indivíduos que não realizaram tratamento prévio.

Serological response to SARS-COV-2 vaccines in patients with multiple sclerosis in Argentina / Respuesta serológica a vacunas contra SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple en Argentina

Abstract Introduction : The objective was to assess the im munogenicity and effectiveness of vaccines against SARSCoV-2 in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients included in the Argentinean MS registry. Methods : A prospective cohort study between May and December 2021. The primary outcome was im munogenicity and effectiveness of vaccines during a three-month follow-up. Immunogenicity was evalua ted based on detection of total antibodies (Ab) against spike protein and neutralizing Ab in serum 4 weeks after the second vaccine dose. A positive COVID-19 case was defined according to Argentinean Ministry of Health. Results : 94 patients were included, mean age: 41.7 ± 12.1 years. Eighty (85.1%) had relapsing remitting mul tiple sclerosis (RRMS); 30 (31.9%) were under fingolimod treatment. The Sputnik V vaccine was the first dose in 33 (35.1%), and AstraZeneca in 61 (64.9%). In 60 (63.8%), the vaccine elicited a specific humoral response. Immu nological response according to the vaccination schemes showed no qualitative differences (p = 0.45). Stratified analysis according to the MS treatment showed that a significantly smaller number of subjects developed anti bodies against spike antigen among those that were on ocrelizumab compared to other groups (p ≤ 0.001), while a reduced number of patients under ocrelizumab where evaluated (n = 7). This was also observed for neutralizing antibodies in the ocrelizumab group (p < 0.001). During the three-month follow-up, two individuals were diag nosed with COVID-19. Conclusion: We found that MS patients that recei ved Sputnik V or AstraZeneca vaccines for SARS-CoV-2 developed a serological response with no differences between the vaccines used.

Resumen Introducción : El objetivo fue evaluar la inmunogeni cidad y efectividad de las vacunas contra el SARS-CoV-2 en pacientes con esclerosis múltiple (EM) incluidos en el registro argentino de EM (RelevarEM, NCT 03375177). Métodos : Estudio de cohorte prospectivo entre mayo y diciembre 2021. Se evaluó la inmunogenicidad (detec ción de anticuerpos totales (Ab) contra proteína espiga y anticuerpos neutralizantes en suero) y eficacia (nueva infección por COVID-19) durante seguimiento de tres meses. El momento de detección de anticuerpos fue 4 semanas después de segunda dosis de vacuna. Un caso positivo de COVID-19 se definió de acuerdo con la defi nición del Ministerio de Salud. Resultados : Se incluyeron 94 pacientes, edad media de 41.7 ± 12.1 años. Ochenta (85.1%) tenían EM remiten te-recurrente; 30 (31.9%) en tratamiento con fingolimod. La vacuna Sputnik V fue usada en 33 (35.1%), mientras que AstraZeneca se administró en 61 (64.9%). En 60 pa cientes (63.8 %), la vacuna provocó respuesta humoral específica. La respuesta inmunológica según esquemas de vacunación (Sputnik V, Astra Zeneca o esquemas he terólogos) no mostró diferencias cualitativas (p = 0.45). El análisis estratificado según tratamiento recibido para la EM mostró que número significativamente menor de sujetos desarrolló anticuerpos contra el antígeno espiga en los pacientes que recibieron ocrelizumab (p ≤ 0.001), aunque con un número reducido de pacientes evaluados bajo este tratamiento (n = 7). Esto también se observó para anticuerpos neutralizantes en el grupo bajo ocrelizumab (p < 0.001). Durante el seguimiento de tres meses, dos personas fueron diagnosticadas con COVID-19. Conclusión : Encontramos que los pacientes con EM que recibieron vacunas Sputnik V o AstraZeneca para el SARS-CoV-2 desarrollaron respuesta serológica sin diferencias entre las vacunas utilizadas.

Celiaquía: Aprovechar el poder diagnóstico de los anticuerpos

La celiaquía es un trastorno mediado por la respuesta inmune al gluten ingerido en individuos genéticamente susceptibles. La enfermedad celíaca afecta al 1 % de la población mundial, y su incidencia se ha incrementado sustancialmente en las últimas décadas. Sin embargo, aún la enfermedad celíaca es pobremente reconocida por la comunidad médica y por la población, tanto a nivel internacional, como nacional, muchos casos permanecen subdiagnosticados. Para mejorar el diagnóstico y manejo del paciente celíaco se recomienda el uso oportuno de la serología específica de la enfermedad celíaca. De los distintos anticuerpos asociados con la enfermedad celíaca, los anticuerpos anti-transglutaminasa tisular (anti-TGt IgA) representan la primera opción diagnóstica por su elevada sensibilidad y especificidad. La prueba de anti-TGt IgA no solo permite descartar de modo confiable la celiaquía, sino funciona como filtro para la selección de pacientes tributarios de biopsia intestinal para la confirmación diagnóstica. El desarrollo de la serología ha posibilitado la aplicación de nuevas estrategias diagnósticas que obvian la biopsia intestinal al menos en algunos grupos de pacientes.

Celiac disease is a disorder mediated by the immune response to ingested gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Celiac disease affects 1% of the world population, and its incidence has increased substantially in recent decades. However, celiac disease is still poorly recognized by the medical community and by the population, both domestic and international, many cases remain underdiagnosed. Improving the diagnosis and management of the celiac patient, the timely use of specific serology for celiac disease is recommended. Different antibodies associated with celiac disease, however, anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies (anti-TGt IgA) represent the first diagnostic option due to their high sensitivity and specificity. The anti-TGt IgA test not only constantly rules out celiac disease, but also functions as a filter for the selection of patients eligible for intestinal biopsy for diagnostic confirmation. The development of serology has enabled the use of new diagnostic strategies that avoid intestinal biopsy, at least in some groups of patients.

Anticuerpos anti-SARS-CoV-2 en personal de salud de un hospital pediátrico / SARS-CoV-2 antibodies among health care workers from a children's hospital

Introducción. En Argentina, el personal de salud ha sido el primero en vacunarse contra COVID-19, pero todavía existen pocos datos sobre la producción de anticuerpos IgG anti-S. Objetivos. Evaluar IgG específica contra glicoproteína spike del SARS-CoV-2 (IgG anti-S) posvacunación en personal de un hospital pediátrico. Explorar la asociación entre presencia de dichos anticuerpos, edad y antecedente de infección previa. Población y métodos. Estudio transversal que incluyó 193 trabajadores vacunados con los dos componentes de la vacuna Sputnik V. Se pesquisó el título de IgG anti-S y se registraron edad, antecedente de infección previa por SARS-CoV-2 y fecha de la vacunación. Resultados. El 98,6 % de los sujetos generó IgG anti-S. El título fue mayor en quienes habían cursado infección previamente (p <0,001), pero no hubo relación con la edad de los sujetos. Conclusión. Aportamos datos de generación de anticuerpos IgG anti-S posvacunación en personal de salud de un hospital pediátrico y exploramos algunos predictores.

Introduction. In Argentina, health care workers have been the first ones to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, but there are still few data on the production of anti-S IgG antibodies. Objectives. To assess specific IgG against the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-S IgG) after the vaccination of health care workers from a children's hospital. To explore the association between the presence of these antibodies, age, and history of prior infection. Population and methods. Cross-sectional study in 193 workers who received both doses of the two component Sputnik V vaccine. The anti-S IgG antibody titer was measured and age, history of prior SARS-CoV-2 infection, and date of vaccination were recorded. Results. Anti-S IgG antibodies were produced in 98.6% of the subjects. The titer was higher in those with prior infection (p < 0.001), but no relationship was established with subjects' age. Conclusion. We provide data on post-vaccination production of IgG anti-S antibodies among health care workers from a children's hospital and explore some predictors.

Serological ineptitude in blood banks: is there an association with sexually transmitted infections? / Inaptidão sorológica em bancos de sangue: existe associação com infecções sexualmente transmissíveis?

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are a serious public health problem, and some of these infections are also transmitted through blood transfusions. Objective: To identify publications in scientific journals in Brazil and in the world showing if there is an important association between serological inadequacy due to sexually transmitted infections traced in blood and blood products used for medical use. Methods: Systematic review of articles published from 2018 to 2023, using the LILACS, SciELO and PubMed databases, with a concomitant approach to the issues of serological disability and STI. Original studies or review articles in Portuguese, English and Spanish with Brazilian and international data were included. Editorial publications, letter to the editor, letter from the editor or comments on the subject were excluded. Results: The search found 571 articles, of which 106 (18.40%) met the inclusion criteria, that is, Serological disability and STI. In studies with international data, the prevalence of donors with hepatitis C ranged from 0.12 to 4.8%; with hepatitis B, from 1.3 to 8.2%; with HIV, from 0.0021 to 2.5%; with syphilis, from 1.73 to 2.4%; with HTLV, 0.66%; and with Chagas disease, from 0.017 to 2.76%. Among articles with Brazilian data, the prevalence of donors with seroreactive tests for hepatitis C ranged from 0.18 to 1.76%; with hepatitis B, from 0.05 to 7.9%; with HIV, from 0.03 to 0.82%; with syphilis, from 0.37 to 3.51%; with HTLV, from 0.02 to 0.3%, and with Chagas disease, from 0.8 to 0.5%. Conclusion: STIs are rarely discussed in the scientific literature in studies on serological inadequacy. In addition, a minority of articles were with Brazilian data. However, results show that STIs, despite being little discussed in the scientific literature in studies on the subject of serological inadequacy, have statistically significant percentages of seropositivity for STIs. Moreover, hepatitis C and B have a relevant seroprevalence, reaching 8.2% and 4.8%, respectively, in the international scenario. In Brazil, hepatitis B continues to occupy a prominent place with a seroprevalence of up to 7.9%. However, syphilis now holds a very important role, with a maximum percentage of 3.51%. More studies are needed for further reflection: although STIs are little addressed in studies about serological inadequacy in human blood banks, would they contribute to the maintenance and non-reduction of the general frequency of infections transmitted by blood transfusion

Introdução: As infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (IST) são um grave problema de saúde pública e algumas dessas infecções, também, transmitidas por intermédio de transfusões de sangue. Objetivo: Identificar publicações em periódicos científicos no Brasil e no mundo sobre se existe importante associação entre inaptidão sorológica por infecções sexualmente transmissíveis rastreadas em sangue e hemoderivados usados para uso médico. Métodos:Revisão sistemática de artigos publicados no período de 2018 a 2023, usando as bases de dados Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (Lilacs), Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO) e United States National Library of Medicine (PubMed) com abordagem concomitante para os assuntos de inaptidão sorológica e IST. Incluíram-se estudos originais ou artigos de revisão nos idiomas português, inglês e espanhol com dados brasileiros e internacionais. Foram excluídas publicações do tipo editorial, carta ao editor, carta do editor ou comentários sobre o tema. Resultados:A busca localizou 571 artigos dos quais 106 (18,40%) se encaixavam nos critérios de inclusão, ou seja, inaptidão sorológica e IST. Em estudos com dados internacionais, a prevalência de doadores com hepatite C variou de 0,12 a 4,8%; com hepatite B de 1,3 a 8,2%; com HIV de 0,0021 a 2,5%; com sífilis de 1,73 a 2,4%; com HTLV 0,66%; e com doença de Chagas de 0,017 a 2,76 %. Já entre os artigos com dados brasileiros, a prevalência de doadores com exames soro-reatores para hepatite C variou de 0,18 a 1,76%; com hepatite B de 0,05 a 7,9%; com HIV de 0,03 a 0,82%; com sífilis de 0,37 a 3,51%; com HTLV 0,02 a 0,3%, e com doença de Chagas de 0,8 a 0,5%. Conclusão: As IST são pouco abordadas na literatura científica em estudos com o tema inaptidão sorológica. Além disso, uma minoria de artigos era com dados brasileiros. Entretanto, resultados demonstram que, apesar de pouco abordadas na literatura científica em estudos com o tema inaptidão sorológica, as IST possuem percentuais de soropositividade estatisticamente significativos. Além disso, as hepatites C e B possuem soroprevalência relevante, podendo chegar a 8,2 e 4,8%, respectivamente, no cenário internacional. Já no cenário nacional, brasileiro, a hepatite B continua ocupando um lugar de destaque, com soroprevalência de até 7,9%. Todavia, a sífilis passa a ocupar um papel de altíssima relevância, com percentual máximo de 3,51%. São necessários mais estudos para mais reflexão: apesar de as IST serem pouco abordadas em estudos acerca da inaptidão sorológica em bancos de sangue humano, seriam elas contribuintes para a manutenção e a não redução da frequência geral de infecções transmitidas por transfusão sanguínea?

Identification of Complex and Combined Antibody Consisted of Anti-c, Anti-E, Anti-Jka and Anti-Fya / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the role of multiple serological methods in the identification of complex antibodies.@*METHODS@#The blood group antigens were detected by saline and microcolumn agglutination methods. The saline method was used to screen and identify IgM-type antibodies in the patient's serum, while the polybrene, anti-globulin, microcolumn agglutination, enzymic and absorption-elution methods were used to screen and identify IgG-type antibodies.@*RESULTS@#The patient was B/CCDee/Jk(a-b+)/Fy(a-b+) blood type. The serum reacted with panel cells, and the reaction presented anti-E pattern in the saline medium. It was fully positive in the microcolumn agglutination card, except 2 negative ones after using papain to treat the panel cells. Referring to the pattern table, it was concluded that there existed anti-c, anti-E, and anti-Jka antibodies, and one antibody corresponding to an antigen that was easily destroyed by papain. The red blood cells with specific phenotype were selected for absorption-elution to identify IgG-type anti-c, anti-E, anti-Jka and anti-Fya antibodies.@*CONCLUSION@#It is confirmed that IgM-type anti-E, and IgG-type anti-c, anti-E, anti-Jka and anti-Fya antibodies exist in the patient's serum by multiple serological methods.

Research Progress on Disease Burden of Dengue in China / 中山大学学报(医学科学版)

The gradual relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions in China has increased the risk of imported dengue fever cases and may further prompt the outbreak. Systematic assessment of disease burden is crucial to improving prevention and control strategies， and resource allocation of dengue fever in China. After reviewing the definition， classification of disease burden， epidemiological evaluation methods such as potential years of life lost （PYLL） and disability adjusted of life years （DALY）， as well as economic evaluation methods such as step-by-step model method and human capital method， this article systematically summarizes the application of mixed models and catalytic models in quantifying the disease burden of latent dengue infected individuals， as well as the current research status and limitations of dengue disease burden in China， proposing suggestions for future assessment research on disease burden of dengue.

Characteristics analysis of HBV serological markers of NAT reactive blood donors under different HBsAg status / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the characteristics of HBV serological markers of NAT reactive blood donors under different HBsAg status. 【Methods】 NAT reactive samples, with HBsAg-, HBsAg+ /retest - and HBsAg+ by single reagent were collected from September 2021 to May 2022 in our laboratory. The TMA non-reactive samples were retested by Roche PCR, then HBsAg, anti-HBs, HBeAg, anti-HBe and anti-HBc were detected by ECLI for statistical analysis. 【Results】 A total of 66 samples were collected, among which 55 were HBsAg-/NAT+. The positive rate of anti-HBc, anti-HBs+ anti-HBc, anti-HBe+ anti-HBc was 87.3% (48/55), 43.6% (24/55) and 45.5% (25/55), respectively. The positive rate of anti-HBs was 10.9% (6/55) and the overall negative rate was 1.8% (1/55). In 7 HBsAg+ initially/retest -/NAT+ samples, the positive rate of anti-HBc was 100%(7/7), and the positive rate of anti-HBe+ anti-HBc was 71.4%(5/7). In 4 HBsAg+ /NAT+ samples by single reagent, the positive rate of HBsAg+ anti-HBs+ anti-HBe+ anti-HBc was 50% (2/4), and positive rate of anti-HBe+ anti-HBc was100% (4/4). Samples, not reactive to TMA discriminatory and anti-HBc negative, were also non-reactive to individual PCR retest. There were significant differences in the positive rates of anti-HBe+ anti-HBc between HBsAg-/NAT+ samples and HBsAg+ /NAT+ (single reagent) samples (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 Most HBsAg-/NAT+ blood donors were occult hepatitis B virus infection.The anti-HBe+ anti-HBc positive were correlated with HBV infection status. Non-reactivity discriminated by TMA plus anti-HBc negative do not exclude HBV DNA non-reactivity.

Design and simulate routine serologic training experiments in blood transfusion using RhD blood group / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To design and simulate routine serological experiments in transfusion techniques using RhD blood group, so as to solve the problem of difficult to obtain positive specimens in experimental teaching. 【Methods】 RhD positive red blood cells, RhD negative red blood cells and anti-D reagent were used to design and simulate the enzyme treatment experiment, absorption and elution test, antibody identification experiment and cross matching experiment of polybrene technology in transfusion techniques. 【Results】 Papain treatment of red blood cells made the agglutination of RhD positive red blood cells and IgG anti-D visible. Absorption and elution test were successfully simulated with RhD positive red blood cells and IgG anti-D reagent. The antibody identification of anti-Jka and anti-Fya was successfully simulated by creating different identification panel and panel cells made by RhD positive cells and negative cells. Cross matching test of polybrene method can also be simulated using RhD negative and positive red blood cells and IgG anti-D reagent. 【Conclusion】 RhD blood group can be used to simulate most of the routine serological experiments of blood transfusion, which can be used in the serological laboratory teaching of transfusion.

Investigation on the prevalence of human parvovirus B19 infection among voluntary blood donors / 中国输血杂志

Objective To investigate the infection of human parvovirus B19 in Suzhou voluntary blood donors under the current blood screening model. Methods A total of 893 blood donor samples from September to December 2022 were randomly collected. Samples were tested to determine the seroprevalence (anti-B19 IgG and IgM) of B19 antibodies by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA), and B19 DNA of positive samples was further detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction(PCR) assay. Results Among 893 samples, the total seroprevalence of B19 antibody was 20.7% (185/893), with anti-B19 IgG and IgM positive rate at 19.4% (173/893) and 1.9% (17/893), respectively, showing significant difference (P0.05). The prevalence of anti-B19 IgG statistically increased with age (P0.05). No statistical difference was not found in anti-B19 IgG and IgM samples among different blood groups. The anti-B19 IgG in repeated blood donors was higher than that in first-time donors(21.5% vs 15.9%)(P0.05). Three cases were found to be positive for B19 DNA in the B19 antibody positive samples, with the positive rate at 1.6%(3/185). Conclusion Although the prevalence of B19 infection in Suzhou was lower than that in other areas and was mostly past infection, there was still a certain proportion of persistent infection and acute infection, which posed the potential risk of blood transfusion transmission. Therefore, attention should be paid to blood transfusions, especially for the high-risk and susceptible groups.

Identification of B(A) subtype and analysis of bood transfusion strategiaes / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To investigate the serology and genotype identification method of B (A) subtype patients. 【Methods】 Test tube method (serology) was used to confirm the clinically difficult ABO blood group samples of 3 patients with ABO blood group; ABO blood group was genotyped by real-time PCR, and the ABO gene exon 1-7 was sequenced to determine the genotype. 【Results】 The forward and reverse blood typing result of three patients was B (A) subtype all with ABO genotype B/O2 and c.640A> G mutation on B allele of exon 7, which meets the characteristics of ABO * BA.04 genotype. 【Conclusion】 The combination of serological and genetic testing could identify difficult blood types such as ABO subtypes accurately and ensure the safety of clinical blood use.

Serological and molecular biological analysis of RhD--: a case report / 中国输血杂志

【Objective】 To study the blood group serology and molecular biology of patients with RhD--, so as to guide clinical blood use. 【Methods】 The EDTA-K2 anticoagulant blood of the patient was detected for Rh antigens and antibodies. Meanwhile, DNA was extracted, and the 1-10 exon of RHCE and RHAG gene was sequenced by Sanger sequencing. 【Results】 The serological test showed O type RhD--, and all spectral cells were positive. RHCE gene sequencing showed RHCE*02/RHCE*02, RHAG gene sequencing showed mutations at site 808 G > A and site 861 G > A of exon 6. 【Conclusion】 When patients were with RhD--, and related immune conditions such as pregnancy and/or transfusion history were present, autologous blood transfusion or plasma exchange could be an option for emergency blood use.

Serological analysis of varicella-zoster virus IgG antibody in healthy people aged 1～30 years in Liaoning Province / 中国生物制品学杂志

@#Abstract：Objective To carry out serological analysis of varicella⁃zoster virus（VZV）IgG antibody level in healthy people aged 1 ~ 30 years in Liaoning Province. Methods In October 2020，3～5 mL venous blood samples were collected from 617 healthy people aged 1～30 years selected from six counties and districts in Shenyang，Fuxin and Dandong of Liaoning Province by stratified random sampling method，of which serum samples were collected and determined for VZV IgG antibody level by ELISA. The positive rate of serum antibody and geometric mean concentration（GMC）of antibody were calculated and compared. Results Among 617 serum samples，302 samples were positive for VZV IgG antibody，the positive rate was 48. 947%，and the GMC was 112. 772 mIU／mL. The positive rate of VZV IgG antibody was 29. 670%～75. 789% and the GMC was 45. 508～366. 559 mIU／mL in healthy people of various ages. Both of the antibody positive rate（χ2 = 67. 104， P < 0. 001）and GMC（F = 20. 685，P < 0. 001）showed significant differences. The positive rates of VZV IgG antibody in male and female were 44. 817% and 53. 633% respectively，which showed significant difference（χ2 = 4. 779，P = 0. 029）， while the GMCs were 96. 983 and 133. 829 mIU／mL respectively（t = -1. 958，P = 0. 051）with no significant difference. The positive rates of VZV IgG antibody of healthy people in Shenyang，Fuxin and Dandong of Liaoning Province were 55. 224%，40. 201% and 51. 152% respectively with significant differences（χ2 = 9. 683，P = 0. 008），of which the positive rate of FuxinwassignificantlylowerthanthoseofShenyangandDandong（χ2 =9. 046and5. 013，P =0. 003and0. 025，respectively）； While the GMCs were 133. 523，85. 953 and 123. 713 mIU／mL respectively with no significant difference（F = 0. 514， P = 0. 598）. Among 617 serum samples，54 sampleswere suspicious，which remained within the criticalrange afterre⁃examina⁃ tion，while the gap between positive rate and the total percentage of positive and suspicious results gradually decreased with the increase of age，indicating that the immunity to varicella gradually increased with the increase of age. Conclusion The VZV⁃IgG antibody level of healthy people aged 1～30 years in Liaoning Province increased gradually with age，while the overall level was low. To control the spread of varicella virus，it is recommended to increase varicella vaccine coverage in vulnerable areas and susceptible population to build VZV immune barrier.

Serological surveillance of human brucellosis in Ganzhou City， Jiangxi Province from 2018 to 2021 / 上海预防医学

ObjectiveTo describe the serological surveillance results of human brucellosis in Ganzhou City， Jiangxi Province from 2018 to 2021， characterize the epidemic and current situation of brucellosis， and to provide scientific evidence for effective prevention and control of brucellosis. MethodsSurveillance data of human brucellosis serological testing was collected in Ganzhou City from 2018 to 2021. Spatial， temporal， and demographic distribution was further determined. ResultsFrom 2018 to 2021， a total of 42 humans serologically positive for brucellosis were reported from 18 counties （cities and districts） in Ganzhou City， including 26 males and 16 females with a gender ratio of 1.6∶1. The number of serologically positive cases showed a decreasing trend， with the positive rate decreasing from 46.43% in 2018 to 33.33% in 2021. Majority of the cases （54.00%） aged 40‒ years old. Furthermore， the number of serologically positive cases varied by month； majority of the cases （80.95%） was from April to August. Additionally， a total of 10 counties （cities and districts） reported serologically positive cases of brucellosis， among which the top 3 counties （cities and districts） by cumulative number of positive cases were Zhanggong District （18 cases）， Dayu County（5 cases）， and Longnan City（4 cases）. ConclusionSerologically positive cases of human brucellosis decrease in Ganzhou， in which the incidence of male cases is generally higher than female cases. The seasonality of human brucellosis is in spring and summer. At-risk population is 40‒ years old. Additionally， at-risk areas are southwest and central areas of Ganzhou.

Efficacy of some avian influenza H5 vaccines against local highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses subtype H5N8 isolated in 2018 and 2020 in Egypt

Commercial inactivated avian influenza H5 vaccine is used as an essential control strategy for avian influenza disease in Egypt. Since the initial outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8, the virus has diverged with new genotypes and variant viruses continuing to emerge which mainly stand behind vaccination failure. In the present work, four different commercial avian influenza vaccines were inoculated in specific pathogenic free chickens for assessing its efficacy against local highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 virus isolated in 2018 and 2020. Two hundred and forty specific pathogenic free chickens were clustered into four groups; each group was inoculated with the corresponding vaccine (60 specific pathogenic free chickens/vaccine). Sixty specific pathogenic free chicks were kept as control unvaccinated group. Sera collected from vaccinated chicken groups at 3rd and 4th week post vaccination were examined for calculating neutralizing antibodies using heterologous highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2018 and 2020. At 4th week post vaccination, vaccinated chickens were challenged; moreover, oropharyngeal swabs were collected from challenged vaccinated chickens to calculate the viral shedding. Our findings revealed the groups vaccinated with vaccine code no 1 and 2 that contains two vaccine strains (H5N1 and H5N8) of local origin exhibited the highest hemagglutination inhibition titer, protection (percent) and reduction in viral shedding titer when examined by highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2018 while, vaccine code no 3 induced lower antibody response, protection (percent) and reduction in viral shedding, but still within satisfactory level when compared to previous groups. When highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2020 was used, it was found the seroconversion rate, protection (percent) and mean titer of reduction of viral shedding decreased in comparison to those recorded for highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 2018. Vaccine code no 4 was impotent to either highly pathogenic avian influenza 2018 or 2020. Accordingly, it was recommended to update vaccine strain according to epidemiological condition and used the predominant circulating strain isolate in challenge test(AU)

La vacuna comercial inactivada H5 se utiliza como estrategia esencial de control de la enfermedad de la gripe aviar en Egipto. Desde los brotes iniciales de la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8, el virus ha variado al aparecer continuamente nuevos genotipos y variantes virales, que son los principales responsables del fracaso de la vacunación. En el presente trabajo, cuatro vacunas comerciales diferentes contra la gripe aviar se inocularon en pollos libres de patógenos específicos para evaluar su eficacia contra cepas del virus local de la gripe aviar altamente patógeno H5N8 aisladas en 2018 y 2020. Se agruparon 240 pollos pollos libres de patógenos específicos en cuatro grupos, cada uno fue inoculado con la vacuna correspondiente (60 pollos pollos libres de patógenos específicos/vacuna). Sesenta pollos SPF se mantuvieron como grupo control sin vacunar. Los sueros de los pollos vacunados recogidos en la 3ª y 4ª semana después de la vacunación se examinaron para calcular los anticuerpos neutralizantes contra la gripe aviar heteróloga H5N8 2018 y 2020. En la cuarta semana después de la vacunación, los pollos vacunados fueron retados; además, se recogieron hisopados orofaríngeos de los pollos vacunados retados para calcular la diseminación viral. Nuestros resultados revelaron que los grupos vacunados con las vacunas con códigos nº 1 y 2, que contienen dos cepas vacunales (H5N1 y H5N8) de origen local, mostraron el mayor título de inhibición de la hemaglutinación, protección (por ciento) y reducción del título de excreción viral cuando se evaluaron contra la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 2018, mientras que la vacuna con código nº 3 indujo menor respuesta de anticuerpos, protección (por ciento) y reducción de la excreción viral, pero todavía dentro de un nivel satisfactorio en comparación con los grupos anteriores. Al utilizar la vacuna contra la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 2020, se observó que la tasa de seronconversión, la protección (por ciento) y el título medio de reducción de la excreción viral disminuyeron en comparación con los registrados para la gripe aviar altamente patógena H5N8 2018. La vacuna con código nº 4 no fue potente para la gripe aviar altamente patógena de 2018 o de 2020. Por consiguiente, se recomendó actualizar la cepa de la vacuna de acuerdo con las condiciones epidemiológicas y utilizar el aislamiento de la cepa circulante predominante en la prueba de reto(AU)

Perfil epidemiológico e prevalência de inaptidão clínica e sorológica entre candidatos à doação de sangue / Epidemiological profile and prevalence of clinical and serological disability among candidates for blood donation / Perfil epidemiológico y prevalencia de discapacidad clínica y serológica en candidatos a donación de sangre

Objetivo: descrever o perfil epidemiológico e identificar as causas prevalentes de inaptidão clínica e sorológica entre os candidatos à doação nos últimos cinco anos. Método: trata-se de um estudo seccional, exploratório e analítico. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do Sistema Hemote Plus®. Resultados: a maioria dos candidatos eram homens (50,9%), de 20 a 29 anos (34,0%), brancos (66,7%), solteiros (59,9%) com ensino médio completo (33,3%) e motivação espontânea (65,5%). Dentre eles,25,9% foram considerados inaptos. As causas mais prevalentes de inaptidão foram: anemia (27,7%) e infecções sexualmente transmissíveis (12,4%). Tenderam mais à inaptidão as mulheres (57,9%), indivíduos menor nível de escolaridade (53,9%), e com menos de 39 anos (65,5%). Conclusão: evidencia-se a necessidade de práticas educativas e orientação sobre comportamentos de risco na captação de doadores e triagem clínica, ressaltando a importância do profissional de enfermagem neste contexto

Objetivo: to describe the epidemiological profile and identify the prevalent causes of clinical and serological unfitness among donation candidates in the last five years. Methods: this is a cross-sectional, exploratory and analytical study. Data were obtained using the Hemote Plus® System. Results: most candidates were men (50.9%), aged 20 to 29 years (34.0%), white (66.7%), single (59.9%) with high school education (33.3 %) and spontaneous motivation (65.5%). Among them, 25.9% were considered unfit. The most prevalent causes of disability were: anemia (27.7%) and sexually transmitted infections (12.4%). Women (57.9%), individuals with a lower level of education (53.9%), and those with less than 39 years of age (65.5%) tended more toward disability. Conclusion: it is evident the need for educational practices and guidance on risk behaviors in the recruitment of donors and clinical screening, emphasizing the importance of the nursing professional in this context

Objetivos: describir el perfil epidemiológico e identificar las causas prevalentes de ineptitud clínica y serológica entre los candidatos a donación en los últimos cinco años. Metodo: se trata de um estudio transversal, exploratorio y analítico. Los datos se obtuvieron utilizando el sistema Hemote Plus®. Resultados: la mayoría de los candidatos eran hombres (50,9 %), de 20 a 29 años (34,0 %), blancos (66,7 %), solteros (59,9 %), com educación secundaria (33,3 %) y motivación espontánea (65,5 %). Entre ellos, el 25,9% fueron considerados no aptos. Las causas de discapacidad más prevalentes fueron: anemia (27,7%) e infecciones de transmisión sexual (12,4%). Las mujeres (57,9%), los indivíduos con menor nivel educativo (53,9%) y los menores de 39 años (65,5%) tendían más a la discapacidad. Conclusión: se evidencia la necesidad de prácticas educativas y orientaciones sobre comportamientos de riesgo em la captación de donantes y tamizaje clínico, destacando la importância del profesional de enfermeira en este contexto

Uma análise dos principais diagnósticos de Sars-cov-2 disponíveis no Brasil: uma revisão de literatura / Diagnosis and main types of coronavirus in humans: a narrative review / Diagnóstico y principales tipos de coronavirus en humanos: una revisión narrativa

Introdução: Com a emergência do SARS-CoV-2 foi disponibilizado uma grande quantidade de ferramentas de diagnóstico. Neste contexto, a falta de vacina, de tratamento e o grande número de casos graves e morte, possibilitou a aprovação emergencial de diversos testes, que ainda necessitam de estudos populacionais para seu registro definitivo. Objetivo: Realizar uma revisão de literatura para avaliar as metodologias de diagnóstico disponíveis no Brasil, de acordo com a realidade local de saúde, explorando o momento epidemiológico a complexidade do teste e a finalidade da sua aplicação. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico, descritivo do tipo revisão de literatura. Foram utilizadas as seguintes bases de dados científicos para buscas: PUBMED, MEDLINE, LILACS E COCHRANE LIBRARY, através de descritores selecionados na plataforma DECS. Resultados: O cenário de diversos ensaios, baseados em diferentes metodologias, como os testes baseados em RNA viral, em detecção de antígenos virais ou de anticorpos, associados ao conhecimento da história natural do vírus, possibilita uma análise crítica do melhor diagnóstico de acordo com a clínica do paciente, os epidemiológicos, o objetivo do diagnóstico e a acurácia do ensaio. Atualmente, há mudança no padrão imunológico da população e a descrição de tipos e subtipos de SARS-CoV-2 com mudanças gênicas, que podem levar a mudanças na acurácia diagnóstica ou a re-emergência em surtos de doença grave. Conclusão: Ainda é incerto o caminho evolutivo da história natural da Covid-19 e os ensaios diagnósticos estão em diferentes estágios de desenvolvimento, validação e produção e cada tipo de teste tem suas próprias vantagens e desvantagens distintas inerentes a plataforma tecnológica de origem e uma combinação de tipos de testes usados em momentos diferentes pode ser útil para a condução clínica dos pacientes e no controle da pandemia por SARS-CoV-2.

Introduction: With the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, a large number of diagnostic tools were made available. In this context, the lack of vaccine, treatment and the large number of severe cases and death, allowed the emergency approval of several tests, which still require population studies for their definitive registration. Objective: To carry out a literature review to evaluate the diagnostic methodologies available in Brazil, according to the local health reality, exploring the epidemiological moment, the complexity of the test and the purpose of its application. Methodology: This is a bibliographic, descriptive study of the literature review type. The following scientific databases were used for searches: PUBMED, MEDLINE, LILACS AND COCHRANE LIBRARY, through selected descriptors on the DECS platform. Results: The scenario of several tests, based on different methodologies, such as tests based on viral RNA, on detection of viral antigens or antibodies, associated with knowledge of the natural history of the virus, allows a critical analysis of the best diagnosis according to the patient's clinical, epidemiological, diagnostic objective and assay accuracy. Currently, there is a change in the immune pattern of the population and the description of types and subtypes of SARS-CoV-2 with genetic changes, which can lead to changes in diagnostic accuracy or the re-emergence in outbreaks of severe disease. Conclusion: The evolutionary path of the natural history of Covid-19 is still uncertain and diagnostic assays are at different stages of development, validation and production and each type of test has its own distinct advantages and disadvantages inherent in the technology platform of origin and a combination of types of tests used at different times can be useful for the clinical management of patients and in the control of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

Introducción: Con la aparición del SARS-CoV-2, se dispuso de un gran número de herramientas diagnósticas. En este contexto, la falta de vacuna, tratamiento y el gran número de casos graves y muerte, permitieron la aprobación de urgencia de varias pruebas, que aún requieren estudios poblacionales para su registro definitivo. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica para evaluar las metodologías diagnósticas disponibles en Brasil, de acuerdo con la realidad sanitaria local, explorando el momento epidemiológico, la complejidad de la prueba y la finalidad de su aplicación. Metodología: Se trata de un estudio bibliográfico, descriptivo, del tipo revisión de literatura. Para las búsquedas se utilizaron las siguientes bases de datos científicas PUBMED, MEDLINE, LILACS Y COCHRANE LIBRARY, a través de descriptores seleccionados en la plataforma DECS. Resultados: El escenario de varias pruebas, basadas en diferentes metodologías, como pruebas basadas en el ARN viral, en la detección de antígenos virales o anticuerpos, asociado al conocimiento de la historia natural del virus, permite un análisis crítico del mejor diagnóstico de acuerdo con la clínica del paciente, epidemiológica, objetivo diagnóstico y precisión de la prueba. Actualmente, hay un cambio en el patrón inmunológico de la población y la descripción de tipos y subtipos de SARS-CoV-2 con cambios genéticos, que pueden conducir a cambios en la precisión diagnóstica o la reaparición en brotes de enfermedad grave. Conclusiones: El camino evolutivo de la historia natural del Covid-19 es aún incierto y los ensayos de diagnóstico se encuentran en diferentes etapas de desarrollo, validación y producción y cada tipo de prueba tiene sus propias ventajas y desventajas distintas inherentes a la plataforma tecnológica de origen y una combinación de tipos de pruebas utilizadas en diferentes momentos puede ser útil para el manejo clínico de los pacientes y en el control de la pandemia de SARS- CoV-2.

A ocorrência de infecção por COVID-19 em pacientes assintomáticos na testagem pré-operatória / The occurrence of COVID-19 infection in preoperative testing of asymptomatic patients / La ocurrencia de infección por COVID-19 en pruebas preoperatorias de pacientes asintomáticos

Objetivo: Analisar a ocorrência de pacientes cirúrgicos assintomáticos com teste para COVID-19 positivo, delimitar o perfil epidemiológico, identificar o tipo de cirurgia e a especialidade, bem como determinar o tempo de execução do procedimento cirúrgico após testagem positiva. Método: Trata-se de um estudo de coorte retrospectiva, em um hospital de grande porte, filantrópico, de São Paulo, realizado no período de março a setembro de 2020, baseado na análise de dados de prontuário. Resultados: Foram 4.870 procedimentos cirúrgicos, dos quais 3.688 pacientes tiveram coleta de exame PCR. A ocorrência de pacientes cirúrgicos posi-tivos e assintomáticos foi de 1,7%; no perfil epidemiológico, observa-se predominância de sexo masculino, meia-idade, com classificação de risco anestésico ASA II e em procedimentos das especialidades de ortopedia, urologia, ginecologia e gastroenterologia. A execução do teste foi de dois dias pré-procedimento e a presença de pacientes com sintomas em até 14 dias após testagem foi de 0,5%. Conclusão: A ocorrência de pacientes cirúrgicos positivos e assintomáticos foi pequena dentro do quantitativo analisado, os achados deste estudo são similares aos de estudos nacionais e internacionais em relação a especialidade, comorbidades e idade

Objective: To analyze the occurrence of asymptomatic surgical patients with a positive COVID-19 test, delimit the epidemiological profile, iden-tify the type of surgery and specialty, as well as determine the time for performing the surgical procedure after a positive test. Method: This is a retrospective cohort study, in a large, philanthropic hospital in São Paulo, carried out from March to September 2020, based on the analysis of medical records. Results:There were 4,870 surgical procedures, of which 3,688 patients underwent a PCR test. The occurrence of positive and asymptomatic surgical patients was 1.7%; in the epidemiological profile, there is a predominance of males, middle-aged, with ASA II anesthetic risk classification and in procedures of the spe-cialties of orthopedics, urology, gynecology, and gastroenterology. The test was carried out two days before the procedure and the presence of patients with symptoms within 14 days after testing was 0.5%. Conclusion: The occurrence of positive and asymptomatic surgical patients was small within the quantita-tive analyzed, the findings of this study are similar to those of national and international studies in relation to specialty, comorbidities, and age

Objetivo: Analizar la ocurrencia de pacientes quirúrgicos asintomáticos con prueba COVID-19 positiva, delimitar el perfil epidemiológico, iden-tificar el tipo de cirugía y especialidad, así como determinar el tiempo para realizar el procedimiento quirúrgico luego de una prueba positiva. Método:Este es un estudio de cohorte retrospectivo, en un gran hospital filantrópico de São Paulo, realizado de marzo a septiembre de 2020, basado en el análi-sis de registros médicos. Resultados: Se realizaron 4.870 procedimientos quirúrgicos, de los cuales se recolectó examen PCR a 3.688 pacientes. La ocur-rencia de pacientes quirúrgicos positivos y asintomáticos fue de 1,7%; en el perfil epidemiológico predomina el sexo masculino, de mediana edad, con clasificación de riesgo anestésico ASA II y en procedimientos de las especialidades de ortopedia, urología, ginecología y gastroenterología. La prueba se realizó dos días antes del procedimiento y la presencia de pacientes con síntomas dentro de los 14 días posteriores a la prueba fue del 0,5%. Conclusión:La ocurrencia de pacientes quirúrgicos positivos y asintomáticos fue pequeña dentro de lo cuantitativo analizado, los hallazgos de este estudio son simi-lares a los de estudios nacionales e internacionales en relación a especialidad, comorbilidades y edad

The role of the serum tube agglutination test in the monitoring of human brucellosis: evaluation of post-treatment SAT titers

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Positive results of the serum tube agglutination test that persist after treatment may be interpreted by clinicians as treatment failures. Therefore, our study examined the value of serum tube agglutination test in demonstrating treatment success. METHODS: In this retrospective study conducted at a single center, the pre- and post-treatment serum tube agglutination test titers of patients diagnosed with brucellosis were compared. RESULTS: The end-of-treatment serum tube agglutination test titer was negative in 24 (18%) of 139 patients diagnosed with brucellosis. The most common complaints of the patients were fever (78.4%), chills (88.5%), sweating (84.9%), anorexia (79.1%), and arthralgia (63.3%). The rate of positive blood culture before the treatment was 68.3%. The absence of fever (p=0.005) and arthralgia (p=0.024) and the pretreatment serum tube agglutination test titer of <1/160 (p=0.014) were significant markers of serological cure. CONCLUSION: Although serum tube agglutination test is an effective and very successful test in the diagnosis of brucellosis, our study shows that serum tube agglutination test is not useful in demonstrating the treatment success of human brucellosis in the early post-treatment period.

A evolução da pandemia por Covid-19 em estados do Sul e Nordeste do Brasil: um estudo descritivo da resposta dos sistemas de saúde a partir da divulgação de dados epidemiológicos e das medidas de enfrentamento decretadas / The Covid-19 pandemic in the South and Northeast regions of Brazil: a descriptive study of the health system's response regarding the pandemic data dissemination and countermeasures decreed

Após a pandemia provocada pelo SARS COV-2 atingir a Europa, o Brasil tornou-se um dos epicentros. Considerando diferenças históricas nos indicadores de saúde entre as regiões Sul e Nordeste do país, regidas pelo mesmo sistema de saúde, este estudo tem como objetivo descrever a evolução inicial da pandemia nestas regiões a partir de informações das plataformas digitais das secretarias estaduais de saúde. Foram analisados número de casos, óbitos e testes realizados, de fevereiro de 2020 a maio de 2021. Os dados foram relacionados com as medidas de enfrentamento à pandemia tomadas pelos estados, coletadas a partir dos decretos de restrições e flexibilizações dos serviços e comércio. No Sul, o estado com mais casos foi Santa Catarina (13350/100.000hab), o Rio Grande do Sul teve maior taxa de mortalidade (246,8/100.000hab) e mais testagens (32378/100.000hab). No Nordeste, Sergipe teve mais casos (10216/100.000hab), Piauí mais testagens (23.917/100.000hab) e Ceará teve maior taxa de mortalidade (222,8/100.000hab). As medidas de enfrentamento ao coronavírus no Brasil não foram uniformes entre os estados, nem a aplicação das testagens, evidenciando a falta de coordenação nacional nas ações. [au]

After the pandemic caused by SARS COV2 reached Europe, Brazil became one of the epicenters. Considering historical differences in health indicators between the South and Northeast regions of the country, coordinated by the same health care system, this study aims to describe the early evolution of the pandemic in these regions based on information collected from state health secretariats online platforms. Data of numbers of cases, deaths and tests carried out, from 2020 to May 2021 were analyzed and related to measures to combat the pandemic by the states, based on decrees. In the South, the state with the most cases was Santa Catarina (13350/100,000 inhab), Rio Grande do Sul had the highest mortality rate (246.8/100,000 inhab) and more testing (32378/100,000 inhab). In the Northeast, Sergipe had more cases (10216/100,000 inhab) and Piau testing (23295/100,000 inhab), Ceará had higher mortality rates (222.8/100,000 inhab). The measures to combat the coronavirus in Brazil were not uniform between the states, nor testing, evidencing the lack of national coordination. [au]