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Introduction: Currently, isolated from SARS-CoV-2 virus exceed 600 million cases in the world. Objective(s): Isolation and characterization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19 at the beginning of the pandemic in Peru. Method(s): Twenty nasal and pharyngeal swab samples were isolated from SARS-CoV-2 using two cell lines, Vero ATCC CCL-81 and Vero E-6;virus identification was performed by RT-PCR and the onset of cytopathic effect (CPE) was evaluated by indirect immunofluorescence and subsequent identification by genomic sequencing. One of the most widely circulating isolates were selected and named the prototype strain (PE/B.1.1/28549/2020). Then 10 successive passages were performed on Vero ATCC CCL-81 cells to assess mutation dynamics. Result(s): Results detected 11 virus isolates by cytopathic effect, and subsequently confirmed by RT-PCR and indirect immunofluorescence. Of these, six were sequenced and identified as the lineages B.1, B.1.1, B.1.1.1, and B.1.205 according to the Pango lineage nomenclature. The prototype strain corresponded to lineage B.1.1. The analysis of the strains from the successive passages showed mutations mainly at in the spike (S) protein of the virus without variation in the identity of the lineage. Conclusion(s): Four lineages were isolated in the Vero ATCC CCL-81 cell line. Subcultures in the same cell line showed mutations in the spike protein indicating greater adaptability to the host cell and variation in pathogenicity in vitro, a behavior that allows it to have more survival success.Copyright © 2023 Anales de la Facultad de Medicina. All rights reserved.
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The study aimed to describe the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission among members of households with a confirmed primary case of COVID-19 in districts with low burden of cases in Lima, Peru, compared to a district with high burden. This was a retrospective study with a secondary database review. Information was collected from an epidemiological surveillance activity in close contacts (household members) in 52 households in Lima, with a single member with COVID-19. Reevaluation was conducted in 10 households. The study evaluated epidemiological and clinical variables and their association with the result of the rapid serological test (presence of IgG, IgM, or both). Secondary cases were found in 40 households, representing mean identification of 49.9% per household. Secondary attack rate in household members was 53% (125 cases), and symptomatic individuals accounted for 77.6% of cases (symptomatic/asymptomatic ratio: 3.5). Presence of fever and/or chills was found in 40% of persons with positive test results, followed by sore throat with 39.2%. Ageusia and anosmia were present in 22.4% and 20.8% of cases, respectively. When there was a primary case of COVID-19 in the household, the secondary attack rate was 53%;however, in an important proportion of households there were no positive cases other than the primary case. The epidemiological and clinical findings were consistent with reports from other international series.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has put the world's governments in an unprecedented situation in which it is necessary to make quick decisions regarding the best strategies to reduce transmission. As part of these strategies, disinfection booths in the community are being implemented in many parts of the world. This document seeks to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the disinfection booth for people to use in the community through an exhaustive search in the main bibliographic databases as well as in the main relevant institutions worldwide. After conducting the search, we found three technical documents in which the use of these technologies is not recommended because there is insufficient evidence and because they are of potential risk for people due to mucosal conditions. Another WHO recommendation document, although it does not specifically mention technology, mentions that the spraying of disinfecting substances should be avoided in people due to health risks. In conclusion, we found no scientific evidence to support the use of this technology.