Changes in the seroprevalence and risk factors between the first and second waves of COVID-19 in a metropolis in the Brazilian Amazon.

In Brazil, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) epidemic spread rapidly in a heterogeneous way, mainly due to the different socioeconomic and behavioral characteristics of different regional populations and different evaluation periods. We performed a cross-sectional study including 1,337 individuals (first wave = 736/second wave = 601) after the first two waves of COVID-19 in the city of Belém, the capital of the state of Pará. The detection of IgG anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test followed by statistical analysis using the RStudio program. Our results showed an increase in the seroprevalence (first wave= 39.1%/second wave= 50.1%) of anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) IgG antibodies in the population of Belém from the first to the second pandemic wave. Advanced age, primary or secondary education level, lack of social isolation, and a low frequency of protective mask use were considered risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection during the first wave compared to the second wave. This study is one of the firsts to provide important information about the dynamics of virus circulation and the groups vulnerable to exposure in the two major periods. Our data emphasize the socioeconomic characteristics of the affected population and that nonpharmacological prevention measures are crucial for combating the pandemic.

Seroprevalence and risk factors for COVID-19 in the metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon.

The devastating effect of health system overload was observed after cases of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) peaked in April 2020 in Belém, a capital metropolis in the Brazilian Amazon. Our results showed a high seroprevalence (39.24%) of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG antibodies among the population of the capital of the state of Pará after the first wave of the pandemic. Old age, mixed race, a high school education level, low income and contact with infected individuals are risk factors and may be driving seropositivity and exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in this population. This study is one of the first to provide important information to understand the socioeconomic inequalities, behavioral characteristics and viral transmission dynamics associated with the risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the capital of the state of Pará, northern Brazil.

The Relevance of a Diagnostic and Counseling Service for People Living With HTLV-1/2 in a Metropolis of the Brazilian Amazon.

Introduction: To identify the prevalence of infection in the urban area of the capital city of Belém, Brazil, the Laboratory of Virology of the Federal University of Pará implemented, as a public service, serological screening for human T-lymphotropic viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2) infection and, if necessary, counseling service and referral to specialized medical care. The project is funded by the National Council of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Health of Brazil and the Pan American Health Organization. Methods: From January 2020 to June 2021, 1,572 individuals of both sexes were approached to answer a questionnaire and were tested using an enzyme immunoassay (Murex HTLV-I+II, DiaSorin, Dartford, UK). Seropositive samples were confirmed as HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection by line immunoassay (INNO-LIA® HTLV I/II Score, Fujirebio, Japan) and/or by real-time polymerase chain reaction. G and Fisher's exact tests were applied to identify the association between epidemiological characteristics and HTLV-1/2 infection. Results: Of the 1,572 screened individuals, 63.74% were females between the ages of 30 and 59 years (49.04%). Infection was confirmed in six individuals (0.38%), among whom three (0.19%) were infected with HTLV-1 and three with HTLV-2 (0.19%). Blood transfusion before 1993 was the main risk factor associated with the route of exposure to the virus (p = 0.0442). The infected individuals were referred to a counseling session with a nursing professional, and two patients who manifested signs and symptoms suggestive of myelopathy associated with HTLV were referred to a neurologist. Conclusion: The implementation of the screening service revealed the occurrence of moderate endemicity of HTLV-1/2 in Belém, reinforcing the importance of continuing the service as a means of establishing an early diagnosis and providing counseling as a measure to prevent and control viral transmission in the general population.

Evaluation of fecal microbiota and its correlation with inflammatory, hormonal, and nutritional profiles in women.

The present study evaluated the gut microbiota profiles of 40 women and correlated them with their nutritional, inflammatory, and hormonal profiles. Stool and blood samples were collected, and anthropometric measurements were obtained from 20 women diagnosed with obesity ("case" group) and 20 women with weight in the normal range ("control" group). Bacteria belonging to two phyla, Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes, one class, Mollicutes, and four genera were evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Levels of 18 inflammatory cytokines were measured using the Luminex assay, and ghrelin and leptin levels were measured using enzymatic immunoadsorption assay. Mollicutes proportion differed significantly between the case and control groups, and a significant positive association was detected between the presence of Mollicutes and obesity. Statistically significant differences were observed between the proportions of Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes in the two groups, with a higher proportion of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio among the gut microbiota of women in the case group compared to those of the control group. Higher counts of Escherichia coli and Clostridium spp. were observed in the control group than in the case group, whereas higher counts of Lactobacillus spp. and Bacteroides spp. were detected in the case group than in the control group. There was a positive correlation between interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels and the anthropometric variables and a negative correlation between IL-10 and these variables. Leptin and ghrelin concentrations differed significantly between the two groups and showed positive and negative correlation with obesity predictors, respectively. Therefore, gut microbiota was associated with obesity in women from this study group. Moreover, this microbiota was associated with inflammatory profiles and alterations in ghrelin and leptin levels.

The Complexity of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and the COVID-19 Pandemic.

The pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to the death of millions of people worldwide and thousands more infected individuals developed sequelae due to the disease of the new coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19). The development of several studies has contributed to the knowledge about the evolution of SARS-CoV2 infection and the disease to more severe forms. Despite this information being debated in the scientific literature, many mechanisms still need to be better understood in order to control the spread of the virus and treat clinical cases of COVID-19. In this article, we carried out an extensive literature review in order to bring together, in a single article, the biological, social, genetic, diagnostic, therapeutic, immunization, and even socioeconomic aspects that impact the SAR-CoV-2 pandemic. This information gathered in this article will enable a broad and consistent reading of the main aspects related to the current pandemic.

HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 Infection Among Warao Indigenous Refugees in the Brazilian Amazon: Challenges for Public Health in Times of Increasing Migration.

INTRODUCTION: Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) infection is endemic in indigenous populations of the Americas. We describe herein the prevalence of HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 infection among Warao indigenous refugees from Venezuela living in Belém, Pará, Brazil. METHODS: In total, 101 individuals of both sexes (43 men and 58 women) between 18 and 77 years of age were investigated. Blood samples were collected and separated into plasma and leukocytes. Serological screening was performed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; Murex HTLV-I+II, DiaSorin, Dartford, UK), and seropositive samples were submitted to proviral DNA extraction followed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). A nested PCR of the env region (630 bp) followed by enzymatic digestion with XhoI was performed to identify the molecular subtype of HTLV-2, in addition to sequencing analysis of the 5'LTR-I and 5'-LTR-II regions. RESULTS: Of the 101 individuals analyzed, 3 (3.0%) were seropositive. Molecular analysis of the pol and tax genes confirmed the HTLV-1 infection in a 55-year-old woman and HTLV-2 infection in a man (68 years old) and a woman (23 years old). HTLV-2 strains were defined by enzymatic digestion as belonging to the HTLV-2b subtype. The sequencing of the 5'LTR regions confirmed the presence of subtype 2b and identified HTLV-1 as belonging to subtype 1A (Cosmopolitan) and the Transcontinental subgroup. Among the infected patients, it was possible to conduct medical interviews with two individuals after delivery of the result. One patient with HTLV-2 reported symptoms such as joint pain, foot swelling, frequent headache, dizziness and lower back pain. The HTLV-1-positive woman was diagnosed with a tumor, dementia, urinary incontinence, felt body pain, and had spots on her body. The presence of the HTLV-2b subtype highlights the prevalence of this molecular variant among indigenous South Americans, as well as the presence of HTLV-1 Transcontinental, which has a worldwide distribution. CONCLUSION: These results reveal a high prevalence of HTLV-1/2 infection among Warao immigrants, suggesting migratory flow as a virus spread mechanism among human populations and alert public authorities to the need to create epidemiological surveillance programs, public social and health policies aimed at welcoming immigrants in the Brazilian territory.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes and associated risk factors in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Despite the emergence of more effective therapies, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a serious public health problem at the global level. Currently, this virus is classified into seven genotypes and 67 subgenotypes, which in turn are distributed heterogeneously in Brazil and worldwide. Studies have shown that this genetic divergence results in differences in the progression of chronic disease associated with HCV infection and its treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to report the frequency of HCV genotypes in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil, and to assess the association between genotype and different clinical and laboratory characteristics, as well as risk factors for infection. METHOD: Data from 85 medical records of untreated patients who had chronic hepatitis C infection were analyzed; the patients were evaluated at two hospitals in Belem, Pará, Brazil. RESULTS: Circulation of genotypes 1 and 3 was detected, with a higher prevalence of genotype 1 (75.3%) than genotype 3 (24.7%). In addition, there was a predominance of subgenotype 1b (60.34%) compared to 1a (20.69%) and 3a (18.97%). Reuse of needles and/or glass syringes was significantly associated with infection by HCV genotype 1 than genotype 3; however, the small number of patients infected with genotype 3 may have biased the results. No associations between genotype and the evaluated clinical and laboratory characteristics were observed. CONCLUSION: This study reinforces the differences in the distribution of HCV genotypes in Brazil and showed no association between HCV genotype and progression of chronic hepatitis C in the studied group.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes and associated risk factors in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil

Abstract Background Despite the emergence of more effective therapies, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a serious public health problem at the global level. Currently, this virus is classified into seven genotypes and 67 subgenotypes, which in turn are distributed heterogeneously in Brazil and worldwide. Studies have shown that this genetic divergence results in differences in the progression of chronic disease associated with HCV infection and its treatment. Objective The aim of this study was to report the frequency of HCV genotypes in the state of Pará, Northern Brazil, and to assess the association between genotype and different clinical and laboratory characteristics, as well as risk factors for infection. Method Data from 85 medical records of untreated patients who had chronic hepatitis C infection were analyzed; the patients were evaluated at two hospitals in Belem, Pará, Brazil. Results Circulation of genotypes 1 and 3 was detected, with a higher prevalence of genotype 1 (75.3%) than genotype 3 (24.7%). In addition, there was a predominance of subgenotype 1b (60.34%) compared to 1a (20.69%) and 3a (18.97%). Reuse of needles and/or glass syringes was significantly associated with infection by HCV genotype 1 than genotype 3; however, the small number of patients infected with genotype 3 may have biased the results. No associations between genotype and the evaluated clinical and laboratory characteristics were observed. Conclusion This study reinforces the differences in the distribution of HCV genotypes in Brazil and showed no association between HCV genotype and progression of chronic hepatitis C in the studied group.

The challenge of describing the epidemiology of HTLV in the Amazon region of Brazil.

HTLV-1 was the first described human retrovirus and was soon found to be associated with severe clinical diseases, including a devastating lymphoma/leukemia and other inflammatory diseases. Although HTLV-2 is not usually pathogenic, it is widely distributed among native Indian populations in Brazil, particularly in the Amazon region of the country. Presently, HTLV spreads mainly by the sexual route and from mother to child, and virus persistence is an active biological factor aiding its transmission. Recently, the use of illicit drugs has been shown to be an additional risk factor, showing the influence of new habits on the epidemiology of HTLV in the region. Despite the detection of the virus in several different populations in the Amazon region of Brazil for almost 30 years, the exact prevalence of HTLV-1/2 is not well defined. The original biases in sampling and the selection of epidemiologically unsuitable populations were commonly repeated in most prevalence studies, generating unreliable and conflicting figures that do not represent the actual prevalence of HTLV. The improvements in clinical and laboratory facilities have resulted in the description of several clinical manifestations that were previously unknown in the region. The extent of the spread of the virus must be defined in this region, which is the largest geographical area of the country. As prophylaxis advances toward the use of vaccines against HTLV-1, it is important to determine who is at risk of being infected and developing a disease to successfully implement preventive measures, particularly as proposals are made to eradicate the virus among humans.

Yellow fever virus: historical and current issues regarding recent epidemics and vaccination in Brazil.

Yellow fever has been recently described in nonurban areas of Brazil despite 80 years of commercial vaccine use. Although the disease does not spread fear in the general population as it did in the past, yellow fever virus continues to cause many cases of severe disease. Persistence of the virus in the host is a new mechanism to be considered in the pathology of the disease. Immunization with a fractional dose of vaccine during emergency situations needs to be evaluated for antibody duration, and new and improved vaccines should be considered.

Human T-lymphotropic virus 1 and 2 among people who used illicit drugs in the state of Pará, northern Brazil.

People who used illicit drugs (PWUDs) represent an important population group for acquisition and viral dispersion. In Brazil, high rates of the human T lymphotropic virus 1 (HTLV-1) and 2 (HTLV-2) have been reported in epidemiological studies. However, the epidemiological scenario of HTLV-1/2 infections in PWUDs is still poorly understood. Thus, this cross-sectional study determined the prevalence, frequency of subtypes and factors associated with HTLV-1/2 infections among PWUDs in the Brazilian state of Pará, an area considered endemic for this virus and with poor health services. Among 826 PWUDs, 53 (6.4%) presented anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies by EIA and 44 (5.3%) presented proviral DNA by PCR. HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 were detected in 25 (3.0%) and 19 (2.3%) PWUDs, respectively. Subtypes 1a (25/44), transcontinental (23/44) and Japanese subgroups (2/44), 2b (6/44) and 2c (13/44) were identified. Involvement in illicit/criminal activity, daily use of illicit drugs, illicit drug use over 12 years, unprotected sex with other PWUDs, changes in genitalia (including ulcers and wounds), and more than 12 sexual partners were associated with HTLV-1/2 in PWUDs. This high prevalence and intense circulation of subtypes and subgroups of HTLV-1/2 is very worrying, and indicate the need for urgent actions for its control, prevention and treatment.

Association of Chlamydia trachomatis, C. pneumoniae, and IL-6 and IL-8 Gene Alterations With Heart Diseases.

Atherosclerosis is a progressive disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the arterial walls, associated with genetic and infectious factors. The present study investigated the involvement of Chlamydia trachomatis and Chlamydia pneumoniae infections and immunological markers (C-reactive protein, CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) in the process of atherosclerosis. The evaluation included 159 patients for surgical revascularization (CAD) and 71 patients for surgical heart valve disease (HVD) at three hospitals in Belém, Brazil. The control group (CG) comprised 300 healthy individuals. Blood samples collected before surgery were used for antibodies detection (enzyme immunoassay), CRP (immunoturbidimetry) and IL-6 levels (enzyme immunoassay). Tissue fragments (atheroma plaque, heart valve and ascending aorta) were collected during surgery and subjected to qPCR for detection of bacterial DNA. Promoter region polymorphisms of each marker and relative quantification of TNF-α, IL-8, and IL-10 gene expression were performed. Demography and social information were similar to the general population involved with both diseases. Antibody prevalence to C. trachomatis was 30.6, 20.3, and 36.7% (in the CAD, HVD, and CG, respectively) and to C. pneumoniae was 83.6, 84.5, and 80.3% (in the CAD, HVD, and CG, respectively). C. trachomatis cryptic plasmid DNA was detected in 7.4% of the samples. Frequency of IL6-174G>C polymorphism was higher in CAD and HVD than in CG regardless of previous exposure to Chlamydia. Previous C. trachomatis infection showed involvement in HVD and CAD. Significant association between disease and previous C. pneumoniae infection was found only among HVD. GG genotype of IL6-174G>C is apparently a risk factor for heart disease, whereas AT genotype of IL8-251A>T was mainly involved in valvulopathies, including patients with prior exposure to C. pneumoniae.

Immunological and virological characterization of HIV-1 viremia controllers in the North Region of Brazil.

BACKGROUND: A rare phenotype of clinical non-progressors to AIDS is not well understood and the new protocol for universal treatment, may block the understanding of viral control thus it is crucial to define this controversial group. METHODS: A cohort of 30 persons followed a criteria for viremia control groups 1 (VC1; n = 2) and 2 (VC2; n = 7) and non-viral controllers (NC; n = 21) including number of years of diagnosis, LTCD4+, LTCD8+ counts, plasma viral load and the absence of ART; 241 uninfected control persons were matched to age and sex. Infected persons were regularly examined and submitted to two or three annual laboratory measurements. Polymorphisms and allele frequencies of CCR5Δ32 and SDF1-3'A were detected in the genomic DNA. Plasma levels of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17 and IFN-y) were measured. RESULTS: The group investigated is originated from a miscigenetic population and demographic and social characteristics were not significantly relevant. LTCD4+ median values were higher among VC than NC, but significantly lower than uninfected controls. Evolution of LTCD4+ and LTCD8+ counts, showed a slight increase of LTCD4+ among VC, but a significant decrease in the NC. The percentage of annual change in LTCD4+ was also significantly different between the groups. LTCD4+/LTCD8+ ratio was inverted but not significant among the VC, thus the ratio may be a useful biomarker for the VC. A clear signature indicated a change from Th1 to Th2 cytokine profiles from VC to NC, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The knowledge of viral controllers characteristics in different population groups is important to define a strict universal definition for the sake of learning about the pathogenesis of HIV-1. Data on LTCD4+ seems to be stable and repetitive from published data, but the LTCD8+ response and the significance of LTCD4+/LTCD8+ ratio values are in need to further exploration as biomarkers. The change from Th1 to Th2 cytokine profile may help to design and adjust specific treatment protocols for the group.

Polymorphisms in the IFNγ, IL-10, and TGFß genes may be associated with HIV-1 infection.

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated possible associations between the TNFα-308G/A, IFN+874A/T, IL-6-174C/G, IL-10-1082A/G, and TGFß-509C/T polymorphisms with HIV-1 infection, in addition to correlation of the polymorphisms with clinical markers of AIDS progression, such as levels of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes and plasma viral load. METHODS: A total of 216 individuals who were infected with HIV-1 and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) and 294 individuals from the uninfected control group were analyzed. RESULTS: All individuals evaluated were negative for total anti-HBc, anti-HCV, anti-T. pallidum, and anti-HTLV-1/2. The polymorphisms were identified by PCR-RFLP. Individuals presenting the IFN+874A allele as well as the AA genotype were more frequent in the HIV-1 infected group compared to the control group (P < 0.05), in addition to having lower levels of CD4+ T lymphocytes. The CD8+ T lymphocytes count was significantly lower in individuals with the IL-10-1082 GG genotype. The TGFß-509TT genotype was associated with higher plasma viral load. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that the presence of the IFN+874A allele confers susceptibility to HIV-1 infection and a decrease in the number of CD4+ T lymphocytes. In addition, the genotype associated with high serum levels of TGFß may be associated with an increase in plasma viral load.

Preenchimento na região glabelar ­ dissecando as razões da alta incidência de complicações e cegueira / Glabellar region filling: examining the reasons for the high incidence of complications and blindness

Introdução: Os preenchimentos constituem uma das opções mais procuradas na atualidade para tratar o envelhecimento. A glabela é área sujeita a complicações decorrentes da aplicação de preenchedores, sendo as mais comuns eritema transitório, reações granulomatosas, oclusão rterial e cegueira. Os mecanismos etiopatogênicos que levam à perda da visão após a injeção de preenchedores na região glabelar, porém, permanecem desconhecidos. Objetivos: Avaliar a porcentagem de pacientes com obstrução grave da artéria carótida interna que apresentam reversão do fluxo carotídeo, com a finalidade de demonstrar um dos possíveis mecanismos que pode levar à maior incidência de complicações por preenchedores na glabela. Métodos: Realizado estudo prospectivo, com duplex-scan no Serviço de Radiologia do Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto. Resultados: Nossos resultados evidenciaram que a reversão do fluxo carotídeo (sistema carotídeo externo para o interno) em pacientes com obstrução hemodinamicamente significativa da artéria carótida interna é evento comum, possível de ser documentado, podendo acarretar sérias consequências, sendo a mais temível a cegueira. Conclusão: O preenchimento na região glabelar deve ser evitado em razão do risco da reversão do fluxo carotídeo e posterior oclusão da artéria central da retina conduzindo à cegueira.

Introduction: Fillings are currently one of the most sought-after treatments for aging. The glabella area is subject to complications arising from the application of fillers, the most common of which are transient erythema, granulomatous reactions, arterial occlusion, and blindness. Nevertheless, the pathogenic mechanisms that lead to a loss of sight following the injection of fillers in the glabellar region remain unknown. Objective: To evaluate the percentage of patients with severe obstruction of the internal carotid artery who present carotid flow reversal, in order to demonstrate a possible cause of a higher incidence of complications linked to the use of filling substances in the glabella. Methods: Prospective study carried out with duplex scan at the Radiology Department of the Hospital de Base de São José do Rio Preto, São Paulo, Brazil. Results: Advance detection of carotid flow reversal (external to internal carotid system) ­ which is a common event in patients with a hemodynamically significant obstruction of the internal carotid artery ­ can prevent serious consequences ­ the most critical of which is blindness. Conclusion: Filling procedures in the glabellar region must be avoided due to the risk of carotid flow reversal and subsequent occlusion of the central retinal artery, which causes blindness.

The toxicity evaluation of Syzygium cumini leaves in rodents

This study aimed to evaluate the safety of the hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Myrtaceae, leaves in rodents. Acute toxicity was evaluated through the determination of a LD50 in mice and rats (up to 14 days). In mice, the oral administration (p.o.) of the HE (0.1 at 6 g/kg) did not cause any death. When administered by intraperitoneal route (i.p.) the HE (0.1 at 1 g/kg) caused death of the animals (LD50 of 0.489 g/kg). In rats, the HE (0.5, 1 and 2 g/kg, p.o.) did not cause any death, while by i.p., only the 2 g/kg dose was lethal to 67 percent of the animals. To evaluate chronic toxicity, groups of rats daily received the HE (0.05, 0.1 and 0.25 g/kg) through p.o., during 30, 90 or 180 days and the effects on behavior, body weight, feed consumed were measured. Histology, hematology and biochemical parameters were measured at the end of the treatment. After a 30-day treatment, the HE caused changes in some biochemical parameters. Histological examination of the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, stomach, intestine and pancreas showed normal architecture suggesting no morphological disturbances. These data may mean that the HE of S. cumini does not exert acute or chronic toxic effects by oral administration.

FAS-670A/G single nucleotide polymorphism may be associated with human T lymphotropic virus-1 infection and clinical evolution to TSP/HAM.

FAS and FASLG genes are closely linked to the apoptosis mechanism of the immune system and several polymorphisms in these genes have been associated with susceptibility to diseases. The present study investigated the polymorphisms at positions -670 in the FAS gene, and -169 and -124 in the FASLG gene, among HTLV-1 infected subjects. Blood samples from HTLV infected subjects and seronegative individuals were collected, and polymorphisms were analyzed using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by RFLP analysis using restriction endonucleases. The genotype frequencies of the FAS -670 polymorphism was the only one that showed a higher and significant prevalence of genotype -670GG among HTLV-1 infected subjects as compared to the control group (p=0.0160), but the genotype -670AA was more frequent among TSP/HAM patients as compared to the asymptomatic individuals (p=0.0005). TCD4(+) and TCD8(+) lymphocyte counts from HTLV infected and seronegative subjects, as well as the proviral load values, according to the status of symptomatic and asymptomatic infection carrying different genotypes were compared but showed no statistical significance. The present results suggest that FAS -670 polymorphism seems to be associated with susceptibility to HTLV-1 and may increase the chance to develop TSP/HAM among HTLV-1 infected persons.

Invasion of Ureaplasma diversum in Hep-2 cells.

BACKGROUND: Understanding mollicutes is challenging due to their variety and relationship with host cells. Invasion has explained issues related to their opportunistic role. Few studies have been done on the Ureaplasma diversum mollicute, which is detected in healthy or diseased bovine. The invasion in Hep-2 cells of four clinical isolates and two reference strains of their ureaplasma was studied by Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and gentamicin invasion assay. RESULTS: The isolates and strains used were detected inside the cells after infection of one minute without difference in the arrangement for adhesion and invasion. The adhesion was scattered throughout the cells, and after three hours, the invasion of the ureaplasmas surrounded the nuclear region but were not observed inside the nuclei. The gentamicin invasion assay detected that 1% of the ATCC strains were inside the infected Hep-2 cells in contrast to 10% to the clinical isolates. A high level of phospholipase C activity was also detected in all studied ureaplasma. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented herein will help better understand U. diversum infections, aswell as cellular attachment and virulence.

[Molecular characterization of HTLV-1 among patients with tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1 associated myelopathy in Belém, Pará]. / Caracterização molecular do HTLV-1 em pacientes com paraparesia espástica tropical/mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 em Belém, Pará.

The present study evaluated the occurrence of HTLV-1 and its subtypes in blood samples of patients presenting symptoms of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1 associated myelopathy. The detection of HTLV infection was performed by serological and molecular assays. Five patients were infected by HTLV-1 of the Cosmopolitan subtype, subgroup Transcontinental. The results confirm the occurrence of HTLV-1 infection among patients with clinical diagnosis of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1 associated myelopathy in Belém, Pará.

Caracterização molecular do HTLV-1 em pacientes com paraparesia espástica tropical/mielopatia associada ao HTLV-1 em Belém, Pará / Molecular characterization of HTLV-1 among patients with tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1 associated myelopathy in Belém, Pará

O presente estudo avaliou a ocorrência da infecção pelo HTLV-1 e seus subtipos em amostras de sangue de pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de paraparesia espástica tropical/mielopatia associada ao Htlv-1. A detecção da infecção pelo HTLV realizou-se através de testes sorológico e molecular. Cinco amostras estavam infectadas pelo HTLV-1 do subtipo Cosmopolita, subgrupo Transcontinental. Os resultados obtidos confirmam a ocorrência de infecção pelo HTLV-1 em pacientes com diagnóstico clínico de paraparesia espástica tropical/mielopatia associada ao Htlv-1em Belém, Pará.

The present study evaluated the occurrence of HTLV-1 and its subtypes in blood samples of patients presenting symptoms of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1 associated myelopathy. The detection of HTLV infection was performed by serological and molecular assays. Five patients were infected by HTLV-1 of the Cosmopolitan subtype, subgroup Transcontinental. The results confirm the occurrence of HTLV-1 infection among patients with clinical diagnosis of tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-1 associated myelopathy in Belém, Pará.