Sensitive and Stable Molecular Detection of Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses from Dried Blood Spots.

Standard molecular detection of many pathogens, in particular RNA viruses, requires appropriate handling in the field for preserving the quality of the sample until processing. This could be challenging in remote tropical areas. Dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), and Zika virus (ZIKV) are RNA viruses, prominent among the causes of fever in the tropics. We aimed to test the stability of arboviral RNA in contrived dried blood spots prepared on Whatman 903 Protein saver cards as a means of sample collection and storage. We were able to detect DENV, CHIKV, and ZIKV by real-time RT-PCR up to 180 days after card inoculation with stable Ct values across the study period. Our study supports dried blood spots (DBS) on protein saver cards as a platform for stable detection of arboviral RNA of sufficient quality to be used in diagnostic RT-PCR assays and next generation sequencing.

Susceptibility to endemic Aedes-borne viruses among pregnant women in Risaralda, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: Aedes-borne viruses (ABV) affect humans on every inhabited continent and frequently cause epidemics. Recent epidemics of chikungunya and Zika viruses (ZIKV) highlight that preparedness for future epidemics requires assessment of susceptibility, particularly among high-risk groups. We sought to determine immunity against the three major circulating ABV among pregnant women in an ABV-endemic area of Colombia. METHODS: A cross-sectional seroprevalence study was performed, enrolling women presenting to Labor and Delivery. Cord blood and maternal peripheral blood samples were obtained. IgG seroprevalence to flaviviruses and chikungunya was determined by ELISA. An abbreviated neutralization test was used to estimate the frequency and magnitude of immunity to Zika and four dengue serotypes. Cluster analyses explored epidemiologic factors associated with seroprevalence. RESULTS: Most women exhibited high levels of neutralizing antibodies to one or more ABV; however, nearly 20% were seronegative for flaviviruses. Our research took place after the epidemic peak of the ZIKV outbreak in Colombia in 2016. However, only 20% of pregnant women had high levels of Zika-neutralizing antibodies consistent with likely protective immunity to ZIKV. CONCLUSION: Hence, a high proportion of pregnant women in Risaralda remain susceptible to one or more ABV including the teratogenic ZIKV, indicating a risk for future epidemics in this region.

Percepción de usuarios sobre calidad de atención y educación durante la captación de sintomáticos respiratorios / Perception of users of quality of care and education during the respiratory symptomatic recruitment

Introducción: La tuberculosis es la novena causa mundial de mortalidad en adultos y la primera por enfermedades infecciosas. Mortalidad evitable con diagnóstico precoz y tratamiento oportuno. Estudio motivado por baja captación de sintomáticos respiratorios. Objetivo: Valorar la percepción de los usuarios de una institución de salud sobre la calidad de la atención y de la educación para el autocuidado, durante la captación de sintomáticos respiratorios en el programa de tuberculosis. Métodos: Estudio cualitativo, de abordaje con elementos de teoría fundamentada. Realizado en una institución estatal de salud de primer nivel. Participaron 96 adultos, quienes firmaron el consentimiento informado: 70 sintomáticos respiratorios y 26 familiares acompañantes. Se realizaron seis grupos focales, con dos categorías apriorísticas: calidad de atención y educación durante el proceso de captación. Información grabada y transcrita. Con Atlas Ti se realizó codificación abierta, axial y selectiva, utilizando comparación constante y memos. El análisis se apoyó en postulados de Dorothea Orem. Resultados: Sobre calidad de atención: hubo desconocimiento de la ruta integral de atención y deficiente identificación e información sobre riesgo. Sobre educación para el autocuidado: hubo desconocimiento de aspectos relacionados con tuberculosis y déficit en educación recibida. Los participantes no relacionaron sintomáticos respiratorios con tuberculosis; esta fue estigmatizada como enfermedad contagiosa y mortal, consideraron difícil recoger muestra para baciloscopia. Se evidenciaron limitaciones de cuidado favorecidas por insuficiente apoyo educativo. Conclusiones: La percepción de los usuarios orienta hacia la necesidad de fomentar servicios seguros, accesibles y humanizados para detección temprana y cuidado del sintomático respiratorio. La educación para el autocuidado y una mayor interacción con usuarios pueden mejorar resultados institucionales(AU)

Introduction: Tuberculosis, the world ninth leading cause of death in adults, first due to infectious diseases. Avoidable mortality with early diagnosis and timely treatment. Study motivated by limited awareness of respiratory symptomatics. Objective: To assess the perception of users of a healthcare institution in regards to the quality of care and self-care education during the Tuberculosis program. Methods: A Qualitative study approach with elements from proven theory. Conducted at state-class healthcare institution. Participants: 96 consenting adults (70 respiratory symptoms, 26 accompanying relatives). Six focus groups were carried out during the recruitment process with two aprioristic categories: quality of care and self-care education. Information was recorded and transcribed. Utilizing Atlas Ti, open, axial and selective coding was performed and using constant comparisons and memos. The analysis was based on Dorothea Orem postulates. Results: Quality of care: lack of comprehensive route of care and poor identification and risk information. Self-care education: ignorance of TB-related aspects and shortfalls of received education. Participants did not link respiratory symptoms to tuberculosis; this was stigmatized as a contagious and fatal disease. They considered it difficult to collect sample(s) for baciloscopy. Care limitations are evident by insufficient educational support. Conclusions: User perception should be oriented towards promoting safe, accessible and humanized services for early detection and care of respiratory symptoms. Self-care education and greater interaction with users can improve institutional outcomes(AU)