Phylogenetic Analyses of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) B.1.1.7 Lineage Suggest a Single Origin Followed by Multiple Exportation Events Versus Convergent Evolution.

The emergence of new variants of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) herald a new phase of the pandemic. This study used state-of-the-art phylodynamic methods to ascertain that the rapid rise of B.1.1.7 "Variant of Concern" most likely occurred by global dispersal rather than convergent evolution from multiple sources.

Pretreatment human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug resistance in transmission clusters of the Cologne-Bonn region, Germany.

OBJECTIVES: In Germany, previous reports have demonstrated transmitted human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) drug-resistance mutations (DRM) in 11% of newly diagnosed individuals, highlighting the importance of drug-resistance screening before the initiation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Here, we sought to understand the molecular epidemiology of HIV DRM transmission in the Cologne-Bonn region of Germany, given one of the highest rates of new HIV diagnoses in western Europe (13.7 per 100 000 habitants). METHODS: We analysed 714 HIV-1 ART-naive infected individuals diagnosed at the University Hospitals Cologne and Bonn between 2001 and 2016. Screening for DRM was performed according to the Stanford University Genotypic Resistance Interpretation. Shared DRM were defined as any DRM present in genetically linked individuals (<1.5% genetic distance). Phylogenetic and network analyses were performed to infer putative relationships and shared DRM. RESULTS: The prevalence of any DRM at time of diagnosis was 17.2% (123/714 participants). Genetic transmission network analyses showed comparable frequencies of DRM in clustering versus non-clustering individuals (17.1% (85/497) versus 17.5% (38/217)). The observed rate of DRM in the region was higher than previous reports 10.8% (87/809) (p < 0.001), revealing the need to reduce onward transmission in this area. Genetically linked individuals harbouring shared DRM were more likely to live in suburban areas (24/38) than in central Cologne (1/38) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The rate of DRM was exceptionally high. Network analysis elucidated frequent cases of shared DRM among genetically linked individuals, revealing the potential spread of DRM and the need to prevent onward transmission of DRM in the Cologne-Bonn area.

A case cluster demonstrating the relationship between HLA concordance and virologic and disease outcomes in human immunodeficiency virus infection.

We present a detailed analysis of sexual HIV transmission from one source partner to two recipients. The HLA haplotypes between the source partner and one recipient were very similar with 7 out of 8 HLA alleles from four loci (HLA A, B, C and DRB) shared, while the other recipient shared only one allele. The immunologic outcomes between the two recipients differed dramatically, despite the absence of apparent virologic differences in their inoculums. We suggest that non-viral factors, which might be related to differences in the HLA profile, played a role in determining different CD4+ T-cells dynamics for these two recipients.

[Atrial chaotic tachycardia during a respiratory tract infection due to NL63 coronavirus]. / Tachycardie atriale chaotique au cours d'une infection respiratoire à coronavirus NL63.

We report the case of a 3-month-old boy hospitalized with acute bronchiolitis. Respiratory distress was associated with cardiogenic shock caused by chaotic atrial tachycardia. The cause of bronchiolitis was a coronavirus NL63 viral infection, confirmed in nasopharyngeal aspirations. The patient required intensive care including diuretics (furosemide), anti-arrhythmic drugs (amiodarone and digoxin), and inotropic drugs (milrinone and levosimendan) associated with mechanical ventilation. The outcome was favorable in 10 days and the sinusal cardiac rhythm was completely restored at discharge.

[Epidemiological aspects of human Q fever in Indre-et-Loire between 2003 and 2005 and comparison with caprine Q fever]. / Aspects épidémiologiques de la fièvre Q humaine en Indre-et-Loire entre 2003 et 2005 et confrontation à la fièvre Q caprine.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic infection is the major risk of Q fever. C. burnetii infections result from the inhalation of contaminated aerosols. Indre-et-Loire is a rural French area with numerous goat farms. We evaluated human Q fever epidemiology and compared it with Q fever in goats. DESIGN: This retrospective study was made between 2003 and 2005. The diagnosis of C. burnetii infection was based on serologic findings from all the subdivision laboratories. Antibodies were detected by using indirect immunofluorescence. Farm animal data was processed by ELISA on blood samples from goats and cattle after Q fever related abortion in 2006 and results of PCR-processed milk samples from 156 goat farms. RESULTS: Forty human cases were studied: 38 acute Q fever (11 pneumonia, 10 hepatitis, 10 pneumonia with hepatitis, two isolated fever) and six chronic Q fever (four endocarditis). Sixteen patients (40%) had been professionally exposed, 10 (25%) of whom were goat farmers. Eight (20%) had been in contact with placenta. All the human cases were located in the south of Indre-et-Loire. Twenty percent of the volunteer goat farms had at least one milk sample positive for Q fever by PCR. Forty-nine of the 75 goat abortion samples were positive in ELISA. Ninety-two of the goat farms with positive samples were located in the south of Indre-et-Loire. CONCLUSION: This study revealed similar location of human and caprine Q fever. Identifying such geographical correlation may lead to improving prevention and detection.