RESUMEN

Introduction: The H9N2 subtype is a predominant avian influenza virus (AIV) circulating in Chinese poultry, forming various genotypes (A-W) based on gene segment origins. This study aims to investigate the genotypic distribution and pathogenic characteristics of H9N2 isolates from wild birds and domestic poultry in Yunnan Province, China. Methods: Eleven H9N2 strains were isolated from fecal samples of overwintering wild birds and proximate domestic poultry in Yunnan, including four from common cranes (Grus grus), two from bar-headed geese (Anser indicus), and five from domestic poultry (Gallus gallus). Phylogenetic analysis was conducted to determine the genotypes, and representative strains were inoculated into Yunnan mallard ducks to assess pathogenicity. Results: Phylogenetic analysis revealed that five isolates from domestic birds and one from a bar-headed goose belong to genotype S, while the remaining five isolates from wild birds belong to genotype A. These bird-derived strains possess deletions in the stalk domain of NA protein and the N166D mutation of HA protein, typical of poultry strains. Genotype S H9N2 demonstrated oropharyngeal shedding, while genotype A H9N2 exhibited cloacal shedding and high viral loads in the duodenum. Both strains caused significant pathological injuries, with genotype S inducing more severe damage to the thymus and spleen, while genotype A caused duodenal muscle layer rupture. Discussion: These findings suggest that at least two genotypes of H9N2 are currently circulating in Yunnan, and Yunnan mallard ducks potentially act as intermediaries in interspecies transmission. These insights highlight the importance of analyzing the current epidemiological transmission characteristics of H9N2 among wild and domestic birds in China.

RESUMEN

Background: In May-June 2023, an unprecedented outbreak of human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) infections occurred in a kindergarten, Zhejiang Province, China. National, provincial, and local public health officials investigated the cause of the outbreak and instituted actions to control its spread. Methods: We interviewed patients with the respiratory symptoms by questionnaire. Respiratory samples were screened for six respiratory pathogens by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The confirmed cases were further sequenced of G gene to confirm the HRSV genotype. A phylogenetic tree was reconstructed by maximum likelihood method. Results: Of the 103 children in the kindergarten, 45 were classified as suspected cases, and 25 cases were confirmed by RT-PCR. All confirmed cases were identified from half of classes. 36% (9/25) were admitted to hospital, none died. The attack rate was 53.19%. The median ages of suspected and confirmed cases were 32.7 months and 35.8 months, respectively. Nine of 27 confirmed cases lived in one community. Only two-family clusters among 88 household contacts were HRSV positive. A total of 18 of the G gene were obtained from the confirmed cases. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that 16 of the sequences belonged to the HRSV B/BA9 genotype, and the other 2 sequences belonged to the HRSV A/ON1 genotype. The school were closed on June 9 and the outbreak ended on June 15. Conclusion: These findings suggest the need for an increased awareness of HRSV coinfections outbreak in the kindergarten, when HRSV resurges in the community after COVID-19 pandemic.

Asunto(s)

Virus Sincitial Respiratorio Humano , Niño , Humanos , Preescolar , Virus Sincitial Respiratorio Humano/genética , Pandemias , Filogenia , Instituciones Académicas , Brotes de Enfermedades , China/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS) is an emerging tick-borne disease with an increasing annual incidence rate. In this case report, we presented two patients infected with the SFTS virus, suggesting a potential direct transmission route from camels to humans through blood contact. Both patients developed symptoms after engaging in the slaughtering of one sick camel, while their family members living in the same environment or co-diners remained unaffected. Subsequent detection revealed a high viral load of SFTS virus, reaching 1010 viral RNA copies/ml, in the sample obtained from the sick camel. Metagenomic sequencing did not identify any other pathogens. The SFTS virus was successfully isolated from both patient and camel samples. The complete nucleotide sequences obtained from the infected patients demonstrated a remarkable 100% similarity to those found in the camel, and genetic evolution analysis classified the virus as genotype A. Additionally, partial sequences of the SFTS virus were identified in ticks captured from the camel rearing environment, however, these sequences showed only 95.9% similarity to those found in camel and humans. Furthermore, immunoglobulin M and immunoglobulin G antibodies were detected in serum samples collected from the patient. Our findings provide evidence that camel may serve as a competent reservoir for transmitting the SFTS virus to humans. Further in vitro investigations into SFTS virus infections in large animals are warranted to understand their role in viral maintenance and transmission.

Asunto(s)

Phlebovirus , Síndrome de Trombocitopenia Febril Grave , Animales , Humanos , Camelus , China/epidemiología , Inmunoglobulina G

RESUMEN

Chicken infectious anemia (CIA) is a vertical transmission infectious chicken disease caused by the chicken infectious anemia virus (CAV). The disease can induce stunting and immunosuppression in chicks by infecting bone marrow-derived stem cells, causing huge economic losses for the poultry industry. To determine the prevalence of CIA in Shandong Province, China, 854 suspected CIA samples were collected and analyzed in 13 cities in Shandong from 2020 to 2022. The PCR results showed that a total of 115 CAV were isolated. The CAV-positive rates were 17.21% (26/151) in 2020, 12.23% (35/286) in 2021, and 12.94% (54/417) in 2022, with severe mixed infections. Among them, CAV and fowl adenovirus (FAdV) were the most common, accounting for 40.86%. VP1 gene homology analysis showed that isolated strains shared 96.1-100% homology with the previously reported CAV strains. Genetic variation analysis showed that most of the isolated CAV strains were located in genotype A. These results indicate that CIA infection in Shandong chickens in recent years has been prevalent and mixed infections are common, but there were no significant genetic variations. Our results extend the understanding of the prevalence and genetic evolution of CIA in Shandong Province. They will offer new references for further study of the epidemiology and virus variation and the prevention and control of this disease.

RESUMEN

Grass carp reovirus genotype Ⅱ (GCRV II) causes severe hemorrhagic disease in grass carp and affects the aquaculture industry in China. GCRV Ⅱ isolates have been collected from different epidemic areas in China, and these isolates can lead to different degrees of hemorrhagic symptoms in grass carp. Rare minnow (Gobiocypris rarus) is widely used as a model fish to study the mechanism of hemorrhagic disease because of its high sensitivity to GCRV. In this study, the protein levels in the spleen of rare minnow after infection with GCRV virulent isolate JZ809 and attenuated isolate XT422 were investigated using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ)-based quantitative proteomics. 109 and 50 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in the virulent and attenuated infection groups were obtained, respectively, among which 40 DEPs were identified in both groups. Combining protein expression profiling with gene ontology (GO) annotation, the responses of rare minnow to the two genotypes GCRV Ⅱ in terms of upregulated proteins were similar, focusing on ATP synthesis, in which ATP can serve as a "danger" signal to activate an immunoreaction in eukaryotes. Meanwhile, the virulent genotype JZ809 induced more immunoproteins and increased the levels of ubiquitin-proteasome system members to adapt to virus infection. However, together with a persistent and excessive inflammatory response and declining carbon metabolism, rare minnow presented more severe hemorrhagic disease and mortality after infection with virulent JZ809 than with attenuated XT422. The results provide a valuable information that will increase our understanding of the pathogenesis of viruses with different levels of virulence and the mechanism of interaction between the virus and host. Furthermore, the 6 proteins that were only significantly upregulated in the XT422 infection group all belonged to cluster 2, and 28 of 30 proteins that were only upregulated in JZ809 infection group were clustered into cluster 1. For the downregulated proteins, all DEPs in the XT422 infection group were clustered into cluster 4, and 25 of 39 proteins that were only significantly downregulated in the JZ809 infection group belonged to cluster 3. The results indicated that the DEPs in the attenuated XT422 infection group might be sensitive and their abundance changed more quickly when fish experienced virus infection.

Asunto(s)

Carpas , Cyprinidae , Enfermedades de los Peces , Orthoreovirus , Infecciones por Reoviridae , Reoviridae , Adenosina Trifosfato , Animales , Anticuerpos Antivirales , Genotipo , Proteómica , Infecciones por Reoviridae/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Chlamydia psittaci is a highly zoonotic bacteria distributed worldwide; it is responsible for psittacosis, one of the most important infectious diseases affecting the Psittacidae, mostly parrots. This work was aimed at determining C. psittaci prevalence and genotype in 177 parrots confiscated in Colombia; cloacal swab (166) and faecal (177) samples were analysed from birds confiscated and housed in a Temporary Wildlife Reception Centre (Centro de Reception de Fauna Temporal). Conventional PCR was run on the samples for amplifying the MOMP gene and then the ompA gene. The C. psittaci genotype A was found in 81.3 % (144/177) of the birds analysed. Cloacal swabs accounted for 129/166 (77.7 %) positive samples and faecal matter for 53/177 (29.9 %), 38 birds proving positive for both types of sample; there was an 8.15 times greater probability of detection for cloacal swabs compared to faecal swabs (p < 0.05). Clinical examination findings were correlated with the animals' positivity for cloacal swabs, faecal matter or both, finding a statistically significant relationship with low respiratory rate (p < 0.05) and broken plumage for cloacal swab sample results (p < 0.1). Even though 85 % seroprevalence has previously been reported in Colombia using indirect ELISA, this study reports for the first time C. psittaci genotype A endemicity in psittacines in captivity in Colombia using molecular techniques, considering the zoonotic risk involved in having these birds as pets.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de las Aves , Chlamydophila psittaci , Loros , Psitacosis , Animales , Enfermedades de las Aves/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Aves/microbiología , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética , Colombia/epidemiología , Prevalencia , Psitacosis/epidemiología , Psitacosis/veterinaria , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Canine babesiosis is a common and clinically significant tick-borne disease caused by obligate haematozoan parasites of the genus Babesia. PURPOSE: To report Babesia canis canis genotype A infection in a dog. METHODS: A 2-year-old female Shih Tzu dog was submitted with the history of anorexia and depression for one week and no prior surgery. Fever, anorexia, depression and vomiting as well as mucosal pallor were noticed on physical examination. Microscopic examination of the Giemsa-stained blood smear disclosed large form of Babesia, and single to four pear-shaped merozoites within erythrocytes (RBCs). The specific primers were used for detecting Babesia canis. RESULTS: The result of PCR was confirmed by 18S rRNA gene sequence analyzing and has been registered in GenBank under following accession numbers for Babesia canis canis (MW199108). The sequences were compared to those in GenBank, and alignments showed that the B. canis canis isolate belonged to genotype A. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first description of B. canis canis genotype A in dog from Iran.

Asunto(s)

Babesia , Babesiosis , Enfermedades de los Perros , Animales , Babesia/genética , Babesiosis/diagnóstico , Babesiosis/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/parasitología , Perros , Femenino , Genotipo , Irán/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Bovine parainfluenza virus-3 (BPIV-3), also known as bovine respirovirus 3, causes serious respiratory infection in ungulates, often involving other pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria and mycoplasmas. In this study, we evaluated antibody titers against virus genotypes A (BPIV-3a) and C (BPIV-3c). We conducted a serological survey and comparison analysis of archived serum samples from small and large ruminants reared in four Turkish provinces. A total of 1,307 samples, consisting of sheep (n = 444), cattle (n = 402), water buffalo (n = 261) and goat (n = 200) sera, were randomly selected from stock samples collected between 2015 and 2019 and screened by standard virus neutralisation assay. We found that 49.9% (653/1307) of all samples were positive for neutralising antibody titers. Goats had the highest titer, with total seropositivity of 63% (126/200), followed in descending order by cattle, sheep and water buffalo at 56.2% (226/402), 32.2% (143/444) and 26% (68/261) total seropositivity, respectively. BPIV-3c had the highest neutralising antibody rate at 34.3% (448/1307), whereas BPIV-3a had a 24.3% (317/1307) seropositivity rate. Neutralising antibody titers for positive samples ranged between 1/4 and 1/512 per the SN50 test. Seropositivity rates ranged from a low of 8.9% to a high of 18.3%. Our study was the first to compare antibody seroprevalence for two BPIV-3 genotypes in small and large domestic ruminants, which were shown to be more commonly exposed to BPIV-3c than BPIV-3a. This finding could have significant implications as current vaccines mainly use the BPIV-3a genotype. Further research can determine if current vaccines protect against different BPIV-3 virus genotypes.

Asunto(s)

Cabras , Virus de la Parainfluenza 3 Bovina , Animales , Búfalos , Bovinos , Genotipo , Virus de la Parainfluenza 3 Bovina/genética , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Ovinos

RESUMEN

Japanese Encephalitis (JE) is an acute infectious disease that threatens both human and pig populations throughout Asia. JE is caused by the Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV), of which genotype III (GIII) had been the most prevalent strain throughout Asia, but recent studies have shown that genotype I (GI) has replaced GIII as the predominant version. Pigs and mosquitoes play a primary role in JEV transmission. However, a method for the rapid differentiation between JEV G I and G III remains unavailable. This study aimed to establish a rapid JEV genotyping method using novel duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR assay.specific primer and probes located in the PrM/M gene that were able to specifically differentiate GI and GIII JEV, was selected as the duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR target.The specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility test of this assay were validated. The sensitivity of the assay was 10 genomic RNA copies for both GI and GIII JEV in field mosquito and pig samples,and more sensitive than the current methods. In addition, the novel assay can be completed in less than 1 h. Therefore, This duplex TaqMan RT-qPCR assay is a promising tool for rapid differential detection and epidemiology of GI and GIII JEV strains in China. The results showed that co-circulation of GI and GIII infections with GI infection being more prevalent in pigs or mosquitoes in eastern China.

Asunto(s)

Virus de la Encefalitis Japonesa (Especie)/clasificación , Encefalitis Japonesa/diagnóstico , Encefalitis Japonesa/veterinaria , Genotipo , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa/métodos , Animales , China/epidemiología , Culicidae/virología , Encefalitis Japonesa/epidemiología , Femenino , Filogenia , ARN Viral/genética , Reacción en Cadena en Tiempo Real de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Reproducibilidad de los Resultados , Sensibilidad y Especificidad , Porcinos/virología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Functional cure is the major goal of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) therapy though few biomarkers predict this outcome. HBsAg epitope occupancy can be influenced by therapeutic and immune pressure. The aim of this study was to map the HBsAg epitope profiles during long-term nucleos(t)ide analogue therapy in patients with genotype A CHB, in the context of HBsAg loss (SL)/seroconversion. METHODS: We evaluated 25 genotype A CHB patients in the GS-US-174-0103 trial of HBeAg-positive CHB patients treated with tenofovir or adefovir for 4 years, 14 who achieved SL whilst 11 had no change. We epitope mapped the major domains of HBsAg to identify those patients with HBsAg clearance profile (CP) (loss of binding at both loops 1 and 2 epitopes of the 'a' determinant) vs non-clearance profile (no change in epitope recognition, or loss of epitope binding at one loop only), correlating this to on-treatment HBsAg responses. Complexed anti-HBs was also measured. RESULTS: Analysis of the HBsAg epitope profiles of the 25 patients at baseline identified no predictive correlation with SL. In contrast, analysis at week 48 and end of study (week 192) or prior to SL identified significant predictive associations between development of HBsAg CPs and outcome of functional cure. The detection of a CP also correlated with the development of an alanine aminotransferase flare and detection of anti-HBs complexed with HBsAg. CONCLUSION: The detection of HBsAg CPs by epitope mapping represents a novel viral biomarker, reflecting an emerging anti-HBs selection pressure prior to functional cure.

Asunto(s)

Antivirales/uso terapéutico , Antígenos de Superficie de la Hepatitis B/sangre , Virus de la Hepatitis B/genética , Hepatitis B Crónica/tratamiento farmacológico , Seroconversión , Adenina/análogos & derivados , Adenina/uso terapéutico , Adulto , Alanina Transaminasa/sangre , Biomarcadores/sangre , ADN Viral/sangre , Método Doble Ciego , Mapeo Epitopo , Epítopos/inmunología , Femenino , Genotipo , Anticuerpos contra la Hepatitis B/sangre , Antígenos de Superficie de la Hepatitis B/inmunología , Antígenos e de la Hepatitis B/sangre , Virus de la Hepatitis B/inmunología , Hepatitis B Crónica/sangre , Hepatitis B Crónica/virología , Humanos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Organofosfonatos/uso terapéutico , Tenofovir/uso terapéutico , Carga Viral

RESUMEN

Chlamydia psittaci is a zoonotic pathogen with multiple hosts, especially avian, and can be transmitted to humans, causing psittacosis or ornithosis. No effective vaccines have been developed. We therefore isolate and genotype avian C. psittaci strains and investigate the pathogenicity of isolates in the southern Hunan area of China. Among 200 suspicious avian specimens, eight were positive for the C. psittaci outer membrane protein A (ompA) gene (4%), and seven were successfully cultured in human epithelial type 2 and Vero cells (87.5%). Genotyping of the ompA gene of the eight PCR-positive samples revealed that all of the cultured strains, except for the E9 strain, belonged to genotype A. Pathologic changes in the mice infected with C. psittaci via intranasal inoculation showed severe pneumonia and intense infiltration of inflammatory cells in the lung in a dose-dependent manner, and immunohistochemical staining displayed different levels of infiltration of C. psittaci inclusions in the heart, liver, spleen, kidney, and, especially, lung. Our findings demonstrate that genotype A dominates all C. psittaci genotypes in the southern Hunan area and that the C. psittaci avian isolates in this region possess dose-dependent pathogenicity.

---

Aislamiento y caracterización de Chlamydia psittaci aviar de aves mascotas con signos clínicos en el sur de Hunan, China. La Chlamydia psittaci es un patógeno zoonótico con múltiples huéspedes, especialmente aves y puede transmitirse a los humanos, causando psitacosis u ornitosis. No se han desarrollado vacunas efectivas. Se aislaron y genotipificaron cepas aviares de C. psittaci y se investigó la patogenicidad de los aislamientos de la zona sur de Hunan en China. De 200 especímenes aviares sospechosos, ocho fueron positivos para el gene de la proteína A de la membrana externa de C. psittaci (ompA) (4%) y siete se cultivaron con éxito en células epiteliales humanas de tipo 2 y células Vero (87.5%). La genotipificación del gene ompA de las ocho muestras positivas para PCR reveló que todas las cepas cultivadas, excepto la cepa E9, pertenecían al genotipo A. Los cambios patológicos en los ratones infectados con C. psittaci a través de inoculación intranasal mostraron una neumonía grave e infiltración intensa de células inflamatorias en el pulmón de manera dependiente de la dosis, y la tinción inmunohistoquímica mostró diferentes niveles de infiltración de inclusiones de C. psittaci en el corazón, hígado, bazo, riñón y especialmente, pulmón. Estos hallazgos demuestran que el genotipo A domina entre todos los genotipos de C. psittaci en el área del sur de Hunan y que los aislamientos aviares de C. psittaci en esta región poseen una patogenicidad dependiente de la dosis.

Asunto(s)

Aves , Chlamydophila psittaci/aislamiento & purificación , Psitacosis/microbiología , Animales , Línea Celular , China , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética , Chlorocebus aethiops , Femenino , Humanos , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos C57BL , Mascotas , Especificidad de la Especie , Organismos Libres de Patógenos Específicos , Células Vero

RESUMEN

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is an emerging infectious disease of the honey bee (Apis mellifera) that is considered a major cause of elevated losses of honey bee colonies. DWV comprises two widespread genotypes: the originally described genotype A, and genotype B. In adult honey bees, DWV-B has been shown to be more virulent than DWV-A. However, their comparative effects on earlier host developmental stages are unknown. Here, we experimentally inoculated honey bee pupae and tested for the relative impact of DWV-A versus DWV-B on mortality and wing deformities in eclosing adults. DWV-A and DWV-B caused similar, and only slightly elevated, pupal mortality (mean 18% greater mortality than control). Both genotypes caused similarly high wing deformities in eclosing adults (mean 60% greater wing deformities than control). Viral titer was high in all of the experimentally inoculated eclosing adults, and was independent of wing deformities, suggesting that the phenotype 'deformed wings' is not directly related to viral titer or viral genotype. These viral traits favor the emergence of both genotypes of DWV by not limiting the reproduction of its vector, the ectoparasitic Varroa destructor mite, in infected pupae, and thereby facilitating the spread of DWV in honey bees infested by the mite.

Asunto(s)

Abejas/virología , Genotipo , Pupa/virología , Infecciones por Virus ARN/veterinaria , Virus ARN/genética , Alas de Animales/patología , Animales , Virus ARN/patogenicidad , Carga Viral , Alas de Animales/virología

RESUMEN

Chlamydia psittaci was detected in 152 (72%) blue-fronted Amazon parrots (Amazona aestiva, parrot from the Psittacidae family) out of a population of 212 that died during 2009-2011 in a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation centre in Minas Gerais, Brazil, following rescue from illegal wildlife trafficking. The macroscopic changes observed in these animals were hepatomegaly with multifocal white foci visible at the serosal surfaces of the liver, and extending into the parenchyma, and splenomegaly. The microscopic lesions observed in the liver included multifocal to coalescing miliary necrosis of hepatocytes with infiltration by heterophils, lymphocytes and plasma cells. In the spleen, loss of the normal architecture and infiltration by macrophages and plasma cells were observed. Stained tissue sections (Gimenez technique) revealed small round clusters suggestive of C. psittaci (reticulate bodies) in the cytoplasm of macrophages from the liver and spleen. Nine sequences of segments of the ompA gene, obtained from different individuals, were randomly selected for sequencing. The phylogenetic analyses showed that all strains clustered with genotype A, which is the most virulent genotype for birds. This genotype is involved in mortality of psittacines, is easily transmitted in captivity and represents a problem for successful rehabilitation. The results indicate the necessity to improve biosecurity in triage and to provide individual personal protection for professionals and caretakers.

---

Chlamydia psittaci a été détectée chez 152 (72 %) amazones à front bleu (Amazona aestiva, perroquet de la famille des Psittacidés) sur un total de 212 individus rescapés du trafic illégal et décédés en 2009 et 2011 dans un centre de sauvetage et de réhabilitation de la faune sauvage à Minas Gerais (Brésil). Les modifications macroscopiques observées sur ces oiseaux étaient une hépatomégalie avec des foyers blancs multifocaux visibles sur les surfaces séreuses du foie et s'étendant dans le parenchyme, et une splénomégalie. Les lésions microscopiques observées dans le foie comprenaient une nécrose miliaire multifocale à coalescente des hépatocytes avec infiltration d'hétérophiles, de lymphocytes et de plasmocytes. Dans la rate, une perte de l'architecture normale et l'infiltration de macrophages et de plasmocytes ont été observées. La coloration de coupes de tissus (technique de Gimenez) a révélé de petites grappes rondes évoquant C. psittaci (corps réticulés) dans le cytoplasme des macrophages du foie et de la rate. Neuf produits segmentés d'une partie du gène ompA, obtenus de différents individus, ont été sélectionnés de manière aléatoire pour le séquençage. Les analyses phylogénétiques ont montré que toutes les souches se regroupaient dans le génotype A, qui est le plus virulent pour les oiseaux. Ce génotype est responsable de cas de mortalité chez les psittacidés et se transmet facilement en captivité, ce qui représente un risque pour la réussite des opérations de réhabilitation. Au vu de ces résultats, les auteurs soulignent la nécessité d'améliorer la biosécurité lors du tri des animaux dans les centres de soins et de fournir une protection individuelle aux professionnels et aux gardiens.

---

Se detectó Chlamydia psittaci en 152 (72%) amazonas frentiazules (Amazona aestiva, loro de la familia Psittacidae) de un total de 212 que murieron durante 2009­2011 en un centro de rescate y rehabilitación de fauna silvestre de Minas Gerais, Brasil, tras haber sido rescatadas del tráfico ilegal. Los cambios macroscópicos que se observaron en estos animales fueron hepatomegalia con focos blancos multifocales visibles en las superficies serosas del hígado y que se extendían hacia el parénquima, y esplenomegalia. Las lesiones microscópicas observadas en el hígado consistieron en necrosis miliar multifocal a coalescente de hepatocitos con infiltración de heterófilos, linfocitos y células plasmáticas. En el bazo, se observó pérdida de la arquitectura normal y infiltración de macrófagos y células plasmáticas. Cortes de tejido teñidos (con la técnica de Giménez) revelaron pequeños racimos redondos que sugerían la presencia de C. psittaci (cuerpos reticulados) en el citoplasma de macrófagos del hígado y del bazo. A partir de distintos individuos, se escogieron aleatoriamente nueve segmentos del gen ompA para ser secuenciados. Los análisis filogenéticos mostraron que todas las cepas correspondían al genotipo A, que es el más virulento para las aves. Este genotipo está involucrado en la mortalidad de psitácidas, se transmite fácilmente en cautiverio y supone un riesgo para el éxito de la rehabilitación. Los resultados indican la necesidad de mejorar la bioseguridad en el triaje y de procurar protección personal individual a profesionales y cuidadores.

Asunto(s)

Amazona/microbiología , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/genética , Enfermedades de las Aves/microbiología , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética , Hepatopatías/veterinaria , Filogenia , Animales , Brasil , Hepatopatías/microbiología

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Testing for high-risk human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) is an effective approach to the prevention of cervical cancer. This study in the Atsinanana area of Madagascar aimed to compare the management of women screened by visual inspection after coloration with acetic acid (VIA) and the management of women screened by HPV with VIA as a triage test. METHOD: During the last two screening campaigns, the first patients (between 28 and 120 women par center) were sampled using a dry swab, just before the acetic acid application, to test 14 genotypes of HR-HPV using Roche Diagnostics Cobas® Test. We compared current management practices based on primary VIA to those that would have been implemented if the clinician had followed the recommendations of the World Health Organization for HPV-based primary screening. We used a regression Poisson model with random effect and robust variance. RESULTS: Among the 250 screened-women, 28 (11.2%) had acidophilic lesions of the uterine cervix or suspected lesions of invasive cancer (IVA +). The HPV test was positive in 62 cases (24.8%). The HPV-based screening strategy would have reduced by 52% the number of women needing thermo-coagulation treatment: 24 women (9.6%) with primary VIA-based screening vs. 13 women (5.2%) with primary HPV-based screening; RR: 0.52 and 95%CI: 0.27-1.02. The diagnosis of severe dysplastic lesion or invasive cancer would not have changed. CONCLUSION: Primary HPV-based screening is a strategy that could be useful for low-resource countries like Madagascar. It would reduce the rate of false positives and unnecessary treatments compared to the current strategy based on primary IVA. The questions of the feasibility and cost-benefit of this strategy should be further explored.

Asunto(s)

Técnicas de Diagnóstico Obstétrico y Ginecológico , Detección Precoz del Cáncer , Pruebas Genéticas/métodos , Papillomaviridae/genética , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/diagnóstico , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/diagnóstico , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/diagnóstico , Ácido Acético/química , Adulto , Algoritmos , Cuello del Útero/patología , Vías Clínicas , Estudios Transversales , Detección Precoz del Cáncer/métodos , Detección Precoz del Cáncer/normas , Femenino , Humanos , Madagascar/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Papillomaviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Infecciones por Papillomavirus/epidemiología , Examen Físico , Valor Predictivo de las Pruebas , ARN Viral/análisis , Población Rural/estadística & datos numéricos , Triaje/métodos , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/epidemiología , Neoplasias del Cuello Uterino/virología , Adulto Joven , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/epidemiología , Displasia del Cuello del Útero/virología

RESUMEN

Salivirus (SalV), also known as klassevirus, is a newly discovered member of the Picornaviridae family, which has been proposed to be a potential causative agent of acute gastroenteritis. This study aimed to provide further insight into the currently limited epidemiological data of SalV in environmental water in Thailand, which could be a potential source of human infection. A total of 95 water samples were collected from six locations in Chiang Mai province, northern Thailand, between November 2016 and February 2018. The molecular screening for SalV was performed by the nested polymerase chain reaction. The SalV genotypes were then determined through nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. SalV was detected in 31 out of the 95 (32.6%) water samples and all belonged to the A1 genotype, based on phylogenetic analysis of the 5'UTR and 3D regions. The SalV-A1 strains detected in the environmental water were closely related to the SalV-A1 detected in a patient with diarrhoea in the same geographical area, based on the nucleotide sequence identities of the 5'UTR and 3D regions ranging from 91 to 99% and 96-99%, respectively. This study reports the prevalence of SalV-A1 contamination in environmental water in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Asunto(s)

Picornaviridae/genética , Picornaviridae/aislamiento & purificación , Genotipo , Humanos , Filogenia , Picornaviridae/clasificación , Infecciones por Picornaviridae/epidemiología , Infecciones por Picornaviridae/virología , Tailandia/epidemiología

RESUMEN

In Argentina, the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci infections are still not sufficiently known. A total of 846 respiratory and 10 ocular samples from patients with suspected human psittacosis were tested for C. psittaci from January 2010 to March 2015. Four samples of birds related to these patients were also studied. Forty-eight samples were positive for C. psittaci by a nested PCR. The molecular characterization of twelve C. psittaci PCR-positive samples received in the National Reference Laboratory INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Buenos Aires, Argentina was performed. Eight positive samples from humans and four from birds were genotyped by ompA gene sequencing. C. psittaci genotype A was found in all human samples and in the related birds. This report contributes to our increasing knowledge of the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of C. psittaci to conduct effective surveillance of its zoonotic infections.

---

En la Argentina, aún no se conocen suficientemente las características epidemiológicas y moleculares de las infecciones por Chlamydia psittaci. Entre enero del 2010 y marzo del 2015 se estudiaron 846 muestras respiratorias y 10 oculares de pacientes con sospecha de psitacosis para la búsqueda de C. psittaci. También se estudiaron 4 muestras de aves relacionadas con estos pacientes. De ese total, 48 muestras fueron positivas para C. psittaci mediante una reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) anidada. Posteriormente, se realizó en el INEI-ANLIS «Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán¼ la caracterización molecular de 12 muestras positivas para C. psittaci, 8 de humanos y 4 de aves, que fueron genotipificadas por secuenciación del gen ompA. C. psittaci genotipo A se encontró en todas esas muestras. Este informe contribuye a mejorar nuestro conocimiento de las características epidemiológicas y moleculares de C. psittaci para lograr una vigilancia efectiva de la zoonosis que produce.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Humanos , Psitacosis , Zoonosis , Chlamydophila psittaci , Psitacosis/genética , Psitacosis/epidemiología , Argentina , Aves/microbiología , Chlamydophila psittaci/aislamiento & purificación , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética

RESUMEN

In Argentina, the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Chlamydia psittaci infections are still not sufficiently known. A total of 846 respiratory and 10 ocular samples from patients with suspected human psittacosis were tested for C. psittaci from January 2010 to March 2015. Four samples of birds related to these patients were also studied. Forty-eight samples were positive for C. psittaci by a nested PCR. The molecular characterization of twelve C. psittaci PCR-positive samples received in the National Reference Laboratory INEI-ANLIS "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán", Buenos Aires, Argentina was performed. Eight positive samples from humans and four from birds were genotyped by ompA gene sequencing. C. psittaci genotype A was found in all human samples and in the related birds. This report contributes to our increasing knowledge of the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of C. psittaci to conduct effective surveillance of its zoonotic infections.

Asunto(s)

Chlamydophila psittaci , Psitacosis , Zoonosis , Animales , Argentina , Aves/microbiología , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética , Chlamydophila psittaci/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Psitacosis/epidemiología , Psitacosis/genética

RESUMEN

Surveillance of emerging viral variants is critical to ensuring that blood screening and diagnostic tests detect all infections regardless of strain or geographic location. In this study, we conducted serological and molecular surveillance to monitor the prevalence and diversity of HIV, HBV, and HTLV in South Cameroon. The prevalence of HIV was 8.53%, HBV was 10.45%, and HTLV was 1.04% amongst study participants. Molecular characterization of 555 HIV-1 specimens identified incredible diversity, including 7 subtypes, 12 CRFs, 6 unclassified, 24 Group O and 2 Group N infections. Amongst 401 HBV sequences were found a rare HBV AE recombinant and two emerging sub-genotype A strains. In addition to HTLV-1 and HTLV-2 strains, sequencing confirmed the fifth known HTLV-3 infection to date. Continued HIV/HBV/HTLV surveillance and vigilance for newly emerging strains in South Cameroon will be essential to ensure diagnostic tests and research stay a step ahead of these rapidly evolving viruses.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , VIH-1/clasificación , Infecciones por HTLV-I/epidemiología , Virus de la Hepatitis B/genética , Hepatitis B Crónica/epidemiología , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 1 Humano/genética , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 2 Humano/genética , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 3 Humano/genética , Adolescente , Adulto , Anciano , Anciano de 80 o más Años , Anticuerpos Antivirales/sangre , Antígenos Virales/sangre , Secuencia de Bases , Camerún/epidemiología , Niño , Preescolar , ADN Viral/genética , Femenino , Genoma Viral/genética , Infecciones por VIH/virología , VIH-1/genética , Infecciones por HTLV-I/virología , Virus de la Hepatitis B/clasificación , Virus de la Hepatitis B/aislamiento & purificación , Hepatitis B Crónica/virología , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 1 Humano/clasificación , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 1 Humano/aislamiento & purificación , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 2 Humano/clasificación , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 2 Humano/aislamiento & purificación , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 3 Humano/clasificación , Virus Linfotrópico T Tipo 3 Humano/aislamiento & purificación , Humanos , Lactante , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

A mortality episode of endemic and endangered psittacine birds from the genera Ara and Amazona occurred during January 2015. The birds were housed in a management unit for wildlife conservation that receives wild-caught birds from illegal trade. In total, 11 (57%) adult birds of different origins that shared these accommodations died. Only four of them were sent for diagnosis. The main lesions found at necropsy were consistent with those described previously for avian chlamydiosis; the presence of Chlamydiaceae was confirmed through immunofluorescence and amplification with further sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene by using hepatic tissue. Due to the lack of specific diagnostic tools on primary psittacine diseases, the pathogenic effects of systemic, respiratory, or enteric infections with high mortality rates remain unknown in Mexico. In this study, specific molecular identification of avian chlamydiosis was performed using a nested PCR on liver tissues, as well as choanal and cloacal swab samples, confirming the presence of Chlamydia psittaci in all of them. In addition, it was possible to obtain the ompA gene sequence from processed clinical samples, thereby allowing us to determine that the A genotype was affecting these birds. Although this genotype is the most commonly found worldwide in psittacine birds, this case report describes the first avian chlamydiosis outbreak affecting critically endangered and endemic psittacines subjected to reintegration programs in Mexico. Consequently, this study demonstrates the necessity of more exhaustive biosecurity strategies because other pathogens may be present and should be assessed, especially in highly threatened birds, before releasing them into their habitats.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de las Aves/epidemiología , Chlamydophila psittaci/aislamiento & purificación , Brotes de Enfermedades/veterinaria , Especies en Peligro de Extinción , Loros , Psitacosis/veterinaria , Enfermedad Aguda , Animales , Animales de Zoológico , Proteínas de la Membrana Bacteriana Externa/genética , Enfermedades de las Aves/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de las Aves/microbiología , Chlamydophila psittaci/genética , México/epidemiología , Psitacosis/diagnóstico , Psitacosis/epidemiología , Psitacosis/microbiología , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN/veterinaria

RESUMEN

AIM: We identified four cases of infection with hepatitis B virus genotype G and A2 recombinant (HBV/G/A2) strains, which were initially overlooked by enzyme immunoassay-based genotyping. The patients were all men who have sex with men (MSM) and inhabited several metropolitan areas of Japan, suggesting that the recombinant strains may be circulating among high-risk groups such as MSM. Here, we investigated the genomic structure and virological properties of the HBV/G/A2 strains. METHODS: Complete genome sequences of the isolates were determined and phylogenetically analyzed. Replication efficiency of HBV/G/A2 was investigated by transfecting plasmids containing 1.24-fold viral genome. The in vivo viral kinetics of HBV/G/A2 were investigated using chimeric mice with humanized livers. RESULTS: Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the four strains were almost identical (>99.7% homologous). The preS2/S region of these strains was highly homologous to that of genotype A2 and the remaining region was almost identical to that of genotype G, reflecting inter-genotypic recombination. Interestingly, in all four cases, genotype A was co-infected as a minor population. In vitro analysis revealed that HBV/G/A2 had a low replication rate. Although detectable viremia was not measurable following the inoculation of HBV/G/A2 into chimeric mice, subsequent superinfection of HBV genotype A greatly enhanced HBV/G/A2 replication and viral spread. CONCLUSION: We found that four cases of HBV/G/A2 recombinant among MSM patients in the metropolitan areas of Japan, and HBV/A co-infections are required for its efficient replication. High-risk groups such as MSM should be carefully tested for infection of genotype G-derived variants.