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BACKGROUND: HIV-related stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization undermines optimal HIV care outcomes. More research examining the impact of HIV-related stigma, discrimination, other interlocking forms of oppression, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence is needed to optimize HIV treatment programming. This study uses data from two clinics in the Dominican Republic to examine client and healthcare worker (HCW) perceptions of HIV and intersectional stigmas among people living with HIV. METHODS: Surveys exploring demographics, HIV-related stigma, various dimensions of discrimination (race/ethnicity, HIV status, sexual orientation), healthcare engagement, and medication adherence were collected from 148 clients and 131 HCWs. Analysis of variance was conducted to examine differences in stigma by clinic and logistic regressions were used to determine predictors of optimal client medication adherence. RESULTS: Perceived discrimination in healthcare facilities due to clients' sexual orientation retained significance in crude and multivariable logistic regression models and was negatively associated with ART adherence (aOR:0.79; 95% CI:0.66, 0.95). DISCUSSION: Findings highlight the importance of implementing strategies to address stigma, discrimination, and social marginalization, particularly within healthcare facilities.

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Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is the leading cause of genital ulcers worldwide. In rare cases, mostly among immunocompromised hosts, HSV infections can present as hypertrophic pseudotumoral forms simulating malignancies or often mistaken as other viral infections, usually resistant to conventional antiviral therapy and often requiring alternative therapeutic approaches. A high level of clinical suspicion is needed. We present a case of woman living with HIV with pseudotumoral vulvar herpes refractory to oral acyclovir, successfully treated with systemic foscarnet and topical imiquimod.

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Rabies is a fatal zoonotic disease that affects several mammals. Hematophagous bats are recognized hosts of the rabies virus, and their main food source is the blood of other mammals, particularly cattle. During feeding, bats transmit the virus to cattle, which are victims of the disease, contributing to economic losses and increasing the risk of infection for humans. Based on this affinity in the rabies cycle between bats and cattle, the objective of this study was to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of rabies virus samples in cattle and bats. The G gene of the rabies virus was chosen for this study because it is directly related to the infection process. Nucleotide sequences of the viral G gene were selected from GenBank for samples obtained from infected cattle and bats. Maximum parsimony analyses were conducted using the Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis software. The Maxima Parsimony tree indicated a phylogenetic relationship between the G genes of both hosts, indicating that the virus evolved from bats to cattle. Analysis of parsimoniously informative sites revealed that the viral G gene carried specific mutations in each host. Knowledge of the evolutionary relationships between the rabies virus and its hosts is critical for identifying potential new hosts and the possible routes of infection for humans.

A Raiva é uma zoonose fatal que infecta várias espécies de mamíferos. Os morcegos hematófagos são reconhecidos como hospedeiros do vírus da Raiva e sua principal fonte de alimento é o sangue de outros mamíferos, especialmente os bovinos. Quando se alimentam, os morcegos transmitem o vírus para o bovino os quais são vítimas da doença, contribuindo para perdas econômicas e riscos de infecção para humanos. Baseado nesta afinidade do ciclo da Raiva entre morcegos e bovinos, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar as relações filogenéticas de amostras do vírus da Raiva em ambos os hospedeiros, bovinos e morcegos. O gene G do vírus da Raiva foi escolhido para esta pesquisa porque ele está diretamente relacionado ao processo de infecção. Sequências de nucleotídeos do gene G viral foram selecionadas no GenBank a partir de amostras obtidas de bovinos e morcegos infectados. Análises de Máxima Parcimônia foram conduzidas utilizando o software Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis. A árvore de Máxima Parcimônia indicou uma relação filogenética entre o gene G de ambos os hospedeiros, indicando que o vírus evoluiu dos morcegos para os bovinos. A análise dos sítios parcimoniosamente informativos revelou que o gene G viral apresentou mutações específicas em cada hospedeiro. O conhecimento sobre as relações evolutivas do vírus da Raiva e seus hospedeiros é crucial para identificar nos hospedeiros potenciais e novas rotas possíveis de infecção para humanos.

La rabia es una zoonosis fatal que infecta a varias especies de mamíferos. Los murciélagos hematófagos son reconocidos como huéspedes del virus de la rabia y su principal fuente de alimentación es la sangre de otros mamíferos, especialmente del ganado. Al alimentarse, los murciélagos transmiten el virus al ganado que es víctima de la enfermedad, contribuyendo a pérdidas económicas y riesgos de infección para los humanos. Basado en esta afinidad del ciclo de la rabia entre murciélagos y ganado, el objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las relaciones filogenéticas de las muestras de virus de la rabia tanto en huéspedes, ganado y murciélagos. El gen G del virus de la rabia fue elegido para esta investigación porque está directamente relacionado con el proceso de infección. Las secuencias de nucleótidos del gen G viral se seleccionaron en GenBank a partir de muestras obtenidas de bovinos y murciélagos infectados. Los análisis de parsimonia máxima se realizaron utilizando el software Molecular Evolutionary Genetics Analysis. El árbol de Máxima Parsimônia indicó una relación filogenética entre el gen G de ambos huéspedes, indicando que el virus evolucionó de murciélagos a bovinos. El análisis de los sitios parsimoniosamente informativos reveló que el gen G viral presentaba mutaciones específicas en cada huésped. El conocimiento sobre las relaciones evolutivas del virus de la rabia y sus huéspedes es crucial para identificar huéspedes potenciales y nuevas posibles rutas de infección para humanos.

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Objetivo: Describir hallazgos clínicos, quirúrgicos e imagenológicos de la patología anorrectal en pacientes con Viruela Símica. Materiales y Métodos: Reporte de serie de casos clínicos, observacional, en pacientes con Viruela Símica tratados en un centro de salud privado desde agosto 2022 a diciembre 2022. Resultados: El 100% de los casos pertenecía al sexo masculino, la edad promedio fue de 32 años, todos los pacientes mantuvieron relaciones sexuales con otros hombres, la mayoría debuto con síntomas rectales, incluyendo proctalgia, prurito anal y heces diarreicas con mucosidad. El diagnóstico se confirmó mediante PCR (reacción de polimerasa en cadena) y el tratamiento fue sintomático, con mejoría en todos los pacientes en un seguimiento de 10 días. Discusión: La Viruela Símica es una enfermedad viral que se encuentra, principalmente, en regiones remotas de África Central, con brotes esporádicos en países africanos. Está relacionada con el virus de la viruela y se transmite, principalmente, del contacto con animales infectados o fluidos corporales. La enfermedad presenta síntomas similares a la gripe, seguidos del desarrollo de una erupción cutánea que progresa a pústulas y costras. No hay tratamiento específico para la viruela símica, el manejo medico alivia los síntomas. El brote de viruela símica en 2022 presentó características novedosas y atípicas en su forma de presentación. Conclusión: Los síntomas rectales asociados a una historia clínica compatible con viruela símica se deben considerar como diagnóstico diferencial a la proctitis por esta etiología específica y emergente.

Objective: To describe clinical, surgical and imaging findings of anorectal pathology in patients with monkeypox. Materials and Methods: Observational clinical case series report in patients with monkeypox treated in a private health center from August 2022 to December 2022. Results: 100% of the cases were male, the average age was 32 years old, all patients had sexual intercourse with other men, most debuted with rectal symptoms, including proctalgia, anal itching, and diarrheal stools with mucus. Diagnosis was confirmed by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and treatment was symptomatic, with improvement in all patients at a 10-day follow-up. Discussion: Monkeypox is a viral disease found mainly in remote regions of Central Africa, with sporadic outbreaks in African countries. It is related to the smallpox virus and is transmitted primarily from contact with infected animals or bodily fluids. The disease presents with flu-like symptoms, followed by the development of a skin rash that progresses to pustules and scabs. There is no specific treatment for monkeypox; medical management alleviates the symptoms. The monkeypox outbreak in 2022 presented novel and atypical characteristics in its presentation. Conclusion: Rectal symptoms associated with a clinical history compatible with monkeypox should be considered as a differential diagnosis of proctitis due to this specific and emerging etiology.

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Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for viral antigen is commonly used for the diagnosis of progressive feline leukemia virus (FeLV) infection but is not able to determine the true prevalence of infection when used as the sole test. Additional testing to detect proviral DNA will identify regressive (antigen negative) FeLV infections as well as progressive infections. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence of progressive and regressive FeLV infection, outcome-associated factors, and hematologic changes. A cross-sectional study was performed on 384 cats selected from routine hospital care. Blood samples were subjected to complete blood count, ELISA for FeLV antigen and FIV antibody, and nested PCR amplifying the U3- LTR region and gag gene, which are conserved in most exogenous FeLV. The prevalence of FeLV infection was 45.6% (CI95% 40.6-50.6%). The prevalence of progressive infection (FeLV+P) was 34.4% (CI95% 29.6-39.1%), that of regressive infection (FeLV+R) was 10.4% (CI95% 7.4-13.4%), for discordant but positive results 0.8% (CI95% 0.75-0.84%), for FeLV+P coinfected with FIV 2.6% (CI95% 1.2-4.0%), and FeLV+R coinfected with FIV 1.5% (CI95% 0.3-2.7%). Male cats were three times more likely to be in the FeLV+P group. Cats coinfected with FIV were 4.8 times more likely to belong to the FeLV+R group. In the FeLV+P group, the main clinical changes were lymphoma (38.5%), anemia (24.4%), leukemia (17.9%), concomitant infections (15.4%), and feline chronic gingivostomatitis - FCGS (3.8%). In the FeLV+R group, the main clinical signs were anemia (45.4%), leukemia (18.2%), concomitant infections (18.2%), lymphoma (9.1%), and FCGS (9.1%). Cats in the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups showed mainly thrombocytopenia (56.6% and 38.2%), non-regenerative anemia (32.8% and 23.5%), and lymphopenia (33.6% and 20.6%). Hemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), platelet count, lymphocytes, and eosinophils in the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups had lower medians than the control group (FeLV/FIV-uninfected, healthy). Erythrocyte and eosinophil counts were statistically different among the three groups, with the medians of the FeLV+P and FeLV+R groups being lower than those of the control group. In addition, the median PCV and band neutrophil counts were higher in FeLV+P than in FeLV+R. Our results show a high prevalence of FeLV, different factors associated with the course of infection, and more frequent and severe hematologic changes in progressive infections compared with regressive infections.

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To date, only a few studies have examined the impacts of feline leukemia virus (FeLV) subgroups on disease development in spontaneously infected cats. The present study identified FeLV-A and FeLV-B subgroups in cats with lymphoma and leukemia and explored the phylogenetic relationships of env sequences. Twenty-six cats with lymphoma (n=16) or leukemia (n=10) were selected. FeLV p27 antigen positivity was determined using ELISA, and proviral DNA in blood samples was detected using nested PCR. Positive animals in both tests were classified as cases of FeLV progressive infection and subjected to a second nested PCR for env amplification and subgroup determination. Six samples of FeLV-A and five samples of FeLV-B were sequenced using the Sanger method, and the results were used to build a phylogenetic tree and estimate evolutionary divergence. Among cats with lymphoma, 68.8% carried FeLV-AB and 31.2% FeLV-A. Among cats with leukemia, 70% carried FeLV-AB and 30% FeLV-A. Regarding cat characteristics, 50% were young, 30.8% young adults, and 19.2% adults; 88.5% were mixed-breed and 11.5% pure breed; and 42.3% were males and 57.7% were females. Among lymphomas, 62.5% were mediastinal, 31.3% multicentric, and 6.3% extranodal. Regarding histological classification, lymphoblastic and small non-cleaved-cell lymphomas were the most frequently detected. Among leukemia cases, 30% were acute lymphoid, 30% chronic myeloid, and 40% acute myeloid. Phylogenetic analysis showed that FeLV-A SC sequences were closely related to the Arena, Glasgow-1, and FeLV-FAIDS variants. Meanwhile, FeLV-B SC sequences were divergent from one another but similar to the endogenous FELV env gene (enFeLV). In conclusion, FeLV-AB is prevalent in cats with lymphoma and leukemia, highlighting the genetic diversity involved in the pathogenesis of these neoplasms in Brazil.

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COVID-19 has a broad spectrum of clinical manifestations associated with the host immune response heterogeneity. Despite the advances in COVID-19 research, it is still crucial to seek a panel of molecular markers that enable accurate stratification of COVID-19 patients. Here, we performed a study that combined analysis of blood transcriptome, demographic data, clinical aspects and laboratory findings from 66 participants classified into different degrees of COVID-19 severity and healthy subjects. We identified a perturbation in blood-leukocyte transcriptional profile associated with COVID-19 aggravation, which was mainly related to processes that disfavoured lymphocyte activation and favoured neutrophil activation. This transcriptional profile stratified patients according to COVID-19 severity. Hence, it enabled identification of a turning point in transcriptional dynamics that distinguished disease outcomes and non-hospitalized from hospitalized moderate patients. Central genes of this unique neutrophil signature were S100A9, ANXA3, CEACAM6, VNN1, OLFM4, IL1R2, TCN1 and CD177. Our study indicates the molecular changes that are linked with the differing clinical aspects presented by humans when suffering from COVID-19, which involve neutrophil activation.

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Abstract Dengue fever (DF) is increasingly recognized as one of the worlds major mosquito borne diseases and causes significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. Dengue fever is endemic in most part of Pakistan and continues to be a public health concern. Knowledge, attitude and practices can play an important role in management of the disease. Current study was aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue fever among health practitioners, to study the level of knowledge and attitude with preventive practices for dengue fever. A cross sectional study was carried out in medical practitioners of the four districts of Malakand region during October to November 2019. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from medical practitioners. Data was analyzed using Graph Pad version 5. Significant value was considered when less than 0.05 (at 95% confidence of interval). The results revealed that most of participants have seen dengue vector (62%), the media being the most quoted source of information. Nearly 81.2% participants were aware from transmission of dengue fever is by mosquito bite. Practices based upon preventive measures were found to be predominantly focused towards prevention of mosquito bites rather than elimination of breeding places. Although the knowledge regarding DF and mosquito control measure was quite high among the medical practitioners but this knowledge was not put into practice. Further studies are required to aware the people about dengue and its vector in order to get prevention and control.

Resumo A dengue (DF) é cada vez mais reconhecida como uma das principais doenças transmitidas por mosquitos do mundo e causa significativa morbidade e mortalidade em países tropicais e subtropicais. A dengue é endêmica na maior parte do Paquistão e continua a ser um problema de saúde pública. Conhecimento, atitude e práticas podem desempenhar papel importante no manejo da doença. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o nível de conhecimento, atitude e práticas em relação à dengue entre os profissionais de saúde, para estudar o nível de conhecimento e atitude com as práticas preventivas da dengue. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com médicos dos quatro distritos da região de Malakand de outubro a novembro de 2019. Um questionário pré-estruturado foi usado para coletar dados de médicos. Os dados foram analisados no Graph Pad versão 5. Valor significativo foi considerado quando menor que 0,05 (com intervalo de confiança de 95%). Os resultados revelaram que a maioria dos participantes já viu o vetor da dengue (62%), sendo a mídia a fonte de informação mais citada. Quase 81,2% dos participantes sabiam que a transmissão da dengue é por picada de mosquito. Constatou-se que as práticas baseadas em medidas preventivas se concentravam predominantemente na prevenção de picadas de mosquitos, e não na eliminação de criadouros. Embora o conhecimento sobre DF e medidas de controle de mosquitos fosse bastante elevado entre os médicos, esse conhecimento não foi colocado em prática. Mais estudos são necessários para conscientizar a população sobre a dengue e seu vetor, a fim de se obter prevenção e controle.

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Dengue fever (DF) is increasingly recognized as one of the world's major mosquito borne diseases and causes significant morbidity and mortality in tropical and subtropical countries. Dengue fever is endemic in most part of Pakistan and continues to be a public health concern. Knowledge, attitude and practices can play an important role in management of the disease. Current study was aimed to determine the level of knowledge, attitude and practices regarding dengue fever among health practitioners, to study the level of knowledge and attitude with preventive practices for dengue fever. A cross sectional study was carried out in medical practitioners of the four districts of Malakand region during October to November 2019. A pre-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from medical practitioners. Data was analyzed using Graph Pad version 5. Significant value was considered when less than 0.05 (at 95% confidence of interval). The results revealed that most of participants have seen dengue vector (62%), the media being the most quoted source of information. Nearly 81.2% participants were aware from transmission of dengue fever is by mosquito bite. Practices based upon preventive measures were found to be predominantly focused towards prevention of mosquito bites rather than elimination of breeding places. Although the knowledge regarding DF and mosquito control measure was quite high among the medical practitioners but this knowledge was not put into practice. Further studies are required to aware the people about dengue and its vector in order to get prevention and control.

A dengue (DF) é cada vez mais reconhecida como uma das principais doenças transmitidas por mosquitos do mundo e causa significativa morbidade e mortalidade em países tropicais e subtropicais. A dengue é endêmica na maior parte do Paquistão e continua a ser um problema de saúde pública. Conhecimento, atitude e práticas podem desempenhar papel importante no manejo da doença. O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar o nível de conhecimento, atitude e práticas em relação à dengue entre os profissionais de saúde, para estudar o nível de conhecimento e atitude com as práticas preventivas da dengue. Um estudo transversal foi realizado com médicos dos quatro distritos da região de Malakand de outubro a novembro de 2019. Um questionário pré-estruturado foi usado para coletar dados de médicos. Os dados foram analisados no Graph Pad versão 5. Valor significativo foi considerado quando menor que 0,05 (com intervalo de confiança de 95%). Os resultados revelaram que a maioria dos participantes já viu o vetor da dengue (62%), sendo a mídia a fonte de informação mais citada. Quase 81,2% dos participantes sabiam que a transmissão da dengue é por picada de mosquito. Constatou-se que as práticas baseadas em medidas preventivas se concentravam predominantemente na prevenção de picadas de mosquitos, e não na eliminação de criadouros. Embora o conhecimento sobre DF e medidas de controle de mosquitos fosse bastante elevado entre os médicos, esse conhecimento não foi colocado em prática. Mais estudos são necessários para conscientizar a população sobre a dengue e seu vetor, a fim de se obter prevenção e controle.

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Hemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) pose a threat to global public health owing to the emergence and re-emergence of highly fatal diseases. Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) caused by these viruses are mostly characterized by an acute febrile syndrome with coagulation abnormalities and generalized hemorrhage that may lead to life-threatening organ dysfunction. Currently, the events underlying the viral pathogenicity associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome still underexplored. In this minireview, we address the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying VHFs pathogenesis and discuss the available development of preventive and therapeutic options to treat these infections. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of HFVs to cause worldwide emergencies along with factors that favor their spread beyond their original niches.

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Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, highly aggressive syndrome involving dysregulated immune response. Most cases are secondary to underlying diseases including infections, autoimmune disorders and malignancies. The burden of disease of histoplasmosis and leishmaniosis associated with advanced HIV is still significant in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC). We present a case of histoplasmosis and leishmaniasis associated HLH in a man with an AIDS diagnosis.

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INTRODUCTION: Viral respiratory disease constitutes a great burden worldwide mainly among children. OBJECTIVE: One pursued to compare disease characteristics of children who required hospitalization from those who did not require hospitalization due to a viral respiratory disease. METHODOLOGY: Medical and demographic data were collected through questionnaires and nasopharyngeal aspirates were tested for detection of respiratory disease viruses of in and outpatients up to five years old, presenting acute respiratory infection. RESULTS: Respiratory syncytial virus predominated among hospitalized children while other viruses (Human rhinovirus, Influenza virus, Parainfluenza virus, Adenovirus, and Human metapneumovirus) together predominated among non-hospitalized patients. Although children with underlying risk condition required longer hospitalization, previously healthy children presented severe disease and required hospitalization as well. Also, clinical characteristics were not found that may distinguish RSV infected children who had comorbidities from those previously healthy. CONCLUSIONS: Children who were hospitalized due to respiratory distress had well defined characteristics: early age, respiratory syncytial virus infection, bronchiolitis and presence of comorbidity. Nevertheless, rapid respiratory syncytial virus identification among early age children may be of great value in order to avoid medical misconduct, such as unnecessary antibiotic prescription and preventive health care before an eventual clinical worsening encompassing previous health status.

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BACKGROUND: In Mexico, the number of people living with HIV (PLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) has increased in the last 20 years. The elimination of a CD4 threshold to initiate publicly funded ART was a major policy implemented in 2014. The study objective was to assess the determinants of Virologic Failure (VF) in Mexican PLWH on first-line ART between 2008 and 2017 and to evaluate the effects of changes following the 2014 policy. METHODS: A 10-year patient-level data analysis was conducted using the Mexican SALVAR database. The main outcome was the proportion of PLWH with VF. A multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the association between covariates and VF before and after the 2014 policy implementation. RESULTS: We found a lower proportion of people with VF in 2014-2017 compared with 2008-2013 (50% vs 33%, p<0.001). The multivariable analysis showed a reduction in the odds of virologic failure after 2014 (Odds ratio: 0.50 [95% CI: 0.48-0.51]). Place of treatment and level of deprivation were significant predictors of VF in during 2014-2017, but not before. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that, by lowering threshold levels of CD4 required for treatment initiation in Mexico, a higher number of PLWH initiated treatment during 2014-2017, compared to 2008-2013 and the odds of VF were reduced.

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Objetivo: Apresentar elementos teóricos acerca da transmissão do SARS-CoV-2 por meio das partículas respiratórias, para além do seu diâmetro aerodinâmico e trajetória balística, a subsidiar reflexões sobre a adequação do uso de máscaras pelos profissionais de saúde. Método: Ensaio acadêmico com o uso de dados de revisão narrativa da literatura. Resultados: Clarifica a confusão acerca dos termos gotículas, núcleos de gotículas, aerossóis e par-tículas, divergências que contribuem para entendimentos diferenciados sobre os mecanismos de transmissão desse agente etiológico, levando à adoção de distintas medidas de intervenção para o controle do vírus. Apresenta dados da transmissibilidade do SARS-CoV-2 pelo ar, a despeito das dificuldades técnica e metodológica para a detecção desse agente em tal meio, situação que dificulta conclusões contundentes acerca da transmissão aérea do pató-geno.Conclusão: Acredita-se ser um erro usar a falta de conclusões sobre a identificação do SARS-CoV-2 em amostras de ar para questionar a transmis-são aérea e, igualmente, para recomendar medidas de prevenção segundo o tamanho aerodinâmico dos vírus. Assim, o uso da máscara N95 por profis-sionais de saúde durante pandemia deve ser medida basilar e inequívoca para a proteção e a segurança dessa população.

Objective: To present theoretical elements about the transmission of SARS CoV-2 through respiratory particles, in addition to its aerodynamic dia-meter and ballistic trajectory, to support reflections on the adequacy of the use of masks by health professionals. Method: Academic essay using narrative review data from the literature. Results: Clarifies the confusion about the terms droplets, droplet nuclei, aerosols and particles, divergences that contribute to diffe-rentiated understandings about transmission mechanisms of this etiological agent, with the adoption of different intervention measures to control this virus. It shows data on the transmissibility of SARS-CoV-2 by air, despite the technical and methodological difficulties for detecting this agent in the air, a situation that hinders hard conclusions about the aerial transmission of this pathogen. Conclusions: It is believed to be an error to use the lack of sars-cov-2 identification conclusions in air samples, to question airborne transmission, also to recommend prevention measures depending on the aerodynamic size of viruses. Thus, the use of the N95 mask by health professionals during the pandemic should be a basic and unequivocal measure for the protection and safety of this population.

Objetivo: Presentar elementos teóricos sobre la transmisión del SARS CoV-2 a través de partículas respiratorias, además de su diámetro aerodi-námico y trayectoria balística, para apoyar reflexiones sobre la adecuación del uso de mascarillas por parte de los profesionales sanitarios. Método: Ensayo académico utilizando datos de revisión narrativa de la literatura. Resultados: Aclara la confusión sobre los términos gotitas, núcleos de gotitas, aerosoles y partículas, divergencias que contribuyen a entendimientos diferenciados sobre los mecanismos de transmisión de ese agente etiológico, con la adop-ción de diferentes medidas de intervención para controlar ese virus. Presenta datos sobre la transmisibilidad del SARS-CoV-2 por vía aérea, a pesar de las dificultades técnicas y metodológicas para detectar ese agente en el aire, situación que dificulta duras conclusiones sobre la transmisión aérea del pató-geno. Conclusión: Se cree que es un error utilizar la falta de conclusiones sobre la identificación del SARS-CoV-2 en muestras de aire para cuestionar la transmisión aérea e, igualmente, recomendar medidas de prevención según el tamaño aerodinámico de los virus. Así, el uso de los respiradores N95 por parte de los profesionales sanitarios durante la pandemia debe ser una medida básica e inequívoca para la protección y seguridad de esta población.

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Background: Blue tongue (BT) is a noncontagious viral disease transmitted by hematophagous arthropods, especially of the genus Culicoides. The economic impact of the disease is related not only to deaths in sheep herds but also to the possible correlation of virus infection with the development of other diseases, such as pneumonia, abortion and movement problems. The economic losses caused by Blue Tongue are linked to restrictions on the import and export of animals and their genetic material and to the reproductive disorders associated with this disease. In addition, the fact that cattle take the role of reservoir, combined with the care by other countries with outbreaks of infection and biological contamination of their products, hinders trade in Mercosul, United States and Europe. Cattle are affected by Blue Tongue Virus in endemic areas and in some epidemic areas, but the development of clinical disease is rare. The clinical signs, when evident, range from reproductive losses, such as embryonic death, abortion, fetal malformation, temporary sterility, infertility in bulls, stillbirths and the birth of weak animals. The objective of this study was to determine the epidemiological aspects of Blue Tongue Virus (BTV) infection in dairy cattle in the Lavras region, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Materials, Methods & Results: A cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of cattle and herds seropositive for Blue Tongue in the southern region of Minas Gerais. In this study, 54 dairy farms were visited. A total of 586 serum samples were collected from cows of reproductive age. Sampling was random, and serum samples were collected from lactating cows over 24 months of age by puncture of the jugular vein and/or coccidian vein. The samples were transported and stored at the Setor de Patologia Veterinária, at the Universidade Federal de Lavras (SPV-UFLA), where they were centrifuged, and the serum aliquots were obtained, transferred to microtubes and kept at -20°C until the serological tests were performed. The samples were tested with the agarose gel immunodiffusion test (AGID) for anti-blue tongue virus antibodies. The AGID test is more practical and is the main method used to identify Blue Tongue Virus seroprevalence in different ruminant species. They are considered important tools for epidemiological surveillance of the disease. A prevalence of 83.28% was observed among animals that were seropositive for Blue Tongue Virus (488/586; IC 95% = 80.0 - 86.21). In addition, 100% (54/54; IC 95% = 93.4 - 100.0) of the farms had at least 1 positive animal, with rates ranging from 45.45% to 100% within the herds and where 22.22% of the farms had rates of 100% of the animals being positive. Discussion: Blue Tongue is a disease known to affect domestic and wild ruminants in Brazil. However, there is a lack of more precise information about its epidemiology and occurrence in the country and of joint efforts of researchers, producers and the government to understand in detail both the biology of vectors and the viral biology of Blue Tongue Virus in Brazil. This is the first record of detection of anti-blue tongue virus antibodies in cattle in the southern region of Minas Gerais. The results suggest that Blue Tongue Virus is present in cattle in the study area.

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Hemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) pose a threat to global public health owing to the emergence and re-emergence of highly fatal diseases. Viral hemorrhagic fevers (VHFs) caused by these viruses are mostly characterized by an acute febrile syndrome with coagulation abnormalities and generalized hemorrhage that may lead to life-threatening organ dysfunction. Currently, the events underlying the viral pathogenicity associated with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome still underexplored. In this minireview, we address the current knowledge of the mechanisms underlying VHFs pathogenesis and discuss the available development of preventive and therapeutic options to treat these infections. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of HFVs to cause worldwide emergencies along with factors that favor their spread beyond their original niches.

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RESUMEN Introducción: En el municipio Manuel Tames, de la provincia de Guantánamo, no se han realizado estudios que caractericen los pacientes con infección por VIH/sida. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínico-epidemiológicamente a los pacientes con VIH/sida, pertenecientes al municipio Manuel Tames, Guantánamo. Método: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, transversal, retrospectivo que abarca el periodo comprendido entre 1988-2020. La población estudiada fue de 46 pacientes con el diagnóstico de VIH/sida. Se estudiaron las siguientes variables: edad, sexo, estado civil, año de diagnóstico, clasificación clínica, fuente de pesquisa, esquema de tratamiento, enfermedades concomitantes. Resultados: Los pacientes más afectados se encontraron entre las edades de 25 a 34 años (n=18; 31,9 %), en el sexo masculino (n=28; 60,9 %). El mayor número de los pacientes se encontró soltero (n=37; 80,4 %). La fuente de pesquisa más usual fue la categoría de captado (n=11; 23,9 %). El mayor número de pacientes se halló en la categoría A (n=33; 71,7 %), lo que respalda la cifra de que 32 pacientes (69,6 %) no tuvieran ninguna enfermedad asociada a la infección por el virus. El mayor porcentaje de los pacientes utilizó el esquema terapéutico de Dulutegravir + Trubada (n=26; 56,5 %). Conclusiones: Se puede concluir que la infección por VIH/sida es una enfermedad que se observa en las edades medias de la vida, con un aumento del número de infecciones en tanto pasan los años. Cuando los pacientes mantienen un esquema de tratamiento se observan menos enfermedades concomitantes y se mantienen en las categorías clínicas que menos complicaciones presentan.

ABSTRACT Introduction: No studies have been conducted to characterize patients with HIV/AIDS infection in Manuel Tames municipality, Guantánamo. Objective: To characterize clinically and epidemiologically the HIV/AIDS infected patients in Manuel Tames municipality, Guantanamo. Method: A descriptive, cross-sectional, retrospective study was carried out, covering the period 1988-2020. The studied population consisted of 46 patients with a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS. Variables studied were as follow: age, sex, marital status, year of the diagnosis report, clinical classification, source of information, scheme of treatment, concomitant diseases. Results: Patients 25 to 35 years old were found as the most affected (n=18; 31.9%), with a predominance of males (n=28; 60.9%). Most of patients were found single (n=37; 80.4%). The most common source of information was the capitated category (n=11; 23.9%). Most patients were found in category A (n=33; 71.7%), which supports the figure that 32 patients (69.6%) had no disease associated with virus infection. The highest percentage of patients used the Dulutegravir plus Trubada treatment scheme (n=26; 56.5%). Conclusions: As an end point of the outcome it can be said that HIV/AIDS infection is a disease seen in the middle ages of life, with an increasing number of infections as the years go by. When patients maintain a correct treatment schedule, fewer concomitant diseases are observed and they remain in the clinical categories with the fewest complications.

RESUMO Introdução: No município de Manuel Tames, província de Guantánamo, não foram realizados estudos que caracterizassem pacientes com infecção por HIV/AIDS. Objetivo: Caracterizar clínico-epidemiologicamente os pacientes com HIV/AIDS, pertencentes ao município de Manuel Tames, Guantánamo. Método: Foi realizado um estudo descritivo, transversal e retrospectivo abrangendo o período de 1988-2020. A população estudada foi de 46 pacientes com diagnóstico de HIV/AIDS. Foram estudadas as seguintes variáveis: idade, sexo, estado civil, ano do diagnóstico, classificação clínica, fonte de investigação, esquema de tratamento, doenças concomitantes. Resultados: Os pacientes mais acometidos estavam na faixa etária de 25 a 34 anos (n=18; 31,9%), no sexo masculino (n=28; 60,9%). O maior número de pacientes era solteiro (n=37; 80,4%). A fonte de pesquisa mais comum foi a categoria recrutada (n=11; 23,9%). O maior número de pacientes foi encontrado na categoria A (n=33, 71,7%), corroborando a cifra de que 32 pacientes (69,6%) não apresentavam nenhuma doença associada à infecção viral. O maior percentual de pacientes usava o esquema Dulutegravir + Trubada (n=26; 56,5%). Conclusões: Pode-se concluir que a infecção pelo HIV/AIDS é uma doença que se observa na idade média da vida, com aumento do número de infecções com o passar dos anos. Quando os pacientes mantêm um esquema de tratamento, menos doenças concomitantes são observadas e eles permanecem nas categorias clínicas que apresentam menos complicações.

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Emerging viral diseases represent a serious issue to public and global healthcare systems and have a high potential for disease dissemination in sport/physical activity and exercise facilities. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has frightened the sports and physical activity community and enthusiasts for potential transmission, dissemination, and lethality in vulnerable populations; those with chronic diseases, co-morbidities, the elderly people, and in young and healthy people. This pandemic has caused a chain reaction with cancellations of sports competitions and gymnasiums closing around the world. Currently, some sporting events are gradually resuming in certain regions of the world and also the return of competitions and training. In general, without fans and public, the sports media can only report the infection of athletes and coaching staff members. However, this situation is dynamic - the world is currently experiencing the second wave of the disease; with the safety and containment measures for the disease is changing daily. The purpose of this article is to present information concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, to clarify health issues for professionals and people connected to sport and physical activity venues, presenting information to assist in educations and the health promotion and prevention. The time is now for making changes, reviewing the actions and conducts necessary for prevention, and most importantly not letting our guard down, even as vaccines become available for all people in the world. Remembering that even after getting vaccinated, it is necessary to continue with safety measures, for example, the use of facial masks and social distance and hygiene, that is, washing your hands frequently and/or sanitizing with 70% alcohol. We can't let our guard down for COVID-19.

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Equine infectious anemia (EIA) is a highly infectious disease in members of the Equidae family, caused by equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV). The disease severity ranges from subclinical to acute or chronic, and causes significant economic losses in the equine industry worldwide. Serologic tests for detection of EIAV infection have some concerns given the prolonged seroconversion time. Therefore, molecular methods are needed to improve surveillance programs for this disease. We attempted detection of EIAV in 6 clinical and 42 non-clinical horses in Nuevo Leon State, Mexico, using the agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) test for antibody detection, and nested and hemi-nested PCR for detection of proviral DNA. We found that 6 of 6, 5 of 6, and 6 of 6 clinical horses were positive by AGID, nested PCR, and hemi-nested PCR, respectively, whereas 0 of 42, 1 of 42, and 9 of 42 non-clinical horses were positive by these tests, respectively. BLAST analysis of the 203-bp 5'-LTR/tat segment of PCR product revealed 83-93% identity with EIAV isolates in GenBank and reference strains from other countries. By phylogenetic analysis, our Mexican samples were grouped in a different clade than other sequences reported worldwide, indicating that the LRT/tat region represents an important target for the detection of non-clinical horses.

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We obtained the complete sequence of a novel poxvirus, tentatively named Brazilian porcupinepox virus, from a wild porcupine (Coendou prehensilis) in Brazil that had skin and internal lesions characteristic of poxvirus infection. The impact of this lethal poxvirus on the survival of this species and its potential zoonotic importance remain to be investigated.

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