Cause Of Gastroenteritis Research Articles

HBGA binding modes and selectivity in noroviruses upon mutation: a docking and molecular dynamics study.

Norovirus, also called winter vomiting bug, is the most common cause for gastroenteritis and severe childhood diarrhea disease. High mutation rates cause drug resistance and thus complicate the development of an effective therapeutics against virus infection. The virus protein enters the host cell via the interaction with histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs), formed by oligosaccharides. To date, the crystal structures of numerous complexes of virus proteins with different antigens have been reported. The HBGAs bind to the two distinct regions of the virus proteins. Herein, the affinity of different variants of virus protein to some common glycans has been computationally analyzed. Molecular docking studies as combination of docking scores and rmsd values revealed that the binding region 1 is more attractive for the ligands in variants of categories 1-5, but selectivity is drastically shifted to region 2 due to in category 6. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations were unraveled when the region 1 is hindered (in category 6); the blocking loop has less fluctuation than that of unblocked in other categories.

High prevalence of norovirus and rotavirus co-infection in children with acute gastroenteritis hospitalised in Brazzaville, Republic of Congo.

To evaluate the clinical severity of diarrhoea associated to viral co-infection in children with acute gastroenteritis. About 461 children under five years hospitalised with acute diarrhoea (266 males and 187 females) were enrolled in the study. Using stool samples, rotavirus and adenovirus infections were investigated by ELISA, and norovirus infections by nested duplex RT-PCR. We assessed social, demographic, clinical and behavioural conditions that might influence the occurrence of rotavirus, adenovirus and norovirus infections. Mono-viral infection was detected in 49% and mixed viral infection in 12% of patients. The prevalence of mixed infection was neither dependent on age nor sex. Three samples were infected with all three viruses. A significant association was found between fever (axillary temperature>37.5°C) and rotavirus-norovirus dual infection (aOR (CI 95%) = 2.1 (1.14-3.84), P=0.016; aOR (CI 95%) = 0.37 (0.19-0.73), P=0.004). Mixed infection was the most common during the dry season from June to October (71.4% versus 54.7%, P=0.023). Co-infection with both rotavirus and norovirus is common in under-five hospitalised children but does not contribute to the severity of the disease.

Characteristics of Campylobacter Gastroenteritis Outbreaks in Australia, 2001 to 2016.

Campylobacter spp. are a globally important cause of bacterial gastroenteritis, with Australia experiencing higher rates of illness than many comparable high-income countries. Despite the high disease incidence, outbreaks of campylobacteriosis in Australia are infrequently detected and reported. We examined the epidemiology of Campylobacter outbreaks in Australia, with particular emphasis on assessing transmission routes and evidence as reported during public health investigations. A national register of enteric and foodborne disease outbreaks was used to summarize data on all Campylobacter outbreaks reported in Australia between 2001 and 2016. Outbreak data were reviewed and analyzed for trends over time. Additional information was sought from state and territory epidemiologists, to validate transmission routes. A total of 84 Campylobacter outbreaks were reported, with 51 (61%) being classified as foodborne. Specific food vehicles were identified for 33 (65%) outbreaks, with 28 (85%) implicating chicken or chicken-containing dishes. Although no increase in the proportion of foodborne Campylobacter outbreaks was observed, examination of specific food vehicles demonstrated a significant increase in outbreaks because of poultry-liver containing foods (p = 0.04). One quarter of all 1042 outbreak-associated cases occurred in aged-care facilities (ACFs), including 17 associated hospitalizations and three deaths. After review of evidence data, 23 outbreaks (27%) were determined to have an unknown route of transmission, including 10 (43%) outbreaks occurring in ACFs. Campylobacter spp. remain a less commonly reported cause of gastroenteritis outbreaks in Australia. Although many reported outbreaks can be linked to foodborne transmission, over a quarter were unable to identify either a food vehicle or transmission source, particularly for outbreaks occurring in aged care. Increased efforts to improve evidence collection and understanding of transmission dynamics for outbreaks of campylobacteriosis, particularly in aged care, are required.

Norovirus Infection among Children Under 5 Years of Age In Niger-Delta Zone, Nigeria

Background: Norovirus is now recognized as a major cause of gastroenteritis among children worldwide. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Norovirus infection among children that are less than five years of age in Niger-Delta zone, Nigeria. Methods: A total of 263 subjects consisted of 163 children with diarrhea attending Paediat-ric clinics at the Central Hospital, Warri and Federal Medical Center, Yenagoa as well as 100 aged- and sex-matched healthy individuals that served as controls were recruited for this study. Demographic information was obtained through the aid of a well-structured questionnaires. Norovirus was detected by using a rapid lateral flow immunochromatographic assay kit (Biopanda reagents, Belfast, United Kingdom). Results: The overall prevalence of Norovirus infection was 15.3%. The prevalence of Norovirus infection was significantly higher in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (22.9 % vs. 6.7%; OR= 3.6615; 95% CI = 1.378, 9.725; P=0.0092). Children that are less than 5 years of age attending day care centers are greatly affected by Norovirus infection (P=0.0044). Also, poor hand hygiene practice was also a significant risk factor for Norovirus infection among study subjects (P=0.0036). Furthermore, secretors were found to have a 1 to 334 fold increased risk of acquiring Norovirus infection in Delta State than in Bayelsa State (OR=19.28, 95% C.I, 1.1102, 334.68, P=0.0422). Conclusion: The need for routine screening for Norovirus infection among children with diarrhea is advocated. Data from this study as well suggests that genetic and environmental factors play a role in Norovirus infection.

Effect of rotavirus vaccination offer to children observed in Italy between 2010-2018

Abstract Background Rotavirus (RV) is the most common cause of gastroenteritis (GE) among children under 5 years. Since 2012 Friuli Venezia Giulia (FVG) Region (Italy) has offered free RV vaccination to low birthweight preterm and other at-risk babies. Starting from 2018, the offer has been extended to all newborns. Aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of RV vaccination offer on coverage and GE-related hospital admissions among FVG children under 1 year between 2010-2018. Methods With a retrospective analysis we identified FVG Region children <1y with at least one dose of RV vaccine and children <1y admitted to hospital with a diagnosis of Non-Specific GE (NSGE; ICD9-CM codes 001-009) and RVGE (008.61) from 2010 to 2018. Vaccination coverage and hospitalization risk in each annual child cohort were calculated. Hospitalization and vaccination data were also linked using a univocal anonymous stochastic key. Results Of 77,330 children (51% males) born in FVG during 2010-2018, 8209 (11%) were vaccinated for RV. Coverage progressively increased from 0.2% in 2010 (22/9736) to 23% in 2017 (1782/7747) and then almost tripled in 2018 reaching 67% (5006/7425). During the 9 years observed, 414 children were hospitalized for NSGE (0.5%) and 172 for RVGE (0.2%). NSGE hospitalizations started from 48 (0.5%) in 2010 and reached 58 (0.8%) in 2018. Admissions for RVGE were 27 (0.3%) in 2010 and decreased to 15 (0.2%) in 2018. Annual hospitalization rate fluctuated with no clear pattern. In the observation period, 11 RV vaccinated children were admitted to hospital for NSGE (2.6% of total NSGE admissions), 1 of them specifically with RVGE. Conclusions The offer of RV vaccination to newborns results to be effective to gain vaccine coverage among children under 5 years. The impact of this offer on GE-related hospital admission and RVGE in particular cannot be properly evaluated yet, as not enough time has passed since the implementation of free offer to all newborns. Key messages Defining and implementing an appropriate vaccination offer is essential to ensure adequate levels of coverage against Rotavirus among children under 5 years. The evaluation of the effect of Rotavirus vaccination on hospital admissions for NSGE and RVGE needs a careful and continuous assessment in next years.

1777. Metagenomic Approach for the Detection of Viruses in Stool Samples from Infants and Children with Acute Gastroenteritis in Kuwait

BackgroundMetagenomics techniques are target-independent tools that enable the identification of uncommon disease etiologies and genomic characterization of all microorganisms present in a sample in less time and at a lower cost than previous sequencing techniques. In this study, we developed a metagenomic approach using next-generation sequencing technology to identify known and unknown viruses in stool samples from infants and children with acute gastroenteritis in Kuwait.MethodsWe have investigated 84 stool samples from infants and children aged one month to 10 years old with signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis who attended Mubarak Al-Kabeer and Al-Amiri hospitals in Kuwait from January to December 2017 using both multiplex real-time PCR and metagenomics sequencing (Illumina Miseq instrument) methods.ResultsThe metagenomics analysis of viral sequences verified that human adenovirus was the leading cause of gastroenteritis among infants and children in Kuwait, and was detected in 23% of the samples, rotavirus A was detected in 16% of the samples, and the combined infection of human adenovirus and rotavirus was detected in 7% of the samples. Also, newly discovered viruses known to cause gastroenteritis were identified; astrovirus MLB2 and primate bocaparvovirus-1 were detected in 5% of the samples. Also, each of the following new viruses was detected in 2% of the samples; aichivirus A, cardiovirus, parechovirus A, astrovirus VA4, cosavirus F, and bufavirus-3. On the other hand, multiplex real-time PCR showed that the combined infection of human adenovirus and rotavirus was the leading cause of gastroenteritis among infants and children in Kuwait, which was detected in 27% of the samples. However, the rotavirus was the second most common cause of diarrhea, which was detected in 20% of the samples. And the human adenovirus alone was detected in 18% of the samples. Our results showed a 69% agreement between both methods. By applying the Cohen’s Kappa statistics for a measure of agreement, the result gave fair agreement between the two methods (k = 0.388, P = 0.0).ConclusionOur findings revealed the capability of a metagenomic approach to detect many viruses causing gastroenteritis in stool samples from infants and children in Kuwait.Disclosures All authors: No reported disclosures.

Gastroenteritis in Men Who Have Sex With Men in Seattle, Washington, 2017-2018.

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are at risk for sexual transmission of enteric pathogens. The microbiology of gastroenteritis in MSM has not been examined since the advent of antiretroviral therapy and molecular diagnostics. Our objective was to assess the causes of gastroenteritis among MSM living with and without human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection in Seattle, Washington. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 235 MSM who underwent multiplex stool polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing between 1 January 2017 and 1 June 2018. We abstracted clinical and laboratory data from electronic medical records. Parallel or reflexive culture and susceptibility testing were performed when PCR detected cultivable pathogens. Among 235 MSM tested (268 episodes), 131 had 151 episodes with positive test results. 148 (63.0%) individuals were living with HIV. Among positive tests, 88.7% detected a bacterial pathogen, 26% a virus, and 40% a parasite. Diarrheagenic Escherichia coli (enteroaggretative, enteropathogenic), Shigella, and Campylobacter were the most commonly detected bacteria (33.1%, 30.5%, and 17.2% of positive samples, respectively). Forty-three percent of positive specimens had ≥2 pathogens. Etiologies and clinical presentations were similar between men living with and without HIV. Cultured Shigella and Campylobacter isolates were frequently resistant to multiple antibiotics. MSM present with gastroenteritis from varied pathogens, including some not detected by conventional stool culture. High levels of antibiotic resistance are consistent with frequent antibiotic exposure in this population and the transmission of multiresistant strains. New approaches are needed to detect, treat, and prevent enteric infections in MSM.

Molecular epidemiology and clinical characteristics of norovirus gastroenteritis with seizures in children in Taiwan, 2006-2015.

This study examined the characteristics of norovirus (NoV) gastroenteritis associated with convulsions in children and its molecular epidemiology. From July 2006 through December 2015, NoV infection was confirmed by the genome detection using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Viral genotyping with strain validation was achieved using sequence analyses with Basic Local Alignment Search Tool genome identification. The patients’ clinical features were assessed retrospectively, focusing on convulsive disorders. The diagnosis of encephalitis followed the International Encephalitis Consortium. Seizures occurred in 52 (20.9%) of 249 NoV infections. GII.4 Den_Haag_2006b (n = 22, 42.3%) and GII.4 Sydney 2012 (n = 10, 19.2%) were major variants correlated with convulsions. Patient with convulsions tend to have GII.4 genotype infection (P < .001), short vomiting (≤2 days) (P < .001), and no fever (P = .002). Compared to GII.4 Den_Haag_2006b, the GII.4 Sydney 2012-associated convulsions had similar manifestations except without significant winter preponderance (P = .049). The NoV infection with convulsions had less febrile course, specific genotype (GII.4) infections, and with shorter symptom of vomiting. Continuous surveillance is important for uncommon disease associated with emerging NoV strain infections. The prevention of NoV diseases requires the development of vaccines targeting highly virulent variants.

Epigenetic Suppression of Interferon Lambda Receptor Expression Leads to Enhanced Human Norovirus Replication In Vitro.

Human norovirus (HuNoV) is the main cause of gastroenteritis worldwide, yet no therapeutics are currently available. Here, we utilize a human norovirus replicon in human gastric tumor (HGT) cells to identify host factors involved in promoting or inhibiting HuNoV replication. We observed that an interferon (IFN)-cured population of replicon-harboring HGT cells (HGT-Cured) was enhanced in their ability to replicate transfected HuNoV RNA compared to parental HGT cells, suggesting that differential gene expression in HGT-Cured cells created an environment favoring norovirus replication. Microarrays were used to identify genes differentially regulated in HGT-NV and HGT-Cured compared to parental cells. We found that IFN lambda receptor (IFNLR1) expression was highly reduced in HGT-NV and HGT-Cured cells. While all three cell lines responded to exogenous IFN-β by inducing interferon-stimulated genes, HGT-NV and HGT-Cured cells failed to respond to exogenous IFN-λ. Methylation-sensitive PCR showed that an increased methylation of the IFNLR1 promoter and inhibition of DNA methyltransferase activity partially reactivated IFNLR1 expression in HGT-NV and HGT-Cured cells, indicating that host adaptation occurred via epigenetic reprogramming. Moreover, IFNLR1 ectopic expression rescued response to IFN-λ and restricted HuNoV replication in HGT-NV cells. We conclude that type III IFN is important in inhibiting HuNoV replication in vitro and that the loss of IFNLR1 enhances replication of HuNoV. This study unravels for the first time epigenetic reprogramming of the interferon lambda receptor as a new mechanism of cellular adaptation during long-term RNA virus replication and shows that an endogenous level of interferon lambda signaling is able to control human norovirus replication.IMPORTANCE Noroviruses are one of the most widespread causes of gastroenteritis, yet no suitable therapeutics are available for their control. Moreover, to date, knowledge of the precise cellular processes that control the replication of the human norovirus remains ill defined. Recent work has highlighted the importance of type III interferon (IFN) responses in the restriction of viruses that infect the intestine. Here, we analyzed the adaptive changes required to support long-term replication of noroviruses in cell culture and found that the receptor for type III IFN is decreased in its expression. We confirmed that this decreased expression was driven by epigenetic modifications and that cells lacking the type III IFN receptor are more permissive for norovirus replication. This work provides new insights into key host-virus interactions required for the control of noroviruses and opens potential novel avenues for their therapeutic control.

Spatio-temporal analysis of Campylobacter incidence in Israel, 1999–2010

TPS 751: Farms, antibiotics, infections, Exhibition Hall, Ground floor, August 26, 2019, 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM Background/Aim: campylobacter species have emerged as leading bacterial causes of gastroenteritis and foodborne infections in developed countries. The incidence-rate in Israel, one of the highest world-wide, increased from 31:100,000 to 91 during 1999–2010. We aimed to explore the effect of spatio-ecological factors (e.g. socio-economic-status (ses)) and time-spatial factors (e.g. ambient temperature) on the infection incidence in Israel; and to pinpoint areas with increased risks. Methods: data on 35,542 incident cases was provided by the reference laboratories of the Israeli ministry of health for the period 1999-2010. Case characteristics included isolate date, species identification (c. jejuni or c. coli), age and street-address that was geo-coded into spatial areas. The spatio-temporal study unit was region (1,824 units)* season (48 seasons). we calculated the standardized incidence ratio, adjusted for age-group and nationality, for each study unit and applied bayesian hierarchical spatio-temporal models to estimate relative risk (rr) and 95%ci for the ecological determinants (ses, temperature, population-density and altitude) and for mapping disease risk. Results: we found significant effects of ses, altitude, population-density and temperature on campylobacter infection risk. For ses, rr was 1.107 (95%ci=1.062-1.153, standardized values -3 to +3), for altitude rr was 1.14 (95%ci=1.11-1.15 for 100 meters), for population-density rr was 0.881 (95%ci=0.860- 0.904, log), and for temperature rr was 1.025 (95%ci=1.013-1.038, for 10c). Across seasons, the higher risk was found in the spring (RR=1.150, 95%ci=1.061, 1.241, compared to winter). Among the six Israeli districts, the highest risk was found in the southern district showing increased risk in many regions throughout the year. In Haifa district (northern-israel), unlike other districts, there were a few regions with very high risks and the rest without an increased risk. Conclusions: campylobacter infection in Israel is multifactorial and associated with environmental factors. The finding of a spatio-temporal ambient-temperature effect should be considered in climate-change adaptation strategies.

Rotavirus Gastroenteritis among Children Under five years of agein Gaza, Palestine

Rotavirus belongs to the Reoviridae family, a group of segmented double stranded Ribonucleic acid viruses. The virus is a major cause of gastroenteritis and diarrhea in infants and young children worldwide. Rotaviral gastroenteritis may result in mortality for populations at risk such as infants, the elderly and immune compromised patients. Objective: This study aims to evaluate occurrence of rotavirus among under five years children with acute gastroenteritis attending Nasser complex and European Gaza Governmental Hospitals, Palestine during august 2018. Methods: Cross sectional design used in this study, Fecal samples from 100 children with ages ranging from less than 1 month to 5 years, living in the south Gaza, who presented with acute gastroenteritis and diarrhea episodes, were analyzed. sufficient quantity of faces (1-2 grams or milliliters for liquid sample one per each subject) is collected as soon as the children were admitted to the hospital by the help of their parents in clean and dry containers (no preservatives or transport media are used). The samples was been tested immediately using an immune chromatography-based diagnostic kit. The study was conducted during the peak diarrheal season August of the year 2018. Results: Rotavirus was detected in 35% of the fecal specimens examined, and most of positive tested patients (86%) were under 24 months old, the infection rates was increase with the decreasing of the age. Children infected with rotavirus were more likely to be watery stool 65.7%, fever 60%, vomiting 82.8% and dehydration 68.6%.

Lactobacillus plantarum B7 attenuates Salmonella typhimurium infection in mice: preclinical study in vitro and in vivo

Abstract Background Salmonella typhimurium is a cause of gastroenteritis including diarrhea. Lactobacillus plantarum is a probiotic widely used to prevent and treat diarrhea. Objectives To determine the protective effects of L. plantarum B7 on diarrhea in mice induced by S. typhimurium. Methods Inhibition of S. typhimurium growth by L. plantarum B7 was determined using an agar spot method. Mice were divided into 3 groups (n = 8 each): a control group, an S group administered 3 × 109 CFU/mL S. typhimurium, and an S + LP group administered 1 × 109 CFU/mL L. plantarum B7 and 3 × 109 CFU/mL S. typhimurium daily for 3 days. Counts of S. typhimurium and percentage of fecal moisture content (%FMC) were determined from stool samples. Serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and CXCL1 were determined. Results L. plantarum B7 produced a clear zone on S. typhimurium. There were significantly less S. typhimurium in the feces from mice in the S+LP group than in the S group. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, and CXCL1 in mice from the S group were significantly higher than levels in the S+LP and control groups. Feces from mice in the S group were soft and loose, whereas in the S+LP group they were hard and rod shaped. The %FMC in the S+LP group was significantly less than in the S group. Conclusions L. plantarum B7 can inhibit growth of S. typhimurium, decrease levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and attenuate symptoms of diarrhea induced in mice by S. typhimurium.

Genetic diversity of human adenovirus and human astrovirus in children with acute gastroenteritis in Northwest Ethiopia.

Human adenovirus (HAdV) and human astrovirus (HAstV) are common causes of gastroenteritis. Data on the prevalence and diversity of enteric viruses are important for control and preventive measures. However, epidemiological information regarding HAdV and HAstV infections in Ethiopia are limited. Fecal specimens were collected from 450 outpatient diarrheic infants and young children in Gondar and Bahir Dar from November 2015 to April 2016. Socio-demographic information was recorded. All fecal specimens were screened for the presence of HAdV and classical HAstV using PCR. Genotyping was performed by sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Human HAdV and HAstV were detected in 144 (32%) and 16 (3.6%) of the children, respectively. Overall, 182 different adenovirus genotypes were detected, including mixed infections. Species F adenoviruses (HAdV-40, HAdV-41) were less common than other adenoviruses (HAdV-1, -2, -3, -5,-12, -16, -31, species D types) with a frequency of 32 versus 150, respectively. The HAstV genotypes were classified as HAstV-8 (n = 10), HAstV-1 (n = 3), HAstV-2 (n = 3), and HAstV-3 (n = 1). HAstV was detected only in Gondar. Thirty-eight coinfections HAdV and one HAstV coinfections were detected. There was no significant difference in the detection rate of HAdV and HAstV between boys and girls. The detection rates also did not differ between children from rural and urban areas. Children under 6months of age, were less often infected with both viruses. These findings suggest that HAdV and HAstV are common in children with diarrhea in Ethiopia.

Norovirus encounters in the gut: multifaceted interactions and disease outcomes.

Noroviruses are major causes of gastroenteritis, with epidemic outbreaks occurring frequently. They are an important global health concern, especially for pediatric and immunocompromised populations, and are challenging pathogens to target immunologically due to their rapid rates of genetic and antigenic evolution and failure to stimulate durable protective immunity. In this Review, we summarize our current understanding of norovirus pathogenesis, noting the prominent role of murine norovirus as a small animal model for norovirus research. We highlight intriguing data supporting the possible involvement of norovirus in sequelae including irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases, and describe the innate and adaptive immune mechanisms involved in control of both human and murine norovirus infection. Furthermore, we discuss the potential implications of recent discoveries regarding norovirus interactions with the gut microbiota, and briefly detail current understanding of noroviral evolution and its influence on viral pathogenesis. Our mechanistic understanding of norovirus pathogenesis continues to improve with increasing availability of powerful model systems, which will ultimately facilitate development of effective preventive and therapeutic approaches for this pathogen.

Identification of adaptive inhibitors of Cryptosporidium parvum fatty acyl-coenzyme A synthetase isoforms by virtual screening.

Cryptosporidiosis is a significant cause of gastroenteritis in both humans and livestock in developing countries. The only FDA-approved drug available against the same is nitazoxanide, with questionable efficacy in malnourished children and immunocompromised patients. Recent in vitro studies have indicated the viability of Triacsin C as a potential drug candidate, which targets the parasite's long-chain fatty acyl coenzyme A synthetase enzyme (LC-FACS), a critical component of the fatty acid metabolism pathway. We have used this molecule as a baseline to propose more potent versions thereof. We have applied a combined approach of substructure replacement, literature search, and database screening to come up with 514 analogs of Triacsin C. A virtual screening protocol was carried out which lead us to identify a potential hit compound. This was further subjected to a 100-ns molecular dynamics simulation in complex to determine its stability and binding characteristics. After which, the ADME/tox properties were predicted to assess its viability as a drug. The molecule R134 was identified as the best hit due to its highest average binding affinity, stability in complex when subjected to MD simulations, and reasonable predicted ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) properties comparable to those of the Triacsin C parent molecule. We have proposed R134 as a putative drug candidate against the Cryptosporidium parvum LC-FACS enzyme isoforms, following an in silico protocol. We hope the results will be helpful when planning future in vitro experiments for identifying drugs against Cryptosporidium.

Bacteremia by Aeromonas spp. in adult patients who go to a university hospital. Analysis of ten episodes.

Aeromonas is a common cause of gastroenteritis but occasionally it can cause extraintestinal infections. The incidence of bacteremia by this genus is very low and in general the patients have associated base diseases. Retrospective analysis of episodes of bacteremia by Aeromonas spp. during a period of eight years in the National Hospital of Clinics of the city of Córdoba, emphasizing age, sex, associated comorbidities, clinical presentation, focus, origin of the infection, clinical evolution, species prevalence and antimicrobial sensitivity of the same . 10 episodes of bacteremia were recorded by Aeromonas spp. 60% corresponded to women and 40% to men. The average age was 65 years. In seven patients the origin of the infection was community and in three nosocomial. 70% of the patients presented predisposing base pathologies. The focus of bacteremia was abdominal in two cases. A. hydrophila complex was responsible for 50% of the cases. 80% of bacteremia were monomicrobial. The isolates generally showed high percentages of sensitivity. Bacteremia occurred in elderly patients of both sexes, most of whom had associated comorbidities. The majority of the infections originated in the community. While bacteremia by Aeromonas spp. it is rare, the mortality found in our study was relatively high despite the high percentage of sensitivity to antimicrobials.

Cryptosporidium parvum in Children with Diarrhea in Zahedan, Iran

Background: Cryptosporidium is one of the most important causes of gastroenteritis in humans. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the distribution of Cryptosporidium species in children with acute diarrheal disease in Zahedan, Iran. Methods: Stool specimens collected from 764 children aged < 10 years with diarrheal disease admitted to Aliasghar Pediatric Hospital and the Reference Laboratory in Zahedan were assessed for the presence of Cryptosporidium oocysts using the conventional microscopic examination and acid-fast staining. To characterize the oocysts at the molecular level, the 18S rRNA was nested-PCR amplified and sequenced. PCR products were also digested using Vsp1 restriction enzyme for genotype differentiation. Results: Of the 764 stool specimens, 7 (0.91%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts using the microscopic examination. Restriction endonuclease digestion pattern successfully revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium parvum in two microscopic positive samples that were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Conclusions: Cryptosporidium parvum is responsible for cryptosporidiosis in children under 10 years of age in the study region. Although C. parvum may be an important pathogen associated with diarrhea, it is the cause of only a small proportion of diarrheal episodes.

Molecular Epizootiology of Toxoplasma gondii and Cryptosporidium parvum in the Eastern Oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from Maine (USA).

Shellfish are known as a potential source of Toxoplasma gondii (responsible for toxoplasmosis), and Cryptosporidium parvum, which is one of the major causes of gastroenteritis in the world. Here we performed a comprehensive qPCR-based monthly survey for T. gondii and C. parvum during 2016 and 2017 in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) (n = 1440) from all six sites along the coast of Maine (USA). Pooled samples (mantle, gills, and rectum) from individual oysters were used for DNA extraction and qPCR. Our study resulted in detections of qPCR positives oysters for T. gondii and C. parvum at each of the six sites sampled (in 31% and 10% of total oysters, respectively). The prevalence of T. gondii was low in 2016, and in September 2017 several sites peaked in prevalence with 100% of the samples testing positive. The prevalence of C. parvum was very low except in one estuarine location (Jack’s Point) in June 2016 (58%), and in October of 2016, when both prevalence and density of C. parvum at most of the sampling sites were among the highest values detected. Statistical analysis of environmental data did not identify clear drivers of retention, but there were some notable statistically significant patterns including current direction and nitrate along with the T. gondii prevalence. The major C. parvum retention event (in October 2016) corresponded with the month of highest dissolved oxygen measurements as well as a shift in the current direction revealed by nearby instrumentation. This study may guide future research to locate any contributing parasite reservoirs and evaluate the potential risk to human consumption.

Norovirus in São Paulo city, Brazil, 2010-2016: a cross-sectional study of the leading cause of gastroenteritis in children.

to describe cases of acute diarrheal disease caused by norovirus in children under 5 years old in São Paulo city, Brazil. this was a cross-sectional study using data from Epidemiological Surveillance of Gastroenteritis due to Rotavirus; cases were defined as patients hospitalized in a sentinel unit because of acute diarrheal disease and laboratory identification of norovirus as the etiological agent between 2010 and 2016. during the study period, the proportion of norovirus cases in children under 5 years old exceeded the proportion of Rotavirus, an agent considered predominant in childhood; norovirus was associated with 28.4% of total reported cases, occurring all year round, especially in warmer months. norovirus was the leading etiological agent identified in children under 5 years old with acute diarrheal disease in São Paulo city.

Std fimbriae-fucose interaction increases Salmonella-induced intestinal inflammation and prolongs colonization.

Expression of ABO and Lewis histo-blood group antigens by the gastrointestinal epithelium is governed by an α-1,2-fucosyltransferase enzyme encoded by the Fut2 gene. Alterations in mucin glycosylation have been associated with susceptibility to various bacterial and viral infections. Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium is a food-borne pathogen and a major cause of gastroenteritis. In order to determine the role of Fut2-dependent glycans in Salmonella-triggered intestinal inflammation, Fut2+/+ and Fut2-/- mice were orally infected with S. Typhimurium and bacterial colonization and intestinal inflammation were analyzed. Bacterial load in the intestine of Fut2-/- mice was significantly lower compared to Fut2+/+ mice. Analysis of histopathological changes revealed significantly lower levels of intestinal inflammation in Fut2-/- mice compared to Fut2+/+ mice and measurement of lipocalin-2 level in feces corroborated histopathological findings. Salmonella express fimbriae that assist in adherence of bacteria to host cells thereby facilitating their invasion. The std fimbrial operon of S. Typhimurium encodes the π-class Std fimbriae which bind terminal α(1,2)-fucose residues. An isogenic mutant of S. Typhimurium lacking Std fimbriae colonized Fut2+/+ and Fut2-/- mice to similar levels and resulted in similar intestinal inflammation. In vitro adhesion assays revealed that bacteria possessing Std fimbriae adhered significantly more to fucosylated cell lines or primary epithelial cells in comparison to cells lacking α(1,2)-fucose. Overall, these results indicate that Salmonella-triggered intestinal inflammation and colonization are dependent on Std-fucose interaction.