Presence Of Co-infection Research Articles

Association of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome Temporally Associated with COVID-19 (MIS-C) with Coinfections: A Retrospective Cross Sectional Analytical Study from Northern India

Introduction: Multisystem Inflammatory Response Syndrome in Children (MIS-C) temporally associated with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is characterized by fever, raised inflammatory markers, multisystem involvement with evidence of COVID-19 infection (positive RT-PCR or serology). It occurs concurrently or after 4-6 weeks of acute COVID infection.It has wide range of clinical presentation ranging from mild asymptomatic infection to severe life-threatening illness. Clinical presentation of MIS-C has considerable overlapping features with other tropical infections. During peak wave of COVID-19, when large proportion of population has been affected by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), contracting other infections during and within four weeks of active COVID-19 is inevitable. Despite of this concern, only few researchers have studied co-infection and they explained a complex interaction between COVID-19 and other infections like tuberculosis and dengue. They demonstrated how one infection augments the severity of other. To the best of our knowledge no pediatric population-based study explained the interaction of acute COVID-19 & MIS-C with other infections so far. Aim: To determine the association of MIS-C with co-infections in SARS-CoV-2 positive children of 1 month to less than 18 years of age. Materials and Methods: A retrospective review of the medical records of pediatric patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection, treated from September 2020 to February 2021, was performed.All the patients who fulfilled World Health Organization (WHO) criteria of MIS-C were included. Detailed demographic, clinical, laboratory parameters and associated co-infections were recorded.The severe and non severe MIS-C groups were compared. Sample ‘t’ test, Wilcoxon test and Chi-squared test were used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 44 children fulfilled the diagnostic criteria of MIS-C and were included in the study. Out of 44 , 20 children (45.4%) had severe disease and 24 had non severe disease. The mean age of children with severe MIS-C was 7.38±5.39 years, as compared to 4.37±4.61 years in the non severe group (p-value= 0.044). Males were predominantly affected in both the groups (Male: Female =1.22:1 in severe MIS-C and 2.4:1 in non severe MIS-C). The gastrointestinal system was most commonly affected in both groups. Associated co-infection was noted more in severe MIS-C group (11 vs 1 patient in severe vs non severe group, p-value=<0.001). Tuberculosis was found to be associated in three patients, followed by complicated enteric fever, and severe dengue in two patients each. The odds ratio for developing severe MIS-C in the presence of co-infections was 10.5(CI=2.33- 47.27) while in its absence it was 0.10(0.02-0.43). Conclusion: The findings of this study support that concurrent infections in COVID-19 can exacerbate the severity of COVID19 illness and may lead to severe MIS-C.

Respiratory Tract Pathogens in the COVID-19 Era: Data from a Pediatric Emergency Department

Abstract Objective The frequency of coinfections in pediatric Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases and their impact on the clinical course are not fully understood. We aimed to investigate the viral and bacterial respiratory pathogens in children admitted to the pediatric emergency department (PED), their clinical course, and the presence of coinfections during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Clinical, laboratory and radiological findings, viral and bacterial pathogens detected by multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests in nasopharyngeal swabs, clinical course, and treatments of all children who were tested for severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) at the PED between March 16 and May 15, 2020, were recorded. SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive and negative groups were compared. Results Out of 570 patients tested for SARS-CoV-2 during the study period, 43 were found positive (7.5%). Non-SARS-CoV-2 viral pathogens were more common in the SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative group than the SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive group (13.2%, n = 68 versus 4.7%, n = 2), but this result was not statistically significant. Leukocyte, neutrophil, lymphocyte, and platelet counts were lower in SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive group. Bacterial panel positivity was significantly higher in the SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive group compared with the SARS-CoV-2 PCR-negative group (52%, n = 12 versus 28%, n = 91; p < 0.05). The presence of coinfection did not alter the course of therapy in SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive cases. Conclusion While viral coinfections were rare, bacterial panel positivity was common in children with COVID-19, but this had not influenced management decisions. The limitations of the tests should be kept in mind while interpreting the results.

Detection of dengue virus serotypes by single-tube multiplex RT-PCR and multiplex real-time PCR assay

BackgroundAll four dengue serotypes cause infection, with one of them predominantly reported from a particular geographical region. Coinfection by more than one serotype is reported from hyperendemic regions. These coinfections are clinically more severe than infection with a single serotype. This study was carried out to detect the predominant dengue serotype and presence of coinfections. MethodsAcute-phase serum samples of patients suffering from dengue infection were collected. They were screened for the presence of IgM, IgG and NS1Ag by a rapid test. Conventional multiplex reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and multiplex real-time RT-PCR assays were carried out for detection and serotyping of the dengue virus. ResultsA total of 196 samples were positive by the rapid card test. Of these, 139 were NS1Ag positive, 40 were positive only for IgM, 5 were positive only for IgG and 12 samples were positive for different combinations of antigen and antibodies. All four serotypes were detected in these samples by PCR. DENV-3 was found to be most common circulating serotype. A total of 22 cases were found to have coinfection with more than one dengue serotypes. Samples having only antibodies and no antigen on rapid card test were also positive for virus by PCR. ConclusionPrevalence of dengue co-infections is increasing. Moreover, it is important to screen for dengue virus in those samples also which do not show NS1Ag on rapid tests and have either one or both the antibodies. Real-time multiplex RT-PCR is found to be more sensitive in detecting coinfection than conventional multiplex RT-PCR.

Canine circovirus and Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2 in dogs with parvoviral enteritis.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) is one of the most relevant pathogens associated with enteritis in dogs and is frequently reported in association with the detection of other pathogens in faeces. In this study the concomitant presence of Canine circovirus (CanineCV) and Canine adenovirus (CAdV) DNA in faecal or intestine samples of 95 dogs with parvovirus enteritis sampled in Italy (1995–2017) was investigated and the viruses identified were genetically characterised. Potential correlations with the antigenic variant of CPV-2 and with signalment data and outcome were evaluated. Twenty-eight of 95 (29.5%) CPV-2 infected dogs tested positive to other viruses: 7/28 were also positive to CanineCV, 1/28 to CAdV-1, 18/28 to CAdV-2, 1/28 to CanineCV and CAdV-2, and 1/28 to CAdV-1 and CAdV-2. The frequency of CAdV DNA detection and coinfections was significantly higher in purebred dogs compared to mixed breed ones (P = 0.002 and 0.009, respectively). The presence of coinfection was not associated with any other relevant data available, including CPV-2 variant and final outcome. The detection of CanineCV in a dog sampled in 2009 allowed to backdating its circulation in dogs. The eight CanineCV completely sequenced were phylogenetically related to the CanineCV identified in dogs, wolves and a badger from Europe, USA, Argentina and China. Nine CAdV were partially sequenced and phylogenetic analysis showed a separate branch for the oldest CAdV-2 identified (1995). From the results obtained in this study population, CanineCV and CAdV coinfections in dogs with parvoviral enteritis did not result in more severe disease.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11259-021-09850-y.

Pneumonia Patients Caused by Co-infection With SARS-CoV-2 and Human Adenovirus in China.

Objectives: To data, no patients with obvious epidemiological relationship co-infected with SARS-CoV-2 and other pathogens have been reported. Here, we investigated 10 patients caused by co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and human adenovirus (HAdV), resulting in third-generation transmission.Materials and Methods: From Jan 15, 2020, we enrolled 10 patients with pneumonia in Hunan Province, China. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory investigation results from these patients were analyzed. An epidemiological investigation was performed to assess whether patient infections were linked using conventional methods and metagenomic sequencing.Results: The presence of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and HAdV was determined via RT-PCR and metagenomic sequencing. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that SARS-CoV-2 and HAdV genomes clustered together, with similar genetic relationships. The first patient likely became co-infected during meetings or travel in Wuhan. The patient transmitted the virus via dinners and meetings, which resulted in four second-generation cases. Then, a second-generation case transmitted the virus to her family members or relatives via presymptomatic transmission.Conclusions: This study described an example of co-infection with SARS-CoV-2 and HAdV in pneumonia patients, which caused third-generation cases and inter-regional transmission via meetings, household interactions, and dinner parties. We also observed the persistent and presymptomatic transmission of co-infection, which has the potential to make the continued control of the COVID-19 pandemic challenging. Continuous surveillance is needed to monitor the prevalence, infectivity, transmissibility, and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 co-infection with other pathogens to evaluate its real risk.

Influenza in patients with respiratory failure admitted to intensive care units in Poland and the use of extracorporeal respiratory support: a survey-based multicenter study

BackgroundIn Poland, little is known about the most serious cases of influenza that need admittance to the intensive care unit (ICU), as well as the use of extracorporeal respiratory support.MethodsThis was an electronic survey comprising ICUs in two administrative regions of Poland. The aim of the study was to determine the number of influenza patients with respiratory failure admitted to the ICU in the autumn–winter season of 2018/2019. Furthermore, respiratory support, outcome and other pathogens detected in the airways were investigated.ResultsInfluenza infection was confirmed in 76 patients. The A(H1N1)pdm09 strain was the most common. 34 patients died (44.7%). The median age was 62 years, the median sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score was 11 and was higher in patients who died (12 vs. 10, p = 0.017). Mechanical ventilation was used in 75 patients and high flow nasal oxygen therapy in 1 patient. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was used in 7 patients (6 survived), and extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO2R) in 2 (1 survived). The prone position was used in 16 patients. In addition, other pathogens were detected in the airways on admittance to the ICU.ConclusionA substantial number of influenza infections occurred in the autumn–winter season of 2018/2019 that required costly treatment in the intensive care units. Upon admission to the ICU, influenza patients had a high degree of organ failure as assessed by the SOFA score, and the mortality rate was 44.7%. Advanced extracorporeal respiratory techniques offer real survival opportunities to patients with severe influenza-related ARDS. The presence of coinfection should be considered in patients with influenza and respiratory failure.

Retrospective cohort analysis of survival of children living with HIV/AIDS in Mumbai, India

ObjectivesTo understand the survival in a cohort of children living with HIV/AIDS (CLHAs) and to study the factors associated with survival in CLHAs in government antiretroviral therapy (ART) centres in...

Contamination of Hospital Surfaces with Bacterial Pathogens under the Current COVID-19 Outbreak.

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic remains a global health issue for several reasons, such as the low vaccination rates and a lack of developed herd immunity to the evolution of SARS-CoV-2, as well as its potential inclination to elude neutralizing antibodies. It should be noted that the severity of the COVID-19 disease is significantly affected by the presence of co-infections. Comorbid conditions are caused not only by pathogenic and opportunistic microorganisms but also by some representatives of the environmental microbiome. The presence of patients with moderate and severe forms of the disease in hospitals indicates the need for epidemiological monitoring of (1) bacterial pathogens circulating in hospitals, especially the ESKAPE group pathogens, and (2) the microbiome of various surfaces in hospitals. In our study, we used combined methods based on PCR and NGS sequencing, which are widely used for epidemiological monitoring. Through this approach, we identified the DNA of pathogenic bacteria (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, CoNS, and Achromobacter spp.) on various surfaces. We also estimated the microbiome diversity of surfaces and identified the potential reservoirs of infections using 16S rRNA profiling. Although we did not assess the viability of identified microorganisms, our results indicate the possible risks of insufficient regular disinfection of surfaces, regardless of department, at the Infectious Diseases Hospital. Controlling the transmission of nosocomial diseases is critical to the successful treatment of COVID-19 patients, the rational use of antimicrobial drugs, and timely decontamination measures.

Antibiotics Prescribing in Intensive Care Settings during the COVID-19 Era: A Systematic Review.

The prevalence of patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were prescribed antibiotics is undetermined and might contribute to the increased global antibiotic resistance. This systematic review evaluates the prevalence of antibiotic prescribing in patients admitted to ICUs with SARS-CoV-2 infection using PRISMA guidelines. We searched and scrutinized results from PubMed and ScienceDirect databases for published literature restricted to the English language up to 11 May 2021. In addition, we included observational studies of humans with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection, clinical characteristics, and antibiotics prescribed for ICU patients with SARS-CoV-2 infections. A total of 361 studies were identified, but only 38 were included in the final analysis. Antibiotic prescribing data were available from 2715 patients, of which prevalence of 71% was reported in old age patients with a mean age of 62.7 years. From the reported studies, third generation cephalosporin had the highest frequency amongst reviewed studies (36.8%) followed by azithromycin (34.2%). The estimated bacterial infection in 12 reported studies was 30.8% produced by 15 different bacterial species, and S. aureus recorded the highest bacterial infection (75%). The fundamental outcomes were the prevalence of ICU COVID-19 patients prescribed antibiotics stratified by age, type of antibiotics prescribed, and the presence of co-infections and comorbidities. In conclusion, more than half of ICU patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection received antibiotics, and prescribing is significantly higher than the estimated frequency of identified bacterial co-infection.

Detection of different types of papillomavirus and co-infection in cattle in the State of Goiás - Brazil

Bovine papilomavírus (BPVs) is the etiological agent of bovine papillomatosis, a disease that triggers warts throughout the skin, udder, roofs, genitalia and in more severe cases can develop extensive papillomas, cause neoplasia in the digestive tract and bladder, cause losses in productivity and losses to livestock. In Brazil, the occurrence of BPV infection is relatively common, but the identification of viral types is still sporadic. The present study is a research report that aimed to describe the occurrence of BPV infections in dairy cattle affected by papillomatosis, based on the nucleotide sequences of the ORF L1, the most conserved sequence. Twenty-five samples of cutaneous wart from nine cattle clinically diagnosed as cutaneous papillomatosis were analyzed in the state of Goiás, central-western Brazil. Amplification was obtained in 11 samples (papilloma) from different cattle. PCR reactions followed by sequencing revealed the presence of BPV-1 in 60%, BPV-5 in 40%, and BPV-14 in 20% of the samples analyzed. The presence of coinfection was verified in 60% of the amplified samples. These data suggest that several types of BPV can infect a lesion simultaneously and demonstrate the possibility that BPV infection in epithelial tissue can occur without restriction to one or two viral types, demonstrating the region's genetic diversity. As far as we know, this is the first registry of typification of BPVs of the central-western region of Brazil. This analysis provides important information for bovine papillomavirus (BPV) research in Brazil.

Soil-transmitted helminth infections in free-ranging non-human primates from Cameroon and Gabon

BackgroundZoonotic diseases are a serious threat to both public health and animal conservation. Most non-human primates (NHP) are facing the threat of forest loss and fragmentation and are increasingly living in closer spatial proximity to humans. Humans are infected with soil-transmitted helminths (STH) at a high prevalence, and bidirectional infection with NHP has been observed. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence, genetic diversity, distribution and presence of co-infections of STH in free-ranging gorillas, chimpanzees and other NHP species, and to determine the potential role of these NHP as reservoir hosts contributing to the environmental sustenance of zoonotic nematode infections in forested areas of Cameroon and Gabon.MethodsA total of 315 faecal samples from six species of NHPs were analysed. We performed PCR amplification, sequencing and maximum likelihood analysis of DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) nuclear ribosomal DNA to detect the presence and determine the genetic diversity of Oesophagostomum spp., Necator spp. and Trichuris spp., and of targeted DNA fragments of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) to detect the presence of Ascaris spp.ResultsNecator spp. infections were most common in gorillas (35 of 65 individuals), but also present in chimpanzees (100 of 222 individuals) and in one of four samples from greater spot-nosed monkeys. These clustered with previously described type II and III Necator spp. Gorillas were also the most infected NHP with Oesophagostomum (51/65 individuals), followed by chimpanzees (157/222 individuals), mandrills (8/12 samples) and mangabeys (7/12 samples), with O. stephanostomum being the most prevalent species. Oesophagostomum bifurcum was detected in chimpanzees and a red-capped mangabey, and a non-classified Oesophagostomum species was detected in a mandrill and a red-capped mangabey. In addition, Ternidens deminutus was detected in samples from one chimpanzee and three greater spot-nosed monkeys. A significant relative overabundance of co-infections with Necator and Oesophagostomum was observed in chimpanzees and gorillas. Trichuris sp. was detected at low prevalence in a gorilla, a chimpanzee and a greater spot-nosed monkey. No Ascaris was observed in any of the samples analysed.ConclusionsOur results on STH prevalence and genetic diversity in NHP from Cameroon and Gabon corroborate those obtained from other wild NHP populations in other African countries. Future research should focus on better identifying, at a molecular level, the species of Necator and Oesophagostomum infecting NHP and determining how human populations may be affected by increased proximity resulting from encroachment into sylvatic STH reservoir habitats.Graphical

Frecuencia de coinfección por patógenos respiratorios y su impacto en el pronóstico de pacientes con COVID-19.

Introduction: Co-infection between other microorganisms and SARS-CoV-2, such as viruses, bacteria and fungi, is an important factor in the management of COVID-19, which could increase the difficulties in diagnosis, management, prognosis, and even increase the mortality. Objectives: The objective of this review is to describe the published scientific evidence regarding coinfection in patients with COVID-19. Methods: A bibliographic search of studies published in Spanish or English was carried out using the PubMed, The Cochrane Library and Google Scholar search engines. Studies published between January 2020 and January 24, 2021 were assessed. Results: 25 articles from various continents (America, Asia and Europe) were included. All the studies had patients with a confirmed diagnosis of COVID-19 added to some other test that identified some co-infection. We identified 18 studies that showed bacterial coinfection, 17 studies of viral coinfection and 5 studies of fungal coinfection. The prevalence of coinfection showed extremely dissimilar figures according to the population studied and diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: The presence of coinfection seems to be linked to a higher frequency of unfavorable outcomes. However, it is important to develop Latin American studies, given the heterogeneity in the studies seen in different countries. Standardized definitions should be developed in order to be able to assess the impact of co-infections in patients with a diagnosis of COVID-19

Angiostrongylus cantonensis in urban populations of terrestrial gastropods and rats in an impoverished region of Brazil.

The nematode Angiostrongylus cantonensis is the most common cause of neuroangiostrongyliasis (manifested as eosinophilic meningitis) in humans. Gastropod molluscs are used as intermediate hosts and rats of various species are definitive hosts of this parasite. In this study, we identified several environmental factors associated with the presence and abundance of terrestrial gastropods in an impoverished urban region in Brazil. We also found that body condition, age and presence of co-infection with other parasite species in urban Rattus norvegicus, as well as environmental factors were associated with the probability and intensity of A. cantonensis infection. The study area was also found to have a moderate prevalence of the nematode in rodents (33% of 168 individuals). Eight species of molluscs (577 individuals) were identified, four of which were positive for A. cantonensis. Our study indicates that the environmental conditions of poor urban areas (presence of running and standing water, sewage, humidity and accumulated rain and accumulation of construction materials) influenced both the distribution and abundance of terrestrial gastropods, as well as infected rats, contributing to the maintenance of the A. cantonensis transmission cycle in the area. Besides neuroangiostrongyliasis, the presence of these hosts may also contribute to susceptibility to other zoonoses.

Coronavirus disease 2019 and dengue: two case reports

BackgroundThe pandemic of this century has overwhelmed the healthcare systems of affected countries, and all resources have been diverted to coronavirus disease 2019. At the onset, coronavirus disease 2019 can present as any other acute febrile undifferentiated illness. In tropical regions, clinicians are increasingly challenged to differentiate these febrile illnesses without the use of diagnostics. With this pandemic, many of these tropical diseases are neglected and go underreported. Dengue is holoendemic in the Maldives, and dengue viruses circulate throughout the year. Reports about coinfections with dengue virus and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 are scarce, and the outcome and the dynamics of the disease may be altered in the presence of coinfection. We have described the clinical manifestation and serial laboratory profile, and highlighted the atypical findings uncommon in dengue infection.Case presentationCase 1 was a 39-year old Asian male, presented on day 6 of dengue infection with warning signs. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 that was done as per hospital protocol was found to be positive. Case 2 was a 38-year old Asian male, was admitted on day 5 of illness with symptoms of acute respiratory infection with positive reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. Evaluation of progressive leukopenia and thrombocytopenia showed positive dengue serology.ConclusionClinicians must be conscientious when working on the differential diagnosis of possible tropical diseases in cases of coronavirus disease 2019, specifically, when patients develop hemoconcentration, thrombocytopenia, and transaminitis with elevated expression of aspartate higher than alanine transaminase, which is frequently observed in dengue infection. Caution must be taken during the administration of intravenous fluids when treating patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and dengue coinfection, as coronavirus disease 2019 patients are more prone to develop pulmonary edema. Timely diagnosis and appropriate management are essential to avoid the devastating complications of severe forms of dengue infection. It is important to repeat and reconfirm the dengue serology in coronavirus disease 2019 patients to avoid false positivity. Diligence and care must be taken not to neglect other endemic tropical diseases in the region during the present pandemic.

Vitreous and Chorioretinal Lesions in People Who Inject Drugs and Are Hospitalized with Bloodstream and Related Infections

To determine the prevalence of and to characterize vitreous and chorioretinal lesions, to identify causative organisms, and to correlate symptoms with ophthalmic involvement in people who inject drugs and are hospitalized with bloodstream infection (BSI), related metastatic foci of infection (MFI), or both. An academic hospital-based cross-sectional study. Patients admitted with BSI or MFI related to injection drug use (IDU). Patients underwent a complete eye examination within 72 hours of enrollment. Characteristics including gender; age; race; injection drug of choice (DOC); presence of coinfection with hepatitis B, hepatitis C, or human immunodeficiency virus; pathogen causing systemic infection and type of infection; and history of prior infection related to IDU were recorded. Presence of vitreous or chorioretinal findings, or both. Ninety-one unique patients with 96 separate hospitalizations for systemic infection were enrolled from March 28, 2018, through March 30, 2020. Vitreous or chorioretinal involvement was identified in 16 of 96 patients (16.7%). The most common ocular findings were intraretinal or white-centered hemorrhage in 9 of 96 patients, chorioretinal infiltrate in 8 of 96 patients, endophthalmitis in 5 of 96 patients, and cotton wool spots in 3 of 96 patients. Of the patients with ocular involvement, only 7 of 16 patients (44%) were symptomatic, and 5 of these were patients with endophthalmitis; the others showed chorioretinal infiltrates or intraretinal or white-centered hemorrhage and cotton wool spots. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common causative pathogen in patients with and without ocular findings. Presence of ocular symptoms, worse visual acuity, and injection DOC of methamphetamine were correlated with the presence of ocular findings. Patients without ocular symptoms with systemic infections related to IDU may have chorioretinal findings. Further study is needed to characterize better the epidemiologic features of these infections and to identify risk factors for ocular involvement in people who inject drugs.

Identification of pathogens from the upper respiratory tract of adult emergency department patients at high risk for influenza complications in a pre-Sars-CoV-2 environment

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent COVID-19 pandemic highlights the morbidity and potential disease severity caused by respiratory viruses. To elucidate pathogen prevalence, etiology of coinfections and URIs from symptomatic adult Emergency department patients in a pre-SARS-CoV-2 environment, we evaluated specimens from four geographically diverse Emergency departments in the United States from 2013-2014 utilizing ePlex RP RUO cartridges (Genmark Diagnostics). The overall positivity was 30.1% (241/799), with 6.6% (16/241) coinfections. Noninfluenza pathogens from most to least common were rhinovirus/enterovirus, coronavirus, human metapneumovirus and RSV, respectively. Broad differences in disease prevalence and pathogen distributions were observed across geographic regions; the site with the highest detection rate (for both mono and coinfections) demonstrated the greatest pathogen diversity. A variety of respiratory pathogens and geographic variations in disease prevalence and copathogen type were observed. Further research is required to evaluate the clinical relevance of these findings, especially considering the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and related questions regarding SARS-CoV-2 disease severity and the presence of co-infections.

Herpesvirus surveillance and discovery in zoo-housed ruminants.

Gammaherpesvirus infections are ubiquitous in captive and free-ranging ruminants and are associated with a variety of clinical diseases ranging from subclinical or mild inflammatory syndromes to fatal diseases such as malignant catarrhal fever. Gammaherpesvirus infections have been fully characterized in only a few ruminant species, and the overall diversity, host range, and biologic effects of most are not known. This study investigated the presence and host distribution of gammaherpesviruses in ruminant species at two facilities, the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We tested antemortem (blood, nasal or oropharyngeal swabs) or postmortem (internal organs) samples from 715 healthy or diseased ruminants representing 96 species and subspecies, using a consensus-based herpesvirus PCR for a segment of the DNA polymerase (DPOL) gene. Among the 715 animals tested, 161 (22.5%) were PCR and sequencing positive for herpesvirus, while only 11 (6.83%) of the PCR positive animals showed clinical signs of malignant catarrhal fever. Forty-four DPOL genotypes were identified of which only 10 have been reported in GenBank. The data describe viral diversity within species and individuals, identify host ranges of potential new viruses, and address the proclivity and consequences of interspecies transmission during management practices in zoological parks. The discovery of new viruses with wide host ranges and presence of co-infection within individual animals also suggest that the evolutionary processes influencing Gammaherpesvirus diversity are more complex than previously recognized.

Activity of Lipoperoxidation – Antioxidant Protection Reactions in Patients with HIV Infection (Review)

Changes in the activity of the lipid peroxidation – the antioxidant defense system is an important metabolic characteristic in various diseases, including infection with the human immunodeficiency virus. The high medical, social and economic significance of HIV infection is determined by the widespread and severe course of the disease. Up to 2.7 million new infections are registered in the world every year. The increase in the prevalence of HIV infection in the Russian Federation is largely due to the prevalence of sexual transmission (50.3 %). In recent years, the proportion of women of reproductive age who are infected with HIV has significantly increased, which entails the problem of an increase in the number of cases of HIV transmission from mother to child during pregnancy and childbirth. According to a number of authors, it was found that in patients with HIV infection there is an intensification of the processes of lipid peroxidation, against the background of depletion of the activity of the antioxidant defense system. The presence of co-infections in the human immunodeficiency virus, concomitant diseases and other negative factors can aggravate the course of this kind of reactions. The article presents a review and analysis of recent literature data on studies of the features of changes in free radical oxidation indicators in HIV infection. The study of LPO–AOD processes in HIV infection is necessary and can act as a new approach in the prevention of complications and treatment of this disease. When writing the review, the database of the scientific electronic library (eLibrary.Ru) was used, the keywords were HIV, lipid peroxidation, lipid peroxidation, free radical oxidation, antioxidant protection; filters: publication years 2010–2020, publications with full text, publications available for viewing; An English-language database of medical and biological publications created by the NCBI, keywords: HIV, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant protection, antioxidants, oxidative stress, human immunodeficiency virus.

Novo badnavírus em infecção mista com begomovírus em Centrosema brasilianum

ABSTRACT: Plant viruses have a wide range of weed/wild hosts, which can act as virus reservoirs. Centosema brasilianum is a wild leguminous species frequently found in association with cultivated fields in the Northeast region of the country. In March 2017, a plant of C. brasilianum was found showing symptoms of mosaic and leaf rolling, in the municipality of Maceio, state of Alagoas. In this context, the present study aimed to detect and molecular characterize viruses with DNA genomes infecting C. brasilianum. Total DNA was extracted from the leaf sample and used as a template via PCR amplification reactions assays using universal primers, aiming respectively at the detection of badnavirus and begomovirus. Partial sequences were obtained for the badnavirus RT/RNaseH and begomovirus DNA-A regions. Comparisons of paired sequences and phylogenetic analyzes indicated the presence of coinfection in C. brasilianum by badnavirus and begomovirus. The isolate BR:Mac:17 should be considered a putative new species of badnavirus, for which the name ‘Centrosema bacilliform virus’ (CenBV) is proposed. This species was phylogenetically more related to Dioscorea bacilliform AL virus (DBALV, KX008573), from the Dioscorea rotundata. Meanwhile, the isolate BR:Mac2:17 is a Begomovirus, probably of the species Bean golden mosaic virus (BGMV). The results demonstrate that C. brasilianum can act as a reservoir of badnavirus and begomovirus in the absence of culture in the field. KEYWORDS: Molecular characterization, Caulimoviridae, Geminiviridae, non-cultivated plants.

Human papillomavirus and Its Association with Other Sexually Transmitted Coinfection among Sexually Active Women from the Northeast of Brazil.

Objective To verify the association between HPV infection and the presence of coinfections (Chlamydia trachomatis, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Neisseria gonorrhoeae) in women in the state of Maranhão. Methods HPV-DNA detection was performed by the nested PCR, using the primers PGMY09/11 and GP + 5/GP + 6. For the identification of sexually transmitted agents, conventional PCR was performed using the following primers: KL1/KL2 (Chlamydia trachomatis), TVA5/TVA6 (Trichomonas vaginalis), and HO1/HO3 (Neisseria gonorrhoeae). DNA-HPV positive samples were subjected to automated sequencing for genotyping. Results Among the 353 women evaluated, 204 (57.8%) had HPV-DNA, of which 140 (68.6%) exhibited HPV/STIs, while 64 (31.4%) had the only HPV. T. vaginalis infection showed a positive association with HPV (p=0.003). Women without cervical lesions were predominant (327/92.6%); however, the largest number of lesions was reported in women who had HPV/coinfections (18/8.8%). Multiple regression analysis showed that both HPV only and the concomitant presence of HPV/STI were able to indicate the occurrence of epithelial lesions (R = 0.164; R2 = 0.027). Conclusion The findings suggest that the presence of T. vaginalis can contribute to HPV infection, and HPV/IST association may influence the development of cervical intraepithelial lesions that are precursors of cervical cancer.