Prevalence Of Virus Infection Research Articles

Antiviral Compounds to Address Influenza Pandemics: An Update from 2016-2022.

In recent decades, the world has gained experience of the dangerous effects of pandemic events caused by emerging respiratory viruses. In particular, annual epidemics of influenza are responsible for severe illness and deaths. Even if conventional influenza vaccines represent the most effective tool for preventing virus infections, they are not completely effective in patients with severe chronic disease and immunocompromised and new small molecules have emerged to prevent and control the influenza viruses. Thus, the attention of chemists is continuously focused on the synthesis of new antiviral drugs able to interact with the different molecular targets involved in the virus replication cycle. To date, different classes of influenza viruses inhibitors able to target neuraminidase enzyme, hemagglutinin protein, Matrix-2 (M2) protein ion channel, nucleoprotein or RNA-dependent RNA polymerase have been synthesized using several synthetic strategies comprising the chemical modification of currently used drugs. The best results, in terms of inhibitory activity, are in the nanomolar range and have been obtained from the chemical modification of clinically used drugs such as Peramivir, Zanamivir, Oseltamir, Rimantadine, as well as sialylated molecules, and hydroxypyridinone derivatives. The aim of this review is to report, covering the period 2016-2022, the most recent routes related to the synthesis of effective influenza virus inhibitors.

Molecular characteristics of fowl adenovirus strains detected in broiler chickens on diets without immunostimulant supplements

Abstract Introduction Outbreaks of fowl adenovirus (FAdV) infection in chicken flocks in Poland threaten birds’ health and lives and are rising in frequency. The risk of these infections in immunocompromised poultry flocks with developed clinical symptoms was analysed through virus detection in broiler chicks and correlation of cases with the birds’ immune strength. Material and Methods Samples were analysed from four broiler farms with chicks from the same hatchery in Silesia, Poland where feeding regimes were different. A normal diet was provided to birds on the control farm; a normal diet and probiotic, prebiotic, vitamin and microelement supplementation was supplied on another farm; a normal diet and antibiotics on the third; and a normal diet and both forms of supplementation were given on the fourth farm. Amplification of the virus DNA in a PCR with hexon gene L1 loop hypervariable region 1–4 primers determined the molecular characteristics of isolates of adenovirus strains obtained from necropsy tissue samples. The amplicon sequences were analysed, the pair-wise distances were determined, the maximum likelihood estimate for the gamma parameter for site rates was produced, Tajima’s D neutrality test was run and the relative synonymous codon usage and transition/transversion bias were calculated. Results Two species and two serotypes of fowl adenovirus – MW353018-FAdV-1/A-L-liver and MW353019-FAdV-5/B-I-intestine – were isolated in three-week-old broiler chicks on the control farm. Conclusion Supplementation of broiler chicken flocks with probiotics, prebiotics, vitamins and microelements may have a significant beneficial effect on immunity and can prevent virus infection. The studies provided new information on the molecular characteristics of adenovirus strains isolated from chicks with a low level of immunity.

A Review on HR-HPV: An Increasing Cause of Concern for Cervical Carcinoma

Human Papilloma virus, leads to widely prevalent viral infection with worldwide distribution of variable genotypes, it is the major cause of cancer in women and a leading cause of deaths due to cancer in India. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide and the most common cancer cause of death in the developing countries. Notably, four out of every five cases of cervical cancer reported in India were attributed to infections from HPV types 16 and 18. India has a population of 483.5 million women aged 15 years and older who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. Infections with high-risk HPV types impair the function of cellular proteins and interfere with the expression of biological gene products. In high-grade intraepithelial neoplasias and cancers, HPV DNA is typically integrated into the host genome. WHO has recommended Screening of cervical cancer among young sexually-active females for early detection of HPV induced cervical carcinoma. Detection of HPV at earlier stages is essential in prevention of invasive cervical carcinoma. Based on clinical stage categories upon diagnosis, standard of care for cervical cancer management includes surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or a combination of these therapeutic modalities.

Current status of liver transplantation for human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients in mainland China.

According to the report from the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection exceeded 1.2 million individuals by the year 2022, with an annual increase of about 80000 cases. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen among individuals co-infected with HIV reached 13.7%, almost twice the rate of the general population in China. In addition to the well-documented susceptibility to opportunistic infections and new malignancies, HIV infected patients frequently experience liver-related organ damage, with the liver and kidneys being the most commonly affected. This often leads to the development of end-stage liver and kidney diseases. Therefore, organ transplantation has emerged as an important part of active treatment for HIV infected patients. However, the curative effect is not satisfactory. HIV infection has been considered a contraindication for organ transplantation. Until the emergence of highly active anti-retroviral therapy in 1996, the once intractable replication of retrovirus was effectively inhibited. With prolonged survival, the failure of important organs has become the main cause of death among HIV patients. Therefore, transplant centers worldwide have resumed exploration of organ transplantation for HIV-infected individuals and reached a positive conclusion. This study provides an overview of the current landscape of HIV-positive patients receiving liver transplantation (LT) in mainland China. To date, our transplant center has conducted LT for eight end-stage liver disease patients co-infected with HIV, and all but one, who died two months postoperatively due to sepsis and progressive multi-organ failure, have survived. Comparative analysis with hepatitis B virus-infected patients during the same period revealed no statistically significant differences in acute rejection reactions, cytomegalovirus infection, bacteremia, pulmonary infections, acute kidney injury, new-onset cancers, or vascular and biliary complications.

Profile of Homosexuals, Bisexuals, and Transgender People in Kinshasa, the Democratic Republic of the Congo: A Cross-Sectional Study

<i>Introduction</i>: It has been established that homosexuality plays a considerable role in the persistence of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections, but data related to their extent remains paradoxically fragmentary. <i>Objectives</i>: This study aimed to determine the prevalence and determinants of viral infection (Human Immunodeficiency Virus and hepatic viral infections) among homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgenders in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo. <i>Methods</i>: Between February 1 and March 30, 2022, an analytical cross-sectional study was conducted among Kinshasa's homosexual, bisexual, and transgender populations. The snowball method was used to choose participants from homosexuals’ organisations. Sociodemographic information and the prevalence of viral infections (HIV, HBV, and HCV) were included as study parameters. The determinants of viral infections were found using multivariate logistic regression. <i>Results</i>: A total of 555 participants (mean age: 28.5±7.8 years, unmarried: 44.9%) were enrolled. Human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C infection rates were, respectively, 31.5%, 6.3%, and 9.7% prevalent. HIV-HCV, HIV-HBV, and HIV-HBV-HCV coinfection rates were 4.7%, 4.1%, and 0.7%, respectively. HIV and HBV infection had the same risk factors namely piercing, incarceration, prostitution, and non-condom usage. HCV infection was more pronounced among individuals with piercing, STIs and a previous occurrence of jaundice. <i>Conclusion</i>: In Kinshasa, HIV, HBV, and HCV infections were widespread among homosexuals, bisexuals, and transgender people. Actions targeting LBGTs are essential to reduce HIV, HCV and HBV infections transmission in the community.

The prevalence of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection among voluntary blood donors in mainland China: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection through transfusion has been an imperative challenge for blood safety. Despite the implementation of screening strategies, there was still the residual risk of transfusion-transmitted HIV. Considering that the prevalence of HIV infection in blood donors is significant for evaluating blood safety and potential risks to the population, meta-analysis was applied to investigate the HIV prevalence among voluntary blood donors during the past 27 years to characterize the epidemiology and related risk factors of HIV in blood donors. The literature concerning the HIV screening reactive rate and prevalence in Chinese voluntary blood donors was collected through the systematic searching of four electronic databases. After integrating data, following the Preferred Reporting of Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, data manipulation and statistical analyses were conducted by Stata 12.0. The results indicated that overall HIV prevalence was 0.0178% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.0169%-0.0187%) with a remarkable rise, which varied from 2000 (0.0034%) to 2015 (0.027%). The HIV window period infection rate was 0.0475‱ (95%CI, 0.0304‱-0.0646‱). Importantly, subgroup analysis revealed the heterogeneity in gender, occupations, education and donation frequency. With the effective control of HIV transmission through blood, HIV prevalence declined in China to some extent in recent years, and the characteristics of HIV epidemic in some provinces have drastically changed. However, remaining relatively high HIV prevalence and overall increased trend of HIV prevalence since the 21th century demonstrates the potential residual risk of blood transfusion, and the whole society is supposed to pay close attention to HIV infection.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of DV-B-120 as an inhibitor of dengue virus infection.

Dengue fever, an infectious disease prevalent in subtropical and tropical regions, currently lacks effective small-molecule drugs as treatment. In this study, we used a fluorescence peptide cleavage assay to screen seven compounds to assess their inhibition of the dengue virus (DENV) NS2B-NS3 protease. DV-B-120 demonstrated superior inhibition of NS2B-NS3 protease activity and lower toxicity compared to ARDP0006. The selectivity index of DV-B-120 was higher than that of ARDP0006. In vivo assessments of the antiviral efficacy of DV-B-120 against DENV replication demonstrated delayed mortality of suckling mice treated with the compound, with 60-80% protection against life-threatening effects, compared to the outcomes of DENV-infected mice treated with saline. The lower clinical scores of DENV-infected mice treated with DV-B-120 indicated a reduction in acute-progressive illness symptoms, underscoring the potential therapeutic impact of DV-B-120. Investigations of DV-B-120's ability to restore the antiviral type I IFN response in the brain tissue of DENV-infected ICR suckling mice demonstrated its capacity to stimulate IFN and antiviral IFN-stimulated gene expression. DV-B-120 not only significantly delayed DENV-2-induced mortality and illness symptoms but also reduced viral numbers in the brain, ultimately restoring the innate antiviral response. These findings strongly suggest that DV-B-120 holds promise as a therapeutic agent against DENV infection and highlight its potential contribution in addressing the current lack of effective treatments for this infectious disease.IMPORTANCEThe prevalence of dengue virus (DENV) infection in tropical and subtropical regions is escalating due to factors like climate change and mosquito vector expansion. With over 300 million annual infections and potentially fatal outcomes, the urgent need for effective treatments is evident. While the approved Dengvaxia vaccine has variable efficacy, there are currently no antiviral drugs for DENV. This study explores seven compounds targeting the NS2B-NS3 protease, a crucial protein in DENV replication. These compounds exhibit inhibitory effects on DENV-2 NS2B-NS3, holding promise for disrupting viral replication and preventing severe manifestations. However, further research, including animal testing, is imperative to assess therapeutic efficacy and potential toxicity. Developing safe and potent treatments for DENV infection is critical in addressing the rising global health threat posed by this virus.

Incidental diagnosis of mpox virus infection in patients undergoing sexually transmitted infection screening—findings from a study in France

ObjectivesThis study aimed to investigate the prevalence of mpox virus (MPXV) infections in the general population consulting for routine sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in our Marseille public hospital. In fact, the recent worldwide MPXV outbreak mainly impacted men who have sex with men and the prevalence of MPXV infections in the general population remains poorly defined. MethodsAll samples addressed routinely to our microbiological laboratory for STIs between July 1 and October 15, 2022 were screened with MPXV-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction. ResultsA total of 2688 samples from 1896 patients suspected of having STIs were tested and eight (0.4%) patients were incidentally diagnosed with MPXV infection, including six men and two women. MPXV was detected in rectal swabs (n = 2), urine (n = 2), vaginal swabs (n = 2), a urethral swab (n = 1), and a skin swab (n = 1). ConclusionsThis study suggests that some MPXV infections are likely to be underdiagnosed because of their non-specific clinical presentation and/or insufficient clinical knowledge of the disease. Our data showed that systematic screening was particularly useful for detecting MPXV in patients without classic lesions or cases of asymptomatic carriage in patients reporting recent high-risk exposure and in patients presenting no obvious risk factor.

Prevalence of viral infections in MS and ALS

Multiple sclerosis (MS) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are neurological diseases with complex etiologies, involving both genetic and environmental factors. Evidence suggests that viral infections may play a role in pathogenesis of these diseases. This review aims to summarize the current understanding of the prevalence of viral infections in MS and ALS. In MS, several viruses have been implicated, including Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, and varicella-zoster virus. Studies have reported elevated antibody titers against these viruses in MS patients compared to controls, suggesting a potential association between viral infections and MS risk. viral infections have been linked to MS relapses and disease progression, indicating a possible role in disease activation. In ALS, viral infections as enteroviruses and retroviruses have been investigated as potential triggers or contributors to disease pathogenesis. While the evidence linking viral infections to ALS is less robust than in MS, studies have reported associations between specific viral infections and ALS progression. Understanding the prevalence of viral infections in MS and ALS is crucial for unraveling the complex interplay between viruses and the immune system in these diseases. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which viral infections may influence disease development and progression in MS and ALS, which could lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies targeting viral pathways in these neurological disorders. This review briefly discusses the epidemiology and pathophysiology related alterations of Multiple sclerosis and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and their immune responses highlighting the viral infections associated with these diseases.

Novel high-yield potato protease inhibitor panels block a wide array of proteases involved in viral infection and crucial tissue damage

Viruses critically rely on various proteases to ensure host cell entry and replication. In response to viral infection, the host will induce acute tissue inflammation pulled by granulocytes. Upon hyperactivation, neutrophil granulocytes may cause undue tissue damage through proteolytic degradation of the extracellular matrix. Here, we assess the potential of protease inhibitors (PI) derived from potatoes in inhibiting viral infection and reducing tissue damage. The original full spectrum of potato PI was developed into five fractions by means of chromatography and hydrolysis. Individual fractions showed varying inhibitory efficacy towards a panel of proteases including trypsin, chymotrypsin, ACE2, elastase, and cathepsins B and L. The fractions did not interfere with SARS-CoV-2 infection of Vero E6 cells in vitro. Importantly, two of the fractions fully inhibited elastin-degrading activity of complete primary human neutrophil degranulate. These data warrant further development of potato PI fractions for biomedical purposes, including tissue damage crucial to SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.Key messagesProtease inhibitor fractions from potato differentially inhibit a series of human proteases involved in viral replication and in tissue damage by overshoot inflammation.Protease inhibition of cell surface receptors such as ACE2 does not prevent virus infection of Vero cells in vitro.Protease inhibitors derived from potato can fully inhibit elastin-degrading primary human neutrophil proteases.Protease inhibitor fractions can be produced at high scale (hundreds of thousands of kilograms, i.e., tons) allowing economically feasible application in lower and higher income countries.

Genital and Oral HPV Geno-Prevalence Measured through Urine and Saliva Samples in Young Adults in Italy.

The aims of the study were to determine, in the urine and oral samples of young adults, the genotype-specific prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, the HPV DNA type-specific prevalence in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals, and the determinants of HPV infection. Selected participants were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire and to self-collect urine and saliva samples. Among the 1002 participants, 81 (8.1%) resulted positive for HPV DNA. The most common low-risk genotype was HPV 42 (2.2%), followed by HPV 43 (0.8%), and 40 (0.5%). The HPV 51 was the most common high-risk genotype (1.5%) followed by HPV 66 (1%) and HPV 68 (1%), and no participants were infected with HPV genotypes 18, 33, 45. Females, those who have had one or more occasional sexual partner, those who never/rarely/sometimes used condoms during their sexual activity, those with a previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection, and those who were not vaccinated were more likely to be tested positive for HPV infection. The low prevalence of genital HPV infections has provided evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination both in vaccinated and not yet vaccinated subjects through herd immunity and indicated its decisive role in the changing epidemiology of circulating HPV genotypes in the population.

Enhanced Immunomodulatory Effects of Thymosin-Alpha-1 in Combination with Polyanionic Carbosilane Dendrimers against HCMV Infection.

Resistance and toxicity associated with current treatments for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection highlight the need for alternatives and immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy. This study examined the in vitro immunological effects of co-administration of Thymosin-alpha-1 (Tα1) and polyanionic carbosilane dendrimers (PCDs) on peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during HCMV infection. The biocompatibility of PCDs was assessed via MTT and LDH assays. PBMCs were pre-treated with the co-administered compounds and then exposed to HCMV for 48 h. Morphological alterations in PBMCs were observed using optical microscopy and total dendritic cells (tDCs), myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs), and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), along with CD4+/CD8+ T cells and regulatory T cells (Treg), and were characterized using multiparametric flow cytometry. The findings revealed that Tα1 + PCDs treatments increased DC activation and maturation. Furthermore, increased co-receptor expression, intracellular IFNγ production in T cells and elevated Treg functionality and reduced senescence were evident with Tα1 + G2-S24P treatment. Conversely, reduced co-receptor expression, intracellular cytokine production in T cells, lower functionality and higher senescence in Treg were observed with Tα1 + G2S16 treatment. In summary, Tα1 + PCDs treatments demonstrate synergistic effects during early HCMV infection, suggesting their use as an alternative therapeutic for preventing virus infection.

Wastewater-based epidemiology applied at the building-level reveals distinct virome profiles based on the age of the contributing individuals

BackgroundHuman viruses released into the environment can be detected and characterized in wastewater. The study of wastewater virome offers a consolidated perspective on the circulation of viruses within a population. Because the occurrence and severity of viral infections can vary across a person’s lifetime, studying the virome in wastewater samples contributed by various demographic segments can provide valuable insights into the prevalence of viral infections within these segments. In our study, targeted enrichment sequencing was employed to characterize the human virome in wastewater at a building-level scale. This was accomplished through passive sampling of wastewater in schools, university settings, and nursing homes in two cities in Catalonia. Additionally, sewage from a large urban wastewater treatment plant was analysed to serve as a reference for examining the collective excreted human virome.ResultsThe virome obtained from influent wastewater treatment plant samples showcased the combined viral presence from individuals of varying ages, with astroviruses and human bocaviruses being the most prevalent, followed by human adenoviruses, polyomaviruses, and papillomaviruses. Significant variations in the viral profiles were observed among the different types of buildings studied. Mamastrovirus 1 was predominant in school samples, salivirus and human polyomaviruses JC and BK in the university settings while nursing homes showed a more balanced distribution of viral families presenting papillomavirus and picornaviruses and, interestingly, some viruses linked to immunosuppression.ConclusionsThis study shows the utility of building-level wastewater-based epidemiology as an effective tool for monitoring the presence of viruses circulating within specific age groups. It provides valuable insights for public health monitoring and epidemiological studies.

Survey of selected viral agents (herpesvirus, adenovirus and hepatitis E virus) in liver and lung samples of cetaceans, Brazil

Hepatic and pulmonary lesions are common in cetaceans, despite their poorly understood viral etiology. Herpesviruses (HV), adenoviruses (AdV) and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are emerging agents in cetaceans, associated with liver and/or pulmonary damage in mammals. We isolated and molecularly tested DNA for HV and AdV (n = 218 individuals; 187 liver and 108 lung samples) and RNA for HEV (n = 147 animals; 147 liver samples) from six cetacean families. All animals stranded or were bycaught in Brazil between 2001 and 2021. Positive-animals were analyzed by histopathology. Statistical analyses assessed if the prevalence of viral infection could be associated with the variables: species, family, habitat, region, sex, and age group. All samples were negative for AdV and HEV. Overall, 8.7% (19/218) of the cetaceans were HV-positive (4.8% [9/187] liver and 11.1% [12/108] lung), without HV-associated lesions. HV-prevalence was statistically significant higher in Pontoporiidae (19.2%, 10/52) when compared to Delphinidae (4.1%, 5/121), and in southeastern (17.1%, 13/76)—the most industrialized Brazilian region—when compared to the northeastern region (2.4%, 3/126). This study broadens the herpesvirus host range in cetaceans, including its description in pygmy sperm whales (Kogia breviceps) and humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae). Further studies must elucidate herpesvirus drivers in cetaceans.

Epidemiological distribution of respiratory viral pathogens in marketable vaccinated broiler chickens in five governorates in the Nile Delta, Egypt, from January 2022 to October 2022

Background and Aim: Respiratory viral infections significantly negatively impact animal welfare and have significant financial implications in the poultry industry. This study aimed to determine the frequency of the most economically relevant respiratory viruses that circulated in Egyptian chicken flocks in 2022. Materials and Methods: Chickens from 359 broiler flocks in five different Egyptian governorates in the Nile Delta (Beheira, Gharbia, Giza, Monufiya, and Qalyoubia) at marketing time (33–38 days of age) were used in this study. Combined oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs and tissue samples were collected from clinically diseased or freshly dead birds suffering from respiratory disease. Avian influenza (AI)-H5, AI-H9, Newcastle disease (ND), and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) were analyzed by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. Results: Of the 359 flocks examined, 293 tested positive, whereas 66 were completely negative for the four viruses evaluated, with the highest positive results in Beheira. Out of 293 positive flocks, 211 were positive for a single virus, with Beheira having the highest rate, followed by Qalyoubia, Giza, and Monufiya. ND virus (NDV) was found to be the highest across all governorates, followed by IBV, AI-H9, and AI-H5. A double infection was detected in 73 flocks with either H9 or ND, or both H9 and IB could coinfect each other. The most common viral coinfections were H9 + IB, ND + IB, and ND + H9. Giza had the highest prevalence of ND + H9, H9 + IB, and ND + IB coinfection in the governorates, followed by Monufiya and Beheira. Only six out of 359 flocks were tribally infected with ND + H9 + IB in Giza, Monufiya, and Beheira governorates. On the basis of the number of flocks and the month of the year, July had the lowest number of flocks (23), while September and October had the highest number (48 flocks). Positive flock numbers were highest in October and lowest in January. Conclusion: From January to October 2022, prevalent respiratory viral infections (H5N1, NDV, H9N2, and IBV) were detected in broiler chickens across the Delta area governorate, according to the findings of the present study. In addition, IBV and H9, either alone or in combination, significantly contributed to the respiratory infection observed in broiler chickens. Regardless of the type and origin of the vaccine used, it is not possible to protect broiler chickens from the development of the infection and the subsequent dissemination of the virus into the poultry environment. In the presence of face-infectious field virus mutations, poultry vaccinations must be regularly reviewed and updated, and poultry farms must take further biosecurity measures. Keywords: avian influenza virus, chicken, Egypt, infectious bronchitis, Newcastle disease, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, subtype H5 and H9.

Identification of Large Adenovirus Infection Outbreak at University by Multipathogen Testing, South Carolina, USA, 2022.

Using multipathogen PCR testing, we identified 195 students with adenovirus type 4 infections on a university campus in South Carolina, USA, during January-May 2022. We co-detected other respiratory viruses in 43 (22%) students. Continued surveillance of circulating viruses is needed to prevent virus infection outbreaks in congregate communities.

A Study on Spatial Distribution of HIV/AIDS Using Histogram and Geographic Information System

Background: The high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections has become a devastating publi6c health problem. In response, many governments have taken measures to reduce the transmission of HIV and the number of deaths from HIV/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This study aims to investigate spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS cases and deaths from AIDS in Vietnam in 2017 with the help of a histogram and Geographic Information System (GIS). Materials and Methods: Datasets of HIV/AIDS cases and deaths from AIDS in Vietnam in 2017 were first collected from website of the Vietnam Ministry of Health. Histogram was then used to study distribution of HIV/AIDS cases and deaths from AIDS. It will go on to analyze the spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS cases and deaths from AIDS. Finally, the results will be discussed and concluded. Results: It was found that a high number of HIV/AIDS cases was mainly concentrated in the provinces of the north central region, Da Nang and some provinces in the south of Vietnam. High number of deaths due to AIDS was mainly concentrated in the provinces/cities of the northeast and north central regions of Vietnam. Meanwhile, low and very low numbers of deaths due to AIDS were mainly found in the south central and south-central regions of Vietnam. Conclusion: Histogram and GIS-based mapping technique can be useful tools for mapping spatial distribution of HIV/AIDS cases and deaths from AIDS. Findings in this study can also provide an insight into the spread patterns of HIV/AIDS. Keywords: Spatial distribution, HIV/AIDS, Infectious diseases, Deaths, Histogram, Geographic Information System.

Review Article] Cytomegalovirus Infection

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common viral pathogen. Most people who have acute CMV will have an undetectable infection. It is known that cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the most prevalent congenital viral infection in individuals and a significant factor in morbidity and mortality in immunosuppressed hosts, as well as a significant factor in neurodevelopmental disabilities and sensorineural hearing loss. In order to screen for congenital CMV infection, PCR assays are currently being evaluated.

High prevalence of Zika virus infection in populations of Aedes aegypti from South-western Ecuador.

We performed an arboviral survey in mosquitoes from four endemic Ecuadorian cities (Huaquillas, Machala, Portovelo and Zaruma) during the epidemic period 2016-2018. Collections were performed during the pre-rainy season (2016), peak transmission season (2017) and post-rainy season (2018). Ae. aegypti mosquitoes were pooled by date, location and sex. Pools were screened by RT-PCR for the presence of ZIKV RNA, and infection rates (IRs) per 1,000 specimens were calculated. A total of 2,592 pools (comprising 6,197 mosquitoes) were screened. Our results reveal high IRs in all cities and periods sampled. Overall IRs among female mosquitoes were highest in Machala (89.2), followed by Portovelo (66.4), Zaruma (47.4) and Huaquillas (41.9). Among male mosquitoes, overall IRs were highest in Machala (35.6), followed by Portovelo (33.1), Huaquillas (31.9) and Zaruma (27.9), suggesting that alternative transmission routes (vertical/venereal) can play important roles for ZIKV maintenance in the vector population of these areas. Additionally, we propose that the stabilization of ZIKV vertical transmission in the vector population could help explain the presence of high IRs in field-caught mosquitoes during inter-epidemic periods.

Prevalence of respiratory syncytial virus infection and associated factors in children aged under five years with severe acute respiratory illness and influenza-like illness in Ethiopia

ObjectivesAcute respiratory infections because of respiratory syncytial viruses (RSVs) are among the major leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. RSV prevalence and its contributing factors among children aged under 5 years in Ethiopia are not well studied. To assess the prevalence and associated factors of RSV infection in children aged under 5 years using influenza sentinel surveillance sites in Ethiopia. MethodsA cross-sectional study design was used utilizing influenza-like illness/sever acute respiratory illness surveillance data from January 2021 to December 2022 at the Ethiopian Public Health Institute. ResultsIn total, 2234 cases were included, with an overall RSV positivity rate of 16.2%. The RSV positivity rate was high in children aged under 1 year (22.8%) and during fall season (24.8%). The RSV positivity rate was significantly associated with ages under 1 year (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 2.8, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.89-4.15) and 1-2 years (AOR 1.9, 95% CI: 1.26-2.73) and the fall season (AOR 1.67, 95% CI: 1.17-2.38). ConclusionThe study revealed that a considerably high RSV positivity rate was detected in children aged under 5 years. The age of children and season have a significant association with RSV positivity rate. Further studies of RSV viral genotype, clinical characteristics, and disease outcome need to be conducted for a better understanding of the virus and disease outcome.