INTRODUCTION:Candida albicans (C. albicans) and Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) are highly prevalent genital pathogens that often coexist, potentially influencing mutual replication and host responses. Building on our recent work employing mono- and co-infections in A-431 epithelial cells, we developed a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model using inert scaffolds and the presence of a synthetic vaginal fluid (SVF) to better mimic vaginal epithelium. METHODS:A-431 cells were cultured on inert 3D scaffolds, with or without SVF for 5 days, and then infected with C. albicans and/or HSV-2. Cell viability was assessed by LDH release, fungal burden by CFU assay, and viral load by PCR. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate epithelial structure, pathogen presence, and IL-6 production. RESULTS:The A-431 cells formed a multilayered epithelium on scaffolds; yet, mature epithelial phenotype markers were not detected. SVF enhanced fungal growth and viral replication during co-infection. C. albicans significantly reduced epithelial viability, whereas HSV-2 showed minimal effects; dual infection caused slightly additive damage. IL-6 was produced both in mono and double infection. CONCLUSION:The 3D scaffold-based model supports polymicrobial infection. Nevertheless, the lack of cell epithelial phenotype highlights the need of further strategies to more closely replicate the in vivo vaginal mucosal environment.
Introduction: Influenza A viruses (IAVs) cause not only seasonal epidemics but also pandemics in humans. The emergence of H5N1 variants resistant to oseltamivir highlights the need to develop new antiviral therapeutic strategies. Accumulated evidence has indicated the potent anti-influenza activity of curcumin (Cur). Nevertheless, the unsatisfactory bioavailability of Cur limits its clinical use. Methods: In the present study, the anti-influenza activity and underlying mechanism of encapsulated Cur in nanoparticle form, referred to as Cur-micelle (Cur-M), were evaluated. Results: Our results demonstrated that, as with native Cur treatment, Cur-M treatment remarkably reduced IAV infection. Interestingly, Cur-M significantly inhibited IAV infectivity post-viral entry, while treatment with Cur alone showed no effect, as demonstrated by differences in plaque formation ability. By monitoring intracellular processing, including the signaling pathway required for IAV propagation and the critical viral replication step, we discovered that viral RNA replication and the activation of Akt signaling were significantly suppressed under Cur-M treatment. Conclusion: This study demonstrates for the first time that Cur-M interferes with intracellular processes required for influenza virus infection, highlighting its potential for further evaluation in both cell-based and in vivo systems.
Introduction: Felid herpesvirus 1 (FeHV-1) is widespread worldwide and is sometimes associated with chronic diseases in cats; therefore, it is clinically important. Vaccination can be used to control FeHV-1 infection. We previously isolated a strain identical to the live attenuated vaccine (LAV) strain F2 from a feline eye with a dendritic ulcer, indicating that the F2 strain may be pathogenic. The origin of the F2 strain that we previously isolated is unknown, and we surmised that the F2 strain may exist in the field. To determine whether the LAV strain F2 exists in the field, we, therefore, performed a genomic analysis of FeHV-1 isolates from cats. Methods: FeHV-1 isolates from cats were genotyped using single-nucleotide variants (SNVs) within two marker genes related to the F2 strain as indicators. Strains with markers were subjected to next-generation sequencing to determine their whole-genome sequence (WGS). Results: Of the nine FeHV-1 isolates, none were found to have two SNVs related to the F2 strain, whereas two isolates were found to have one SNV related to the F2 strain. Because the cats from which these strains were isolated lived together, the isolates were considered to be of the same strain, and we determined the WGS of one strain (strain A-19-5). All coding sequences of strain A-19-5 were identical to those of one of the cloned strains of the Merial vaccine (likely a variant of the F2 strain within the Merial vaccine population). The cat from which the strain was isolated had never received vaccination. Conclusion: The results suggest that a strain identical to a variant of the F2 strain, as found in the FeHV-1-LAV, may exist in the field.
Background: Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) not only curbed the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) but also affected common respiratory viruses infected by children. Methods: Samples of children diagnosed with respiratory tract infection in Children's Hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected, and ADV, Flu A, Flu B and RSV were detected. Statistical analysis was carried out with R software. Results: From January 2019 to December 2023, a total of 684413 samples were tested, including 369620 males, accounting for 54.01%, and 314793 females, accounting for 45.99%. Among them, there were 213443 positive samples (31.19%), of which 40484 ADV-positive samples (18.97%), 106423 Flu A-positive samples (49.86%), 32379 Flu B-positive samples (15.17%) and 30776 RSV-positive samples (14.42%), 3381 mixed infection samples (1.58%). Among children of different ages in Hangzhou before, during and after COVID-19, the highest total detection rate of respiratory virus was 4-6 years old (accounting for 36.69%), followed by >7 years old (accounting for 35.10%). The distribution in different seasons shows that the number of children infected with respiratory viruses reaches a peak in winter and spring. Compared with 2019 (33.20%) before the COVID-19 epidemic, the total detection rate of common respiratory viruses in children was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic (24.54% in 2020-2022), and it was increased in 2023 while after NPIs were cancelled (accounting for 35.20%). Conclusion: NPI measures can effectively reduce the spread of common respiratory viruses, Lifting of NPIs can lead children to an increase viral infection rate, particularly in Flu A.
Background: West Nile virus (WNV) is an emerging arbovirus for which there is no vaccine nor antiviral treatment. Skin cells are the primary site of WNV replication following transmission by the mosquito vector. In a previous work, strong induction of CXCL10 mRNA expression was observed during in vitro infection of human primary keratinocytes with WNV. Known to be chemoattractant, CXCL10 has also been reported to exhibit antimicrobial peptide properties through direct inhibitory activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The objective of this work was to investigate the antiviral properties of CXCL10 against WNV. Method and Results: A 24-h time-course infection of keratinocytes in the presence of CXCL10 showed a significant reduction of viral load and infectious titer in the cell culture supernatant. This inhibition of virus replication was observed when the chemokine was added to the cells before or simultaneously with the virus, suggesting pre-fusion action. In contrast, no antiviral effect was observed when CXCL10 was added 3 h postinfection. However, incubation of the virus with CXCL10 did not show any reduction in the infectious titer, ruling out direct damage to the viral particle. In addition, expression of markers of the cells' innate immune response was not modified by adding CXCL10 during the infection. Finally, a reduction in virus attachment to the cells was demonstrated in the presence of CXCL10. Conclusion: Our results showed antiviral activity of CXCL10 against WNV during human keratinocyte infection. Even if additional experiments are required to precisely determine its mechanism of action, CXCL10 could interfere with WNV attachment to the keratinocyte surface.
INTRODUCTION:Bluetongue is an arthropod-borne viral disease of ruminants, which is caused by bluetongue virus (BTV) that exists in more than 30 different serotypes. The disease is endemic in Pakistan. However, little is known about circulating BTV serotypes in the country. This study reports the serotypes of BTV in North-Western Pakistan. METHODS:A total of 758 competitive ELISA-positive serum samples were tested using serum neutralization tests against the 28 BTV serotypes (BTV-1 to BTV-27 and BTV-X). The test samples originated from cattle (n = 296), buffalo (n = 80), sheep (n = 136), and goats (n = 246). RESULTS:Neutralizing antibodies against one or more of the 28 BTV serotypes were detected in 59.1% of the positive samples. Antibodies against BTV-26 had the highest (56.5%) prevalence, whereas, those against BTV-19 had the lowest (0.9%) prevalence. Species-wise, neutralizing antibodies against all the 28 serotypes of BTV were found in cattle, whereas antibodies against 24, 21, and 19 different serotypes of BTV were detected in goats, sheep, and buffalo, respectively. Neutralizing antibodies against 19 different BTV serotypes were detected for the first time in Pakistan. It was also the first time that neutralizing antibodies against atypical serotypes (i.e., BTV-25, BTV-27, and BTV-X) were found in cattle. CONCLUSION:Bluetongue in Pakistan has a complex epidemiology, as evidenced by the detection of antibodies against a large number of BTV serotypes. Findings of the current study may be helpful in selecting appropriate vaccines for control of the disease in the country.
Background: Rotavirus (RV) A is one of the major reasons which causes acute dehydration and diarrhea. It is also one of the highest morbid diseases in children. There are only a few reports about the changes in prevalence and VP4/VP7 genotype of RVs in southwest China. Here is the report about the prevalence of RVs from 2015 to 2020 in Yunnan, southwest China. Methods: The virus genes were extracted from RV positive samples, then VP4/VP7 genes were amplified, followed by sequencing and gene typing, phylogenetic analysis, antigenic epitope variation analysis, and selective pressure analysis were also performed. Results: A total of 135 VP4 gene sequences and 143 VP7 gene sequences were obtained from stool samples during 2015–2020. Of them, P[8] genotype accounted for 97.0% of the total, while the P[4] genotype accounted for 3.0%. As for the VP7 genotype, G9 genotype accounted for 86.0% of the total, the G3 genotype accounted for 9.1%, and the G2 genotype accounted for 4.9%. G9P[8] was identified as the predominant RV strain during the epidemic season in Yunnan during 2015–2020. Phylogenetic analysis showed that G9 genotype sequences were primarily similar to African strains (KJ753473, KY661937), while P[8] genotype sequences were close to Southeast Asian strains (JQ837878, KX362594). In antigenic epitope variation analysis, among 37 epitopes of P[8] genotype, the RotaTeq™ vaccine strain covers 31 amino acid positions, Rotarix™ covers 28 amino acid positions, while LLR covers only 9. In the representative sequence of the G9 genotype, RotaTeq™ vaccine strains cover 27 out of 29 amino acid positions, Rotarix™ covers 16 positions, and LLR covers 16 positions. The results of the selective pressure analysis indicated potential positive sites for the G9P[8] genotype located at vp7-44, vp7-100, vp7-221, vp7-278, vp4-3, and vp4-4. Conclusions: Our study shows that G9P[8] is the most dominant RV genotype in Yunnan, China. Consistent with the recent epidemic trend of RV strains in China, this study could provide new perspectives on vaccine research.
Background: Nonpharmaceutical Interventions (NPIs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) not only curbed the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19) but also affected common respiratory viruses infected by children. Methods: Samples of children diagnosed with respiratory tract infection in Children’s Hospital affiliated with Zhejiang University from January 2019 to December 2023 were collected, and ADV, Flu A, Flu B, and RSV were detected. Statistical analysis was carried out with R software. Results: From January 2019 to December 2023, a total of 684,413 samples were tested, including 369,620 males, accounting for 54.01%, and 314,793 females, accounting for 45.99%. Among them, there were 213,443 positive samples (31.19%), of which 40,484 ADV-positive samples (18.97%), 106,423 Flu A-positive samples (49.86%), 32,379 Flu B-positive samples (15.17%), 30,776 RSV-positive samples (14.42%), and 3,381 mixed infection samples (1.58%). Among children of different ages in Hangzhou before, during and after COVID-19, the highest total detection rate of respiratory virus was 4–6 years old (accounting for 36.69%), followed by >7 years old (accounting for 35.10%). The distribution in different seasons shows that the number of children infected with respiratory viruses reaches a peak in winter and spring. Compared with 2019 (33.20%) before the COVID-19 epidemic, the total detection rate of common respiratory viruses in children was lower during the COVID-19 pandemic (24.54% in 2020–2022), and it was increased in 2023 after NPIs were cancelled (accounting for 35.20%). Conclusion: NPI measures can effectively reduce the spread of common respiratory viruses, Lifting of NPIs can lead children to an increase viral infection rate, particularly in Flu A.
INTRODUCTION:This study compared the pattern of viral diarrhea in Yichang City, China, in 2022 and 2023 before and after the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions. METHODS:Stool samples were collected from outpatients and inpatients with diarrhea at three hospitals in Yichang from January to October 2022 and January to June 2023, before and after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, respectively. Samples were simultaneously tested for 13 types of enteric virus using a rapid multiplex assay that could simultaneously detect 13 types of five enteric viruses, including rotavirus (groups A, B, C, and H), norovirus (I, II, IV, VII, VIII, and IX), adenovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus. RESULTS:Testing of 458 samples showed variations in pathogen distribution by age group. Specifically, there was an increase in the number of viral infections among adults, a decrease among children, an increase in coinfection rates, and variability in virus positivity in 2023 compared to 2022. CONCLUSIONS:The multiplex assay method improved diagnostic efficiency and provided epidemiological insights. This study highlights the impact of public health transitions on viral diarrhea epidemiology, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and adaptable strategies in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. INTRODUCTION:This study compared the pattern of viral diarrhea in Yichang City, China, in 2022 and 2023 before and after the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions. METHODS:Stool samples were collected from outpatients and inpatients with diarrhea at three hospitals in Yichang from January to October 2022 and January to June 2023, before and after the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions, respectively. Samples were simultaneously tested for 13 types of enteric virus using a rapid multiplex assay that could simultaneously detect 13 types of five enteric viruses, including rotavirus (groups A, B, C, and H), norovirus (I, II, IV, VII, VIII, and IX), adenovirus, sapovirus, and astrovirus. RESULTS:Testing of 458 samples showed variations in pathogen distribution by age group. Specifically, there was an increase in the number of viral infections among adults, a decrease among children, an increase in coinfection rates, and variability in virus positivity in 2023 compared to 2022. CONCLUSIONS:The multiplex assay method improved diagnostic efficiency and provided epidemiological insights. This study highlights the impact of public health transitions on viral diarrhea epidemiology, underscoring the need for ongoing surveillance and adaptable strategies in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era.
INTRODUCTION:Irinotecan, a topoismorase 1 inhibitor, has been used for the treatment of colorectal cancer. It was shown that monotherapy alone is largely ineffective. The combination therapy was used for antitumor activity. The synergistic anticancer effects of oncolytic reovirus-infected secretome in combination with irinotecan and metformin are evaluated in vitro. The aim of research was to assess anticancer impacts of ReoT3D, irinotecan, metformin in combination, against murine colorectal cancer cells (CT26). METHODS:The L929 and the CT26 colorectal cancerous cell lines were treated in vitro with irinotecan, metformin, the Dearing strain of reovirus serotype 3 (ReoT3D) (V), and the secretome of intact (S) or reovirus-infected murine adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (SV). The cell viability was measured by MTT, and the apoptosis rate was analyzed by annexin V-FITC staining and flow cytometry 48 and 72 h after treatment. RESULTS:We found that cells exposed to a combination of SV+Met+I had significantly lower cell viability and higher apoptosis rates as compared to cells exposed to Met+I, 48 and 72 h. These results suggest that metformin in combination with irinotecan and reovirus produces a synergistic effect on cell death, and adding reovirus-infected secretome (SV) to a Met+I regimen induces a higher apoptosis rate compared to Met+I alone. Based on the results, the combination of SV+Met+I has induced more apoptosis than S, SV, SV+I, and SV+Met. Also, all of the combined treatments induced apoptosis significantly versus secretome alone. DISCUSSION:In this in vitro study, we found that the combination of T3D reovirus (oncolytic virus) and metformin with the anticancer drug irinotecan resulted in higher rates of growth inhibition and apoptosis induction in the colorectal cancer cell line. This synergistic effect was even more pronounced when using the combination of secretome derived from reovirus-infected AD-MSCs, metformin, and irinotecan. CONCLUSION:We highlight that the combination of ReoT3D-derived secretome with irinotecan and metformin showed a synergistic anticancer effect on the CT26 cell line, and this strategy may be considered as a new approach against colorectal cancer in the in vitro and in vivo in future studies.
Introduction: Chrysophanol (Cho) is a natural anthraquinone with biological effects such as inducing ferroptosis and anticancer activity. The hepatitis B virus X protein (HBx) is essential for HBV replication. We aimed to identify the key pathways in HBx-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and to characterize the potential mechanisms of action of Cho against liver fibrosis. Methods: HSC-T6 cells were transfected with FLAG (control group) or FLAG-HBx (HBx group), and RNA sequencing and Western blotting analysis were conducted to assess the effects of HBx and Cho on specific molecular targets and signaling pathways. Results: Gene ontology and pathway analyses indicated that the genes targeted by HBx participate in immunological responses, chemokine and cytokine activity, cell-substrate adhesion, extracellular matrix organization, growth factor binding, defense responses, and antigen processing and presentation. RNA-seq and Western blotting data revealed that HBx-activated HSC-T6 cells exhibited upregulated expression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphorylated mTOR (p-mTOR), S6, phosphorylated S6 (p-S6), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR-α), phosphorylated-PPAR-α (p-PPAR-α), CYP27, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and Integrin-β1, which was reversed after treatment with Cho. These results were also verified in a HBx-activated HSC-T6 and LX-2 cell model and thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. Conclusions: Thus, our findings indicate that Cho ameliorates HBx-induced HSC activation and liver fibrosis via inhibition of the mTOR and PPARs signaling pathways, suggesting that Cho is a potential therapeutic for chronic liver inflammation-mediated diseases.
INTRODUCTION:Molnupiravir is one of the oral direct-acting antivirals against SARS-CoV-2, largely deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic since the 2022 Omicron wave. While efficacy has been questioned in post-marketing clinical trials (leading to the EMA withdrawing its authorization), growing concerns have mounted regarding its possible mutagenic effects on the virus. While it has been assumed that either all the host viral load was cleared by the drug or drug-generated variants were not fit enough to survive, several lineages with a high transition/transversion ratio (a signature of molnupiravir action) have been recently reported from GISAID. METHODS:We report here a systematic analysis of the GISAID database for sequences showing a molnupiravir signature, exposing a public web-based interface (https://ukcovid.xyz/molnupiravir/), and performing an imputation analysis based on per-country prescription (corrected by sequencing). RESULTS:Our analysis confirms a direct correlation between the number of molnupiravir courses and the number of mutationally signed sequences deposited in GISAID in individual countries. CONCLUSIONS:Molnupiravir can generate fit SARS-CoV-2 variants that transmit in the general population.
Introduction: Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) outbreaks are caused mostly by viruses. During July-August 2023, there was a sudden spike in acute hemorrhage conjunctivitis cases in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. To identify the etiological and gain molecular epidemiology of the agent, the study was conducted. Methodology: Conjunctival swabs were collected from patients (n = 128) with presumed acute hemorrhage conjunctivitis visiting two tertiary care hospitals. Results: Enteroviruses infection was identified in 96 (75%) patients. In these patients, coxsackievirus A24 (CV-A24) infection was further confirmed by targeting the genetic regions of 3C protease and VP1. Furthermore, the study established the outbreak was caused by the genotype IV of CV-A24 with the highest genetic similarity with CV-A24 reported from Northeast India, China, and Pakistan circulating during the same period. The comparison of our study sequences with earlier Indian outbreak strains (2007) revealed four amino acid substitutions at the 3C region (“S21N,” “V30I,” “S66I,” and “V75I”) and three non-synonymous mutations at the VP1 region (“L16I,” “P21S,” and “N301D”). Conclusion: The study findings revealed that the AHC outbreak was caused by genotype IV of CV-A24 in this region. Molecular identification accompanied by phylogenetic analysis will be useful in studying the enterovirus epidemiology associated with AHC outbreaks.
Introduction: The effect of maltodextrin-based nanoparticles with an anionic phospholipid core (NPLs) on the infection of a human tumoral cell line with poliovirus (PV) has been studied. Methods: NPLs were synthesized and associated with PV type 1 Sabin strain and the formulations were characterized. PV and PV/NPL formulations were inoculated to HEp-2 cells. Results: The surface charge and the diameter of PV/NPL formulation suggest that viral particles were adsorbed onto NPLs. When HEp-2 cells were inoculated with 1 TCID50/mL PV associated with NPLs, the cytopathic effect appeared obvious; the levels of infectious titer of culture supernatants, and the proportion of VP1-positive cells were higher. The level of intracellular viral RNA extracted from HEp-2 cells inoculated with PV/NPL formulation was higher as well. Conclusion: These results show that NPLs can enhance the infection with a virus and suggest that they might be used in virotherapy to increase the virus-mediated lysis of tumor cells.
Introduction: This study aimed to investigate the differences between pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and intrafamilial infection and those without intrafamilial infection. Methods: HBV-DNA was extracted from the sera of 16 pregnant women with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and their family members for gene sequencing and phylogenetic analyses. A total of 74 pregnant women with CHB were followed up from the second trimester to 3 months postpartum. Viral markers and other laboratory indicators were compared between pregnant women with CHB with and without intrafamilial infection. Results: The phylogenetic tree showed that HBV lines in the mother-spread pedigree shared a node, whereas there was an unrelated genetic background for HBV lines in individuals without intrafamilial infection. From delivery to 3 months postpartum, compared with those without intrafamilial infection, pregnant women with intrafamilial infection were related negatively to HBV-DNA (β = −0.43, 95% confidence interval [CI]: −0.76 to −0.12, p = 0.009), HBeAg (β = −195.15, 95% CI: −366.35 to −23.96, p = 0.027), and hemoglobin changes (β = −8.09, 95% CI: −15.54 to −0.64, p = 0.035) and positively to changes in the levels of alanine aminotransferase (β = 73.9, 95% CI: 38.92–108.95, p < 0.001) and albumin (β = 2.73, 95% CI: 0.23–5.23, p = 0.033). Conclusion: The mother-spread pedigree spread model differs from that of non-intrafamilial infections. Pregnant women with intrafamilial HBV infection have less hepatitis flares and liver damage, but their HBV-DNA and HBeAg levels rebound faster after delivery, than those without intrafamilial infection by the virus.
INTRODUCTION:It is suggested that Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) may play an important role in cervical cancer development. Most studies found a higher rate of EBV in cervical cancer samples in comparison to premalignant and normal groups. In this regard, this study aimed to investigate the prevalence of EBV in cervical samples. METHODS:In total, 364 samples from 179 healthy subjects, 124 women with premalignant lesions, and 61 patients with cervical cancer were investigated using nested-PCR. RESULTS:The mean age ± SE was 54.1 ± 13.4 in women with cervical cancer, 36.1 ± 9.4 among women with premalignant lesions, and 36.6 ± 11.5 in healthy individuals. In total, 290 out of 364 samples were human papillomavirus (HPV) positive and the following HPV genotypes were detected among them: HPV 16/18 was found in 43.1%, 23.9%, and 65.5% of normal, premalignant, and malignant samples, respectively, and other high-risk types were detected in 56.9% of normal, 76.1% of premalignant, and 34.5% of malignant samples. The prevalence of EBV was found to be 9.8%, 2.4%, and 2.8% in cervical cancer, premalignant lesions, and normal specimens, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (p = 0.028). The overall frequency of coinfection between EBV and HPV was shown to be 3.6%. The coinfection was more prevalent among HPV 16/18-infected samples than other high-risk HPVs (6.6 vs. 2.9%) although the difference was not reached a statistically significant difference (p = 0.23). CONCLUSION:Our findings indicated that EBV could play an important role as a cofactor in the progression of cervical cancer. However, future studies with larger sample sizes and the expression analysis of EBV transcripts or proteins are mandatory.
INTRODUCTION:Diarrheal diseases constitute a significant public health problem in terms of mortality and morbidity. In Honduras and around the world, RVs have consistently emerged as the single most important etiologic agent in acute childhood diarrhea. However, other viruses, such as NoVs and HAstVs, have also been shown to be responsible for viral gastroenteritis. Unfortunately, the country has limited information concerning the etiologic role of these viral agents in acute gastroenteritis. This study investigated the frequency, genotypes, and epidemiological characteristics of RV-A, NoVs, and HAstVs among children under 5 years old in Distrito Central, Honduras. METHODS:Stool samples and their corresponding epidemiological data were collected from children with acute gastroenteritis in three healthcare centers in Distrito Central. All samples were screened by immunoassays for RV-A and HAstVs. RV-A-positive samples were molecularly characterized by RT-PCR and genotyping assays. RT-PCR was also applied to confirm HAstVs positivity and to detect NoVs, followed by nucleotide sequencing to assign their genotypes. RESULTS:Our results show that at least one viral agent was detected in 31% of the children. The frequency of RV-A, NoVs, and HAstVs was 14%, 13%, and 5%, respectively. The most frequent RV-A genotype was G2P[4], occurring in 93% of cases. 92.3% of NoVs-positive samples belonged to genogroup II, with GII.4 and GII.16 being the most common. HAstVs were clustered into three genotypes: HAstV-1, HAstV-2, and HAstV-8. Only one sample showed coinfection with NoVs and HAstVs. CONCLUSION:This comprehensive molecular and epidemiological characterization of enteric viruses demonstrates the vast diversity of these agents and describes for the first time NoVs and HAstVs as causative agents of acute childhood gastroenteritis in Distrito Central, Honduras. This suggests that further in-depth studies of the pediatric population are necessary to develop and implement effective preventive and control measures in the country.
Background: Vaccination against Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the primary preventative strategy that has been shown to reduce the burden of HPV related diseases. Zimbabwe introduced the bivalent vaccine (HPV 16/18) in the vaccination program targeting prepubescent girls in 2018. This review is an analysis of the distribution of HPV genotypes from various studies conducted in Zimbabwe to ascertain the effectiveness of the bivalent vaccine and make recommendations for future HPV vaccine choices. Summary: Zimbabwean studies have mostly reported on cervical HPV in the urban areas. The most frequent HPV genotypes from cervical sites were 16, 18, 33, 35, 45, 56 and 58. These were identified from samples with normal cytology, pre-cancer and invasive cervical cancer. The few studies that have been done in rural areas reported HPV 35 as the most frequent cervicovaginal genotype. From the anal region of individuals reporting for routine screening, HPV 16, 18, 35 52 and 58 were the most frequent. A study on genital warts identified HPV 6, 11, 16, 40, 51and 54. In a study on children with recurrent respiratory papillomatosis (RRP), HPV 6 and 11 were the most common and HPV 35 was also identified in these children. There is no available published data on HPV distribution in head and neck cancers in Zimbabwe. Key messages: Given that 83% of cervical cancers in Zimbabwe are caused by HPV 16/18, the bivalent vaccine could cover a significant proportion of HPV related cervical cancer. The current limitation of the bivalent vaccine is its failure to prevent benign lesions such as genital warts and RRP or all cervical cancer cases in Zimbabwe. For the prevention of most HPV related conditions, the nonavalent vaccine would be the most appropriate option for the Zimbabwean population. Currently there is no vaccine that includes HPV 35, yet this genotype was frequently identified in HPV related diseases. Vaccine developers may need to consider HPV 35 when manufacturing the next generation HPV vaccines. Furthermore, boys should also be included in HPV vaccination programs to improve herd immunity, as well as prevent RRP and HPV-related head and neck cancers.
Introduction: HIV-1 RNA detection is the most reliable method for monitoring treatment response among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Effective quality control measures that include internal quality control (IQC) are challenging in resource-constrained settings. Methods: We ascertained the utility of the assay low positive control (LPC) as an effective internal quality control (IQC) to monitor the reliability of the HIV-1 viral load assay. Variations in LPC values were measured for 390 different runs over ten years (2011-2021) and compared to in-house IQC data using Levey-Jennings control chart. Results: Overall, the Levey-Jennings analysis showed minimal variation (± 0.5 log) for both the LPC and IQC data. The mean LPC value for first 20 runs (20 days) was 2.91. The mean LPC value for the 390 runs comprising of 35 different lots, was 3.01± 0.1 log. Conclusion: Our decadal data reveals that Abbott real-time HIV-1 assay (Abbott Molecular Inc., IL, USA) LPC exhibited no significant biological variation over 390 runs distributed over ten years. Hence, assay LPC can supplant the IQC for monitoring assay trends as a stable and commutable material in resource-constrained settings.
