Circulación de genotipos de virus papiloma humano (VPH) en mujeres con lesiones intrepiteliales escamosas de Córdoba, Argentina

Human papillomavirus (HPV) can induce a wide spectrum of squamous intraepithelial lesions (SIL) of varying severity. The aim of the present study was to establish the frequency of HPV infection and identify the genotypes circulating in women from Córdoba, Argentina, in relation to age and cytology. A total of 186 women, between 18 and 65 years old, with antecedents of SIL, underwent a pelvic examination and had cervical cells collected for cytology and HPV DNA detection. Ninety-six samples (51.6%) were positive for HPV detection, and sixty-three (65.6%) of them showed the presence of at least one HR-HPV. Low- and high-grade SIL showed significant association in patients younger than 35 years of age. We found 18 different genotypes, with a greater presence of HR-HPV. Genotypes 16 and 6 were the most frequent. Seven (7.3%) multiple infections, 85.7% of which had at least one HR-HPV, were detected. The detection of a large number of different HPV genotypes is a warning sign. It is thus necessary to strengthen the monitoring of the circulation of high-risk genotypes, currently less prevalent in intraepithelial lesions, as a control measure for the possible impact of the implementation of vaccines against genotypes 16 and 18.El papilomavirus humano (human papilloma, HPV) induce un amplio espectro de lesiones intraepiteliales escamosas (SIL) de variada severidad. Objetivo: conocer la frecuencia de infección por HPV y determinar los genotipos circulantes en mujeres de la ciudad de Córdoba, Argentina, en relación con la edad y la citología. Se realizó citología y detección de ADN-HPV en células cervicales de 186 mujeres de 18 a 65 años con antecedentes de SIL. Noventa y seis (51.6%) fueron positivas para la detección del HPV, de las cuales, en 63 (65.6%) se detectó la presencia de al menos, un HPV de Alto Riesgo (HR-HPV). Las SIL de alto grado (HSIL) y de bajo grado (LSIL) se asociaron a pacientes menores de 35 años. Se hallaron 18 genotipos diferentes, con mayor presencia de HR-HPV. HPV 16 y 6 fueron más frecuentes y se detectaron 7 (7.3%) infecciones múltiples, 85.7% de éstas presentaron al menos un HR-HPV. La detección de un alto número de diferentes genotipos es una señal de alerta. Por tanto, es necesario fortalecer la vigilancia de los HR-HPV, actualmente menos frecuentes en las SIL, como medida de control del impacto que tendrá la implementación de las vacunas contra HPV 16 y 18

Distribution of Chlamydia trachomatis genotypes in infertile patients of Cordoba, Argentina

To detect and characterize Chlamydia trachomatis (C. trachomatis) genotypes in infertile patients of Córdoba, Argentina; 660 endocervical and urethral swabs and semen samples were collected from infertile patients for detection of C. trachomatis by omp A gene with Hemi Nested-PCR and cryptic plasmid-PCR. Sequencing methods of omp A gene were used to identify C. trachomatis genotypes. The sequences obtained were aligned with chlamydial sequences currently available in the GenBank, for the design of the phylogenetic tree. The prevalence of C. trachomatis was 7.27% (48/660). We did not detect C. trachomatis cryptic plasmid free strains. According to the results of nucleotide sequences, the distribution of genotypes was L1 (50 %) followed by G (25 %), E (12.5%) and D (12.5%). Patients who tested positive to genotype L1 had no symptoms of lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV). This is the first study that provides information about the distribution of C. trachomatis genotypes and the circulation of cryptic plasmid negative strains of C. trachomatis among patients with infertility in Córdoba, Argentina.Fil: Monetti, Marina Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Molina, Rosa Alejandra. Laboratorio de Andrología y Reproducción; ArgentinaFil: Estofan, Patricia. Centro Integral de Ginecología, Obstericia y Reproducción; ArgentinaFil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Kiguen, Ana Ximena. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Venezuela, Raul Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Paglini, Maria Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Cuffini, Cecilia Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Human Metapneumovirus: Epidemiology and genotype diversity in children and adult patients with respiratory infection in Córdoba, Argentina

Human Metapneumovirus (hMPV) is responsible for acute respiratory infections in humans, with clinical and epidemiological relevance in pediatric, elderly, and immunocompromised populations. These features are largely unknown in Co´rdoba, Argentina and in adults in general. Hence, our goal was to broadly characterize hMPV infection in patients of all ages hospitalized with acute respiratory infections in Co´rdoba, Argentina, including epidemiology, clinical features and genetic diversity. Nasopharyngeal secretions were obtained from 795 patients during 2011–2013, 621 patients were 0–25 years old and 174 were 26–85 years old. HMPV was assayed by RT-PCR and other respiratory viruses by indirect immunofluorescence. Local strains were identified by sequence analysis. Human Metapneumovirus was detected in 20.3% (161/795) patients, 13.1% as single infections and 7.2% in co-infections, more frequently with Respiratory Syncytial Virus. HMPV circulated during late winter and spring in all age patients, but mainly in children under 4 years old in 71.4% (115/161) and adults between 26 and 59 years old in 12.4% (20/161). The most prevalent diagnosis was mild acute respiratory infection in 59.6% (96/161) and bronchiolitis in 9.3% (15/161). Local strains were clustered within A2 subtype; they presented 73–100% identities among them, showing a high degree of homology compared to isolations from neighboring countries. We demonstrate that hMPV circulated among all age patients with respiratory infection during 2011–2013 in Co´rdoba, contributing to the understanding of this virus, its diagnosis and patient handling in local health-care centers.Fil: Rodriguez, Pamela Elizabeth. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Adamo, Maria Pilar. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Cuffini, Cecilia Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Camara, Jorge Augusto. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Paglini, Maria Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra; ArgentinaFil: Moreno, Laura. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Centro de Estudios de las Metabolopatías Congénitas. Cátedra de Clínica Pediátrica; Argentina. Hospital de Niños “Santísima Trinidad de Córdoba”; ArgentinaFil: Cámara, Alicia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentin

Knowledge of the general community in Cordoba, Argentina, on human papilloma virus infection and its prevention

Background: Most studies of human papilloma virus (HPV) are aimed at the natural history of the infection and its relation to cancer; however, there are few studies to assess knowledge of the general population. Our aim was analyze the degree of knowledge of Argentinians about HPV infection and its prevention. Materials and Methods: We conducted a voluntary, anonymous and non-binding survey with 27 multiple-choice items, in twelve private and public establishments, selected to include a broad population in terms of education, age and gender. The survey consisted of three sections: Individual characteristics of the volunteer, HPV infection basic knowledge, its prevention and the virus relationship with other cancers. Results: One thousand two hundred ninety seven volunteers aged 18 to 80 participated. The total number of correct answers was 45.1%. The correct answers for relationship HPV and cervical cancer was 62.1%. Almost 55% did not know about types of HPV that the vaccines for protection. Statistical analysis showed that women, single people, workers, the better educated, those who have had a STDs or HPV and receiving information through medical or educational establishments had greater knowledge of the topic. Only 0.2% of participants answered all questions correctly. Conclusions: Knowledge plays an important role in health care and the deficiency found in our population could influence the success of the measures taken in the fight against cervical cancer. In this regard, we believe it would be appropriate, not only to emphasize early diagnosis and vaccine implementation, but also incorporate new communication strategies, facilitating reception of accurate and precise information by all strata of society.Fil: Venezuela, Raul Fernando. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Monetti, Marina Soledad. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Kiguen, Ana Ximena. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Mosmann, Jessica Paola. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Cuffini, Cecilia Gabriela. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentin

Detección y caracterización molecular de Chlamydia psittaci y Chlamydia abortus en psitácidos mascotas en la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina

In order to determine the presence and genetic diversity of Chlamydia spp. in the north-eastern area of Buenos Aires province, Argentina, conjunctival, oropharyngeal, cloacal swab and tissues were collected from a total of 90 psittacine pet birds of different age and clinical manifestations. Through molecular methods, Chlamydiaceae was detected in 30% (27/90) of the samples, out of which 70.3% (19/27) were positive for Chlamydia psittaci and 14.9% (4/27) for Chlamydia abortus. Nine C. psittaci positive samples were genotyped by ompA gene sequences, 8 clustered within genotype A and 1 within genotype B. A significant association was observed between the presence of Chlamydia spp. and the manifestation of clinical signs compatible with chlamydiosis, as well as with the age of the birds (younger than one year old). This report contributes to the improvement of our understanding of chlamydial agents in our country.Con el objetivo de determinar la presencia de Chlamydia spp. en psitácidos del área noreste de la provincia de Buenos Aires y conocer su diversidad genética, se recolectaron y analizaron mediante métodos moleculares hisopados conjuntivales, orofaríngeos, cloacales y tejidos de un total de 90 psitácidos de diferentes edades y con diversas manifestaciones clínicas. El 30% (27/90) de las muestras procesadas fueron positivas para Chlamydiaceae; el 70,3% (19/27) de estas resultaron positivas para Chlamydia psittaci y el 14,9% (4/27) para Chlamydia abortus. Nueve muestras positivas para C. psittaci fueron genotipificadas por secuenciación del gen ompA: 8 correspondieron al genotipo A y una al genotipo B. Se observó una asociación significativa entre la presencia de Chlamydia spp. y la manifestación de signos clínicos compatibles con clamidiosis, como así también con la edad de las aves (menores de un ano). ˜ Este informe contribuye a mejorar nuestro conocimiento de los agentes clamidiales en nuestro país.Fil: Origlia, Javier Anibal. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos; ArgentinaFil: Cadario, Maria E.. Dirección Nacional de Instituto de Investigación.Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud "Dr. Carlos G. Malbrán"; Argentina. Dirección Nacional de Institutos de Investigación. Administración Nacional de Laboratorios e Institutos de Salud. Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Infecciosas; ArgentinaFil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Lopez, Norberto F.. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos; ArgentinaFil: Corva, Santiago. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; ArgentinaFil: Unzaga, Maria Florencia. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos; ArgentinaFil: Piscopo, Miguel Victor. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos; ArgentinaFil: Cuffini, Cecilia Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Petruccelli, Miguel Angel. Universidad Nacional de La Plata. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias. Cátedra de Patología de Aves y Pilíferos; Argentin

Seronegative human T-cell lymphotropic virus 1 carriers in blood banks: A potential viral source for silent transmission?

Background and Objectives: Transfusion-transmitted viruses count among the greatest threats to blood safety. In Argentina, current laws oblige testing all donated blood for the presence of antibodies against human T-cell lymphotropic viruses 1 and 2 (HTLV-1/2). In endemic zones of the country, a high rate of seronegative HTLV-1 individuals with clear evidence of infection because of symptoms and/or presence of tax sequences of HTLV-1 and/or IgG anti-Tax antibodies has been recently described. Migration from endemic to nonendemic zones of Argentina is very frequent. Materials and Methods: During a 1-year period, in the blood bank of Córdoba city, we performed molecular screening of all donors who were born in or arose from endemic zones for HTLV-1/2 in Argentina and neighbouring countries. Results: By screening 219 bp of HTLV-1/2 tax gene, 0.6% (2/317) of the blood donors proved to be positive for HTLV-1 tax sequence. One of the donors presented anti-Tax antibodies, demonstrating the transcriptional activity of the tax gene, and the other donor was also positive for LTR and pol gene sequences. The HTLV-1 genetic analysis of the LTR sequence determined that it belonged to the Cosmopolitan subtype HTLV-1aA. Conclusion: These findings suggest potential limitations of some currently approved screening assays for HTLV-1 detection applied in some donor populations and the possibility of an HTLV-1 seronegative carrier state with the potential for silent transmission by blood.Fil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Blanco, Sebastian. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Fundacion Banco Central de Sangre; ArgentinaFil: Balangero, Marcos Cesar. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Carrizo, Luis Horacio. Fundacion Banco Central de Sangre; ArgentinaFil: Santos Rocha, Anderson. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas; Brasil. Interdisciplinary HTLV Research Group; BrasilFil: Figueiredo Barbosa Stancioli, Edel. Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais. Instituto de Ciências Biológicas; Brasil. Interdisciplinary HTLV Research Group; BrasilFil: Nates, Silvia Viviana. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Gallego, Sandra Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentin

Molecular evidence of Chlamydia pneumoniae infection in reptiles in Argentina

In the central area of Argentina, the epidemiological and molecular characteristics of Chlamydia pneumoniae infections in reptiles are still unknown. A nested polymerase chain reaction of the rpoB gene was used to detect C. pneumoniae in cloacal swab samples from 19 reptiles at a recreational area. Eleven (57.89%) reptiles were positive; the sequencing and phylogenetic analysis confi rmed the presence of this bacterium. Neither C. pneumoniae DNA in the caregivers´pharynges nor IgM antibodies anti-C. pneumoniae in their serum samples were detected; however, caregivers presented very high titers of IgG anti-C. pneumoniae. The detection of C. pneumoniae DNA in reptiles demonstrated the circulation of this agent in the recreational area and could be responsible for the exacerbated immune response of the personnel handling the reptiles, which suggests a potential zoonotic cycle. This is the fi rst report of the detection of C. pneumoniae in reptiles in Argentina.En la región central de Argentina, las características epidemiológicas y moleculares de las infecciones por Chlamydia pneumoniae en reptiles son desconocidas. Para detectar C. pneumoniae, se usó la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada que amplifi ca el gen rpoB en muestras de hisopado cloacal de 19 reptiles. Once (57,89 %) reptiles resultaron positivos. La secuenciación y el análisis fi logenético corroboraron la presencia de esta bacteria. No se detectó ADN de C. pneumoniae en la faringe ni IgM anti-C. pneumoniae en el suero de los cuidadores; sin embargo, ellos presentaron títulos muy elevados de la circulación de este agente en el centro recreativo donde se realizó este estudio, lo que podría explicar la exacerbada respuesta inmunitaria en los cuidadores;.este hallazgo sugiere la presencia de un potencial ciclo zoonótico. Se reporta aquí por primera vez la detección de C. pneumoniae en reptiles en Argentina.Fil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Monetti, Marina Soledad. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Ré, Viviana Elizabeth. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Cuffini, Cecilia Gabriela. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Human T-Lymphotropic virus type 1 infection in absence of tax gene: A challenge for molecular diagnosis

This is the first report of HTLV-1 infection without detectable tax gene. Even though the tax gene of HTLV-1 presents high genetic stability, in the case presented here no sequence of tax was detected by three different and widely used molecular assays targeting several sequences of the gene. Nevertheless, HTLV-1 pol and env genes and LTR region were properly detectable. Several PCRs targeting tax sequences have been developed and largely used for molecular diagnosis of HTLV infection since the tax gene of HTLV-1 is known to be well preserved and intolerant to changes or mutations. In the case reported here, molecular detection of the virus was challenging. HTLV prevalence is complex and in many regions remains unknown. The identification of HTLV-infected individuals is important to determine its actual prevalence and design strategies to reduce viral spread. The finding and communication of HTLV-1 defective-provirus strains is important and necessary to guide the selection of representative target sequences on HTLV genome to design molecular assays, highlighting that different sequences should be combined to ensure adequate diagnosis. The latter is especially relevant in cases when discordant results between serological and molecular assays. This report contributes to the knowledge of the overall molecular epidemiology of HTLV-1 and encourages the need of surveillance of HTLV-1 "missed tax gene profiles" and the evaluation of the impact of these defective viral variants on molecular diagnosis and human health.Fil: Blanco, Sebastián Gabriel. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Balangero, Marcos Cesar. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Gallego, Sandra Veronica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentin

Establishment of the first platelet-donor registry in Argentina

Background: Platelet transfusions are necessary to prevent and treat haemorrhages in thrombocytopenic patients or those with severe platelet dysfunction. In Latin American countries, including Argentina, blood supplies from voluntary non-remunerated blood donors remain dependent on family replacement donors, since altruistic repeat donors are exceptional and platelet donors are very scarce. The aim of this study was to recruit a group of frequent, voluntary, altruistic blood donors and determine their human platelet antigen (HPA)-genotype in order to establish the first registry of HPA-typed voluntary platelet donors in Argentina. Material and methods: In this study, we invited and recruited voluntary blood donors who attended the Fundación Banco Central de Sangre between July 2016 and July 2017. DNA was extracted from K2EDTA anticoagulated whole blood and genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction, using sequence-specific primers to type the HPA-1 to -6, -9 and -15 systems. A subset of samples was also tested using a commercial HPA-TYPE kit. Donors were invited to join the National Register of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Donors of Argentina. Results: A cohort of 500 platelet donors was recruited and characterised and a database with their personal information, including their genotype for the most relevant HPA alloantigens, was created. Eight of the 500 donors (1.6%) were HPA-1a negative. HPA allelic variants -4b, -6b and -9b were detected for the first time in our population. There was 100% concordance between our in-house assay and the commercial kits in the subset of 150 donor samples assayed in parallel. Discussion: The efforts made to recruit, characterise and register voluntary platelet donors will provide the first sustainable source of HPA and human leukocyte antigen-typed platelets for compatible transfusions in the country. Remarkably, we identified a higher percentage of HPA-1a-negative donors than previously detected in the Argentinean population.Fil: Blanco, Sebastián Gabriel. Fundación Banco Central de Sangre; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; ArgentinaFil: Carrizo, Luis H.. Fundación Banco Central de Sangre; ArgentinaFil: Nogués, Nuria. Banc de Sang i Teixits; España. Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; EspañaFil: Gallego, Sandra Veronica. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Fundación Banco Central de Sangre; Argentin

Neurodegenerative disease in association with sexual transmission of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2 subtype b in Argentina

Background: The aim of this study is to show that human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 2 (HTLV-2) infection produces symptoms resembling those described for HTLV-1-associated myeloneuropathy and to highlight the role of sexual transmission in the silent dissemination of HTLV-2. Methods: Patient samples were tested by particle agglutination and indirect immunofluorescence assay. The HTLV type was defined by molecular techniques. Nucleotide sequence analysis of HTLV-2 long terminal repeat region, T cell CD3/CD4 and T cell CD3/CD8 counts and typing of human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alleles A, B, C and DRB1 were also performed. Results: HTLV-2 subtype b infection was confirmed in two blood donors and their sexual partners. Two patients exhibited distinctive signs and symptoms of progressive neurological disease. Three infected patients carried HLA-C∗04. Both patients with neurological disease also carried HLA-A∗31 and HLA-DRB1∗07 alleles. Conclusions: Herein we describe for the first time sexual transmission of HTLV-2 in a non-endemic region of Argentina, highlighting the relevance of this transmission route in HTLV-2 silent dissemination out of the clusters of endemicity. We also provide evidence that HTLV-2 infection causes symptoms resembling those described for HTLV-1-associated myeloneuropathy. The evidence presented herein points to the critical need for public health strategies to reduce the spread of this neglected infection.Fil: Blanco, Sebastian. Universidad Nacional de Cordoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología; ArgentinaFil: Barile, María Eugenia. Hospital Misericordia Nuevo Siglo ; Gobierno de la Provincia de Cordoba;Fil: Frutos, Maria Celia. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; ArgentinaFil: Paulo Vicente, Ana Carolina. Fundación Oswaldo Cruz; BrasilFil: Gallego, Sandra Veronica. Universidad Nacional de Córdoba. Facultad de Medicina. Instituto de Virología Dr. J. M. Vanella; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba; Argentin