scholarly journals Nation-wide vector surveillance did not indicate transmission of the “American lineage pandemic ZIKA virus” in India

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
NARENDRAN PRADEEP KUMAR ◽  
P Jambulingam ◽  
D. Panneer ◽  
S Muthukumaravel ◽  
S. Abidha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Aedes Mosquitoes ◽  
Measure Methods ◽  
Asian Lineage ◽  
Risk Zones ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Standard Operating Protocol

Abstract Background In wake of the global health emergency declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) during 2016, on the outbreak of ZIKA pandemic, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) carried out countrywide vector surveillance for ZIKA and DENGUE viruses (ZIKV & DENV) in India, as a preparedness measure. Methods The study incorporated high-risk zones distributed to 49 Districts in 14 states/ Union Territories (UT) of India during 2016-2019. Seven ICMR Institutions undertook the study, following a uniform Standard Operating Protocol. Aedes specimens sampled on weekly intervals were processed by multiplex Reverse transcriptase PCR for ZIKV/DENV and Real time RT-PCR of ZIKV, among few samples distributed to all the Districts. Results Altogether, 79492 specimens of Aedes mosquitoes in 6492 pools were processed for both ZIKV and DENV infections. Among these, three and 63 pools respectively were found positive for ZIKV and DENV. ZIKV infections were recorded from Aedes aegypti sampled during 2018 sporadic ZIKA outbreak in Jaipur, Rajasthan, which belonged to the Asian lineage, already circulating in the Country. Both Ae. aegypti and Aedes albopictus were found infected with DENV and were distributed to ten states/ UTs. Both male and female specimens of Ae. albopictus recorded DENV infections indicating trans-ovarial transmission of DENV in the species. Conclusion This national vector surveillance study evinced no active transmission of the “American lineage - pandemic ZIKA virus” in India during 2016-2019, although Asian lineage of the virus already circulating in the Country was detected from Ae. aegypti from Jaipur, Rajasthan.

scholarly journals Identificação molecular de SARS-CoV-2 em superfícies ambientais em estabelecimentos de saúde de uma universidade pública no Brasil

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 431-441
Author(s):  
Caio Ricardo Eich ◽  
Barbara Scariot Colombelli ◽  
Kattlyn Larissa Candido ◽  
Luciana Oliveira De Fariña
Keyword(s):  
Internal Control ◽  
Local Population ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Virus Transmission ◽  
Health Surveillance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Surveillance Studies ◽  
Risk Zones ◽  
Health Organization

Em 11 de março de 2020, a Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) decretou a pandemia do COVID-19, causado pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, responsável por mais de 4,5 milhões de mortes até o momento. Esta nova realidade exigiu respostas por parte das autoridades e da população, a fim de mitigar a propagação do vírus e evitar o colapso do sistema de saúde, assim como estudos de vigilância em saúde, que possibilitaram um melhor entendimento dos mecanismos de transmissão do vírus e possibilitaram identificar zonas de risco dentro de cidades ou ambientes públicos. Este estudo tem o objetivo de identificar a presença do SARS-CoV-2 dentro da Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, a qual fornece serviços de saúde para a população local, assim como realizar um controle interno no Laboratório de Bioquímica Molecular (LaBioqMol) da universidade, onde são realizados testes de RT-PCR semanalmente. Foram coletadas 21 amostras de áreas frequentemente tocadas por pessoas, cuja presença do RNA viral e de material genético humano foi identificada por RT-PCR. Em nenhuma das amostras foi detectado a presença do vírus. Entretanto, em 8 (38,1%) das amostras foi verificada a amplificação do gene RNaseP, indicando a presença de células humana. Este estudo auxilia no controle e garantia de qualidade do LaBioqMol e fortalece a visão de que a contaminação do ambiente pelo SARS-CoV-2 é provavelmente menos frequente do que foi anteriormente sugerido no início da pandemia.   On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) decreed the pandemic of COVID-19, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, responsible for more than 4.5 million deaths to date. This new reality demanded responses from the authorities and the population in order to mitigate the spread of the virus and avoid the collapse of the health system, as well as health surveillance studies, which enabled a better understanding of the mechanisms of virus transmission and made it possible to identify risk zones within cities or public environments. This study aims to identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 within the Universidade Estadual do Oeste do Paraná, which provides health services to the local population, as well as to perform an internal control at the university's Molecular Biochemistry Laboratory (LaBioqMol), where RT-PCR tests are performed weekly. Twenty-one samples were collected from areas frequently touched by people, and the presence of viral RNA and human genetic material was identified by RT-PCR. In none of the samples was the presence of the virus detected. However, in 8 (38.1%) of the samples the RNaseP gene amplification was verified, indicating the presence of human cells. This study assists in quality control and assurance at LaBioqMol and strengthens the view that environmental contamination by SARS-CoV-2 is probably less frequent than was previously suggested at the beginning of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Viral metagenomics reveals the presence of novel Zika virus variants in Aedes mosquitoes from Barbados

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Thannesberger ◽  
N. Rascovan ◽  
A. Eisenmann ◽  
I. Klymiuk ◽  
C. Zittra ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
Illumina Miseq ◽  
Viral Metagenomics ◽  
World Health ◽  
Emerging Pathogens ◽  
Vector Surveillance ◽  
Illumina Hiseq ◽  
Time Period ◽  
Screening Study ◽  
Health Organization

Abstract Background The Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic of 2015/2016 spread throughout numerous countries. It emerged in mainland Latin America and spread to neighboring islands, including the Caribbean island of Barbados. Recent studies have indicated that the virus must have already been circulating in local mosquito populations in Brazil for almost 2 years before it was identified by the World Health Organization in 2015. Metagenomic detection assays have the potential to detect emerging pathogens without prior knowledge of their genomic nucleic acid sequence. Yet their applicability as vector surveillance tools has been widely limited by the complexity of DNA populations from field-collected mosquito preparations. The aim of this study was to investigate local vector biology and characterize metagenomic arbovirus diversity in Aedes mosquitoes during the ongoing 2015/2016 ZIKV epidemic. Methods We performed a short-term vector screening study on the island of Barbados during the ongoing 2015/2016 ZIKV epidemic, where we sampled local Aedes mosquitoes. We reanalyzed mosquito viral microbiome data derived from standard Illumina MiSeq sequencing to detect arbovirus sequences. Additionally, we employed deep sequencing techniques (Illumina HiSeq) and designed a novel bait capture enrichment assay to increase sequencing efficiency for arbovirus sequences from complex DNA samples. Results We found that Aedes aegypti seemed to be the most likely vector of ZIKV, although it prevailed at a low density during the observed time period. The number of detected viruses increased with sequencing depth. Arbovirus sequence enrichment of metagenomic DNA preparations allowed the detection of arbovirus sequences of two different ZIKV genotypes, including a novel one. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the S3116W mutation in the NS5 gene region of ZIKV polyprotein. Conclusions The metagenomic arbovirus detection approach presented here may serve as a useful tool for the identification of epidemic-causing arboviruses with the additional benefit of enabling the collection of phylogenetic information on the source. Apart from detecting more than 88 viruses using this approach, we also found evidence of novel ZIKV variants circulating in the local mosquito population during the observed time period. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Zika virus- threat to human race

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D. K. Awasthi ◽  
Sarita Chauhan
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Public Health Emergency ◽  
World Health ◽  
Human Race ◽  
Aedes Mosquitoes ◽  
The World ◽  
Virus Zika ◽  
Health Organization

Zika virus was found in monkey of Zika forest of Uganda. Zika and Ebola viruses are fatal. Zika virus is spread through Aedes mosquitoes. The World Health Organization(WHO) has declared a public health emergency for Zika virus. Zika virus was first of all isolated in 1947. Fever and pain caused by Zika virus is cured by Acetaminophane medicine. Zika virus causes microcephali disease.

scholarly journals Immunochromatographic assays for COVID-19 epidemiological screening: our experience

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrea Bartolini ◽  
Margherita Scapaticci ◽  
Marina Bioli ◽  
Tiziana Lazzarotto ◽  
Maria Carla Re ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Serological Screening ◽  
Rapid Assays ◽  
In Vitro Diagnostic ◽  
Biomedical Prevention ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Performance Validation

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Due to the absence of effective treatment or biomedical prevention, understanding potential post infection immunity has important implications for epidemiologic assessments. For this reason, increasing number of in vitro diagnostic companies are developing serological assays to detect antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, but most of them lack the validation by third parties in relation to their quality, limiting their usefulness. We submitted to serological screening by two different immunochromatographic (IC) rapid testing for detection of IgG and IgM against SARS-CoV-2, 151 asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic healthcare workers previously tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR in order to evaluate the performance of rapid assays. Results showed discrepancies between molecular and IC results, and an inconsistency of immunoglobulins positivity patterns when compared to ELISA/CLIA results, highlighting the absolute necessity of assays performance validation before their marketing and use, in order to avoid errors in the results evaluation at both clinical and epidemiological level.

scholarly journals Preliminary study of coronavirus disease 2019 on pets in pandemic in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia

2021 ◽  
pp. 2979-2983
Author(s):  
Hamong Suharsono ◽  
Ali Ghufron Mukti ◽  
Ketut Suryana ◽  
I. Wayan Masa Tenaya ◽  
Dilasdita Kartika Pradana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Close Contact ◽  
Genetic Material ◽  
Rna Isolation ◽  
World Health ◽  
Intermediate Hosts ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Pcr Products ◽  
Preliminary Study ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Respiratory Droplets

Background and Aim: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and has spread rapidly globally, resulting in a pandemic. In humans, the main routes of transmission are respiratory droplets and close contact with infected individuals or through contact with an object infected with the virus, followed by touching mouth, nose, or eyes. It is assumed that SARS-CoV-2 was originated in wild animals and was then transmitted to humans. Although some wildlife and domestic animals can be naturally or experimentally infected with the virus, the intermediate hosts that transmitted it to humans are still unknown. Understanding the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 associated with possible zoonotic transmission of intermediate hosts is considered critical. Reportedly, cats or dogs living with COVID-19-positive humans tested positive for the disease, suggesting that the virus was transmitted to the animals from humans. Information regarding the epidemiological investigation and comprehensive studies is limited. Therefore, it is still unclear how high is the correlation of infection in humans and pet animals, especially those living together. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the pets of patients with COVID-19 who were hospitalized at the Wangaya hospital, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia. Materials and Methods: A total of seven clinically asymptomatic pets (six dogs of different races and sexes and a cat [age, 360-2920 days]) were included in this study. These animals belonged to patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection from August to November 2020. Nasal swab and nasopharyngeal samples were collected from the pets individually under anesthetic condition and were collected 6-12 days after confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in owners and hospitalization at the Wangaya Hospital. The swab samples were then processed for RNA isolation and tested using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for SARS-CoV-2, in accordance with the World Health Organization manual 2020. Results: RT-PCR results for all seven RNA samples, prepared from the swab samples, were negative. For the samples, all PCR products were below the threshold limit, suggesting no genetic material belonging to the samples tested. Conclusion: This was the first preliminary study of COVID-19 on pets in pandemic using RT-PCR. The study tested a very limited quantity of samples, and all of them were negative. However, the way in which the samples were prepared was considered appropriate. Therefore, in further studies, testing of more samples of pets of more individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection is required.

Zika Virus Awareness and Prevention Practices Among University Students in Miami: Fall 2016

2018 ◽  
Vol 45 (6) ◽  
pp. 967-976 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Darrow ◽  
Chintan Bhatt ◽  
Cassandra Rene ◽  
Lakisha Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Zika Virus ◽  
World Health ◽  
Local Public Health ◽  
School Officials ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
First Case ◽  
Blackboard Learn ◽  
Multistage Sampling ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
High Level

In January 2016, the first case of mosquito-borne Zika infection in the mainland United States was confirmed in Miami, Florida. The first locally acquired case was reported 6 months later. Local public health and school officials began warning students of the outbreak on their return to the classroom in August 2016. In November–December 2016, we conducted a survey of students attending a large public university in Miami to determine how well informed they were about Zika. A multistage sampling design was used to contact teaching assistants and ask them for help in recruiting their students. Eligible students had to be 18 years of age or older and enrolled in at least one three-credit course during fall semester. A 25-item questionnaire based on the World Health Organization Zika Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practice Resource Pack was developed, pretested, and approved by the university’s institutional review board before it was made available to eligible students through Blackboard Learn or a survey link. About half (50.4%) of the 139 respondents had heard about Zika prior to 2016. Only one student was unaware of Zika before our survey. Most (47.1%) first learned about Zika through television, 18.8% from family or friends, and 15.2% from the Internet, social media, or university e-mail. Two thirds (66.2%) believed Zika could be prevented, 15.1% thought it might be prevented, and 85.7% had taken some precautions. A high level of awareness of the risk of Zika infection was apparent. Most students reported taking steps to avoid exposure to the Zika virus.

scholarly journals Advances in Diagnostic Methods for Zika Virus Infection

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos A. Herrada ◽  
Md. Alamgir Kabir ◽  
Rommel Altamirano ◽  
Waseem Asghar
Keyword(s):  
Reverse Transcription ◽  
Zika Virus ◽  
Vaccine Development ◽  
Genome Structure ◽  
Diagnostic Methods ◽  
World Health ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Localized Surface Plasmon ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Health Organization

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is one of the most infamous mosquito-borne flavivirus on recent memory due to its potential association with high mortality rates in fetuses, microcephaly and neurological impairments in neonates, and autoimmune disorders. The severity of the disease, as well as its fast spread over several continents, has urged the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare ZIKV a global health concern. In consequence, over the past couple of years, there has been a significant effort for the development of ZIKV diagnostic methods, vaccine development, and prevention strategies. This review focuses on the most recent aspects of ZIKV research which includes the outbreaks, genome structure, multiplication and propagation of the virus, and more importantly, the development of serological and molecular detection tools such as Zika IgM antibody capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Zika MAC-ELISA), plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT), reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), reverse transcription-loop mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP), localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) biosensors, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). Additionally, we discuss the limitations of currently available diagnostic methods, the potential of newly developed sensing technologies, and also provide insight into future areas of research.

scholarly journals Persistent Detection and Infectious Potential of SARS-CoV-2 Virus in Clinical Specimens from COVID-19 Patients

Viruses ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 1384
Author(s):  
Michael Zapor
Keyword(s):  
Pcr Amplification ◽  
World Health ◽  
Rt Pcr ◽  
Chain Reaction ◽  
Distinctive Features ◽  
Clinical Specimens ◽  
Polymerase Chain ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
Infectious Potential ◽  
Infective Potential

The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) that emerged in December 2019 as the causative agent of Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization in March 2020 has several distinctive features, including extensive multiorgan involvement with a robust systemic inflammatory response, significant associated morbidity and mortality, and prolonged persistence of viral RNA in the clinical specimens of infected individuals as detected by Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) amplification. This review begins with an overview of SARS-CoV-2 morphology and replication and summarizes what is known to date about the detection of the virus in nasal, oropharyngeal, and fecal specimens of patients who have recovered from COVID-19, with a focus on the factors thought to contribute to prolonged detection. This review also provides a discussion on the infective potential of this material from asymptomatic, pre-symptomatic, and convalescing individuals, to include a discussion of the relative persistence and infectious potential of virus in clinical specimens recovered from pediatric COVID-19 patients.

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