Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis epidemic in São Paulo State, Brazil, 2011.

Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis (AHC) infection is highly contagious and can lead to explosive epidemics. In early February 2011, the Center for Epidemiologic Surveillance of the State of São Paulo Health Secretariat (SES-SP) in Brazil received reports of conjunctivitis outbreaks from rural areas of the state that subsequently spread statewide. This report describes that AHC epidemic and its etiologic agent.

Rubella virus genotype 1G and echovirus 9 as etiologic agents of exanthematous diseases in Brazil: insights from phylogenetic analysis.

The aim of the present study was to identify the rubella virus (RV) and enterovirus (EV) genotypes detected during the Epidemiological Surveillance on Exanthematic Febrile Diseases (VIGIFEX) study and to perform phylogenetic analysis. Ten RV- and four EV-positive oropharyngeal samples isolated from cell culture were subjected to RT-PCR and sequencing. Genotype 1G and echovirus 9 (E-9) was identified in RV- and EV-positive samples, respectively.

Evaluation of enterovirus 71 immune status in São Paulo state, Brazil.

Antibodies to Enterovirus 71 (EV71) were evaluated in São Paulo State during 1999-2005. The titer of neutralizing antibodies against EV71 was determined by microneutralization assay, and a titer of ≥ 1:8 was defined as indicative of protected immunity. Neutralizing antibodies to EV71 were observed in 12.

Monitoring of poliovirus neutralizing antibodies in São Paulo State, Brazil.

As the world envisions poliomyelitis eradication, objective parameters are needed to ascertain whether immunocompetence against the virus provided by vaccine campaigns has been attained. The presence of neutralizing antibodies is considered a surrogate marker of protective immune response to the agent. Neutralization of three poliovirus serotypes were evaluated in a total of 411 sera samples collected from 1999 to 2005 in São Paulo State, Brazil.

[Echovirus 6 associated with exanthematic disease].

Viral exanthems are a common problem in tropical regions, particularly affecting children. Various skin rashes have been reported in acute infections caused by Enterovirus. Biological samples from a child who presented generalized rashes were sent to the Enteric Virus Laboratory of the Adolfo Lutz Institute for laboratory diagnosis to be performed.

Echovirus 6 associated to aseptic meningitis outbreak, in São Joaquim da Barra, São Paulo, Brazil.

An aseptic meningitis outbreak occurred during a period from February to May 2004 in São Joaquim da Barra, a town in the northern region of São Paulo State. A total of 40 cases were reported to the Epidemiological Surveillance Center of São Paulo State. Cerebrospinal fluid samples obtained from 23 patients were sent to the Adolfo Lutz Institute for isolation of the virus.

Echovirus 4 associated to hand, foot and mouth disease.

Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) is a contagious enteroviral infection occurring primarily in children and characterized by vesicular palmoplantar eruptions and erosive stomatitis. Echovirus 4 (EV-4) has been commonly associated with aseptic meningitis. The association of HFMD with EV-4 has not been reported previously.