Gene therapies and COVID-19 vaccines: a necessary discussion in relation with viral vector-based approaches.

The COVID-19 pandemic is adding an unanticipated concern for those affected by genetic diseases. Most of the new treatment achievements for these patients are made possible as a result of advances in viral-based products. Among them, adenoviruses (AdV) and especially adeno-associated viruses (AAV) are important players.

Nonclinical data supporting orphan medicinal product designations in the area of rare infectious diseases.

This review provides an overview of nonclinical in vivo models that can be used to support orphan designation in selected rare infectious diseases in Europe, with the aim to inform and stimulate the planning of nonclinical development in this area of often neglected diseases.

Disinfection of drinking water contaminated with Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts under natural sunlight and using the photocatalyst TiO2.

The results of a batch-process solar disinfection (SODIS) and solar photocatalytic disinfection (SPCDIS) on drinking water contaminated with Cryptosporidium are reported. Cryptosporidium parvum oocyst suspensions were exposed to natural sunlight in Southern Spain and the oocyst viability was evaluated using two vital dyes [4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) and propidium iodide (PI)]. SODIS exposures (strong sunlight) of 8 and 12h reduced oocyst viability from 98% (+/-1.

Artemia is capable of spreading oocysts of Cryptosporidium and the cysts of Giardia.

The capability for ingesting and spreading the fixed oocysts of Cryptosporidium and fixed cysts of Giardia, two waterborne protozoan parasites, by Artemia franciscana, a microcrustacean widely used as live diet in fish and shellfish larviculture, was demonstrated using differential interference contrast and immunofluorescence microscopy. Our findings suggest the possibility that this microcrustacean could serve as a disseminating vehicle of both parasites in aquatic environments.

Cryptosporidium and Giardia in wild otters (Lutra lutra).

A total of 437 faecal samples from wild otter (Lutra lutra) were collected from 161 sites in Galicia (northwest Spain) and were analysed by a direct immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Cryptosporidium sp. oocysts and Giardia sp.

Levels of detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) by IFA and PCR methods.

Cryptosporidium spp. are monoxenous protozoan parasites that cause gastrointestinal diseases in humans and animals. Shellfish harvesting areas can become contaminated by the infectious stage of the parasite and humans are therefore at risk of infection either by consumption of shellfish, or by taking part in recreational activities in these areas.

Cooking mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) by steam does not destroy the infectivity of Cryptosporidium parvum.

The consumption of shellfish has increased considerably worldwide, with an associated increase in foodborne illnesses. Among the bivalves, the mussels are usually cooked by steam, which constitutes a typical dish in several regions. In this article, we demonstrate that this preparation is not sufficient to destroy completely the infectivity of Cryptosporidium parvum.

Cryptosporidium contamination in harvesting areas of bivalve molluscs.

Cryptosporidium contamination was evaluated in areas in Galicia (northwestern Spain) where bivalve molluscs are harvested. Galicia is the main mussel-producing region in Europe. Data were collected on water contamination of effluents that are discharged into these areas.

Occurrence of giardia cysts in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) destined for human consumption.

Between January and June 2004, a total of 200 nondepurated mussel samples of the Galician coast (northwest Spain) were examined for Giardia cysts with a direct immunofluorescence antibody test. Giardia cysts were found in mussels from all of the estuaries studied, with an overall rate of contamination of 41.5%.

Giardia in shellfish-farming areas: detection in mussels, river water and waste waters.

Giardia cyst contamination of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis), raw and treated waste waters and water from rivers that flow into four Galician estuaries (NW Spain), where bivalve molluscs are cultured for human consumption, was studied. The high prevalence of contamination in mussels (41.8%, n=184), raw waste water (90.