Molecular analysis of adenovirus strains responsible for gastroenteritis in children, under five, in Tunisia.

Purpose Of Work: Enteric Adenovirus (EAdV) is recognized as one of the most commonly identified agents responsible for severe acute gastroenteritis (AGEs) in the stools of infants.We sought to determine the rate of human adenovirus (HAdV) infections, and the genotypic characterization of circulating strains of HAdV in children under 5 years of age with AGEs in university and regional hospitals, located in the Center-East of Tunisia, from January 2014 to December 2016.

Methods: A classic PCR was performed on 582 stool samples taken within 5 days of the onset of symptoms.

Role of hepatitis C virus core antigen assay in hepatitis C care in developing country.

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) aims to achieve global hepatitis C elimination by 2030, defined as diagnosis of 90% of infected individuals and treating 80% of them. Current guidelines for the screening and diagnosis of hepatitis C infection denote using a relatively cheap screen with anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody immunoassay, followed by the much costlier molecular test for HCV RNA levels using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay to confirm active HCV infection. Simplification of the HCV evaluation algorithm to reduce the number of required tests could considerably expand the provision of HCV treatment especially in a developing country.

Molecular characterization of respiratory syncytial virus circulating in Tunisia between 2015 and 2018.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most frequently identified viral agent in children with lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI). No data are available to date regarding RSV genotypes circulating in Tunisia. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic variability of the glycoprotein G gene in Tunisian RSV strains.

Unexpected predominance of rotavirus G9P[8] strain in Tunisian adult diarrheal patients.

Group A Rotavirus (RVA) is known to be a major cause of acute gastroenteritis (AGE) in children but its role as a potential pathogen in immunocompetent adults is probably underestimated. To compare RVA infections in patients from different age groups. Fecal samples were collected from patients aged from birth to 65 years, hospitalized or consulting for AGE between 2015 and 2017.

Molecular characterization of group A rotavirus among children aged under 5 years in Tunisia, 2015-2017.

The aim of the present study was to report the molecular characterization of human group A rotaviruses (RVAs) circulating in Tunisia. Stool specimens were collected from children under 5 years of age who had been hospitalized or were consulting for gastroenteritis in Tunisian hospitals between 2015 and 2017. All samples were screened by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the detection of the VP6 gene specific for RVA.

Phylogenetic analysis of partial VP7 gene of the emerging human group A rotavirus G12 strains circulating in Tunisia.

Purpose: Group A rotavirus (RVA) is the leading cause of severe gastroenteritis in children younger than 5 years. The most common human G-types are G1-4 and G9. G12 genotype is currently emerging worldwide, becoming the sixth most prevalent RVA G-genotype.

Distribution of rotavirus VP7 and VP4 genotypes circulating in Tunisia from 2009 to 2014: Emergence of the genotype G12.

Group A rotavirus (RVA) represents the most important aetiological agent of diarrhoea in children worldwide. From January 2009 to December 2014, a multi-centre study realized through 11 Tunisian cities was undertaken among children aged <5 years consulting or hospitalized for acute gastroenteritis. A total of 1127 faecal samples were collected.

Feline origin of rotavirus strain, Tunisia, 2008.

In Tunisia in 2008, an unusual G6P[9] rotavirus, RVA/human-wt/TUN/17237/2008/G6P[9], rarely found in humans, was detected in a child. To determine the origin of this strain, we conducted phylogenetic analyses and found a unique genotype constellation resembling rotaviruses belonging to the feline BA222-like genotype constellation. The strain probably resulted from direct cat-to-human transmission.

Molecular characterization of the NSP4 gene of human group A rotavirus strains circulating in Tunisia from 2006 to 2008.

Non-structural protein 4 (NSP4), encoded by group A rotavirus (RVA) genome segment 10, is a multifunctional protein and the first recognized virus-encoded enterotoxin. Recently, a new classification system for RVAs was proposed and a total of 14 NSP4 genotypes (E1-E14) are currently described. The most common NSP4 genotypes in humans are Wa-like E1 and DS-1-like E2.

Rotavirus strain diversity in the centre coast of Tunisia from 2000 through 2003.

An epidemiological survey investigating rotavirus infection in children was undertaken in the coastal region of Tunisia from January 2000 through September 2003. A total of 309 fecal specimens were screened by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and latex agglutination assay for the presence of group A rotavirus antigen. The detection rate was 26.

Rotavirus infection and intussusception in Tunisian children: implications for use of attenuated rotavirus vaccines.

Background: A licensed rotavirus vaccine was withdrawn from use because of an increased risk of intussusception. The association of rotavirus vaccination with intussusception raised concerns about a potential link between natural rotavirus disease and intussusception. The objectives of the present study were to determine whether an epidemiological association with natural rotavirus infection existed.

Emergence and characterization of human rotavirus g9 strains in Tunisia.

Among human rotaviruses, G9 has emerged as the fifth most important genotype circulating globally. Ongoing surveillance of rotavirus in Tunisia during the past 10 years identified the first G9 strains in 2004. These strains exhibited the P[8] VP4 genotype and had a long RNA electrophoretype.

Respiratory syncytial virus infections in hospitalized infants: association between viral load, virus subgroup, and disease severity.

The relationships between host factors, virus strain, viral load, and illness severity in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)-induced bronchiolitis are poorly defined. These relationships were evaluated prospectively in 81 previously healthy infants hospitalized with RSV bronchiolitis. Disease severity was determined by the respiratory rate, the duration of hospitalization, and whether patients during their hospitalization required pediatric intensive care unit admission or mechanical ventilation.