Publications by authors named "Mª Merce Nogueras"
Background: In the context of COVID-19 pandemic in Catalonia (Spain), the present study analyses respiratory samples collected by the primary care network using Acute Respiratory Infections Sentinel Surveillance System (PIDIRAC) during the 2019-2020 season to complement the pandemic surveillance system in place to detect SARS-CoV-2. The aim of the study is to describe whether SARS-CoV-2 was circulating before the first confirmed case was detected in Catalonia, on February 25th, 2020.
Methods: The study sample was made up of all samples collected by the PIDIRAC primary care network as part of the Influenza and Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) surveillance system activities.
Article Synopsis
- * Real-time PCR and multiplex PCR techniques were used to detect the ompA gene in ticks and to identify antibodies against SFG rickettsiae in the foxes' serum.
- * Results showed that 50.3% of serum samples were positive for SFG rickettsiae, with R. massiliae identified in 107 ticks, while no R. conorii was found, indicating that red foxes can host ticks carrying SFG rickettsia.