ZIKV replication is differential in explants and cells of human placental which is suppressed by HSV-2 coinfection.

During the Zika fever outbreak in Brazil in 2015-2016, only some babies from infected mothers had teratogenic effects, suggesting that cofactors may influence congenital transmission. We investigated the ZIKV infection profile in explants and isolated cells from full-term human placenta to infection with the Brazilian Zika virus strain (ZIKV) and the effect of coinfection with the Brazilian Human alphaherpesvirus 2 strain (HSV-2) on ZIKV replication. We found that the ZIKV infect the explants of amniotic and chorionic membranes, as well as chorionic villi core, but not the trophoblasts layer.

Inducible nitric oxide synthase/CD95L-dependent suppression of pulmonary and bone marrow eosinophilia by diethylcarbamazine.

Rationale: The mechanism of action of diethylcarbamazine (DEC), an antifilarial drug effective against tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, remains controversial. DEC effects on microfilariae depend on inducible NO synthase (iNOS). In eosinophilic pulmonary inflammation, its therapeutic mechanism has not been established.