Publications by authors named "Simone G Morillo"
There is a dearth of information on the molecular epidemiology of rotaviruses in pets in Brazil. The aim of this study was to monitor rotavirus infections in household dogs and cats, determine full-genotype constellations, and obtain data on evolutionary relationships. Between 2012 and 2021, 600 fecal samples from dogs and cats (516 and 84, respectively) were collected at small animal clinics in São Paulo state, Brazil.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFHepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen associated with relevant public health issues. The aim of this study was to investigate HEV presence in free-living capybaras inhabiting urban parks in São Paulo state, Brazil. Molecular characterization of HEV positive samples was undertaken to elucidate the genetic diversity of the virus in these animals.
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- Capybaras, the largest rodents in the world, are highly adaptable to urban environments in South America and can carry various zoonotic diseases.
- A study conducted in São Paulo, Brazil, aimed to check for the presence of fecal-borne viruses in capybara feces by collecting 337 samples from 2018 to 2020 and testing for multiple virus types.
- Results showed all samples tested negative for fecal-borne viruses, suggesting that they pose a minor public health risk in the studied areas, but ongoing monitoring of wildlife is vital to manage potential viral threats.
Article Synopsis
- This study focused on the epidemiology of human astroviruses in children under 5 in Tocantins State, Brazil, from 2010 to 2016.
- Out of 232 stool samples, 16 (6.9%) tested positive for HAstV using both Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and conventional RT-PCR methods.
- The findings highlighted the genotypic diversity of HAstV, with lineages identified as HAstV-1a (9 cases), HAstV-4c (3 cases), and HAstV-5c (4 cases).
Background: Human sapoviruses (HuSaV) are associated with acute gastroenteritis (AGE), causing sporadic cases and outbreaks in patients worldwide. In Brazil, however, there are few reports describing the prevalence of HuSaV in patients with AGE.
Objective: Describing the diversity of HuSaV in Brazil by detecting and molecularly characterizing HuSaV among patients with AGE during an 8-year period (2010-2017).
Article Synopsis
- Recent reports indicate that DS-1-like-G1P[8] rotavirus has emerged in Asia, sparking interest in its detection in America.
- Between 2013 and 2017, researchers screened 4226 fecal samples for rotavirus, finding that G1P[8] strains accounted for 3.7% of positives, with DS-1-like-G1P[8] strains found only in 2013.
- Whole genome sequencing revealed that Brazilian strains cluster with Asian counterparts, suggesting these strains may have originated from Asia, and it emphasizes the need for effective surveillance systems to assess the efficacy of rotavirus vaccines against these emerging strains.
Spread of the emerging equine-like G3P[8] DS-1-like genetic backbone rotavirus strain in Brazil and identification of potential genetic variants.
J Gen Virol
January 2019
In 2013, the equine-like G3P[8] DS-1-like rotavirus (RVA) strain emerged worldwide. In 2016, this strain was reported in northern Brazil. The aims of the study were to conduct a retrospective genetic investigation to identify the possible entry of these atypical strains in Brazil and to describe their distribution across a representative area of the country.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe aims of this study were to monitor human astrovirus (HAstV) infections in patients presenting with acute gastroenteritis in Brazil and to determine the HAstV genotypes of these viruses. From May 2010 to July 2012, a total of 140 samples that were negative for both rotaviruses and noroviruses were randomly selected and tested for the presence of HAstV using an RT-PCR assay specific for the ORF2 region. Viral genotypes were identified and genetic diversity was investigated by sequencing.
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- * The outbreak occurred from October 26-29, 2015, affecting 28 individuals (22 residents and 6 staff), with an overall attack rate of 25.9% and higher rates in residents (8.5%).
- * Genetic analysis revealed that a single rotavirus strain was responsible for the outbreak, highlighting the need to consider RVA in investigations and prompting discussions on the potential benefits of RVA vaccines for the elderly.
Norovirus (NoV) is recognized as the most common cause of foodborne outbreaks. In 2014, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis occurred on a cruise ship in Brazil, and NoV became the suspected etiology. Here we present the molecular identification of the NoV strains and the use of sequence analysis to determine modes of virus transmission.
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- * G3P[8] was the dominant strain in 2012 and 2013 but drastically decreased in 2014, while G12P[8] initially declined but then rapidly re-emerged to become the predominant strain by mid-2014.
- * This shift correlates with increased hospitalizations for diarrhea in 2014, suggesting a potential outbreak of G12P[8] and emphasizing the need for ongoing surveillance of rotavirus and vaccine effectiveness in Brazil.
Regarding public health in Brazil, a new scenario emerged with the establishment of universal rotavirus (RV) vaccination programs. Herein, the data from the five years of surveillance (2007-2012) of G- and P-type RV strains isolated from individuals with acute gastroenteritis in Brazil are reported. A total of 6,196 fecal specimens were investigated by ELISA and RT-PCR.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFWorld group A rotavirus (RVA) surveillance data provides useful estimates of the disease burden, however, indigenous population might require special consideration. The aim of this study was to describe the results of G- and P-types from Brazilian native children ≤ 3 years. Furthermore, selected strains have been analyzed for the VP7, VP6, VP4, and NSP4 encoding genes in order to gain insight into genetic variability of Brazilian strains.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFObjectives: The aim of this study was to monitor rotavirus (RV) infections in adults >18 years with acute gastroenteritis during 2004-2011 national Brazilian RV surveillance. In addition, to characterize the RV group A (RVA) strains in order to gain insight into the supposed vaccine selective pressure imposed to Brazilian children population.
Methods: A total of 2102 convenient fecal specimens were investigated by ELISA, PAGE, and RT-PCR.
Introduction: This study aimed to monitor the seasonality of rotavirus infection, and gain insight into the variability of Brazilian strains.
Methods: A total of 28 stool samples were analyzed from 698 revised cases of gastroenteritis during a norovirus outbreak in the summer of 2010 in Guarujá, Brazil. Diagnosis was performed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and sequencing.
Norovirus (NoV) is a prevalent pathogen of foodborne diseases; however, its detection in foods other than shellfish is often time consuming and unsuccessful. In 2010, an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis occurred on a cruise ship in Brazil, and NoV was the etiologic agent suspected. The objectives of this study were to report that a handy in-house methodology was suitable for NoV detection in naturally contaminated food, and perform the molecular characterization of food strains.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: An unusual strain of human rotavirus G3P[3] (R2638 strain) was detected from a 1-year-old child patient during the epidemiological survey of rotavirus in the state of São Paulo, Brazil in 2011.
Objective: The aim of this study was to carry out sequence analyses of the two outer capsid proteins (VP4 and VP7) of the R2638 strain detected in order to obtain further information of the genetic relationships between human and animal rotaviruses.
Study Design: Rotavirus G3P[3] was detected using a commercial immunoenzymatic assay, SDS-PAGE, and genotyped by RT-PCR.
Objective: To monitor rotavirus (RV) and norovirus (NoV) infections in hospitalized children ≤ 5 years with acute gastroenteritis in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, during a 6-year period (2004- 2009).
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted with 61 medical centers with convenient surveillance fecal specimens, investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, reverse polymerase chain reaction and sequencing to genotype characterization.
Results: RV and NoV infections were detected in 29.
Article Synopsis
- Noroviruses (NoVs) were initially seen as a secondary cause of gastroenteritis, trailing behind rotaviruses, but advancements in molecular diagnostic techniques have shifted this perspective.
- NoVs are now recognized as the leading cause of non-bacterial gastroenteritis outbreaks and contribute significantly to sporadic cases in both children and adults.
- The review emphasizes understanding NoVs' structure, genetics, transmission, disease mechanism, and management strategies, underscoring that prevention focuses on hygiene since a vaccine is not available.
Group C rotavirus (GpCRV) has a worldwide distribution; however, its epidemiology and ecology are still unclear. Evidence for a possible zoonotic role has been postulated recently for Brazilian children strains. The aim of this study was to monitor GpCRV in children ≤15 years with acute gastroenteritis during the 2007-2010 national Brazilian rotavirus surveillance, and to undertake the molecular characterization of the major VP6 capsid protein.
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- - The study assessed the effectiveness of the Ridascreen® Norovirus 3rd Generation kit by comparing its sensitivity (61.8%) and specificity (92.5%) to the standard RT-PCR method using 245 gastroenteritis samples from Brazil.
- - The kit performed better in outbreak scenarios, achieving a sensitivity of 87.9% and specificity of 83.8%, but struggled with detecting genogroup I (GI) and mixed infections.
- - Overall, while the Ridascreen® kit offers a faster and simpler way to detect Norovirus outbreaks, RT-PCR remains crucial for identifying sporadic cases due to its higher sensitivity.
Objective: To describe a norovirus outbreak in a Brazilian long-term care facility from July 8 to 29, 2005.
Methods: In the first 48 to 72 hours after onset of symptoms in inpatients and employees, the main infection control strategies were staff education, emphasis on hand washing, implementing contact precautions up to 48-72 hours after resolution of symptoms, complete cleaning of the rooms and exclusion of symptomatic employees from work until 48-72 hours after resolution of their symptoms. Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of the norovirus infections were described based on chart review.