Differentiation of influenza B lineages circulating in different regions of Brazil, 2014-2016, using molecular assay.

Background: Two antigenically and genetically distinct lineages of influenza B viruses (B/Victoria and B/Yamagata) have been co-circulating worldwide since 2002. Virological surveillance is essential to differentiate between both lineages with a view to the annual updating of the B component for the trivalent or quadrivalent influenza vaccine composition.

Methods: The samples analyzed in the present study were collected by influenza sentinel units located in the Southeast, Midwest, North, and Northeast regions of Brazil, part of the National Influenza Virus Surveillance Network, coordinated by the Ministry of Health of Brazil.

Human bocavirus in hospitalized children under 5 years with acute respiratory infection, São Paulo, Brazil, 2010.

The aims of this study were to investigate the human bocavirus (HBoV) frequency and genotypes in hospitalized children <5 years presenting acute respiratory infections (ARI) within the São Paulo metropolitan area. Nasopharyngeal samples from 300 patients, previously screened for common respiratory viruses, were tested by qPCR for the NSP1 and NP-1 genes. The VP1/2 gene in positive samples was then amplified by PCR and sequenced.

All that glitters is not gold--founder effects complicate associations of flu mutations to disease severity.

Background: The recent 2009 (H1N1) influenza A pandemic saw a rapid spread of the virus to essentially all parts of the world. In the course of its evolution, the virus acquired many mutations, some of which have been investigated in the context of increased severity due to high occurrences in fatal cases. For example, statements such as: "42.

Immunogenicity and tolerability of a virosome influenza vaccine compared to split influenza vaccine in patients with sickle cell anemia.

The immunogenicity and tolerability of virosome and of split influenza vaccines in patients with sickle cell anemia (SS) were evaluated. Ninety SS patients from 8 to 34 years old were randomly assigned to receive either virosome (n=43) or split vaccine (n=47). Two blood samples were collected, one before and one 4-6 weeks after vaccination.

The dilemma of influenza vaccine recommendations when applied to the tropics: the Brazilian case examined under alternative scenarios.

Since 1999 the World Health Organization issues annually an additional influenza vaccine composition recommendation. This initiative aimed to extend to the Southern Hemisphere (SH) the benefits-previously enjoyed only by the Northern Hemisphere (NH)--of a vaccine recommendation issued as close as possible to the moment just before the onset of the influenza epidemic season. A short time between the issue of the recommendation and vaccine delivery is needed to maximize the chances of correct matching between putative circulating strains and one of the three strains present in the vaccine composition.

[Adenovirus conjunctivitis diagnosis using RPS Adenodetector].

Purpose: To evaluate the RPS Adenodetector, a rapid immunochromatographic test, in the diagnosis of patients with clinical overt adenoviral conjunctivitis.

Methods: Consecutive case series. Patients underwent conjunctiva scraping for RPS Adenodetector test and culture to identify adenovirus.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome-a global concern-influenza virus isolated from suspected cases in Brazil from April to June 2003.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a condition associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. Coronavirus has been associated with this severe emerging disease, with a pattern suggesting droplet or contact transmission. From April to June 2003, Institute Adolfo Lutz received 16 respiratory secretions from hospitalized patients with recent history of travel to an area with local transmission of SARS.

Occurrence of influenza B/Hong Kong-like strains in Brazil, during 2002.

Through the influenza virus surveillance from January to October 2002, influenza B/Hong Kong-like strains circulating in the Southeast and Centre East regions of Brazil have been demonstrated. This strain is a variant from B/Victoria/02/88 whose since 1991 and until recently have been isolated relatively infrequently and have been limited to South-Eastern Asia. A total of 510 respiratory secretions were collected from patients 0 to 60 years of age, with acute respiratory illness, living in the Southeast and Centre East regions of Brazil, of which 86 (17.