RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Accurate seroprevalence estimates of SARS-CoV-2 in different populations could clarify the extent to which current testing strategies are identifying all active infection, and hence the true magnitude and spread of the infection. Our primary objective was to identify valid seroprevalence studies of SARS-CoV-2 infection and compare their estimates with the reported, and imputed, COVID-19 case rates within the same population at the same time point. METHODS: We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane COVID-19 trials, and Europe-PMC for published studies and pre-prints that reported anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG, IgM and/or IgA antibodies for serosurveys of the general community from 1 Jan to 12 Aug 2020. RESULTS: Of the 2199 studies identified, 170 were assessed for full text and 17 studies representing 15 regions and 118,297 subjects were includable. The seroprevalence proportions in 8 studies ranged between 1%-10%, with 5 studies under 1%, and 4 over 10%-from the notably hard-hit regions of Gangelt, Germany; Northwest Iran; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Stockholm, Sweden. For seropositive cases who were not previously identified as COVID-19 cases, the majority had prior COVID-like symptoms. The estimated seroprevalences ranged from 0.56-717 times greater than the number of reported cumulative cases-half of the studies reported greater than 10 times more SARS-CoV-2 infections than the cumulative number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The findings show SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence is well below "herd immunity" in all countries studied. The estimated number of infections, however, were much greater than the number of reported cases and deaths in almost all locations. The majority of seropositive people reported prior COVID-like symptoms, suggesting that undertesting of symptomatic people may be causing a substantial under-ascertainment of SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Los posibles efectos adversos que se producen en transfusiones incompatibles ABO son un riesgo latente en el uso de concentrados de plaquetas grupo O, por lo que la titulación de hemolisinas anti-A/B constituye una de las estrategias para su prevención. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de títulos de hemolisinas de isotipos IgG e IgM anti-A/B en donantes de sangre. Se trató de un estudio descriptivo, transversal y aleatorio simple con un tamaño muestral de 308 muestras. Se aplicó la metodología en tubo, gel salino y anti-inmunoglobulina IgG y, mediante soluciones seriadas, se evidenció el título. Adicionalmente, se realizó una encuesta sobre los posibles factores de riesgo para el aumento de estos títulos. Se aplicó estadística descriptiva mediante el uso del software informático SPSS versión 22.0 y la relación entre variables independientes a través del análisis estadístico de Chi-cuadrado y, para establecer la concordancia de las lecturas visuales de las tarjetas de gel, se aplicó el índice kappa. Se determinó la existencia de hemolisinas de isotipo IgG e IgM anti-A/B de títulos superiores a 1/64. Existió una relación estadísticamente significativa entre embarazos y títulos de IgG anti-A/B >1/128 y el aumento de hemolisinas de isotipo IgM y la ingesta de probióticos. Los resultados demostraron la necesidad de implementar la titulación de hemolisinas previo a la transfusión de concentrados plaquetarios no isogrupo, por lo que se recomienda una investigación de riesgo-beneficio y el seguimiento de pacientes con transfusiones de concentrados plaquetarios incompatibles ABO.

The possible adverse effects that occur in incompatible ABO transfusions are a latent risk in the use of group O platelet concentrates, so the titration of anti-A/B hemolysins is one of the strategies for its prevention. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of hemolysins titers IgG and IgM anti-A/B isotypes in blood donours. It was a simple randomized descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 308 samples. The methodology was applied in tube, saline gel and anti-IgG anti-immunoglobulin and by means of serial solutions the title was verified. Additionally, a survey was conducted on the possible risk factors for the increase in securities. Descriptive statistics were used through the application of the SPSS version 22.0 software and the relationship between independent variables through the Chi-square statistical analysis and the kappa index was applied to match the visual readings of the gel cards. The existence of IgG and IgM anti-A/B isotype hemolysins of titers greater than 1/64 was determined. There was a statistically significant relationship between pregnancies and anti-A/B IgG titres>1/128; and the increase in IgM isotype hemolysins and probiotic intake. The results demonstrate the need to implement hemolysin titration prior to transfusion of non-isogroup platelet concentrates, so a risk-benefit investigation and follow-up of patients with transfusions of ABO incompatible platelet concentrates is recommended.

Os possíveis efeitos adversos que ocorrem em transfusões incompatíveis ABO são um risco latente no uso de concentrados de plaquetas do grupo O, portanto a titulação de hemolisinas anti-A/B é uma das estratégias para sua prevenção. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de títulos de hemolisinas de isotipos IgG e IgM anti-A/B em doadores de sangue. Trata-se de um estudo descritivo transversal aleatório simples, com tamanho de amostra de 308 amostras. A metodologia foi aplicada em tubo, gel salino e anti-imunoglobulina IgG e utilizando soluções em série, o título foi verificado. Além disso, foi realizada uma pesquisa sobre os possíveis fatores de risco para o aumento destes títulos. A estatística descritiva foi utilizada através da aplicação do software informático SPSS versão 22.0 e a relação entre variáveis independentes por meio da análise estatística do qui-quadrado e, para estabelecer a concordância com as leituras visuais dos cartões de gel, o índice kappa foi aplicado. Foi determinada a existência de hemolisinas de isotipo IgG e IgM anti-A/B de títulos maiores que 1/64. Existiu uma relação estatisticamente significante entre gestações e títulos de IgG anti-A/B>1/128; e o aumento de hemolisinas do isotipo IgM e a ingestão de probióticos. Os resultados demonstram a necessidade de implementar a titulação da hemolisina antes da transfusão de concentrados de plaquetas não isogrupo, por isso, recomenda-se uma investigação de risco-benefício e acompanhamento de pacientes com transfusões de concentrados de plaquetas incompatíveis com ABO.

Assuntos

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSjS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry eye and mouth. No laboratory parameters to monitor the activation of this disease have been identified. Therefore, any possible relationships between salivary and blood myxovirus resistance 1 (MX1) and pSjS must be prospectively studied. METHODS: Thirty female patients with pSjS, 30 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) and 28 healthy control women were enrolled in this investigation. Analyses of MX1 by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, SS-A (Ro) and SS-B (La) tests by the strip immunoblot method, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests by immunofluorescence and the measurement of serum rheumatoid factor (RF), C3, C4, immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were performed. RESULTS: The serum level of MX1 in patients without Raynaud phenomenon was higher than in those with Raynaud phenomenon (p:0.029, p<0.05, statistically significant). There was a statistically significant positive association between hemoglobin levels and MX1 serum levels. No statistically significant association was found among the other parameters. Low MX1 levels were shown to be associated with both a low disease activity score based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and hydroxychloroquine use in all patients. CONCLUSION: MX1 levels have a considerable impact on the assessment of the disease activity in SjS. We believe that more-comprehensive studies should be performed on patients with pSjS who do not use hydroxychloroquine to prove this relationship and that MX1 levels should be used as a routine marker for the assessment of pSjS disease activity. Further studies are needed to create awareness of the role that MX1 has in the diagnosis of pSjS, which may help to uncover novel pathways for new therapeutic modalities.

Assuntos

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSjS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes dry eye and mouth. No laboratory parameters to monitor the activation of this disease have been identified. Therefore, any possible relationships between salivary and blood myxovirus resistance 1 (MX1) and pSjS must be prospectively studied. METHODS: Thirty female patients with pSjS, 30 women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) without secondary Sjögren's syndrome (SjS) and 28 healthy control women were enrolled in this investigation. Analyses of MX1 by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method, SS-A (Ro) and SS-B (La) tests by the strip immunoblot method, anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) tests by immunofluorescence and the measurement of serum rheumatoid factor (RF), C3, C4, immunoglobulin A (IgA), immunoglobulin M (IgM), and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were performed. RESULTS: The serum level of MX1 in patients without Raynaud phenomenon was higher than in those with Raynaud phenomenon (p:0.029, p<0.05, statistically significant). There was a statistically significant positive association between hemoglobin levels and MX1 serum levels. No statistically significant association was found among the other parameters. Low MX1 levels were shown to be associated with both a low disease activity score based on the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) and hydroxychloroquine use in all patients. CONCLUSION: MX1 levels have a considerable impact on the assessment of the disease activity in SjS. We believe that more-comprehensive studies should be performed on patients with pSjS who do not use hydroxychloroquine to prove this relationship and that MX1 levels should be used as a routine marker for the assessment of pSjS disease activity. Further studies are needed to create awareness of the role that MX1 has in the diagnosis of pSjS, which may help to uncover novel pathways for new therapeutic modalities.

Assuntos

RESUMO

BACKGROUND: Congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosis in the newborn is a very important issue due to the need for early treatment to prevent future sequels. Aim To compare available methods at the institution for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Material and Methods In this study we have evaluated the different diagnostic tests used in 67 congenital exposed newborns, including serological tests, PCR, parasite isolation and molecular characterization. Results The ISAGA IgM and IgA tests showed sensitivity (Se) of 87 and 91%, respectively, and specificity (Sp) of 100%. When ISAGA IgM and IgA were performed simultaneously, the Se increased to 98% and the Sp was 100%. The presence of IgE contributed to the diagnosis when it was detected in the child's serum but not in maternal blood. In four congenital infected children the parasite was isolated and genotyped: one was genotype II and the other three were "atypical" genotypes. No parasite was isolated in children without congenital toxoplasmosis. Discussion Overall, serological tests showed a good diagnostic performance although in one case they were all negative and isolation was the only tool to identify the infection. We conclude that it is essential to use all diagnostic tests in every single exposed child, including if possible, molecular characterization due to its epidemiological implication.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Resumen Introducción El diagnóstico de toxoplasmosis congénita (TC) en el recién nacido es muy importante porque debe recibir tratamiento siempre, sintomático o no, para evitar o aminorar las secuelas de la enfermedad. Objetivo Evaluación comparativa de los métodos disponibles en la institución para el diagnóstico de TC. Materiales y Métodos Se evaluaron métodos diagnósticos en 67 niños cuyas madres cursaron toxoplasmosis aguda durante el embarazo. Se utilizó la técnica de Sabin Feldman para IgG al nacimiento y durante el seguimiento serológico hasta el año de vida. Para determinar IgM, IgA e IgE se utilizó la técnica immunosorbent agglutination assay (ISAGA). El diagnóstico directo se realizó por reacción de polimerasa en cadena (RPC), aislamiento y caracterización molecular del parásito. Resultados La sensibilidad (S) de ISAGA IgM fue 87%, ISAGA IgA 91% y la especificidad (E) fue 100% para ambas; cuando se realizaron en conjunto, la S aumentó a 98%. La detección de IgE contribuyó al diagnóstico cuando se la detectó sólo en la sangre del neonato y no en sangre materna. Se aisló el parásito en cuatro casos de TC, uno fue genotipo II y los otros tres, genotipos "atípicos". La S del aislamiento fue 80% y la E 100%. Conclusión Los métodos serológicos utilizados mostraron una buena eficacia diagnóstica. Un caso fue detectado sólo por el aislamiento y la caracterización molecular tiene gran valor epidemiológico.

Background. Congenital toxoplasmosis diagnosis in the newborn is a very important issue due to the need for early treatment to prevent future sequels. Aim To compare available methods at the institution for the diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis. Material and Methods In this study we have evaluated the different diagnostic tests used in 67 congenital exposed newborns, including serological tests, PCR, parasite isolation and molecular characterization. Results The ISAGA IgM and IgA tests showed sensitivity (Se) of 87 and 91%, respectively, and specificity (Sp) of 100%. When ISAGA IgM and IgA were performed simultaneously, the Se increased to 98% and the Sp was 100%. The presence of IgE contributed to the diagnosis when it was detected in the child's serum but not in maternal blood. In four congenital infected children the parasite was isolated and genotyped: one was genotype II and the other three were "atypical" genotypes. No parasite was isolated in children without congenital toxoplasmosis. Discussion Overall, serological tests showed a good diagnostic performance although in one case they were all negative and isolation was the only tool to identify the infection. We conclude that it is essential to use all diagnostic tests in every single exposed child, including if possible, molecular characterization due to its epidemiological implication.

Assuntos

RESUMO

Toxoplasmosis is caused by Toxoplasma gondii and the probability of this infection occurring in the first months of life is usually low because its transmission is related to eating habits. A 6-month-old nursing infant was diagnosed with acute toxoplasmosis, which was identified through anti- T. gondii IgA, IgM and low-avidity IgG serologic assays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and mouse bioassay test although its mother was seronegative. This serological divergence between mother and child led us to interview the mother regarding epidemiological factors. During this interview, she reported that she had given her 2-month-old baby a piece of undercooked beef to suck on. After some time, the baby presented fever and cervical lymphadenitis. This report emphasizes the importance of serological surveys of toxoplasmosis in nursing infants presenting with fever and lymphadenitis, in view of the possible acquisition of toxoplasmosis in the first months of life.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The extraglandular manifestations and lymphoproliferative disorders are complications in pSS. There are few serological markers that they are useful in these conditions. OBJETIVES: to evaluate the usefulness of the ß2microglobulin level in patients with pSS and its relation to extra glands manifestations , lymphoproliferative disorders and the presence of Rheumatoid factor (RF), serum immunoglobulins (Igs), and C3 and C4 levels. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we retrospectively studied patients with pSS , OAD and healthy controls . Ig G, Ig A and Ig M levels, serum complement C3 and C4 and RF were performed by immunoturbidimetry, and ß2microglobulin protein by the ELISA technique in all patients. RESULTS: 19 patients with pSS (Group SSp), 28 patients with other autoimme diseases diferent from pSS (Group PAD) and 24 healthy controls (Group C).There was an signifcant increase of ß2m values in Groups SS and OAD vs Group C (6.19 mg/dl vs. 2.53 mg/dl p<0.001) and (4.38 mg/dl vs. 2.53 mg/dl p<0.01). On the other hand, mean ß2m levels in Group SS were higher than in Group OAD (6.19 vs. 4.38 mg/dl p<0.01).There was not a relationship between ß2m level and Ig G, A , M ,complement levels and the presence of RF. CONCLUSION: ß2m can discriminate patients with pSS from those with other autoimmune diseases and healthy subjects. Increased ß2m level in pattients with pSS could reflect hyperactivation of B cells and it could be a potential marker associated with extraglandular manifestations and cell lymphoproliferative disorders.

Las manifestaciones extranglandulares y desórdenes linfoproliferativos son complicaciones que pueden comprometer el curso benigno del Síndrome de Sjögren Primario (SSp). Existen escasos marcadores serológicos con comprobada utilidad para predecirlas y/o diagnosticarlas. Objetivos: Evaluar la utilidad de Beta2microglobulina (ß2m) en pacientes con SSp y correlacionarlos con parámetros séricos predictivos de manifestaciones extraglandulares y enfermedades linfoproliferativas (Factor Reumatoideo (FR), Inmunoglobulinas séricas (Igs), C3 y C4). Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión retrospectiva de historias clínicas de pacientes que consultaron en la Unidad de Reumatología del Hospital Córdoba desde enero de 2010 a octubre 2013 y que fueron derivados a la Sección de Inmunología del Servicio de Bioquímica para la determinación de pruebas de laboratorio . Los pacientes fueron clasificados de acuerdo a los Criterios Diagnósticos de patologías autoinmunes en pacientes con diagnóstico de SSp según el Grupo Consenso Americano-Europeo, otras enfermedades autoinmunes y los controles sanos. Se estudiaron las IgG, IgA e IgM, factores del complemento C3, C4 séricos y FR por inmunoturbidimetría y ß2m por ELISA. Resultados: 19 pacientes con SSp (Grupo SSp), 28 pacientes con patologías autoinmunes distintas a SSp (Grupo PAD), y 24 controles sanos (Grupo C) fueron incluidos en este estudio. Se evidenció un aumento estadísticamente significativo de ß2m en el Grupo SSp respecto al Grupo C (6.19mg/dl vs 2.53mg/dl p<0.001) y respecto al Grupo PAD (6.19 vs 4.38mg/dl p<0.01). En el grupo SSp se observó aumento estadísticamente significativo de IgA (p<0.05) y G (p<0.001) y disminución de C4 (p<0.05) respecto al Grupo C. No se observó correlación entre ß2m y el resto de parámetros séricos determinados. Conclusión: ß2m permitió discriminar pacientes con SSp de aquellos con otras patologías autoinmunes y sujetos sanos. El aumento de ß2m en pacientes con SSp podría reflejar la hiperactivación de células B y podría ser un marcador asociado con las manifestaciones extraglandulares y desórdenes linfoproliferativos.

Assuntos

RESUMO

OBJECTIVE: To comprehensively characterize the immunologic characteristics of patients with protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) post-Fontan and compare them with patients without PLE post-Fontan. STUDY DESIGN: Patients with PLE post-Fontan and age-matched controls post-Fontan were prospectively studied with laboratory markers of immune function. Infectious history was obtained by interview and chart review. The groups' demographics, cardiac history, immune characteristics, and infection history were compared using appropriate 2-group statistics. RESULTS: A total of 16 patients enrolled (8 patients with PLE and 8 controls). All patients with PLE had lymphopenia compared with 25% of controls (P = .01). All patients with PLE had markedly depressed CD4 T cell counts (median 58 cells/µL) compared with controls (median 450 cells/µL, P = .0002); CD4% was also low in the PLE group (12.3%) and normal in control (36.9%, P = .004). Both groups had mildly depressed CD8 T cells and normal to slightly elevated natural killer and B-cell subsets. A majority of patients with PLE (62.5%) had negative titers to measles, mumps, and rubella vaccination, compared with no control Fontan with a negative titer (P = .03). Despite profoundly low CD4 counts, the frequency of infection was not different between groups with no reported opportunistic infections. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Fontan-associated PLE have extensive quantitative immune abnormalities, particularly CD4 deficiency. These immune abnormalities are similar to those found in non-Fontan patients with PLE caused by intestinal lymphangiectasia.

Assuntos

RESUMO

The hyper Immunoglobulin E syndrome, also known as Job's syndrome, is a rare primary immunodeficiency, its mechanisms of inheritance maybe recessive or dominant autosomal. It is characterized by high levels of IgE, eosinophilia, skin abscesses, eczema, chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis and recurrent pulmonary infections all of which contribute to the development of pneumatoceles and bronchiectasis. The most frequently isolated bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus. Currently, despite the highest survival of patients, lymphomas and other opportunistic infections have been reported. There are few reports of patients with Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection associated with hyper IgE syndrome. Therefore it is relevant that we report a case history of a patient with pulmonary tuberculosis, presenting miliary tuberculosis and severe respiratory compromise, who responded positively to standard anti-tuberculous treatment with first line drugs.

Assuntos