ABSTRACT This study aims to investigate the possible association between neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratio in women with HIV, undergoing antiretroviral treatment, with HPV coinfection. This is a cross-sectional study with HIV positive women; their biological samples were collected for laboratory tests (complete blood count) and oncotic cytology for detection of HPV DNA, by PCR-Nested (PGMY and GP primers). Viral load and CD4 and CD8 T-cells counts were obtained from medical records. The data were analyzed, comparing the two groups: those with coinfection and those without it. From 82 HIV seropositive women, 50% exhibited HPV coinfection and 12.2% of coinfected patients had cervical cell alterations. Quantification of viral load, CD4 and CD8 T-cells count, CD4 / CD8 ratio and neutrophil/lymphocyte (NLR) and platelet/lymphocyte (PLR) ratio presented significant differences between groups (p<0.05). The predicting power of NLR and PLR in differentiating HIV/HPV coinfection which demonstrated differences between groups (AUC of 0.882 and 0.776 for NLR and PLR, respectively). There is a relation between the neutrophil/lymphocyte and platelet/lymphocyte ratio with HIV/HPV coinfection in women undergoing antiretroviral treatment, suggesting a state of greater and persistent systemic inflammation, reflecting as a biomarker for screening and monitoring these patients. neutrophillymphocyte neutrophil lymphocyte plateletlymphocyte platelet treatment crosssectional cross sectional complete count DNA PCRNested PCR Nested PGMY primers. primers . primers) CD Tcells T cells records analyzed it 8 50 122 12 2 12.2 alterations (NLR (PLR p<0.05. p005 p p<0.05 0 05 (p<0.05) HIVHPV AUC 0882 882 0.88 0776 776 0.77 respectively. respectively respectively) inflammation 5 1 12. p00 p<0.0 (p<0.05 088 88 0.8 077 77 0.7 p0 p<0. (p<0.0 08 0. 07 7 p<0 (p<0. p< (p<0 (p< (p

ABSTRACT Diagnostic networks ensure efficiency in disease diagnosis. A descriptive study evaluated the network of public health laboratories (NPHL) in Minas Gerais State, Brazil, using diagnostic results for tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) from the laboratory management system in 2017–2020. Out of 1,369 individuals analyzed, 704 (51.4%) cases of TL were confirmed, with 610 (86.7%) by direct parasitological examination (DPE) and 94 (13.4%) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Notably, 25.3% of cases with DPE-negative results were PCR-positive. Consecutive diagnostic tests enhanced diagnosis of TL. NPHL-MG is a promising model for expanding similar networks and improving disease control. NPHL (NPHL State Brazil (TL 20172020 2017 2020 2017–2020 1369 1 369 1,36 analyzed 70 51.4% 514 51 4 (51.4% confirmed 61 86.7% 867 86 7 (86.7% DPE (DPE 9 13.4% 134 13 (13.4% PCR. PCR . (PCR) Notably 253 25 3 25.3 DPEnegative negative PCRpositive. PCRpositive positive. positive PCR-positive NPHLMG MG control 2017202 201 202 2017–202 136 36 1,3 51.4 5 (51.4 6 86.7 8 (86.7 13.4 (13.4 (PCR 2 25. 201720 20 2017–20 1, 51. (51. 86. (86. 13. (13. 20172 2017–2 (51 (86 (13 2017– (5 (8 (1 (

ABSTRACT Using a panel study design, we aimed to estimate the seroconversion and seroreversion rates of anti-Strongyloides IgG antibodies from surveys carried out 11 months apart in a rural community in the Amazon Basin in Brazil. We used enzyme immunoassays to measure anti-Strongyloides IgG antibodies in 325 baseline plasma samples and 224 others that were collected 11 months later from residents in the agricultural settlement of Granada, Acre State. We observed anti-Strongyloides IgG antibodies in 21.8% of the baseline samples (which showed that 3.4% of participants had larvae in their stool) and in 23.7% of the follow-up samples. The seroconversion rate estimated at 9.7 episodes/100 person-years at risk agrees with ongoing transmission. Specific antibodies were relatively short-lived and nine (25.0%) of 36 seropositive participants at baseline were seronegative when retested 11 months later. Fecal surveys can severely underestimate the prevalence of S. stercoralis infection in rural Amazonians. Serology provides a field-deployable diagnostic tool to find high-prevalence populations, identify associated risk factors, and monitor intervention programs. design antiStrongyloides anti Strongyloides 1 Brazil 32 22 Granada State 218 21 8 21.8 which 34 3 4 3.4 stool 237 23 7 23.7 followup follow up 97 9 9. episodes100 episodes 100 episodes/10 personyears person years transmission shortlived short lived 25.0% 250 25 0 (25.0% S Amazonians fielddeployable field deployable highprevalence high populations factors programs 2 21. 3. 23. episodes10 10 episodes/1 25.0 (25.0 episodes1 episodes/ 25. (25. (25 (2 (

ABSTRACT Candida glabrata is a yeast which incidence has increased in recent years and usually causes urogenital and bloodstream infections. Its resistance to fluconazole hinders C. glabrata infections treatment. This case report presents a case of candidemia and scrotal abscess caused by C. glabrata, which was successfully treated with liposomal amphotericin B. The primary treatment options for C. glabrata candidemia are echinocandins and amphotericin B formulations. However, echinocandins and lipid-based amphotericin B formulations do not properly pass through the urinary system. Amphotericin B deoxycholate has a high risk of side effects and is difficult to obtain. The treatment option for candidemia caused by fluconazole-resistant C. glabrata secondary to urinary tract infection is unclear and there are no sufficient studies. For treatment, liposomal amphotericin B may be considered, especially for scrotal and prostatic fluconazole-resistant fungal abscesses. More studies comparing the penetration of antifungals into scrotal and prostatic tissue and the success of antifungal treatment in these tissue infections are needed. C However lipidbased lipid based system obtain fluconazoleresistant resistant considered abscesses needed

ABSTRACT The Zika virus (ZIKV) has been associated with several complications, including acute transverse myelitis (ATM), an acute inflammation of the spinal cord, with rapid development of motor, sensory and dysautonomic symptoms. It is a rare disease, and its clinical features, as well as differences in relation to idiopathic ATMs, are still not completely known. The objective of this paper is to review the literature in search of clinical features and complementary exams of ATM post-ZIKV infection, alone or in association with other neurological conditions (mixed diseases), as well as its treatments and prognoses. The search was made on 5 databases, using the PRISMA methodology (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). Nine articles were selected (total of 20 subjects), which were divided between isolated ATM and mixed neurological syndromes with ATM. The study found a predominance of individuals aged 20 to 30. Among the six subjects in the mixed group, three were over 50 years old. The median prodromal period was 2 days for the mixed diseases group and 7 days for the isolated ATM group. Some individuals in the isolated ATM group exhibited signs of dysautonomia, such as syncope, postural lability, and arrhythmia. The mixed group had a higher incidence of coinfections, with 4 cases compared to 1 case in the isolated ATM group. Over 50% of the individuals had moderate to moderately severe disability. These findings suggest that severe conditions may progress to significant sequelae, highlighting the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment, particularly during endemic periods. ZIKV (ZIKV complications ATM, , (ATM) cord motor symptoms disease ATMs known postZIKV post infection diseases, diseases) prognoses databases Preferred MetaAnalyses. MetaAnalyses Meta Analyses . Meta-Analyses) total subjects, subjects) 30 old dysautonomia syncope lability arrhythmia coinfections disability sequelae treatment periods (ATM Meta-Analyses 3

ABSTRACT An immunocompromised patient was infected by the SARS-CoV-2 variant of interest named Zeta (P.2) in February 2021. More than one year later, he suffered from symptomatic COVID-19 and sequencing revealed the same variant, which accumulated 23 substitutions. This case illustrates intra-host evolution of a particular SARS-CoV-2 variant, highlighting the importance of genomic surveillance of immunocompromised patients. SARSCoV2 SARSCoV SARS CoV 2 SARS-CoV- P.2 P2 P (P.2 2021 later COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 substitutions intrahost intra host patients SARS-CoV P. (P. 202 COVID1 1 COVID- (P 20

ABSTRACT The infodemic and the spread of disinformation have fostered mistrust in vaccines, health institutions, and governments, contributing to a global decline in vaccination coverage and the resurgence of vaccine-preventable diseases like measles. In recent years, the use of digital platforms to access health information, including vaccines, has increased significantly. However, the rapid dissemination of disinformation on these under-regulated platforms can greatly influence vaccination behavior. This study aimed to identify and analyze the main arguments used on Facebook® regarding measles vaccination. Posts and comments in Brazilian Portuguese were extracted using keywords such as “Measles Vaccines,” “Triple Viral,” and “Tetra Viral” from general and anti-vaccine pages from January 2017 to December 31, 2020. A sample from both datasets was selected and analyzed using deductive content analysis. Of the posts, 213 (84.5%) were classified as pro-vaccine, primarily promoting vaccination campaigns, with limited discussions on vaccine risk-benefit and collective responsibility. Notably, anti-vaccine pages, though fewer in number and followers, were more active in posting than pro-vaccine pages. Of the anti-vaccine posts, 118 (59.3%) focused on undermining vaccine safety and efficacy, spreading disinformation to downplay disease risks. Although pro-vaccine messages showed the highest engagement on the platform, more effective communication strategies are needed to complement traditional health systems, as anti-vaccine posts appear to influence vaccination behavior, particularly among hesitant communities. vaccines institutions governments vaccinepreventable preventable years information significantly However underregulated under regulated behavior Facebook Measles Vaccines, Vaccines Triple Viral, Viral Tetra antivaccine anti 201 31 2020 analysis 21 84.5% 845 84 5 (84.5% provaccine, provaccine pro vaccine, campaigns riskbenefit risk benefit responsibility Notably followers 11 59.3% 593 59 3 (59.3% efficacy risks platform systems communities 20 202 2 84.5 8 (84.5 1 59.3 (59.3 84. (84. 59. (59. (84 (59 (8 (5 (

ABSTRACT Toxoplasmosis is a widespread zoonotic disease that poses significant public health concern globally, with neurotoxoplasmosis being a severe complication associated with high mortality rates. The standard therapy for neurotoxoplasmosis involves a combination of sulfadiazine and pyrimethamine, which, despite its efficacy, is often limited by adverse effects leading to treatment discontinuation. This study aimed to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of nitazoxanide in treating neurotoxoplasmosis in mice infected with the Me49 strain. The study comprised two groups: Group I, including subgroups of uninfected, infected and treated with saline, and infected and untreated mice; and Group II, comprising infected mice treated with nitazoxanide at 100 mg/kg/day, nitazoxanide at 150 mg/kg/day, and pyrimethamine combined with sulfadiazine. After 14 days of treatment, the mice were euthanized for organ collection. Histopathological examination of the brains revealed that the highest dose of nitazoxanide reduced parasitic load and cerebral hemorrhages. Biochemical and histopathological analyses of liver and kidney tissues demonstrated toxicological profiles comparable to pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. However, despite showing efficacy and similar toxicity levels, nitazoxanide treatment was less effective regimen in controlling neurotoxoplasmosis in this experimental model compared to the pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine. Thus, while nitazoxanide presents potential in neurotoxoplasmosis treatment, pyrimethamine combined with sulfadiazine remains the preferred therapeutic choice based on better efficacy observed in this study. globally rates which discontinuation Me Me4 strain groups I uninfected saline II 10 mgkgday mg kg day mg/kg/day 15 1 collection hemorrhages However levels Thus

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health concern and a leading cause of death. Its persistence occurs mainly because barriers in the care cascade are not being fully addressed. Healthcare professionals and scientists have been addressing treatment challenges such as abandonment and irregular drug intake via strategies such as directly observing treatment and singular therapeutic projects to improve adherence. However, while protocols and guidelines advocate these strategies, their implementation requires a broader approach from healthcare teams. This article examines the importance of such strategies in clinical TB management and analyzes an unfavorable outcome in an immunocompetent patient treated for pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) from 2017 to 2022. After recurrence and treatment, the patient continued to have persistent acid-fast bacilli in the sputum, positive cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and progressive lung lesions, despite receiving the recommended treatment. Although categorized as having an intermediate risk of treatment abandonment, the patient faced challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, pregnancy, and being diagnosed with COVID-19. After therapeutic failure and the loss of beneficial prospects, palliative care was initiated. This case illustrates the complexities of managing TB in patients with recurrent disease despite apparent adherence to treatment. After reassessing the risk of abandonment score, the patient was categorized as high-risk. This underscores the importance of singular therapeutic projects, such as psychological support for high-risk or intermediate patients, to prevent negative outcomes. This case reinforces the critical need for comprehensive patient-centered approaches to successfully treat and manage TB. (TB death addressed However teams PTB (PTB 201 2022 acidfast acid fast sputum lesions COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 pandemic pregnancy COVID19. 19. prospects initiated score highrisk. highrisk high risk. outcomes patientcentered centered 20 202 COVID1 1 COVID- 2

ABSTRACT Paracoccidioidomycosis, the most important systemic mycosis in Latin America, is closely linked to rural activities. In Brazil, it is an endemic disease, with an estimated 4,000 to 6,000 annual cases, accounting for over 80% of the global diagnoses. We present an intriguing case of this disease with an intestinal manifestation in a 71-year-old woman. The involvement of the cecal appendix led to a complication of cholangitis that mimicked cholangiocarcinoma. Paracoccidioidomycosis America activities Brazil 4000 4 000 4,00 6000 6 6,00 cases 80 diagnoses 71yearold yearold 71 year old woman cholangiocarcinoma 400 00 4,0 600 6,0 8 7 40 0 4, 60 6,

ABSTRACT Aedes albopictus (Skuse) is a competent vector of dengue and Zika viruses in Mexico. Monitoring the level of resistance of local population is essential due to its epidemiological significance. This study aimed to identify mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) as one of the mechanisms responsible for pyrethroid insecticide resistance in Ae. albopictus. Immature samples were collected in a rural town in Yucatan, Mexico, from May to October 2021. The pyrethroid insecticide lambda-cyhalothrin was impregnated in CDC bottles and bioassays were conducted on Ae. albopictus populations 3–5 days after emergence. The mosquitoes were susceptible to the insecticide. Females were taken for total DNA extraction. Fragments of domains II, III, and IV of the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) were amplified and sequenced. The presence of synonymous and non-synonymous mutations was found in positions 1532 and 1534 of domain III of the sodium channel gene (VGSC). No mutant alleles in domain IV were detected. A homozygous mutant (ACG) coding for the amino acid threonine (1008Thr) was identified in domain II. Domain III included three heterozygous alleles (P1528S, L1530S, and Ile1410Thr). This last heterozygous allele is reported for the first time in Mexico. Homozygous mutants encoding the amino acids serine/serine and serine/proline in domain III were observed. These have been reported in Aedes aegypti from Mexico, but not yet in Ae. albopictus. This represents new findings for the region, as Ae. albopictus has only been introduced there for approximately five years. In conclusion, non-synonymous mutations were found in Ae. albopictus in a rural area of Yucatan, emphasizing the importance of integrated vector control to prevent Asian tiger mosquitoes from spreading these resistant alleles. Skuse (Skuse Mexico significance voltagegated voltage gated VGSC (VGSC Ae Yucatan 2021 lambdacyhalothrin lambda cyhalothrin 35 3 5 3– emergence extraction II sequenced nonsynonymous non 153 VGSC. . detected ACG (ACG 1008Thr Thr (1008Thr P1528S, P1528S PS P S (P1528S L1530S LS L Ile1410Thr. Ile1410Thr IleThr Ile Ile1410Thr) serineserine serine serineproline proline observed region years conclusion 202 15 20 1 2

ABSTRACT Currently, COVID-19 and tuberculosis (TB) are the deadliest infectious diseases worldwide. Their synergy, form of presentation, morbidity, and mortality are data that have been scarcely explored. Thus, this study aimed to characterize the clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory factors of this co-infection and to analyze the factors associated with the active TB among COVID-19 cases. A case-control study was conducted with a retrospective survey of 21 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19/TB co-infected patients (case group) and 21 COVID-19 patients (control group). The study included participants from eight hospitals in Campo Grande city, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, from March 2020 to March 2022. Association analysis and binomial logistic regression were employed with statistical significance set at p≤0.05. From the 21 identified cases of COVID-19/TB co-infection, we found a more frequent association with HIV infection than the control-group, without worsening the outcome. COVID-19/TB patients had less dyspnea and less need for mechanical ventilation compared to the cases with COVID-19 only. On the other hand, COVID-19/TB patients had higher levels of C-reactive protein and lower hemoglobin levels, the latter variable was independently associated with COVID-19/TB. Among the clinical differences presented among COVID-19/TB co-infected patients, despite the association with HIV and lower clinical repercussions, only lower hemoglobin levels were associated with COVID-19/TB. Currently COVID19 COVID 19 COVID-1 (TB worldwide synergy presentation morbidity explored Thus epidemiological coinfection co casecontrol case control 2 laboratoryconfirmed confirmed COVID19/TB COVID19TB COVIDTB 19/TB coinfected infected group group. . city State Brazil 202 2022 p005 p 0 05 p≤0.05 coinfection, infection, controlgroup, controlgroup group, control-group outcome hand Creactive C reactive COVID19/TB. 19/TB. repercussions COVID1 1 COVID- 19TB 20 p00 p≤0.0 p0 p≤0. p≤0 p≤

ABSTRACT Antimicrobial resistance constitutes a significant global challenge to public health and development, in which non-typhoidal Salmonella emerges as a critical concern. This study investigates the prevalence and antimicrobial resistance profiles of Salmonella isolates from both human and nonhuman sources. A total of 2,511 Salmonella isolates that had been collected from 2016 to 2023 were analyzed, of which 1,724 underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The main focus lied on the 10 most prevalent serotypes, totaling 957 isolates. Serotyping showed the diverse distribution of serotypes, with Heidelberg, Typhimurium, Enteritidis, and the monophasic Salmonella Typhimurium occurring most often. Antimicrobial resistance was common since 512 strains resisted at least one drug and 319 several drugs. Notably, the Heidelberg and Mbandaka serotypes, predominantly occurring in nonhuman samples, showed multidrug resistance. Salmonella Typhi remained susceptible to antimicrobials. Resistance to nalidixic acid, tetracycline, sulfonamides, and ampicillin was prevalent, whereas all isolates remained susceptible to imipenem. A reduction in susceptibility rates for aminoglycosides was observed over the study period. Extended-spectrum β-lactamase production occurred in 4.4% of the isolates, of which Heidelberg configured the most prevalent extended-spectrum β-lactamase-positive serotype. These findings underscore the importance of surveillance and effective monitoring to control this pathogen, highlighting the necessity of prioritizing public health efforts. development nontyphoidal non typhoidal concern sources 2511 2 511 2,51 201 202 analyzed 1724 1 724 1,72 testing serotypes 95 Enteritidis often 51 31 drugs Notably samples antimicrobials acid tetracycline sulfonamides imipenem period Extendedspectrum Extended spectrum βlactamase β lactamase 44 4 4.4 extendedspectrum extended βlactamasepositive positive serotype pathogen efforts 251 2,5 20 172 72 1,7 9 5 3 4. 25 2, 17 7 1,

ABSTRACT Bartonella spp. are bacteria responsible for neglected diseases worldwide. Bartonella henselae is the species most associated with human infections. It is associated with a large spectrum of clinical manifestations and is potentially fatal. The identification of Bartonella spp. is considered a challenge in clinical routine. These bacteria are fastidious, and the time required to isolate them varies from one to six weeks. MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry has emerged as an application for research on Bartonella spp. , and has still been little explored. We investigated whether three different B. henselae strains with different growth times—14 and 28 days—could be correctly identified by MALDI-TOF mass spectra fingerprint comparison and matching. We found that the spectra from strains with different growth times do not match each other, leading to misidentification. We suggest creating database entries with multiple spectra from strains with different growth times to increase the chances of accurate identification of Bartonella spp. by MALD-TOF MS. spp worldwide infections fatal routine fastidious weeks MALDITOF MALDI TOF explored B times14 14 times—1 2 dayscould days could matching other misidentification MALDTOF MALD MS times1 1 times—

ABSTRACT Multiple myeloma (MM) associated with Chagas disease is rarely described. This disease and its therapy suppress T cell and macrophage functions and increase regulatory T cell function, allowing the increase of parasitemia and the risk of Chagas Disease Reactivation (CDR). We aimed to analyze the role of conventional (cPCR) and quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR) for prospective monitoring of T. cruzi parasitemia, searching for markers of preemptive antiparasitic therapy in MM patients with Chagas disease. Moreover, we investigated the incidence and management of hematological diseases and CDR both inside and outside the transplant setting in the MEDLINE database. We found 293 studies and included 31 of them. Around 1.9–2.0% of patients with Chagas disease were reported in patients undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation. One case of CDR was described in eight cases of MM and Chagas disease. We monitored nine MM and Chagas disease patients, seven under Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT), during 44.56±32.10 months (mean±SD) using parasitological methods, cPCR, and qPCR. From these patients, three had parasitemia. In the first, up to 256 par Eq/mL were detected, starting from 28 months after ASCT. The second patient dropped out and died soon after the detection of 161.0 par Eq/mL. The third patient had a positive blood culture. Benznidazole induced fast negativity in two cases; followed by notably lower levels in one of them. Increased T. cruzi parasitemia was related to the severity of the underlying disease. We recommend parasitemia monitoring by qPCR for early introduction of preemptive antiparasitic therapy to avoid CDR. (MM function . (CDR) cPCR (cPCR (qPCR Moreover database 29 3 them 1920 1 9 2 0 1.9–2.0 ASCT, ASCT , (ASCT) 44563210 44 56 32 10 44.56±32.1 mean±SD meanSD mean SD (mean±SD methods first 25 EqmL Eq mL detected 1610 161 161. culture (CDR 192 1.9–2. (ASCT 4456321 4 5 44.56±32. 16 19 1.9–2 445632 44.56±32 1.9– 44563 44.56±3 1.9 4456 44.56± 1. 445 44.56 44.5 44.