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Papers by Juliana Gonçales

Research paper thumbnail of Synergism between chikungunya virus infection and rheumatoid arthritis on cytokine levels: Clinical implications?

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemiological profile of arboviruses in two different scenarios: dengue circulation vs. dengue, chikungunya and Zika co-circulation

BMC Infectious Diseases

Background The severity and distribution of dengue virus (DENV) infections have been attributed t... more Background The severity and distribution of dengue virus (DENV) infections have been attributed to a complex interaction among viral, host and environmental factors. Herein, we investigated the influence of chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses on the epidemiological profile of dengue cases, using Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, as a study model. In addition, we described and compared the epidemiological profile related to each arbovirus (DENV vs. CHIKV vs. ZIKV). Methods All cases of dengue, chikungunya and Zika reported to the Pernambuco Health Department in 2011–2013 (DENV circulation) and 2016–2018 (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV co-circulation) were included in our study. The cases were classified by sex, age and race/color and their distribution was analyzed by the χ2 test. Furthermore, the data were also analyzed for co-infections. Temperature, humidity and rainfall data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test. Results During 2011–2013, 15,315 dengue cases were diag...

Research paper thumbnail of Associação entre a infecção pelo trichuris trichiura, produção de citocinas e doenças alérgicas das vias respiratórias (asma) em crianças da Região Metropolitana do Recife, Pernambuco

Research paper thumbnail of Aumento No Uso Dos Psicotrópicos Alprazolam e Hemitartarato De Zolpidem Durante a Pandemia Do SARS-COV-2, Enfatizando Suas Consequências e Reações Adversas

Ciências farmacêuticas integrada ao processo de cuidado em saúde 3

Research paper thumbnail of Associação da expressão do NFkB e TNF-α e de polimorfismos no promotor NFkB1 e NFkBIA com o ciclo de replicação do HHV-8 em pessoas coinfectadas pelo HIV

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Feb 26, 2019

A todos os pacientes que participaram desse estudo e aos funcionários da DIP-HC, sem eles, este t... more A todos os pacientes que participaram desse estudo e aos funcionários da DIP-HC, sem eles, este trabalho não seria possível. A minha mãe pela dedicação, compreensão, apoio incondicional e por me ensinar a nunca desistir. A minha filha por sempre me dar forças e, principalmente, por compreender minha ausência em muitos momentos durante esses anos. A minha orientadora Dra. Maria Rosangela Cunha Duarte Coêlho, pela paciência, compreensão, oportunidade e conhecimento compartilhado. A minha coorientadora Dra. Tania Tozetto pela colaboração e conhecimento ofertado. A Dra. Virginia Lorena pelo colaboração, conhecimento e amizade. A minhas amigas Thaisa Rocha e Melayne Aciole pela parceria científica, paciência, compreensão, amizade e por contribuírem diretamente com esse trabalho. Ao Dr. Valter Júnior e Me. Deborah Guimarães pela contribuição no desenvolvimento desse trabalho Aos meus amigos, Viviane Martha, Regina Athalys, Marcella Silva, Dayvson Silva e Luan Araújo, do setor de virologia do Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA) pela convivência nesses anos. Aos funcionários laboratório de virologia do IMT-USP e do departamento de imunologia do Instituto Aggeu Magalhães pelo auxilio e conhecimento compartilhado. Aos meus amigos distantes Alan Montezano, Tatiana Shizue, Cassiano Marinello, Maurício Rufino, Oriques Batistim e Rildson Holanda que estiveram presentes com conversas incentivadoras e risadas na madrugada. Aos meus amigos Diego Lira, Michelle Barros, Jefferson Pereira, Queila Fontes, Deborah Guimarães e Crhisllane Vasconcelos pela torcida, abraços apertados e palavras de conforto. A minha cachorra Candy e a minha gata Sune, pela companhia nas madrugadas e pelo carinho. (r=0.70 p=<0.0001) foi observada entre a população CD3+TNF-α+ e a contagem de linfócitos TCD8+. Como também, o genótipo ins/del do NFkB1 (p<0.0001) e AA e AG do NFκBIA (p<0.0001) foram associados ao ciclo lítico do HHV-8. De acordo com nossos resultados, o NFκB está fortemente associado ao ciclo lítico do HHV-8, tanto na expressão celular, quanto nos polimorfismos genéticos estudados.

Research paper thumbnail of Investigation of the positivity profile for the skin prick test in children infected with parasites in the metropolitan region of Pernambuco, Northeast of Brazil

World Allergy Organization Journal, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis E virus (HEV) in donation candidates and blood donors in Northeast Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology

Research paper thumbnail of Retrospective observational study on the epidemiological profile of people living with HIV/AIDS in Pernambuco state, Brazil

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2022

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a major global public health concern. In Pernambuco state, Brazil, the ... more Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a major global public health concern. In Pernambuco state, Brazil, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is among the highest in the country. Herein, a cross-sectional retrospective observational study was carried out with 811 PLWHA followed up at the Clinical Hospital, Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2013 and 2017. Methodology: The patients’ sociodemographic and behavioral data were obtained by interview. Information about HIV load and CD4 T lymphocyte count were obtained from patients’ records. Data were analyzed for both the total number of PLWHA and gender. Results: Recife municipality had the highest number of PLWHA. Most PLWHA were 40-44 years old, male, brown ethnicity, heterosexual, single, with elementary education, used condoms regularly, shared sharp objects, had surgery, had no non-HIV sexual infection, did not receive transfusions, did not use injectable drugs, and had no tattoo. The median of first and last CD4 T lymphocyte counts were...

Research paper thumbnail of Is a negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in patients with chronic Chagas disease the key to clinical progression?

Immunobiology, 2021

Soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) are natural endogenous inhibitors of TNF and are elevat... more Soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) are natural endogenous inhibitors of TNF and are elevated in inflammatory, autoimmune, and chronic degenerative diseases. In Chagas disease, pleiotropic cytokine TNF is considered key in immunopathology. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 in the serum of patients with chronic Chagas disease. TNF and its soluble receptors were quantified using Cytometric Bead Array in the serum of 132 patients, of which 51 had the indeterminate form (IND), 39 the mild cardiac form (CARD 1), 42 the severe cardiac form (CARD 2), and 20 non-infected individuals (NI). The results indicate that the soluble receptors may regulate TNF in Chagas disease, as their leves were higher in T. cruzi-infected individuals when compared to non-infected individuals. We found a moderate negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in individuals with the IND form, suggesting a relationship with non-progression to more severe forms, such as heart disease. sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were increased in all clinical forms, but with a moderate positive correlation in more severe patients (r = 0.50 and p = 0.0005). TNF levels showed no statistical differences in the groups of patients. These findings suggest the importance of the endogenous balance of the levels of soluble TNF receptors in the protection and balance in patients with chronic Chagas disease, besides revealing the immunological complexity in chronic T. cruzi-infected individuals.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ cytokines in HIV/HHV‐8 coinfection

Journal of Medical Virology, 2020

Imbalance in the immune response is one of the main pathogenic mechanisms of diseases related wit... more Imbalance in the immune response is one of the main pathogenic mechanisms of diseases related with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) coinfection, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) and the Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). However, significant changes in pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels may be observed in HIV/HHV‐8 individuals who are negative for KS, PEL, MCD, and/or KICS. In this study, serum levels of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumor nucrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interferon γ (IFN‐γ) were assessed in 69 HIV and 48 HIV/HHV‐8 individuals, all negatives for HHV‐8‐related diseases. The cytokines were measured by flow cytometry and analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test. The p < .05 and 95% confidence interval were considered in all analyzes. IL‐4 (p = .0155), IL‐6 (p = .0036), and IL‐10 (p = .0036) levels were significantly higher in HIV/HHV‐8 patients than in the HIV group. On the other hand, IL‐2 (p = .2295), TNF‐α (p = .1216) and IFN‐γ (p = .1178) did not differ between the groups analyzed. To our knowledge, to date, this is the first report on significant differences in the levels of IL‐4 and IL‐6 in HIV versus HIV/HHV‐8 individuals. Finally, these early findings are important as a prognostic tool and contribute to clarifying the HHV‐8‐host interaction.

Research paper thumbnail of Retrospective cross-sectional observational study on the epidemiological profile of dengue cases in Pernambuco state, Brazil, between 2015 and 2017

BMC Public Health, 2020

Background The spread of Dengue virus (DENV) infections, as well as their signs and symptoms, are... more Background The spread of Dengue virus (DENV) infections, as well as their signs and symptoms, are the result of a complex interaction between several factors. In Brazil, especially in the Northeastern, dengue is an important public health problem. Here, we report an epidemiological analysis of dengue cases in Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil, during 2015–2017. Methods This work is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study on the epidemiological profile of all dengue cases confirmed and reported to the Health Secretary of Pernambuco between 2015 and 2017. These data cover all municipalities of Pernambuco, except Fernando de Noronha . DENV-positive individuals were classified according to the dengue type (without and with warning signs, or severe dengue), age, gender, ethnicity and intermediate geographic region of residence (Recife, Caruaru, Serra Talhada or Petrolina). The distribution of cases over the years was assessed by χ2 test. Temperature and rainfall data were...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factor analysis for HIV/HTLV 1/2 coinfection in Paraíba state, Brazil

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2021

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) 1 and 2 infections can lead to neurological disea... more Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) 1 and 2 infections can lead to neurological diseases, mainly in HIV/HTLV 1 coinfected. Furthermore, HTLV 1 infection in HIV/AIDS patients has also been associated with AIDS progression. Despite this, HTLV 1/2 infections are not of mandatory notification in Brazil. Here, we describe the prevalence of HTLV 1/2 in HIV/AIDS patients from Paraíba state, Brazil, as well as the sociodemographic characteristics of the coinfected individuals. Methodology: Information about HIV viral load and TCD4 lymphocyte count were obtained from patients’ records. Data on the patients’ sociodemographic characteristics were obtained by interview conducted after signing the informed consent form. The serological diagnosis for HTLV 1/2 was performed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western Blot (WB). Results: A total of 401 HIV/AIDS patients participated in the study, of whom about 1.5% (6/401) were positive for antibodies against HTLV, specific...

Research paper thumbnail of Mannose-binding lectin concentrations in people living with HIV/AIDS infected by HHV-8

BMC Immunology, 2019

Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in the innate immune response by... more Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in the innate immune response by activating the complement system via the lectin pathway, and it has been studied in several viral infections; however, the influence of MBL in PLWHA infected with HHV-8 is unknown. The objective of this study was to verify the association of MBL deficient plasma concentrations in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and HIV monoinfected patients and to correlate these concentrations with HIV viral load and CD4 counts in both groups. Results: This was an analytical study of case-controls consisting of PLWHA monitored at the medical outpatient of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of the clinical hospital in the Federal University of Pernambuco. Plasma concentrations of MBL were obtained by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercial Human Mannose Binding Lectin kit (MyBioSource, Inc.) that was performed according to the manufacturer's guidelines, with values < 100 ng/ml considered deficient. A total of 245 PLWHA samples were analysed; 118 were HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and 127 were HIV monoinfected; 5.1% (6/118) of the coinfected patients and 3.2% (4/127) of the monoinfected patients (p = 0.445) were considered plasma concentration deficient. The median of the plasma concentrations of MBL in the coinfected patients was 2803 log 10 ng/ml and was 2.959 log 10 ng/ml in the monoinfected patients (p = 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between the plasma concentrations of MBL and the HIV viral load in both groups, but no correlation with the CD4 count. Conclusions: Although the plasma concentrations considered deficient in MBL were not associated with HHV-8 infection in PLWHA, the coinfected patients showed lower MBL concentrations and an inverse correlation with HIV viral load, suggesting that there may be consumption and reduction of MBL due to opsonization of HIV and HHV-8, leading to the reduction of plasma MBL and non-accumulation in the circulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Patients with Leprosy

Journal of Medical Virology, 2018

Background-The prevalence and consequences of occult HBV infection in patients with chronic liver... more Background-The prevalence and consequences of occult HBV infection in patients with chronic liver disease by HCV remain unknown. Aims-To evaluate the prevalence of occult HBV infection in a population of HCV-infected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods-The serum samples were tested for HBV DNA by nested PCR and liver tissue analysis was carried out using the immunohistochemical technique of 66 HBsAg-negative patients: 26 patients with chronic hepatitis by HCV (group 1), 20 with hepatocellular carcinoma related to chronic infection by HCV (group 2) and 20 with negative viral markers for hepatitis B and C (control group). Results-Occult HBV infection was diagnosed in the liver tissue of 9/46 (19.5%) HCV-infected patients. Prevalence of occult B infection was evaluated in the HCV-infected patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma, and there were seven (77.7%) of whom from group 2, conferring a 35% prevalence of this group. No serum sample was positive for HBV DNA in the three groups. Conclusion-Occult infection B is frequently detected in liver tissue of HCV-infected patients, especially in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. However large studies are needed to confi rm that co-infection could determine a worse progress of chronic liver disease in this population. HEADINGS-Carcinoma, hepatocellular. Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis C virus. Liver diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of MBL2 gene polymorphisms in HHV-8 infection in people living with HIV/AIDS

Retrovirology, 2018

Background: Host genetic factors such as MBL2 gene polymorphisms cause defects in the polymerizat... more Background: Host genetic factors such as MBL2 gene polymorphisms cause defects in the polymerization of MBL protein and result in a functional deficiency and/or in low serum levels that can influence susceptibility to various viral infections. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes related to-550,-221 and exon 1 polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene and investigate their association with HHV-8 in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), as well as the impacts on CD4 cell count and HIV viral load in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and HIV monoinfected patients. Results: A cross sectional study in PLWHA, with and without HHV-8 infection, exploring associations between different factors, was performed in the outpatient infectious and parasitic diseases clinic at a referral hospital. Genomic DNA extractions from leukocytes were performed using a commercial Wizard ® Genomic DNA Purification kit (Promega, Madison, WI). The promoter region (-550 and-221) was genotyped with the TaqMan system (Applied TaqMan Biosystems ® genotyping Assays), and the structural region (exon1) was genotyped with Express Sybr Greener Supermix kit (Invitrogen, USA). In total, 124 HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and 213 HIV monoinfected patients were analysed. Median TCD4 counts were significantly lower in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected patients, whereas the mean of the first and last viral load of HIV did not present significant difference. There was no difference in frequency between the LL, YY and AA genotypes between the HIV/HHV-8 coinfected or HIV monoinfected patients. However, in a multivariate analysis, coinfected patients with the intermediate expression haplotype of the MBL2 gene had an odds ratio of 3.1-fold (CI = 1.2-7.6) of their last CD4 cell count being below 350 cells/mm 3. Among the coinfected individuals, four developed KS and presented the intermediate expression MBL haplotype, with three being HYA/LXA and one being LYA/LYO. Conclusions: Host genetic factors, such as-550,-221 and exon 1 polymorphisms, can be related to the may modify coinfections and/or to the development clinical manifestations caused by HHV-8, especially in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected patients who present the intermediate expression haplotypes of MBL.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk analysis and seroprevalence of HEV in people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil

Acta tropica, Jan 4, 2018

Acute Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) can lead to fulmina... more Acute Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) can lead to fulminant hepatic failure, cirrhosis and death. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies within this group varies according to the geographical area. However, in South America, studies concerning the detection of HEV in PLHA are rare. Here, we investigated the presence of HEV by serological and molecular detection and evaluated the risk factors associated with infection in PLHA in Pernambuco state, Brazilian Northeast. Serological and molecular detection of HEV was performed in 366 samples of PLHA by ELISA for anti-HEV IgG and RT-PCR, respectively. Anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 4.1% (15/366) and no HEV RNA was detected. Concerning the risk factors, we evaluated, in multivariable analysis, age, years of school, sexual orientation, oral-anal sex, use of injectable drugs and piped water. Among them, only piped water availability could be associated with the HEV infection in PLHA (OR: 0.08; CI 95%: 0.01...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses in patients with leprosy

Acta Tropica, 2017

In 403 leprosy patients, anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence were similar to general population. Hea... more In 403 leprosy patients, anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence were similar to general population. Health-related job and lower educational level were associated to anti-HBc positivity.

Research paper thumbnail of Association of IL-6, IL-10 and CXCL10 serum concentrations with visceral Kaposi's sarcoma in people living with HIV/AIDS

Research paper thumbnail of Association of NFκB and related-cytokines with the viral load and development of antibodies against HHV-8 in people living with HIV/AIDS

Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Research paper thumbnail of HTLV 1/2 Prevalence and risk factors in individuals with HIV/AIDS in Pernambuco, Brazil

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical

Introduction: Apart from masking the diagnosis of AIDS in patients with HIV/AIDS, human T-cell ly... more Introduction: Apart from masking the diagnosis of AIDS in patients with HIV/AIDS, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), when present, also increases the risk of myelopathies and neurological disease in these patients. Methods: Disease prevalence was estimated by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. Results: The coinfection rate was 1.5% (11/720); 10 of 11 patients had HTLV-1, and the remaining one had HTLV-2. The majority were male, over 40 years old, and of pardo color (ethnicity). Conclusions: There was no association between the risk factors examined and HTLV/HIV coinfection. This is the first study to report the occurrence of HTLV-2 in Pernambuco.

Research paper thumbnail of Synergism between chikungunya virus infection and rheumatoid arthritis on cytokine levels: Clinical implications?

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology

Research paper thumbnail of Epidemiological profile of arboviruses in two different scenarios: dengue circulation vs. dengue, chikungunya and Zika co-circulation

BMC Infectious Diseases

Background The severity and distribution of dengue virus (DENV) infections have been attributed t... more Background The severity and distribution of dengue virus (DENV) infections have been attributed to a complex interaction among viral, host and environmental factors. Herein, we investigated the influence of chikungunya (CHIKV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses on the epidemiological profile of dengue cases, using Recife, Pernambuco state, Brazil, as a study model. In addition, we described and compared the epidemiological profile related to each arbovirus (DENV vs. CHIKV vs. ZIKV). Methods All cases of dengue, chikungunya and Zika reported to the Pernambuco Health Department in 2011–2013 (DENV circulation) and 2016–2018 (DENV, CHIKV and ZIKV co-circulation) were included in our study. The cases were classified by sex, age and race/color and their distribution was analyzed by the χ2 test. Furthermore, the data were also analyzed for co-infections. Temperature, humidity and rainfall data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test. Results During 2011–2013, 15,315 dengue cases were diag...

Research paper thumbnail of Associação entre a infecção pelo trichuris trichiura, produção de citocinas e doenças alérgicas das vias respiratórias (asma) em crianças da Região Metropolitana do Recife, Pernambuco

Research paper thumbnail of Aumento No Uso Dos Psicotrópicos Alprazolam e Hemitartarato De Zolpidem Durante a Pandemia Do SARS-COV-2, Enfatizando Suas Consequências e Reações Adversas

Ciências farmacêuticas integrada ao processo de cuidado em saúde 3

Research paper thumbnail of Associação da expressão do NFkB e TNF-α e de polimorfismos no promotor NFkB1 e NFkBIA com o ciclo de replicação do HHV-8 em pessoas coinfectadas pelo HIV

Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Feb 26, 2019

A todos os pacientes que participaram desse estudo e aos funcionários da DIP-HC, sem eles, este t... more A todos os pacientes que participaram desse estudo e aos funcionários da DIP-HC, sem eles, este trabalho não seria possível. A minha mãe pela dedicação, compreensão, apoio incondicional e por me ensinar a nunca desistir. A minha filha por sempre me dar forças e, principalmente, por compreender minha ausência em muitos momentos durante esses anos. A minha orientadora Dra. Maria Rosangela Cunha Duarte Coêlho, pela paciência, compreensão, oportunidade e conhecimento compartilhado. A minha coorientadora Dra. Tania Tozetto pela colaboração e conhecimento ofertado. A Dra. Virginia Lorena pelo colaboração, conhecimento e amizade. A minhas amigas Thaisa Rocha e Melayne Aciole pela parceria científica, paciência, compreensão, amizade e por contribuírem diretamente com esse trabalho. Ao Dr. Valter Júnior e Me. Deborah Guimarães pela contribuição no desenvolvimento desse trabalho Aos meus amigos, Viviane Martha, Regina Athalys, Marcella Silva, Dayvson Silva e Luan Araújo, do setor de virologia do Laboratório de Imunopatologia Keizo Asami (LIKA) pela convivência nesses anos. Aos funcionários laboratório de virologia do IMT-USP e do departamento de imunologia do Instituto Aggeu Magalhães pelo auxilio e conhecimento compartilhado. Aos meus amigos distantes Alan Montezano, Tatiana Shizue, Cassiano Marinello, Maurício Rufino, Oriques Batistim e Rildson Holanda que estiveram presentes com conversas incentivadoras e risadas na madrugada. Aos meus amigos Diego Lira, Michelle Barros, Jefferson Pereira, Queila Fontes, Deborah Guimarães e Crhisllane Vasconcelos pela torcida, abraços apertados e palavras de conforto. A minha cachorra Candy e a minha gata Sune, pela companhia nas madrugadas e pelo carinho. (r=0.70 p=<0.0001) foi observada entre a população CD3+TNF-α+ e a contagem de linfócitos TCD8+. Como também, o genótipo ins/del do NFkB1 (p<0.0001) e AA e AG do NFκBIA (p<0.0001) foram associados ao ciclo lítico do HHV-8. De acordo com nossos resultados, o NFκB está fortemente associado ao ciclo lítico do HHV-8, tanto na expressão celular, quanto nos polimorfismos genéticos estudados.

Research paper thumbnail of Investigation of the positivity profile for the skin prick test in children infected with parasites in the metropolitan region of Pernambuco, Northeast of Brazil

World Allergy Organization Journal, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Analysis of seroprevalence and risk factors for hepatitis E virus (HEV) in donation candidates and blood donors in Northeast Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Microbiology

Research paper thumbnail of Retrospective observational study on the epidemiological profile of people living with HIV/AIDS in Pernambuco state, Brazil

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2022

Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a major global public health concern. In Pernambuco state, Brazil, the ... more Introduction: HIV/AIDS is a major global public health concern. In Pernambuco state, Brazil, the number of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is among the highest in the country. Herein, a cross-sectional retrospective observational study was carried out with 811 PLWHA followed up at the Clinical Hospital, Pernambuco, Brazil, between 2013 and 2017. Methodology: The patients’ sociodemographic and behavioral data were obtained by interview. Information about HIV load and CD4 T lymphocyte count were obtained from patients’ records. Data were analyzed for both the total number of PLWHA and gender. Results: Recife municipality had the highest number of PLWHA. Most PLWHA were 40-44 years old, male, brown ethnicity, heterosexual, single, with elementary education, used condoms regularly, shared sharp objects, had surgery, had no non-HIV sexual infection, did not receive transfusions, did not use injectable drugs, and had no tattoo. The median of first and last CD4 T lymphocyte counts were...

Research paper thumbnail of Is a negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in patients with chronic Chagas disease the key to clinical progression?

Immunobiology, 2021

Soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) are natural endogenous inhibitors of TNF and are elevat... more Soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) are natural endogenous inhibitors of TNF and are elevated in inflammatory, autoimmune, and chronic degenerative diseases. In Chagas disease, pleiotropic cytokine TNF is considered key in immunopathology. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the levels of TNF, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 in the serum of patients with chronic Chagas disease. TNF and its soluble receptors were quantified using Cytometric Bead Array in the serum of 132 patients, of which 51 had the indeterminate form (IND), 39 the mild cardiac form (CARD 1), 42 the severe cardiac form (CARD 2), and 20 non-infected individuals (NI). The results indicate that the soluble receptors may regulate TNF in Chagas disease, as their leves were higher in T. cruzi-infected individuals when compared to non-infected individuals. We found a moderate negative correlation between sTNFR1 and TNF in individuals with the IND form, suggesting a relationship with non-progression to more severe forms, such as heart disease. sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were increased in all clinical forms, but with a moderate positive correlation in more severe patients (r = 0.50 and p = 0.0005). TNF levels showed no statistical differences in the groups of patients. These findings suggest the importance of the endogenous balance of the levels of soluble TNF receptors in the protection and balance in patients with chronic Chagas disease, besides revealing the immunological complexity in chronic T. cruzi-infected individuals.

Research paper thumbnail of Evaluation of IL‐2, IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ cytokines in HIV/HHV‐8 coinfection

Journal of Medical Virology, 2020

Imbalance in the immune response is one of the main pathogenic mechanisms of diseases related wit... more Imbalance in the immune response is one of the main pathogenic mechanisms of diseases related with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/human gammaherpesvirus 8 (HHV‐8) coinfection, such as Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) and the Kaposi's sarcoma‐associated herpesvirus inflammatory cytokine syndrome (KICS). However, significant changes in pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory cytokine levels may be observed in HIV/HHV‐8 individuals who are negative for KS, PEL, MCD, and/or KICS. In this study, serum levels of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), IL‐4, IL‐6, IL‐10, tumor nucrosis factor α (TNF‐α) and interferon γ (IFN‐γ) were assessed in 69 HIV and 48 HIV/HHV‐8 individuals, all negatives for HHV‐8‐related diseases. The cytokines were measured by flow cytometry and analyzed by the Mann–Whitney test. The p < .05 and 95% confidence interval were considered in all analyzes. IL‐4 (p = .0155), IL‐6 (p = .0036), and IL‐10 (p = .0036) levels were significantly higher in HIV/HHV‐8 patients than in the HIV group. On the other hand, IL‐2 (p = .2295), TNF‐α (p = .1216) and IFN‐γ (p = .1178) did not differ between the groups analyzed. To our knowledge, to date, this is the first report on significant differences in the levels of IL‐4 and IL‐6 in HIV versus HIV/HHV‐8 individuals. Finally, these early findings are important as a prognostic tool and contribute to clarifying the HHV‐8‐host interaction.

Research paper thumbnail of Retrospective cross-sectional observational study on the epidemiological profile of dengue cases in Pernambuco state, Brazil, between 2015 and 2017

BMC Public Health, 2020

Background The spread of Dengue virus (DENV) infections, as well as their signs and symptoms, are... more Background The spread of Dengue virus (DENV) infections, as well as their signs and symptoms, are the result of a complex interaction between several factors. In Brazil, especially in the Northeastern, dengue is an important public health problem. Here, we report an epidemiological analysis of dengue cases in Pernambuco state, Northeastern Brazil, during 2015–2017. Methods This work is a retrospective cross-sectional observational study on the epidemiological profile of all dengue cases confirmed and reported to the Health Secretary of Pernambuco between 2015 and 2017. These data cover all municipalities of Pernambuco, except Fernando de Noronha . DENV-positive individuals were classified according to the dengue type (without and with warning signs, or severe dengue), age, gender, ethnicity and intermediate geographic region of residence (Recife, Caruaru, Serra Talhada or Petrolina). The distribution of cases over the years was assessed by χ2 test. Temperature and rainfall data were...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factor analysis for HIV/HTLV 1/2 coinfection in Paraíba state, Brazil

The Journal of Infection in Developing Countries, 2021

Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) 1 and 2 infections can lead to neurological disea... more Introduction: Human T-lymphotropic virus (HTLV) 1 and 2 infections can lead to neurological diseases, mainly in HIV/HTLV 1 coinfected. Furthermore, HTLV 1 infection in HIV/AIDS patients has also been associated with AIDS progression. Despite this, HTLV 1/2 infections are not of mandatory notification in Brazil. Here, we describe the prevalence of HTLV 1/2 in HIV/AIDS patients from Paraíba state, Brazil, as well as the sociodemographic characteristics of the coinfected individuals. Methodology: Information about HIV viral load and TCD4 lymphocyte count were obtained from patients’ records. Data on the patients’ sociodemographic characteristics were obtained by interview conducted after signing the informed consent form. The serological diagnosis for HTLV 1/2 was performed by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) and Western Blot (WB). Results: A total of 401 HIV/AIDS patients participated in the study, of whom about 1.5% (6/401) were positive for antibodies against HTLV, specific...

Research paper thumbnail of Mannose-binding lectin concentrations in people living with HIV/AIDS infected by HHV-8

BMC Immunology, 2019

Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in the innate immune response by... more Background: Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in the innate immune response by activating the complement system via the lectin pathway, and it has been studied in several viral infections; however, the influence of MBL in PLWHA infected with HHV-8 is unknown. The objective of this study was to verify the association of MBL deficient plasma concentrations in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and HIV monoinfected patients and to correlate these concentrations with HIV viral load and CD4 counts in both groups. Results: This was an analytical study of case-controls consisting of PLWHA monitored at the medical outpatient of Infectious and Parasitic Diseases of the clinical hospital in the Federal University of Pernambuco. Plasma concentrations of MBL were obtained by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using a commercial Human Mannose Binding Lectin kit (MyBioSource, Inc.) that was performed according to the manufacturer's guidelines, with values < 100 ng/ml considered deficient. A total of 245 PLWHA samples were analysed; 118 were HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and 127 were HIV monoinfected; 5.1% (6/118) of the coinfected patients and 3.2% (4/127) of the monoinfected patients (p = 0.445) were considered plasma concentration deficient. The median of the plasma concentrations of MBL in the coinfected patients was 2803 log 10 ng/ml and was 2.959 log 10 ng/ml in the monoinfected patients (p = 0.001). There was an inverse correlation between the plasma concentrations of MBL and the HIV viral load in both groups, but no correlation with the CD4 count. Conclusions: Although the plasma concentrations considered deficient in MBL were not associated with HHV-8 infection in PLWHA, the coinfected patients showed lower MBL concentrations and an inverse correlation with HIV viral load, suggesting that there may be consumption and reduction of MBL due to opsonization of HIV and HHV-8, leading to the reduction of plasma MBL and non-accumulation in the circulation.

Research paper thumbnail of Occult Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Patients with Leprosy

Journal of Medical Virology, 2018

Background-The prevalence and consequences of occult HBV infection in patients with chronic liver... more Background-The prevalence and consequences of occult HBV infection in patients with chronic liver disease by HCV remain unknown. Aims-To evaluate the prevalence of occult HBV infection in a population of HCV-infected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Methods-The serum samples were tested for HBV DNA by nested PCR and liver tissue analysis was carried out using the immunohistochemical technique of 66 HBsAg-negative patients: 26 patients with chronic hepatitis by HCV (group 1), 20 with hepatocellular carcinoma related to chronic infection by HCV (group 2) and 20 with negative viral markers for hepatitis B and C (control group). Results-Occult HBV infection was diagnosed in the liver tissue of 9/46 (19.5%) HCV-infected patients. Prevalence of occult B infection was evaluated in the HCV-infected patients with and without hepatocellular carcinoma, and there were seven (77.7%) of whom from group 2, conferring a 35% prevalence of this group. No serum sample was positive for HBV DNA in the three groups. Conclusion-Occult infection B is frequently detected in liver tissue of HCV-infected patients, especially in cases of hepatocellular carcinoma. However large studies are needed to confi rm that co-infection could determine a worse progress of chronic liver disease in this population. HEADINGS-Carcinoma, hepatocellular. Hepatitis B virus. Hepatitis C virus. Liver diseases.

Research paper thumbnail of MBL2 gene polymorphisms in HHV-8 infection in people living with HIV/AIDS

Retrovirology, 2018

Background: Host genetic factors such as MBL2 gene polymorphisms cause defects in the polymerizat... more Background: Host genetic factors such as MBL2 gene polymorphisms cause defects in the polymerization of MBL protein and result in a functional deficiency and/or in low serum levels that can influence susceptibility to various viral infections. The aim of this study was to estimate the frequency of alleles, genotypes and haplotypes related to-550,-221 and exon 1 polymorphisms of the MBL2 gene and investigate their association with HHV-8 in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA), as well as the impacts on CD4 cell count and HIV viral load in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and HIV monoinfected patients. Results: A cross sectional study in PLWHA, with and without HHV-8 infection, exploring associations between different factors, was performed in the outpatient infectious and parasitic diseases clinic at a referral hospital. Genomic DNA extractions from leukocytes were performed using a commercial Wizard ® Genomic DNA Purification kit (Promega, Madison, WI). The promoter region (-550 and-221) was genotyped with the TaqMan system (Applied TaqMan Biosystems ® genotyping Assays), and the structural region (exon1) was genotyped with Express Sybr Greener Supermix kit (Invitrogen, USA). In total, 124 HIV/HHV-8 coinfected and 213 HIV monoinfected patients were analysed. Median TCD4 counts were significantly lower in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected patients, whereas the mean of the first and last viral load of HIV did not present significant difference. There was no difference in frequency between the LL, YY and AA genotypes between the HIV/HHV-8 coinfected or HIV monoinfected patients. However, in a multivariate analysis, coinfected patients with the intermediate expression haplotype of the MBL2 gene had an odds ratio of 3.1-fold (CI = 1.2-7.6) of their last CD4 cell count being below 350 cells/mm 3. Among the coinfected individuals, four developed KS and presented the intermediate expression MBL haplotype, with three being HYA/LXA and one being LYA/LYO. Conclusions: Host genetic factors, such as-550,-221 and exon 1 polymorphisms, can be related to the may modify coinfections and/or to the development clinical manifestations caused by HHV-8, especially in HIV/HHV-8 coinfected patients who present the intermediate expression haplotypes of MBL.

Research paper thumbnail of Risk analysis and seroprevalence of HEV in people living with HIV/AIDS in Brazil

Acta tropica, Jan 4, 2018

Acute Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) can lead to fulmina... more Acute Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA) can lead to fulminant hepatic failure, cirrhosis and death. The prevalence of anti-HEV antibodies within this group varies according to the geographical area. However, in South America, studies concerning the detection of HEV in PLHA are rare. Here, we investigated the presence of HEV by serological and molecular detection and evaluated the risk factors associated with infection in PLHA in Pernambuco state, Brazilian Northeast. Serological and molecular detection of HEV was performed in 366 samples of PLHA by ELISA for anti-HEV IgG and RT-PCR, respectively. Anti-HEV IgG prevalence was 4.1% (15/366) and no HEV RNA was detected. Concerning the risk factors, we evaluated, in multivariable analysis, age, years of school, sexual orientation, oral-anal sex, use of injectable drugs and piped water. Among them, only piped water availability could be associated with the HEV infection in PLHA (OR: 0.08; CI 95%: 0.01...

Research paper thumbnail of Prevalence and risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses in patients with leprosy

Acta Tropica, 2017

In 403 leprosy patients, anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence were similar to general population. Hea... more In 403 leprosy patients, anti-HBc and anti-HCV prevalence were similar to general population. Health-related job and lower educational level were associated to anti-HBc positivity.

Research paper thumbnail of Association of IL-6, IL-10 and CXCL10 serum concentrations with visceral Kaposi's sarcoma in people living with HIV/AIDS

Research paper thumbnail of Association of NFκB and related-cytokines with the viral load and development of antibodies against HHV-8 in people living with HIV/AIDS

Medical Microbiology and Immunology

Research paper thumbnail of HTLV 1/2 Prevalence and risk factors in individuals with HIV/AIDS in Pernambuco, Brazil

Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical

Introduction: Apart from masking the diagnosis of AIDS in patients with HIV/AIDS, human T-cell ly... more Introduction: Apart from masking the diagnosis of AIDS in patients with HIV/AIDS, human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), when present, also increases the risk of myelopathies and neurological disease in these patients. Methods: Disease prevalence was estimated by ELISA and confirmed by Western blot. Results: The coinfection rate was 1.5% (11/720); 10 of 11 patients had HTLV-1, and the remaining one had HTLV-2. The majority were male, over 40 years old, and of pardo color (ethnicity). Conclusions: There was no association between the risk factors examined and HTLV/HIV coinfection. This is the first study to report the occurrence of HTLV-2 in Pernambuco.