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Introduction: The aim of this case was to investigate the association of the Zika virus infection in utero with the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as clinical outcome that presented no congenital anomalies. Methods: ASD was diagnosed in the second year of life by different child neurologists and confirmed by DSM-5 and ASQ. After that, an extensive clinical, epidemiological, and genetic evaluations were performed, with main known ASD causes ruled out. Results: An extensive laboratorial search was done, with normal findings. SNP array identified no pathogenic variants. Normal neuroimaging and EEG findings were also obtained. ZIKV (Zika virus) IgG was positive, while IgM was negative. Other congenital infections were negative. The exome sequencing did not reveal any pathogenic variant in genes related to ASD. Conclusion: Accordingly, this report firstly associates ZIKV exposure to ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the understanding of the etiology and pathogenesis of AD has been expanded in the last years, the potential association between COVID-19 and AD remains unclear.3 Importantly, some pathomechanisms related to AD are shared with COVID-19. In line with this, SARS-CoV-2 may activate glial cells, thus potentially triggering chronic neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.3 Of note, the inflammatory response may lead to the neuronal death observed in postmortem samples of patients with COVID-19,4 as well as SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion may trigger neuropathological changes.5 Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disease. Keywords: Infection; Inflammation; Immune responses; SARS coronavirus; Virus classification EN Infection Inflammation Immune responses SARS coronavirus Virus classification 833 835 3 01/21/22 20220301 NES 220301 The COVID-19 pandemic has represented an exceptional health challenge as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has acute and chronic consequences. [Extracted from the article]

The bovine tick, Rhipicephalus microplus , is the main ectoparasite of cattle and causes loss of billions of dollars worldwide in lost meat, milk, and leather production, as well as control expenses. In addition to systemically impacting the host during the parasitic act, this parasite is also an important disease vector. Traditionally, the main commercial control of the tick is achieved through application of chemical acaricides, which can leave residues in the meat and milk. Moreover, ticks can become resistant to these chemicals due to their massive and incorrect use. Many alternative methods have been tested including vaccines and natural products from plant origin. However, the efficacy of these treatments is variable and limited, especially when used alone. Arthropod-pathogenic fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae , are among the natural microbial agents with promising potential to be used alone or in association with other products, for example with chemical acaricides. This article discusses several aspects of bovine tick control related to the use of M. anisopliae , which is one of the most studied and viable alternative tools for effective tick control. Image 1 • Dozens of tested M. anisopliae isolates able to control the cattle tick. • Field and pen studies proved the biocontrol potential. • Alternative to chemical acaricides and to control multi-resistant tick strains. • Combined use with commercial chemical acaricides. • Tick control on pasture suitable for organic production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]