Search

The objective of this study was to determine the richness, abundance, and altitudinal distribution of ticks collected from domestic animals in five municipalities and sixteen distinct communities along the Pacific coast of southern Mexico in Chiapas. Ticks were sampled from dogs, horses, and cows in each range. A total of 311 hosts were sampled, of which 264 (85 %) were dogs, 26 (8 %) were horses, and 21 (7 %) were cows. Of these, 83 (26 %), 17 (5 %), and 7 (2 %) hosts were infested, respectively. A total of 583 ticks were collected, representing four genera and six species. The most prevalent species was Rhipicephalus linnaei (68.61 %, n = 400), followed by Rhipicephalus microplus (0.51 %, n = 3), Amblyomma ovale (1.71 %, n = 10), Amblyomma mixtum (1.71 %, n = 10), Ixodes ci. boliviensis (2.22 %, n = 13), and Dermacentor dissimilis (25.21 %, n = 147). Of the identified ticks, A. mixtum, A. ovale, R. microplus, and R. linnaei were distributed at elevations between 0 and 1000 m, while at elevations between 1000 and 2000 m, only the species I. ci. boliviensis and D. dissimilis were found. The characteristics of each locality are discussed in order to explain the abundance of ticks and to assess their potential risk as vectors of public health pathogens., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Authors declare no conflict of interest in the development of this research project., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Panama is a country with endemic Dengue virus (DENV) transmission since its reintroduction in 1993. The four serotypes have circulated in the country and the region of the Americas, however, DENV-4 confirmed autochthonous cases have not been identified since 2000, despite its circulation in neighboring countries. Here, we report DENV-4 detection in Panama in the last four-month period of 2023 with co-circulation of the other serotypes, this was associated with a peak of dengue cases during the dry season even though most dengue outbreaks are described in the rainy season. Complete genomes of DENV-4 allowed us to determine that cases were caused by DENV-4 genotype IIb, the same genotype as 23 years ago, with high similarity to DENV-4 sequences circulating in Nicaragua and El Salvador during 2023. This report shows the importance of maintaining serotype and genotype surveillance for early detection of new variants circulating in the country., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Chen-Germán, Araúz, Aguilar, Vega, Gonzalez, Gondola, Moreno, Cerezo, Franco, Mendez-Rico, Pascale, López-Vergès, Martínez and Moreno.)

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is a mosquito-borne alphavirus that causes acute, subacute, and chronic human arthritogenic diseases and, in rare instances, can lead to neurological complications and death. Here, we combined epidemiological, virological, histopathological, cytokine, molecular dynamics, metabolomic, proteomic, and genomic analyses to investigate viral and host factors that contribute to chikungunya-associated (CHIK) death. Our results indicate that CHIK deaths are associated with multi-organ infection, central nervous system damage, and elevated serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared with survivors. The histopathologic, metabolite, and proteomic signatures of CHIK deaths reveal hemodynamic disorders and dysregulated immune responses. The CHIKV East-Central-South-African lineage infecting our study population causes both fatal and survival cases. Additionally, CHIKV infection impairs the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, as evidenced by an increase in permeability and altered tight junction protein expression. Overall, our findings improve the understanding of CHIK pathophysiology and the causes of fatal infections., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests M.S.D. is a consultant or advisor for Inbios, Ocugen, Vir Biotechnology, Topspin Therapeutics, Moderna, Merck, and Immunome. The Diamond laboratory has received funding support from Emergent BioSolutions, Moderna, and Vir Biotechnology., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: At the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic, transfusion of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) convalescent plasma (CCP) emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to help patients severely afflicted by COVID-19. The efficacy of CCP has been controversial as it depends on many variables pertaining to the plasma donor and the patient with COVID-19, for example, time of convalescence or symptoms onset. This feasibility and descriptive study aimed to assess the safety of multiple doses of CCP in mechanically ventilated, intubated patients with respiratory failure due to COVID-19., Methods: A cohort of 30 patients all experiencing severe respiratory failure and undergoing invasive mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit, received up to five doses of 300-600 mL of CCP on alternate days (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8) until extubation, futility, or death., Results: Nineteen patients received five doses, seven received four, and four received two or three doses. At 28-day follow-up mark, 57% of patients recovered and were sent home, and the long-term mortality rate was 27%. Ten severe adverse events reported in the study were unrelated to CCP transfusion. Independent of the number of transfused doses, most patients had detectable levels of total and neutralizing antibodies in plasma., Conclusion: This study suggests that transfusion of multiple doses of CCP is safe. This strategy may represent a viable option for future studies, given the potential benefit of CCP transfusions during the early stages of infection in unvaccinated populations and in settings where monoclonal antibodies or antivirals are contraindicated or unavailable., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 The Authors. Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Background: Hantaviruses are negative-stranded RNA viruses that can sometimes cause severe disease in humans; however, they are maintained in mammalian host populations without causing harm. In Panama, sigmodontine rodents serve as hosts to transmissible hantaviruses. Due to natural and anthropogenic forces, these rodent populations are having increased contact with humans., Methods: We extracted RNA and performed Illumina deep metatranscriptomic sequencing on Orthohantavirus seropositive museum tissues from rodents. We acquired sequence reads mapping to Choclo virus (CHOV, Orthohantavirus chocloense) from heart and kidney tissue of a two-decade old frozen museum sample from a Costa Rican pygmy rice rat (Oligoryzomys costaricensis) collected in Panama. Reads mapped to the CHOV reference were assembled and then validated by visualization of the mapped reads against the assembly., Results: We recovered a 91% complete consensus sequence from a reference-guided assembly to CHOV with an average of 16X coverage. The S and M segments used in our phylogenetic analyses were nearly complete (98% and 99%, respectively). There were 1,199 ambiguous base calls of which 93% were present in the L segment. Our assembled genome varied 1.1% from the CHOV reference sequence resulting in eight nonsynonymous mutations. Further analysis of all publicly available partial S segment sequences support a clear relationship between CHOV clinical cases and O. costaricensis acquired strains., Conclusions: Viruses occurring at extremely low abundances can be recovered from deep metatranscriptomics of archival tissues housed in research natural history museum biorepositories. Our efforts resulted in the second CHOV genome publicly available. This genomic data is important for future surveillance and diagnostic tools as well as understanding the evolution and pathogenicity of CHOV., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright: © 2024 Salazar-Hamm et al. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.)

Parechovirus A (PeV-A, Parechovirus, Picornaviridae) are human pathogens associated with mild to severe gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in young children. While several studies have investigated the association of PeV-A with human disease, little is known about its epidemiology or detection in Latin America. Between the years 2014 and 2015, a total of 200 samples were collected from Panamanian pediatric patients aged < 16 years old exhibiting symptoms associated with respiratory (n = 64), gastrointestinal (n = 68), or neurological (n = 68) diseases. These samples were gathered from patients who had previously received negative diagnoses for the main respiratory viruses, rotavirus, and neurological viruses like herpes virus, enterovirus, and cytomegalovirus. The presence of PeV-A was analyzed by real time RT-PCR.Eight positive PeV-A infections (4.0%, 95% CI: 1.7 to 7.7) were detected: two in respiratory samples (3.0%, 95% CI: 0.3 to 10.8), five in gastrointestinal samples (7.3%, 95% CI: 2.4 to 16.3), and one in cerebrospinal fluid (1.5%, 95% CI: 1.4 to 7.9). The study provides evidence of PeV-A circulation in Panama and the data collectively, remarked on the importance of considering PeV-A in the Panamanian pediatric diagnostic landscape, especially when conventional testing for more common viruses yields negative results., (© 2023. The Author(s).)

Eastern equine encephalitis virus (EEEV), Madariaga virus (MADV), and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus complex (VEEV) are New World alphaviruses transmitted by mosquitoes. They cause febrile and sometimes severe neurological diseases in human and equine hosts. Detecting them during the acute phase is hindered by non-specific symptoms and limited diagnostic tools. We designed and clinically assessed real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assays (rRT-PCRs) for VEEV complex, MADV, and EEEV using whole-genome sequences. Validation involved 15 retrospective serum samples from 2015 to 2017 outbreaks, 150 mosquito pools from 2015, and 118 prospective samples from 2021 to 2022 surveillance in Panama. The rRT-PCRs detected VEEV complex RNA in 10 samples (66.7%) from outbreaks, with one having both VEEV complex and MADV RNAs. VEEV complex RNA was found in five suspected dengue cases from disease surveillance. The rRT-PCR assays identified VEEV complex RNA in three Culex ( Melanoconion ) vomerifer pools, leading to VEEV isolates in two. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the VEEV ID subtype in positive samples. Notably, 11.9% of dengue-like disease patients showed VEEV infections. Together, our rRT-PCR validation in human and mosquito samples suggests that this method can be incorporated into mosquito and human encephalitic alphavirus surveillance programs in endemic regions., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

While rodents are primary reservoirs of Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV), their role in Madariaga virus (MADV) transmission remains uncertain, particularly given their overlapping geographic distribution. This study explores the interplay of alphavirus prevalence, rodent diversity, and land use within Darien and Western Panama provinces. A total of three locations were selected for rodent sampling in Darien province: Los Pavitos, El Real de Santa Maria and Santa Librada. Two sites were selected in Western Panama province: El Cacao and Cirí Grande. We used plaque reduction neutralization tests to assess MADV and VEEV seroprevalences in 599 rodents of 16 species across five study sites. MADV seroprevalence was observed at higher rates in Los Pavitos (Darien province), 9.0%, 95% CI: 3.6-17.6, while VEEV seroprevalence was elevated in El Cacao (Western Panama province), 27.3%, 95% CI: 16.1-40.9, and El Real de Santa María (Darien province), 20.4%, 95% CI: 12.6-29.7. Species like Oryzomys coesi , 23.1%, 95% CI: 5.0-53.8, and Transandinomys bolivaris, 20.0%, 95% CI: 0.5-71.6 displayed higher MADV seroprevalences than other species, whereas Transandinomys bolivaris , 80.0%, 95% CI: 28.3-99.4, and Proechimys semispinosus , 27.3%, 95% CI: 17.0-39.6, exhibited higher VEEV seroprevalences. Our findings provide support to the notion that rodents are vertebrate reservoirs of MADV and reveal spatial variations in alphavirus seropositivity among rodent species, with different provinces exhibiting distinct rates for MADV and VEEV. Moreover, specific rodent species are linked to unique seroprevalence patterns for these viruses, suggesting that rodent diversity and environmental conditions might play a significant role in shaping alphavirus distribution., Competing Interests: Potential conflicts of interest. All Authors: No reported conflicts of interest. Conflicts that the editor consider relevant to the content have been disclosed.

Twenty years have passed since the emergence of hantavirus zoonosis in Panama at the beginning of this millennium. We provide an overview of epidemiological surveillance of hantavirus disease (hantavirus pulmonary syndrome and hantavirus fever) during the period 1999-2019 by including all reported and confirmed cases according to the case definition established by the health authority. Our findings reveal that hantavirus disease is a low-frequency disease, affecting primarily young people, with a relatively low case-fatality rate compared to other hantaviruses in the Americas (e.g., ANDV and SNV). It presents an annual variation with peaks every 4-5 years and an interannual variation influenced by agricultural activities. Hantavirus disease is endemic in about 27% of Panama, which corresponds to agroecological conditions that favor the population dynamics of the rodent host, Oligoryzomys costaricensis and the virus ( Choclo orthohantavirus ) responsible for hantavirus disease. However, this does not rule out the existence of other endemic areas to be characterized. Undoubtedly, decentralization of the laboratory test and dissemination of evidence-based surveillance guidelines and regulations have standardized and improved diagnosis, notification at the level of the primary care system, and management in intensive care units nationwide.

The Costa Rican pygmy rice rat ( Oligoryzomys costaricensis ) is the primary reservoir of Choclo orthohantavirus (CHOV), the causal agent of hantavirus disease, pulmonary syndrome, and fever in humans in Panama. Since the emergence of CHOV in early 2000, we have systematically sampled and archived rodents from >150 sites across Panama to establish a baseline understanding of the host and virus, producing a permanent archive of holistic specimens that we are now probing in greater detail. We summarize these collections and explore preliminary habitat/virus associations to guide future wildlife surveillance and public health efforts related to CHOV and other zoonotic pathogens. Host sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene form a single monophyletic clade in Panama, despite wide distribution across Panama. Seropositive samples were concentrated in the central region of western Panama, consistent with the ecology of this agricultural commensal and the higher incidence of CHOV in humans in that region. Hantavirus seroprevalence in the pygmy rice rat was >15% overall, with the highest prevalence in agricultural areas (21%) and the lowest prevalence in shrublands (11%). Host-pathogen distribution, transmission dynamics, genomic evolution, and habitat affinities can be derived from the preserved samples, which include frozen tissues, and now provide a foundation for expanded investigations of orthohantaviruses in Panama.

Nowadays, the ability to make data-driven decisions in public health is of utmost importance. To achieve this, it is necessary for modelers to comprehend the impact of models on the future state of healthcare systems. Compartmental models are a valuable tool for making informed epidemiological decisions, and the proper parameterization of these models is crucial for analyzing epidemiological events. This work evaluated the use of compartmental models in conjunction with Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) to determine optimal solutions and understand the dynamics of Dengue epidemics. The focus was on calculating and evaluating the rate of case reproduction, R 0 , for the Republic of Panama. Three compartmental models were compared: Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR), Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR), and Susceptible-Infected-Recovered Human-Susceptible-Infected Vector (SIR Human-SI Vector, SIR-SI). The models were informed by demographic data and Dengue incidence in the Republic of Panama between 1999 and 2022, and the susceptible population was analyzed. The SIR, SEIR, and SIR-SI models successfully provided R 0 estimates ranging from 1.09 to 1.74. This study provides, to the best of our understanding, the first calculation of R 0 for Dengue outbreaks in the Republic of Panama., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (© 2023 The Author(s).)

Introduction: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common and deadly type of leukemia affecting adults. It is typically managed with rounds of non-targeted chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplants, but this is only possible in patients who can tolerate these harsh treatments and many are elderly and frail. With the identification of novel tumor-specific cell surface receptors, there is great conviction that targeted antibody therapies will soon become available for these patients., Areas Covered: In this review, we describe the current landscape of known target receptors for monospecific and bispecific antibody-based therapeutics for AML. Here, we characterize each of the receptors and targeted antibody-based therapeutics in development, illustrating the rational design behind each therapeutic compound. We then discuss the bispecific antibodies in development and how they improve immune surveillance of AML. For each therapeutic, we also summarize the available pre-clinical and clinical data, including data from discontinued trials., Expert Opinion: One antibody-based therapeutic has already been approved for AML treatment, the CD33-targeting antibody-drug conjugate, gemtuzumab ozogamicin. Many more are currently in pre-clinical and clinical studies. These antibody-based therapeutics can perform tumor-specific, elaborate cytotoxic functions and there is growing confidence they will soon lead to personalized, safe AML treatment options that induce durable remissions.

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of Enterobacter phage vB&#95;EcRAM-01, isolated from waters of the Río Abajo river, in Panama City, Panama. This phage has deployed lytic activity against the Enterobacter cloacae complex, a pathogen of clinical importance in intensive care units. It belongs to the Myoviridae family and has a double-stranded DNA genome that is 178,477 bp long and contains 293 open reading frames (ORFs).

Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease caused by several species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania . Cutaneous leishmaniasis classically presents as an ulcer with heaped edges, but it can also appear as nodular, scabbed, or plaque-like lesions. Its diagnosis requires confirmatory laboratory tests such as a smear, culture, and polymerase chain reaction. However, atypical presentations represent a diagnostic challenge in Tropical Medicine. For instance, localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (LCL) resembles bacterial and fungal tropical dermatological infections. Atypical presentations require an experienced clinician, epidemiological knowledge, and proper diagnostic tests. We present a case of a 10-year-old male who showed classic impetigo-like symptoms, which did not improve with topical or systemic antibiotic therapy. After a thorough case review, the patient was diagnosed with LCL. Therefore, epidemiological and clinical evaluation is crucial when diagnosing, especially in patients who live or have travelled to leishmaniasis-endemic areas., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Suarez et al.)

Paramyxoviruses have a broad host range and geographic distribution, including human pathogens transmitted by bats, such as Nipah and Hendra viruses. In this study, we combined high-throughput sequencing and molecular approaches to investigate the presence of paramyxoviruses in neotropical bats (Microchiroptera suborder) in Brazil. We discovered and characterized three novel paramyxoviruses in the kidney tissues of apparently healthy common vampire bats (D. rotundus) and Seba's short-tailed bats (C. perspicillata), which we tentatively named Kanhgág virus (KANV), Boe virus (BOEV), and Guató virus (GUATV). In this study, we classified these viruses as putative species into the Macrojêvirus genus, a newly proposed genus of the Orthoparamyxovirinae subfamily. Using RT-PCR, we detected these viruses in 20.9% (9 out of 43) of bats tested, and viral RNA was detected exclusively in kidney tissues. Attempts to isolate infectious virus were successful for KANV and GUATV. Our results expand the viral diversity, host range, and geographical distribution of the paramyxoviruses., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) emerged in the Americas in 2013 and has caused approximately 2.1 million cases and >600 deaths. A retrospective investigation was undertaken to describe clinical, epidemiological, and viral genomic features associated with deaths caused by CHIKV in Ceará state, northeast Brazil., Methods: Sera, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tissue samples from 100 fatal cases with suspected arbovirus infection were tested for CHIKV, dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). Clinical, epidemiological, and death reports were obtained for patients with confirmed CHIKV infection. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify independent factors associated with risk of death during CHIKV infection. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using whole genomes from a subset of cases., Results: Sixty-eight fatal cases had CHIKV infection confirmed by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (52.9%), viral antigen (41.1%), and/or specific immunoglobulin M (63.2%). Co-detection of CHIKV with DENV was found in 22% of fatal cases, ZIKV in 2.9%, and DENV and ZIKV in 1.5%. A total of 39 CHIKV deaths presented with neurological signs and symptoms, and CHIKV-RNA was found in the CSF of 92.3% of these patients. Fatal outcomes were associated with irreversible multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Patients with diabetes appear to die at a higher frequency during the subacute phase. Genetic analysis showed circulation of 2 CHIKV East-Central-South African (ECSA) lineages in Ceará and revealed no unique virus genomic mutation associated with fatal outcome., Conclusions: The investigation of the largest cross-sectional cohort of CHIKV deaths to date reveals that CHIKV-ECSA strains can cause death in individuals from both risk and nonrisk groups, including young adults., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press for the Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

We report a case of reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 with the second virus harboring amino acid changes in the Spike protein (141-143del, D215A, ins215AGY, L452R, D614G), orf1a, helicase, orf3a, and Nucleocapside. The virus associated with the reinfection, from an endemic lineage containing the S:L452R immune escape mutation, was circulating in Panama at the time., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

This paper presents new data about Rickettsia species detected in ticks collected from wild animals, using 16S rRNA, gltA and ompA. Rickettsia DNA was found in 66 of 101 ticks. Using EZ BioCloud libraries were produced reads that identified Rickettsia aeschlimannii, and Illumina BaseSpace produced reads of Rickettsia rickettsii group, Rickettsia bellii group, and unclassified Rickettsia. Using gltA and ompA gene-specific primers, R. aeschlimannii could not be confirmed, but detection of Rickettsia amblyommatis was achieved in Amblyomma auricularium, Amblyomma geayi, Amblyomma mixtum, and Amblyomma pacae; R. bellii from Amblyomma dissimile, "Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi" from A. dissimile, Rickettsia spp. closely related to R. raoultii from A. geayi, Rickettsia tamurae from A. dissimile, and Rickettsia endosymbionts of Ixodes from Ixodes affinis. There were no databases available specifically for 16S rRNA of Neotropical Rickettsia, highlighting the need to use species primers over only 16S rRNA primers to achieve more accurate interpretations and identifications. These findings increase the number of Rickettsia species detected in Panama and highlight the need to establish isolates to further characterize the nature of Rickettsia in the area., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.)

Mayaro virus (MAYV) is an arbovirus that is endemic to tropical forests in Central and South America, particularly within the Amazon basin. In recent years, concern has increased regarding MAYV's ability to invade urban areas and cause epidemics across the region. We conducted a systematic literature review to characterise the evolutionary history of MAYV, its transmission potential, and exposure patterns to the virus. We analysed data from the literature on MAYV infection to produce estimates of key epidemiological parameters, including the generation time and the basic reproduction number, R0. We also estimated the force-of-infection (FOI) in epidemic and endemic settings. Seventy-six publications met our inclusion criteria. Evidence of MAYV infection in humans, animals, or vectors was reported in 14 Latin American countries. Nine countries reported evidence of acute infection in humans confirmed by viral isolation or reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). We identified at least five MAYV outbreaks. Seroprevalence from population based cross-sectional studies ranged from 21% to 72%. The estimated mean generation time of MAYV was 15.2 days (95% CrI: 11.7-19.8) with a standard deviation of 6.3 days (95% CrI: 4.2-9.5). The per-capita risk of MAYV infection (FOI) ranged between 0.01 and 0.05 per year. The mean R0 estimates ranged between 2.1 and 2.9 in the Amazon basin areas and between 1.1 and 1.3 in the regions outside of the Amazon basin. Although MAYV has been identified in urban vectors, there is not yet evidence of sustained urban transmission. MAYV's enzootic cycle could become established in forested areas within cities similar to yellow fever virus., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.

Science diplomacy is a fast-growing field of research, policy, and practice dedicated to understanding and reinforcing the connections between science and international affairs to tackle national, regional, and global issues. By aligning science and diplomacy, countries can attract talent, strengthen their national research ecosystems, provide avenues for participation of scientists in policy, and coordinate integrated solutions to challenges with technical dimensions. While Latin America has a long tradition of bilateral and regional cooperation, science still plays a marginal role in foreign policy, as has become evidenced by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With few exceptions, Latin American nations have a relatively immature science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, compounded by low public and private investments in research, coexisting with profound socio-economic inequalities, and large vulnerable populations. Such challenging conditions have created barriers to a fluid relationship between science and diplomacy, fundamentally characterized by inefficient communication between scientists and policymakers, weak collaboration channels, and duplicated roles, which altogether perpetuate siloed mentalities and a lack of trust between the two communities. Over the last decade, a first influential wave of Latin American scientists, diplomats, and other professionals, including five of the co-authors, have undertaken science diplomacy training provided by specialized organizations. Through these experiences, we recognized the need to elevate awareness and build capacities in science diplomacy in our respective countries and overall, across Latin America. Here, we describe emerging efforts and mechanisms to bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers at the national and regional level. Furthermore, we offer recommendations to amplify the impact of those pioneering initiatives toward consolidating a robust science diplomacy practice across the region. The national experiences described from Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama can serve as a roadmap for other Latin American nations in the early process of developing a science diplomacy strategy, so they can also align themselves to a collective pathway. Most critically, we propose a way forward so that Latin America can leapfrog beyond disjointed training of individuals into integrated institutional strategies that can harness the tools of science diplomacy to enhance science-informed multilateral cooperation and enable more effective science-informed policymaking., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 López-Vergès, Macías-Navarro, Hernández-Mondragón, Corrales-Aguilar, Soler and Guerra.)

Background: New World Hantaviruses (NWHs) are the etiological agent underlying hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome (HCPS), a severe respiratory disease with high mortality rates in humans. In Panama, infections with Choclo Orthohantavirus (CHOV) cause a much milder illness characterized by higher seroprevalence and lower mortality rates. To date, the cytokine profiles and antibody responses associated with this milder form of HCPS have not been defined. Therefore, in this study, we examined immune serological profiles associated with CHOV infections., Methods: For this retrospective study, sera from fifteen individuals with acute CHOV-induced HCPS, were analyzed alongside sera from fifteen convalescent phase individuals and thirty-three asymptomatic, CHOV-seropositive individuals. Cytokine profiles were analyzed by multiplex immunoassay. Antibody subclasses, binding, and neutralization against CHOV-glycoprotein (CHOV-GP) were evaluated by ELISA, and flow cytometry., Results: High titers of IFNγ, IL-4, IL-8, and IL-10 serum cytokines were found in the acute individuals. Elevated IL-4 serum levels were found in convalescent and asymptomatic seropositive individuals. High titers of IgG1 subclass were observed across the three cohorts analyzed. Neutralizing antibody response against CHOV-GP was detectable in few acute individuals but was strong in both convalescent and asymptomatic seropositive individuals., Conclusion: A Th1/Th2 cytokine signature is characteristic during acute mild HCPS caused by CHOV infection. High expression of Th2 and IL-8 cytokines are correlated with clinical parameters in acute mild HCPS. In addition, a strong IL-4 signature is associated with different cohorts, including asymptomatic individuals. Furthermore, asymptomatic individuals presented high titers of neutralizing antibodies., Competing Interests: JG, FB, and RA were partially supported by Ichor Biologics LLC. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Salinas, Garrido, Salazar, Gonzalez, Zambrano, Fuentes-Villalobos, Bravo, Fica-Leon, Salas-Burgos, Calvo, Alvarez, Armien and Barria.)

Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has reached 28 million cases worldwide in 1 year. The serological detection of antibodies against the virus will play a pivotal role in complementing molecular tests to improve diagnostic accuracy, contact tracing, vaccine efficacy testing, and seroprevalence surveillance. Here, we aimed first to evaluate a lateral flow assay's ability to identify specific IgM and IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 and second, to report the seroprevalence estimates of these antibodies among health care workers and healthy volunteer blood donors in Panama. We recruited study participants between April 30th and July 7th, 2020. For the test validation and performance evaluation, we analyzed serum samples from participants with clinical symptoms and confirmed positive RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2, and a set of pre-pandemic serum samples. We used two by two table analysis to determine the test positive and negative percentage agreement as well as the Kappa agreement value with a 95% confidence interval. Then, we used the lateral flow assay to determine seroprevalence among serum samples from COVID-19 patients, potentially exposed health care workers, and healthy volunteer donors. Our results show this assay reached a positive percent agreement of 97.2% (95% CI 84.2-100.0%) for detecting both IgM and IgG. The assay showed a Kappa of 0.898 (95%CI 0.811-0.985) and 0.918 (95% CI 0.839-0.997) for IgM and IgG, respectively. The evaluation of serum samples from hospitalized COVID-19 patients indicates a correlation between test sensitivity and the number of days since symptom onset; the highest positive percent agreement [87% (95% CI 67.0-96.3%)] was observed at ≥15 days post-symptom onset (PSO). We found an overall antibody seroprevalence of 11.6% (95% CI 8.5-15.8%) among both health care workers and healthy blood donors. Our findings suggest this lateral flow assay could contribute significantly to implementing seroprevalence testing in locations with active community transmission of SARS-CoV-2., Competing Interests: EO-B was employed by the GlaxoSmithKline. CL, XZ, DZ, and FF were employed by company Beijing Zhongke Jianlan Biotechnology Co., Ltd., and BW was employed by company Beijing Kewei Clinical Diagnostic Reagent Inc. The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2021 Villarreal, Rangel, Zhang, Wong, Britton, Fernandez, Pérez, Oviedo, Restrepo, Carreirra, Sambrano, Eskildsen, De La Guardia, Flores-Cuadra, Carrera, Zaldivar, Franco, López-Vergès, Zhang, Fan, Wang, Sáez-Llorens, DeAntonio, Torres-Atencio, Blanco, Subía, Mudarra, Benzadon, Valverde, López, Hurtado, Rivas, Jurado, Carvallo, Rodriguez, Perez, Morris, Luque, Cortez, Ortega-Barria, Kosagisharaf, Lleonart, Li and Goodridge.)

Madariaga virus (MADV) has recently been associated with severe human disease in Panama, where the closely related Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) also circulates. In June 2017, a fatal MADV infection was confirmed in a community of Darien Province. We conducted a cross-sectional outbreak investigation with human and mosquito collections in July 2017, where sera were tested for alphavirus antibodies and viral RNA. In addition, by applying a catalytic, force-of-infection (FOI) statistical model to two serosurveys from Darien Province in 2012 and 2017, we investigated whether endemic or epidemic alphavirus transmission occurred historically. In 2017, MADV and VEEV IgM seroprevalences were 1.6% and 4.4%, respectively; IgG antibody prevalences were MADV: 13.2%, VEEV: 16.8%, Una virus (UNAV): 16.0%, and Mayaro virus: 1.1%. Active viral circulation was not detected. Evidence of MADV and UNAV infection was found near households, raising questions about its vectors and enzootic transmission cycles. Insomnia was associated with MADV and VEEV infections, depression symptoms were associated with MADV, and dizziness with VEEV and UNAV. Force-of-infection analyses suggest endemic alphavirus transmission historically, with recent increased human exposure to MADV and VEEV in Aruza and Mercadeo, respectively. The lack of additional neurological cases suggests that severe MADV and VEEV infections occur only rarely. Our results indicate that over the past five decades, alphavirus infections have occurred at low levels in eastern Panama, but that MADV and VEEV infections have recently increased-potentially during the past decade. Endemic infections and outbreaks of MADV and VEEV appear to differ spatially in some locations of eastern Panama.

Background: Human cases of Madariaga virus (MADV) infection were first detected during an outbreak in 2010 in eastern Panama, where Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) also circulates. Little is known about the long-term consequences of either alphavirus infection., Methods: A follow-up study of the 2010 outbreak was undertaken in 2015. An additional survey was carried out 2 weeks after a separate 2017 alphavirus outbreak in a neighboring population in eastern Panama. Serological studies and statistical analyses were undertaken in both populations., Results: Among the originally alphavirus-seronegative participants (n = 35 of 65), seroconversion was observed at a rate of 14.3% (95% CI, 4.8%-30.3%) for MADV and 8.6% (95% CI, 1.8%-23.1%) for VEEV over 5 years. Among the originally MADV-seropositive participants (n = 14 of 65), VEEV seroconversion occurred in 35.7% (95% CI, 12.8%-64.9%). In the VEEV-seropositive participants (n = 16 of 65), MADV seroconversion occurred in 6.3% (95% CI, 0.2%-30.2%). MADV seroreversion was observed in 14.3% (95% CI, 1.8%-42.8%) of those who were originally seropositive in 2010. VEEV seroconversion in the baseline MADV-seropositive participants was significantly higher than in alphavirus-negative participants. In the population sampled in 2017, MADV and VEEV seroprevalence was 13.2% and 16.8%, respectively. Memory loss, insomnia, irritability, and seizures were reported significantly more frequently in alphavirus-seropositive participants than in seronegative participants., Conclusions: High rates of seroconversion to MADV and VEEV over 5 years suggest frequent circulation of both viruses in Panama. Enhanced susceptibility to VEEV infection may be conferred by MADV infection. We provide evidence of persistent neurologic symptoms up to 5 years following MADV and VEEV exposure., (© The Author(s) 2020. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Infectious Diseases Society of America.)

The first case of COVID-19 was detected in Brazil on 25 February 2020. We report and contextualize epidemiological, demographic and clinical findings for COVID-19 cases during the first 3 months of the epidemic. By 31 May 2020, 514,200 COVID-19 cases, including 29,314 deaths, had been reported in 75.3% (4,196 of 5,570) of municipalities across all five administrative regions of Brazil. The R 0 value for Brazil was estimated at 3.1 (95% Bayesian credible interval = 2.4-5.5), with a higher median but overlapping credible intervals compared with some other seriously affected countries. A positive association between higher per-capita income and COVID-19 diagnosis was identified. Furthermore, the severe acute respiratory infection cases with unknown aetiology were associated with lower per-capita income. Co-circulation of six respiratory viruses was detected but at very low levels. These findings provide a comprehensive description of the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Brazil and may help to guide subsequent measures to control virus transmission.

Ornithodoros capensis sensu lato (s.l.) is a morphologically similar group of soft ticks that parasitizes mostly seabirds in continental and offshore territories worldwide. Ornithodoros capensis sensu stricto (s.s.) has been previously recorded in many islands and coastal localities along the American continent; however, some records from Central America remain obscure. In this work we performed morphological and molecular analyses on soft ticks collected in Coiba National Park, an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Panama, confirming the occurrence of O. capensis s.s. in this country for the first time. In addition, a morphological examination of museum specimens collected in Costa Rica, and a further locality in Panama, confirmed that O. capensis s.l. is established in the former country, and that its distribution along Panamanian shores is likely larger.

Alphaviruses (Togaviridae, Alphavirus ) are arthropod-borne single-stranded RNA pathogens that cause febrile and neurologic disease in much of Latin America. However, many features of Alphavirus epidemiology remain unknown. In 2011, we undertook a cross-sectional study in Nueva Esperanza, an indigenous community in the Peruvian Amazon. Here, we present the first serologic evidence of Mayaro (MAYV), Venezuelan equine encephalitis (VEE) complex alphavirus, Una (UNAV), and Madariaga (MADV) viruses reported in humans (24%, 16%, 13%, and 1.5%, respectively) from an Amazonian indigenous community in Peru. Hunting activity and cohabiting with hunters were the main risk factors for Mayaro seroconversion, but only hunting was associated with UNAV seropositivity. Our results suggest that alphavirus infection in this region is common, but we highlight the high UNAV seroprevalence found and corroborate the low MADV prevalence reported in this region. Furthermore, MAYV-neutralizing antibodies were also detected in stored samples from wild animals (18%) hunted by Nueva Esperanza inhabitants and another mestizo community located close to Iquitos. Further serological surveys of VEE complex alphaviruses, UNAV, and MADV in wild animals and assessing the ability of the MAYV seropositive species to transmit the virus will be relevant.

Background: Malaria is endemic in Darién and an assessment of the different factors affecting its epidemiology is crucial for the development of adequate strategies of surveillance, prevention, and disease control. The objective of this study was to determine the main characteristics of the epidemiological behavior of malaria in the Darien region., Methods: This research was comprised of a retrospective analysis to determine the incidence and malaria distribution in the Darien region from 2015 to 2017. We evaluated malaria indicators, disease distribution, incidence (by age group and sex), diagnostic methods, treatment, and control measures. In addition, we examined the cross-border migration activity and its possible contribution to the maintenance and distribution of malaria., Results: During the period of 2015-2017, we examined 41,141 thick blood smear samples, out of which 501 tested positive for malaria. Plasmodium vivax was responsible for 92.2% of those infections. Males comprised 62.7% of the total diagnosed cases. Meanwhile, a similar percentage, 62.7%, of the total cases were registered in economically active ages. The more frequent symptoms included fever (99.4%) and chills (97.4%), with 53.1% of cases registering between 2,000 and 6,000 parasites/μl of blood. The annual parasitic incidence (API) average was 3.0/1,000 inhabitants, while the slide positivity rate (SPR) was 1.2% and the annual blood examination rate (ABER) 22.5%. In Darién there is a constant internal and cross-border migration movement between Panama and Colombia. Malaria control measures consisted of the active and passive search of suspected cases and of the application of vector control measures., Conclusion: This study provides an additional perspective on malaria epidemiology in Darién. Additional efforts are required to intensify malaria surveillance and to achieve an effective control, eventually moving closer to the objective of malaria elimination. At the same time, there is a need for more eco-epidemiological, entomological and migratory studies to determine how these factors contribute to the patterns of maintenance and dissemination of malaria., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist. LC is member of the Sistema Nacional de Investigación (SNI), SENACYT, Panama. Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The mention of firm names or trade products does not imply that they are endorsed or recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture over other firms or similar products not mentioned; the USDA is an equal opportunity employer.

Dengue fever is an acute viral disease transmitted by arthropods, which has become a major public health problem, especially in tropical and subtropical areas. We found 17 reported cases of dengue complicated with pancreatitis in the world literature, 13 cases were found in Asia, one in Europe, and two in Latin America. This is the first and an unusual case of dengue with hemorrhagic manifestations complicated with acute pancreatitis in Panama. A 37-year-old woman with an unknown past medical history presented to Santo Tomas Hospital (Panama City, Panama) with sudden abdominal pain in the epigastrium and left hypochondrium, described as a burning-like pain radiating towards the back. Five days before the admission, the patient had fever, chills, headache, retro-orbital pain, dizziness, arthralgia, loss of appetite, and fatigue. In the emergency room, a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis was made and the patient was hospitalized. Physical examination showed bleeding gums, and laboratory tests show leukopenia and thrombocytopenia, which suggested an infection caused by the dengue virus. The dengue infection was confirmed using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The patient received supportive treatment and the symptoms resolved. She was discharged on the ninth day of hospitalization without any sequela. The final diagnosis was hemorrhagic dengue complicated by acute pancreatitis., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Introduction: We assess the tobacco advertisement, promotion and sponsorship (TAPS) ban enforcement in sales points in Panama in 2017., Methods: A nationwide observational survey to assess TAPS ban enforcement in sales points was conducted and involved retail sale in non-specialized stores with food, beverages or tobacco predominating according to the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities Rev. 4. A TAPS ban enforcement index was developed from factorial analysis by principal component with a polychoric correlation matrix to calculate the mean national index value., Results: The national TAPS ban enforcement index value was found to be 3.03. The index value in sales points according to the tobacco products advertisement was 1.98, which was significantly lower where the advertisement was present and 3.09 where it was absent (t=7.57, p<0.05). Each of the three health regions corresponding to Indigenous Territories had an index below the national mean: Emberá-Wounáan (2.52), Guna-Yala (2.65), and Ngäbe-Buglé (2.91). Similar findings were observed among health regions with a west national border: Chiriquí (2.80) and Bocas Del Toro (2.93). On the other hand, the top indices were observed in Panama Metro (3.25), Darién (3.53) and Coclé (3.63)., Conclusions: There is a high level of enforcement of the TAPS ban as a consequence of the full implementation of the FCTC as a law in Panama. However, indigenous territories and west national border areas had the lowest TAPS ban enforcement, making these populations vulnerable. A fertile ground for future research includes the identification of possible vulnerable targets for tobacco products advertisement, particularly in urban areas., Competing Interests: Authors have completed and submitted the ICMJE Form for Disclosure of Potential Conflicts of Interest and none was reported., (© 2019 Herrera V. H.)

Background: In Panama, arboviroses such as dengue fever, and more recently chikungunya fever and Zika disease, are transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Their control is based on the elimination of breeding sites and fogging with pyrethroid insecticides. However, one of the significant issues derived from the prolonged use of pyrethroid insecticide is the development of resistance mechanisms, such as knockdown resistance or kdr. The objective of this study was to evaluate the presence of kdr mutations in a partial region of the VGSC gene in samples of wild-caught Aedes mosquitoes from different locations of the Metropolitan Region of Panama., Results: Based on the analysis of 194 sequences of the VGSC gene, two kdr mutations (Ile1011Met and Val1016Gly) were detected in a specimen of Ae. aegypti. The frequency of kdr mutations in the evaluated samples of Ae. aegypti was 0.01., Conclusions: This study provides evidence for a low frequency of kdr mutations in Ae. aegypti populations in Panama. It is possible that these changes have no impact on vector control interventions. To our knowledge, we report, for the first time in America the Val1016Gly mutation documented in Asia. In general terms, this result is highly relevant to the Aedes Control Programme in Panama since it constitutes a feasible approach for the timely detection of resistance as well as for the development of strategies.

Zika virus (ZIKV) was first detected in the Americas in Brazil in 2015, with a rapid spread to surrounding countries. In Panama, the outbreak began in November 2015 in an indigenous community located on the Caribbean side of the country. Zika virus is typically associated with a diffuse rash, fever, and conjunctivitis. It can rarely cause neurologic manifestations, most commonly microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Encephalitis and acute encephalomyelitis are known complications, but ZIKV-associated cerebellitis has yet to be reported in the literature. Herein, we report a case of cerebellitis in a patient infected with ZIKV. This patient developed severe frontal headache and vertigo on the third day of illness, and dysarthria and ataxia on the fifth day. After 1 week of hospitalization, the patient completely recovered. The laboratory serological diagnosis was complicated because of the detection of antibodies against dengue, suggesting a secondary flavivirus infection.

Chloroquine-resistant (CQR) vivax malaria has emerged as a threat to the malaria elimination agenda. The objective of this study was to assess if a combination of chloroquine (CQ) and prochlorperazine was able to reverse CQ resistance of the Plasmodium vivax AMRU-1 strain from Papua New Guinea in infected Aotus monkeys. For this purpose, in two independent experimental drug efficacy trials, a total of 18 Aotus monkeys infected with blood obtained from donor animals were randomly assigned to treatment and control groups and orally administered CQ at 10 mg/kg or prochlorperazine at 20 mg/kg, alone or in combination, for five consecutive days. Reversal of CQR was achieved in animals that received the drug combination, whereas neither drug alone produced cures. This same drug combination reverses CQR in P. falciparum and could be an alternative for treatment in humans with chloroquine-resistant P. vivax infections., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.)

Comprehensive comparative phylogenetic analyses were performed on 17 Gamboa serogroup viruses (GAMSVs) from distinct geographic regions in the Americas and other representative members of the genus Orthobunyavirus (Peribunyaviridae), based on small (S), medium (M), and large (L) open reading frame full-length and partial sequences. Genome characterization showed that the GAMSVs divide into four clades or genotypes. The GAMSVs have a genetic organization similar to other orthobunyaviruses, except that they have a larger NSm protein than other orthobunyaviruses. A serosurvey for Gamboa virus antibodies was performed in plasma from birds, other wild animals, and humans living around the Tucuruí hydroelectric dam in Pará state, northern Brazil, a known focus of GAMSV activity. Newborn chicks ( Gallus gallus domesticus ) were experimentally infected with a GAMSV, and the pathogenesis is described. Histopathological changes were primarily in the lungs and liver. Also, a review of the ecology of the GAMSVs in the Americas is included. In sum, this study presents the genomic and evolutionary characterization of the Gamboa group and the potential model of pathogenesis, which would be helpful for diagnostic purposes, epidemiology, and immunopathogenesis studies.

Human metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a common causative agent of severe respiratory tract infections in children under 5 years old, the elderly and immunocompromised patients, being responsible for 5-15% of all viral respiratory infections requiring hospitalization. Though HMPV was included in the surveillance program for respiratory viruses in 2010, its genotype distribution remains unknown. Herein, 45 positive samples to HMPV from children ≤5 years old were characterized by phylogenetic analysis based on N gene sequence. Results showed the co-circulation of four sub-lineages: A2a (8.8%), A2b (55.5%), B1 (15.6%), and B2 (20%), demonstrating the genetic heterogeneity of HMPV circulating in Panamá., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The circulation of the South-east Asian/American (AS/AM) dengue 2 virus (DENV-2) genotype in the Americas has been associated with a high rate of severe disease. From 1993, the year DENV was reintroduced in Panama, until 2011 there were 29 dengue-associated deaths, 17 of which occurred in 2011, the most severe outbreak with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 44% (17 deaths out of 38 severe dengue cases). During this outbreak DENV-2 was reintroduced into the country, whereas over the prior five years DENV-1 and -3 were predominant. Herein, we describe the 2011 Panama outbreak and genetically characterize the Panamanian DENV-2 strains, which were associated with severe dengue disease in Panama. Our results suggest that the DENV-2 isolates from this outbreak belonged to the AS/AM genotype sub-clade 2BI and were genetically close to viruses described in the outbreaks in Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and Mexico from 2006-2011. Sub-clade 2BI has previously been associated with severe disease in Nicaragua during outbreaks from 2005-2007., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Some of the major arboviruses with public health importance, such as dengue, yellow fever, Zika and West Nile virus are mosquito-borne or mosquito-transmitted Flavivirus. Their principal vectors are from the family Culicidae, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus being responsible of the urban cycles of dengue, Zika and yellow fever virus. These vectors are highly competent for transmission of many arboviruses. The genetic variability of the vectors, the environment and the viral diversity modulate the vector competence, in this context, it is important to determine which vector species is responsible of an outbreak in areas where many vectors coexist. As some vectors can transmit several flaviviruses and some flaviviruses can be transmitted by different species of vectors, through this review we expose importance of yellow fever, dengue and Zika virus in the world and the Americas, as well as the updated knowledge about these flaviviruses in their interaction with their mosquito vectors, guiding us on what is probably the beginning of a new stage in which the simultaneity of outbreaks will occur more frequently., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In Panama, human respiratory syncytial virus (HRSV) is responsible of 20-40% of acute respiratory infections in children under 5 years old. Currently, little is known about the genetic variability of HRSV in Central America and the Caribbean. Recently, we reported the genetic variability of HRSV-A, however; no studies on HRSV-B in Panama have been described yet. In this study, 24 sequences of Panamanian HRSV-B, from children (<5 years) with acute respiratory infections (ARI), collected from July 2008 to November 2012 were analyzed. All sequences share the characteristic 60-nt duplication of the BA strains. Six Panamanian strains grouped with the BA10 genotype and 12 samples clustered together in a separate monophyletic clade with an aLRT support value of 0.92 and an intra-group p-distance less than 0.07. This fulfills the criteria to consider a new genotype in HRSV, which we named BA14 genotype. Another six strains remain unclassified, but closely related to BA9, BA11, or the new BA14 genotypes, according to their genetic p-distance. Different amino acid substitutions in the Panamanian HRSV-B strains were observed, some previously described and others found only on Panamanian strains. This study contributes to the knowledge of the genetic variability and evolution of HRSV in Central America., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The Bunyaviridae family is made up of a diverse range of viruses, some of which cause disease and are a cause for concern in human and veterinary health. Here, we report the genomic and antigenic characterization of five previously uncharacterized bunyaviruses. Based on their ultrastructure, antigenic relationships and phylogenomic relationships, the five viruses are classified as members of the Orthobunyavirus genus. Three are viruses in the California encephalitis virus serogroup and are related to Trivittatus virus; the two others are most similar to the Mermet virus in the Simbu serogroup, and to the Tataguine virus, which is not currently assigned to a serogroup. Each of these five viruses was pathogenic to newborn mice, indicating their potential to cause illness in humans and other animals.

Malaria is caused by parasites of the genus Plasmodium , which are transmitted to humans by the bites of Anopheles mosquitoes. After the elimination of Plasmodium falciparum , it is predicted that Plasmodium vivax will remain an important cause of morbidity and mortality outside Africa, stressing the importance of developing a vaccine against P. vivax malaria. In this study, we assessed the immunogenicity and protective efficacy of two P. vivax antigens, apical membrane antigen 1 (AMA1) and the 42-kDa C-terminal fragment of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1 42 ) in a plasmid recombinant DNA prime/adenoviral (Ad) vector boost regimen in Aotus monkeys. Groups of 4 to 5 monkeys were immunized with plasmid DNA alone, Ad alone, prime/boost regimens with each antigen, prime/boost regimens with both antigens, and empty vector controls and then subjected to blood-stage challenge. The heterologous immunization regimen with the antigen pair was more protective than either antigen alone or both antigens delivered with a single vaccine platform, on the basis of their ability to induce the longest prepatent period and the longest time to the peak level of parasitemia, the lowest peak and mean levels of parasitemia, the smallest area under the parasitemia curve, and the highest self-cure rate. Overall, prechallenge MSP1 42 antibody titers strongly correlated with a decreased parasite burden. Nevertheless, a significant proportion of immunized animals developed anemia. In conclusion, the P. vivax plasmid DNA/Ad serotype 5 vaccine encoding blood-stage parasite antigens AMA1 and MSP1 42 in a heterologous prime/boost immunization regimen provided significant protection against blood-stage challenge in Aotus monkeys, indicating the suitability of these antigens and this regimen for further development., (Copyright © 2017 American Society for Microbiology.)

Antitumor T cells are subject to multiple mechanisms of negative regulation. Recent findings that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) regulate adaptive T cell responses led us to examine the regulatory potential of ILCs in the context of cancer. We identified a unique ILC population that inhibits tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from high-grade serous tumors, defined their suppressive capacity in vitro, and performed a comprehensive analysis of their phenotype. Notably, the presence of this CD56 + CD3 - population in TIL cultures was associated with reduced T cell numbers, and further functional studies demonstrated that this population suppressed TIL expansion and altered TIL cytokine production. Transcriptome analysis and phenotypic characterization determined that regulatory CD56 + CD3 - cells exhibit low cytotoxic activity, produce IL-22, and have an expression profile that overlaps with those of natural killer (NK) cells and other ILCs. NKp46 was highly expressed by these cells, and addition of anti-NKp46 antibodies to TIL cultures abrogated the ability of these regulatory ILCs to suppress T cell expansion. Notably, the presence of these regulatory ILCs in TIL cultures corresponded with a striking reduction in the time to disease recurrence. These studies demonstrate that a previously uncharacterized ILC population regulates the activity and expansion of tumor-associated T cells.

Background: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) typically causes explosive epidemics of fever, rash and polyarthralgia after its introduction into naïve populations. Since its introduction in Panama in May of 2014, few autochthonous cases have been reported; most of them were found within limited outbreaks in Panama City in 2014 and Puerto Obaldia town, near the Caribbean border with Colombia in 2015. In order to confirm that Panama had few CHIKV cases compared with neighboring countries, we perform an epidemiological analysis of chikungunya cases reported from May 2014 to July 2015. Moreover, to understand this paucity of confirmed CHIKV cases, a vectorial analysis in the counties where these cases were reported was performed., Methods: Chikungunya cases were identified at medical centers and notified to health authorities. Sera samples were analyzed at Gorgas Memorial Institute for viral RNA and CHIKV-specific antibody detection., Results: A total of 413 suspected cases of CHIKV infections were reported, with incidence rates of 0.5 and 0.7 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2014 and 2015, respectively. During this period, 38.6% of CHIKV cases were autochthonous with rash and polyarthralgia as predominant symptoms. CHIKV and DENV incidence ratios were 1:306 and 1:34, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis of E1/E2 genomic segment indicates that the outbreak strains belong to the Asian genotype and cluster together with CHIKV isolates from other American countries during the same period. Statistical analysis of the National Vector Control program at the district level shows low and medium vector infestation level for most of the counties with CHIKV cases. This index was lower than for neighboring countries., Conclusions: Previous training of clinical, laboratory and vector workers allowed a good caption and detection of the chikungunya cases and fast intervention. It is possible that low/medium vector infestation level could explain in part the paucity of chikungunya infections in Panama.

Background: Neurotropic arboviral infections are an important cause of encephalitis. A zoonotic, vector-borne alphavirus, Madariaga virus (MADV; formerly known as South American eastern equine encephalitis virus), caused its first documented human outbreak in 2010 in Darien, Panama, where the genetically similar Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is endemic. We report the results of a seroprevalence survey of animals and humans, illustrating contrasting features of MADV and VEEV ecology and epidemiology., Methods: Small mammals were trapped in 42 sites in Darien, Panama, using Sherman traps, Tomahawk traps, and mist nets for bats. Blood was tested for the presence of neutralizing antibodies to MADV and VEEV. In addition, bird sera collected in 2007 in Chagres, Panama, were tested for MADV and VEEV neutralizing antibodies. Viremia was ascertained by RT-PCR. Human exposure to these two viruses was determined by IgG ELISA, followed by plaque reduction neutralization tests. To identify relevant risk factors for MADV or VEEV exposure, logistic regression analysis was performed, and the most parsimonious model was selected based on the Akaike information criterion., Results: The animal survey yielded 32 bats (16 species), 556 rodents (12 species), and 20 opossums (4 species). The short-tailed cane mouse (Zygodontomys brevicauda) found abundantly in pasture and farms, had the highest MADV seroprevalence (8.3%). For VEEV, the shrub and forest-dwelling long-whiskered rice rat (Transandinomys bolivaris) had the highest seroprevalence (19.0%). Viremia was detected in one animal (Z. brevicauda). Of the 159 bird sera (50 species) tested, none were positive for either virus. In humans (n = 770), neutralizing antibodies to MADV and VEEV were present in 4.8% and 31.5%, respectively. MADV seropositivity was positively associated with cattle ranching, farming, and fishing. Having VEEV antibodies and shrubs near the house diminished risk. Age, forest work, farming and fishing were risk factors for VEEV, while having MADV antibodies, glazed windows, waste pick-up and piped water were protective., Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the short-tailed cane mouse and the long-whiskered rice rat serve as hosts for MADV and VEEV, respectively. The preferred habitat of these rodent species coincides with areas associated with human infection risk. Our findings also indicate that MADV emerged recently in humans, and that the transmission cycles of these two sympatric alphaviruses differ spatially and in host utilization.

The human bocavirus (HBoV) was added as a new member of the Parvoviridae family in 2005 upon its discovery in nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with respiratory infection. Recently, there has been increasing evidence of worldwide circulation of HBoV; however, in Latin America few studies have been conducted. In order to detect the circulation of HBoV in Panama, based on the National Flu Surveillance System, we developed this retrospective, cross-sectional study, from January 2011 to January 2012. Children younger than 6 years old who presented with respiratory disease were enrolled in this study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were taken in sentinel surveillance sites. Samples were tested to detect mRNA from HBoV, as well as viral RNA and DNA from others respiratory viruses. A total of 1078 patients were enrolled in this study. Overall, 44 (4.1%) of the patients presented HBoV. The most common symptoms were cough (84.6%), fever (82.1%), rhinorrhea (74.4%), and sore throat (38.5%). Less than half (45.5%) of HBoV infected patients presented with monoinfection while 54.5% of cases presented with coinfection with others respiratory viruses. Both, outpatients and inpatients were included in this study. Outpatients corresponded to 52.3% of the cases and 47.7% were inpatients. Coinfection was observed in the 50% of the inpatient cases. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the circulating strains belonged to different clades of HBoV genotype 1. Taken together, our results support the pathogenic nature of this viral agent, especially in younger children., (© 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Viruses in the genus Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) include many arthropod-borne viruses of public health and veterinary importance. However, during the past two decades an explosion of novel insect-specific flaviviruses (ISFs), some closely related to vertebrate pathogens, have been discovered. Although many flavivirus pathogens of vertebrates have been isolated from naturally infected mosquitoes in Panama, ISFs have not previously been reported from the country. This report describes the isolation and characterization of a novel ISF, tentatively named Mercadeo virus (MECDV), obtained from Culex spp. mosquitoes collected in Panama. Two MECDV isolates were sequenced and cluster phylogenetically with cell-fusing agent virus (CFAV) and Nakiwogo virus (NAKV) to form a distinct lineage within the insect-specific group of flaviviruses., (© The American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene.)