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Objectives: The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Cuba were reported on March 11, 2020, followed by multiple introductions of infected travelers from Europe, America, and Asia. This work aimed to characterize the SARS-CoV-2 strains circulating in Cuba from March to September 2020 by partial nucleotide sequencing of the S and N genes. Methods: Between March and September 2020, 38 nasopharyngeal exudates from 38 SARS-CoV-2 patients were received at the National Reference Laboratory for Influenza and Respiratory Viruses at the Institute of Tropical Medicine “Pedro Kourí” (IPK). The Sanger sequencing method was used to amplify and sequence a 2539 bp fragment of the spike gene (from position 22020 to 24550) and a 370 bp of the nucleoprotein gene (from position 28340 to 28710). The GISAID database was used to identify the mutation profile of both fragments, and phylogenetic analysis was used to confirm the clades. In addition, clinical and epidemiological data from patients were gathered. Results: There were 34 and 25 sequences from S and N genes, respectively. In 21 of them, both genes (S and N) were available, whereas, in the remaining 13 and 4, only S or N sequences could be obtained. Based on the presence of the D614G mutation, 32 samples (84.2%) were classified as clade G of SARS CoV-2, and two were classified as Wuhan. No classification was possible in the remaining four (where only the N sequence was available). In one sample each, five different mutations were detected in clade G samples: L517F, L517X, N603T, A846V, and E281V. The 26 N sequences obtained were 100.0% identical to those circulated in most countries. The G30R mutation was detected in an infected patient in Cuba. Fourteen of the 38 patients studied were imported cases. The first three cases detected with COVID-19 in Cuba were clade G and originated in Italy. Ten individuals were asymptomatic, four presented severe forms of the disease (two fatal), and the remaining presented mild symptoms. No relationship was observed among the clades or the mutational profile with the clinical features, country of origin, and Cuban provinces. Conclusion: The early establishment of SARS-CoV-2 genetic surveillance in Cuba was helpful for tracking the epidemic. It demonstrated that the SARS-CoV-2 clade G was introduced initially and was the variant that circulated in the country during 2020, although the Wuhan strain was also detected. J Microbiol Infect Dis 2022; 12(3):77-88.

En el presente estudio se comparó la técnica de inmunoperoxidasa para la detección de citomegalovirus (IPCMV) utilizando anticuerpos monoclonales que reconocen proteínas precoces virales con el método convencional de aislamiento viral en fibroblastos humanos. Un total de 150 muestras de orina fueron examinadas encontrando una sensibilidad de un 89.8% y una especificidad de 91.3% de la técnica de IPCMV comparada con el aislamiento viral. Una de las ventajas que presentó la IPCMV fue la rapidez con que fueron obtenidos los resultados (48 horas) mientras que el aislamiento viral fue como promedio 14 días. An Immunoperoxidase assay was applied to detect early antigens of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) in 150 urine samples from immunocompromised patients, using the commercial available monoclonal antibody against CMV El3. The detection of early antigen by IP (IPCMV) is compared to the conventional cell culture isolation regarding specificity and sensitivity in order to evaluate is usefulness in the diagnostic of CMV infections. The IPCMV showed a sensitivity of 89.8% and a specificity of 91.3% when compared to the isolation method. The great advantage of the IPCMV is based on the shorter time results are achieved, since 48-72 Hs can be enough to provide evidence of CMV infection, while in the isolation technique cytopatho-genic effect was present around 14 days after sample inoculation.

Context: The aqueous extract of Mangifera indica L. stem bark (MSBE) shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Aims: To test the MSBE in chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve in rats, a classical model of neuropathic pain. Methods: Given the possibility that some clinical effect of MSBE can appear only after its chronic administration, we designed a long term medication protocol with 500 mg/kg, p.o. or distilled water daily during 8 days from 9 days post-CCI. Pregabalin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) was used as reference drug. Sham CCI animals received vehicle. Behavioral tests were carried out before CCI, at 9 and 16 days after injury. A section of sciatic nerve, 5 mm distal to the ligature site was dissected for histopathological studies. A single oral similar dose or vehicle was administered to mononeuropathic rats, 14 days after surgery. Mechano-hyperalgesia and thermal hyperalgesia of the ipsilateral paw were determined using a modification of pin prick method and the unilateral hot plate, respectively before CCI, 0, 30, 60, 120 and 180 min post-administration. Results: Repeated oral MSBE doses reduced nociceptive score, increased paw withdrawal latency and attenuated CCI-induced Wallerian degeneration-related changes involved in the hyperalgesic state of CCI rats. Likewise, MSBE shows significant mechanical and thermal anti-hyperalgesic effect from 1h after its single administration. Conclusions: The study of MSBE should be focused in neuropathic pain models since this natural product could have a clinical relevance in the treatment of neuropathic pain syndromes.