ABSTRACT Conservation agriculture principles applied to peanut can reduce soil erosion and production costs when cultivated in rotation with sugarcane. Still, the problem with soil compaction is the leading cause of skepticism about the efficacy of this practice. This research aimed to study the effect of three soil management strategies compared with conventional for peanut cv. IAC-OL3, cultivated in rotation with sugarcane using the MEIOSI (method of intercropping occurring simultaneously) system for agronomic practices with additional analysis on changes in soil physics properties. The trial was conducted in 2019-2020 in Planalto municipality (São Paulo, Brazil) under a green-harvested sugarcane field, using a randomized complete block experimental design. The trial consisted of four soil management treatments (conventional tillage, minimum tillage with chisel, strip-tillage, and no-tillage) with five replications. Although no differences were verified in soil bulk density and porosity among treatments, the highest values of soil penetration resistance were observed in no-tillage treatment for all evaluations (before planting, at the beginning of flowering, and before and after harvesting) in comparison with conventional tillage. The difference in soil penetration resistance among the treatments diminished from planting to the end of the cycle. Furthermore, low soil disturbance and maximum covering with straw significantly increased the available water capacity and reduced the incidence and severity of groundnut ringspot virus (GRSV) on peanut plants. Consequently, both minimum-tillage and no-tillage have increased the pod yield on average by 695 and 991 kg ha-1 more than strip-tillage and conventional tillage, respectively, without differences in terms of quality and pod losses.

ABSTRACT Leishmania infantum is a protozoan that causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL) in the Americas and some regions of Europe. The disease is mainly characterized by hepatosplenomegaly and fever, and can be fatal. Factors related to the host and parasite can contribute to the transmission of Leishmania and the clinical outcome. The intraspecific genetic variability of L. infantum strains may be one of these factors. In this study, we evaluated the genetic variability of L. infantum obtained from bone marrow smear slides from patients in the Sao Paulo State, Brazil. For this, the minicircle of the kDNA hypervariable region was used as target by Sanger sequencing. By analyzing the similarity of the nucleotides and the maximum likelihood tree (Fasttree), we observed a high similarity (98%) among samples. Moreover, we identified four different profiles of L. infantum. In conclusion, L. infantum strains from Sao Paulo State, Brazil, showed low diversity measured by minicircle of the kDNA hypervariable region.

ABSTRACT Hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) is a highly contagious viral disease commonly associated to Enteroviruses (EV). During 2018, Brazil faced massive HFMD outbreaks spread across the country. This study aimed to characterize the EV responsible for the HFMD outbreak that occurred in Paraiba State, Brazilian Northeastern region, in 2018, followed by a phylogenetic analysis to detail information on its genetic diversity. A total of 49 serum samples (one from each patient) collected from children ≤ 15 years old, clinically diagnosed with HFMD were tested for EV using conventional RT-PCR and RT-qPCR. EV infection was confirmed in 71.4% (35/49) of samples. The mean and median ages were 1.83 years and one year old, respectively. Twenty-two EV-positive samples were successfully sequenced and classified as EV-A species; 13 samples were also identified with the CV-A6 genotype. The phylogenetic analysis (VP1 region) of three samples revealed that the detected CV-A6 strains belonged to sub-lineage D3. The CV-A6 strains detected here clustered with strains from South America, Europe and West Asia strains that were also involved in HFMD cases during the 2017-2018 seasons, in addition to the previously detected Brazilian CV-A6 strains from 2012 to 2017, suggesting a global co-circulation of a set of different CV-A6 strains introduced in the country at different times. The growing circulation of the emerging CV-A6 associated with HFMD, together with the detection of more severe cases worldwide, suggests the need for a more intense surveillance system of HFMD in Brazil. In addition, this investigation was performed exclusively on serum samples, and the analysis of whole blood samples should be considered and could have shown advantages when employed in the diagnosis of enteroviral HFMD outbreaks.

Resumo Introdução A investigação dos fatores indicadores de risco para as doenças peri-implantares auxilia na prevenção e direcionamento das técnicas de tratamento Objetivo O objetivo deste estudo transversal foi determinar a ocorrência de peri-implantite e seus potenciais fatores indicadores de risco, além de avaliar as taxas de sucesso e sobrevida em longo prazo dos implantes dentários após 8 a 10 anos de função Material e método Foram incluídos cinquenta indivíduos que receberam sua reabilitação implanto-suportada entre 2003 e 2005. Dados demográficos, história médica e odontológica foram coletados e um exame clínico completo foi realizado. A análise multivariada foi utilizada para identificar potenciais fatores indicadores de risco relacionados à ocorrência de peri-implantite. Ao todo, 211 implantes foram colocados; 197 estavam em função, 9 ainda estavam submersos e 5 haviam sido perdidos. Resultado As taxas de sucesso e sobrevivência foram de 81,5% e 97,6%, respectivamente. A mucosite peri-implantar afetou 77,1% dos indivíduos e 52,3% dos implantes. A peri-implantite foi diagnosticada em 14 indivíduos (29,2%) e 25 implantes (12,7%). Indivíduos com osteoporose (OR = 2,84) e sangramento generalizado à sondagem (OR = 8,03) foram significativamente associados a uma maior chance de peri-implantite. Ao nível do implante, a placa visível (OR = 4,45) e as maiores profundidades de sondagem (OR = 4,47) foram significativamente associadas à peri-implantite. Conclusão Por meio desses resultados, nosso estudo sugere que a osteoporose e a inflamação generalizada da mucosa periodontal / peri-implantar aumentam a probabilidade de peri-implantite.

Abstract Introduction The investigation of peri-implant diseases risk indicators helps to prevent and target treatment techniques. Objective The aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine the occurrence of peri-implantitis and its potential risk indicator factors, besides to assess the long-term success and survival rates of dental implants after 8 to 10 years of function. Material and method For this, fifty individuals who had received their implant-supported rehabilitation between 2003 and 2005 were included. Data regarding demographics, medical and dental history were collected and a complete clinical examination was performed. Multivariate analysis was used to identify potential risk indicator factors related to the occurrence of peri-implantitis. Overall, 211 implants had been placed; 197 were in function, 9 were still submerged, and 5 had been lost. Result Success and survival rates were 81.5% and 97.6%, respectively. Peri-implant mucositis affected 77.1% of subjects and 52.3% of implants. Peri-implantitis was diagnosed in 14 individuals (29.2%) and 25 implants (12.7%). Subjects with osteoporosis (OR = 2.84) and generalized bleeding on probing (OR = 8.03) were significantly associated with higher odds of peri-implantitis. At the implant level, visible plaque (OR = 4.45) and deep probing depths (OR = 4.47) were significantly associated with peri-implantitis. Conclusion Through these results, our study suggests that osteoporosis and generalized periodontal/peri-implant mucosa inflammation increase the likelihood of peri-implantitis.

ABSTRACT Surveillance of Rotavirus A (RVA) throughout the national territory is important to establish a more complete epidemiological-molecular scenario of this virus circulation in Brazil. The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity of RVA strains circulating in Tocantins State (Northern Brazil) during six years of post-vaccination follow-up (2010-2016). A total of 248 stool samples were screened by next generation sequencing and 107 (43.1%) nearly full length RVA genome sequences were obtained; one sample was co-infected with two RVA strains (G2/G8P[4]). Six G and P genotypes combinations were detected: G12P[8] strains (78.6%), as well as the G3P[8] (9.3%) and G1P[8] (0.9%) were associated with a Wa-like genogroup backbone. All G2P[4] (5.6%) and G8P[4] (2.8%) strains, including the mixed G2/G8P[4] infection (0.9%) showed the DS-1-like genetic background. The two G12P[4] strains (1.9%) were associated with distinct genetic backbones: Wa-like and DS-1-like. The phylogenetic analysis revealed the circulation of lineages G1-I, G2-IV, G3-III, G8-I and G12-III, and P[4]-V and P[8]-III of the VP7 and VP4 genes, respectively. Conserved clustering pattern and low genetic diversity were observed regarding VP1-VP3 and VP6, as well as NSP1-5 segments. We identified the same RVA circulation pattern reported in other Brazilian regions in the period of 2010-2016, suggesting that rural and low-income areas may not have a different RVA genotypic distribution compared to other parts of the country. The unique presentation of whole-genome data of RVA strains detected in the Tocantins State provides a baseline for monitoring variations in the genetic composition of RVA in this area.

Human enteroviruses (EVs) are associated with a wide spectrum of human diseases. Here we report the complete genome sequences of one EV-C99 strain and one E29 strain obtained from children suffering from acute gastroenteritis, without symptoms of enteroviral syndromes. This is the first report of EV-C99 in South America, and the second E29 genome described worldwide. Continuous surveillance on EVs is vital to provide further understanding of the circulation of new or rare EV serotypes in the country. The present study also highlights the capacity of EVs to remain in silent circulation in populations.

Human sapoviruses (HSaV) are considered important causative agents of acute gastroenteritis in humans worldwide. However, knowledge of the genetic characteristics of the whole genome of HSaV in Brazil is limited. Here we report the complete genome sequences of six HSaVs GI.2 and two GI.3 strains obtained from children with acute gastroenteritis in the Northern region of Brazil. Next generation sequencing was used to obtain the full genome and molecular characterization of the genome was performed. Phylogenetic analysis of the genome was also performed. Only one complete HSaV GI.2 genome characterization in the country precedes that of the present study. This is the first complete genome sequence of genotype GI.3 in Brazil. The data obtained in this investigation can contribute to the augmentation of the database on the molecular diversity of HSaVs strains circulating in Brazil, and to the improvement of current typing protocols.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar retrospectivamente a taxa de sobrevivência e sucesso de implantes com superfície tratada por ataque ácido após 8-10 anos de função. Um total de 44 pacientes que receberam 183 implantes há 8-10 anos foram avaliados. Foi realizado exame clínico de todos os dentes e implantes presentes na cavidade bucal. Os seguintes parâmetros foram avaliados: índice de placa visível (IPV), índice de sangramento gengival (ISG), profundidade de sondagem (PS), sangramento à sondagem (SS), nível clínico de inserção (NCI). Para a classificação de sucesso dos implantes foram considerados os seguintes critérios: ausência de infecção peri-implantar com supuração, ausência de mobilidade, ausência de dor persistente ou disestesia e ausência de radiolucência contínua ao redor do implante. Após avaliação, 178 (97.3%) implantes foram classificados como sobreviventes, 155 (84.7%) aderiram aos critérios de sucesso, 5 implantes (2.7%) foram perdidos (1 na maxila e 4 na mandíbula) e 3 implantes (2.0%) não estavam em função. 20 (11%) implantes foram diagnosticados com peri-implantite. Dessa forma, a taxa de sobrevivência foi de 97% e a taxa de sucesso de 85%. Pode-se concluir que os implantes com superfície tratada por ataque ácido apresentaram altas taxas de sobrevivência e sucesso após 8-10 em função.

Abstract The aim of this study was to conduct a retrospective evaluation of the survival and success rates of dental implants with acid-etched surfaces after 8-10 years of function. Forty-four patients who received 183 implants 8-10 years ago were evaluated. Clinical examinations were performed around the implants and natural teeth. The following parameters were measured: visible plaque index (VPI), marginal bleeding index (MBI), probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and clinical attachment level (CAL). To considerer an implant as a success case, the following criteria were considered: absence of peri-implant infection and suppuration, absence of implant mobility, absence of persistent pain and dysesthesia and absence of radiolucency around the implant. Overall, 178 implants were categorized as surviving (97.3%), 155 were categorized as successful (84.7%), 5 implants (2.7%) were lost (1 in the maxilla and 4 in the mandible), and 3 implants were not under functional load (2.0 %). 20 implants were diagnosed with peri-implantitis. Thus, the survival rate was 97% and the success rate was 85%. In conclusion, implants with acid-etched surfaces showed high survival and success rates after a period of 8 to 10 years of function.

No Brasil, a epidemia do HIV-1 adquiriu novas características ao longo do tempo, como o aumento da transmissão heterossexual e um declínio da razão homens:mulheres em casos de AIDS. Foi oferecida triagem para a infecção pelo HIV a todos os pacientes atendidos no Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento da cidade de Paulista, Região Metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil, com o objetivo de determinar a incidência do HIV-1. Foi usado o enzimaimunoensaio de captura BED (BED-CEIA) para determinar a incidência do HIV-1, comparando-o com o método de índice de avidez AxSYM (Ax-AI). No período analisado, 2006-2009, 14.014 pessoas foram testadas, e apenas 18 gestantes foram diagnosticadas para a infecção por HIV, resultando em uma incidência de 0,15% ao ano (IC95%: 0,00-0,33), significativamente menor do que os homens (1,03; IC95%: 0,45-1,61) e mulheres não-grávidas (0,50; IC95%: 0,11-0,89). Apesar da baixa incidência de HIV-1 entre as mulheres grávidas, a alta taxa de infecção recente reforça cuidados no pré-natal para esta infecção, para evitar a transmissão vertical.

The HIV-1 epidemic in Brazil has displayed new characteristics over time, with an increase in heterosexual transmission and a decline in the male-to-female ratio in AIDS cases. HIV screening was offered to patients attending the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Paulista, Greater Metropolitan Recife, Pernambuco State, in Northeast Brazil, to determine HIV-1 incidence. BED capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA) was used to measure HIV-1 incidence, comparing it to the AxSYM avidity index method (Ax-AI). From 2006 to 2009, 14,014 individuals were tested, and only 18 pregnant women were diagnosed with HIV infection, resulting in 0.15% annual incidence (95%CI: 0-0.33), significantly lower than in men (1.03; 95%CI: 0.45-1.61) and non-pregnant women (0.50; 95%CI: 0.11-0.89). Despite the low HIV-1 incidence in pregnant women, the high rate of recent infection detected during prenatal care emphasizes the need to increase measures to prevent vertical transmission.

En Brasil, epidemia del VIH-1 adquiere nuevas características con tiempo, como el aumento de la transmisión heterosexual y disminución de la razón hombres:mujeres en los casos de SIDA. La detección de infección por VIH se ofrece a todos los pacientes que acuden al Centro de Asesoramiento y Pruebas (CTA) en la ciudad de Paulista, área metropolitana de Recife, noreste - Brasil, con objetivo de determinar la incidencia del VIH-1. BED inmunoensayo enzimático de captura (BED-CEIA) se utilizó para determinar la incidencia de VIH-1, comparándolo con el método del índice de avidez AxSYM (AX AI). En el período de 2006-2009, 14.014 personas se pusieron a prueba, 18 mujeres embarazadas fueron diagnosticados con infección por VIH, com incidencia de 0.15% anual (IC95%: 0-0.33), inferior a los hombres (1.03; IC95%: 0.45-1.61) y las mujeres no embarazadas (0.50; IC95%: 0.11-0.89). A pesar de la baja incidencia de VIH-1 en las mujeres embarazadas, alta tasa de infección reciente aumenta en la atención prenatal para esta infección para prevenir la transmisión vertical.

No Brasil, a epidemia do HIV-1 adquiriu novas características ao longo do tempo, como o aumento da transmissão heterossexual e um declínio da razão homens:mulheres em casos de AIDS. Foi oferecida triagem para a infecção pelo HIV a todos os pacientes atendidos no Centro de Testagem e Aconselhamento da cidade de Paulista, Região Metropolitana de Recife, Pernambuco, Nordeste do Brasil, com o objetivo de determinar a incidência do HIV-1. Foi usado o enzimaimunoensaio de captura BED (BED-CEIA) para determinar a incidência do HIV-1, comparando-o com o método de índice de avidez AxSYM (Ax-AI). No período analisado, 2006-2009, 14.014 pessoas foram testadas, e apenas 18 gestantes foram diagnosticadas para a infecção por HIV, resultando em uma incidência de 0,15% ao ano (IC95%: 0,00-0,33), significativamente menor do que os homens (1,03; IC95%: 0,45-1,61) e mulheres não-grávidas (0,50; IC95%: 0,11-0,89). Apesar da baixa incidência de HIV-1 entre as mulheres grávidas, a alta taxa de infecção recente reforça cuidados no pré-natal para esta infecção, para evitar a transmissão vertical.

The HIV-1 epidemic in Brazil has displayed new characteristics over time, with an increase in heterosexual transmission and a decline in the male-to-female ratio in AIDS cases. HIV screening was offered to patients attending the Voluntary Counseling and Testing Center in Paulista, Greater Metropolitan Recife, Pernambuco State, in Northeast Brazil, to determine HIV-1 incidence. BED capture enzyme immunoassay (BED-CEIA) was used to measure HIV-1 incidence, comparing it to the AxSYM avidity index method (Ax-AI). From 2006 to 2009, 14,014 individuals were tested, and only 18 pregnant women were diagnosed with HIV infection, resulting in 0.15% annual incidence (95%CI: 0-0.33), significantly lower than in men (1.03; 95%CI: 0.45-1.61) and non-pregnant women (0.50; 95%CI: 0.11-0.89). Despite the low HIV-1 incidence in pregnant women, the high rate of recent infection detected during prenatal care emphasizes the need to increase measures to prevent vertical transmission.

En Brasil, epidemia del VIH-1 adquiere nuevas características con tiempo, como el aumento de la transmisión heterosexual y disminución de la razón hombres:mujeres en los casos de SIDA. La detección de infección por VIH se ofrece a todos los pacientes que acuden al Centro de Asesoramiento y Pruebas (CTA) en la ciudad de Paulista, área metropolitana de Recife, noreste - Brasil, con objetivo de determinar la incidencia del VIH-1. BED inmunoensayo enzimático de captura (BED-CEIA) se utilizó para determinar la incidencia de VIH-1, comparándolo con el método del índice de avidez AxSYM (AX AI). En el período de 2006-2009, 14.014 personas se pusieron a prueba, 18 mujeres embarazadas fueron diagnosticados con infección por VIH, com incidencia de 0.15% anual (IC95%: 0-0.33), inferior a los hombres (1.03; IC95%: 0.45-1.61) y las mujeres no embarazadas (0.50; IC95%: 0.11-0.89). A pesar de la baja incidencia de VIH-1 en las mujeres embarazadas, alta tasa de infección reciente aumenta en la atención prenatal para esta infección para prevenir la transmisión vertical.

INTRODUÇÃO E OBJETIVOS: O bocavírus humano (HBoV) tem sido descrito desde 2005 como agente etiológico de infecções respiratórias virais. O presente estudo tem como objetivo investigar a etiologia da infecção respiratória pelo HBoV em pacientes adultos e crianças de diferentes grupos de risco para complicação de infecções respiratórias agudas desde 2001 até 2008 em um hospital terciário no Brasil. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: O HBoV foi investigado, através de reação em cadeia da polimerase, em 598 amostras respiratórias coletadas de pacientes hospitalizados e não hospitalizados. RESULTADOS: Das 598 amostras testadas o HBoV foi detectado em 2,44% (8/328) das crianças, incluindo cinco crianças portadoras de cardiopatia congênita, e 0,4% (1/270) dos adultos em programa de transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados do presente estudo sugerem baixa freqüência de detecção do HBoV entre pacientes de risco, e destaca a necessidade de novos estudos para um melhor entendimento do verdadeiro papel desse agente em infecções respiratórias agudas em pacientes sintomáticos.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Human Bocavirus (HBoV) has been described since 2005 as an etiological agent of respiratory virus infections. From 2001 to 2008 we investigated the etiology of HBoV among adults and children in different groups at risk of presenting complications arising from acute respiratory infection, the investigation was carried out in a tertiary hospital health care system in Brazil. METHODS: HBoV DNA was assayed in 598 respiratory samples from community and hospitalized patients by PCR. RESULTS: Of the 598 tested samples, 2.44% (8/328) of children, including five children with heart disease, and 0.4% (1/270) of adult bone-marrow-transplant were HBoV positive. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested lower HBoV frequency among different at-risk patients and highlights the need to better understand the real role of HBoV among acute respiratory symptomatic patients.

INTRODUÇÃO: Infecções agudas do trato respiratório estão entre as doenças mais comuns em todas as pessoas. Os rinovírus têm sido descritos como agente etiológico de mais de 50% das infecções do trato respiratório ao redor do mundo. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência de rinovírus humano (HRV), influenza vírus A e B, vírus respiratório sincicial humano e metapneumovírus (hMPV) em uma população de idosos que apresentava sintomas de gripe ou resfriado, e que residiam na Cidade de Botucatu, Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foram coletados swabs nasais de 47 idosos após visitas de inclusão, entre os anos de 2002 e 2003 e que foram testadas através de GeneScan RT-PCR. RESULTADOS: HRV foi detectado em 28.6% (14/47) e hMPV em 2% (1/47). De 14 amostras positivas para HRV, 9 foram sequenciadas, mostrando a seguinte distribuição de grupos: grupo A: 6 amostras, grupo B: 1 amostra e grupo C: 2 amostras. CONCLUSÕES: A alta incidência de HRV durante os meses de ocorrência de gripe necessita de estudos posteriores para avaliar o impacto desse vírus entre os idosos. A alta frequência de HRV pode contribuir para o aumento da demanda por serviços de saúde durante a estação de influenza.

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory tract infections are the most common illness in all individuals. Rhinoviruses have been reported as the etiology of more than 50% of respiratory tract infections worldwide. The study prospectively evaluated 47 elderly individuals from a group of 384 randomly assigned for acute respiratory viral infections (cold or flu) and assessed the occurrence of human rhinovirus (HRV), influenza A and B, respiratory syncytial virus and metapneumovirus (hMPV) in Botucatu, State of São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: Forty-nine nasal swabs collected from 47 elderly individuals following inclusion visits from 2002 to 2003 were tested by GenScan RT-PCR. HRV-positive samples were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: No sample was positive for influenza A/B or RSV. HRV was detected in 28.6% (14/47) and hMPV in 2% (1/47). Of 14 positive samples, 9 isolates were successfully sequenced, showing the follow group distribution: 6 group A, 1 group B and 2 group C HRVs. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence of HRV during the months of the influenza season requires further study regarding HRV infection impact on respiratory complications among this population. Infection caused by HRV is very frequent and may contribute to increasing the already high demand for healthcare during the influenza season.

OBJETIVO: O trauma da veia porta é raro e freqüentemente fatal por causa de exsanguinação e alta incidência de lesões de estruturas adjacentes. Devido às pecualiaridades desta lesão e diferentes condutas propostas na literatura, o objetivo dos autores é relatar a experiência neste tipo de lesão. MÉTODO: Estudo retrospectivo, de janeiro de 1994 e dezembro de 2001, de 1370 pacientes submetidos à laparotomia devido trauma abdominal. Entre esses, 15 pacientes apresentavam lesão da veia porta. As lesões foram classificadas conforme a sua extensão e localização. RESULTADOS: O mecanismo de trauma predominante foi o penetrante. O diagnóstico da lesão foi realizado no intraoperatório. Os procedimentos executados foram: sutura, anastomose término-terminal e ligadura da veia porta. A mortalidade foi de 53,3%. CONCLUSÃO: A lesão da veia porta possui alta taxa de mortalidade e o atendimento adequado está diretamente relacionado à sobrevida.

BACKGROUND: Portal vein injury is rare and frequently lethal because of exsanguination and high incidence of injuries to the adjacent structures. Due the peculiarity of this lesion and different conducts proposed in the literature, the authors' objetive is to report their experience in the treatment of this lesion. METHODS: This study, is a retrospective analysis between January 1994 and December 2001, during which 1370 patients were treated with laparotomy for isolated abdominal trauma. Among these patients 15 had injury to the portal vein. The injuries were classified according to extension and location. RESULTS: The predominant mechanism of trauma was penetrating. The diagnosis was made intraoperatively. The procedures were: suture, end-to-end anastomosis and ligation of the portal vein. The mortality rate was 53,3%. CONCLUSION: Portal vein lesion had high mortality and advanced assistance is essential to increase survivors.

A infecção de gatos domésticos pelo Vírus da Imunodeficiência Felina (FIV) é um dos modelos mais promissores para o estudo da infecção pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) que causa a Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida (AIDS). O FIV causa, em gatos, uma enfermidade similar àquela observada em pacientes com AIDS, sobretudo no que diz respeito ao aumento da susceptibilidade a infecções oportunistas. No presente estudo, utilizou-se a Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR), com o objetivo de detectar o provírus do FIV em gatos com sinais clínicos de imunodeficiência. O fragmento de DNA escolhido como alvo para amplificação situa-se no gene gag do lentivírus felino, o qual é conservado entre as diferentes amostras do vírus. O DNA utilizado foi extraído a partir de amostras de sangue e de tecidos de animais com suspeita clínica de imunodeficiência. Das 40 amostras analisadas, 15 foram positivas, das quais 4 foram submetidas à hibridização, confirmando a especificidade dos fragmentos amplificados. Esses resultados demonstram a presença do FIV na população de gatos domésticos do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) infection of domestic cats is one of the most promising animal models for the infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Infected cats may develop a disease similar to that observed in AIDS patients, with increased susceptibility to opportunistic infections. In this study we used the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect proviral DNA of feline immunodeficiency virus on the blood and tissue samples from cats with a clinical diagnosis of immunodeficiency. The PCR primers were used to amplify the gag gene, which is conserved among different isolates. From 40 samples analyzed, 15 were positive and 4 of them were submitted to hybridization to confirm the specificity of the amplified fragments. These results confirm the presence of FIV in domestic cats in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

The interaction of man with viral agents was possibly a key factor shaping human evolution, culture and civilization from its outset. Evidence of the effect of disease, since the early stages of human speciation, through pre-historical times to the present suggest that the types of viruses associated with man changed in time. As human populations progressed technologically, they grew in numbers and density. As a consequence different viruses found suitable conditions to thrive and establish long-lasting associations with man. Although not all viral agents cause disease and some may in fact be considered beneficial, the present situation of overpopulation, poverty and ecological inbalance may have devastating effets on human progress. Recently emerged diseases causing massive pandemics (eg., HIV-1 and HCV, dengue, etc.) are becoming formidable challenges, which may have a direct impact on the fate of our species.