Oswaldo Cruz Foundation

About: Oswaldo Cruz Foundation is a facility organization based out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Trypanosoma cruzi. The organization has 18673 authors who have published 36752 publications receiving 802378 citations. The organization is also known as: Fundação Oswaldo Cruz & FIOCRUZ.

Ocular Findings in Infants With Microcephaly Associated With Presumed Zika Virus Congenital Infection in Salvador, Brazil.

Abstract: IMPORTANCE The Zika virus (ZIKV) has rapidly reached epidemic proportions, especially in northeastern Brazil, and has rapidly spread to other parts of the Americas. A recent increase in the prevalence of microcephaly in newborn infants and vision-threatening findings in these infants is likely associated with the rapid spread of ZIKV. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the ocular findings in infants with microcephaly associated with presumed intrauterine ZIKV infection in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Case series at a tertiary hospital. Twenty-nine infants with microcephaly (defined by a cephalic circumference of 32 cm) with a presumed diagnosis of congenital ZIKV were recruited through an active search and referrals from other hospitals and health unities. The study was conducted between December 1 and December 21, 2015. INTERVENTIONS All infants and mothers underwent systemic and ophthalmic examinations from December 1 through December 21, 2015, in the Roberto Santos General Hospital, Salvador, Brazil. Anterior segment and retinal, choroidal, and optic nerve abnormalities were documented using a wide-field digital imaging system. The differential diagnosis included toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, syphilis, and human immunodeficiency virus, which were ruled out through serologic and clinical examinations. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Ocular abnormalities associated with ZIKV. RESULTS Twenty-three of 29 mothers (79.3%) reported suspected ZIKV infection signs and symptoms during pregnancy, 18 in the first trimester, 4 in the second trimester, and 1 in the third trimester. Of the 29 infants (58 eyes) examined (18 [62.1%] female), ocular abnormalities were present in 17 eyes (29.3%) of 10 children (34.5%). Bilateral findings were found in 7 of 10 patients presenting with ocular lesions, the most common of which were focal pigment mottling of the retina and chorioretinal atrophy in 11 of the 17 eyes with abnormalities (64.7%), followed by optic nerve abnormalities in 8 eyes (47.1%), bilateral iris coloboma in 1 patient (2 eyes [11.8%]), and lens subluxation in 1 eye (5.9% CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Congenital infection due to presumed ZIKV exposure is associated with vision-threatening findings, which include bilateral macular and perimacular lesions as well as optic nerve abnormalities in most cases.

Mechanisms underlying structural variant formation in genomic disorders

Abstract: With the recent burst of technological developments in genomics, and the clinical implementation of genome-wide assays, our understanding of the molecular basis of genomic disorders, specifically the contribution of structural variation to disease burden, is evolving quickly. Ongoing studies have revealed a ubiquitous role for genome architecture in the formation of structural variants at a given locus, both in DNA recombination-based processes and in replication-based processes. These reports showcase the influence of repeat sequences on genomic stability and structural variant complexity and also highlight the tremendous plasticity and dynamic nature of our genome in evolution, health and disease susceptibility.

Sporothrix schenckii and Sporotrichosis

Abstract: Sporotrichosis, which is caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii, is currently distributed throughout the world, especially in tropical and subtropical zones. Infection generally occurs by traumatic inoculation of soil, plants, and organic matter contaminated with the fungus. Certain leisure and occupational activities, such as floriculture, agriculture, mining, and wood exploitation, are traditionally associated with the mycosis. Zoonotic transmission has been described in isolated cases or in small outbreaks. Since the end of the 1990s there has been an epidemic of sporotrichosis associated with transmission by cats in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. More than 2,000 human cases and 3,000 animal cases have been reported. In humans, the lesions are usually restricted to the skin, subcutaneous cellular tissue, and adjacent lymphatic vessels. In cats, the disease can evolve with severe clinical manifestations and frequent systemic involvement. The gold standard for sporotrichosis diagnosis is culture. However, serological, histopathological, and molecular approaches have been recently adopted as auxiliary tools for the diagnosis of this mycotic infection. The first-choice treatment for both humans and cats is itraconazole.

Leishmaniose visceral no Brasil: quadro atual, desafios e perspectivas

Abstract: No Brasil, a importância da leishmaniose visceral reside nao somente na sua alta incidencia e ampla distribuicao, mas tambem na possibilidade de assumir formas graves e letais quando associada ao quadro de ma nutricao e infeccoes concomitantes. A crescente urbanizacao da doenca ocorrida nos ultimos 20 anos coloca em pauta a discussao das estrategias de controle empregadas. Neste artigo foram analisados os principais aspectos biologicos, ambientais e sociais que influenciaram no processo de expansao e urbanizacao dos focos da doenca. Os metodos disponiveis para o diagnostico e tratamento nao apresentam a eficacia e aplicabilidade desejadas, embora avancos promissores tenham sido alcancados com as pesquisas de novos testes diagnosticos e drogas terapeuticas. As medidas de controle da doenca ate agora implementadas foram incapazes de eliminar a transmissao e impedir a ocorrencia de novas epidemias. E feita uma breve analise destas medidas e dos desafios a serem enfrentados. A prevencao da doenca nos caes atraves da imunoprofilaxia aparece como uma alternativa para o controle. Uma nova vacina para caes, ja testada em campo, esta sendo industrializada e sera comercializada no Brasil a partir de 2004. Apesar da existencia de inumeros estudos sobre a leishmaniose visceral humana e canina, muitas lacunas ainda precisam ser preenchidas.