BACKGROUND The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine comprises a family of strains with variable protective efficacy against pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy, partly due to genetic differences between strains. OBJECTIVES Previous data highlighting differences between the genomes and proteomic profiles of BCG strains Moreau and Pasteur led us to evaluate their behaviour in the macrophage microenvironment, capable of stimulating molecular responses that can impact the protective effect of the vaccine. METHODS Strain infectivity, viability, co-localisation with acidified vesicles, macrophage secretion of IL-1 and MCP-1 and lipid droplet biogenesis were evaluated after infection. FINDINGS We found that BCG Moreau is internalised more efficiently, with significantly better intracellular survival up to 96 h p.i., whereas more BCG Pasteur bacilli were found co-localised in acidified vesicles up to 6 h p.i. IL-1β and MCP-1 secretion and lipid droplet biogenesis by infected macrophages were more prominent in response to BCG Pasteur. MAIN CONCLUSION Overall, our results show that, compared to Pasteur, BCG Moreau has increased fitness and better endurance in the harsh intracellular environment, also regulating anti-microbial responses (lower IL-1b and MCP-1). These findings contribute to the understanding of the physiology of BCG Moreau and Pasteur in response to the intraphagosomal environment in a THP-1 macrophage model.

BACKGROUND Leprosy, caused by Mycobacterium leprae, is a public health problem in Brazil that affects peripheral nerves, resulting in physical disabilities. During host-pathogen interactions, the immune response determines leprosy outcomes from a localised (paucibacillary) form to a disseminated (multibacillary) form. The recognition of M. leprae involves the DC-SIGN receptor, which is present on the dendritic cells (DCs) and participates in immune activation. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the association of polymorphisms in the promoter region of the gene encoding DC-SIGN (CD209) and the clinical form of leprosy, and to investigate its functional effects. METHODS The study population included 406 leprosy patients from an endemic area in Brazil [310 multibacillary (MB); 96 paucibacillary (PB)]. A functional evaluation based on the effects of the single nucleotide variant (SNV) associated with PB leprosy on the specific immune response was also performed. RESULTS The GA genotype and the presence of the A allele of rs735240 (-939G>A) were associated with PB leprosy [OR: 2.09 (1.18-3.69) and 1.84 (1.07-3.14), respectively]. Carriers of the A allele showed reduced expression of CD209 and TGF-β1 in leprosy lesions in comparison with individuals with GG genotype, in addition to a higher response to the Mitsuda test. CONCLUSION These data suggest that rs735240 influences the immune response against M. leprae and clinical presentation of leprosy.

BACKGROUND Leprosy is curable by multidrug therapy (MDT) treatment regimen ranging from six to 12 months. The variable levels of tolerance and adherence among patients can, however, result in treatment failure and the emergence of drug-resistant strains. OBJECTIVES Describe the impact of MDT over Mycobacterium leprae viability in patient’s oral and nasal mucosa along treatment. METHODS Mycobacterium leprae viability was monitored by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) quantification of 16S rRNA in lateral and contralateral scrapings of oral and nasal mucosa of 10 multibacillary patients along the initial five months of treatment. FINDINGS The results demonstrated high heterogenicity of M. leprae viability among patients and between nasal and oral samples. Of six patients who presented good adherence and tolerance to the treatment, only four displayed absence of M. leprae viability in both samples three months after the first MDT dose, while for the other two, the absence of M. leprae viability in the oral and nasal cavities was only detected five months after the first dose. MAIN CONCLUSIONS We concluded that qPCR of 16S rRNA for the determination of M. leprae viability in nasal and oral scraping samples could represent an interesting approach to monitor treatment efficacy.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leprosy recurrence is the reappearance of the disease after treatment with current schemes and discharged for cure and may have variable incubation periods. METHODS: This is a descriptive observational study of leprosy recurrence in Espírito Santo diagnosed between January 2018 and January 2020. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-two cases were available, of which 30 were diagnosed with leprosy recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In 25 cases, the incubation period was 5-15 years after the first treatment, favoring bacillary persistence. In the remaining 5 cases, the disease had recurred after 15 years, pointing to reinfection as none of them exhibited drug resistance.

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) is a neglected disease caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi. One-third of infected patients will develop the cardiac form, which may progress to heart failure (HF). However, the factors that determine disease progression remain unclear. Increased angiotensin II activity is a key player in the pathophysiology of HF. A functional polymorphism of the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) gene is associated with plasma enzyme activity. In CD, ACE inhibitors have beneficial effects supporting the use of this treatment in chagasic cardiomyopathy. METHODS: We evaluated the association of ACE I/D polymorphism with HF, performing a case-control study encompassing 343 patients with positive serology for CD staged as non-cardiomyopathy (stage A; 100), mild (stage B1; 144), and severe (stage C; 99) forms of Chagas heart disease. For ACE I/D genotyping by PCR, groups were compared using unconditional logistic regression analysis and adjusted for nongenetic covariates: age, sex, and trypanocidal treatment. RESULTS: A marginal, but not significant (p=0.06) higher prevalence of ACE I/D polymorphism was observed in patients in stage C compared with patients in stage A. Patients in stage C (CD with HF), were compared with patients in stages A and B1 combined into one group (CD without HF); DD genotype/D carriers were prevalent in the HF patients (OR = 2; CI = 1.013.96; p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our results of this cohort study, comprising a population from the Northeast region of Brazil, suggest that ACE I/D polymorphism is more prevalent in the cardiac form of Chagas disease with HF.

BACKGROUND Dengue is an arthropod-borne viral disease with a majority of asymptomatic individuals and clinical manifestations varying from mild fever to severe and potentially lethal forms. An increasing number of genetic studies have outlined the association between host genetic variations and dengue severity. Genes associated to viral recognition and entry, as well as those encoding mediators of the immune response against infection are strong candidates for association studies. OBJECTIVES The aim of this study was to investigate the association between MBL2, CLEC5A, ITGB3 and CCR5 genes and dengue severity in children. METHODS A matched case-control study was conducted and 19 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were investigated. FINDINGS No associations were observed in single SNP analysis. However, when MBL2 SNPs were combined in haplotypes, the allele rs7095891G/rs1800450C/ rs1800451C/rs4935047A/rs930509G/rs2120131G/rs2099902C was significantly associated to risk of severe dengue under α = 0.05 (aOR = 4.02; p = 0.02). A second haplotype carrying rs4935047G and rs7095891G alleles was also associated to risk (aOR = 1.91; p = 0.04). MAIN CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to demonstrate the association between MBL2 haplotypes and dengue severity in Brazilians including adjustment for genetic ancestry. These results reinforce the role of mannose binding lectin in immune response to DENV.

BACKGROUND The severity of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy (CCC), the most frequent clinical outcome of Chagas disease (CD), has been associated with cytokine-enriched heart tissue inflammation, and high serum levels of transforming growth factor (TGFβ), interferon-gamma (IFNγ), and tumour necrosis factor (TNF). Conversely, increased interleukin (IL)-10 serum concentrations have been associated with asymptomatic CD. Cytokines and cytokine-related gene polymorphisms may control cytokine expression and have been proposed to contribute to CCC outcomes. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the association of 13 cytokine-related genes (TGFB: rs8179181, rs8105161, rs1800469; IL10: rs1800890, rs1800871, rs1800896; IFNG: rs2430561; TNF: rs1800629; BAT1: rs3853601; LTA: rs909253, rs2239704; TNFR1: rs767455; TNFR2: rs1061624) with risk and progression of CCC. FINDINGS Four hundred and six seropositive patients from CD endemic areas in the state of Pernambuco, north-eastern Brazil, were classified as non-cardiopathic (A, 110) or cardiopathic (mild, B1, 163; severe, C, 133). We found no evidence of TGFB, IL10, TNF, or TNFR1/2 gene polymorphisms associated with CCC risk or progression. Only BAT1 rs3853601 −22G carriers (B1 vs. C: OR = 0.5; p-value = 0.03) and IFNG rs2430561 +874AT (A vs. C: OR = 0.7; p-value = 0.03; A vs. B1+C: OR = 0.8; p-value = 0.02) showed a significant association with protection from cardiopathy in a logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gender and ethnicity; however, the association disappeared after performing adjustment for multiple testing. A systematic review of TNF rs1800629 −308G>A publications included five studies for meta-analysis (534 CCC and 472 asymptomatic patients) and showed no consensus in pooled odds ratio (OR) estimates for A allele or A carriers (OR = 1.4 and 1.5; p-values = 0.14 and 0.15, respectively). In CD patients, TNF serum levels were increased, but not affected by the TNF rs1800629 −308A allele. MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest no significant contribution of the analysed gene variants of cytokine-related molecules to development/severity of Chagas' heart disease, reinforcing the idea that parasite/host interplay is critical to CD outcomes.

The diagnosis of single-lesion paucibacillary leprosy remains a challenge. Reviews by expert dermatopathologists and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results obtained from 66 single-plaque biopsy samples were compared. Histological findings were graded as high (HP), medium (MP) or low (LP) probability of leprosy or other dermatopathy (OD). Mycobacterium leprae-specific genes were detected using qPCR. The biopsies of 47 out of 57 clinically diagnosed patients who received multidrug therapy were classified as HP/MP, eight of which were qPCR negative. In the LP/OD (n = 19), two out of eight untreated patients showed positive qPCR results. In the absence of typical histopathological features, qPCR may be utilised to aid in final patient diagnosis, thus reducing overtreatment and delay in diagnosis.

FUNDAMENTOS: A linfadenite é comum em pacientes HIV-positivos. O diagnóstico das infecções associadas a essa condição é complexo, especialmente em relação à tuberculose. A detecção rápida e específica do Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) é essencial para o tratamento adequado. Além disso, frequentes causas de linfadenites tais como as relacionadas a linfoma, histoplasmose, e outras, devem ser afastadas. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar a importância da biópsia cirúrgica excisional das linfadenites e realização dos exames histopatológicos, exames baciloscópicos (Ziehl-Neelsen), cultura (Lowenstein-Jensen) e reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR) com finalidade diagnostica MÉTODOS: Desenvolveu-se um protocolo para biópsias excisionais de linfonodos, adotando-se os seguintes procedimentos: exame direto de esfregaços corados pelo método de Ziehl-Neelsen, cultura em meio de Lowenstein-Jensen, exame anátomo-patológico e PCR. RESULTADOS: Ao todo foram incluídos 104 pacientes, e o exame histopatológico evidenciou 36% (n = 38 pacientes) de casos de linfadenite crônica inespecífica, 26% (n = 27) de linfadenite tuberculosa, 10,5% (n =11) de linfoma e 8,7% (n = 9) de histoplasmose. Através da cultura no meio de Lowenstein-Jensen, os casos positivos para linfadenite tuberculosa aumentaram para 30%. A PCR detectou M. tuberculosis em 6 das 38 amostras de linfadenite crônica inespecífica. Três desses pacientes foram acompanhados, exibiram sintomas de tuberculose e foram curados após tratamento específico. CONCLUSÃO: Os dados obtidos neste trabalho sugerem que em todos os casos de linfadenopatia deve-se realizar exame histopatológico, cultura em Lowenstein-Jensen ou Ogawa e reação em cadeia da polimerase. A reação em cadeia da polimerase pode ser útil na detecção precoce e acurada de casos de TB extrapulmonar nos pacientes HIV-positivos com linfadenopatias, evitando-se o uso de tratamentos empíricos e o eventual desenvolvimento de cepas resistentes.

BACKGROUND: Lymphadenitis is common in HIV-positive patients. Diagnosis of the infections associated with this condition is complex, particularly in the case of tuberculosis. Rapid and specific detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is fundamental in ensuring adequate treatment. In addition, frequent causes of lymphadenitis such as those associated with lymphoma and histoplasmosis, among others, must be eliminated as possible causes. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the accuracy of polymerase chain reaction as a tool for the diagnosis of lymphadenitis resulting from M. tuberculosis. METHODS: In this study, a protocol was developed using the following procedures: direct microscopy using Ziehl-Neelsen staining, culture in Lowenstein-Jensen medium, histology and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients were included in the study. According to histopathology, 38 patients (36%) were found to have nonspecific chronic lymphadenitis, 27 (26%) had tuberculous lymphadenitis, 11 patients (10.5%) had lymphoma and 9 (8.7%) had histoplasmosis. When Lowenstein-Jensen culture was performed, positive tests for tuberculous lymphadenitis increased by 30%. With polymerase chain reaction, M. tuberculosis DNA was detected in 6 out of 38 samples of non-specific chronic lymphadenitis. Three of these patients were followed up, developed symptoms of tuberculosis and were cured following specific treatment. CONCLUSION: The data obtained in this study suggest that all cases of lymphadenopathies should be submitted to histopathology, Lowenstein-Jensen or Ogawa culture and polymerase chain reaction. Polymerase chain reaction may prove to be useful in providing an early and accurate detection of cases of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in HIV-positive patients with lymphadenopathies, avoiding empirical treatment and the possible development of resistant strains.

Pesquisas têm demonstrado que o livro didático tem papel determinante na organização curricular e na prática pedagógica dos professores. O livro didático precisa, como sugerem os Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais do Ensino Médio (PCNEM), contemplar conhecimentos modernos em um contexto de historicidade, discutindo, paralelamente, temas de apelo social. Esta pesquisa analisou os livros didáticos de acordo com o padrão de atualização, utilizando a Biologia como modelo. Os resultados sugerem que os atuais livros didáticos não estão atualizados no estudo dos temas considerados essenciais para perfeito entendimento e aquisição de informações associadas ao rápido avanço do conhecimento na área da Nova Biologia. Aponta-se para o fato de que necessitam de reformulação e atualizações com textos modernos, que promovam mudanças conceituais.

Recent research has demonstrated that Science textbooks have a determining role in curricular organization and that teachers use them to compose their classes, activities, and exams. The National Programs for High School Curriculum Parameters (PCNEM) has infuenced Brazilian education since 1999, bringing updated concepts of Biology and genetics, including themes such as transgenics, gene therapy, cloning, stem cell and paternity testing into the curriculum. The teaching of High School is challenging because of the need to contemplate both classic and modern knowledge within a historical context that simultaneously discusses appealing social themes. The current study analyzed how up-to-date the current High School textbooks are, using the Biology as a model. The themes included in the so-called New Biology was analyzed because they are essential to a good understanding of modern concepts of great social significance. The results suggest that the current textbooks are not up-to-date concerning the themes considered essential for perfect understanding and acquisition of suitable information which is part of the fast progress of knowledge in the area of New Biology and need reformulation and updating, through the introduction of current modern themes that promote conceptual change.

DNA samples from blood and nasal swabs of 125 healthy household contacts was submitted to amplification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a Mycobacterium leprae-specific sequence as a target for the detection of subclinical infection with M. leprae.All samples were submitted to hybridization analysis in order to exclude any false positive or negative results. Two positive samples were confirmed from blood out of 119 (1.7%) and two positive samples from nasal secretion out of 120 (1.7%). The analysis of the families with positive individuals showed that 2.5% (n = 3) of the contacts were relatives of multibacilary patients while 0.8% of the cases (n = 1) had a paucibacilary as an index case. All positive contacts were followed up and after one year none of them presented clinical signs of the disease. In spite of the PCR sensitivity to detect the presence of the M. leprae in a subclinical stage, this molecular approach did not seem to be a valuable tool to screen household contacts, since we determined a spurious association of the PCR positivity and further development of leprosy.