To assess the possible circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV) prior to the first documented case in Mexico, we reanalyzed the stored samples from the states of Veracruz and Yucatán, which were originally collected to test for dengue (DENV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) but were negative for these viruses despite the symptomatology. The samples were originally collected between the 30 and 46 epidemiological weeks (EW) when the ZIKV was not yet declared as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). From the total 4016 negative samples, a total of one hundred samples, 50 from Veracruz (CHIK -DENV -) and 50 from Yucatán (4 CHIK -DENV -and 46 CHIK -or DENV -), were tested for Zika virus by using RT-PCR. Results showed that in Veracruz and Yucatán, 20 % (10/50) and 70 % (35/50) were, respectively, ZIKV positive, indicating unequivocally the presence of ZIKV at least since July 2015. We also tested non-confirmed suspect measles cases from early 2015 for ZIKV by RT-PCR. Remarkably in 11 Mexican states, 86 % (18/21) were positive with the earlier symptoms onset as early as May 2015. Finally, RT-PCR analyses on RNA extracted from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes captured from January to March 2015 showed the presence of ZIKV, strongly suggesting that the vector was already carrying the virus at the start of 2015.
The mosquito-borne chikungunya virus, an alphavirus of the Togaviridae family, is responsible for acute polyarthralgia epidemics. Here, we report the complete genome sequences of two chikungunya virus strains, InDRE04 and InDRE51, identified in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Chiapas in 2014. Phylogenetic analysis showed that both strains belong to the Asian genotype.
Introduction: Since 2014, autochthonous circulation of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas was detected (Easter Island, Chile). In May 2015, Brazil confirmed autochthonous transmission and in October of that year Colombia reported their first cases. Now more than 52 countries have reported cases, including Mexico. To deal with this contingency in Mexico, several surveillance systems, in addition to systems for vector-borne diseases were strengthened with the participation of all health institutions. Also, the Ministry of Health defined an Action Plan against ZIKV for the whole country.Methods: We analyzed 93 autochthonous cases of ZIKV disease identified by Epidemiological Surveillance System for Zika Virus in Mexico. All autochthonous cases confirmed by laboratory since November 25, 2015 to February 19, 2016 were included. A description of clinical and epidemiological characteristics of 93 cases of ZIKV disease are presenting and, we describe the Action Plan against this public health emergency. Results: The distribution of cases by sex was 61 men and 32 women; mean age was 35 years old (S.D. 15, range 6-90). The main clinical features in the 93 cases were fever (96.6%), rash (93.3%), non-purulent conjunctivitis (88.8%), headache (85.4%), and myalgia (84.3%). No deaths were reported.Conclusion: The ZIKV epidemic poses new challenges to public health systems. The information provided for basic, clinical, and epidemiological research, in addition to the data derived from epidemiological surveillance is essential. However, there are still many unanswered questions regarding mechanisms of transmission, complications, and impact of this virus.
Rubisco activase (RCA) is a molecular chaperone present in maize as 43 kDa and 41 kDa polypeptides. They are encoded by two different genes comprising an identical ORF that corresponds to the 43 kDa RCA polypeptide, and their transcripts do not show putative splicing sites. To determine the origin of the 41 kDa polypeptide, leaf poly A(+) mRNA was in vitro translated. Results demonstrated de novo synthesis only for the 43 kDa RCA. Antibodies developed against peptides from either the carboxy- or the amino-terminal end of 43 kDa RCA showed by western blot that the 43 kDa polypeptide amino-terminal region is missing in the 41 kDa polypeptide, whereas both RCA polypeptides shared the carboxy-end region. Regulation of RCA polypeptide ratios was determined in plant leaves at different developmental stages and under stressing environmental conditions. Increased levels of 43/41 kDa RCA ratio were found in leaves under low light exposure, whereas this ratio declined under water stress. Measurements of chaperone activity either on each RCA polypeptide alone or in a mixture showed the functional relevance of different 43/41 kDa RCA polypeptide ratios. Greater chaperone activity was found for the 41 kDa than for the 43 kDa polypeptide. Taken together, these results indicate that 41 kDa RCA polypeptide formation is regulated by limited proteolysis of the 43 kDa RCA at its amino-terminal region. This pathway is sensitive to developmental and environmental signals, and seems to play a relevant function during plant stress.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.