MARIA CASSIA JACINTHO MENDES CORREA
Projetos de Pesquisa
Unidades Organizacionais
Departamento de Moléstias Infecciosas e Parasitárias, Faculdade de Medicina - Docente
Instituto Central, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina - Médico
LIM/52 - Laboratório de Virologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina - Líder
Instituto Central, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina - Médico
LIM/52 - Laboratório de Virologia, Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina - Líder
20 resultados
Resultados de Busca
Agora exibindo 1 - 10 de 20
- The Torque Teno Virus Titer in Saliva Reflects the Level of Circulating CD4(+) T Lymphocytes and HIV in Individuals Undergoing Antiretroviral Maintenance Therapy(2022) HONORATO, Layla; WITKIN, Steven S.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; TOSCANO, Ana Luiza Castro Conde; LINHARES, Iara Moreno; PAULA, Anderson Vicente de; PAIAO, Heuder Gustavo Oliveira; PAULA, Vanessa Salete de; LOPES, Amanda de Oliveira; LIMA, Silvia Helena; RAYMUNDI, Vanessa de Cassia; FERREIRA, Noely Evangelista; SILVA JUNIOR, Almir Ribeiro da; ABRAHIM, Karim Yaqub; BRAZ-SILVA, Paulo Henrique; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania ReginaIntroductionTorque teno virus (TTV) is a non-pathogenic virus present in body fluids. Its titer in the circulation increases in association with immune suppression, such as in HIV-infected individuals. We evaluated if the TTV titer in saliva from HIV-positive individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) was related to the circulating CD4+ T lymphocyte concentration and the HIV titer. MethodsSaliva was collected from 276 asymptomatic individuals undergoing ART, and an additional 48 individuals positive for AIDS-associated Kaposi's Sarcoma (AIDS-KS). The salivary TTV titer was measured by gene amplification analysis. The circulating CD4+ T lymphocyte and HIV levels were obtained by chart review. ResultsTTV was detectable in saliva from 80% of the asymptomatic subjects and 87% of those with AIDS-KS. In the asymptomatic group the median log(10) TTV titer/ml was 3.3 in 200 males vs. 2.4 in 76 females (p < 0.0001). TTV titer/ml was 3.7 when HIV was acquired by intravenous drug usage, 3.2 when by sexual acquisition and 2.4 when blood transfusion acquired. The salivary TTV titer was inversely correlated with the circulating CD4+ T lymphocyte level (p < 0.0001) and positively correlated with the circulating HIV concentration (p = 0.0005). The median salivary TTV titer and circulating HIV titer were higher, and the CD4+ count was lower, in individuals positive for AIDS-KS than in the asymptomatic subjects (p < 0.0001). ConclusionThe TTV titer in saliva is a potential biomarker for monitoring immune status in individuals undergoing ART.
- Association between torquetenovirus in vaginal secretions and infertility: An exploratory metagenomic analysis(2023) COSTA, A. Charlys Da; BORTOLETTO, Pietro; SPANDORFER, Steven D.; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; LINHARES, Iara M.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; WITKIN, Steven S.ProblemThe association of viruses with infertility remains incompletely evaluated.Method of studyVaginal secretions from 46 women seeking treatment in the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility at Weill Cornell Medicine were tested for viruses by metagenomic analysis by lab personnel blinded to all clinical data.ResultsTorquetenovirus (TTV) was identified in 16 women, alphapapillomavirus in seven women and most were positive for bacteriophages. Twelve of the subjects were fertile and sought to freeze their oocytes for future implantation. These women were all negative for TTV. In contrast, 16 of the 34 women (47.1%) being treated for infertility were TTV-positive (p = .0035). Evaluating the women by cause of infertility, five of nine women (55.6%) whose male partner had inadequate sperm parameters and six of 14 women (42.9%) with defective ovulation were TTV positive (p = .0062 and p = .0171, respectively, vs. the fertile women). Alphapapillomavirus was identified in one (8.3%) fertile woman, five (35.7%) women with ovulation deficiency, and one (11.1%) woman with male factor infertility. These differences were not statistically significant. There were no differences in bacteriophage families or the presence of Lactobacillus phages between fertile or infertile women or between different causes of infertility. There was a negative association between TTV detection and Lactobacillus crispatus dominance in the vaginal microbiota (p = .0184), but no association between TTV detection and the presence of alphapapillomavirus or Candida species.ConclusionDetection of TTV in the vagina might be a biomarker for specific causes of infertility.
- Potential effect of Zika virus infection on human male fertility?(2018) AVELINO-SILVA, Vivian Lida; ALVARENGA, Conrado; ABREU, Carolina; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; CANTO, Cynthia Liliane Motta do; MANULI, Erika Regina; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; SABINO, Ester Cerdeira; FIGUEIREDO, Walter Manso; SEGURADO, Aluisio Cotrim; MAYAUD, PhilippeBackground: Zika virus (ZIKV) sexual transmission and prolonged viral shedding in semen have been previously reported, suggesting a strong viral affinity for genital tissues. A transient impact of ZIKV on male fertility was shown in animal and human studies. Methods: Adult male patients with confirmed ZIKV infection diagnosed in the city of Araraquara, Brazil during the epidemic season of 2016 were invited one year after the acute infection to respond to a questionnaire of genital symptoms and to provide a semen sample for molecular ZIKV testing and spermogram analysis, as well as a serum sample for hormonal testing. Results: 101 of 187 tested patients had positive ZIKV RT-PCR in plasma and/or urine samples (54%. 72 women and 29 men). Of 15 adult male participants for whom telephone contact was successful, 14 responded to the questionnaire of genital symptoms and six consented to provide a semen sample at a median of 12 months after the acute infection. We report abnormal spermogram results from patients one year after confirmed ZIKV infection. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a possible long-term detrimental effect of ZIKV infection on human male fertility that has to be further explored in well-characterized samples from cohort studies conducted in ZIKV-endemic areas.
- Evaluation of enterovirus concentration, species identification, and cerebrospinal fluid parameters in patients of different ages with aseptic meningitis in Sao Paulo, Brazil(2024) HONORATO, Layla; FERREIRA, Noely Evangelista; DOMINGUES, Renan Barros; SENNE, Carlos; LEITE, Fernando Brunale Vilela de Moura; SANTOS, Marcio Vega dos; FERNANDES, Gustavo Bruniera Peres; PAIAO, Heuder Gustavo Oliveira; BOAS, Lucy Santos Vilas; COSTA, Antonio Charlys da; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; WITKIN, Steven S.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria CassiaHuman enteroviruses (EV) are the most common cause of aseptic meningitis worldwide. Data on EV viral load in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and related epidemiological studies are scarce in Brazil. This study investigated the influence of EV viral load on CSF parameters, as well as identifying the involved species. CSF samples were collected in 2018-2019 from 140 individuals at The Hospital das Clinicas, Sao Paulo. The EV viral load was determined using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, while EV species were identified by 5 ' UTR region sequencing. Median viral load was 5.72 log10 copies/mL and did not differ by subjects' age and EV species. Pleocytosis was observed in 94.3% of cases, with the highest white blood cell (WBC) counts in younger individuals. Viral load and WBC count were correlated in children (p = 0.0172). Elevated lactate levels were observed in 60% of cases and correlated with the viral load in preteen-teenagers (p = 0.0120) and adults (p = 0.0184). Most individuals had normal total protein levels (70.7%), with higher in preteen-teenagers and adults (p < 0.0001). By sequencing, 8.2% were identified as EV species A and 91.8% as species B. Age-specific variations in CSF characteristics suggest distinct inflammatory responses in each group.
- Detailed characterization of Redondovirus in saliva of SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals in Sao Paulo, Brazil(2023) COSTA, Antonio Charlys da; MENDES-CORREA, Maria C.; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; VILLAS-BOAS, Lucy S.; PAULA, Anderson Vicente de; PAIAO, Heuder Gustavo Oliveira; LEAL, Fabio E.; FERREIRA, Noely E.; HONORATO, Layla; LEAL, Elcio; GRANDI, Giuliano; MORAIS, Vanessa dos Santos; MANULI, Erika R.; SABINO, Ester C.; WITKIN, Steven S.BackgroundRedondovirus (ReDoV) is a DNA virus present in the respiratory tract of many healthy individuals. Since SARS-CoV-2, the virus responsible for COVID-19, also primarily infects the same site, we evaluated whether ReDoV was present at increased frequency in patients with COVID-19 and influenced infection parameters.MethodsSaliva samples were collected weekly from 59 individuals with COVID-19 and from 132 controls. ReDoV was detected by polymerase chain reaction and the genotypes were identified by metagenomics. Torque Teno Virus (TTV) in these samples were previously reported.ResultsReDoV was detected in saliva more frequently from COVID-19 patients (72.9%) than from controls (50.0%) (p = 0.0015). There were no associations between ReDoV detection and either continuous or intermittent SARS-CoV-2 shedding, the duration of SARS-CoV-2 detection in saliva, patients' sex or if infection was by the B1 or Gamma strain. The two ReDoV strains, Brisavirus and Vientovirus, were present in equivalent frequencies in ReDoV-positive COVID-19 patients and controls. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that the two ReDoV strains in Brazil were similar to strains previously detected on other continents.ConclusionReDoV expression in saliva is increased in males and females in Brazil with mild COVID-19 but its presence does not appear to influence properties of the SARS-CoV-2 infection.
- Are mobile phones part of the chain of transmission of SARS- CoV-2 in hospital settings?(2021) ESPINOZA, Evelyn Patricia Sanchez; CORTES, Marina Farrel; NOGUERA, Saidy Vasconez; PAULA, Anderson Vicente de; GUIMARAES, Thais; BOAS, Lucy Santos Villas; PARK, Marcelo; SILVA, Cristina Carvalho da; MORALES, Ingra; NETO, Lauro Vieira Perdigao; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; BOSZCZOWSKI, Icaro; SABINO, Ester Cerdeira; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; LEVIN, Anna Sara; COSTA, Silvia FigueiredoMobile phones (MPs) have become an important work tool around the world including in hospitals. We evaluated whether SARS-CoV-2 can remain on the surface of MPs of first-line healthcare workers (HCW) and also the knowledge of HCWs about SARS-CoV-2 cross-transmission and conceptions on the virus survival on the MPs of HCWs. A crosssectional study was conducted in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit of a teaching hospital. An educational campaign was carried out on cross-transmission of SARS-CoV-2, and its permanence in fomites, in addition to the proper use and disinfection of MPs. Herewith an electronic questionnaire was applied including queried conceptions about hand hygiene and care with MP before and after the pandemic. The MPs were swabbed with a nylon FLOQ SwabTM, in an attempt to increase the recovery of SARS-CoV-2. All MP swab samples were subjected to SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR; RT-PCR positive samples were subjected to viral culture in Vero cells (ATCC (R) CCL-81TM). Fifty-one MPs were swabbed and a questionnaire on hand hygiene and the use and disinfection of MP was applied after an educational campaign. Most HCWs increased adherence to hand hygiene and MP disinfection during the pandemic. Fifty-one MP swabs were collected and two were positive by RT-PCR (4%), with Cycle threshold (Ct ) values of 34-36, however, the cultures of these samples were negative. Although most HCWs believed in the importance of cross-transmission and increased adherence to hand hygiene and disinfection of MP during the pandemic, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected in MPs. Our results suggest the need for a universal policy in infection control guidelines on how to care for electronic devices in hospital settings.
- SARS-CoV-2 Detection and Culture in Different Biological Specimens from Immunocompetent and Immunosuppressed COVID-19 Patients Infected with Two Different Viral Strains(2023) MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia; SALOMAO, Matias Chiarastelli; GHILARDI, Fabio; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; VILLAS-BOAS, Lucy Santos; PAULA, Anderson Vicente de; PAIAO, Heuder Gustavo Oliveira; COSTA, Antonio Charlys da; LEAL, Fabio E.; FERRAZ, Andrea de Barros Coscelli; SALES, Flavia C. S.; CLARO, Ingra M.; FERREIRA, Noely E.; PEREIRA, Geovana M.; JR, Almir Ribeiro da Silva; FREIRE, Wilton; ESPINOZA, Evelyn Patricia Sanchez; MANULI, Erika R.; ROMANO, Camila M.; JESUS, Jaqueline G. de; SABINO, Ester C.; WITKIN, Steven S.Introduction-The dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 shedding and replication in humans remain incompletely understood. Methods-We analyzed SARS-CoV-2 shedding from multiple sites in individuals with an acute COVID-19 infection by weekly sampling for five weeks in 98 immunocompetent and 25 immunosuppressed individuals. Samples and culture supernatants were tested via RT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 to determine viral clearance rates and in vitro replication. Results-A total of 2447 clinical specimens were evaluated, including 557 nasopharyngeal swabs, 527 saliva samples, 464 urine specimens, 437 anal swabs and 462 blood samples. The SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences at each site were classified as belonging to the B.1.128 (ancestral strain) or Gamma lineage. SARS-CoV-2 detection was highest in nasopharyngeal swabs regardless of the virus strain involved or the immune status of infected individuals. The duration of viral shedding varied between clinical specimens and individual patients. Prolonged shedding of potentially infectious virus varied from 10 days up to 191 days, and primarily occurred in immunosuppressed individuals. Virus was isolated in culture from 18 nasal swab or saliva samples collected 10 or more days after onset of disease. Conclusions-Our findings indicate that persistent SARS-CoV-2 shedding may occur in both competent or immunosuppressed individuals, at multiple clinical sites and in a minority of subjects is capable of in vitro replication.
- Torquetenovirus in saliva: A potential biomarker for SARS-CoV-2 infection?(2021) MENDES-CORREA, Maria C.; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; FREIRE, Wilton S.; PAIAO, Heuder G. O.; FERRAZ, Andrea B. C.; MAMANA, Ana C.; FERREIRA, Noely E.; V, Anderson de Paula; FELIX, Alvina C.; ROMANO, Camila M.; BRAZ-SILVA, Paulo H.; LEAL, Fabio E.; GRESPAN, Regina M. Z.; SABINO, Ester C.; COSTA, Silvia F.; WITKIN, Steven S.Torquetenovirus (TTV) is present in biological fluids from healthy individuals and measurement of its titer is used to assess immune status in individuals with chronic infections and after transplants. We assessed if the titer of TTV in saliva varied with the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in the nasopharynx and could be a marker of COVID-19 status. Saliva from 91 individuals positive for SARS-CoV-2 in nasal-oropharyngeal samples, and from 126 individuals who were SARS-CoV-2-negative, all with mild respiratory symptoms, were analyzed. Both groups were similar in age, gender, symptom duration and time after symptom initiation when saliva was collected. Titers of TTV and SARS-CoV-2 were assessed by gene amplification. Loss of smell (p = 0.0001) and fever (p = 0.0186) were more prevalent in SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals, while sore throat (p = 0.0001), fatigue (p = 0.0037) and diarrhea (p = 0.0475) were more frequent in the SARS-CoV-2 negative group. The saliva TTV and nasal-oropharyngeal SARS-CoV-2 titers were correlated (p = 0.0085). The TTV level decreased as symptoms resolved in the SARS-CoV-2 infected group (p = 0.0285) but remained unchanged in the SARS-CoV-2 negative controls. In SARS-CoV-2 positive subjects who provided 2-4 saliva samples and in which TTV was initially present, the TTV titer always decreased over time as symptoms resolved. We propose that sequential TTV measurement in saliva is potentially useful to assess the likelihood of symptom resolution in SARS-CoV-2-positive individuals and to predict prognosis.
- Neutralizing antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant following two CoronaVac vaccinations and a Pfizer/BioNTech mRNA vaccine booster(2022) SILVA JR., Almir Ribeiro da; VILLAS-BOAS, Lucy Santos; PAULA, Anderson Vicente de; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; HONORATO, Layla; WITKIN, Steven S.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria Cassia
- Generation of neutralizing antibodies against Omicron, Gamma and Delta SARS-CoV-2 variants following CoronaVac vaccination(2022) SILVA JR., Almir Ribeiro da; VILLAS-BOAS, Lucy Santos; TOZETTO-MENDOZA, Tania Regina; HONORATO, Layla; PAULA, Anderson de; WITKIN, Steven S.; MENDES-CORREA, Maria CassiaVaccination is a fundamental tool to prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection and to limit the COVID-19 pandemic. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants with multiple mutations has raised serious concerns about the ability of neutralizing antibody responses elicited by prior vaccination to effectively combat these variants. The neutralizing capacity against the Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants of sera from individuals immunized with the CoronaVac vaccine remains incompletely determined. The present study evaluated 41 health care workers at the Faculdade de Medicina of the Universidade de Sao Paulo, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, naive to previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, who were vaccinated with two doses of the CoronaVac SARS-CoV-2 vaccine 28 days apart. Neutralizing antibody levels against the Gamma, Delta, and Omicron variants were measured at 32 and 186 days after the second vaccination. We also measured neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in 34 of these individuals following a subsequent booster immunization with the Pfizer vaccine. Quantification of neutralizing antibodies was performed using the Cytopathic Effect-based Virus Neutralization test. Neutralization antibody activity against the Gamma, Delta and Omicron variants was observed in 78.0%, 65.9% and 58.5% of serum samples, respectively, obtained at a mean of 32 days after the second immunization. This decreased to 17.1%, 24.4% and 2.4% of sera having activity against Delta, Gamma and Omicron, respectively, at 186 days post-vaccination. The median neutralizing antibody titers at 32 days were 1:40, 1:20 and 1:20 against Gamma, Delta and Omicron, respectively, and decreased to an undetectable median level against all variants at the later time. A booster immunization with the Pfizer vaccine elicited neutralizing antibodies against Omicron in 85% of subjects tested 60 days after vaccination. We conclude that two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine results in limited protection of short duration against the Gamma, Delta and Omicron SARS-CoV-2 variants. A booster dose with the Pfizer vaccine induced antibody neutralizing activity against Omicron in most patients which was measurable 60 days after the booster.