First detection of human coronaviruses associated with acute respiratory infection in Northern Brazil

Abstract

Human coronaviruses (HCoVs) are responsible for causing respiratory and enteric diseases associated with severe acute respiratory tract infections. The aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of HCoVs in patients with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in Belém, Para State, Brazil, assisted by the surveillance program of influenza viruses of Instituto Evandro Chagas. From August 2009 to March 2011, samples of nasopharyngeal aspirate or nasal and oral swabs obtained from 308 patients with clinical diagnosis of ARI were investigated in the laboratory in order to identify the HCoVs infection. The methodology involved four main steps: a) viral RNA (RNAV) extracted from the clinical specimen; b) application of reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); agarose electrophoresis gel of the generated products; and d) DNA sequencing. The laboratory processing of all specimens were positive for HCoVs in a clinical sample of patients investigated. The positive sample was classified as belonging to the subtype OC43 of HCoVs by using the phylogenetic analysis. This finding represents the first laboratory confirmation of this viral agent circulation in the Amazon Region. Additional studies are needed for a better understanding of the etiology and epidemiology of this viral agent in cases of ARI occurring in Northern Brazil.