A5102814539- Respiratory viral infections research
- Influenza Virus Research Studies
- SARS-CoV-2 and COVID-19 Research
- Viral gastroenteritis research and epidemiology
- COVID-19 Clinical Research Studies
- COVID-19 epidemiological studies
- SARS-CoV-2 detection and testing
- Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
- Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research
- Viral Infections and Immunology Research
- Cytomegalovirus and herpesvirus research
- Vaccine Coverage and Hesitancy
- Data-Driven Disease Surveillance
- Blood transfusion and management
- Travel-related health issues
- Smoking Behavior and Cessation
- Virology and Viral Diseases
- Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Studies
- Viral Infections and Vectors
- Hemoglobinopathies and Related Disorders
- Global Maternal and Child Health
- Health Policy Implementation Science
- Emergency and Acute Care Studies
- Neonatal and fetal brain pathology
- Parvovirus B19 Infection Studies
Instituto Conmemorativo Gorgas de Estudios de la Salud
2016-2025
Universidade Nova de Lisboa
2024
Universidad de Panamá
2015-2021
University of Oxford
2021
Fundación Valle del Lili
2021
Imperial College London
2021
Abstract Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) regions were an important epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Through Genomic Surveillance Regional Network (COVIGEN), LAC countries produced number genomic sequencing data that made possible enhanced surveillance capacity in Americas, paving way for characterization emerging variants helping to guide public health response. In this study we analyzed approximately 300,000 sequences generated between February 2020 March 2022 by...
Abstract We report an epidemiologic analysis of 4,210 cases infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and genetic 313 new near-complete virus genomes in Panama during March 9–April 16, 2020. Although containment measures reduced R0 Rt, they did not interrupt spread the country.
Following the approval of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine and a new monoclonal antibody for passive immunization in children, some Latin American countries have begun using both strategies to prevent RSV-disease. We reviewed these generate recommendations their implementation Republic Panama. Experts from different areas health institutions Panama gathered an academic working group discuss epidemiological data, safety efficacy aspects, economic evaluation elements strategies....
Annual trivalent influenza vaccines (TIV) containing 2 A strains and one B lineage have been recommended for the prevention of in most Latin American countries. However, circulation lineages (Victoria Yamagata) difficulties predicting predominating led to development quadrivalent (QIV), including both lineages. Thus, objective was estimate public health impact influenza-related costs if QIV would used instead TIV 3 We a static model over seasons 2010–2014 Brazil, 2007–2014 Colombia 2006–2014...
Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of ongoing disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has reached 28 million cases worldwide in 1 year. The serological detection antibodies against virus will play a pivotal role complementing molecular tests to improve diagnostic accuracy, contact tracing, vaccine efficacy testing, and seroprevalence surveillance. Here, we aimed first evaluate lateral flow assay's ability identify specific IgM IgG...
We report a case of reinfection by SARS-CoV-2 with the second virus harboring amino acid changes in Spike protein (141-143del, D215A, ins215AGY, L452R, D614G), orf1a, helicase, orf3a, and Nucleocapside. The associated reinfection, from an endemic lineage containing S:L452R immune escape mutation, was circulating Panama at time.
Objective There are limited published data about the circulation of influenza B/Victoria and B/Yamagata in Latin America Caribbean (LAC) most countries have a vaccine policy that includes use trivalent vaccine. We analyzed surveillance to inform decision-making LAC prevention strategies, such as quadrivalent Methods total 28 reference laboratories National Influenza Centers conduct virologic according global standards, on weekly basis upload their open-access World Health Organization (WHO)...
We evaluated the added value of collecting both nasal and oropharyngeal swabs, compared with collection swabs alone, for detection common respiratory viruses by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction in hospitalized children aged <10 years. Nasal had equal or greater sensitivity than syncytial virus, adenovirus, human metapneumovirus, rhinovirus, influenza virus but not parainfluenza virus. The addition an swab, use a swab increased frequency each no more 10%
The human bocavirus (HBoV) was added as a new member of the Parvoviridae family in 2005 upon its discovery nasopharyngeal aspirates from children with respiratory infection. Recently, there has been increasing evidence worldwide circulation HBoV; however, Latin America few studies have conducted. In order to detect HBoV Panama, based on National Flu Surveillance System, we developed this retrospective, cross‐sectional study, January 2011 2012. Children younger than 6 years old who presented...
To quantify rates of influenza illness and assess value vaccination among pregnant women in Panama El Salvador.Pregnant were enrolled followed each week a prospective cohort study to identify acute respiratory illnesses (ARI). Nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from with febrile ARI tested by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for other viruses.We 2556 between October 2014 April 2017. Sixteen percent developed at least one ARI; 59 had two ARI, five three total 463 ARI. Women Salvador...
Abstract Background We established cohorts to assess associations between viral influenza and cognitive development inform the value proposition of vaccination. Methods From 2014 through 2017, we called women seeking care at four prenatal clinics in Panama El Salvador identify acute respiratory illnesses (ARIs). Within 2 weeks childbirth, mothers were asked enroll their neonates study. Staff obtained nasopharyngeal swabs from children with febrile ARIs for real‐time reverse transcription...
Abstract Background At the beginning of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic, transfusion disease 2019 (COVID‐19) convalescent plasma (CCP) emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to help patients severely afflicted by COVID‐19. The efficacy CCP has been controversial it depends on many variables pertaining donor and patient with COVID‐19, for example, time convalescence or symptoms onset. This feasibility descriptive study aimed assess safety multiple...
Background and objectivesAlthough acute respiratory illness (ARI) is a leading cause of hospitalization among young children, few data are available about cost in middle-income countries. We estimated direct indirect costs associated with severe ARI resulting children aged <10 years El Salvador Panama through the societal perspective.MethodsDuring 2012 2013, we surveyed caregivers hospitalized their medical (i.e., outpatient consultation, medications, hospital fees), non-medical...
Human Rhinoviruses (HRVs) have high genetic diversity and three species been described: HRV-A, HRV-B, the recently recognized HRV-C, which has rapidly identified worldwide.In present study, we report frequency of Rhinovirus (HRV) strains circulating in Panama from children hospitalized with respiratory infections.HRVs A, B C a predominance HRV-A HRV-C over marked within each species.
Summary Background With more than 50000 accumulated cases, Panama has one of the highest incidences SARS-CoV-2 in Central America, despite fast implementation disease control strategies. We investigated early transmission patterns virus and outcomes mitigation measures country. Methods collected information from epidemiological surveillance, including contact tracing, genetic data whole genomes, first five weeks outbreak. These were used to estimate exponential growth rate, doubling time...
Respiratory viruses remain a key cause of early childhood illness, hospitalization, and death globally. The recent pandemic has rekindled interest in the control respiratory among paediatric populations. We estimate burden such children <2 years. Enrolled neonates were followed until two years age. Weekly active symptom monitoring for development acute illnesses (ARI) defined as cough, rhinorrhoea, difficulty breathing, asthenia, anorexia, irritability, or vomiting was conducted. When child...
ABSTRACT Novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the etiologic agent of ongoing disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, which has reached 28 million cases worldwide in eight months. The serological detection antibodies against virus will play a pivotal role complementing molecular tests to improve diagnostic accuracy, contact tracing, vaccine efficacy testing and seroprevalence surveillance. Here, we aimed first evaluate lateral flow assay’s ability identify specific...
Abstract Parechovirus A (PeV-A, Parechovirus, Picornaviridae ) are human pathogens associated with mild to severe gastrointestinal and respiratory diseases in young children. While several studies have investigated the association of PeV-A disease, little is known about its epidemiology or detection Latin America. Between years 2014 2015, a total 200 samples were collected from Panamanian pediatric patients aged < 16 old exhibiting symptoms (n = 64), 68), neurological 68) diseases. These...
Abstract Background Influenza remains a public health challenge globally, leading to substantial morbidity and mortality, particularly among vulnerable groups. Despite the benefits of vaccination, achieving desired vaccination coverage rates (VCR) proves challenging across Europe. The ‘Let’s Control Flu’ (LCF) tool emerges as new contribution, merging gamification with epidemiological data policies help increase influenza VCR. Methods LCF tool, developed from an extensive literature review...
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused a major international public health concern. World Health Organization (WHO) declared the pandemic disease 2019 (COVID-19) on March 11, 2020. In Panama, first SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed 9, 2020, and fatal case associated to COVID-19 reported 10. This report presents 44-year-old female who arrived at hospital with failure, five days after case, living in region where hantavirus pulmonary cases by...
Influenza A and B viruses constantly evolve cause seasonal epidemics sporadic outbreaks. Therefore, epidemiological surveillance is critical for monitoring their circulation pattern. Trivalent quadrivalent vaccine formulations are available in Panama (until since 2016, respectively). Herein, we analysed influenza patterns Panama. This was a retrospective descriptive analysis of all laboratory-confirmed nasopharyngeal samples recorded between 2011 2017 the nationwide database Gorgas Memorial...
Human parechoviruses, officially known as Parechovirus A (PeV-A), from the family Picornaviri-dae, genus Parechovirus, are non-enveloped, icosahedral, positive-sense RNA viruses associated with mild gastrointestinal and respiratory illness in young children, however, they may also give rise to Central Nervous System (CNS) infections neonatal sepsis. While studies have delved into detection of HPeVs different populations, PeV-A Hispanic populations Latin American countries is not well-known....
Human Parechoviruses, officially known as Parechovirus A (PeV-A), is associated with mild gastrointestinal and respiratory illness in young children, however, they may also give rise to Central Nervous System (CNS) infections neonatal sepsis. While studies have delved into the detection of PeV-A different populations, Hispanic populations Latin American countries not well-known. The aim this study was determine presence respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological clinical samples pediatric...