8^th World Congress on Virology November 28-29, 2016 San Antonio,USA

Biography:

Dr Sharad Kumar Yadav has 26 years of teaching and research experience and has served to various senior positions of the University including Registrar of the DUVASU University. He is currently Professor, Head of Department of Veterinary Microbiology, at DUVASU, Mathura India. He has published number of papers in reputed International & National journals and has a vast experience in the arena of BHV-I virus

Abstract:

Among the viral diseases, IBR caused by Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BHV-1) occupies a key position, as a disease causing major economic losses in the cattle industry globally. BHV-1 is a member of the genus Varicellovirus in the sub family Alphaherpesvirinae, belonging to the family Herpesviridae. BHV-1 is an enveloped virus with icosahedral nucleocapsid consisting of 162 capsomers encompassing double stranded DNA and surface glycoprotein as D & E can be used as vaccine candidate. BHV-1 is capable of establishing a latent state in ganglionic neurons after infection. Latency allows the virus to persist and the introduction of a latently infected carrier into a non-infected herd is the best way to spread the disease. Prevention & control programs are ongoing in several countries (OIE 2010).

Different types of modern, recombinant and conventional vaccines are available for immunoprophylaxis. Inactivated vaccines are not as efficacious as modified live virus (MLV) vaccines, though both are available. Attenuated vaccines are administered intranasally or intramuscularly. Inactivated vaccines contain high levels of inactivated virus or glycoproteins supplemented with an adjuvant to stimulate an adequate immune response. Inactivated vaccines are given intramuscularly or subcutaneously. Marker vaccines allow the distinction between vaccinated and naturally infected animals. BoHV-1 glycoprotein E deleted mutant marker vaccines are now generally available (live or inactivated). Some of the vaccine virus strains have a temperature-sensitive phenotype which cannot replicate at 39°C or higher temperatures. Vaccination against BoHV-1 is used to protect animals from the clinical disease and markedly reduce the subsequent shedding of field virus in cattle. Although vaccination may not prevent field virus infection of individual animals, spreading of wild-type virus in infected herds is efficiently reduced. Several European countries successfully implemented the IBR eradication program. Countries like Austria, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Switzerland are now officially free of IBR.  In this paper the vaccination scenario of BHV-1 will be addressed to plan and discuss the prevention of IBR and as an aid in control and eradication programmes

Biography:

Shubhada Bopegamage is a Virologist, an associate professor. Currently she heads the Enterovirus Laboratory and the National Reference Center for Identification of Enteroviruses of the Medical Faculty of the Slovak Medical University, Bratislava, Slovakia. Her work is focussed on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of enteroviruses. She received her BSc. Microbiology degree from Pune, MSc. Microbiology degree from Mumbai, India and PhD in Biological Sciences from the Academy of Medical Sciences, Moscow, Russia.  She is known in the Enterovirus research since 2005 for her work on the mouse model and oral route of infection of coxsackievirus. She is involved in research and teaching and has guided several MSc. and PhD students.  She has co-ordinated and has lead as a principal or co-investigator several national and international projects.

Abstract:

Enterovirus infections are often asymptomatic or appear as undifferentiated febrile illnesses, yet they are associated with a broad range of diseases. Most of the knowledge concerning the spread of enteroviruses in the human body is based on experimental studies of poliovirus infections in monkeys. From these studies it is generally believed that local infection of the mucosa is followed by a regional infection in the lymphatic tissues such as tonsils and Peyer’s patches leading to the belief that the primary sites of replication are the epithelial cells of the small intestines and the Peyer’s patches. The spread of Coxsackie B viruses (CVB) after oral infection is expected to follow a similar route. Our aim was to study the duration as well as the localization of viral markers in the murine intestine after oral and intraperitoneal (i.p.) route of infection. Transverse sections of the small intestines were chosen for this purpose. Swiss albino and CD1 male (outbred) mice were infected via oral and i.p. route of infection with different strains of CVB. Interferon alpha was localized by immunohistochemistry, whereas viral markers were assessed by viral protein VP1 immunohistochemical analysis, in situ hybridization and detection of CVB3e-GFP in cryosections. Irrespective of the virus strain and dose of infection, the small intestines showed enlarged Peyer’s patches, with enlarged germinating centers. Prolonged presence of virus was observed in the smooth muscle of the small intestines after oral infection, but not after i.p. infection and was confirmed by PCR. Interferon alpha was detected in the Peyer’s patches and in the mucosal layer of the small intestine. We observed a total absence of VP1, 3A and the e-GFP in the Peyer’s patches at all stages of infection irrespective of the virus strain used. In conclusion, infection of the epithelial cells was observed in the small intestine but not in murine Peyer’s patches. Therefore, based on a mouse model of CVB3 infection, our results do not support the hypothesis of viral replication or even presence of CVB in the Peyer’s patches.

Biography:

Vladimir Zajac has completed his PhD in 1982 at the Cancer Research Institute of Slovak Academy of Sciences in Bratislava, Slovakia, where he has worked as the Head of Department of Cancer Genetics from 1996 to 2010. He has joined the Medical Faculty of the Comenius University as an Associate Professor of Genetics in 2007. He has published 71 papers mostly in reputed journals and he was the Editor of the book “Bacteria, viruses and parasites in AIDS process” (InTech, 2011).

Abstract:

There is increasing evidence, pointing out that GIT and other mucosal tissue and not the blood are the main places of HIV infection and CD4+T cells loss. These findings go along with the new studies about the role of bacterial translocation in the gut as central driver of AIDS pathogenesis. Bacteria can induce in the gut and the vagina transcription of silenced genes, including HIV-1 provirus. The HIV-1 has been also detected in the bowel crypt cells and lamina propria. We have identified HIV-like sequences and HIV-like proteins in bacteria and yeast in a cohort of 80 HIV positive patients from intestinal tract of American and Slovak HIV-positive patients and respiratory tract of Cambodian and Kenyan HIV-positive children. Detected sequences were for 90% homologous with the corresponding sequences of HIV-1. Using monoclonal antibodies (MAB) against HIV-1 antigens p17, p24, gp41 and p55 we have identified HIV-like proteins in bacterial extracts of most tested patients. HIV-like protein was detected by MAB against HIV-1 gp120 in Candida species of all Cambodian and Kenyan samples. Specific properties of patient’s microbiota was found by co-cultivation with HL-60 cells and significant reducing the viral load in a cohort of AIDS patients after administration of probiotics E. coli Nissle 1917 as well. From these results it can be hypothesized to show that the bacteria and yeasts can act as a natural host of the sequence of HIV from the beginning of mankind. Throughout a series of epidemics, most individuals harboring many pathogenic microbes with HIV sequences excite. This tremendous longtime sanitary process took place mainly in Europe, Asia and North Africa. However, administration of antibiotics, drugs and anal intercourse induced intestinal dysbiosis and pathogenic bacteria were re-propagated. When a pathogenic microbe carrying the HIV sequences moved to a larger scale, penetrates from the intestinal tract into the blood, infected/lysed lymphocytes and began the process of immunodeficiency. Presented hypothesis answered many until now unanswered questions: Origin of HIV, absence of “gold standard” in Africa, connection of AIDS with TBC in Africa, the rarity of complete viral particles detection in the material from AIDS patients and others. According to our results there is a strong objection against dogma that HIV was transmitted to humans from apes in Africa about 35-50 years ago on the route of accidental contacts. On the basis of evolutionary process we submit proposals for an explanation of one of the most serious problems concerning this disease, which is a large-scale HIV positive in Africa.

Biography:

Abstract:

In recent years, the development of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have spurred controversy over whether or not males as well as females should obtain the vaccine against the HPV disease. HPV vaccination is an important public health issue because it prevents cancer. The HPV vaccination reduces rates of transmission of genital warts and certain HPV related cancers in males as well as reducing the incidence of cervical cancer in women. The development of the HPV vaccine has further improved opportunities for healthcare providers to effectively combat the human papillomavirus disease. Presently, there are three vaccines marketed in the United States and approved by the FDA that can protect against the sexually transmitted infection of HPV. They are Gardasil®, Gardasil 9®, Cervarix®. All three prevent infections with HPV types 16 and 18, which are the two highest risk that cause approximately 70% of cervical cancer in women and a higher percentage of other HPV-related cancers in men and women. In this presentation the researcher will focus on the three Human Papillomavirus vaccines importance in regards to availability, effectiveness, safety, cost and recommendations.

Biography:

Sarika Tiwari is presently working as a Post Doctoral Fellow (Research Associate) in Indo-UK DBT-BBSRC project in the Division of Pathology, Center for Animal Disease Research and Diagnosis, Indian Veterinary Research Institute, India. She has completed her PhD from Department of Microbiology, SGPGIMS, India in 2013 under the supervision of Prof. T. N. and her research focus was to explore the role of central nervous system damage in the pathogenesis of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV).

Abstract:

The Human echovirus 30 causes acute aseptic meningitis, viral replication requires energy and macromolecular precursors derived from the metabolic network of the host cell. The effect of viral infection within a host cell metabolic activity remains unclear. To give an insight of cell-virus interaction of echovirus 30 infection were studied on human rhabdomyosarcoma cell line. The new approach of metabonomics the ¹H NMR was measured the levels of various cellular metabolites at different times of infections by morphological examination of the cells. The ¹H NMR metabolite spectrum signals were observed between uninfected and infected cells. Both uninfected and infected cells utilized the glucose through metabolic pathways and released the metabolic end products. After infection the concentration of Alanin, Lactate, Acetate, Glutamate, Tyrosine, Histidine, Phenylalanine, Creatine, Choline and Formate were increased and all these augmented metabolites were decreased at the end of the infection. The cells showed wide-ranging lipid signals at the end of the infections, which correlates with the morphological changes as apoptosis of cells were observed. Progressive breakdown and utilization of all cellular components were observed as the infections were increased. The study is useful for monitoring the cellular metabolic changes during virus infection.

Biography:

Mohammad Rashad  Mahmoud has completed his Master from Alexandria University and Phd from Al-azha University.lecturer of microbiology in medical basic science,faculty of dentistry majmaah university.

Abstract:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem recognized globally. HCV is a common cause of liver fibrosis that may lead to liver cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of HCV infection and genotyping among Egyptian and Saudi Arabian chronic patients using different molecular techniques. HCV RNA viral load was assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) technology. For HCV genotyping, RT-PCR hybridization fluorescence-based method and reverse hybridization line probe assay (INNO-LiPA) were used. A total of 40 anti-HCV-positive patients with chronic hepatitis C were examined for HCV RNA, genotyping, and different laboratory investigations. In the present study, HCV genotypes 4, mixed 4.1b, and 1 were detected in patients of both countries, while genotype 2 was only detected in Saudi Arabian patients. Genotyping methods for HCV showed no difference in the classification at the genotype level. With regard to HCV subtypes, INNO-LiPA assay was a reliable test in HCV genotyping for the detection of major genotypes and subtypes, while RT-PCR-based assay was a good test at the genotype level only. HCV genotype 4 was found to be the predominant genotype among Egyptian and Saudi Arabian chronic patients. In conclusion, data analysis for detecting and genotyping HCV was an important factor for understanding the epidemiology and treatment strategies of HCV among Egyptian and Saudi Arabian chronic patients.

Biography:

Maduike C O Ezeibe is a Professor of Veterinary Medicine in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike-Nigeria and a graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka from where he obtained Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree (DVM), MSc and PhD. He is also a Fellow of College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria (FCVSN). He has won many academic prizes, including Best Student in Veterinary Microbiology, Pathology, Public Health and Jurisprudence and in Veterinary Clinics. In 2011, he won Nigerian Government’s presidential Standing Committee Award for invention of Medicinal synthetic Aluminum-magnesium silicate (nanoparticles); a broad spectrum antiviral medicine which has proved effective against Avian influenza virus, Measles virus, Newcastle disease virus, Peste des petits ruminants virus, Infectious bursal disease virus, Egg drop syndrome 76 virus, Avipoxvirus and Canine parvovirus.

Abstract:

Small size (110 nm) of the Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is what allows it access across physiological barriers, to get to the sanctuary cells in brain, bone marrow and testes where antiretroviral medicines (bigger molecules) have no access to it. Since the infection also depopulates lymphocytes (AIDS), nothing was left to terminate it. So, HIV/AIDS has been incurable. However, platelets (Nanoparticles) of molecules of aluminum-magnesium silicate (AMS) are smaller (0.96 nm thick). Edges of the nanoparticles are positively charged and their surfaces negatively charged while HIV is positively charged and infected cells, negatively charged. As nanoparticles AMS-platelets have access to all organs/tissues to bond their surfaces onto HIV-particles and their edges onto HIV-infected cells (including the sanctuary cells). They destroy the infected cells by the mechanism AMS traditionally disintegrates drug-capsules, so that hidden infections are unmasked. When 100% of the viral infection is mopped out, it terminates. For clinical trial of Medicinal synthetic aluminum-magnesium silicate (MSAMS, Antivirt®), 10 HIV/AIDS patients were treated daily, with MSAMS (50 mg/kg), MSAMS-stabilized ampicillin trihydrate (7.5 mg/kg) and immunace extra-protection® (1 tablet) for one month and then, for 10 months with only MSAMS and the immune stimulants. They were tested, monthly, for viral loads (VL) and CD4-lymphocytes counts (CD4). When their VL became undetectable they were tested for HIV confirmation. Their mean-VL increased (P=0.020) from 1820.30±868.75 to 2855.90±960.98 before reducing (P=0.0.030) to: 1565.20±743.17; 759.20±473.65; 345.50±115.012; 192.80±97.40; 95.00±55.80; 37.40±26.46 and <20/ml (undetectable: 17.50±16.88; 8.10 and 0.00±0.00). Their mean-CD4 reduced (P=0.008) from 496.80±194.39 to 263.90±149.26 before improving (P=0.001) to: 507.90±133.19; 692.70±113.34; 840.20±139.41; 1007.30±163.50 and >1500/ml (normal maximum: 1537.10±302.10; 1924.60±247.45; 2707.00±837.87). Three patients recovered after 8 months treatment, 2 after 9 months and 5 after 10 months. The Antivirt®-immune stimulants regimen terminated HIV-infection and repopulated lymphocytes. So, it is an effective treatment for HIV/AIDS.

Biography:

Abstract:

Diagnostic preparations have been obtained on the basis of five Kazakhstan strains of influenza A/H1N1viruses, isolated from swine in the Almaty (07/13, 06/14 and 10/14) and Kostanay (23/14 and 24/14) oblasts of Kazakhstan, composed of freeze-dried highly active and highly specific purified antigens. The freeze-dried strains of influenza A virus  after one, three and six months of storage were tested for infectious activity.  It was found that after storage of freeze-dried viruses within one month at 4°C, hemagglutinating activity of the virus 07/13 (H1N1) remained at the same level (1:1024), in the rest it decreased twice. Infectious activity of all tested influenza strains decreased by an average of 1-2 lg EID_{50/0.2 ml}.  As a result of three-month storage under the same conditions, hemagglutinating activity in the strain 07/13 decreased twice (1:512), in the other viruses - four times (1:256). Infectious activity of all influenza virus isolates decreased to 1.44-4.47 lg EID_{50/0.2 ml}. After six-month storage, hemagglutinating activity of the Kostanay (23/14 and 24/14) and Almaty (07/13) isolates remained the same as that of after three-month storage (1:256 and 1:512, respectively); in the Almaty viruses (06/14 and 10/14) it decreased eight times - 1:128. Infectivity of influenza virus strains varied in the range of 1.23-4.33 lg EID_{50/0.2 ml}.  Thereby, the obtained freeze-dried antigens to the Kazakhstan influenza virus strains can be used as standard diagnosticums for detection of specific antibodies in blood serums, even after six months of storage, since the maintenance of their hemagglutinating and infectious activity was observed

Biography:

Dr Samuel Tezera was completed his MSc at age of 25 from Mekelle and Jimma University College of Veterinary Medicine in Degree in Veterinary Medicine and School of Veterinary Medicine with Masters of veterinary Epidemiology, respectively in 2010 and 2012. He also has higher diploma in teaching higher educations and international diploma in Poultry husbandry and animal feed. He assigned to Wollo University in the position of assistant professor for one year and currently, he is working at university of Gondar in the position of Assistant professor of Veterinary Epidemiology in doing teaching, conducting research and giving community service for 3 years. He is also the head of Department of veterinary clinical medicine and has published 12 articles.

Abstract:

African horse sickness is a devastating disease of equids caused by an arthropod-borne virus in family of  Reoviridae, genus Orbivirus which is transmitted mainly by culicoides species. So far there is no study conducted describing strain of AHSV in Amhara region of Ethiopia. Therefore, this research was done to investigate the nature of outbreaks, assess associated risk factors and identify circulating serotypes of African horse sickness virus by using quantitative real-time RT-PCR from. The indigenous knowledge of equine owners about AHS were assessed through a structured questionnaire format and retrospective data of AHS outbreaks for five years obtained from MoA were analyzed and 1,610 cases, 767 deaths and 123 outbreaks were found from 2007-2011 in Amhara region. Four outbreak were encountered in three districts and majority cases were found in Bahrdar 14 (47.6%) followed   by Dangla 11 (36.6%) and Merawi 5 (16.7%). Twenty mule were found died by showing typical sign of cardiac and pulmonary form of AHS, 10 whole blood sample were taken from clinical affected mule for virus isolation on Vero cell and detection of AHSV genomes using conventional RT-PCR were conducted. Further molecular characterization and serotyping were done using real time RT-PCR. Serotype 9 of AHSV is predominant virus circulating in the study areas. In some vaccinated mule against serotype 9 of AHSV were also affected. So further study on molecular characterization of the field isolate and their relationship to vaccinal strain is recommended for development of bi or polyvalent vaccines for all AHSVs.

Biography:

Maduike , C. O. Ezeibe is a Nigerian. He is a professor of Veterinary medicine in the Department of Veterinary Medicine, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike-Nigeria and a graduate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka from where he obtained Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Degree(DVM), M.Sc and Ph.D . He is also a fellow of College of Veterinary Surgeons, Nigeria (FCVSN). Prof Ezeibe has won many academic prizes, including: best student in Veterinary microbiology, pathology, public health and jurisprudence and in Veterinary clinics. In 2011 he won Nigerian government`s presidential standing committee award, for invention of Medicinal synthetic Aluminum – magnesium silicate (Nanoparticles)- a broad-spectrum antiviral medicine which has proved effective against Avian influenza virus, Measles virus, Newcastle disease virus, Peste des petits ruminants virus, Infectious bursal disease virus, Egg drop syndrome 76 virus, Avian pox virus and Canine parvovirus

Abstract:

Molecules of Aluminum-magnesium silicate (AMS) are made of Nanoparticles which have negative electrical charges on their surfaces and positive charges on their edges while HIV has positive electrical charges. Abnormal cells are negatively charged. AMS Nanoparticles therefore, interfere with attachment of HIV to cells of its hosts by electrostatic bonds between their negatively  charged  surfaces and positive charges on the virus, thus inhibiting the viral replication and mopping out its particles.  The Nanoparticles also adsorb onto HIV-infected cells by attraction between their positively charged edges and negative charges on the abnormal cells. Such cells are destroyed by same mechanism AMS traditionally disintegrates drug-capsules. For clinical trial of antiretroviral effects of the Medicinal synthetic Aluminum-magnesium silicate (Antivirt®) on viral loads and CD4-lymphocytes counts, 10 HIV/AIDS patients were treated. Their blood samples were tested for viral loads and CD4-lymphocytes counts, before treatment and every 4 weeks. The regime was: MSAMS (50 mg/kg), MSAMS-stabilized Ampicillin trihydrate (7.5 mg/kg) and immune stimulants, for 4 weeks. Then, it was reduced to, only 50 mg/kg (MSAMS) and immune stimulants.  If a patient`s viral load reduced to zero, the treatment would continue for another 4 weeks. Results so far, show that mean CD4-lymphocytes counts of the patients reduced (P =0.008) initially, from 496.80±194.39 to 263.90±149.26 after 4 weeks and then improved (P=0.001), to 507.90±133.19, after 8 weeks. Also, their mean viral load increased (P=0.020) initially, from 1,820.30 ± 868.75 to 2,855.90±960.98 after 4 weeks and then reduced (P= 0.030) to 1,565.20±743.17, after 8 weeks. It has therefore been concluded that: by destroying HIV-infected cells to unmask “hidden infections”; by having access to all organs/tissues (as Nanoparticles); by continually mopping HIV out from organs/tissues; by enhancing effective treatment of secondary infections and by encouraging better immune response in  patients, the Antivirt^® -therapy  may lead to cure for HIV/AIDS

Biography:

Dr.Zenab Torky is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology in the department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, in Egypt. She also worked as a Visiting Scientist in the department of Biological Sciences, University of Louisville, USA. Dr.Zenab has also reviewed and edited many papers for the Food Safety Journal

Abstract:

Bean yellow mosaic virus (BYMV) is one of the most devastating diseases of cultivated Leguminosae plants worldwide causing mosaic, mottling, malformation and distortion in infected cultivar plants. The virus isolate was identified by detection of the coat protein gene amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and also via diagnostic host plant Chenopodium amaranticolor, which expresses the typical necrotic lesion and leaf deformation observed on inoculated but not in mock-inoculated plants. The present study was conducted to investigate the possibility of infection of Lupinus albus with BYMV. The study showed that infection can be induced under green house conditions and infected plants showed a considerable level of mosaic symptoms. As disease development in infected plants is always associated with physiological and chemical changes, some metabolic alterations parameters have been evaluated like photosynthetic pigment contents, total carbohydrate content, total soluble protein, total free amino acid, proline induction and total phenolics’ content in healthy and infected lupine plants. The results indicated a great variation in all the biochemical categories in Lupinus albus infected with BYMV as compared to healthy plants. Chlorophyll a of virus inoculated Lupinus albus decreased by 27%, whereas Chlorophyll b content decreased by 19.5% and carbohydrate content decreased to 36% when compared to healthy control plant corresponding values. The effect of virus infection on the induction of plant growth regulators like abscisic acid was determined, as well as the relationship between abscisic acid induction, accumulation of the virus and symptoms development was discussed.

Biography:

Dominic Targema Abaver has completed his PhD from University of Abuja in Parasitology. He is a Chief Superintendent of Immigration Nigerian Immigration service, a paramilitary organization in the Ministry of Interior. He has published number of papers on HIV/AIDS, Immunology and Parasitology in reputed journals, such as African Health Science, Pakistani Journal of Medical Sciences, African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance (AJPHERD). He is a Member of Nigerian Society of Parasitology and a Fellow, Institute of Cooperate Administration. Currently, he is a Contract Researcher at Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa. His research interest includes epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and other opportunistic infections, preventive measures/techniques of HIV/AIDS, gender, age and sexual orientation as determinants for the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Abstract:

The millions of intermittently incarcerated people, many of whom are illicit drug users, have been among the most difficult people to reach with critical health information, management and treatment. Usually, inmates in prisons are disproportionately affected by multiple health problems; including Human Immunodeficiency Virus other sexually transmitted infections, tuberculosis and viral hepatitis. An exploration of the availability of policies and guidelines on HIV in prisons and their effective implementation in these correctional centers would inform future Human Immunodeficiency Virus programming. A purposeful selection study was conducted on 39 participants (12 staff and 27 inmates) at five Correctional Centers: Kirkwood (Sentenced Offenders Centre), Queenstown (Remand Centre), Idutywa (Remand Centre), Mthatha (Remand Centre) and Cradock (Juvenile Centre) in Eastern Cape. Data was collected using closed-ended self-administered questionnaires and informal discussions. Screening for Human Immunodeficiency Virus and other sexually transmitted diseases and infections are carried out on inmates on arrival at the Correctional Centre facilities. All the Correctional Centers, except the Remand Centre at Mthatha, have qualified medical personnel manning the centers with the provision of programs and education targeting eradication of Human Immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted diseases and infections. No post exposure prophylaxis at any of the centers, even amidst possible act of sodomy. Though the Correctional Centers do not readily have anti-retroviral therapy on site, inmates requiring the treatment are treated at public health facility nearest to the centre. Inmates on treatment who have completed their jail terms are referred to a public health facility nearest to their place of residence with a seven-day treatment medication. Though policies and guidelines regarding preventive and treatment of Human Immunodeficiency Virus infected inmates are available at the Correctional Centers, their implementation and adherence to treatment are not always administered. There is therefore, need for capacity building of staff, especially nurses in the area of nurse initiated management of ART and provision of level playing ground for these policies and guideline to be implemented.

Biography:

Abstract:

This study was carried to determine the efficacy of a combination of local herbs - Facodyn-F on the CD₄ count and viral load of some HIV patients in Jos of Nigeria. Three hundred patients were screened for HIV using determine blood flow and confirmed with Western blot, 10 patients tested positive for HIV,3 out of the 10 patients had CD₄ counts of less than 600 cells/ul. Pre- treatment CD₄ counts and viral load were taken before commencement of Facodyn –F therapy, then post treatment of same parameters after one month of Facodyn F therapy.  The pre-treatment status of the 3 patients for CD₄ and viral load respectively were 600:10000, 450:12000 and 360:19000. The post treatment results of the patients in same order were 800: undectable, 650: undectable and 550: undetectable. There was marked increase in CD₄ counts of 200,200 and 190 for the three patients respectively and statistically, using the analysis of variance showed significant difference (P< 0 05) between pre-treatment and post-treatment CD₄ counts in all patients.  In order to monitor adverse herbal drug reactions during the period of this study, blood samples of patients were taken for liver function, electrolyte, urea and creatinine. Results obtained were within the normal ranges, also carried out were haematological and microbiological tests for presence of opportunistic infections. Results obtained were again within normal ranges too

Biography:

Yakubu Hussaini Anka is a Science Laboratory Technologist specialized in Microbiology/Parasitology from the Kaduna Polytechnic, Nigeria in 2005. He has then joined Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto for a Postgraduate Diploma Program in 2008. He was awarded with Tertiary Education Trust Fund Scholarship for Master of Science degree in Public Health at the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom and completed in 2011. He has recently completed his PhD from the University Putra Malaysia, Faculty of Medicine and Health. He is also a Member of International Society of Infectious Diseases since 2014 and Member of EpiCore since April 2016.

Abstract:

Background & Aim: The endemicity of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is leveling off in Sub-Saharan Africa; it remains at an unacceptable high level (≥8% to <2%) with global prevalence of 3.61%. The present study assessed the effectiveness of a peer-led HBV prevention education intervention in Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria on youth’s HBV-related knowledge, attitude and practices.

Methods: In a peer-led single blind randomized controlled community trial conducted between April and December 2015. 390 students were selected and randomized into the intervention and control arms, each arm with 195 respondents; five out of 12 faculties were selected using multi-staged random sampling. Four surveys were conducted (baseline, immediately, three and six months using self-administered questionnaire. Analysis of data was conducted using SPSS version 22.

Results: The overall response rate during the four survey were 100%, 99.4%, 98.9% and 98.4% for intervention group and 100%, 100%, 99.4% and 98.9% for the control arm respectively. Hepatitis B-related knowledge, attitude and practices of the respondents were statistically significant between the intervention and the control arms at immediately, three and six month’s follow-up assessment with no statistical significant difference at baseline assessment (knowledge 14.3%, 66.95% and 62.7%, HBV-related attitude 23.56%, 40.68% and 46.12% and HBV-related preventive practices 26.14%, 36.53% and 11.9%).

Conclusions: It is evident from the study that education intervention program is effective on HBV-related knowledge, attitude and preventive practice among the undergraduate non-medical and non-veterinary university students of Usman Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria.

Biography:

Professor Festus Chukwuemeka Onwuliri got his Ph.D at the age of 35years from University of Jos. He has previously had his B.Sc., M.Sc and AIML from   the University of Nigeria Nsukka, University of Jos and Medical Laboratory College Vom, Nigeria respectively. He has acquired a wide range of administrative experience. He was the Head of Department of Plant Science and Technology, University of Jos and is the Director of Victory medical laboratory service, Jos Nigeria.  Professor F. C. Onwuliri has published about 65 papers in both national and international Journals. He has supervised 54 Post Graduate students both at Ph.D and M.Sc levels in the area of Microbiology and Biotechnology. He has also supervised over 150 undergraduate students. He has held several other positions and served in several committees, both ad-hoc and statutory, within the University of Jos and other Universities in Nigeria. He has several memberships including memberships Association of Medical Laboratory Scientists of Nigeria, Nigerian Society for Microbiology, Nigerian Mycological Society, Botanical Society of Nigeria, Nigerian Society for Parasitology, Biotechnology Society of Nigeria, International Biotechnology. Professor Onwuliri participated in the 4^th world congress on Biotechnology in  North Carolina, USA and the 5^th world congress on Biotechnology in Valencia, Spain. He has many Scholastic Honours and Awards. Professor Onwuliri is happily married to Dr (Mrs.) Edith A. Onwuliri and are blessed with 6 Children

Abstract:

Infections due to Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C viruses are significant health problems around the globe, Nigeria inclusive. Asymptomatic Hepatitis B and C infections are common and when occurring in pregnancy can be transmitted to the new born. To determine the prevalence rate of asymptomatic hepatitis B and C infections among pregnant women, 406 pregnant women attending antenatal clinic at University Health centre and Our Lady of Apostle hospital, all in Jos, Plateau State were recruited for the study. The study was also carried out to determine whether liver aminotransferases and serum albumin can be affected by hepatitis infection during pregnancy. Demographic and past clinical histories were obtained using a questionnaire. Serum samples from each study subject were tested using third-generation enzyme immunoassay kits for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies against hepatitis C (HCV). Serum Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT) and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were also estimated in all subjects using Reitman-Frankel method. Also serum albumin was measured in all subjects using Bromocresol green (BCG) method by Teitz. The results showed that 10.0% and 1.2% of the 406 blood samples tested positive on HBV and HCV, respectively. Furthermore, 1.2% of the 406 blood samples tested positive with both HBV and HCV. The mean AST levels for HBsAg negative and positive subjects were 10.55±0.05 and 12.16±0.29, respectively while the mean ALT levels were 5.54±0.005 and 8.01±0.01, respectively. The mean AST for anti-HCV negative and positive subject were 10.67±0.01 and 9.01±0.05, respectively while ALT were 5.71±0.01 and 4.01±0.05, respectively. There was a significant increase in levels of AST and ALT between the HBsAg positive and negative pregnant subjects (P<0.05). Furthermore, the mean serum albumin level for HBsAg positive and negative pregnant subjects were 30.60±2.75 and 35.58±3.82, respectively. Also, the mean albumin level for HCV positive and negative pregnant subjects were 28.5±2.12 and 35.55±3.7, respectively. There was a significant increase in albumin level between HBsAg and HCV positive and negative pregnant subjects (P<0.05). HBV and HCV infection can be present in pregnant women and can alter liver aminotransferases and serum albumin. Routine screening of pregnant women for HBV and HCV should be instituted in order to detect infection early and prevent or reduce vertical or prenatal transmission

Biography:

Marcin Sieńczyk graduated from the Molecular Biotechnology and Biocatalysis program in 2002 at Wroclaw University of Technology, four years later he obtained his PhD in Medicinal Chemistry. In 2015 he was awarded habilitation (DSc) in Biotechnology. He currently holds the position of assistant professor at Wroclaw University of Sience and Technology. His research is focused on the development of compounds designed to target proteases involved in the pathogenesis of various diseases including cancer, bacterial or viral infections. He is a co-author of more than 40 papers, 14 patents and more than 25 pending patent applications.

Abstract:

Currently about 130-150 million people live with chronic hepatitis C virus infection worldwide of which many patients remain asymptomatic with a high chance of developing liver cirrhosis. One of the developed anti-HCV therapies target a serine protease crucial for viral replication - the bifunctional nonstructural protein 3 (NS3/4A) of two separate functional activities: serine protease and NTPase/RNA helicase activity. Moreover, due to its ability to destroy several important cellular proteins NS3/4A is able to block innate immune pathways and modulate growth factor signaling pathways.

            All of already approved for the treatment of HCV infection compounds display a reversible-type of inhibition. Nevertheless, the appearance of the inhibitor-resistant mutant strains limits the efficiency of the overall treatment. Irreversible protease inhibitors, such as α-aminophosphonic inhibitors, therefore, might represent a new therapeutic option. These compounds strike a balance between reactivity and chemical stability. Their mechanism of action relies on the phosphonylation of a serine residue which leads to the formation of an irreversible covalent complex.

            Here we report the design and biological evaluation of highly potent, active site-directed and irreversible inhibitors of HCV NS3/4A protease. One of the advantages of α-aminophosphonic inhibitors is their specificity of action toward serine proteases and lack of reactivity with cysteine, aspartyl and metalloproteinases. Considering high stability in human plasma, irreversible mechanism of action and low toxicity α-aminoalkylphosphonates represent an interesting class of inhibitors for novel antiviral agents development

Biography:

Mohammad M. Hossain has completed his Ph.D. from Osaka University, Japan. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and has been working with Dr. Raymond R. R. Rowland. Recently, he has been involved in a collaborative research program between Kansas State University and ABADRU, USDA, Manhattan, Kansas

Abstract:

Classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is an enveloped positive-stranded RNA virus, a member of the Pestivirus genus of the family Flaviviridae.  It is a causative agent of classical swine fever (CSF), a highly contagious disease, threatens swine production globally. The production of antibodies following immunization is important to suppress viral infections. The aim of this study was to detect changes in the serum antibody response following vaccination against CSFV with an alphavirus expressed E2 subunit vaccine. E2 and Erns are known to induce virus-neutralizing antibodies and play an important role in protective immunity in the natural host. E2 and Erns genes have been fragmented into several pieces and expressed in Escherichia coli. Purified proteins were covalently coupled to Luminex MagPlex® polystyrene, carboxylated microsphere beads. The target antigens were assembled into a single multiplex and tested against sera immunized with alphavirus-expressed antigens. To determine changes in CSFV-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA overtime, animals were vaccinated with alphavirus-expressed E2 and Erns antigens and serum samples were collected at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42, and 49 days post-infection. The IgG, IgM, and IgA response against CSFV antigens were determined by multiplex FMIA. The results were reported as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and MFI converted to positive per sample (S/P) ratio. The results show that vaccinated animals had CSFV-specific IgG, IgM, and IgA in serum.  Antibody response to CSFV antigens were IgG> IgM> IgA. The results demonstrated that the simultaneous detection of IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies could be providing an improved diagnostic tool.

Biography:

Zhanglei has completed her PhD from Jilin University Heping Campus. She is currently an Associate Professor and Postgraduate Tutor of Institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. She is mainly engaged in fur animal disease including molecular epidemiological investigation and diagnosis products research work.

Abstract:

Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is a parvovirus that causes an immune complex mediated disease in farmed minks worldwide. To obtain a more detailed understanding of the molecular epidemiology of mink AMDV in China, 18 of the 280 positive samples were randomly selected and analyzed. Samples were collected from 5 farms in 5 provinces in China. Near full length genome of AMDV from all the samples were amplified and sequenced. Phylogenetic tree based on full length VP2 gene with 11 reference-isolates shows that AMDV strains formed five groups. While phylogenetic tree based on 328 bp partial NS1 gene with 128 reference-isolates shows that AMDV strains formed three groups. There are some unique Chinese amino acids. The molecular clock is not applicable to ADV, a number of recombination sites were detected in NS1 gene. The results of the analysis suggested that both indigenous AMDV and imported AMDV were prevalent in the primary mink production areas in China.

Biography:

Dr. Hemida received his Ph.D from University of Guelph, 2009. He pursued his PDF training at the the University of British Columbia (James Hogg iCapture Centre). His research area of interest is “One Health Concept” with special emphasis on emerging viruses/host interaction. Currently, studying the molecular evolution and pathogenesis of MERSCoV in the Middle East. He published more than 40 original Research papers on high impacted journals. Meanwhile, he received several Research grants, prestigious honors and scholarship throughout his academic carrier. Currently, he is a reviewer of many granting agencies as well as editorial board member of many international journals

Abstract:

Equine Influenza virus (EIV) is one of the most important viral threats of the family Equidae including horses, donkeys and mules. Despite EIV vaccine application for some equine flocks, many outbreaks still report globally.  Little is known about prevalence of EIV in Saudi Arabia. The major goal of the current study was to evaluate the immune status of different horses population across the kingdom for EIV. To achieve our goal, sera were collected from 450 animals across the kingdom including Al-Hasa, Dammam, Jubail, Qatef, Ryiadh and Qasseem. Detection of the EIV antibodies was done by the commercial available EIV-ELISA kits. Our data clearly showing the detection of EIV antibodies in the indicated regions (66%, 45.5%, 14.28%, 44.04%, 80%, and 31.57%) respectively. Detection of EIV in non-vaccinated horses suggesting the exposure of these animals to EIV natural infection. In conclusion, this study clearly showing the high seroprevelance of EIV across the Kingdom furthermore, it will pave the way for further molecular characterization of EIV in the Kingdome. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most recent EIV serosurveillance across the Kingdom.

Biography:

Abstract:

Assessment of biochemical safety and anti-hepatitis B activity of ethanol stem bark extracts of Vitex doniana and Lophira alata in Wistar rats was carried out. Forty-two(42) albino rats were used for the study. The animals were divided into six(6) groups of seven(7) animals each. Groups II-VI were inoculated with hepatitis-B virus. Group 1 and 2 served as normal and positive controls respectively and were given distilled water. Group III received 300mg/kgBW of anti-retroviral drug, while group IV received 244mg/kgBW of Vitex doniana, group V received 244mg/kgBW of Lophira alata and group VI received combination of Vitex doniana and Lophira alata both at 244mg/kgBW. The treatment was administered twice daily for ninety days. Results of biochemical indices determination revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in AST activity in group VI compared with normal controls but was significantly lowered when compared with positive control. However, ALT activities in group V showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease while that of group VI was significantly (p<0.05) increased compared with controls. ALP activities showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in all treatment groups compared with the positive control. Total protein, globulin and albumin showed significant (p<0.05) increase in treated groups compared with controls. Significant (p<0.05) decreased was observed for blood urea nitrogen in treated groups compared with positive control but compares well with normal control. However, the creatinine levels of groups IV,V and VI were significantly (p<0.05) lowered compared with controls. Haematological indices assessed revealed no significant (p>0.05) changes in treated groups compared with controls. Results of serum electrolytes assayed revealed no significant (p<0.05) changes for K⁺, Na⁺, Cl^- and HCO₃^- in groups III and IV compared with controls but insignificant(p<0.05) increased were observed in group VI at (p<0.05). The DPPH and FRAP anti-oxidant results showed that Vitex doniana has high anti-oxidant power which compared well with the standard (vitamin C) and the degree of its anti-oxidant properties was noticed to increase with increased in concentration of the extract but this trend was not observed for Lophira alata as it displayed a lower anti-oxidant potential compared with vitamin C. Lipid profile results revealed that the treatments reduced TC, HDL-C and LDL-C values for groups III, IV, V and VI significantly (P<0.05) while the levels of TG and VLDL-C in these groups were found to increase compared with normal control. Histopathological investigation revealed no serious pathological changes in the liver, spleen and kidneys of animals in groups treated with V. doniana and the combined extracts of V.doniana and L. alata. However, slight pathological changes were noticed in the liver and kidneys of animals in group V which received L. alata compared with the controls. A drastic reduction in viral load in treatment groups with more reduced value in combined treatment group. Finally, the ethanol stem bark extract of L. alata and V. doniana had varying impacts on biochemical indices investigated. Co-administration in the treatment of HBV-induced hepatitis in Wistar rats is relatively safe Assessment of biochemical safety and anti-hepatitis B activity of ethanol stem bark extracts of Vitex doniana and Lophira alata in Wistar rats was carried out. Forty-two(42) albino rats were used for the study. The animals were divided into six(6) groups of seven(7) animals each. Groups II-VI were inoculated with hepatitis-B virus. Group 1 and 2 served as normal and positive controls respectively and were given distilled water. Group III received 300mg/kgBW of anti-retroviral drug, while group IV received 244mg/kgBW of Vitex doniana, group V received 244mg/kgBW of Lophira alata and group VI received combination of Vitex doniana and Lophira alata both at 244mg/kgBW. The treatment was administered twice daily for ninety days. Results of biochemical indices determination revealed a significant (p<0.05) increase in AST activity in group VI compared with normal controls but was significantly lowered when compared with positive control. However, ALT activities in group V showed a significant (p<0.05) decrease while that of group VI was significantly (p<0.05) increased compared with controls. ALP activities showed significant (p<0.05) reduction in all treatment groups compared with the positive control. Total protein, globulin and albumin showed significant (p<0.05) increase in treated groups compared with controls. Significant (p<0.05) decreased was observed for blood urea nitrogen in treated groups compared with positive control but compares well with normal control. However, the creatinine levels of groups IV,V and VI were significantly (p<0.05) lowered compared with controls. Haematological indices assessed revealed no significant (p>0.05) changes in treated groups compared with controls. Results of serum electrolytes assayed revealed no significant (p<0.05) changes for K⁺, Na⁺, Cl^- and HCO₃^- in groups III and IV compared with controls but insignificant(p<0.05) increased were observed in group VI at (p<0.05). The DPPH and FRAP anti-oxidant results showed that Vitex doniana has high anti-oxidant power which compared well with the standard (vitamin C) and the degree of its anti-oxidant properties was noticed to increase with increased in concentration of the extract but this trend was not observed for Lophira alata as it displayed a lower anti-oxidant potential compared with vitamin C. Lipid profile results revealed that the treatments reduced TC, HDL-C and LDL-C values for groups III, IV, V and VI significantly (P<0.05) while the levels of TG and VLDL-C in these groups were found to increase compared with normal control. Histopathological investigation revealed no serious pathological changes in the liver, spleen and kidneys of animals in groups treated with V. doniana and the combined extracts of V.doniana and L. alata. However, slight pathological changes were noticed in the liver and kidneys of animals in group V which received L. alata compared with the controls. A drastic reduction in viral load in treatment groups with more reduced value in combined treatment group. Finally, the ethanol stem bark extract of L. alata and V. doniana had varying impacts on biochemical indices investigated. Co-administration in the treatment of HBV-induced hepatitis in Wistar rats is relatively safe and effective at the dose investigated and can be a candidate for the development new drug.

Biography:

Marjana Knezevic graduated from Dental School University of Zagreb, Croatia in 2001. She completed her Master program in Oral Medicine in 2008. The same year she started her Phd program at the same University. Her ambition and dedication to her profession brought her to USA in 2010 when she started her PASS program at Dental School University of Pennsylvania. She graduated with Honors in Clinical dentistry in 2012. Currently she’s working at Dental School of University of Pennsylvania as a part time faculty-Clinical Associate on Restorative department and also she is working in her private dental office. Her research focus and interest last 9 years was on Human Papillomavirus in different lesions in oral cavity that was part of her Master and Phd thesis. She has published several papers in reputed journals and was coauthor of one book

Abstract:

Human papillomavirus (HPV) are considered to initiate epithelial proliferation and contribute in the development of benign, premalignant and malignant oral lesions. The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of HPV in morphologically different oral lesions and determine the frequency of some types of HPV and their relationship with certain damage of oral cavity. The study included 120 subjects with different lesions of oral cavity (keratotic lesions, hyperplastic lesions, and erosive-ulcerative lesions). Oral specimens were collected with cytobrush. HPV DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. The presence of HPV DNA was detected in (28/120) 23.3% oral samples. HPV DNA was identified in verucca (40%), papilloma (31.8%), papilomatosis of palate (30%), lichen planus (20%), leukoplakia (19%), and erosive-ulcerative lesions (19.2%). In patients with hyperkertotic and hyperplastic lesions of the mucosa of the oral cavity, the most frequent type was the unspecified type of HPV (10.6%) while high-risk HPV types were more frequent in patients with erosive-ulcereous lesions of the oral cavity. The most frequent types were HPV 16 (15.4%), followed by HPV 18 (11.5%) and HPV 31 (7.7%). HPV 33 was rarely found (3.8%) in oral lesions. HPV is probably associated with the development of hyperkeratotic and hyperplastic oral lesions. Additionally, there are some less frequently types of HPV, which influence the development of hyperkeratotic and hyperplastic lesions of the oral cavity and damaged oral mucosa increases the risk of HPV infection

Biography:

Zhanglei has completed her PhD at the age of 30 years from Heping Campus  Jilin University. Now she is a associate professor and postgraduate tutor of institute of Special Wild Economic Animals and Plants, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. Mainly engaged in fur animal disease including molecular epidemiological investigation and diagnosis products research  work

Abstract:

Aleutian mink disease virus (AMDV) is a parvovirus that causes an immune complex-mediated disease in farmed minks worldwide. To obtain a more detailed understanding of the molecular epidemiology of mink AMDV in China, 18 of the 280 positive samples were randomly selected and analyzed. Samples were collected from 5 farms in 5 provinces in China. Near full length genome of AMDV from all the samples were amplified and sequenced.Phylogenetic tree based on full length VP2 gene with 11 reference isolates shows that AMDV strains formed five groups (I–VI) .While phylogenetic tree based on 328bp partial NS1gene with 128 reference isolates shows that AMDV strains formed Three groups (I–VI) . There are some unique Chinese amino acids . The molecular clock is not applicable to ADV, A number of recombination sites were detected in NS1 gene. The results of the analysis suggested that both indigenous AMDV and imported AMDV were prevalent in the primary mink production areas in China

Biography:

Dr Ndulue is a Nigerian trained public health physician with over a decade of programming experience in sub Saharan Africa, specializing in TB/HIV, SRH, Malaria, Health Systems Strengthening, as well as monitoring and evaluation in resource limited settings. He currently works as the Deputy Project Director of the USAID funded Prevention Organizational Systems AIDS Care and treatment (ProACT) project. In this capacity, he leads a team of development professionals who provide technical assistance to the government of Nigeria for the implementation of comprehensive HIV care and treatment services across 198 health facilities in five Nigerian states. Prior to joining MSH, Ndulue worked as the Director AIDS Clinical Services with AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) and also as a Clinical Advisor with the International Centre for AIDS Care and Treatment Programs (ICAP) at the Columbia University New York. Before this time, he was the  pioneer Medical Officer at the Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) supported HIV clinic at the General Hospital Lagos.Dr. Ndulue has spearheaded initiatives for analyzing program results and outcomes, conducted numerous training courses, and have presented papers at major national and international conferences on HIV. He holds a post graduate diploma in Reproductive Health from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine UK

Abstract:

Background: WHO recommends that all children exposed to HIV be tested within four to six weeks of birth to ensure that all infected infants are initiated on treatment early. One major challenge with EID of HIV in Nigeria remains the absence of standardized logistic sample transfer systems, resulting in long turnaround times between date of sample collection and date of return of result to the mother-baby pair. The USAID-funded ProACT project implemented by MSH pioneered a unique dried blood spot (DBS) transport model in Nigeria. This model focuses on the transportation of dried blood spot (DBS) samples to regional PCR labs in partnership with the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) utilizing its courier Express Mail Service (EMS). The NIPOST mail route has a network of over 900 post offices and 3,000 postal agencies spread across the country, ensuring coverage of most localities where HIV services are delivered. The objective of this study was to review the effect of utilizing an innovative DBS transport model in improving DBS transportation.

Methods:We carried out a retrospective analysis of logistic data from 177 samples transferred from 28 PMTC sites using the SPEEiD model over a 12 month period from March 2013 to February 2014 in Kwara state, North Central Nigeria

Results: A review of the data showed a reduction in Turnaround Time (TAT) for return of results from 3-6 months to 3-4 weeks utilizing the SPEEiD Model. Results were received for 97% of samples (171/177) transported with this model, compared to 51% previously. The average cost of sample transfer was estimated at between $20-$40 per batch and remains comparatively less expensive to other models by at least 30%.

Conclusions:The MSH SPEEiD model remains an indigenous, cost effective, sustainable, and time sensitive sample transfer model which ensures that exposed infants are able to receive their EID test results quickly. This approach may be easily replicated by other partners within Nigeria and other similar resource limited setting with existing mail infrastructures. This model thus helps to provide a practical solution to DBS sample transfer, which remains one of the major challenges affecting early infant diagnosis of HIV in Nigeria

Biography:

Ting-Chao Chou has received his PhD in Pharmacology from Yale University and Postdoctoral Fellowship from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He has joined Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC) and became a Member and Professor of Pharmacology at Cornell University Graduate School of Medical Sciences in 1988. He is an Honorary Professor of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Visiting Professor at five universities. He has published 444 papers with 23,817 citations (Google Scholar) with h-index of 67. He has introduced The Median-Effect Theory of the Mass-Action Law (1976) and co-developed The Combination Index Theorem, CalcuSyn and CompuSyn software. His theoretical paper introducing the CI method and software has been cited 4,648 times in over 711 bio-medical journals. He is an Inventor/Co-Inventor of 39 US Patents and Founder & President of PD Science LLC, USA.

Abstract:

Quantitative determination of synergism or antagonism with the combination index theorem of Chou-Talalay and automated CompuSyn simulation has been used for anti-viral and anti-cancer drug combination studies in over 10,000 scientific papers. Over 98% of them have been 2-drug combinations in vitro. In this paper, the co-originator of the combination index (CI) method and the co-author of the CompuSyn software, will illustrate step-by-step how to design anti-HIV cocktails with 2 to 5 drug combinations in vitro using polygonogram for maximal synergy. For example, A, B, C, D and E anti-HIV agents, we can quantitatively determine the ranks of synergy of each pairs (e.g., A+B, B+C, C+D, A+C, A+D and B+D, A+E, B+E,... for lines); of each triplets (e.g., A+B+C, B+C+D, A+B+D and A+C+D, A+C+E,... for triangles); of each quartets (e.g., A+B+C+D, B+C+D+E,... for the square/rectangulars) and for all 5 drugs for the pentagon. Not all 26 possible combinatory combinations for 5 drugs need to be carried out, depending on the need. The polygonogram concept was introduced in 1994-98 by Chou TC and Chou J.H. It was designated that synergy is presented in solid red color and antagonism is presented in broken green color, for each line, triangle, rectangular and pentagon, the strength of synergism or antagonism is graded by the thickness of the solid red lines/shapes or the broken green lines/shapes. Actual experiments revealed the following findings: Polygonogram allows simple visual inspection to instantly conclude which combos yield greater synergism over others within many complicated massive amount of data and conclusions; combination with more drugs not necessarily yield more synergy; synergism or antagonism need to be determined experimentally and not to be predicted by drug mechanisms; it is possible to approximately or semi-quantitatively project the rank of synergism or antagonism of different triangles or squares/regctangulars, even prior to carrying out the actual experiments, using the components combos. It is concluded that the CI-Polygonogram provide simple, efficient and quantitative solutions to complicated drug combinations (including cocktails) with computerized automated simulations or constructions with sound theoretical basis and thus warrant important applications in pharmaceutical R&D. The currently in use anti-HIV or anti-cancer cocktails/combos, approved by Patent Office/FDA, are not necessarily represent the best/optimal combinations with maximal synergy, however, many of them have acclaimed multi-billion dollar revenues; synergy claims have become not only the scientific and regulatory issues but also the legal/litigation issues, that need a consensus to avoid the damaging consequences.

Biography:

Dr. Jaime Henrique Amorim has completed his PhD at the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil and postdoctoral studies from Purdue University, USA and University of Sao Paulo. He is a young Adjunct Professor at Universidade Federal do Oeste da Bahia, Brazil, working on vaccine development for arboviruses. He has published more than 15 papers in reputed journals and has been serving as an editorial board member of repute.

Abstract:

Generating neutralizing antibodies have been considered a prerequisite to control dengue virus (DENV) infection. However, T lymphocytes have also been shown to be important in a protective immune state. In order to investigate the contribution of both humoral and cellular immune responses in DENV immunity, we used an experimental model in which a non-lethal DENV2 strain (ACS46) is used to intracranially prime Balb/C mice which develop protective immunity against a lethal DENV2 strain (JHA1). Primed mice generated envelope-specific antibodies and CD8+ T cell responses targeting mainly non-structural proteins. Immune sera from protected mice did not confer passive protection to naïve mice challenged with the JHA1 strain. In contrast, depletion of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes significantly reduced survival of ACS46-primed mice challenged with the JHA1 strain. Collectively, results presented in this study show that a cellular immune response targeting non-structural proteins are a promising way in vaccine development against dengue.

Biography:

Babatunde Olaogun has completed his first degree in Microbiology at the Lagos State University, Lagos-Nigeria. Be proceeded afterwards for his post graduate studies at the Lagos State University. He is presently running his Doctorate programme at the National Open University, Nigeria.

Abstract:

During experimental infection of pigs with swine influenza virus (SIV), there is a strong temporal correlation between peak virus titers in the lungs, levels of different proinflammatory cytokines in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids, and disease. Vaccination against SIV can greatly reduce or prevent virus replication after challenge and the resulting disease. Here, we took advantage of pigs from vaccination-challenge experiments, with different degrees of virological and clinical protection, to further correlate SIV replication with cytokines and disease. Forty-nine pigs were vaccinated twice with a commercial inactivated SIV vaccine or with experimental vaccines, and 35 control pigs were not vaccinated. Between 2 and 4 weeks after the last vaccination, all pigs were challenged intratracheally with SIV. Twenty-four hours after the challenge, we determined body temperatures, respiratory scores, lung virus titers, and neutrophils and cytokines in BAL fluids. Interferon-α (IFN-α), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin-1 (IL-1), and -6 (IL-6) were determined by bioassay, and IL-8 by a commercial ELISA. The results were analyzed for three comparison groups. The unvaccinated control pigs (group 1, n = 35) were positive for all or most parameters examined. Vaccinated pigs with challenge virus replication in the lungs (group 2, n = 28) had slightly lower virus titers than the challenge control pigs, and clear reductions in disease severity and mean titers of all five cytokines, but neutrophil numbers were not affected. Vaccinated pigs without detectable virus replication (group 3, n= 21) were largely protected against clinical signs and neutrophil infiltration. Mean levels of IFN-α, TNF-α, and IL-6, but not IL-1 or IL-8, were lower than in both other groups. Virus titers in the lungs of individual pigs showed highly significant correlations with IFN-α and IL-6, and lower correlations with TNF-α and IL-8. Clinical signs were most closely associated with IFN-α, IL-6, and TNF-α. The relationship between disease and IL-8 or IL-1 was much weaker. Our data provide further evidence for a role of IFN-α, TNF-α, and IL-6 in the pathogenesis of SIV. The similarities with cytokine profiles during human influenza virus infection are discussed

Biography:

Gamal El Sawaf is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Egypt. He is a nationally recognized leader in infectious diseases. He was graduated from the Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University in 1979. He has obtained his PhD in 1993 and his Post Doctor training course in the Laboratory of Infectious Diseases (Cattedra Di Clinica Delle Malattie Infettive) University of Rome, Tor Vergata. He was appointed as the Head of Microbiology Department in 2008 and the Director of the Medical Technology Center in 2010 and finally, the Dean of MRI. His main fields of research activities are in the clinical aspects pathogenesis and therapy of HCV, HIV and HHV-8 infection and epidemiology and molecular characterization of hepatitis viruses in Egypt. He has acted as a Referee for a variety of national and international scientific journals and as a Referee of research projects of the Alexandria University and of the STDF projects. He is a Member of the American Society of Microbiology, The Egyptian Society of Microbiology and Egyptian Society of Immunologists. He is a Project Leader of several research programs on HCV, HHV and TB.

Abstract:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microorganism (bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi) to resist the effects of antimicrobial drugs which include antibiotics, antivirals, antimalarials and antifungal. Microorganisms resistant to multiple antimicrobial agents are called multidrug resistant (MDR) or superbugs. Resistant microorganisms are increasingly difficult to treat, requiring alternative medications or higher doses which may be more costly or more toxic and poses a fundamental threat to human health, development and security. Antibiotic resistance is now a major threat to public health. A World Health Organization (WHO) report released April 2014 stated this serious threat is no longer a prediction for the future; it is happening right now in every region of the world and has the potential to affect anyone, of any age, in any country. Worldwide antimicrobial resistance is not fully mapped but poorer and developing countries with weak health care systems are more affected. Within the broader context of antimicrobial resistance and the fact that resistance does not recognize political borders, resistance to antibiotics is considered the greatest and most urgent global risk requiring international and national attention. The aim of this workshop is to explore the magnitude of the problem especially in developing countries, to share knowledge and experience and to put strategies and recommendation to strengthen regulation of antimicrobials, improve knowledge and awareness and promote best practices for antimicrobial prescriptions.

Biography:

Anjali Joshi is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical Science at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. She pursued her PhD in Feline Immunodeficiency Virus from North Carolina State University, Raleigh. Immediately after completing her PhD, she received four years of Post-doctoral training at the National Cancer Institute, Frederick on Retrovirus Assembly and Release. Her research interests include virus assembly and release, HIV pathogenesis and anti-HIV gene therapy.

Abstract:

Gene therapy remains one of the potential strategies to achieve HIV cure. One of the major limitations of anti-HIV gene therapy is recovering adequate number of modified cells to generate an HIV proof immune system. Our study addresses this issue by developing a methodology that can mark conditional vector transformed cells for selection and subsequently target HIV infected cells for elimination via treatment with Ganciclovir (GCV). We utilized the HSV Thymidine Kinase (TK) mutant SR39 that is highly potent at killing cells at low GCV concentrations. This gene was cloned into a conditional HIV vector pNL-GFPRRESA that expresses the gene of interest as well as GFP in the presence of HIV Tat protein. We show here that TK-SR39 was more potent than TK-WT at eliminating infected cells at lower concentration of GCV. As the vector expresses GFP in the presence of Tat, transient expression of Tat either via tat RNA transfection or transduction via a non-integrating lentiviral (NIL) vector marked the cells with GFP for selection. In cells selected by this strategy, TK-SR39 was more potent at limiting virus replication than TK-WT. Finally, in Jurkat cells modified and selected with this approach, infection with CXCR4 tropic Lai virus could be suppressed via treatment with GCV. GCV treatment limited the number of HIV infected cells, virus production as well as virus induced cytopathic effects in this model. We provide proof of principle that TK-SR39 in a conditional HIV vector can provide a safe and effective anti-HIV strategy.

Biography:

Aaron Berliner is a Senior Research Scientist in the Bio/Nano Group of Autodesk Research in San Francisco and a Visiting Scientist in the Arkin Laboratory of the University of California Berkeley. Aaron received both his B.A. in Biomedical Engineering and Nanotechnology his M.A. in Systems Engineering at Boston University. Prior to working at Autodesk, Aaron worked with the NASA Ames Research Center on the research and development of biological reactors for space applications. Aaron’s current research interests are astrobiology and synthetic virology

Abstract:

VirionDB is a modern, web-based, extensible, user-friendly tool designed to ease the browsing of virus genetic and metadata via filtering and faceted search. The primary pain-points of the current selection of virology databases such as NCBI, ViPR, and ViralZone is their difficult-to-understand user interface and lack of consistent viral metadata. We address the problem of confusing virus taxonomy and categorization by generatively creating dynamic and interaction-based data visualizations. These visualizations aid browsing by providing a user with on-the-fly graphical updates for each query, which augments the understanding of grouping and patterns in viral categories. We also address problems accessing and querying the data, which is typically done by bioinformatics-based scripting, by providing the non-programmer easy access to specific viral traits across such as Baltimore classification, nucleic acid type, nucleic acid strandedness, nucleic acid sense, capsid morphology, capsid envelope, taxonomy, genome shape, host category, length, virion size, icosahedral T-number, and more. Further, we standardized trait data to facilitate searches for and comparisons of viruses of interest. Selection of a specific virus provides interactive visualizations of 1D, 2D, and 3D data such as genome composition in primary structure and secondary structure, and protein and capsid quaternary structure. VirionDB also provides connections to downstream applications through links to genome design and advanced molecular modeling tools

Biography:

Girish J. Kotwal obtained his PhD in Biochemistry on VSV from McMaster University. Postdoctoral training in VV was at the NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA. Worked as Assistant Member at the GIMR in Cincinnati, Ohio, on the diagnosis of HCV infection. He then joined the faculty at U. of Louisville, SOM. He joined as Professor and Chair of Medical Virology and received the Senior Wellcome Trust fellowship for biomedical Sciences in South Africa. He has worked on broad spectrum antivirals. Currently is  Adjunct Professor of Medicine at UMass. He has over 100 publications and is an inventor on patents

Abstract:

Pandemic Enveloped viruses like HIV, Influenza, Herpes viruses are a major public health problem affecting millions around the world causing morbidity and mortality. Rather than every time there is a panic due to being unprepared to deal with an emerging or emerged virus, I propose that we employ safe broad spectrum antivirals with proven capability of neutralizing a number of enveloped viruses. Along with collaborators from around the world, we have tested pomegranate juice and fulvic acid against pandemic enveloped viruses which when mixed with these viruses neutralize them. The common mechanism by which such a neutralization occurs is by interaction with the sugar moieties of the surface glycoprotein. Characterization of the enveloped virus neutralizing compounds suggest that these are heat stable small molecules less than 1000 daltons

Biography:

D T Abaver has completed his PhD from University of Abuja in Parasitology. He is a Chief Superintendent of Immigration Nigerian Immigration service, a paramilitary organization in the Ministry of Interior. He has published number of papers on HIV/AIDS, Immunology and Parasitology in reputed journals, such as African Health Science, Pakistani Journal of Medical Sciences, African Journal for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance (AJPHERD). He is a Member of Nigerian Society of Parasitology and a Fellow, Institute of Cooperate Administration. Currently, he is a Contract Researcher at Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa. His research interest includes epidemiology of HIV/AIDS and other opportunistic infections, preventive measures/techniques of HIV/AIDS, gender, age and sexual orientation as determinants for the impact of HIV/AIDS.

Abstract:

The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) South Africans continue to face considerable challenges, including societal stigma, homophobic violence (particularly corrective rape) and high rates of sexually transmitted diseases and infections (particularly HIV/AIDS) even when discrimination based on sexual orientation was outlawed by South African’s post-apartheid constitution. A study was conducted in a tertiary institution in the Eastern Cape of South Africa to ascertain violence, abuse and discrimination against the LGBTI sector as key factors that hinder the smooth implementation of HIV/AIDS program among sexually minority (LGBTI) group. Self-structured questionnaires were used to collect data by simple randomization selection. A total of 3048 participants (1285 male and 1763 female), aged 17-38 years, participated in this study. Though, a small number (987, 32.4%) of the participants witnessed violence against people in same gender relationship, 1557 (51.1%) participants were not aware of violence against the LGBTI sector, while 504 (16.5%) were ignorant of the societal stigma. Participants in this study indicated that the LGBTI sector in this particular tertiary institution face challenges such as abuse which includes physical (681, 22.3%), sexual (561, 18.4%), verbal (603, 19.8%) and emotional abuse (111, 3.6%). About 45.2% (1377) participants witnessed discrimination against the LGBTI sector in this institution, when 34% (1035) participants were not aware of such attitudes towards the sector. However, 20.9% (638) participants did not express their views about discrimination against the LGBTI sector. Social stigma which leads to violence, abuse and discrimination does exist in this institution. Though the knowledge of this societal stigma is in the minority among the students, there is still need to address these issues of violence, abuse and discrimination against LGBTI members in our tertiary institutions to create an enabling environment where people who belong to this sector will come out freely to access programs targeted at the prevention and control of HIV/AIDS.

Biography:

Zenab Aly Torky is an Assistant Professor of Microbiology in the Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University in Egypt. She has also worked as a Visiting Scientist in the Department of Biological Sciences, University of Louisville, USA. She has reviewed and edited many papers for the Food Safety Journal.

Abstract:

Thiamin (B₁) and riboflavin (B₂) can act as activators and priming factors of defense mechanisms for Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) infection in Capsicum annuum plants. Effect of exogenous application of each vitamin on C. annuum leaves was demonstrated to induce defense responses and systemic resistance against TMV in the untreated parts of the plant. A concentration ranging from 0.25 to 15 mM was used of both vitamins and caused 70% of inhibition of TMV for thiamin at concentration 4 mM and 64.1% of inhibition of TMV for riboflavin at concentration 2 mM, when applied just before virus inoculation. The induction of disease resistance and reduction of virus infectivity in C. annuum leaves as indicated by virus concentration was determined by indirect ELISA and local lesion host plant assay. There is a difference in effective concentration of both vitamins which showed different percentage of inhibition with the different concentrations used. When mixing the two vitamins each at its own effective concentration, it was found that there is a synergetic effect on TMV disease reduction. To investigate the defensive enzymes responsible for the induction of resistance, the levels of Phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), Polyphenol Oxidase (PPO) and Peroxidase (POD) were examined by specific enzyme assay for each one and the accumulation of the enzymes was detected 0 to 20 days after treating with the vitamins. Also, the up-regulation and expression of the defense genes POD, PPO, PAL and some of the pathogenesis related proteins, PR4, PR9 and PR10 were studied by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Application of vitamins B1 and B2 significantly increased the activities of some of the pathogenesis related enzymes and genes. The possible correlation between timing of application of elicitors and expression of defensive genes were also studied.

Biography:

Pinn Tsin Isabel Yee was from the University’s Scholars Programme in the National University of Singapore (NUS) and she graduated with an Honours in Biochemistry. She is currently undergoing her PhD in Biology and has a MSc. in Life Sciences with Distinction conferred by Sunway University and Lancaster University (UK). She received the Tan Sri Dato Jeffrey Cheah Scholastic Award for outstanding academic excellence. She was a Module Coordinator for the Diploma of Medical Biotechnology in Singapore Polytechnic where she received the Most Outstanding Mentor award from Singapore’s Ministry of Education. She is currently a Research Fellow from the Research Centre for Biomedical Sciences at Sunway University

Abstract:

The hand, foot and mouth disease is caused by a group of Enteroviruses such as Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) and Coxsackieviruses. Mild symptoms of EV-A71 infection in children range from high fever, vomiting, rashes and ulcers in mouth. EV-A71 can produce more severe symptoms such as brainstem encephalitis, leading to cardiopulmonary failure and death. The lack of approved vaccines against EV-A71 highlights the urgency of developing preventive agents against EV-A71 to prevent further fatalities. The molecular basis of virulence in EV-A71 is still uncertain. In this study, the EV-A71 virus (5865/Sin/000009) was genetically modified by substituting nucleotides at positions 2735, 2875, 3167, 3173, 6129 and creating a partial deletion (PD, ∆11bp) of the 5’-NTR region. Amongst the 6 mutants, mutants 2735, 3167 and 3173 were constructed through codon-deoptimsation. The virulence of the mutated EV-A71 strains were evaluated in Rhabdomyosarcoma cell culture by tissue culture infectious dose (TCID₅₀) determinations and real time Reverse-Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Mutants 2735 and 3173 had minimal cytopathic effects when compared to mutants 2875, 3167, 6129 and PD when transfected into RD cells. This was consistent with the RT-PCR results that showed the viral RNA copy number for mutants 2735, 3173 and 6129 to be of lowest amount. Analysis of the TCID₅₀ values indicates that mutants 2735 and 3173 were attenuated five-fold as compared to the wild type. Hence, the nucleotides at C2735 and C3173 maybe potential molecular determinants in EV-A71 and should be subject to further evaluations by other tests in vitro and in vivo

Biography:

Mohammad M. Hossain has completed his Ph.D. from Osaka University, Japan. He has published more than 20 papers in reputed journals and has been working with Dr. Raymond R. R. Rowland. Recently, he has been involved in a collaborative research program between Kansas State University and ABADRU, USDA, Manhattan, Kansas, USA

Abstract:

Despite enormous progress in vaccine development, new emerging and reemerging microbial threats are a global challenge. For effective disease surveillance, rapid and sensitive assays are needed to detect antibodies developed in response to human and animal virus infections. In recent years, multiplex platforms, which allow detection of antibodies to multiple pathogens in the same sample, have had significant improvements in the diagnosis of numerous infectious diseases in humans and animals. In this assay, fluorescent labeled protein A, G, and A/G are utilized in the place of species-specific secondary antibodies. Protein A, G, and A/G conjugates recognize a broad range of mammalian immunoglobulins allowing the detection of antibodies to several animal viruses that infect livestock species. In this study, we developed a multiplexed fluorescent microsphere immunoassay (FMIA) for detection of viral recombinant antigen specific antibodies in serum samples.  Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) nucleocapsid protein (N), bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) and classical swine fever virus (CSFV) glycoprotein E2 and Erns, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) (N), porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) capsid proteins (CP) were used as recombinant antigens in a multiplex FMIA. The results were reported as mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) and MFI converted to positive per sample (S/P) ratio. With the use of the S/P ratio cutoff value of 0.4 in negative sera were evaluated. The use of conjugates A, G, and A/G in FMIA would be a powerful strategy for detection of viral infection in veterinary diagnostic laboratory.

Biography:

Dr. Joseph L. Mathew works at the Advanced Pediatrics Centre, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. He has contributed extensively to evidence-based policy-making for several vaccines in the Indian context, especially Hepatitis B, Hib, IPV, MMR, PCV, Influenza, Varicella, acellular pertussis, HPV, Rotavirus, and typhoid conjugate vaccines. He is one of the first to identify the rapid waning of maternal measles antibodies in infancy, creating a pool of susceptible infants/children. Dr. Mathew has nearly 200 peer-reviewed publications to his credit and delivered numerous presentations related to vaccinology in national and international meetings.

Abstract:

Despite three decades of universal infant measles vaccination, India has the world’s largest measles burden. Vaccination in India (as in most developing countries) is timed at 9 months of age expecting infant protection through maternal (transplacental) antibodies till then, although this has not been proven scientifically. We conducted two prospective cohort studies in 2005 and 2015 (coinciding with 20 and 30 years of universal vaccination) to evaluate measles susceptibility in infants and to identify the appropriate age for vaccination. In these studies, anti-measles IgG antibodies were measured by quantitative ELISA in 60 and 130 infants at birth, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months (prior to vaccination). Susceptibility was determined by antibody titre <200 mIU/ml. The first study (2005) showed that 0%, 12%, 51% and 100% infants were susceptible at birth, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months respectively. The second study (2015) confirmed susceptibility in 0%, 23%, 84%, and 100% infants. Preterm infants were more susceptible that term infants at 3 months and 6 months. These data suggest that most Indian infants become susceptible to measles well before the age of routine infant vaccination. Further the two time series showed that more infants were susceptible in 2015 than 2005; this could be due to greater proportion of mothers having vaccine-induced immunity than natural immunity. These data argue for earlier (rather than later) vaccination with measles vaccine in India and probably other developing countries also. This novel approach resembles serving old wine in a new bottle.

Biography:

Mr. Surya Subedi has completed his Master drgree (M.sc) at the age of 27 years from Tribhuvan University Nepal, in Medical Microbiology. He is the Lecturer of Charikot Campus, Kalinchok Higher Secondary School, Tsho Rolpa Nursing College and Microbiologist of Tsho-Rolpa General Hospital. He has published 2 articles and one on process till yet. He had already worked in apical research institute of Nepal, Nepal Academy of Science and Technology (NAST). He is enthusiastic, laborious having dogged determination in scientific research. He is well disciplined and I are proud of having Surya Subedi as my student on master level as well as supervisor.

Abstract:

The great earthquake of magnitude 7.8 _Mw hit on April 25, 2015 killed over 8000 people, injured more than 21,000 and many are missing. The great earthquake was followed by hundreds of aftershocks in which Dolakha was struck again by earthquake on 12 may with epicenter in Dolakha district with magnitude of 7.3 _Mw followed by hundreds of aftershocks in which about 87% houses were fully damaged. In Nepal outbreak of influenza usually occurs between December and March. After the devastating earthquake, outbreak of influenza occurred in February 2016 and they were confirmed as Influenza A (H₃N₂) and influenza B.

After local public health centre (PHC) reported the symptoms, medical team went and suspected it as influenza outbreak in first and second case. Investigation was made where the patients were suffering from common symptoms. Public awareness program was conducted immediately at different places. Samples were collected and dispatched to laboratory immediately which were subjected to reverse transcription PCR for sub-typing of influenza.

The first outbreak was prevalent in all age groups and the rate of transmission was high. No death was reported in this outbreak whereas Complications whereas three were suffered from pneumonia while one from bronchitis. The first outbreak was confirmed as (H₃N₂). The second outbreak was only in children of age below 14. Among 300 children, 246 were suffered from infection. Symptoms were common in all children. No complications were seen beside general symptoms. It was confirmed as influenza B on lab diagnosis.

Influenza can outbreak in disastrous area in epidemic influenza season. The transmission route is direct contact with infected person, use of person goods, sharing of room, space and by aerosols. If public awareness and care taken, it can be controlled

Biography:

Amr Hanafy is a lecturer of hepatogastroenterology and endoscopy – Zagazig University – Egypt. He got M.D. internal medicine 2011

Abstract:

The overall SVR rate for chronic hepatitis C genotype 4 using  the Standard of care is 54.3%. HBV infection can be prevented by the administration of effective and safe vaccine.

Evaluation of the vaccination-induced anti-HBs response rates in a cohort of HCV Egyptian patients after being exposed to antiviral combination therapy and the magnitude of its effect on the rate of SVR through its putative role in induction of crossed immunity.

A- 500 HCV patients who had completed the course of antiviral therapy and achieved end of treatment response (ETR) were retrospectively analyzed and received 20 μg of recombinant DNA vaccine for hepatitis B at time intervals (0, 1, 4 months). The first dose of the vaccine was initiated one month post treatment.

B- Laboratory analysis: Included routine preliminary investigations to anti viral therapy and specific investigations as determination of anti-HBs antibodies 2 months following the third dose of vaccine.

433 patients showed protective response (86.6%), 67 patients were non responders (13.4%) (p= 0.003). Adding HBV vaccine 1 month post treatment increased SVR (400 patients, 80%) (Chi-square = 40.3, p = 0.000). Diabetes affect response to HBV vaccine (p=0.0001).

Adding HBV vaccine to the post treatment care of patients with HCV after termination of antiviral therapy gain two benefits; protection from HBV and significant increase in rates of SVR

Biography:

Abstract:

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a member of the family Hepadnaviridae and is classified into ten genotypes (A-J) and 34 sub-genotypes. These genotypes differ in geographic distribution, HBeAg seroconversion rate, clinical outcome, prognosis, and response to antiviral treatment. HBV is transmitted through percutaneous or parenteral routes and is affecting human health allover the world. The prognosis of chronic HBV (CHB) infection includes hepatic failure, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

In the last two decades several studies have been published concerning the epidemiology and prevalence of HBV in Saudi Arabia. However, studies exploring the evolutionary aspect and molecular variations in in HBV are very limited. The  introduction of mandatory vaccination have reduced the prevalence in young Saudis, <25 years old, but the prevalence of in individuals more than 25 years is about 4%.  Expatriates working in Saudi Arabia, 33% of the population, contribute to the burden of HBV infection in the country. Genotype D is the most prevalent HBV genotype in Saudi Arabia.

The molecular characterization of HBV in Saudi Arabia is an urgent need to develop appropriate diagnosis and treatment strategies. The presence of drug resistant mutations in treatment naïve patients have been documented and is shown to be one of the factors affecting the response to antiviral treatment. The best reported approach to investigate the prevalence of these mutations is deep sequencing using next generation sequencing techniques. To approach this point of research, we performed deep  sequencing of the virus from chronically infected HBV patients from Saudi Arabia.

The results of the Next generation sequencing and the rare mutations found in the samples of the recruited subjects as well as their clinical data will be presented in the presentation

Biography:

Abstract:

Infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) is associated with impairment of cellular immunity. Both Th1 and Th2 T-cells mediate humoral and cellular immunity to neutralize HBV by antibodies and inhibit HBV replication through cytokines. This picture can however vary according to the levels of virenemia, host immune response and the combination therapy being used i.e drugs with antiviral potency along with immunomodulating agents.

 A total of  39 patients,18 with chronic active hepatitis B (CAH)and sustained viral loads of ≥ 10³ IU/mL ,7(CHB) chronic patients with no virenemia for the past 3 months, 6 naive patients with dual HBV/HCV infection and 8 healthy controls were included in the study. All cases were screened using a novel semi-automated nested multiplex real-time PCR assay, which uses four kinds of fluorophores for the concurrent detection of amplicons from HAV, HBV, HCV and the whole process control (WPC) based on a unique Dual Priming Oligonucleotide (DPO™) technology developed by Seegene, Korea. The viral loads were detected using artus Qiagen kits as per manufacturer’s instructions with a minimum detection limit of 6.0 IU/mL. Serum cytokines IFN-γ and IL-10 were evaluated by solid phase enzyme amplified sensitivity immunoassay (DIA Source) and Neopterin estimated using competitive ELISA (Genway).

The values of IFN –γ , Neopterin and IL-10 were raised by 2-3 fold in CAH and CHB patients, as compared to naive patients and healthy controls .Monitoring the production of IFN-γ (Th1 type immune response) and IL-10 (Th2 type immune response) in peripheral blood along with neopterin levels can be used in routine clinical practice as rapid and cost-effective markers to provide information on activation status of cellular immune response in different clinical presentations of patients with HBV infection, plausible correlation with degree of virenemia and response to the drug regimen during follow-up

Biography:

Samina Naz Mukry has completed her PhD in 2011 from University of Karachi, Pakistan. She is working at National Institute of Blood Diseases & Bone Marrow Transplantation (NIBD), Karachi, Pakistan as an Assistant Professor and head of the Division of Immunology & Applied Microbiology of Centre of Excellence in Molecular Medicine. She is a member of NIBD core team and has been actively participating in academic and research planning. She is also supervising doctoral level students working on immunological and molecular aspects of haematological malignancies

Abstract:

Dengue is an increasingly important mosquito borne viral infection in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Dengue fever (DF) and Dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) are two clinical manifestations presenting severe thrombocytopenia with mild cutaneous hemorrhages. The DHF is characterized by plasma leakage and shock due to increase in vascular permeability leading to defects in the first phase of haemostasis. Exact cause of this is still obscured. In order to investigate haemostatic defects in DHF; 306 dengue suspected patients of either sex visiting NIBD were included. Dengue was confirmed by serology followed by determination of complete blood picture (CBC), prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), fibrinogen, D-Dimer, liver function test. All the samples were also screened for malaria, typhoid, HCV, HBV infections. Out of 306 cases 96 were confirmed as DHF. About 95.8% patients were presented with myalgia and 88 had headaches. No splenomegaly or hepatomegaly was detected. The serologic antibodies were found in all patients. Average platelet count and TLC were 47.2x10³ /ul and 5.3x10³/ul respectively. 83 patients had prolonged PT while 92 patients had prolonged APTT value. Total bilirubin was found raised in 7 patients, alkaline phosphatase in 91 patients and serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) in 87 patients. Highly raised D-Dimer values were recorded in 96% cases while only 12% patients had higher fibrinogen levels. No co-morbity was observed in any patient. Marked hematological and haemostatic abnormalities were observed among all the patients diagnosed with DF regardless of age, sex and clinical presentation

Biography:

Abstract:

Introduction: Cervical cancer is the most frequent cancer among women in Senegal. However, there are few data concerning the HPV types inducing neoplasia and cervical cancers and their prevalence, in the general population of Senegal.

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of HPV infection in Senegalese women aged from 18 years and older.

Materials and Methods: A study was performed on 498 cervix samples collected from healthy women aged 18 and older in Dakar. 438 other samples were collected from three other regions, Thiès, Saint Louis and Louga. The samples were screened for 21 HPV genotypes using an HPV type-specific E7 PCR bead-based multiplex genotyping assay (TS-MPG) which is a laboratory-developed method for the detection of HPV.

Results: The prevalence for pHR/HR-HPV in the region of Dakar was 20.68%. HPV 52 (3.21%) was the most prevalent HPV type, followed by HPV 16 (3.01%) and HPV 31 (3.01%). In the regions of Thiès, Louga and Saint Louis, the prevalence for pHR/HR-HPV was 29.19%, 23.15% and 20%, respectively.

Conclusion: The study revealed the specificity of the HR-HPV prevalence in Dakar and other regions of Senegal. The patterns differs from the one observed in the other regions of the world and rise the issue of the development of vaccination program in the country. Such a program should take into account the real HPV prevalence for an effective protection of HPV-associated diseases.

Biography:

Kathleen Hefferon received her PhD from the Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto and continued her post-doctoral studies at Cornell University. Dr. Hefferon has worked on faculty at the Division of Nutritional Sciences at Cornell and has written two books on biopharmaceuticals in plants. She teaches and conducts research at both the University of Toronto and Cornell University. Kathleen has 4 patents, has edited 6 books, and has multiple research publications. Kathleen currently lives with her family near Ithaca NY

Abstract:

Plant made biologics have elicited much attention over recent years for their potential in assisting those in developing countries who have poor access to modern medicine. Additional applications such as the stockpiling of vaccines against pandemic infectious diseases or potential biological warfare agents are also under investigation. Plant virus expression vectors represent a technology that enables high levels of pharmaceutical proteins to be produced in a very short period of time. Recent advances in research and development have brought about the generation of superior virus expression systems which can be readily delivered to the host plant in a manner that is  both efficient and cost effective. The following presentation describes recent innovations in plant virus expression systems and their uses for producing biologics from plants

Biography:

Dr. Rajarshi Kumar Gaur is presently working as Associate Professor& Head, Department of Bioscience, Mody University of Science and Technology, Lakshmangarh, Sikar, Rajasthan. He did his Ph.D on molecular characterization of sugarcane viruses of India. He partially characterized three sugarcane virus viz., sugarcane mosaic virus, sugarcane streak mosaic virus and sugarcane yellow luteovirus. He received MASHAV fellowship in 2004 of Israel government for his post-doctoral studies and joined The Volcani Centre, Israel and then shifted to Ben Gurion University, Negev, Israel. In 2007 he received the Visiting Scientist Fellowship from Swedish Institute Fellowship, Sweden for one year to work in the The Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden. He is also a recipient of ICGEB, Italy Post-Doctoral fellowship in 2008. He worked on development of marker-free transgenic plant against cucumber viruses. He has made significant contributions on sugarcane viruses and published 120national/international papers and presented near about 50 papers in the national and international conferences. He has also visited Thailand, New Zealand, London and Italy for the sake of attending the conference/workshop. Presently, he is working on the characterization of begomovirus and development of resistance plant by using RNAi technolongy.

Abstract:

The major constrain to economically important crops are the diseases caused by genus Begomoviruses, which are transmitted by the whitefly vector Bemisia tabaci. Viruses of this genus are widely distributed in the non-cultivated plants and serve as progenitors of crop-infecting viruses. The begomovirus has the high capacity for recombination, mutation and acquisition of new DNA components and satellites. Identification of plant viruses, monitoring for new viral diseases, understanding the vectors that transmit viruses, and determining viral and vector impacts on the growth and development of crop cultivars and lines is vital to managing and controlling these diseases. In addition to damaging crops and causing yield losses, plant viruses interact with vectors and other diseases to increase the damage from the diseases/pests. The crops and weeds growing close to the crop fields are potential reservoirs of begomoviruses, but it is not known whether the same viruses infect several host species or coinfect any of the hosts. This increases the difficulty of controlling both the plant virus and the interacting pathogen or vector. Significant interaction between plant viruses and other diseases vital to agriculture is a major goal. Expression of various full length or truncated or defective proteins of the virus has been effective in accomplishing pathogen-derived resistance. Antisense RNA and RNAi technology have also been used with some success

Biography:

Gamal El Sawaf born in Port Said, Egypt; 12 April 1955. He is a Professor of Microbiology and Immunology Medical Research Institute- Alexandria University - Egypt. He is a nationally recognized leader in infectious diseases.  Dr. Sawaf graduated from the faculty of Medicine–Alexandria University in 1979. He got his Ph D in 1993 and his post doctor training course in the laboratory of infectious diseases (Cattedra Di Clinica Delle Malattie Infettive)   University of Rome –Tor Vergata. He was rising through the academic ranks to Associate Professor in 1998  and to Professor in 2003. He was appointed the head of Microbiology Department in 2008 and the Director of the Medical Technology Center in 2010 and finally, the Dean of MRI in 2011 till the end of 2014. His main fields of research activities are in the clinical aspects pathogenesis and therapy of HCV, HIV and HHV-8 infection. Epidemiology and molecular characterization of Hepatitis viruses in Egypt. He has acted as a referee for a variety of national and international scientific journals and acted as a referee of research projects of the Alexandria University and of the STDF projects. He is a member of the American Society of Microbiology, The Egyptian Society of Microbiology and Egyptian Society of Immunologists. He is a project Leader of several research programmes on HCV, HHV and TB. His complete lists of publication are available upon request

Abstract:

BACKGROUND

Despite improved methods for identifying viral pathogens in  cases of acute bronchiolitis, the etiology remains undetermined in a significant number of patients. Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is one of the emerging respiratory viral pathogen that causes a spectrum of illnesses that range from asymptomatic infection to severe bronchiolitis. The aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of hMPV that contribute to bronchiolitis in infants and young children in Egyptian populations and to determine the comprehensive clinical characterizations of disease.

METHODS

Nasal swabs  for viral detection were obtained  from 117 Egyptian infants, clinically diagnosed as acute bronchiolitis at the Alexandria University Children`s Hospital during the period from January to April 2015.. Clinical and demographic data were obtained from parents and medical records, hMPV was detected by means of a reverse-transcriptase polymerase-chain-reaction assay. Indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) assay methods were used to detect the presence of any of the most common respiratory viruses (respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Influenza virus A, Parainfluenza virus types 1-3 and adenovirus) that might be involved in infection.

RESULTS

In our study, 76% of the cases were positive at least to one or more of the seven mentioned viruses. hMPV was detected in 19 (16 %) of the 117 children. The age-related incidence of hMPV infection was higher than that of RSV-infected children. Only 5 patients (4%) had hMPV as the sole respiratory viruses, whilst 14 cases(12%) had a co-infection of hMPV with other respiratory viruses. Clinical symptoms of hMPV were found to be similar to those seen with other respiratory viral infections.The most significant risk factors for acute bronchiolitis in our study groups were young age, exposure to tobacco and living in overcrowded environments.

CONCLUSIONS

Human metapneumovirus infection is a leading cause of respiratory tract infection in the first 2 years of life, with a spectrum of disease similar to that of RSV. The risk factors identified in this study may be considered for interventional studies to control infections by these viruses among young children from developing countries. Further investigations to better characterize hMPV infection and its clinical effect are needed.

Biography:

Liena de Regla Ponce Rey completed her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the age of 23 years from Havana University in 2013. She is performing her Master degree by working in the Virology group of Faculty of Biology as a researcher and a Virology professor. Her research consists in evaluating and characterizing the antiviral activity of seaweeds against a panel of Enterovirus. She has accumulated experience in cell culture, cytotoxic and antiviral assays.

Abstract:

Nature is a prominent source of broad amount of compounds derived seaweeds and plants with vary antimicrobial and antiviral activities. Seaweeds exhibit a number of medicinal properties, playing a fundamental role by curing many diseases. Their medicinal use by population makes them an interesting target to be evaluated as antivirals, taking into account the variety of chemical metabolites they own. It has been documented that Sargassum genera are an interesting target for treating many viral diseases cause by herpesevirus. However, the antiviral activity of Sargassum fluitans against these viruses is not very well documented in bibliography. The aim of this work was to evaluate the antiviral activity of extracts from Sargassum fluitans, against enteroviruses like Poliovirus 1, Coxsackievirus B5 and A24 and Echovirus 9.

The calculation of antiviral activity (EC50) was evaluated by means of cytopathic effect inhibition in Vero cells and with viral load using quantitative RT-PCR.  Preliminarily, assays with hidro-ethanolic extracts showed that Sargassum species were non-cytotoxic at the evaluated concentrations and showed an inhibitory activity by diminishing the viral titer more than three log in relation to the virus control. The preliminary characterization of the extracts showed several active compounds such as sulfated polysaccharides