Second PanAmerican Symposium on the Molecular Approach to Human Disease: The goal of this activity is to provide an effective forum for discussion and the establishment of collaborative projects between Latin American and Caribbean scientists and researchers supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and other regional international organisations. This workshop is organised by the Fogarty International Center (FIC) in partnership with other NIH Institutes and Centers (ICs), The Oswaldo Cruz Foundation (FIOCRUZ), The Pan American Health Organisation (PAHO) and the Latin American Network of Biological Sciences (RELAB). The workshop is intended to stimulate the sharing of ideas, resources and information in the study of genetics and genomics as a way to enhance research efforts to reduce the burden of disease in the region. As such, it is designed to serve as a fast-track mechanism to identify priorities for research and to establish effective collaborations between scientists, with the support of their respective institutions.

Leptospirosis, a zoonotic disease transmitted by rats, is an important health problem in slum settlements. Large epidemics occur during periods of rainfall which are associated with life-threatening manifestations such as pulmonary haemorrhage syndrome (LPHS), for which case fatality is >50%. No efficient interventions are available. An interdisciplinary evaluation of the reservoir host, pathogen and environmental determinants of urban poverty is proposed needed to understand intensity of lep tospirosis epidemics and disease progression. We aim to determine the contribution of environmental and host and pathogen genetic factors in influencing (spatio-temporal) variation in rates of leptospire shedding and their relation with leptospirosis transmission and LPHS. We will carry out field studies on the demographics and genetics of Norway rats, coupled with quantification, isolation and sequencing of leptospires from rats. Leptospire shedding variations and its determinants will be li nk to variations in the risk of human disease over space and time by prospectively following a cohort of slum residents. In addition, leptospires shedding will be linked to the risk of severe leptospirosis and LPHS in a population-based case control study in Salvador city. Identification and quantification of factors contributing to variations in environmental Leptospira contamination may serve to stratify disease risk and prioritize prevention in resource-poor settings.

The purpose of this study is to assess the presence and duration of infectious Zika virus (ZIKV) and related markers (ZIKV-specific RNA, antigen, antibodies, T-cell response, and innate immunity) in blood, semen, saliva, oral fluid (saliva and crevicular fluid), urine, vaginal secretions, menstrual blood, rectal swab, tears, sweat and breast milk of infected individuals who present to clinics during acute illness and convalescence, and in comparison to their symptomatic or asymptomatic household contacts. To also relate these parameters to host immunity over time and across different body fluids, to socio-demography as well as other host and environmental factors.

PRIMARY: To evaluate duration of immunity of the 17DD yellow fever vaccine when applied in reduced doses. SECONDARY: To evaluate the individual repertoire of immunoglobulins directed to yellow fever epitopes in participants of the study “17DD yellow fever vaccine. A double blind, randomized clinical trial of immunogenicity and safety on a dose-response study”, done in 2009. To evaluate the phenotypical/functional profile of cellular memory against yellow fever in individuals in against yellow fever of participants of the study “17DD yellow fever vaccine. A double blind, randomized clinical trial of immunogenicity and safety on a dose-response study”, done in 2009.