Factores asociados con la presencia de endoparásitos y ectoparásitos en perros domiciliados de la zona metropolitana de Toluca,México

Introduction:

Endoparasites and ectoparasites in dogs are of global distribution. The close relationship between dogs and man implies a risk for the transmission of zoonotic parasites. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the parasites hosted by dogs in specific areas and the factors associated with their presence.

Objectives:

To identify and to estimate the prevalence of endoparasites and ectoparasites in domiciled dogs in the Metropolitan area of Toluca, México, and the prevalence of D. caninum in fleas of the genus Ctenocephalides spp.

Materials and methods:

We collected samples from 402 domiciled dogs in four reference hospitals in the area in Toluca. We diagnosed endoparasites using direct smear, flotation, and sedimentation techniques and we performed the taxonomic identification of ectoparasites. Finally, the molecular diagnosis of D. caninum in fleas was made using the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR).

Results:

A total of 37.2% of dogs were positive for endoparasites; the genera or species identified were Toxocara spp., Giardia spp., Ancylostoma spp., Cystoisospora spp., D. caninum, Taenia spp., and Trichuris vulpis; the prevalence of ectoparasites was 13.13%. We identified fleas of the species Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis; only one animal was parasitized with Rhipicephalus sanguineus and another one with Trichodectes canis; the prevalence of D. caninum in fleas was 9.5%.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of endoparasites was 37.2% while that of ectoparasites was 13.1%; this is the first analysis of endoparasites and ectoparasites conducted in the same population of dogs in México together with the molecular diagnosis of D. caninum in fleas.     

Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and Aedes (Howardina) cozumelensis in Yucatán State,México,with a summary of published collection records for Ae. cozumelensis

We collected mosquito immatures from artificial containers during 2010–2011 from 26 communities, ranging in size from small rural communities to large urban centers, located in different parts of Yucatán State in southeastern México. The arbovirus vector Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti was collected from all 26 examined communities, and nine of the communities also yielded another container‐inhabiting Aedes mosquito: Aedes (Howardina) cozumelensis. The communities from which Ae. cozumelensis were collected were all small rural communities (<6,000 inhabitants) in the north‐central part of Yucatán State. These new collection records for Ae. cozumelensis demonstrate that this mosquito has a far broader geographic range in the Yucatán Peninsula than previously known. Ae. cozumelensis immatures were collected from both residential premises and cemeteries, with specimens recovered from rock holes as well as various artificial containers including metal cans, flower vases, buckets, tires, and a water storage tank. The co‐occurrence with Ae. aegypti in small rural communities poses intriguing questions regarding linkages between these mosquitoes, including the potential for direct competition for larval development sites. Additional studies are needed to determine how commonly Ae. cozumelensis feeds on human blood and whether it is naturally infected with arboviruses or other pathogens of medical or veterinary importance. We also summarize the published records for Ae. cozumelensis, which are restricted to collections from México's Yucatán Peninsula and Belize, and uniformly represent geographic locations where Ae. aegypti can be expected to occur.     

First report of Stegomyia aegypti (= Aedes aegypti) in Mexico City,Mexico

Stegomyia aegypti (= Aedes aegypti) (Diptera: Culicidae) is a species of mosquito that is currently widespread in Mexico. Historically, the mosquito has been distributed across most tropical and subtropical areas lower than 1700 m a.s.l. Currently, populations that are found at higher altitudes in regions with cold and dry climates suggest that these conditions do not limit the colonization and population growth of S. aegypti. During a survey of mosquitoes in September 2015, larvae of S. aegypti mosquitoes were found in two different localities in Mexico City, which is located at about 2250 m a.s.l. Mexico City is the most populous city in Mexico and has inefficient drainage and water supply systems. These factors may result in the provision of numerous larval breeding sites. Mosquito monitoring and surveillance are now priorities for the city.     

Detección molecular de Toxoplasma gondii en carnes para consumo humano en Ibagué, Colombia

Introduction:

Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite with great zoonotic potential. It can infect a broad range of warm-blooded hosts (including livestock) and causes significant losses in the industry. In humans, it has been described as a pathogen in immunosuppressed people, it affects the fetus development in congenital infections, and is associated with various behavioral disorders in healthy people. Humans can acquire T. gondii by consuming undercooked, contaminated meat.

Objective:

To determine T. gondii positivity (currently unknown) in meat for human consumption (i.e., beef, chicken, and pork) in the city of Ibague, Colombia.

Materials and methods:

We used conventional nested PCR and the T. gondii B1 gene sequence as amplification target. We collected samples of meat (N=186) sold in the urban area of Ibagué (62 beef, 62 chicken, and 62 pork samples) and determined the T. gondii positivity percentage for each type of meat.

Results:

The study found an average of 18.8% positivity for all meat samples, pork having the highest percentage (22.5%; 14/62), followed by beef (19.3%; 12/62) and chicken (14.5%; 9/62). The best-amplified products were sequenced by macrogen and aligned with the B1 gene sequences in GenBank, thereby confirming their identity.

Conclusions:

This is the first study of T. gondii prevalence in meat for human consumption carried out in the city of Ibagué and the department of Tolima. All three types of meat sampled represent a risk for local human infection.     

Mapping suitable great ape habitat in and around the Lobéké National Park,South‐East Cameroon

As a result of extensive data collection efforts over the last 20–30 years, there is quite a good understanding of the large‐scale geographic distribution and range limits of African great apes. However, as human activities increasingly fragment great ape spatial distribution, a better understanding of what constitutes suitable great ape habitat is needed to inform conservation and resource extraction management. Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes troglodytes) and gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) inhabit the Lobéké National Park and its surrounding forest management units (FMUs) in South‐East Cameroon. Both park and neighboring forestry concessions require reliable evidence on key factors driving great ape distribution for their management plans, yet this information is largely missing and incomplete. This study aimed at mapping great ape habitat suitability in the area and at identifying the most influential predictors among three predictor categories, including landscape predictors (dense forest, swampy forest, distance to water bodies, and topography), human disturbance predictors (hunting, deforestation, distance to roads, and population density), and bioclimatic predictor (annual precipitation). We found that about 63% of highly to moderately suitable chimpanzee habitat occurred within the Lobéké National Park, while only 8.4% of similar habitat conditions occurred within FMUs. For gorillas, highly and moderately suitable habitats occurred within the Lobéké National Park and its surrounding FMUs (82.6% and 65.5%, respectively). Key determinants of suitable chimpanzee habitat were hunting pressure and dense forest, with species occurrence probability optimal at relatively lower hunting rates and at relatively high‐dense forest areas. Key determinants of suitable gorilla habitat were hunting pressure, dense forests, swampy forests, and slope, with species occurrence probability optimal at relatively high‐dense and swampy forest areas and at areas with mild slopes. Our findings show differential response of the two ape species to forestry activities in the study area, thus aligning with previous studies.     

Evaluación de la efectividad de la prueba rápida OptiMAL-IT™ para el seguimiento de pacientes con diagnóstico de malaria en la Amazonía peruana

Introduction:

In Peru, optical microscopy with the thick smear test continues to be performed for the follow-up of malaria patients. This test is simple but it requires microscopic equipment and suitable staff to perform the reading of the samples. Studies suggest that the rapid OptiMAL-IT™ test is an option for follow-up.

Objective:

To evaluate the effectiveness of OptiMAL-IT™ as a follow-up test in malaria patients in endemic areas of Perú.

Materials and methods:

We conducted an observational, analytical cross-sectional study of diagnostic tests performed in patients with malaria. We selected all the patients attending different health facilities in the Peruvian departments of San Martín and Loreto who met the inclusion criteria. Optical microscopy with thick smear and OptiMAL-IT™ was used on days 2, 3, 7, and 14 for Plasmodium vivax and until day 21 of follow-up for Plasmodium falciparum. Percentages of correctly classified samples and predictive values were calculated, and the results were compared between the western jungle and the eastern jungle using Chi2 or Fisher''s exact tests.

Results:

We registered 262 patients from San Martín and 302 from Loreto. The percentage of correctly classified cases and the negative predictive value were higher than 92.0% and 93,0%, respectively, from the third day of follow-up; no statistical differences were found in the results obtained from the western jungle and those from the eastern jungle.

Conclusions:

The OptiMAL-IT™ test would be effective as a follow-up test in patients diagnosed with malaria in endemic areas of Perú.     

Anti‐feeding and insecticidal efficacy of a topical administration of dinotefuran–pyriproxyfen–permethrin spot‐on (Vectra® 3D) on mice against Stegomyia albopicta (= Aedes albopictus)

An ectoparasiticide combining three active ingredients [dinotefuran, permethrin and pyriproxyfen (DPP)] was used in mice in an experiment designed to evaluate its anti‐feeding and insecticidal efficacy against Stegomyia albopicta (= Aedes albopictus) (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes. Twenty‐two adult mice were randomly allocated into two groups consisting of an untreated control group and a DPP‐treated group. Mice were exposed individually for 1 h to a mean ± standard deviation of 27 ± 2 starved female mosquitoes on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post‐treatment. At the end of the exposure (1 h), mosquitoes were assessed for immediate survival and engorgement status. Additionally, live mosquitoes in both groups were incubated separately and observed for mortality at 24 h after the end of the exposure. The anti‐feeding efficacy of DPP after the 1‐h exposure period was 99.2, 100, 98.0, 89.3 and 87.4% at 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 days, respectively. Levels of insecticidal efficacy evaluated at 1 h and 24 h after exposure on days 1, 7, 14, 21 and 28 were 36.7, 28.9, 30.8, 23.1 and 11.9%, and 68.4, 45.0, 43.3, 37.9 and 19.9%, respectively. Based on the mouse model, the present study demonstrates that the DPP combination has significant anti‐feeding and insecticidal efficacy against S. albopicta for at least 4 weeks.     

Assessment of geraniol-incorporated polymers to control Aedes albopictus (Diptera: culicidae)

Effective control of mosquito borne diseases has proven extremely difficult with both vector and pathogen remaining entrenched and expanding in many disease endemic areas. When lacking an effective vaccine, vector control methods targeting both larval habitats and adult mosquito populations remain the primary strategy for reducing risk. Aedes albopictus from Thailand was used as a reference baseline for evaluation of natural insecticides incorporated in polymer disks and pellets and tested both in laboratory and field conditions. In laboratory and field tests, the highest larval mortality was obtained with disks or pellets containing IKHC (Insect Killer Highly Concentrate) from Fulltec AG Company. This product is reputed to contain geraniol as an active ingredient. With pellets, high mortality of Ae. albopictus larvae (92%) was observed in presence of 1 g of pellets per 500 ml of water at day 1st, and the mortality was 100% at day 1st for larvae in presence of 5 or 10 g of pellets. Fulltec AG Company has not accepted to give us the exact composition of their IKHC product. Therefore, we cannot recommend it, but the principle of using monoterpenes like geraniol, incorporated into polymer disks or pellets as natural larvicide needs more attention as it could be considered as a powerful alternative in mosquito vector control.     

Reactivación de la enfermedad de Chagas después de trasplante autólogo de progenitores hematopoyéticos. Reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Introduction:

Chagas disease is an endemic parasitic infection in Latin America transmitted by triatomines. It is associated with risk factors such as poverty and rurality. After acute infection, a third of patients will present target organ involvement (heart, digestive tract, central nervous system). The remaining two thirds remain asymptomatic throughout their life. Pharmacological immunosuppression breaks the balance between the immune system and the parasite, favoring its reactivation.

Clinical case:

We present the case of a 58-year-old man from a Colombian rural area with a diagnosis of multiple myeloma refractory to the first line of treatment who required a new chemotherapy scheme and consolidation with autologous stem cell transplant. During the post-transplant period, he suffered from febrile neutropenia. Initial microbiological studies were negative but the peripheral blood smear evidenced trypomastigotes in blood. With a diagnosis of acute Chagas disease in a post-transplant patient, benznidazole was started. The evolution of the patient was satisfactory.

Conclusions:

Positive serology prior to transplantation makes it necessary to rule out reactivation of the pathology in the setting of febrile neutropenia. More studies are required to determine tools for estimating the probability of reactivation of the disease and defining the best cost-risk-benefit relation for the prophylactic therapy.     

Malaria importada en población pediátrica de Alicante,España (1994-2019)

Introduction:

In recent years there has been an increase in imported malaria among children in whom it is a potentially serious and fatal disease.

Objective:

To describe the incidence and the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of malaria in children diagnosed in Alicante, Spain, over a 26-year period.

Materials and methods:

We conducted an observational retrospective study of malaria in children aged under 15 years diagnosed at the Alicante General University Hospital from 1994 to 2019.

Results:

Twenty-four cases were registered over the study period. The frequency of cases increased from 2 over the first five years to 11 in the last five years. The median age of the children was 6 years (interquartile range: 3-8); 91.6% came from sub-Saharan Africa. Over half (n=15, 62.5%) were children born in Spain to immigrant parents visiting friends and relatives (VFR); just one (6.7%) had received antimalarial chemoprophylaxis.The most frequent clinical signs were fever (86.9%), hepatosplenomegaly (70.8%), and anemia (70.8%). Plasmodium falciparum was the most frequently identified species (83.3%, n=20). The most common treatment was oral piperaquine/dihydroartemisinin (41.6%, n=10) with favorable outcomes in all cases.

Conclusions:

Imported childhood malaria shows an increasing incidence and a nonspecific clinical presentation. Professional awareness of this disease and a high degree of clinical suspicion are needed for the early initiation of treatment. Pre-travel preventive measures should be promoted when appropriate.     

Histiocitosis de células de Langerhans: reporte de caso y revisión de la literatura

Histiocytosis comprises a heterogeneous group of inflammatory diseases whose main cellular components are dendritic cells and macrophages. The inflammatory infiltrate can affect the skin and other organs and the clinical outcome varies from mild to fatal depending on the involved cell subset and multisystemic compromise. Delay in diagnosis may occur due to its non-specific presentation and to a low suspicion on the part of the clinician. We report the case of an infant who despite multiple consultations with nonspecific but characteristic symptoms of the disease was only finally diagnosed thanks to histopathological findings.     

Una nueva especie de Weltrichia (Bennettitales) del Jurásico Medio de la Formación Tecomazuchil (Oaxaca, México)

A new species of Weltrichia (Williamsoniaceae: Bennettitales) is described from the Middle Jurassic of Oaxaca. The specimens come from the Tecomazuchil Formation in the Ayuquila region, at the border between the Oaxaca and Puebla states. Fossils are preserved as impressions and compressions, in a fine-grained sublitharenite sequence deposited in a fluvial environment. Preserved diagnostic characters include: large size; a cup-shaped receptacle showing seven radially arranged and basically fused microsporophylls bearing synangia. Microsporophylls are ornamented with longitudinal striations and fine brittled hairs on the edge of their wide base, and taper into a narrow distal tip. In the adaxial part of the microsporophylls seven to nine synangia are observed. These characters differentiate the new species Weltrichia mixtequensis from all previously recorded species from Mexico or elsewhere. The presence of this new species in the Middle Jurassic strata of the Ayuquila region add to the scarce fossil record of microsporangiate structures in the Jurassic flora of Mexico.     

Evaluación de las características operativas de la versión 2.2018 del instrumento de evaluación del malestar emocional de la National Comprehensive Cancer Network en pacientes atendidos en el Instituto Nacional de Cancerología,Bogotá

Introduction:

Cancer patients have significant levels of emotional distress. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) developed the distress management tool to quickly assess significant distress in oncological patients who require intervention. For its use in Colombia, we made its cross-cultural adaptation and validation.

Objective:

To determine the operative characteristics of the distress management tool, version 2.2018, in patients seen at the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC) in Colombia.

Materials and methods:

Counting with the authorization from the NCCN, we translated, made the cross-cultural adaptation, and evaluated the operational characteristics of the tool. We included 343 cancer patients seen at the INC, who filled out the cross-culturally adapted instrument. A diagnostic test study was carried out with a semi-structured interview as a reference.

Results:

The patients had an average age of 49.7 years (SD=15) and the majority were women (67%). The instrument had an area under the ROC curve of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.77 - 0.86); its optimal cut-off point was 3.5 approached to 4 when using integers on the scale; its sensitivity was 0.81 (95% CI: 0.76 - 0.85), and its specificity, 0.69 (95% CI: 0.64 - 0.74). The agreement percentage between the result of the interview and the instrument was 73% (kappa = 0.64; p< 0.001).

Conclusions:

The distress management tool allowed for the detection of moderate to severe distress requiring intervention and management. This instrument was adapted and validated in cancer patients in Colombia keeping the cutoff point at ≥ 4 as in the original version.     

Identifying Priority Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) Populations for Conservation in São Paulo State,Brazil

Habitat loss is the main threat to biodiversity conservation worldwide. Some species may be particularly susceptible to the effects of fragmentation and the isolation of populations. The impacts of human activity on wild animal populations may be understood through relationships between individual genetic data and spatial landscape variables, particularly when considering local population dynamics influenced by fragmented habitats. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the population structure and genetic diversity of the giant anteater (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) using an individual sampling scheme (ISS) on a regional geographic scale. Data were collected from 41 specimens from twenty different locations in São Paulo State, Brazil, and six polymorphic microsatellite loci were genotyped. Our results indicate that barriers to gene flow exist and have segregated individuals of the farther away areas into two spatially structured clusters. The populations were also found to have high genetic diversity. The experimental sampling approach used herein enabled an analysis of the population dynamics of the giant anteater on a regional scale, as well as the identification of priority populations for genetic resource conservation for this species. The results reflect the need for adequate management plans. The efficacy of the sampling scheme may vary based on the study model used, but we argue that the use of an ISS combined with suitable molecular markers and statistical methods may serve as an important tool for initial analyses of threatened or vulnerable species, particularly in anthropized regions where populations are small or hard to characterize.