Urban malaria transmission in a non-endemic area in the Andean region of Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Rapid urbanisation in difficult socio-economic conditions such as inadequate housing infrastructure, lack of public services, improper sanitation, and poor water drainage systems in vegetation-rich areas lead to ecological conditions that are conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes and transmission of malaria, in semi-urban and urban settings. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the cases of malaria that were reported in the peri-urban areas of Pereira (Colombia), between 2008 and 2015. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using data from the Malaria Surveillance System 2009-2015 and an outbreak study (between December 2008 and March 2009). Frequency distributions and summary measures, as well as univariate analysis were performed for all the variables in consideration. The annual parasite index (API) was calculated. FINDINGS: Data on 214 cases were obtained from the surveillance system. A majority of the cases were reported in men (63.1%), followed by in children < 15 years (23.8%), and were caused predominantly by Plasmodium vivax (86.0%), with most of the infection occurring in the urban areas (52.8%) of Pereira. The API, by sex and age group, was higher among men ≥ 80 years. The outbreak study reported 14 cases of malaria in rural/peri-urban neighborhoods, and it was observed that the anopheline breeding sites were in close proximity to the houses in these areas. This population did not use protective measures against mosquitoes and chemical control was conducted through residual and spatial insecticide spraying. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested the presence of autochthonous malaria transmission, in Pereira, between 2008 and 2015, most of which were cases of P. vivax. A greater intensity was observed between 2008 and 2009 when malaria was possibly reintroduced to the region. During the years of the study, a gradual decrease in the number of reported cases of malaria was observed in Pereira, except for the time period between 2008 and 2009 when a spike was noted (estimated using the API); this was most likely caused by an outbreak. Interventions that are more aggressive in nature are required to prevent further malarial transmission and dissemination.

Malaria in gold-mining areas in Colombia.

Gold-mining may play an important role in the maintenance of malaria worldwide. Gold-mining, mostly illegal, has significantly expanded in Colombia during the last decade in areas with limited health care and disease prevention. We report a descriptive study that was carried out to determine the malaria prevalence in gold-mining areas of Colombia, using data from the public health surveillance system (National Health Institute) during the period 2010-2013. Gold-mining was more prevalent in the departments of Antioquia, Córdoba, Bolívar, Chocó, Nariño, Cauca, and Valle, which contributed 89.3% (270,753 cases) of the national malaria incidence from 2010-2013 and 31.6% of malaria cases were from mining areas. Mining regions, such as El Bagre, Zaragoza, and Segovia, in Antioquia, Puerto Libertador and Montelíbano, in Córdoba, and Buenaventura, in Valle del Cauca, were the most endemic areas. The annual parasite index (API) correlated with gold production (R2 0.82, p < 0.0001); for every 100 kg of gold produced, the API increased by 0.54 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. Lack of malaria control activities, together with high migration and proliferation of mosquito breeding sites, contribute to malaria in gold-mining regions. Specific control activities must be introduced to control this significant source of malaria in Colombia.

Effects of a new Helicobacter pylori infection on height and weight in Colombian children.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study is to investigate whether a new infection caused by Helicobacter pylori in preschool children transiently or permanently affects height and weight. METHODS: A cohort of 347 children from three day care centers was followed up for a median of 494 days. Breath tests and anthropometric measurements were performed every 2 to 4 months. The lag effect of a new infection on linear growth during a period of 8 months was analyzed by using mixed-effects models. RESULTS: One hundred five children (30.3%) became infected during the follow-up period and accumulated 92 person-years of follow-up. A significant decrease in growth velocity was observed during the first 4 months after infection. There was no height catch-up in infected children, and after 8 months, an infected child had a cumulative difference of 0.24 cm (growth velocity; 95% confidence interval, 0.22-0.26) compared with an uninfected child. Newly infected children experienced a small decrease in weight at the first visit compared with uninfected children, which became nonsignificant after the second visit without catch-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows a significant and nontransient effect of infection caused by H. pylori on height and weight. Potential interventions that target infected preschool children are likely to prevent growth retardation.

[Effects of an educational and participatory community intervention on malaria control in Buenaventura, Colombia]. / Efectos de una intervención educativa y de participación comunitaria en el control de la malaria en Buenaventura, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: A four-component, non randomized, primary-care based intervention for malaria control was implemented in Buenaventura, Colombia. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the applied intervention on knowledge about malaria, attention of febrile events and frequency of malaria occurrence in three communities of Buenaventura. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A post-intervention evaluation with a non-equivalent control group was performed. Two non-intervened groups (those residing more and less than six months, respectively, in the area) and one intervened group were identified. We interviewed 661 women household heads. Contact was defined as having been exposed to at least one of the four intervention components. RESULTS: Fourteen percent of the respondents had contact with the intervention. The attention of a febrile episode was better in those who had contact with the intervention than in the nonintervened ones who had resided in the area for more than six months. Those without contact and with less than six months stay in the area reported lower use of bed-nets (OR:0.46; 95% CI:0.23-0.93) and less fumigation practices (OR:0.38; 95% CI:0.19-0.75). The analysis of the malaria case trend showed a reduction in the proportion of cases contributed by the intervened communities, from 25% to 17%, six years after the intervention. CONCLUSION: An educational strategy is effective to enhance knowledge and modify the practices of the urban population of Buenaventura with respect to malaria.

AfroColombian ethnicity, a paradoxical protective factor against Dengue.

INTRODUCTION: Dengue is a priority public health problem. During epidemics in Cuba and Haiti, ethnic African descendant population had lower risk of dengue, and the ethnic factor was proposed as a protective one. OBJECTIVE: To determine the relation between the Dengue's cumulative incidence and the Afro-Colombian proportion in communities of Cali, during the epidemic of 2013. METHODS: This study was conducted in Cali, Colombia. The design was ecological, using information from the National Census 2005 projected to 2013, from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), and the National Epidemiological Surveillance System. It was obtained the Pearson´s correlation coefficient between cumulative incidence and the proportion of Afro-Colombian population by communities. Additionally, the cumulative incidences of dengue were evaluated in two zones with different proportion of Afro-Colombian population. The association was also evaluated for aggregation bias, confounding by social variables, and interaction by area of ​​residence. RESULTS: Dengue´s cumulative incidence was significantly lower for Afro-Colombians regardless of the proportion of Afro-Colombian population in the area of residence. The relative risk of dengue between non-Afro-Colombians and Afro-Colombians was 9.4 (95% CI=8.4-10.6) in zones with high proportion of Afro-Colombian population, while the relative risk of dengue was 4.0 (95% CI :3.6 - 4.4) in the zone with lower proportion of Afro-Colombian population. There was no evidence of aggregation bias or confounding in the association by social variables. CONCLUSIONS: The Afro-Colombian population had a significantly lower risk of getting dengue and its complications, compared with the non-Afro-Colombian population. The non-Afro-Colombian populations living in areas with a high proportion of Afro-Colombians increase their risk of dengue more than double, suggesting an asymptomatic viremic environment. INTRODUCCIÓN: el dengue es un problema prioritario en salud pública. Durante epidemias en Cuba y Haití, la población étnica afro-descendiente tuvo menor riesgo de dengue. Por ello, se propuso el factor étnico como protector. OBJETIVO: Determinar la relación entre la incidencia acumulada de dengue y la proporción de población Afrocolombiana de Cali, durante la epidemia de 2013. MÉTODOS: Este estudio se realizó en Cali, Colombia. El diseño fue ecológico, con información del Censo Nacional 2005 y su proyección a 2013 del DANE y del Sistema de entre las incidencias acumuladas de dengue y la proporción de afrocolombianos, según comunidades. Adicionalmente, fueron evaluadas las incidencias acumuladas de dos zonas con diferente proporción de habitantes afrocolombianos. También se evaluó la presencia del sesgo de agregación, de confusión por variables sociales y de interacción según la zona de residencia. RESULTADOS: Para afrocolombianos, la incidencia acumulada de dengue fue significativamente menor, independientemente de la proporción de población afrocolombiana en la zona de residencia. El riesgo relativo de dengue entre no-afrocolombianos y afrocolombianos fue 9.4 (IC 95%= 8.4-10.6) en la zona con más alta proporción de población afrocolombiana, mientras que el riesgo relativo fue 4.0 (IC 95%= 3.6-4.4) en la zona de más baja proporción de población afrocolombiana. No se evidenció sesgo de agregación ni confusión de la asociación por variables sociales. CONCLUSIONES: La población afrocolombiana presentó un riesgo significativamente menor de enfermar por dengue y sus complicaciones en comparación con no-afrocolombianos. La población no-afrocolombiana que reside en zonas con alta proporción de población afrocolombiana aumenta el riesgo de dengue a más del doble, lo cual sugiere un entorno virémico asintomático.

Preeclampsia prevention: a case-control study nested in a cohort.

BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is the main complication of pregnancy in developing countries. Calcium starting at 14 weeks of pregnancy is indicated to prevent the disease. Recent advances in prevention of preeclampsia endorse the addition of conjugated linoleic acid. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the protective effect from calcium alone, compared to calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid in nulliparous women at risk of preeclampsia. METHODS: A case-control design nested in the cohort of nulliparous women attending antenatal care from 2010 to 2014. The clinical histories of 387 cases of preeclampsia were compared with 1,054 normotensive controls. The exposure was prescriptions for calcium alone, the first period, or calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid, the second period, from 12 to 16 weeks of gestational age to labor. Confounding variables were controlled, allowing only nulliparous women into the study and stratifying by age, education and ethnic group. RESULTS: The average age was 26.4 yrs old (range= 13-45), 85% from mixed ethnic backgrounds and with high school education. There were no differences between women who received calcium carbonate and those who did not (OR= 0.96; 95% CI= 0.73-1.27). The group of adolescents (13 to 18 years old) in the calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid was protected for preeclampsia (OR= 0.00; 95% CI= 0.00-0.44) independent of the confounder variables. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy did not have preventive effects on preeclampsia. 2. Calcium plus Conjugated Linoleic acid provided to adolescents was observed to have preventive effect on Preeclampsia.

INTRODUCCIÓN: La preeclampsia es la principal causa de mortalidad materna y bajo peso al nacer en países en vías de desarrollo. Empezar la suplementación de calcio en la semana 14 de gestación es indicada para prevenir la enfermedad. Recientes avances en prevención de preeclampsia han sugerido la suplementación de calcio y la combinación de calcio con ácido linoleico conjugado. OBJETIVO: Estimar el efecto protector de la suplementación de calcio (CC), comparado con la suplementación de calcio más ácido linoleico conjugado (CC+ALC) en mujeres embarazadas primigravidas con relación al desarrollo de preeclampsia. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte retrospectiva de mujeres embarazadas primigravidas que asistieron al programa de control prenatal entre el año 2010 hasta el años 2014. La historia clínica de 387 casos de preeclampsia fueron comparadas con 1,054 controles en pacientes embarazadas primigestantes, normotensas. Las gestantes expuestas fueron consideradas como aquellas gestantes que recibieron solo calcio, en el primer periodo de evaluación, o calcio más ácido linoleico conjugado, segundo periodo de evaluación, desde las semanas 12 a la 16 del embarazo. Los posibles factores de confusión se controlaron admitiendo solo las primigestantes y estratificando, por edad, educación y grupo étnico de la paciente. RESULTADOS: La edad promedio de las pacientes fue de 26.4 años (rango 13-45), 85% con etnia mestiza y educación secundaria completa. La exposición a CC+ALC tuvo un efecto protector en las adolescentes (13 a 18 años) (OR= 0.00, IC 95%= 0.00-0.44; p= 0.005), mientras que la exposición a CC no modificó la incidencia de preeclampsia (OR= 0.96, IC 95% %= 0.73-1.27; p= 0.82). CONCLUSIÓN: 1. La suplementación de solo calcio durante el embarazo no tuvo efecto preventivo para la preeclampsia, 2. La suplementación con calcio y ácido linoleico conjugado previno la aparición de preeclampsia en adolescentes.

Urban malaria transmission in a non-endemic area in the Andean region of Colombia

BACKGROUND Rapid urbanisation in difficult socio-economic conditions such as inadequate housing infrastructure, lack of public services, improper sanitation, and poor water drainage systems in vegetation-rich areas lead to ecological conditions that are conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes and transmission of malaria, in semi-urban and urban settings. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the cases of malaria that were reported in the peri-urban areas of Pereira (Colombia), between 2008 and 2015. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using data from the Malaria Surveillance System 2009-2015 and an outbreak study (between December 2008 and March 2009). Frequency distributions and summary measures, as well as univariate analysis were performed for all the variables in consideration. The annual parasite index (API) was calculated. FINDINGS Data on 214 cases were obtained from the surveillance system. A majority of the cases were reported in men (63.1%), followed by in children < 15 years (23.8%), and were caused predominantly by Plasmodium vivax (86.0%), with most of the infection occurring in the urban areas (52.8%) of Pereira. The API, by sex and age group, was higher among men ≥ 80 years. The outbreak study reported 14 cases of malaria in rural/peri-urban neighborhoods, and it was observed that the anopheline breeding sites were in close proximity to the houses in these areas. This population did not use protective measures against mosquitoes and chemical control was conducted through residual and spatial insecticide spraying. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study suggested the presence of autochthonous malaria transmission, in Pereira, between 2008 and 2015, most of which were cases of P. vivax. A greater intensity was observed between 2008 and 2009 when malaria was possibly reintroduced to the region. During the years of the study, a gradual decrease in the number of reported cases of malaria was observed in Pereira, except for the time period between 2008 and 2009 when a spike was noted (estimated using the API); this was most likely caused by an outbreak. Interventions that are more aggressive in nature are required to prevent further malarial transmission and dissemination.

AfroColombian ethnicity, a paradoxical protective factor against Dengue / La etnia afrocolombiana, factor protector paradójico contra el Dengue

Abstract Introduction: Dengue is a priority public health problem. During epidemics in Cuba and Haiti, ethnic African descendant population had lower risk of dengue, and the ethnic factor was proposed as a protective one. Objective: To determine the relation between the Dengue's cumulative incidence and the Afro-Colombian proportion in communities of Cali, during the epidemic of 2013. Methods: This study was conducted in Cali, Colombia. The design was ecological, using information from the National Census 2005 projected to 2013, from the National Administrative Department of Statistics (DANE), and the National Epidemiological Surveillance System. It was obtained the Pearson´s correlation coefficient between cumulative incidence and the proportion of Afro-Colombian population by communities. Additionally, the cumulative incidences of dengue were evaluated in two zones with different proportion of Afro-Colombian population. The association was also evaluated for aggregation bias, confounding by social variables, and interaction by area of ​​residence. Results: Dengue´s cumulative incidence was significantly lower for Afro-Colombians regardless of the proportion of Afro-Colombian population in the area of residence. The relative risk of dengue between non-Afro-Colombians and Afro-Colombians was 9.4 (95% CI=8.4-10.6) in zones with high proportion of Afro-Colombian population, while the relative risk of dengue was 4.0 (95% CI :3.6 - 4.4) in the zone with lower proportion of Afro-Colombian population. There was no evidence of aggregation bias or confounding in the association by social variables. Conclusions: The Afro-Colombian population had a significantly lower risk of getting dengue and its complications, compared with the non-Afro-Colombian population. The non-Afro-Colombian populations living in areas with a high proportion of Afro-Colombians increase their risk of dengue more than double, suggesting an asymptomatic viremic environment...(AU)

Resumen Introducción: el dengue es un problema prioritario en salud pública. Durante epidemias en Cuba y Haití, la población étnica afro-descendiente tuvo menor riesgo de dengue. Por ello, se propuso el factor étnico como protector. Objetivo: Determinar la relación entre la incidencia acumulada de dengue y la proporción de población Afrocolombiana de Cali, durante la epidemia de 2013. Métodos: Este estudio se realizó en Cali, Colombia. El diseño fue ecológico, con información del Censo Nacional 2005 y su proyección a 2013 del DANE y del Sistema de entre las incidencias acumuladas de dengue y la proporción de afrocolombianos, según comunidades. Adicionalmente, fueron evaluadas las incidencias acumuladas de dos zonas con diferente proporción de habitantes afrocolombianos. También se evaluó la presencia del sesgo de agregación, de confusión por variables sociales y de interacción según la zona de residencia. Resultados: Para afrocolombianos, la incidencia acumulada de dengue fue significativamente menor, independientemente de la proporción de población afrocolombiana en la zona de residencia. El riesgo relativo de dengue entre no-afrocolombianos y afrocolombianos fue 9.4 (IC 95%= 8.4-10.6) en la zona con más alta proporción de población afrocolombiana, mientras que el riesgo relativo fue 4.0 (IC 95%= 3.6-4.4) en la zona de más baja proporción de población afrocolombiana. No se evidenció sesgo de agregación ni confusión de la asociación por variables sociales. Conclusiones: La población afrocolombiana presentó un riesgo significativamente menor de enfermar por dengue y sus complicaciones en comparación con no-afrocolombianos. La población no-afrocolombiana que reside en zonas con alta proporción de población afrocolombiana aumenta el riesgo de dengue a más del doble, lo cual sugiere un entorno virémico asintomático...(AU)

Malaria in gold-mining areas in Colombia

Gold-mining may play an important role in the maintenance of malaria worldwide. Gold-mining, mostly illegal, has significantly expanded in Colombia during the last decade in areas with limited health care and disease prevention. We report a descriptive study that was carried out to determine the malaria prevalence in gold-mining areas of Colombia, using data from the public health surveillance system (National Health Institute) during the period 2010-2013. Gold-mining was more prevalent in the departments of Antioquia, Córdoba, Bolívar, Chocó, Nariño, Cauca, and Valle, which contributed 89.3% (270,753 cases) of the national malaria incidence from 2010-2013 and 31.6% of malaria cases were from mining areas. Mining regions, such as El Bagre, Zaragoza, and Segovia, in Antioquia, Puerto Libertador and Montelíbano, in Córdoba, and Buenaventura, in Valle del Cauca, were the most endemic areas. The annual parasite index (API) correlated with gold production (R2 0.82, p < 0.0001); for every 100 kg of gold produced, the API increased by 0.54 cases per 1,000 inhabitants. Lack of malaria control activities, together with high migration and proliferation of mosquito breeding sites, contribute to malaria in gold-mining regions. Specific control activities must be introduced to control this significant source of malaria in Colombia.

Preeclampsia prevention: a case-control study nested in a cohort / La prevención de la preeclampsia: un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte

Introduction: Preeclampsia is the main complication of pregnancy in developing countries. Calcium starting at 14 weeks of pregnancy is indicated to prevent the disease. Recent advances in prevention of preeclampsia endorse the addition of conjugated linoleic acid. Objective: To estimate the protective effect from calcium alone, compared to calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid in nulliparous women at risk of preeclampsia. Methods: A case-control design nested in the cohort of nulliparous women attending antenatal care from 2010 to 2014. The clinical histories of 387 cases of preeclampsia were compared with 1,054 normotensive controls. The exposure was prescriptions for calcium alone, the first period, or calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid, the second period, from 12 to 16 weeks of gestational age to labor. Confounding variables were controlled, allowing only nulliparous women into the study and stratifying by age, education and ethnic group. Results: The average age was 26.4 yrs old (range= 13-45), 85% from mixed ethnic backgrounds and with high school education. There were no differences between women who received calcium carbonate and those who did not (OR= 0.96; 95% CI= 0.73-1.27). The group of adolescents (13 to 18 yrs old) in the calcium plus conjugated linoleic acid was protected for preeclampsia (OR= 0.00; 95% CI= 0.00-0.44) independent of the confounder variables. Conclusions: 1. Calcium supplementation during pregnancy did not have preventive effects on preeclampsia. 2. Calcium plus Conjugated Linoleic acid provided to adolescents was observed to have preventive effect on Preeclampsia.

Introducción: La preeclampsia es la principal causa de mortalidad materna y bajo peso al nacer en países en vías de desarrollo. Empezar la suplementación de calcio en la semana 14 de gestación es indicada para prevenir la enfermedad. Recientes avances en prevención de preeclampsia han sugerido la suplementación de calcio y la combinación de calcio con ácido linoleico conjugado. Objetivo: Estimar el efecto protector de la suplementación de calcio (CC), comparado con la suplementación de calcio más ácido linoleico conjugado (CC+ALC) en mujeres embarazadas primigravidas con relación al desarrollo de preeclampsia. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles anidado en una cohorte retrospectiva de mujeres embarazadas primigravidas que asistieron al programa de control prenatal entre el año 2010 hasta el años 2014. La historia clínica de 387 casos de preeclampsia fueron comparadas con 1,054 controles en pacientes embarazadas primigestantes, normotensas. Las gestantes expuestas fueron consideradas como aquellas gestantes que recibieron solo calcio, en el primer periodo de evaluación, o calcio más ácido linoleico conjugado, segundo periodo de evaluación, desde las semanas 12 a la 16 del embarazo. Los posibles factores de confusión se controlaron admitiendo solo las primigestantes y estratificando, por edad, educación y grupo étnico de la paciente. Resultados: La edad promedio de las pacientes fue de 26.4 años (rango= 13-45), 85% con etnia mestiza y educación secundaria completa. La exposición a CC+ALC tuvo un efecto protector en las adolescentes (13 a 18 años) (OR= 0.00, IC 95%= 0.00-0.44; p= 0.005), mientras que la exposición a CC no modificó la incidencia de preeclampsia (OR= 0.96, IC 95%= 0.73-1.27; p= 0.82). Conclusiones: 1. La suplementación de solo calcio durante el embarazo no tuvo efecto preventivo para la preeclampsia, 2. La suplementación con calcio y ácido linoleico conjugado previno la aparición de preeclampsia en adolescentes.

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay of phenolic glycolipid-I in patients with Hansen’s disease / Inmunoensayo ligado a enzimas (ELISA) a glicolípido fenólico -1 en pacientes con enfermedad de Hansen

Introduction: Hansen’s disease or leprosy is a contagious-infection entity produced by the Hansen bacillus or Mycobacterium leprae. The phenolic glycolipid is a special trisaccharide found in the bacillus cell wall and proved to be specific and immunogenic species during M. leprae.Objective: To determine the presence of the Hansen bacillus enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) method glycolipid phenolic I in a group of patients in Dermatology Consultation at the Valle del Cauca Health Services; these patients were classified as cures or under watch according to criteria established by the World Health Organization (WHO).Methodology: From the data base of the Dermatology Consultation at the Valle del Cauca Health Services, we studied 159 patients with Hansen’s disease who were tested with the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) with the phenolic glycolipid I to cross reference information and observe if they were or were not positive to this test. A positive ELISA indicates the bacillus is still present in the patient.Results: As an important fact, we found that of 78 patients cured, when bearing in mind the monitoring period, 9 were positive for the ELISA. When this period was discarded, 81 sick individuals were classified as cured according to WHO criteria but the same 9 continued positive for ELISA.Conclusion: It may be concluded that in spite of meeting WHO criteria, these patients still show presence of the bacillus and the monitoring period is not required as a criterion to discharge a patient. We recommend adding to WHO criteria a negative ELISA, to obtain additional information that helps to certify that a patient is or is not cured.

Introducción: La enfermedad de Hansen o lepra es una entidad infecto-contagiosa producida por el bacilo de Hansen o Mycobacterium leprae. El glicolípido fenólico I es un trisacárido especial que se encuentra en la pared celular del bacilo y ha demostrado ser específico de especie e inmunogénico durante la infección de M. leprae.Objetivo: Determinar la presencia del bacilo de Hansen por el método de inmunoensayo ligado a enzimas (ELISA) a glicolípido fenólico I en un grupo de pacientes del Consultorio Dermatológico del Servicio de Salud del Valle del Cauca clasificados como curados o en vigilancia, según criterios preestablecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS).Metodología: De la base de datos del Consultorio Dermatológico del Servicio de Salud del Valle del Cauca se estudiaron en total 159 pacientes con enfermedad de Hansen a los cuales se les practicó examen de inmunoensayo ligado con enzimas (ELISA) con el glicolípido fenólico I a fin de cruzar información y observar si eran o no positivos a esta prueba. El ELISA positivo dice que el bacilo aún existe en el paciente.Resultados: Se encontró como dato importante que de 78 pacientes curados, al tener en cuenta además el período de vigilancia, 9 fueron positivos para el ELISA. Cuando se descartó este período, a 81 enfermos se les clasificó como curados según criterios de la OMS pero siguieron positivos para ELISA los mismos 9.Conclusión: Se concluye que a pesar de cumplir los criterios de la OMS, estos pacientes aún muestran presencia de bacilo y que el período de vigilancia no se necesita como criterio para dar de alta a un paciente. Se recomienda agregar a los criterios de la OMS el ELISA negativo, con el fin de tener una información más que ayude a certificar que un paciente está curado o no.

[A mathematical model of the annual risk of tuberculosis infection in Cali, Colombia]. / Modelo matemático del riesgo anual de infección tuberculosa en Cali.

OBJECTIVE: The annual risk of infection (ARI) for tuberculosis is the probability that an individual without previous contact with the tubercle bacillus has of being infected during the course of a year. The ARI is the most appropriate indicator for estimating the degree of tuberculosis infection in a population. The objective of this paper was to estimate the ARI and its trends in the city of Cali, Colombia, using data provided by the Municipal Secretariat of Health. METHODS: We used a deterministic model of the dynamics of pulmonary tuberculosis. The flows among the population subgroups were based on the natural history of the disease, taking vaccination into account. Using the data from the Municipal Secretariat of Health, we estimated the initial conditions and the values of the parameters. RESULTS: The mean ARI values were 1.24% in the 1970s, 0.93% in the 1980s, and 0.85% in the 1990s. In order to assess trends, we attempted to predict the annual risk, utilizing a nonlinear least-squares adjustment of the data on the overall percentage for each year. With that approach, we projected that the ARI in 2003 would be 1.3%, indicating a return to the patterns found in the 1970s. CONCLUSIONS: The estimated risk of tuberculosis infection in Cali during the decades of the 1970s, the 1980s, and the 1990s was very high in comparison with the risk in countries such as the Netherlands, which in 1985 had an ARI of 0.012%. However, the ARI in Cali is not so high in comparison to indices for other countries of South America, which range from 0.5% to 1.5%. This model and the simulation it produced showed a rising trend in the ARI for Cali, as well as demonstrated that the ARI will tend to continue to rise if control measures are not improved.

Impact of Helicobacter pylori infection on growth of children: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to prospectively follow a cohort of children without Helicobacter pylori infection and to compare growth velocity in the children who become infected during follow-up with that of children who remained infection-free. METHODS: Three hundred forty-seven children in general good health, aged 12 to 60 months, who tested negative for H. pylori by the 13C-urea breath test, from three daycare centers in a lower-middle class borough of Cali, Colombia, were monitored for 2.5 years. Anthropometric measurements were performed every 2 months and breath tests every 4 months. Linear mixed models were used to analyze growth velocity in relation to onset of H. pylori infection. RESULTS: One hundred five (30.3%) children who were uninfected at the start of the study became infected during follow-up. Growth velocity in infected children was reduced by 0.042 +/- 0.014 cm/mo (P = 0.003) (approximately 0.5 cm/yr) after adjusting for age. The rate of deceleration in growth velocity was relatively constant over time. CONCLUSIONS: Among these lower-middle class children aged 12 to 60 months from a population with high prevalence of H. pylori infection, a new and sustained infection was followed by significant growth retardation.

HLA-DQ3 is associated with idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, whereas HLA-DR8 is not, in a group of renal transplant patients.

BACKGROUND: The etiology of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) remains uncertain; however, solar exposure and heredity have been proposed as causative factors. OBJECTIVE: To explore the genetic predisposition to the development of IGH. METHODS: A comparative case-control study was performed at a dermatology department at a university hospital. Forty-seven subjects (22 renal transplant patients and 25 controls) were enrolled. Clinical examination and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) determination were performed. RESULTS: In the group of subjects with HLA-DQ3 (10/13, P = 0.025), there was a statistically significant (P < 0.05) positive association for the presence of IGH; in the group of subjects with HLA-DR8 (6/6, P = 0.023), there was a statistically significant negative association for the presence of IGH. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of HLA-DQ3 in patients with IGH suggests a genetic basis in a group of renal transplant subjects. HLA-DR8 was found in patients without IGH, and it could play a role as a "protective factor" preventing subjects from developing IGH.

Cobertura vacunal en niños de 12 a 47 meses de edad en estratos 1 y 2 de la zona urbana de Cali, a±o 2002 / Vacunal cover in children 12 to 47 months old of social and economic 1 and 2 layers in the urban zone of Cali, year 2002

Objetivo: Estimar la prevalencia de vacunación con esquema completo en los ni±os de 12 a 47 meses de edad de los estratos 1 y 2 de la zona urbana de Cali en el a±o 2002 según biológicos y las categorías de las variables socio-demográficas de la familia, la madre y del ni±o. Métodos: La investigación correspondió a un estudio de corte transversal. El tamaño de muestra para el proceso de cßlculo fue de 4,452 niños obtenido mediante un muestreo probabilístico por conglomerados combinado con estratificado. Los datos se analizaron en el paquete estadístico Epi-info Versión 6.04 con el módulo Csample para explorar muestras complejas. Resultados: La cobertura de vacunación con esquema completo de primer a±o fue 65.8% (62.1-69.5), con diferencias significativas por estratos uno y dos (x2=42.4, p<0.05). En el grupo de 12 a 47 meses, las coberturas según biológico mßs bajas fueron para anti-Haemophilus influenzae tipo B y anti-hepatitis B, 71.8% (68.6-75) y 92.2% (90.1-94.3) respectivamente. Se encontró asociación estadística (prueba x2, p<0.05) al comparar las coberturas de vacunación con la edad de la madre, escolaridad de la madre, tiempo que trabaja la madre, ingresos familiares y tipo de afiliación al sistema de salud. Conclusiones: Las coberturas vacunales de la población estudiada para algunos biológicos fueron bajas, si se tiene en cuenta que la norma del Ministerio de Protección Social de Colombia es mínimo 95%.

Objective: To estimate prevalence of complete vaccination sketch in children of ages of 12 to 47 months old in strata 1 and 2 into urbane zone of Cali in the year of 2002 according to biologics and the categories of socio-demographic variables of the family, the mother and child. Methods: The research corresponded to a cross section survey. The sample size used in the estimation process was 4452 children, drawn from conglomerates combined with strata by means of probabilistic sampling. The information was analyzed with Epi-Info version 6.04, with the Csample module for complex samples analysis. Results: The vaccination coverage with complete sketch for the first year was 65.8 (62.1-69.5), with significative differences for one and two strata (x2=42.4, p<0.05). In the group of 12 to 47 months the belower coverages according to biologic were for anti-Haemphilus influenzae type B and anti-hepatitis B 71.8% (68.6-75) and 92.2% (90.1-94.3) respectively. Statistical association was found (test x2, p<0.05) in comparing vaccination coverages with motherÆs age, motherÆs schooling, motherÆs working time, family income and type of health system affiliation. Conclusions: The vaccination coverages in the studied population for some biologics were below, bearing in mind that the rule established by Colombian Ministry of Social Protection is to keep coverages into a minimum of 95%.

Efectos de una intervención educativa y de participación comunitaria en el control de la malaria en Buenaventura, Colombia / Effects of an educational and participatory community intervention on malaria control in Buenaventura, Colombia

Introducción. Una intervención para el control de la malaria no aleatoria compuesta por cuatro componentes y basada en atención primaria fue implementada en Buenaventura, Colombia. Objetivo. Evaluar el efecto de la intervención en conocimientos y prácticas en malaria, atención de eventos febriles y frecuencia de malaria en tres comunas de Buenaventura. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó una evaluación post-intervención con grupo control no equivalente. Se identificaron dos grupos de no contacto de más y menos seis meses de residencia en la zona, respectivamente, y un grupo contacto con la intervención. Se entrevistaron 661 mujeres jefes de hogar. El contacto fue el haber estado expuesto al menos a uno de los cuatro componentes de la intervención. Resultados. El 14 por ciento de los entrevistados tuvieron contacto con la intervención. El evento febril fue mejor atendido en el grupo de personas contacto que en el grupo "sin contacto" que habían vivido en el lugar por más de seis meses. Los sin contacto con menos de seis meses en el lugar reportaron menor uso de toldillos (OR: 0,46; IC 95 por ciento: 0,23-0,93) y de práctica de fumigación (OR: 0,38; IC 95 por ciento: 0,19-0,75). El análisis de tendencia de casos de malaria mostró disminución de 25 por ciento a 17 por ciento de casos aportados por los grupos intervenidos, seis años después de la intervención. Conclusión. La estrategia educativa es efectiva para elevar los conocimientos y modificar las prácticas de la población urbana de Buenaventura frente a la malaria.

Introduction. A four-component, non randomized, primary-care based intervention for malaria control was implemented in Buenaventura, Colombia. Objective. To evaluate the effect of the applied intervention on knowledge about malaria, attention of febrile events and frequency of malaria occurrence in three communities of Buenaventura. Materials and methods. A post-intervention evaluation with a non-equivalent control group was performed. Two non-intervened groups (those residing more and less than six months, respectively, in the area) and one intervened group were identified. We interviewed 661 women household heads. Contact was defined as having been exposed to at least one of the four intervention components. Results. Fourteen percent of the respondents had contact with the intervention. The attention of a febrile episode was better in those who had contact with the intervention than in the nonintervened ones who had resided in the area for more than six months. Those without contact and with less than six months stay in the area reported lower use of bed-nets (OR:0.46; 95% CI:0.23-0.93) and less fumigation practices (OR:0.38; 95% CI:0.19-0.75). The analysis of the malaria case trend showed a reduction in the proportion of cases contributed by the intervened communities, from 25% to 17%, six years after the intervention. Conclusion. An educational strategy is effective to enhance knowledge and modify the practices of the urban population of Buenaventura with respect to malaria.

Comportamiento experimental del Sporothrix schenckii y la leishmania mexicana en el hamster / Experimental behavior of Sporothrix schenckii and leishmania mexicana in hamsters

La descripción macroscópica del proceso de patogénesis en hamsters inoculados subcutáneamente en nariz con Sporothrix schenckii ó Leishmania mexicana spp.proporcionó bases para diferenciar estos dos microorganismo en un modelo animal utilizado comunmente para estudiarlos. Observaciones secuenciales durante 150 días permitieran afirmar que en las infecciones causadas por estos patógenos se presentaron edema y eritema como signos primarios, seguidos de alopecia, necrosis y ulceración. La producción de pus fué una característica distintiva para el S. schenckii. Estos signos clínicos se observaron más temprano en la esporotricosis que en la infección por L.mexicana, mostrando diferencias estadísticas significantes en días promedio de aparición. El presente trabajo muestra que las lesiones produzidas tanto por el S.schenckii como la L. mexicana en este modelo experimental comparten signos clínicos, pero el tiempo de aparición de los mismo y su frecuencia relativa permiten diferenciarlas. Las condiciones de inoculación como: cepa de los microorganismos, dosis del inóculo, sitio y via de inoculación, deben tenerse presentes en la evaculación de su comportamiento experimental

Conceptos populares sobre la leishmaniasis cutánea en Colombia y su aplicabilidad en programas de control / Popular conceptions of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia and their applicability in control programs

Se realizó un estudio con objeto de obtener información sobre los conceptos, actitudes y tratamientos populares de la leshmaniasis cutánea utilizados en una región endémica aislada de la costa del Pacífico colombiano. Para ello, se entrevistó a una muestra representativa de personas de la comunidad y agentes de salud. La encuesta formal se realizó en 736 hogares de dos zonas, 332 de la rural (donde la leishmaniasis es endémica) y 404 de la ciudad de Buenaventura (donde no se transmite la enfermedad). Los resultados indican que, en la zona rural, la leishmaniasis cutánea es bien conocida, tiene nombre propio ("ya te vi" o "bejuco"), una etiología conocida, aunque difiere de la aceptada por la comunidad científica, y métodos curativos y profilácticos. Esta teoría popular de la enfermedad condiciona una conducta frente a la misma (tanto en relación con su profilaxis como con su tratamiento) que comparte muchas de sus características con las de la medicina occidental. Los tratamientos tradicionales empleados deberían tenerse en cuenta al aplicar medidas de control de la enfermedad en la zona