Impact of COVID-19 on paracoccidioidomycosis. Which was the most influential: The pandemic or the virus?

The impact of COVID-19 on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Argentina and the consequences generated by the pandemic are discussed. From 2018 to 3 years after the pandemic declaration, 285 proven PCM patients were registered. No association between both diseases was documented. PCM frequency decreased to extremely low levels in 2020. Mandatory social isolation and the emotional and psychological effects generated under pandemic circumstances led to delays in diagnosis, severe disseminated cases, and other challenges for diagnosis in subsequent years. Probable underdiagnosis should be considered due to the overlap of clinical manifestations, the low index of suspicion and the lack of sensitive diagnostic tools.

Evaluation of the Histoplasma capsulatum 100-kilodalton antigen dot blot for the rapid diagnosis of progressive histoplasmosis in HIV/AIDS patients.

Among people living with HIV (PLHIV), progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) represents an important cause of mortality. Since antigen detection allows a rapid diagnosis and the instauration of a specific treatment this study aimed to evaluate the analytical performance of the Hcp100 dot blot, an in-house assay that detects the Histoplasma capsulatum 100-kilodalton antigen in urine and compare it with 2 commercially available assays the Histoplasma Urine Antigen Lateral Flow Assay (MVD-LFA) (MiraVista® Diagnostics) and the Clarus Histoplasma Galactomannan EIA (Clarus HGM) (IMMY). Urine specimens from 23 PLHIV with PDH, 13 patients with other infectious diseases, and 20 healthy individuals were tested. The Hcp100 dot blot showed higher sensitivity (87.0%), specificity (97.0%) and accuracy (92.9%) than the MVD-LFA (73.9%, 78.8%, and 76.8%, respectively) and the Clarus HGM (78.3%, 90.9%, and 85.7%, respectively). The Hcp100 dot blot had high analytical performance and would be a valuable screening tool for diagnosing PDH among PLHIV.

Clinical and Demographic Features of Paracoccidioidomycosis in Argentina: A Multicenter Study Analysis of 466 Cases.

Information on paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) in Argentina is fragmented and has historically been based on estimates, supported only by a series of a few reported cases. Considering the lack of global information, a national multicentric study in order to carry out a more comprehensive analysis was warranted. We present a data analysis including demographic and clinical aspects of a historical series of 466 cases recorded over 10 years (2012-2021). Patients were aged from 1 to 89 years. The general male: female (M:F) ratio was 9.5:1 with significant variation according to the age group. Interestingly, the age range 21-30 shows an M:F ratio of 2:1. Most of the cases (86%) were registered in northeast Argentina (NEA), showing hyperendemic areas in Chaco province with more than 2 cases per 10,000 inhabitants. The chronic clinical form occurred in 85.6% of cases and the acute/subacute form occurred in 14.4% of cases, but most of these juvenile type cases occurred in northwestern Argentina (NWA). In NEA, the incidence of the chronic form was 90.6%; in NWA, the acute/subacute form exceeded 37%. Diagnosis by microscopy showed 96% positivity but antibody detection displays 17% of false negatives. Tuberculosis was the most frequent comorbidity, but a diverse spectrum of bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, and other non-infectious comorbidities was recorded. This national multicenter registry was launched in order to better understand the current status of PCM in Argentina and shows the two endemic zones with a highly diverse epidemiology.

Role of recombinant Histoplasma capsulatum 100-kilodalton antigen in the diagnosis of histoplasmosis among HIV/AIDS patients: Antigenuria and antibodies detection.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing progressive disseminated histoplasmosis (PDH) is still challenging in many countries where this disease is highly endemic. Definitive diagnosis is established by culture and/or by cytology/histopathology but both procedures have limited sensitivity and cultures are time-consuming. Antibodies detection by immunodiffusion has a low sensitivity in immunocompromised individuals. Commercially available antigen detection assays have high sensitivity in PDH cases; however, they are expensive and only performed in few laboratories. AIMS: To describe the potential use of a novel ELISA for antibodies testing and a dot blot assay for antigen testing for diagnosing PDH using the recombinant 100 kDa protein of Histoplasma capsulatum (Hcp100) and their polyclonal antibodies as novel reagents, respectively. METHODS: Serum and urine samples from a cohort of patients with HIV/AIDS and proven PDH were studied for the detection of anti-Hcp100 antibodies by ELISA and Hcp100 antigen by dot blot, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and cross-reactions with other diseases were estimated for each assay and compared with those obtained using histoplasmin (HMN) as a reagent for antibodies detection by ELISA and immunodiffusion, and using a commercial antigenuria test. RESULTS: Antibodies detection by the Hcp100 ELISA demonstrated 78.6% sensitivity and 88.4% specificity, versus 85.7% sensitivity and 81.0% specificity for the HMN ELISA and 26.1% sensitivity and 100% specificity for the immunodiffusion assay. Antigen detection by the Hcp100 dot blot demonstrated 89.3% sensitivity and 97.0% specificity versus 82.1% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity for the commercial test. CONCLUSION: The immunoassays described herein based on Hcp100 would be a valuable screening tool for diagnosing PDH.

Tiempo de espera para el diagnóstico final de BI-RADS 4 y 5 / Waiting time for the final diagnosis of BI-RADS 4 and 5

Resumen Objetivo: Medir el tiempo de espera en otorgar un diagnóstico final a las derechohabientes con BIRADS 4 y 5 de 40 a 69 años, en el Hospital General de Zona, Medicina Familiar No.1 en La Paz, Baja California Sur, México. Material y métodos: Estudio observacional, descriptivo, con la revisión de 36 registros de control de mastografías del área de radiología, con resultados de BI-RADS 4 y 5. Se midieron variables demográficas y los tiempos de espera del proceso desde la solicitud de la mastografía hasta el diagnóstico final. Se realizó estadística descriptiva. Estudio considerado sin riesgo de acuerdo a la Ley General de Salud. Fue autorizado por los comités de ética e investigación de la unidad hospitalaria. Resultados: Se analizaron un total de 36 expedientes de tamizaje en mujeres entre los 40 y los 69 años, con una media de 51.86 + 8.28 años. El promedio de días trascurridos desde la solicitud de la mastografía hasta el diagnóstico final fue 125.05 + 66.23. En el 13.9% de los casos, se logró concluir el proceso diagnóstico en el tiempo normalmente previsto; para el 86.1% restante, se necesitó un tiempo mayor a 30 días para concluir el protocolo diagnóstico. Las causas del tiempo prolongado fueron atribuibles a la demora en la atención en segundo nivel, (consulta de especialidades y área de patología). Conclusiones: Se necesita generar estrategias en todos los pasos del proceso, para asegurar que se cumpla con el tiempo de espera normado en flujograma, tanto en primero como en el segundo nivel de atención; para mejorar el pronóstico de pacientes con cáncer de mama.

Abstract Objective: To measure the waiting time in granting a final diagnosis to the rights holders with BI RADS 4 and 5 from 40 to 69 years old, in the General Hospital of the Zone + Family Medicine No.1 in La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. Material and methods: Observational, descriptive study, with the review of 36 mammography control records from the radiology area, with BI RADS 4 or 5 results. Demographic variables and waiting times for the process were measured from mammography request until the final diagnosis. Descriptive statistics were performed. Study considered without risk according to the General Health Law. It was authorized by the ethics and research committees of the hospital unit. Results: A total of 36 screening files were analyzed in women between 40 and 69 years old, with a mean of 51.86 + 8.28 years. The average number of days elapsed from the request for the mammography to the final diagnosis was 125.05 + 66.23. In 13.9% of the cases, the diagnostic process was concluded in the normal scheduled time; for the remaining 86.1%, it took more than 30 days to complete the diagnostic protocol. The causes of the prolonged time were attributable to the delay in care at the second level (consultation of specialties and pathology area). Conclusions: It is necessary to generate strategies in all the steps of the process, to ensure that the waiting time regulated in the flowchart is complied with, both in the first and second level of care; to improve the prognosis of patients with breast cancer.

[Comparison of the Pap smear with conventional technique versus modified technique]. / Comparación del Papanicolau con técnica convencional frente a técnica modificada.

Background: Despite the fact that the Papanicolaou technique is the most effective method of prevention and detection of cervical cancer, the precision of this tool remains controversial; Because of this, there are medical and scientific efforts to improve the quality of the procedure. Objective: Compare the quality of sampling between the conventional and modified technique. Material and methods: Descriptive and comparative observational study in 150 cervical cytology samples (75 conventional technique samples and 75 in modified technique) in women aged 25 to 64 years. Demographic variables, characteristics of the cervix and quality of the sample were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and association measures were performed. Study with risk greater than the minimum. All participants signed an informed consent. Results: The quality of the sample was satisfactory in 92.0% for the conventional technique vs 89.3% for the modified technique. The main cause of unsatisfactory samples was insufficient cellularity 6.7% in conventional technique vs 12% of the modified technique, with no significant difference between both techniques p = 0.575 (1.37; 0.45-4.1), findings that reject the working hypothesis. Conclusions: There was no significant difference when using both tests, the samples with satisfactory quality were similar between both techniques.

Introducción: a pesar de que la técnica de papanicolaou es el método más eficaz para la prevención y detección del cáncer cervicouterino, la precisión de esta herramienta sigue siendo controversial; debido a esto, existen esfuerzos médicos y científicos para mejorar la calidad del procedimiento. Objetivo: comparar la calidad en la toma de muestra entre la técnica convencional y la modificada. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo y comparativo en 150 muestras de citología cervical (75 muestras técnica convencional y 75 en técnica modificada) en mujeres de 25 a 64 años. Se analizaron variables demográficas, características del cérvix y calidad de la muestra. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y medidas de asociación. Estudio con riesgo mayor que el mínimo. Todas las participantes firmaron consentimiento informado. Resultados: la calidad de la muestra fue satisfactoria en el 92% para la técnica convencional frente al 89.3% para la técnica modificada. La causa principal de muestras insatisfactorias fue la celularidad insuficiente, la cual se presentó en el 6.7% de las muestras con técnica convencional frente al 12% de la técnica modificada, sin diferencia significativa entre ambas técnicas p = 0.575 (1.37; 0.45-4.1), hallazgos que rechazan la hipótesis de trabajo. Conclusiones: no hubo diferencia significativa al utilizar ambas pruebas, las muestras con calidad satisfactoria fueron similares entre ambas técnicas.

Comparación del Papanicolau con técnica convencional frente a técnica modificada / Comparison of the Pap smear with conventional technique versus modified technique

Introducción: a pesar de que la técnica de papanicolaou es el método más eficaz para la prevención y detección del cáncer cervicouterino, la precisión de esta herramienta sigue siendo controversial; debido a esto, existen esfuerzos médicos y científicos para mejorar la calidad del procedimiento. Objetivo: comparar la calidad en la toma de muestra entre la técnica convencional y la modificada. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo y comparativo en 150 muestras de citología cervical (75 muestras técnica convencional y 75 en técnica modificada) en mujeres de 25 a 64 años. Se analizaron variables emográficas, características del cérvix y calidad de la muestra. Se realizó estadística descriptiva y medidas de asociación. Estudio con riesgo mayor que el mínimo. Todas las participantes firmaron consentimiento informado. Resultados: la calidad de la muestra fue satisfactoria en el 92% para la técnica convencional frente al 89.3% para la técnica modificada. La causa principal de muestras insatisfactorias fue la celularidad insuficiente, la cual se presentó en el 6.7% de las muestras con técnica convencional frente al 12% de la técnica modificada, sin diferencia significativa entre ambas técnicas p = 0.575 (1.37; 0.45-4.1), hallazgos que rechazan la hipótesis de trabajo. Conclusiones: no hubo diferencia significativa al utilizar ambas pruebas, las muestras con calidad satisfactoria fueron similares entre ambas técnicas.

Background: Despite the fact that the Papanicolaou technique is the most effective method of prevention and detection of cervical cancer, the precision of this tool remains controversial; Because of this, there are medical and scientific efforts to improve the quality of the procedure. Objective: Compare the quality of sampling between the conventional and modified technique. Material and methods: Descriptive and comparative observational study in 150 cervical cytology samples (75 conventional technique samples and 75 in modified technique) in women aged 25 to 64 years. Demographic variables, characteristics of the cervix and quality of the sample were analyzed. Descriptive statistics and association measures were performed. Study with risk greater than the minimum. All participants signed an informed consent. Results: The quality of the sample was satisfactory in 92.0% for the conventional technique vs 89.3% for the modified technique. The main cause of unsatisfactory samples was insufficient cellularity 6.7% in conventional technique vs 12% of the modified technique, with no significant difference between both techniques p = 0.575 (1.37; 0.45-4.1), findings that reject the working hypothesis. Conclusions: There was no significant difference when using both tests, the samples with satisfactory quality were similar between both techniques.

Beneficios obtenidos con la consulta de teledermatología en Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur / Benefits obtained with the tele dermatology consultation in Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur

Resumen: Objetivo: Identificar y describir los beneficios en ahorro logrado y tiempo diferido de duración por teleconsulta de dermatología, en pacientes atendidos en Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional de costos unitarios. Se revisaron 58 expedientes de pacientes atendidos en la teleconsulta de dermatología en Guerrero Negro. Se analizaron variables demográficas, motivo de atención, unidad de referencia y los indicadores de ahorro logrado y tiempo de espera. Este estudio fue clasificado sin riesgo y se autorizó por el comité de ética e investigación. Resultados: El 81.6% fueron mujeres, predominó el grupo de edad de 31 a 50 años en el 29.3% de los casos, de acuerdo a la ocupación, predominaron las amas de casa en un 24.1%, el principal diagnóstico fue la dermatosis, el 50% de los casos pertenecían a la Unidad de Medicina familiar número 35. El tiempo real para obtener una teleconsulta versus consulta presencial fue de 638.50 + 879.05 versus 1,165.71+ 671.69 horas (p=0.000; IC 95% 0.000 - 0.050). Se comparó el costo en pesos mexicanos del traslado de la teleconsulta versus consulta presencial $302.08 ± 695.62 versus $5,014±$5,377.28 (p=0.003 IC 95% 0.000 - 0.050). Conclusiones: En este trabajo se muestra que el uso de la tecnología de la información y comunicación son útiles al servicio de la salud. Existe beneficio en los indicadores que se midieron: tiempo diferido de la consulta al obtener una consulta en máximo 10 días, al comparar de 45 a 60 días para una atención presencial, además del ahorro logrado en los costos unitarios al tener un gasto máximo de $302.00 pesos por concepto de traslado de las unidades periféricas a Guerrero Negro, comparado con $5,014.00 necesarios para acudir a la consulta presencial.

Abstract: Objective: Identify and describe the benefits in savings achieved and deferred duration of dermatology teleconsultation in patients treated in Guerrero Negro, Baja California Sur. Materials and methods: Observational study of unit costs. Fifty-eight files of patients treated at the dermatology teleconsultation in Guerrero Negro were reviewed. Demographic variables, reason for care, unit of reference, and indicators of savings achieved and waiting time were analyzed. This study was classified without risk and was authorized by the ethics and research committee. Results: 81.6% were women, the age group of 31 to 50 years prevailed in 29.3% of cases, according to occupation, housewives predominated in 24.1%, the main diagnosis was dermatosis, 50% of the cases belonged to Family Medicine Unit number 35. The real time to obtain a tele consultation versus face-to-face consultation was 638.50 + 879.05 versus 1.165.71 + 671.69 hours (p = 0.000; 95% CI 0.000 - 0.050). The costin Mexican pesos of the transfer of teleconsultation versus face-to-face consultation was $ 302.08 ± 695.62 versus $ 5,014 ± $ 5,377.28 (p = 0.003 95% CI 0.000 - 0.050). Conclusions: This work shows that the use of information and communication technology is useful in the service of health. There is benefit in the indicators that were measured: deferred time of the consultation when obtaining a consultation in a maximum of 10 days, when comparing 45 to 60 days for face-to-face care, in addition to the savings achieved in unit costs by having a maximum expenditure of $302.00 pesos for the transfer of peripheral units to Guerrero Negro, compared to the $ 5,014.00 needed to attend the face-to-face consultation.

Disminución del índice de masa corporal al sustituir bebidas endulzadas por agua simple / Decrease in body mass index when substituting sweetened beverages for plain water

Background: Health professionals recommend increasing your water intake, to 8 cups per day to reduce weight. Despite the widespread adoption of this advice, the evidence for its efficacy is limited. Objective: To evaluate the substitution of sweetened beverages for plain water as an intervention to decrease the body mass index (BMI) in health workers. Materials and methods: An analytical, quasi-experimental, longitudinal and prospective study was carried out at the HGZ MF #1 from October 15, 2019 to April 15, 2020. A collection instrument was developed to collect information to evaluate water intake in IMSS workers, recommending the consumption of simple water at 8 cups per day and determined anthropometric measurements at the beginning and at the end of the study. Results: Data collection was carried out on 150 healt workers who agreed to participate. The age was 40.1 ± 8.4 years, with a greater distribution in women with 60.0%, the majority belonged to the morning shift (46.0%). After the intervention, we found that only 9.3% had an intake of less than 1 l/day, 23.3% from 1 to 1.5 l/day, and 67.3% had the recommended intake of 1.6 to 2 l/day. The initial weight was 87.0 ± 17.4 kilograms vs. 84.1 ± 15.4 kilograms at the end. For its part, the initial BMI was 31.1±4.8 kg/m2 and the final BMI was 30.1 ± 4.4 kg/m2 . Inferential analysis using the test of differences for paired samples identified a statistically significant difference in favor of the intervention for BMI with a mean reduction of 1.004 kg/m2 (95% CI 0.776-1.232, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The substitution of sweetened beverages for plain water as an intervention to decrease the BMI in IMSS workers with statistically significant results that adopt our working hypothesis.

Antecedentes: Los profesionales de la salud recomiendan aumentar el consumo de agua a 8 tazas por día para reducir el peso. A pesar de la adopción de este consejo, la evidencia de su eficacia es limitada. Objetivo: Evaluar la sustitución de bebidas edulcoradas por agua simple como intervención para disminución del índice de masa corporal (IMC) en trabajadores sanitarios. Materiales y métodos: Se llevó a cabo un estudio analítico, cuasiexperimental, longitudinal y prospectivo, en el Hospital General de Zona / Medicina Familiar N° 1, de La Paz, México, del 15 de octubre de 2019 al 15 de abril de 2020. Se desarrolló un instrumento de recolección para recopilar información para evaluar la ingesta de agua en trabajadores de la salud, recomendando el consumo de agua simple de 8 tazas por día; se determinaron medidas antropométricas al inicio y al final del estudio. Resultados: Se realizó la recolección de los datos de 150 trabajadores del Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS) que aceptaron participar. La edad fue de 40.1 ± 8.4 años, con una distribución mayor en mujeres, con 60.0%; la mayoría pertenecía al turno matutino (46.0%). Luego de la intervención, encontramos que solo el 9.3% tenía ingesta de menos de 1 l/día, el 23.3% de 1 a 1.5 l/día y el 67.3% presentó la ingesta recomendada de 1.6 a 2 l/día. El peso inicial fue de 87.0 ± 17.4 kg vs. 84.1 ± 15.4 kg al final. Por su parte, el IMC inicial fue 31.1 ± 4.8 kg/m2 y final de 30.1 ± 4.4 kg/m2 . El análisis inferencial mediante la prueba de diferencias para muestras emparejadas identificó una diferencia estadísticamente significativa en favor de la intervención para el IMC, con una reducción media de 1.004 kg/m2 (IC 95%: 0.776 a 1.232, p < 0.001). Conclusiones: La sustitución de bebidas edulcoradas por agua simple como intervención para disminución del IMC en trabajadores del IMSS, logró resultados estadísticamente significativos, que confirman nuestra hipótesis de trabajo.

Manifestaciones orales de Paracoccidioidomicosis: informe de un caso / Oral manifestations of Paracoccidioidomycosis: report of a case

Objetivo: un caso clínico de paracoccidioidomicosis restringida a cavidad oral, contribuyendo con el conocimiento de esta patología al odontólogo general. Caso clínico: paciente masculino de 57 años de edad proveniente de la ciudad de Tartagal, Salta, derivado a la Unidad de Estomatología del Hospital Señor del Milagro, por presentar lesiones orales de tres meses de evolución. Clínicamente se observaron lesiones granulomatosas, indoloras, moriformes, en encía vestibulary palatina del sector antero superior derecho con ausencia de lesiones pulmonares. Se realizaron estudios microbiológicos y anatomopatológicos. Posteriormente, el paciente fue derivado al Servicio de infectología, donde recibió tratamiento con itraconasol (200 mg), con repuesta clínica favorable. Conclusión: el conocimiento de las manifestaciones orales puede llevar al diagnóstico clínico de la paracoccidioidomicosis por parte del odontólogo. El diagnóstico precoz es la mejor manera de salvar al paciente de las complicaciones de esta enfermedad.

Objective: a clinical case of paracoccidioidomicosis restricted to oral cavity, contributing to the knowledge of this disease to the general dentist. Case report: male patient of 57 years old from Tartagal, Salta referred to the Stomatology Center of Hospital Señor Del Milagro, presenting oral lesions with an evolution of three months. He had painless granulomatory lesions in the buccal and palatal gingiva of the upper right sector and without lungs injury. It performed microbiological and pathological studies. Subsequently, the patient referred to the Service of Infectious Diseases where he was treated with 200mg Itraconasol with a favorable clinical response. Conclusion: knowledge of oral manifestations can lead to clinical diagnosis of paracoccidioidomicosis by general dentist. Early diagnosis is the best way to save the patient from complications of this disease.