Brain lesions associated with eosinophilia. A useful clue for neurotoxocariasis. Report of one case

ABSTRACT Neurotoxocariasis is uncommon. Its manifestations include events of meningitis, encephalitis and less frequently vasculitis, which manifest as headache, seizures, focalization, confusion, cognitive alterations and /or fever. Peripheral eosinophilia with clinical and neurological imaging elements, allow its early suspicion. We report a 48-year-old agricultural worker, admitted in our hospital for one week of gastrointestinal complaints, headache, progressive left hemiparesis and impaired consciousness. He had leukocytosis (13,530/μL) with peripheral eosinophilia (25%, absolute count 3,400 /μL). CSF analysis revealed no abnormalities and brain CT showed poorly defined hypodense lesions on subcortical areas and semioval centers. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple foci with increased signals predominantly in the white matter in both hemispheres, especially at frontal and occipital regions and at semioval centers. Lesions reinforced after paramagnetic contrast. Serological studies found specific IgG antibodies by ELISA against antigens of the genus Toxocara, which were confirmed by a positive IgG Western Blot. The patient was treated with albendazole (800 mg/d) for 14 days associated with parenteral and then oral corticosteroids with a favorable response and gradual complete recovery.

La neurotoxocariasis es infrecuente. Sus manifestaciones incluyen eventos de meningitis, encefalitis y con menor frecuencia vasculitis, que se manifiestan como cefalea, convulsiones, focalización, confusión, alteraciones cognitivas o fiebre. La eosinofilia periférica, junto a elementos clínicos e imágenes compatibles, permiten su sospecha. Informamos el caso de un trabajador agrícola de 48 años que ingresó por una semana de molestias gastrointestinales, cefalea, hemiparesia izquierda progresiva y deterioro de conciencia. Los exámenes revelaron leucocitosis (13.530/μL) con eosinofilia periférica (25%, recuento absoluto 3.400/μL). El análisis del LCR sin anomalías y la tomografía computada cerebral mostró lesiones hipodensas mal definidas en áreas subcorticales y centros semiovales. La resonancia magnética mostró múltiples focos con aumento de la señal predominantemente en la sustancia blanca en ambos hemisferios. Las lesiones presentaron refuerzo tras contraste paramagnético. Los estudios serológicos indicaron anticuerpos IgG específicos por ELISA contra antígenos del género Toxocara. El paciente fue tratado con albendazol (800 mg /día) durante 14 días asociado a corticoides con respuesta favorable y una recuperación gradual completa.

Atovaquone/Proguanil Resistance in an Imported Malaria Case in Chile.

In November 2018, we diagnosed a cluster of falciparum malaria cases in three Chilean travelers returning from Nigeria. Two patients were treated with sequential intravenous artesunate plus oral atovaquone/proguanil (AP) and one with oral AP. The third patient, a 23-year-old man, presented with fever on day 29 after oral AP treatment and was diagnosed with recrudescent falciparum malaria. The patient was then treated with oral mefloquine, followed by clinical recovery and resolution of parasitemia. Analysis of day 0 and follow-up blood samples, collected on days 9, 29, 34, 64, and 83, revealed that parasitemia had initially decreased but then increased on day 29. Sequencing confirmed Tyr268Cys mutation in the cytochrome b gene, associated with atovaquone resistance, in isolates collected on days 29 and 34 and P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase mutation Asn51Ile, associated with proguanil resistance in all successfully sequenced samples. Molecular characterization of imported malaria contributes to clinical management in non-endemic countries, helps ascertain the appropriateness of antimalarial treatment policies, and contributes to the reporting of drug resistance patterns from endemic regions.

Brain lesions associated with eosinophilia. A useful clue for neurotoxocariasis. Report of one case.

Neurotoxocariasis is uncommon. Its manifestations include events of meningitis, encephalitis and less frequently vasculitis, which manifest as headache, seizures, focalization, confusion, cognitive alterations and /or fever. Peripheral eosinophilia with clinical and neurological imaging elements, allow its early suspicion. We report a 48-year-old agricultural worker, admitted in our hospital for one week of gastrointestinal complaints, headache, progressive left hemiparesis and impaired consciousness. He had leukocytosis (13,530/µL) with peripheral eosinophilia (25%, absolute count 3,400 /µL). CSF analysis revealed no abnormalities and brain CT showed poorly defined hypodense lesions on subcortical areas and semioval centers. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple foci with increased signals predominantly in the white matter in both hemispheres, especially at frontal and occipital regions and at semioval centers. Lesions reinforced after paramagnetic contrast. Serological studies found specific IgG antibodies by ELISA against antigens of the genus Toxocara, which were confirmed by a positive IgG Western Blot. The patient was treated with albendazole (800 mg/d) for 14 days associated with parenteral and then oral corticosteroids with a favorable response and gradual complete recovery.

Molecular and epidemiological characterization of imported malaria cases in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Chile is one of the South American countries certified as malaria-free since 1945. However, the recent increase of imported malaria cases and the presence of the vector Anopheles pseudopunctipennis in previously endemic areas in Chile require an active malaria surveillance programme. METHODS: Specimens from 268 suspected malaria cases-all imported-collected between 2015 and 2018 at the Public Health Institute of Chile (ISP), were diagnosed by microscopy and positive cases were included for epidemiological analysis. A photo-induced electron transfer fluorogenic primer real-time PCR (PET-PCR) was used to confirm the presence of malaria parasites in available blood samples. Sanger sequencing of drug resistance molecular markers (pfk13, pfcrt and pfmdr1) and microsatellite (MS) analysis were performed in confirmed Plasmodium falciparum samples and results were related to origin of infection. RESULTS: Out of the 268 suspected cases, 65 were Plasmodium spp. positive by microscopy. A total of 63% of the malaria patients were male and 37% were female; 43/65 of the patients acquired infections in South American endemic countries. Species confirmation of available blood samples by PET-PCR revealed that 15 samples were positive for P. falciparum, 27 for Plasmodium vivax and 4 were mixed infections. The P. falciparum samples sequenced contained four mutant pfcrt genotypes (CVMNT, CVMET, CVIET and SVMNT) and three mutant pfmdr1 genotypes (Y184F/S1034C/N1042D/D1246Y, Y184F/N1042D/D1246Y and Y184F). MS analysis confirmed that all P. falciparum samples presented different haplotypes according to the suspected country of origin. Four patients with P. vivax infection returned to the health facilities due to relapses. CONCLUSION: The timely detection of polymorphisms associated with drug resistance will contribute to understanding if current drug policies in the country are appropriate for treatment of imported malaria cases and provide information about the most frequent resistant genotypes entering Chile.

Genotypic diversity of Acanthamoeba strains isolated from Chilean patients with Acanthamoeba keratitis.

BACKGROUND: Acanthamoeba spp. are the causative agents of a severe keratitis occurring mainly in contact lens wearers. The genus comprises more than 24 species that are currently divided into 20 different genotypes (T1-T20) according to sequence variations in the 18S rRNA gene. The objective of this study was to identify the genotypes and sub-genotypes of Acanthamoeba isolates collected at the Parasitology Laboratory of the Public Health Institute of Chile, the only laboratory in the country where Acanthamoeba screening is performed. This is the first report of genotypic identification of clinical isolates of Acanthamoeba in Chile and one of the few in South America. RESULTS: In this study, 114 Acanthamoeba isolates from 76 Acanthamoeba keratitis patients, obtained between 2005-2016, were genotyped. T4 was the predominant genotype; T2 and T11 genotypes, which are scarcely reported worldwide, were also identified in Chilean patients (one and two patients, respectively). This is the first report of T2 and T11 genotypes isolated from Acanthamoeba keratitis patients in South America. It is also the first report of the T2 genotype circulating in this continent. Analysis of the diagnostic fragment 3 region of the 18S rRNA gene showed 24 T4 variants, with a predominance of the sub-genotype T4/A, followed by T4/B, T4/G, T4/C and T4/D. Bayesian analysis revealed three groups among the T4 variants: two well supported groups that included 12 and 7 sub-genotypes, respectively, and a weakly supported group that included 5 sub-genotypes. Most of the predominant T4 sub-genotypes belonged to the same group, which included 71.3% of the patients, while some minority variants lied mainly in the other two clusters. CONCLUSIONS: T2, T4 and T11 genotypes were predominantly isolated from the Acanthamoeba keratitis patients in Chile. Chilean predominant T4 sub-genotypes, which have also been reported worldwide, formed a separate cluster of the minority T4 variants. This study provides useful information about the predominant genotypes and subgenotypes that would be useful in selecting suitable strains to develop immunological and/or molecular diagnostic assays in Chile.

Effectiveness of sampling methods employed for Acanthamoeba keratitis diagnosis by culture.

PURPOSE: This retrospective, observational study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the sampling methods commonly used for the collection of corneal scrapes for the diagnosis of Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK) by culture, in terms of their ability to provide a positive result. METHODS: A total of 553 samples from 380 patients with suspected AK received at the Parasitology Section of the Public Health Institute of Chile, between January 2005 and December 2015, were evaluated. A logistic regression model was used to determine the correlation between the culture outcome (positive or negative) and the method for sample collection. The year of sample collection was also included in the analysis as a confounding variable. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty-five samples (27%) from 122 patients (32.1%) were positive by culture. The distribution of sample types was as follows: 142 corneal scrapes collected using a modified bezel needle (a novel method developed by a team of Chilean corneologists), 176 corneal scrapes obtained using a scalpel, 50 corneal biopsies, 30 corneal swabs, and 155 non-biological materials including contact lens and its paraphernalia. Biopsy provided the highest likelihood ratio for a positive result by culture (1.89), followed by non-biological materials (1.10) and corneal scrapes obtained using a modified needle (1.00). The lowest likelihood ratio was estimated for corneal scrapes obtained using a scalpel (0.88) and cotton swabs (0.78). CONCLUSION: Apart from biopsy, optimum corneal samples for the improved diagnosis of AK can be obtained using a modified bezel needle instead of a scalpel, while cotton swabs are not recommended.

First inter-laboratory comparison of Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato diagnosis in Latin America.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the performance of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) tests for diagnosing Echinococcus granulosus in dog feces among national reference laboratories in Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay. METHODS: National laboratories affiliated with the Ministry of Health/Agriculture of each country exchanged panels of 10 positive/negative samples obtained from their regular national surveillance programs in November 2015 - November 2016. All laboratories applied PCR; two also applied ELISA techniques. Sensitivity and specificity were determined for each laboratory and concordance of results among the laboratories was evaluated by Cohen Kappa coefficient. RESULTS: Poor concordance (3 of 10 paired comparisons had values of Kappa > 0.4), low sensitivity and specificity across all laboratories, and poor performance of both techniques in detecting E. granulosus in canine feces was demonstrated in this study. An ex-post comparison of the laboratories' test protocols showed substantial heterogeneity that could partially explain poor concordance of results. CONCLUSION: The results underscore the heterogeneity of canine echinococcosis diagnosis across the region and indicate possible sources of variability. Efforts to standardize canine echinococcosis testing must be included in the plan of action for the Regional Initiative for the Control of Cystic Echinococcosis. Future comparisons with fecal samples of known parasite load are needed.

[Liposomal amphotericin B treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis: an imported case report]. / Leishmaniasis cutánea causada por Leishmania braziliensis y uso de anfotericina B liposomal. Comunicación de un caso clínico importado.

Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania sp. and transmitted by sandfly vectors. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most frequent form of presentation. Clinically, chronic and painless ulcers are observed, which usually occur at the site of the sandfly bite. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease is specially challenging in non-endemic countries such as Chile, requiring the use of diverse laboratory techniques as well as the support of expert physicians. Herein we report an imported case of a healthy 42-year-old male with CL caused by L. braziliensis with successful response to liposomal amphotericin B.

Leishmaniasis cutánea causada por Leishmania braziliensis y uso de anfotericina B liposomal. Comunicación de un caso clínico importado / Liposomal amphotericin B treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis caused by L. braziliensis: an imported case report

Resumen La leishmaniasis es una infección producida por protozoos del género Leishmania, transmitida por insectos hematófagos. La forma de presentación más frecuente es la leishmaniasis cutánea (LC), en la cual se observan úlceras crónicas e indoloras, usualmente localizadas en el sitio de la picadura del insecto. El diagnóstico y tratamiento de esta enfermedad son especialmente desafiantes en zonas no endémicas como nuestro país, requiriendo el uso de diversas técnicas de laboratorio y el apoyo de expertos. Se reporta el caso clínico importado de un varón de 42 años con LC causada por L. braziliensis con respuesta exitosa al tratamiento con anfotericina B liposomal.

Leishmaniasis is an infection caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania sp. and transmitted by sandfly vectors. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most frequent form of presentation. Clinically, chronic and painless ulcers are observed, which usually occur at the site of the sandfly bite. The diagnosis and treatment of this disease is specially challenging in non-endemic countries such as Chile, requiring the use of diverse laboratory techniques as well as the support of expert physicians. Herein we report an imported case of a healthy 42-year-old male with CL caused by L. braziliensis with successful response to liposomal amphotericin B.

[Chagas disease affecting the central nervous system in a patient with AIDS demonstrated by quantitative molecular methods]. / Enfermedad de Chagas del sistema nervioso central en un paciente con SIDA demostrada por métodos cuantitativos moleculares.

Although infrequent, Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation is possible among patients with HIV/AIDS infection that develop a tumor-like or granulomatous lesion in the CNS. We report the case of a 60 years old male patient with HIV/AIDS and low CD4 lymphocytes count with cerebellar symptoms and mild paresis, associated to supra and infratentorial hypodense lesions and positive serology tests both to T. gondii and Trypanosoma cruzi. Empirical therapy against toxoplasmosis was prescribed together with antiretroviral therapy but without a favorable response. Brain Chagas disease was confirmed by quantitative PCR in the CSF but he died despite nifurtimox treatment. Despite its rare occurrence, Chagas disease affecting the CNS is possible among patients with HIV/AIDS infection. Epidemiological exposure, a positive Chagas serological test and the image pattern of brain lesions support the suspicion. Diagnosis can be confirmed by molecular test in CSF samples, including new quantitative methods. Despite an adverse prognosis, specific therapy can be attempted besides antiretroviral treatment.

Enfermedad de Chagas del sistema nervioso central en un paciente con SIDA demostrada por métodos cuantitativos moleculares / Chagas disease affecting the central nervous system in a patient with AIDS demonstrated by quantitative molecular methods

Although infrequent, Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation is possible among patients with HIV/AIDS infection that develop a tumor-like or granulomatous lesion in the CNS. We report the case of a 60 years old male patient with HIV/AIDS and low CD4 lymphocytes count with cerebellar symptoms and mild paresis, associated to supra and infratentorial hypodense lesions and positive serology tests both to T. gondii and Trypanosoma cruzi. Empirical therapy against toxoplasmosis was prescribed together with antiretroviral therapy but without a favorable response. Brain Chagas disease was confirmed by quantitative PCR in the CSF but he died despite nifurtimox treatment. Despite its rare occurrence, Chagas disease affecting the CNS is possible among patients with HIV/AIDS infection. Epidemiological exposure, a positive Chagas serological test and the image pattern of brain lesions support the suspicion. Diagnosis can be confirmed by molecular test in CSF samples, including new quantitative methods. Despite an adverse prognosis, specific therapy can be attempted besides antiretroviral treatment.

La reactivación de la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi es un diagnóstico infrecuente pero posible en pacientes con infección por VIH/SIDA y una lesión de tipo tumoral o granulomatosa en el sistema nervioso central. Presentamos el caso clínico de un paciente de 60 años con VIH/SIDA y recuentos bajos de linfocitos CD4, con síntomas cerebelosos y paresia leve, lesiones hipodensas supra e infratentoriales y serología positiva para Toxoplasma gondii y T. cruzi. Se trató empíricamente como una toxoplasmosis cerebral y con terapia antiretroviral, sin respuesta clínica. La enfermedad de Chagas cerebral se confirmó por RPC cuantitativa en el LCR. El paciente falleció a pesar de recibir terapia con nifurtimox. Apoyan la posibilidad de un Chagas cerebral en pacientes con VIH/SIDA, la exposición epidemiológica, la serología positiva y el patrón de distribución de las lesiones en las imágenes. El diagnóstico puede mejorarse con técnicas moleculares cuantitativas en LCR. A pesar de su mal pronóstico, se puede intentar una terapia específica junto al tratamiento antiretroviral.

FREQUENCY OF ANTI- Toxocara spp. ANTIBODIES IN INDIVIDUALS ATTENDED BY THE CENTRO DE SALUD FAMILIAR AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION WITH Toxocara canis EGGS IN DOG FECES, IN THE COASTAL NIEBLA TOWN, CHILE.

The frequency of anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in individuals attended by the Centro de Salud Familiar in the coastal Niebla town, Chile, was related to the host and to environmental factors. IgG anti- Toxocara antibodies were detected with a commercial ELISA kit (SCIMEDX Corporation, USA). Samples with undetermined absorbance values were subjected to an additional ELISA standardized by the Instituto de Salud Pública, Chilean Health Ministry, a commercial ELISA (NOVATEC, Germany), and a commercial Western blot kit (LDBio Diagnostics, France). Hematological exams were performed using an automated blood counter and blood smears. Dog feces were collected from the ground along the main road in Niebla, including rural and urban locations. Ninety (25.4%) of the 355 examined individuals were positive by the ELISA test. The frequency of anti-Toxocara antibodies and the infection risk were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among those individuals ≥ 40 years old with respect to the 20-39 years old group, in individuals from rural locations, those who did not have a safe drinking water supply in the house or who presented blood eosinophilia. The proportion of positive samples of dog feces and the mean number of Toxocara canis eggs/g of feces in urban and rural areas were similar (p > 0.05).

The C-terminal region of Trypanosoma cruzi MASPs is antigenic and secreted via exovesicles.

Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiological agent of Chagas disease, a neglected and emerging tropical disease, endemic to South America and present in non-endemic regions due to human migration. The MASP multigene family is specific to T. cruzi, accounting for 6% of the parasite's genome and plays a key role in immune evasion. A common feature of MASPs is the presence of two conserved regions: an N-terminal region codifying for signal peptide and a C-terminal (C-term) region, which potentially acts as GPI-addition signal peptide. Our aim was the analysis of the presence of an immune response against the MASP C-term region. We found that this region is highly conserved, released via exovesicles (EVs) and has an associated immune response as revealed by epitope affinity mapping, IFA and inhibition of the complement lysis assays. We also demonstrate the presence of a fast IgM response in Balb/c mice infected with T. cruzi. Our results reveal the presence of non-canonical secreted peptides in EVs, which can subsequently be exposed to the immune system with a potential role in evading immune system targets in the parasite.

La enfermedad de Chagas en Chile: componente vectorial y serología en menores de 5 años durante el período 2005-2010 / Chagas disease in Chile: vector component and serology in children below 5 years old during period 2005-2010

La enfermedad de Chagas afecta a más de 18 millones de personas en el mundo, incluyendo a cerca de 120.000 en el país. El principal vector de esta enfermedad en Chile es Triatoma infestans. En el laboratorio de entomología médica del ISP se han analizado 2.193 ejemplares de triatominos. Las Secretarías Regionales Ministeriales (SEREMIS) de Atacama, Valparaíso y Metropolitana reúnen en conjunto al 93,84 por ciento del total de triatominos + hemípteros (2.058) capturados en el período. La SEREMI con el mayor número de capturas y envíos es la de Valparaíso, específicamente la oficina provincial de Aconcagua, con un 49,15 por ciento del total. Al analizar, la totalidad de triatominos en laboratorio desde el año 2005 hasta 2010 y considerando el índice tripano/triatomineo, se observa un índice de infestación final de 28,5 por ciento. Paralelamente a los estudios con el vector, se realizaron una serie de estudios de tamizaje serológico en niños menores de 5 años y sus familias entre las regiones de Arica y Parinacota y O’Higgins. Se realizaron 5.111 tamizajes, encontrando 28 casos positivos con una positividad del 0,55 por ciento, valor cercano al 0,7 por ciento de prevalencia obtenida por la Encuesta Nacional de Salud (ENS) 2009-2010.

Chagas’ disease affects over 18 million people including about 150,000 in the country. The main vector of this disease in Chile is Triatoma infestans. The medical entomology laboratory ISP, analyzed 2 193 samples of triatomine. The Regional Ministerial Secretariats (SEREMIS) of Atacama, Valparaiso and Metropolitana gather together a 93.84 percent of triatomine + hemiptera (2 058) captured in the period. The SEREMI with the highest number of catches and services is Valparaiso, specifically the Aconcagua provincial office with 49.15 percent of the total. The analysis of all triatomines in the laboratory from 2005 to 2010 and considering the trypan / triatominae index, there is a final infestation rate of 28.5 percent. Parallel to the studies with the vector, there was a series of studies for serological screening in children under 5 and their families between the regions of Arica and Parinacota and O’Higgins. Five thousand one hundred and eleven screenings have been conducted and found 28 positive cases with a positivity of 0.55 percent, a value close to 0.7 percent prevalence obtained by the National Health Survey (NHS) 2009-2010.

Microsatellite marker analysis shows differentiation among Trypanosoma cruzi populations of peripheral blood and dejections of Triatoma infestans fed on the same chronic chagasic patients : microsatellite marker analysis and T. cruzi.

To investigate whether Trypanosoma cruzi populations found in chagasic cardiopathic and non-cardiopathic patients are genetically differentiated, three molecular microsatellite markers were analysed. This analysis was also applied to compare T. cruzi samples from peripheral blood or dejections of Triatoma infestans fed on the blood of the same patients. In order to obtain the first objective, analyses of predominant T. cruzi genotypes were conducted using three approaches: a locus-by-locus analysis; a Fisher method across three loci; and analysis of molecular variance by Genepop and Arlequin programs. Only with one locus and on the blood samples was a significant differentiation detected among non-cardiopathic and cardiopathic groups, which was not confirmed by the other two methods. On the contrary, with the three approaches, it was found that T. cruzi clones present in the blood of patients are genetically differentiated from those detected in dejections of T. infestans fed on the same patients. Our results showed that the most frequent lineage both in blood as well as in triatomine dejection samples was TcI. No significant difference in T. cruzi lineage distribution was observed among chagasic cardiopathic and non-cardiopathic patients. The majority of the samples (50-60%) had only one T. cruzi clone (uniclonal) either in blood or dejection samples.

Phylogenetic analysis of microsatellite markers further supports the two hybridization events hypothesis as the origin of the Trypanosoma cruzi lineages.

To better understand the evolution of the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, we cloned and sequenced 25 alleles from five Tripanosoma cruzi microsatellite markers. The study of the sequences showed highly conserved alleles present in T. cruzi clones belonging to TCI, TCIIc, and TCIIe. This result was also confirmed by the phylogenetic analysis of MCLE01 allele sequences. The examination by capillary electrophoresis of six microsatellite markers from 19 T. cruzi clones showed a high proportion of the alleles found both in the TCI and TCII sublineages. The phylogenetic reconstruction of these 19 clones produced a tree with two major clusters with bootstrap support of 100% and 95%. The first cluster includes T. cruzi clones belonging to the TCI and TCIIa lineages. The second cluster is composed of TCI, TCIIc, TCIId, and TCIIe T. cruzi clones. The analysis of five microsatellite markers in the CLBrener genome showed that almost all the microsatellite markers are synteny; non-Esmeraldo and Esmeraldo haplotypes probably come from the TCIIc and TCIIb lineages. Taken together, our results are in agreement with the two hybridization events hypothesis as the origin of current T. cruzi lineages.

Seroepidemiological aspects of human Strongyloides stercoralis infections in Chile.

To determine the frequency of Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies by means of the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Chile, in 2001-2003, 675 blood samples of patients of two psychiatric hospitals and 172 of healthy individuals (doctors, nurses and paramedicals) of these institutions, and 1,200 serum samples of blood donors of Northern region (Arica and Antofagasta), Central region (Valparaiso and Santiago) and Southern region (La Union) were collected. ELISA showed positivity of 12.1% in psychiatric hospitalized patients, none (0%) in the health personnel and 0.25% in blood donors (p < 0.05). Only in blood donors of Arica (1%) and La Union (0.5%) the ELISA test was positive suggesting that strongyloidiasis is focalized in determinate zones of the country. In Chile, human infections by S. stercoralis are endemic with very low frequency in apparently healthy individuals and high prevalence in risk groups such as the mentally ill hospitalized patients.

Seroepidemiological aspects of human Strongyloides stercoralis infections in Chile

To determine the frequency of Strongyloides stercoralis antibodies by means of the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Chile, in 2001-2003, 675 blood samples of patients of two psychiatric hospitals and 172 of healthy individuals (doctors, nurses and paramedicals) of these institutions, and 1,200 serum samples of blood donors of Northern region (Arica and Antofagasta), Central region (Valparaiso and Santiago) and Southern region (La Union) were collected. ELISA showed positivity of 12.1 percent in psychiatric hospitalized patients, none (0 percent) in the health personnel and 0.25 percent in blood donors (p < 0.05). Only in blood donors of Arica (1 percent) and La Union (0.5 percent) the ELISA test was positive suggesting that strongyloidiasis is focalized in determinate zones of the country. In Chile, human infections by S. stercoralis are endemic with very low frequency in apparently healthy individuals and high prevalence in risk groups such as the mentally ill hospitalized patients.

Entre os anos de 2001-2003 foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 675 pacientes de dois hospitais psiquiátricos da região central do Chile, 172 de indivíduos sadios (médicos, enfermeiros e paramédicos) destas instituições e 1200 de doadores de sangue de cidades das regiões norte (Arica e Antofagasta), central (Valparaiso e Santiago) e sul (La Union) para determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti Strongyloides stercoralis mediante a reação de enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Foram observadas soropositividade de 12.1 por cento em pacientes de hospitais psiquiátricos e de 0,25 por cento em doadores de sangue (p < 0.05). Todas as amostras dos indivíduos sadios foram não reagentes. Entre os doadores de sangue a soropositividade ocorreu somente nos indivíduos de Arica (1,0 por cento) e La Union (0,5 por cento) sugerindo que a estrongiloidíase poderia estar localizada em determinadas áreas geográficas do país. Conclui-se que no Chile as infecções por S. stercoralis seriam endêmicas, de baixa freqüência e afetando especialmente grupos de risco como os pacientes psiquiátricos.

La salud, los viajes y las enfermedades del viajero en Chile / Health, trips and traveler's disease in Chile

Cada año millones de personas viajan en aviones, buses, barcos, autos o trenes, cruzando las fronteras de su país y muchas veces, las de otros varios, en un trayecto determinado. Ellos son viajeros que se desplazan anualmente por todo el mundo por los mas diversos motivos: turismo, vacaciones, negocios, migración en busca de trabajo o mejores condiciones de vida, peregrinaciones religiosas, visitas familiares a parientes, intercambios estudiantiles, de becarios o estudios de post-grado, invasiones bélicas o búsqueda de refugio ante éstas. Sea cual sea la causa que da origen al desplazamiento, un viaje internacional en un convenio tácito entre 4 actores: el o los protagonistas, la agencia de viajes, la empresa de transportes y el lugar de destino. En general, los países anfitriones se esfuerzan por dar las máximas condiciones de seguridad sanitaria entregando la información necesaria, aplicando una rigurosa inspección a la hotelería existente y haciendo estrictas recomendaciones respecto de las comidas y agua que podrían afectar al viajero. No obstante todas las precauciones descritas previamente, las enfermedades provocadas por elementos propios a la zona a visitar sin una adecuada protección inmunitaria (vacunaciones), la utilización profiláctica de fármacos específicos y una conducta adecuada y responsable frente al consumo de bebidas, preparación de alimentos o sexualidad, son un riesgo permanente para quienes dejan sus lugares de origen y acceden a otros distintos, haciéndolos potenciales vectores diseminadores de estas a su entorno. Ante esta situación, cada vez mas recurrente en la actualidad en Chile, se hace una revisión de algunas afecciones tradicionales y patologías de ocurrencia emergente, con el propósito de dar un alerta a los tecnólogos médicos del país.

First record of human trichinosis in Chile associated with consumption of wild boar (Sus scrofa).

The first South American case of human trichinosis, resulting from the consumption of roast wild boar (Sus scrofa) is reported in Chile. The patient presented fever, diarrhea, myalgias, facial edema, sub-conjunctival reddening, photophobia, eosinophilia, and elevated glutamic oxalacetic transaminase. The diagnosis was confirmed by two immunoenzymatic tests (ELISA) using somatic and excretion-secretion antigens.