Zika Virus Disease in Colombia - Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Colombia began official surveillance for Zika virus disease (ZVD) in August 2015. In October 2015, an outbreak of ZVD was declared after laboratory-confirmed disease was identified in nine patients. METHODS: Using the national population-based surveillance system, we assessed patients with clinical symptoms of ZVD from August 9, 2015, to April 2, 2016. Laboratory test results and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated for a subgroup of pregnant women. Concurrently, we investigated reports of microcephaly for evidence of congenital ZVD. RESULTS: By April 2, 2016, there were 65,726 cases of ZVD reported in Colombia, of which 2485 (4%) were confirmed by means of reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The overall reported incidence of ZVD among female patients was twice that in male patients. A total of 11,944 pregnant women with ZVD were reported in Colombia, with 1484 (12%) of these cases confirmed on RT-PCR assay. In a subgroup of 1850 pregnant women, more than 90% of women who were reportedly infected during the third trimester had given birth, and no infants with apparent abnormalities, including microcephaly, have been identified. A majority of the women who contracted ZVD in the first or second trimester were still pregnant at the time of this report. Among the cases of microcephaly investigated from January 2016 through April 2016, four patients had laboratory evidence of congenital ZVD; all were born to asymptomatic mothers who were not included in the ZVD surveillance system. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary surveillance data in Colombia suggest that maternal infection with the Zika virus during the third trimester of pregnancy is not linked to structural abnormalities in the fetus. However, the monitoring of the effect of ZVD on pregnant women in Colombia is ongoing. (Funded by Colombian Instituto Nacional de Salud and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.).

Severe Neurologic Disorders in 2 Fetuses with Zika Virus Infection, Colombia.

We report the results of pathologic examinations of 2 fetuses from women in Colombia with Zika virus infection during pregnancy that revealed severe central nervous system defects and potential associated abnormalities of the eye, spleen, and placenta. Amniotic fluid and tissues from multiple fetal organs tested positive for Zika virus.

A comprehensive analysis and immunobiology of autoimmune neurological syndromes during the Zika virus outbreak in Cúcuta, Colombia.

We have focused on the epidemiology and immunobiology of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and factors associated with the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and other neurological syndromes in Cúcuta, the capital of North Santander department, Colombia. Data of patients with ZIKV disease reported to the national population-based surveillance system were used to calculate the basic reproduction number (R0) and the attack rates (ARs) as well as to develop epidemiological maps. Patients with neurological syndromes were contacted and their diagnoses were confirmed. A case-control study in which 29 patients with GBS associated with ZIKV compared with 74-matched control patients with ZIKV infection alone was undertaken. Antibodies against arboviruses and other infections that may trigger GBS were evaluated. The estimated value of R0 ranged between 2.68 (95% CI 2.54-2.67) to 4.57 (95% CI 4.18-5.01). The sex-specific ARs were 1306 per 100,000 females, and 552 per 100,000 males. A non-linear interaction between age and gender on the ARs was observed. The incidence of GBS in Cúcuta increased 4.41 times secondary to ZIKV infection. The lag time between ZIKV infection and neurological symptoms was 7 days (interquartile range 2-14.5). Patients with GBS appeared to represent a lower socioeconomic status and were living near to environmentally contaminated areas. All GBS patients were positive for IgG antibodies against both ZIKV and Dengue virus, and 69% were positive for Chikungunya virus. Noteworthy, GBS was associated with a previous infection with M. pneumoniae (OR: 3.95; 95% CI 1.44-13.01; p = 0.006). No differences in antibody levels against C. jejuni, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus were observed. High rates of cranial nerves involvement and dysautonomia were present in 82% and 75.9%, respectively. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was necessary in 69% of the GBS patients. Most of the patients disclosed a high disability condition (Hughes grade 4). Dysautonomia was the main risk factor of poor GBS prognosis (i.e., ICU admission and disability). Thirteen patients were diagnosed with other neurological syndromes different to GBS (6 with transverse myelitis, 3 with encephalitis, 3 with peripheral facial palsy and one with thoraco-lumbosacral myelopathy). Our data confirm an increased transmission of ZIKV in Cúcuta, and provide support to the view that severe neurological syndromes are related to ZIKV disease. The complex ways by which previous infections and socioeconomic status interact to increase the risk of GBS in people infected by ZIKV should be further investigated.

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.

Is there malaria transmission in urban settings in Colombia?

BACKGROUND: Colombia contributes a significant proportion of malaria cases in the Americas, which are predominantly rural. However, in the last 8 years ~ 10 % of the endemic municipalities have also reported urban and peri-urban malaria cases, a growing concern for health authorities. This study focused on the characterization of the officially reported urban malaria cases. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study based on secondary information provided by the Colombian National Surveillance System-SIVIGILA for the 2008-2012 period was conducted. A total of 17 municipalities with consistent and persistent reports of urban and peri-urban malaria were selected for analysis, which included site of origin and of residence, age, gender and ethnicity of patients, health system affiliation, Plasmodium species and the presence of malaria vectors. RESULTS: A total of 18,113 malaria cases were reported from urban and peri-urban areas of 17 endemic municipalities. Almost 70 % of the reports originated in localities in the departments of Chocó and Nariño, located on the Pacific Coast where a predominantly Afro-Colombian population, of individuals of under 30 years of age, was the most affected (80.7 %), mainly with Plasmodium falciparum infections (52.1 %). Median annual parasite index (API) was 6.4 per 1000 inhabitants (3.4 in 2008; 10.8 in 2010 and 6.0 in 2012). Between 2011 and 2012 complicated cases (2.4 %) and malaria in pregnant women (1.4 %) were reported. Study areas reported the presence of at least seven Anopheles species considered malaria vectors. These analyses did not allow ascertaining the presumable origin of the recorded urban cases due to the lack of a consensus on a definition of urban, peri-urban and rural limits and the lack of proper verification of the geographical source of infection. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates the probable presence of endemic, unstable and low-intensity malaria transmission in Colombian urban and peri-urban areas of a group of municipalities located mainly on the Pacific coast region and a few others in the eastern region. There is a need to unequivocally confirm the urban or peri-urban origin of the malaria cases reported and the transmission conditions, as well as to develop and implement new strategies for urban and peri-urban malaria control and elimination.

High prevalence of sub-microscopic infections in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Malaria transmission in Latin America is typically characterized as hypo-endemic and unstable with ~170 million inhabitants at risk of malaria infection. Although Colombia has witnessed an important decrease in malaria transmission, the disease remains a public health problem with an estimated ~10 million people currently living in areas with malaria risk and ~61,000 cases reported in 2012. This study aimed to establish the malaria prevalence in three endemic regions of Colombia to aid in designing new interventions for malaria elimination. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in three regions of Colombia with different malaria epidemiological profiles: Tierralta (Ta), Tumaco (Tu) and Buenaventura (Bv). The Annual Parasite Index (API) was 10.7, 6.9 and 3.1, respectively. Participants were asked to respond to a sociodemographic questionnaire and then were bled to determine the Duffy genotype and the prevalence of malaria infection by microscopy and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). RESULTS: The study was conducted between October 2011 and January 2012. Eight sentinel sites with 1,169 subjects from 267 households were included. The overall prevalence of sub-microscopic infections measured by thick blood smear (TBS) was 0.3% (n=4) whereas by qPCR it was 9.7% (n=113), with a greater proportion (13%) in 40-50 years old individuals. Furthermore, different regions displayed different prevalence of sub-microscopic infections: Bv 12%, Ta 15%, and Tu 4%. From these 113 samples (qPCR), 74% were positive for P. vivax and 22% for P. falciparum, and 4% were mixed infections, which correlates to the overall parasite prevalence in Colombia. This study showed that in the southern Pacific coast of Colombia (Bv and Tu), around 56% of the population have a Duffy-negative genotype, compared to the northern region (Ta) where the percentage of Duffy-negative genotype is around 3%. CONCLUSIONS: Sub-microscopic infections are prevalent across different regions in Colombia, particularly in areas with relatively low transmission intensity. The poor microscopy results suggest the need for more sensitive diagnostic tools for detection of sub-microscopic infections. This study underscores the importance of conducting active case surveillance to more accurately determine malaria incidence, and highlights the need for updating the malaria guidelines to track and treat sub-microscopic malaria infections.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices of malaria in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Although Colombia has witnessed an important decrease in malaria transmission, the disease remains a public health problem with an estimated ~10 million people currently living in areas with malaria risk and ~61,000 cases reported in 2012. This study aimed to determine and compare the level of knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) about malaria in three endemic communities of Colombia to provide the knowledge framework for development of new intervention strategies for malaria elimination. METHODS: A cross-sectional KAP survey was conducted in the municipalities of Tierralta, Buenaventura and Tumaco, categorized according to high risk (HR) and moderate risk (MR) based on the annual parasite index (API). Surveys were managed using REDCap and analysed using MATLAB and GraphPad Prism. RESULTS: A total of 267 residents, mostly women (74%) were surveyed. Although no differences were observed on the knowledge of classical malaria symptoms between HR and MR regions, significant differences were found in knowledge and attitudes about transmission mechanisms, anti-malarial use and malaria diagnosis. Most responders in both regions (93.5% in MR, and 94.3% in HR areas) indicated use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) to protect themselves from malaria, and 75.5% of responders in HR indicated they did nothing to prevent malaria transmission outdoors. Despite a high level of knowledge in the study regions, significant gaps persisted relating to practices. Self-medication and poor adherence to treatment, as well as lack of both indoor and outdoor vector control measures, were significantly associated with higher malaria risk. CONCLUSIONS: Although significant efforts are currently being made by the Ministry of Health to use community education as one of the main components of the control strategy, these generic education programmes may not be applicable to all endemic regions of Colombia given the substantial geographic, ethnic and cultural diversity.

Internal travel and risk of dengue transmission in Colombia.

Human behavior plays a key role in the dynamics of dengue transmission. However, research on the relationship between human movement and dengue transmission within endemic countries is limited. From January 2008 to December 2011, the authors of this study conducted a retrospective analysis of imported dengue infections in Bogotá, Colombia. Bogotá is a vector-transmission-free city that is also the capital district and most populated municipality in Colombia. The study revealed that 1) Bogotá inhabitants acquired dengue infection in diverse localities throughout the country but the largest proportion of cases (35.6%) were contracted at popular tourist destinations in dengue-endemic areas near Bogotá (<200-km radius from city limits), and 2) the number of imported dengue cases increased after major holidays, a transmission pattern not seen in dengue-endemic areas, where disease incidence correlates with rainy periods. It is therefore recommended that physicians consider the effect of travel when diagnosing their patients' illnesses, especially outside dengue-endemic areas where diagnosis of the disease can be challenging due to its nonspecific symptoms. The study also showed that analysis of dengue cases imported to regions free of vector transmission can generate an evidence-based model for characterizing the impact of human movement on the spread of diseases like dengue in countries where they are endemic.

Characterization of a malaria outbreak in Colombia in 2010.

BACKGROUND: Although malaria has presented a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality worldwide during the last decade, it remains a serious global public health problem. In Colombia, during this period, many factors have contributed to sustained disease transmission, with significant fluctuations in an overall downward trend in the number of reported malaria cases. Despite its epidemiological importance, few studies have used surveillance data to describe the malaria situation in Colombia. This study aims to describe the characteristics of malaria cases reported during 2010 to the Public Health Surveillance System (SIVIGILA) of the National Institute of Health (INS) of Colombia. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted using malaria information from SIVIGILA 2010. Cases, frequencies, proportions, ratio and measures of central tendency and data dispersion were calculated. In addition, the annual parasite index (API) and the differences between the variables reported in 2009 and 2010 were estimated. RESULTS: A total of 117,108 cases were recorded by SIVIGILA in 2010 for a national API of 10.5/1,000 habitants, with a greater number of cases occurring during the first half of the year. More than 90% of cases were reported in seven departments (=states): Antioquia: 46,476 (39.7%); Chocó: 22,493 (19.2%); Cordoba: 20,182 (17.2%); Valle: 6,360 (5.4%); Guaviare: 5,876 (5.0%); Nariño: 4,085 (3.5%); and Bolivar: 3,590 (3.1%). Plasmodium vivax represented ~71% of the cases; Plasmodium falciparum ~28%; and few infrequent cases caused by Plasmodium malariae. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, a greater incidence was found in men (65%) than in women (35%). Although about a third of cases occurred in children <15 years, most of these cases occurred in children >5 years of age. The ethnic distribution indicated that about 68% of the cases occurred in mestizos and whites, followed by 23% in Afro-descendants, and the remainder (9%) in indigenous communities. In over half of the cases, consultation occurred early, with 623 complicated and 23 fatal cases. However, the overall incidence increased, corresponding to an epidemic burst and indicating the need to strengthen prevention and control activities as well as surveillance to reduce the risk of outbreaks and the consequent economic and social impact.

The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979 / La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

Prevalence of skin diseases in children 1 to 6 years old in the city of Bogota, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases represent an important part of the morbidity among children and are possibly influenced by geographic, racial, social, cultural, and economic factors. Despite being so frequent around the world, skin diseases have not been important in developing strategies in public health. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of skin diseases among the student population between 1 and 6 years of age in Bogotá, Colombia between March 2009 and June 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed across a probabilistic, stratified, randomized sampling by proportional assignment (based on locality and type of institution) and was developed in schools in Bogotá, Colombia. RESULTS: A total of 2437 children between 1 and 6 years of age were examined, and 42.8% (1035) presented a dermatologic disease. Papular urticaria was the most frequent (62.9%) (IC: 58.4%; 67.1%), followed by dermatitis/eczema (13.0%) (IC: 10.8%; 15.4%), and infectious diseases (12.3%) (IC: 9.7%; 15.3%). CONCLUSION: The research demonstrates a high prevalence of papular urticaria as a result of flea and mosquito bites and infectious diseases of the skin in the studied population. The dermatologic diseases found are easy to diagnose, respond to the proper treatment, and are preventable. However, the fact that many of the examined children likely had not visited the doctor for the detected pathology could indicate the lack of access to health services affecting this population.

Congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis, Zika and chikungunya virus infections: a case report

We report a case of intrauterine infection by Toxoplasma gondii, Chikungunya and Zika viruses in a Colombian woman from the southern part of the country. The patient attended prenatal care in the second trimester of her pregnancy and she informed that in the first trimester she had presented with clinical symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection. Amniotic fluid PCR assays showed infection by T. gondii, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Diagnostic imaging showed fetal malformation of the central nervous system. At 29 weeks of gestation, pregnancy was terminated medically.

[Complicated Malaria in Chocó: clinical findings and data comparison with the monitoring system]. / Malaria complicada en el Chocó: hallazgos clínicos y comparación de datos con el sistema de vigilancia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological and clinical cases of complicated malaria and to establish the concordance of this information in the surveillance system. METHODOLOGY: Information was obtained from medical records of cases reported in 2011 in the surveillance system and the Hospital San Francisco. We selected a clinical sample of 62 stories of 113 cases and health professionals reviewed the information. The presence of positive thick drop with one or more criteria of complication was taken into account to define if the clinical history corresponded to complicated malaria, according to guide national clinic and tab of the surveillance system. Statistical significance was determined with Chi square and the Kappa statistic. RESULTS: The 37.0% of cases presented a complication, 63.0% had two or more complications. Major complications were thrombocytopenia and severe anemia, followed by hepatic complication, hiperparasitemia, renal insufficiency and cerebral malaria. In 3 of the 54 cases intravenous artesunate was used, quinine was used in 59.2%. Comparison of demographic variables and parasitic species between history and the surveillance system show no significant difference but type of complication was almost nil. The major reported complications do not appear on the notification tab. DISCUSSION: Further studies need to be continued in order to contribute to the clinical characterization of malaria in the Department and Management interventions. Adjustments to format are recommended to strengthen analysis and decision-making.

OBJETIVOS: Describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de casos de malaria complicada y establecer la concordancia de esta información con el sistema de vigilancia. METODOLOGÍA: La información se obtuvo de historias clínicas de casos informados en 2011 en el sistema de vigilancia atendidos en el Hospital San Francisco. Se seleccionó una muestra de 62 historias clínicas de 113 casos. Para definir que la historia clínica correspondía a malaria complicada se tuvo en cuenta la presencia de gota gruesa positiva con uno o más criterios de complicación, según la guía clínica nacional y la ficha del sistema de vigilancia. La significancia estadística se determinó con el Chi2 y el estadístico Kappa. RESULTADOS: El 37% de los casos presentó una complicación, el 63% presentaron dos o más complicaciones. Las principales complicaciones fueron trombocitopenia y anemia severa, seguido de complicación hepática, hiperparasitemia, insuficiencia renal y malaria cerebral. En tres de los 54 casos, se usó el Artesunato intravenoso. Se utilizó Quinina en el 59,2% de los casos.La comparación de variables demográficas y especie parasitaria entre las fuentes utilizadas no muestra diferencias significativas, pero el acuerdo general de tipo de complicación fue casi nulo. Las principales complicaciones reportadas no aparecen en la ficha de notificación. DISCUSIÓN: Es necesario continuar otros estudios con el fin de contribuir en la caracterización clínica de la malaria en el Departamento y las intervenciones de manejo. Se recomiendan ajustes a la ficha para fortalecer el análisis y la toma de decisiones.

Inequalities on mortality due to acute respiratory infection in children: A Colombian analysis. / Desigualdades en la mortalidad por infección respiratoria aguda en niños: un análisis colombiano

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a leading public health issue worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To explore the inequalities in ARI mortality rates in under-5, according to socioeconomic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an ecological analysis to study inequalities at municipal level due to ARI mortality in children under 5 years. The data were obtained from official death records of the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. The analysis of inequalities in the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) included: 1) Classification of the population in different socio-economic strata, and 2) measurement of the degree of inequality. We used the ARI-U5MR as an outcome measurement.The mortality rates were estimated at national and municipal levels for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2013. Rate ratios, rates differences, and concentration curves were calculated to observe the inequalities. RESULTS: A total of 18,012 children under 5 years died by ARI in Colombia from 2000 to 2013. ARIU5MR was greater in boys than in girls. During this period, an increase in the infant mortality relative gap in both boys and girls was observed. In 2013, the U5MR evidenced that for boys from municipalities with the highest poverty had a 1.6-fold risk to die than those in municipalities with the lowest poverty (low tercile). In girls, the ARI-U5MR for 2005 and 2013 in the poorest tercile was 1.5 and 2 times greater than in the first tercile, respectively. CONCLUSION: Colombian inequalities in the ARI mortality rate among the poorest municipalities compared to the richest ones continue to be a major challenge in public health.

Introducción. Las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) son un importante problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Explorar las desigualdades de la tasa de mortalidad debida a IRA (TM-IRA) en <5 años, de acuerdo a variables socioeconómicas. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis ecológico para estudiar las desigualdades a nivel municipal de las TM-IRA en <5 años. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de registros de muertes del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. En análisis de desigualdades en <5 incluyó: 1) Clasificación de la población por estatus socioeconómico y 2) Medición del grado de desigualdad. Como resultado en salud se utilizó la TM-IRA en <5 años. Se estimaron tasas a nivel nacional y municipal para 2000, 2005, 2010, 2013. Se calcularon razones y diferencias de tasas y curvas de concentración para observar las desigualdades. Resultados. Entre 2000-2013 murieron en Colombia por IRA 18.012 <5 años. La TM-ARI fue mayor en niños que en niñas. En el periodo, se observó un incremento en la brecha de mortalidad infantil en ambos sexos. En 2013, la tasa en niños que murieron en municipios con mayor pobreza fue 1,6 veces mayor que la de niños en aquellos con menor. En niñas, para 2015 y 2013, la tasa en el tercil más pobre fue 1,5 y 2 veces mayor que la del primer tercil, respectivamente. Conclusión. Las desigualdades en la TM-IRA entre los municipios más pobres en comparación con los más ricos continúan siendo un reto importante en salud pública.

Prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bites and associated factors in children 1-6 years of age in Bogotá, D.C.

BACKGROUND: Papular urticaria is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by exposure to arthropod bites. The disease has been reported in children attending medical centers, but the causes as the risk factors associated with the disease have not been established. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bite and identify the risk factors in children between 1 to 6 years of age in Bogotá D.C, between March 2009 and June 2011. METHODS: A cross-sectional, two-stage, clustered study using random probability sampling and stratified with proportional allocation was carried out in children (1-6 years of age) in educational institutions in Bogotá D.C. to determine the prevalence of the disease. Children underwent a dermatological examination by general practitioners with a previous training. Furthermore, digital photographs of skin lesions were taken for further confirmation of the diagnosis by dermatologists. A structured survey was completed by the parents or caregivers, and it was evaluated using an unconditional logistic regression to identify factors associated with the disease. RESULTS: A total of 2437 children were included in the study. The prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bite in this population was 20.3% (CI 95%: 18.2 to 22.5%). The major risk factors associated with the disease were the presence of fleas in households (OR 1.74, CI 95%: 1.35 to 2.25), using mattresses without springs (OR 1.73, CI 95%: 1.20 to 2.50), the use of daily public transportation to carry the children to the educational institutions (OR 1.76, CI 95%: 1.07 to 2.89), having a soil/earth floor in the main bedroom (OR 6.81, CI 95%:1.16-39.96), and having siblings with a history of atopic dermatitis (OR 1.76 CI 95%: 1.07-2.89). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bite was found in Bogotá D.C. The main factors associated with the disease might be modified with the implementation of prevention, control strategies in housing, educational institutions, and public transportation.

La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979 / The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

Characterizing the malaria rural-to-urban transmission interface: The importance of reactive case detection.

BACKGROUND: Reported urban malaria cases are increasing in Latin America, however, evidence of such trend remains insufficient. Here, we propose an integrated approach that allows characterizing malaria transmission at the rural-to-urban interface by combining epidemiological, entomological, and parasite genotyping methods. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A descriptive study that combines active (ACD), passive (PCD), and reactive (RCD) case detection was performed in urban and peri-urban neighborhoods of Quibdó, Colombia. Heads of households were interviewed and epidemiological surveys were conducted to assess malaria prevalence and identify potential risk factors. Sixteen primary cases, eight by ACD and eight by PCD were recruited for RCD. Using the RCD strategy, prevalence of 1% by microscopy (6/604) and 9% by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (52/604) were found. A total of 73 houses and 289 volunteers were screened leading to 41 secondary cases, all of them in peri-urban settings (14% prevalence). Most secondary cases were genetically distinct from primary cases indicating that there were independent occurrences. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (76.3%, 71/93), most of them being asymptomatic (46/71). Urban and peri-urban neighborhoods had significant sociodemographic differences. Twenty-four potential breeding sites were identified, all in peri-urban areas. The predominant vectors for 1,305 adults were Anopheles nuneztovari (56,2%) and An. Darlingi (42,5%). One An. nuneztovari specimen was confirmed naturally infected with P. falciparum by ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: This study found no evidence supporting the existence of urban malaria transmission in Quibdó. RCD strategy was more efficient for identifying malaria cases than ACD alone in areas where malaria transmission is variable and unstable. Incorporating parasite genotyping allows discovering hidden patterns of malaria transmission that cannot be detected otherwise. We propose to use the term "focal case" for those primary cases that lead to discovery of secondary but genetically unrelated malaria cases indicating undetected malaria transmission.

Zika virus disease-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome-Barranquilla, Colombia 2015-2016.

BACKGROUND: An outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a disorder characterized by acute, symmetric limb weakness with decreased or absent deep-tendon reflexes, was reported in Barranquilla, Colombia, after the introduction of Zika virus in 2015. We reviewed clinical data for GBS cases in Barranquilla and performed a case-control investigation to assess the association of suspect and probable Zika virus disease with GBS. METHODS: We used the Brighton Collaboration Criteria to confirm reported GBS patients in Barranquilla during October 2015-April 2016. In April 2016, two neighborhood and age range-matched controls were selected for each confirmed GBS case-patient. We obtained demographics and antecedent symptoms in the 2-month period before GBS onset for case-patients and the same period for controls. Sera were collected for Zika virus antibody testing. Suspected Zika virus disease was defined as a history of rash and ≥2 other Zika-related symptoms (fever, arthralgia, myalgia, or conjunctivitis). Probable Zika virus disease was defined as suspected Zika virus disease with laboratory evidence of a recent Zika virus or flavivirus infection. Conditional logistic regression adjusted for sex and race/ethnicity was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We confirmed 47 GBS cases. Incidence increased with age (10-fold higher in those ≥60years versus those <20years). We interviewed 40 case-patients and 79 controls. There was no significant difference in laboratory evidence of recent Zika virus or flavivirus infection between case-patients and controls (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 0.9-5.1). GBS was associated with having suspected (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.6) or probable Zika virus disease (OR: 4.6, CI: 1.1-19.0). CONCLUSIONS: Older individuals and those with suspected and probable Zika virus disease had higher odds of developing GBS. KEY POINTS: We confirmed a Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Barranquilla, Colombia, during October 2015-April 2016. A case-control investigation using neighborhood controls showed an association of suspected and probable Zika virus disease with GBS.

Importancia, definición y conflictos de la autoría en publicaciones científicas / Importance, definition and conflicts of authorship in scientific publications / Importância, definição e conflitos da autoria em publicações científicas

Resumen Definir la autoría en artículos y documentos científicos es un proceso esencial y complejo, que encierra subjetividad y depende de convenios establecidos en general de palabra, lo que puede ocasionar conflictos entre los investigadores. Se han publicado algunas guías con lineamientos generales para mejorar esta práctica, sin embargo son pocos los procedimientos cuantitativos para precisar autoría y coautoría de un escrito científico, y no hay consenso para definir los autores y el orden en que deben aparecer. Con este artículo intentamos rescatar algunos criterios y consideraciones para determinar el listado de autores en textos científicos.

Abstract Defining authorship in scientific articles and documents is an essential and complex process that involves subjectivity and depends on largely informal agreements, which may cause conflict among researchers. Although some guidelines have been published to improve this practice, there are few quantitative procedures in the literature to specify authorship and co-authorship of a scientific paper, and there is no consensus on the definition of authors and the order in which they should be listed. With this article we try to review a few criteria and considerations for determining author lists in scientific articles.

Resumo Definir a autoria de artigos e documentos científicos é um processo essencial e complexo, que envolve subjetividade e depende de acordos quase sempre informais, o que pode causar conflitos entre pesquisadores. Algumas diretrizes foram publicadas para aperfeiçoar esta prática, mas ainda são poucos os procedimentos quantitativos para estabelecer a autoria e a coautoria de textos científicos, e não há consenso para definir os autores e a ordem em que devem aparecer. Com este artigo, visamos recapitular alguns critérios e considerações para determinar a ordem de autoria em artigos científicos.

[Overview of the HIV/tuberculosis coinfection in Bogotá, Colombia, 2001]. / Panorama de la coinfección tuberculosis/VIH en Bogotá, 2001.

The magnitude and characteristics of the co-infection of TB-AIDS was evaluated in cases reported in Bogotá, 2001. A cross sectional study was carried out using the epidemiological registry of TBC-AIDS cases from the Health Secretariat of Bogotá. Only TB cases with a positive HIV test were included in. Of 950 TB cases reported in Bogotá, 113 (11.9%) were indicated to have TB and HIV positive tests; epidemiological information was recovered from 103 of them. Most cases were male (male:female ratio was 12:1); 38.8% were between ages 25 to 34; 40.8% of cases belonged to the contributive regime; 82% were new cases. Of the 105 cases, 62% were classified with the pulmonary form of TB and 30% with extra pulmonary disease. In the last group, the most frequent form was lymph node tuberculosis. Diagnostic criteria were recorded for only 55 patients; however, 78% were confirmed with microscopic smears. Procedural data were available for 29 patients in the first phase of treatments; 86.2% had received therapy recommended by the Ministry of Health. The failures of TB control programs indicated by statistical data, do not reflect patient's activities that may be contributing to greater infection risk. Additional monitoring may be necessary to fortify the current TB control program.