Clinical, diagnostic and epidemiological implications of Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and Leishmania infantum infection in cats and dogs in a Mediterranean periurban setting.

Hepatozoon spp., Babesia spp. and Leishmania infantum are common parasites of dogs in Mediterranean countries and are less frequent in cats, particularly Babesia spp. and L. infantum. Moreover, there is limited information on coinfections between these parasites and on L. infantum's distribution in blood, skin and lymphoid tissue in cats. We used PCR and DNA sequencing to investigate the prevalence of these parasites and the aetiology of Hepatozoon spp. and Babesia spp., in blood, skin, spleen and lymph node samples from up to 212 stray cats and 82 abandoned dogs in southeast Spain. All except 2 dogs were healthy; instead, 112 cats had clinical signs. The estimated PCR prevalences (95% confidence interval) were 25% (19-31%) Hepatozoon felis in cats, 13% (6-21%) Hepatozoon canis in dogs, 1% (0-4%) Babesia vogeli in dogs, 0% Babesia spp. in cats and 21% (15-26%) and 44% (33-55%) L. infantum in cats and dogs, respectively, and infections were not associated with each other. Leishmania infantum prevalence in lymphoid tissue was significantly higher in dogs than in cats (p < 0.001), and dogs had higher parasite loads than cats (p = 0.012). Moreover, L. infantum prevalence was significantly higher in the skin and lymphoid tissue compared to blood in infected, asymptomatic animals but it was similar in cats with clinical signs, which also had higher parasite loads compared to infected, asymptomatic cats (p < 0.05). The study highlights significant differences between sympatric dogs and cats with respect to the parasite infections investigated, as well as the need to examine both lymphoid tissue and skin samples to maximise the sensitivity of L. infantum infection diagnosis.

Preservation of macroparasite species via classic plastination: an evaluation.

Plastination is a preservation method for biological specimens, with important advantages over classic conservation techniques with formaldehyde or alcohol. Plastinated specimens are dry, odourless, and free of carcinogenic and toxic solutions. There are only few references about the plastination of parasites. Moreover, there is no information on the effect of plastination on the morphology and morphometry of these animals. The aim of this study was to define a plastination protocol to preserve various species of parasites, namely the nematodes Parascaris equorum (Goeze, 1782); Ascaris suum Goeze, 1782 and Dirofilaria immitis (Leidy, 1856); the acanthecephalan Macracanthorhynchus hirudinaceus (Pallas, 1781); the trematodes Fasciola hepatica Linnaeus, 1758 and Dicrocoelium dendriticum (Rudolphi, 1819) and the tapeworm Taenia sp. in the best morphological and morphometric conditions. Results showed that some individuals suffered collapse (P. equorum, A. suum, and D. dendriticum). However, other parasites presented good results with almost no change after plastination (D. immitis, M. hirudinaceus and F. hepatica). In conclusion, conventional plastination allowed anatomical preservation of all helminths tested, but modifications to the protocol are needed to prevent collapse.

Gastrointestinal helminths of Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) from Stranger Point, 25 de Mayo/King George Island, Antarctica.

The aim of this work is to contribute to the knowledge of gastrointestinal parasites of the Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) from 25 de Mayo/King George Island (South Shetlands, Antarctica). Gastrointestinal tracts of 37 fresh dead individuals (21 chicks, 10 juveniles, and 6 adults) were collected from December 2006 to February 2012 and examined for macroparasites. Four adult parasite species were found: one Cestoda species (Parorchites zederi), two Nematoda species (Stegophorus macronectes and Tetrameres wetzeli), and one Acanthocephalan (Corynosoma shackletoni). Two species of immature acanthocephalans, Corynosoma hamanni and Corynosoma bullosum, were found in a single host. This is the first record of Tetrameres wetzeli in Gentoo penguins. The low parasite richness observed could be related to the stenophagic and pelagic diet of this host species which feeds almost exclusively on krill.

Concordance between five criteria of metabolic syndrome in teenagers from a Peruvian high andes region. / Concordancia entre cinco criterios de síndrome metabólico en adolescentes de una zona altoandina del Perú.

OBJECTIVE.: Motivation for the study. There are several criteria for metabolic syndrome in adolescents, each reporting different prevalence rates and not necessarily coinciding with each other. Main findings. We studied school children from the city of Cajamarca at 2750 meters above sea level. The five criteria for metabolic syndrome coincided in six of the 397 (1.5%) adolescents. The criteria generated prevalence rates ranging from 3.0% to 17.1%. The criteria with near perfect concordance were those from the American Heart Association criteria and those modified by Cook. Implications. The diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in adolescents is complex, even more so among those residing at high altitudes. . To determine the concordance between five diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS) among teenagers from a Peruvian high Andes region. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: A cross-sectional study was carried out with secondary data from an intervention study in two public schools in 2019. We included 397 teenagers who lived in the city of Cajamarca, in the Andean region of Peru. We applied the criteria from the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) modified by Cook, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the American Heart Association (AHA), Ferranti, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The point prevalence and interval prevalence were estimated with the five criteria. The Kappa concordance coefficient with an 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was estimated. RESULTS.: The Ferranti criterion identified 17.1% (95%CI: 13.4 to 20.8) of teenagers with MS, followed by the ATP-III criterion with 4.3% (95%CI: 2.3 to 6.3); the other criteria identified a lower frequency. The best concordance was found between the AHA and ATP-III criteria (k = 0.905); the WHO and IDF criteria had a coefficient of 0.628. The five criteria coincided in classifying six adolescents (1.5%) as MS. CONCLUSIONS.: The AHA and ATP-III criteria modified by Cook had almost perfect concordance, which was also found for both sexes. The ATP-III, Ferranti, IDF, AHA and WHO criteria agree in less than 2% when identifying MS in the same group of adolescents.

OBJETIVO.: Determinar la concordancia entre cinco criterios diagnósticos de síndrome metabólico (SM) entre adolescentes residentes de una zona altoandina del Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó un estudio transversal con datos secundarios de un estudio de intervención en dos escuelas públicas en el año 2019. Participaron 397 adolescentes que residen en la ciudad de Cajamarca ubicada en la región andina del Perú. Se aplicaron cinco criterios diagnósticos: Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) modificados por Cook, de la Federación Internacional de Diabetes (IDF), de la American Heart Association (AHA), de Ferranti, y de la Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS). Se estimaron las prevalencias puntuales y de intervalo con los cinco criterios. Se estimó el coeficiente de concordancia de Kappa con su respectivo intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). RESULTADOS.: El criterio de Ferranti identificó un 17,1% (IC 95%: 13,4 a 20,8) de adolescentes con SM, seguido del criterio de la ATP-III con 4,3% (IC 95%: 2,3 a 6,3); los demás criterios identificaron una menor frecuencia. La mejor concordancia fue encontrada entre los criterios de la AHA y la ATP-III (k = 0,905), los criterios de la OMS e IDF tuvieron un coeficiente de 0,628. Los cinco criterios coincidieron en clasificar como SM a seis adolescentes (1,5%). CONCLUSIONES.: Los criterios de la AHA y la ATP-III modificados por Cook tuvieron una concordancia casi perfecta, que se mantuvo en ambos sexos. Los criterios ATP-III, de Ferranti, IDF, AHA y OMS concuerdan en menos del 2% en identificar SM en el mismo grupo de adolescentes.

Ethnoveterinary Medicine and Ethnopharmacology in the Main Transhumance Areas of Castilla-La Mancha (Spain).

In this study, we document the practices of ethnoveterinary medicine and ethnopharmacology in the context of traditional transhumance routes that cross Castilla La Mancha from north to south. Transhumance is a type of grazing system that allows advantage to be taken of winter pastures (wintering places) and summer pastures by seasonal movement, twice a year, of cattle and their shepherds. Our study is based on over 200 interviews (from 1994 to 2021) conducted in 86 localities along eight major transhumance routes "cañadas reales" and 25 other minor transhumance routes, and involved 210 informants, 89 single and 121 groups, and 562 individuals, of which the majority were men. Sixty-three recorded pathologies and their treatments are discussed. Two hundred and two species and substances, belonging to 92 different families, have been recorded from the interviews, of which most are plants. Amid the toxic plant species, the most cited in the interviews are Erophaca baetica (L.) Boiss., Lupinus angustifolius L., and Oenanthe crocata L. Some of the species reported as toxic were reservoirs of pathogens or markers for dangerous areas. One of the fields most widely covered in our study is that of prevention, protection, and control of endo- and ectoparasites. This control is carried out mainly by means of aromatic plants. As a polyvalent species, Daphne gnidium L. is outstanding, and it contributes one-tenth of the records of our study. Among the species of fundamentally therapeutic use, Cistus ladanifer L. stands out by far. Principal Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) based on the repertories of ingredients, separates the routes whose most important sections run through siliceous terrain with its characteristic flora, especially in the provinces of Ciudad Real and Toledo, from the routes that run through the limestone terrain of Albacete and Cuenca, and link the Eastern Mancha and the "Serranía de Cuenca" with Andalusia and the Spanish Levant.

Lifestyle school-based intervention to increase the proportion of adolescents free of components of the metabolic syndrome in an andean region of Peru. / Intervención educativa basada en estilos de vida para incrementar la proporción de adolescentes libres de componentes del síndrome metabólico en una región altoandina del Perú.

OBJECTIVE.: To estimate the impact of a school-based nutritional and healthy lifestyle intervention to increase the proportions of adolescents free of components of the metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS.: We conducted a pre-experimental study in a representative sample of adolescents from two schools in a high Andean district of Peru (Cajamarca city); 388 students completed the intervention and the baseline and post-intervention measurement. The intervention had nine thematic modules; each module was developed in an educational session of 45 minutes every two weeks. We used the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel and Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome. We used paired proportions comparison (McNemar test) to determine the impact of the intervention. RESULTS.: At baseline, 20.4% (95% CI: 16.2 to 24.5) students had no metabolic syndrome components, post-intervention this proportion increased to 32,5% (95% CI: 27.7 to 37.3), the difference in proportions was 12.1% (95% CI: 7.5 to 16.8; p<0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 4.6% (95% CI: 2.4 to 6.9) at baseline, while post-intervention was 2.3% (95%CI: 0.7 to 3.9). During the analysis of components, the greatest reduction was observed in the proportion of hypertriglyceridemia (difference in proportions: 21.9%, 95%CI: 16.9 to 26.9, p <0.001); we also found a significant reduction in arterial hypertension (difference in proportions: 3.1%, 95% CI: 0.6 to 5.6, p=0.025). In the other components, there were no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS.: The school-based intervention increased in 59.3% the proportion of students free of any component of the metabolic syndrome.

OBJETIVO.: Estimar el efecto de una intervención educativa basada en nutrición y estilos de vida saludables para incrementar la proporción de adolescentes libres de componentes del síndrome metabólico. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS.: Se realizó un estudio preexperimental en una muestra representativa de adolescentes de dos escuelas de un distrito altoandino del Perú (ciudad de Cajamarca); 388 estudiantes completaron la intervención, así como la medición basal y la posintervención. La intervención tuvo nueve ejes temáticos, cada uno fue desarrollado en una sesión educativa de 45 min cada dos semanas. Se usó los criterios del National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel and Adult Treatment Panel III para el síndrome metabólico. Se realizó la comparación de proporciones pareadas (prueba de McNemar) para determinar el impacto de la intervención. RESULTADOS.: En la medición basal, el 20,4% (IC95%: 16,2 a 24,5) no tenía componentes de SM, posintervención dicha proporción se incrementó a 32,5% (IC95%: 27,7 a 37,3), la diferencia de proporciones fue 12,1% (IC95%: 7,5 a 16,8; p<0,001). La prevalencia de síndrome metabólico fue 4,6% (IC95%: 2,4 a 6,9) basalmente; posintervención fue 2,3% (IC95%: 0,7 a 3,9). La diferencia de proporciones fue 2,3%, (IC95%: 0,3 a 3,2; p=0,022). Entre los componentes, la mayor reducción fue en la proporción de hipertrigliceridemia (diferencia de proporciones: 21,9%, IC95%: 16,9 a 26,9; p<0,001), también se observó una reducción significativa de la hipertensión arterial (diferencia de proporciones: 3,1%, IC95%: 0,6 a 5,6; p=0,025). En los demás componentes no hubo diferencias significativas. CONCLUSIONES.: La intervención educativa incrementó en un 59,3% la proporción de estudiantes libres de algún componente del síndrome metabólico.

Bibliometric analysis of peruvian scientific output on COVID-19. / Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica peruana sobre la COVID-19.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the Peruvian scientific output on COVID-19 up to January 31, 2021. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We carried out a bibliometric study using two databases (MEDLINE and SciELO). We included original or short original articles with at least one author with Peruvian institutional affiliation. Scientific output was described according to: institution, approval by a Research Ethics Committee, registration in the platforms established by regulations, scientific journals in which they were published, research funding, and Peruvian collaboration networks. RESULTS: A total of 106 articles were analyzed, only three (2.8%) were clinical trials. Of the top 10 institutions with the highest scientific output, only two did not belong to the education sector. A total of 53 (50.0%) articles had no information regarding ethical aspects or it was not explicitly stated whether or not it was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Only 8 (7.7%) of 104 articles were registered in PRISA; 12 (11.3%) articles were published in Peruvian journals. Regarding funding, 71 (67.0%) investigations did not specify the source or they were self-financed. We found international collaboration in 70 publications (66.0%). CONCLUSIONS: The most productive Peruvian institutions are found in Lima. Half of the articles did not state ethical aspects in any part of the document. Almost all of the studies were not registered on the platforms established by regulations. In more than half of the articles the source of funding is not stated or they were self-financed.

OBJETIVO: Caracterizar la producción científica peruana sobre la COVID-19 al 31 de enero del 2021. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio bibliométrico en dos bases de datos (MEDLINE y SciELO). Se incluyeron artículos originales y originales breves en la que al menos un autor consignó como filiación una institución peruana. Se describió la producción científica según la institución de procedencia, su aprobación por un comité de ética en investigación, el registro en las plataformas dispuestas por normativa, las revistas científicas en las que se publicaron, el financiamiento de las investigaciones, y las redes de colaboración peruana. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 106 artículos, de los cuales solo tres (2,8%) fueron ensayos clínicos. De las diez primeras instituciones con mayor producción científica, solo dos no pertenecen al sector educación. En 53 (50,0%) artículos no se tuvo información de los aspectos éticos o no se declaró explícitamente si fue o no aprobado por un comité de ética en investigación. Solo ocho (7,7%) de 104 artículos que debieron estar registrados en PRISA, lo hicieron, doce (11,3%) artículos se publicaron en revistas peruanas. En 71 (67,0%) investigaciones no se consignó la fuente de financiamiento o fueron autofinanciadas. Se encontró colaboración internacional en 70 publicaciones (66,0%). CONCLUSIÓN: Las instituciones peruanas más productivas se encuentran en Lima. La mitad de los artículos no consignaron aspectos éticos. Casi la totalidad de los estudios no se registraron en las plataformas dispuestas por normativa, y en más de la mitad de los artículos no se consignó la fuente de financiamiento o fueron autofinanciadas.

Are Anthelminthic Treatments of Captive Ruminants Necessary?

Anthelmintics are frequently administered to animals to limit fecal egg elimination, so that wild animals in captive breeding programs are treated to maintain a proper health condition. This is effective from a health management perspective, but on the other hand, it could prevent captive animals from developing an effective immunity against parasites that they might encounter when reintroduced into their original geographic areas. The aim of this study was to describe the dynamics of parasite infections in captive Cuvier's gazelles (Gazella cuvieri) not treated with anthelmintics for two years and to evaluate the factors related to their fecal egg shedding. Fifteen one-year-old males were enclosed together and captured monthly to collect feces directly from the rectum. Fecal egg counts were performed, and eggs were classified as strongylid-like, Nematodirus sp., or Trichuris sp. Fecal egg shedding for the three groups of parasites did not vary significantly over the duration of the study. Only precipitation affected the egg-shedding pattern of all parasites, while inbreeding was positively associated with the number of strongylid-like parasites. These findings suggest an equilibrium between hosts and parasites in absence of treatment during the study. The anthelmintic treatment as a systematic prophylaxis method in captive animals should be avoided and replaced by systematic coprological and clinical vigilance, as well as targeted treatment in the case of a significant rise of fecal egg counts.

Zoological institutions as hotspots of gastrointestinal parasites that may affect the success of ungulate reintroduction programmes.

BACKGROUND: Ungulates from zoological institutions are frequently used as founders in reintroduction programmes. These animals are subject to specific parasite management as parasitic infections have previously been associated with failed Bovidae reintroductions. METHODS: Questionnaires to obtain data on how these institutions screen for seasonal parasite presence and the clinical signs they induced in threatened ungulates were sent to 65 institutions involved in European Ex situ Programmes (58.5% response rate). Temperature and relative humidity data were also obtained to categorize each zoological centre. RESULTS: Strongyloides spp. (52.6%), Trichuris spp. (42.1%), Trichostrongylidae family (39.4%) and Eimeria spp. (36.8%) were the most frequently reported parasites in the received questionnaires. Climatic variables did not influence parasite presence. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that artificial microenvironments created by husbandry practices and enclosure design in zoos could create hotspots for gastrointestinal parasites. To maximise the success of reintroduction projects, we recommend that the influence of microclimates on parasite burdens be evaluated.

Experimental Infection of Dogs with Toscana Virus and Sandfly Fever Sicilian Virus to Determine Their Potential as Possible Vertebrate Hosts.

The sandfly-borne Toscana phlebovirus (TOSV), a close relative of the sandfly fever Sicilian phlebovirus (SFSV), is one of the most common causes of acute meningitis or meningoencephalitis in humans in the Mediterranean Basin. However, most of human phlebovirus infections in endemic areas either are asymptomatic or cause mild influenza-like illness. To date, a vertebrate reservoir for sandfly-borne phleboviruses has not been identified. Dogs are a prime target for blood-feeding phlebotomines and are the primary reservoir of human sandfly-borne Leishmania infantum. However, there are no definitive studies to assess whether dogs play a significant role as a reservoir host for human phlebovirus survival in the environment. Here, we have evaluated the susceptibility of domestic dogs to infection by TOSV and SFSV following the direct inoculation of the infectious virus. After experimental infection, the presence of viral RNA was investigated in plasma, urine, saliva, conjunctiva, faeces, semen, and bone marrow samples from 0 to 91 days postinoculation (dpi), as well as in plasma, saliva, and tears samples at 760 dpi. None of the challenged dogs developed clinical signs of infection with either TOSV or SFSV. SFSV RNA was never detected. TOSV RNA was not in any of the specimen types, except for plasma samples that showed low viral loads, although irregularly. None of the dogs developed detectable neutralizing antibodies after a single challenge dose of either TOSV or SFSV. However, a second challenge dose of virus given 56 days later elicited neutralizing antibodies, implying that the first inoculation of virus primed the animals for an anamnestic response following the second challenge. These results demonstrated that healthy domestic dogs are not highly susceptible to infection by TOSV or SFSV and do not develop significant viremia or excrete virus following infection. Consequently, dogs are unlikely natural reservoir hosts of infection and do not appear to play a significant role in phlebovirus transmission cycles.

Massive microfilaremia in a dog subclinically infected with Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides.

Canine filarioids are worldwide distributed nematodes transmitted by arthropods with variable virulence depending on the species. Dirofilaria immitis is the most virulent and serological antigen tests are commonly employed to detect it. This study reports on the heaviest cavity filariasis recorded so far in a dog, which showed no apparent clinical signs of infection. The 6-year-old male was positive to a D. immitis antigen test. Blood samples collected and analyzed with the modified Knott's test for microfilariae revealed 264,367 microfilariae/ml. In a post-mortem examination 791 adult filarial nematodes were found in the dog's thoracic and peritoneal cavities. Morphological and molecular analysis identified the nematode as Acanthocheilonema dracunculoides and no other species were present. This is evidence that massive A. dracunculoides infections in dogs may not be clinically evident, they may cause serologic cross-reaction with D. immitis infection and become a life-threatening condition if dogs are treated with a microfilaricidal treatment without previously performing an adequate diagnosis.

[Coverage and factors associated with measles vaccination in children aged 12-59 months in Peru: estimate based on the 2017 demographic and family health survey]. / Cobertura y factores asociados a la vacunación contra el sarampión en niños de 12 a 59 meses en Perú: estimación basada en la encuesta demográfica y de salud familiar 2017.

OBJECTIVES: . To estimate coverage and determine factors associated with measles vaccination in Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: . We conducted a secondary source study using the 2017 Demographic and Family Health Survey (ENDES). The reporting unit was a woman of childbearing age, 15 to 49 years; the unit of analysis was a child, 12 to 59 months (for the first dose), or a child, 18 to 59 months (for the booster dose) who had vaccination information. Coverage data were obtained from the vaccination card. RESULTS: . According to the vaccination card, coverage for the first dose was 70.2% (95% CI: 68.8-71.6); for the booster dose, 52% (95% CI: 50.5-53.6). Children aged 24-35 months were more likely to be vaccinated for the first dose (OR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.28-1.97) and booster dose (OR 2.04, 95% CI: 1.62-2.56), compared with children aged 12-23 months and 18-23 months respectively. Children with growth and development check-ups performed in the private sector were less likely to be vaccinated for the first dose (OR 0.30, 95% CI: 0.21-0.43) and booster dose (OR 0.26, 95% CI: 0.17-0.40), compared to those being monitored in the public sector. CONCLUSIONS: . According to ENDES 2017, Peru and none of its regions achieved 95.0% coverage for the first and booster doses. Growth and development monitoring in public sector facilities is associated with measles vaccination in terms of first and booster doses.

OBJETIVOS: . Estimar la cobertura y determinar los factores asociados a la vacunación contra el sarampión en Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: . Realizamos un estudio de fuente secundaria utilizando la Encuesta Demográfica y de Salud Familiar (ENDES) del 2017, la unidad informante fue una mujer en edad fértil de 15 a 49 años; la unidad de análisis fue un niño de 12 a 59 meses (para la primera dosis) o niño de 18 a 59 meses (para la dosis de refuerzo) y que contaba con datos de vacunación. Los datos de cobertura fueron obtenidos de la tarjeta de vacunación. RESULTADOS: . Según la tarjeta de vacunación, la cobertura para la primera dosis fue del 70,2% (IC95%: 68,8-71,6), para la dosis de refuerzo del 52,0% (IC95%: 50,5-53,6). Los niños de 24-35 meses tuvieron más probabilidades de ser vacunados para la primera dosis (OR: 1,59; IC95%: 1,28-1,97) y dosis de refuerzo (OR:2,04; IC95%: 1,62-2,56) comparado con los niños de 12-23 meses y 18-23 meses respectivamente. Los niños cuyo control de crecimiento y desarrollo fue en el sector privado tuvieron menores probabilidades de ser vacunados para la primera dosis (OR: 0,30; IC95%: 0,21-0,43) y dosis de refuerzo (OR: 0,26; IC95%: 0,17-0,40) comparado con los que se controlaron en el sector público. CONCLUSIONES: . Según la ENDES 2017, Perú y ninguna de sus regiones alcanzó una cobertura del 95,0% para la primera dosis y su refuerzo. El control de crecimiento y desarrollo en establecimientos del sector público está asociado con la vacunación de sarampión en su primera dosis y refuerzo.

Molecular xenomonitoring and host identification of Leishmania sand fly vectors in a Mediterranean periurban wildlife park.

The epidemiological cycle of zoonotic phlebotomine-borne Leishmania infantum is a complex system in which domestic animals and wildlife interact and participate in its maintenance and transmission. In this study, we combined entomological surveillance, xenomonitoring of L. infantum and identification of host feeding sources of engorged females to investigate the potential contribution of a periurban wildlife park to leishmaniosis in neighbouring residential areas. Overall, 7,309 sand flies were collected in 111 trap-days during the summers of 2016-2018 in an endemic area in south-east Spain. Five different sand fly species were captured, with Phlebotomus perniciosus, the main L. infantum vector in this region, representing the most common species. Sand fly distribution was spatially heterogeneous in terms of species, sexes and female physiological stage (unfed, gravid and engorged females) and related to host distribution and management, and environmental features. None of the 602 sand flies analysed for L. infantum infection by kinetoplast real-time PCR were positive. We used molecular tools to identify the vertebrate hosts of sand flies and identified 17 host species, mainly mammals. Human DNA was not identified in engorged sand flies. This study provides evidence that wildlife parks in south-east Spain are ideal grounds for sand fly vectors but do not necessarily increase L. infantum infection risk to humans and dogs living in surrounding residential areas. This is probably because vectors feed mostly on non-L. infantum competent hosts and this should be investigated for a better understanding of the contribution of wildlife parks to the local epidemiology of L. infantum.

Survey of husbandry practices for bovidae in zoos: the importance of parasite management for reintroduction programmes.

Animals from zoological institutions may be used for reintroductions. These individuals are considered healthy, but they are not necessarily free of parasites, despite the minimum husbandry standards required of zoological institutions as described in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria guidelines. In this sense, parasitism has been identified as the cause of failure, or has added difficulties, in some reintroduction programmes. Here the authors attempt to summarise the risk of parasitism to animals originating from zoological institutions by analysing a questionnaire about parasite prevalence, sampling methods, treatment and control in three ungulates in European zoos. Completed questionnaires were received from 38 institutions (58.5 per cent response rate). Most of the responding institutions (97 per cent) detected the eggs of endoparasites in faeces, but only one reported ectoparasites. Most institutions followed a similar preventive schedule, with ivermectin as the preferred prophylactic treatment for parasites, commonly administered in food every six months. The frequent use of concentrating flotation techniques as the sole method to evaluate the presence of parasite eggs in faecal samples is not recommended because it fails to detect trematode and lung nematode infections, so it would be better to use flotation techniques together with sedimentation procedures or serological and molecular tests. The results suggest that parasite control in zoological institutions can be complicated, indicating the need to implement a specific management schedule for institutions involved in reintroduction projects.

Concordancia entre cinco criterios de síndrome metabólico en adolescentes de una zona altoandina del Perú / Concordance between five criteria of metabolic syndrome in teenagers from a Peruvian high andes region

RESUMEN Objetivo. Determinar la concordancia entre cinco criterios diagnósticos de síndrome metabólico (SM) entre adolescentes residentes de una zona altoandina del Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal con datos secundarios de un estudio de intervención en dos escuelas públicas en el año 2019. Participaron 397 adolescentes que residen en la ciudad de Cajamarca ubicada en la región andina del Perú. Se aplicaron cinco criterios diagnósticos: Third Adult Treatment Panel (ATP-III) modificados por Cook, de la Federación Internacional de Diabetes (IDF), de la American Heart Association (AHA), de Ferranti, y de la Organización Mundial de Salud (OMS). Se estimaron las prevalencias puntuales y de intervalo con los cinco criterios. Se estimó el coeficiente de concordancia de Kappa con su respectivo intervalo de confianza al 95% (IC 95%). Resultados. El criterio de Ferranti identificó un 17,1% (IC 95%: 13,4 a 20,8) de adolescentes con SM, seguido del criterio de la ATP-III con 4,3% (IC 95%: 2,3 a 6,3); los demás criterios identificaron una menor frecuencia. La mejor concordancia fue encontrada entre los criterios de la AHA y la ATP-III (k = 0,905), los criterios de la OMS e IDF tuvieron un coeficiente de 0,628. Los cinco criterios coincidieron en clasificar como SM a seis adolescentes (1,5%). Conclusiones. Los criterios de la AHA y la ATP-III modificados por Cook tuvieron una concordancia casi perfecta, que se mantuvo en ambos sexos. Los criterios ATP-III, de Ferranti, IDF, AHA y OMS concuerdan en menos del 2% en identificar SM en el mismo grupo de adolescentes.

ABSTRACT Objective. To determine the concordance between five diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MS) among teenagers from a Peruvian high Andes region. Materials and methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out with secondary data from an intervention study in two public schools in 2019. We included 397 teenagers who lived in the city of Cajamarca, in the Andean region of Peru. We applied the criteria from the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP-III) modified by Cook, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), the American Heart Association (AHA), Ferranti, and the World Health Organization (WHO). The point prevalence and interval prevalence were estimated with the five criteria. The Kappa concordance coefficient with an 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was estimated. Results. The Ferranti criterion identified 17.1% (95%CI: 13.4 to 20.8) of teenagers with MS, followed by the ATP-III criterion with 4.3% (95%CI: 2.3 to 6.3); the other criteria identified a lower frequency. The best concordance was found between the AHA and ATP-III criteria (k = 0.905); the WHO and IDF criteria had a coefficient of 0.628. The five criteria coincided in classifying six adolescents (1.5%) as MS. Conclusions. The AHA and ATP-III criteria modified by Cook had almost perfect concordance, which was also found for both sexes. The ATP-III, Ferranti, IDF, AHA and WHO criteria agree in less than 2% when identifying MS in the same group of adolescents.

Understanding Phlebotomus perniciosus abundance in south-east Spain: assessing the role of environmental and anthropic factors.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniosis is associated with Phlebotomus sand fly vector density, but our knowledge of the environmental framework that regulates highly overdispersed vector abundance distributions is limited. We used a standardized sampling procedure in the bioclimatically diverse Murcia Region in Spain and multilevel regression models for count data to estimate P. perniciosus abundance in relation to environmental and anthropic factors. METHODS: Twenty-five dog and sheep premises were sampled for sand flies using adhesive and light-attraction traps, from late May to early October 2015. Temperature, relative humidity and other animal- and premise-related data recorded on site and other environmental data were extracted from digital databases using a geographical information system. The relationship between sand fly abundance and explanatory variables was analysed using binomial regression models. RESULTS: The total number of sand flies captured, mostly with light-attraction traps, was 3,644 specimens, including 80% P. perniciosus, the main L. infantum vector in Spain. Abundance varied between and within zones and was positively associated with increasing altitude from 0 to 900 m above sea level, except from 500 to 700 m where it was low. Populations peaked in July and especially during a 3-day heat wave when relative humidity and wind speed plummeted. Regression models indicated that climate and not land use or soil characteristics have the greatest impact on this species density on a large geographical scale. In contrast, micro-environmental factors such as animal building characteristics and husbandry practices affect sand fly population size on a smaller scale. CONCLUSIONS: A standardised sampling procedure and statistical analysis for highly overdispersed distributions allow reliable estimation of P. perniciosus abundance and identification of environmental drivers. While climatic variables have the greatest impact at macro-environmental scale, anthropic factors may be determinant at a micro-geographical scale. These finding may be used to elaborate predictive distribution maps useful for vector and pathogen control programs.

Intervención educativa basada en estilos de vida para incrementar la proporción de adolescentes libres de componentes del síndrome metabólico en una región altoandina del Perú / Lifestyle school-based intervention to increase the proportion of adolescents free of components of the metabolic syndrome in an andean region of Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo. Estimar el efecto de una intervención educativa basada en nutrición y estilos de vida saludables para incrementar la proporción de adolescentes libres de componentes del síndrome metabólico. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un estudio preexperimental en una muestra representativa de adolescentes de dos escuelas de un distrito altoandino del Perú (ciudad de Cajamarca); 388 estudiantes completaron la intervención, así como la medición basal y la posintervención. La intervención tuvo nueve ejes temáticos, cada uno fue desarrollado en una sesión educativa de 45 min cada dos semanas. Se usó los criterios del National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel and Adult Treatment Panel III para el síndrome metabólico. Se realizó la comparación de proporciones pareadas (prueba de McNemar) para determinar el impacto de la intervención. Resultados. En la medición basal, el 20,4% (IC95%: 16,2 a 24,5) no tenía componentes de SM, posintervención dicha proporción se incrementó a 32,5% (IC95%: 27,7 a 37,3), la diferencia de proporciones fue 12,1% (IC95%: 7,5 a 16,8; p<0,001). La prevalencia de síndrome metabólico fue 4,6% (IC95%: 2,4 a 6,9) basalmente; posintervención fue 2,3% (IC95%: 0,7 a 3,9). La diferencia de proporciones fue 2,3%, (IC95%: 0,3 a 3,2; p=0,022). Entre los componentes, la mayor reducción fue en la proporción de hipertrigliceridemia (diferencia de proporciones: 21,9%, IC95%: 16,9 a 26,9; p<0,001), también se observó una reducción significativa de la hipertensión arterial (diferencia de proporciones: 3,1%, IC95%: 0,6 a 5,6; p=0,025). En los demás componentes no hubo diferencias significativas. Conclusiones. La intervención educativa incrementó en un 59,3% la proporción de estudiantes libres de algún componente del síndrome metabólico.

ABSTRACT Objective. To estimate the impact of a school-based nutritional and healthy lifestyle intervention to increase the proportions of adolescents free of components of the metabolic syndrome. Materials and methods. We conducted a pre-experimental study in a representative sample of adolescents from two schools in a high Andean district of Peru (Cajamarca city); 388 students completed the intervention and the baseline and post-intervention measurement. The intervention had nine thematic modules; each module was developed in an educational session of 45 minutes every two weeks. We used the National Cholesterol Education Program Expert Panel and Adult Treatment Panel III criteria for metabolic syndrome. We used paired proportions comparison (McNemar test) to determine the impact of the intervention. Results. At baseline, 20.4% (95% CI: 16.2 to 24.5) students had no metabolic syndrome components, post-intervention this proportion increased to 32,5% (95% CI: 27.7 to 37.3), the difference in proportions was 12.1% (95% CI: 7.5 to 16.8; p<0.001). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 4.6% (95% CI: 2.4 to 6.9) at baseline, while post-intervention was 2.3% (95%CI: 0.7 to 3.9). During the analysis of components, the greatest reduction was observed in the proportion of hypertriglyceridemia (difference in proportions: 21.9%, 95%CI: 16.9 to 26.9, p <0.001); we also found a significant reduction in arterial hypertension (difference in proportions: 3.1%, 95% CI: 0.6 to 5.6, p=0.025). In the other components, there were no significant differences. Conclusions. The school-based intervention increased in 59.3% the proportion of students free of any component of the metabolic syndrome.

Frecuencia del fenotipo de cintura hipertrigliceridémica y su asociación con anormalidades metabólicas en adolescentes de una región andina del Perú / Frequency of hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype and its association with metabolic abnormalities in adolescents from a Andean region of Peru

RESUMEN Introducción. La cintura hipertrigliceridémica ha sido propuesta como un fenotipo con una fuerte asociación al síndrome metabólico, no se conoce la frecuencia de este fenotipo en adolescentes del Perú, incluyendo sus zonas andinas. Objetivo. Estimar la frecuencia de la cintura hipertrigliceridémica y su asociación con anormalidades metabólicas y otros factores en adolescentes peruanos de una región andina. Métodos. Estudio de fuente secundaria de diseño transversal analítico. Analizamos los datos de 397 adolescentes seleccionados aleatoriamente en dos escuelas públicas de la ciudad de Cajamarca. Se definió cintura hipertrigliceridémica como la presencia simultánea de una circunferencia de cintura incrementada (≥percentil 90 para edad y sexo) e hipertrigliceridemia sérica (≥110 mg/dL). Se realizó la estimación de la prevalencia de manera puntual y con su intervalo de confianza al 95%, también realizamos un análisis de regresión logística binaria para identificar factores asociados. Resultados. El fenotipo de cintura hipertrigliceridémica fue 2,01% (IC95%: 0,51 a 3,52). El componente más frecuente fue hipertrigliceridemia con 39,55% (IC95%: 34,61 a 44,48), mientras que la circunferencia de cintura incrementada afectó al 3,02% (IC95%: 1,21 a 4,83). El exceso de peso fue la única variable asociada con el fenotipo de cintura hipertrigliceridémica (OR ajustado: 62,7; IC95%: 6,7 a 587,9; p<0,001). Conclusiones. Dos de cien adolescentes de 11 a 17 años residentes de una región altoandina del Perú tuvieron el fenotipo de cintura hipertrigliceridémica. Dicho fenotipo estuvo asociado con el exceso de peso.

ABSTRACT Introduction. The hypertriglyceridemic waist has been proposed as a phenotype with a strong association with the metabolic syndrome. The frequency of this phenotype in adolescents from Peru, including Andes population is unknown. Objective. To estimate the frequency of the hypertriglyceridemic waist and its association with metabolic abnormalities and other factors in Peruvian adolescents from an Andean region. Methods. We performed a data secondary analysis through cross-sectional design. We analyzed 397 randomly selected adolescents from two public schools in the Cajamarca city. We defined hypertriglyceridemic waist as the simultaneous presence of increased waist circumference (≥ 90th percentile for age and sex) and serum hypertriglyceridemia (≥110 mg/dL). We estimated the point prevalence of hypertriglyceridemic waist and their 95% confidence interval, we also performed a binary logistic regression analysis to identify associated risks. Results. The phenotype of hypertriglyceridemic waist was 2.01% (95%CI: 0.51 to 3.52). The most frequent component was hypertriglyceridemia with 39.55% (95%CI: 34.61 to 44.48), while increased waist circumference affected 3.02% (95%CI: 1.21 to 4.83). Excess weight was the only variable association with hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype (adjusted OR: 62.7; 95%CI: 6.7 - 587.9; p<0.001). Conclusions. Two of one hundred adolescents aged 11 to 17 years living in a high Andean region of Peru had the hypertriglyceridemic waist phenotype. This phenotype was associated with excess weight.

Output of gastrointestinal nematode eggs in the feces of captive gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr, Gazella cuvieri and Gazella dorcas neglecta) in a semiarid region of southeastern Spain.

Feces from 62 captive African gazelles, including Mhorr gazelles (Gazella dama mhorr), Cuvier's gazelles (Gazella cuvieri), and Dorcas gazelles (Gazella dorcas neglecta), were examined over the course of a year to quantitate nematode egg excretion patterns. Strongyloides sp. eggs appeared only in G. dama during the rainy season. Trichostrongylidae egg excretion showed a marked seasonal variation, with very low levels during the dry and hot period, a finding that is probably attributable to hypobiosis of the predominant species (Camelostrongylus mentulatus). Eggs of the Nematodirus sp., predominantly Nematodirus spathiger, were excreted throughout the year. No seasonal pattern was observed in Trichuris sp. egg excretion.

Análisis bibliométrico de la producción científica peruana sobre la COVID-19

Objetivo: Caracterizar la producción científica peruana sobre la COVID-19 al 31 de enero del 2021. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio bibliométrico en dos bases de datos (MEDLINE y SciELO). Se incluyeron artículos originales y originales breves en la que al menos un autor consignó como filiación una institución peruana. Se describió la producción científica según la institución de procedencia, su aprobación por un comité de ética en investigación, el registro en las plataformas dispuestas por normativa, las revistas científicas en las que se publicaron, el financiamiento de las investigaciones, y las redes de colaboración peruana. Resultados: Se incluyeron 106 artículos, de los cuales solo tres (2,8%) fueron ensayos clínicos. De las diez primeras instituciones con mayor producción científica, solo dos no pertenecen al sector educación. En 53 (50,0%) artículos no se tuvo información de los aspectos éticos o no se declaró explícitamente si fue o no aprobado por un comité de ética en investigación. Solo ocho (7,7%) de 104 artículos que debieron estar registrados en PRISA, lo hicieron, doce (11,3%) artículos se publicaron en revistas peruanas. En 71 (67,0%) investigaciones no se consignó la fuente de financiamiento o fueron autofinanciadas. Se encontró colaboración internacional en 70 publicaciones (66,0%). Conclusión: Las instituciones peruanas más productivas se encuentran en Lima. La mitad de los artículos no consignaron aspectos éticos. Casi la totalidad de los estudios no se registraron en las plataformas dispuestas por normativa, y en más de la mitad de los artículos no se consignó la fuente de financiamiento o fueron autofinanciadas.

Objective: To describe the Peruvian scientific output on COVID-19 up to January 31, 2021. Materials and methods: We carried out a bibliometric study using two databases (MEDLINE and SciELO). We included original or short original articles with at least one author with Peruvian institutional affiliation. Scientific output was described according to: institution, approval by a Research Ethics Committee, registration in the platforms established by regulations, scientific journals in which they were published, research funding, and Peruvian collaboration networks. Results: A total of 106 articles were analyzed, only three (2.8%) were clinical trials. Of the top 10 institutions with the highest scientific output, only two did not belong to the education sector. A total of 53 (50.0%) articles had no information regarding ethical aspects or it was not explicitly stated whether or not it was approved by a Research Ethics Committee. Only 8 (7.7%) of 104 articles were registered in PRISA; 12 (11.3%) articles were published in Peruvian journals. Regarding funding, 71 (67.0%) investigations did not specify the source or they were self-financed. We found international collaboration in 70 publications (66.0%). Conclusions: The most productive Peruvian institutions are found in Lima. Half of the articles did not state ethical aspects in any part of the document. Almost all of the studies were not registered on the platforms established by regulations. In more than half of the articles the source of funding is not stated or they were self-financed.