Dispersal history of SARS-CoV-2 in Galicia, Spain.

The dynamics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) transmission are influenced by a variety of factors, including social restrictions and the emergence of distinct variants. In this study, we delve into the origins and dissemination of the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron-BA.1 variants of concern in Galicia, northwest Spain. For this, we leveraged genomic data collected by the EPICOVIGAL Consortium and from the GISAID database, along with mobility information from other Spanish regions and foreign countries. Our analysis indicates that initial introductions during the Alpha phase were predominantly from other Spanish regions and France. However, as the pandemic progressed, introductions from Portugal and the United States became increasingly significant. The number of detected introductions varied from 96 and 101 for Alpha and Delta to 39 for Omicron-BA.1. Most of these introductions left a low number of descendants (<10), suggesting a limited impact on the evolution of the pandemic in Galicia. Notably, Galicia's major coastal cities emerged as critical hubs for viral transmission, highlighting their role in sustaining and spreading the virus. This research emphasizes the critical role of regional connectivity in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and offers essential insights for enhancing public health strategies and surveillance measures.

Work Ability Index: Psychometric Testing in Aeronautical Industry Workers.

Background: The Work Ability Index (WAI) is an instrument that measures work ability. The wide dispersion of the WAI internationally has led to its adaptation for use in different countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the WAI. Methods: A methodological design was used over an opportunistic sample of 233 workers in the aeronautical industry in Spain. Reliability was evaluated through internal consistency. Factorial validity, known groups, and convergent validity were tested. Results: The Cronbach's alpha and item-total correlation indicated an adequate internal consistency. The confirmatory factor analysis, performed to evaluate the factorial validity, found adequate fit indices for a two-factor solution with a high correlation between the factors. Factor 1, "Subjectively estimated work ability and resources", was composed of 3 subscales and factor 2, "Ill-health-related", of 2 subscales. Subscales 4 and 6 had loading in both factors. Workers under 45 years of age obtained higher significant scores than older ones. Convergent validity was also evidenced since WAI was highly correlated with self-assessment of health status. Conclusions: The Spanish version of the WAI has shown evidence of reliability and validity in this study, supporting its use in individual and collective health surveillance by occupational health professionals. The factorial solution that was found has previously been reported in another international context. However, further research is needed to resolve the discrepancies detected in the role of some subscales between other national and international studies.

Dispersal history of SARS-CoV-2 in Galicia, Spain.

The dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission are influenced by a variety of factors, including social restrictions and the emergence of distinct variants. In this study, we delve into the origins and dissemination of the Alpha, Delta, and Omicron variants of concern in Galicia, northwest Spain. For this, we leveraged genomic data collected by the EPICOVIGAL Consortium and from the GISAID database, along with mobility information from other Spanish regions and foreign countries. Our analysis indicates that initial introductions during the Alpha phase were predominantly from other Spanish regions and France. However, as the pandemic progressed, introductions from Portugal and the USA became increasingly significant. Notably, Galicia's major coastal cities emerged as critical hubs for viral transmission, highlighting their role in sustaining and spreading the virus. This research emphasizes the critical role of regional connectivity in the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and offers essential insights for enhancing public health strategies and surveillance measures.

Worldwide prevalence of inadequate work ability among hospital nursing personnel: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To estimate the worldwide pooled prevalence of inadequate work ability among hospital nursing personnel using the Work Ability Index (WAI). DESIGN: Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted on Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scielo, PsychInfo, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health, LILACS, and Google Scholar from inception to July 2021 to identify observational studies on work ability among hospital nursing personnel using the WAI. Two researchers independently completed the study selection, quality assessments, and data extraction on the prevalence of inadequate work ability that was pooled using the random effects model. Finally, subgroup analyses were performed to explore sources of heterogeneity. FINDINGS: A total of 42 studies were included, consisting of 24,728 subjects worldwide from 14 countries. Of these, 35 studies were included in the meta-analytical analyses. The worldwide pooled prevalence of inadequate work ability among hospital nursing personnel was 24.7% (95% CI = 20.2%-29.4%). High levels of heterogeneity were detected in all studies. Prevalence was higher in studies where samples were composed of nurses and nursing assistive personnel (26.8%; 95% CI = 22.4%-31.5%) than in those of nurses alone (22.2%; 95% CI = 13.1%-32.9%) and in studies where the sample was over 40 (28.1%; 95% CI = 19.5%-37.5%) than in those with a sample under that age (22.4%; 95% CI = 15.8%-29.7%). CONCLUSIONS: Almost one in four members of hospital nursing staff in the world has inadequate work ability and therefore are at risk of several negative outcomes during their working life. These prevalence data correspond to the pre-pandemic period, so new studies should also be especially useful in quantifying the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work ability in the hospital nursing workforce. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The above findings justify the launch of initiatives that include annual assessment for the early identification of inadequate work ability, offering the possibility of anticipated corrective measures. Nursing workforce older than 40 years and those belonging to the professional category of nursing assistive personnel should be priority target groups for screening and intervention to improve work ability.

[Case detection and follow-up of an outbreak of COVID-19 in repatriated workers: A case series study.] / Detección y segui-miento de casos de un brote de covid-19 en trabajadores repatriados: Un estudio de serie de casos.

OBJECTIVE: The mobility of workers to other countries in a globalized work world has posed an added risk in the current pandemy of COVID-19 and can carry with it an increased risk of spread and transmission of the disease. The collaboration of the Occupational Health Units of the companies and the Health Authorities has been fundamental in the investigation of COVID-19 outbreaks secondary to international travel of workers on mission. The objective of this study was to describe the process of detection and follow-up of cases in an outbreak of COVID-19 in repatriated workers after a six-month mission in a factory of aircraft components in Poland. METHODS: A case series study was conducted. Data on sociodemographic, epidemiological and clinical course variables of the cases were collected by telephone clinical interview. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. RESULTS: The outbreak involved 20 workers who shared the workplace and made the repatriation trip together. The outbreak investigation was initiated after detecting that a worker presented symptoms compatible with COVID-19 during the 4 days prior to the return trip, which was later confirmed by PCR. During follow-up, 40% (n=8) of the workers were considered cases confirmed by PCR. Of these, only 62.5% (n=5) presented symptoms. Fifty percent (n=4) had fever, 25% (n=2) had cough, respiratory distress, general malaise, and diarrhea, and 12.5% (n=1) had anosmia, ageusia, and conjunctivitis. All of them underwent home isolation with outpatient telephone follow-up. At the end of the follow-up, all were asymptomatic and returned to work. The mean close contact was 1.85 per case within the group (SD=3.13), with a range of 0-11, occurring primarily during attendance at extra work social events that were limited to members of the workers' own group and/or during the return flight. The health authorities were informed through established channels so that they could proceed with the detection and tracking of close contacts with people outside the group of workers that occurred during the flight and after arrival to Spain. CONCLUSIONS: Early detection of potential cases of COVID-19 with transmission capacity by the Occupational Health and Safety Departments of the companies, in collaboration with the Health Authorities, is essential for more efficient case and contact management of imported cases of COVID-19.

OBJETIVO: La movilidad de los trabajadores a otros países en un mundo laboral globalizado, ha supuesto un riesgo añadido en el contexto actual de la pandemia de COVID-19 y puede llevar consigo un riesgo mayor de propagación y transmisión de la enfermedad. La colaboración de las Unidades de Salud Laboral de las empresas y las Autoridades Sanitarias ha sido fundamental en la investigación de brotes de COVID-19 secundarios a viajes internacionales de trabajadores en misión. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir el proceso de detección y seguimiento de casos en un brote de COVID-19 en trabajadores repatriados tras una misión de seis meses en una fábrica de elementos aeronáuticos en Polonia. METODOS: Se realizó un estudio de serie de casos. Se recogieron datos relativos a variables sociodemográficas, epidemiológicas y relativas al curso clínico de los casos mediante entrevista clínica telefónica. Se utilizó la estadística descriptiva para resumir los datos. RESULTADOS: El brote implicó a 20 trabajadores que compartían lugar de trabajo y realizaron el viaje de retorno juntos. La investigación del brote se inició tras detectar que un trabajador presentó sintomatología compatible con COVID-19 durante los 4 días previos al viaje de regreso, que posteriormente fue confirmado con PCR. Durante el seguimiento, el 40% (n=8) de los trabajadores fueron considerados casos confirmados con PCR. De ellos, únicamente el 62,5% (n=5) presentó sintomatología. El 50% (n=4) presentó fiebre, mientras que el 25% (n=2) presentó tos, dificultad respiratoria, malestar general y diarrea, y el 12,5% (n=1) presentó anosmia, ageusia y conjuntivitis. Todos realizaron aislamiento domiciliario con seguimiento ambulatorio telefónico y estaban asintomáticos al final del seguimiento causando alta laboral. Los casos presentaron una media de 1,85 (DE=3,13) contactos estrechos dentro del grupo con un rango de 0-11, principalmente ocurridos durante la asistencia a eventos sociales extralaborales que se limitaban a los miembros del propio grupo y/o durante el viaje de avión de regreso. Las autoridades sanitarias fueron informadas a través de los cauces establecidos para que procedieran a la detección y seguimiento de los contactos estrechos con personas externas al grupo de trabajadores sucedidos durante el vuelo y tras la llegada a España. CONCLUSIONES: La detección precoz de los casos de COVID-19 con capacidad de transmisión a través de los servicios de prevención de las empresas, en colaboración con las Autoridades Sanitarias, es fundamental para el manejo de casos y contactos más eficiente ante la eventual aparición de casos importados de COVID-19.

Artificial Stone Silicosis: Accumulation of errors in the resurgence of an occupational disease: A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Exposure to artificial stone machining, under the conditions in which marble workers work with this new product, can cause silicosis. OBJECTIVE: To examine the experiences of marble workers affected, both in workshop and during home installation of countertops, before diagnosis of silicosis. METHODS: Qualitative study in which 10 open-ended semistructured interviews were conducted with marble workers diagnosed with silicosis after machining artificial stone countertops in Cádiz, Spain. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and coded using a directed content analysis. Codes were organized into themes. RESULTS: Interviews up to 120 minutes and transcript analysis revealed three themes: 1) Heavy exposure for piecework: construction boom in an environment of labor deregulation and high demand for the novel product; 2) Poor working conditions: dry machining of artificial stone without proper protection in the workshop and greater exposure during home installation of countertops; 3) Concatenated legal transgressions: deficiencies in prevention and health surveillance without safety conditions for the correct handling of artificial stone. CONCLUSIONS: The fight against an emerging occupational disease-artificial stone silicosis-should focus on detecting affected workers and avoiding new cases, forcing joint efforts to achieve rigorous compliance with health surveillance and protecting marble workers to achieve healthy and safe workplaces.

Molecular Detection and Characterization of the mecA and nuc Genes From Staphylococcus Species (S. aureus, S. pseudintermedius, and S. schleiferi) Isolated From Dogs Suffering Superficial Pyoderma and Their Antimicrobial Resistance Profiles.

Canine superficial pyoderma (CSP) is a bacterial infection secondary to several skin diseases of the dog. Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, which is a commensal bacterium of the dog's skin, is the leading agent found in dogs affected by CSP, which can progress to deep pyoderma. It is also of clinical significance because S. pseudintermedius strains carry antimicrobial resistance genes, mainly the mecA gene. In this descriptive longitudinal study, molecular characterization of bacterial isolates from dogs affected by CSP was performed in addition to phenotyping, antimicrobial profiling, and assessment of resistance carriage status. Fifty dogs (24 females and 26 males) attending the CES University Veterinary Teaching Hospital were included in the study. CSP was confirmed according to clinical signs and cytological examination. Swabs were taken from active skin lesions for bacterial culture, and phenotyping and antimicrobial resistance profiles were assessed using API-Staph phenotyping and the Kirby-Bauer method, respectively. We also performed molecular detection and characterization of the mecA and nuc encoding gene of coagulase-positive Staphylococci. The mecA gene frequency was established by qPCR amplification of a 131bp gene fragment. Data were evaluated by descriptive statistics. Erythema, peeling, pruritus, and alopecia were the predominant symptoms (72, 56, and 46%, respectively). We isolated bacteria compatible with Staphylococcus species from all samples tested. API phenotyping showed 83.1 to 97.8% compatibility with S. pseudintermedius. PCR-genotyping resulted in 15, 3, and 1 isolates positive for S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus, and S. schleiferi, respectively. Isolated strains showed high susceptibility to Imipenem, Ampicillin/Sulbactam, and Rifampicin (100, 94, and 92%, respectively). The highest resistance was against Vancomycin and Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole (98 and 74%, respectively). S. pseudintermedius, S. aureus, and S. schleiferi isolates were cloned and shared 96% sequence homology. Finally, we found 62% carriage status of the mecA gene in isolates of CSP patients, although only 36% of the isolates were methicillin-resistant. Identification of three Staphylococcus species causing CSP, high-level resistance against conventional antimicrobials, and carriage of the mecA gene highlight the importance of performing molecular characterization of bacteria causing dermatological conditions in dogs.

Locoregional staging using magnetic resonance imaging in rectal cancer: influence of diffusion-weighted imaging in the diagnostic accuracy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the accuracy in locoregional staging using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in rectal cancer (primary or post-chemoradiotherapy) improves by adding diffusion-weighted imaging, according to the radiologist's degree of experience. METHOD: Retrospective study on 100 MRI records (1.5 T, 2011-2016) from patients with rectal cancer (reference standard: histology of surgical specimens). Ten radiologists (three experienced in rectal cancer, three specialized in other areas and four residents) individually reviewed each case twice: first, evaluating just high-resolution T2-weighted sequences; second, evaluation of diffusion-weighted plus high-resolution ones. The analysis focused on the differentiation between early (0-I) and advanced (II-IV) stages. Accuracy, sensitivity/specificity and predictive values were calculated. RESULTS: Experienced radiologists showed some worsening by adding diffusion-weighted imaging, mainly at primary staging (accuracy: 0.769 to 0.701). Inexperienced radiologists presented a post-chemoradiotherapy improvement (accuracy: 0.574 to 0.642; specificity of 19.1 to 29.8%), although with no other remarkable changes. Residents demonstrated a worsening at primary staging by adding diffusion (accuracy: 0.670 to 0.633; specificity: 45.8 to 39.6%), but post-chemoradiotherapy improvement (sensitivity: 80.6 to 87%). The differences between both reviews were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: No significant differences were found in the distinction between early and advanced rectal tumors secondary to adding diffusion-weighted imaging to high-resolution T2-weighted sequences.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar si la eficacia en la estadificación locorregional por resonancia magnética (RM) del cáncer de recto (primaria o posneoadyuvancia) mejora al añadir imágenes potenciadas en difusión, según la experiencia previa del radiólogo. MÉTODO: Estudio retrospectivo sobre 100 RM de 1.5 T (2011-2016) de pacientes con cáncer rectal (estándar de referencia: estadiaje histológico de pieza quirúrgica). Diez radiólogos (tres con experiencia en cáncer rectal, tres inexpertos y cuatro residentes) evaluaron individualmente cada caso dos veces: primero, solo secuencias T2 de alta resolución; segundo, valoración conjunta con difusión. Se analizó la diferenciación entre estadios precoces (0-I) y avanzados (II-IV), y se calcularon la precisión, la sensibilidad y la especificidad, y los valores predictivos. RESULTADOS: Al agregar la difusión, los radiólogos experimentados presentaron peores resultados, sobre todo en estadiaje primario (precisión: 0.769 a 0.701). Los inexpertos mostraron mejoría posneoadyuvancia (precisión: 0.574 a 0.642; especificidad: 19.1 a 29.8%), sin otros cambios destacables. Los residentes manifestaron peores resultados en estadiaje primario (precisión: 0.670 a 0.633; especificidad: 45.8-39.6%), pero mejoría posneoadyuvancia (sensibilidad: 80.6 a 87%). Las diferencias entre ambas revisiones no fueron estadísticamente significativas. CONCLUSIONES: No se encontraron diferencias significativas en la distinción entre tumores rectales precoces y avanzados al añadir secuencias de difusión al uso de secuencias T2 de alta resolución.

Primary and post-chemoradiotherapy staging using MRI in rectal cancer: the role of diffusion imaging in the assessment of perirectal infiltration.

PURPOSE: To analyze changes in MRI diagnostic accuracy in main rectal tumor (T) evaluation resulting from the use of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI), according to the degree of experience of the radiologist. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study of a database including one hundred 1.5 T MRI records (2011-2016) from patients with biopsy-proven rectal cancer, including primary staging and post-chemoradiotherapy follow-up. All cases were individually blindedly reviewed by ten radiologists: three experienced in rectal cancer, three specialized in other areas, and four residents. Each case was assessed twice to detect perirectal infiltration: first, evaluating just high-resolution T2-weighted sequences (HRT2w); second, evaluation of DWI plus HRT2w sequences. Results were pooled by experience, calculating accuracy (area under ROC curve), sensitivity and specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and overstaging/understaging. Histology of surgical specimens provided the reference standard. RESULTS: DWI significantly improved specificity by experienced radiologists in primary staging (63.2% to 75.9%) and, to a lesser extent, positive likelihood ratio (2.06 to 2.87); minimal changes were observed post-chemoradiotherapy, with a slight decrease of accuracy (0.657 to 0.626). Inexperienced radiologists showed a similar pattern, but with slight enhancement post-chemoradiotherapy (accuracy 0.604 to 0.621). Residents experienced small changes, with increased sensitivity/decreased specificity in both primary (69% to 72%/67.2% to 64.7%) and post-chemoradiotherapy (68.1% to 73.6%/47.3% to 44.6%) staging. CONCLUSIONS: Adding DWI to HRT2w significantly improved specificity for the detection of perirectal infiltration at primary staging by experienced radiologists and also by inexperienced ones, although to a lesser extent. In the post-neoadjuvant treatment subgroup, only minimal changes were observed.

A Million Steps: Developing a Health Promotion Program at the Workplace to Enhance Physical Activity.

The workplace is a key setting for the prevention of occupational risks and for promoting healthy activities such as physical activity. Developing a physically active lifestyle results in many health benefits, improving both well-being and quality of life. This article details the experience of two Spanish companies that implemented a program to promote physical exercise in the workplace, called "A Million Steps." This program aimed to increase the physical activity of participants, challenging them to reach at least a million steps in a month through group walks. Participant workers reached the set goal and highlighted the motivational and interpersonal functions of the program.

Histopathologic findings in uteri and ovaries collected from clinically healthy dogs at elective ovariohysterectomy: a cross-sectional study.

Opinions on ovariohysterectomy (OHE) of bitches vary depending on region and country. In this descriptive, prospective cross-sectional study, uterine tracts and ovaries exhibiting gross pathologic findings (n = 76) were collected post-surgery from a reference population of 3,600 bitches (2.11% incidence) that underwent elective OHE during September to November 2013 and evaluated by histopathology examination. Data were evaluated by using descriptive statistics and chi-squared tests. Bitches were of crossbred background with average age 5 years (range 0.6-8.0 years) and most were nulliparous (69.7%) with no anamnesis of reproductive diseases (81.6%). Frequencies of proestrus, estrus, and diestrus were 42.1%, 6.6%, and 19.7%, respectively. The presence of mammary gland masses (5.3%) significantly correlated with histopathologic findings in ovaries and age of the bitch (p ＜ 0.05). Predominant uterine histopathologies included cystic endometrial hyperplasia, periglandular fibrosis, lymphoplasmocytary endometritis, and adenomyosis (19.7%, 14.5%, 4.0%, and 2.6%, respectively). In ovaries, hyperplasia of rete ovarii, follicular cysts, oophoritis, adenoma of the rete ovarii, cysts of superficial structures, and granulosa cell tumors (10.5%, 10.5%, 7.9%, 4.0%, 2.6%, and 2.6%, respectively) were observed. The results reveal the presence of subclinical pathologies in healthy bitches, suggesting that OHE at an early age is beneficial for prevention of reproductive pathologies.

Genotypic and phenotypic characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones with high-level mupirocin resistance.

A high proportion of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates recovered in one year period showed high-level mupirocin-resistance (HLMUPR-MRSA) in our environment (27.2%). HLMUPR-MRSA isolates were mainly collected from skin and soft tissue samples, and diabetes was the main related comorbidity condition. These isolates were more frequently found in vascular surgery. HLMUPR-MRSA was more resistant to aminoglycosides than mupirocin-susceptible MRSA, linked to the presence of bifunctional and/or nucleotidyltransferase enzymes with/without macrolide resistance associated with the msr(A) gene. Most of HLMUPR-MRSA isolates belonged to ST125/t067. Nine IS257-ileS2 amplification patterns (p3 was the most frequent) were observed in HLMUPR-MRSA isolates, suggesting the presence of several mupirocin-resistance-carrying plasmids in our environment and promoting the emergence of mupirocin resistance. The presence of the same IS257-ileS2 amplification pattern p3 in 65% of HLMUPR-MRSA, all of them ST125/t067, suggests a clonal spread in our hospital and community environment which could explain the high prevalence of HLMUPR-MRSA during the study period. An outbreak situation or an increase in mupirocin consumption was not observed.

Antimicrobial resistance, virulence factors and genetic lineages of hospital-onset methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates detected in a hospital in Zaragoza.

INTRODUCTION: MRSA population dynamics is undergoing significant changes, and for this reason it is important to know which clones are circulating in our nosocomial environment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 118 MRSA isolates were collected from clinical samples from patients with previous hospital or healthcare contact (named as hospital-onset MRSA (HO-MRSA)) during a one year period. Susceptibility testing was performed by disk diffusion and microdilution. The presence of resistance genes and virulence factors were tested by PCR. All isolates were typed by SCCmec, spa and agr typing. PFGE and MLST were applied to a selection of them. RESULTS: Eighty-three HO-MRSA isolates (70.3%) were resistant to any antibiotic included in the macrolide-lincosamide-streptogramin B group. Among these isolates, the M phenotype was the most frequent (73.5%). One hundred and seven of HO-MRSA isolates (90.7%) showed aminoglycoside resistance. The combination aac(6')-Ie-aph(2″)-Ia+ant(4')-Ia genes was the most frequent (22.4%). Tetracycline resistance rates in HO-MRSA isolates were low (3.4%), although a high level of mupirocin resistance was observed (25.4%). Most of the HO-MRSA isolates (approximately 90%) showed SCCmec type IVc and agr type II. Fifteen unrelated pulsotypes were identified. CC5 was the most prevalent (88.1%), followed by CC8 (5.9%), CC22 (2.5%), CC398 (2.5%) and CC1 (0.8%). CONCLUSION: CC5/ST125/t067 lineage was the most frequent. This lineage was related to aminoglycoside resistance, and to a lesser extent, with macrolide resistance. The presence of international clones as EMRSA-15 (CC22/ST22), European clones as CC5/ST228, community clones related to CC1 or CC8 and livestock associated clones, as CC398, were observed in a low percentage.

First report of canine borreliosis seroprevalence in a middle-altitude tropical urban area (Medellín-Colombia) / Primer reporte de seroprevalencia de borreliosis canina en una ciudad localizada en una altitud media en la región tropical (Medellín, Colombia) / Primeiro relato de soroprevalência de borreliose canina em uma cidade localizada a uma altitude média na região tropical (Medellín, Colombia)

Anamnesis: A one year old French Bulldog male, affected by gastrointestinal symptoms and abdominal pain, with no response to the established therapeutic schedule was attended. Clinical and laboratory findings: The most significant finding was thrombocytopenia and seropositive for Borrelia burgdorferi by IDEXX 4S Snap test. Treatment approach: treatment was established with tetracycline and doxycycline. Eight months later the dog showed signs of polyarthritis and received a second antibiotic treatment with remission of the disease and sero-reversion. Conclusions: This case is of epidemiological relevance because it is the first time canine borreliosis is evidenced by serology in dogs from an urban setting, suggesting the disease is moving on toward middle altitude and urban areas. Clinical signs and treatment schedule are reviewed.

Anamnesis: un perro de la raza Bulldog francés de un año de edad, fue llevado a consulta por tener síntomas gastrointestinales, sin respuesta al tratamiento previo. Hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio: el perro presentó trombocitopenia y serología positiva a Borrelia burgdorferi por IDEXX 4S Snap test. Tratamiento: El tratamiento se instauró con tetraclina y doxiciclina. A los 8 meses el perro mostró poliartritis y continuaba seropositivo, por lo cual recibió un segundo esquema con antibióticos que resulto en remisión de los signos y serorreversión. Conclusiones: este caso es de relevancia epidemiológica por ser la primera vez que se diagnostica la borreliosis canina en un área rural por serología, lo que sugiere que la enfermedad se puede estar desplazando hacia centros urbanos y mayores altitudes. En la discusión se revisan los signos clínicos y el esquema de tratamiento de la enfermedad en caninos.

História: A consulta foi realizada a cão do raça buldogue francês de um ano, ter sintomas gastrointestinais, sem resposta ao tratamento anterior. Os achados clínicos e laboratoriais: o cão tem trombocitopenia e sorologia positiva para Borrelia burgdorferi pelo IDEXX 4S Snap test. Tratamento: o tratamento foi iniciado com tetraciclina e doxiciclina. Aos 8 meses, o cão tem artrite e manteve-se soropositivo, pelo qual recebeu um segundo esquema de antibiótico o que resultou em remissão dos sinais e sero-reversão. Conclusões: neste caso, é de importância epidemiológica por ser o primeiro borreliose canina diagnosticado sorologicamente em uma área rural, o que sugere que a doença está se deslocando para os centros urbanos e as altitudes mais elevadas. Na seção de discussão dos sinais clínicos e esquema de tratamento da doença em cães são tratados.

Usefulness of PCR-RFLP coa gene for clonal classification of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolates in tertiary hospitals.

One hundred and one methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clinical isolates were classified into 10 genotypes based on their polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) coa pattern. PCR-RFLP coa patterns correlated with the clonal complex (CC) with the exception of CC5, which was related to 2 patterns (B and E). The PCR-RFLP coa gene technique provides a useful preliminary method to monitor variations in MRSA populations.

Uso de Triticum vulgare en tratamiento posquirúrgico de pioderma interdigital crónico fibrosante en un canino. Reporte de caso / Using Triticum vulgare in post-surgical treatment of chronic fibrosing interdigital pyoderma in a dog. Case report / Utilização de Triticum vulgare no tratamento pós-cirúrgico de piodermite interdigital crônico fibrosante num canino. Relato de caso

Resumen Anamnesis y aproximación terapéutica: un perro bulldog inglés de 3 años de edad, que presentó una masa interdigital y fue sometido a biopsia por escisión en dos ocasiones con intervalo de cuatro meses, presentó deficiencias en la cicatrización, inflamación local severa, enrojecimiento, secreción serosanguinolenta y finalmente dehiscencia de la sutura. Hallazgos clínicos y de laboratorio: los resultados de química sanguínea y el hemoleucograma no presentaron alteraciones; el informe de patología indicó un diagnóstico inicial de pioderma crónico y una evolución posterior hacia dermatitis perivascular profunda y perifoliculitis. Conclusiones: después de haber sido sometido a la cirugía y presentar dehiscencia de la sutura, el paciente fue sometido a tratamiento local con crema de Triticum vulgare (cuatro veces al día/20 días), lo que propició una cicatrización por segunda intención con mejoría clínica entre seis y ocho días después de iniciar el tratamiento, sin recaída de la lesión local hasta seis meses después. Los resultados proporcionan evidencia sobre el uso de Triticum vulgare en la cicatrización de heridas por segunda intención en pacientes caninos.

Abstract Anamnesis and therapeutic approach: A three-year-old male English bulldog presenting an interdigital mass was surgically intervened twice, with four months interval, by excisional biopsy. After surgery the dog showed impaired healing, severe local inflammation, redness of the wound, serosanguineous secretion, and wound dehiscence. Clinical and laboratory findings: Blood chemistry and hemoleucogram results were within normal values. The pathology report indicated an initial diagnosis of chronic pyoderma and subsequent progression to deep perivascular dermatitis and perifolliculitis. Conclusions: Once the dog presented wound dehiscence after the surgical intervention, Triticum vulgare treatment (cream, four times a day/20 d) was established, which resulted in second-intention healing and clinical improvement within six to eight days after starting the treatment, with no relapse of the injury during a six month period of evaluation. This report provides evidence on the usefulness of Triticum vulgare for second-intention healing in canine patients.

Resumo Anamnese e aproximação terapêutica: Um cachorro bulldog inglês de 3 anos de idade, que apresentou uma massa interdigital e foi submetido a biopsia por excisão em duas ocasiões com intervalo de quatro meses, apresentou deficiências na cicatrização, inflamação local severa, avermelhamento, secreção soro sanguinolenta e finalmente deiscência da sutura. Diagnósticos clínicos e de laboratório: os resultados da química sanguínea e o hemoleucograma não apresentaram alterações; o informe de patologia indicou um diagnóstico inicial de piodermite crônico e uma evolução posterior até dermatite perivascular profunda e perifoliculite. Conclusões: após ter sido submetido a cirurgia e apresentar deiscência da sutura, o paciente foi submetido a tratamento local com creme de Triticum vulgare (quatro vezes ao dia por 20 dias), o que propiciou uma cicatrização por segunda intenção com melhoria clinica entre seis e oito dias depois de iniciar o tratamento, sem recaída da lesão local até seis meses depois. Os resultados proporcionam evidencia sobre o uso de Triticum vulgare na cicatrização de feridas por segunda intenção em pacientes caninos.

Characterization of plasmid-mediated ß-lactamases in fecal colonizing patients in the hospital and community setting in Spain.

AIM: Active surveillance of plasmid-mediated ß-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (PMBL-E) in fecal carriers in the hospital and in the community setting in a non-outbreak period of time. METHODS: Patients were screened for carriage of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins and PMBL-E were characterized (extended-spectrum-ß-lactamase [ESBL], plasmid-mediated AmpC ß-lactamase [pAmpC], and carbapenemases) by PCR and sequencing. RESULTS: The prevalence of ESBL and pAmpC carriers was 5.06% and 0.59%, respectively. Overall, CTX-M-like enzymes were the ESBL dominate enzymes (96.15%). The group CTX-M-9 was the most prevalent (81, 54%) [CTX-M-14 (74, 91.35%), CTX-M-9 (5, 6.17%), CTX-M-24 (1, 1.23%), and CTX-M-27 (1, 1.23%)] followed by the group CTX-M-1 (64, 42.67%) [CTX-M-15 (42, 65.63%), CTX-M-1 (13, 20.31%), CTX-M-32 (8, 12.5%), and CTX-M-3 (1, 1.56%)]. One CTX-M-10, one CTX-M-59, and three CTX-M-8 were also found. A very small representation of SHV or TEM ESBL enzymes was found (3.2% and 0.64%, respectively). pAmpC characterization revealed a predominance of CMY-2 (81.25%), followed by DHA-1 (18.75%). We did not detect the presence of carbapenemase producers. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ESBL-producers from fecal carriers is stable in our area, but colonization by pAmpC producers has emerged recently as we have confirmed. Periodic active surveillance is useful to identify these human reservoirs and control the evolution of PMBL carriage in a community over time.