Characterization of rpoB gene mutations in rifampicin resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains isolated from pulmonary tuberculosis patients at 5 Mexican public hospitals.

OBJECTIVE: To characterize the rpoB gene mutations of the rifampicin-resistant M. tuberculosis strains isolated in pulmonary tuberculosis patients from Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty-seven clinical M. tuberculosis isolates cultured on Löwenstein-Jensen media and obtained from consecutive tuberculosis patients in 5 public hospitals were analyzed by PCR and the INNO-LiPA Rif TB for amplification and detection of mutations associated with rifampicin resistance, respectively. RESULTS: Twenty-three out of 37 isolates (62.2%) were found to be wild type (rifampicin susceptible), while 14 isolates (37.8%) contained mutations associated with rifampicin resistance. Seven out of the 37 isolates (18.9%) had a delta S1 mutation, in the nucleotide position number 511; one (2.7%) had a R4b mutation, in nucleotide H526D; five (13.5%) contained a R5 mutation, in nucleotide S531L; and one (2.7%) showed a double mutation delta S1/R4b. CONCLUSION: According to the marker used (rifampicin resistance), at least five different strains of M. tuberculosis circulate among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Mexico. rpoB gene mutations associated with rifampicin resistance are common in Mexico. A single mutation in nucleotide 511 was the most frequently observed, followed by single mutations in nucleotides S531L and H526D.

[Psychosocial status of adolescents and pregnancy toxemia]. / Situación psicosocial de las adolescentes y toxemias del embarazo.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the perception of psychosocial conditions (during pregnancy) between two groups of adolescents; one group was integrated by young women diagnosed with pregnancy induced-hypertension and the other group by clinically healthy women. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case-control study design where 39 cases and 88 controls were chosen from pregnant adolescents seeking care at the General Hospital of Durango City, México, from July 1996 to February 1997, and from September 1998 to January 1999. Participants agreed to answer a semi-structured questionnaire to collect data on psychosocial support; psychosocial source of stress; coping responses; intention, desire and acceptance of pregnancy; and attitude and quality of socialization during pregnancy. Data analysis consisted of descriptive statistics, chi 2 and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The two groups' sociodemographic and gyneco-obstetric characteristics were similar. Perception of stressors was higher among cases; sources of support were greater among controls. Positive attitudes and satisfactory socialization during pregnancy were more frequently reported by controls, with statistically significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: We found qualitative differences in the perception of psychosocial conditions among study participants, with statistically significant favorable perceptions among controls.

[Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection in registered prostitutes in the city of Durango, Mexico]. / Prevalencia de infección por Chlamydia trachomatis en prostitutas registradas de la ciudad de Durango, México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection among registered prostitutes of Durango City and to establish whether there is a correlation between epidemiological factors and infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-hundred-and-forty-seven registered prostitutes of Durango city were studied. Endocervical samples and epidemiological data were obtained. C.trachomatis antigen was detected with the Chlamydiazyme test (Abbott Laboratories, USA.) RESULTS: Forty-one (16.6%) out of 247 prostitutes were positive to C. trachomatis. Thirty-seven out of the 41 positive women had had sexual activity on several States of Mexico (95.1%), as compared to only 109 out of 206 negative women (53.0%) (p < .0001). Prostitutes positive to C. trachomatis (39/41, 95.1%) were more likely to belong to low socioeconomic level than negatives (171/206, 83%) (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 16.6%. C. trachomatis infection was associated with sexual activity in multiple States of Mexico, and had a tendency to be associated with low socioeconomic level.

[Safety, efficacy and control of the menstrual cycle by a monophasic oral contraceptive containing 75 mcg of gestodene and 30 mcg of ethynyl estradiol]. / Seguridad, efectividad y control del ciclo menstrual de una preparación anticonceptiva oral monofásica con 75 mcg de gestodeno y 30 mcg de etinilestradiol.

Al oral monophasic contraceptive formulation containing gestodene (75 mcg) and ethynilestradiol (30 mcg) is evaluated concerning its safety, efficacy and cycle-control. Sixty-seven healthy women were included, allowing a total of 574 evaluable cycles. This formulation showed a high degree of efficacy, with no pregnancies after its utilization. Side affects were similar or lower to other reported with another hormonal contraceptive oral formulations. Hematologic, biochemical or urinary parameters were not altered. An acceptable menstrual pattern was maintained. In conclusion, this formulation constitutes an oral contraceptive with a high efficacy rate, a well degree of acceptability and with a side effects profile similar or lower than those produced by other oral contraceptives.