[Human parasites in surface water used for recreation in Salta, Argentina]. / Parásitos humanos en aguas superficiales de uso recreativo en Salta, Argentina.

Waterborne diseases can have different origins, micro-organisms such as bacteria and parasites being the most important ones. In this study, two recreational aquatic environments were studied in the province of Salta, Argentina. Water samples collected from three different locations, two from a creek and one from the outlet of a thermal complex, were monitored at four time points. Physicochemical and microbiological characterization of each point was conducted, as well as a search for parasites and amebae. Parasites were identified through optical microscopy observations and free-living amebae (FLA) were isolated by spiking in Petri dishes followed by subsequent molecular identification. Water samples from the outlet of the thermal complex showed different physicochemical characteristics from those of the creek. Bacterial indicators of contamination were detected at all points; however, the creek water had a significantly higher concentration of Pseudomonas sp. Sporadically, creek samples exhibited Ascaris spp. eggs, Giardia sp. cysts, and ancylostomid eggs. The presence of FLA was observed in all samples, 15 of which were isolated and identified as Acanthamoeba sp., mostly belonging to the T4 genotype. Parasite surveillance in recreational aquatic environments is an important complement to traditional microbial indicators for assessing water quality. The identified parasites represent a potential health risk for people using these environments.

Parasites as conservation tools.

Parasite success typically depends on a close relationship with one or more hosts; therefore, attributes of parasitic infection have the potential to provide indirect details of host natural history and are biologically relevant to animal conservation. Characterization of parasite infections has been useful in delineating host populations and has served as a proxy for assessment of environmental quality. In other cases, the utility of parasites is just being explored, for example, as indicators of host connectivity. Innovative studies of parasite biology can provide information to manage major conservation threats by using parasite assemblage, prevalence, or genetic data to provide insights into the host. Overexploitation, habitat loss and fragmentation, invasive species, and climate change are major threats to animal conservation, and all of these can be informed by parasites.

Los Parásitos como Herramienta de Conservación Resumen El éxito de los parásitos depende típicamente de la relación cercana con uno o más hospederos; por lo tanto, las características de la infección parasitaria tienen potencial para proporcionar detalles indirectos de la historia natural del hospedero y son biológicamente relevantes para la conservación animal. La caracterización de las infecciones parasitarias ha sido útil para definir a las poblaciones hospederas y ha servido como sustituto para la evaluación de la calidad ambiental. Los estudios innovadores de la biología de parásitos pueden proporcionar información para manejar las principales amenazas a la conservación mediante la información proporcionada por el conjunto de parásitos, su prevalencia o genética que proporciona conocimiento sobre el hospedero. La sobreexplotación, la pérdida del hábitat y la fragmentación, las especies invasoras y el cambio climático son las principales amenazas para la conservación animal y a todas pueden ser informadas mediante los parásitos.

Clinical utility of the small bowel capsule endoscopy in the study of small bowel diseases in Colombia: Results of a national registry. / Utilidad clínica de la videocápsula endoscópica en el estudio de patologías de intestino delgado en Colombia: resultados de un registro nacional.

INTRODUCTION: The small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) has revolutionised the study of small bowel diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the indications, findings and diagnostic yield of SBCE in a national registry. PATIENTS AND METHODS: An observational, analytical cross-sectional study was carried out, analysing the SBCE records at seven centres in the country, where different variables were collected. RESULTS: 1,883 SBCEs were evaluated. The average age was 55.4 years (5.6-94.2). The most frequent indications were suspicion of small bowel bleeding (SBB) (64.4%), study of Crohn's disease (15.2%) and chronic diarrhoea (11.2%). 54.3% were prepared with laxatives. The most frequent lesions found were erosions/ulcers (31.6%), angioectasias (25.7%) and parasitosis (2.7%). The diagnostic yield (P1+P2, Saurin classification) of SBCE in SBB was 60.6%, being higher in overt SBB (66.0%) compared to occult SBB (56.0%) (P=.003). The studies with better preparation showed higher detection of lesions (93.8% vs. 89.4%) (OR=1.8, CI: 95%: 1.2-2.6; P=.004). The SBCE complication rate was 3.1%, with complete SB visualisation at 96.6% and SB retention rate of 0.7%. 81.5% of SBCEs were performed on an outpatient basis, and presented a greater complete SB visualisation than hospital ones (97.1% vs. 94.3%) (OR=2.1, CI: 95%, 1.2-3.5; P=.008). CONCLUSIONS: The indications, findings and diagnostic performance of SBCEs in Colombia are similar to those reported in the literature, with a high percentage of complete studies and a low rate of complications.

Intestinal parasites in child and youth populations of Argentina: Environmental factors determining geographic distribution.

The transmission of intestinal parasites is generally considered to be "mediated by the environment" which suggests that they are particularly sensitive to the changes that occur in it. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the environmental variables that act as risk factors for intestinal parasitosis in children and youths in Argentina. The association between environmental variables related to temperature, precipitation and soil and parasitosis found in children and youths from different provinces was evaluated, including land use/cover classes obtained from satellite images. Of the total population analyzed, 66.9% of the participants were parasitized. The total number of identified parasite species was 17 and the most prevalent were Blastocystis sp. (42.2%), Enterobius vermicularis (33.6%) and Giardia lamblia (17.0%). Infection by protozoa, and by G. lamblia in particular, was greater when the mean summer temperature was higher (OR=1.2 for both). Blastocystis sp. and geohelminths were greater due to an increase in isothermality (OR=1.1 and 1.2, respectively). The risk of infection with Ascaris lumbricoides was associated with an increase in the temperature in the wettest quarter (OR=1.2). Hookworm infection was associated with an increase in the normalized difference vegetation index (OR=32.5). Most of participants infected with hookworms lived in areas with abundant arboreal-shrubby and agropastoral use vegetation. The heterogeneous distribution of enteric parasites is indicative of the wide environmental variability of Argentina.

[Blastocystis spp.: Advances, controversies and future challenges]. / Blastocystis spp.: avances, controversias y desafíos futuros.

Blastocystis spp. is the most common protozoan detected in human stool samples. In developing countries, infection rates are higher than 20%. The presence of this parasite in the feces of several host species suggests its zoonotic potential. The clinical relevance and the pathogenic role of Blastocystis spp. in the intestinal tract remain unclear. There are several clinical reports that recognize it as the etiologic agent of several intestinal disorders such as diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease and ulcerative colitis, although the pathogenicity of this parasite has not been proved yet. This wide range of clinical manifestations could be related to the genetic diversity exhibited by this parasite.

Bibliometric analysis of scientific literature on intestinal parasites in Argentina during the period 1985-2014.

The study of scientific production is a good indicator of the progress in research and knowledge generation. Bibliometrics is a scientific discipline that uses a set of indicators to quantitatively express the bibliographic characteristics of scientific publications. The scientific literature on the epidemiology of intestinal parasites in Argentina is scattered in numerous sources, hindering access and visibility to the scientific community. Our purpose was to perform a quantitative, bibliometric study of the scientific literature on intestinal parasites in humans in Argentina published in the period 1985-2014. This bibliometric analysis showed an increase in the number of articles on intestinal parasites in humans in Argentina published over the past 30 years. Those articles showed a collaboration index similar to that of the literature, with a high index of institutionality for national institutions and a very low one for international collaboration. The original articles were published in scientific journals in the American Continent, Europe and Asia. The use of bibliometric indicators can provide a solid tool for the diagnosis and survey of the research on epidemiology of intestinal parasites and contributes to the dissemination and visibility of information on the scientific production developed in Argentina.

[Serpiginous calcifications in breast filariasis: A descriptor not included in the BI-RADS classification system]. / Calcificaciones serpiginosas en la filariasis mamaria: un descriptor no incluido en el sistema BI-RADS.

Filariasis is a parasitic disease with a benign course caused by nematodes. Filariasis is endemic in some tropical regions, and immigration has made it increasingly common in some centers in Spain. The death of the parasites can lead to calcifications that are visible in mammograms; these calcifications have specific characteristics and should not be confused with those arising in other diseases. However, the appearance of calcifications due to filariasis is not included in the most common systems used for the classification of calcifications on mammograms (BI-RADS), and this can lead to confusion. In this article, we discuss the need to update classification systems and warn radiologists about the appearance of these calcifications to ensure their correct diagnosis and avoid confusion with other diseases.

[Quantification of parasites in aquatic environments in the Province of Salta, Argentina]. / Cuantificación y evaluación de la estacionalidad de elementos parasitarios en ambientes acuáticos recreativos de la provincia de Salta, Argentina.

Microbiological pollution of recreational waters is a major problem for public health as it may transmit waterborne diseases. To assess water quality, current legislation only requires limits for bacterial indicators; however, these organisms do not accurately predict the presence of parasites. Small number of parasites is usually present in water and although they are capable of causing disease, they may not be high enough to be detected. Detection therefore requires water samples to be concentrated. In this work three recreational aquatic environments located in the province of Salta were monitored over one year. For parasite quantification, water samples were collected every three months and concentrated by ultrafiltration. Detection was performed by microscopy. In addition, monthly monitoring was carried out in each aquatic environment: physicochemical variables were measured in situ and bacteriological counts were determined by traditional microbiological techniques. Of 14 parasites identified, at least nine were detected in each aquatic environment sampled. While bacteriological contamination decreased in most cases during winter (76-99%), parasites were present year-round, becoming a continual threat to public health. Thus, we here propose that it is necessary to use specific parasitological indicators to prevent waterborne disease transmission. Our results suggest that Entamoeba would be a suitable indicator as it was found in all environments and showed minimal seasonal variation. The results obtained in this study have epidemiological relevance and will allow decision-makers to propose solutions for water protection in order to care for population health.

Diagnóstico molecular de parasitosis intestinales.

Infections causes by parasites of the gastrointestinal tract are a global public health problem. In industrialised countries, their particular epidemiological (low general prevalence of enteroparasites), economic (high labour costs) and clinical characteristics (constant increase in the number of samples and diagnostic determinations to be performed) have led molecular techniques to progressively replace conventional microscopy as the first-line diagnostic method of these pathogens in modern clinical laboratories. PCR-based techniques, particularly those developed for the simultaneous detection of the various agents that can cause the same infectious disease (syndromic diagnosis), already represent a cost-effective option that allow process automisation, workflow optimisation, and comparison of results among different laboratories, and facilitate accreditation of diagnostic procedures. This review clearly and concisely discusses the current situation of the molecular diagnosis of the main species of intestinal parasites in humans, particularly the enteric protozoans causing diarrhoea (Cryptosporidium spp., Giardia duodenalis, Entamoeba histolytica), the most important members the Microsporidia phyla (Enterocytozoon bieneusi) and Stramenopiles phyla (Blastocystis sp.), as well as the helminths transmitted by soil (Ancylostoma spp., Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Strongyloides stercoralis and Trichuris trichiura) and food (Anisakis spp., Clonorchis sinensis, Fasciola spp., Taenia solium, and Trichinella spiralis). Special attention is paid to the description of available techniques and formats, to their diagnostic benefits and the most widely used genetic markers for their detection, both in clinical laboratories and genotyping in referral and research centres.

Metazoan parasite fauna of detritivorous and omnivorous fishes from Amapá Lake, in western Brazilian Amazon / Fauna parasitária de metazoários em peixes detritívoros e onívoros do Lago Amapá, na Amazônia Ocidental brasileira

Abstract Despite being an important component of the freshwater ecosystems and an important factor controlling wild fish populations, Amazonian fish parasites have been poorly studied. Here, we analyzed the fauna of metazoan parasites from 10 detritivorous and omnivorous fish species from Amapá Lake in the western Amazon. Of 159 fish specimens examined, 73.6% were parasitized by one or more species of metazoan parasites. A total of 5,260 parasites (24 Monogenea, 14 Nematoda, 10 Digenea, 2 Acanthocephala, and 6 Crustacea) were identified. Aggregated dispersion pattern of parasites was observed. There was a predominance of endohelminth species that presented a similar pattern regarding the level of component communities (i.e., a low species number, low diversity and dominance of a single species, mainly the digeneans and nematodes in their larval stages). Five species of parasites presented correlation with the body size of the hosts. In the fish community, the presence of endoparasites in the larval and adult stages suggests that these are intermediate, paratenic and definitive hosts, reflecting their detritivorous or omnivorous feeding habits. The trophic level and diet had an influence on the structuring of endohelminth communities and infracommunities. Lastly, 38% of the metazoan parasite species were new records for examined hosts.

Resumo Apesar de ser um importante componente dos ecossistemas de água doce e um importante fator controlador das populações naturais de peixes, os parasitos de peixes amazônicos ainda são pouco estudados. Foi analisada a fauna de parasitos metazoários em 10 espécies de peixes detritívoros e onívoros do Lago Amapá na Amazônia ocidental. Dos 159 espécimes de peixes examinados, 73,6% estavam parasitados por uma ou mais espécies de parasitos metazoários. Um total de 5.260 parasitos (24 Monogenea, 14 Nematoda, 10 Digenea, 2 Acanthocephala e 6 Crustacea) foram identificados. Houve um padrão de dispersão agregado de parasitos. Houve predominância de espécies de endohelmintos que apresentaram padrão semelhante quanto ao nível de comunidades componentes, ou seja, baixo número de espécies, baixa diversidade e dominância de uma única espécie, principalmente os digenéticos e nematoides em estágio larval. Cinco espécies de parasitos apresentaram correlação com o tamanho corporal dos hospedeiros. Na comunidade de peixes, a presença de endoparasitos em fase larval e adulta sugere que esses são hospedeiros intermediários, paratênicos e definitivos, refletindo seus hábitos alimentares detritívoros ou onívoros. O nível trófico e dieta influenciaram na estruturação das comunidades e infracomunidades de endohelmintos. Por fim, 38% das espécies de parasitos metazoários foram novos registros para os hospedeiros examinados.

Children from a rural region in The Chiapas Highlands, Mexico, show an increased risk of stunting and intestinal parasitoses when compared with urban children.

Background: The state of Chiapas has held the first place of extreme poverty in Mexico. The majority of Chiapas' municipalities are inhabited by marginalized, indigenous populations, who usually present diarrhea of unknown etiology. We evaluated the nutritional status, intestinal parasites, and common bacterial pathogens, including DEC (diarrheagenic Escherichia coli) strains, in 178 children under five years of age with a high (rural) and a moderate (urban) degree of marginalization. Methods: Z-scores for anthropometric indexes from the children were obtained, whereas intestinal parasites were investigated by using a direct coproparasitoscopic analysis and a concentration method. DEC strains were detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The stunting prevalence in children from the rural and urban regions was 79.8 and 7.5%, respectively. Only children from rural municipalities were parasitized (72.6%), being Ascaris lumbricoides and Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar the most prevalent parasites (57.1 and 38.1%, respectively). More than half of the children presented moderated ascariasis. Besides Giardia intestinalis, these parasites were associated with stunting. The prevalence of DEC strains was similar in both regions. Conclusions: Only children from the Chiapas Highlands (rural zone) exhibited high prevalences of stunting and intestinal parasites. A reevaluation of social development programs should be in place to address stunting and intestinal parasitoses, mainly in rural regions of Chiapas, to avoid adverse functional consequences on these children.

Introducción: El estado de Chiapas ha ostentado el primer lugar de pobreza extrema en México. La mayor parte de la población de los municipios de Chiapas es indígena, vive en condiciones de marginación y padece de diarrea de etiología desconocida. Este trabajo evaluó el estado nutricional, la presencia de parásitos intestinales y patógenos bacterianos comunes, además de cepas DEC (Escherichia coli diarreogénica) en 178 niños menores de cinco años, provenientes de una localidad con alto grado de marginación (rural) y de una con moderada marginación (urbana). Métodos: Se obtuvieron los puntajes Z de los índices antropométricos de los niños. Los parásitos intestinales se investigaron con el método coproparasitoscópico directo y un método de concentración. Las cepas DEC se detectaron mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Resultados: La prevalencia de desmedro en niños de la zona rural y urbana fue de 79.8 y 7.5%, respectivamente. Únicamente los niños de la zona rural estuvieron parasitados (72.6%), y los más prevalentes fueron Ascaris lumbricoides y Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (57.1 y 38.1%, respectivamente). Más de la mitad de los infantes exhibieron ascariasis moderada. Estos parásitos, además de Giardia intestinalis, se asociaron con el desmedro. En ambas regiones, la prevalencia de DEC fue similar. Conclusiones: Solo los niños de los Altos de Chiapas (zona rural) exhibieron alta prevalencia de desmedro y parásitos intestinales. Para evitar las consecuencias adversas entre los infantes, es necesario reevaluar los programas de desarrollo social para combatir el desmedro y la parasitosis intestinal, principalmente en las regiones rurales de Chiapas.

Diphyllobotrium Spp. como causa de diarrea crónica diagnosticada solo por colonoscopia o cápsula endoscópica

Se presentan dos pacientes con diarrea crónica, con múltiples estudios negativos, y que tenían en común la deficiencia de vitamina B12. Ambos pacientes tenían estudios repetitivos de parásitos en heces negativos. Sólo al realizarse colonoscopía en el primer caso y la cápsula endoscópica en el segundo, se pudo diagnosticar formas adultas de Diphyllobotrium spp. Luego del tratamiento antiparasitario, ambos pacientes remitieron completamente sus síntomas.

We present two patients with chronic diarrhea, with multiple negative studies, both had in common vitamin B12 deficiency. Both patients had multiple studies of parasites in negative stool. Only after colonoscopy in the first case and capsule endoscopy in the second case, it was possible to diagnose the adult forms of Diphyllobotrium spp. After treatment, both patients completely resolved their symptoms.

Detección molecular de la infección natural por parásitos tripanosomátidos en Didelphis marsupialis de una zona rural del norte de Colombia / Molecular detection of the natural infection by trypanosomatid parasites in Didelphis marsupialis from a rural area in northern Colombia

Se evaluó la prevalencia de infección por parásitos tripanosomátidos en Didelphis marsupialis y su relación con los aspectos morfológicos/etarios en una zona rural de El Carmen de Bolívar, Colombia. En cinco visitas (2018-2019) se instalaron trampas Tomahawk® en los ecótopos peridoméstico y silvestre en la Vereda El Alférez, durante tres noches consecutivas/visita. A los animales recolectados, se les determinaron medidas corporales, sexo y edad; y se les extrajo sangre por cardiopuntura, previa sedación, para extracción del ácido desoxirribonucleico (ADN) total y amplificación de la región conservada del ADN de minicírculos de kinetoplasto (ADNk) de parásitos tripanosomátidos. La asociación entre parámetros morfológicos de los didélfidos y su frecuencia de infección por parásitos tripanosomátidos fue determinada mediante una regresión binomial. Se recolectaron 30 individuos de D. marsupialis (60,0% hembras y 40,0% machos/66,7% adultos y 33,3% juveniles). El diagnóstico molecular reveló una frecuencia de infección por parásitos tripanosomátidos del 46,7%. El estadio (p=0,024) fue determinante para la infección. Se discute el papel de D. marsupialis como potencial reservorio de parásitos tripanosomátidos en la zona evaluada.

We studied the prevalence of infection by trypanosomatid parasites in Didelphis marsupialis and its relationship with morphological/age aspects in a rural area of El Carmen de Bolivar, Colombia. Five visits were made to the Vereda El Alférez; each of which lasted three consecutive nights. During these visits, Tomahawk® traps were installed in the peridomestic and wild ecotopes of the Vereda El Alférez. Body measurements, sex and age were determined from the collected animals. Blood was extracted by cardiopuncture, after sedation, in order to obtain total deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and amplify the conserved region of the kinetoplast minicircle DNA (kDNA) of parasitic trypanosomatids. The association between morphological parameters of didelphids and their frequency of infection by parasitic trypanosomatids was determined by binomial regression. Thirty D. marsupialis specimens (60.0% females and 40.0% males/66.7% adults and 33.3% juveniles) were collected. Molecular diagnosis revealed a frequency of trypanosomatid parasite infection of 46.7%. Stage (p=0.024) was a determinant for infection. We discuss the role of D. marsupialis as a potential reservoir of parasitic trypanosomatids in the Vereda El Alférez.

Avaliação parasitológica e microbiológica de areia de praias de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil / Parasitological and microbiological evaluation of sand from beaches in São Luís, Maranhão, Brazil

O Brasil é um país que possui um litoral onde se deparam grandes cidades e com grande fluxo de atividades humanas, o que pode levar a contaminação por microrganismos e parasitos. Diante desse contexto, o objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar a ocorrência parasitária e microbiológica em areia de praias de São Luís, Maranhão. Para tal, foram coletadas quatro amostras de três praias, totalizando assim 12 amostras, cada área foi dividida em quatro faixas distintas, sendo duas secas e duas úmidas, e para cada amostra foram introduzidos coletores estéreis na areia com profundidade de 20 centímetros. As amostras foram identificadas e colocadas em caixa de isopor e foram conduzidas ao laboratório para análises, a parasitológica foi através do método de sedimentação espontânea e centrifugação e para a microbiológica utilizou-se o kit COLItest® para determinação de coliformes totais e termotolerantes (Escherichia coli). As areias, 100% (12/12) encontravam-se positivas para helmintos e/ou protozoários, sendo que o helminto e protozoário de maior ocorrência foram: 100% (12/12) Trichuris trichiura e 83,3% (10/12) Giardia lamblia, respectivamente. As análises microbiológicas, apresentaram 66,6% (8/12) com contaminação por coliformes totais, e 58,3% (7/12) para Escherichia coli, o ponto de coleta 3 da areia seca da praia de São Marcos (Sm3S) apresentou a maior contaminação por Escherichia coli (4,33x102 UFC/mL). As praias da orla marítima chamada Litorânea em São Luís estão contaminadas por parasitas como também por bactérias oriundas de fontes que entraram em contato com fezes seja de animais ou de humanos. Assim, aumenta-se a probabilidade de indivíduos que frequentem esses ambientes de adquirirem infecções.

Brazil has a coastline with large cities and a great flow of human activities, which can lead to contamination by microorganisms and parasites. Given this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the parasitic and microbiological events in the sand of beaches in São Luís, Maranhão. Therefore, four samples were collected from three beaches, thus totaling 12 samples. Each area was divided into four distinct segments, two dry and two wet, and for each sample, sterile collectors were inserted into the sand at a depth of 20 centimeters. The samples were identified, placed in a Styrofoam box, and taken to the laboratory for analysis. The parasitological analysis was performed through spontaneous sedimentation and centrifugation, while the microbiological analysis used the COLItest® kit to determine total and thermotolerant coliforms (Escherichia coli). All the sand samples were positive (100%) for helminths and/or protozoa, and the most frequent helminth and protozoan were Trichuris trichiura (100%; n=12 ) and Giardia lamblia (83.3%; n=10), respectively. Microbiological analyses showed that 66.6% (8/12) were contaminated by total coliforms and 58.3% (7/12) by Escherichia coli. Collection point 3 of dry sand from São Marcos beach (Sm3S) showed the highest contamination by Escherichia coli (4.33x102 CFU/mL). The beaches on the seafront called Litorânea in São Luís are contaminated by parasites and fecal bacteria from animals or human sources on the beach. Thus, the probability of acquiring infections increases among individuals visiting these environments.

Comparación de técnicas coproparasitológicas para el diagnóstico de geohelmintos intestinales en niños Lambayecanos

Los helmintos transmitidos a través del suelo pueden afectar el desempeño educativo y desenvolvimiento normal de los niños. Objetivo: comparar cinco técnicas coproparasitológicas para el diagnóstico de geohelmintos intestinales en niños lambayecanos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se recolectaron 150 muestras de materia fecal de niños que residían en los distritos de Túcume y Lambayeque en el departamento de Lambayeque (Perú), durante el año 2021. Los niños y niñas tenían entre 4 y 12 años de edad. Previo a la recolección, se les explicó a los padres de familia y apoderados de los menores las condiciones preclínicas adecuadas. Se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad, concordancia, valor predictivo positivo y negativo de las técnicas de Baerman, sedimentación rápida, Willis Molloy, Sheathers Sugar y examen directo de heces. Los padres y apoderados autorizaron la participación de los menores en el estudio. El estudio contó con la aprobación del comité de ética de la Universidad Nacional de Jaén. Resultados: la prevalencia geohelmintos intestinales fue del 20,7%, 19,3% y 18,0% con las técnicas de Baerman, sedimentación rápida y examen directo, respectivamente. Además, las técnicas de Baerman y de sedimentación rápida reportaron mayor sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo. Se obtuvo alto índice de concordancia para las técnicas de Baerman (0,894) y sedimentación rápida (0,891). Conclusiones: las técnicas de Baerman y de sedimentación rápida permitieron mayor recuperación de parásitos, respecto al examen directo. Además, las especies de geohelmintos intestinales más identificadas en niños lambayecanos fueron Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana y Ancilostomideos.

Helminths transmitted through the soil can affect the educational performance and normal development of children. Objective: to compare five coproparasitological techniques for the diagnosis of intestinal geohelminths in Lambayecan children. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. 150 stool samples were collected from children residing in the districts of Túcume and Lambayeque in the department of Lambayeque (Peru), during the year 2021. The boys and girls included were between 4 and 12 years of age. Prior to the collection, the appropriate preclinical conditions are explained to the parents and guardians of the minors. The sensitivity, specificity, concordance, positive and negative predictive value of the Baerman, rapid sedimentation, Willis Molloy, Sheathers Sugar and direct stool examination techniques were calculated. Parents and guardians authorized the participation of minors in the study. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the National University of Jaén. Results: the prevalence of intestinal geohelminths was 20,7%, 19,3% and 18,0% with the Baerman, rapid sedimentation and direct examination techniques, respectively. In addition, the Baerman and rapid sedimentation techniques reported higher sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value. A high concordance index was obtained for the Baerman (0,894) and rapid sedimentation (0,891) techniques. Conclusions: the Baerman and rapid sedimentation techniques allowed greater recovery of parasites compared to direct stool examination. In addition, the species of intestinal geohelminths most identified in children from Lambaye were Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana and Ancilostomideos.

Mercury concentration in larvae of Eustrongylides sp (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) from fish of the Brazilian Amazon / Concentración de mercurio en larvas de Eustrongylides sp (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) en peces de la Amazonía brasileña

Abstract Introduction: Chemical pollution represents a great concern to aquatic organisms, especially fish. Metals enter the aquatic environment from a variety of sources, including natural biogeochemical cycles and anthropogenic sources such as industrial and residential effluents, mining and atmospheric sources. Objective: To describe the Eustrongylides sp. larvae and the interaction with their fish hosts as indicators of mercury (Hg) contamination in the Brazilian Amazon, and the distribution of Hg in the internal organs of fish species Hoplias malabaricus and Pygocentrus nattereri collected in oxbow lakes on the Tapajós River, in the municipality of Santarém, in the state of Pará. Methods: Total Hg was analyzed using the Direct Hg Analyzer - DMA-80. Concentrations of Hg in Eustrongylides sp. were compared with those found in the tissues/organs of the hosts H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. Hg concentrations in the host/parasite system were statistically compared using Principal Component Analysis. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated to assess the bioaccumulation capacity of metals in Eustrongylides sp. larvae, comparing the concentration of Hg in the parasite with that accumulated in the musculature of infected hosts. Results: Hg concentrations in all tissues/organs analyzed were higher in the parasitic species Eustrongylides sp. larvae when compared with those found in tissues/organs of H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. There was an inversely proportional relationship, showing that when Eustrongylides sp. larvae are present, the concentration in the parasite is higher than in the musculature of host fish H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. The BCF of Hg was found by comparing Eustrongylides sp. larvae/H. malabaricus muscle and was observed during a flood (BCF Hg = 15 364). Conclusions: The results confirm the greater bioaccumulative capacity of Eustrongylides sp. compared to its host. The data indicated the viability of using Eustrongylides sp. larvae in biomonitoring programs. It is worth mentioning that fish samples for Hg analysis must be free of parasites since their presence can alter the results.

Resumen Introducción: La contaminación química del hábitat acuático representa un gran peligro para organismos acuáticos, especialmente para peces. Los metales ingresan al ambiente acuático desde una variedad de fuentes, incluidos los ciclos biogeoquímicos naturales y fuentes antropogénicas, como efluentes industriales y residenciales, minería y fuentes atmosféricas. Objetivo: Describir las especies de Eustrongylides sp. y la interacción con sus peces hospederos como indicadores de contaminación por mercurio en la Amazonía brasileña, y la distribución en los órganos internos de las especies de peces Hoplias malabaricus y Pygocentrus nattereri recolectadas en cochas del Río Tapajós, en el municipio de Santarém, del estado de Pará. Métodos: El Hg total se analizó utilizando el Direct Hg Analyzer - DMA-80. Las concentraciones de Eustrongylides sp. se compararon con las encontrados en los tejidos/órganos de los hospederos H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. Las concentraciones en el sistema hospedero/parásito se compararon estadísticamente utilizando el análisis de componentes principales. Se calculó el factor de bioconcentración (BCF) para evaluar la capacidad de bioacumulación de metales en larvas de Eustrongylides sp., comparando la concentración en el parásito con la acumulada en la musculatura de los hospederos infectados. Resultados: Las concentraciones de Hg en todos los tejidos/órganos analizados fueron mayores en las larvas de la especie parasitaria Eustrongylides sp. en comparación con las encontradas en los tejidos/órganos de H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. Hubo una relación inversamente proporcional, mostrando que cuando las larvas de Eustrongylides sp. están presentes, la concentración en el parásito es mayor que en la musculatura de los peces hospederos H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. El BCF de Hg se encontró comparando Eustrongylides sp. larvas/ músculo H. malabaricus y se observó durante una inundación (BCF Hg = 15 364). Conclusiones: Los resultados confirman la mayor capacidad bioacumulativa de Eustrongylides sp. en comparación con su hospedero. Los datos indicaron la viabilidad de utilizar larvas de Eustrongylides sp. en programas de biomonitoreo. Cabe mencionar que las muestras de pescado para análisis de Hg deben estar libres de parásitos ya que su presencia puede alterar los resultados.

In vitro antiparasitic and antibacterial evaluation of organic extracts of Salvadoran flora / Evaluación antiparasitaria y antibacterial in vitro de extractos orgánicos de la flora salvadoreña

Currently, in developing countries, parasitic and bacterial diseases as amebiasis, giardiasis, trichonomiasis, leishmaniasis, trypanosomiasis, tuberculosis, and nocardiasis are a public health problem. The pharmacological treatment for these diseases is not completely effective and causes several side effects in patients. Therefore, the search for new compounds with biological activity is very important to develop new drugs safely and more efficiently. In this study, different organic extracts obtained from thirty-seven species of the Salvadoran flora were evaluated in several in vitro models to determine their potential activity against five protozoa (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, Leishmania mexicana, and Trypanosoma cruzi) and three bacteria (Acinetobacter baumanni, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and Nocardia brasiliensis). The results showed the activity of eight extracts with IC50values of less than 100 µg/mL against L. mexicanaand five extracts with MICs values less than <50 µg/mL against M. tuberculosis. Besides, seven plant species showed MICs ≤3.125 µg/mL against N. brasiliensis. Additionally, secondary metabolites (flavonoids and monoterpene oxygenate) previously reported as active were fingerprint by UPLC-MS to establish a potential correlation with the biological activity showed.

Actualmente, en los países en vías de desarrollo, enfermedades parasitarias y bacterianas como la amebiasis, giardiasis, trichonomiasis, leishmaniasis, tripanosomiasis, tuberculosis y nocardiasis son un problema de salud pública. El tratamiento farmacológico de estas enfermedades no es del todo eficaz y provoca varios efectos secundarios en los pacientes. Por lo tanto, la búsqueda de nuevos compuestos con actividad biológica es muy importante para desarrollar nuevos fármacos, seguros y eficaces. En este estudio se evaluaron diferentes extractos orgánicos obtenidos de treinta y siete especies de la flora salvadoreña en varios modelos in vitro para determinar su actividad potencial contra cinco parásitos (Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia lamblia, Trichomonas vaginalis, Leishmania mexicana y Trypanosoma cruzi) y tres bacterias (Acinetobacter baumanni, Mycobacterium tuberculosis y Nocardia brasiliensis). Los resultados mostraron la actividad de ocho extractos con valores de CI50 menores a 100 µg/mL contra L. mexicana y cinco extractos con valores de CIMs <50 µg/mL contra M. tuberculosis. Además, siete especies de plantas presentaron CIM ≤3,125 µg/mL frente a N. brasilienses. Finalmente, los metabolitos secundarios (flavonoides y monoterpenos oxigenados) previamente reportados como activos fueron determinados por UPLC-MS para establecer una posible correlación con la actividad biológica mostrada.

Infecciones por helmintos intestinales en Chile: Análisis retrospectivo en Santiago, años 2015-2019 / Intestinal helminth infections in Chile: a retrospective analysis in Santiago, 2015-2019

INTRODUCCIÓN: Existe escasa evidencia epidemiológica actual sobre helmintos intestinales en Chile. OBJETIVO: Describir la prevalencia de infecciones por helmintos intestinales en un centro de salud en Santiago, Chile. MÉTODOS: Análisis retrospectivo de helmintos intestinales diagnosticados en muestras parasitológicas de rutina en el Laboratorio de Microbiología de Clínica Alemana de Santiago, entre los años 2015 y 2019. Las pruebas diagnósticas se seleccionaron según la solicitud médica. Los datos se obtuvieron de los sistemas informáticos del laboratorio y se analizaron de manera anonimizada. RESULTADOS: Se detectaron 127 infecciones por helmintos en 11.809 muestras estudiadas (1,1%). Estas infecciones fueron: 78 (61,4%) Enterobius vermicularis, 25 (19,6%) Dibothriocephalus/Adenocephalus spp., 9 (7,1%) Taenia spp., 6 (4,7%) Pseudoterranova spp., 5 (3,9%) Strongyloides stercoralis y 4 (3,1%) Ascaris lumbricoides. Enterobius vermicularis predominó en niños y adolescentes; Dibothriocephalus/ Adenocephalus spp. predominó en adultos. CONCLUSIÓN: El estudio proporciona información epidemiológica actual sobre la distribución de helmintos intestinales en muestras clínicas en Santiago, Chile. Enterobius vermicularis fue prevalente, seguido de helmintos transmitidos por alimentos mientras que los transmitidos por el suelo solo se detectaron ocasionalmente. El surgimiento de difilobotriasis y anisakidosis (pseudoterranoviasis), es relevante y posiblemente se relacione con cambios en las condiciones de vida y la cultura alimentaria en Chile.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological information on the current prevalence of intestinal helminths in Chile is scarce. AIM: To describe the prevalence of different intestinal helminth infections in a healthcare center in Santiago, Chile. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of intestinal helminths diagnosed in routine parasitological samples in the microbiological laboratory of Clínica Alemana Santiago, Chile, between 2015 and 2019. Diagnostic tests were applied according to the sender's request. Data were obtained from laboratory information systems and analyzed in an anonymized manner. RESULTS: Among 11,809 samples, 127 (1.1%) helminth infections were detected, of those, 78 (61.4%) were Enterobius vermicularis, 25 (19.6%) Dibothriocephalus/Adenocephalus spp., 9 (7.1%) Taenia spp., 6 (4.7%) Pseudoterranova spp., 5 (3.9%) Strongyloides stercoralis, and 4 (3.1%) Ascaris lumbricoides. Enterobius vermicularis was predominant among children and adolescents, while Dibothriocephalus/Adenocephalus spp. was the most frequent helminth in adults. CONCLUSION: The study provides updated epidemiological information on distribution of helminth infections in clinical samples in Santiago, Chile. After E. vermicularis, food-borne helminths were second most prevalent, while soiltransmitted helminths were very rarely detected. The emergence of diphyllobothriasis and anisakidosis (pseudoterranoviasis) is noteworthy and possibly related to changes in living conditions and food culture in Chile.

Análise de casos e óbitos relacionados à esquistossomose no Brasil: padrões epidemiológicos e distribuição espaçotemporal, 2010-2022 / Analysis of schistosomiasis cases and deaths in Brazil: epidemiologic patterns and spatio-temporal distribution, 2010-2022 / Análisis de los casos y muertes relacionados con la esquistosomiasis en Brasil: patrones epidemiológión espaciotemporal, 2010-2022cos y distribuci

A esquistossomose é uma infecção parasitária causada por um grupo de vermes chatos chamados Schistosoma. A doença encontra-se, sobretudo, nos países em desenvolvimento, especialmente nas zonas rurais com más condições de saneamento e acesso limitado à água potável. A esquistossomose é transmitida através do contato com água doce contaminada, como de rios, lagos e lagoas em que vivem as larvas dos parasitas. O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar as variáveis epidemiológicas dos casos (2010-2022) e dos óbitos (2010-2020) por esquistossomose no Brasil. Trata-se de um estudo epidemiológico transversal, descritivo e quantitativo. A estratégia metodológica envolveu análise dos boletins epidemiológicos disponibilizados pelo Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan) e pelo Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) no período de 2010 a 2022. Foram notificados 93.521 casos de esquistossomose e 5.495 óbitos devido a complicações dessa infecção. A forma intestinal foi a mais identificada. Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Bahia e Espírito Santo foram os estados com maior prevalência da doença. Constatou-se que homens pardos com idade entre 20 e 39 anos e com baixo nível de escolaridade são os mais afetados. Identificaram-se 732 casos da infecção em gestantes. Ademais, 62,56% dos casos evoluíram para cura e 5,88% para óbito pelo agravo notificado. Em conclusão, é crucial adotar medidas de prevenção e acesso à educação para combater efetivamente a esquistossomose.

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic infection caused by a group of flatworms called Schistosoma. The disease is primarily found in developing countries, especially in rural areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water. Schistosomiasis is transmitted by contact with contaminated freshwater, such as rivers, lakes, and ponds, where the parasites' larvae live. The aim of this article was to analyze the epidemiological variables of schistosomiasis cases (2010-2022) and deaths (2010-2020) in Brazil. This is a cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative epidemiologic study. The methodological strategy involved the analysis of epidemiological bulletins provided by the Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) and the Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade (SIM) from 2010 to 2022. There were 93.521 reported cases of schistosomiasis and 5.495 deaths due to complications of this infection. The intestinal form was the most identified. Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Bahia, and Espírito Santo were the states with the highest prevalence of the disease. Males, of mixed race, aged between 20 and 39 years, and with a low level of education were the most affected. There were 732 cases of infection in pregnant women. Furthermore, 62.56% of the cases evolved to cure and 5.88% evolved to death by the notified disease. In conclusion, it is crucial to adopt prevention measures and access to education to effectively combat schistosomiasis.

La esquistosomiasis es una enfermedad parasitaria causada por un grupo de platelmintos conocidos como Schistosoma. La enfermedad es más frecuente sobre todo en países en desarrollo, especialmente en zonas rurales con saneamiento deficiente y acceso limitado al agua potable. La transmisión de la esquistosomiasis se da por el contacto con agua dulce contaminada, como ríos, lagos y lagunas donde viven las larvas de los parásitos. El objetivo de este artículo fue analizar las variables epidemiológicas de los casos (2010-2022) y muertes (2010-2020) por esquistosomiasis en Brasil. Se trata de un estudio epidemiológico transversal, descriptivo y cuantitativo. La estrategia metodológica contó con el análisis de los informes epidemiológicos que pone a disposición el Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (Sinan) y el Sistema de Información sobre Mortalidad (SIM) en el período de 2010 a 2022. Se notificaron 93.521 casos de esquistosomiasis y 5.495 muertes por complicaciones de esta infección. La forma intestinal fue la más identificada. Minas Gerais, São Paulo, Bahia y Espírito Santo fueron los estados con mayor prevalencia de la enfermedad. Se constató que hombres pardos, de edad entre 20 y 39 años, y bajo nivel de escolaridad son los más afectados. Se identificaron 732 casos de infección en mujeres embarazadas. El 62,56% de los casos evolucionaron a cura; y el 5,88% tuvieron muerte confirmada por el agravio notificado. Se concluye con la necesidad de adoptar medidas de prevención y acceso a la educación para combatir eficazmente la esquistosomiasis.

Percepción social sobre roedores urbanos y riesgo sanitario en barrios del Gran La Plata, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Social perception on urban rodents and sanitary risk in neighborhoods from Gran La Plata, Province of Buenos Aires, Argentina

NTRODUCCIÓN: Los roedores sinantrópicos, representados por el ratón doméstico (Mus musculus), la rata parda (Rattus norvegicus) y la rata negra (Rattus rattus), representan un riesgo importante para la salud. En Sudamérica, la fragmentación socioeconómica se refleja en marcadas diferencias entre centros urbanos y áreas periféricas, y se asocia a un registro heterogéneo. El objetivo fue relevar datos por encuestas a los habitantes de dos barrios del Gran La Plata con características contrastantes para explorar, describir y evaluar la percepción en relación con la presencia de roedores en domicilio, peridomicilio y barrio como vehículos de transmisión de enfermedades. MÉTODOS: A partir de un diseño descriptivo exploratorio, se confeccionaron y realizaron encuestas siguiendo la técnica de muestreo estratificado. Se consideraron las variables género y grupo, de tal manera que la muestra tuviese la misma distribución. La información se transfirió a una base de datos y se analizó a través de IBM SPSS Statistics V25. RESULTADOS: Existe una preocupación común respecto al rol de los roedores urbanos como reservorios y fuentes de infección de patologías zoonóticas. En el barrio más vulnerable, la presencia de roedores fue más frecuente que en el centro de la ciudad. DISCUSIÓN: Este estudio provee un abordaje diferente en relación con roedores y patologías asociadas, considerando la percepción social y revelando su importancia para los programas de manejo y control.