First report of Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae carriage in stray cats from Ecuador and its link to a cat scratch disease outbreak in 2022.

INTRODUCTION: The genus Bartonella includes species and subspecies of fastidious, facultative intracellular Gram-negative bacilli that infect a wide variety of mammalian reservoirs including cats and humans. In 2022, the Ecuadorian Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of cat scratch disease caused by B. henselae in the city of Guayaquil. Therefore, we aimed to characterize the presence of Bartonella spp. in domestic and stray cats from the area of Guayaquil where the outbreak happened in 2022. METHODS: Whole blood samples of 100 domestic and stray cats were collected. Riboflavin synthase (ribC) and 16S rRNA genes detection was performed by PCR using Bartonella spp. specific primers, followed by Sanger sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. RESULTS: 14 cats were positive for Bartonella spp. carriage. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed the presence of 12 cats infected with B. henselae and 2 cats with B. clarridgeiae. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of Bartonella spp. carriage in cats in the city of Guayaquil within the area where a recent cat scratch disease outbreak happened. Considering the high presence of cats and other domestic and stray animals in the city of Guayaquil, a One Health approach for surveillance and prevention of zoonotic diseases like cat scratch disease is needed.

Unemployment and mental health in a community population from a border city in Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The constant changes in the global economy generate instability in the markets, favoring the closing of companies, dismissals of personnel, job losses. Unemployment has been associated with adverse psychological effects, serving as a predictor of poor mental health. OBJECTIVE: The main goal was to analyze the relation between work status and mental health. METHODS: A cross-sectional, quantitative study was carried out with a sample of community population, inhabitants of the urban area of a Mexican city. The sample consisted of 1351 participants, being 577 men (43%) and 774 women (57%) with an average age of 41.46 (SD = 17.00). The participants were selected by a quota sampling, in 13 representative points of Matamoros' city urban area. Home surveys were applied; the Spanish version of the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) was used for mental health assessment. RESULTS: The model explaining the relation between work status and mental health (GFI) was significant (p < 0.01). Unemployment was related to higher scores in all sub-scales of psychopathologies evaluated by the SCL-90, in comparison with the rest of work status categories. CONCLUSIONS: The unemployed, followed by housewives, presented indicators of poorer mental health, while the retired and those in strikes or lockouts showed the best mental health indexes.

Traffic Noise Annoyance in the Population of North Mexico: Case Study on the Daytime Period in the City of Matamoros.

Aim: The presence of noise in urban environments is rarely considered a factor that causes damage to the environment. The primary generating source is transportation means, with vehicles being the ones that affect cities the most. Traffic noise has a particular influence on the quality of life of those who are exposed to it and can cause health alterations ranging from annoyance to cardiovascular diseases. This study aims to describe the relationship between the traffic noise level and the perceived annoyance in the inhabitants of a city on the Northern Border of Mexico. The work carried out in a city represents the vulnerability characteristics: economic, social, and migratory of its sizable portion of the inhabitants. Due to that, it is impossible to identify precisely the number of residents as the number of vehicles in circulation. Methods: The streets and avenues with an annual average daily traffic of more than 1,000 vehicles were considered for the measurement of traffic noise. The equipment used was a vehicle gauge with non-invasive speed radar; type I integrating sound level meters, with their respective gauges and tripods. A questionnaire was applied to people living within 250 m of the streets and avenues in which the noise was measured. Results: The noise measurement found a parameter of LAeq estimated for 12 h during the day, exceeding 70 dBA. The data received from the questionnaire were statistically tested by using Pearson's correlation tests. A total number of 2,350 people were participated, of whom 1,378 were women (58.6%) and 972 were men (41.4%). The age of participants is ranged from 18 to 75 years. The overall perception of traffic noise annoyance identified that 1,131 participants (48.1%) responded "Yes" as they considered the noise annoying. Participants who responded "No" as well as those who responded "Do not know" resulted in a total of 1,219 people (51.9%). Conclusion: The results show that the population is desensitized to traffic noise and does not perceive it as an annoyance. The flow of vehicles and the type of vehicles are the significant factors for the propagation and increase in the traffic noise levels. Women present a considerable appreciation of traffic noise perception instead of younger people who demonstrate a higher tolerance to high-level exposure. This reflects the lack of information of the population around the noise problem and its effects.

Road risk behaviors: Pedestrian experiences.

Objective: The objective of this study was to identify pedestrian risk behaviors that result in traffic accidents and characterization of the accidents experienced by participants in this study to provide information for the generation of integral preventive strategies. Methods: The study was correlational, descriptive, and transversal and followed a quantitative approach divided into 2 stages. In the first stage, an observational study was performed to identify the manifested risk behaviors of pedestrians, which served as a basis for the construction and design of a questionnaire. In the second stage, the questionnaire was applied to a group of 1,536 participants. Pearson's correlation coefficient was applied to establish associations between gender and age with respect to risk behaviors. Results: The 3 behaviors that participants reported performing always or very often include using electronic gadgets (except mobile phones), not using a pedestrian crosswalk, and using a mobile phone. In addition, 18.5% were involved in at least one road accident as a pedestrian in the last 5 years. Of the total number of registered accidents, 21% resulted in pedestrian injuries, 48.3% of which were serious. These were due to external causes not related to human factors or unidentified (58.5%) and behavior factors as a whole (41.4%, 31.5% of which were caused by pedestrians). Pearson's correlation coefficient showed evidence of a correlation between age and risk behaviors. Conclusions: All subjects in this study performed several risky actions as pedestrians, at least occasionally, and at least one fifth had been involved in a road accident as a pedestrian. It is known that the surroundings can positively or negatively influence individuals' behaviors; therefore, once prevention measures are identified, it is possible to influence risk behaviors. Therefore, road safety education and the physical environment must be considered together, and efforts focused on optimum infrastructure also need to consider road safety education.

Riesgo de hipertensión arterial en población adulta en Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México / Risk of arterial hypertension in the adult population in Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México / Risco de hipertensão arterial na população adulta em Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México

Objetivo: conocer el riesgo de hipertensión en la población adulta de la ciudad de Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Método: el diseño fue de tipo descriptivo y transversal, una muestra de 1004 adultos. Se utilizó una cedula de datos sociodemográficos, donde se realizaron 3 mediciones de la presión arterial, de acuerdo a la Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-030-SSA2-2009. Resultados: El género estuvo conformado del 38.7% de hombres y 61.3% de mujeres. Se observó una prevalencia de hipertensión arterial en 8.6% de la población. Fue mayor en el género masculino con 12.3% que el femenino de 6.3%. El grupo de 60 y más años (14.1%) presenta mayor prevalencia de hipertensión, seguido de 50 a 59 (13.8%) y finalmente el de 40 a 49 con 11.7%. El riesgo de hipertensión es de 87 (8,7%) de la muestra total; la alta presión arterial sistólica con 52 (5,1%), y alta presión arterial diastólica con 56 (5,5%) también deben ser consideradas hipertensión. Cuando se analizan en conjunto, los tres criterios de inclusión para hipertensión arterial suman el 19,4% de riesgo. Conclusión: el riesgo de hipertensión arterial en población adulta está latente, la prevalencia se ubica dentro de la más alta a nivel mundial.(AU)

Objective: To know the risk of hypertension in the adult population of the city of Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Method: The design was descriptive and transversal in a sample of 1004 adults. A sociodemographic data questionnaire was used and three blood pressure measurements were performed according to the Official Mexican Standard NOM-030-SSA2-2009. Results: The gender was made up of 38.7% of men and 61,3% of women. A prevalence of hypertension was observed in 8.6% of the population. It was greater in the masculine gender with 12.3% than the feminine one of 6.3%. The group of 60 and over (14.1%) had a higher prevalence of hypertension, followed by 50 to 59 (13.8%) and finally the group of 40 to 49 with 11.7%. The risk of hypertension is 87 (8.7%) of the total sample; high systolic blood pressure with 52 (5.1%), and high diastolic blood pressure with 56 (5.5%) should also be considered hypertension. When analyzed together, the three inclusion criteria for hypertension add up to a 19.4% risk. Conclusion: the risk of hypertension in the adult population is latent, the prevalence is among the highest in the world.(AU)

Objetivo: conhecer o risco de hipertensão na população adulta da cidade de Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Método: O desenho foi descritivo e transversal, em uma amostra de 1004 adultos. Utilizou-se um questionário de dados sociodemográficos e foram realizadas três medidas de pressão arterial conforme a Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-030-SSA2-2009. Resultados: O gênero foi composto por 38.7% de homens e 61,3% de mulheres. Prevalência de hipertensão arterial foi observada em 8,6% da população. Foi maior no gênero masculino com 12,3% do que no feminino com 6,3%. O grupo de 60 anos ou mais (14,1%) apresentou maior prevalência de hipertensão, seguido pelo de 50 a 59 (13,8%) e, finalmente, o grupo de 40 a 49, com 11,7%. O risco de hipertensão é de 87 (8,7%) da amostra total; alta pressão arterial sistólica com 52 (5,1%) e alta pressão arterial diastólica com 56 (5,5%) também devem ser consideradas hipertensão. Quando analisados em conjunto, os três critérios de inclusão para hipertensão somam um risco de 19,4%. Conclusão: o risco de hipertensão na população adulta é latente, a prevalência está entre as mais altas do mundo.(AU)

Violencia en el noviazgo en jóvenes y adolescentes en la frontera norte de México / Dating violence in young people and adolescents in the northern border of Mexico / Violência no namoro de jovens e adolescentes na fronteira norte do México

Objetivo: el objetivo principal del estudio es conocer la prevalencia de los diferentes tipos de violencia en el noviazgo en jóvenes, y como objetivos específicos: analizar la asociación entre la violencia el nivel educativo, la edad y sexo de los participantes. Método: se realizó un estudio de tipo cuantitativo, transversal y correlacional, en el periodo de mayo a diciembre de 2016. Se evaluó a un total de 432 estudiantes de ambos sexos, provenientes de cinco instituciones educativas de la ciudad de Matamoros, Tamaulipas, México, mediante el CUVINO. Se consideraron tanto escuelas públicas como privadas de los niveles secundaria y preparatoria. El 53% de la muestra participante fue de estudiantes de nivel secundaria, el restante 47% de preparatorias. Resultados: se encontró una correlación positiva aunque baja entre la variable edad, y los diferentes subtipos de violencia. Se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a sexo para casi todos los subtipos de violencia. No se encontraron diferencias significativas en cuanto a nivel educativo entre los diferentes tipos de violencia. Conclusión: se discute la complejidad del fenómeno de la violencia en parejas jóvenes, con relación a factores sociodemográficos e implicaciones para líneas de investigación futuras.(AU)

Objective: The main objective of the study is to know the prevalence of different types of dating violence in young people, and as specific objectives: to analyze the association between violence, educational level, age and sex of the participants. Method: a quantitative, cross-sectional and correlational study were carried out in the May-December 2016 period. 432 students of both sexes from five educational institutions from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico, were evaluated through the CUVINO. Public and private institutions from middle and high school levels were considered. 53% of the participating sample was middle-school students, the remaining 47% high school students. Results: among the findings of the study, a positive low correlation between the age variable, and the different subtypes of violence was found. Significant differences regarding sex for almost all subtypes of violence were found. No significant differences in educational level between the different types of violence were found. Conclusion: the complexity of the phenomenon of violence in young couples, in relation with sociodemographic factors and its implications for future lines of research are discussed.(AU)

Objetivo: O principal objetivo do estudo é conhecer a prevalência de diferentes tipos de violência no namoro em jovens; e como objetivos específicos: analisar a associação entre violência, escolaridade, idade e sexo dos participantes. Método: estudo quantitativo, transversal e correlacional, realizado no período de maio a dezembro de 2016. Foram avaliados 432 estudantes de ambos os sexos, de cinco instituições de ensino da cidade de Matamoros, Tamaulipas, através do CUVINO. Foram consideradas escolas públicas e privadas dos níveis secundário e preparatório. 53% da amostra participante eram de estudantes do ensino secundário, os restantes 47% do ensino médio. Resultados: entre os achados do estudo, encontrou-se uma correlação positivo, embora baixe entre a variável idade e os diferentes subtipos de violência. Diferenças significativas foram encontradas em relação ao sexo para quase todos os subtipos de violência. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas no nível educacional entre os diferentes tipos de violência. Conclusão: discute-se a complexidade do fenômeno da violência em jovens casais, em relação aos fatores sociodemográficos e suas implicações para futuras linhas de pesquisa.(AU)

PREVALENCIA DEL USO DEL CINTURÓN DE SEGURIDAD EN VEHÍCULOS AUTOMOTOR: UN ESTUDIO OBSERVACIONAL URBANO / PREVALENCE OF SEATBELT USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES: AN URBAN OBSERVATIONAL STUDY / PREVALÊNCIA DO USO DE CINTO DE SEGURANÇA DE VEÍCULOS A MOTOR: UM ESTUDO OBSERVACIONAL URBANO

Objetivo: determinar la prevalencia del uso del cinturón de seguridad en conductores y pasajeros de vehículos automotor de la ciudad de H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Método: el diseño fue observacional, descriptivo y transversal. La muestra fue de forma aleatoria de 1536 vehículos, se seleccionaron los 6 puntos de mayor tráfico en la ciudad. El instrumento que se utilizó para la recolección de datos fue una lista de verificación por observación para corroborar si los ocupantes del vehículo traían cinturón de seguridad, tomándose los tres primeros vehículos detenidos en fila del carril derecho. El registro se realizó mientras el semáforo se encontraba en la señal de alto total (luz roja). Resultados: se observó una prevalencia del uso del cinturón de seguridad de 37.7% en conductores de vehículos. El copiloto presento una prevalencia de 12.8% y los vehículos mayormente utilizados por la muestra fueron auto compacto (42.2%) y mini van o pick up con 37.7%. Conclusión: la prevalencia observada en el estudio es significativamente más baja para el uso del cinturón de seguridad en comparación con estudios de otros países.

Objective: to determine the prevalence of seat belt use in drivers and passengers of motor vehicles in the city of H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Method: the design was observational cross-sectional descriptive, the sample was randomly 1536 vehicles, 6 points of highest traffic in the city were selected, the instrument that used for data collection was a observation checklist to corroborate If the occupants of the vehicle were wearing a seatbelt, taking the first three vehicles stopped in a row in the right lane, the registration was made while the traffic light was on stop (red light). Results: a prevalence of seat belt use was 37.7% in vehicle drivers; The co-pilot had a prevalence of 12.8% and the vehicles mostly used by the sample were autocompact (42.2%) and mini van or pick up with 37.7%. Conclusion: prevalence for use of seatbelt observed in the study is significantly lower than studies in other countries.

Objetivo: determinar a prevalência do uso do cinto de segurança em condutores e passageiros de veículos motorizados na cidade de H. Matamoros, Tamaulipas. Método: o desenho foi observacional, descritivo e transversal. A amostra foi aleatória de 1536 veículos, selecionando em 6 pontos de maior tráfego na cidade. O instrumento utilizado pra a coleta de dados foi uma lista de verificação de observação para identificar se os ocupantes do veículo estavam usando cinto de segurança, levando em consideração os três primeiros veículos parados em uma fileira na faixa da direita. O registro foi feito enquanto o semáforo estava fechado (luz vermelha). Resultados: a prevalência do uso do cinto de segurança foi de 37,7% nos motoristas de veículos; O co-piloto teve uma prevalência de 12.8% e os veículos mais utilizados pela amostra foram auto compactos (42.2%) e mini van ou pick up com 37.7%. Conclusão: a prevalência de uso de cinto de segurança observada no estudo é significativamente menor do que em outros países.

[Characteristics of the cholera epidemic of 1998 in Ecuador during El Niño]. / Características de la epidemia de cólera de 1998 en Ecuador, durante el fenómeno de "El Niño"

OBJECTIVE: To describe the outbreak of cholera that occurred in Ecuador in 1998 during the El Nino weather phenomenon, to present data on the resistance of the circulating strains of Vibrio cholerae to antimicrobial drugs, and to describe the preventive measures taken by health authorities in order to reduce the impact of the disease. METHODS: The epidemiological data came from three sources: 1) the registry of the National Bureau of Epidemiology of the Ministry of Public Health of Ecuador, 2) the registry of the National Institute of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and 3) the final report of the Training Program for the Fight against Cholera and Diarrheal Diseases. Isolation, identification, and serotyping was done of V. cholerae in the feces samples from 10% of the suspected cholera cases that were identified between 1 January and 31 December 1998. The suspected cases were defined by the sudden appearance of watery diarrhea, with or without dehydration, in epidemic areas. The strains that were isolated were submitted to a standard antibiogram by the diffusion method, in which the following antibiotics were tested: amoxicillin, tetracycline, trimethoprimsulfamethoxazole, vibriostatic compound O/129, nalidixic acid, erythromycin, norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, gentamycin, chloramphenicol, and colistin. RESULTS: In 1998 there were 3 755 cases reported in 17 of the 21 provinces of the country. This corresponds to an incidence rate of 53.96 per 100 000 population. Thirty seven patients died, for a case fatality rate of 0.97%. A total of 301 strains of V. cholerae were isolated in the 637 suspected-cholera samples that were processed; all corresponded to V. cholerae O1, El Tor, subtype Ogawa. All of the strains were sensitive to tetracycline and to quinolones; 5.6% of the strains were resistant to erythromycin. The only strain resistant to amoxicillin was multiresistant. Officials in Ecuador implemented a series of preventive measures, and the surveillance system was strengthened in order to reduce the impact of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The preventive measures helped to reduce the impact of the 1998 cholera epidemic in Ecuador, in terms of both incidence and the case fatality rate. Given the overall sensitivity of the strains to the antimicrobial drugs, there is no reason to change the current treatment regimens in the country. Taking into account the frequency of natural disasters in Ecuador and the relation that they have to the reappearance of cholera, interventions should be designed that make it possible to prevent and control the reappearance of the disease and its spread to the most vulnerable provinces of the central Sierra mountainous region and the eastern part of the country.

Síndrome de quemarse por el trabajo e indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular en trabajadores de industria maquiladora del ramo automotriz / Burnout syndrome at work and cardiovascular risk indicators in workers of the assembly

El estrés laboral actualmente tiene mucha importancia; sin embargo, aún se desconoce qué tipo de consecuencias negativas impone a la salud de los trabajadores en las empresas. El presente trabajo pretende dar a conocer la relación entre el Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo (SQT), e indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular en los trabajadores de la industria maquiladora. El estudio fue correlacional y transversal. El tipo de muestreo fue no probabilístico y por conveniencia, formada por 47 trabajadores de los diferentes departamentos de una empresa del ramo automotriz. El instrumento que se utilizó para medir el SQT es el Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo (CESQT), que está compuesto por 20 preguntas. Se tomaron muestras de sangre en ayunas para analizar indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular, tales como colesterol sérico y lipoproteínas de baja y alta densidad. Se midió la presión arterial, asimismo la talla, peso, diámetro de cintura y caderas de acuerdo a la NOM-030-SSA2-1999. Sólo el 2,12 por ciento de la muestra presentó SQT alto. No obstante lo anterior, los resultados muestran una relación significativa entre el componente de Desgaste Psíquico e indicadores de riesgo cardiovascular: Colesterol Total y Colesterol de Baja Densidad.

Work-related stress has a significant importance in the present days. However, the kind of negative consequences that it imposes on the manufacturing industry workers’ health is still unknown. The present study aims are to describe the relation between Burnout´s Syndrome and cardiovascular disease risk factors on automotive industry workers. The study was correlational and cross-sectional. The type of sampling was non probabilistic and by convenience, and the sample size was 47 workers of different departments from a manufacturingplant. The instrument used to measure the Burnout´s Syndrome was the “Cuestionario para la Evaluación del Síndrome de Quemarse por el Trabajo (CESQT),” consisting of 20 questions. Fasting blood samples were collected to analyze risk cardiovascular indicators such as seric cholesterol, low and high density lipoproteins. Blood pressure was measured as well as weight, size, waist and hip diameter according to the standard NOM-030-SSA2-1999. Only the 2.12 percent display high SQT. Nevertheless, the results show a significant relation between the following components: Exhaustion (Burnout Syndrome) and Total and Low Density Cholesterol (Cardiovascular).

Características de la epidemia de cólera de 1998 en Ecuador, durante el fenómeno de El Niño

Objetivos: Caracterizar el brote de cólera ocurrido en Ecuador en 1998 durante el fenómeno de "El Niño", presentar los datos sobre la resistencia de las cepas circulantes de Vibrio cholerae a los antimicrobianos y describir las medidas preventivas tomadas por las autoridades sanitarias para reducir el impacto de la enfermedad. Métodos: los datos epidemiológicos provienen de los registros de la Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Ecuador y del Instituto Nacional de Higiene y Medicina Tropical y el informe final del Programa de Formación para la Lucha contra el Cólera y las Enfermedades Diarreicas (PROCED ALA 93/25). Se procedió a aislar, identificar y serotipificar V. cholerae en las muestras de heces de 10

de los pacientes con posible cólera identificados entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 1998. Los casos sospechados se definieron por la aparición súbita de diarrea acuosa, con o sin deshidratación, en zonas epidémicas. Las cepas aisladas se sometieron a un antibiograma estándar por el método de difusión, en el que se probaron los siguientes antibióticos: amoxicilina, tetraciclina, sulfametoxazol con trimetoprim, compuesto vibriostático 0/129, ácido nalidíxico, eritromicina, norfloxacino, ciprofloxacino, gentamicina, cloranfenicol y colistina. Resultados: En 1998 se notificaron 3755 caos en 17 de las 21 provincias del país, lo que corresponde a una tasa de incidencia de 53,96 por 100000 habitantes. Treinta y siete pacientes fallecieron, lo cual supone una tasa de letalidad del 0,97

. Se aislaron 301 cepas de V.cholerae en las 637 muestras con sospechosa de cólera que se procesaron; todas correspondieron a V.cholerae 0:1, El Tor, subtipo Ogawa. La totalidad de las cepas fueron sensibles a la tetraciclina y a las quinolonas, y 5,6

resistentes a la eritromicina. La única cepa resistente a la amoxicilina fue multirresistente. Las autoridades nacionales pusieron en práctica una serie de medidas preventivas en la comunidad y se fortaleció el sistema de vigilancia para reducir el impacto de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: Las medidas preventivas contribuyeron a reducir el impacto de la nueva epidemia de cólera en el Ecuador, tanto en términos de letalidad como de incidencia. En vista de la sensibilidad global de las cepas a los antimicrobianos, no se justifica cambiar los esquemas de tratamiento vigentes en la región. Teniendo en cuenta la frecuencia de los desastres naturales en este país y su relación con la reaparición del cólera, es recomendable diseñar intervenciones que permitan prevenir y controlar la reaparición de la enfermedad y su extensión hacia las provincias más vulerables de la Sierra y el Oriente(AU)

Características de la epidemia de cólera de 1998 en Ecuador, durante el fenómeno de "El Niño" / Characteristics of the cholera epidemic of 1998 in Ecuador during El Niño

Objetivos. Caracterizar el brote de cólera ocurrido en Ecuador en 1998 durante el fenómeno de "El Niño", presentar los datos sobre la resistencia de las cepas circulantes de Vibrio cholerae a los antimicrobianos y describir las medidas preventivas tomadas por las autoridades sanitarias para reducir el impacto de la enfermedad. Métodos. Los datos epidemiológicos provienen de los registros de la Dirección Nacional de Epidemiología del Ministerio de Salud Pública de Ecuador y del Instituto Nacional de Higiene y Medicina Tropical, y el informe final del Programa de Formación para la Lucha contra el Cólera y las Enfermedades Diarreicas (PROCED ALA 93/25). Se procedió a aislar, identificar y serotipificar V. cholerae en las muestras de heces de 10 por ciento de los pacientes con posible cólera identificados entre el 1 de enero y el 31 de diciembre de 1998. Los casos sospechados se definieron por la aparición súbita de diarrea acuosa, con o sin deshidratación, en zonas epidémicas. Las cepas aisladas se sometieron a un antibiograma estándar por el método de difusión, en el que se probaron los siguientes antibióticos: amoxicilina, tetraciclina, sulfametoxazol con trimetoprim, compuesto vibriostático O/129, ácido nalidíxico, eritromicina, norfloxacino, ciprofloxacino, gentamicina, cloranfenicol y colistina. Resultados. En 1998 se notificaron 3 755 casos en 17 de las 21 provincias del país, lo que corresponde a una tasa de incidencia de 53,96 por 100 000 habitantes. Treinta y siete pacientes fallecieron, lo cual supone una tasa de letalidad del 0,97 por ciento. Se aislaron 301 cepas de V. cholerae en las 637 muestras con sospechosa de cólera que se procesaron; todas correspondieron a V. cholerae O:1, El Tor, subtipo Ogawa. La totalidad de las cepas fueron sensibles a la tetraciclina y a las quinolonas, y 5,6 por ciento resistentes a la eritromicina. La única cepa resistente a la amoxicilina fue multirresistente. Las autoridades nacionales pusieron en práctica una serie de medidas preventivas en la comunidad y se fortaleció el sistema de vigilancia para reducir el impacto de la enfermedad. Conclusiones. Las medidas preventivas contribuyeron a reducir el impacto de la nueva epidemia de cólera en el Ecuador, tanto en términos de letalidad como de incidencia

Investigación de portadores de Neisseria Meningitidis en niños relacionados con el Centro de Rehabilitación Social del Litoral / Investigation of carriers of Neisseria Meningitidis in children related with the Social Rehabilitation Center of the seaboard

Se practicaron cultivos para N. meningitidis en 118 niños entre 1 y 14 años que viven en la guardería del CRL (31 niños), en el albergue María Reyna (50) y en el pabellón de varones del CRL (37), tratando de identificar la fuente de infección del brote epidémico de EMA ocurrido 2 meses atrás en este centro penitenciario.Se tomó una muestra de cada fosa nasal y se procesaron los 236 cultivos. No se aisló ninguna colonia de N. meningitidis.Entre las conclusiones se destaca que estos niños no son fuentes de infección ni de contaminación así como tampoco representa un potencial elemento diseminador de la bacteria en la comunidad.

Several cultures heading to the isolation of Neisseria meningitidis were performed to 118 children between the ages of 1 to 14 years old, living in the foster home for the “CRL” (31 children), Maria Reyna temporary home (50) and the men’s block (37), with the purpose of identifying the source of infection for the outbreak that took place 2 months ago in this facility.One sample for each nostril was taken and 236 cultures were processed. No single strain of N. meningitidis was isolated.Among the conclusions of this trial is obvious that these children are not neither the source of infection nor contamination as well as they do not represent a spreading risk for N. meningitidis in community.