Revista médica hondureña: noventa años de aportes en parasitología / Revista Médica Hondureña: ninety years of contributions in parasitology

Antecedentes: Este artículo conmemora el 90 aniversario de la Revista Médica Hondureña. Objetivo: Registrar artículos sobre parasitosis, comentar algunas investigaciones y documentar hallazgos. Metodología: Se consultó la revista en la Biblioteca Virtual en Salud de Honduras (www.bvs.hn), separando artículos en parasitología de 1930 a 2019.Los trabajos libres presentados en Congresos Médicos Nacionales en temas de parasitología se identificaron de suplementos 2003-2019. Resultados: Se identificaron 234 publicaciones en parasitología en 12 temas, resaltando 73 artículos sobre malaria, 24 de insectos/arácnidos, 23 en tratamiento, 14 en teniasis y cisticercosis, 12 sobre Enfermedad de Chagas y leishmaniasis, respectivamente, y otros en menor número. Se reconoció la falta de investigación parasitológica. De 624 trabajos libres, 90 (14%) ocuparon temas parasitológicos, 40 en malaria y 17 en Enfermedad de Chagas. Casi ningún trabajo libre se completa a publicación. Discusión: Urgen publicaciones de investigaciones solidas en parasitología desarrolladas cuidadosamente, que fortalezcan el sector salud y provean productos adecuados con metas a reducir desigualdades. La Asociación Hondureña de Parasitología (AHPA), fundada el 23 de junio 2000, promueve el desarrollo de la parasitología en Honduras a través de la investigación científica y actividades de educación continua...(AU)

Larvas recién nacidas de Trichinella spiralis: cinética de agregación eritrocitaria / Newborn larvae of Trichinella spiralis: erythrocyte aggregation kinetics

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la cinética de agregación eritrocitaria producida por dos concentraciones de larvas recién nacidas (LRN) de Trichinella spiralis. Se trabajó con 5 suspensiones eritrocitarias incubadas con 500 y 1.000±100 LRN/mL durante 120 minutos, con tomas de muestra al tiempo inicial y cada 15 minutos. Los respectivos controles se incubaron de la misma manera con solución salina. Se aplicaron el método de titulación por Polibrene calculando el CexpST y la técnica de análisis de la variancia con las comparaciones múltiples según Tukey. Los resultados mostraron para ambas concentraciones de LRN, que el coeficiente promedio disminuyó con el aumento del tiempo de incubación. En el tratamiento con 1.000 LRN/mL, el coeficiente promedio no presentó diferencias significativas a tiempo 0 y 15 minutos, ni entre 60 y 75 minutos, mientras que con 500 LRN/mL no hubo diferencias entre los tiempos 0, 15 y 30 minutos. Todas las restantes diferencias fueron significativas para ambas concentraciones larvales. El valor promedio de CexpST no difirió significativamente entre los dos tratamientos a tiempo 0 y 15 minutos, pero a todos los otros tiempos fue menor a mayor concentración de larvas. La experiencia realizada indicaría que in vivo, la cantidad de LRN y el tiempo que permanecen en circulación determinan el grado de desializacion eritrocitaria, y por lo tanto el riesgo de activación T y de alteraciones hemorreológicas en el hospedador.

The aim of this work was to study the kinetics of erythrocyte aggregation produced by two concentrations of Trichinella spiralis newborn larvae (NL). Work was performed with 5 erythrocyte suspensions incubated with 500 and 1000 ± 100 NL/mL for 120 minutes, taking samples at the initial time and every 15 minutes. The respective controls were incubated in the same way with saline solution. The Polybrene titration method calculating the CexpST and the variance analysis technique with the multiple comparisons according to Tukey were applied. The results showed that the average coefficient decreased with the rise in incubation time for both NL concentrations. The average coefficient did not present significant differences between the initial time and 15 minutes, nor between 60 and 75 minutes in the treatment with 1000 NL/mL, while there were no differences between 0,15 and 30 minutes in the treatment with 500 NL/mL. All other differences were significant for both larval concentrations. The average value of CexpST did not differ significantly between the two time treatments at zero time and 15 minutes, but at all other times it was less at a higher concentration of larvae. The experience carried out would indicate that in vivo, the amount of NL and the time that they remain in circulation determines the degree of erythrocyte desialylation, and therefore, the risk of T activation and hemorrheological alterations in the host.

O objetivo desse trabalho foi estudar a cinética de agregação eritrocitária produzida por duas concentrações de larvas recém nascidas (LRN) de Trichinella spiralis. O trabalho foi feito com 5 suspensões eritrocitárias incubadas com 500 e 1.000 ± 100 LRN/mL por 120 minutos, colhendo amostras no tempo inicial e a cada 15 minutos. Os respectivos controles foram incubados da mesma forma com solução salina. Foi aplicado o método de titulação por Polibreno e se calculou CexpST. e a técnica de análise da variância com as comparações múltiplas de acordo com Tukey. Os resultados mostraram, para ambas as concentrações de LRN, que o o coeficiente médio diminuiu com o aumento do tempo de incubação. No tratamento com 1.000 LRN/mL o coeficiente médio não mostrou diferenças significativas no tempo 0 e 15 minutos ou entre 60 e 75 minutos, ao passo que não houve diferenças com 500 LRN/mL entre tempos 0, 15 e 30 minutos. Todas as restantes diferenças foram significativas para ambas as concentrações de larvas. O valor médio de CexpST não diferiu significativamente entre os dois tratamentos no tempo de 0 e 15 minutos, mas em todos os outros tempos foi menor em maior concentração de larvas. A experiência realizada indicaria que in vivo a quantidade de LRN e o tempo que permanecem em circulação determina o grau de dessialização dos eritrócitos e, portanto, o risco de ativação T e de alterações hemorreológicas no hospedeiro.

The dynamics of Brazilian protozoology over the past century

Brazilian scientists have been contributing to the protozoology field for more than 100 years with important discoveries of new species such asTrypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania spp. In this work, we used a Brazilian thesis database (Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel) covering the period from 1987-2011 to identify researchers who contributed substantially to protozoology. We selected 248 advisors by filtering to obtain researchers who supervised at least 10 theses. Based on a computational analysis of the thesis databases, we found students who were supervised by these scientists. A computational procedure was developed to determine the advisors’ scientific ancestors using the Lattes Platform. These analyses provided a list of 1,997 researchers who were inspected through Lattes CV examination and allowed the identification of the pioneers of Brazilian protozoology. Moreover, we investigated the areas in which researchers who earned PhDs in protozoology are now working. We found that 68.4% of them are still in protozoology, while 16.7% have migrated to other fields. We observed that support for protozoology by national or international agencies is clearly correlated with the increase of scientists in the field. Finally, we described the academic genealogy of Brazilian protozoology by formalising the “forest” of Brazilian scientists involved in the study of protozoa and their vectors over the past century.

Frequency of presentation of bovine cutaneous pythiosis (Pythium insidiosum) in three cattle farms in Cordoba, Colombia / Frecuencia de presentación de Pythiosis Cutánea Bovina (Pythiuminsidiosum) en tres explotaciones ganaderas de Córdoba, Colombia / Freqüência de apresentação da Pitiose Cutânea Bovina (Pythiuminsidiosum) em 3 fazendas em Córdoba, Colômbia

The skin pythiosis is a chronic granulomatous, often pruriginous, rapidly progressive illness, caused by Pythium insidiosum. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of occurrence of bovine cutaneous pythiosis (Pythium insidiosum) in three farms in the department of Cordoba, Colombia. A prospective study in animals was performed, for convenience, between May and August 2011. 72 cattle with granulomatous skin lesions compatible with Pythiosis were evaluated clinical, epidemiological and histopathologically, from 187 cows belonging to three farms located in flood zones in the department of Cordoba, Colombia. The frequency of occurrence of bovine cutaneous Pythiosis in 3 cattle farms in Córdoba department, Colombia was 38,5%. It was concluded that clinical and epidemiological manifestations, macroscopic characteristics of the skin lesions and pathological findings, reported a median pythiosis presence of bovine dermal three farms located in flood zones of the department of Cordoba, Colombia.

La Pythiosis cutánea es una enfermedad crónica, granulomatosa, a menudo pruriginosa y rápidamente progresiva, causada por el Pythium insidiosum. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de presentación de pythiosis cutánea bovina en tres explotaciones ganaderas del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo prospectivo en animales a conveniencia, entre los meses de mayo y agosto de 2011. Fueron evaluados clínica, epidemiológica e histopatológicamente 72 bovinos con lesiones cutáneas granulomatosas compatibles con Pythiosis, a partir de 187 bovinos pertenecientes a tres explotaciones ganaderas ubicadas en zonas inundables del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. La frecuencia de la enfermedad fue de 38.5%. Se concluye que por las manifestaciones clínico-epidemiológicas, las características macroscópicas de las lesiones cutáneas y los hallazgos histopatológicos, se informa una mediana presencia de pythiosis cutánea en bovinos de tres explotaciones ganaderas ubicadas en zonas inundables del departamento de Córdoba, Colombia.

A pitiose cutânea é uma doença granulomatosa crônica, muitas vezes pruriginosa e rapidamente progressiva, causada por Pythium insidiosum. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a freqüência de ocorrência de pitiose cutânea bovina (Pythium insidiosum) em três fazendas no departamento de Córdoba, Colômbia. Foi realizado um estudo prospectivo em animais a conveniência, entre Maio e Agosto de 2011. Foram avaliados clínica, epidemiológica e histopatologicamente 72 bovinos com lesões cutâneas granulomatosas compatíveis com pitiose, a partir de 187 bovinos pertencentes a 3 fazendas localizadas em zonas inundáveis, no departamento de Córdoba, Colômbia. A freqüência de ocorrência de pitiose cutânea bovina em 3 fazendas no departamento de Córdoba, Colômbia foi de 38,5%. Concluímos que as manifestações clínicas e epidemiológicas, características macroscópicas das lesões de pele e achados patológicos, relatou uma presença mediana de pitiose bovina cutânea em 3 fazendas localizadas em zonas inundáveis no departamento de Córdoba, na Colômbia.

Adaptação ao Método de Ritchie para diagnóstico de Helmintos e Protozoários em amostras de lodo de esgoto com minimização de produtos químicos / La adaptación del Método de Ritchie para la diagnosis de Helmintos y protozoos en muestras de aguas residuales con minimización de productos químicos / Adaptation of Ritchie Method for diagnosing Helminthes and Protozoa in samples of sewage silt with chemical substances minimization

O Método de Ritchie (1948) é uma metodologia eficiente para diagnóstico parasitário em matrizes ambientais, porém apresenta como desvantagem o uso do éter etílico e formaldeído, reagentes toxicológicos para a saúde ambiental e ocupacional. O objetivo do estudo foi padronizar uma técnica adaptada do Método de Ritchie para identificação de parasitas em lodo de esgoto, que evite o uso de substâncias tóxicas e possa ser utilizada em laboratórios de parasitologia. Amostras de lodo foram submetidas ao Método Ritchie (MR) e ao Método de Ritchie Modificado por Régis Anécimo (MRMRA), no qual substancias químicas são substituídas por água a 45 graus Ce detergente neutro. Os resultados demonstraram que, no MR, a porcentagem de Ancylostoma sp foi de 19%, Hymenolepis sp 79%, Ascaris sp 2% e Trichuris trichiura 0%, em um total de 1970 helmintos visualizados. Porém, no MRMRA, a porcentagem de Ancylostoma sp foi de 56%, Hymenolepis sp 40%, Ascaris sp 4% e Tricuris trichiura 0%, em um total de 398 helmintos. Avaliando quantitativamente o MRMRA foi menos eficiente, pois esses resultados demonstraram uma diferença significativa de helmintos visualizados entre os métodos. Porém, enquanto análise qualitativa, a técnica pode ser considerada válida, uma vez que a qualidade da visualização dos parasitas é correspondente em ambos os métodos. Pode ser concluído que o MRMRA é um método simples de realizar e de fácil implementação na rotina de laboratórios e estações de tratamento de esgoto.

El Método de Ritchie (1948) es una metodología eficiente para diagnosticar organismos parásitos en matrices ambientales, pero el uso de del éter etílico y del formaldehído es una desventaja, vez que son reactivos tóxicos para el ambiente y la salud ocupacional. El objetivo de este estudio fue estandardizar una técnica conveniente del Método de Ritchie como para la identificación de parásitos en el légamo de las aguas residuales, técnica que evita el uso de sustancias tóxicas y se puede utilizar en laboratorios parasitológicos. Las muestras de légamo fueron sometidas al Método de Ritchie (MR) y al Método de Ritchie Modificado por Régis Anécimo (MMRRA), en el cual quien el agua en 45 grados C y detergente neutral substituyen las sustancias químicas. Los resultados demuestran que en RM el porcentaje de Ancylostoma sp fue 19%, Hymenolepis sp 79%, Ascaris sp 2% y Trichuris trichiura 0% de un total de 1970 helmintos, mientras que enel MRMRA el porcentaje del de Ancylostoma sp fue 56%, Hymenolepis sp 40%, Ascaris sp 4% y Trichuris trichiura 0% de un total de 398 helmintos. Cuantitativamente evaluado MRMRA fue menos eficiente, porque estos resultados demuestran una diferencia significativa de los helmintos identificados por los métodos. Sin embargo, un análisis cualitativo demuestra que la técnica es válida, puesto que la calidad de la identificación de los parásitos está igual en ambos métodos. Se puede concluir que MRMRA es un método simple y fácil como para ser utilizado en la rutina de laboratorios y de estaciones del tratamiento de aguas residuales.

Ritchie Method (1948) is an efficient methodology for diagnosing parasitic organisms in environmental matrixes, but the use of ethylic ether and formaldehyde is an disadvantage, for these are toxic reagents that damages the environment and affects occupational health. The objective of this study was to standardize a suitable technique of Ritchie Method for the identification of parasites in sewage silt, which avoids the use of toxic substances and can be used in parasitological laboratories. Samples of silt were submitted to Ritchie Method (RM) and Method of Modified Ritchie by Régis Anécimo (MMRRA), in which water at 45 degrees C and neutral detergent substitute for chemical substances. Results show that in RM the percentage of Ancylostoma sp was 19%, Hymenolepis sp 79%, Ascaris sp 2% and Trichuris trichiura 0% from a total of 1970 visualized helminthes, whereas in MRMRA the percentage of Ancylostoma sp was 56%, Hymenolepis sp 40%, Ascaris sp 4% and Tricuris trichiura 0% in a total of 398 helminthes. Evaluated quantitatively MRMRA was less efficient, for these results show a significant difference in the number of helminthes identified by the methods. However, a qualitative analysis shows the technique to be valid, since the quality of parasites identification is the same in both methods. We may conclude that MRMRA is a simple and easy method to be used in the routine of laboratories and sewage treatment stations.

Mapping cancer, cardiovascular and malaria research in Brazil.

This paper presents performance indicators for the Brazilian cancer, cardiovascular and malaria research areas from 1981 to 1995. The data show an increasing number of papers since 1981 and author numbers indicate a continuous growth of the scientific community and suggest an expected impact of scientific activity on biomedical education. The data also characterize cardiovascular research as a well-established area and cancer research as a faster growing consolidating field. The 1989-1994 share of Brazilian articles among world publications shows a growing trend for the cancer (1.61) and cardiovascular (1.59) areas, and a decrease for the malaria area (0. 89). The burden of the three diseases on society is contrasted by the small number of consolidated Brazilian research groups, and a questionable balance of thematic activity, especially with regard to malaria. Brazilian periodicals play an important role in increasing the international visibility of science produced in the country. Cancer and cardiovascular research is strongly concentrated in the Southeastern and in Southern regions of Brazil, especially in São Paulo (at least one address from São Paulo in 64.5% of the 962 cancer articles and in 66.9% of the 2250 cardiovascular articles, the second state being Rio de Janeiro with at least one address in 14.1 and 11% of those articles, respectively). Malaria research (468 articles) is more evenly distributed across the country, following the pattern of the endemic distribution of the disease. Surveying these national indicator trends can be useful to establish policies in the decision process about health sciences, medical education and public health.

Comparison of conventional stool concentration and preserved-smear methods with Merifluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia Direct Immunofluorescence Assay and ProSpecT Giardia EZ Microplate Assay for detection of Giardia lamblia.

Giardiasis is the most common parasitic infection in the United States. Variation in the numbers of cysts and/or trophozoites that are present along with the need for a skilled microscopist offer challenges in diagnosis. We compared the sediment wet preparation and permanent stained smear results (concentration in formalin-ethyl acetate and preparation of a smear prepared from a polyvinyl alcohol-preserved specimen) from 512 consecutive specimens with the results obtained by using the Merifluor Cryptosporidium/Giardia Direct Immunofluorescence Assay (DFA; Meridian Diagnostics, Inc., Cincinnati, Ohio) and the ProSpecT Giardia EZ Microplate Assay (EIA; Alexon, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.). The Merifluor DFA detected 33 of 33 positive specimens, and the ProSpecT EIA detected 32 of 33 positive specimens. The diagnostic sensitivities of the Merifluor DFA and the ProSpecT EIA were 100 and 97%, respectively. The specificities of the assays were 99.8%. The Merifluor DFA and the ProSpecT EIA appear to be equally sensitive, and both are more sensitive than conventional microscopy.

Evaluation of new rapid commercial enzyme immunoassay for detection of Cryptosporidium oocysts in untreated stool specimens.

Sixty-six stool specimens were evaluated by the ProSpecTR Cryptosporidium rapid enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Alexon, Sunnyvale, Calif.). Approximately 2 g of untreated stool suspended in buffer was filtered through membranes labelled with anti-Cryptosporidium-specific antigen antibody. Anti-Cryptosporidium-specific antigen antibody was labelled with biotin, horseradish peroxidase conjugated to streptavidin, and tetramethylbenzidine, and each labelled antibody was added in sequence to the membranes. Each membrane had a positive control and test area. EIA results were compared with those of the modified acid-fast procedure. Twenty-three specimens were positive by the initial acid-fast procedure and the EIA. Forty-two specimens were negative by the initial acid-fast test and the EIA. One specimen was negative by the initial acid-fast test and positive by the EIA (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 98.5%). This technique is easy to use by comparison with the cumbersome, labor-intensive, and more subjective microscopic methods currently available, and its sensitivity equals that of current microscopic methods.

Parasitic culture of buffy coat for diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients.

Two samples of buffy coat from the peripheral blood of 25 human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients with proven visceral leishmaniasis, as determined with a bone marrow aspirate (stain and culture), were cultured onto Schneider's and Novy-McNeal-Nicolle media. Hemoculture positivity was 67%. The average growing time was 10 days. This is an easy, noninvasive, and sensitive technique.

Comparison of PCR with direct examination of bone marrow aspiration, myeloculture, and serology for diagnosis of visceral Leishmaniasis in immunocompromised patients.

A PCR assay amplifying a repeated sequence from the Leishmania infantum genome was compared with direct examination of bone marrow aspirate, myeloculture, and serology for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompromised patients. Of 73 patients living in an area endemic for leishmaniasis and where visceral leishmaniasis was suspected by physicians, only 10 had an indisputable diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis. None of the diagnostic tests performed in the study achieved 100% sensitivity for diagnosing visceral leishmaniasis. PCR exhibited superior sensitivity (82%) in comparison with bone marrow aspirate examination (55%) and myeloculture (55%). Our PCR assay also showed good specificity (97%), negative predictive value (97%), and positive predictive value (82%) even when all unconfirmed PCR results were scored as false positives. Serology exhibited good sensitivity (80%) and excellent specificity (100%), negative predictive value (98%), and positive predictive value (100%) in diagnosing new cases of visceral leishmaniasis but failed to diagnose relapses. We also observed consistent negative serological results using several different immunological detection methods for 2 of the 10 patients with confirmed cases of visceral leishmaniasis. This lack of serological reactivity persisted throughout the course of their infections. These results demonstrate the importance of using PCR as an aid in the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis in immunocompromised patients.

Parasitismo intestinal en el Hospital Escuela, Honduras: resultados del laboratorio de Parasitología,1989-1991 / Intestinal parasitism in the Hospital School,Honduras: results of parasitologyc laboratory,1989-1991

Se documentan por primera vez resultados parasitológicos de exámenes de heces del Laboratorio de Parasitología del Servicio de Microbiología Clínica del Departamento de Laboratorios Clínicos del Hospital Escuela, Tegucigalpa,Honduras,para los años de 1989-1991.Los datos obtenidos se presentan en cinco cuadros:Totales de exámenes. Totales de Consulta Externa y de Hospitalizados;Totales y porcentajes de helmintos diagnosticados en una preparación directa,desglosados por mes;Totales de infecciones por geohelmintos y estimado de la crga parasitaria,por grupos etarios;Totales y hallazgos parasitológicos en muestras diarreicas y Totales de protozoos intestinales diagnosticados en una preparación con solución de lugol utilizando objetivo de inmersión.Se menciona la necesidad de reforzar la actual capacidad del Laboratorio de Parasitología en el diagnóstico de parásitos tisulares y sanguíneos,serodiagnóstico de algunas parasitosis y la introducción de otros métodos de exámenes de heces como rutina.Se concluye aseverando la necesidad de realizar investigaciones parasitólogicas en Honduras,apropiadas y controlodas,para obtener magnitudes reales del problema parasitológico local,identificando la competencia del personal de Laboratorio como una urgencia del momento

Estudio coproparasitológico en preescolares de jardines infantiles / Coproparsytologic study in preschool child of child day care centers

Se realizó en el área urbana de la comuna de Chillán, un estudio de examen coproparasitológico (Método Telemann modificado) a 301 preescolares de jardines infantiles de diferentes niveles socioeconómicos. El 58.5 por ciento de los pre-escolares tenia enteroparasitosis, de los cuales el 46.5 por ciento correspondió a pre-escolares de jardines semifiscales. Las especies de parasitosis que se diagnosticaron con mayor frecuencia para pre-escolares de jardines particulares y semifiscales fueron: giardia lamblia, 19.3 por ciento y 36.45 por ciento ; protozoos comensales, 11.9 por ciento y 31.77 por ciento y ascaris lumbricoides 0.9 por ciento y 22.91 por ciento , respectivamente. Se concluye que las tasas elevadas de infección van en relación con grupos de bajo nivel socioeconómicos y cultural. La infección intestinal más frecuente en preescolares giardia lamblia, con 30.23 por ciento del total de casos. Debería normarse al ingreso de los preescolares de jardines infantiles semifiscales, el examen coproparasitológico y su tratamiento, si el caso lo requiere

Cestóides proteocefalídeos de "cachara", Pseudoplatystoma fasciatus (L. ) (Pisces, Pimelodidae) de Mato Grosso / Proteocephalid cestodes from Pseudoplatystoma fasciatus (L. ) (Pisces, Pimelodidae) from Mato Grosso State, Brazil

The author describes three species of protcocephalid cestodes from the Pimelodid fish, Pseudoplatystoma fasciatus (L.) from rivers of Mato Grosso, Brazil: Nomimoscolex lopesi sp. n., Peltidocotyle rugosa Diesing, 1850 and Spatulifer rugosa (Woodland, 1935). P. rugosa is for the first time referred in this fish species. One hyperparasite nematode specimen was found in a strobila of S. rugosa.