Valuing water quality in the United States using a national dataset on property values.

High-quality water resources provide a wide range of benefits, but the value of water quality is often not fully represented in environmental policy decisions, due in large part to an absence of water quality valuation estimates at large, policy relevant scales. Using data on property values with nationwide coverage across the contiguous United States, we estimate the benefits of lake water quality as measured through capitalization in housing markets. We find compelling evidence that homeowners place a premium on improved water quality. This premium is largest for lakefront property and decays with distance from the waterbody. In aggregate, we estimate that 10% improvement of water quality for the contiguous United States has a value of $6 to 9 billion to property owners. This study provides credible evidence for policymakers to incorporate lake water quality value estimates in environmental decision-making.

Spatial Heterogeneity in Hedonic Price Effects for Lake Water Quality.

This study uses Zillow's ZTRAX property transaction database to investigate variation in hedonic price effects of water clarity on single-family houses throughout the United States. We consider five spatial scales and estimate models using different sample selection criteria and model specifications. Our results indicate considerable spatial heterogeneity both within and across the four U.S. Census regions. However, we also find heterogeneity resulting from different types of investigator decisions, including sample selection and modelling choices. Thus, it is necessary to use practical knowledge to consider the limits of market areas and to investigate the robustness of estimation results to investigator choices. (JEL Q51).

Bioinformatic Approach of B and T Cell Epitopes of PLD and CP40 Proteins of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ovis Mexican Isolate 2J-L towards a Peptide-Based Vaccine.

Mapping B and T cell epitopes constitutes an important action for peptide vaccine design. PLD and CP40 virulence factors of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis biovar ovis, a causal agent of Caseous Lymphadenitis, have been evaluated in a murine model as good candidates for vaccine development. Therefore, the goal of this work was to in silico analyze B and T cell epitopes of the PLD and CP40 proteins of a Mexican isolate of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ovis. The Immune Epitope Data Base and Resource website was employed to predict the linear and conformational B-cell, T CD4+, and T CD8+ epitopes of PLD and CP40 proteins of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis ovis Mexican strain 2J-L. Fifty B cell epitopes for PLD 2J-L and forty-seven for CP40 2J-L were estimated. In addition, T CD4+ and CD8+ cell epitopes were predicted for PLD 2J-L (MHC I:16 epitopes, MHC II:10 epitopes) and CP40 2J-L (MHC I: 15 epitopes, MHC II: 13 epitopes). This study provides epitopes, paying particular attention to sequences selected by different predictor programs and overlap sequences as B and T cell epitopes. PLD 2J-L and CP40 2J-L protein epitopes may aid in the design of a promising peptide-based vaccine against Caseous Lymphadenitis in Mexico.

Evaluation of the diagnostic performance of nine commercial RT-PCR kits for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Colombia.

The ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to the design and development of multiple reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction kits aimed to facilitate the rapid scale-up of molecular testing for massive screening. We evaluated the diagnostic performance of nine commercial kits, which showed optimal performance and high discriminatory power. However, we observed differences in terms of sensitivity, specificity, and E gene Ct Values and discuss these results in light of the influence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variability and its potential impact in current molecular diagnostic assays.

The arrival and spread of SARS-CoV-2 in Colombia.

We performed phylogenomic analysis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 from 88 infected individuals across different regions of Colombia. Eleven different lineages were detected, suggesting multiple introduction events. Pangolin lineages B.1 and B.1.5 were the most frequent, with B.1 being associated with prior travel to high-risk areas.

Antimicrobial resistance of three common molecularly identified pathogenic bacteria to Allium aqueous extracts.

The aim of this work was to evaluate the in vitro bacterial inhibition of different types of garlic on Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus. The bacterial strains were molecularly identified using gen 16S rDNA molecular identification. Four different types of garlics were used: 1) white, 2) Japanese, 3) elephant and 3) black, and these were evaluated at two different concentrations (0.25 and 0.125 g/mL) per garlic type. Bioactive compounds present in the garlics were identified using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to ultraviolet detector (HPLC-UV), and total polyphenols were quantified by the Folin-Ciocalteu technique. The Kirby-Bauber method was used for the bacterial evaluation. Aqueous extract of black garlic had the highest amount of polyphenols 6.26 ± 0.21 mg GAE/mL. The area of inhibition was measured and classified as sensitive, intermediate or resistant. Using the disc diffusion assay, higher concentration (0.25 g/mL) of aqueous extract of white garlic had the highest antibacterial activity area, with 21.46 ± 3.94 mm for L. monocytogenes, 20.61 ± 2.47 mm for S. aureus and 17.83 ± 2.21 mm for E. coli. White garlic had comparable antimicrobial activity as the control (tetracycline at 30 µg) as indicated by the size of the inhibition halos. Based on your results, white garlic can be used as an alternative to synthetic antimicrobials.

Evaluation of four rapid diagnostic tests for canine and human visceral Leishmaniasis in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Leishmaniasis caused by different species of Leishmania affect 98 countries worldwide. Visceral Leishmaniasis (VL) is the mortal clinical presentation of the disease that causes the dead to more than 90% of the patients who suffer it. The diagnosis of VL is made by the direct observation of the parasite in bone marrow, spleen and/or liver aspirates that requires complex proceedings. Therefore, serum samples are submitted to Indirect Immunofluorescence to identify the presence of anti-Leishmania antibodies. Despite the variability in the diagnostic performance of the Immunochromatographic Tests (ICTs), there are many evidences that suggest that ICTs can be used for epidemiological screening. However, in Colombia there are not any evidence about the performance of the ICTs for VL diagnosis, both for human and canine serum samples. Therefore, this study evaluated the diagnostic performance of 4 ICTs for VL (2 ICTs in human sera and 2 ICTs in canine sera) in samples from endemic areas of Colombia. METHODS: We selected a total of 156 human serum samples (82 positive and 74 negative for VL) and 126 canine serum samples (71 positive and 54 negative) diagnosed by in house Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF). The samples were submitted to the ICTs following the manufacturers' instructions. Statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of each ICT in comparison with the IIF. PCR for HSP70 gene and sanger sequencing was performed in samples with negative results for both ICTs. RESULTS: The sensitivity (S) of both ICTs for human samples (Ad-bio Leishmania IgG/IgM Combo Rapid Test and Kalazar Detect™) was 91.5% and specificity (E) were 93.2 and 89.2% respectively, while for the ICTs tested on canine samples (Kalazar Detect™ Rapid Test, Canine and DPP® CVL rapid test) we found S values between 82.9 and 85.7% and E values between 79.6 and 92.6%. We found L. infantum by PCR and sequencing in 2 human samples, and L. braziliensis and L. amazonensis in canine serum samples that were negative by both ICTs. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that both tests evaluated on human samples have a similar diagnostic performance, while the Kalazar Detect™ Rapid Test, Canine showed a better diagnostic performance than the DPP® CVL rapid test evaluated on canine samples. Also, we suggest that it is necessary to design tests with antigens of the circulating strains to increase its diagnostic utility.

Adherence of Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale to chicken embryo lung cells as a pathogenic mechanism.

Ornithobacterium rhinotracheale is a bacterium that causes respiratory disease in birds and it has been isolated in countries with a large poultry production, including Mexico. The pathogenicity mechanisms of this bacterium have not been completely elucidated yet. The capacity of the bacterium to adhere to epithelial cells of chicken in vitro has been evidenced, and since this bacterium has been isolated from the lungs and air sacs of several avian species, the aim of this study was to determine if this bacterium can adhere to chicken lung cells. We used five O. rhinotracheale reference serovars (A-E) that were in contact with primary lung cells cultured from a 19-day-old chicken embryo. O. rhinotracheale adherence was evaluated through optical and transmission electron microscopies. The results revealed that O. rhinotracheale is capable of adhering to chicken embryo lung cells within 3 h of incubation with a diffuse adherence pattern. The adherence percentages of the chicken embryo lung cells were 51-96% according to the serovar of the bacterium. Relative adherence was from 4 to 8 bacteria per cell. Transmission electron microscope data revealed intracellular bacteria inside a vacuole in less than 3 h of incubation.

Reclaiming the streets for people: Insights from Ciclovías Recreativas in Latin America.

The Ciclovías comprise worldwide programs in which streets are closed to motor-vehicles and open to individuals for leisure activities. Currently, 93% of the regular programs are in Latin American countries (LAC). The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of regular Ciclovías in 7 LAC and to analyze the factors that influence the sustainability and scaling-up of five case studies. We conducted a survey of 67 Ciclovías in 2014-2015. In addition, we conducted semi-structured interviews with current and former program coordinators and reviewed policy documents from Ciclovías in 5 LAC. The greatest expansion of Ciclovías has occurred since 2000. The number of participants per event ranged from 40 to 1,500,000 (mean 41,399±193,330; median 1600), and the length ranged from 1 to 113.6km (mean 9.1±16.4; median 3). Ciclovía routes connect low-middle and high income neighborhoods (89.3%), and include the participation of minority populations (61.2%). The main complementary activity offered was physical activity (PA) classes (94.0%), and 80.0% of the programs included strategies to promote biking. All five case studies met definitions for sustainability and scaling-up. All programs shared some level of government support, alliances, community appropriation, champions, compatibility with the mission of the host organization, organizational capacity, flexibility, perceived benefits, and funding stability. However, they differed in operational conditions, political favorability, sources of funding, and number of alliances. The Ciclovías of LAC showed heterogeneity within their design and sustainability factors. Both their heterogeneity and flexibility to adjust to changes make them promising examples of socially inclusive programs to promote PA.

Start small, dream big: Experiences of physical activity in public spaces in Colombia.

Multi-sectoral strategies to promote active recreation and physical activity in public spaces are crucial to building a "culture of health". However, studies on the sustainability and scalability of these strategies are limited. This paper identifies the factors related to the sustainability and scaling up of two community-based programs offering physical activity classes in public spaces in Colombia: Bogotá's Recreovía and Colombia's "Healthy Habits and Lifestyles Program-HEVS". Both programs have been sustained for more than 10years, and have benefited 1455 communities. We used a mixed-methods approach including semi-structured interviews, document review and an analysis of data regarding the programs' history, characteristics, funding, capacity building and challenges. Interviews were conducted between May-October 2015. Based on the sustainability frameworks of Shediac-Rizkallah and Bone and Scheirer, we developed categories to independently code each interview. All information was independently analyzed by four of the authors and cross-compared between programs. Findings showed that these programs underwent adaptation processes to address the challenges that threatened their continuation and growth. The primary strategies included flexibility/adaptability, investing in the working conditions and training of instructors, allocating public funds and requesting accountability, diversifying resources, having community support and champions at different levels and positions, and carrying out continuous advocacy to include physical activity in public policies. Recreovía and HEVS illustrate sustainability as an incremental, multi-level process at different levels. Lessons learned for similar initiatives include the importance of individual actions and small events, a willingness to start small while dreaming big, being flexible, and prioritizing the human factor.

Levamisole enhances the innate immune response and prevents increased cortisol levels in stressed pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus).

We analyzed the effects of levamisole on stress and the innate immune responses of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). A total of 300 fish (180 ± 1.27 g) were fed a diet containing levamisole hydrochloride (LHC) for 15 days, then distributed into the following groups: T0 (control group); T1 (100), T2 (150), T3 (300) and T4 (500) mg kg-1 LHC (15 fish per group and four replicates per treatment). After this, fish (n = 8 per treatment) were exposed to air for three minutes to simulate stress conditions and were then challenged with the bacterium Aeromonas hydrophila to stimulate the immune system. Fish were sampled at 1, 3 and 24 h after bacterial inoculation to measure plasma cortisol and glucose concentrations, the leukocyte respiratory burst (LRB), hemolytic activity of the complement system (HAC50) and serum lysozyme activity (SLA). LHC attenuated the increase in plasma cortisol at 1 h (500 mg kg-1) and 3 h (300 mg kg-1) after air exposure and bacterial inoculation compared to control fish. The highest glucose concentrations were observed at 1 and 3 h after stress, which then returned to initial levels after 24 h, without any effect of LHC. The LHC 100 mg kg-1 dose increased LRB 1 h after inoculation and activated the HAC50 3 h later. At 24 h, all LHC concentrations increased the HAC50. SLA was reduced after inoculation, throughout the experimental period, without an effect of levamisole. Our results indicate that the oral administration of levamisole for 15 days modulated circulating cortisol levels during the stress response and improved the innate immune response against A. hydrophila infection in pacu.

Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight: Prevalence and Associated Factors in an Adult Population from Northwest Colombia.

Background and Aim: Individuals with a normal weight may have metabolic alterations at risk for chronic non-communicable diseases. The prevalence of this condition and associated factors have not been reported in Latin American populations. We aimed to estimate the presence and associated factors of Metabolically Unhealthy Normal Weight (MUNW) in adults from a public program for the control and prevention of chronic diseases in Medellín, Colombia. Methods: Cross-sectional study. Overweight and normal weight were characterized according to the absence or presence of one or more components of the metabolic syndrome, obtaining four phenotypes: Metabolically Healthy Normal Weight (MHNW), MUNW (phenotype of interest), Metabolically Healthy Overweight (MHO), and Metabolically Unhealthy Overweight (MUO). The association of these phenotypes with sociodemographic variables of lifestyles and increased waist circumference was conducted by using logistic regression. Results: In 37,558 individuals (72.7% women), the prevalence of MUNW was 23.3%. Among the additional phenotypes, MUO was found to be more prevalent (71.6%), while MHNW and MHO were very slightly common, 2% and 3.1%, respectively. In a multiple model, the factors associated with MUNW were age over 60 years (trend [OR 1.56 95% CI 0.97-2.52] p-value = 0.066), living in a rural area ([OR 1.58 95% CI 1.09-2.29] p-value = 0.015), and increased waist circumference ([OR 1.68 95% CI 1.45-1.95] p-value < 0.001). Male gender was inversely associated with all phenotypes (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Almost a quarter of the analyzed population presented MUNW. People living in a rural area and over 60 years old were more likely to present MUNW. Men were less likely to present the weight phenotypes studied, although they could have been underrepresented.

Phenotypic-genotypic resistance in Salmonella spp. isolated from cattle carcasses from the north central zone of the State of Mexico.

Salmonella is a public and animal health problem due to the generation of strains multiresistant to antimicrobial products. The objective of this study was to determine prevalence and antimicrobial phenotypic and genotypic resistance of Salmonella spp. isolated from beef cattle carcasses killed in slaughterhouses of the north central zone of the State of Mexico. Sampling was carried out according to the European Directive 2001/471/EC; isolation and identification of the strain was carried out according to the Mexican Official Standard NOM-114-SSA1-1994; resistance was established by CMI according to the National Committees for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCLS) and multiplex PCR according to Ahmed et al. (Journal of Applied Microbiology 106:402-409, 2009) with PSE-1, tetG, qnrS, FloR, STR, and sul1 oligonucleotides. Twenty-seven strains of Salmonella spp. were obtained from 327 samples (prevalence of 0.083); 19 strains (70 %) were resistant to 10 µg/ml of ampicillin, 15 of these (79 %) had the PSE-1 gene; 22 strains (84 %) were resistant to 30 µg/ml streptomycin, 14 of these (63.6 %) had the STR gene. Genes PSE-1 and STR were factors in the presence of resistance, the rest of the genes (tetG, qnrS, FloR, and sul1) were not factors of resistance in the studied strains.

Dual burden of individual malnutrition in children 1-4 years: Findings from the Colombian nutritional health survey ENSIN 2015.

BACKGROUND: To date there are no studies with estimation of multiple types of double burden of individual malnutrition (DBIM) and evaluation of associated determinants. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence and social determinants associated with the double burden of individual malnutrition in children aged 1-4 years. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from Colombian nutritional heath survey ENSIN 2015. Global DBIM was analysed on the basis of excess weight and the presence of one or more micronutrient deficiencies (vitamin A, D, zinc, or iron) and/or stunting. Specific DBIM pairs were also analysed. Logistic regression was used to evaluate variables associated with DBIM. RESULTS: The sample consisted of 6807 children. The overall DBIM prevalence was 4%. The prevalence of DBIM in children affected by overweight or obesity was 75%. Male sex was associated with global DBIM (OR 2.19 (1.52-3.16) p = 0.000), indigenous children presented 6 times the DBIM due to stunting (OR 6.17 (1.67-22.7) p = 0.007). Children from the Atlantic (OR 3.95 (1.23-12.61) p = 0.021), central (OR 8.80 (2.38-32.49) p = 0.001) and Pacific (OR 4.19 (1.21-14.49) p = 0.024) regions, had a higher chance of DBIM due to iron deficiency. Children from east region (OR 3.03 (1.12-8.16) p = 0.029) and Bogotá city (OR 4.15 (1.65-12.32) p = 0.004) were associated with DBIM due to vitamin D deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: Children with overweight or obesity had a high likelihood of presenting micronutrients deficiencies or stunting. Ethnicity, male sex and country region of residence were variables associated with overall DBIM or specific DBIM.

Maternal ancestry and lineages diversity of the Santander population from Colombia.

Santander, located in the Andean region of Colombia, is one of the 32 departments of the country. Its population was shaped by intercontinental admixture between autochthonous native Americans, European settlers, and African slaves. To establish forensic databases of haplotype frequencies, the evaluation of population substructure is crucial to capture the genetic diversity in admixed populations. Total control region mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid haplotypes were determined for 204 individuals born in the seven provinces across the department. The maternal native heritage is highly preserved in Santander genetic background, with 90% of the haplotypes belonging to haplogroups inside A2, B4, C1, and D. Most native lineages are found broadly across the American continent, while some sub-branches are concentrated in Central America and north South America. Subtle European (6%) and African (4%) input was detected. In pairwise comparisons between provinces, relatively high FST values were found in some cases, although not statistically significant. Nonetheless, when provinces were grouped according to the principal component analysis results, significant differences were detected between groups. The database on mitochondrial deoxyribonucleic acid control region haplotype frequencies established here can be further used for populational and forensic purposes.

Acute Phase Proteins in Dogs with Natural Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi.

Acute phase proteins have been used as tools for the diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis of several diseases in domestic animals. However, the dynamics of these proteins in infection by Trypanosoma cruzi, the causative agent of Chagas disease in dogs, is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine concentrations of acute phase proteins (C-reactive protein, haptoglobin, ferritin and paraoxonase-1) in dogs in a coastal town of Ecuador, with natural Trypanosoma cruzi infection with or without seroreactivity of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis. For the detection of Trypanosoma cruzi serum antibodies, two different antigen-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay tests were implemented. For the detection of seroreactivity of Ehrlichia canis, Ehrlichia ewingii, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma platys, Borrelia burgdorferi and Dirofilaria immitis, an IDEXX SNAP® 4Dx® test was used. To determine the concentration of C-reactive protein and ferritin, an immunoturbidimetric assay was used; haptoglobin concentration was measured using a commercial colorimetric method validated in dogs; a spectrophotometric method was used to determine the serum concentration of paraoxonase-1. Results showed a reduction in the serum levels of paraoxonase-1 in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs, either with or without seroreactivity to other vector-borne diseases. A serum ferritin increment was observed in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs with seroreactivity to any other vector-borne diseases. Our findings suggest that paraoxonase-1 levels are reduced in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs without evident clinical signs of Chagas disease, despite their seroreactivity to the other vector-borne diseases studied. These findings could indicate an oxidative stress response in Trypanosoma cruzi-seroreactive dogs with no evident signs of inflammation.

Patterns of genetic diversity in Colombia for 38 indels used in human identification.

The current population of Colombia has a genetic heterogeneity resulting from different migrations from other continents and within the country. In addition, there are small groups in their territory that have remained isolated and therefore have a different genetic pool in relation to that of the neighbouring urban populations. This population stratification must be considered in forensic analysis, being more complex for markers with marked intercontinental differentiation. In this study, population differentiation in Colombian admixed, native, and Afro-descendant populations was evaluated for a group of 38 indels described for forensic use. Allelic frequencies and parameters of forensic relevance were determined in each of the groups defined based on population differentiation analyses. In addition to the differences found between population groups, the results show that the set of 38 indels analysed could be useful in studies of individual identification in Colombia. The exclusion power presented by this set of markers suggests the need for joint use with other markers, being able to complement the STRs in paternity cases. High levels of both power of discrimination and exclusion were found when complementing the 38 HID-indels with a second multiplex, for a total of 83 indels.

Case Report: Fibroglial Retinal Tissue in Contractile Morning Glory Disc Anomaly.

The purpose of the present case is to describe a patient with tractional retinal detachment (RD) associated with contractile morning glory: a 17-year-old female, with a history of failed surgery for RD when she was 2 years old in her right eye (OD), nystagmus, and a limited visual acuity in the left eye (OS). The slit lamp examination showed phthisis bulbi in OD and the anterior segment was unremarkable in OS. Dilated fundus examination revealed a tractional RD in the posterior pole and peripapillary and preretinal fibrosis without evidence of intravitreal dispersion of retinal pigment epithelial cells. After surgery treatment, the RD resolved and the posterior segment showed a staphylomatous excavation around the optic disc anomaly with irregular contractions that folded the macular area. This were unrelated to light, breathing, or eye movements. Although morning glory disc anomaly is associated with RD, the early diagnosis can reverse structural changes. In this case, the rare association with contractile movements was found posterior to the pars plana vitrectomy after all the fibroglial epiretinal tissue was removed.

Presence and significance of Bacillus thuringiensis Cry proteins associated with the Andean weevil Premnotrypes vorax (Coleoptera: Curculionidae).

The Andean weevil Premnotrypes vorax represents an important cause of damage to Colombian potato crops. Due to the impact of this plague on the economy of the country, we searched for new alternatives for its biological control, based on the entomopathogenic bacteria Bacillus thuringiensis. A total of 300 B. thuringiensis strains obtained from potato plantations infested with P. vorax were analyzed through crystal morphology, SDS-PAGE, PCR and bioassays. We used site-directed mutagenesis to modify the Cry3Aa protein. Most of the B. thuringiensis isolates had a bipyramidal crystal morphology. SDS-PAGE analyses had seven strains groups with delta-endotoxins from 35 to 135 kDa. The genes cry 2 and cry 1 were significantly more frequent in the P. vorax habitat (PCR analyses). Three mutant toxins, 1 (D354E), 2 (R345A, DeltaY350, DeltaY351), and 3 (Q482A, S484A, R485A), were analyzed to assess their activity against P. vorax larvae. Toxicity was low, or absent, against P. vorax for isolates, wild type cry 3Aa and cry 3Aa mutants. The genetic characterization of the collection provides opportunities for the selection of strains to be tested in bioassays against other insect pests of agricultural importance, and for designing Cry proteins with improved insecticidal toxicity.

Diagnosis of allergic sensitization in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma in a tropical environment.

BACKGROUND: Few studies in tropical developing countries have utilized molecular diagnosis to characterize allergen-specific responses to aeroallergens. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the in vivo and in vitro responses of IgE antibodies to inhalant allergens in allergic patients with rhinitis and/or asthma. METHODS: A prospective study in which patients with allergic rhinitis and/or asthma were included. Skin prick tests with 16 inhalant extracts of allergens were carried out and total and specific IgE levels for allergens and their molecular components in the serum were determined. RESULTS: In a total of 189 patients, 73.5% showed high levels of total IgE in the serum. The prick tests were positive for the following allergens: Dust mite extracts; more than 60 %, cat; 29.6 %, dog; 23.4 %, and Periplaneta Americana; 21.6 %. Specific IgE for Dermatophagoides farinae and Pteronyssinus was present in 66.6 % of the patients; for Blomia tropicalis; in 45.0 %, for Ascaris lumbricoides; in 24.7 %, for cat; in 17.3 %, for parrot feathers; in 14.8 %, and for Penicillium notatum; in 12.3 %. IgE antibodies to mite allergens of group 1 and 2 were present in 59.0 % and 70.1 % of the sera; 39.1 % contained IgE to rBlo t5, 30.4 %contained rBla g4, 19.9 % contained rFel d1, 11.8 % contained rArt v3, 11.2 % contained Der p10, 9.9 % contained rBla g2, 9.3 % contained rPer a7, 9.3 % contained nFel d2, and 8.7 % contained rCan f1. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that mites are the main sensitizing agents in patients with respiratory allergic diseases in a tropical environment. There was a good correlation between the results of the skin tests and the results of the in vitro tests.

Antecedentes: Pocos estudios en países tropicales y en desarrollo han utilizado el diagnóstico molecular para caracterizar las respuestas específicas a los aeroalérgenos. Objetivo: Investigar las respuestas de anticuerpos IgE in vivo e in vitro a alérgenos inhalantes en pacientes alérgicos con rinitis o asma. Métodos: Estudio prospectivo que incluyó pacientes con rinitis alérgica o asma. Se realizaron pruebas cutáneas por punción con 16 extractos de alérgenos inhalantes y se determinaron los niveles de IgE total y específica para alérgenos y sus componentes moleculares en el suero. Resultados: De 189 pacientes, en 73.5 % se observó niveles elevados de IgE total en el suero. Las pruebas de punción fueron positivas a los siguiente alérgenos: extractos de ácaros más de 60 %, gato 29.6 %, perro 23.4 % y Periplaneta americana 21.6 %. La IgE específica para Dermatophagoides farinae y pteronyssinus estuvo presente en 66.6 %, para Blomia tropicalis, Ascaris lumbricoides, gato, plumas de perico, Penicillium notatum en 45.0, 24.7, 17.3, 14.8 y 12.3 %, respectivamente. Anticuerpos de clase IgE a alérgenos de ácaros de los grupos 1 y 2 estuvieron presentes en 59.0 y 70.1 % de los sueros; 39.1, 30.4, 19.9, 11.8, 11.2, 9.9, 9.3, 9.3 y 8.7 % contenían IgE a rBlot5, rBla g4, rFel d1, rArt v3, Derp 10, rBla g2, rPer a7, nFel d2 y rCan f1, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Se confirma a los ácaros como los principales agentes sensibilizantes en pacientes con enfermedades alérgicas respiratorias en el trópico. Existió buena correlación entre los resultados de las pruebas cutáneas y las pruebas in vitro.