[First isolation of Acanthamoeba spp. in seawater from the southeast of Buenos Aires (SE, Argentina)]. / Primer aislamiento de Acanthamoeba spp. en agua de mar del sudeste bonaerense, Argentina.

Free-living amoebae (FLA) of the genus Acanthamoeba are ubiquitous and amphizoic protozoa that colonize aquatic and terrestrial habitats and can serve as reservoirs for other microorganisms. They are considered econoses that can cause severe and rare pathologies. Due to limited epidemiological data available, the objective of this study was to investigate the presence of Acanthamoeba in coastal wetlands of the southeast of Buenos Aires province and evaluate their association with bacteriological and environmental variables. From February 2021 to July 2022, 22 seawater samples were collected at different points along the coast of the city of Mar del Plata (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Environmental parameters were determined and physicochemical and bacteriological studies, morphological identification, cultures and molecular typification were conducted. Regardless of the environmental and bacteriological variables, the presence of Acanthamoeba spp. was molecularly confirmed in 54.54% of the samples, being the first report of these protozoa in seawater in Argentina.

RP1 Dominant p.Ser740* Pathogenic Variant in 20 Knowingly Unrelated Families Affected by Rod-Cone Dystrophy: Potential Founder Effect in Western Sicily.

Background and Objectives. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is the most common inherited rod-cone dystrophy (RCD), resulting in nyctalopia, progressive visual field, and visual acuity decay in the late stages. The autosomal dominant form (ADRP) accounts for about 20% of RPs. Among the over 30 genes found to date related to ADRP, RP1 pathogenic variants have been identified in 5-10% of cases. In a cohort of RCD patients from the Palermo province on the island of Sicily, we identified a prevalent nonsense variant in RP1, which was associated with ADRP. The objective of our study was to analyse the clinical and molecular data of this patient cohort and to evaluate the potential presence of a founder effect. Materials and Methods. From 2005 to January 2023, 84 probands originating from Western Sicily (Italy) with a diagnosis of RCD or RP and their relatives underwent deep phenotyping, which was performed in various Italian clinical institutions. Molecular characterisation of patients and familial segregation of pathogenic variants were carried out in different laboratories using Sanger and/or next-generation sequencing (NGS). Results. Among 84 probands with RCD/RP, we found 28 heterozygotes for the RP1 variant c.2219C>G, p.Ser740* ((NM_006269.2)*, which was therefore significantly prevalent in this patient cohort. After a careful interview process, we ascertained that some of these patients shared the same pedigree. Therefore, we were ultimately able to define 20 independent family groups with no traceable consanguinity. Lastly, analysis of clinical data showed, in our patients, that the p.Ser740* nonsense variant was often associated with a late-onset and relatively mild phenotype. Conclusions. The high prevalence of the p.Ser740* variant in ADRP patients from Western Sicily suggests the presence of a founder effect, which has useful implications for the molecular diagnosis of RCD in patients coming from this Italian region. This variant can be primarily searched for in RP-affected subjects displaying compatible modes of transmission and phenotypes, with an advantage in terms of the required costs and time for analysis. Moreover, given its high prevalence, the RP1 p.Ser740* variant could represent a potential candidate for the development of therapeutic strategies based on gene editing or translational read-through therapy for suppression of nonsense variants.

Reviving XEN63 Gel Stent Patency in Uveitic Glaucoma: A Novel Approach Using 10-0 Nylon Probe.

Purpose: This case report describes the possibility of XEN63 lumen obstruction at the middle of the device and emphasizes the potential to restore its flow using an ab-externo revision technique involving a 10-0 nylon suture probe, before considering more aggressive surgical interventions. Methods: A 55-year-old female with uveitic glaucoma underwent XEN63 implantation but experienced elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) (35 mm Hg) 1 month after the operation, despite medical therapy. A flat bleb, lack of response to medication, yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) laser treatment, and slit-lamp needling necessitated revision. Results: An ab-externo surgical procedure was performed using a 10-0 nylon probe to release the obstruction, followed by the application of mitomycin C and removal of fibrous tissue and subconjunctival Tenon's capsule. Intraoperatively, flow was observed only after probing with the 10-0 nylon. Postoperatively, the patient's IOP decreased immediately and remained well-controlled at 2 months (8 mm Hg) without requiring further medication. Conclusion: For patients experiencing increased inflammatory response, the XEN63 gel stent may develop deep lumen occlusion that is unresponsive to conventional treatments. This case report introduces a novel surgical technique applicable to various glaucoma devices, utilizing an ab-externo approach with a 10-0 nylon probe. The demonstrated success in reducing IOP suggests its potential as a less invasive alternative to consider before resorting to more aggressive surgical interventions. How to cite this article: Marchese V, Randazzo V, Badalamenti R, et al. Reviving XEN63 Gel Stent Patency in Uveitic Glaucoma: A Novel Approach Using 10-0 Nylon Probe. J Curr Glaucoma Pract 2024;18(2):74-78.

[Effect of temperature on the viability of Trichinella spiralis larvae]. / Efecto de la temperatura sobre la viabilidad de larvas de Trichinella spiralis.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of temperature on the viability of free and encysted larvae of Trichinella spiralis from southwest Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Larvae were treated at variable temperatures (-30 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C, 20 °C, gradual heating between 0-100 °C). The time necessary to kill 100 % of larvae was calculated. During the first days of freezing, larval mortality significantly increased as a function of time. Regardless of temperature, encysted larvae survived longer than the free ones. At -30 °C, -20 °C, and 20 °C there were no significant differences between the survival curves for each larval stage. At 4 °C, mortality was less severe for encysted larvae. All free and encysted larvae died at 61 days and 95 days (-30 °C), 160 days and 180 days (-20 °C), 280 days and 330 days (4 °C) and 460 days and 590 days (20 °C), respectively. Cooking at 90 °C and 100 °C during 15 minutes killed 100 % of free and encysted larvae, respectively. Our results suggest that temperatures and exposure times traditionally used to treat meat products with a potential to transmit T. spiralis are not entirely efficient.

Novel USH1G homozygous variant underlying USH2-like phenotype of Usher syndrome.

PURPOSE: Usher syndrome (USH) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by congenital sensorineural hearing impairment and retinitis pigmentosa. Classification distinguishes three clinical types of which type I (USH1) is the most severe, with vestibular dysfunction as an added feature. To date, 15 genes and 3 loci have been identified with the USH1G gene being an uncommon cause of USH. We describe an atypical USH1G-related phenotype caused by a novel homozygous missense variation in a patient with profound hearing impairment and relatively mild retinitis pigmentosa, but no vestibular dysfunction. METHODS: A 26-year-old female patient with profound congenital sensorineural hearing loss, nyctalopia and retinitis pigmentosa was studied. Audiometric, vestibular and ophthalmologic examination was performed. A panel of 13 genes was tested by next-generation sequencing (NGS). RESULTS: While the hearing loss was confirmed to be profound, the vestibular function resulted normal. Although typical retinitis pigmentosa was present, the age at onset was unusually late for USH1 syndrome. A novel homozygous missense variation (c.1187T>A, p.Leu396Gln) in the USH1G gene has been identified as causing the disease in our patient. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity are very common in both isolated and syndromic retinal dystrophies and sensorineural hearing loss. Our findings widen the spectrum of USH allelic disorders and strength the concept that variants in genes that are classically known as underlying one specific clinical USH subtype might result in unexpected phenotypes.

Aislamiento de Acanthamoeba spp. en salas cerradas de un hospital de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina / Isolation of Acanthamoeba spp. in closed rooms of a hospital in Buenos Aires province, Argentina

Resumen Las amebas de vida libre (AVL) son protozoos ubicuos con cuatro géneros patógenos para el ser humano: Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, y Sappinia. Acanthamoeba puede actuar como reservorio de microorganismos (endosimbiontes), por lo cual, en medio hospitalario, implicaría un riesgo para la transmisión de bacterias, virus y hongos intranosocomiales. Se investigó la presencia de AVL, con énfasis en Acanthamoeba spp., en un hospital pediátrico de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se colectaron 22 muestras de lavamanos e incubadoras en salas de Neonatología y Terapia Intensiva, las que fueron cultivadas a 37 y 42 °C. Los aislados fueron identificados molecularmente. El 63,64% de las muestras presentaron Acanthamoeba spp. Esta investigación representa el primer estudio realizado en la Argentina sobre la detección de Acanthamoeba spp. en salas cerradas de un hospital. Su presencia es una señal de alarma y resulta un blanco útil para investigar posibles reservorios de microorganismos patógenos en ambientes hospitalarios.

Abstract Free-living amoebae (FLA) are ubiquitous protozoa with four pathogenic genera for humans: Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, and Sappinia. Acanthamoeba can act as a reservoir of microorganisms (endosymbionts), for which reason, in a hospital environment, it would imply a risk for transmission of nosocomial bacteria, viruses and fungi. The presence of AVL, with emphasis on Acanthamoeba spp., was investigated in a pediatric hospital. Twenty-two samples were collected from sinks and incubators in Neonatology and Intensive Care rooms, which were cultured at 37 and 42 °C. The isolates found were molecularly identified. A total of 63.64% of the samples presented Acanthamoeba spp. This research represents the first study in Argentina on the detection of Acanthamoeba spp. in closed rooms of a hospital. Its presence is an alarm signal, and it is a useful target to investigate possible reservoirs of pathogenic microorganisms in hospital environments.

Resumo As amebas de vida livre (AVL) são protozoários ubíquos com quatro gêneros patogênicos para o ser humano: Acanthamoeba, Naegleria, Balamuthia, e Sappinia. Acanthamoeba pode atuar como um reservatório de microrganismos (endossimbiontes), e portanto, em um ambiente hospitalar, representaria um risco de transmissão de bactérias, vírus e fungos intra-nosocomiais. A presença de AVL, com em Acanthamoeba spp. em um hospital pediátrico da província de Buenos Aires, Argentina, foi investigada. Vinte e duas amostras foram coletadas em lavatórios e incubadoras em Salas de Neonatologia e Cuidados Intensivos, cultivadas a 37 e 42 °C. Os isolados foram identificadas molecularmente. Foram encontradas Acanthamoeba spp. em 63,64% das amostras. Esta investigação representa o primeiro estudo realizado na Argentina sobre a detecção de Acanthamoeba spp. em salas fechadas de um hospital. A sua presença é um sinal de alarme e um alvo para investigar possíveis reservatórios de microrganismos patogênicos em ambientes hospitalares.

Dinámica de la evolución de las formas de Blastocystis spp. en un medio de cultivo simple / Dynamics of the evolution of the forms of Blastocystis spp. in a simple culture medium

Resumen Blastocystis spp. es un parásito muy frecuente en materia fecal humana, pero la naturaleza polimórfica y el número de Blastocystis en la muestra pueden complicar su detección por microscopía. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir la dinámica de los morfotipos de Blastocystis a corto plazo en un medio de cultivo simple y determinar su aplicabilidad para utilizarlo como complemento del análisis coproparasitológico y para estudios morfológicos, bioquímicos y moleculares del parásito. Se sembraron 10 muestras de materia fecal con Blastocystis en un medio Pavlova adaptado, se examinaron diariamente por examen microscópico durante 6 días y se registraron las formas y el recuento. El desarrollo fue regular y abundante y las formas fueron de tamaños variables y claramente identificables. El cultivo ensayado puede ser útil para la detección de Blastocystis cuando existan dudas diagnósticas por microscopía, para estudios de sensibilidad y especificidad diagnóstica o cuando se requiera aumentar la carga para realizar otros estudios.

Abstract Blastocystis spp. is a very frequent parasite in human fecal matter, but the polymorphic nature and the number of Blastocystis in a sample can complicate its detection by microscopy. The objective of the present work was to describe the dynamics of Blastocystis morphotypes in the short term in a simple culture medium and to determine its applicability to use it as a complement to coproparasitological analysis and for morphological, biochemical and molecular studies of the parasite. Ten stool samples with Blastocystis were cultured in an adapted Pavlova medium and examined during 6 days by microscopy to record the forms and the count. The development was regular and abundant and the shapes were of variable sizes and clearly identifiable. The tested culture could be used for the detection of Blastocystis when microscopic diagnosis is dubious, for studies of diagnostic sensitivity and specificity or when it is necessary to increase the load to perform other studies.

Resumo Blastocystis spp. é um parasita muito frequente nas fezes humanas, mas a natureza polimórfica e o número de Blastocystis na amostra podem complicar a sua detecção através do microscópio. O objetivo do trabalho foi descrever a dinâmica dos morfotipos de Blastocystis no curto prazo em um meio de cultura simples e determinar sua aplicabilidade para ser utilizado como complemento da análise coproparasitológica e para estudos morfológicos, bioquímicos e moleculares do parasita. Foram semeadas dez amostras de fezes com Blastocystis em um meio Pavlova adaptado e examinadas diariamente através de exame microscópico durante 6 dias, registrando as formas e fazendo recontagem. O desenvolvimento foi regular e abundante e as formas foram de tamanhos variáveis e claramente identificáveis. A cultura testada pode ser útil para a detecção de Blastocystis quando houver dúvidas diagnósticas por microscopia; para estudos de sensibilidade e especificidade diagnóstica ou quando for necessário aumentar a carga para a realização de outros estudos.

Blastocystis: estudio coproparasitológico, clínico-epidemiológico y de prevalencia de subtipo 3 en pacientes de hospitales de Bahía Blanca, Argentina / Blastocystis: coproparasitological, clinical-epidemiological and prevalence study of subtype 3 in patients from hospitals in Bahía Blanca, Argentina

Resumen Blastocystis es el parásito unicelular del intestino del hombre y de otros animales más prevalente en seres humanos. Presenta gran variedad genética con múltiples subtipos (ST). Aunque se ha asociado a desórdenes intestinales y extraintestinales, su patogenicidad es discutida. Se analizaron 461 muestras de materia fecal de pacientes sintomáticos (n=380) y asintomáticos (n=81) de hospitales de Bahía Blanca, Argentina; se solicitó consentimiento informado y se completó una ficha epidemiológica. Se realizaron análisis coproparasitológicos, morfometría, recuento y tipificación de Blastocystis ST3 por PCR. La población fue: 57,3% de sexo femenino y 42,7% masculino. La prevalencia de Blastocystis fue de 31% y de Blastocystis ST3 62%. Se hallaron formas vacuolares, granulares y quísticas; las vacuolares fueron las más frecuentes. En el 64,8% de las muestras los Blastocystis fueron pequeños y escasos. El 88,4% de los pacientes sintomáticos presentó trastornos gastrointestinales, el 4% urticaria y el 7,6% fiebre, anemia y bajo peso. El 66,7% de los pacientes con urticaria presentó Blastocystis. La presencia de síntomas se asoció significativamente con Blastocystis (p<0,002). No se hallaron asociaciones estadísticas entre Blastocystis, la edad, el sexo, la disponibilidad de agua potable, de cloacas y el contacto con animales. Dentro de los síntomas sólo se encontró asociación estadística de Blastocystis con urticaria (p<0,007). No hubo asociación entre Blastocystis ST3 y sintomatología. Los resultados destacan la alta prevalencia de Blastocystis y de Blastocystis ST3, la necesidad de hacer un coproparasitológico minucioso, su asociación estadística con urticaria y la importancia de no ignorarlo en el proceso salud-enfermedad.

Abstract Blastocystis is the unicellular parasite of the intestine of man and other animals,most prevalent in humans. It has a great genetic variety with multiple subtypes (ST). Although it has been associated with intestinal and extraintestinal disorders, its pathogenicity remains unclear. Four hundred and sixty one stool samples from symptomatic (n=380) and asymptomatic(n=81) patients from hospitals in Bahía Blanca, Argentina were analysed; informed consent was requested and an epidemiological file was completed. Coproparasitological analysis, morphometry, counting and typing of Blastocystis ST3 were performed by PCR. The population was: 57.3% female and 42.7% male.The prevalence of Blastocystis was 31.0% and that of Blastocystis ST3 62%. Vacuolar, granular and cystic forms were found, with vacuolar forms being the most frequent. Blastocystis were small and scarce in 64.8% of the samples. Most of the symptomatic patients (88.4%) presented gastrointestinal disorders, urticaria 4% and fever, anemia and low weight 7.6%; 66.7% of the urticaria patients presented Blastocystis. The presence of symptoms was significantly associated with Blastocystis (p<0.002). No statistical associations were found between Blastocystis, age, sex, availability of drinking water, sewage, and contact with animals. Within the symptoms, only statistical association of Blastocystis with urticaria was found (p<0.007). There was no association between Blastocystis ST3 and symptomatology. The results highlight the high prevalenceof Blastocystis and Blastocystis ST3, the need for a thorough coproparasitology, their statistical association with urticaria and the importance of not ignoring it in the health-disease process.

Resumo Blastocystis é o parasita unicelular do intestino do homem e outros animais, mais prevalente em seres humanos. Apresenta grande variedade genética com múltiplos subtipos (ST). Embora tenha sido associada a distúrbios intestinais e extraintestinais, sua patogenicidade é debatida. Foram analisadas 461 amostras de fezes de pacientes sintomáticos (n=380) e assintomáticos (n= 81) de hospitais de Bahía Blanca, Argentina; foi solicitado consentimento informado e preenchida uma ficha epidemiológica. Foram realizadas análises coproparasitológicas, morfometria, contagem e tipificação de Blastocystis ST3 por PCR. A população era: 57,3% sexo feminino e 42,7% masculino. A prevalência de Blastocystis foi de 31,0% e de Blastocystis ST3 62%. Foram encontradas formas vacuolares, granulares e císticas, sendo as vacuolares as mais frequentes. Em 64,8% das amostras, os Blastocystis foram pequenos e escassos; 88,4% dos pacientes sintomáticos apresentaram distúrbios gastrointestinais, 4% urticária e 7,6% febre, anemia e baixo peso; 66,7% dos pacientes com urticária apresentaram Blastocystis. A presença de sintomas foi associada significativamente com Blastocystis (p˂0,002). Não foram encontradas associações estatísticas entre Blastocystis, a idade, sexo, a disponibilidade de água potável, de esgoto e o contato com animais. Dentro dos sintomas, só foi encontrada associação estatística de Blastocystis com urticária (p˂0,007). Não houve associação entre Blastocystis ST3 e sintomatologia. Os resultados destacam a alta prevalência de Blastocystis e Blastocystis ST3, a necessidade de fazer um coproparasitologico minucioso, sua associação estatística com urticária e a importância de não ignorá-lo no processo saúde-doença.

Diez años de prácticas profesionales en la carrera de Bioquímica de la Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina: situación laboral de los graduados / Ten years of professional practices in the Biochemistry course of studies at Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina: labour situation of graduates / Dez anos de práticas profissionais na carreira de Bioquímica da Universidad Nacional del Sur, Bahía Blanca, Argentina: situação de trabalho dos graduados

A partir del año 2008, la carrera de Bioquímica de la UNS incorporó en su plan de estudios la asignatura Practicanato Profesional de Bioquímica (PPB) dentro de la cual se implementó un mecanismo de seguimiento en la trayectoria de los graduados, diseñando una encuesta de elección múltiple que fue enviada a 457 egresados, de los cuales contestaron 213 (47%). De su análisis surge que al año de finalizar el Practicanato y actualmente ejercen en laboratorio hospitalario 31% y 37%; en extrahospitalario privado 20,6% y 25,4%; en laboratorio propio 0,5% y 6,6%; se encuentran realizando residencia bioquímica 18,8% y 8,9%; docencia universitaria e investigación 4,7% y 2,8%; docencia no universitaria 1,9% y 3,8% y están sin trabajo 22,5% y 16% respectivamente. El 46,5% residía en Bahía Blanca y actualmente un 40,8%, seguido por ciudades del interior de la provincia de Buenos Aires y Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. El objetivo de este trabajo es difundir información de egresados de la carrera de Bioquímica obtenida a 10 años de la incorporación del PPB, considerando que este proceso de investigación es un punto de partida que tiene como fuente de información al egresado y fomentará debates en comisiones académicas y de políticas universitarias.

Since 2008, the course of studies of Biochemistry at Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), has incorporated into its curriculum the degree course of Professional Practice for biochemists (PPB) and implemented a mechanism to monitor graduates' careers, designing a multiple choice questionnaire that was sent to 457 graduates and answered by 213 (47%) of them. From the analysis of those answers one year after finishing the PPB and at the moment, it stands out that 31% and 37% work in a hospital laboratory; ; 20.6% and 25.4% in a private outpatient hospital; 0.5% and 6.6% in their own laboratory; 18.8% and 8.9% are doing the biochemistry residence; 4.7% and 2.8% are doing university teaching and research; 1.9% and 3.8% non-university teaching and that 22.5% and 16% respectively do not have a job. Regarding their domicile, a year after finishing, 46.5% lived in Bahía Blanca and currently, 40.8%; followed by other cities inside Buenos Aires province, and finally the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires. The objective of this work is to share information of graduates of the Biochemistry course of studies obtained 10 years after the incorporation of the PPB, considering that this research process is a starting point that has the graduate as a source of information and will encourage debates in academic commissions and of university policies.

A partir de 2008, a carreira de Bioquímica da UNS, incorporou em seu plano de estudos a disciplina Prática Profissional de Bioquímica (PPB) dentro da qual um mecanismo de monitoramento na trajetória dos diplomados foi implementado, elaborando uma pesquisa de escolha múltipla que foi enviada a 457 graduados; dos quais responderam 213 (47%). Da análise dessa pesquisa, surge que depois de um ano de finalizar a Prática e atualmente: exercem em laboratório Hospitalar 31% e 37%; em extra-hospitalar privado 20,6% e 25,4%; em laboratório próprio 0,5% e 6,6%; estão realizando residência bioquímica 18,8% e 8,9%: ensino universitário e pesquisa 4,7% e 2,8%; ensino não universitário 1,9% e 3,8%; sem trabalho 22,5% e 16%, respectivamente. Residiam em Bahía Blanca 46,5% e atualmente 40,8%; seguido pelas cidades do interior da província de Buenos Aires e, Cidade Autônoma de Buenos Aires. O objetivo deste trabalho é divulgar informações sobre graduados da carreira de Bioquímica obtidas após 10 anos da incorporação da PPB, considerando que este processo de pesquisa é um ponto de partida que tem como fonte de informações o graduado, e promoverá discussões em comissões acadêmicas e de políticas universitárias.

Práctica profesional bioquímica en la Universidad Nacional del Sur / Professional practice for biochemists in Universidad Nacional del Sur / Prática profissional de bioquímica na Universidad Nacional del Sur

El Practicanato Profesional de Bioquímica (PPB) está inserto en el nuevo plan de estudios desde el año 2008. Se dicta en forma anual, independientemente del calendario académico. Tiene una carga horaria mínima de seiscientas horas, distribuidas en dos períodos de seis meses, dictándose para dos grupos diferentes de estudiantes. El objetivo de esta asignatura es capacitar al estudiante avanzado de la carrera de Bioquímica con el ejercicio profesional en el ámbito hospitalario, bajo un sistema educativo programado y supervisado. En los cuatro años se inscribieron 188 estudiantes distribuidos en 7 hospitales con una edad promedio de 27,1 años, de los cuales 151 fueron mujeres y 37 varones. Rindieron examen final el 71% de los mismos, de los cuales un 42% se insertó laboralmente en un plazo menor de 1 año. Su implementación en el nuevo plan de estudios apunta a formar de manera integral en el ámbito hospitalario al estudiante avanzado de Bioquímica de la Universidad Nacional del Sur como un profesional de la salud capacitado en los aspectos profesionales, procedimentales, éticos, sociales y de bioseguridad.

The Professional Practice for Biochemists (PPB) has been included since 2008 in the studies plan of the Biochemistry Degree. It is developed all the year round, independent of the academic calendar. Minimum hour charge is six hundred hours, covering two six-month periods, which include two different groups of students. The aim of the PPB is to offer the skills for the professional practice in the hospital setting,under a programmed and supervised educational system. During the last four years, 188 students applied for seven hospitals, mean age 27.1 years old, 151 being female and 37 male. Final exams were passed by 71 % of the practitioners, and 42% of them got a workplace after a year. That was considered a very good figure, and the introduction of this subject in the Biochemist School of Universidad Nacional del Sur aims at comprehensive training of advanced students in professional, practical, ethical, social and biosecurity aspects.

O Estágio de Prática Profissional de Bioquímica (PPB) foi incluído na nova grade curricular da carreira em 2008. É uma matéria anual, independente do calendário acadêmico. A carga horária mínima é de seiscentas horas, distribuídas em dois semestres e os alunos são divididos em dois grupos. O objetivo principal desta disciplina é familiarizar o aluno avançado de Bioquímica com a prática profissional em âmbitos hospitalares, através de um sistema educacional programado e supervisionado. Nos quatro anos, 188 alunos inscreveram-se na matéria, 151 mulheres e 37 homens, distribuídos em sete hospitais, com uma idade em média de 27.1 anos. Entre os matriculados, 71% fizeram o exame final, dos quais 42% conseguiram uma inserção profissional em menos de um ano. A implementação desta disciplina na nova grade curricular da carreira visa oferecer ao aluno avançado de Bioquímica da Universidad Nacional Del Sur uma formação integral no âmbito hospitalar, como um profissional da saúde capacitado em aspectos profissionais, procedimentais, éticos, sociais e de biossegurança.

Efecto de la temperatura sobre la viabilidad de larvas de Trichinella spiralis / Effect of temperature on the viability of Trichinella spiralis larvae

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el efecto de diferentes temperaturas sobre la viabilidad de larvas libres y enquistadas de Trichinella spiralis aisladas en el sudoeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina. Se trataron larvas libres y enquistadas a diferentes temperaturas (-30 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C, 20 °C, calentamiento gradual entre 0-100 °C). Se determinó el tiempo necesario para matar el 100 % de las larvas. Durante los primeros días, la mortalidad larvaria en todos los tratamientos con frío aumentó signifcativamente en función del tiempo. En todos los casos, las larvas libres sobrevivieron menor cantidad de días que las enquistadas. A -30 °C, -20 °C y 20 °C no se observaron diferencias signifcativas entre las curvas de mortalidad de cada estadio larvario, pero a 4 °C la mortalidad fue menos intensa entre las larvas enquistadas. El calentamiento disminuyó la viabilidad, sin observarse diferencias entre estadios larvarios. La totalidad de las larvas libres y enquistadas había muerto a los 61 y 95 días (-30 °C), a los 160 y 180 días (-20 °C), a los 280 y 330 días (4° C), y a los 460 y 590 días (20 °C), respectivamente. Fue necesaria una cocción durante 15 minutos a 90 °C para matar al 100 % de las larvas libres y a 100 °C para lograr igual mortalidad de las enquistadas. Nuestros resultados indican que la temperatura y los tiempos tradicionalmente utilizados para tratar productos cárnicos con potencial de transmisión de T. spiralis no serían los más efectivos para lograr la inactivación de la totalidad de larvas vivas de este parásito.

The aim of this work was to study the effect of temperature on the viability of free and encysted larvae of Trichinella spiralis from southwest Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Larvae were treated at variable temperatures (-30 °C, -20 °C, 4 °C, 20 °C, gradual heating between 0-100 °C). The time necessary to kill 100 % of larvae was calculated. During the frst days of freezing, larval mortality signifcantly increased as a function of time. Regardless of temperature, encysted larvae survived longer than the free ones. At -30 °C, -20 °C, and 20 °C there were no signifcant differences between the survival curves for each larval stage. At 4 °C, mortality was less severe for encysted larvae. All free and encysted larvae died at 61 days and 95 days (-30 °C), 160 days and 180 days (-20 °C), 280 days and 330 days (4 °C) and 460 days and 590 days (20 °C), respectively. Cooking at 90 °C and 100 °C during 15 minutes killed 100 % of free and encysted larvae, respectively. Our results suggest that temperatures and exposure times traditionally used to treat meat products with a potential to transmit T. spiralis are not entirely effcient.

Aportes al diagnóstico de las infecciones por Acanthamoeba spp / Inputs for diagnosing Acanthamoeba spp. infections

Acanthamoeba spp., tiene capacidad para comportarse como parásito oportunista y ocasionar encefalitis granulomatosa amebiana (EGA), sinusitis y lesiones cutáneas, especialmente en pacientes inmunodeprimidos...

Effect of oral administration of probiotic agents on Trichinella spiralis infected mice

Objetivou-se determinar se a ingestão oral de Lactobacillus casei exerce uma ação antagônica na infestação de camundongos com larvas de T. spiralis (cepa BBSC 01), protegendo o hospedeiro da invasão à mucosa intestinal das fêmeas grávidas do parasito. Foram utilizados dez camundongos BALB/c, distribuídos ao acaso em dois grupos: Grupo C ou grupo controle e Grupo T ou grupo tratados com L. casei. Ao alimento do grupo C, foram inclusos 5 mL de solução fisiológica durante sete dias antes da infestação com larvas de T. spiralis. O Grupo T recebeu alimentação normal, diariamente, acrescida de 5mL de suspensão em solução fisiológica de L. casei durante sete dias, com larvas infestantes de T. spiralis. Ao oitavo dia, ambos os grupos (C e T) foram inoculados via oral com larvas infestantes de T. spiralis. Aos cinco dias após infestação, os animais foram sacrificados para determinação da carga parasitaria presente no intestino e na mucosa intestinal (fêmeas). O número médio de parasitos adultos de T. spiralis recuperados do conteúdo intestinal no grupo controle foi de 147, enquanto que no grupo tratados foi de 189, apresentando diferenças significativas para p<0,05 entre ambos os grupos analisados. O valor promédio de fêmeas recuperadas no Grupo C foi de 81 enquanto no grupo T foi de 12 fêmeas, apresentando diferenças altamente significativas para p<0,05. Os resultados obtidos indicam que o L. casei administrado pela via oral produz um efeito antagônico sobre a penetração do parasito na mucosa intestinal.