Stool donor recruitment - A one-year experience.

Stool donors for fecal microbiota transference (FMT) should be rigorously screened to identify any disorder in health status. The success of our screening protocol to identify eligible donors in the last year and a half was evaluated and compared with the published literature. The target population was medical students who responded to 3 public calls to donate stools. Qualified donors brought stool samples to our lab. Out of the 110 students who responded to the call, 26 were enrolled as study donors and delivered at least one stool sample. The main reason for volunteer exclusion was body mass index (BMI) <18.5kg/m2 or >25kg/m2 (n=11) and for the identification of ESBL Escherichia coli in feces (n=3). Our success rate after the screening protocol was considered high. Understanding the incentives to participate is critical to the success of recruitment strategies as FMT is still a little-known practice for general population.

[Faecal occult blood test in symptomatic patients in primary care: A retrospective study in a healthcare area of Toledo]. / Sangre oculta en heces en pacientes sintomáticos en Atención Primaria: Un estudio retrospectivo en el área sanitaria de Toledo.

AIM: To review referral protocol in symptomatic patients from primary care of using 15µgHb/g faeces threshold with three consecutive samples in faecal occult blood (FOB) test. To compare test utility using current recommendations of 10µgHb/g faeces threshold and one sample. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective observational study was designed, including FOB samples of symptomatic patients from primary care. Samples were analyzed at the biochemistry laboratory in 2017. Seven hundred and fifteen patients tested positive and 925 patients negative. Exclusion criteria were secondary care request and patients under the age of 18. Descriptive analysis was performed of FOB results and clinical data about request and colonoscopy. FOB test's diagnostic utility was studied for different threshold (10 and 15µgHb/g faeces) in the same population. RESULTS: FOB positivity rate was 22.8% and cancer detection rate was 11%. However, the number of samples does not modify diagnostic precision. Negative predictive value is higher with 10µgHb/g faeces threshold. CONCLUSIONS: Correct patient selection and optimal threshold increase cancer detection rate. The protocol with 10µgHb/g faeces threshold and one sample collection for symptomatic patients from primary care improves the FOB test's purpose.

Trasplante de microbiota fecal para el tratamiento de la obesidad y de sus comorbilidades asociadas: Revisión

RESUMEN La obesidad es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Existen evidencias sobre la interacción entre la microbiota intestinal, la regulación metabólica y la obesidad. El problema mundial de la obesidad impulsa el estudio de nuevas propuestas preventivas y/o terapéuticas. El trasplante de microbiota fecal (TMF) se proyecta como un posible tratamiento para la obesidad y sus comorbilidades asociadas. El objetivo de este estudio es sintetizar la documentación actual que existe sobre el efecto en parámetros metabólicos y clínicos que produce el TMF en humanos con obesidad, así como evidenciar la metodología empleada en el TMF. En los resultados primarios se señaló la existencia de cambios significativos en la composición de la microbiota intestinal (MI) y mejoría en marcadores metabólicos como disminución de la resistencia a la insulina (RI) y de la hemoglobina glicada (HbA1c), así como aumento de colesterol de alta densidad (HDL). Además, en marcadores clínicos como la disminución del índice de masa corporal y de la circunferencia de cintura. En los resultados secundarios se sustentó la necesidad de estandarizar el diseño experimental del TMF, iniciando con establecer la correcta selección de donantes hasta determinar el seguimiento del TMF a largo plazo. En conclusión, a pesar de que hay un número limitado de estudios y una falta de estandarización de las metodologías para llevar a cabo TMF, se han podido evidenciar algunas asociaciones metabólicas positivas, por lo que el TMF sigue siendo una opción potencialmente prometedora para el tratamiento coadyuvante de la obesidad.

ABSTRACT Obesity is a worldwide health problem. There is evidence of the interaction between the gut microbiota metabolic regulation, and obesity. The global problem of obesity has prompted the study of new preventive and/or therapeutic proposals. Fecal Microbiota Transplantation (FMT) is projected as a possible treatment for obesity and its associated comorbidities. The objective of this study is to synthesize the current documentation that exists on the effect in metabolic and clinical parameters produced by FMT in humans with obesity, as well as to make evident the methodology used in FMT. Primary results indicated the existence of significant changes in the composition of gut microbiota and improvement in some metabolic markers such as a decrease in insulin resistance (IR) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), as well as an increase in high-density cholesterol (HDL). Further changed were noted in clinical markers such as the decrease in body mass index and waist circumference. Secondary results supported the need to standardize the experimental design of FMT, starting with establishing the correct selection of donors to determine the long-term follow-up of FMT. In conclusion, even though there is a limited number of studies and a lack of standardization on the methodology to carry out FMT, some positive metabolic associations have been shown, which is why FMT remains a potentially promising option for treatment adjuvant of obesity.

Diagnostic accuracy of multitarget stool DNA testing for colorectal cancer screening: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to collect and summarize test data and conduct a meta-analysis, with respect to the Multitarget Stool DNA test sensitivity and specificity, compared to colonoscopy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All manuscripts were screened for eligibility according to inclusion criteria. Participants were a normal population at an average risk of developing CRC. Intervention was Stool based and DNA panel tests compared with colonoscopy, and outcome was detection of CRC and any pre-cancerous lesions. Inter-study and inconsistency (using the I-squared test) were assessed. RESULTS: Meta-analyses of the Mt-sDNA test showed a combined sensitivity of 89%, 51%, and 76% for the detection of CRC, advanced adenoma (AA), and combined CRC and AA, respectively. The overall specificity was 91%, 89%, and 90% for the detection of CRC, AA, and combined CRC and AA, respectively. CONCLUSION: Mt-sDNA had significantly acceptable diagnostic accuracy for CRC and AA diagnosis, but still has lower sensitivity and specificity than colonoscopy.

Blood and faecal lead levels in children with various functional gastrointestinal disorders.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the blood lead levels (BLLs) and faecal lead levels (FLLs) in children with various functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and compare them with controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and two children with FGIDs defined by the Rome IV criteria, aged 4-18 years, and one hundred and two sex matched healthy children were enrolled in the study. Children with FGIDs were divided into three subgroups as functional constipation (FC) (n = 36), functional abdominal pain (FAP) (n = 36) and functional nausea (FN) (n = 30). The lead levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. RESULTS: The median BLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (5.12 and 1.77 µg/dL, respectively). The BLLs were above 5 µg/dL in 51,9% of children with FGIDs. There was statistically significant difference in BLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (FAP and FN) (p = 0.003, p < 0.001 respectively). The FLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (28.08 and 0.01 µg/g, respectively). There was no significant difference in FLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (p = 0.992, p = 0.989 respectively). No significant relation found between BLLs and FLLs of the FGIDs group (p = 0.123). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that children with FGIDs had higher BLLs and FLLs than controls and also more than half of children with FGIDs had BLLs ≥5 µg/dL which is considered as toxic level. These results might revive the question of whether or not clinicians need to evaluate routine BLLs in children with FGIDs.

Recommendations for stool donor selection for fecal microbiota transplant. Consensus document endorsed by the Catalan Society of Digestology, Catalan Society of Infectious diseases and Clinical Microbiology and the GEMBIOTA group from Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective and safe treatment to treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. It is essential to make every effort to perform FMT rigorously and based on scientific knowledge. Selection of the fecal microbiota donor is a key point of the process to ensure recipient safety. It is necessary to have protocols of action that allow clinicians to act with the maximum guarantees and to minimise the risks of the procedure. For this reason, a multidisciplinary working group has been set up in Cataluña with the aim of establishing recommendations for the selection of the fecal microbiota donor.

The EPAGE guidelines are not an effective strategy for managing colonoscopies during the COVID-19 pandemic. / EPAGE no es una estrategia eficaz para la gestión de colonoscopias durante la pandemia por COVID-19.

INTRODUCTION: The pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a serious impact on the functioning of gastrointestinal endoscopy Units. The Asociación Española de Gastroenterología (AEG) and the Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva (SEED) have proposed the EPAGE guidelines for managing postponed colonoscopies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the EPAGE guidelines as a management tool compared to the immunologic faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) and compared to risk score (RS) that combines age, sex and the iFOBT for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and significant bowel disease (SBD). METHODS: A prospective, single-centre study enrolling 743 symptomatic patients referred for a diagnostic colonoscopy. Each order was classified according to the EPAGE guidelines as appropriate, indeterminate or inappropriate. Patients underwent an iFOBT and had their RS calculated. RESULTS: The iFOBT (p<0.001), but not the EPAGE guidelines (p = 0.742), was an independent predictive factor of risk of CRC. The ROC AUCs for the EPAGE guidelines, the iFOBT and the RS were 0.61 (95% CI 0.49-0.75), 0.95 (0.93-0.97) and 0.90 (0.87-0.93) for CRC, and 0.55 (0.49-0.61), 0.75 (0.69-0.813) and 0.78 (0.73-0.83) for SBD, respectively. The numbers of colonoscopies needed to detect a case of CRC and a case of SBD were 38 and seven for the EPAGE guidelines, seven and two for the iFOBT, and 19 and four for a RS ≥5 points, respectively. CONCLUSION: The EPAGE guidelines, unlike the iFOBT, is not suitable for screening candidate patients for a diagnostic colonoscopy to detect CRC. The iFOBT, in combination with age and sex, is the most suitable strategy for managing demand for endoscopy in a restricted-access situation.

Test para el diagnóstico precoz de lesiones premalignas de colon / A Test for Early Diagnosis of Premalignant Colonic Lesions

Introducción: El cáncer colorrectal en nuestro país ocupa la tercera causa de muerte por tumores malignos y constituye un problema de salud a nivel mundial, que en la actualidad es prevenible al realizar pruebas para la detección de lesiones premalignas. Objetivo: Evaluar el valor presuntivo de lesiones premalignas colónicas en pacientes con sangre oculta en las heces. Métodos: Se realizó estudio observacional, descriptivo, transversal, en pacientes con sangre oculta en las heces, atendidos en el Servicio de Gastroenterología del Hospital Docente Clínico Quirúrgico Diez de Octubre, a los cuales se les realizó colonoscopia, en el período comprendido de enero de 2016 a enero de 2017. Para evaluar las variables se utilizó el porcentaje como medida matemática y los resultados fueron expuestos en tablas. Resultados: Al finalizar el estudio se observó un predomino del sexo femenino. La pesquisa, el cambio del hábito intestinal y las diarreas crónicas fueron las indicaciones más frecuentes de sangre oculta en heces. Los pólipos y las lesiones de aspecto malignas fueron los diagnósticos colonoscópicos más frecuentes. Las lesiones de aspecto malignas se localizaron en mayor proporción en colon izquierdo. El diagnóstico histológico más frecuente fueron los adenomas y adenocarcinomas. Conclusiones: El test de sangre oculta en heces es un método predictivo en la pesquisa de lesiones premalignas y malignas de colon en pacientes atendidos en el primer nivel de atención(AU)

Introduction: In Cuba, colorectal cancer accounts for the third cause of death by malignant tumors, while it is a worldwide health problem, currently preventable by performing tests for the detection of premalignant lesions. Objective: To evaluate the presumptive value of colonic premalignant lesions in patients with fecal occult blood. Methods: An observational, descriptive and cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with fecal occult blood, who received attention in the gastroenterology service of Diez de Octubre Surgical Clinical Teaching Hospital and underwent colonoscopy, in the period from January 2016 to January 2017. To evaluate the variables, the percentage was used as a mathematical measure and the results were shown in tables. Results: At the end of the study, a predominance of the female sex was observed. Screening, change of bowel habit and chronic diarrhea were the most frequent indications of fecal occult blood. Polyps and malignant lesions were the most frequent colonoscopic diagnoses. Malignant-appearing lesions were mostly located in the left colon. The most frequent histological diagnosis was made up of adenomas and adenocarcinomas. Conclusions: The fecal occult blood test is a predictive method for the detection of premalignant and malignant lesions of the colon in patients who receive attention at the first level of care(AU)

Management of Helicobacter pylori infection in the pediatric age.

The management of Helicobacter pylori infection in children is a consistent problem in clinical practice. Over the years, many questions have been raised regarding symptoms associated with the infection, the diagnostic methods and type of treatment. What is most controversial is determining the criteria that enable us to initiate and carry out the study in children. In the last 10 years, pediatricians have followed the joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines published in 2011 and updated in 2017 in the management of H. pylori in children. This document aims to unify the study indication criteria as well as the diagnosis and treatment recommendations for H. pylori infection in children and adolescents, so they can be used in both Primary and Hospital care.

[Management of Helicobacter pylori infection in the pediatric age]. / Manejo de la infección por Helicobacter pylori en la edad pediátrica.

The management of Helicobacter pylori infection in children is a consistent problem in clinical practice. Over the years, many questions have been raised regarding symptoms associated with the infection, the diagnostic methods and type of treatment. What is most controversial is determining the criteria that enable us to initiate and carry out the study in children. In the last 10 years, pediatricians have followed the joint ESPGHAN/NASPGHAN guidelines published in 2011 and updated in 2017 in the management of H.pylori in children. This document aims to unify the study indication criteria as well as the diagnosis and treatment recommendations for H.pylori infection in children and adolescents, so they can be used in both Primary and Hospital care.

Dolor abdominal crónico en un niño con Blastocystis hominis: a propósito de un caso / Chronic abdominal pain in a child with Blastocystis hominis: case report

RESUMEN El Blastocystis sp. es un parásito frecuente en el humano, identificado por el laboratorio en muestras de heces fecales. Se presentó el caso de un paciente de 5 años atendido en consulta de Gastroenterología en el Hospital Pediátrico Docente Provincial Eliseo Noel Caamaño, de Matanzas, por presentar dolor abdominal, heces pastosas, náuseas y vómitos desde hacía un año. Llevó tratamiento con ranitidina, omeprazol y domperidona, sin mejoría clínica. Se realizó estudio coproparasitológico en muestras de heces fecales seriadas, con la presencia del Blastocystis hominis. Se indicó tratamiento con metronidazol, sin mejoría clínica, y posteriormente se indicó como alternativa la nitazoxanida. Se evaluó a los 15 días, sin sintomatología y con negativización de las heces fecales seriadas. Resulta frecuente el desconocimiento y la poca importancia que los profesionales sanitarios muestran ante esta infestación, aunque cada vez más se confirma la participación del parásito en manifestaciones clínicas (AU).

ABSTRACT Blastocystis sp. is a frequent parasite in humans, identified in the laboratory in samples of fecal feces. The case of a 5-year-old patient is presented; he assisted the consultation of Gastroenterology in the Provincial Teaching Pediatric Hospital Eliseo Noel Caamaño in Matanzas, suffering abdominal pain, mash feces, nauseas and vomits for one year, and was treated with ranitidine, omeprazole and domperidone without clinical improvement. A coproparasitological study was carried out in serial fecal feces samples with the presence of Blastocystis hominis. Treatment with metronidazole was indicated without clinical improvement and them, as an alternative, nitazoxanide was indicated. He was evaluated at 15 days without symptoms and with negative serial fecal feces. The ignorance and the little importance that health professionals show towards this infestation are frequent, although more and more frequently it is confirmed the participation of the parasite in clinical manifestations (AU).

Stool donor recruitment - A one-year experience.

Stool donors for fecal microbiota transference (FMT) should be rigorously screened to identify any disorder in health status. The success of our screening protocol to identify eligible donors in the last year and a half was evaluated and compared with the published literature. The target population was medical students who responded to 3 public calls to donate stools. Qualified donors brought stool samples to our lab. Out of the 110 students who responded to the call, 26 were enrolled as study donors and delivered at least one stool sample. The main reason for volunteer exclusion was body mass index (BMI) <18.5kg/m2 or >25kg/m2 (n=11) and for the identification of ESBL Escherichia coli in feces (n=3). Our success rate after the screening protocol was considered high. Understanding the incentives to participate is critical to the success of recruitment strategies as FMT is still a little-known practice for general population.

Tiempo de excreción fecal de Escherichia coliproductora de toxina Shiga en niños con síndrome urémico hemolítico / Duration of fecal shedding of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli among children with hemolytic uremic syndrome

Introducción. Conocer el tiempo de excreción fecal de Escherichia coli productora de toxina Shiga (Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli; STEC, por sus siglas en inglés) en pacientes con síndrome urémico hemolítico sería útil para controlar la transmisión de la enfermedad.Objetivos. 1) Analizar las características del tiempo de excreción de STEC. 2) Evaluar la asociación con las variables sexo, edad, necesidad de diálisis, antibióticos y serotipos de STEC.Población y métodos. Estudio prospectivo, observacional, longitudinal y analítico. Período 2013-2019. Se realizaron coprocultivos al ingresar y cada 5-7 días hasta obtener 2 negativos. Se definió tiempo de excreción desde el inicio de la diarrea hasta el primer negativo. Se confirmó STEC por detección de los genes stx1, stx2 y rfbO157 por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. Se calculó la media (IC 95 %) y percentilos del tiempo de excreción de STEC, y se compararon las variables estudiadas mediante el test de t.Resultados. Se incluyeron 43 pacientes. La media de tiempo de excreción fue 10,2 días (IC 95 %: 8,92-11,59), rango: 3-22 días. El 90 % de los pacientes negativizaron el coprocultivo a los 15 días. No hubo diferencias según sexo (p = 0,419), edad (p = 0,937), necesidad de diálisis (p = 0,917), antibióticos (p = 0,147) ni serotipos (p = 0,231).Conclusión. El 90 % de los pacientes negativizó el coprocultivo a los 15 días del inicio de la diarrea, y todos, al día 22. No se encontró asociación entre el tiempo de excreción y las variables estudiadas.

Introduction. Knowing the duration of fecal shedding of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli(STEC) among patients with hemolytic uremic syndrome would be useful to control disease transmission.Objectives. 1) To analyze the characteristics of STEC shedding duration. 2) To assess the association with sex, age, need of dialysis, antibiotics, and STEC serotypes.Population and methods. Prospective, observational, longitudinal, and analytical study in the 2013-2019 period. Stool cultures were done upon admission and every 5-7 days until 2 negative results were obtained. Shedding duration was defined as the period from diarrhea onset to the first negative result. STEC was confirmed with polymerase chain reaction detection of stx1, stx2, and rfbO157 genes. The mean (95 % CI) and percentile values of the STEC shedding duration were estimated, and the studied outcome measures were compared using the t test.Results. A total of 43 patients were included. The mean duration of shedding was 10.2 days (95 % CI: 8.92-11.59), range: 3-22 days. After 15 days, 90 % of patients had a negative stool culture. There were no differences in terms of sex (p = 0.419), age (p = 0.937), need of dialysis (p = 0.917), antibiotics (p = 0.147) or serotype (p = 0.231).Conclusion. Fifteen days after the onset of diarrhea, 90 % of patients had a negative stool culture, and all patients had one after 22 days. No association was observed between the duration of shedding and studied outcome measures.

[Blood and faecal lead levels in children with various functional gastrointestinal disorders]. / Niveles séricos y fecales de plomo en niños con distintos trastornos digestivos funcionales.

INTRODUCTION: To investigate the blood lead levels (BLLs) and faecal lead levels (FLLs) in children with various functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) and compare them with controls. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and 2children with FGIDs defined by the Rome IV criteria, aged 4 -18 years, and one hundred and 2sex matched healthy children were enrolled in the study. Children with FGIDs were divided into 3subgroups as functional constipation (FC) (n=36), functional abdominal pain (FAP) (n=36) and functional náusea (FN) (n=30). The lead levels were measured using atomic absorption spectrometer. RESULTS: The median BLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (5.12 and 1.77µg/dL, respectively). The BLLs were above 5µg/dL in 51,9% of children with FGIDs. There was statistically significant difference in BLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (FAP and FN) (P=.003, P<.001 respectively). The FLLs in the FGIDs group was significantly higher than in controls (28.08 and 0.01µg/g, respectively). There was no significant difference in FLLs between FC subgroup and the other subgroups (P=.992, P=.989 respectively). No significant relation found between BLLs and FLLs of the FGIDs group (P =.123). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that children with FGIDs had higher BLLs and FLLs than controls and also more than half of children with FGIDs had BLLs ≥5µg/dL which is toxic level. These results might revive the question of whether or not clinician need to evaluate routine BLLs in children with FGIDs.

Recommendations for stool donor selection for fecal microbiota transplant. Consensus document endorsed by the Catalan Society of Digestology, Catalan Society of Infectious diseases and Clinical microbiology and the GEMBIOTA group from Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology. / Recomendaciones para la selección del donante para la transferencia de microbiota fecal. Documento de posicionamiento avalado por la Societat Catalana de Digestologia, la Societat Catalana de Malalties Infeccioses i Microbiologia Clínica y el grupo GEMBIOTA de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica.

Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is an effective and safe treatment to treat recurrent Clostridioides difficile infection. It is essential to make every effort to perform FMT rigorously and based on scientific knowledge. Selection of the fecal microbiota donor is a key point of the process to ensure recipient safety. It is necessary to have protocols of action that allow clinicians to act with the maximum guarantees and to minimize the risks of the procedure. For this reason, a multidisciplinary working group has been set up in Cataluña with the aim of establishing recommendations for the selection of the fecal microbiota donor.

Natural history notes on Cyrtonota sericinus (Erichson, 1847) in Ecuador (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Mesomphaliini)

Abstract The first natural history data is reported for the tortoise beetle, Cyrtonota serinus (Erichson, 1847) (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Mesomphaliini). An Ipomoea sp. (Convolvulaceae) is recorded as the host plant. Larvae and adults feed on the leaves. Larvae retain an exuvio-fecal shield and are gregarious. Adults are sexually dimorphic and polymorphic in sizes and coloration.

Resumen Se presentan los primeros datos de la historia natural del escarabajo tortuga, Cyrtonota serinus (Erichson, 1847) (Chrysomelidae: Cassidinae: Mesomphaliini). Se registra como la planta huésped una especie de Ipomoea (Convolvulaceae); las larvas y los adultos se alimentan de las hojas. Las larvas retienen un escudo exuvio-fecal y son gregarias. Los adultos son sexualmente dimórficos y polimórficos en tamaños y coloración.

Prospective, study comparing the accuracy of two different stool antigen tests (Premier Platinum HpSA and novel ImmunoCard STAT! rapid test) for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: At present only monoclonal EIA (enzyme-immunoassay) stool antigen-tests have obtained optimal accuracy in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori. Our aim was to evaluate the accuracy of two stool antigen-tests, the validated Premier Platinum HpSA PLUS (EIA test) and the newly available ImmunoCard STAT! HpSA HD (rapid test) for the initial diagnosis and the confirmation of eradication of H. pylori infection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with indication of H. pylori diagnosis, or confirmation after treatment were included. Data were coded to protect personal data and ensure blindness between tests. Accuracy was considered as coincident diagnosis with the gold standard (13C-urea breath test, UBT). The EIA was used as a bench standard. All stool tests were performed in duplicate. RESULTS: 264 patients completed the protocol (100 naïve, 164 post-eradication). Average age was 52 years, 61% women, 11% ulcer. Positive diagnoses by UBT were 41% for naïve and 17% for post-eradication. Overall ImmunoCard and EIA accuracies were respectively 91% (95%C.I.=88-94%) and 89% (86-93%), sensitivities 72% (67-78%) and 72% (67-78%), and specificities 98% (96-100%), and 95% (92-97%). Concordance between ImmunoCard and EIA was 95% (93-98%). DISCUSSION: Our results indicate that the newly available ImmunoCard rapid stool antigen-test achieves 90% accuracy, with high specificity but suboptimal sensitivity. The ImmunoCard attained equivalent accuracies as the EIA bench standard, with 95% concordance.

Rastreio de leveduras patogênicas isoladas de fezes de pombos no Distrito Federal-Pombos: propagadores de fungos patogênicos? / Screening for pathogenic yeasts isolated from pigeon droppings in the Federal District-Pigeons: propagators of pathogenic fungi? / Detección de levaduras patógenas aisladas de excrementos de paloma en el Distrito Federal-Palomas: ¿propagadores de hongos patógenos?

Objetivo: Investigar a presença de fungos patogênicos isolados a partir de amostras de fezes de pombos, em locais de atenção a pacientes imunocomprometidos no DF. Método: As amostras foram coletadas em hospitais onde se oferta atendimento a pacientes HIV/AIDS e que tenha uma presença massiva de pombos. Colônias de leveduras foram previamente selecionados em meio Ágar Sabouraud Dextrose acrescido de cloranfenicol, seguindo-se com análise microscópica das estruturas leveduriformes. Colônias de leveduras com suspeita de pertencerem ao gênero Candida spp. ou Cryptococcus sp., foram inoculadas no meio Ágar Cromogênico para identificação das espécies de Candida e em meio Ágar quimicamente definido para indução dos fenótipos de virulência característicos de Cryptococcus sp. Resultados: 100% das amostras analisadas apresentaram crescimento de leveduras do gênero Candida spp. e Rhodotorula sp. No meio Ágar Cromogênico foram identificadas nas amostras C. krusei em 75%; C. tropicalis em 50% e C. glabrata em 15%. Em 15% das amostras foi identificado leveduras do gênero Cryptococcus sp. Conclusão: Dados deste estudo sugerem que fezes de pombo podem estar dispersando leveduras patogênicas e contribuindo com a incidência de infecções fúngicas no DF.

Objective: To investigate the presence of pathogenic fungi isolated from pigeon stool samples, in places of care for immunocompromised patients in the Federal District. Method: The samples were collected in hospitals where care is offered to HIV / AIDS patients and which has a massive presence of pigeons. Yeast colonies were previously selected on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plus chloramphenicol, followed by microscopic analysis of the yeast structures. Yeast colonies suspected of belonging to the genus Candida spp. or Cryptococcus sp., were inoculated in the Chromogenic Agar medium to identify Candida species and in chemically defined Agar medium to induce the virulence phenotypes characteristic of Cryptococcus sp. Results: 100% of the analyzed samples showed growth of yeasts of the genus Candida spp. and Rhodotorula sp. In the chromogenic agar medium, 75% were identified in C. krusei samples; C. tropicalis in 50% and C. glabrata in 15%. In 15% of the samples, yeasts of the genus Cryptococcus sp. Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that pigeon feces may be dispersing pathogenic yeasts and contributing to the incidence of fungal infections in DF

Objetivo: Investigar la presencia de hongos patógenos aislados de muestras de heces de palomas, en los lugares de atención a pacientes inmunodeprimidos del Distrito Federal. Método: Las muestras se recolectaron en hospitales donde se brinda atención a pacientes con VIH / SIDA y que tiene una presencia masiva de palomas. Las colonias de levadura se seleccionaron previamente en Sabouraud Dextrose Agar más cloranfenicol, seguido de un análisis microscópico de las estructuras de la levadura. Las colonias de levaduras sospechosas de pertenecer al género Candida spp. o Cryptococcus sp., se inocularon en medio de agar cromogénico para identificar especies de Candida y en medio de agar químicamente definido para inducir los fenotipos de virulencia característicos de Cryptococcus sp. Resultados: el 100% de las muestras analizadas presentó crecimiento de levaduras del género Candida spp. y Rhodotorula sp. En el medio agar cromogénico, el 75% se identificó en muestras de C. krusei; C. tropicalis en 50% y C. glabrata en 15%. En el 15% de las muestras, levaduras del género Cryptococcus sp. Conclusión: Los datos de este estudio sugieren que las heces de las palomas pueden estar dispersando levaduras patógenas y contribuyendo a la incidencia de infecciones fúngicas en el DF.

Síntomas gastrointestinales en la enfermedad por COVID-19 y sus implicaciones en la Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal / Gastrointestinal symptoms in COVID-19 and its implications in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

La pandemia por SARS-Cov-2, ha tomado gran relevancia por su impacto en los diversos sistemas de sa-lud en el mundo. Inicialmente solo se contemplaba la importancia de los síntomas respiratorios y la fiebre; sin embargo, a diario tenemos más reportes y publicaciones sobre la relevancia que está teniendo en el sistema digestivo, ya que algunos pacientes informan síntomas gastrointestinales como diarrea, vómito y dolor abdominal. Los estudios han identificado el ARN del SARS-CoV-2 en muestras de heces de pacientes infectados, en las que se encontró que su receptor que es el de la enzima convertidora de angiotensina 2 (ECA2) se expresaba altamente en las células epiteliales gastrointestinales. Esto sugiere que el SARS-CoV-2 puede infectar activamente y replicarse en el tracto gastrointestinal. Esto tiene implicaciones importantes para el tratamiento de la enfermedad, la transmisión y el control de infecciones. En pacientes con patologías crónicas como la enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (EII), se han generado gran cantidad de preguntas e incertidumbres ante la presencia de COVID-19 junto con las implicaciones que pueden tener tanto en la severidad de los síntomas, como en la descompensación de la patología de base y en la continuidad del tratamiento inmunosupresor.(AU)

The SARS-Cov-2 pandemic has taken great relevance due to its diverse impact in the worldwide health systems. Initially, only the importance or respiratory symptoms and fever was considered, however daily we have more reports and publications about the relevance that gastrointestinal symptoms, like diarrhea, vomit, and abdominal pain, are having in COVID-19. Several studies have identified SARS-CoV-2 RNA in stool samples of infected patients, and it was also found that the viral receptor, the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor is highly express in the gastrointestinal cells. These findings suggest that SARS-Cov-2 can actively infect and replicate in the gastrointestinal tract. All the above have relevant implications in the disease treatment, transmission, and infection control. In patients with chronic pathologies, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), many questions and uncertainties, about symptoms severity, disease decompensation and use of immunosuppressive drugs, have been generated in the presence of COVID-19.(AU)

Comportamiento del cáncer colorrectal diagnosticado por colonoscopia en el Hospital Militar "Mario Muñoz Monroy". Matanzas / Behavior of the colorectal cancer diagnosed by colonoscopy in the hospital military "Mario Muñoz Monroy". Matanzas

RESUMEN Introducción: el cáncer colorrectal constituye un serio problema de salud por su alta incidencia. Es una entidad que afecta significativamente a la humanidad y conlleva a una alta mortalidad. Objetivo: determinar el comportamiento de los pacientes con cáncer colorrectal diagnosticado por colonoscopia en el Hospital Militar "Mario Muñoz", Matanzas. Materiales y Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo y prospectivo en pacientes con sangre oculta en heces fecales y diagnóstico colonoscópico de cáncer colorrectal, desde enero del 2015 a noviembre del 2018. El universo quedó conformado por 135 pacientes que cumplieron con los criterios de selección. Se estudiaron variables como: grupo etario, sexo, factores de riesgo, síntomas y signos, localización y estadio. Se utilizó una planilla de recolección de datos. Se emplearon métodos de estadística descriptiva y los resultados fueron presentados en tablas. Resultados: en 722 colonoscopias realizadas a pacientes con sangre oculta positiva, en el 18.7 % se diagnosticó cáncer colorrectal. Predominó el grupo etario de 61-70 años con un 30.4 % de los pacientes y el sexo masculino (41.4%). Los factores de riesgos más frecuentes) fueron: dieta inadecuada (46.6%), sedentarismo (25.2%) y enfermedad inflamatoria intestinal (29.6%). Los síntomas más frecuentes fueron: diarrea (45.9%), dolor abdominal (31.1%) y dispepsia (25.2%). La localización que predominó fue el recto (24.4%), seguido del colon ascendente (22.2%). Predominaron los pacientes en un estadio II con 42.2%. Conclusiones: el cáncer colorrectal se presentó con mayor frecuencia en pacientes de la 6ta década de vida tal como se reporta en la literatura, asociado a malos hábitos dietéticos e inadecuado modo y estilo de vida que pueden ser modificados a través de estrategias educativas que garanticen la salud de la población (AU).

SUMMARY Introduction: Colorectal cancer [cancer colorectal (CCR) in Spanish] is a serious health problem due to its high incidence. It is an entity affecting the human kind and producing a high mortality. Objective: to determine the behavior of the colorectal cancer diagnosed by colonoscopy in the Military Hospital "Mario Muñoz", Matanzas. Material and methods: a prospective, descriptive, observational study was carried out in patients with hidden blood in fecal feces and colonoscopic diagnosis of colorectal cancer from January 2015 to November 2018. The universe was formed by 135 patients who fulfilled the selection criteria. The studied variables were age group, gender, risk factors, symptoms, locations and stage. A form was used for collecting data. Methods of descriptive statistics were used and the results are showed in charts. Results: In 722 colonoscopies carried out to patients with positive hidden blood, 18.7 % was diagnosed as colorectal cancer. The 61-70 years-old age group (30.4 %) and male gender (41.4 %) predominated. The most frequent risk factors were improper diet (46.6 %), sedentary life style (25.2 %), and inflammatory intestinal disease (29.6 %). The most frequent symptoms were diarrhea (45.9 %), abdominal pain (31.1 %) and dyspepsia (25.2 %). The predominant location was the rectum (24.4 %), followed by ascending colon (22.2 %). Stage II patients predominated, with 42.2 %. Conclusions: colorectal cancer appeared more frequently in patients in their sixth decade of life as it is reported in the literature, associated to bad dietary habits and to an inadequate style and way of life that could be modified through educative strategies warranting the population's health (AU).