Syphilis testing practices in the Americas.

OBJECTIVE: To present the findings of the Pan American Health Organization's 2014 survey on syphilis testing policies and practices in the Americas. METHODS: Representatives of national/regional reference and large, lower-level laboratories from 35 member states were invited to participate. A semi-structured, electronically administered questionnaire collected data on syphilis tests, algorithms, equipment/commodities, challenges faced and basic quality assurance (QA) strategies employed (i.e. daily controls, standard operating procedures, technician training, participating in external QA programmes, on-site evaluations). RESULTS: The 69 participating laboratories from 30 (86%) member states included 41 (59%) national/regional reference and 28 (41%) lower-level laboratories. Common syphilis tests conducted were the rapid plasma reagin (RPR) (62% of surveyed laboratories), venereal disease research laboratory (VDRL) (54%), fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS) (41%) and Treponema pallidum haemagglutination assay (TPHA) (32%). Only three facilities reported using direct detection methods, and 28 (41% overall, 32% of lower-level facilities) used rapid tests. Most laboratories (62%) used only traditional testing algorithms (non-treponemal screening and treponemal confirmatory testing); however, 12% used only a reverse sequence algorithm (treponemal test first), and 14% employed both algorithms. Another nine (12%) laboratories conducted only one type of serologic test. Although most reference (97%) and lower-level (89%) laboratories used at least one QA strategy, only 16% reported using all five basic strategies. Commonly reported challenges were stock-outs of essential reagents or commodities (46%), limited staff training (73%) and insufficient equipment (39%). CONCLUSIONS: Many reference and clinical laboratories in the Americas face challenges in conducting appropriate syphilis testing and in ensuring quality of testing.

Strengthening laboratory capacity through the surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis in Central Africa: the Surveillance Épidémiologique en Afrique Centrale (SURVAC) Project.

OBJECTIVES: The goal of the SURVAC pilot project was to strengthen disease surveillance and response in three countries; Cameroon (CAE), Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Central African Republic (CAR). METHODS: Seven laboratories involved in rotavirus surveillance were provided with equipment, reagents and supplies. CDC and WHO staff provided on-site classroom and bench training in biosafety, quality assurance, quality control (QC), rotavirus diagnosis using Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) and genotyping of rotavirus strains using the Reverse Transcription Polymerase-chain reaction (RT-PCR). All laboratory data were reported through WHO/AFRO. RESULTS: Twenty-three staff members were trained on RT-PCR for rotavirus genotyping which was introduced for the first time in all three countries. In CAE, the number of samples analysed by EIA and RT-PCR increased tenfold between 2007 and 2013. In DRC, this number increased fivefold, from 2009 to 2013 whereas in CAR, it increased fourfold between 2011 and 2013. All laboratories passed WHO proficiency testing in 2014. CONCLUSION: Laboratory capacity was strengthened through equipping laboratories and strengthening a subregional laboratory workforce for surveillance of rotavirus gastroenteritis. Each of the three countries generated rotavirus surveillance and genotyping data enabling the mapping of circulating genotypes. These results will help monitor the impact of rotavirus vaccination in these countries.

Human rabies in India: an audit from a rabies diagnostic laboratory.

OBJECTIVES: Rabies, an acute progressive encephalomyelitis, continues to be a serious public health problem in India and many other countries in Asia and Africa. The low level of commitment to rabies control is partly attributable to challenges in laboratory diagnosis and lack of adequate surveillance to indicate the disease burden. A laboratory audit of human rabies cases was undertaken to disseminate information on the clinical, demographic, prophylactic and most importantly the laboratory diagnostic aspects of rabies. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all clinically suspected human rabies cases, whose samples were received at a rabies diagnostic laboratory in South India in the last 3 years, was performed. Clinical and demographic details of patients were obtained. The clinical samples included cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum, saliva and nuchal skin biopsy collected antemortem, and brain tissue obtained post-mortem. Various laboratory tests were performed for diagnosis. RESULTS: Clinical samples from 128 patients with suspected rabies, from 11 states in India, were received for diagnostic confirmation. About 94% of the victims reported dog-bites, more than a third of them were children and most of the victims did not receive adequate post-exposure prophylaxis. Antemortem confirmation of rabies by a combination of laboratory diagnostic assays (detection of viral RNA in CSF, skin and saliva, and neutralising antibodies in CSF) could be achieved in 40.6% cases. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing awareness about adequate post-exposure prophylaxis, additional rabies diagnostic facilities, and enhanced human and animal rabies surveillance to indicate the true disease burden are essential to control this fatal disease.

The Second Zambian National Tuberculosis Drug Resistance survey - a comparison of conventional and molecular methods.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence of MDR-TB in Zambia was estimated to be 1.8% in 2001. A second drug resistance survey was conducted in 2008 to determine trends; the use of the Genotype MTBDRplus assay was applied to compare results to the gold standard. METHOD: A two-stage cluster sampling, with health facilities as primary sampling units. Processed sputum specimens were inoculated on solid media for culture; heat-inactivated bacterial suspensions from sputum samples were tested on a commercial line probe assay for the identification of rifampicin and isoniazid resistance. RESULTS: A total of 917 patients with TB were enrolled and 883 (96.3%) analysed. A total of 574 (65%) had LJ results and 824 (93.3%) had results from MTBDRplus assay. The median age was 32, and 63.3% were males. MDR-TB according to LJ-based DST was 1.1% (CI 0.1-2.4) whereas according to MDTBDRplus assay was 1.6% (CI 0.6-2.6). Isoniazid monoresistance in new cases was 2.4% (CI 0.613-4.26) based on LJ results and 5.0% (CI 3.2-6.7) based on the MTBDRplus; in retreatment cases, it was 4.4% (CI 0.3-8.6) and 2.40% (CI <0.1-5.1) on LJ and MTBDRplus, respectively. Rifampicin monoresistance in new cases was 0.1% (CI <0.1-0.4) based on LJ and 0.6% (CI 0.01-1.1) based on the MTBDRplus; in retreatment cases, it was 0% (CI 0-3.8) and 1.8% (CI <0.1-4.0) on LJ and MTBDRplus, respectively. There were no XDR-TB cases found and no association between MDR-TB and HIV. CONCLUSION: There was no increase in MDR-TB prevalence in Zambia from 2001 to 2008; results from the two methods were similar. Molecular methods were quicker and simpler to use.

[Safety in the Microbiology laboratory]. / Seguridad en el laboratorio de Microbiología Clínica.

The normal activity in the laboratory of microbiology poses different risks - mainly biological - that can affect the health of their workers, visitors and the community. Routine health examinations (surveillance and prevention), individual awareness of self-protection, hazard identification and risk assessment of laboratory procedures, the adoption of appropriate containment measures, and the use of conscientious microbiological techniques allow laboratory to be a safe place, as records of laboratory-acquired infections and accidents show. Training and information are the cornerstones for designing a comprehensive safety plan for the laboratory. In this article, the basic concepts and the theoretical background on laboratory safety are reviewed, including the main legal regulations. Moreover, practical guidelines are presented for each laboratory to design its own safety plan according its own particular characteristics.

[Discoveries and techniques that have contributed to improving the treatment of pancreatic diseases]. / Descubrimientos y técnicas que han contribuido a mejorar el tratamiento de las enfermedades pancreáticas.

Due to its retroperitoneal location, the pancreas has historically been a mysterious organ that is difficult to examine and which complicates treatment. The discovery of anesthesia and asepsis in the mid-19th century allowed laparotomic diagnosis, which was previously only possible at autopsy. The expectations of surgery were improved by the detection of blood groups, vitamin K synthesis, and the development of intensive care units. In addition, high levels of presurgical diagnosis and an unquestionable improvement of its results were enabled by advances in laboratory methods (serum quantification of amylase and lipase, tumoral markers, genetics, and techniques for measuring exocrine pancreatic function), imaging and endoscopic modalities, and fine tuning of surgical techniques. In this article, we review the history of the main milestones that have allowed progress in all these aspects.

Adjustment of a rapid method for quantification of Fusarium spp. spore suspensions in plant pathology.

The use of a Neubauer chamber is a broadly employed method when cell suspensions need to be quantified. However, this technique may take a long time and needs trained personnel. Spectrophotometry has proved to be a rapid, simple and accurate method to estimate the concentration of spore suspensions of isolates of the genus Fusarium. In this work we present a linear formula to relate absorbance measurements at 530nm with the number of microconidia/ml in a suspension.

Microneurosurgical training in the anatomical specimen: A structured plan for endoscopic and microsurgical skull base training during the residency.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The development of a high level of competence and technical proficiency is one of the main objectives of any neurosurgical training program. Due to many factors, this progressive skill development can be complex during the residency. Despite its high cost and infrastructure requirements, there is renewed interest regarding the role of anatomy labs. The study and dissection of the human cadaver has been the environment where many surgeons have developed the necessary skills for microneurosurgery. We propose a structured endoscopic and microsurgical training dissection program to enable residents to maximize the benefits of their training in the lab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: During the months of September, October and November 2021, a stay was done at the Microneurosurgery and Skull Base Laboratory of the Miguel Hernández University of Alicante. A total of 2 specimens were used. The first specimen underwent a first endoscopic endonasal dissection phase. After completing the endonasal part, a set of incisions were made to perform the transcranial part. In the second specimen, the transcranial part was performed first, leaving the endonasal endoscopic work for the last phase. RESULTS: The results of the dissection program are presented. During the endonasal endoscopic phase, the transsphenoidal approach to the sella was simulated while focusing on the extended approaches in the sagittal plane. During the transcranial phase, right and left anterolateral approaches, a left anterior transcallosal interhemispheric approach, a left transcondylar posterolateral approach and a combined right lateral approach were performed. CONCLUSIONS: The structured dissection of the specimen allowed both endonasal endoscopic and transcranial microsurgical training in the same specimen. This design facilitated the realization of the core skull base approaches in the same specimen. According to our initial experience, we believe that developing common dissection programs is a powerful tool to maximize the results of our residents' laboratory training.

Early detection of severe hypertriglyceridemia using teleconsultation in a clinical laboratory setting.

BACKGROUND: Teleconsultation in the context of clinical laboratories is a valuable tool for the early detection of dyslipidemia and prevention of cardiovascular risk. Here, we describe a patient who was referred to the Lipid Unit of the Virgen Macarena Hospital due to an alert for severe hypertriglyceridemia through its teleconsultation program. CASE PRESENTATION: A comprehensive clinical and biochemical study of the patient was carried out, and genetic testing was performed on the patient and his family. The proband and his family showed mild to severe hypertriglyceridemia and various secondary factors, together with a genetic background associated with a triglyceride-raising effect. CONCLUSION: This extensive study has identified a family at high risk of cardiovascular disease and acute pancreatitis. These findings can help maximize lifestyle changes and improve the clinical management of their dyslipidemia.

[Comment on article: "Laboratories as predictors of length of hospital stay in patients with pneumonia"]. / Comentario al artículo: "Laboratorios como predictores del tiempo de estancia hospitalaria en pacientes con neumonía".

Laboratory studies are a useful tool for both diagnosis and prognosis of pathologies, especially in the emergency room. In the article they seek to establish an association between laboratory studies and hospital stay in patients with community-acquired pneumonia. Some suggestions are made to improve the structured review of the article.

Los estudios de laboratorio son una herramienta útil tanto para el diagnóstico como para el pronóstico de las patologías, sobre todo en el área de urgencias. En el artículo se busca establecer una asociación entre los estudios de laboratorio y la estancia intrahospitalaria en pacientes con neumonía adquirida en la comunidad. Se realizan algunas sugerencias a fin de mejorar la revisión estructurada del artículo.