Chikungunya Virus in Febrile Humans and Aedes aegypti Mosquitoes, Yucatan, Mexico.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) was isolated from 12 febrile humans in Yucatan, Mexico, in 2015. One patient was co-infected with dengue virus type 1. Two additional CHIKV isolates were obtained from Aedes aegypti mosquitoes collected in the homes of patients. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CHIKV isolates belong to the Asian lineage.

[CCR5-Δ32 allele involvement in the clinical evolution of HIV1+ patients in Yucatán, Mexico]. / Implicación del alelo CCR5-Δ32 en la progresión clínica de pacientes VIH-1+ en Yucatán, México.

OBJECTIVE: CCR5-Δ32 allele frequency needs to be identified in HIV+ patients and exposed seronegative individuals in Yucatan, Mexico, to understand this mutation's relationship to infection and disease progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 355 samples were analyzed: 62 from HIV+ patients, 51 from exposed seronegative individuals and 242 from general population. Infected patients were subdivided into a) normal progressors n= 49; b) slow progressors n= 10, and c) non-progressors n= 3. RESULTS: Genotype wt/Δ32 was identified in 17.7% of HIV+, 13.7% of exposed seronegative individuals and 6.2% of general population. Genotype Δ32/Δ32 was identified in 3.9% of exposed seronegative individuals. In infected patients, wt/Δ32 was identified in 10.2% of normal progressors, 30% of slow progressors and 100% of non-progressors. CONCLUSION: Genotype wt/Δ32 was observed in all non-progressing HIV+ patients, supporting its role in this group's disease development and clinical evolution.

[Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli from community-acquired urinary tract infections. What antimicrobial to use?]. / Resistencia antimicrobiana en la infección urinaria por Escherichia coli adquirida en la comunidad. Cuál antibiótico voy a usar?

OBJECTIVE: Determine antibiotic resistance of community-acquired uropathogen Escherichia coli and infer therapeutic options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: E. coli strains isolated from urine during a one-year period were studied. Identification and susceptibility tests were performed. RESULTS: A total of 652 isolates were included from patients in two institutions, a healthcare clinic 303 (46.5%) and a hospital 349 ( 53.5%). The antimicrobials with higher resistance rates were ampicillin 67.2%, trimethoprim-sulfametoxazole 59.2%, cefazolin 35.6% and ciprofloxacin 24.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin used for empiric treatment in community urinary infections is high, and there are few available treatment options.

[Prevalence of iron-deficient anemia in rural pregnant women in Valldolid, Yucatan, Mexico]. / Prevalencia de anemia ferropénica en mujeres embarazadas rurales en valladolid, Yucatán, México.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of iron-deficiency anaemia among rural pregnant women in Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was carried out from March to May 2006. A clinical-epidemiological survey, a complete blood count test and a ferritin test were applied to a non-random sample conformed by 51 rural pregnant women. RESULTS: Thirty five point two percent of the 51 pregnant women studied presented anaemia, which was more frequent during the second and third trimester, 25.6% of which were adolescents. Abnormal iron profile was found in 41% of the women, 30% (9/51) presented iron-deficiency anaemia which was more frequent in the third trimester. The women with iron-deficiency anaemia had had an average of four pregnancies. No significant difference was found between multiparity and anaemia (square Chi, p = 9.29). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of iron-deficient anaemia was 17.64% in this group, more frequent during the third trimester. The hematological alterations were more frequent in multipara women. In a quarter of the sample, pregnancy occurred during adolescence; two events that need greater amounts of iron. The creation of nutritional programs since childhood and the incorporation of ferritin in prenatal care is fundamental for the adequate development and security of both mother and child.

Co-infection by the human T-cell lymphotropic virus type II in patients infected by the human immunodeficiency virus in Yucatan, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The HTLV-II infection has been reported in patients with HIV infection as often in asymptomatic as those with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HTLV-II infection in a group of patients infected by HIV in our region, as well as determining the risk factors associated with HTLV-II transmission in this group of patients and its impact on the clinical course of HIV infection. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of co-infection of HIV-1 and HTLV-II among 192 patients from Yucatán, México. Serum specimens were tested for HTLV antibodies by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Positive results were confirmed and typed by Western blot. Twenty four (12.5%) patients were confirmed with antibodies for HTLV-II, but none had antibodies for HTLV-I. Specific risk factors for HTLV-II transmission were not identified. RESULTS: Candidiasis (42 vs. 12%, p = 0.0004) and more than two defining entities of AIDS (37 vs. 18%, p = 0.02) was observed with greater prevalence in the group co-infected. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, a higher frequency of candidiasis and a larger number of AIDS-defining pathologies were observed in the co-infected patients, suggesting that co-infection is associated with greater immunodeficiency.

Dengue Patients Treated with Doxycycline Showed Lower Mortality Associated to a Reduction in IL-6 and TNF Levels.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of doxycycline treatment on cytokine levels, including tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin 6 (IL-6), and mortality in dengue patients at high risk of complication. METHODS: A group of dengue hemorrhagic fever patients (n=231) were randomized to receive either standard supportive care or supportive care in addition to oral doxycycline twice daily for 7 days. Dengue virus infection was confirmed by PCR using multiple primers. Serum samples were obtained at days 0, 3, 5 and 7 and tested for levels of TNF and IL-6. RESULTS: Doxycycline-treated group presented a 46% lower mortality than that observed in the untreated group (11.2% [13/116] vs 20.9% [24/115], respectively, p=0.05). Moreover, administration of doxycycline resulted in a significant (p<0.01) decrease in levels of TNF and IL-6 versus controls in the tests performed during follow-up (day 3, 5 and 7). Patients who died in both groups possessed significantly (p<0.01) higher levels of TNF and IL-6 compared to those who survived at all-time points. CONCLUSION: The above findings suggest that doxycycline can provide a clinical benefit to dengue patients at high risk of complications. This effect could be mediated by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

HIV-encephalopathy as initial manifestation of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Yucatán State, Mexico.

BACKGROUND: The frequency of neurologic manifestations of the central nervous system (CNS) as a defining disease of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) (neurologic manifestation defining disease [NMDD-AIDS]) varies according to geographic region. The aim of this study was to determine its prevalence among patients with AIDS diagnosed in the state of Yucatán, Mexico. METHODS: We carried out a retrospective study in which AIDS cases reported at the Health Department in the state of Yucatán, Mexico from January 1983 to July 2001 were analyzed. Frequency of NMDD-AIDS and other pathologies were obtained. Frequency of other pathologies between patients with NMDD-AIDS and those without NMDD-AIDS was compared using chi2 and/or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: A total of 1,175 subjects (1,054 [90%] men and 121 [10%] women) were included in the study. In 186 (16%), NMDD-AIDS were observed. The most common NMDD-AIDS was HIV-encephalopathy in 101 (54%) patients, CNS toxoplasmosis in 65 (35%), meningeal cryptococosis in 16 (8.6%), primary lymphoma of the brain in two (1%), and one (0.5%) case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. CD4 lymphocytes were statistically different between patients with NMDD-AIDS (n=47) and without (n=312) (mean: 65/microL (33-500) vs. 189/microL (2-989), p<0.005). Higher frequency of oropharyngeal candidiasis, pulmonary tuberculosis, herpetic stomatitis, and mortality was observed in patients with initial neurologic disease. CONCLUSIONS: Frequency of NMDD-AIDS was similar to some reports from the U.S. but lower than others from Mexico. HIV-encephalopathy was the most frequent manifestation. NMDD-AIDS were associated with advanced stage of immunodeficiency and influenced morbidity and mortality associated with AIDS.

Dengue virus-infected Aedes aegypti in the home environment.

We determined abundance of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes and presence of dengue virus (DENV) in females collected from premises of laboratory-confirmed dengue patients over a 12-month period (March 2007 to February 2008) in Merida, Mexico. Backpack aspiration from 880 premises produced 1,836 females and 1,292 males indoors (predominantly from bedrooms) and 102 females and 108 males from patios/backyards. The mean weekly indoor catch rate per home peaked at 7.8 females in late August. Outdoor abundances of larvae or pupae were not predictive of female abundance inside the home. DENV-infected Ae. aegypti females were recovered from 34 premises. Collection of DENV-infected females from homes of dengue patients up to 27 days after the onset of symptoms (median, 14 days) shows the usefulness of indoor insecticide application in homes of suspected dengue patients to prevent their homes from becoming sources for dispersal of DENV by persons visiting and being bitten by infected mosquitoes.

Implicación del alelo CCR5-Δ32 en la progresión clínica de pacientes VIH-1+ en Yucatán, México / CCR5-Δ32 allele involvement in the clinical evolution of HIV1+ patients in Yucatán, Mexico

OBJETIVO: Establecer la frecuencia y la relación del alelo CCR5-Δ32 con la infección y la progresión clínica de pacientes VIH+ y en individuos expuestos seronegativos. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 355 muestras, 62 VIH+, 51 individuos expuestos seronegativos y 242 de la población general. Los VIH+ se subdividieron en: a) progresores normales n= 49; b) progresores lentos n= 10, y c) no progresores n= 3. RESULTADOS: Se identificó el genotipo wt/Δ32 en 17.7 por ciento de los VIH+, 13.7 por ciento de los individuos expuestos seronegativos y 6.2 por ciento en la población general. El genotipo Δ32/Δ32 se encontró en 3.9 por ciento de los individuos expuestos seronegativos. Según la progresión clínica de los VIH+, se identificó el genotipo wt/Δ32 en 10.2 por ciento de los progresores normales, 30 por ciento de los progresores lentos y en 100 por ciento de los no progresores. CONCLUSIÓN: El genotipo wt/Δ32 se observó en todos los no progresores, lo que apoya su papel en esta forma de progresión clínica en este grupo.

OBJECTIVE: CCR5-Δ32 allele frequency needs to be identified in HIV+ patients and exposed seronegative individuals in Yucatan, Mexico, to understand this mutation's relationship to infection and disease progression. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 355 samples were analyzed: 62 from HIV+ patients, 51 from exposed seronegative individuals and 242 from general population. Infected patients were subdivided into a) normal progressors n= 49; b) slow progressors n= 10, and c) non-progressors n= 3. RESULTS: Genotype wt/Δ32 was identified in 17.7 percent of HIV+, 13.7 percent of exposed seronegative individuals and 6.2 percent of general population. Genotype Δ32/Δ32 was identified in 3.9 percent of exposed seronegative individuals. In infected patients, wt/Δ32 was identified in 10.2 percent of normal progressors, 30 percent of slow progressors and 100 percent of non-progressors. CONCLUSION: Genotype wt/Δ32 was observed in all non-progressing HIV+ patients, supporting its role in this group's disease development and clinical evolution.

[Hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance in patients with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy]. / Hiperlipidemia e intolerancia a la glucosa en un grupo de pacientes infectados con VIH que reciben terapia antirretrovírica hiperactiva.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of secondary effects on lipid metabolism as a result of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), as well as the impact of different types of antiretroviral regimens on lipids and glucose in a group of patients in Yucatan, Mexico. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A questionnaire created for this study was administered to each patient and total cholesterol, triglycerides and fasting glucose values were determined. The presence of hyperlipidemia and alterations in glucose were determined as well as their relation to the epidemiological variables obtained from the questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 211 subjects were studied [36 (17%) of which were women and 175 (83%) men]. Ninety-two patients (44%) were found to have hyperlipidemia. Of these, 43 (20%) had hypercholesterolemia (HC) and 82 (39%) hypertriglyceridaemia (HT). The presence of combined HC and HT was observed in 30 (14%) patients. Nineteen (9%) patients had alterations in glucose, six (3%) diabetes mellitus and 13 (6%) impaired glucose tolerance. The variables associated with the presence of hyperlipidemia were: levels of lymphocytes CD4 >350 cells/microl (OR = 2.79 1.08-7.27, p = 0.03), male gender (OR = 3.6 1.4-9.12, p = 0.006) and the use of nucleoside-reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI) (OR = 3.1 1.2-8.1, p = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with HIV infection who receive HAART have an increased risk of presenting hyperlipidemia. In this group of patients the presence of hyperlipidemia and impaired glucose tolerance was significant. Unlike what has been indicated in most published reports, the alterations of lipids were associated more frequently with INTR use, for which it is concluded that the pathogeny of these alterations is not unique, that it is probable that concurrent effects exist between different antiretroviral drug families and that other host factors are involved in the pathogenic mechanism of these alterations.

Resistencia antimicrobiana en la infección urinaria por Escherichia coli adquirida en la comunidad: ¿cuál antibiótico voy a usar? / Antibiotic resistance of Escherichia coli from community-acquired urinary tract infections: what antimicrobial to use?

OBJETIVO: Determinar la resistencia del uropatógeno comunitario más frecuente, Escherichia coli, a diversos antimicrobianos y deducir opciones de manejo empírico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Del 14 de julio de 2005 al 13 julio de 2006 se estudiaron cepas de Escherichia coli aisladas de urocultivos de pacientes que asistieron a la consulta externa de la Clínica Nova y del Hospital San José, en Monterrey, Nuevo León, México. Se identificó la bacteria y se determinó susceptibilidad a antibióticos mediante método automatizado. Se compararon los resultados entre las dos instituciones y la frecuencia de resistencia a antimicrobianos entre mujeres de entre 15 a 50 años de edad y > 50. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 652 urocultivos: 303 (46.5 por ciento) de Clínica Nova y 349 (53.5 por ciento) del Hospital San José. Las cepas aisladas fueron resistentes a ampicilina, en 67.2 por ciento; a trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol, en 59.2 por ciento; a cefazolina, en 35.6 por ciento, y a ciprofloxacino, en 24.7 por ciento. CONCLUSIONES: La resistencia a trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol y ciprofloxacino, considerados de elección en el manejo empírico de las infecciones de vías urinarias adquiridas en la comunidad, es alta. Las opciones de manejo son pocas.

OBJECTIVE: Determine antibiotic resistance of community-acquired uropathogen Escherichia coli and infer therapeutic options. MATERIAL AND METHODS: E. coli strains isolated from urine during a one-year period were studied. Identification and susceptibility tests were performed. RESULTS: A total of 652 isolates were included from patients in two institutions, a healthcare clinic 303 (46.5 percent) and a hospital 349 ( 53.5 percent). The antimicrobials with higher resistance rates were ampicillin 67.2 percent, trimethoprim-sulfametoxazole 59.2 percent, cefazolin 35.6 percent and ciprofloxacin 24.7 percent. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and ciprofloxacin used for empiric treatment in community urinary infections is high, and there are few available treatment options.

Frequency of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus in patients with hepatic cirrhosis in Yucatan, Mexico.

OBJECTIVE: To report the prevalence of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) in a group of patients with hepatic cirrhosis (HC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective transversal and descriptive study was carried out from March 1998 to May 1999. Study subjects were 153 patients; 117 (76%) male and 36 (24%) female, diagnosed with HC. They were attended at the General Hospital Agustin O'Horan and at Regional Research Center Doctor Hideyo Noguchi, in Merida, Yucatan, Mexico. A clinical-epidemiologic questionnaire completed by interview was used for data collection. Anti-HCV were detected using a 2nd generation enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA-2). To confirm diagnosis, a second generation recombining immunoblot assay (RIBA-2) was used. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HbsAg) and antibodies against the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) were determined using ELISA. The presence of anti-HCV was related to the epidemiologic variables of study subjects. The prevalence of anti-HCV was obtained and the frequency of the characteristics obtained by interview were compared among the positive and negative patients through the chi 2 test and the Fisher's exact test, as needed. RESULTS: Among patients with HC (35/117 (30%) male and 14/36 (39%) female), 32% were positive to anti-HCV. Alcoholism was present in all seroreactive males and absent in all positive females (p < 0.001). Data obtained through an interview were not associated with seropositivity. Anti-HBc was found in 16% of patients positive to anti-HCV and in 12% of seronegatives (p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence found was greater than previous reports in the general population in the Yucatan Peninsula (1.3%). The high prevalence of anti-HCV in these patients suggests that HC is more frequently associated with HCV in Yucatan, Mexico than hepatitis B. Alcoholism probably acts as a cofactor for the development of HC in males.

Hyperlipidemia and glucose intolerance in patients with HIV infection receiving antiretroviral therapy

OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de los efectos secundarios sobre el metabolismo de los lípidos y la glucosa provocados por la terapia antirretrovírica hiperactiva (TARHA), así como el impacto que el uso de los distintos esquemas de antirretrovíricos tiene sobre los lípidos y la glucosa en un grupo de pacientes de Yucatán, México.MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio transversal. A cada paciente se le aplicó un cuestionario creado para este estudio y se le determinaron los valores de colesterol total, triglicéridos y glucosa en ayuno. Se determinó la prevalencia de hiperlipidemia y alteraciones de la glucosa y su relación con las variables de la encuesta.RESULTADOS: Se estudiaron 211 pacientes, 36 (17%) mujeres y 175 (83%) hombres; 92 (44%) tuvieron hiperlipidemia. De éstos, 43 (20%) presentaron hipercolesterolemia (HC) y 82 (39%) hipertrigliceridemia (HT). La presencia de HC e HT combinadas se verificó en 30 (14%) pacientes; además, 19 (9%) pacientes exhibieron alteraciones en la glucosa, seis (3%) presentaron diabetes mellitus y 13 (6%), intolerancia a la glucosa. Las variables que se vincularon con la presencia de hiperlipidemia fueron los números de linfocitos CD4 >350 células/µl [RM= 2.79 (1.08-7.27), p= 0.03], el género masculino [RM= 3.6 (1.4-9.12), p= 0.006] y el uso de nucleósidos inhibidores de la transcriptasa inversa (NITI) [RM= 3.1 (1.2-8.1), p= 0.01].CONCLUSIONES: Los pacientes con la infección por el VIH que reciben terapia antirretroviral (TAR) tienen un riesgo aumentado de presentar dislipidemia. A diferencia de lo que informan la mayor parte las publicaciones, las alteraciones de los lípidos se asociaron con más frecuencia al uso de NITI, por lo que se concluye que la patogenia de estas alteraciones no es única y que resulta probable la existencia de un efecto sinérgico entre las distintas familias de fármacos antirretrovíricos y que otros factores del huésped participen en la génesis de estas alteraciones.

Frequency of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus in patients with hepatic cirrhosis in Yucatan, Mexico

OBJETIVO: En este estudio reportamos la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra el virus C de la hepatitis (Ac-VCH) en un grupo de pacientes con cirrosis hepática (CH). MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se hizo un estudio prospectivo, transversal y descriptivo, de marzo de 1998 a mayo de 1999. Se estudiaron a 153 pacientes (117 (76 por ciento) hombres y 36 (24 por ciento) mujeres) con diagnóstico de CH, que eran atendidos en el Hospital General Agustín O' Horan y en el Centro de Investigaciones Regionales Doctor Hideyo Noguchi, en la ciudad de Mérida, Yucatán, México. Se aplicó un cuestionario con datos clínico-epidemiológicos y se determinó la presencia de Ac-VCH (ELISA de 2ª generación y RIBA-2 para confirmar el diagnóstico) a cada paciente. Se determinó también el antígeno de superficie de la hepatitis B (AgsHB) y anticuerpos contra el antígeno central de la hepatitis B (Anti-HBc) mediante el método de ELISA. La presencia de Ac-VCH fue relacionada con las variables epidemiológicas de los sujetos. La prevalencia de anti-HCV y la frecuencia de características se compararon entre los pacientes positivos y negativos con las pruebas de c² y exacta de Fisher. RESULTADOS: El 32 por ciento de los pacientes con CH (35/117 (30 por ciento) hombres y 14/36 (39 por ciento) mujeres) fueron positivos para los Ac-VCH. El alcoholismo estuvo presente en todos los hombres serorreactivos y en ninguna de las mujeres positivas (p< 0.001). Ninguna de las variables epidemiológicas analizadas estuvo asociada con la seropositividad. Los anti-HBc se encontraron en 16 por ciento de los pacientes positivos para Ac-VCH y en 12 por ciento de los seronegativos (p=0.69). CONCLUSIONES: La prevalencia encontrada fue mayor a los reportes previos realizados en población general de la Península de Yucatán (1.3 por ciento). La alta prevalencia de Ac-VCH en este grupo de pacientes sugiere que la CH está más frecuentemente asociada con el VCH en Yucatán, México, que con el virus B de la hepatitis. El alcoholismo probablemente actúa como un cofactor en el desarrollo de CH en los hombres

Prevalencia de anticuerpos contra el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (CAC-VIH) en su expresión clínica en un grupo de homosexuales del sexo masculino de Mérida, Yucatán / Prevalence of antibodies against human inmunodeficiency virus and its clinical expression in a homoxesual group from Mérida, Yucatán, México

Se reporta la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (Ac-VIH) y su expresión clínica en una población homosexual masculina residente en Mérida, Yucatán, México. Se estudiaron 61 sujetos de septiembre de 1985 a octuble de 1986. La edad promedio del grupo fue de 27 años (14-52). En 15 sujetos (24.6%) se encontraron Ac-VIH (detectados a través de ensayo inmunoenzimático y comprobados por inmunoelectrotransferencia). Estos resultados se relacionaron con la edad, medio socioeconómico, hábitos sexuales, número de parejas y relaciones sexuales, relaciones sexuales con extranjeros, viajes al extranjeros y drogadicción intravenosa. Se encontró relación directa entre el nivel socioeconomico (x2 = 31.4, p<0.,003) y el hecho de tener relaciones sexuales con extranjeros (x2 = 4.93, p<0.026) con la presencia de Ac-VIH. En cinco casos el contagio fue autóctono. En seis sujetos seronegativos el único dato anormal fue la adenopatía cervical. En cinco sujetos seropositivos se ha documentado síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (dos desde la primera evaluación, dos más al año de vigilancia y el otro caso a los seis meses) y en ocho más alguna expresión del espectro clínico de la infección del VIH. Dos sujetos seropositivos permaneceran asintomáticos a los 7 y 9 meses de vigilancia médica (ASU)

Antucuerpos contra el virus de inmunodeficiencia humana en una población homosexual population / Antibodies against human immunodeficiency virus in a homosexual population

Entre agosto de 1987 y febrero de 1988, se reclutaron en forma voluntaria a través de la comunidad homosexual de Cancún, quintana Roo, 60 homosexuales masculinos en quienes se realizó un estudio seroepidemiológico transversal en relación con anticuerpos contra el Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana. Se detectó seropositividad (a través de ensayo inmunoenzimático y electroinmuno transferencia) en seis sujetos estudiados. No se encontró relación estadísticamente significativa entre la seropositividad y la edad, nivel socieconómico y el atecedente de relaciones sexuales con extranjeros. Se pudo establecer una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la seropsitividad y el número de relaciones sexuales/mes y el número de parejas sexuales/mes. Las prácticas bisexuales fueron un hecho frecuente en todo el grupo. Dos sujetos seropositivos se clasificaron en la etapa II de la infección del VIH, uno en etapa III, dos en etapa IV-A y uno más en etapa IV-c2

Between augustl1987, and february/1988, 60 homosexual-men from Cancun, Q. Roo, Mexico, were studied determine the prevalence of my antibodies (Elisa and Western Blot). Six subjects were seropositive. No relationship was found between HIV antibodies and age, socioeconomic level or sexual intercourse with foreing subjects. The number of sexual partners/month, and the number of sexual intercourses/month were associate with the presence of HIV antibodies. Bisexual practice were found in 43 percent of all the group. Two subjec with my antibodies were classified in the phase II of HIV infection, one in phase III, two in phase IV-A and one more in phase IV-c2.

Manifestaciones cardiacas en pacientes con la infección por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana / Cardiac manifestations in patients infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Introducción. La afección cardíaca por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana ha sido poco descrita. Por lo general es producida por agentes oportunistas. El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la prevalencia de afección cardíaca en pacientes con la infección por el VIH.Material y Métodos. Pacientes con la infección por el VIH de Mérida, Yucatán, México, a los que se les efectuó un exámen clínico, se les completó un cuestionario con datos clínico-epidemiológico y se les realizó electrocardiograma en reposo, teleradiografía de torax y ecocardiograma. Se determinó la prevalencia de afección cardíaca y se compararon las variables categóricas a través de la X2 y/o la prueba exacta de Fisher. Resultados. De junio de 1996 a mayo de 1999, se estudiaron a 37 sujetos, 3(8 por ciento) mujeres y 34 (92 por ciento) hombres. Veintisiete (73 por ciento) se encontraban en etapa Sida y las alteraciones cardiológicas estuvieron presentes en 13 (48 por ciento) pacientes en etapa Sida y en ninguno en otras etapas de la enfermedad (p<0.001). Las alteraciones más comúnes fueron la miopericarditis 7/13 (54 por ciento) sujetos y la miocarditis sola 3/13 (23 por ciento) pacientes. Discusión. Se confirma la participación cardíaca en la infección por el VIH, observándose una prevalencia global del 48 por ciento. Todos los pacientes que presentaron alteraciones se encontraban en etapa Sida de la enfermedad, lo que confirma que estas alteraciones se presentan en estadios avanzados de la infección.

Hemoglobinuria Paroxística Nocturna: apuntaciones sobre su historia / Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria: notes on its history

La hemoglobinuria Paroxística Nocturna (HPN) fue descrita inicialmente por William Gull en 1866, en Londres Inglaterra y representa desde su descripción inicial un buen ejemplo de la evolución de los conceptos y conocimientos, en función del tiempo, en torno a una enfermedad. A William Gull le corresponde el mérito de haber descrito que el pigmento excretado en orina no correspondía a glóbulos rojos (GR). En 1882 Paul Strübing comunicó la siguiente descripción de la HPN. Strübing describió la asociación entre la hemoglobinuria y el ejercicio físico; propuso que la anormalidad residía en los GR, que al circular por los riñones sufrían hemólisis y describió la asociación entre la administración de hierro y las crisis de hemólisis. El nombre de HPN fue establecido en 1928 por Enneking. En 1911, Hijmans-van den Berg demostró que la acidificación de sueros normales o de pacientes con HPN, inducía lisis en los GR de pacientes con HPN. Sin embargo las observaciones de Thomas Hale Ham en 1937, que le permitieron proponer que el defecto de los GR en la HPN consistía en una mayor susceptibilidad a la lisis por el complemento (C'). Pangburn y col. y el grupo de Nicholson-Weller en 1983, describieron que en la HPN existe disminución cuantitativa del factor que acelera la degradación de las convertasas del C' fijadas a la membrana (DAF = "decay accelerating factor", o CD55). En 1987 y 1988, Zalman y col. y Blaas y cols., respectivamente, describen la deficiencia en esta células de la proteina reguladora de la fracción C-59, el inhibidor de membrana de la lisis reactiva o CD59. En 1992, Mahoney y col. y Hirose y su grupo demostraron que en la HPN la síntesis del glucosilfosfatidil inositol (PIG) era defectuosa, lo que en su turno impedía se anclaran las proteinas antes descritas. Estudios realizados por Takeda y col., en la Universidad de Osaka Japón, y publicados en 1993 permitieron clonar el gen PIG (gen PIG-A) e identificaron en la HPN una mutación somática que ocasionaba la pérdida de la función del gen PIG-A. En la actualidad se postula que la clona de HPN emerge como defensa a algún factor externo o interno que inhiba la hematopoyesis normal, pero incapaz de inhibir las células hematopoyéticas deficientes en las protéinas ancladas en el PIG