The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979 / La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979 / The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

Prevalence of skin diseases in children 1 to 6 years old in the city of Bogota, Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Skin diseases represent an important part of the morbidity among children and are possibly influenced by geographic, racial, social, cultural, and economic factors. Despite being so frequent around the world, skin diseases have not been important in developing strategies in public health. AIM: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of skin diseases among the student population between 1 and 6 years of age in Bogotá, Colombia between March 2009 and June 2011. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was performed across a probabilistic, stratified, randomized sampling by proportional assignment (based on locality and type of institution) and was developed in schools in Bogotá, Colombia. RESULTS: A total of 2437 children between 1 and 6 years of age were examined, and 42.8% (1035) presented a dermatologic disease. Papular urticaria was the most frequent (62.9%) (IC: 58.4%; 67.1%), followed by dermatitis/eczema (13.0%) (IC: 10.8%; 15.4%), and infectious diseases (12.3%) (IC: 9.7%; 15.3%). CONCLUSION: The research demonstrates a high prevalence of papular urticaria as a result of flea and mosquito bites and infectious diseases of the skin in the studied population. The dermatologic diseases found are easy to diagnose, respond to the proper treatment, and are preventable. However, the fact that many of the examined children likely had not visited the doctor for the detected pathology could indicate the lack of access to health services affecting this population.

Importancia, definición y conflictos de la autoría en publicaciones científicas / Importance, definition and conflicts of authorship in scientific publications / Importância, definição e conflitos da autoria em publicações científicas

Resumen Definir la autoría en artículos y documentos científicos es un proceso esencial y complejo, que encierra subjetividad y depende de convenios establecidos en general de palabra, lo que puede ocasionar conflictos entre los investigadores. Se han publicado algunas guías con lineamientos generales para mejorar esta práctica, sin embargo son pocos los procedimientos cuantitativos para precisar autoría y coautoría de un escrito científico, y no hay consenso para definir los autores y el orden en que deben aparecer. Con este artículo intentamos rescatar algunos criterios y consideraciones para determinar el listado de autores en textos científicos.

Abstract Defining authorship in scientific articles and documents is an essential and complex process that involves subjectivity and depends on largely informal agreements, which may cause conflict among researchers. Although some guidelines have been published to improve this practice, there are few quantitative procedures in the literature to specify authorship and co-authorship of a scientific paper, and there is no consensus on the definition of authors and the order in which they should be listed. With this article we try to review a few criteria and considerations for determining author lists in scientific articles.

Resumo Definir a autoria de artigos e documentos científicos é um processo essencial e complexo, que envolve subjetividade e depende de acordos quase sempre informais, o que pode causar conflitos entre pesquisadores. Algumas diretrizes foram publicadas para aperfeiçoar esta prática, mas ainda são poucos os procedimentos quantitativos para estabelecer a autoria e a coautoria de textos científicos, e não há consenso para definir os autores e a ordem em que devem aparecer. Com este artigo, visamos recapitular alguns critérios e considerações para determinar a ordem de autoria em artigos científicos.

Zika Virus Disease in Colombia - Preliminary Report.

BACKGROUND: Colombia began official surveillance for Zika virus disease (ZVD) in August 2015. In October 2015, an outbreak of ZVD was declared after laboratory-confirmed disease was identified in nine patients. METHODS: Using the national population-based surveillance system, we assessed patients with clinical symptoms of ZVD from August 9, 2015, to April 2, 2016. Laboratory test results and pregnancy outcomes were evaluated for a subgroup of pregnant women. Concurrently, we investigated reports of microcephaly for evidence of congenital ZVD. RESULTS: By April 2, 2016, there were 65,726 cases of ZVD reported in Colombia, of which 2485 (4%) were confirmed by means of reverse-transcriptase-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR) assay. The overall reported incidence of ZVD among female patients was twice that in male patients. A total of 11,944 pregnant women with ZVD were reported in Colombia, with 1484 (12%) of these cases confirmed on RT-PCR assay. In a subgroup of 1850 pregnant women, more than 90% of women who were reportedly infected during the third trimester had given birth, and no infants with apparent abnormalities, including microcephaly, have been identified. A majority of the women who contracted ZVD in the first or second trimester were still pregnant at the time of this report. Among the cases of microcephaly investigated from January 2016 through April 2016, four patients had laboratory evidence of congenital ZVD; all were born to asymptomatic mothers who were not included in the ZVD surveillance system. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary surveillance data in Colombia suggest that maternal infection with the Zika virus during the third trimester of pregnancy is not linked to structural abnormalities in the fetus. However, the monitoring of the effect of ZVD on pregnant women in Colombia is ongoing. (Funded by Colombian Instituto Nacional de Salud and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.).

Care practices associated with breastfeeding among pregnant and lactating women / Prácticas de cuidado en mujeres gestantes y lactantes asociadas a la lactancia materna

Descriptive cross-sectional study with 417 pregnant women and 388 lactating women, belonging to a Comprehensive Care Program in Bogotá. A modular survey was applied with sociodemographic and health variables analyzed by frequency distributions, central tendency, and dispersion, with bivariate and multivariate analyses used to calculate odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. 17% were under 18 years of age. Only 66.8% of all of the women had immediate skin-to-skin contact with their child. The risk factors for skin-to-skin contact and early initiation of breastfeeding were type of delivery (cesarean) (OR: 23.15, 95% Cl: 12.99,41.25) and (OR: 2.6, 95% Cl: 1.43, 4.73) respectively; In addition, newborn hospitalization for more than 3 days was also a risk factor for the early initiation of breastfeeding (OR: 2.85, 95% Cl: 1.42, 5.72). Not having skin-to-skin contact between the mother and her newborn was a risk factor for the early initiation of breastfeeding (OR: 2.43; Cl: 1.34; 4.41).

Estudio descriptivo transversal con 417 gestantes y 388 mujeres lactantes, perteneciente a Programa de Atención Integral en Bogotá. Encuesta modular aplicada con variables sociodemográficas y salud analizadas por distribuciones de frecuencia, tendencia central, dispersión, análisis bivariados y multivariados para calcular odds-ratios (OR) con intervalos de confianza (95%). 17% menores de 18 años. Solamente el 66.8% de todas las participantes tuvieron contacto piel a piel con sus hijos. Los factores de riesgo para el contacto piel a piel y el inicio temprano de la lactancia materna fueron el tipo de parto (cesárea) (OR: 23.15, IC95%: 12.99, 41.25) y (OR: 2.6, IC95%: 1.43, 4.73) r espectivamente; además, para el inicio temprano de la lactancia materna también fue factor de riesgo la hospitalización del recién nacido por más de 3 días (OR: 2.85, IC95%: 1.42, 5.72). No tener contacto piel a piel entre la madre y su recién nacido fue un factor de riesgo para el inicio temprano de la lactancia materna (OR: 2.43, 1C: 1.34, 4.41).

Inequalities on mortality due to acute respiratory infection in children: A Colombian analysis / Desigualdades en la mortalidad debidas a la infección respiratoria aguda en niños: análisis de la situación en Colombia

Introduction: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a leading public health issue worldwide. Objective: To explore the inequalities in ARI mortality rates in under-5, according to socioeconomic characteristics. Materials and methods: We conducted an ecological analysis to study inequalities at municipal level due to ARI mortality in children under 5 years. The data were obtained from official death records of the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. The analysis of inequalities in the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) included: 1) Classification of the population in different socio-economic strata, and 2) measurement of the degree of inequality. We used the ARI-U5MR as an outcome measurement. The mortality rates were estimated at national and municipal levels for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2013. Rate ratios, rates differences, and concentration curves were calculated to observe the inequalities. Results: A total of 18,012 children under 5 years died by ARI in Colombia from 2000 to 2013. ARIU5MR was greater in boys than in girls. During this period, an increase in the infant mortality relative gap in both boys and girls was observed. In 2013, the U5MR evidenced that for boys from municipalities with the highest poverty had a 1.6-fold risk to die than those in municipalities with the lowest poverty (low tercile). In girls, the ARI-U5MR for 2005 and 2013 in the poorest tercile was 1.5 and 2 times greater than in the first tercile, respectively. Conclusion: Colombian inequalities in the ARI mortality rate among the poorest municipalities compared to the richest ones continue to be a major challenge in public health.

Introducción. Las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) son un importante problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Explorar las desigualdades de la tasa de mortalidad debida a IRA en niños menores de 5 años según las variables socioeconómicas. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un análisis ecológico para estudiar las desigualdades a nivel municipal de las tasas de mortalidad por IRA en menores de 5 años. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de los registros de muertes del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. El análisis de desigualdades incluyó la clasificación de la población por estatus socioeconómico y la medición del grado de desigualdad. Como resultado en salud se utilizó la tasa de mortalidad por IRA en menores de 5 años. Se estimaron tasas a nivel nacional y municipal para 2000, 2005, 2010 y 2013. Se calcularon razones y diferencias de tasas y curvas de concentración para observar las desigualdades. Resultados. Entre 2000 y 2013 murieron por IRA en Colombia 18.012 menores de 5 años. La tasa de mortalidad por ARI fue mayor en niños que en niñas. En el periodo, se observó un incremento en la brecha de mortalidad infantil en ambos sexos. En el 2013, la tasa de niños que murieron en municipios con mayor pobreza fue 1,6 veces mayor que la de niños en aquellos con menos pobreza. En niñas, en el 2005 y el 2013, la tasa en el tercil más pobre fue 1,5 y 2 veces mayor que la del primer tercil, respectivamente. Conclusión. Las desigualdades en la tasa de mortalidad por IRA de los municipios más pobres en comparación con la de los más ricos, continúan siendo un reto importante en salud pública.

[Complicated Malaria in Chocó: clinical findings and data comparison with the monitoring system]. / Malaria complicada en el Chocó: hallazgos clínicos y comparación de datos con el sistema de vigilancia.

OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological and clinical cases of complicated malaria and to establish the concordance of this information in the surveillance system. METHODOLOGY: Information was obtained from medical records of cases reported in 2011 in the surveillance system and the Hospital San Francisco. We selected a clinical sample of 62 stories of 113 cases and health professionals reviewed the information. The presence of positive thick drop with one or more criteria of complication was taken into account to define if the clinical history corresponded to complicated malaria, according to guide national clinic and tab of the surveillance system. Statistical significance was determined with Chi square and the Kappa statistic. RESULTS: The 37.0% of cases presented a complication, 63.0% had two or more complications. Major complications were thrombocytopenia and severe anemia, followed by hepatic complication, hiperparasitemia, renal insufficiency and cerebral malaria. In 3 of the 54 cases intravenous artesunate was used, quinine was used in 59.2%. Comparison of demographic variables and parasitic species between history and the surveillance system show no significant difference but type of complication was almost nil. The major reported complications do not appear on the notification tab. DISCUSSION: Further studies need to be continued in order to contribute to the clinical characterization of malaria in the Department and Management interventions. Adjustments to format are recommended to strengthen analysis and decision-making.

OBJETIVOS: Describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de casos de malaria complicada y establecer la concordancia de esta información con el sistema de vigilancia. METODOLOGÍA: La información se obtuvo de historias clínicas de casos informados en 2011 en el sistema de vigilancia atendidos en el Hospital San Francisco. Se seleccionó una muestra de 62 historias clínicas de 113 casos. Para definir que la historia clínica correspondía a malaria complicada se tuvo en cuenta la presencia de gota gruesa positiva con uno o más criterios de complicación, según la guía clínica nacional y la ficha del sistema de vigilancia. La significancia estadística se determinó con el Chi2 y el estadístico Kappa. RESULTADOS: El 37% de los casos presentó una complicación, el 63% presentaron dos o más complicaciones. Las principales complicaciones fueron trombocitopenia y anemia severa, seguido de complicación hepática, hiperparasitemia, insuficiencia renal y malaria cerebral. En tres de los 54 casos, se usó el Artesunato intravenoso. Se utilizó Quinina en el 59,2% de los casos.La comparación de variables demográficas y especie parasitaria entre las fuentes utilizadas no muestra diferencias significativas, pero el acuerdo general de tipo de complicación fue casi nulo. Las principales complicaciones reportadas no aparecen en la ficha de notificación. DISCUSIÓN: Es necesario continuar otros estudios con el fin de contribuir en la caracterización clínica de la malaria en el Departamento y las intervenciones de manejo. Se recomiendan ajustes a la ficha para fortalecer el análisis y la toma de decisiones.

Congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis, Zika and chikungunya virus infections: a case report

We report a case of intrauterine infection by Toxoplasma gondii, Chikungunya and Zika viruses in a Colombian woman from the southern part of the country. The patient attended prenatal care in the second trimester of her pregnancy and she informed that in the first trimester she had presented with clinical symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection. Amniotic fluid PCR assays showed infection by T. gondii, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Diagnostic imaging showed fetal malformation of the central nervous system. At 29 weeks of gestation, pregnancy was terminated medically.

Toxoplasmosis cerebral congénita e infección por el virus del Zika y del chikunguña: reporte de un caso / Congenital cerebral toxoplasmosis, Zika and chikungunya virus infections: A case report

Resumen En este artículo se describe el caso clínico de una mujer colombiana del sur del país con diagnóstico de infección intrauterina por Toxoplasma gondii y por los virus del chikungunya y del Zika. La mujer acudió al control prenatal en el segundo trimestre de su embarazo e informó que durante el primer trimestre había presentado síntomas indicativos de infección por el virus del Zika. Mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) en líquido amniótico, se demostró infección por Toxoplasma gondii así como por los virus del chikungunya y del Zika. En las imágenes diagnósticas se observaron malformaciones del sistema nervioso central en el feto. A las 29 semanas de gestación se dio por terminado el embarazo mediante procedimiento médico.

Abstract We report a case of intrauterine infection by Toxoplasma gondii, Chikungunya and Zika viruses in a Colombian woman from the southern part of the country. The patient attended prenatal care in the second trimester of her pregnancy and she informed that in the first trimester she had presented with clinical symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection. Amniotic fluid PCR assays showed infection by T. gondii, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Diagnostic imaging showed fetal malformation of the central nervous system. At 29 weeks of gestation, pregnancy was terminated medically.

Malaria complicada en el Chocó: hallazgos clínicos y comparación de datos con el sistema de vigilancia / Complicated Malaria in Chocó: clinical findings and data comparison with the monitoring system

RESUMEN Objetivos Describir las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de casos de malaria complicada y establecer la concordancia de esta información con el sistema de vigilancia. Metodología La información se obtuvo de historias clínicas de casos informados en 2011 en el sistema de vigilancia atendidos en el Hospital San Francisco. Se seleccionó una muestra de 62 historias clínicas de 113 casos. Para definir que la historia clínica correspondía a malaria complicada se tuvo en cuenta la presencia de gota gruesa positiva con uno o más criterios de complicación, según la guía clínica nacional y la ficha del sistema de vigilancia. La significancia estadística se determinó con el Chi2 y el estadístico Kappa. Resultados El 37% de los casos presentó una complicación, el 63% presentaron dos o más complicaciones. Las principales complicaciones fueron trombocitopenia y anemia severa, seguido de complicación hepática, hiperparasitemia, insuficiencia renal y malaria cerebral. En tres de los 54 casos, se usó el Artesunato intravenoso. Se utilizó Quinina en el 59,2% de los casos. La comparación de variables demográficas y especie parasitaria entre las fuentes utilizadas no muestra diferencias significativas, pero el acuerdo general de tipo de complicación fue casi nulo. Las principales complicaciones reportadas no aparecen en la ficha de notificación. Discusión Es necesario continuar otros estudios con el fin de contribuir en la caracterización clínica de la malaria en el Departamento y las intervenciones de manejo. Se recomiendan ajustes a la ficha para fortalecer el análisis y la toma de decisiones.(AU)

ABSTRACT Objectives To describe the epidemiological and clinical cases of complicated malaria and to establish the concordance of this information in the surveillance system. Methodology Information was obtained from medical records of cases reported in 2011 in the surveillance system and the Hospital San Francisco. We selected a clinical sample of 62 stories of 113 cases and health professionals reviewed the information. The presence of positive thick drop with one or more criteria of complication was taken into account to define if the clinical history corresponded to complicated malaria, according to guide national clinic and tab of the surveillance system. Statistical significance was determined with Chi square and the Kappa statistic. Results The 37.0% of cases presented a complication, 63.0% had two or more complications. Major complications were thrombocytopenia and severe anemia, followed by hepatic complication, hiperparasitemia, renal insufficiency and cerebral malaria. In 3 of the 54 cases intravenous artesunate was used, quinine was used in 59.2%. Comparison of demographic variables and parasitic species between history and the surveillance system show no significant difference but type of complication was almost nil. The major reported complications do not appear on the notification tab. Discussion Further studies need to be continued in order to contribute to the clinical characterization of malaria in the Department and Management interventions. Adjustments to format are recommended to strengthen analysis and decision-making.(AU)

Inequalities on mortality due to acute respiratory infection in children: A Colombian analysis. / Desigualdades en la mortalidad por infección respiratoria aguda en niños: un análisis colombiano

INTRODUCTION: Acute respiratory infections (ARI) are a leading public health issue worldwide. OBJECTIVE: To explore the inequalities in ARI mortality rates in under-5, according to socioeconomic characteristics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted an ecological analysis to study inequalities at municipal level due to ARI mortality in children under 5 years. The data were obtained from official death records of the Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. The analysis of inequalities in the under-5 mortality rate (U5MR) included: 1) Classification of the population in different socio-economic strata, and 2) measurement of the degree of inequality. We used the ARI-U5MR as an outcome measurement.The mortality rates were estimated at national and municipal levels for the years 2000, 2005, 2010, and 2013. Rate ratios, rates differences, and concentration curves were calculated to observe the inequalities. RESULTS: A total of 18,012 children under 5 years died by ARI in Colombia from 2000 to 2013. ARIU5MR was greater in boys than in girls. During this period, an increase in the infant mortality relative gap in both boys and girls was observed. In 2013, the U5MR evidenced that for boys from municipalities with the highest poverty had a 1.6-fold risk to die than those in municipalities with the lowest poverty (low tercile). In girls, the ARI-U5MR for 2005 and 2013 in the poorest tercile was 1.5 and 2 times greater than in the first tercile, respectively. CONCLUSION: Colombian inequalities in the ARI mortality rate among the poorest municipalities compared to the richest ones continue to be a major challenge in public health.

Introducción. Las infecciones respiratorias agudas (IRA) son un importante problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. Objetivo. Explorar las desigualdades de la tasa de mortalidad debida a IRA (TM-IRA) en <5 años, de acuerdo a variables socioeconómicas. Materiales y métodos. Se realizó un análisis ecológico para estudiar las desigualdades a nivel municipal de las TM-IRA en <5 años. Los datos se obtuvieron a partir de registros de muertes del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística. En análisis de desigualdades en <5 incluyó: 1) Clasificación de la población por estatus socioeconómico y 2) Medición del grado de desigualdad. Como resultado en salud se utilizó la TM-IRA en <5 años. Se estimaron tasas a nivel nacional y municipal para 2000, 2005, 2010, 2013. Se calcularon razones y diferencias de tasas y curvas de concentración para observar las desigualdades. Resultados. Entre 2000-2013 murieron en Colombia por IRA 18.012 <5 años. La TM-ARI fue mayor en niños que en niñas. En el periodo, se observó un incremento en la brecha de mortalidad infantil en ambos sexos. En 2013, la tasa en niños que murieron en municipios con mayor pobreza fue 1,6 veces mayor que la de niños en aquellos con menor. En niñas, para 2015 y 2013, la tasa en el tercil más pobre fue 1,5 y 2 veces mayor que la del primer tercil, respectivamente. Conclusión. Las desigualdades en la TM-IRA entre los municipios más pobres en comparación con los más ricos continúan siendo un reto importante en salud pública.

Urban malaria transmission in a non-endemic area in the Andean region of Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Rapid urbanisation in difficult socio-economic conditions such as inadequate housing infrastructure, lack of public services, improper sanitation, and poor water drainage systems in vegetation-rich areas lead to ecological conditions that are conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes and transmission of malaria, in semi-urban and urban settings. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to describe the cases of malaria that were reported in the peri-urban areas of Pereira (Colombia), between 2008 and 2015. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using data from the Malaria Surveillance System 2009-2015 and an outbreak study (between December 2008 and March 2009). Frequency distributions and summary measures, as well as univariate analysis were performed for all the variables in consideration. The annual parasite index (API) was calculated. FINDINGS: Data on 214 cases were obtained from the surveillance system. A majority of the cases were reported in men (63.1%), followed by in children < 15 years (23.8%), and were caused predominantly by Plasmodium vivax (86.0%), with most of the infection occurring in the urban areas (52.8%) of Pereira. The API, by sex and age group, was higher among men ≥ 80 years. The outbreak study reported 14 cases of malaria in rural/peri-urban neighborhoods, and it was observed that the anopheline breeding sites were in close proximity to the houses in these areas. This population did not use protective measures against mosquitoes and chemical control was conducted through residual and spatial insecticide spraying. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: This study suggested the presence of autochthonous malaria transmission, in Pereira, between 2008 and 2015, most of which were cases of P. vivax. A greater intensity was observed between 2008 and 2009 when malaria was possibly reintroduced to the region. During the years of the study, a gradual decrease in the number of reported cases of malaria was observed in Pereira, except for the time period between 2008 and 2009 when a spike was noted (estimated using the API); this was most likely caused by an outbreak. Interventions that are more aggressive in nature are required to prevent further malarial transmission and dissemination.

Urban malaria transmission in a non-endemic area in the Andean region of Colombia

BACKGROUND Rapid urbanisation in difficult socio-economic conditions such as inadequate housing infrastructure, lack of public services, improper sanitation, and poor water drainage systems in vegetation-rich areas lead to ecological conditions that are conducive to the breeding of mosquitoes and transmission of malaria, in semi-urban and urban settings. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to describe the cases of malaria that were reported in the peri-urban areas of Pereira (Colombia), between 2008 and 2015. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted using data from the Malaria Surveillance System 2009-2015 and an outbreak study (between December 2008 and March 2009). Frequency distributions and summary measures, as well as univariate analysis were performed for all the variables in consideration. The annual parasite index (API) was calculated. FINDINGS Data on 214 cases were obtained from the surveillance system. A majority of the cases were reported in men (63.1%), followed by in children < 15 years (23.8%), and were caused predominantly by Plasmodium vivax (86.0%), with most of the infection occurring in the urban areas (52.8%) of Pereira. The API, by sex and age group, was higher among men ≥ 80 years. The outbreak study reported 14 cases of malaria in rural/peri-urban neighborhoods, and it was observed that the anopheline breeding sites were in close proximity to the houses in these areas. This population did not use protective measures against mosquitoes and chemical control was conducted through residual and spatial insecticide spraying. MAIN CONCLUSIONS This study suggested the presence of autochthonous malaria transmission, in Pereira, between 2008 and 2015, most of which were cases of P. vivax. A greater intensity was observed between 2008 and 2009 when malaria was possibly reintroduced to the region. During the years of the study, a gradual decrease in the number of reported cases of malaria was observed in Pereira, except for the time period between 2008 and 2009 when a spike was noted (estimated using the API); this was most likely caused by an outbreak. Interventions that are more aggressive in nature are required to prevent further malarial transmission and dissemination.

Prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bites and associated factors in children 1-6 years of age in Bogotá, D.C.

BACKGROUND: Papular urticaria is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by exposure to arthropod bites. The disease has been reported in children attending medical centers, but the causes as the risk factors associated with the disease have not been established. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bite and identify the risk factors in children between 1 to 6 years of age in Bogotá D.C, between March 2009 and June 2011. METHODS: A cross-sectional, two-stage, clustered study using random probability sampling and stratified with proportional allocation was carried out in children (1-6 years of age) in educational institutions in Bogotá D.C. to determine the prevalence of the disease. Children underwent a dermatological examination by general practitioners with a previous training. Furthermore, digital photographs of skin lesions were taken for further confirmation of the diagnosis by dermatologists. A structured survey was completed by the parents or caregivers, and it was evaluated using an unconditional logistic regression to identify factors associated with the disease. RESULTS: A total of 2437 children were included in the study. The prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bite in this population was 20.3% (CI 95%: 18.2 to 22.5%). The major risk factors associated with the disease were the presence of fleas in households (OR 1.74, CI 95%: 1.35 to 2.25), using mattresses without springs (OR 1.73, CI 95%: 1.20 to 2.50), the use of daily public transportation to carry the children to the educational institutions (OR 1.76, CI 95%: 1.07 to 2.89), having a soil/earth floor in the main bedroom (OR 6.81, CI 95%:1.16-39.96), and having siblings with a history of atopic dermatitis (OR 1.76 CI 95%: 1.07-2.89). CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of papular urticaria caused by flea bite was found in Bogotá D.C. The main factors associated with the disease might be modified with the implementation of prevention, control strategies in housing, educational institutions, and public transportation.

Zika virus disease-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome-Barranquilla, Colombia 2015-2016.

BACKGROUND: An outbreak of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a disorder characterized by acute, symmetric limb weakness with decreased or absent deep-tendon reflexes, was reported in Barranquilla, Colombia, after the introduction of Zika virus in 2015. We reviewed clinical data for GBS cases in Barranquilla and performed a case-control investigation to assess the association of suspect and probable Zika virus disease with GBS. METHODS: We used the Brighton Collaboration Criteria to confirm reported GBS patients in Barranquilla during October 2015-April 2016. In April 2016, two neighborhood and age range-matched controls were selected for each confirmed GBS case-patient. We obtained demographics and antecedent symptoms in the 2-month period before GBS onset for case-patients and the same period for controls. Sera were collected for Zika virus antibody testing. Suspected Zika virus disease was defined as a history of rash and ≥2 other Zika-related symptoms (fever, arthralgia, myalgia, or conjunctivitis). Probable Zika virus disease was defined as suspected Zika virus disease with laboratory evidence of a recent Zika virus or flavivirus infection. Conditional logistic regression adjusted for sex and race/ethnicity was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: We confirmed 47 GBS cases. Incidence increased with age (10-fold higher in those ≥60years versus those <20years). We interviewed 40 case-patients and 79 controls. There was no significant difference in laboratory evidence of recent Zika virus or flavivirus infection between case-patients and controls (OR: 2.2; 95% CI: 0.9-5.1). GBS was associated with having suspected (OR: 3.0, 95% CI: 1.1-8.6) or probable Zika virus disease (OR: 4.6, CI: 1.1-19.0). CONCLUSIONS: Older individuals and those with suspected and probable Zika virus disease had higher odds of developing GBS. KEY POINTS: We confirmed a Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) outbreak in Barranquilla, Colombia, during October 2015-April 2016. A case-control investigation using neighborhood controls showed an association of suspected and probable Zika virus disease with GBS.

Characterizing the malaria rural-to-urban transmission interface: The importance of reactive case detection.

BACKGROUND: Reported urban malaria cases are increasing in Latin America, however, evidence of such trend remains insufficient. Here, we propose an integrated approach that allows characterizing malaria transmission at the rural-to-urban interface by combining epidemiological, entomological, and parasite genotyping methods. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A descriptive study that combines active (ACD), passive (PCD), and reactive (RCD) case detection was performed in urban and peri-urban neighborhoods of Quibdó, Colombia. Heads of households were interviewed and epidemiological surveys were conducted to assess malaria prevalence and identify potential risk factors. Sixteen primary cases, eight by ACD and eight by PCD were recruited for RCD. Using the RCD strategy, prevalence of 1% by microscopy (6/604) and 9% by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) (52/604) were found. A total of 73 houses and 289 volunteers were screened leading to 41 secondary cases, all of them in peri-urban settings (14% prevalence). Most secondary cases were genetically distinct from primary cases indicating that there were independent occurrences. Plasmodium vivax was the predominant species (76.3%, 71/93), most of them being asymptomatic (46/71). Urban and peri-urban neighborhoods had significant sociodemographic differences. Twenty-four potential breeding sites were identified, all in peri-urban areas. The predominant vectors for 1,305 adults were Anopheles nuneztovari (56,2%) and An. Darlingi (42,5%). One An. nuneztovari specimen was confirmed naturally infected with P. falciparum by ELISA. CONCLUSIONS: This study found no evidence supporting the existence of urban malaria transmission in Quibdó. RCD strategy was more efficient for identifying malaria cases than ACD alone in areas where malaria transmission is variable and unstable. Incorporating parasite genotyping allows discovering hidden patterns of malaria transmission that cannot be detected otherwise. We propose to use the term "focal case" for those primary cases that lead to discovery of secondary but genetically unrelated malaria cases indicating undetected malaria transmission.

Seguridad vial en Colombia en la década de la seguridad vial: resultados parciales 2010-2015 / Road safety in Colombia on the decade of action for road safety: preliminary results 2010-2015

RESUMEN Introducción: Anualmente cerca de 1.25 millones de personas mueren y otros 50 millones resultan lesionados por el tránsito en el mundo. Para cambiar esta tendencia y reducir en 50% las lesiones y muertes por el tránsito, la Organizaciòn Mundial de la Salud y la Organizaciòn de Naciones Unidas (2011) promovieron en los países miembros la adopción del Plan mundial para la década de acción en seguridad vial 2011-2020. Objetivo: Este estudio describe resultados preliminares de los primeros años del plan mundial para la década de acción en seguridad vial en Colombia. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo sobre el comportamiento de Lesiones y Muertes causadas por el Tránsito (LMT) en Colombia 2010-2015. La información de muertes se tomó del Departamento Administrativo Nacional de Estadística (DANE) y de los informes anuales del Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal. Para estimar la meta del plan mundial para la década de acción en seguridad vial se empleó la metodología propuesta en 2011, donde los resultados se expresan como un delta- Δ entre el número de casos esperados/reportados para cada año. Resultados: Aunque hubo discrepancias entre las fuentes de información, coinciden en que las tasas de mortalidad por LMT se han incrementado anualmente entre 1,5% y 2,6%. Cerca de 70% de los decesos se concentró en motociclistas (37,7%), peatones (27,4%) y ciclistas (5,0%). Las lesiones se han incrementado 3,2% promedio anual. El delta nacional de LMT es mayor al 40% en 2015 respecto a la meta del plan mundial para la década de acción en seguridad vial. Conclusiones: Las intervenciones en motociclistas y peatones, deben priorizarse, aportan más del 65% de la siniestralidad vial. Debe disminuirse la brecha entre la existencia de la ley y su aplicación, además, la calidad de información debe ser un tema a profundizar que permita a los tomadores de decisiones orientar los recursos y disminuir el rezago frente a los objetivos del plan mundial para la década de acción en seguridad vial.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Approximately 1.25 million people die each year and another 50 million are injured by traffic events around the world. To change this trend and reduce Road Traffic Injuries and deaths (RTI) by 50%, the Would Health Organization and the United Nations (2011) promoted the adoption of the decade of global road safety action plan in its members DRSA-2011-2020. Objective: This study describes the preliminary results of the Decade of Global Road Safety Action Plan program in Colombia. Methodology: This is a descriptive study about of RTI in Colombia during the 2010-2015 years. The information on deaths was taken from the National Administrative Department of Statistics and the annual reports from National Institute of Legal Medicine. To estimate the decade of global road safety action plan goal, a methodology proposed in 2011 was used. The results are expressed as delta-Δ between the number of expected/reported cases per year. Results: Although there are discrepancies between the sources of information, they coincide that mortality rates due to RTI have increased annually between 1.5% and 2.6%. Nearly 70% of the deaths are concentrated in motorcyclists (37.7%), pedestrians (27.4%), and cyclists (5.0%). The injuries have increased 3.2% in average annually. The national RTI delta is greater than 40% by 2015 regarding to the DRSA target. Conclusion: Priority policy interventions on motorcyclists and pedestrians must be carried out right away, since they are contributing to more than 65% of RTI. It is also vital law's enforcement, reducing gaps between norms from the law and its real application. In addition, the quality of information should be an aspect to be analyzed carefully, so that decision-makers can guide resources and reduce growing lag related to DRSA objectives.

Severe Neurologic Disorders in 2 Fetuses with Zika Virus Infection, Colombia.

We report the results of pathologic examinations of 2 fetuses from women in Colombia with Zika virus infection during pregnancy that revealed severe central nervous system defects and potential associated abnormalities of the eye, spleen, and placenta. Amniotic fluid and tissues from multiple fetal organs tested positive for Zika virus.

A comprehensive analysis and immunobiology of autoimmune neurological syndromes during the Zika virus outbreak in Cúcuta, Colombia.

We have focused on the epidemiology and immunobiology of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection and factors associated with the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and other neurological syndromes in Cúcuta, the capital of North Santander department, Colombia. Data of patients with ZIKV disease reported to the national population-based surveillance system were used to calculate the basic reproduction number (R0) and the attack rates (ARs) as well as to develop epidemiological maps. Patients with neurological syndromes were contacted and their diagnoses were confirmed. A case-control study in which 29 patients with GBS associated with ZIKV compared with 74-matched control patients with ZIKV infection alone was undertaken. Antibodies against arboviruses and other infections that may trigger GBS were evaluated. The estimated value of R0 ranged between 2.68 (95% CI 2.54-2.67) to 4.57 (95% CI 4.18-5.01). The sex-specific ARs were 1306 per 100,000 females, and 552 per 100,000 males. A non-linear interaction between age and gender on the ARs was observed. The incidence of GBS in Cúcuta increased 4.41 times secondary to ZIKV infection. The lag time between ZIKV infection and neurological symptoms was 7 days (interquartile range 2-14.5). Patients with GBS appeared to represent a lower socioeconomic status and were living near to environmentally contaminated areas. All GBS patients were positive for IgG antibodies against both ZIKV and Dengue virus, and 69% were positive for Chikungunya virus. Noteworthy, GBS was associated with a previous infection with M. pneumoniae (OR: 3.95; 95% CI 1.44-13.01; p = 0.006). No differences in antibody levels against C. jejuni, Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus were observed. High rates of cranial nerves involvement and dysautonomia were present in 82% and 75.9%, respectively. Intensive care unit (ICU) admission was necessary in 69% of the GBS patients. Most of the patients disclosed a high disability condition (Hughes grade 4). Dysautonomia was the main risk factor of poor GBS prognosis (i.e., ICU admission and disability). Thirteen patients were diagnosed with other neurological syndromes different to GBS (6 with transverse myelitis, 3 with encephalitis, 3 with peripheral facial palsy and one with thoraco-lumbosacral myelopathy). Our data confirm an increased transmission of ZIKV in Cúcuta, and provide support to the view that severe neurological syndromes are related to ZIKV disease. The complex ways by which previous infections and socioeconomic status interact to increase the risk of GBS in people infected by ZIKV should be further investigated.