Presencia del marcador lmp-1 del virus epstein-barr en linfomas de caninos / Presence of lmp-1 protein of epstein-barr virus in lymphomas of canine origin

RESUMEN El virus Epstein-Barr (EBV) es un virus de alta prevalencia en humanos que se asocia con tumores de la línea linfoide B. En caninos se dispone de pocos reportes sobre la presencia del EBV y su rol en esta especie. El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la presencia de la proteína latente de membrana del EBV (LMP-1) en tejidos obtenidos de 20 linfomas de caninos cuyo diagnóstico se había realizado durante un periodo de 10 años, entre 2004 y 2014. Los linfomas se reclasificaron mediante las nuevas clasificaciones histopatológicas para linfomas y se sometieron a inmunohistoquímica (IHQ) con los anticuerpos anti-CD79a, anti-CD3, anticuerpos específicos para linfocitos B y T, además de un anti-LMP-1 como marcador de la presencia del EBV. Se encontró que el linfoma más común fue el linfoma nodal de zona T con un 75% de los casos. Al realizar la inmunomarcación se encontraron 18 casos positivos a CD3, 2 casos positivos a CD79a y 6 casos positivos a LMP-1, lo que representa el 30% de positividad del EBV en linfomas. El análisis Ji cuadrado demostró significancia estadística entre la presencia del virus y la presencia del linfoma lo que sugiere, no solamente que el virus está circulando en la población canina, sino que además puede tener relación con la ocurrencia de esta neoplasia. Con relación a las variables demográficas, sólo en la raza Golden Retriever se demostró relación con la presencia del linfoma, pero no con la presencia del virus.

ABSTRACT Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a human high prevalent virus associated with lymphoid B cells tumors development. In canines, few reports have been published regarding the presence of the virus in dogs but its role in this species remains unclear. The aim of this study was to determine the presence of LMP-1 protein of EBV in 20 canine lymphomas tissues which were previously diagnosed in a period of time between 2004 -2014. Lymphomas were reclassified in accordance with the new histopathological classifications for lymphomas and were stained by IHQ with anti-CD79a, anti-CD3 and anti-LMP-1; in addition, specific antibodies for B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes and EBV biomarker, respectively. It was found that the most common lymphoma was T-zone lymphoma in 75% of the cases of the study. The distribution of the cases regarding the immunostaining was: 18 positive cases with anti-CD3, 2 positive cases with anti-CD79a and 6 positive cases with anti- LMP-1. Positive cases of LMP-1 as a biomarker of the presence of EBV corresponded to the 30% of the cases of the study. Chi-square test showed statistical significance between the presence of the virus and the presence of lymphomas, which suggests not only that the virus is circulating in the canine population but also that could have implications in the development of the disease. Regarding demographic parameters, only the Golden Retriever breed showed a relationship with the presence of lymphoma, but not with the presence of the virus.

Cáncer de cuello uterino: factores de riesgo y prevención / Cervical cancer: risk factors and prevention

El Cáncer de Cuello Uterino (CaCU) es uno de los problemas de salud pública de mayor importancia en el mundo debido a las altas tasas de morbi-mortalidad presentadas en los últimos años. En este documento se hace una revisión sobre el cáncer cervico-uterino y su relación con el Virus del Papiloma Humano (VPH), las lesiones producidas en el cérvix por este agente infeccioso, los factores de riesgo relacionados con su presentación y las medidas de prevención. Finalmente se discute la importancia de las vacunas como método preventivo de la infección por VPH y de la citología como prueba de detección precoz aunada a un tratamiento adecuado y oportuno.

Cervical Cancer (CC) is one of public health issues of greatest importance in the world due to high rates of morbidity and mortality presented in recent years. This paper provides a review of cervical-uterine cancer and its relation to human papilloma virus (HPV), lesions in the cervix caused by this infectious agent, the risk factors associated with their presentation and prevention measures. Finally, the discussion about the importance of vaccines as a preventive method for HPV infection and cytology, as a screening test coupled with an adequate and timely treatment.

Efecto del ácido ascórbico sobre la respuesta de los peces ante condiciones de estrés: [revisión] / Effect of ascorbic acid on the fish response of stress condition: [review]

El creciente desarrollo de la acuicultura ha generado la intensificación de los sistemas de producción, aumentando así los problemas de estrés ocasionados por las prácticas rutinarias de manejo; por este motivo es necesario investigar sobre estrategias que contribuyan a disminuir el impacto de los diferentes factores estresantes a los que son sometidos los peces durante su proceso de producción en cautiverio. Este documento contiene una revisión acerca de la vitamina C (ácido ascórbico) y su posible efecto benéfico sobre el crecimiento, inmunidad, resistencia al estrés y supervivencia de los peces, a fin de dar a conocer posibles estrategias de suplementación que contribuyan a mejorar las respuestas productivas de las diferentes especies susceptibles de ser cultivadas.

The increasing development of aquaculture has generated the intensification of the production systems, increasing therefore the problems of stress caused by the routine practices of handling, for this reason it is necessary to implement strategies that contribute to diminish the impact of the different stress or factors to which the fish during their process of production in captivity are put under. This document contains a revision about vitamin C, and its possible beneficial effect on the growth, the immunity, the resistance to the stress or factors and survival of fish. The aim of review is present strategies suplementatción that they contribute to improve the productive answers of the different species from susceptible fish of operation in captivity.

Prevalencia de leishmaniasis visceral canina en municipios de Huila - Colombia / Prevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis in municipalities of Huila, Colombia

Con el propósito de establecer la prevalencia de leishmaniasis canina se efectuó un estudio descriptivo en 307 caninos, ubicados en 17 veredas de los municipios de Neiva, Tello y Algeciras, a los cuales se les practicó examen clínico, punción y aspiración del ganglio linfático poplíteo para extendido y coloración en lámina; toma de sangre completa por venopunción para análisis mediante la técnica de inmunofluorescencia indirecta. La población canina estuvo conformada por perros mestizos con edad promedio de tres años: el 30,6/100 fueron hembras y el 69,4/100 machos. En el examen físico de los caninos se observó enflaquecimiento, 31/100; onicogrifosis, 29.3/100; linfadenitis de ganglio popliteo 3,2/100; areas alopécicas 21,8/100; lesiones eritematosas 11,5/100 y úlceras cutáneas 3,3/100. El 1,4/100 de los caninos analizados presentaron amastigotes en el aspirado y el 17,2/100 fueron seropositivos. La prevalencia de anticuerpos contra L.chagasi es alta comparada con otros estudios realizados en colombia y otros paises, corroborando la endemicidad de la enfermedad en el área. Por consiguiente, es necesario fortalecer las estrategias de vigilancia epidemiológica y la búsqueda activa de casos humanos.

Myxobolus sp., another opportunistic parasite in immunosuppressed patients?

During a study of intestinal parasitic infections in human immunodeficiency virus-positive patients, a parasite belonging to the phylum Myxozoa, recently described from human samples, was identified in one sample. When this parasite was stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen staining method, the features of the spores were identified: they were pyriform in shape, had thick walls, and had one suture and two polar capsules, with each one having four or five coils. The suture and two polar capsules were observed with the chromotrope-modified stain. The number of stools passed was more than 30 per day, but oocysts of Isospora belli were also found. Upon reexamination of some formalin- or merthiolate-iodine-formaldehyde-preserved samples an identical parasite was found in another sample from a patient presenting with diarrhea. Strongyloides stercoralis larvae and eggs of Hymenolepis nana and Ascaris lumbricoides were also found in this sample. Given that both patients were also infected with other pathogens that cause diarrhea, the possible pathogenic role of this parasite could not be established. The probable route of infection also could not be established.

Current status of onchocerciasis in Colombia.

To assess the current epidemiologic status of onchocerciasis in Colombia two surveys were undertaken in 1995 in a suspected new focus on the border between Colombia and Ecuador and in the known focus located on the Micay River. No new focus was found along the Colombia-Ecuador border. In the known focus, communities along the upper Micay River and its tributaries were surveyed; 655 adults underwent physical examinations and skin biopsies. Infected individuals were found almost exclusively in the community of Naiciona, where prevalence of infection was 40% (36 of 91). Polymerase chain reaction detection of onchocercal DNA in skin snips correlated with the skin-snip biopsy results. The prevalence of punctate keratitis, the only ocular manifestation found, was 33%. A rapid entomologic assessment demonstrated Simulium exiguum infected with Onchocerca volvulus. This is the first finding in Colombia of naturally infected black flies and confirms S. exiguum as a vector species. These data will be used for implementing a control program using periodic ivermectin distribution.

Lagochilascaris minor in a patient from the Colombian amazon: a case report.

A chronic infection (10 years) by Lagochilascaris minor is described in a woman from the amazon region of Colombia. This is the third case of infection by this parasite that has been described so far in Colombia, and only the first one in a person coming from the Colombian Amazon region.

Chemical and 13C NMR studies of Enterolobium cyclocarpum gum and its degradation products.

A structural study of the gum exudate from Enterolobium cyclocarpum has been carried out using chemical methods and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The results reveal that the structure of this gum is essentially a beta-(1-->3)-galactan. Some galactoses are 6-O-linked and others also occur as terminal residues. There is evidence that supports the presence of alpha-L-arabinofuranose and beta-L-arabinopyranose. beta-D-Glucuronic acid may be present as terminal and internal residues, while the 4-O-methyl-alpha-D-glucuronic acid residues exist predominantly in internal positions.

Standardization and evaluation of ELISA for the serodiagnosis of amoebic liver abscess.

An ELISA test for the serological diagnosis of amoebic liver abscess (ALA) was standardized and evaluated in sera from three groups of patients: (1) three patients with diagnosis confirmed by isolation of the parasite, (2) thirty seven patients with diagnosis established by clinical findings and ultrasound studies and (3) seven patients whose diagnosis were established by clinical findings and a positive double immunodifusion test. Ninety one serum samples from healthy subjects and 22 from patients with other liver or parasitic diseases were also included in the study. The optimum concentration of Entamoeba histolytica antigen was 1.25 micrograms/ml and optimum dilutions of serum and anti-human IgG -alkaline phosphatase conjugate were 1:400 and 1:4000 respectively. The cut-off point of the ELISA test in this study was an absorbance value of 0.34. The test parameters were: sensitivity = 95.7%, specificity = 100%, positive predictive value = 100% and negative predictive value = 98.2%. The ELISA test was found to be of great use as a diagnostic tool for the establishment of amoebic etiology in patients with clinical supposition of ALA. The test could also be used for seroepidemiological surveys of the prevalence of invasive amoebiasis in a given population, since it allows the processing of a greater number of samples at a lower cost than other serological tests.

Failure of a synthetic vaccine to protect Aotus lemurinus against asexual blood stages of Plasmodium falciparum.

The hybrid synthetic protein SPf(66), which contains small fragments of the 83-kD, 55-kD, 35-kD, and circumsporozoite antigens of Plasmodium falciparum, was studied to determine its protective capacity against malaria infection in Aotus lemurinus monkeys. Two groups of six monkeys each were immunized six times with this polymer, which was mixed with either Freund's adjuvant or aluminum hydroxide. Two groups of five animals each were used as controls and immunized with saline solution mixed with the same adjuvants. Neither antipeptide nor antimalarial antibodies developed after the six immunization doses. Regardless of this fact, the monkeys were challenged intravenously with 10(5) P. falciparum blood stage parasites, and the resultant parasitemia was followed daily on blood smears. Only one monkey from each of the groups immunized using Freund's adjuvant (both experimental and control) was protected. In those immunized using aluminum hydroxide, one animal was protected in the experimental group, but none were protected in the control group. Anti-parasite antibodies developed during the infection, but did not correlate with protection and failed to recognize SPf(66) peptide in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Immunization with the polymer did not boost natural antibodies present in two of the monkeys before the experiment. Low levels of gamma-interferon were produced in some animals, but were not correlated with protection.

Efficiency of human Plasmodium falciparum malaria vaccine candidates in Aotus lemurinus monkeys.

The protective efficacy of several recombinant and a synthetic Plasmodium falciparum protein was assessed in Aotus monkeys. The rp41 aldolase, the 190L fragment of the MSA-1 protein and fusion 190L-CS. T3 protein containing the CS.T3 helper "universal" epitope were emulsified in Freund's adjuvants and injected 3 times in groups of 4-5 monkeys each one. The synthetic polymer Spf (66)30 also emulsified in Freund's adjuvants was injected 6 times. Control groups for both experiments were immunized with saline solution in the same adjuvant following the same schedules. Serology for malaria specific antibodies showed seroconversion in monkeys immunized with the recombinant proteins but not in those immunized with the polymer nor in the controls. Challenge was performed with the 10(5) parasites from the P. falciparum FVO isolate. Neither rp41 nor Spf(66)30 induced protection, whereas 190L induced significant delay of parasitemia. The fusion of the CS.T3 epitope to 190L significantly increased its protective capacity.

Characterization of Leishmania colombiensis sp. n (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), a new parasite infecting humans, animals, and phlebotomine sand flies in Colombia and Panama.

Characterization of Leishmania colombiensis sp.n. is presented, which on the basis of biological and molecular criteria, appears to be a new member of the L. braziliensis complex. A total of nine isolates of the new parasite were made in Colombia and Panama between 1980 and 1986: two from human cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis, six from phlebotomine sand flies, and one from a sloth. Although most closely related to L. lainsoni, L. colombiensis sp.n. is clearly distinguishable from other members of the genus by its reactivity with monoclonal antibodies, isoenzyme electrophoresis, and restriction endonuclease fragment patterns of kinetoplast DNA (k-DNA).

Distribution and etiology of leishmaniasis in Colombia.

A total of 340 Leishmania strains, isolated from humans, animals, and sand flies from various regions of Colombia, were examined by isozyme electrophoresis. Seven different Leishmania species were identified. Leishmania panamensis and L. braziliensis were the most common, representing 53.8% and 30.3% of the total, respectively. Isolation rates of the other species were as follows: L. chagasi, 9.4%; L. guyanensis, 2.6%; L. amazonensis, 1.8%; L. mexicana, 0.8%; and a new species requiring additional study, 1.2%. Statistical analyses of representative L. panamensis and L. braziliensis isolates indicated that the populations of these 2 species are genetically very similar. L. panamensis may have a continuous distribution in Colombia west of the eastern Andes Mountains and L. braziliensis may have a continuous distribution east of the western Andes Mountains. Information is given on disease manifestations of the parasites in human hosts and on isolation records from sand flies and animals.

Human and dogs Toxocara canis infection in a poor neighborhood in Bogota

Prevalence of Toxocara canis antibodies was studied in a poor community of Bogotá, Colombia. Two-hundred-sevem patients, from both sexes and all age groups, were studied. Positive Elisa titers were found in 47.5% of the population, a high prevalence compared with reports from developed countries. T. canis ova were positive in 43.6% of fecal samples from dog puppies. An endemic pattern of the disease is described: socioeconomic status, weathers, pollution, poor hygiene and a significant population of infected dogs. Neither the physical examination nor Elisa titers could detect any case of T. canis disease

Human and dogs Toxocara canis infection in a poor neighborhood in Bogota.

Prevalence of Toxocara canis antibodies was studied in a poor community of Bogotá, Colombia. Two-hundred-seven patients, from both sexes and all age groups, were studied. Positive ELISA titers were found in 47.5% of the population, a high prevalence compared with reports from developed countries. T. canis ova were positive in 43.6% of fecal samples from dog puppies. An endemic pattern of the disease is described: socioeconomic status, weather, pollution, poor hygiene and a significant population of infected dogs. Neither the physical examination nor ELISA titers could detect any case of T. canis disease.

Epidemiology of visceral leishmaniasis in Colombia.

Epidemiologic studies were conducted during the period 1986-1988 in a small rural community in Colombia (El Callejon) where visceral leishmaniasis is highly endemic. In this community of 185 people, 14 cases of infantile visceral leishmaniasis were diagnosed in the 9 years 1981-1988. Leishmanin skin testing of a sample of the human residents showed that prevalence of Leishmania chagasi infection increased with age; overall, 51.2% of the subjects had a positive reaction. A canine surveillance program was instituted, using introduced sentinel dogs as well as the indigenous dog population. Eleven of 16 sentinel dogs were infected within 8 months of exposure; mean seroconversion time was 4.4 months. Eleven of 25 seronegative local dogs were also infected during the 26 month period; mean seroconversion time was 8 months. Parasites identified by isozyme electrophoresis as L. chagasi were recovered from 18 of 22 seropositive dogs. Collections of wild animals using baited live traps yielded mainly the neotropical opossum, Didelphis marsupialis. Leishmania chagasi was recovered from 12 of 37 (32.4%) opossums. Six of 681 female Lutzomyia longipalpis collected in the community had flagellates in their guts; cultures from 4 were identified as L. chagasi. These data confirmed that active parasite transmission occurred. The relatively high prevalence of L. chagasi infection found among D. marsupialis captured near human dwellings suggests that these animals may be an important peridomestic reservoir.

Characterization of five new phleboviruses recently isolated from sand flies in tropical America.

Five new phlebotomus fever virus serotypes (Bunyaviridae: Phlebovirus) are described. These viruses, designated Ambe, Ixcanal, Mariquita, Armero, and Durania, were isolated from sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) collected in Brazil, Colombia, and Guatemala. Two of the agents were recovered from pools of male sand flies. The new viruses are antigenically related to other members of the phlebotomus fever serogroup by immunofluorescence, but are distinct from the other 39 members of this serogroup by plaque reduction neutralization test.

Low response of Colombian strains of Plasmodium vivax to classical antimalarial therapy.

This report describes 11 cases of Plasmodium vivax infection of Colombian origin that relapsed 49-166 days following treatment with chloroquine or amodiquine (1.5 g in 3 days) plus primaquine (15 mg daily for 14 days) a regimen widely used to effect radical cure of infections with this parasite. Relapses occurred under conditions that precluded reinfection. The fact that most of the relapses occurred within the last two years suggest that P. vivax drug resistance may be developing in Colombia and possibly other regions of South America.