Molecular characterization of Fasciola hepatica in endemic regions of Colombia.

Fasciola hepatica is a zoonotic trematode that affects a wide range of hosts, including cattle, sheep, and goats. The economic impact of the parasite on the cattle industry is significant, with high losses reported worldwide. While its impact on human health was previously underestimated, recent years have seen a rise in fascioliasis cases, leading to increased interest among researchers globally. To characterize the genetic diversity and intraspecific variation of this parasite in South America, specifically in Colombia, we collected 105 adult parasites from cattle bile ducts in seven Colombian departments (Antioquia, Boyacá, Santander, Cauca, Cundinamarca, Nariño, Norte de Santander, and Santander) to assess the parasite's phenotypic analyses, genetic diversity, and population structure. A computer image analysis system (CIAS) was applied based on standardized morphological measurements. Liver-fluke size was studied by principal component analysis (PCA). DNA sequences were obtained for nuclear markers such as the 28S, ß-tubulin 3, ITS1, ITS2, and the mitochondrial marker Cytochrome Oxidase I (COI). Multiple statistical tests were performed, and the parasite's population structure was analyzed. Maximum Likelihood (ML) phylogenetic reconstructions were carried out using the sequences obtained herein and sequences available in GenBank. Morphological results revealed that all the obtained individuals matched F. hepatica's morphology. There was no evidence of high genetic diversity, and the absence of genetic structure at the country-level was notable, possibly caused by a demographic expansion of this trematode in Colombia or the low resolution of the molecular markers employed. Future studies are still needed to unveil the genetic population structure of F. hepatica across the country.

Describing the intestinal microbiota of Holstein Fasciola-positive and -negative cattle from a hyperendemic area of fascioliasis in central Colombia.

The ability to identify compositional changes in the intestinal microbiota of parasitized hosts is important for understanding the physiological processes that may affect animal productivity. Within the field of host-parasite interactions, many studies have suggested that helminths can influence the microbial composition of their hosts via their immunomodulatory effects. Bovine fascioliasis is a helminthiasis widely studied by immunologists, but with little information available regarding gut microbial communities. Thus, we aimed to describe the composition of the intestinal microbiota of Holstein Fasciola-positive and -negative cattle using parasitological methods and ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Bovine fecal samples (n = 65) were obtained from livestock slaughter plants in the Cundi-Boyacense Colombian highlands (a hyperendemic region for bovine fascioliasis) and studied by amplicon-based next-generation 16S-rRNA and 18S-rRNA gene sequencing. From these samples, 35 were Fasciola hepatica-negative and, 30 were F. hepatica-positive in our detection analysis. Our results showed a reduction in the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes and Ascomycota in the Fasciola-positive samples, along with decreased relative abundances of the commensal taxa previously associated with fermentation and digestion processes. However, metabolomic approaches and functional analyzes of the intestinal microbiota are necessary to support these hypothesis. These findings are a small first step in the development of research aimed at understanding how microbial populations in bovines are modulated in liver helminth infections.

Molecular detection and genotyping of intestinal protozoa from different biogeographical regions of Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic protozoa represent a serious problem of public health particularly in developing countries. Protozoa such as Blastocystis, Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica and Cryptosporidium spp. are associated with diarrheal symptoms. In Colombia, there is little region-specific data on the frequency and circulating genotypes/species of these microorganisms. Therefore, the main objective of our study was to employ molecular detection and genotyping of G. intestinalis and Blastocystis, Cryptosporidium and Entamoeba spp. in samples from different biogeographical regions of Colombia. METHODS: We collected 649 human fecal samples from five biogeographical regions of Colombia: the Amazon, Andean, Caribbean, Orinoco and Pacific regions. Blastocystis, G. intestinalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and Entamoeba complex were detected by microscopy and conventional PCR. Molecular genotyping was conducted to identify Blastocystis subtypes (STs) (18s), G. intestinalis assemblages (triose phosphate isomerase and glutamate dehydrogenase) and Cryptosporidium species (18s). Genetic diversity indices were determined using dnasp.5. RESULTS: We detected G. intestinalis in 45.4% (n = 280) of samples, Blastocystis in 54.5% (n = 336) of samples, Cryptosporidium spp. in 7.3% (n = 45) of samples, Entamoeba dispar in 1.5% (n = 9) of samples, and Entamoeba moshkovskii in 0.32% (n = 2) of samples. Blastocystis STs 1-4, 8 and 9 and G. intestinalis assemblages AII, BIII, BIV, D and G were identified. The following Cryptosporidium species were identified: C. hominis, C. parvum, C. bovis, C. andersoni, C. muris, C. ubiquitum and C. felis. The Caribbean region had the highest frequency for each of the microorganisms evaluated (91.9% for G. duodenalis, 97.3% for Blastocystis, 10.8% for Cryptosporidium spp., 13.5% for E. dispar and 2.7% for E. moshkovskii). The Orinoco region had a high frequency of Blastocystis (97.2%) and the Andean region had a high frequency of G. intestinalis (69.4%). High and active transmission was apparent in several regions of the country, implying that mechanisms for prevention and control of intestinal parasitosis in different parts of the country must be improved.

Molecular and descriptive epidemiology of intestinal protozoan parasites of children and their pets in Cauca, Colombia: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Parasitic infections, particularly those caused by protozoa, represent a considerable public health problem in developing countries. Blastocystis, Giardia duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and the Entamoeba complex (Entamoeba histolytica, Entamoeba dispar and Entamoeba moshkovskii) are the most common etiological causes of intestinal parasitic infections. METHODS: We carried out a descriptive cross-sectional study in school-age children attending a daycare institution in commune eight of Popayán, Cauca (Southwest Colombia). A total of 266 fecal samples were collected (258 from children and eight from pets). Blastocystis, G. duodenalis, Cryptosporidium spp. and the Entamoeba complex were identified by microscopy, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and conventional PCR. The concordance of qPCR and microscopy was assessed using the Kappa index. Molecular characterization was conducted to identify Blastocystis subtypes (18S), G. duodenalis assemblages (tpi and gdh) and Cryptosporidium species/subtypes (18S and GP60). Potential associations between intestinal parasitism and sociodemographic factors were examined using bivariate analyses. RESULTS: A total of 258 fecal samples from children were analyzed by microscopy and 255 samples were analyzed by qPCR. The prevalence of Blastocystis was between 25.19% (microscopy) and 39.22% (qPCR), that of G. duodenalis was between 8.14% (microscopy) and 10.59% (qPCR), that of Cryptosporidium spp. was estimated at 9.8% (qPCR), and that of the Entamoeba complex was between 0.39% (conventional PCR) and 0.78% (microscopy). The concordance between microscopy and qPCR was very low. Blastocystis ST1 (alleles 4, 8, and 80), ST2 (alleles 11, 12, and 15), ST3 (alleles 31, 34, 36, 38,57, and 151), and ST4 (alleles 42 and 91), G. duodenalis assemblages AII, BIII, BIV and D, C. parvum subtype IIa and C. hominis subtype IbA9G3R2 were identified. The only identified member of the Entamoeba complex corresponded to E. histolytica. No statistically significant association was identified between parasitic infection and any sociodemographic variable. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the usefulness of molecular methods to depict the transmission dynamics of parasitic protozoa in southwest Colombia. The presence of some of these protozoa in domestic animals may be involved in their transmission.

Blastocystis subtyping and its association with intestinal parasites in children from different geographical regions of Colombia.

Blastocystis is a common enteric protist colonizing probably more than 1 billion people with a large variety of non-human hosts. Remarkable genetic diversity has been observed, leading to the subdivision of the genus into multiple subtypes (ST), some of which are exclusively found in non-human hosts. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of Blastocystis STs/18S alleles in symptomatic (abdominal pain, anal pruritus, diarrhea, headache, nauseas and/or vomit) and asymptomatic children from nine geographical regions of Colombia. A total of 2026 fecal samples were collected as part of a national survey to estimate the frequency of intestinal parasites in children. A set of 256 samples that were Blastocystis positive was finally selected. The samples were submitted to DNA extraction, Real Time PCR and sequencing using Blastocystis-specific primers targeting the small subunit rRNA gene for ST identification. DNA of Ascaris lumbricoides (16.4%), Trichuris trichiura (8.2%), hookworms (Necator americanus/Ancylostoma duodenale) (7.3%), Giardia duodenalis (23.1%), Entamoeba complex (82%), Entamoeba coli (55%), Hymenolepis nana (0.8%), Endolimax nana (33.2%) and Neobalantidium coli (2.7%) was detected in the Blastocystis-positive samples. We detected ST1 (21.4%), ST2 (19.5%), ST3 (55.5%), ST4 (0.8%), ST6 (2%) and ST7 (0.8%); alleles 1, 2, 4, 81, 82 and 83 for ST1; alleles 9, 11, 12, 15, 67, 71 and 73 for ST2; alleles 34, 36, 38, 45, 49, 55, 134 and 128 for ST3; allele 42 for ST4; allele 122 for ST6, and allele 142 for ST7. Further studies implementing high-resolution molecular markers are necessary to understand the dynamics of Blastocystis transmission and the role of this Stramenopila in health and disease.

Sintomatología asociada a neurocisticercosis en personas del área urbana y periurbana del municipio de coyaima del departamento del tolima y posibles variables asociadas / Symptoms associated with neurocysticercosis in people in the urban nd peri-urban of the municipality of coyaima the department of tolima and possible associated variables / Sintomas associados a neurocisticercose em pessoas da zona urbana e peri urbana do município coyaima do departamento de tolima e variáveis associadas possíveis

Introducción: El complejo teniasis/cisticercosis es un problema de salud pública a nivel mundial. En Colombia estudios epidemiológicos evidencian la presencia de ésta parasitosis en humanos ocasionando Neurocisticercosis (NCC). Objetivo: Determinar la sintomatología asociada a Neurocisticercosis en personas del área urbana y periurbana del municipio de Coyaima del departamento del Tolima y posibles variables asociadas. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal en los habitantes del área urbana y periurbana del municipio de Coyaima en el departamento del Tolima, a quienes se les socializó un consentimiento informado. A las 159 personas que aceptaron participar voluntariamente, se les diligenció una encuesta epidemiológica estructurada, toma de 5ml de sangre periférica y simultáneamente por punción capilar sangre colectada en círculos de papel filtro de 4mm diámetro; de igual manera se solicitó una muestra coprológica que se fijó con reactivo de MIF al 5% y se procesó con la técnica de concentración de formol-éter y finalmente almacenadas a 4°C. Para la evaluación serológica, se empleó la técnica de ELISA bajo los siguientes parámetros: antígeno, fracción de 53kDa del metacéstodo de Taenia solium.; en concentración de 0,4μg/ml, dilución de suero y sangre total tomada con papel de filtro1/1, suero total 1/100 y conjugado 1/2500. El análisis estadístico incluyo tablas de contingencia de 2x2, cálculo de frecuencias y ji cuadrado. Resultados: De los 159 participante, el 17% (27/159) fueron diagnosticados seropositivos y de estos, el 67%(18/27) presentó alguna sintomatología de posible asociación con NCC. Los síntomas de mayor frecuencia en la población estudiada fueron: cefalea, 19,5%; disminución de capacidad visual, 5,7%; crisis convulsiva de aparición tardía, 4,4%; accidentes cerebrovasculares y alteración de conciencia 1,3% y 0,6%; respectivamente. Se confirmaron cuatro personas con NCC, del grupo de seropositivos (4/27) tres de género femenino y uno masculino, por técnicas de imagenología como Tomografía Axial Computarizada-TAC o Resonancia Magnética-RM. Las sintomatologías de mayor relevancia para estos pacientes fueron crisis convulsiva de aparición tardía y cefalea. La prevalencia general de parasitismo intestinal en la población participante fue del 43.3%, identificándose en el 2%(3/159) de los valorados, huevos de Taenia spp., y de estos una persona a su vez seropositiva, con sintomatología (crisis convulsiva de aparición tardía y cefalea) compatible con NCC y confirmación posterior por TAC, sugiriéndose una parasitosis mixta por el estadio adulto y el metacéstodo de T. solium.; en el paciente. Conclusiónes: El 17%(27/159) de la población estudiada fue seropositiva, se confirmaron cuatro personas por imagenología con NCC, cuyos síntomas de mayor relevancia fueron crisis convulsiva de aparición tardía y cefalea. El género femenino es proclive a sufrir la parasitosis. Se halló presencia de huevos de Taenia. spp.; en el 2% de la población participante en el estudio. La variable fuentes de agua para consumo presento significancia estadística p≤ 0,05.

Introduction: The complex teniasis/cysticercosis is a worldwide public health problem. Colombia epidemiological studies shows the presence of parasites in humans resulting in neurocysticercosis (NCC). Objective: To determine the symptoms associated with neurocysticercosis in people in the urban and peri-urban area of the town of Coyaima in the Department of Tolima and possible associated variables. Materials and methods: a descriptive cross-sectional study was performed in the inhabitants of the urban and peri-urban area of the town of Coyaima in the Department of Tolima, who socialized informed consent. The 159 people that they agreed to participate voluntarily, is filled them a structured epidemiological survey, 5ml of blood making peripheral and simultaneously by finger stick blood collected in 4mm diameter filter paper circles; Similarly be asked a coprological sample that was set with MIF reagent to 5% and was processed with the concentration of formol-eter technique and finally stored at 4°C. Serologic evaluation, used the ELISA technique under the following parameters: Antigen fraction of 53kDa of the metacestodo of Taenia solium.; concentration of 0,4μg/ml, dilution of serum and whole blood taken with filter1/1, total serum conjugated 1/2500 and 1/100 paper. Statistical analysis included calculation of frequencies and Chi square 2 x 2 contingency tables. Results: Of 159 participants, 17%(27/159) were diagnosed positive, and of these, 67%(18/27) presented any symptoms of possible partnership with NCC. Symptoms of greater frequency in the population studied were: headache, 19.5%; decrease of visual acuity, 5.7%; late-onset seizure, 4.4%; accidents cerebrovascular and alteration of consciousness 1.3% and 0.6%; respectively. Confirmed four people with NCC, of the positive Group(4/27) three female and one male, by techniques such as tomography Axial-TAC or magnetic resonance-MRI Imaging. The symptomatology of greatest relevance for these patients was seizure of late-onset and headache. The overall prevalence of intestinal parasitism in the participant population was 43.3%, identified in the 2%(3/159) rated, eggs of Taenia spp.; and of these a person positive turn, with symptoms (seizure of late-onset and headache) compatible with NCC and subsequent confirmation by TAC, suggesting a mixed parasitic infections by the adult stage and the metacestodo of T. solium.; in the patient. Conclusions: 17%(27/159) of the studied population was positive, four persons were confirmed by imaging with NCC, whose symptoms of greater importance were seizure of late-onset and headache. The feminine gender is prone to suffer parasitosis. We found the presence of eggs of Taenia. spp.; in 2% of the population participating in the study. The variable sources of water for consumption presented statistical significance p≤ 0.05.

Introdução: O complexo teníase / cisticercose é um problema de saúde pública mundial. Estudos epidemiológicos na Colômbia mostram a presença de parasitasem seres humanos resultando em neurocisticercose (NCC). Objetivo: Determinar os sintomas associados à neurocisticercose em pessoas na área urbana e peri-urbana da cidade de Coyaima no Departamento do Tolima e possíveis variáveis associadas. Materiais e métodos: Um estudo descritivo transversal foi realizado nos habitantes da área urbana e peri-urbana da cidade de Coyaima, no Departamento do Tolima, que socializou o consentimento informado. As 159 pessoas que concordaram em participar voluntariamente, e preenchido um inquérito epidemiológico estruturado, 5 ml de sangue fazendo periférico e simultaneamente por sangue de vara de dedo coletado em círculos de papel de filtro de 4 mm de diâmetro; Do mesmo modo, ser-lhe-á solicitada uma amostra coprológica que foi fixada com reagente MIF a 5% e processada com a concentração de formol-eter e finalmente armazenada a 4 ° C. A avaliação sorológica utilizou a técnica ELISA sob os seguintes parâmetros: Fração de antígeno de 53kDa do metacesto de Taenia solium, concentração de 0,4μg / ml, diluição de soro e sangue total coletado com filtro1/1, soro total conjugado com 1/2500 e 1/100 de papel. A análise estatística incluiu o cálculo de frequências e tabelas de contingência Chi 2 x 2. Resultados: Dos 159 participantes, 17% (27/159) foram diagnosticados positivos, e destes, 67% (18/27) apresentaram qualquer sintoma de possível parceria com a NCC. Os sintomas de maior freqüência na população estudada foram dor de cabeça, 19,5%; Diminuição da acuidade visual, 5,7%; Ataque tardio, 4,4%; Acidentes vasculares cerebrais e alteração da consciência 1,3% e 0,6%; respectivamente. Confirmou quatro pessoas com NCC, do grupo positivo (4/27) três do sexo feminino e um do sexo masculino, por técnicas como a tomografia Axial-TAC ou ressonância magnética-Imaging RM. A sintomatologia de maior relevância para estes pacientes foi a convulsão de início tardio e dor de cabeça. A prevalência total de parasitismo intestinal na população participante foi de 43,3%, identificados nos 2% (3/159) avaliado, ovos de Taenia spp., e destes, por sua vez, uma pessoa positiva, com sintomas (apreensão de início tardio e dor de cabeça) compatível com NCC e subsequente confirmação por TAC, sugerindo uma mistos infecções parasitárias por a etapa de adultos e o metacestodo de T. solium., no paciente. Conclusões: 17% (27/159) da população estudada foi positiva, quatro pessoas foram confirmadas por imagem com NCC, cujos sintomas de maior importância foram apreensão de início tardio e cefaléia. O sexo feminino é propenso a sofrer parasitose. Encontramos a presença de ovos de Taenia spp., em 2% da população participante do estudo. As fontes variáveis de água para consumo apresentaram significância estatística p≤ 0,05.

Geographic distribution of human Blastocystis subtypes in South America.

Blastocystis is a cosmopolitan enteric protist colonizing probably more than 1 billion people. This protozoan exhibits genetic diversity and is subdivided into subtypes (STs). The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of Blastocystis STs in symptomatic and asymptomatic human samples from different countries of South America. A total of 346 fecal samples were genotyped by SSU rDNA showing ST1 (28.3%), ST2 (22.2%), ST3 (36.7%), ST4 (2%), ST5 (2.3%), ST6 (2%), ST7 (2.3%), ST8 (0.6%), ST12 (0.9%) and a novel ST (2.7%). These findings update the epidemiology of Blastocystis in South America and expand our knowledge of the phylogeographic differences exhibited by this stramenopile.

PREVALENCIA DE PARÁSITOS INTESTINALES ZOONÓTICOS EN CANINOS (Canis lupus familiaris) DEL ÁREA URBANA DEL MUNICIPIO DE COYAIMA (TOLIMA) / PREVALENCE OF INTESTINAL PARASITES IN DOGS (Canis lupus familiaris) IN THE URBAN AREA OF DE COYAIMA TOWNSHIP (TOLIMA) / PREVALÊNCIA DE PARASITOS INTESTINAIS EM CÃES (Canis lupus familiaris) NA ÁREA URBANA DO MUNICÍPIO DE COYAIMA (TOLIMA)

Introducción: Las enfermedades parasitarias son un problema de salud pública al ser causadas por agentes patógenos que afectan animales domésticos, los que a su vez pueden infectar humanos, principalmente en países ubicados en áreas tropicales. Objetivo: Identificar parásitos intestinales que afectan a caninos domiciliados de la zona urbana del municipio de Coyaima, y determinar la prevalencia y las variables asociadas al parasitismo en el área de estudio. Materiales y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal de febrero del 2011 a marzo del 2012, recolectando muestras de 175 caninos domiciliados de la zona urbana del municipio de Coyaima, las cuales se procesaron mediante la técnica de concentración formol - éter para la identificación de estadios de huevos de helmintos y quistes de protozoarios. Los datos fueron tabulados y analizados con el programa estadístico SPSSv20. Resultados: La prevalencia hallada para el parasitismo intestinal canino de la zona urbana del municipio de Coyaima fue del 53,1%, siendo estos resultados concordantes con los reportados por otros autores en estudios similares, realizados en países latinoamericanos. Conclusiones: La población canina de la zona urbana del municipio de Coyaima presenta afección por parásitos gastrointestinales, siendo entidades prevalentes Uncinarias, 20,6%, Toxocara canis 8,6%, Strongyloides spp., 2,9%,Entamoeba spp., 21,1%, Blastocystis spp., 18,3% y Giardia spp., 16%, entre las cuales se destacan, agentes etiológicos de relevancia por su carácter zoonótico, como los causantes de la toxocariosis, la migración larvaria cutánea y la giardiasis, entre otras. Se recomienda implementar campañas de educación en la población en general y ejecutar acciones de prevención por parte de estamentos responsables de la salud animal.

Introduction: The parasitic diseases are public health problem, because are caused by pathogens that affected domestic animals and right through then can infected the human, mainly in tropical countries. Objective: Identify the intestinal parasites in dogs of the Coyaima urban area, also the prevalence and associated variables that are involved with the parasitism in the study area. Materials and Methods: it was developed study between February 2011 to March 2012 where were collected 175 dog's samples in the Coyaima urban area. The samples were processed between the formol - eter technique for the qualitative analysis of the helminths eggs and protozoan cysts. The data were tabulate and analyzed through the statistic program SPSSv20. Results: It was found prevalence for intestinal parasites in dogs in the Coyaima urban area was 53, 1%. This results match with other studies in the same department. Conclusions: The canine population in the Coyaima urban area is highly affected for intestinal parasites; the entities more prevalent are Uncinarias, 20, 6%, Toxocara canis 8, 6%, Strongyloides spp., 2, 9%, Entamoeba spp., 21, 1%, Blastocystis spp., 18, 3% and Giardia spp., 16%. It is recommended implement educational campaigns in all population, and executed preventive actions by the responsible statements concerning animal health.

Introdução: As doenças parasitárias são um problema de saúde pública, as quais são causadas por agentes patogênicos que afetam animais domésticos e que a sua vez podem infetar ao ser humano principalmente em países localizados em áreas tropicais. Objetivo: Identificar parasitos intestinais que afetam aos cães residentes na área urbana do município de Coyaima e determinar a prevalência e as variáveis associadas ao parasitismo na área de estudo. Materiais e métodos: Um estudo descritivo do tipo transversal foi realizado entre fevereiro de 2011 e março de 2012, no estudo foram recolhidas amostras de 175 cães residentes na área urbana de município de Coyaima, as quais foram processadas mediante uma técnica de concentração conhecida como formol - éter, a fim de analisar quantitativamente a quantidade de ovos de helmintos v20 e cistos de protozoários. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados com o software estatístico SPSSv20. Resultados: A prevalência encontrada para o parasitismo intestinal canino da área urbana do município de Coyaima foi de 53,1%, estes resultados são consistentes com aqueles reportados por outros autores em estudos semelhantes realizados em países da América Latina. Conclusões: A população canina da área urbana do município de Coyaima tem afeição por parasitos gastrintestinais. As entidades mais prevalentes são Uncinarias, 20, 6%, Toxocara canis 8, 6%, Strongyloides spp., 2, 9%, Entamoeba spp., 21, 1%, Blastocystis spp., 18, 3% e Giardiaspp., 16%, entre as quais se destacam agentes etiológicos de relevância por seu caráter zoonótico, como causadores de toxocaríase, a larva migrans cutânea e a giardíase, entre outras.

Valor comercial y eficacia de la cinta de politetrafluoretileno (PTFE) para la remoción de la biopelícula dental interproximal comparado con la seda dental de nylon en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes / Price and the efficacy of the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape for the removal of the proximal dental biofilm compared to the common nylon dental floss in adolescents and young adults

Objetivo: Identificar el valor comercial y la eficacia de la cinta de politetrafluoretileno (PTFE) como método de higiene oral para la remoción de la biopelícula dental interproximal, comparado con la seda dental de nylon en adolescentes y adultos jóvenes. Métodos: Se utilizó la cinta de PTFE para remover la biopelícula dental interproximal. Por muestreo aleatorio simple el tamaño de la muestra fue de 87 (31 hombres y 56 mujeres) con un rango de edades entre 16 y 28 años. A los participantes se les suspendió toda clase de higiene oral durante un período de 12 horas, posteriormente se realizó una tinción con revelador de placa bacteriana y se llevó a cabo la remoción tanto con la cinta de PTFE como con la seda dental mediante la misma técnica y por el mismo operador. La recolección de datos se hizo con base en la división coronal (por tercios) del índice de higiene de Greene y Vermillion, pero se modificó para evaluar solamente las caras interproximales. Resultados: En el grupo de seda dental la presencia de la biopelícula dental interproximal fue 72.6% antes y 11.2% después de la remoción y en el grupo de PTFE fue 72.9% antes y 11% después; al comparar la remoción de la biopelícula con los dos métodos no hubo diferencias estadísticamente significativas (p>0.05). El valor comercial del PTFE es en promedio 2.7 veces más económico que el de la seda dental de nylon. Conclusiones: La similitud en la remoción de la bio-película interproximal de la cinta de PTFE frente a la seda dental fue significativa. Gracias a su buena bio-compatibilidad, tolerancia y bajo costo, la cinta de PTFE sirve como un método alternativo para retirar la bio-película interproximal. Los resultados de este estudio abren una puerta para investigar técnicas poco ortodoxas, pero eficaces, en el mantenimiento de la salud bucal con el único propósito de mejorar la calidad de vida en las poblaciones menos favorecidas.

Objective: To identify the price and the efficacy of the polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE tape as an oral hygiene method for the removal of the proximal dental biofilm, compared to the common nylon dental floss in adolescents and young adults. Methods: The polytetrafluoroethylene tape was used as a method for the removal of the proximal dental biofilm. By a randomized procedure the sample size was of 87 (31 men and 56 women) between 16 and 28 years old. The oral hygiene of the participants was suspended during a period of 12 hours. A suitable disclosing solution was used to paint the dental surfaces. The removal of the biofilm was made by the same operator who used the same technique with the two materials (polytetrafluoroethylene tape and nylon dental floss). The information was collected using the coronal division (in thirds) of the Greene and Vermillion Oral Hygiene Index. This index was modified to evaluate proximal surfaces only. Results: In the group of dental floss the presence of the proximal biofilm was 72.6% before and 11.2% after its removal. In the group of PTFE was 72.9% before and 11% after. After the comparison of the two methods the differences are not significant. PTFE price is 2.7 times lower than common nylon dental floss. Conclusions: The similarity in the removal of the proximal biofilm of the PTFE tape when compared to the nylon floss was significant. Thanks to its biocompatibility, tolerance and its low price, the PTFE tape is an alternative method for the removal of the biofilm in these proximal areas. Results of this study open a way for the investigation on non orthodox techniques, but effective, for the maintenance of the oral health with the only purpose of improving life quality of poor populations.