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Surface water and sediments from the Jackpile mine, St. Anthony mine, Rio Paguate, Rio Moquino, and Mesita Dam areas near Pueblo of Laguna, New Mexico, were analyzed for 226Ra and U using gamma (γ) spectroscopy and inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, respectively. Activity ratios for 226Ra/238U for solid samples range from 0.34 ± 0.13 to 16 ± 2.9, which reflect uranium transport and accumulation (<1), relatively pristine material in secular equilibrium (1), and removal of uranium by weathering (>1). Concentrations ranging from 80 to 225 µg L-1 U were detected in unfiltered water samples near the Jackpile mine. Water samples upstream and downstream from the mine contained concentrations ranging from 12 to 15 µg L-1 U. Water samples collected from the North Pit standing pond in the Jackpile mine contained as much as 1560 pCi L-1 of 226Ra, and passing the water through a 0.2 µM filter did not substantially reduce the activity of 226Ra in the water. 234Th and 226Ra are in secular equilibrium in this water, while radon gas was lost from the water. The results of the current study provide insight into the distribution of U-series radionuclides in the Pueblo of Laguna area, including detection of high levels of radioactivity in water at some locations within the Jackpile mine.
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BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonosis of worldwide incidence, with a broad spectrum of health risk factors. AIM: The objective was to determine risk factors associated with acute human leptospirosis and to explore predictive variables of risk to human leptospirosis. METHODS: The study was carried out in the Department of Córdoba, in the north of Colombia. We conducted a longitudinal prospective descriptive study with non-probabilistic sampling, which included 339 patients suspected of leptospirosis. Positive cases were confirmed by MAT and PCR. The determination of social and environmental risk factors was done with a survey on epidemiological and environmental variables to establish an association between cases of leptospirosis and risk factors as well as predictive variables. RESULTS: We found 19.8% (67/339) cases of acute leptospirosis, and the seroprevalence was 27.1% (92/339). The most frequent serogroups were Sejroe, Australis, Pomona, Batavie, Pyrogenes and Grippotyphosa. We identified the following risk factors: age between 10 and 19 years (OR = 2.571; 95% CI); pig ownership (OR = 2.019; 95% CI); bathing or recreational activities in lake/lagoon (OR = 3.85; 95% CI) and in dams (OR = 3.0; 95% CI); floodings 30 days before the onset of symptoms (OR = 2.019; 95% CI), and a mean temperature of 28°C (p 0.044; 95%CI). As significant predictor variables, we identified age (10-19 years), bathing or recreational activities in the lake/lagoon, and flooding 30 days before symptoms were again evidenced. This region presents classic risk factors (pig ownership) and emerging environmental risk factors (recreational practice or bathing in a lake/lagoon and flooding 30 days before the onset of symptoms), and demographic factors such as young age (10-19 years). CONCLUSIONS: These factors are also predictors of human cases of acute leptospirosis and provide contextual information on environmental and public health that should be considered for epidemiological surveillance in this endemic area.
Subject(s)
Leptospira , Leptospirosis , Swine Diseases , Humans , Animals , Swine , Colombia/epidemiology , Seroepidemiologic Studies , Leptospirosis/epidemiology , Leptospirosis/veterinary , Risk Factors , Caribbean Region , Antibodies, BacterialABSTRACT
In this study, we report the presence of a female Amblyomma americanum tick attached to a former resident of the East Coast of the United States who moved to Mexico city. The amplification and sequencing of gene fragments of the 16S-rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 corroborated the identification of the species of the tick. Additionally, the presence of DNA of Rickettsia amblyommatis was confirmed. This work is the first report of an exotic tick of the genus Amblyomma in a traveler from the US to Mexico and represents the second record of an imported tick attached to humans in Mexico.
Subject(s)
Ixodidae , Rickettsia , Animals , Female , Humans , United States , Amblyomma , Ixodidae/microbiology , Mexico , Rickettsia/geneticsABSTRACT
Multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Vulcan carbon were functionalized with a 30 %v/v hydrogen peroxide solution and employed as supports for Pt and PtSn catalysts prepared by the polyol method. PtSn catalysts with a Pt loading of 20â wt.% and a Pt : Sn atomic ratio equal to 3 : 1 were evaluated in the ethanol electrooxidation reaction. The effects of the oxidizing treatment on the surface area and the surface chemical nature were analyzed through N2 adsorption, isoelectric point, and temperature-programmed desorption measurements. Results showed that the H2 O2 treatment affects the surface area of the carbons to a great extent. Characterization results indicated that the performance of the electrocatalysts strongly depends both on the presence of Sn and on the support functionalization. PtSn/CNT-H2 O2 electrocatalyst displays a high electrochemical surface area and enhanced catalytic activity for ethanol oxidation in comparison to other catalysts in the present study.
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COVID-19 has changed educational opportunities for students around the world, and, in the process, affected their lifestyle, happiness, and engagement. The present research is part of a project from six universities in different countries across Latin America to examine the impact of COVID-19 on university students. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare the impact of COVID-19 on lifestyle changes, orientations to happiness, and student engagement among a sample of college students in Mexico, El Salvador, Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Peru, and the US. Methods: Participants were 1764 students from the six previously identified countries. Data were collected using the Student Health Behavior Inventory, the Orientations to Happiness Scale, and the University Student Engagement Inventory. Results: Student respondents were mostly female, with a median age of 22. Most reported no changes in academic performance and statistically significant changes in some lifestyle behaviors such as nutrition and physical activity. Conclusions: The global pandemic led to behavioral changes among college students in Latin America, and it affected their orientations to happiness and engagement. Institutions of higher learning are called to create opportunities for their students to reintegrate into an in-person learning environment to facilitate positive lifestyle changes for their students.
El COVID-19 ha cambiado las oportunidades educativas para los estudiantes de todo el mundo y en el proceso afectó su estilo de vida, felicidad y compromiso. La presente investigación es parte de un proyecto de seis universidades en diferentes países de América Latina para determinar el impacto de COVID-19 en estudiantes universitarios. Objetivos: El propósito de este estudio fue evaluar y comparar el impacto del COVID-19 en los cambios de estilo de vida, las orientaciones hacia la felicidad y el compromiso de los estudiantes entre una muestra de estudiantes universitarios en México, El Salvador, Colombia, República Dominicana, Perú y Estados Unidos. Métodos: Los participantes fueron 1764 estudiantes de los seis países previamente identificados. Los datos se recolectaron utilizando el Inventario de Conducta de Salud del Estudiante, la Escala de Orientaciones a la Felicidad y el Inventario de Participación de los Estudiantes Universitarios. Resultados. Los estudiantes encuestados eran en su mayoría mujeres con una edad promedio de 22 años. La mayoría informó que no hubo cambios en el rendimiento académico y cambios estadísticamente significativos en algunos comportamientos de estilo de vida, como la nutrición y la actividad física. Conclusiones: La pandemia global provocó cambios de comportamiento entre los estudiantes universitarios de América Latina y afectó sus orientaciones hacia la felicidad y su compromiso. Las instituciones de educación superior están llamadas a crear oportunidades para que sus estudiantes se reintegren en un entorno de aprendizaje en persona para facilitar cambios positivos en el estilo de vida de sus estudiantes.
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ABSTRACT In this study, we report the presence of a female Amblyomma americanum tick attached to a former resident of the East Coast of the United States who moved to Mexico city. The amplification and sequencing of gene fragments of the 16S-rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 corroborated the identification of the species of the tick. Additionally, the presence of DNA of Rickettsia amblyommatis was confirmed. This work is the first report of an exotic tick of the genus Amblyomma in a traveler from the US to Mexico and represents the second record of an imported tick attached to humans in Mexico.
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En la producción zootécnica, la brucelosis y la leptospirosis ocasionan problemas reproductivos y son una limitante en salud y en producción animal. El objetivo fue determinar la presencia de anticuerpos contra Leptospira spp. y Brucella abortus, en una población bufalera, en el municipio de Tierralta, Córdoba. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo de corte transversal, que incluyó un total de 144 búfalos de la raza Murrah, destinados al doble propósito. Para el diagnóstico de Leptospira spp., se implementó la prueba de aglutinación microscópica, con 13 serogrupos, 19 serovares pertenecientes a 5 especies de Leptospira patógenas y para brucelosis Rosa de Bengala y C-Elisa. La seroprevalencia para Leptospira spp. fue del 87,5 %, el serogrupo Mini fue el de mayor frecuencia, pero Grippotyphosa presentó el mayor título. El 16,67 % de los búfalos evaluados presentaron títulos iguales o superiores a 1:800, asociados con infección actual o reciente. La alta seroprevalencia, se puede deber a las características ambientales de la zona, que brinda las condiciones favorables para el crecimiento y el mantenimiento de este patógeno que, sumado al comportamiento de los búfalos de revolcarse, los hace propensos a las infecciones con bacterias del género Leptospira sp., porque a menudo, las fuentes de agua están contaminadas por este patógeno. La seroprevalencia contra B. abortus por Rosa de Bengala y Elisa-C fue del 2,08 %. Todos los títulos determinados corresponden a procesos infecciosos. No hubo signos clínicos de enfermedad y la carencia de registros productivos no permitió determinar el efecto sobre los parámetros reproductivos.
In animal production, brucellosis and leptospirosis cause reproductive problems and limit animal health and production. The objective was to determine the presence of antibodies against Leptospira spp. and Brucella abortus in a buffalo population in the municipality of Tierralta, Cordoba. A descriptive, transversal study was carried out including a population of 144 Murrah´s breed buffalos destined for beef and milk production. For the Leptospira spp. diagnostic, was used a rapid slide agglutination test with 13 serogrups and 19 serovars belonging to 5 pathogenic Leptospira species was implemented and for Brucella abortus Rose Bengal and C-Elisa was used. Seroprevalence of Leptospira spp. was 87,5 %, serogrup Mini was the most frequent, but Grippotyphosa showed the higher titer. The 16,67 % of the buffaloes evaluated presented titles equal to or above than 1:800 associated with current or recent infection. High seroprevalence may be due to environmental characteristics of the zone, which gives favorable conditions for the growth and maintenance of this pathogen, these factors in conjunction with the habit of wallowing makes them prone to suffering infections caused by bacteria of the genera Leptospira sp. since water sources are often contaminated. Seroprevalence against B. abortus by Rose-Bengal and C-Elisa was 2,08 %, the determined titers correspond to infectious processes. There were no clinical manifestations of disease and the effects on reproductive parameters were not determined because of the lack of productive registries.
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The Rhipicephalus sanguineus group encompasses at least 12 validated species of Palearctic and Afrotropical hard ticks, which are relevant in veterinary medicine and public health. The taxonomy of R. sanguineus s.s., has been particularly intensely debated, due to its wide geographic distribution, morphological variants, parasite-host associations, and its capacity and vectorial competence for the transmission of several pathogens. By sequencing mitochondrial markers, it was possible to identify the existence of multiple lineages, among which the Tropical and the Temperate lineages stand out, particularly in America. However, the northern limit between these lineages is not clear due to the lack of extensive sampling across Mexico. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to determine the genetic diversity and structure of the R. sanguineus group in Mexico and to compare it with the populations reported in the Americas, in order to propose the northern limit of the R. sanguineus Tropical lineage and the potential regions of sympatry with R. sanguineus s.s. The findings of this study now confirm the presence of R. sanguineus s.s. in Mexico, showing a subtle genetic structure and high genetic diversity throughout its distribution in the Americas. In contrast, the Tropical lineage seems to be genetically less diverse in its overall distribution in the Americas. The genetic diversity of these two independent lineages could have important epidemiological implications in the transmission of tick pathogens.
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RESUMEN El 45° presidente de Estados Unidos, Donald J. Trump, irrumpió en la sociedad americana con un discurso irreverente y haciendo un uso antagónico en las redes sociales que le sitúa como el antiparadigma de la marca Obama. Para demostrarlo, hemos realizado una comparación de la primera campaña (2016) y la precampaña a la reelección (2020) presidencial de Trump, tanto en Twitter como en Instagram, a través de un análisis de contenido (recogida de datos, análisis y valoración de los resultados) basado en tres categorías de análisis relevantes: retórica, comunicación política y nuevas tecnologías. De este análisis incluimos el uso asimétrico que hace de las redes sociales con un discurso políticamente incorrecto y con un apoyo bastante pobre de recursos extralingüísticos, pero que, sin embargo, le generan un liderazgo político muy notable.
ABSTRACT Donald trump, the 45 th president of United States, broke into American society with an irreverent speech by using social media in a very antagonist way, being this exactly the opposite of the Obama brand. In order to determinate this aspect, we have prepared a comparison between the first political campaign (2016) and the presidential pre-election (2020) of Donald J Trump, making a content analysis (data collection and an assessment of the results) of both Twitter and Instagram. This analysis is based on three relevants characteristics: rhetoric, political communication, and new technologies. From this analysis we have concluded an asymmetric use of social media with an inappropriate political speech and a very poor use of extralinguistic resources. However, these elements make him a significant political leader.
Subject(s)
Humans , Politics , Communication , Social Networking , Leadership , TechnologyABSTRACT
Dengue, a mosquito-borne zoonotic disease, is the most common vector-borne disease in tropical and subtropical areas. In this study, we aim to demonstrate biological evidence of dengue virus infection in bats. A cross-sectional study was carried out in the departments of Cordoba and Sucre, Colombia. A total of 286 bats were captured following the ethical protocols of animal experimentation. The specimens were identified and euthanized using a pharmacological treatment with atropine, acepromazine and sodium pentobarbital. Duplicate samples of brain, heart, lung, spleen, liver, and kidney were collected with one set stored in Trizol and the other stored in 10% buffered formalin for histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis using polyclonal antibodies. Brain samples from lactating mice with an intracranial inoculation of DENV-2 were used as a positive control. As a negative control, lactating mouse brains without inoculation and bats brains negative for RT-PCR were included. Tissue sections from each specimen of bat without conjugate were used as staining control. In a specimen of Carollia perspicillata captured in Ayapel (Cordoba) and Phylostomus discolor captured in San Carlos (Cordoba), dengue virus was detected, and sequences were matched to DENV serotype 2. In bats RT-PCR positive for dengue, lesions compatible with viral infections, and the presence of antigens in tissues were observed. Molecular findings, pathological lesions, and detection of antigens in tissues could demonstrate viral DENV-2 replication and may correspond to natural infection in bats. Additional studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of these species in dengue epidemics.
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The genus Rickettsia encompasses 35 valid species of intracellular, coccobacilli bacteria that can infect several eukaryotic taxa, causing multiple emerging and re-emerging diseases worldwide. This work aimed to gather and summarise the current knowledge about the genus Rickettsia in Mexico, updating the taxonomy of the bacteria and their hosts by including all the records available until 2020, to elucidate host-parasite relationships and determine the geographical distribution of each Rickettsia species present in the country. Until now, 14 species of Rickettsia belonging to four groups have been recorded in Mexico. These species have been associated with 26 arthropod species (14 hard ticks, three soft ticks, two sucking lice, and seven fleas) and 17 mammal species distributed over 30 states in Mexico. This work highlights the high biological inventory of rickettsias for Mexico and reinforces the need to approach the study of this group from a One Health perspective.
Subject(s)
Anoplura/microbiology , Host-Pathogen Interactions , Mammals/microbiology , Rickettsia/physiology , Siphonaptera/microbiology , Ticks/microbiology , Animals , Host-Parasite Interactions , MexicoABSTRACT
Murine typhus, a neglected rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia typhi, is a common disease in several Latin-American countries. The sylvatic life cycle of R. typhi encompasses the presence of several wild mammals, particularly opossums of the genus Didelphis and their associated fleas. Due to the colonization of wild environments by human populations, the increase in contact with opossum fleas has generated the presence of urban outbreaks of typhus. For this reason, the aim of our study was to identify the presence and diversity of Rickettsia sp. in fleas collected from opossums of an urban reserve in Mexico City. Opossums were captured from February to September 2017. For the detection of Rickettsia DNA, fragments of 800 bp of the citrate synthase (gltA) and the outer membrane protein B (ompB) were amplified. A total of 141 fleas (111 â, 30 â) of a single species (Ctenocephalides felis felis) were recovered from 31 Didelphis virginiana. Rickettsia DNA was detected in 17.7% (25/141) of the analysed fleas, recovered from seven infested opossums. The Maximum likelihood of sequences exhibited an identity of 99%-100% with sequences of R. typhi from southern United States. This work represents the first record of R. typhi in fleas from opossums in Mexico.
Subject(s)
Ctenocephalides/microbiology , Didelphis/parasitology , Rickettsia typhi/isolation & purification , Typhus, Endemic Flea-Borne/veterinary , Animals , Cities , Female , Male , Mexico , Phylogeny , Rickettsia typhi/genetics , Typhus, Endemic Flea-Borne/epidemiologyABSTRACT
Resumen: Las catinonas sintéticas son drogas estimulantes de síntesis, comercializadas en el mercado ilegal por sus propiedades estimulantes y perturbadoras del sistema nervioso central, para su uso recreativo, solas, o como adulterantes de cocaína y derivados anfetamínicos. A nivel mundial existe un número creciente de reportes de intoxicaciones agudas y complicaciones por consumo de estas sustancias. En Uruguay fueron detectadas por primera vez en el año 2015, existiendo una información epidemiológica muy limitada. Las catinonas sintéticas no se detectan por las técnicas inmunocromatográficas disponibles en los laboratorios de los servicios de urgencias de nuestro país. Se describe el primer caso de intoxicación por una catinona sintética (dibutilona) en Uruguay, en un paciente de 45 años, por consumo de un polvo vendido como "éxtasis", presentando como complicación un síndrome coronario agudo, con una buena evolución posterior. La confirmación diagnóstica se realizó mediante su detección en orina por cromatografía de gases acoplada a espectrometría de masas. La estructura química de la dibutilona y su mecanismo de acción explican las manifestaciones clínicas y la complicación isquémica por vasoespasmo coronario. En ausencia de una noción clara de exposición y ante la situación epidemiológica actual, la presencia de un cuadro clínico compatible con una droga estimulante y resultado negativo para cocaína y anfetaminas en estudios inmunocromatográficos, debe hacer plantear la sospecha de otros estimulantes de síntesis como las catinonas, tal como ocurrió en este caso.
Summary: Synthetic cathinone are stimulating synthetic drugs used for recreational purposes on their own or as adulterants in cocaine and amphetamines derivatives that are traded in illegal markets given their stimulating and disturbing properties on the central nervous system. Globally, there is a growing number of acute intoxications and complications as a consequence of consumption of these substances. In Uruguay they were first detected in 2015, there being limited epidemiological data. Synthetic cathinone are not detected by the immunochromatographic tests available at the laboratories of the emergency services in our country. The study describes the first case of intoxication by a synthetic cathinone (dibutylone) in Uruugay, in a 45 year old patient as a result of powder sold as "ecstasy". The patient presented an acute coronary syndrome, subsequent evolution being good. Diagnostic confirmation was made in urine using gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The chemical structure of dibutylone and its action mechanism explain the clinical manifestations and the coronary vasospasm causing ischemia. When there is no clear sign of a patient having been exposed to this substance and upon the current epidemiological state, the presence of clinical symptoms that are compatible with a stimulating drug and a negative result for cocaine and amphetamines in immunochromatographic tests must lead us to be suspicious about the presence of synthetic stimulating substances as cathinone, as in the case studied.
Resumo: Catinonas sintéticas são drogas estimulantes sintéticas, comercializadas no mercado ilegal por suas propriedades estimulantes e perturbadoras do sistema nervoso central, para uso recreativo isoladamente ou como adulterantes da cocaína e derivados de anfetaminas. Em todo o mundo cresce o número de relatos de intoxicações agudas e complicações decorrentes do uso dessas substâncias. No Uruguai, foram detectados pela primeira vez em 2015 com informações epidemiológicas muito limitadas. As catinonas sintéticas não são detectadas pelas técnicas imunocromatográficas disponíveis nos laboratórios de pronto-socorro de nosso país. Descreve-se o primeiro caso de intoxicação por catinona sintética (dibutilona) em nosso país, em um paciente de 45 anos, devido ao consumo de um pó vendido como "ecstasy", apresentando como complicação uma síndrome coronariana aguda, com boa evolução posterior. A confirmação diagnóstica foi feita por sua detecção na urina por cromatografia gasosa acoplada à espectrometria de massa. A estrutura química da dibutilona e seu mecanismo de ação explicam as manifestações clínicas e complicações isquêmicas devido ao vasoespasmo coronariano. Na ausência de uma noção clara de exposição e dada a situação epidemiológica atual, a presença de quadro clínico compatível com droga estimulante e resultado negativo para cocaína e anfetaminas em estudos imunocromatográficos, deve levantar a suspeita de outros estimulantes sintéticos como as catinonas, como aconteceu neste caso.
Subject(s)
Designer Drugs/toxicity , Myocardial Ischemia , Designer Drugs/adverse effectsABSTRACT
Little information is available about human infections by the members of the genus Ehrlichia in Mexico. Only 2 species, Ehrlichia canis and E. chaffensis, are known to cause disease in this country. We report a fatal case of human monocytic ehrlichiosis in Mexico City in a man who was homeless.
Subject(s)
Ehrlichiosis , Adult , Ehrlichia , Ehrlichiosis/diagnosis , Humans , Male , MexicoABSTRACT
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) is an alphavirus that causes encephalitis with a high impact on public health in Latin America. However, only in Guatemala, Trinidad and Tobago, and Mexico have found antibodies in VEEV in bats, using immunohistochemistry, the sensitivity and specificity are improved; thus, it is better for demonstrating natural infection in bats as potential hosts. This study aimed to determine the presence of VEEV in tissues of frugivorous bats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective descriptive cross-sectional study with a non-probabilistic sampling was carried out in 12 localities of Córdoba and Sucre area of the Colombian Caribbean. Two hundred and eighty-six bats were captured using fog nets, and the specimens according to taxonomic keys were classified. According to the Ethics Committee of the University of Córdoba, the bats were treated with analgesics and anesthetics. Blood samples were taken and then euthanized to obtain tissues and organs which were preserved in liquid N2 at -196°C. A portion of each organ was fixed in 10% buffered formalin for the detection of antigens by immunohistochemistry. Several pathological anatomy analyses were performed to determine the histological characteristics of tissue lesions of frugivorous bats naturally infected with the VEEV. RESULTS: Of the 286 bats captured, 23 species were identified. In samples of the brain, spleen, and lung of two frugivorous bats (2/286=0.70%) Artibeus planirostris and Sturnira lilium, the presence of VEEV was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: A fragment of the nsP4 non-structural protein gene corresponding to the alphavirus was amplified. Two samples were positive (2/286=0.70%) in frugivorous bats; A. planirostris (code GenBank: MG820274) and S. lilium (code GenBank: MG820275). The present study showed the first molecular evidence and cellular evidence (histopathology and immunohistochemistry) of natural VEEV infection in frugivorous bats in Colombia; these bats could be a host of this zoonosis.
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Natural infection of dengue virus (DENV) in bats is an unexplored field in Colombia. To detect the presence of DENV in bats, a descriptive prospective study using a nonprobabilistic sampling was carried out; 286 bats in 12 sites were caught. Sample tissues of different animals were obtained; the RNA was obtained from tissues and a nested-RT-PCR was carried out and detected amplicons of 143 fragment of the NS5 gene were sequenced by the Sanger method. In nonhematophagous bats Carollia perspicillata and Phyllostomus discolor captured in Ayapel and San Carlos (Córdoba), respectively, an amplicon corresponding to NS5 was detected. The amplicons showed a high similarity with serotype-2 dengue virus (DENV-2). This is the first evidence of the DENV-2 genome in bats in from the Colombian Caribbean.
Subject(s)
Chiroptera/virology , Dengue Virus/isolation & purification , Dengue/veterinary , Animals , Chiroptera/classification , Colombia/epidemiology , DNA, Viral , Dengue/virology , Dengue Virus/genetics , Disease Reservoirs , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Prospective StudiesABSTRACT
The use of biosimilar drugs for multiple sclerosis (MS) has become widespread in Latin America, with the goal of reducing costs of treatments, promoting the sustainability of healthcare systems, and improving patient access to these therapies. There is currently a need to define and comply with requirements to guarantee the efficacy, safety, and quality of these drugs. Thus, the objective of the present study was to compile up-to-date information from each Latin American country assessed on (a) approval of biosimilar drugs by regulatory agencies; (b) use of biosimilar drugs, pharmacovigilance plans, risk management; and (c) update in the knowledge on different molecules. To do so, a group of experts from Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela met to discuss the current situation regarding good practices and risks associated with the use of biosimilar drugs in their respective countries. Regulation, risk management plans, and pharmacovigilance in the whole continent must guide the strategies on the commercialization and access of biosimilar drugs and copies of complex molecules. Current regulations must be implemented for the registration of biosimilar drug products and complex molecules. It is paramount to ensure that new products follow the best quality standards at all stages beyond being safe and efficient. Uncontrolled interchangeability between original biological and biosimilar should be avoided. Latin America requires the implementation and full use of strong pharmacovigilance programs. National and multinational clinical studies are required to demonstrate the similarity in safety, efficacy, and immunogenicity profiles of complex molecules, as well as biological and biosimilar products. Plain language summary available for this article.
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BACKGROUND: Bats are an important ecological group within ecosystems. The rabies virus is a Lyssavirus, and haematophagous bats are the principal reservoir; however, the virus has also been detected in non-haematophagous bats. The objective was to determine the rabies virus in non-haematophagous bats in the Colombian Caribbean region. METHODS: In 2017, a cross-sectional study was carried out with a base-risk sampling in twelve geographic zones of the Colombian Caribbean area that included the main ecosystems of two departments. 286 bats were captured, which were euthanized with a pharmacological treatment following the ethical protocols of animal experimentation. The taxonomic identification was done with dichotomous keys. The necropsy was carried out at the capture site, and brain samples were kept in liquid nitrogen. The extraction of the RNA was carried out from the frozen brains with Trizol™; a fragment of 914 bp of the glycoprotein G of the rabies virus was amplified with RT-PCR. The amplicons were sequenced with the Sanger method. RESULTS: Twenty-three genera of bats were identified, and, in two frugivorous, Artibeus lituratus and Artibeus planirostris, amplicons were obtained and sequenced as the rabies virus. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first evidence of natural infection of the rabies virus in frugivorous bats in the Colombian Caribbean area; this result is important for the surveillance and control of rabies.
Subject(s)
Chiroptera/virology , Disease Reservoirs/virology , Rabies virus/isolation & purification , Rabies/veterinary , Rabies/virology , Animals , Chiroptera/classification , Colombia , Humans , Phylogeny , Rabies/transmission , Rabies virus/classification , Rabies virus/geneticsABSTRACT
Resumen Introducción: El uso de antibióticos, enfrenta grandes problemas que deben ser resueltos en pro de la calidad de vida de los pacientes buscando un equilibrio en el costo-efectividad. Los análisis farmacoeconómicos son una herramienta útil para determinar qué fármacos deben estar disponibles en guías farmacoterapéuticas. Aunque el método de selección de fármacos varía en cada institución, el principio general es que deben ser elegidos los más efectivos al menor costo. El objetivo fue establecer el costo de los tratamientos, la evaluación de susceptibilidad y resistencia a los antibióticos en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos de Montería. Métodos: La muestra se integró por todos los pacientes ingresados a la UCI, que recibieron tratamiento antibiótico, durante doce meses. De las historias clínicas, se identificaron y se clasificaron los tratamientos aplicados, duración del tratamiento, costo del tratamiento por paciente, consumos por paciente de los antibióticos con el fin de estimar los costos de los antibióticos utilizados en pacientes de la UCI. Resultados: Se registraron 670 ingresos, de los cuales el 48,40% recibieron terapia antimicrobiana. Las principales causas de ingreso a la UCI fueron: evento coronario agudo (16,69%), insuficiencia respiratoria aguda (13,83%), sepsis (12,48%). Los microorganismos encontrados fueron: E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, A. baumanni, A. haemolyticus. Conclusión: Los sistemas estandarizados de vigilancia para el uso de antibióticos es una herramienta esencial en el uso racional y en el control de la resistencia antibacteriana.
Abstract The use of antibiotics, faces major problems that must be solved to ensure high-quality care of patients, which seeking a balance in cost-effectiveness. Pharmacoeconomics analyzes are a useful tool for determining which drugs should be available for pharmacotherapy strategies. Although the method of drug selection varies in each institution, the general principle is that the most effective ones should be chosen amongst the lowest-cost. The objective was to establish the cost of treatments, susceptibility assessment and resistance to antibiotics in an Intensive Care Unit in Montería. The sample was integrated by all the patients admitted to the ICU, who received antibiotic treatment, during twelve months. From the clinical records served, the treatments applied, duration of treatment, cost of treatment per patient, consumption per patient of the antibiotics were identified and classified to estimate the costs in relation to the therapeutic effectiveness of the antibiotics used in patients in the ICU. A total of 670 patients were registered, of whom 48,40% received antimicrobial therapy. The main causes of ICU admission were: acute coronary event (16,69%), acute respiratory failure (13,83%), sepsis (12,48%). The strains were: E. coli, K. pneumoniae, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, A. baumanni, A. haemolyticus. Standardized surveillance systems for the use of antibiotics are an essential strategic intervention for the rational use and control antimicrobial resistance.
Subject(s)
Humans , Drug Resistance, Microbial , Sepsis , Disease Susceptibility , Intensive Care Units , Quality of Life , Therapeutics , Pharmaceutical Preparations , Colombia , Economics, Pharmaceutical , Surveillance in Disasters , Escherichia coli , Duration of Therapy , Anti-Bacterial AgentsABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the clinical and epidemiological status in 28 confirmed cases of human leptospirosis at the main public hospital of Cordoba. METHODS: Between 2012 and 2013, we conducted an active surveillance at the main hospital of Cordoba to establish the etiologic diagnosis of the undifferentiated tropical febrile illness (UTFI) cases. UTFI is defined as a fever without an infection focus in the initial physical examination or in basic laboratory tests. Patients in acute phase were accompanied by prodromal symptoms, including myalgia, arthralgia, headache, asthenia, chills, icterus, dyspnea, abdominal pain, rash, and nausea. Samples were collected on admission and at discharge. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected for each patient. Microscopic agglutination test (MAT) was performed. RESULTS: The 28 leptospirosis cases presented the following gender distribution: male (n=24) and female (n=4). The duration of hospitalization was 10.39 days. The main symptoms and clinical manifestations were fever, headache and nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, all of which occurred in up to 60% of patients. Of the 28 cases studied, 4 were fatal. The most frequent infecting serogroups were Ballum and Canicola. CONCLUSION: Leptospirosis is a common cause of undifferentiated tropical febrile illness in Colombia; it is important to establish ongoing and accurate surveillance for acute febrile illness to facilitate the detection of cases of leptospirosis.