Molecular surveillance of potential SARS-CoV-2 reservoir hosts in wildlife rehabilitation centers.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has become the most devastating zoonotic event in recent times, with negative impacts on both human and animal welfare as well as on the global economy. Although SARS-CoV-2 is considered a human virus, it likely emerged from animals, and it can infect both domestic and wild animals. This constitutes a risk for human and animal health including wildlife with evidence of SARS-CoV-2 horizontal transmission back and forth between humans and wild animals. AIM: Molecular surveillance in different wildlife rehabilitation centers and wildlife associated institutions in Chile, which are critical points of animal-human interaction and wildlife conservation, especially since the aim of wildlife rehabilitation centers is to reintroduce animals to their original habitat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was conducted in six WRCs and three wildlife associated institutions. A total of 185 samples were obtained from 83 individuals belonging to 15 different species, including vulnerable and endangered species. Each specimen was sampled with two different swabs: one oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal according to the nostril diameter, and/or a second rectal sample. RNA was extracted from the samples and two different molecular assays were performed: first, a conventional RT-PCR with pan-coronavirus primers and a second SARS-CoV-2 qPCR targeting the N and S genes. RESULTS: All 185 samples were negative for SARS-CoV-2. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study constitutes the first report on the surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 from wildlife treated in rehabilitation centers in Chile, and supports the biosafety procedures adopted in those centers.

First molecular detection of Equine Herpesvirus type 3 (EHV-3) in Chile.

Equine coital rash (ECE) is a highly contagious benign infection that induces lesions on external genitals, and it is caused by the equine herpesvirus type 3 (EHV-3). Although the disease is globally distributed, its presence in Chile has not been documented from a genetic point of view. Here, we performed polymerase chain reaction screenings for EHV-3 in lesions of external genitals in four horses belonging to a riding station at Bulnes, Ñuble Region, Chile. We sequenced a fragment of the glycoprotein G (gG) gene from three horses with clinical signs of ECE. The sequences were identical between them and 99.7% similar to a haplotype of EHV-3 detected in Brazil, and phylogenetically related with homologue from Japan, Russia and Brazil. Our results show the presence of EHV-3 for the first time in horses with ECE in Chile.

First record of Trichinella in Leopardus guigna (Carnivora, Felidae) and Galictis cuja (Carnivora, Mustelidae): new hosts in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Trichinellosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. It is caused by several species of nematodes in the genus Trichinella. Trichinella spp. are transmitted through predation or carrion consumption and occur in domestic and sylvatic cycles. In humans trichinellosis occurs due to the consumption of raw or undercooked, infected meat and is mainly associated with the household slaughter of pigs or the consumption of game animals without veterinary inspection, a cultural practice that is difficult to resolve. Therefore, knowledge of this parasite's reservoir is relevant for better implementing public health strategies. The aim of this study was to assess the presence of Trichinella sp. in several carnivore and omnivore vertebrates in central-southern Chile. METHODS: We collected muscle tissue from a total of 53 animals from 15 species and were digested to detect Trichinella larvae which were further identified to species level using molecular techniques. RESULTS: We detected Trichinella larvae in Leopardus guigna (Felidae) and Galictis cuja (Mustelidae). We identified the larvae collected from L. guigna as Trichinella spiralis, but we were unable to molecularly characterize the larvae from G. cuja. This is the first record of Trichinella in a native mustelid of South America and the first record of T. spiralis in L. guigna. This study identified two novel hosts; however, further work is needed to identify the role that these and other hosts play in the cycle of Trichinella in Chile.

Survey of Trichinella in American minks (Neovison vison Schreber, 1777) and wild rodents (Muridae and Cricetidae) in Chile.

Trichinellosis is a zoonosis with worldwide distribution. Several hosts have been recognized around the world; however, there is a lack of knowledge of the role of feral mammals in Chile in its transmission. Herein, we tested muscle samples from 555 individuals among American minks (Neovison vison Schreber, 1777. n = 100) and several myomorph rodent species (Muridae and Cricetidae. n = 455) from southern Chile by artificial digestion to detect Trichinella larvae and identified the larvae at the species level through molecular analyses. Rodents were captured in agricultural and wild protected areas of several administrative regions (hereafter: region), while minks were captured in agricultural areas of the Los Ríos region. Trichinella spiralis larvae were detected in a synanthropic black rat (0.24%) of the Ñuble region and in seven minks (7%) trapped in agricultural areas of the Los Ríos region. The present results suggest that T. spiralis circulation is restricted to synanthropic rodents and minks living in agricultural areas where the parasite circulates among domesticated pigs. This study represents the first record of T. spiralis in a mustelid mammal in South America, increasing the number of feral species that could participate in the reservoir.

Molecular Survey of Parvoviruses and Mycoplasma spp. in Invasive American Mink (Neovison vison) from Southern Chile.

Using PCR, we evaluated the presence of parvoviruses and Mycoplasma spp. in 123 American mink (Neovison vison), an introduced invasive carnivore in Chile. Our results showed all analyzed animals were negative for both pathogen groups. We cannot completely dismiss their presence, but if present, their prevalence should be lower than 2%.

Domestic dog origin of Carnivore Protoparvovirus 1 infection in a rescued free-ranging guiña (Leopardus guigna) in Chile.

Carnivore protoparvovirus 1 is one of the most important pathogens affecting both wild and domestic carnivores. Here, we reported the genetic characterization of canine parvovirus (CPV-2) strains from a rescued guiña (Leopardus guigna) and domestic dogs from Chile. Guiña strain was classified as CPV-2c, and phylogenetic analysis of the complete coding genome showed that the guiña CPV-2c strain shares a recent common ancestor with Chilean domestic dogs' strains. These viruses showed >99% identity and exhibited three changes in the NS1 protein (V596A, E661K and L582F). This is the first detection and genetic characterization of CPV-2c infection in guiña worldwide, and one of the few comparative studies that show the source of infection was domestic dogs. The current findings highlight the fact that guiña is a susceptible species to protoparvovirus infection and that domestic dogs represent an important threat to its conservation. The CPV-2 cross-species transmission between domestic dogs and guiña should be taken into account for protection programmes of this endangered species.

First Molecular Identification of Canine Parvovirus Type 2 (CPV2) in Chile Reveals High Occurrence of CPV2c Antigenic Variant.

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV2) is one of the most important intestinal pathogens in dogs and puppies. CPV2 has been evolved into three genetic and antigenic variants (2a, 2b, and 2c), which are distributed worldwide. We reported the first study of genetic diversity of CPV2 in Chile. Sixty-five samples were collected from puppies presenting with severe gastroenteritis and different vaccination statuses. PCR, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP), and partial sequencing of the coding region of the structural viral protein VP2 was performed. Thirty of a total of 65 samples tested positive by PCR out of which 19 were further classified as CPV2c and one as CPV2a using RFLP and Sanger sequencing. The phylogeny was in concordance with the RFLP analysis. This is the first report of the genetic characterization of CPV2 in Chile and reveals a high occurrence of CPV2c.

Suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in a clinical sample of Mexican naval military / Ideación suicida e intento de suicidio en una muestra clínica de militares navales mexicanos

Abstract Introduction Suicide represents the sixteenth cause of death worldwide. Until a few years ago the suicide rate in the US military has been below that of the civilian population, but in 2008 the suicide rate among US soldiers began to outpace the civilian population. To our knowledge, there are no studies that describe suicidal behavior among Mexican military personnel. Objective To know the frequency of suicidal ideation and suicide attempt in the last 12 months in Mexican naval military and determine the variables associated with both ideation and suicide attempt. Method This cross-sectional study included 246 outpatients who were sent for psychiatric assessment from their operating units. A psychiatric interview was conducted using the diagnostic criteria of the International Classification of Diseases in its tenth edition, which included the presentation of suicidal ideation and attempted suicide in the last 12 months. Results Suicidal ideation in the last 12 months occurred in 60 cases (24.39%). Twenty-four cases (9.76%) presented a suicide attempt in the last 12 months. Variables associated with suicidal ideation were military grade (seaman and classes, p = .03), suicide family history (p < .01), depressive disorders (p < .01), and personality disorders (p < .01). Regarding the presentation of attempted suicide, the mean age in the cases was lower (p < .01). There was also a higher frequency of attempted suicide in singles or without a couple (p < .01), in personnel with four years or less in service (p < .01), and in patients with a personality disorder (p < .01). Discussion and conclusion Greater emphasis in the detection of mental health problems, including suicidality among the military population and more representative studies at the national level are needed.

Resumen Introducción El suicidio representa la decimosexta causa de muerte en todo el mundo. A partir del 2008, sabemos la tasa de suicidios en los soldados estadounidenses comenzó a superar a la de la población civil. Hasta donde sabemos no hay estudios que describan la conducta suicida en militares mexicanos. Objetivo Estimar la frecuencia de la ideación suicida y el intento de suicidio en los últimos 12 meses en militares navales mexicanos y determinar las variables asociadas con la ideación y el intento de suicidio. Método El estudio transversal incluyó 246 pacientes ambulatorios enviados para una evaluación psiquiátrica. Se realizó una entrevista psiquiátrica utilizando los criterios diagnósticos de la Clasificación Internacional de Enfermedades en su décima edición, que incluyó la presentación de ideación suicida e intento de suicidio en los últimos 12 meses. Resultados La frecuencia en los últimos 12 meses de ideación suicida e intento de suicidio fue de 24.39% y 9.76%, respectivamente. Las variables asociadas con la ideación suicida fueron: grado militar (clases y marinería, p = .03), antecedente familiar de suicidio (p < .01), diagnóstico de trastorno depresivo (p < .01) y trastorno de la personalidad (p < .01). En cuanto a la presentación del intento de suicidio, la edad media en los casos fue menor (p < .01). Hubo una mayor frecuencia de intentos de suicidio en personas solteras o sin pareja (p < .01), en personal con cuatro años o menos en servicio (p < .01) y en pacientes con trastorno de personalidad (p < .01). Discusión y conclusión Se requiere un mayor énfasis en la detección de problemas de salud mental en la población militar y estudios más representativos a nivel nacional.

Riesgo de suicidio en militares / Suicide risk in military

Introducción: El suicidio en los militares es un fenómeno en incremento. La mortalidad por suicidio en militares ha superado en los últimos años a la mortalidad por combate o accidentes. Se realizó una revisión documental de las publicaciones en formato digital e impreso, tanto nacional como extranjero, disponible principalmente a través de Google académico, Scielo y PubMed, en los idiomas español e inglés. Objetivo: Profundizar en el estudio de la epidemiología y los factores de riesgo asociados al riesgo suicida en militares. Desarrollo: Se han reportado prevalencias a lo largo de la vida de ideación suicida entre un 13,9 por ciento y 14,1 por ciento, de planeación suicida entre el 2,3 por ciento y 5,3 por ciento e intento de suicidio entre el 1,9 por ciento y 2,4 por ciento en militares. La tasa de mortalidad por suicidio en militares norteamericanos se ha estimado en 18,5 por cada 100 000 personas/año, lo cual representa la segunda causa de muerte en dicha población. Conclusión: Se considera prioritario mejorar la detección y vigilancia médico-psicológica de los militares en el servicio activo y facilitar su acceso a los servicios de salud mental disponibles para detectar a tiempo factores de riesgo modificables para el suicidio(AU)

Introduction: Suicide in the military is a growing phenomenon in recent years. The mortality by suicide in the military has surpassed to the mortality by combat or accidents in the last years. An updated documentary review of the national and foreign bibliography published in electronic and printed format on this subject was carried out. Objective: This review is carried out with the purpose of deepening the study of epidemiology and risk factors associated with suicide risk in the military. Development: Lifetime prevalence of suicidal ideation in the military has been reported between 13.9 percent and 14.1 percent, suicide plan between 2.3 percent and 5.3 percent and suicide attempt between 1.9 percent and 2.4 percent. The suicide mortality rate in the military has been estimated at 18.5 per 100,000 persons - year, which represents the second cause of death in that population. Conclusions: It is considered a priority to improve the detection and psychological surveillance of the military and facilitate their access to mental health services in order to detect modifiable risk factors for suicide(AU)

Morphological and molecular identification with frequency analysis of Calicophoron microbothrioides in central Chile / Identificação morfológica e molecular com análise de frequência de Calicophoron microbothrioides na região central do Chile

Abstract This research aimed to determine the presence of paramphistomids in cattle slaughtered in a slaughterhouse of the Ñuble Region of Chile, to identify flukes and to analyze the frequency of these parasites in the Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío administrative regions of Chile. Between October of 2016 and April of 2017, rumens of 494 cattle were examined for flukes in the forestomachs. Worms were identified morphologically and, in addition, molecular analysis of the internal transcriber spacer region 2 of the fluke's DNA was done and phylogenetic analyses were performed with Bayesian inference in 14 worms. The frequency was analyzed by locality (low- or highlands) and age. The overall frequency was 11.24%. The district with the highest frequency of presentation was Chillán Viejo (30.8%). Districts in the lowlands had similar frequencies to those in the mountain lands (p=0.1). The frequency of flukes was significantly higher in adult animals than in young ones (p<0.01). We obtained a 460 bp-length fragment of DNA that was identical to the sequences previously identified as Paramphistomum cervi and Calicophoron microbothrioides, and performed morphological analyses confirmed that our samples belonged to C. microbothrioides. This is the first published study of C. microbothrioides in Chile.

Resumo Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a presença de paramphistomídeos em bovinos abatidos em um matadouro da Região do Ñuble do Chile, para identificar parasitas e analisar a frequência desses parasitos nas regiões administrativas de Maule, Ñuble e Biobío, no Chile. Entre outubro de 2016 e abril de 2017, rúmens de 494 bovinos foram examinados à procura de vermes no pré-estômago. Os vermes foram identificados morfologicamente e, além disso, a análise molecular da região interna do espaçador do transcritor 2 do DNA e análises filogenéticas foram realizadas com inferência bayesiana em 14 vermes. A frequência foi analisada pela altitude da localidade (baixa ou alta) e idade. A frequência geral foi de 11,24%. O distrito com as maiores frequências de parasitismo foi Chillán Viejo (30,8%). Os distritos das terras baixas tinham frequências semelhantes às encontradas nas terras das montanhas (p=0,17). A frequência foi significativamente maior em animais adultos do que em jovens (p<0.01). Obtivemos um fragmento de DNA de 460 pb que era idêntico às sequências anteriores identificadas como Paramphistomum cervi e Calicophoron microbothrioides, e realizamos análises morfológicas que permitiram confirmar que nossas amostras pertenciam a C. microbothrioides. Este é o primeiro estudo publicado sobre C. microbothrioides no Chile.

Morphological and molecular identification with frequency analysis of Calicophoron microbothrioides in central Chile.

This research aimed to determine the presence of paramphistomids in cattle slaughtered in a slaughterhouse of the Ñuble Region of Chile, to identify flukes and to analyze the frequency of these parasites in the Maule, Ñuble, and Biobío administrative regions of Chile. Between October of 2016 and April of 2017, rumens of 494 cattle were examined for flukes in the forestomachs. Worms were identified morphologically and, in addition, molecular analysis of the internal transcriber spacer region 2 of the fluke's DNA was done and phylogenetic analyses were performed with Bayesian inference in 14 worms. The frequency was analyzed by locality (low- or highlands) and age. The overall frequency was 11.24%. The district with the highest frequency of presentation was Chillán Viejo (30.8%). Districts in the lowlands had similar frequencies to those in the mountain lands (p=0.1). The frequency of flukes was significantly higher in adult animals than in young ones (p<0.01). We obtained a 460 bp-length fragment of DNA that was identical to the sequences previously identified as Paramphistomum cervi and Calicophoron microbothrioides, and performed morphological analyses confirmed that our samples belonged to C. microbothrioides. This is the first published study of C. microbothrioides in Chile.

Zoonotic Pathogens in the American Mink in Its Southernmost Distribution.

The American mink, Neovison vison, is an invasive species in Chile. Its impact on native fauna and public health has not been studied in depth in the country. In this study, we searched for gastrointestinal parasites, including helminths and zoonotic Cryptosporidium sp., the presence of Trichinella sp. in muscle, and the renal carriage of pathogenic Leptospira sp. in minks caught on Navarino Island, "Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena" Region, and Maullín and Ancud, "Los Lagos" Region, Chile. A total of 58, 15, and 21 minks from Navarino Island, Maullín, and Ancud, respectively, were examined for Trichinella sp. (artificial digestion of muscle). A total of 36, 11, and 17 minks from Navarino Island, Maullín, and Ancud, respectively, were examined for pathogenic Leptospira species (molecular detection of LipL32 gen fragment in renal tissue) infection. Finally, 45, 11, and 17 minks from Navarino Island, Maullín, and Ancud, respectively, were analyzed to detect gastrointestinal parasites (by optical inspection of the digestive tract for helminths, and by both Ziehl-Neelsen stain and molecular detection of small subunit-ribosomal DNA for Cryptosporidium species). Trichinella larvae were not observed. Pathogenic Leptospira sp. was detected in 22 samples: 15 from Navarino Island, 3 from Maullín, and 4 from Ancud. Two nematodes, belonging to Ascaridinae (subfamily) and Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sp., were found in samples of two minks from Navarino Island. Oocysts and DNA of Cryptosporidium sp. were detected in three fecal samples from Navarino Island. Further studies could determine the zoonotic potential of Cryptosporidium sp., as well as the potential impact of the zoonotic Leptospira sp. on the human population of the Navarino Island, Maullín, and Ancud districts. The enemy release theory could explain the low helminth species richness in the minks. In addition, we did not find evidence of parasite transmission from native fauna.

Reemergence of H3N8 Equine Influenza A virus in Chile, 2018.

A new outbreak of equine Influenza A virus (IAV) was reported in Chile in January 2018, 6 years after its last report in 2012. Equine IAV was detected by rtRT-PCR, followed by virus isolation and full genome sequencing. Genetic characterization of equine IAV classified the virus within clade 1 of the Florida sublineage. Although this is the same sublineage that caused an outbreak in Chile in 2012, the virus has a high similarity to other cocirculating viruses that were recently identified in Europe and Asia. The Chilean 2018 equine influenza (EI) outbreak was caused by an H3N8 strain circulating globally that spread through horse movements.

Epidemiological investigations of the introduction of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in Chile, 2013-2015.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is endemic in most pork producing countries. In Chile, eradication of PRRS virus (PRRSV) was successfully achieved in 2009 as a result of the combined efforts of producers and the animal health authorities. In October 2013, after several years without detecting PRRSV under surveillance activities, suspected cases were confirmed on a commercial swine farm. Here, we describe the PRRS epidemic in Chile between October 2013 and April 2015, and we studied the origins and spread of PRRSV throughout the country using official surveillance data and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Our results indicate that the outbreaks were caused by a PRRSV closely related to viruses present in swine farms in North America, and different from the strain that circulated in the country before 2009. Using divergence time estimation analysis, we found that the 2013-2015 PRRSV may have been circulating in Chile for at least one month before the first detection. A single strain of PRRSV spread into a limited number of commercial and backyard swine farms. New infections in commercial systems have not been reported since October 2014, and eradication is underway by clearing the disease from the few commercial and backyard farms that remain positive. This is one of the few documented experiences of PRRSV introduction into a disease-free country.

HEMATOLOGIC AND BIOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF KELP GULLS (LARUS DOMINICANUS) CAPTURED IN THE CITY OF TALCAHUANO, CHILE.

In order to provide tools for future health-based monitoring programs, we developed reference intervals for hematology and plasma biochemistry and partitioned data for sex and season (winter and autumn). Ninety-one physically healthy kelp gulls (Larus dominicanus) were sampled in the city of Talcahuano, Chile, during winter (July-September) of 2007, autumn (April-June) and winter of 2008, and autumn of 2009. After blood sampling, the kelp gulls were euthanized by cervical dislocation. Packed cell volume (PCV), hemoglobin, total plasma protein (TPP), and complete blood count were performed. Alanine amino transferase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, urea, calcium, phosphorus, and uric acid were analyzed. No significant differences were found between sexes (P>0.05). When a comparison was made between the two seasons, the values of PCV, TPP, white blood cell, heterophils, eosinophils, and monocytes were significantly higher in winter than in autumn (P<0.05) while and urea and uric acid concentrations were higher in autumn. Heterophils were the predominant circulating leukocyte for all birds. There was no significant difference in body condition between autumn and winter nor between sexes. Body condition showed a significant relationship with TPP and basophil concentration and ALP activity.

Feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus infection in free-ranging guignas (Leopardus guigna) and sympatric domestic cats in human perturbed landscapes on Chiloé Island, Chile.

Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and feline leukemia virus (FeLV) are two of the most common viruses affecting domestic cats (Felis catus). During the last two decades, reports show that both viruses also infect or affect other species of the family Felidae. Human landscape perturbation is one of the main causes of emerging diseases in wild animals, facilitating contact and transmission of pathogens between domestic and wild animals. We investigated FIV and FeLV infection in free-ranging guignas (Leopardus guigna) and sympatric domestic cats in human perturbed landscapes on Chiloé Island, Chile. Samples from 78 domestic cats and 15 guignas were collected from 2008 to 2010 and analyzed by PCR amplification and sequencing. Two guignas and two domestic cats were positive for FIV; three guignas and 26 domestic cats were positive for FeLV. The high percentage of nucleotide identity of FIV and FeLV sequences from both species suggests possible interspecies transmission of viruses, facilitated by increased contact probability through human invasion into natural habitats, fragmentation of guigna habitat, and poultry attacks by guignas. This study enhances our knowledge on the transmission of pathogens from domestic to wild animals in the global scenario of human landscape perturbation and emerging diseases.

Evidence for Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) and Franklin's Gulls (Leucophaeus pipixcan) as carriers of Salmonella by real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Polymerase chain reaction confirmed that two gull species in Talcahuano, Chile, shed Salmonella. Fecal samples from resident Larus dominicanus had prevalences of 51.2% for Salmonella spp. and 26.3% for Salmonella Enteritidis. Prevalences in samples from migratory Leucophaeus pipixcan were 75% and 30% respectively. Risks to public health may exist.

Anticuerpos séricos contra la enfermedad de Newcastle e Influenza Aviar en aves rapaces de Chile / Serum antibodies against Newcastle disease and Avian Influenza in birds of pley in Chile

Objetivo. Detectar la presencia de anticuerpos séricos sanguíneos contra los virus de la Enfermedad de Newcastle (ENC) e Influenza aviar (IA), para comprender la contribución de las aves silvestres en la transmisión de estos virus en Chile. Materiales y métodos. Se analizaron 63 aves pertenecientes a los órdenes Falconiformes y Strigiformes desde centros de rehabilitación de aves de las zonas central y sur de Chile. Se realizaron las pruebas de inhibición de la hemoaglutinación (IHA) para detectar anticuerpos contra el virus ENC e inmunodifusión en gel agar (IDGA) y ELISA para IA. Resultados. Se detectaron 14 aves positivas (22.2%) para anticuerpos séricos contra el virus de la ENC. En cambio, no se registraron anticuerpos séricos sanguíneos para el virus de la IA. Conclusiones. La presencia de aves rapaces positivas en los centros de rescate a los anticuerpos séricos contra el virus de la ENC puede ser explicada por el consumo de carne de pollos que han sido vacunados contra ENC o consumo de aves que han adquirido directamente el virus vacunal a través de los distintos procedimientos de administración (aerosoles, bebederos) de la vacuna o por el ingreso a los centros de rescate de aves rapaces migratorias, las que podrían facilitar la diseminación de la infección desde los países de origen, hecho que debe ser investigado.

Objective. To detect the presence of blood serum antibodies against Newcastle disease (ND) and Avian influenza (AI) viruses, to understand the contribution of wild birds in transmission of these viruses in Chile. Materials and methods. Sixty-three birds belonging to orders Falconiformes and Strigiformes were analyzed from bird rehabilitation centers in central and south-central Chile. Hemagglutination inhibition (HIA) was used to detect antibodies against the ND virus and further AI virus typing was done by agar gel immune-diffusion (AGID) and ELISA. Results. 14 birds we found (22.2%) with serum antibodies against ND virus; however, there were no blood serum antibodies to AI virus. Conclusions. Birds of prey from rescue centers have been detected positive for serum antibodies against ND virus. Birds of prey could have become positive via direct consumption of chickens vaccinated against ND or from chickens indirectly exposed to the vaccine through different administrative procedures (aerosols, water troughs) or after the admission of migratory birds to rescue centers, which could facilitate the spread of ND from their countries of origin, and should be investigated.

Disordered eating behaviors and binge drinking in female high-school students: the role of impulsivity / Conductas alimentarias de riesgo y consumo escesivo de alcohol en mujeres estudiantes: el papel de la impulsividad

Introduction It is widely accepted that psychiatric comorbidity can increase the severity, chronicity, and treatment resistance of psychiatric disorders. In various studies worldwide, it has been estimated that the prevalence of alcohol use disorders in women with disordered eating behaviors (DEB) is situated at between 2.9 and 48.6%. It is worth noting that previous studies have not considered the analysis of the variables that could explain the comorbidity between DEB and alcohol use in adolescents, such as impulsivity, which is the key variable for explaining this comorbidity. On the other hand, most studies have addressed the adult population in psychiatric hospitals or people with eating disorders (ED) or alcohol use disorders. It is considered that those subjects have already developed psychiatric comorbid disorders. Impulsivity could be an unspecific trait that aggravates the psychiatric condition of a determined person and it is therefore more likely for that person to seek specialized care. According to the above, the role of impulsivity in the comorbidity of ED and alcohol use might not be similar to that of the general population, mostly among those who have not yet developed a whole clinical syndrome. Therefore, we consider that it is important to clarify the involvement of impulsivity in the comorbidity between disordered eating behaviors (DEB) and binge drinking (BD) in high school students. It is also crucial to analyze the association between impulsivity and the coexistence of DEB and binge drinking (BD) in female students aged between 15 and 19 years at public high schools in the State of Mexico. Methods Data for this study were drawn from the Project entitled "Prevalence and Factors Associated with Disordered Eating Behaviors in Adolescent Women with Different Levels of Urbanization and Migration Intensity" (CONACyT-SEP-2004-46560). The design for this study is cross-sectional and analytical. A sample of 2357 female students at 11 public high schools in the State of Mexico was randomly selected during the 2006-2007 school year. For data collection for this project, a questionnaire was used that included socio-demographic variables, the Plutchik Impulsivity Scale (PIS), the Brief Questionnaire to Measure Risky Eating Behaviors (BQREB), and the questions on alcohol use included in the Questionnaire of Surveys on Substance Use in Students in Mexico (2003 version). Data were analyzed with the STATA version 10 survey function. Results Impulsivity was associated with the coexistence of DEB and BD (U=224427; p<0.01). The 3.5% of female students with impulsivity presented DEB and BD together vs. 0.6% who did not; 19.6% of female students with impulsivity presented one of the two behaviors vs. 7.8% without this trait. Impulsivity was associated positively and significantly with the coexistence of DEB and BD (t=3.8; p<0.01), regardless of socioeconomic variables, such as the father's educational attainment, the mother's educational attainment, and the number of services in the household. Conclusion The results of this paper indicate a statistically significant association between impulsivity and the coexistence of DEB and BD. This means that there is a greater percentage of coexistence of DEB and BD in female high school students considered to be impulsive in comparison with adolescents without this trait. This occurs regardless of socioeconomic variables, such as the father's educational attainment, the mother's educational attainment, and the number of services in the household. Future research should establish the role of other variables such as depression and examine the association of impulsivity with socioeconomic variables.

Introducción En términos generales, se acepta que la comorbilidad psiquiátrica puede incrementar la gravedad, la cronicidad y la resistencia al tratamiento de los trastornos psiquiátricos. En diversos estudios en todo el mundo se ha estimado que la prevalencia de trastornos por consumo de alcohol en mujeres con conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) se sitúa entre el 2.9 y el 48.6%. Es importante señalar que los estudios anteriores no han considerado el análisis de las variables que podrían explicar la comorbilidad entre las CAR y el consumo de alcohol en los adolescentes, tales como la impulsividad, que es la variable considerada como la más importante para explicar dicha comorbilidad. Por otro lado, la mayor parte de la literatura ha estudiado a población adulta en hospitales psiquiátricos o a sujetos que ya han cumplido con los criterios diagnósticos de los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA) y de los trastornos por uso de alcohol. Se ha considerado que dichas poblaciones ya han desarrollado trastornos psiquiátricos comórbidos y que la impulsividad puede ser un rasgo inespecífico que agrava la situación psiquiátrica de una persona y que de esa forma sea más probable que acuda a una institución hospitalaria. Por lo tanto, es posible que la participación de la impulsividad en la comorbilidad entre los TCA y el consumo de alcohol no sea similar en la población general, sobre todo en la que no ha desarrollado los trastornos aún. Por lo tanto, consideramos importante aclarar la participación de la impulsividad en la comorbilidad entre las conductas alimentarias de riesgo (CAR) y el consumo excesivo de alcohol (CEA) en la población general y especialmente en aquellos sujetos en riesgo de presentar estos trastornos. Para ello se consideró importante analizar la asociación entre la impulsividad y la coexistencia de las conductas alimentarias de riesgo y el consumo excesivo de alcohol en estudiantes de sexo femenino de entre 15 y 19 años en escuelas públicas del Estado de México. Método Los datos para este estudio fueron obtenidos del Proyecto "Preva-lencia y Factores Asociados a Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo en Mujeres Adolescentes en Localidades con diferente Nivel de Urbanización e Intensidad de Migración" (CONACyT-SEP-2004-46560). El diseño del estudio es transversal-analítico. La unidad de análisis fueron las estudiantes de sexo femenino entre 15 y 19 años de edad en instituciones educativas públicas de nivel medio superior en el Estado de México. Para la selección de las estudiantes, se utilizó un muestreo aleatorio estratificado. La muestra consistió en 2357 estudiantes de 11 escuelas públicas en el Estado de México durante el año escolar 2006-2007. Para la recolección de datos se empleó un cuestionario que incluía variables sociodemográficas, la Escala de Impulsividad Plutchik, el Cuestionario Breve de Conductas Alimentarias de Riesgo, y las preguntas sobre el consumo de alcohol, incluidas en el cuestionario de estudiantes (versión 2003) de las encuestas sobre consumo de sustancias en estudiantes de México. Los datos fueron analizados con la función survey del programa estadístico STATA versión 10 con una ponderación de la muestra que correspondió a la probabilidad de selección debido al nivel de marginación y estatus migratorio. Para determinar la asociación entre la impulsividad y la coexistencia entre las CAR y el CEA, se realizó un análisis de regresión ordinal. Resultados La impulsividad se asoció con la coexistencia entre las conductas alimentarias de riesgo y el consumo excesivo de alcohol (U=224427, p<0.01). El 3.5% de las estudiantes con impulsividad presentaron CAR y CEA de manera conjunta vs. el 0.6% que no cumplieron con dicha definición, mientras que el 19.6% de las estudiantes con impulsividad presentaron una de las dos conductas vs. 7.8% sin dicho rasgo. La impulsividad se asoció de manera positiva y significativa con la coexistencia CAR & CEA (t=3.83; p<0.01), de manera independiente a las variables socioeconómicas como la escolaridad del padre, la escolaridad de la madre y el número de servicios en la vivienda. Conclusión Los resultados de este trabajo indican una asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la impulsividad y la coexistencia de CAR y CEA. Lo anterior significa que hay un porcentaje mayor de la coexistencia de CAR y CEA en las estudiantes que cumplieron la definición operacional de impulsividad en comparación con las estudiantes sin dicho rasgo, de manera independiente a las variables socioeconómicas como la escolaridad del padre, la escolaridad de la madre y el número de servicios en la vivienda. Los resultados del presente estudio muestran que la impulsividad está asociada con una serie de conductas que pueden incrementar el desarrollo de un TCA comórbido con un trastorno por consumo de alcohol, y por lo tanto, sugieren un peor pronóstico para las adolescentes incluidas en el estudio. Lo anterior plantea la necesidad de detectar a los sujetos en riesgo de desarrollar ambos trastornos y su canalización a los servicios de salud especializados. Queda pendiente establecer el papel de otras variables como la depresión, y estudiar la asociación entre la impulsividad con las variables socioeconómicas mencionadas.

[Exactitude of self-reported weight and height in 15 to 19 year old female adolescents of the State of Mexico]. / Exactitud del autorreporte de peso y talla en mujeres de 15 a 19 años del Estado de México.

OBJECTIVE: To know the accuracy of weight and height in 15 to 19 years old women in relation to age, marginalization and migratory intensity level of localities and father's academic level. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out with a probabilistic sample of public high school students at the State of Mexico (N=2 357), to whom self-reported weight and height were asked and were directly measured afterwards. Data were collected from January to April 2007. RESULTS: The results obtained showed that these adolescents overestimate their height not significantly, and significantly underestimate their weight, with similar trends analyzing age, marginalization levels, migratory intensity and father's education status. CONCLUSIONS: Results show the validity of self-reported height but not of self-reported weight among this sample.