Evaluación de un modelo remoto de seguimiento de pacientes embarazadas y puérperas con infección por SARS-CoV-2 / Evaluation of a remote control model for pregnant and post-partum patients with SARS-CoV-2infection

INTRODUCCIÓN: Ante el escenario de pacientes obstétricas diagnosticadas por la nueva enfermedad por coronavirus (COVID-19), se hace imprescindible la necesidad de realizar un seguimiento adecuado tanto desde el punto de vista de obstétrico como del cuadro viral, durante el período de aislamiento domiciliario. Con este objetivo, se desarrolló un programa de seguimiento remoto por la Unidad de Medicina Materno Fetal (MMF) de nuestro centro, desde el diagnóstico de la infección hasta el alta médica según los criterios vigentes del Ministerio de Salud (MINSAL). OBJETIVO: Evaluar la satisfacción del paciente en el seguimiento remoto de embarazadas y puérperas con diagnóstico de infección por SARS-CoV-2. Material y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo mediante la aplicación de una encuesta anónima y voluntaria de satisfacción usuaria, a través de una plataforma online. El instrumento fue una adaptación de la versión en español del "Telehealth Usability Questionnaire" (TUQ) previamente validado. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo un 94,5% de respuestas a la encuesta. El 86% de las pacientes evaluó como "Muy Bueno" o "Bueno" el control virtual. El 91% no experimentó problemas técnicos. El 14% de las pacientes prefiere un control virtual, el 26% presencial y el 60% un control mixto. El 80% cumplió todas sus necesidades con el control virtual. CONCLUSIONES: En el contexto de pandemia e infección por SARS-CoV-2, el seguimiento remoto ha sido evaluado globalmente en forma positiva con niveles aceptables de satisfacción de las pacientes.

INTRODUCTION: Given the scenario of obstetric patients diagnosed with the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19), the need for proper follow-up both obstetric and of the infection, during the period of home isolation, is essential. A remote monitoring program was developed by the Maternal Fetal Medicine Unit (MFM) of our center from the diagnosis of the infection until medical discharge according to the current criteria of the Ministry of Health (MINSAL). OBJECTIVE: To assess patient satisfaction of remote monitoring of pregnant and postpartum patients diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. METHODS: This is a descriptive-survey research. We performed a patient satisfaction survey through an online platform to pregnant and postpartum patients with remote monitoring for SARS-CoV-2 infection in our center. The survey was anonymous and voluntary. The instrument for this purpose was the Spanish adapted version of "Telehealth Usability Questionnaire" (TUQ) that has been previously validated. RESULTS: The survey was answered by 94,5% of the patients. The results show that 86% of the patients rated the virtual control as "Very Good" or "Good"; 91% did not experienced technical problems. 14% of the patients prefer virtual control, 26% prefer face-to-face control and 60% both virtual and face-to-face control. 80% fulfilled all their needs with virtual control. CONCLUSIONS: In the context of pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 infection, remote monitoring has been positively evaluated with acceptable levels of patient's satisfaction.

Determinación de péptidos solubles relacionados a mesotelina para la detección precoz del mesotelioma maligno / Soluble mesothelin-related protein for malignant pleural mesothelioma screening

Introduction: Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM) is a tumor of the mesothelial cells related to asbestos exposure. This malignancy is extremely aggressive, with poor response to different treatment modalities, and it has a mean survival of 8 months since diagnosis. With the introduction of new chemotherapeutic agents and trimodality protocols, five-year survival of 40 percent in initial stages has been reported. Serum detection of Soluble Mesothelin-related Protein (SMRP) could be used for screening of MPM. Using the MESOMARK® test, 53 percent of MPM patients had levels greater than 1,5 nM, while 99 percent of control patients had lower concentrations. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of this test in Chile and determine its utility for screening ofMPM. Methods: Quantitative blind measurement of serum SMRP by MESOMARK® test. We studied 3 groups: 8 workers exposed to asbestos, 5 patients with diagnosed MPM and 14 age matched workers without known exposure to asbestos. Participants were informed of the study. Results: Mean +/- standard deviation SMRP levels in the control group was 0,53 +/- 0,4 nM, 0,89 +/- 0,46 nM in patients exposed to asbestos and 10,68 +/- 10,28 nM in MPMpatients. Differences between the groups were statistically significant (p = 0,02). In the MPM group, 3 patients were found to have SMRP levels greater than 1,5 nM (17,27 nM; SD 6,95) and 2 patients normal values (0,79 nM; SD 0,32). Using a cut-off value of 1,5 nM, sensitivity of the test was 60 percent and specificity was 100 percent. Conclusions: Detection of SMRP levels allowed to identify patients with MPM, three of whom had very high concentrations. The sensitivity and specificity found is similar to that previously reported. If our results are confirmed in greater studies, SMRP detection could be used for screening of MPM.

Resumen Introducción: El Mesotelioma Maligno (MM) es un tumor de las células mesoteliales relacionado a la exposición a asbesto, altamente agresivo, con pobre respuesta al tratamiento y con una sobrevida promedio de 8 meses después del diagnóstico. Sin embargo, nuevos agentes quimioterapéuticos y protocolos de terapia trimodal han logrado sobrevidas de hasta 40 por ciento en etapas iniciales. La detección en sangre periférica de Péptidos Solubles Relacionados a Mesotelina (SMRP) podría ser útil para el diagnóstico precoz de MM. Utilizando el test MESOMARK® para la determinación de SMRP, 53 por ciento de los pacientes con MM tenían valores mayores a 1,5 nM mientras que 99 por ciento de los controles mostraron valores inferiores. El objetivo del presente trabajo es evaluar la implementación de este test en Chile y determinar su utilidad para el diagnóstico precoz en MM. Métodos: Medición cuantitativa de SMRP en suero humano por test MESOMARK®. Se realizaron mediciones en forma ciega a 8 trabajadores con exposición a asbesto, a 5 pacientes con MMy a 14 voluntarios sin exposición. Todos los participantes fueron informados del estudio. Resultados: El promedio +/- desviación estándar de SMRP en el grupo control fue de 0,53 +/- 0,4 nM, de 0,89 +/- 0,46 nM en los expuestos sin MMy de 10,68 +/- 10,28 nM en el grupo con MM; encontrándose una diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre los valores de estos tres grupos (p = 0,02). En el grupo con MM, 3 pacientes tuvieron concentraciones mucho mayores a 1,5 nM (17,27 nM; DS 6,95) y 2 valores normales (0,79 nM; DS 0,32). Utilizando un valor de 1,5 nM como punto de corte, la sensibilidad fue de 60 por ciento y la especificidad de 100 por ciento. Conclusiones: La medición de SMRP permitió diferenciar a los pacientes con MM, presentando 3 de ellos concentraciones muy elevadas. La sensibilidad y especificidad encontrada es similar con datos previamente reportados. De confirmarse estos resultados en estudios con mayor ...

[Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Antofagasta Region, Chile 2010]. / Brote de gastroenteritis aguda en la Región de Antofagasta,Chile: 2010.

Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis are a public health problem. Norovirus is known as the most common cause (50%). In Chile, immediate notification allows surveillance of these events. We describe an acute gastroenteritis outbreak that occurred in Antofagasta region, between March and April 2010. An observational study was conducted to perform the outbreak investigation. Local residents who met case definition were included. Stool samples, epidemiological surveys and environmental samples were requested. The outbreak began approximately on March 8, 2010 and lasted until April 28 with 31,036 reported cases (rate 54 per 1000 inhabitants). The most affected age group was between 25 and 44 years, and diarrhea was the main symptom (97% of cases). We determined the presence of norovirus genogroup II in clinical and environmental samples. This outbreak was caused by consumption of raw vegetables from La Chimba, which were watered and contaminated with treated sewage containing low concentration of free residual chlorine. Subsequently, the outbreak spread from person to person in a poor sanitary environment.

[Foodborne disease outbreaks around the urban Chilean areas from 2005 to 2010]. / Brotes de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos y agua en la Región Metropolitana, Chile (2005-2010).

BACKGROUND: Foodborne disease outbreaks are one of the main health problems all over the world, which have an extensive impact on human health. OBJECTIVE: [corrected] To analyze the foodborne disease outbreaks occurred in Chilean urban area from 2005 to 2010. METHODS: We made a descriptive epidemiologic study. First, criteria were defined and classified according to previous epidemiologic investigations, clinical and environment samples, then. Variables of space, time, place and person were also analyzed. RESULTS: Among 2,806 reported outbreaks, 2434 (86.7%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Incidence rate of the period (2005-2010) were 32 cases per 100 inhabitants. A total of 12,196 people were affected, with an average of 5 patients per outbreak. The households (36.2%), restaurants (16.3%), supermarkets (6.3%) free fair (4.4%) have been the most important outbreak areas. The foods involved were seafood (15.4%), fish (15.1%), and fast food (13.5%). The etiologic agents were Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. CONCLUSIONS: Outbreaks foodborne diseases are frequents in the Chilean urban area, which make vulnerable a lot of people. The largest numbers happened in the households and were due to bad handling and/or inappropriate storage of the foods.

Brote de gastroenteritis aguda en la Región de Antofagasta,Chile: 2010 / Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis in Antofagasta Region: Chile 2010

Outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis are a public health problem. Norovirus is known as the most common cause (50%). In Chile, immediate notification allows surveillance of these events. We describe an acute gastroenteritis outbreak that occurred in Antofagasta region, between March and April 2010. An observational study was conducted to perform the outbreak investigation. Local residents who met case definition were included. Stool samples, epidemiological surveys and environmental samples were requested. The outbreak began approximately on March 8, 2010 and lasted until April 28 with 31,036 reported cases (rate 54 per 1000 inhabitants). The most affected age group was between 25 and 44 years, and diarrhea was the main symptom (97% of cases). We determined the presence of norovirus genogroup II in clinical and environmental samples. This outbreak was caused by consumption of raw vegetables from La Chimba, which were watered and contaminated with treated sewage containing low concentration of free residual chlorine. Subsequently, the outbreak spread from person to person in a poor sanitary environment.

Antecedentes: Los brotes por gastroenteritis aguda constituyen un problema de salud pública. Se conoce al norovirus como la causa más común (50%). En Chile, la vigilancia de estos eventos, se establece mediante la notificación inmediata. Objetivo: Investigar y caracterizar el brote de gastroenteritis aguda ocurrido en la Región de Antofagasta, durante los meses de marzo y abril de 2010. Método: Se efectuó un estudio observacional descriptivo para realizar la investigación de brote. Se incluyó a residentes de la región que cumplían con la definición de caso. Se solicitó muestras de deposición, encuesta epidemiológica y muestras ambientales. Resultados: Se estimó que el brote comenzó el 8 de marzo de 2010 y duró hasta el 28 de abril del mismo año; se notificaron 31. 036 casos (tasa 54 por 1.000 habitantes). El grupo de 25 y 44 años de edad fue el más afectado y la diarrea fue el síntoma predominante (97% de los casos). Se determinó la presencia de norovirus genogrupo II en muestras clínicas y ambientales. Conclusiones: El brote se originó por el consumo crudo de hortalizas que provenían del sector La Chimba, las que fueron regadas y contaminadas con agua servida tratada que contenía baja concentración de cloro libre residual y posteriormente se propagó por transmisión persona-persona, en un ambiente sanitario deficiente.

Brotes de enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos y agua en la Región Metropolitana, Chile (2005-2010) / Foodborne disease outbreaks around the urban Chilean areas from 2005 to 2010

Background: Foodborne disease outbreaks are one of the main health problems all over the world, which have an extensive impact on human health. Objetive: To analyze the foodborne disease outbreaks occurred in Chilean urban area from 2005 to 2010. Methods: We made a descriptive epidemiologic study. First, criteria were defined and classified according to previous epidemiologic investigations, clinical and environment samples, then. Variables of space, time, place and person were also analyzed. Results: Among 2,806 reported outbreaks, 2434 (86.7%) fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Incidence rate of the period (2005-2010) were 32 cases per 100 inhabitants. A total of 12,196 people were affected, with an average of 5 patients per outbreak. The households (36.2%), restaurants (16.3%), supermarkets (6.3%) free fair (4.4%) have been the most important outbreak areas. The foods involved were seafood (15.4%), fish (15.1%), and fast food (13.5%). The etiologic agents were Salmonella spp, Shigella spp, Vibrio parahaemolyticus. Conclusions: Outbreaks foodborne diseases are frequents in the Chilean urban area, which make vulnerable a lot of people. The largest numbers happened in the households and were due to bad handling and/or inappropriate storage of the foods.

Antecedentes: Las enfermedades transmitidas por alimentos (ETA) constituyen en el ámbito mundial, uno de los problemas sanitarios más comunes y de mayor impacto sobre la salud de las personas. Objetivo: Analizar los brotes de ETA notificados en la Región Metropolitana (RM) de Chile entre enero 2005 y junio 2010. Material y Métodos: Estudio epidemiológico descriptivo de base de datos de brotes de ETA que se clasificaron de acuerdo a encuesta epidemiológica y muestra clínica o ambiental. Se analizaron variables de espacio, tiempo, lugar y persona. Resultados: De los 2.806 brotes notificados, 2.434 (86,7%) cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. Un total de 12.196 personas fueron afectadas, con un promedio de 5 enfermos por brote. La tasa de incidencia del período 2005-2010 fue 32 casos por 100 habitantes Los ámbitos de mayor brote fueron los hogares (36,2%), restaurantes (16,3%), supermercados (6,3%), ferias libres (4,4%). Los alimentos involucrados fueron mariscos (15,4%), pescados (15,1%), platos rápidos (13,5%). Los principales agentes etiológicos investigados fueron Salmonella spp, Shigella spp y Vibrio parahemolyticus. Conclusiones: Los brotes de ETA son muy frecuentes en la RM, comprometiendo un gran número de personas. La mayoría se produjeron en los hogares y fueron provocados por mala manipulación y/o conservación de los alimentos.

Avances en la cirugía de la disrrafia espinal en el Instituto de Neurocirugía de Chile: el uso del neuromonitoreo mejora radicalmente los resultados quirúrgicos / Advances in spinal dysraphism surgery at the Institute of Neurosurgery of Chile: the use of neuromonitoring radically improves surgical outcomes

El objetivo del tratamiento quirúrgico de los pacientes aquejados de disrrafia espinal es mantener su función neurológica estable y óptima durante toda su vida, sin embargo, existe un riesgo importante implícito en la cirugía. Con el objeto de investigar el impacto del monitoreo electrofisiológico intraoperatorio (MIO) en la evolución postoperatoria de estos pacientes, el cirujano practicó electromiografía libre y estimulada como retroalimentación continua del procedimiento. Las patologías operadas fueron: lipomas del fillum, lipomas del cono medular y re-anclajes de pacientes portadores de mielomeningocele al nacer. En todas las patologías se comparó la evolución post-operatoria con grupos de pacientes operados sin MIO, con el objeto de comparar sus evoluciones. Se observaron diferencias significativas entre los tres grupos de pacientes el uso de MIO evita el deterioro motor y la aparición de vejiga neurogénica en pacientes operados de lipoma del cono, evita la inclusión de raíces nerviosas en la sección del Fillum y evita el deterioro motor y ayuda a mejorar la función vesical de pacientes que se operan por re-anclaje medular por mielomeningocele. Finalmente, fue posible aplicar esta técnica en recién nacidos con mielomeningocele bajo, desarrollándose un protocolo que evita de facto el deterioro motor y debería evitar la inclusión de piel durante la tunelización de la placoda. Los datos mostrados en el presente trabajo permiten afirmar que esta técnica, por primera vez desarrollada en el sistema público chileno, así aplicada mejora muy significativamente los resultados de la cirugía de disrrafia espinal.

[Biomonitoring pesticides: a national need?]. / Biomonitorización de plaguicidas: una necesidad del país?

The word biomarker is being used more frequently during the last decade. Currently, a great amount of research is directed to fnd toxicological biomarkers for several different chemical substances, since persons are more exposed now than decades before. For this reason, it is important to perform a biomonitoring of such substances in order to assess the possibility that low quantities could cause health problems. Obtaining toxicological values through biomonitoring is also useful to control the exposure. The markers of poisoning by chemicals available worldwide are numerous, but unfortunately in Chile only a few are being used. It is essential to have more toxicology and environmental laboratories to test the levels of exposure of our population.

Biomonitorización de plaguicidas: ¿una necesidad del país? / Biomonitoring pesticides: a national need?

The word ‘biomarker’ is being used more frequently during the last decade. Currently, a great amount of research is directed to fnd toxicological biomarkers for several different chemical substances, since persons are more exposed now than decades before. For this reason, it is important to perform a biomonitoring of such substances in order to assess the possibility that low quantities could cause health problems. Obtaining toxicological values through biomonitoring is also useful to control the exposure. The markers of poisoning by chemicals available worldwide are numerous, but unfortunately in Chile only a few are being used. It is essential to have more toxicology and environmental laboratories to test the levels of exposure of our population.

El término biomarcador ha tenido un uso explosivo en la última década y el área de la toxicología no ha sido la excepción. En la actualidad se busca obtener el mayor número de biomarcadores toxicológicos de sustancias químicas a las que un ser humano puede estar expuesto. La biomonitorización de los agentes químicos es fundamental para conocer en qué concentraciones estas sustancias pueden ocasionar algún problema de salud en la población y también es útil para regular la exposición a ellos. A nivel mundial, son numerosos los marcadores disponibles de intoxicación por sustancias químicas, pero en Chile son pocos los que se utilizan en forma amplia. Dado lo anterior, es fundamental implementar laboratorios toxicológicos y ambientales capaces de realizar la biomonitorización de plaguicidas en forma exhaustiva y confiable.

[Clinical usefulness of toxicology testing]. / ¿Cuál es la utilidad clínica de un estudio toxicológico?

A toxicology testing is the search by the laboratory of the possible etiologic agents that can cause poisoning. Given the wide variety of substances that can poison a person, the laboratories should work coordinated with the emergency wards in order to determine the appropriate tests menu and the required turn around time according to the most frequent causes of intoxication in the local population. Toxicology laboratories should provide two tiers of drug testing: selected drug tests in blood/urine and comprehensive or broad-spectrum toxicological testing in the same or other samples. The medical order must always include the suspected diagnosis, which is responsibility of the physician requesting the test. A most important issue in the study of a poisoned patient is the opportunity when the samples are drawn, which should be at the emergency room since a delay in sample collection implies losing unrecoverable information. Samples should be sent to the laboratory for either immediate analysis or later comprehensive toxicological tests, so that laboratories must have procedures for the proper storage and preservation of samples. Poison control centers provide assistance to clinicians in considering certain drugs etiologies and in selecting specific tests.

¿Cuál es la utilidad clínica de un estudio toxicológico? / Clinical usefulness of toxicology testing

A toxicology testing is the search by the laboratory of the possible etiologic agents that can cause poisoning. Given the wide variety of substances that can poison a person, the laboratories should work coordinated with the emergency wards in order to determine the appropriate tests menu and the required turn around time according to the most frequent causes of intoxication in the local population. Toxicology laboratories should provide two tiers of drug testing: selected drug tests in blood/urine and comprehensive or broad-spectrum toxicological testing in the same or other samples. The medical order must always include the suspected diagnosis, which is responsibility of the physician requesting the test. A most important issue in the study of a poisoned patient is the opportunity when the samples are drawn, which should be at the emergency room since a delay in sample collection implies losing unrecoverable information. Samples should be sent to the laboratory for either immediate analysis or later comprehensive toxicological tests, so that laboratories must have procedures for the proper storage and preservation of samples. Poison control centers provide assistance to clinicians in considering certain drugs etiologies and in selecting specific tests.

Un estudio toxicológico es ¡a búsqueda por parte del laboratorio de ¡os posibles agentes etiológicos de un cuadro clínico de intoxicación. Dada la gran variedad de sustancias con que se puede intoxicar un individuo, los laboratorios deben trabajar coordinadamente con los Servicios de Urgencia para consensuar los exámenes necesarios en esta área y sus tiempos de respuesta, de acuerdo al tipo de población y las causas de intoxicaciones más frecuentes en su medio local. Los laboratorios toxicológicos deben proveer dos niveles de exámenes: los análisis específicos de drogas en sangre/orina y los estudios toxicológicos avanzados o ampliados en estas mismas muestras u otras. La orden médica siempre debe incluir ¡a sospecha diagnóstica, ¡o cual es responsabüidad del médico que solicita el examen. Lo más importante para el estudio de un paciente intoxicado es el momento de la obtención de las muestras, que debe ser al ingreso en el Servicio de Urgencia, ya que un retraso en tomarlas implicaría la pérdida de una información irrecuperable. Las muestras deben ser enviadas al laboratorio, ya sea para su análisis inmediato o para estudios toxicológicos ampliados posteriores, por lo que los laboratorios deben tener procedimientos para el correcto almacenamiento y preservación de las muestras. Los Centros de Información Toxicológica colaboran con el clínico orientándolo en la solicitud de exámenes, como también entregándole información acerca de las posibles drogas involucradas en una intoxicación

[Traceability and harmonization in clinical laboratory]. / ¿Cuándo puedo comparar un mismo test realizado en diferentes laboratorios? Conceptos de trazabilidad y armonización en el laboratorio clínico.

The results of a determination performed in two different laboratories can only be compared if the techniques used are comparable, independently of the methodology or manufacturer. For this purpose, methods must be traceable to common materials and methods. Despite the common sense of this statement, only few laboratory determinations fulfill this requisite. In general, during the follow up of a patient, the physician must try to use the same laboratory or at least laboratories that use the same method. Moreover, laboratories should define the method used for determinations in their reports as indispensable information for attending physicians.

¿Cuándo puedo comparar un mismo test realizado en diferentes laboratorios? Conceptos de trazabilidad y armonización en el laboratorio clínico / Traceability and harmonization in clinical laboratory

The results of a determination performed in two different laboratories can only be compared if the techniques used are comparable, independently of the methodology or manufacturer. For this purpose, methods must be traceable to common materials and methods. Despite the common sense of this statement, only few laboratory determinations fulfill this requisite. In general, during the follow up of a patient, the physician must try to use the same laboratory or at least laboratories that use the same method. Moreover, laboratories should define the method used for determinations in their reports as indispensable information for attending physicians.

Los resultados de un mismo examen realizado en dos laboratorios diferentes, sólo se pueden comparar si las técnicas utilizadas son comparables, independientemente del fabricante o metodología. Para que ello ocurra, ios métodos deben ser trazabies a un material y a un método de referencia común. A pesar de que esto parece obvio, sólo unos pocos exámenes de laboratorio logran esta condición. En general, y especialmente en el seguimiento o control de los pacientes, el médico debe optar por usar siempre el mismo laboratorio o laboratorios que utilicen el mismo método. Además, los laboratorios clínicos deben expiicitar el método utilizado en su informe de Resultados, como información indispensable para la correcta interpretación por parte del médico tratante.

Presencia de macroprolactina en sueros con normo e hiperprolactinemia: comparación de dos métodos de detección / Comparison of two techniques to detect the presence of macroprolactin in serum

Background: Macroprolactin is biologically inactive but may be detected by immnoassays. This leads to errors in diagnosis and inadequate treatment of patients with hyperprolactinemia. Aim:To assess two techniques to detect the presence of macroprolactin. Material and Methods: Prolactin was measured by immunoassay in 57 serum samples (from 4 males and 53 females aged33 +/- 13 years), before and after precipitation with polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and separation by ultrafiltration. A significant level of macroprolactin was considered to be present when prolactin detected in the supernatant after PEG precipitation or in the ultrafiltrate was less than 40 percent of the initial concentration of prolactin. Results: Prolactin levels fluctuated from 5 to 411 ng/ml. The percentages of recuperation were independent of the initial prolactin concentration. In 12 and 14 percent of samples, using polyethyleneglycol and ultrafiltration respectively, there was a prolactin recuperation of less than 40 percent. Eight and 11 percent of samples with a prolactin concentration of more than 30 ng/ml, had a recuperation of less than 40 percent using polyethyleneglycol and ultrafiltration respectively. Conclusions: Approximately 10 percent of samples with a prolactin concentration over 30ng/ml have recuperation values suggestive of the presence of macroprolactin. There is a good concordance between precipitation using polyethyleneglycol or ultrafiltration.

[Seroepidemiological evidence of human exposure to Anaplasma sp in Santiago, Chile]. / Evidencia seroepidemiológica de exposición humana a Anaplasma sp en Santiago, Chile.

OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: To find more evidence of human exposure to Anaplasma sp in Chile, we studied 108 contacts of dogs with canine ehrlichiosis (CE) (risk group) and 61 persons without tick or CE cases contact (control group). A survey including risk factors and history of diseases compatible with ehrlichiosis/ anaplasmosis was applied to the risk group. Serum IgG anti-Anaplasma sp antibodies were determined in both groups. RESULTS: A significant difference was found in the prevalence of anti-Anaplasma sp antibodies in the risk group compared with the control group (18,5 versus 3,3%), p < 0,005. No risk factors associated to seropositivity were found, nor persons with history suggesting ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis. Ninety four percent of the houses of the risk group had tick infestation. DISCUSSION: A greater risk of exposition to Anaplasma sp is documented in people living in close contact with CE cases and in houses with tick infestation.

Evidencia seroepidemiológica de exposición humana a Anaplasma sp en Santiago, Chile / Seroepidemiological evidence of human exposure to Anaplasma sp in Santiago, Chile

Objectives and Methods: To find more evidence of human exposure to Anaplasma sp in Chile, we studied 108 contaets of dogs with canine ehrlichiosis (CE) (risk group) and 61 persons without tick or CE cases contact (control group). A survey including risk factors and history of diseases compatible with ehrlichiosis/ anaplasmosis was applied to the risk group. Serum IgG anti-Anaplasma sp antibodies were determined in both groups. Results: A significant difference was found in the prevalence of anti-Anaplasma sp antibodies in the risk group compared with the control group (18,5 versus 3,3 percent), p < 0,005. No risk factors associated to seropositivity were found, ñor persons with history suggesting ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis. Ninety four percent of the houses of the risk group had tick infestation. Discussion: A greater risk of exposition to Anaplasma sp is documented in people living in cióse contact with CE cases and in houses with tick infestation.

Objetivos y Método: Con el propósito de buscar mayor evidencia de exposición humana a Anaplasma sp en Chile, se estudiaron 108 personas en contacto con perros con ehrlichiosis canina (EC) (grupo de riesgo) y 61 personas sin antecedente de contacto con garrapatas ni con perros con EC (grupo control). Se aplicó encuesta sobre factores de riesgo e historia de cuadros sugerentes de ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis al grupo de riesgo. En ambos grupos se determinó presencia de IgG anti-Anaplasma sp. Resultados: Se encontró significativa mayor prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Anaplasma sp en el grupo de riesgo que en el grupo control (18,5 versus 3,3 por ciento), p < 0,005. No se encontraron factores de riesgo asociados a sero-positividad, ni personas con historia sugerente de ehrlichiosis/anaplasmosis clínica. Noventa y cuatro por ciento de las viviendas del grupo de riesgo presentaba infestación por garrapatas. Discusión: Se evidencia mayor riesgo de exposición humana a Anaplasma sp en personas en contacto cercano con perros con EC y que habitan viviendas con infestación por garrapatas.

Recomendaciones para el manejo de mordeduras ocasionadas por animales / Guidelines for management of animal bites

Las mordeduras producidas por animales domésticos, silvestres o mascotas exóticas, son un problema que no está bien dimensionado en nuestro medio; sin embargo, representan un motivo de consulta frecuente. Se revisa la epidemiología, enfrentamiento inicial y recomendaciones para el manejo de mordeduras ocasionadas por perros y gatos; por la gran importancia que han ido adquiriendo en el último tiempo se revisan las mordeduras producidas por hámsters, ratones, conejos, hurones, perros de la pradera, simios, murciélagos, aves, iguanas y animales de granja.

[Guidelines for management of animal bites]. / Recomendaciones para el manejo de mordeduras ocasionadas por animales.

Bites caused by pets or free living animal, including the so called exotic ones are a common cause of medical care request, although its real dimension has not been well defined in the local setting. This paper reviews the epidemiology of the topic placing emphasis in the initial approach and recommendations for the management of dog and cat bites. Due to increasing ownership or contact with other animals, management of bites from hamsters, mice, ferrets, rabbits, prairie dogs, monkeys, bats, lizards and bird bites is also discussed.

[Risk factors and frequency of positive antibodies for leptospirosis in a sub urban population near Santiago]. / Prevalencia y presencia de factores de riesgo de leptospirosis en una población de riesgo de la Región Metropolitana.

BACKGROUND: Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease and its incidence is known in Chile since 2002, when it was incorporated as a disease that must be reported to health authorities. A serologic survey for leptospirosis was performed in humans and animals from a farm in a semi urban area in Santiago Chile, after the death of a farmer due to Weil disease in that place. AIM: To report the prevalence of antibodies against leptospirosis and to determine exposure to infection risk factors in the humans and domestic animals studied in this survey. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Antibodies were detected by IgM immunodot and indirect haemagglutination test in 61 humans (43 male, aged 5 to 70 years) and by microscopic agglutination test (MAT) in 44 animals. A questionnaire was applied to determine their exposure to risk factors for infection with Leptospira. RESULTS: Seventy two percent of the studied population were farm workers and 70% had activities that required contact with water from canals, 41% cleaned closed places where rodents were present. Other risk factors detected were lack of sewage and waste disposal, high level of rodent infestation and disposal of faeces into canals used for watering. Two humans (3.3%) and six animals (1 bovine and 5 rodents) had positive antibodies. Among animals, antibodies against Leptospira serovar pomona and icterohaemorragiae were detected. CONCLUSIONS: In Chile, leptospirosis exists not only in rural areas but semi urban ones close to Santiago, although the prevalence is low. Education is necessary among semi urban population to avoid infection.