Borrelia puertoricensis in opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) from Colombia.

BACKGROUND: The genus Borrelia comprises pathogenic species of bacteria that pose a significant risk to public health. Borrelia spp. are emerging or reemerging infectious agents worldwide with complex transmission cycles, and many species use rodents as vertebrate reservoir hosts. Spirochetes morphologically compatible with Borrelia have been recurrently observed in opossums; however, there is currently a lack of genetic evidence confirming infection or supporting that these marsupials are hosts of Borrelia spirochetes. METHODS: During 2017, 53 serum samples of Didelphis marsupialis from the municipality of Colosó (department of Sucre, Colombia) were collected and allocated in a serum bank. DNA extracted from the serum samples was submitted to a Borrelia genus-specific real-time PCR targeting the 16S rRNA gene. Positive samples were subsequently derived from semi-nested PCR protocols to obtain large fragments of the 16S rRNA and flaB genes. Obtained amplicons were subjected to Sanger sequencing. One positive sample was randomly selected for next-generation sequencing (NGS). Obtained reads were mapped to genomes of Borrelia spp. and sequences of two genes used in a multilocus sequence typing scheme retrieved for taxonomic assignment and phylogenetic analyses. RESULTS: Overall, 18.8% (10/53) of the samples were positive by qPCR. Of them, 80% (8/10) and 60% (6/10) were positive for the 16S rRNA and flaB genes after semi-nested PCRs, respectively. Bioinformatic analysis of one sample sequenced with NGS yielded 22 reads of genus Borrelia with different sizes. Two housekeeping genes, rplB and pyrG, were recovered. Nucleotide pairwise comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of 16S rRNA, flaB, rplB and pyrG genes showed that the Borrelia sp. found in opossums from Colosó corresponded to Borrelia puertoricensis. CONCLUSIONS: We describe the first molecular evidence to our knowledge of B. puertoricensis in Colombia, specifically in opossums, and the first detection of this spirochete in a vertebrate host since its isolation from Ornithodoros puertoricensis in Panama. This detection is also relevant because of the epidemiological importance of opossums as reservoirs of zoonotic diseases to humans.

Relación de la Dependencia, Discriminación y Variables Sociodemográficas de Personas en Situación de Discapacidad entre el Año 2015, 2017 y 2021 en Chile / Relationship of Dependency, Discrimination, and Sociodemographic Variables of People with Disabilities between the Years 2015, 2017, and 2021 in Chile

Introducción. La discapacidad se ha interpretado bajo diferentes puntos de vista a medida que pasan los años, convirtiéndose en un punto clave la mirada global para una correcta integración dentro de la sociedad, especialmente desde el punto de vista de la Kinesiología. Objetivo. analizar la población con discapacidad en Chile con respecto a las variables sociodemográficas (sexo y edad), en su estado de dependencia y discriminación desde el 2015 al 2021. Métodos. Estudio cuantitativo, descriptivo, en donde se identificaron y contrastaron dichas variables de las bases de datos secundarias ENDISC (II Estudio Nacional de la Discapacidad del 2015), CASEN (Encuesta de Caracterización Sociodemográfica del 2017) y EBS (Encuesta de Bienestar Social del 2021). Resultados. Existe mayor prevalencia de discapacidad en el género femenino entre los 18 a 34 años, mostrando relación entre el nivel de dependencia con edad y sexo en el 2015 y 2017 con mayor prevalencia hacia la independencia. Además, se establece relación entre la autopercepción de discriminación en personas con discapacidad de acuerdo con el sexo y la edad en el 2017 y 2021, mayor prevalencia al "No" sentirse discriminado. Discusión: A medida que aumenta la edad, aumenta con ella la discapacidad de la persona, sumado a la percepción de discriminación en diferentes esferas sociales, que limitan aún más el desarrollo de las personas con discapacidad. Conclusión. Es necesario de un estudio más enfocado en variables vinculadas con la discapacidad, de esta manera tener información estadística para lograr entablar diferentes políticas públicas en beneficio de la situación de discapacidad.

Background. Disability has been interpreted from different points of view as the years go by, with a global perspective becoming a key point for correct integration within society, especially from the point of view of Kinesiology. Aim. analyze the population with disabilities in Chile with respect to sociodemographic variables (sex and age), in their state of dependency and discrimination from 2015 to 2021. Methods. Quantitative, descriptive study, where these variables from the secondary databases ENDISC (II National Disability Study of 2015), CASEN (Sociodemographic Characterization Survey of 2017) and EBS (Social Wellbeing Survey of 2021) were identified and contrasted. Results. There is a higher prevalence of disability in women between 18 and 34 years of age, showing a relationship between the level of dependency with age and sex in 2015 and 2017 with a greater prevalence towards independence. In addition, a relationship is established between the self-perception of discrimination in people with disabilities according to sex and age in 2017 and 2021, a greater prevalence of "No" feeling discriminated against. Discussion. As age increases, the person's disability increases with it, added to the perception of discrimination in different social spheres, which further limit the development of people with disabilities. Conclusion. It is necessary to study more focused on variables linked to disability, in this way to have statistical information to establish different public policies to benefit the disability situation.

Relación de las Enfermedades Crónicas no Transmisibles y Ejercicio Físico en la Población Chilena entre los años 2015-2016 / Risk of Retention of Secretions in Patients with Invasive Mechanical Ventilation

Introducción. Las prevalencias de la inactividad física, el sedentarismo y el sobrepeso y obesidad han aumentado sus índices durante los últimos años en Chile, lo que conlleva al desarrollo y aparición de diversas enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, como por ejemplo, hipertensión arterial, diabetes mellitus e inclusive enfermedades respiratorias, las cuales repercuten negativamente en la población y deterioran la calidad de vida de las personas, independientemente el sexo y el rango etario. El ejercicio físico es una de las principales herramientas utilizadas por diversos profesionales de la salud como método de prevención y tratamiento en la población afectada, inclusive representa una alternativa de menor costo. Objetivo. Relacionar el ejercicio físico de alta y mediana intensidad con las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles en personas mayores a 18 años residentes en Chile durante el periodo 2015-2016. Métodos. Análisis cuantitativo, descriptivo, transversal y retrospectivo de base secundaria ENCAVI 2015-2016, de residentes en Chile mayores de 18 años y con al menos una de las siguientes condiciones de salud: Hipertensión arterial, Diabetes Mellitus y enfermedades respiratorias crónicas no transmisibles. Resultados. Todas las variables presentan relaciones significativas (p<0,005) (HTA, DM, enfermedades respiratorias, edad, horas sentado, ejercicio físico de moderada y alta intensidad. Sin embargo, las variables de ejercicio físico moderada intensidad y enfermedades respiratorias (p=0,578) y las variables de sexo y horas sentado (p=0,005) no presentan relación significativa. Discusión. El ejercicio físico de moderada intensidad es el que tiene mejor respuesta ante las diferentes patologías según diferentes autores, por otro lado, en la recopilación de datos podemos encontrar que este tipo de ejercicio es efectivo en la Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusiones. Según los datos analizados, mientras mayor frecuencia de ejercicio físico de alta intensidad (en días) y ejercicio físico de moderada intensidad (en horas) se realice durante los últimos días de la semana, los diagnósticos de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles (HTA, DM) y enfermedades respiratorias se verán controladas, mientras que, cuando existe menor frecuencia del ejercicio físico realizado durante los últimos días de la semana, tiende a existir mayor diagnóstico.

Background. The prevalence of physical inactivity, sedentary lifestyle, and overweight and obesity have increased their rates in recent years in Chile, which leads to the development and appearance of various chronic non-communicable diseases, such as for example, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus and even respiratory diseases, which have a negative impact on the population and deteriorate the quality of life of people, regardless of gender and age range (7). Physical exercise is one of the main tools used by various health professionals as a method of prevention and treatment in the affected population, even representing a lower cost alternative. Objetive. To relate high and medium intensity physical exercise with chronic non-communicable diseases in people over 18 years of age residing in Chile during the period 2015-2016. Methods. Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional and retrospective analysis of the ENCAVI 2015-2016 secondary base of residents in Chile over 18 years of age and with at least one of the following health conditions: High blood pressure, Diabetes Mellitus and chronic non-communicable respiratory diseases. Results. All the variables present significant relationships (p<0.005) (HTN, DM, respiratory diseases, age, hours sitting, moderate and high intensity physical exercise. However, the variables of moderate intensity physical exercise and respiratory diseases (p=0.578) and the variables of sex and sitting hours (p=0.005) do not present a significant relationship. Discussion. Moderate intensity physical exercise is the one that has the best response to different pathologies according to different authors, on the other hand, in data collection we can found that this type of exercise is effective in Diabetes Mellitus. Conclusions. According to the data analyzed, the greater the frequency of high-intensity physical exercise (in days) and moderate-intensity physical exercise (in hours) performed during the last days of the week, the diagnoses of chronic non-communicable diseases (HTN, DM) and respiratory diseases will be controlled, while, when there is less frequency of physical exercise carried out during the last days of the week, there tends to be a greater diagnosis.

Prevalence of the second victim phenomenon among intensive care unit nurses and the support provided by their organizations.

BACKGROUND: Health professionals can be 'second victims' of adverse patient events. Second victimhood involves a series of physical and psychological signs and symptoms of varying severity and is most prevalent among nurses and women and in intensive care units (ICUs). Previous research has described personal and organizational coping strategies. AIM: The objective of this research is to determine the prevalence of second victimhood, focusing on psychological distress, among Chilean adult intensive care nurses and its relationship with the support provided by their organizations. STUDY DESIGN: A descriptive, correlational and cross-sectional study was conducted in seven intensive care units of Chilean hospitals. RESULTS: Of a sample of 326 nurses, 90.18% reported having been involved in an adverse event and 67% reported psychological distress resulting from the adverse event. Embarrassment was the most prevalent psychological symptom (69%). Only 2.8% reported that their organization had an action plan for professionals in the event of a serious adverse event. Participants who had spent longer working in an ICU reported more support from their organization around adverse events. CONCLUSION: Two-thirds of Chilean adult intensive care unit nurses report psychological stress following an adverse event. These results should be assessed internationally because second victims have major implications for the well-being of health professionals and, therefore, for retention and the quality of care. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Critical care leaders must actively promote a safe environment for learning from adverse events, and hospitals must establish a culture of quality that includes support programmes for second victims.

Perfil académico, percepción de competencias en estudiantes de enfermería y desempeño en el examen de grado basado en simulación de alta fidelidad

Objetivo: Analizar la relación entre perfil académico y la percepción de competencias en estudiantes de enfermería, con su desempeño en el examen de grado basado en simulación de alta fidelidad para la obtención del título de enfermera/o. Material y Método: Estudio cuantitativo, transversal y correlacional que siguió la guía STROBE. Midió variables del perfil académico (número de semestres cursados, asignaturas reprobadas, calificación de internado y al 8vo semestre) y la percepción de competencias en una muestra probabilística de 101 estudiantes de enfermería previo al examen de grado basado en simulación clínica de alta fidelidad. Luego se relacionaron con la calificación obtenida en el examen de grado. Resultados: El 36,6% de los estudiantes tardó 14 o más semestres en completar la carrera, y 52,4% tuvo más de 5 asignaturas reprobadas. En el 8vo semestre, el 58,4% obtuvo calificación suficiente. Durante el internado, el 55,4% tuvo calificación muy buena, el 94% percibió sus competencias como buenas o excelente antes del examen de grado y en el examen de grado, el 67,1% obtuvo calificación muy buena y 6,9% sobresaliente. Se encontraron relaciones significativas entre percepción de competencias del estudiante y calificación del examen de grado (p= 0,012), y entre calificación del internado y examen de grado (p= 0,029). No hubo relaciones significativas entre semestres cursados, asignaturas reprobadas y promedio al 8vo semestre con calificación del examen de grado. Conclusiones: Antes del examen de grado, los estudiantes de enfermería perciben su competencia como excelente o buena. Esto se relaciona con calificación en este examen y del internado. La calificación del examen de grado no se relaciona con los semestres cursados, nota al 8vo semestre, ni asignaturas reprobadas.

Objective: To analyze the relationship between academic profile, perception of competence in nursing students, with their performance in the final exam, based on high-fidelity simulation. Material and Method: A quantitative, cross-sectional, and correlational study following the STROBE guidelines. The study measured academic profile variables (number of semesters completed, failed subjects, internship grade and 8th semester grade) and the perception of competence in a probabilistic sample of 101 nursing students, prior to the final exam, based on high-fidelity clinical simulation. They were then related to the final exam grades. Results: 36.6% of students took 14 or more semesters to graduate, and 52.4% had failed more than 5 subjects. In the 8th semester, 58.4% obtained a sufficient grade. During the internship, 55.4% received a very good grade. 94% of students perceived their competence as good or excellent before the final exam, and in the final exam, 67.1% had a very good grade, and 6.9% had an excellent grade. Significant relationships were found between students' perceptions of competence and final exam grades (p= 0.012), and between internship grades and final exam grades (p= 0.029). There were no significant relationships between semesters completed, failed subjects, and 8th semester grade with the final exam grade. Conclusion: Before the final exam, nursing students perceive their competence as excellent or good. This perception is related to their performance in the exam and during the internship. The final exam grade is not related to the number of semesters completed, the 8th semester grade or the failed subjects.

Objetivo: Analisar a relação entre o perfil académico, a percepção de competências dos estudantes de enfermagem e seu desempenho no exame de graduação, com base na simulação de alta fidelidade. Material e Método: Estudo quantitativo, transversal e correlacional que seguiu o guia STROBE. O estudo mediu variáveis de perfil académico (número de semestres cursados, disciplinas reprovadas, nota do estágio e nota do 8° semestre) e a percepção de competência em uma amostra probabilística de 101 estudantes de enfermagem, antes do exame de graduação, com base em simulação clínica de alta fidelidade. Em seguida, essas variáveis foram relacionadas com a nota do exame de graduação. Resultados: 36,6% dos estudantes levaram 14 semestres ou mais para concluir o programa de estudos, e 52,4% tiveram mais de 5 disciplinas reprovadas. No 8° semestre, 58,4% obtiveram uma nota suficiente. Durante o estágio, 55,4% receberam uma nota muito boa. 94% dos estudantes perceberam suas competências como boas ou excelentes antes do exame de graduação. No exame de graduação, 67,1% obtiveram uma nota muito boa e 6,9% uma nota excelente. Foram encontradas relações significativas entre a percepção de competência do estudante e a nota do exame de graduação (p= 0,012), e entre a nota do estágio e o exame de graduação (p= 0,029). Não houve relações significativas entre semestres cursados, disciplinas reprovadas e a nota do 8° semestre com a nota do exame de graduação. Conclusão: Antes do exame de graduação, os estudantes de enfermagem percebem suas competências como excelentes ou boas. Isso está relacionado com a nota neste exame e no estágio. A nota do exame de graduação não está relacionada com os semestres cursados, a nota no 8° semestre ou as disciplinas reprovadas.

Best Nursing Intervention Practices to Prevent Non-Communicable Disease: A Systematic Review.

Objectives: To explore nursing health education interventions for non-communicable disease patients. Methods: The design was a systematic review of research work published between 2008 and 2018. The data sources included the Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, COCHRANE, and LILACS. The studies that met the inclusion were assessed, and the analysis for methodological quality through the recommended tools CASPe, and JADAD. Results: Fifteen original studies from eight counties were included in the review; Findings revealed 13 studies with randomized samples and six used power analysis. Nurses' interventions included house calls, home care, and individual and group health education. Conclusion: Nursing interventions showed 76.4% the effectiveness of results in patient outcomes to promote and improve healthier lifestyles and quality of life of non-communicable disease patients. This review discloses the significant impact of nursing health education interventions. Nursing leadership and political decision-makers should consider providing programs to enhance health education knowledge and abilities. All of this can favor the sustainability of the global economy by changing the life style of thousands of people worldwide. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020208809.

SARS-CoV-2 in a tropical area of Colombia, a remarkable conversion of presymptomatic to symptomatic people impacts public health.

BACKGROUND: The ability of SARS-CoV-2 to remain in asymptomatic individuals facilitates its dissemination and makes its control difficult. OBJECTIVE: To establish a cohort of asymptomatic individuals, change to the symptomatic status, and determine the most frequent clinical manifestations.  METHODS: Between April 9 and August 9, 2020, molecular diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection was confirmed in 154 asymptomatic people in contact with subjects diagnosed with COVID-19. Nasopharyngeal swabs were performed on these people in different hospitals in Córdoba, the Caribbean area of Colombia. The genes E, RdRp, and N were amplified with RT-qPCR. Based on the molecular results and the Cq values, the patients were subsequently followed up through telephone calls to verify their health conditions. RESULTS: Overall, of 154 asymptomatic individuals, 103 (66.9%) remained asymptomatic, and 51 (33.1%) changed to symptomatic. The most frequent clinical manifestations in young people were anosmia and arthralgia. Adults showed cough, ageusia, and odynophagia; in the elderly were epigastralgia, dyspnea, and headache. Mortality was 8%. CONCLUSIONS: A proportion of 33% of presymptomatic individuals was found, of which four of them died. This high rate could indicate a silent transmission, contributing significantly to the epidemic associated with SARS-CoV-2.

Fast and simplified determination of PCA and aromatic carbon content of treated distilled aromatic extract (TDAE) by NMR.

Aromatic oils obtained during lubricant production (DAE) have high value as rubber extenders in tire manufacturing, but they have high carcinogenic potential due to the content of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PCAs). Legislation on PCA content requires additional treatment to reach treated oils (TDAE) with a PCA content lower than 3% according to the IP 346 method. IP 346 is a highly time-consuming and high uncertainty method, and several proposals have tried to replace it, but nowadays, there is no standard alternative. In this work, an extensive collection of samples covering a broad PCA content were obtained and characterized by physical properties, NMR, and aromatic and PCA content. Several correlations were tested to establish an optimum procedure to estimate the aromatic and the PCA content according to the requirement of high accuracy and low time and effort. The combination of several properties does not improve the accuracy of the correlation, and simpler equations were preferred. Integrated spectra appear as an acceptable characterization method as NMR percent of the total aromatic proton and polycyclic aromatic proton correlates satisfactory with the number of aromatic carbons and PCA content, respectively. The refractive index yields the best results for the correlation to PCA content. Obtained deviations compare favorably with methods previously described in the literature and with the uncertainty involved in the experimental method. They can be considered adequate methods to analyze such magnitudes routinely.

SARS-CoV-2 in eight municipalities of the Colombian tropics: high immunity, clinical and sociodemographic outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Serological evaluation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an alternative that allows us to determine the prevalence and dynamics of this infection in populations. The goal of this study was to determine the clinical and sociodemographic dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 infection in a region of the Colombian Caribbean. METHODS: Between July and November 2020, a cross-sectional observational study was carried out in Córdoba, located in northeast Colombia in the Caribbean area. Eight municipalities with the largest populations were chosen and 2564 blood samples were taken. A commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used with the recombinant protein antigen N of SARS-CoV-2. The people included in the study were asked for sociodemographic and clinical data, which were analysed by statistical methods. RESULTS: A seroprevalence of 40.8% was obtained for SARS-CoV-2 in the Córdoba region. In the bivariate analysis, no differences were observed in seropositivity against SARS-CoV-2 for gender or age range (p>0.05). Higher seropositivity was found in low socio-economic status and symptomatic patients (p<0.0001). A total of 30.7% of the asymptomatic patients were seropositive for SARS-CoV-2, which could be linked to the spread of this infection. In the multivariate analysis, seroconversion was related to poverty and clinical manifestations such as anosmia and ageusia (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high seropositivity in Córdoba is due to widespread SARS-CoV-2 in this population. The relationship between seropositivity and socio-economic status suggests a higher exposure risk to the virus caused by informal economic activities in low-income groups. Clinical manifestations such as anosmia and ageusia could be clinical predictors of infection by the new emergent coronavirus.

Retinopatía del prematuro: resultados de un programa de prevención, detección y tratamiento

RESUMEN Introducción: La Retinopatía del Prematuro (ROP) es una de las principales causas de ceguera prevenibles en la infancia. La Fundación Visión implementa; el Programa de Prevención, Detección y Tratamiento en el año 2015. Objetivos: Describir los resultados de implementación y los resultados alcanzados por un programa de ROP en su accesibilidad, efectividad y calidad de atención. Materiales y Métodos: Estudio descriptivo, ambispectivo, de casos consecutivos de recién nacidos prematuros con criterios de evaluación; de una población evaluada en el año 2009 y del 2015 al 2019. Resultados: Las unidades neonatales incluidas aumentaron de 3 a 7; cubriendo Asunción, área Central, Caaguazú y Alto Paraná. De los registros se constato que la cobertura aumento de 36% en el año 2009 a 97% en el 2019. Desde que se instaló el programa; en el primer año la proporción del número de evaluaciones aumento entre el 28 y el 216%; y los resultados globales de julio 2015 a diciembre 2019 fueron: número totales de pacientes con criterio: 2397 pacientes; número totales de pacientes evaluados: 2080 (86,8%), número de pacientes con ROP: 416/2080 pacientes (20%), número de pacientes con ROP que requirieron tratamiento: 76/416 pacientes (18,2%), proporción global de ROP grave con tratamiento: 76/2080 pacientes (3,4%). Conclusiones: El programa a través de un equipo multidisplinario y la inovación con telemedicina logró aumentar la proporción de cobertura y la disminución de los casos graves que requirieron tratamiento.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is one of the main preventable causes of blindness in childhood. The Vision Foundation implemented the Prevention, Detection and Treatment Program in 2015. Objective: To describe the implementation results and the outcomes achieved by a ROP program regarding its accessibility, effectiveness and quality of care. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive and ambispective study of consecutive cases of premature newborns with criteria for evaluation, of a population evaluated in the year 2009 and from 2015 to 2019. Results: The participating neonatal units increased from 3 to 7; covering Asunción, the Central, Caaguazú and Alto Paraná Departments. From the records, it was found that program coverage increased from 36% in 2009 to 97% in 2019. Since the beginning of the program, during the first year the proportion of the number of evaluations increased between 28 and 218%; the global results from July 2015 to December 2019 were: total number of patients with criteria: 2397 patients; total number of patients evaluated: 2,080 (88%), number of patients with ROP: 416/2080 patients (20 %), number of patients with ROP requiring treatment: 76/416 patients (18.3%), overall proportion of severe ROP with treatment: 76/2080 patients (3.4%). Conclusions: The program, using a multidisciplinary team and the innovation of telemedicine, managed to increase the proportion of coverage and the reduction of serious cases that require treatment.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 Seroprevalence Among Adults in a Tropical City of the Caribbean Area, Colombia: Are We Much Closer to Herd Immunity Than Developed Countries?

A serological survey was carried out in Monteria (500 000 population), a mid-size city in Colombia. An overall prevalence of 55.3% (95% confidence interval, 52.5%-57.8%) was found among a sample of 1.368 people randomly selected from the population. Test positivity was related to economic characteristics with the highest prevalence found in the most impoverished areas, representing 83.8% of the city's population. We found a prevalence that might be associated with some important level of population immunity.

Epidemiological and viral features of a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals in an area of the Colombian Caribbean.

BACKGROUND: Severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is an emerging viral pandemic disease. In the last 6 months, SARS-CoV-2 has caused millions of reported cases and hundreds of thousands of deaths. As other world regions, South America has not contained the pandemic's advance since it lacks the hospital and economic capacities. Public health implications of transmission, while the asymptomatic/presymptomatic infection is a critical concern at the current pandemic. OBJECTIVE: Describe the socio-demographic, clinical, and viral features of a cohort of SARS-CoV-2 infected individuals from the Colombian Caribbean. METHODS: Six hundred eighty-six clinical samples of suspected SARS-CoV-2 infection cases and contacts individuals from several hospital centers in the department of Córdoba, Colombia, were received at our laboratory between April 9th and May 16th, 2020. RNA was extracted using lysis buffers and spin columns. The samples were tested for SARS-CoV-2 by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) using commercially available multiplex real-time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of 3 target genes of SARS-CoV-2 (Allplex™, 2019-nCoV assay, Korea). Viral copies quantification was done using a standard curve constructed from seriated dilutions of a SARS-CoV-2 positive control. Statics descriptive methods were used. RESULTS: Thirty-five nasopharyngeal samples were positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection; the average age was 43 (range, 1-95 years). Seventeen of 35 (49%) of the patients showed symptoms. Most of them had a cough, fever, and odynophagia; three of the patients reported having arthralgia. Only two patients required hospitalization. None of the patients had known co-morbidities. RT-qPCR results show that two of the symptomatic patients had significantly higher RNA copies than the rest. Eighteen of 35 (51%) individuals were asymptomatic, and the average age was 30 (range, 6-61 years). Four asymptomatic individuals showed a higher copy than some symptomatic patients; nonetheless, the average of RNA copies 8.26 × 1010 was lower than the symptomatic. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that asymptomatic patients may develop infections with a high number of RNA copies. Since a considerable percentage of infections may be asymptomatic/presymptomatic, enhanced testing approaches may be needed to detect these persons. Due the occurrence of a large proportion of infections being a result from transmission originated in asymptomatic/presymptomatic individuals, public health interventions in Colombia should be based on two steps: a massive molecular screening, and viral load quantification. Finally, a remarkable issue in our study is the average age of symptomatic and asymptomatic groups (43 and 30 respectively) which may be important because of the economic impact that has been caused by the coronavirus pandemic and may be probably the cause of the reduced lethality observed in the country and the department at the time of this study.

Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi in ticks from reptiles in Córdoba, Colombia.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Wildlife animals are reservoirs of a large number of microorganisms pathogenic to humans, and ticks could be responsible for the transmission of these pathogens. Rickettsia spp. are the most prevalent pathogens found in ticks. This study was conducted to detect Rickettsia spp. in ticks collected from free-living and illegally trafficked reptiles from the Department of Córdoba, Colombia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: During the period from October 2011 to July 2014, ticks belonging to the family Ixodidae were collected, preserved in 96% ethanol, identified using taxonomic keys, and pooled (between 1 and 14 ticks) according to sex, stage, host, and collected place for subsequent DNA extraction. Rickettsia detection was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), followed by conventional PCR to amplify a larger fragment of the gltA and 16S rRNA genes. The amplicons were sequenced using the Sanger method, and the nucleotide sequences were subjected to BLAST analysis to identify homologous sequences in GenBank, after which phylogenetic analysis was performed using the MEGA X software. RESULTS: In total, 21 specimens of nine species of reptiles were sampled, from which 805 Amblyomma dissimile ticks were collected, but only 180 ticks were selected to create 34 groups. The DNA of Rickettsia spp. was detected in 30/34 (88%) groups. The sequences of the gene gltA and 16S rRNA revealed a 100% identity with Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi (GenBank: KF905456 and GenBank: KF691750). CONCLUSION: A. dissimile was the only tick found in all the sampled reptiles. The presence of Candidatus Rickettsia colombianensi in reptile ticks could represent a public health problem due to the risk of transmission to humans and the introduction of microorganisms to other geographical areas.

Serological cross-reactivity using a SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test in acute Zika virus infection, Colombia.

OBJECTIVES: We investigated seroreactivity by using a commercial SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test in samples collected from different groups of individuals, including patients diagnosed to have Dengue, Zika, and Chikungunya infection between 2015 and 2019, from an endemic area in the Caribbean Colombian region. METHODS: A total of 127 sera samples obtained from six different groups of individuals were included in this study: Group A: patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection; Group B: patients with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19 or asymptomatic contacts with confirmed patients; Group C: patients with acute or recent dengue virus infection; Group D: patients with acute Zika virus infection; Group E: patients with previous Chikungunya virus infection; and Group F: individuals with exposure to spotted fever group rickettsiae. RESULTS: Overall, group A, group B, and group D showed seroreactivity to SARS-CoV-2 in 92%, 75%, and 26% of samples, respectively; furthermore, group C, group E, and group F showed 100% seronegativity. CONCLUSIONS: We found 26% of serological cross-reactivity in patients with acute Zika virus infection by using a commercial SARS-CoV-2 ELISA test. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether serological cross-reaction is maintained with time in nonacute patients with previous exposure to the Zika virus and its effect in SARS-CoV-2 serosurveys in endemic areas for this arbovirus.

Factores asociados a la adopción de conducta promotora de salud en estudiantes de una universidad en Chile / Factors associated with the adoption of health promoting behavior in students of a university in Chile

La Conducta Promotora de Salud se ve influenciada por diversos factores que definen el estilo de vida de una persona. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar los factores que condicionan la adopción de Conducta Promotora de Salud en estudiantes de una Universidad en Chile. Se realizó un estudio analítico, de corte transversal, en 189 estudiantes, se aplicó la Escala de Estilo de vida Promotor de Salud, Escala de Autoeficacia General, Escala de Autoestima de Rosenberg y un cuestionario para caracterizar a los participantes. Se utilizó estadística descriptiva e inferencial y el programa SPSS 22. Se observó que los dominios de la Escala de Estilo de Vida Promotor de Salud que presentaron mayor media fueron, crecimiento espiritual y relaciones interpersonales con una media de 24,7 (D.S=5,4) y 23,9 (D.S=4,8) respectivamente. En cuanto a los Factores de Riesgo para la Salud solo el consumo de marihuana se relacionó con Conducta Promotora de Salud (p value 0,036). Además se aprecia que la Conducta Promotora de Salud tiene una relación directamente proporcional y significativa con percepción de Autoestima y Autoeficacia (p value< 0,01). Se concluye que, a mayor percepción de Autoestima y Autoeficacia mayor es la adopción de Conducta Promotora de Salud.

Health Promoting Behavior is influenced by various factors that define a person's lifestyle. The objective of this study is to determine the factors that condition the adoption of Promoting Health Conduct in students of a University in Chile. An analytical, cross-sectional study was carried out on 189 students; the Health Promoter Lifestyle Style Scale, the General Self-Efficacy Scale, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale and a questionnaire to characterize the participants were applied. Descriptive and inferential statistics and the SPSS 22 program were used. It was observed that the domains of the Health Promoter Lifestyle Scale that had the highest average were spiritual growth and interpersonal relationships with a mean of 24.7 (SD = 5.4) and 23.9 (SD = 4.8) respectively. Regarding the Risk Factors for Health, only marijuana consumption was related to Health Promoting Behavior (p value 0.036). It is also seen that the Health Promotion Conduct has a directly proportional and significant relationship with the perception of Self-Esteem and Self-Efficacy (p value <0.01). It is concluded that, the greater the perception of Self-esteem and Self-efficacy, the greater is the adoption of Promoting Health Behavior.

Infection by Rickettsia felis in Ctenocephalides felis felis Fleas from North of Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Rickettsia felis is an emergent Rickettsial agent whose main vector is Ctenocephalides felis, but ticks, mites and lice are also infected. We aimed to search for molecular evidence of Rickettsia spp. in fleas collected from dogs and wild rodents (Heteromys anomalous) from three villages of Córdoba and Antioquia provinces (Northern of Colombia), where outbreaks of rickettsioses have occurred, and discuss the possible role of fleas on endemic/enzootic regions for rickettsia. METHODS: During 2010 and 2012, 649 Ctenocephalides felis felis and 24 Pulex irritans fleas were removed from dogs and wild rodents (Heteromys anomalous), respectively, in 3 locations from Córdoba and Antioquia provinces (Colombia). These fleas were tested into pools for Rickettsial infection by PCR, targeting gltA, ompB, and ompA Rickettsial genes. RESULTS: Almost 20% (30/153) of C. felis felis pools contained Rickettsial DNA. The fragments of ompB gene showed high identity values between sequences from Necocli and Los Cordobas with R. felis strain from Senegal (100% and 99.7% respectively) and all were highly related by phylogenetic analyses. Rickettsial DNA in pools of P. irritans was not detected. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlighted the endemicity of the infection by R. felis in fleas from northern of Colombia and showed the likely importance of dogs as hosts of C. felis felis fleas and their potential role as reservoirs of R. felis.

Coxiella burnetii infection in sheep and goats: a public risk health, Colombia / Infección por Coxiella burnetii en ovinos y caprinos: un riesgo en salud publica en Colombia

Objective. The aim of this study was to provide molecular evidence of C. burnetii in sheep and goats from some herds of Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia. Materials and methods. Fifteen herds of sheep and goats were chosen by convenience to investigate the infection by C. burnetii, during March and April of 2013. 328 female goats and 66 sheep from 15 herds were included in this study. Milk from ewes and vaginal mucus samples from goats were analyzed by Polymerase Chain Reaction for DNA detection of transposase gene (IS1111) of C. burnetii. Results. DNA of C. burnetii in 6% (4/66) of sheep's milk and 0.6% (2/328) vaginal mucus from goats was found. 13% (2/15) of the herds had at least one infected animal. Discussion. Our findings suggest the circulation of C. burnetii in sheep and goats from some herds of Valledupar, Colombia, and it highlights the possibility of occurrence of infections in humans and animals. Conclusions. The detection of C. burnetii in sheep milk could represent a public health risk factor for people who consuming raw milk, cheeses or people associated to agriculture and livestock handling. Further studies are necessary to evaluate other routes such as tick's bite, feces, milk from goats and vaginal mucus from sheep of this region of Colombia.

Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue proporcionar evidencia molecular de infección por C. burnetii en ovinos y caprinos de algunos rebaños de Valledupar, Cesar, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Quince rebaños de ovinos y caprinos fueron seleccionados a conveniencia para investigar la infección por C. burnetii, durante marzo y abril de 2013. En este estudio se incluyeron 328 caprinos y 66 ovinos de 15 rebaños. La leche procedente de ovinos y muestras de moco vaginal de caprinos fueron analizados mediante PCR (Reacción en Cadena de Polimerasa) para la detección de ADN del gen transposasa (IS1111) de C. burnetii. Resultados. Se encontró ADN de C. burnetii en 6% (4/66) de leche de oveja y 0,6% (2/328) de moco vaginal de cabras. El 13% (2/15) de los rebaños tenían al menos un animal infectado. Discusión. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren la circulación de C. burnetii en ovinos y caprinos de algunos rebaños de Valledupar, Colombia, y destaca la posibilidad de ocurrencia de infecciones en humanos y animales. Conclusiones. La detección de C. burnetii en la leche de oveja podría representar un factor de riesgo para la salud pública de las personas que consumen con frecuencia leche cruda, quesos o personas que trabajan en la agricultura y manipulación de ganado. Otros estudios son necesarios para evaluar otras rutas como la mordedura de la garrapata, las heces, la leche de las cabras y el moco vaginal de las ovejas de esta región de Colombia.

Primer caso del síndrome hemofagocítico asociado con posible infección con R ickettsia sp del grupo de las fiebres manchadas, Meta, Colombia / First case of haemophagocytic syndrome associated to probable infection with Rickettsia of spotted fever group, Meta, Colombia

El presente estudio describe un caso de síndrome hemofagocítico (SHF) probablemente asociado a la infección por una especie de Rickettsia del grupo de las fiebres manchadas (GFM). La paciente fue una niña de ocho años procedente de un área rural tropical del departamento del Meta, en el Oriente Colombiano, la cual fue admitida en el Hospital de Villavicencio con fiebre alta de tres días de evolución, dolor de cabeza, erupción, astenia, dolor abdominal, linfadenopatias y hepatoesplenomegalia. Los estudios serológicos para HIV, hepatitis, citomegalovirus, virus Epstein Barr entre otros resultaron negativos. La paciente fue admitida en un estudio de fiebres tropicales indiferenciadas, las muestras de suero pareadas fueron analizadas mediante inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) para detección de anticuerpos IgG contra Rickettsia spp., del GFM y se encontró seroconversión de títulos de anticuerpos entre fase aguda (IgG 1:64) y convaleciente (IgG 1:1024). Dada la rápida remisión de las manifestaciones clínicas tras la instauración del tratamiento con doxiciclina, la causa del síndrome hemofagocítico fue atribuido a la infección por Rickettsia spp del GFM.

This study describes a case of hemophagocytic syndrome (SHF) probably associated with infection by a species of Rickettsia spotted fever group (SFG). The patient was an eight years old girl from a rural tropical area of Meta department, in eastern of Colombia, which was admitted to the Hospital of Villavicencio with high fever three days of evolution, headache, rash, asthenia, abdominal pain, lymphadenopathy and hepato-splenomegaly. Serological analyses for HIV, hepatitis, cytomega- lovirus, Epstein Barr virus, and other were negatives. The patient was admitted in undifferentiated tropical fevers and paired serum samples were analyzed through the indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFI) to detect antibodies IgG against Rickettsia of SFG. Antibodies titles in acute phase (IgG 1:64) and convalescent phase (IgG 1:1024) demonstrated seroconvertion. Because the rapid remission of clinical manifestations after treatment with doxiciclina, the cause of hematophagocitic syndrome was attributed to the infection by rickettsia of SFG.

Wild and domestic animals likely involved in rickettsial endemic zones of Northwestern Colombia.

Between 2006 and 2008, three outbreaks of human rickettsiosis occurred in Northwestern Colombia (municipalities of Necoclí, Los Córdobas and Turbo), with case fatality rates between 27% and 54%. The aim of this study was to determine previous exposure of wild and domestic animals to spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae through serological tests, to detect rickettsial evidence in their ectoparasites, and to analyze their possible role in the epidemiology of rickettsial diseases in this zone of the country. A cross-sectional association study was performed from 2010 to 2011. Blood and ectoparasite samples were collected from domestic animals and small mammals. A statistically significant association (p<0.05) between seropositive animals and the study zones was observed. A total of 2937 ticks, 672 fleas and 74 lice were collected and tested in pools by PCR. The minimum infection rate (MIR) of the positive pools was 5% in ticks, 4% in fleas, and 0% in lice. Phylogenetic analyses showed circulation of three 4.Rickettsia species: R. felis in fleas, and R. bellii and Rickettsia sp. strain Atlantic rainforest, both in Amblyomma ovale ticks. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the occurrence of SFG rickettsiae in domestic, synanthropic and wild animals, and suggests the use of equines and canines as good sentinels of infection, in the study zone. We speculate that a transmission cycle exist involving rodents in the areas where these outbreaks have occurred. Tomes' spiny rats (Proechimys semispinosus) and common opossums (Didelphis marsupialis) could be good candidates as amplifier hosts for SFG rickettsiae in enzootic/endemic zones.

Human prevalence of the spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae in endemic zones of Northwestern Colombia.

In February 2006, an outbreak of human rickettsiosis occurred in the municipality of Necoclí Colombia, with 35% of lethality. This episode was, followed by two more, one in the municipality of Los Cordobas in 2007 with a 54% of lethality and the other one in the municipality of Turbo in 2008 with 27% of lethality. The aim of this study was to perform serological tests in healthy persons to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against spotted fever group (SFG) rickettsiae and develop a survey to study some infection risk-related factors. A cross-sectional study was performed in 2011 and 2012. A blood sample and survey of associated factors was performed in healthy persons. A prevalence of 32%-41% was found in healthy people. From the multivariate analysis, we found that people living more than 16 years in these sites had a 79% higher risk of being seropositive and a 46% higher risk when they reported having birds in their houses if the variable of having a horse was included in the model. In conclusion, this study shows endemicity of at least one spotted fever group Rickettsia in the study zone.