Detection of anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinins in captive South American river turtles, Podocnemis expansa / Detecção de aglutininas anti-Leptospira spp. em tartarugas-da-Amazônia, Podocnemis expansa de cativeiro

Leptospirosis is a zoonosis transmitted by contact with infected urine or water contaminated with the agent. Searches for Leptospira spp. in reptiles are scarce although most species have contact with aquatic environments. We evaluated the presence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in Podocnemis expansa housed at the Amazonian Zoobotanical Garden, in Belém, Pará state, Brazil. We analyzed 74 serum samples through the microscopic agglutination test using 31 live antigens from different Leptospira spp. serogroups. Thirty samples (40.5%) were positive against Leptospira spp., with titrations between 100 and 3,200 for one or more serogroups. The Hebdomadis serogroup was the most prevalent, with 26 (87%) out of the 30 positive samples, followed by Djasiman, with two (7%) and Celledoni and Bataviae with one (3%) sample each. The detection of anti-Leptospira spp. agglutinins in P. expansa suggests that the aquatic environment is a transmission route for this pathogen among chelonians.(AU)

A leptospirose é uma zoonose transmitida pelo contato com urina infectada ou água contaminada com o agente. Estudos de Leptospira spp. em répteis são escassos, apesar da maioria das espécies terem contato com ambientes aquáticos. Avaliamos a presença de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp. em Podocnemis expansa mantidas no Jardim Zoobotânico da Amazônia, em Belém, Pará, Brasil. Analisamos 74 amostras de soro por meio do teste de aglutinação microscópica usando 31 antígenos vivos de diferentes sorogrupos de Leptospira spp. Trinta amostras (40,5%) foram reagentes contra Leptospira spp., com titulações entre 100 e 3.200 para um ou mais sorogrupos. O sorogrupo Hebdomadis foi o mais prevalente, com 26 (87%) das 30 amostras positivas, seguido por Djasiman, com duas (7%) e Celledoni e Bataviae com uma (3%) amostra cada. A detecção de aglutininas anti-Leptospira spp. em P. expansa sugere que o ambiente aquático é uma via de transmissão para esse patógeno entre quelônios.(AU)

Pesquisa de aglutininas anti-leptospiras em cães da cidade de Bom Jesus – Piauí / Anti-Leptospira agglutinins research in dogs in the city of Bom Jesus – Piauí

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which is a major public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. This study aimed to investigate the presence of agglutinins anti-Leptospira dogs in the city of Bom Jesus, PI, using the agglutination test Microscopic Technique (SAM). Of the 106 samples, 20 (18.84%) were reactive. Of the 21 evaluated the following serovars were detected: Pyrogenes (43.47%), Canícola (39.13%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (8.69%) and Autumnalis (8.69%). It was concluded that leptospirosis is present in dogs in the city of Bom Jesus, PI, and the serovar most frequent was the Pyrogenes.

Anti-leptospirosis agglutinins in Brazilian capybaras (hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

Abstract Background The interest in commercial use of wild animals is increasing, especially regarding raising of capybaras. Although this wild species is potentially lucrative for the production of meat, oil and leather, it is suggested as a probable reservoir of leptospires. Methods Due to the economic importance of this species and the lack of studies concerning leptospirosis, the presence of anti-leptospirosis agglutinins was assayed in 55 serum samples of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from commercial and experimental breeding flocks located in São Paulo state, Paraná state, and Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Samples were obtained through cephalic or femoral venipunction (5 to 10 mL). Microscopic agglutination test was used according to the Brazilian Health Ministry considering as cut-off titer of 100. Results Out of the 55 samples analyzed, 23 (41.82 %) tested positive. The most prevalent serovar was Icterohaemorrhagiae (56.52 %) in 13 samples, followed by Copenhageni in nine samples (39.13 %), Pomona in four samples (17.39 %), Djasiman and Castellonis in three samples each (13.04 %), Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Canicola, and Cynopteri in two samples each (8.7 %), and Andamana and Bratislava in one sample each (4.34 %). Conclusions These results suggest the evidence of exposure toLeptospira spp. and the need of new studies to evaluate a higher number of capybaras from different regions to better understand the importance of leptospirosis infection in these animals and verify the zoonotic role of this species as a possible source of infection to humans and other animals.

Pesquisa de aglutininas anti-leptospiras em cães da cidade de Bom Jesus Piauí / Anti-Leptospira agglutinins research in dogs in the city of Bom Jesus Piauí

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease which is a major public health problem, particularly in tropical and subtropical countries. This study aimed to investigate the presence of agglutinins anti-Leptospira dogs in the city of Bom Jesus, PI, using the agglutination test Microscopic Technique (SAM). Of the 106 samples, 20 (18.84%) were reactive. Of the 21 evaluated the following serovars were detected: Pyrogenes (43.47%), Canícola (39.13%), Icterohaemorrhagiae (8.69%) and Autumnalis (8.69%). It was concluded that leptospirosis is present in dogs in the city of Bom Jesus, PI, and the serovar most frequent was the Pyrogenes.(AU)

Anti-leptospirosis agglutinins in Brazilian capybaras (hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

The interest in commercial use of wild animals is increasing, especially regarding raising of capybaras. Although this wild species is potentially lucrative for the production of meat, oil and leather, it is suggested as a probable reservoir of leptospires. Methods Due to the economic importance of this species and the lack of studies concerning leptospirosis, the presence of anti-leptospirosis agglutinins was assayed in 55 serum samples of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from commercial and experimental breeding flocks located in São Paulo state, Paraná state, and Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Samples were obtained through cephalic or femoral venipunction (5 to 10 mL). Microscopic agglutination test was used according to the Brazilian Health Ministry considering as cut-off titer of 100. Results Out of the 55 samples analyzed, 23 (41.82 %) tested positive. The most prevalent serovar was Icterohaemorrhagiae (56.52 %) in 13 samples, followed by Copenhageni in nine samples (39.13 %), Pomona in four samples (17.39 %), Djasiman and Castellonis in three samples each (13.04 %), Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Canicola, and Cynopteri in two samples each (8.7 %), and Andamana and Bratislava in one sample each (4.34 %). Conclusions These results suggest the evidence of exposure toLeptospira spp. and the need of new studies to evaluate a higher number of capybaras from different regions to better understand the importance of leptospirosis infection in these animals and verify the zoonotic role of this species as a possible source of infection to humans and other animals.(AU)

Anti-leptospirosis agglutinins in Brazilian capybaras (hydrochoerus hydrochaeris)

The interest in commercial use of wild animals is increasing, especially regarding raising of capybaras. Although this wild species is potentially lucrative for the production of meat, oil and leather, it is suggested as a probable reservoir of leptospires. Methods Due to the economic importance of this species and the lack of studies concerning leptospirosis, the presence of anti-leptospirosis agglutinins was assayed in 55 serum samples of capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) from commercial and experimental breeding flocks located in São Paulo state, Paraná state, and Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil. Samples were obtained through cephalic or femoral venipunction (5 to 10 mL). Microscopic agglutination test was used according to the Brazilian Health Ministry considering as cut-off titer of 100. Results Out of the 55 samples analyzed, 23 (41.82 %) tested positive. The most prevalent serovar was Icterohaemorrhagiae (56.52 %) in 13 samples, followed by Copenhageni in nine samples (39.13 %), Pomona in four samples (17.39 %), Djasiman and Castellonis in three samples each (13.04 %), Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Canicola, and Cynopteri in two samples each (8.7 %), and Andamana and Bratislava in one sample each (4.34 %). Conclusions These results suggest the evidence of exposure toLeptospira spp. and the need of new studies to evaluate a higher number of capybaras from different regions to better understand the importance of leptospirosis infection in these animals and verify the zoonotic role of this species as a possible source of infection to humans and other animals.

Síndrome de aglutininas frías y púrpura trombocitopénica autoinmune: Un caso inusual de síndrome de Evans / Cold agglutinins syndrome and autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. An unusual case of Evans syndrome

El síndrome de Evans es un trastorno poco frecuente en el que se observan trombocitopenia y anemia, ambas de etiología autoinmune; las que pueden ocurrir de manera simultánea o sucesiva. Se presenta un caso poco usual de anemia hemolítica autoinmune por anticuerpos fríos asociada a púrpura trombocitopénica autoinmune. Paciente femenina de 22 años de edad con diagnóstico de púrpura trombocitopénica autoinmune, después de 7 años de evolución y un año en remisión, presentó una anemia hemolítica autoinmune por anticuerpos fríos, refractaria al tratamiento con esteroides y alcaloides de la Vinca, que requirió transfusiones de concentrado de eritrocitos y logró la remisión con la administración de anticuerpo monoclonal anti CD 20. Los restantes estudios de autoinmunidad fueron negativos. Actualmente se mantiene asintomática y sin tratamiento inmunosupresor(AU)

Evans syndrome is a rare disorder in which thrombocytopenia and anemia are observed, both of autoimmune aetiology, which may occur simultaneously or successively. A rare case of cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated to autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura is presented. A 22-year-old female patient with diagnosis of autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura, after 7 years of evolution and one year in remission, has a cold autoimmune hemolytic anemia, refractory to steroid treatment and vinca alkaloids, which requires transfusions of packed erythrocytes and achieves remission with anti CD 20 monoclonal antibody. The remaining studies of autoimmunity are negative. Currently the patient is asymptomatic and without immunosuppressive therapy(AU)

Detecção de anticorpos e pesquisa de DNA de Leptospira spp. E Brucella spp. em bovinos abatidos no estado do Rio Grande do Norte / Detection of antibody and search of Leptospira spp. and Brucella spp. in cattle slaughtered in state of Rio Grande do Norte

Objetivou-se pesquisar aglutininas anti-Leptospira spp. e anti-Brucella spp. em bovinos de abatedouros públicos no Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, bem como confirmar através da PCR, a presença desses agentes nos ovários e epidídimos desses animais. Para isso, foram colhidos durante a linha normal de abate, o sangue e ovário ou epidídimo, de 306 animais no período de dezembro de 2010 a agosto de 2011. Através da Reação de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) foram detectados 189 (61,76%) animais sororeagente para Leptospira spp., sendo o sorovar Hardjo (24,9%) o mais predominante, seguido do Wolffi, Butembo, Icterhaemorrragiae e Hebdomadis que contribuiram com frequências que variaram de 14,8% a 2,6%. Os sorovares Australis, Pomona, Grippotyphosa, Patoc, Canícola, Autumnalis e Sentot foram menos frequentes. Em análise em separado, o sorovar Hadjo apresentou maior ocorrência no período seco do que no chuvoso (p=0,031). Para a brucelose os animais foram triados através da prova do Antígeno Acidificado Tamponado (AAT) e confirmados pela prova do 2-mercaptoetanol (2-ME). Três animais foram positivos ao AAT, desses apenas um reagiu positivamente ao 2-ME. A PCR foi utilizada para detecção do DNA bacteriano nas amostras de ovário e epidídimo. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva na PCR para detecção de DNA da Brucella spp. e Leptospira spp. Diante do exposto conclui-se que a infecção por Leptospira spp. em bovinos ocorre no semiárido do Rio Grande do Norte com maior frequência para o sorovar Hardjo durante o período seco do ano. A brucelose foi detectada, mas com baixa frequência. Através da PCR não foi detectado DNA de Leptospira spp. e Brucella spp. nos ovários e epidídimos dos animais.

This study was aimed at researching anti-Leptospira spp. and anti-Brucella spp. agglutinins in cattle slaughtered in public slaughterhouses in the State of Rio Grande do Norte, as well as confirm the presence of these agents through PCR in the ovaries and epididymides of the slaughtered animals. For such purpose, serum, and ovary or epididymides were collected from cattle at the public slaughterhouses of that state. Sampling was performed during normal slaughter line, without any interference as the order, sex, age, or origin of the slaughtered animals. The screening of animal reagent to leptospirosis was made through the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT). To search for brucellosis, animals were screened by the Buffered Acidified Antigen test (BAA) and as a confirmatory test 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) was used. To detect bacterial DNA in samples of ovary and epididymides the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was used. Of all the 306 animals evaluated, 189 (61.76%) were positive for the MAT, where the predominant serovar was Hardjo (24.9%). The second most frequent serovar was Wolffi (14.8%), followed by Butembo, Icterhaemorrragiae, and Hebdomadis who contributed with frequencies ranging from 6.9% to 2.6%. Lower frequencies were found for the serovars Australis (1.6%), Pomona (1.1%), Grippotyphosa (1.1%) and Patoc (1.1%). Canicola, Autumnalis, and Sentot had frequencies lower than 1%. Three animals were positive for the BAA test, however only one of these reacted positively to 2-ME. Not one of the samples was positive for Brucella spp. and Leptopira spp. DNA through the PCR technique. Given the above mentioned data it was concluded that the Leptospira spp. infection in cattle in the semiarid region of Rio Grande do Norte occurs at higher frequency with the serovar Hardjo during the dry season of the year. [...]

Pesquisa de aglutininas, antígeno de leptospiras e apoptose em rim de suínos naturalmente infectados por Leptospira spp / Search agglutinins, leptospires antigen and apoptosis in the kidney of swine naturally infected with Leptospira spp

Soro e rim de 75 suínos mestiços sem raça definida, criados em sistema extensivo e abatidos em Timon (MA) e Teresina (Piauí), Brasil, duas cidades separadas pelo Rio Parnaíba e 75 suínos mestiços de um sistema de criação em confinamento, filhos de Landrace, Large White e/ou Duroc foram utilizados neste estudo. Das 150 amostras analisadas pela prova de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM), sete foram reagentes e o sorovar Icterohaemorrhagiae (42,86 por cento) foi o mais frequente. Uma comparação entre os dois sistemas para examinar uma predisposição para infecção para Leptospira spp. mostrou que a suscetibilidade foi maior nos animais criados extensivamente do que naqueles criados em confinamento (teste χ2, p<0,05). A presença de infiltrado inflamatório foi significantemente maior nos animais soropositivos comparados aos soronegativos (p<0,05, Teste U de Mann-Whitney). A análise morfométrica mostrou Leptospira spp. e o antígeno de leptospira apenas nos animais soropositivos (p<0,05, teste de U de Mann-Whitney). Apoptose em células epiteliais tubulares foi significantemente mais evidente nos animais infectados comparados aos não infectados (p<0,05, Teste U de Mann-Whitney). Uma eventual associação de antígeno de Leptospira e células epiteliais em apoptose sugere um provável mecanismo de lesão renal na leptospirose suína.(AU)

Serum and kidney of 75 mixed bred swine (no definite breed) reared in an extensive system and slaughtered in Timon (state of Maranhão) and Teresina (state of Piauí), Brazil, two cities separated from each other by the Parnaiba River, and 75 crossbred swine from a confinement rearing system, sired by Landrace, Large White and/or Duroc, were used in this study. From the 150 analyzed samples for the microscopic agglutination test (MAT), seven were reagents and the serovar Icterohaemorrhagiae (42.86 percent) was the most frequent. A comparison between both systems to verify a predisposition to Leptospira spp. infection showed that susceptibility was greater in extensively reared animals than in those bred in confinement (χ2 test, p<0.05). Inflammatory infiltrates covered an average area larger in the seropositive revealing a significant difference for the seronegative animals (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U-Test). Morphometric analysis showed Leptospira spp. and antigen labeling in seropositive animals only (p<0.05, Mann-Whitney U-test). Apoptosis in tubular epithelial cells was significantly more evident in the infected animals compared to uninfected. The rearing system and environment conditions are an important factor in the susceptibility of swine to Leptospira spp. infection. An eventual association of leptospira antigen and apoptotic cells suggests a probable mechanism of renal injury at leptospirosis.(AU)

Pesquisa de aglutinas antileptospira em soros sanguíneos de asininos (Equus Asinus) e de condutores de veículos de tração animal na cidade de São Luís, MA, Brasil / Anti-leptospira agglutinin search in sera from donkeys (Equus Asinus) and conductors of animal traction vehicles in the city of São Luís, MA, Brazil

Com o objetivo de pesquisar a presença de aglutininas antileptospiras em soros sanguíneos de asininos utilizados em veículos de tração animal e nos condutores das carroças no município de São Luís, MA, e identificar os sorovares de maior frequência, sessenta soros de asininos e sessenta de condutores foram testados com trinta sorovares de Leptospira interrogans pela prova de soroaglutinação micróscopica. Dos sessenta soros de asininos, obteve-se 85% de soropositividade, com reação dos soros a 21 sorovares dos trinta testados, sendo os mais frequentes, em ordem decrescente, copenhageni, pyrogenes, autumnalis e icterohaemorrhagiae. Com relação ao soro dos condutores, houve 38,34% de soropositividade, com reação a doze sorovares. Os sorovares mais frequentes foram Copenhageni, Pyrogenes, Icterohaemorrhagiae e Autumnalis. Estes resultados apontam uma alta incidência de aglutininas antileptospira nos asininos e condutores e os sorovares copenhageni e pyrogenes são os mais prevalentes.

With the objective of searching the presence of antileptospiras agglutinin in sanguine serum of donkeys used in animal traction vehicles and of the wagon’s conductors in the city of São Luis, MA, and of identifying serovars of higher occurrence, 60 serum samples of donkeys and 60 of conductors were tested regarding 30 serovars of Leptospira interrogans by using the microscopic seroagglutination test. Of the 60 blood serum samples of donkeys, 85% showed seropositivity, reacting to 21 serovars out of the 30 tested. Copenhageni, Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Icterohaemorrhagiae were the most frequent ones, in decreasing sequence. Regarding the serum of the conductors, 38.34% presented seropositivity, reacting to 12 serovars of Leptospira interrogans and the most frequenty ones were Copenhageni, Pyrogenes, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Autumnalis. These results indicate a high incidence of anti-leptospira agglutinins in donkeys and humans, being serovars copenhageni and pyrogenes the most prevalent.

Pesquisa de aglutinas antileptospira em soros sanguíneos de asininos (Equus Asinus) e de condutores de veículos de tração animal na cidade de São Luís, MA, Brasil / Anti-leptospira agglutinin search in sera from donkeys (Equus Asinus) and conductors of animal traction vehicles in the city of São Luís, MA, Brazil

Com o objetivo de pesquisar a presença de aglutininas antileptospiras em soros sanguíneos de asininos utilizados em veículos de tração animal e nos condutores das carroças no município de São Luís, MA, e identificar os sorovares de maior frequência, sessenta soros de asininos e sessenta de condutores foram testados com trinta sorovares de Leptospira interrogans pela prova de soroaglutinação micróscopica. Dos sessenta soros de asininos, obteve-se 85% de soropositividade, com reação dos soros a 21 sorovares dos trinta testados, sendo os mais frequentes, em ordem decrescente, copenhageni, pyrogenes, autumnalis e icterohaemorrhagiae. Com relação ao soro dos condutores, houve 38,34% de soropositividade, com reação a doze sorovares. Os sorovares mais frequentes foram Copenhageni, Pyrogenes, Icterohaemorrhagiae e Autumnalis. Estes resultados apontam uma alta incidência de aglutininas antileptospira nos asininos e condutores e os sorovares copenhageni e pyrogenes são os mais prevalentes.(AU)

With the objective of searching the presence of antileptospiras agglutinin in sanguine serum of donkeys used in animal traction vehicles and of the wagons conductors in the city of São Luis, MA, and of identifying serovars of higher occurrence, 60 serum samples of donkeys and 60 of conductors were tested regarding 30 serovars of Leptospira interrogans by using the microscopic seroagglutination test. Of the 60 blood serum samples of donkeys, 85% showed seropositivity, reacting to 21 serovars out of the 30 tested. Copenhageni, Pyrogenes, Autumnalis and Icterohaemorrhagiae were the most frequent ones, in decreasing sequence. Regarding the serum of the conductors, 38.34% presented seropositivity, reacting to 12 serovars of Leptospira interrogans and the most frequenty ones were Copenhageni, Pyrogenes, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Autumnalis. These results indicate a high incidence of anti-leptospira agglutinins in donkeys and humans, being serovars copenhageni and pyrogenes the most prevalent.(AU)

Serum antileptospiral agglutinins in freshwater turtles from Southern Brazil / Aglutininas séricas anti-leptospira em tartarugas de água doce no sul do Brasil

In this study, we observed the presence of antileptospiral agglutinins in freshwater turtles of two urban lakes of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. Forty animals (29 Trachemys dorbigny and 11 Phrynops hilarii) were captured and studied. Attempts to isolate leptospires from blood and urine samples were unsuccessful. Serum samples (titer > 100) reactive to pathogenic strains were observed in 11 animals. These data encourage surveys of pet turtles to evaluate the risk of transmission of pathogenic leptospires to humans.

Neste estudo, observamos a presença de aglutininas anti-Leptospira em tartarugas de água doce de dois lagos urbanos de Pelotas, Sul do Brasil. Quarenta animais (29 Trachemys dorbigny e 11 Phrynops hilarii) foram capturados e estudados. Esforços para isolar leptospiras do sangue e urina não foram bem sucedidos. Amostras de soro positivas (títulos > 100), reativas para cepas patogênicas, foram observadas em 11 animais. Estes dados encorajam inquéritos para avaliação de tartarugas como potenciais transmissoras de leptospiras patogênicas para humanos.

Freqüência de aglutininas anti-Leptospira interrogans em eqüídeos, em Minas Gerais, 2003 a 2004 / Frequency of anti-Leptospira interrogans agglutinins in equidae in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2003 to 2004

The goal of this research was to find the frequency and spatial distribution of infection caused by Leptospira interrogans in equidae in Minas Gerais State from September 2003 to March 2004. Samples of blood serum (6,475) were analyzed by microscopic agglutination test. From the total, 381 samples were positive (5.9 percent), with title equal or superior to 1:200 for one or more serovars of leptospira. The most frequent serovars were Hardjo (Norma), Pomona, Bratislava, and Batavie. The higher frequency of equidae reagents were recorded at the North and Northeast region of Minas Gerais, followed by Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba, then Central, West, Metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, and South/Southwest.(AU)

Freqüência de aglutininas anti-Leptospira interrogans em eqüídeos, em Minas Gerais, 2003 a 2004 / Frequency of anti-Leptospira interrogans agglutinins in equidae in Minas Gerais, Brazil, from 2003 to 2004

The goal of this research was to find the frequency and spatial distribution of infection caused by Leptospira interrogans in equidae in Minas Gerais State from September 2003 to March 2004. Samples of blood serum (6,475) were analyzed by microscopic agglutination test. From the total, 381 samples were positive (5.9 percent), with title equal or superior to 1:200 for one or more serovars of leptospira. The most frequent serovars were Hardjo (Norma), Pomona, Bratislava, and Batavie. The higher frequency of equidae reagents were recorded at the North and Northeast region of Minas Gerais, followed by Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba, then Central, West, Metropolitan area of Belo Horizonte, and South/Southwest.

Actividades biológicas del extracto acuoso de la esponja Aplysina lacunosa (Porifera: Aplysinidae) / Biological activities of the aqueous extract of the sponge Aplysina lacunosa (Porifera: Aplysinidae)

Biological activity of an aqueons extract of the sponge Aplysina lacunosa (Porifera: Aplysinidae). The aqueous extract and protein precipitate of Aplysina lacunosa (Pallas, 1776) were studied to assess their hemagglutinating, hemolysing, antibacterial, and antifungal activities. Specimens of the marine sponge were collected in El Morro de Tigüitigüe, Santa Fe, Sucre state, Venezuela. The active protein was separated by molecular exclusion chromatography and its molar mass estimated by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis. The sponge A. lacunosa has a protein with a molar mass of about 43 000 Daltons which is capable of agglutinating human erythrocytes of the blood groups A, B, and O in a strong and unspecific mode. The assayed samples did not evidence any hemolysing activity. As for the antibacterial assay, only the aqueous extract was able to inhibit the growth of Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella enteritidis, with inhibition halos of 24, 20, 24, and 22 mm, respectively. None of the samples exhibited antifungal activity. The chemical analysis of the aqueous extract revealed the presence of several secondary metabolites. It is presumed that its hemagglutinating activity is mediated by agglutinative proteins. The antibacterial activity could be attributed to the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and polyphenols, which are highly antimicrobial compounds. Poriferans are a rich source of bioactive compounds that can be used in the development of new drugs potentially useful in medicine. Rev. Biol. Trop. 54 (Suppl. 3): 189-200. Epub 2007 Jan. 15.

Evaluamos el extracto acuoso y precipitado de proteínas de Aplysina lacunosa, en relación con su actividad hemaglutinante, hemolizante, antibacteriana y antimicótica. Los ejemplares de la esponja marina fueron recolectados en el Morro de Tigüitigüe, Santa Fe, Estado Sucre, Venezuela. La proteína activa fue separada por cromatografía de exclusión molecular; y su masa molar fue estimada por electroforesis SDS-PAGE. La esponja A. lacunosa posee una proteína con masa molar aproximada de 4.000 Daltons capaz de aglutinar fuertemente y de manera inespecífica los eritrocitos humanos de los grupos sanguíneos A, B y O. No se observó actividad hemolizante por parte de las muestras ensayadas. Únicamente el extracto acuoso fue capaz de inhibir el crecimiento de Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli y Salmonella enteritidis con halos de inhibición de 24, 20, 24, 22 mm, respectivamente; ninguna de las muestras exhibió actividad antifúngica. El análisis químico del extracto acuoso reveló la presencia de diversos metabolitos secundarios. Se presume que la actividad hemaglutinante se deba a la presencia de proteínas aglutinantes. La actividad antibacteriana podría atribuirse a la presencia de saponinas, alcaloides, taninos y polifenoles, compuestos altamente antimicrobianos. Los poríferos constituyen una fuente rica de compuestos bioactivos que pueden ser utilizados para el desarrollo de nuevos fármacos.

Low-grade parasitaemias and cold agglutinins in patients with hyper-reactive malarious splenomegaly and acute haemolysis.

A cluster of 16 cases of hyper-reactive malarious splenomegaly (HMS) with severe, acute haemolysis, from an isolated, Venezuelan, Yanomami population, was prospectively investigated. Nine (69%) of the 13 HMS sera investigated but only one (7%) of 14 control sera (P < 0.005) contained elevated titres (of at least 1:32) of complement-fixing IgM cold agglutinins (CA). The CA detected had specificity for both the I and i blood-group antigens (with a relative predominance of anti-I) and wide thermal stability. The mean reciprocal CA titre was much higher for the HMS sera than for the control samples (59.16 v. 2.28; P < 0.001). Indirect tests for antiglobulin were positive for two of the 13 HMS cases (but none of 14 controls) investigated; all of the direct tests for antiglobulin gave negative results. The seven HMS cases checked, using an assay based on a nested PCR which amplified species-specific ribosomal sequences from Plasmodium vivax or P. falciparum, each yielded the PCR product that indicated P. vivax infection. However, only six (25%) of the 24 control samples (collected, at the same time as the HMS samples, from asymptomatic adults from the same Yanomami population) were PCR-positive (P < 0.001). In some cases at least, the acute severe episodes of haemolysis occasionally seen in HMS appear to be associated with an auto-immune, cold-agglutinin-mediated response triggered by non-patent parasitaemias.

Variaciones en las concentraciones de IgA, complemento y aglutininas en la leche humana, posterior al calentamiento en horno de microondas / IgA, complement and agglutinin levels variations in human milk, after rapidly heated using microwave oven

Intoducción. Objetivo: evaluar las modificaciones en los niveles de IgA y la fracción 3 y 4 del complemento (C3 y C4) y las algutininas en la leche humana al ser sometida a calentamiento rápido empleando el horno de microondas. Material y métodos. Mediante un ensayo clínico (antes, después) en muestras de leche humana elegidas al azar, se estudiaron 46 muestas de leche, recolectadas en los primeros 5 días del puerperio, proveniente de madres con embarazo y parto sin complicaciones. Se fraccionaron las muestras para formar 2 grupos, la muestra de leche del primer grupo se mantuvo en temperatura ambiente (grupo 1) y la segunda se incluyó para ser calentada durante 30 segundos a temperatura máxima en un horno de microondas de marca comercial (grupo 2). En ambas muestras se determinaron las concentraciones de IgA total, y la aglutinación contra Candida albicans. Resultados. La temperatura a la que fueron sometidas las muestras del grupo 2 fue de 55.5 ºC (límite de 32 a 72 ºC). Al comparar los resultados entre ambos grupos se observaron que los valores de IgA fueron de 0.95 y 0.63 g/L (P< 0.001), C3 de 2.22 y 0.49 g/L (P< 0.01), C4 de 3.7 y 1.21 g/L (P< 0.0003) y las aglutininas con dilución de 1467 y 1156 (P< 0.04), para los grupos 1 y 2 respectivamente. La temperaturar crítica fue diferente para cada variable. Para la IgA y C3 fue de 50 ºC; para C4 y las aglutininas fue de 56 ºC. Conclusiones. Se documentó el efecto negativo en la concentración de IgA, C3 C4 y aglutininas por efecto del calentamiento en el horno de microondas. La temperatura generada por este medio es alta y difícilmente controlada. Por lo que no se recomienda el clentamiento de la leche humana en el horno de microondas

Atención de la paciente RH negativo en el Hospital Central "Dr. Placido Rodríguez Rivero" / Attention of the (-) RH factor in the Central Hospital Dr. Placido Rodriguez Rivero

En el lapso julio 91 julio 92, fueron atendidas en el Hospital Central "Dr. Plácido Rodríguez-Rivero" 19 pacientes Rh negativo de las cuales 94,7 por ciento presentaron parto autócico, 73,6 por ciento se realizaron control prenatal y la mayoría de ellas 71,4 por ciento en instituciones péblicas. De las pacientes que se realizaron control prenatal sólo 42,8 por ciento conocian su factor Rh y a una sola se le determino los títulos de aglutinina Anti Rh preparto. No se le tomó muestra de cordón umbilical a ninguno de los neonatos, ameritando tres de ellos exanguino transfusión. Las pacientes no recibieron tratamiento con IgG Anti Rh postparto. El manejo de la paciente Rh negativo, durante el control prenatal y parto no es el adecuado, detectándose fallas en el mismo. La profilaxis con IgG Anti D en el preparto no es considerada pauta en nuestro medio y se realiza en forma irregular en el postparto, con el consiguiente riesgo de sensibilización para embarazos futuros