Genotyping of toxoplasma gondii isolates from México reveals non-archetypal and potentially virulent strains for mice.

Genotyping and virulence studies of Toxoplasma gondii are essential to investigate the pathogenesis of strains circulating worldwide. In this study, eight T. gondii isolates obtained from a congenitally infected newborn, a calf, two cats, three dogs, and a wallaby from five states of México were genotyped by Mn-PCR-RFLP with 11 typing markers (SAG1, SAG2 5'3', alt. SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1 and Apico), five virulence markers (CS3, ROP16, ROP17, ROP18 and ROP5), 15 microsatellite markers (TUB-2, W35, TgM-A, B18, B17, M33, IV.1, XI.1, M48, M102, N60, N82, AA, N61, N83), and sequencing. A phylogenetic network was built to determine the relationship between Mexican isolates and those reported worldwide. Six different genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), ToxoDB #8, #10, #28 (n = 3), #48, #116, and #282. Genotyping by microsatellite analysis differentiated the three PCR-RFLP genotype #28 isolates into two strains, revealing a total of seven microsatellite genotypes. Three different allele combinations of ROP18/ROP5 virulence markers were also found, 3/3, 1/1, and 4/1. The last two combinations are predicted to be highly virulent in the murine model. According to the phylogenetic network, the T. gondii strains studied here are related to archetypal strains I and III, but none are related to the strains previously reported in México. The genotypes identified in this study in different species of animals demonstrate the great genetic diversity of T. gondii in México. The ToxoDB-PCR-RFLP #28 genotype was found in three isolates from different hosts and states. Additionally, four of the isolates are predicted to be highly virulent in mice. The next step will be to perform in vitro and in vivo assays to determine the phenotype of these T. gondii isolates in murine models.

Parasite identification in mullet fish (Mugil curema) from Chautengo Lagoon, Guerrero, Mexico, based on morphology and molecular analysis.

Parasite identification is crucial in areas where no sanitary inspection is conducted on fish, especially considering that parasitic zoonoses like anisakiasis and gnathostomiasis can pose a risk for human health. In this study, parasites in mullet fish (Mugil curema) from the Chautengo Lagoon, Guerrero, Mexico, were identified by morphological and molecular methods. A total of 122 specimens weighing 317 ± 51.25 g and 19.3 ± 1.14 cm in length were assessed. Their helminthofauna was classified by measuring internal structures, total length, and maximum width; a morphometric index was also calculated for larval stages. The prevalence of parasitosis in these mullets was 91.8%, with a mean infection intensity of 4.1. The acanthocephalan Floridosentis mugilis was identified by its external and internal structures. The nematodes found were of the Anisakidae family in stage 3 (L3), with a morphology consistent with Contracaecum sp. To determine the species, the ITS ribosomal gene and the mitochondrial genes COX2 and rrnS were molecularly characterized by PCR; then, they were aligned by CLUSTAL W, and a phylogenetic tree was obtained. In this analysis, the sequences were compared with those reported in GenBank. A total of 460 parasites were studied, 283 of which were nematodes (61.5%) and 177 were acanthocephalans (38.5%). The sequences of seven nematodes showed 99% homology with each other, and thus they formed an independent branch within the Contracaecum sp. group. This is the first report identifying Contracaecum multipapillatum in mullet fish in the Chautengo Lagoon, Guerrero.

[Evaluation of the impact of a control program against taeniasis-cysticercosis (Taenia solium)]. / Evaluación del impacto de un programa de control de la teniasis-cisticercosis (Taenia solium).

OBJETIVE: The impact of a control program is evaluated to eventually eradicate taeniasis-cysticercosis (Taenia solium) based on education and vaccination of pigs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was estimated using tongue inspection, ultrasound and determination of antibodies, before and three years after the application in three regions of the state of Guerrero. RESULTS: A significant reduction in the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis of 7 to 0.5% and 3.6 to 0.3% estimated by tongue examination or ultrasound respectively (p<0.01) and a no significant decrease in seroprevalence from 17.7 to 13.3% were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of the prevalence of taeniasis-cysticercosis establishes the program's effectiveness in preventing infection. The sustained presence of antibodies, compatible with contact of Taenia solium or other related helminths, underlines the importance of maintaining interventions to achieve eradication.

Short report: Genetic variation of Echinococcus canadensis (G7) in Mexico.

We evaluated the genetic variation of Echinococcus G7 strain in larval and adult stages using a fragment of the mitochondrial cox1 gen. Viscera of pigs, bovines, and sheep and fecal samples of dogs were inspected for cystic and canine echinococcosis, respectively; only pigs had hydatid cysts. Bayesian inferences grouped the sequences in an E. canadensis G7 cluster, suggesting that, in Mexico, this strain might be mainly present. Additionally, the population genetic and network analysis showed that E. canadensis in Mexico is very diverse and has probably been introduced several times from different sources. Finally, a scarce genetic differentiation between G6 (camel strain) and G7 (pig strain) populations was identified.

Evaluación del impacto de un programa de control de la teniasis-cisticercosis (Taenia solium) / Evaluation of the impact of a control program against taeniasis-cysticercosis (Taenia solium)

Objetivo. Evaluar el impacto de un programa de control de la teniasis-cisticercosis por Taenia solium con fines de erradicación, basado en educación de la comunidad y vacunación de cerdos. Material y métodos. Se estimó la prevalencia de cisticercosis porcina por medio de la palpación de lengua, ultrasonido y presencia de anticuerpos en suero, antes de iniciar el programa y tres años después, en tres regiones del estado de Guerrero. Resultados. Se observó una reducción significativa en la prevalencia de cisticercosis porcina de 7 a 0.5% y de 3.6 a 0.3%, estimadas por examen de lengua y ultrasonido, respectivamente (p<0.01), y una disminución no significativa de la seroprevalencia de 17.7 a 13.3%. Conclusiones. La reducción de la prevalencia de teniasis-cisticercosis comprueba la efectividad del programa para prevenir la infección. La presencia sostenida de anticuerpos es compatible con continuos contactos con Taenia solium u otros helmintos relacionados, y señala la necesidad de mantener las intervenciones para lograr su erradicación.

Objetive. The impact of a control program is evaluated to eventually eradicate taeniasis-cysticercosis (Taenia solium) based on education and vaccination of pigs. Materials and methods. The prevalence of porcine cysticercosis was estimated using tongue inspection, ultrasound and determination of antibodies, before and three years after the application in three regions of the state of Guerrero. Results. A significant reduction in the prevalence of porcine cysticercosis of 7 to 0.5% and 3.6 to 0.3% estimated by tongue examination or ultrasound respectively (p<0.01) and a no significant decrease in seroprevalence from 17.7 to 13.3% were observed. Conclusions. The reduction of the prevalence of taeniasis-cysticercosis establishes the program's effectiveness in preventing infection. The sustained presence of antibodies, compatible with contact of Taenia solium or other related helminths, underlines the importance of maintaining interventions to achieve eradication.

Inactivación del metacestodo de Taenia solium a través del proceso de compostaje: Una realista alternativa aplicable en el medio rural en México / Metacestode of Taenia solium inactivation by composting: a feasible alternative in rural areas of Mexico

La cisticercosis causada por el metacestodo de la Taenia solium afecta al cerdo y es causa de decomiso obligatorio. La composta es un medio alternativo para depositar decomisos y otros desechos animales, ya que inactiva y destruye patógenos presentes en canales. En el presente estudio se evaluó el compostaje para la inactivación de metacestodos de T solium. Para ello se construyeron siete pilas de composta en forma de cono, divididas según su profundidad en tres zonas y cada una en cuatro partes, donde se colocó carne contaminada. Se realizaron muestreos a las 24, 36, 48 y 72 h, y se sometieron a la prueba de evaginación in vitro. El tiempo máximo para la inactivación total de los cisticercos fue de 48 h. La carne quedó incorporada a la composta desde los 7 días. No se encontró diferencia significativa (P > 0.05) entre la inactivación de cisticercos en los distintos niveles de las compostas, pero sí con respecto al exterior, por lo que se consideró efectiva cualquier zona para la inactivación de cisticercos de T. solium viables.

Cysticercosis by Taenia solium metacestode affects pigs, giving ground for meat confiscation. Composting is an alternative disposition method for confiscated carcasses and other animal debris, inactivating and destroying pathogens in the carcasses. In this study, composting was evaluated as a method to inactivate T. solium metacestodes. Seven compost cone-shaped piles were built, and three depth-zones were defined within them. Each zone was divided into 4 subzones, and a portion of contaminated meat was introduced into each subzone. Meat was sampled at 24, 36, 48, and 72 h and tested for evagination in vitro. The maximum required time for cysticercus inactivation was 48 h. Meat was incorporated to compost after 7 days. No significant differences were found in cysticercus inactivation among the compost zones (P > 0.05), but significant differences were found with respect to the outside. Therefore, all zones were regarded equally effective to inactivate viable T. solium cysticerci.

Frecuencia de aislamientos de Mannheimia haemolytica y Pasteurella multocida en becerras con signos clínicos de enfermedad respiratoria, en un complejo lechero del estado de Hidalgo, México / Frequency of Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida isolates obtained from calves with clinical signs of respiratory tract disease from a dairy complex in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico

Mannheimia hemolytica (Mh) and Pasteurella multocida (Pm) strains obtained from bovine nasal discharge of clinically affected by respiratory tract disease calves, were isolated and characterized to estimate the isolation frequency in a dairy complex in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico, over a period of five months by means of a transsectional descriptive study. Strains were isolated and typified through selective media and biochemical tests. Chi-square or Fisher's statistical tests were applied, as well as odds ratio calculation and logistic regression analysis to evaluate the association of some variables on Mh and Pm isolation. Of the 239 calves younger than 1 year of age researched, in 84 (35.14%) Mh or Pm was isolated, 67 (28.03%) of them with Mh and 17 (7.11%) with Pm, in eight calves (3.10%) both microorganisms were isolated. Potential risk factors such as housing, treatment and vaccination were evaluated. The frequency of Mh isolates was higher than the Pm in calf accommodations individual housing or in group housing (P ≤ 0.05); similarly, the frequency of Mh and Pm isolates together were higher in not vaccinated against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (OR = 2.93, P ≤ 0.05), bovine viral diarrhea (OR = 4.26, P ≤ 0.05), parainfluenza 3 (OR = 2.68, P ≤ 0.05), bovine syncytial virus (OR = 2.36, P ≤ 0.05) and mannheimiosis (OR = 1.97, P ≤ 0.05). Calves housed in the stables and no vaccination against bovine viral diarrhea, were the variables that remained in the logistic regression model. Mh got the highest isolation rate in calf accommodations individual housing or in group housing, as well as in outdoors housing.

Se determinó la frecuencia de Mannheimia haemolytica (Mh) y Pasteurella multocida (Pm) obtenidas de exudado nasal de becerras afectadas por enfermedad respiratoria, en un complejo lechero del estado de Hidalgo, México, evaluadas durante 5 meses en un estudio descriptivo transversal. El aislamiento e identificación se hizo mediante procedimientos selectivos y pruebas bioquímicas. Se evaluó la asociación de algunas variables con el aislamiento de Mh y Pm, mediante Ji cuadrada o Fisher, el cálculo de la razón de momios y el análisis de regresión logística. De 239 becerras menores de un año, estudiadas, en 84 (35.14%) se aisló Mh o Pm, de ellas, 67 (28.03%) con Mh y 17 (7.11%) con Pm; en 8 becerras (3.10%) se aislaron ambos microorganismos. Se evaluaron posibles factores de riesgo: alojamiento, tratamiento y vacunación. La frecuencia de aislamientos de Mh fue mayor que la de Pm en becerras alojadas en becerreras o en corrales (P ≤ 0.05), o que estaban en becerreras a la intemperie (P ≤ 0.05), similarmente, la frecuencia de Mh y Pm juntas, fue mayor en becerras no vacunadas contra rinotraqueitis infecciosa bovina (RM = 2.93, P ≤ 0.05), diarrea viral bovina (RM = 4.26, P ≤ 0.05), parainfluenza 3PI3 (RM = 2.68, P ≤ 0.05), virus respiratorio sincitial bovino (RM = 2.36, P ≤ 0.05) y mannheimiosis (RM = 1.97, P ≤ 0.05). Las variables que permanecieron en el modelo de regresión fueron alojar las becerras en los establos y la no vacunación contra diarrea viral bovina. Mh presentó la mayor tasa de aislamientos en becerras alojadas tanto en becerreras individuales como en corrales o a la intemperie.

Estructura etaria, comportamiento productivo y reproductivo de una población de cerdos criados en semiconfinamiento, en una comunidad rural del estado de Morelos, México / Age structure, productive and reproductive behavior of a pig population reared in semi-confinement in a rural community of Morelos state, Mexico

Small-scale family swine production can be seen in thousands of small communities and suburban zones; it is characterized by breeding rural pigs in rustic facilities with basic feed and productive parameters, well below those of technologically advanced farms, with mortality reaching up to 50% of the litter. This type of production involves a large number of producers and has a critical impact on family income. At slaughter, these carcasses have a high probability of being seized because of the presence of cysticercoids (T. solium), losing a high percentage of its economic value; due to absence of slaughterhouses in rural communities, this meat is directed to consumption without health inspection, increasing the risk of transmission of this zoonosis. This paper describes the productive and reproductive characteristics of the backyard production system of pigs in a rural community. Human to pig ratio was 3:1. During the year, 308 piglets were born in 43 litters, 51.7% males and 48.3% females, with an average weight of 40.47 kg at 6 months and 65.30 kg at 10 months. They were slaughtered at 7.3 months on average. The highest death rate was found between 0 and 1 month of age. In many rural communities of Mexico pigs are fed with waste generated in homes, helping maintain the communities clean, as well as with the excreta of other species that usually roam freely, situation that can promote dissemination of parasitic diseases.

La porcicultura familiar es una forma de producción que existe en miles de pequeñas comunidades y zonas conurbadas, caracterizada por la crianza de razas criollas en instalaciones rústicas, con alimentación básica y parámetros productivos inferiores a los de las granjas tecnificadas y una mortalidad hasta de 50% de la camada. Este tipo de producción involucra gran número de productores e impacta críticamente en el ingreso familiar. Al sacrificio, estas canales tienen una alta probabilidad de decomiso por la presencia de cisticercosis (T. solium), por lo que pierden un alto porcentaje de su valor económico; debido a la ausencia de rastros en comunidades rurales, esta carne se destina al consumo directo, sin inspección sanitaria, incrementando los riesgos de transmisión de esta zoonosis. En este trabajo se describen las características productivas y reproductivas del sistema de producción de cerdos en traspatio en una comunidad rural. La razón humano-cerdo fue de 3:1, durante el año se obtuvieron 43 camadas, con 308 lechones nacidos vivos, 51.7% machos y 48.3% hembras, con un peso promedio de 40.47 kg a los 6 meses y 65.30 kg a los 10 meses, siendo sacrificados a los 7.3 meses en promedio, los animales que tienen entre 0 y 1 mes de edad presentan la tasa más alta de mortalidad sin que sean sacrificados. En muchas comunidades rurales de México, se alimentan con desperdicios que se generan en las casas, así como las excretas de otras especies que por lo regular deambulan libremente, situación que puede generar enfermedades parasitarias.

Efecto del coumestrol sobre la producción espermática y la conducta de exploración olfatoria de perros estimulados con moco vaginal estral / Effect of coumestrol on sperm production and smell exploratory behavior in dogs stimulated with vaginal mucus

Dog overpopulation is a major health problem in developing countries due to the existence of some zoonotic diseases in which dogs act as reservoirs, besides the aggressive events to humans. Distribution, behavior patterns and combined methodologies are needed aspects in the design of successful dog population control programs. Coumestrol is a phytoestrogen which induces alterations in the reproductive male system, when bind to alpha and beta estrogen receptors acting as an agonist or antagonist fashion. Both receptor types also exist in central nerve regions governing sexual behavior of those animals such as the preoptic area, ventro medial nucleous, the amygdala and the olfactory bulb. In this study, 300 μg/kg coumestrol was orally administered to male dogs, once a week for a 4 week period. Dogs were freed for 5 min in a 9 m² area having a recipient containing vaginal discharges from estrous dog females and other similar vessel containing sterile saline solution. Smelling latency time for each recipient, smelling frequency and territory marking in response to stimulus, was recorded. At the end of the test, semen was collected and evaluated. A significative difference (P < 0.005) in smelling latency time and smelling frequency to the vaginal discharge was found; sperm count decreased from 518.4 ± 215.4 × 10(6) to 57.6 ± 50.4 × 10(6) at week 4 and the abnormal sperm morphology increased from 14.7 ± 3.3% at 0 week to 60.0 ± 20%. In conclusion, 300 μg/kg coumestrol given orally to male dogs for 4 weeks induces alterations in the olfactory behavior along with an oligo and teratospermic effect.

La sobrepoblación canina es un problema importante de salud pública debido a la transmisión de enfermedades zoonóticas y las agresiones hacia el humano. En el diseño de programas para controlar la población canina se requiere del conocimiento de su distribución, comportamiento y metodologías combinadas para tener éxito. El coumestrol es un fitoestrógeno que induce alteraciones en el aparato reproductor de los machos al unirse a los receptores estrogénicos alfa y beta, en donde actúa de manera dosis-dependiente como agonista o antagonista. Estos receptores también existen en las estructuras del sistema nervioso que regulan el comportamiento sexual, como la región preóptica, núcleo ventromedial, la amígdala y el bulbo olfatorio. En este estudio se administró coumestrol (300 μg/kg) por vía oral a perros machos, una vez por semana durante cuatro semanas; los perros se colocaron durante cinco minutos en un área aislada de 9 m² en donde se colocó un frasco conteniendo secreciones vaginales obtenidas de perras en estro y otro con solución salina estéril. Se registró el tiempo de latencia de los perros para olfatear cada frasco, su frecuencia de respuesta y la frecuencia con que se presentó conducta de marcaje en respuesta al estímulo. Una vez concluido el experimento, se obtuvo semen y se evaluó. Se encontró diferencia significativa (P < 0.005) en el periodo de latencia y frecuencia con la que el macho se acercó a oler las secreciones vaginales y el conteo espermático disminuyó de 518.4 ± 215.4 × 10(6) al inicio del estudio a 57.6 ± 50.4 × 10(6) en la semana cuatro y el porcentaje de anormalidades espermáticas aumentó de 14.7 ± 3.3 puntos en la semana 0 a 60.0 ± 20.0% en la semana cuatro. Se concluye que el tratamiento de perros con coumestrol durante cuatro semanas ocasiona alteraciones en la conducta de exploración olfatoria y tiene un efecto oligospérmico y teratospérmico.

Phytoestrogen treatment induces testis alterations in dogs. Potential use in population control.

Dog overpopulation is considered a human health risk; they are the terrestrial vector of rabies and reservoirs for other human diseases. Surgical neutering and intratesticular injections have been used in male dogs. Physiological and morphological alterations in reproductive organs can be induced by phytoestrogens. Our goal was to evaluate the effect of oral coumestrol on dog ejaculates and testis histology. Two groups of 5 healthy adult dogs were used. One coumestrolcontaining biscuit was given once a week for a 4 week period to the experimental group. Ejaculates were obtained and evaluated. After treatment, testis were obtained and processed for histology. Compared to controls, treated dogs have reduced tubules (462 +/- 1.4 vs 336 +/- 2 micron(2)), spermatogenic epithelium (49.1 +/- 0.01 vs 13.3 +/- 0.01 micron(2)), and lumen opening (891 +/- 1.4 vs 530 +/- 26.9 micron). Ejaculates from treated animals have increased numbers of abnormal spermatozoa and reduced sperm concentration.

Fluorescence and inmunohistological detection of estrogen receptors in dog testis and epidydimis after oral coumestrol administration.

INTRODUCTION: Estrogens are well recognized as important hormones in male reproduction and act as ligands to alpha and beta estrogen receptors. Both estrogen receptors could interact with estrogen-mimicking compounds such as the fluorescent phytoestrogen coumestrol, which acts both in an agonist or antagonist fashion. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the presence of Coumestrol-Estrogen Receptor complexes by fluorescence in testis and epididymis, its effect in the ER expression by immunostain in the same tissues and the effect of this binding in the testis histological characteristics. DESIGN: Adult healthy and sexually active dogs were assigned to either the experimental or control group .Coumestrol impregnated dog biscuits were given to each animal from the experimental group once a week for a 4 week period. The control group received a biscuit with no Coumestrol, also once a week and for the same period. Testis morphology, ER immunodetection, and coumestrol-receptor binding were evaluated. SETTING: The experiment was done in the facilities of the Mexico City canine shelter. Animals were caged individually with food and water ad libitum and having at least two daily hours for exercise. RESULTS: Morphological alterations in testis after oral administration of coumestrol were detected. The main alterations include decreased germinal epithelium in tubule, and the loss of a continuous proliferation and differentiation gamete layer. Fluorescence signals in testis interstitial Leydig cells and epididymus indicating ER-coumestrol complexes were detected at the same points to those Immunohystochemically detected ER. CONCLUSIONS: Coumestrol administration induces testis alterations and coumestrol-ER complexes can be co-localized by binding-enhanced fluorescence and immunoprecipitation.

Prevalence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in domestic cats from Mexico City.

In order to determine the frequency of anti-Toxoplasma gondii IgG antibodies in domestic cats and to identify the possible risk factors, 169 domestic cats from 16 municipalities of Mexico City were studied. Their serum was tested by indirect ELISA and the owners answered a questionnaire about age, gender, litter box hygiene, contact with other cats, housing (indoor, outdoor) and diet. We found 37 (21.8%) seropositive cats to T. gondii with an increase in frequency related to age. Main risk factors were female gender, feeding the pet with raw meat and infrequent cleaning of the litter box. The frequency of T. gondii antibodies found in domestic cats of Mexico City suggests active transmission within an urban environment.

Detección de mastitis bovina subclínica por micoplasmosis mediante ELISA indirecta y aislamiento / Detection of subclinical bovine mastitis caused by mycoplasmosis by indirect ELISA test and isolation

The objective of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ELISA test in serum, for the diagnosis of subclinical bovine mastitis caused by Mycoplasma bovis, having as a reference test, the isolation of the microorganism in milk samples. Two hundred and twenty five blood and milk samples were obtained from herds from the State of Mexico, Coahuila and Hidalgo, all of them in Mexico. Using the Wisconsin test, 139 samples (61.8%) were positives to subclinical mastitis but only in six of them, Mycoplasma bovis was isolated. By ELISA test, 72 samples were positives (32.0%). All animals with positive isolation were also positive to the ELISA test. With a cut point higher or equal to 100, sensitivity and specificity were 83.3% and 83.56%, respectively, although the positive predictive value (PV) (+) was 12.2% and the negative predictive value (PV) (-) was 99.46%. The low PV (+) was associated to a low prevalence. ELISA test could be used as a screen test to detect mastitis associated to Mycoplasma bovis, particularly in herds with high frequencies (> 10%), this with the purpose to improve a positive predictive value (PV), which would allow to establish better diagnoses in cases where the most common tests do not give a specific result, mostly if ELISA test is considered as practical, fast and economic.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue determinar la efectividad de una prueba de ELISA en suero para el diagnóstico de la mastitis bovina subclínica causada por Mycoplasma bovis, teniendo como prueba de referencia el aislamiento del microorganismo a partir de muestras de leche. Se obtuvieron 225 muestras de sangre y de leche provenientes de hatos del Estado de México, Coahuila e Hidalgo, todos en México. Ciento treinta y nueve muestras (61.8%) resultaron positivas a mastitis subclínica mediante la prueba de Wisconsin, y de ellas sólo en seis se aisló M. bovis. A través de la prueba de ELISA, 72 muestras resultaron positivas (32.0%). Todos los animales con aislamiento positivo también fueron positivos a la prueba de ELISA. Con un punto de corte mayor o igual a 100, se obtuvo sensibilidad de 83.3% y especificidad de 83.56%, aunque el valor predictivo (VP) (+) fue de 12.2%, y el VP (-) de 99.46%. El bajo VP (+) se asoció con baja prevalencia. La técnica de ELISA podría ser utilizada como prueba tamiz para la detección de mastitis asociada con M. bovis, particularmente en hatos con frecuencias elevadas (> a 10%), esto con el fin de mejorar un valor predictivo positivo, lo que permitiría establecer mejores diagnósticos en casos donde las pruebas más comunes no dan un resultado concreto, sobre todo si se considera que la prueba de ELISA es práctica, rápida y económica.

Epidemiologic and ultrasonographic study of echinococcosis in a community in the state of Mexico.

No epidemiologic study for cystic echinococcosis in México has yet been described. The objective of this work was to determine the prevalence and distribution of human echinococcosis in a community of the state of México and its probable risk factors. A cross-sectional study was performed; household census was used to randomly select houses. The larval stage of Echinococcus was searched by ultrasound in liver, spleen, and kidney. A questionnaire was used for the investigation of risk factors. The study was performed with 401 persons, 64% were female. The prevalence of echinococcosis was 0.75%. Cases were distributed in the same sector of the community. The close distribution of cases suggests the same exposure source. There were 426 dogs in the community; feces were collected from 414 of these in search of cestode eggs. After treatment, 3 dogs had Taenia pisiformis but none had Echinococcus. This paper pioneers the search of human echinococcosis in México because it provides evidence of the presence of this tissue parasite at the community level.

[Effects of some chemical and physical agents on the metacestode Taenia solium in spicy meat and sausage]. / Efecto de algunos agentes físicos y químicos sobre el metacéstodo de Taenia solium presente en carne adobada y chorizo.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of different cooking times and temperatures, as well as of some seasonings, on the viability of Taenia solium metacestodes in spicy meat and hot sausage. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted by the Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero (Guerrero State Autonomous University), Mexico in 1999. Infected pork meat was bought in the community of Azacoaloya, in the municipality of Chilapa de Alvarez, Guerrero State. It was used to prepare spicy meat (adobada) and hot sausage (chorizo). Only the meat in which metacestode viability was proven was used. The products obtained underwent a) room temperature for 12 to 100 hours; b) temperatures of -10 to 37 degrees C for 24 hours; c) boiling (97 degrees C) from 1 to 15 minutes. To determine the effect of the seasonings, batches were prepared using twice the amount of a specific seasoning. Trials were done and assessed three times. Proportion differences were established using the chi-squared test. RESULTS: At room temperature the lowest evagination occurred after 100 hours for both products (p<0.05). After 24 hours, the lowest evagination occurred at -10 degrees C in spicy meat and at 37 degrees C in hot sausage (p<0.05). At boiling temperature there was no evagination after 10 minutes (p<0.05). In spicy meat, adding salt caused the most significant reduction; in hot sausage, thyme caused the most significant reduction (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Meat with metacestodes should not be eaten, yet, it is being sold and used to prepare spicy meats. Adding spices can hide the metacestode, thus, adequate cooking of these meat products is necessary. These meats may be consumed at least four days after its preparation and spicy meat after a minimum of four days of refrigeration. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Efecto de algunos agentes físicos y químicos sobre el metacéstodo de Taenia solium presente en carne adobada y chorizo / Effects of some chemical and physical agents on the metacestode Taenia solium in spicy meat and sausage

OBJETIVO: Evaluar el efecto de diferentes temperaturas y tiempos, así como de algunos condimentos sobre la viabilidad de metacéstodos de Taenia solium en chorizo y carne adobada. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Este trabajo se llevó a cabo en la Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, en 1999. En la comunidad de Atzacoaloya, en el municipio de Chilapa de Alvarez, Guerrero, se compró carne de cerdo infectada, con la que se preparó carne adobada y chorizo; sólo se empleó aquélla en la cual se comprobó la viabilidad de los metacéstodos. Los productos obtenidos fueron sometidos a: a) temperatura ambiente durante 12 a 100 horas; b) temperaturas de -10 a 37 °C por 24 horas, y c) ebullición (97 °C) de 1 a 15 minutos. Para determinar el efecto de los condimentos se prepararon lotes con el doble de ingredientes de cada uno. Todas las evaluaciones se realizaron y evaluaron con tres repeticiones. Se establecieron diferencias de proporciones mediante c². RESULTADOS: A temperatura ambiente la menor evaginación fue a las 100 horas para ambos productos (p< 0.05). Por 24 horas a diferentes temperaturas la menor evaginación se dio a -10 °C en carne adobada y a 37 °C para el chorizo (p< 0.05). A temperatura de ebullición del agua se encontró que en ambos no hubo evaginación a partir de los 10 minutos (p< 0.05). En relación con los condimentos, la adición de sal generó la mayor reducción en carne adobada, y de tomillo, para el chorizo (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONES: Si bien la carne con metacéstodos no debería consumirse, ante el hecho de su comercialización y de que la preparación de chorizos y la adición de pastas pueden ocultar al metacéstodo, es necesaria la cocción adecuada de los productos o consumir chorizo por lo menos cuatro días después de su elaboración y la carne adobada después de cuatro días de refrigeración.

[Taeniasis and detection of antibodies against cysticercus among inhabitants of a rural community in Guerrero State, Mexico]. / Teniosis y detección de anticuerpos anticisticerco en personas de una comunidad rural del estado de Guerrero.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of Taenia solium carriers and its relationship with human cysticercosis in a Mexican locality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 1998, in a locality of Guerrero State, Mexico. Four hundred and three fecal samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect Taenia sp coproantigen. Ninety two serum samples were also analyzed for antibodies against cisticerci using the immunoelectrotransfer blot assay (IET). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and odds ratios. RESULTS: Five of the 403 fecal samples were positive (1.2%). The adult cestode was recovered in only two people. Three (3.26%) out of the 92 serum samples that were analyzed for anticysticercus antibodies were positive. Seventeen serum samples corresponded to people living with a person positive to the coproantigen test (first group), the remaining 75 were obtained from people without a history of releasing taenia proglottids (second group). In the first group, 2 positive sera were detected (11.8%), while in the second only I was positive (1.3%) (odds ratio = 9.87, 95% confidence interval 0.64 to 295.56, p = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS: The difficulty to obtain the adult parasite in persons positive to coproantigens, may be due to difficult expulsion, a shorter permanence of the parasite in the host, insufficient dosage of treatment, or to lack of specificity of the diagnostic test. Further studies are needed to evaluate these possibilities; a better knowledge of parasite transmission dynamics will allow the implementation of prevention and control measures and a better assessment of diagnostic tests under field conditions. The English version of this paper is available at: http://www.insp.mx/salud/index.html.

Teniosis y detección de anticuerpos anticisticerco en personas de una comunidad rural del estado de Guerrero / Taeniosis and detection of antibodies against cysticerci among inhabitants of a rural community in Guerrero State, Mexico

OBJETIVO: Determinar la frecuencia de portadores de Taenia sp. y su relación con el diagnóstico de cisticercos en humanos en una comunidad rural del estado de Guerrero, México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Para detectar portadores de Taenia sp. se analizaron 403 muestras de heces de personas, por medio de ELISA para coproantígenos de Taenia sp., así como 92 muestras de suero para detectar anticuerpos anticisticerco mediante inmunoelectrotransferencia. El diseño del estudio fue transversal y se llevó a cabo durante 1998. Se hizo estadística descriptiva y se estimó razón de momios. RESULTADOS: De 403 muestras de heces evaluadas, cinco resultaron positivas (1.2 por ciento). Sólo en dos de las cinco personas positivas se obtuvo el cestodo adulto. En 3 (3.26 por ciento) de los 92 sueros se encontraron anticuerpos anticisticerco. Del total de sueros, 17 fueron de las personas con diagnóstico positivo a teniosis por coproantígenos o que cohabitaban con ellos (primer grupo), los restantes 75 provenían de personas en quienes no se detectaron casos en las viviendas (segundo grupo). En el primer grupo se detectaron 2 (11.8 por ciento) sueros positivos, mientras que en el segundo sólo 1 (1.3 por ciento) (RM= 9.87, I.C 0.64-295.56, p= 0.086). CONCLUSIONES: La dificultad para obtener el parásito adulto en las personas positivas a coproantígenos puede deberse a características propias de éste que dificultan su expulsión, a que la permanencia del cestodo en su huésped es menor a la esperada o a que el tratamiento fue insuficiente para obtener el parásito, o bien, a problemas de especificidad de la prueba. Es necesario realizar estudios tendientes a evaluar estas posibilidades, lo cual permitiría conocer mejor la dinámica de transmisión de esta parasitosis, con el fin de establecer medidas de prevención y control, además de poder comparar con mayor veracidad la eficacia de las pruebas diagnósticas en condiciones de campo

Efecto del ensilaje y la biodegradación con larva de mosca sobre las características nutricionales y bacterianas de la excreta de cerdo / Effect of the ensiling process and biodegradation with fly larvae on nutritional- and bacteriological characteristics in pig manure

El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar las características nutricionales del ensilaje de excreta de cerdo y de la excreta de cerdo biodegradada con larva de mosca. El porcentaje de materia seca se redujo (P < 0.05) en el proceso de biodegradación (53.90 por ciento vs 29.38 por ciento), pero no varió en el proceso de ensilaje (40.09 por ciento vs 40.83 por ciento). En base seca, la proteína cruda (PC), fibra cruda (FC) y ceniza fueron mayores (P < 0.05) en la excreta biodegradada (26.2 por ciento, 12.1 por ciento, 14.6 por ciento) en comparación con el ensilado (20.6 por ciento, 8.5 por ciento, 10.2 por ciento). Sin embargo, los contenidos de grasa y extracto libre de nitrógeno (ELN) fueron mayores (P < 0.05) en el ensilado (13.5 por ciento, 46.9 por ciento) comparados con lo obtenido en la excreta biodegradada (8.7 por ciento, 39.1 por ciento). No se encontraron diferencias en la concentración de nitrógeno no proteínico (NNP), el promedio fue de 6.6 por ciento. Con respecto a la evaluación microbiológica, sólo se determinó la presencia de E. coli en 10 por ciento de los ensilados. Con base en los resultados obtenidos, ambos procesos pueden ser considerados en un programa de reciclamiento de excretas. Sin embargo, el proceso de biodegradación presentó ventajas en su composición, logrando un producto más estable, además de que se obtuvo una producción adicional de 43.25 g de larva de mosca por kg de excreta, con 48 por ciento de PC en base seca.

Epidemiología de la cisticercosis en cerdos de una comunidad rural del estado de Guerrero, México / Epidemiology of cysticerosis in pigs from a rural community in the state of Guerrero in Mexico

Con el fin de evaluar la dinámica de transmisión de la cisticercosis porcina, se buscó: a) Determinar su frecuencia mediante el diagnóstico en vivo en lengua; b) conocer mediante una encuesta, algunas características de la población que favorecen la transmisión de la enfermedad; c) establecer la edad de primoinfección en cerdos mediante el sacrificio y examen de cerdos de 2, 4, 5 y 6 meses de edad y su posible variación estacional. Durante el examen de lengua, se encontraron 20 positivos de 151 cerdos evaluados (13.2 por ciento). Se realizó una encuesta en 146 (79.3 por ciento) de 184 viviendas. En general la comunidad presenta condiciones propicias para la transmisión de la enfermedad al carecer de agua potable en 100 por ciento, drenaje en 97.2 por ciento y letrinas en 71.9 por ciento. El 67.8 por ciento tiene cerdos y de éstos, el 88.9 por ciento deambula libremente en la comunidad. Con respecto al hallazgo de citicercosis en cerdos de diferentes edades, en 52 animales sacrificados se encontraron 17 positivos (32 por ciento; aunque hubo una mayor proporción de positivos a mayor edad, no se encontró una tendencia estadísticamente significativa (P>0.05); sin embargo, se encontró diferencia entre la frecuencia de cisticercosis entre las épocas del año, ya que mientras en temporada de lluvias se identificó al metacestodo a los 5 meses de edad, en temporada de secas se halló desde los 2 meses de edad (P<0.05). Es necesario continuar con estudios que permitan determinar con mayor exactitud la dinámica de transmisión de la cisticercosis en los cerdos, la importancia de la inmunidad en dicha transmisión y la razón por la cual la frecuencia de infecciones con gran número de metacestodos se presenta sólo en pocos cerdos