Equinococosis quística peritoneal diseminada en paciente con infección Por VIH: reporte de caso / Disseminated peritoneal cystic Echinococcosis in a patient with HIV: case report

RESUMEN La equinococosis quística es una infección zoonótica producida por la larva de Echinococcus granulosus que es capaz de invadir diversos órganos desde su ubicación en el intestino humano. En los casos de coinfección con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), existe una diversidad de complicaciones condicionadas por la enfermedad inmunosupresora con pronóstico reservado. El objetivo de este reporte es describir un caso de equinococosis multiquística peritoneal en una paciente en tratamiento antiviral para VIH durante casi diez años, que recibió la combinación de albendazol más cirugía, con evolución favorable. Este reporte sería el primero en el Perú en una persona con inmunosupresión por VIH y equinococosis quística.

ABSTRACT Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the larva of Echinococcus granulosus, which is capable of invading several organs starting from the human intestine. There are several complications in cases of co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which are conditioned by the immunosuppressive disease and have poor prognosis. This report aims to describe a case of multi-cystic peritoneal echinococcosis in a patient under antiviral treatment for HIV for almost ten years, who received albendazole, underwent surgery and progressed favorably. This would be the first Peruvian report of a person with HIV and cystic echinococcosis.

Disseminated peritoneal cystic Echinococcosis in a patient with HIV: case report. / Equinococosis quística peritoneal diseminada en paciente con infección Por VIH: reporte de caso.

OBJECTIVES.: Cystic echinococcosis is a zoonotic infection caused by the larva of Echinococcus granulosus, which is capable of invading several organs starting from the human intestine. There are several complications in cases of co-infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which are conditioned by the immunosuppressive disease and have poor prognosis. This report aims to describe a case of multi-cystic peritoneal echinococcosis in a patient under antiviral treatment for HIV for almost ten years, who received albendazole, underwent surgery and progressed favorably. This would be the first Peruvian report of a person with HIV and cystic echinococcosis.

Frecuencia del gen mecA en Staphylococcus aureus meticilinorresistente en un hospital de tercer nivel en Perú

Objetivos: determinar la frecuencia del gen mecA en Staphylococcus aureus resistente a meticilina (MRSA) aislados de pacientes atendidos en un hospital de tercer nivel en la región Cajamarca, Perú; asimismo, determinar cuál de los dos antibióticos usados como screening fenotípico tiene mayor utilidad para explicar la presencia de dicho gen. Métodos: se analizaron 71 aislamientos bacterianos provenientes de muestras del Hospital Regional Docente de Cajamarca, la identificación de S. aureus se llevó a cabo mediante el equipo MicroScan. El screening fenotípico para resistencia a meticilina se realizó mediante la técnica de difusión, con discos de cefoxitina y oxacilina. La extracción de ADN se realizó mediante shock térmico, la detección del gen mecA se realizó mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software SPSS v.25. Resultados: de los 71 aislados, 40 (56,3%) fueron MRSA portadores del gen mecA, la mayoría de estos aislamientos correspondieron a pacientes hospitalizados 22 (31,0%), siendo más frecuentes en muestras de secreción bronquial 27 (38,0%). El screening fenotípico con disco de cefoxitina predijo mejor la presencia del gen mecA [P=0,010; Exp(B)= 12,3] en comparación con el disco de oxacilina. Conclusiones: este estudio demostró alta frecuencia de MRSA mecA positivo en muestras de origen clínico, principalmente de pacientes hospitalizados. Es importante establecer medidas de vigilancia para identificar MRSA en todos los hospitales de la región.

Objective: to determine the frequency of the mecA gene in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from patients treated at a third-level hospital in the Cajamarca region, Peru; as well as, to determine which of the two antibiotics used as phenotypic screening is more useful in explaining the presence of said gene. Methods: 71 bacterial isolates were analyzed from samples obtained from the Hospital Regional Docente of Cajamarca. The identification of S. aureus was carried out using the MicroScan system. Phenotypic screening for resistance to methicillin was performed using the diffusion technique with cefoxitin and oxacillin discs. DNA extraction was performed by heat shock, mecA gene detection was performed through polymerase chain reaction. For data analysis, the statistical software SPSS v.25 was used. Results: from 71 isolates, 40 (56,3%) were MRSA carriers of the mecA gene, the majority of these isolates corresponded to hospitalized patients 22 (31,0%), being more frequent in bronchial secretion samples 27 (38,0%). Phenotypic screening with cefoxitin disc was a better predictor for the presence of the mecA gene [P=0,010; Exp(B)= 12,3] compared to the oxacillin disc. Conclusions: It is shown a high frequency of positive MRSA mecA in samples of clinical origin, mainly from hospitalized patients. It is important to establish surveillance guidelines to identify MRSA in all hospitals in the region.

Thermophilic bacteria from Peruvian hot springs with high potential application in environmental biotechnology.

Hot springs are extreme environments in which well-adapted microorganisms with biotechnological applications can thrive naturally. These thermal environments across Peruvian territory have, until now, remained poorly investigated. In this study, two hot springs, El Tragadero and Quilcate, located in Cajamarca (Peru) were selected in order to investigate the biotechnological potential of indigenous thermophilic bacteria. Enrichment and isolation processes were carried out using microbial mats, sediments, biofilms, and plastic polymers as samples. Screening for biosurfactants and siderophores production, as well as for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) hydrolysis was done using culture-dependent techniques. After molecular identification, Bacillus was found as the most abundant genus in both hot springs. Bacillus velezensis was found producing biosurfactants under high-level temperature. Anoxybacillus species (A. salavatliensis and A. gonensis) are here reported as siderophore-producing bacteria for the first time. Additionally, Brevibacillus and the less-known bacterium Tistrella mobilis were found demonstrating PET hydrolysis activity. Our study provides the first report of thermophilic bacteria isolated from Peruvian hot springs with biotechnological potential for the bioremediation of oil-, metal- and plastic-polluted environments.

Risk factors for human fascioliasis in schoolchildren in Baños del Inca, Cajamarca, Peru.

Background: The aim of the investigation was to determine the risk factors for human fascioliasis in schoolchildren in five localities of the Baños del Inca district in Cajamarca, Peru. Secondarily, the prevalence of infection among this population was also studied. Methods: A questionnaire was applied to 270 schoolchildren from 6-12 years of age and to their parents with the aim of collecting information related to risk factors predisposing the children to Fasciola hepatica infection. Faecal samples from all the children were tested for F. hepatica using the modified rapid sedimentation method of Lumbreras and the technique of Kato-Katz for egg counts. Results: Risk factors were identified as follows-raising cattle, consumption of radishes and chewing grass. The prevalence of F. hepatica in Baños del Inca was 6.30%; there was no significant difference by sex or age. Conclusion: Risk factors associated with this parasitosis in children in this area of Cajamarca were the raising of cattle, the consumption of radish and the habit of chewing grass. The prevalence results in this district suggest a mesoendemic level of infection, with local variations between meso- and hyper-endemic levels.

Betalactamasas de espectro extendido tipo TEM y CTX-M en Klebsiella spp y Escherichia coli aisladas de superficies de ambientes hospitalarios / TEM and CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamase in Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli isolates from inanimate surfaces of hospital environments

El objetivo del estudio fue determinar el genotipo BLEE de 15 cepas de enterobacterias resistentes a betalactámicos, aisladas de superficies inanimadas y caracterizadas fenotípicamente como productoras de betalactamasas de espectro extendido. Previa evaluación y tamizaje de las cepas bacterianas, se hizo un PCR para amplificar fragmentos de 1078 pb y 544 pb correspondientes a BLEE tipo TEM y CTX-M. Once cepas presentaron ambos fragmentos a la vez y tres presentaron solamente blaCTX-M. En conclusión, se demostró la presencia de genes BLEE en cultivos de origen ambiental, algunos de los cuales podrían pertenecer a más de un tipo; esta información podría servir de base para implementar medidas de prevención que eviten la trasmisión de bacterias multirresistentes desde superficies inanimadas a los pacientes, principalmente en áreas hospitalarias críticas...

The aim of the study was to determine the genotype of 15 ESBL strains of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to beta-lactams, isolated from inanimate surfaces and phenotypically characterized as producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. After evaluation and screening of the bacterial strains, a PCR was conducted to amplify fragments of 1078 bp and 544 bp corresponding to type TEM and CTX-M ESBL. Eleven strains presented both fragments at the time and only three had blaCTX-M. In conclusion, the presence of ESBL genes in cultures from the environment was demonstrated, some of which may belong to more than one type. This information could serve as a basis for implementing preventive measures to prevent the transmission of multiresistant bacteria from inanimate surfaces to patients, mainly in critical hospital areas...

[TEM and CTX-M extended-spectrum beta-lactamase in Klebsiella spp and Escherichia coli isolates from inanimate surfaces of hospital environments]. / Betalactamasas de espectro extendido tipo TEM y CTX-M en Klebsiella spp y Escherichia coli aisladas de superficies de ambientes hospitalarios.

The aim of the study was to determine the genotype of 15 ESBL strains of Enterobacteriaceae resistant to beta-lactams, isolated from inanimate surfaces and phenotypically characterized as producing extended-spectrum beta-lactamase. After evaluation and screening of the bacterial strains, a PCR was conducted to amplify fragments of 1078 bp and 544 bp corresponding to type TEM and CTX-M ESBL. Eleven strains presented both fragments at the time and only three had blaCTX-M. In conclusion, the presence of ESBL genes in cultures from the environment was demonstrated, some of which may belong to more than one type. This information could serve as a basis for implementing preventive measures to prevent the transmission of multiresistant bacteria from inanimate surfaces to patients, mainly in critical hospital areas.

ELISA y técnica de sedimentación espontánea para el diagnóstico de infección por Giardia lamblia en muestras fecales de niños de Perú / ELISA and spontaneous sedimentation technique for the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia infection in stool samples of Peruvian children

OBJETIVO: Comparar un kit ELISA comercial para coproantígenos y la técnica de sedimentación espontánea en tubo (TSET) para el diagnóstico de Giardia lamblia en muestras fecales de niños de una zona endémica peruana. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Fueron analizadas 174 muestras mediante la TSET y el kit Giardia 2nd Generation ELISA. RESULTADOS: Fueron positivas 51 muestras por ELISA y 49 por TSET. CONCLUSIONES: El ELISA resultó ser altamente sensible y específico, sencillo y rápido; sin embargo, la muy buena concordancia, alta precisión, bajo costo y capacidad para detectar otros enteroparásitos hace que la TSET sea recomendable para el diagnóstico en zonas endémicas del Perú.

OBJETIVE: To compare a commercial coproantigen ELISA kit and the technique of spontaneous sedimentation in tube (TSET) for the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia in fecal specimens from children in a Peruvian endemic area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 174 fecal samples were analyzed by TSET and 2nd Generation Giardia ELISA kit. RESULTS: 51 samples were positive by ELISA and 49 by TSET. CONCLUSIONS: The ELISA was highly sensitive and specific, simple and fast. However, the very good agreement, high precision, low cost and ability to detect other intestinal parasites makes use of TSET recommended for laboratory diagnosis in endemic areas of Peru.

Susceptibilidad a betalactámicos y resistencia por betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE) enEnterobacteriaceae aisladas de reservorios ambientales de un hospital general en Cajamarca, Perú / Beta-lactam susceptibility and resistance by extended spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) in Enterobacteriaceae environmental isolations at a general hospital in Cajamarca, Peru

Objetivos: Identificar enterobacterias en reservorios intrahospitalarios, evaluar su sensibilidad a betalactámicos y determinar su capacidad de producir betalactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE), en el Hospital Regional de Cajamarca. Material y métodos: Se obtuvieron muestras mediante hisopado de grifos, lavatorios, mesas, camas y tablillas de historia clínica en las áreas de cirugía y pediatría; se recuperaron, aislaron e identificaron 45 cultivos de importancia clínica: 14 Enterobacter cloacae, 11 Escherichia coli, 5 Citrobacter freundii, 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae y 11 de otros géneros. Se determinó la sensibilidad antimicrobiana a los antibióticos betalactámicos: ampicilina, cefalotina, cefoxitina, ceftazidima, cefotaxima, ceftriaxona, amoxicilina-clavulanato, aztreonam e imipenem. Teniendo en cuenta los diámetros críticos de tamizaje, se realizó el test confirmatorio para BLEE. Para el análisis estadístico se utilizó el programa estadístico SPSS v15. Resultados: De los 45 cultivos aislados 34 fueron resistentes a ampicilina, 34 a cefalotina, 14 a cefoxitina, 12 a cefotaxima, 11 a ceftriaxona, 5 a ceftazidima, 19 a amoxicilina-clavulanato y 15 a aztreonam. Doce cultivos presentaron resistencia por BLEE a cefalosporinas de tercera generación y/o monobactámicos, cuatro E. coli y cuatro E. cloacae fueron los más relevantes. Todos fueron sensibles a imipenem. Conclusiones: Dada la capacidad de algunos de estos cultivos de producir BLEE existe el riesgo de brotes intrahospitalarios que pueden complicarse cuando son originados por microorganismos multirresistentes. La producción de BLEE como mecanismo de resistencia en los cultivos hallados debe ser motivo de preocupación por las implicancias que tiene.

Objectives: To identify enterobacteria cultures in nosocomial reservoirs, assess their sensitivity to beta-lactams and their ability to produce extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs) at the Hospital Regional de Cajamarca. Material and methods: Samples were collected by cotton swab in faucets, sinks, tables, beds and patientsÆ medical charts in the areas of surgery and pediatrics, 45 cultures clinically important were recovered, isolated and identified: 14 Enterobacter cloacae, 11 Escherichia coli, 5 Citrobacter freundii, 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae and 11 the other genres. An antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for beta-lactamic antibiotics: ampicillin, cephalothin, cefoxitin, ceftazidime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, amoxicillin-clavulanate, aztreonam and imipenem. Given the critical diameters of screening, the confirmatory test for ESBL was performed. For statistical analysis, were used SPSS v15. Results: Of the 45 cultures isolate, 34 were resistant to ampicillin, 34 to cephalothin, 14 to cefoxitin, 12 to cefotaxime, 11 to ceftriaxone, 5 to ceftazidime, 19 to amoxicillin-clavulanate and 15 to aztreonam. Twelve cultures were resistant to third-generation cephalosporins and monobactams for ESBLs, four E. coli and four E. cloacae were the most relevant. All were sensitive to imipenem. Conclusions: Given the ability of some of these cultures to produce ESBL, there is a risk of nosocomial outbreaks that can be complicated when are caused by multiresistant organisms. ESBL production as a resistance mechanism in cultures found cause concern.

[ELISA and spontaneous sedimentation technique for the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia infection in stool samples of Peruvian children]. / ELISA y técnica de sedimentación espontánea para el diagnóstico de infección por Giardia lamblia en muestras fecales de niños de Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To compare a commercial coproantigen ELISA kit and the technique of spontaneous sedimentation in tube (TSET) for the diagnosis of Giardia lamblia in fecal specimens from children in a Peruvian endemic area. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 174 fecal samples were analyzed by TSET and 2nd Generation Giardia ELISA kit. RESULTS: 51 samples were positive by ELISA and 49 by TSET. CONCLUSIONS: The ELISA was highly sensitive and specific, simple and fast. However, the very good agreement, high precision, low cost and ability to detect other intestinal parasites makes use of TSET recommended for laboratory diagnosis in endemic areas of Peru.

Prevalencia y factores de riesgo asociados a parasitosis intestinal en escolares del distrito de Los Baños del Inca, Perú / Prevalence and risk factors for intestinal parasitism in students from Los Baños del Inca district, Peru

Se realizó un estudio transversal para determinar la prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal e identificar algunos factores de riesgo asociados en escolares del nivel primario de instituciones educativas estatales de comunidades rurales del distrito de Los Baños del Inca, Cajamarca - Perú entre octubre a diciembre del 2009. Fueron recolectadas un total de 143 muestras las cuales fueron procesadas mediante las técnicas de sedimentación rápida modificada por Lumbreras. La prevalencia de parasitosis intestinal fue de 81,8%, la infección por parásitos patógenos fue de 38,5%, siendo las especies patógenas: Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Fasciola hepática y Ascaris lumbricoides. Se identificó como posible factor de riesgo el bajo nivel de instrucción de la madre del escolar (OR 3,29; IC95% 1,22-8,95). Se requiere aplicar medidas que impidan la diseminación del parásito.

A cross-sectional study was carried out to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasitism and to identify some associated risk factors in students of the primary level coming from state educative institutions of rural communities of the district of Los Baños del Inca, Cajamarca - Perú between october to december 2009. A total of 143 samples was collected which were processed bt means of the techniques of direct examination and concentration by spontaneous sedimentation in tube modified by tello and fast sedimentation modified by Lumbreras. The prevalence of intestinal parasitisms was of 81,8%; the infection by pathogenic parasites was of 38,5%, the pathogenic species were: Giardia lamblia, Hymenolepis nana, Fasciola hepatica and Ascaris lumbricoides. The low level of intsruction of the mother of the student was identified like possible risk factor (OR 3,29; CI 95% 1,22-8,95). It is required to apply measures that prevent the dissemination of the parasite.

[Knowledge, attitudes and practices about fascioliasis among mothers from an Andean rural area of north Peru]. / Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre fascioliasis en madres de una zona rural andina del norte peruano.

A survey to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices about fascioliasis was administered to 62 mothers from a rural endemic zone of Cajamarca's Andean Region, Peru. Only 37.0% recognized the alicuya (local name for Fasciola hepatica) as the parasite responsible for the disease; 56.5% knows that the disease affects the liver in the humans and 85.5% knows affects also animals; 98.4% have a positive predisposition to attend informative talks about the disease and 75.8% to support their authorities actively to solve of the problem. 38.7% referred drinking emollients in the street, 75.6% have domestic animals considered host for the parasite. In conclusion, attitudes of mothers are mostly favourable for prevention and control activities, despite their mistaken knowledge risky practices for fasciolasis among members of their families.

Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre fascioliasis en madres de una zona rural andina del norte peruano / Knowledge, attitudes and practices about fascioliasis among mothers from an andean rural area of north Peru

Se realizó una encuesta para determinar los conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre fascioliasis en 62 madres de familia de una zona rural endémica de la región andina de Cajamarca, Perú. Sólo el 37,0 por ciento reconoce a la alicuya (nombre popular de la Fasciola hepática) como parásito responsable de la enfermedad; 56,5 y 85,5 por ciento conocen que afecta el hígado de humanos y de los animales respectivamente; 98,4 por ciento tiene predisposición positiva para participarde charlas informativas sobre la enfermedad y 75,8 por ciento para apoyar activamente a sus autoridades en la solución del problema. El 38,7 por ciento indica que bebe emolientes en la calle y 75,6 por ciento cría animales considerados huéspedes del parásito. En conclusión, las actitudes de las encuestadas son mayoritariamente favorables para realizar actividades de prevencióny control, pese a que sus conocimientos son incorrectos y el entorno familiar realiza ciertas prácticas de riesgo para laenfermedad.

A survey to determine knowledge, attitudes and practices about fascioliasis was administered to 62 mothers from a rural endemic zone of CajamarcaÆs Andean Region, Peru. Only 37.0 per cent recognized the alicuya (local name for Fasciola hepatica) as the parasite responsible for the disease; 56.5 per cent knows that the disease affects the liver in the humans and 85.5 per cent knows affects also animals; 98.4 per cent have a positive predisposition to attend informative talks about the disease and 75.8 per cent to support their authorities actively to solve of the problem. 38.7 epr cent referred drinking emollients in the street, 75.6 per cent have domestic animals considered host for the parasite. In conclusion, attitudes of mothers are mostly favourable for prevention and control activities, despite their mistaken knowledge risky practices for fasciolasis among members of their families.

Frecuencia de aislamientos ambientales de Staphylococcus aureus y su actividadbeta-lactamasa en un hospital de Cajamarca, Perú / Frequency of Staphylococcus aureus environmental isolations and beta-lactamase activity at a hospital of Cajamarca, Perú

Objetivo. Determinar la frecuencia de aislamientos de Staphylococcus aureus y su capacidad para producir beta-lactamasas clásicas, en reservorios ambientales de las salas de operaciones del Servicio de Cirugía y de las salas de partos del Servicio de Obstetricia del Hospital Regional de Cajamarca, Perú. Metodología. Las muestras analizadas para el presente estudio fueron obtenidas mediante hisopados de las superficies del mobiliario y de otros objetos inanimados que se encontraban en las salas. Para el aislamiento e identificación se empleó agar selectivo manitol salado, coloración Gram y las pruebas de catalasa y coagulasa. Para la determinación de beta-lactamasas clásicas, se empleó el método yodométrico. Resultados. De 64 muestras, se obtuvieron 17 aislamientos identificados como S. aureus, de los cuales, 3 fueron productores de betalactamasas clásicas y fueron hallados en reservorios tipo camillas y mesas. Conclusiones. La investigación demuestra una moderada frecuencia de S. aureus con capacidad de producir beta-lactamasa y, por lo tanto, potencialmente multirresistente, en reservorios ambientales hospitalarios.

Objetive: To determine the frequency of Staphylococcus aureus isolates, and its capacity to produce classic beta-lactamases, in environmental fomites in operations rooms and delivery rooms at the Hospital Regional de Cajamarca, Perú. Methods: Analyzed samples for the present study were obtained by cottons swabs from furniture surfaces and other inanimate objects that were in the rooms. Mannitol salt agar, Gram coloration, catalase and coagulase tests were used for starin isolation and identification. The iodometric method was used for the determination of classic beta-lactamases. Results: Out of 64 samples, 17 isolates were obtained and identified as S. aureus, 3 of which were producing classic beta-lactamases and were found in fomites from stretchers and tables. Conclusions: This study showed a moderate frequency of S. aureus with capacity to produce beta-lactamases, potentially multiresistant, in environmental fomites at the hospital.

Actitudes y comportamientos ambientales en estudiantes de enfermería de una universidad pública del norte del Perú / Environmental attitudes and behaviors in nurse students from a public university of northern Peru

Se desarrolló un estudio descriptivo para determinar actitudes y comportamientos relacionados con salud ambiental en 143 estudiantes universitarios de enfermería. Se emplearon cuestionarios elaborados en base a escalas validadas tipo Likert de actitudes y de comportamientos ambientales, con 8 y 12 ítems respectivamente. Las actitudes positivasmás importantes se relacionaron con aquellas en que se afecta la salud y los comportamientos más frecuentes con eluso adecuado del agua y energía; hubo una débil correlación entre actitudes y comportamiento ambientales (rs=0,30).De acuerdo con las escalas empleadas, los participantes tienen una actitud ambiental positiva que no se refleja en sus comportamientos lo cual puede influir de manera negativa en sus próximas actividades como promotores de la salud ambiental.

A descriptive study was carried to determine the attitudes and behaviors related with environmental health in 143 nurse students. The questionnaires were elaborated on the basis of validated Likert scales about environmental attitudes andbehaviors, with 8 and 12 items respectively. The most important positive attitudes were related with those would be dangerous for the health and more frequent behaviors with the appropriate use of water and energy; a weak relationship exists between environmental attitudes and behaviors (rs= 0,30). In accordance with the scales, the students have a positive environmental attitude but they do not reflect it in their behaviors, which can influence their next activities likeenvironmental health promoters in negative way.

The impact of unconfined mine tailings in residential areas from a mining town in a semi-arid environment: Nacozari, Sonora, Mexico.

Past mining activities in northern Mexico left a legacy of delerict landscapes devoid of vegetation and seasonal formation of salt efflorescence. Metal content was measured in mine tailings, efflorescent salts, soils, road dust, and residential soils to investigate contamination. Climatic effects such as heavy wind and rainfall events can have great impact on the dispersion of metals in semi-arid areas, since soils are typically sparsely vegetated. Geochemical analysis of this site revealed that even though total metal content in mine tailings was relatively low (e.g. Cu= 1000 mg kg(-1)), metals including Mn, Ba, Zn, and Cu were all found at significantly higher levels in efflorescence salts formed by evaporation on the tailings impoundment surface following the rainy season (e.g. Cu= 68,000 mg kg(-1)). Such efflorescent fine-grained salts are susceptible to wind erosion resulting in increased metal spread to nearby residential soils. Our results highlight the importance of seasonally dependent salt-formation and wind erosion in determining risk levels associated with potential inhalation or ingestion of airborne particulates originating from contaminated sites such as tailings impoundments. In low metal-content mine tailings located in arid and semi-arid environments, efflorescence salts could represent a human health risk and a challenge for plant establishment in mine tailings.

Contaminación fecal en hortalizas que se expenden en mercados de la ciudad de Cajamarca, Perú / Fecal contamination in green vegetables that are sold in markets of Cajamarca city, Perú

Se determinó el nivel de coliformes fecales y la frecuencia de Escherichia coli en 85 muestras de hortalizas, obtenidas de manera aleatoria y expendidas en los principales mercados de Cajamarca. El procesamiento, aislamiento e identificación bacteriana se realizó según la Food and Drug Administration (FDA). El 40% de muestras presentaron coliformes fecales, con elevado numero más probable por gramo (NMP/g) e importante frecuencia de E. coli en perejil y lechuga. El análisis revela un alto nivel de contaminación fecal, un estado sanitario inaceptable y la necesidad de establecer medidas de control frente al riesgo que esto representa para la salud.

We determined the level of fecal coliforms and the frequency of Escherichia coli in 85 samples of vegetables that were taken from randomly and were sold in the main markets of Cajamarca. Processing, isolation and bacterial identification was performed according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). 40% of samples presented fecal coliforms, with a high index per gram (MPN/g) of E. coli and a high frequency of this in the parsley and lettuce. The analysis reveals a high level of fecal contamination, an unacceptable state of health and need for control measures against the risk that this poses to health.