Zika Virus Seroprevalence in Two Districts of Chincha, Ica, Peru: A Cross-Sectional Study.

In 2017, a major outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection took place in Chincha Province, Peru, where arboviral circulation had never been reported before. We conducted a cross-sectional survey (March-May 2019) in two districts of Chincha Province: Pueblo Nuevo and Chincha Baja. We included residents who were 20 to 40 years old and who had lived in these districts for at least 1 year. Serological testing combined screening with a commercial NS1 protein-based Zika IgG ELISA, and confirmation by a cytopathic effect-based virus neutralization test (VNT). Prevalence ratios (PRs) were calculated using Poisson regression with robust error variance. Four hundred participants, divided equally among districts, were enrolled. Anti-ZIKV IgG ELISA was positive for 42 participants (10.5%) and borderline for 12 (3%). Fifty-two of these 54 samples were confirmed positive by ZIKV VNT (13% of the total population). The Pueblo Nuevo district exhibited a greater ZIKV seroprevalence based on VNT results than the Chincha Baja district (23.5% versus 2.5%), with participants from the Pueblo Nuevo district being 9.4 times more likely to have a positive ZIKV VNT result. Average monthly income greater than the minimum wage and adequate water storage were found to be protective factors (PR, 0.29 and 0.24, respectively). In multivariate analysis, living in the Pueblo Nuevo district and a personal history of fever and rash were strong predictors of ZIKV positivity by VNT. The low ZIKV seroprevalence should prompt health authorities to stimulate interventions to prevent potential future outbreaks. In the Pueblo Nuevo district, the seroprevalence was greater but presumably not sufficient to ensure protective herd immunity.

Factors associated with pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis from endemic areas of Peru. / Factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística de áreas endémicas del Perú.

OBJECTIVE: To identify risk factors to pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) in endemic areas of Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study of cases (n=43) and controls (n=127) not paired was designed, with a case-control ratio of 1:3 based on a secondary source. The case was defined as the patient with CE who presented with pre-surgical complications related or not with the disease and the control without pre-surgical complication. The response variable was preoperative complication and the exposition ones were age, gender, degree of instruction, occupation, number, size (diameter in centimeters) and location of the cyst. To identify the risk factors, a bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the crude odds ratios (cOR) and then the variables with significant association were adjusted by a multivariate logistic regression analysis using the Stata® version 14 software, obtaining theadjusted odds ratios (aOR). RESULTS: Fifty eight point eight percent (24/43) of the cases were women and the median age was 35 years and 59.1% (75/127) of the controls correspond to the female gender and the median age was 27 years. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that being over 56 years old has an aOR 2.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007-8.433) and having ≥3 cysts has an aOR 4.26 (95% CI: 1.62-11.22) for present pre-surgical complications in patients with CE. CONCLUSION: It was identified that being over 56 years old and having ≥3 cysts are risk factors for presenting pre-surgical complications in CE.

OBJETIVO: Identificar los factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística (EC) en áreas endémicas del Perú. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se diseñó un estudio de casos (n = 43) y controles (n = 127), sin emparejamiento, de fuente secundaria con una relación de caso-control de 1:3. Se definió como «caso¼ al paciente con EC que presentó complicaciones prequirúrgicas relacionadas o no con la enfermedad y el control sin complicación prequirúrgica. La variable respuesta fue complicación prequirúrgica y las de exposición fueron edad, género, grado de instrucción, ocupación, número de quistes, tamaño (diámetro en centímetros) y localización del quiste. Para identificar los factores de riesgo, primero se calcularon los odds ratio crudos (ORc) mediante regresión logística; luego las variables que mostraron asociación significativa se ajustaron mediante análisis multivariado de regresión logística utilizando Stata® versión 14, y se obtuvieron los odds ratio ajustados (ORa). RESULTADOS: El 55,8% (24/43) de los casos fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 35 años. Entre los controles, el 59,1% (75/127) fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 27 años. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariado, se encontró que tener más de 56 años tiene un ORa de 2,91 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 1,01-8,43) y tener ≥3 quistes tiene un ORa de 4,26 (IC 95%: 1,62-11,22) para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con EQ. CONCLUSIÓN: Los factores asociados para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en EQ fueron el tener más de 56 años y el tener ≥3 quistes.

Factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística de áreas endémicas del Perú / Factors associated with pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis from endemic areas of Peru

RESUMEN Objetivo: Identificar los factores asociados a complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con equinococosis quística (EC) en áreas endémicas del Perú. Materiales y métodos: Se diseñó un estudio de casos (n=43) y controles (n=127), sin emparejamiento, de fuente secundaria con una relación de caso-control de 1:3. Se definió como «caso¼ al paciente con EC que presentó complicaciones prequirúrgicas relacionadas o no con la enfermedad y el control sin complicación prequirúrgica. La variable respuesta fue complicación prequirúrgica y las de exposición fueron edad, género, grado de instrucción, ocupación, número de quistes, tamaño (diámetro en centímetros) y localización del quiste. Para identificar los factores de riesgo, primero se calcularon los odds ratio crudos (ORc) mediante regresión logística; luego las variables que mostraron asociación significativa se ajustaron mediante análisis multivariado de regresión logística utilizando Stata® versión 14, y se obtuvieron los odds ratio ajustados (ORa). Resultados: El 55,8% (24/43) de los casos fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 35 años. Entre los controles, el 59,1% (75/127) fueron mujeres y la mediana de edad fue 27 años. En el análisis de regresión logística multivariado, se encontró que tener más de 56 años tiene un ORa de 2,91 (intervalo de confianza [IC] 95%: 1,01-8,43) y tener ≥3 quistes tiene un ORa de 4,26 (IC 95%: 1,62-11,22) para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en pacientes con EQ. Conclusión: Los factores asociados para presentar complicaciones prequirúrgicas en EQ fueron el tener más de 56 años y el tener ≥3 quistes.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify risk factors to pre-surgical complications in patients with cystic echinococcosis (CE) in endemic areas of Peru. Materials and methods: Study of cases (n=43) and controls (n=127) not paired was designed, with a case-control ratio of 1:3 based on a secondary source. The case was defined as the patient with CE who presented with pre-surgical complications related or not with the disease and the control without pre-surgical complication. The response variable was preoperative complication and the exposition ones were age, gender, degree of instruction, occupation, number, size (diameter in centimeters) and location of the cyst. To identify the risk factors, a bivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to obtain the crude odds ratios (cOR) and then the variables with significant association were adjusted by a multivariate logistic regression analysis using the Stata® version 14 software, obtaining the adjusted odds ratios (aOR). Results: Fifty eight point eight percent (24/43) of the cases were women and the median age was 35 years and 59.1% (75/127) of the controls correspond to the female gender and the median age was 27 years. The multivariate logistic regression analysis found that being over 56 years old has an aOR 2.91 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.007-8.433) and having ≥3 cysts has an aOR 4.26 (95% CI: 1.62-11.22) for present pre-surgical complications in patients with CE. Conclusion: It was identified that being over 56 years old and having ≥3 cysts are risk factors for presenting pre-surgical complications in CE.

An atypical case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis due to Leishmania peruviana in the valleys of Ancash-Peru.

We present an atypical case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Sihuas district, located in the Andean valleys of Ancash-Peru. A 62-year-old man with no particular medical history presented multiple lesions located on the inferior abdomen, lumbar region and the right anterior thigh. Histological analysis found leishmanial amastigotes in the lesion sample, the Montenegro reaction was positive for Leishmania spp, and the polymerase chain reaction was positive for Leishmania peruviana. In conclusion, the atypical presentation of this disease may be related to the presence of an uncommon parasite strain or host immune deficiencies. The molecular identification of the etiology for disseminated leishmaniasis, will allow a better understanding of the presentation and proper treatment, as well as associated risk factors.

Emerging and reemerging arboviruses: A new threat in Eastern Peru.

BACKGROUND: Arboviral diseases are one of the most common causes of acute febrile illness (AFI) and a significant health problem in South America. In Peru, laboratory etiologic identification of these infections occurs in less than 50% of cases, leading to underdiagnoses of important emerging arboviruses. AIM: To assess the prevalence of the Dengue (DENV), Oropouche (OROV), Chikungunya (CHIKV), Mayaro (MAYV) and Zika (ZIKV) viruses in patients with acute febrile illness from Puerto Maldonado (Peru). METHODOLOGY: Serum samples were obtained from patients with AFI during January 2016 to March 2016. A total of 139 specimens were analyzed for the presence of DENV, OROV, CHIKV, MAYV, and ZIKV using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: CHIKV in 9.4% and OROV in 8.6% were the most prevalent arboviruses, followed by DENV and ZIKV, with a prevalence of 6.5% and 5%, respectively. Among all patients, the most common symptoms accompanying fever were headaches 79.9%, muscle pain 65.5% and joint pain 63.3%. CONCLUSIONS: During this short 3-month period, 4 arboviruses were detected by PCR, CHIKV and OROV being the most common arboviruses in Puerto Maldonado (Peru). Thus, it is crucial to include OROV detection in the national health surveillance. Furthermore, the etiologic clinical diagnosis of arboviral infections is not possible due to the low specificity of symptoms; therefore an increase of cases confirmed by molecular diagnostic methods will enhance arboviral surveillance in Peru.

Factores de riesgo para el abandono del tratamiento de tuberculosis pulmonar sensible en un establecimiento de salud de atención primaria, Lima, Perú / Risk factors for drug-sensitive tuberculosis therapy failure in a primary care health center in Lima, Peru

Identificar los factores asociados al abandono del tratamiento antituberculoso en un centro de salud de atención primaria del distrito de Chorrillos, Lima, Perú. Materiales y métodos: Estudio de casos y controles retrospectivo no pareado. Se definió como caso a los pacientes que abandonaron el tratamiento por un periodo de 30 días consecutivos o más y como controles a los pacientes que terminaron el tratamiento antituberculoso. Se evaluó el puntaje de riesgo de abandono que se realiza en el centro de salud (>22), así como variables demográficas. Se calculó el odds ratio (OR) e intervalos de confianza al 95% (IC95%) usando regresión logística. Resultados: Se incluyó 34 controles y 102 casos. En el análisis multivariado se encontró que quienes cursaron menos de seis años de educación (OR: 22,2; IC95%: 1,9-256,1) así como quienes tenían un puntaje > a 22 puntos en la prueba de riesgo de abandono (OR= 21,4; IC95%: 6,3-72,4) tenían mayor probabilidad de abandonar el tratamiento antituberculoso. Conclusión: El abandono del tratamiento antituberculoso está asociado con tener menos de seis años de educación y un score mayor a 22 puntos en la prueba de abandono de tratamiento antituberculoso...

Objective: To identify associated factors with failure of antituberculous therapy in a primary health center in Chorrillos, Lima, Peru. Material and methods: Retrospective case control study with a 1:3 case-control ratio. A case was defined as a patient who discontinued the treatment for a period of 30 consecutive days or more, and a control as a patient successfully completing antituberculous therapy. The score for risk of failure measured in the health center (>22) and demographic variables were assessed. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using logistic regression. Results: Thirty-four cases and 102 controls were included. In the multivariate analysis, factors associated to a greater likelihood for a failure in antituberculous therapy were to have less than six years of education (OR: 22,2; 95% IC: 1,9-256,1) and to obtain a score greater or equal than 22 points in the test for risk of failure (OR= 21,4; 95% IC: 6,3-72,4). Conclusions: Failure of antituberculous therapy was associated with having less than six years of educationand a score greater than or equal to 22 points in the test for risk of failure...

[Coinfection of dengue and leptospirosis in a girl from the peruvian amazon]. / Coinfección por dengue y leptospirosis en una niña de la amazonía peruana.

We report the case of a 10 year old girl, born and raised in the city of Iquitos in Peru who presented with headache, fever, chills, musculoskeletal pain, mild epigastric pain, epistaxis and hematemesis. On physical examination, the patient was afebrile and in good general condition. Serological tests confirmed infection of dengue and leptospirosis. The patient received intravenous hydration with sodium chloride 0.9% and penicillin G sodium, achieving a favorable clinical course such that she was discharged a few days after admission to the hospital. Although these diseases are common in the Peruvian Amazon, the simultaneous presence of both in the pediatric population is little documented; therefore, a good clinical history and laboratory tests are important for diagnosis and treatment.

Coinfección por dengue y leptospirosis en una niña de la Amazonía Peruana / Coinfection of dengue and leptospirosis in a girl from the Peruvian Amazon

Se reporta el caso de una niña de 10 años, natural y procedente de la ciudad de Iquitos en Perú que presentó cefalea, fiebre, escalofríos, dolor osteomuscular, leve dolor en epigastrio, epistaxis y hematemesis. Al examen físico la paciente se encontraba afebril y en regular estado general. Por medio de pruebas serológicas se confirmó la infección por dengue y leptospirosis. La paciente recibió hidratación endovenosa con cloruro de sodio al 0,9% y penicilina G sódica, logrando una evolución clínica favorable por lo que fue dada de alta a los pocos días de su ingreso al hospital. Aunque estas dos enfermedades son comunes en la Amazonía peruana, la presencia simultánea de ambas en la población pediátrica es poco documentada; por ello, una buena historia clínica y exámenes de laboratorio son importantes para el diagnóstico y tratamiento oportuno.

We report the case of a 10 year old girl, born and raised in the city of Iquitos in Peru who presented with headache, fever, chills, musculoskeletal pain, mild epigastric pain, epistaxis and hematemesis. On physical examination, the patient was afebrile and in good general condition. Serological tests confirmed infection of dengue and leptospirosis. The patient received intravenous hydration with sodium chloride 0.9% and penicillin G sodium, achieving a favorable clinical course such that she was discharged a few days after admission to the hospital. Although these diseases are common in the Peruvian Amazon, the simultaneous presence of both in the pediatric population is little documented; therefore, a good clinical history and laboratory tests are important for diagnosis and treatment.

Lineage II of Southeast Asian/American DENV-2 is associated with a severe dengue outbreak in the Peruvian Amazon.

During 2010 and 2011, the Loreto region of Peru experienced a dengue outbreak of unprecedented magnitude and severity for the region. This outbreak coincided with the reappearance of dengue virus-2 (DENV-2) in Loreto after almost 8 years. Whole-genome sequence indicated that DENV-2 from the outbreak belonged to lineage II of the southeast Asian/American genotype and was most closely related to viruses circulating in Brazil during 2007 and 2008, whereas DENV-2 previously circulating in Loreto grouped with lineage I (DENV-2 strains circulating in South America since 1990). One amino acid substitution (NS5 A811V) in the 2010 and 2011 isolates resulted from positive selection. However, the 2010 and 2011 DENV-2 did not replicate to higher titers in monocyte-derived dendritic cells and did not infect or disseminate in a higher proportion of Aedes aegypti than DENV-2 isolates previously circulating in Loreto. These results suggest that factors other than enhanced viral replication played a role in the severity of this outbreak.

Epidemic activity after natural disasters without high mortality in developing settings.

Natural disasters with minimal human mortality rarely capture headlines but occur frequently and result in significant morbidity and economic loss. We compared the epidemic activity observed after a flood, an earthquake, and volcanic activity in Peru. Following post-disaster guidelines, healthcare facilities and evacuation centers surveyed 10-12 significant health conditions for ~45 days and compared disease frequency with Poisson regression. The disasters affected 20,709 individuals and 15% were placed in evacuation centers. Seven deaths and 6,056 health conditions were reported (mean: 0.29 per person). Health facilities reported fewer events than evacuation centers (0.06-0.24 vs. 0.65-2.02, P < 0.001) and disease notification increased 1.6 times after the disasters (95% CI: 1.5-1.6). Acute respiratory infections were the most frequent event (41-57%) and psychological distress was second/third (7.6% to 14.3%). Morbidity increased after disasters without substantial casualties, particularly at evacuation centers, with frequent respiratory infections and psychological distress. Post-disaster surveillance is valuable even after low-mortality events.

Hepatitis B virus, syphilis, and HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin, 2007-2008.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV), syphilis, and HIV and associated risk factors in pregnant women and their male partners from six indigenous populations of the Peruvian Amazon Basin. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was performed in six indigenous populations from the Peruvian Amazon Basin. Blood samples were obtained and tested for HBV (antibodies to the hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)), for syphilis (rapid plasma reagin and microhemagglutination assay for Treponema pallidum antibodies), and for HIV (ELISA and indirect immunofluorescence test). A survey was also performed to identify associated risk factors. RESULTS: One thousand two hundred and fifty-one pregnant women and 778 male partners were enrolled in the study. The seroprevalence of anti-HBc in pregnant women was 42.06% (95% confidence interval (CI) 39.28-44.85%) and in their male partners was 54.09% (95% CI 50.32-57.86%). The seroprevalence of HBsAg in pregnant women was 2.11% (95% CI 0.78-3.44%) and in their male partners was 3.98% (95% CI 1.87-6.08%). The seroprevalence of syphilis in pregnant women was 1.60% (95% CI 0.86-2.33%) and in their male partners was 2.44% (95% CI 1.22-3.66%). HIV seroprevalence in pregnant women was 0.16% (95% CI 0.02-0.58%) and in their male partners was 0.29% (95% CI 0.04-1.03%). Sexual risk factors were strongly related to blood markers of syphilis and HBV. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis B was found to be hyperendemic and strongly related to sexual factors, suggesting an important sexual component in the transmission of the disease in the populations studied. Syphilis was found to have an endemicity in pregnant women above the national level and this may be indicative of high mother-to-child transmission. HIV has started to show its presence in indigenous populations of the Amazon Basin and the results suggest the epidemic is concentrated.

Genital tract infections, bacterial vaginosis, HIV, and reproductive health issues among Lima-based clandestine female sex workers.

Sociodemographic and behavioral characteristics of 212 Peruvian female sex workers (FSWs) were analyzed. The association between genital tract infections (GTIs) and risk factors by multivariate analysis was evaluated. Eighty-eight percent of FSWs were diagnosed with at least one GTI (HSV-2 80.1%, BV 44.8%, candidiasis 9.9%, syphilis seropositivity 9.4%, Trichomonas vaginalis 2.4%, HIV seropositivity 2.4%). Reported condom use with clients was nearly universal (98.3%), but infrequent with husband/regular partners (7.3%). In multivariate analysis BV was negatively associated with more consistent condom use (PRR = 0.63, 95% CI, 0.42-0.96). Many had not visited a Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) clinic or been tested for HIV in the past year (40.6%, 47.1%, resp.). Nonclient contraceptive use was low (57%) and induced abortion was common (68%). High GTI burden and abortions suggest that a services-access gap persists among marginalized FSWs. Continued health outreach programs and integrating family planning and reproductive health services into existing STI clinic services are recommended.

Congenital rubella syndrome surveillance as a platform for surveillance of other congenital infections, Peru, 2004-2007.

BACKGROUND: Rubella during pregnancy can cause serious fetal abnormalities and death. Peru has had integrated measles/rubella surveillance since 2000 but did not implement congenital rubella syndrome (CRS) surveillance until 2004, in accordance with the Pan American Health Organization recommendations for rubella elimination. The article describes the experience from the CRS sentinel surveillance system in Peru. METHODS: Peru has maintained a national sentinel surveillance system for reporting confirmed and suspected CRS cases since 2004. A surveillance protocol was implemented with standardized case definitions and instruments in the selected sentinel sites. Each sentinel site completes their case investigations and report forms and sends the reports to the Health Region Epidemiology Department, which forwards the data to the national Epidemiology Department. CRS surveillance data were analyzed for the period 2004-2007. RESULTS: During the period 2004-2007, 16 health facilities, which are located in 9 of the 33 health regions, representing the 3 main geographical areas (coast, mountain, and jungle), were included as sentinel sites for the CRS surveillance. A total of 2061 suspected CRS cases were reported to the system. Of these, 11 were classified as CRS and 23 as congenital rubella infection. Factors significantly associated with rubella vertical transmission were: (1) in the mother, maternal history of rash during pregnancy (odds ratio [OR], 12.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.8-37.8); (2) and in the infant, pigmentary retinopathy (OR, 18.4; 95% CI, 3.2-104.6), purpura (OR, 14.7; 95% CI, 2.8-78.3), and developmental delay (OR, 4.4; 95% CI, 1.75-11.1). CONCLUSIONS: The surveillance system has been able to identify rubella vertical transmission, reinforcing the evidence that rubella was a public health problem in Peru. This system may serve as a platform to implement surveillance for other congenital infections in Peru.

Tendencia de la visibilidad y análisis de citas recibidas del Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) por revistas biomédicas (1991-2011) / Visibility trend and analysis of citations of Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) by biomedical journals (1991-2011)

No se conocen los indicadores bibliométricos de la información producida por el sistema de vigilancia del Perú. El objetivo de esta comunicación fue conocer la tendencia de las descargas y el número total de citas recibidas del Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) por revistas biomédicas (Enero 1991 - agosto 2011). Métodos: La visibilidad fue evaluada mediante las estadísticas de descarga disponible en www.dgr.gob.pe. Las citas se buscaron electrónicamente utilizándo los títulos y acrónimos del Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) en Google Scholar. Adicionalmente, se revisaron manualmente la sección de referencias de seis revistas en formato físico publicados entre el 2000 y el 2004, y electrónicamente, de 12 revistas biomédicas indizadas publicadas entre enero de 1991 y agosto de 2011. Resultados: En el periodo de estudio, el Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) recibió 89 citas por 13 revistas, cuatro de las cuales eran internacionales. La Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública le otorgó 35/89 (39.3 %) citas y la Revista Peruana de Epidemiología, 20/89 (22.4 %) citas. Los temas más citados fueron malaria con 15/89 (16.8 %) y dengue con 14/89 (15.7 %) citas. La secciones más citadas del Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) fueron situación epidemiológica que recibió 68/89 (76.4 %) citas y 10/89 (11.2 %) citas que recibió los editoriales. En 2006, se contabilizaron 23178 descargas con 469 en promedio de descargas semanales y el año 2007, se contabilizó 21441 descargas con 412 en promedio de descargas semanales. Conclusiones: Existe un bajo índice de descargas, pero con una tendencia histórica al incremento del total de citas recibidas hasta el 2009, que sugiere la utilidad de la información publicada por el Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima).

There are not known bibliometric indicators of the information produced by the surveillance system in Peru. Aim: to determine the trend of downloads and the total number of citations of Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) for biomedical journals (January 1991 - August 2011). Methods: visibility was evaluated by download statistics available at www.dge.gob.pe. Citations were searched electronically using the titles and acronyms of Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) on Google Scholar. Additionally, we manually reviewed the reference section of 6 journals printed between 2000 and 2004, and 12 on-line journals, indexed and published between January 1991 and August 2011. Results: During the study period, Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) was cited 89 times by 13 journals, 4 of which were international. Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) was cited in 35 (39.3%) articles by Revista Peruana de Medicina Experimental y Salud Pública and in 20 (22.4%) articles by Revista Peruana de Epidemiología. The subjects most cited were malaria with 15 (16.8%) and dengue with 14 (15.7%) citations. The most cited sections of Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima) were epidemiological situation with 68 (76.4%) citations and editorial with 10 (11.2%) citations. During 2006, there were 23 178 downloads with an average of 469 weekly downloads and during 2007 21 441 downloads with 412 downloads per week on average. Conclusions: There is a low rate of downloads, but with a historical tendency to increase until 2009, suggesting the usefulness of the information published by Boletín Epidemiológico (Lima).

Factores asociados a dengue grave durante la epidemia de dengue en la ciudad de Iquitos, 2010-2011 / Factors associated to severe dengue during the dengue epidemic in Iquitos, 2010-2011

Objetivo: Identificar los factores de riesgo para dengue grave en la epidemia de Iquitos, 2010-2011. Métodos: Estudio caso-control 1:2. Se definieron como casos (73) a los pacientes hospitalizados por dengue grave, de cualquier edad y sexo, con resultados confirmatorios a dengue por cualquier método diagnóstico. Los controles (153) fueron pacientes hospitalizados o ambulatorios de cualquier edad y sexo, con resultados confirmatorios a dengue por cualquier método diagnóstico. Se incluyó casos atendidos en los hospitales Regional Loreto y Apoyo Iquitos. Se utilizaron las definiciones de caso oficiales para el Perú, los mismos que están basados en recomendaciones de la OMS. Resultados: Mediante regresión logística se identificó como factores de riesgo para dengue grave: ser menor de 15 años (OR: 3.15; IC 95%: 1.48-6.70), tener antecedentes de dengue (OR: 6.65; IC 95%: 2.56-17.27) y retornar al establecimiento de salud para recibir atención por el mismo cuadro de dengue (OR: 4.63; IC 95%: 2.21-9.73). Asimismo, se encontró asociación entre el DENV-2 y dengue grave. El dolor abdominal, el sangrado de mucosas y los vómitos persistentes fueron los signos de alarma más frecuentes; la media del tiempo entre el inicio de síntomas y aparición de algún signo de alarma fue 3.35 días (DS ± 1.5) ; la media del tiempo entre el inicio de síntomas y aparición de algún signo de gravedad fue 4.97 días (DS ± 1.6). Conclusiones: El antecedente de dengue, la edad menor de 15 años y retornar al establecimiento de salud para recibir atención por el mismo cuadro de dengue constituyeron factores de riesgo para dengue grave.

Objective: To identify risk factors to severe dengue epidemic in Iquitos, 2010-2011. Methods: Case-control study 1:2. Cases were defined as patients hospitalized for severe dengue (73), regardless of age and sex, with confirmatory results by any method for dengue diagnosis. Controls (153) were inpatients or outpatients of any age and sex, with negative results by any method for dengue diagnosis. We included cases treated in Hospital Regional Loreto and Hospital Apoyo Iquitos. We used official case definitions for Peru, which are based on WHO recommendations. Results: Through logistic regression risk factors to severe dengue were identified as younger of 15 years (OR: 3.15, 95% CI: 1.48-6.70), a history of dengue (OR: 6.65; 95% CI: 2.56-17.27) and return to the health facility for receive care by the same dengue episode (OR: 4.63; 95% CI: 2.21-9.73). We also found association between DENV-2 and severe dengue. Abdominal pain, mucosal bleeding and vomiting were the most common warning signs; mean time between onset of symptoms and appearance of any sign of alarm was 3.35 days (SD ± 1.5) and mean time between the onset of symptoms and the appearance of any sign of severity was 4.97 days (SD ± 1.6). Conclusions: history of dengue, age younger than 15 years and return to the health facility for care by the same dengue episode are risk factors to severe dengue.