Seroprevalence of exposure to SARS-CoV-2 in domestic dogs and cats and its relationship with COVID-19 cases in the city of Villavicencio, Colombia.

Background: Since the beginning of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak, different animal species have been implicated as possible intermediate hosts that could facilitate the transmission of the virus between species. The detection of these hosts has intensified, reporting wild, zoo, farm, and pet animals. The goal of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulins (IgG) in domestic dogs and cats and its epidemiological association with the frequency of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients in Villavicencio, Colombia. Methods: 300 dogs and 135 cats were randomly selected in a two-stage distribution by clusters according to COVID-19 cases (positive RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2) within the human population distributed within the eight communes of Villavicencio. Indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique was applied in order to determine anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG in sera samples. Kernel density estimation was used to compare the prevalence of COVID-19 cases with the seropositivity of dogs and cats. Results: The overall seroprevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG was 4.6% (95% CI=3.2-7.4). In canines, 3.67% (95% CI=2.1-6.4) and felines 6.67% (95% CI=3.6-12.18). Kernel density estimation indicated that seropositive cases were concentrated in the southwest region of the city. There was a positive association between SARS-CoV-2 seropositivity in pet animals and their habitat in Commune 2 (adjusted OR=5.84; 95% CI=1.1-30.88). Spearman's correlation coefficients were weakly positive ( p=0.32) between the ratio of COVID-19 cases in November 2020 and the results for domestic dogs and cats from the eight communes of Villavicencio. Conclusions: In the present research cats were more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than dogs. This study provides the first positive results of anti-SARS-CoV-2 ELISA serological tests in domestic dogs and cats in Colombia with information about the virus transmission dynamics in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

House-Level Risk Factors for Aedes aegypti Infestation in the Urban Center of Castilla la Nueva, Meta State, Colombia.

Aedes aegypti is the main vector of the dengue virus in Colombia. Some factors have been associated with its presence; however, in the local context, it has not been sufficiently evaluated. The present study seeks to identify the socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors associated with the presence and abundance of A. aegypti in urban dwellings in the municipality of Castilla la Nueva. A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted in houses in the urban area of the municipality of Castilla la Nueva, where 307 houses were sampled by systematic random sampling during May 2018. A multifactorial survey was used to measure the socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors as explanatory variables. The infestation and relative abundance were established by the presence of larval stages and ovitraps. The associated factors for the presence and abundance of A. aegypti were identified using negative binomial and logistic regression models. A positive housing infestation of 33.2% was identified by direct inspection and 78.5% with ovitraps. The main factors positively associated with the presence and abundance of A. aegypti were one-story homes (PR = 2.26; 95% CI: 1.31-3.87), the storage of water for domestic use (PR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.18-3.09), and local conditions such as disorganized backyard (PR = 79.95; 95% CI: 10.96-583.24) and the proportion of shade greater than 50% of the backyard (PR = 62.32; 95% CI: 6.47-600.32). And, it is negatively associated with residential gas service (PR = 0.3; 95% CI: 0.16-0.58) and self-administered internal fumigation (PR = 0.37; 95% CI: 0.2-0.69). The presence and abundance of A. aegypti were explained by interrelated socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral factors where local conditions and habits such as the organization of the patio, knowledge about vector biology, and cleaning containers are identified as main topics for future prevention strategies for the transmission of dengue in the local and national context.

In-vitroeffect of the methanolic extract of Momordica charantia on hatching of eggs of haemonchussp / Efecto in-vitro del extracto metanólico de Momordica charantia sobre la eclosión de huevos de haemonchus sp

Background: Endoparasitism, particularly infections by gastrointestinal nematodes (e.g., Haemochus sp.), has been associated with economic losses within sheep production systems in tropical regions. Thus, implementing therapeutic alternatives that are environmentally sustainable is essential for parasite integral control programs. Objectives: Evaluate in-vitro the effect of Momordica charantia methanolic extract on the Haemonchus sp. eggs' hatching process. Methods: Nematode eggs were retrieved from experimentally infected sheep and exposed to 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 mg/mL of methanolic extract of M. charantia. Hatching percentages were recorded from five replicates, and CL50 and CL90 were estimated through Probit regression analysis. Results: A significant effect on the hatching percentages were observed, from 24.2% up to 84.6% inhibition (p<0.05). The LC50 and LC90 estimated were 52.2 mg/mL (95%CI 37.87-63.22) and 201.45 mg/mL (95%CI 186.01-221.89), respectively. Utilizing a preliminary phytochemical analysis, potential antihelmintic compounds such as alkaloid, triterpenes, and anthracenic glycosides groups were identified in the methanolic extract. Conclusions: In the in-vitro test, the methanolic extract of M. charantia was effective in inhibiting the hatching of Haemonchus sp., which is important to promote other bio-guided fractionation studies of this plant on different life stages of H. contortus, this being a plant species widely adapted to the conditions of the piedmont (foothills) of Meta, Colombia

Introducción: El endoparasitismo, particularmente las infecciones causadas por nematodos gastrointestinales (p. ej., Haemonchussp.), ha sido asociado con pérdidas económicas en los sistemas de producción ovina de los países del trópico. Por lo tanto, es esencial la implementación de alternativas terapéuticas sostenibles para el ambiente con el fin de efectuar programas de control integrado del parásito. Objetivos: Evaluar el efecto in-vitro de los extractos metanólicos de M. charantia sobre el proceso de eclosión de los huevos de Haemonchus sp. Métodos: Los huevos derivados de un ovino monoinfestado se expusieron a concentraciones de 10, 20, 40, 80 y 160 mg/mL del extracto metanólico de M. charantia. Se registraron los porcentajes de eclosión de cinco réplicas, y la obtención de CL50 y CL90 se realizó a través de regresión lineal por el método Probit. Resultados:Se observó un efecto significativo en los porcentajes de eclosión; una inhibición desde 24.2% hasta 84.6% (p<0.05). Finalmente se estimaron CL50 y CL90 de 52.2 mg/mL (95%IC 37.87-63.22) y 201.45 mg/mL (95%IC 186.01-221.89), respectivamente. Así mismo, utilizando un análisis fitoquímico preliminar; en el extracto metanólico de M. charantia se identificaron compuestos antihelmínticos potenciales, tales como alcaloides, triterpenos, y glucósidos antracénicos.Conclusiones: En las pruebas in-vitro, el extracto metanólico de M. charantia fue eficaz para inhibir la eclosión de Haemonchus sp., lo cual es importante para promover otros estudios de fraccionamiento bio-guiados de esta planta sobre diferentes estadios de vida de H. contortus, siendo esta una especie vegetal ampliamente adaptada a las condiciones del piedemonte del Meta, Colombia

Burden of dengue in the State of Meta, Colombia (2010-2016).

In Colombia, dengue is a disease of great impact due to its morbidity and mortality, however, studies on the effects of the economic burden at the local level are scarce. Therefore, our study sought to describe the economic burden of dengue epidemics between 2010 and 2016 in the State of Meta, Colombia. A longitudinal study was performed using information from the records of the epidemiological information system (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública - SIVIGILA), and the indicator of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) was determined as an estimator of the burden of dengue. To assess the economic impact, two assessment scenarios were considered (minimum range and maximum range), which allowed the estimate of the effects of the years of life lost (YLLs). Mortality cases presented heterogeneity in the age groups, mainly affecting groups under 15 years and over 65 years, with YLLs raging between 158.58 and 300.38. In total, 2010 showed the highest medical care costs of the study period, with USD 664,123 for women and USD 740,221 for men. In the epidemic years (2010, 2012-2015) between 91,072.3 and 184,175.1 DALYs were lost per million inhabitants, which generated social burden costs higher than the USD 669.6 million. In conclusion, dengue can be considered a disease of high cost at the local level, economically affecting the General Social Security System in Health and social welfare.

Burden of dengue in the State of Meta, Colombia (2010-2016) / Carga del dengue en el Estado de Meta, Colombia (2010-2016) / Carga da dengue no Estado de Meta, Colômbia (2010-2016)

Abstract: In Colombia, dengue is a disease of great impact due to its morbidity and mortality, however, studies on the effects of the economic burden at the local level are scarce. Therefore, our study sought to describe the economic burden of dengue epidemics between 2010 and 2016 in the State of Meta, Colombia. A longitudinal study was performed using information from the records of the epidemiological information system (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública - SIVIGILA), and the indicator of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) was determined as an estimator of the burden of dengue. To assess the economic impact, two assessment scenarios were considered (minimum range and maximum range), which allowed the estimate of the effects of the years of life lost (YLLs). Mortality cases presented heterogeneity in the age groups, mainly affecting groups under 15 years and over 65 years, with YLLs raging between 158.58 and 300.38. In total, 2010 showed the highest medical care costs of the study period, with USD 664,123 for women and USD 740,221 for men. In the epidemic years (2010, 2012-2015) between 91,072.3 and 184,175.1 DALYs were lost per million inhabitants, which generated social burden costs higher than the USD 669.6 million. In conclusion, dengue can be considered a disease of high cost at the local level, economically affecting the General Social Security System in Health and social welfare.

Resumen: En Colombia, el dengue es una enfermedad de gran impacto, debido a la morbimortalidad. No obstante, se ha estudiado poco sobre los efectos de la carga económica de la enfermedad en el nivel local. Por ello, el estudio tiene como objetivo describir la carga de las epidemias de dengue entre 2010 y 2016 en el estado de Meta, Colombia. Se realizó un estudio longitudinal, utilizando datos del sistema de información epidemiológica (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública - SIVIGILA). El indicador AVAIs (años de vida ajustados por incapacidad) se calculó como el estimador de la carga de dengue. Para evaluar el impacto económico, se utilizaron dos escenarios de evaluación (límites inferior y superior de la variación), lo que permitió estimar los efectos de los años de vida perdidos. La mortalidad mostró heterogeneidad entre los grupos de edad, afectando principalmente a los grupos con menos de 15 años y con más de 65 años, con pérdida de años de vida entre 158,58 y 300,38. El año 2010 registró los mayores gastos en cuidados médicos durante el período de estudio, con USD 664.123 para mujeres y USD 740.221 para hombres. Durante los años epidémicos, (2010 y 2012-2015), entre 91.072,3 y 184.175,1 AVAIs se perdieron por millón de habitantes, generando costes de carga social de más de USD 669,6 millones. El estudio concluye que el dengue puede ser considerado una enfermedad de coste elevado en el nivel local, afectando económicamente el Sistema General de Seguridad Social y el bienestar social de la población.

Resumo: Na Colômbia, a dengue é uma doença de grande impacto, devido à morbimortalidade, porém há pouco estudados sobre os efeitos da carga econômica da doença em nível local. Portanto, o estudo teve como objetivo descrever a carga das epidemias de dengue entre 2010 e 2016 no Estado de Meta, Colômbia. Foi realizado um estudo longitudinal, utilizando dados do sistema de informações epidemiológicas (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública - SIVIGILA). O indicador AVAIs (anos de vida ajustados para incapacidade) foi calculado como estimador da carga de dengue. Para avaliar o impacto econômico, dois cenários de avaliação foram utilizados (limites inferior e superior da variação), o que permitiu estimar os efeitos dos anos de vida perdidos. A mortalidade mostrou heterogeneidade entre os grupos etários, afetando principalmente os grupos com menos de 15 anos e com mais de 65 anos, com perda de anos de vida entre 158,58 e 300,38. O ano de 2010 registrou os maiores gastos em cuidados médicos durante o período de estudo, com USD 664.123 para mulheres e USD 740.221 para homens. Nos anos epidêmicos, (2010 e 2012-2015), entre 91.072,3 e 184.175,1 AVAIs foram perdidos por milhão de habitantes, gerando custos de carga social de mais de USD 669,6 milhões. O estudo conclui que a dengue pode ser considerada uma doença de custo elevado em nível local, afetando economicamente o Sistema Geral de Seguridade Social e o bem-estar social da população.

Seasonal variation and natural infection of Lutzomyia antunesi (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae), an endemic species in the Orinoquia region of Colombia.

Lutzomyia antunesi has been commonly reported in outbreaks of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in the Orinoquia region of Colombia. The bionomics of this species were studied in the municipality of Villavicencio (Meta, Colombia). Sandflies were captured over the course of one week per month for one year in intradomiciliary, peridomiciliary and extradomiciliary housing areas. The captures were performed from 06:00 pm-06:00 am using CDC light traps and the females were processed for polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect Leishmania spp. A total of 22,097 specimens and 19 species were captured of which Lu. antunesi (89%) and Lutzomyia walkeri (5%) were the most abundant. Other species recognised as anthropophilic (Lutzomyia panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi, Lutzomyia flaviscutellata and Lutzomyia fairtigi) were present in very low abundance (< 2%). Natural infection with Leishmania spp was detected using PCR in Lu. antunesi, Lu. panamensis and Lu. flavicutellata, showing infection rates of 1%, 4.8% and 7.5%, respectively. The present paper provides information on various ecological aspects of Lu. antunesi. An analysis of seasonality shows that this species increases in abundance in the hottest months (December, January and February), directly correlating with the maximum temperature and inversely correlating with precipitation. The natural infection rate is associated with the peaks of highest abundance.

Lutzomyia antunesi, probable vector de leishmaniasis cutánea en el área rural de Villavicencio / Lutzomyia antunesi as suspected vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Orinoquian region of Colombia

Objetivo Definir los posibles vectores de leishmaniasis, teniendo en cuenta su abundancia e infección natural con Leishmania spp. en un área endémica de la zona rural de Villavicencio, Meta. Materiales y Métodos En la vereda La Reforma, donde se presentaron casos de leishmaniasis cutánea en caninos y humanos, se recolectaron con trampas CDC los flebótomos en el intra, peri y extradomicilio de 15 viviendas. Grupos de 1 a 3 hembras de la misma especie fueron procesados por PCR para la detección de parásitos de Leishmania spp. Resultados Se capturaron 1 304 flebótomos distribuidos en 9 especies de las cuales L. antunesi (75,6 por ciento) y L. walkeri (19,2 por ciento) fueron las más abundantes. Otras especies reconocidas como antropofílicas (L. panamensis y L. gomezi), se presentaron con abundancias muy bajas (< 2,4). La PCR detectó infección con Leishmania spp. en dos grupos de L. antunesi (total= 123 hembras procesadas). Conclusiones L. antunesi por su abundancia e infección natural con Leishmania spp. podría estar involucrada en la transmisión de la leishmaniasis cutánea en un área rural al suroeste del municipio de Villavicencio.

Objective Identifying probable cutaneous leishmaniasis vectors in a rural area a few kilometres from the city of Villavicencio, taking the relative abundance of sand-flies and their natural infection with Leishmania spphaving into account. Materials and Methods A CDC trap was used for sampling sand-flies in and around 15 dwellings. Pools of three females from the most abundant Lutzomyia species were used for identifying Leishmania spp. by PCR, with OL1 and OL2 primers. Results 1 304 sand-flies from nine species were captured, of which L. antunesi (75,6 percent) and L. walkeri (19,2 percent) were the most abundant. These was a low abundance of L. panamensis and L. gomezi anthropophilic species (<2,4 percent). PCR detected Leishmania spp. infection in two L. antunesi groups (total=123 processed females). Conclusions Due to the fact that L. antunesi was the most abundant species and was found to have Leishmania infection, it may be considered to be the main suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis vector in the rural area being studied. It is recommended that detailed studies of this species’ biology (including biting and resting behaviour) should be carried out, aimed at furthering vector control measures.

[Lutzomyia antunesi as suspected vector of cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Orinoquian region of Colombia]. / Lutzomyia antunesi, probable vector de leishmaniasis cutánea en el area rural de villavicencio.

OBJECTIVE: Identifying probable cutaneous leishmaniasis vectors in a rural area a few kilometres from the city of Villavicencio, taking the relative abundance of sand-flies and their natural infection with Leishmania spphaving into account. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A CDC trap was used for sampling sand-flies in and around 15 dwellings. Pools of three females from the most abundant Lutzomyia species were used for identifying Leishmania spp. by PCR, with OL1 and OL2 primers. RESULTS: 1 304 sand-flies from nine species were captured, of which L. antunesi (75,6 %) and L. walkeri (19,2 %) were the most abundant. These was a low abundance of L. panamensis and L. gomezi anthropophilic species (<2,4 %). PCR detected Leishmania spp. infection in two L. antunesi groups (total=123 processed females). CONCLUSIONS: Due to the fact that L. antunesi was the most abundant species and was found to have Leishmania infection, it may be considered to be the main suspected cutaneous leishmaniasis vector in the rural area being studied. It is recommended that detailed studies of this species' biology (including biting and resting behaviour) should be carried out, aimed at furthering vector control measures.