Increased peripartum mortality associated with maternal subclinical malaria in Mozambique.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women in sub-Saharan Africa is often asymptomatic. As these forms of malaria are often submicroscopic and difficult to diagnose by conventional methods (microscopy and/or rapid diagnostic test), diagnosis requires the use of molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study analyses the prevalence of subclinical malaria and its association with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes, a topic that has been scarcely evaluated in the literature. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using semi-nested multiplex PCR to assess the presence of P. falciparum in placental and peripheral blood of 232 parturient pregnant women at the Hospital Provincial de Tete, Mozambique between March 2017 and May 2019. Multivariate regressions were performed to assess the associations of maternal subclinical malaria with several maternal and neonatal outcomes after controlling for the presence of preeclampsia/eclampsia (PE/E) and HIV infection, as well as for other maternal and pregnancy characteristics. RESULTS: In total, 17.2% (n = 40) of the women studied had positive PCR for P. falciparum (7 in placental blood only, 3 in peripheral blood only). We found a significant association between subclinical malaria and a higher peripartum mortality risk, which persisted after controlling for maternal comorbidity and maternal and pregnancy characteristics (adjusted odds ratio: 3.50 [1.11-10.97]). In addition, PE/E and HIV infections were also significantly associated with several adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the association of subclinical malaria, as well as of PE/E and HIV, in pregnant women with adverse maternal and neonatal outcomes. Therefore, molecular methods may be sensitive tools to identify asymptomatic infections that can reduce the impact on peripartum mortality and their contribution to sustained transmission of the parasite in endemic countries.

Effects of HIV infection and/or malaria on maternal and neonatal health in a high-prevalence setting.

OBJECTIVE: HIV infection and malaria have been associated with different complications during pregnancy and delivery. HIV-positive pregnant women are at increased risk for all adverse outcomes of malaria during pregnancy. The main objective was to analyse the obstetric and perinatal consequences of malaria, HIV infection and HIV/malaria co-infection in pregnant women and newborns, which has been less well evaluated. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out in the Maternity Service of the Provincial Hospital of Tete Mozambique, involving completion of a structured questionnaire that included demographic data, and information on the current pregnancy, delivery and the newborn. In total, 819 women (13-45 years old) in the immediate postpartum period were enrolled between 1 March and 31 October 2016. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of HIV and malaria, considered separately, in pregnant women was ~12% (103 women with HIV and 101 with malaria). Only one-fifth of HIV-infected women knew their HIV status before pregnancy. A significantly higher proportion of women with HIV attended four or more antenatal care visits than women without HIV. Caesarean section was less frequent in HIV patients, and peripartum urinary infection was more frequent than in seronegative women (13/103 [12.6%] vs. 34/716 [4.7%]). HIV/malaria co-infection were 17/819 (2%) and was significantly associated with the development of pre-eclampsia when HIV-infected patients received anti-retroviral treatment, and with an increase in urinary tract infections around delivery. With respect to the newborn, co-infection increased the frequency of early neonatal death, as well as neonatal asphyxia and jaundice. CONCLUSIONS: In Mozambique, the prevalence of malaria and HIV infection in women of childbearing age continues to be high and contributes additively to complications during pregnancy and childbirth, and in the newborn. Therefore, integrating HIV, malaria and reproductive health services is essential if maternal and foetal outcomes are to improve.

Monkeypox and HIV in the Canary Islands: A Different Pattern in a Mobile Population.

BACKGROUND: The clinical and epidemiological data of the recent outbreak of monkeypox (MPX) differ from previous reports. One difference is the epidemiological profile; the disease mainly affects a subgroup of MSM (men who have sex with men) with high-risk sexual behaviors, frequently persons living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV). METHODS: In this observational analysis, all patients with PCR (polymerase chain reaction)-confirmed MPX attending an Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Unit in Gran Canaria (Spain) between May and July 2022 were considered. RESULTS: In total, 42 men were included; 88% were identified as MSM, with a median age of 40 years. Only 43% were born in Spain. All the patients had systemic symptoms and skin lesions. The distribution of lesions was more frequent in the genital/anal region, and the involvement of hands and feet was less common. Fever and lymphadenopathies were less frequent than in other series. Other unusual manifestations were proctitis, pharyngitis and penile-scrotal edema. Half of the patients had other associated infections (mainly STIs, sexually transmitted infections), and 60% of the monkeypox patients had PLHIV (People Living with HIV). When comparing the clinical characteristics between HIV-positive and -negative patients, we found three main differences: (i) a higher frequency of perioral lesions, (ii) a higher frequency of pharyngitis and (iii) a higher number of sexually transmitted infections in HIV-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical findings in this outbreak of MPX had great variability in presentation. Several clinical differences were found in PLHIV-coinfected patients.

Delusional parasitosis. A multicenter retrospective study in Spanish infectious disease services / Parasitosis delirante. Un estudio retrospectivo multicéntrico en los servicios españoles de enfermedades infecciosas

Introduction: Delusional parasitosis or Ekbom syndrome is a condition described mainly in the fields of psychiatry and dermatology, with a complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach. However, it is uncommon to assess patients with this disease in infectious disease units. The objective of this work is to describe the experience of three infectious diseases departments with respect to this entity. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study of 20 patients diagnosed with delusional parasitosis in three Infectious Diseases Services was performed between 2003 and 2017. Results: The median age of the patients was 54 years, with a female/male ratio of 1.5:1. In 9 patients, an endoparasitic delirium (mainly digestive) was described, in 5 an ectoparasitic form was described, and in the remaining 6, a mixed form was described. Fourteen patients presented some type of psychiatric disorder. Four patients had alcohol or drug abuse disorder. All patients had made consultations to other specialties with a median of three per patient (range 1–7). Ten patients received “empirical” antiparasitic treatment and 8 received some type of psychopharmaceutical treatment. The evolution was very variable: in 3 patients, the delusional parasitosis was resolved; in 9 patients, the clinical manifestations persisted, and the remaining patients were lost to follow-up. Conclusions: Ekbom syndrome is a common process in infectious diseases, presenting some differences with other series evaluated by dermatologists and psychiatrists. Management of this disease should promote a multidisciplinary approach to enable a joint treatment, thus optimizing patient management and therapeutic adherence.(AU)

Introducción: La parasitosis delirante o síndrome de Ekbom es una afección descrita principalmente en los campos de la psiquiatría y la dermatología, con un enfoque diagnóstico y terapéutico complejo. Sin embargo, es poco frecuente evaluar a los pacientes con esta enfermedad en unidades de enfermedades infecciosas. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir la experiencia de 3 departamentos de enfermedades infecciosas con respecto a esta entidad. Métodos: Entre 2003 y 2017 se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de 20 pacientes a los que se les diagnosticó parasitosis delirante en 3 servicios de enfermedades infecciosas. Resultados: La mediana de edad de los pacientes era de 54 años, con una proporción mujeres/varones de 1,5:1. En 9 pacientes se describió un delirio endoparasitario (principalmente digestivo), en 5 se describió una forma ectoparasitaria y en los 6 restantes una forma mixta. Catorce pacientes presentaban algún tipo de trastorno psiquiátrico. Cuatro pacientes presentaban un trastorno de alcoholismo o drogadicción. Todos los pacientes habían acudido a consultas de otras especialidades con una mediana de 3 por paciente (intervalo de 1-7). Diez pacientes recibieron tratamiento antiparasitario «empírico» y 8 recibieron algún tipo de psicofármaco. La evolución fue muy variable: en 3 pacientes se resolvió la parasitosis delirante; en 9 pacientes persistieron las manifestaciones clínicas y se perdió el seguimiento de los demás pacientes. Conclusiones: El síndrome de Ekbom es un proceso habitual en las enfermedades infecciosas, que presenta algunas diferencias con otras series evaluadas por dermatólogos y psiquiatras. El tratamiento de esta enfermedad debe promover un enfoque multidisciplinario que permita un tratamiento conjunto, optimizando así el tratamiento del paciente y el cumplimiento terapéutico.(AU)

Murine Typhus in Canary Islands, Spain, 1999-2015.

To document the epidemiology, clinical features, and outcomes of murine typhus patients in the Canary Islands (Spain), we analyzed data that were retrospectively collected for 16 years for 221 patients. Murine typhus in the Canary Islands is characterized by a high rate of complications (31.6%), mainly liver, lung, kidney or central nervous system involvement.

Delusional parasitosis. A multicenter retrospective study in Spanish infectious disease services.

INTRODUCTION: Delusional parasitosis or Ekbom syndrome is a condition described mainly in the fields of psychiatry and dermatology, with a complex diagnostic and therapeutic approach. However, it is uncommon to assess patients with this disease in infectious disease units. The objective of this work is to describe the experience of three infectious diseases departments with respect to this entity. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study of 20 patients diagnosed with delusional parasitosis in three Infectious Diseases Services was performed between 2003 and 2017. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 54 years, with a female/male ratio of 1.5:1. In 9 patients, an endoparasitic delirium (mainly digestive) was described, in 5 an ectoparasitic form was described, and in the remaining 6, a mixed form was described. Fourteen patients presented some type of psychiatric disorder. Four patients had alcohol or drug abuse disorder. All patients had made consultations to other specialties with a median of three per patient (range 1-7). Ten patients received "empirical" antiparasitic treatment and 8 received some type of psychopharmaceutical treatment. The evolution was very variable: in 3 patients, the delusional parasitosis was resolved; in 9 patients, the clinical manifestations persisted, and the remaining patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Ekbom syndrome is a common process in infectious diseases, presenting some differences with other series evaluated by dermatologists and psychiatrists. Management of this disease should promote a multidisciplinary approach to enable a joint treatment, thus optimizing patient management and therapeutic adherence.

Adolescent motherhood in Mozambique. Consequences for pregnant women and newborns.

INTRODUCTION: In sub-Saharan Mozambique, high adolescent fertility rates are a significant public health problem. Understanding the consequences of teenage pregnancies facilitates effective strategies for improving the quality of care of both mother and the newborn. AIMS: To identify the factors associated with adolescent motherhood in Tete (Mozambique). METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study including 821 pregnant women (255 teenagers) admitted to the general maternity ward of the Provincial Hospital between March and October 2016. The survey included clinical data of the mother and newborn. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of adolescent deliveries was 31.8% (95% CI 27.9% - 34.2%). Multivariate analysis showed that independent factors associated with teenage motherhood were: number of pregnancies (OR 0.066; 95% CI 0.040-0.110), pregnancy follow-up (OR 0.29; CI 0.173-0.488) and previous abortions (OR 4.419; 95% CI 1.931-10.112). When the age of the mother was analysed as a continuous variable, positively associated factors were body mass index, arterial hypertension, HIV infection, previous abortions, pregnancy follow-up, and the weight of the newborn. Negatively associated factors were episiotomy and respiratory distress in the newborn. CONCLUSION: Teenage motherhood is a serious public health problem in Mozambique. Intensive sexual and reproductive health planning for adolescents is needed.

Síndromes febriles en el viajero que regresa de regiones tropicales atendidos en una unidad monográfica / Febrile syndromes in the traveler returning from tropical regions admitted in a monographic unit

Introducción. El objetivo fue analizar los síndromes febriles en pacientes que regresan de regiones tropicales, atendidos en la Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical (UEIMT) de nuestro centro. El conocimiento de estas enfermedades persigue realizar un diagnóstico precoz y, de esta forma, evitar la emergencia y diseminación de enfermedades importadas, así como establecer actividades preventivas adecuadas. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, seleccionando de la cohorte de viajeros atendidos en la UEIMT entre 1998 y 2013 aquéllos que consultaban al regreso con fiebre (n = 247). Se analizaron las características demográficas relativas al viaje, así como motivos de consulta y el diagnóstico final. Resultados. Se incluyeron 241 viajeros con fiebre al regreso. Los diagnósticos más comunes fueron: fiebre autolimitada sin foco (29,1%), malaria (25,1%), gastroenteritis invasiva (15,4%), otras infecciones bacterianas (7,4%) e infecciones parenquimatosas genitourinarias (4,5%). De todos los casos sólo un 8,5% requirió ingreso hospitalario, no registrándose ningún caso de mortalidad. Conclusiones. En la serie presentada existen datos comunes con otras publicadas (malaria como enfermedad fundamental, dificultades en el diagnóstico) y otros diferentes (menor número de consultas pre-viaje e ingresos, mayor incidencia de prostatitis y menor número de casos de dengue) (AU)

Background. The aim was to analyse those syndromes with fever in travellers who return from tropical regions evaluated at our Department of Infectology and Tropical Medicine. Clarifying these conditions intends to reach earlier diagnoses and, perhaps, to avoid the emergence and spread of imported diseases, as well as to establish appropriate preventive measures. Methods. An observational descriptive transversal study was performed, selecting those patients who returned from tropical regions with fever, amongst all travellers evaluated in our department between 1998 and 2013. We analysed demographic features, information related to the trip, as well as the presenting complaints and the diagnoses. Results. A total of 247 international travellers presenting with fever were analysed. The most common diagnoses were self-limiting fever (29.1%), malaria (25.1%), invasive gastroenteritis (15.4%), other bacterial infections (7.4%) and genitourinary parenchymal infections (4.5%). Of all the cases, only 8.5% required hospitalization, and no case of mortality was recorded. Conclusions. In the series presented, there are common data with other published data (malaria as a fundamental disease, difficulties in diagnosis) and different ones (less number of pre-trip consultations and admissions, higher incidence of prostatitis and fewer dengue cases) (AU)

Utilidad del diagnóstico molecular precoz de fiebre Q y rickettsiosis en pacientes con fiebre de duración intermedia / Usefulness of the early molecular diagnosis of Q fever and rickettsial diseases in patients with fever of intermediate duration

La mayor parte de los casos de fiebre de duración intermedia (FDI) en España corresponden a enfermedades infecciosas (principalmente fiebre Q y rickettsiosis). En la práctica clínica el diagnóstico causal de estas entidades se basa en el inmunodiagnóstico, con una escasa utilidad en fases precoces. Por ello, el objetivo de este trabajo fue la evaluación de la utilidad de técnicas moleculares en el diagnóstico precoz de fiebre Q y rickettsiosis en pacientes con FDI. Se estudió mediante PCR la presencia de material genético de Coxiella burnetii y Rickettsia spp. en muestras sanguíneas de 271 pacientes con FDI. La especificidad de ambas técnicas es elevada, permitiendo el diagnóstico en casos no diagnosticados mediante detección de anticuerpos específicos. Estos datos sugieren que el empleo de técnicas moleculares, con una adecuada selección de la muestra de estudio y el empleo de cebadores adecuados, es un elemento útil en el diagnóstico precoz de las principales causas de FDI, principalmente si la serología es negativa o no es concluyente (AU)

Most cases of fever of intermediate duration (FDI) in Spain are associated with infectious diseases (mainly Q fever and rickettsia infections). In clinical practice, the causal diagnosis of these entities is based on immunodiagnostic techniques, which are of little help in the early stages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of molecular techniques for the early diagnosis of Q fever and rickettsia diseases in patients with FDI. A PCR method was used to detect the presence of genetic material of Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. in blood specimens from 271 patients with FDI. The specificity of both techniques is high, allowing diagnosis in cases undiagnosed by specific antibodies detection. These data suggest that the use of molecular techniques, with proper selection of the study specimen, and using appropriate primers is a useful tool in the early diagnosis of the main causes of FDI, especially if serology is negative or inconclusive (AU)

Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in HIV-Infected Immigrants.

Immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) includes a group of potentially serious inflammatory processes that may be present in HIV-infected patients after initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Paradoxical IRIS is a worsening of symptoms, after an overwhelming response to a previously diagnosed opportunistic infection (OI); unmasking IRIS reveals a previously occult OI. The main objective of the study was to describe the epidemiological, clinical, and outcome data of HIV-infected immigrants, stratified according to high- or low-income countries of origin, who developed IRIS and to compare them with native-born Spanish patients. This retrospective study reviewed all patients with HIV infection admitted to the Unit of Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine between 1998 and 2014. IRIS was identified in 25/138 (18%) immigrant patients and 24/473 (5%) native-born Spanish patients infected with HIV. Most cases, 19/25 (76%), were of unmasking IRIS. The time elapsed between initiation of HAART and development of IRIS was significantly longer in patients with unmasking versus paradoxical IRIS. OIs, in particular due to mycobacteria, were the most frequently involved processes. Twenty percent of patients died. The comparison of immigrant and native-born patients found significant differences for both IRIS type (higher incidence of paradoxical forms among immigrants) and for the absence of malignancies in native-born patients. No significant differences were found when the data of immigrants from low- and high-income countries were compared.

Síndromes no febriles en el viajero que regresa de regiones tropicales atendidos en una unidad monográfica / Non-febrile syndromes in the traveler returning from tropical regions admitted in a monographic unit

Introducción. El objetivo fue analizar los síndromes no asociados a fiebre en pacientes que regresan de regiones tropicales, atendidos en la Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical (UEIMT) de nuestro centro. El conocimiento de estas enfermedades persigue realizar un diagnóstico precoz y, así, evitar la emergencia y diseminación de enfermedades importadas, así como establecer actividades preventivas adecuadas. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal, seleccionando de la cohorte de viajeros atendidos en la UEIMT entre 1998 y 2013 aquéllos que consultaban al regreso y sin fiebre (n = 281). Se analizaron las características demográficas relativas al viaje, así como motivos de consulta y el diagnóstico final. Resultados. Se incluyeron 281 viajeros sin fiebre al regreso. Sólo un 39% de ellos había consultado antes del viaje. Las regiones más visitadas fueron Latinoamérica (38,8%), África (37,8%) y Asia (13,6%). Un 15% de los sujetos estaba asintomático o consultaba por problemas no infecciosos. Del resto, la mayoría presentaba un proceso digestivo (46%) o cutáneo (34%). El principal cuadro digestivo fue la diarrea, alcanzándose un diagnóstico microbiológico en casi la mitad de los casos. Con respecto a los síndromes cutáneos, lo más frecuente fueron las picaduras de artrópodos (31%) y diversas piodermitis (20%). Conclusiones. Aproximadamente el 10% de las consultas de viajeros se debe a problemas al regreso, en la mitad de los casos sin fiebre. La mayoría presenta enfermedades infecciosas, fundamentalmente digestivas o cutáneas. La eosinofilia es el tercer motivo de consulta y las infecciones de transmisión sexual son excepcionales en nuestra serie. Es necesario insistir en actividades preventivas (AU)

Background. The aim was to analyse those syndromes without fever in travellers who return from tropical regions evaluated at our Department of Infectology and Tropical Medicine. Clarifying these conditions intends to reach earlier diagnoses and, perhaps, to avoid the emergence and spread of imported diseases, as well as to establish appropriate preventive measures. Methods. An observational descriptive transversal study was performed, selecting those patients who returned from tropical regions without fever (n = 281), amongst all travellers evaluated in our department between 1998 and 2013. We analysed demographic features, information related to the trip, as well as the presenting complaints and the diagnoses. Results. A total of 281 international travellers presenting without fever were analysed. Only 39% had received health counsel prior to travelling. The most visited regions were Latin America (38.8%), Africa (37.8%) and Asia (13.6%). 15% of patients were asymptomatic or suffered from non-infectious conditions. Among the rest, most had either gastrointestinal (46%) or cutaneous (34%) syndromes. The main gastrointestinal condition was diarrhoea, with a microbiological diagnosis reached in almost 50% of cases. Regarding cutaneous syndromes, arthropods bites (31%) and different bacterial lesions (20%) were most common. Conclusions. Approximately 10% of patients in Travel Medicine are international travellers returning from tropical regions, half of them with no fever. Most are diagnosed with infectious diseases, mainly gastrointestinal or cutaneous syndromes. Eosinophilia is the third problem in frequency among this group of patients, and sexually transmitted infections are rare in our cohort. It is important to emphasize in preventive activities (AU)

Endomyocardial involvement in asymptomatic sub-Saharan immigrants with helminth-related eosinophilia.

BACKGROUND: Among immigrants of sub-Saharan origin, parasitic infection is the leading cause of eosinophilia, which is generally interpreted as a defense mechanism. A side effect of the inflammatory mediators released by eosinophils is damage to host organs, especially the heart. The main objectives of this study were to i) assess cardiac involvement in asymptomatic sub-Saharan immigrants with eosinophilia, ii) relate the presence of lesions with the degree of eosinophilia, and iii) study the relationship between cardiac involvement and the type of causative parasite. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: In total, the study included 50 black immigrants (37 patients and 13 controls) from sub-Saharan Africa. In all subjects, heart structure and function were evaluated in a blinded manner using Sonos 5500 echocardiographic equipment. The findings were classified and described according to established criteria. The diagnostic criteria for helminthosis were those reported in the literature. Serum eosinophil-derived neurotoxin levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A significant association was found between the presence of eosinophilia and structural alterations (mitral valve thickening). However, the lack of an association between the degree of eosinophilia and heart valve disease and the absence of valve involvement in some patients with eosinophilia suggest the role of other factors in the appearance of endocardial lesions. There was also no association between the type of helminth and valve involvement. CONCLUSIONS: We, therefore, suggest that transthoracic echocardiography be performed in every sub-Saharan individual with eosinophilia in order to rule out early heart valve lesions.

Usefulness of the early molecular diagnosis of Q fever and rickettsial diseases in patients with fever of intermediate duration. / Utilidad del diagnóstico molecular precoz de fiebre Q y rickettsiosis en pacientes con fiebre de duración intermedia.

Most cases of fever of intermediate duration (FDI) in Spain are associated with infectious diseases (mainly Q fever and rickettsia infections). In clinical practice, the causal diagnosis of these entities is based on immunodiagnostic techniques, which are of little help in the early stages. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of molecular techniques for the early diagnosis of Q fever and rickettsia diseases in patients with FDI. A PCR method was used to detect the presence of genetic material of Coxiella burnetii and Rickettsia spp. in blood specimens from 271 patients with FDI. The specificity of both techniques is high, allowing diagnosis in cases undiagnosed by specific antibodies detection. These data suggest that the use of molecular techniques, with proper selection of the study specimen, and using appropriate primers is a useful tool in the early diagnosis of the main causes of FDI, especially if serology is negative or inconclusive.

Características demográficas, quimioprofilaxis antimalárica e inmunoprofilaxis en 6.783 viajeros internacionales atendidos en una unidad monográfica / Demographic characteristics, malaria chemoprophylaxis and vaccination in 6,783 international travelers attended in a specialized unit

Introduccion. El objetivo fue conocer las características demográficas y la evolución temporal de los viajeros internacionales atendidos en la Unidad de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Medicina Tropical con el fin de mejorar las precauciones previas al viaje y disminuir la aparición de dichas enfermedades. Métodos. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo retrospectivo de todos los viajeros internacionales atendidos en la UEIMT (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) durante el periodo 1998 - 2013. Se analizaron las siguientes variables que fueron recogidas mediante un protocolo estandarizado: edad, género, fecha de la consulta, tipo de viajero, país/es de destino y medidas preventivas realizadas (quimioprofilaxis antipalúdica y vacunas). El análisis estadístico se realizó usando el paquete SPSS versión 19.0. Resultados. Se analizaron un total de 6.783 viajeros internacionales de los cuales 52% fueron mujeres. La media de edad fue de 36 años (DT 13). El continente de destino más frecuente fue África (39%) seguido de Asia (36%) y América Latina (23%). El país de destino más habitual fue la India 13% (882), seguido de Senegal 7,5% (509) y Tailandia 6,3% (429). Las vacunas más frecuentemente recomendadas fueron, fiebre tifoidea (82,9%) y hepatitis A (66,9%). En cuanto a la profilaxis antipalúdica, los fármacos indicados fueron atovacuonaproguanil (56,5%), mefloquina (36,7 %), En lo que respecta a los viajeros que regresan para visitar a amigos y familiares un 26,81% eran niños (0-9 años). Conclusiones. El perfil general del viajero es un joven que con motivo vacacional elige como destino África seguido de Asia y Latinoamérica. Más del 50% de los viajeros recibieron vacunación frente a la fiebre tifoidea y a la hepatitis A. La quimioprofilaxis antipalúdica más utilizada fue atovacuona/ proguanil seguida de mefloquina (AU)

Background. The objective of this paper was to determine the demographic characteristics and the evolution of international travelers treated at the Unit of Infectious and Tropical Medicine in order to improve precautions prior to travel and, thus reduce the occurrence of these diseases. Methods. A retrospective study of all international travelers served in UEIMT (Las Palmas de Gran Canaria) during the period 1998-2013 was performed. The following variables were collected using a standardized protocol were analyzed: age, gender, date of consultation, type of traveler, countries of destination and preventive measures undertaken (malaria chemoprophylaxis and vaccines). Results. A total of 6,783 international travelers of which 52% were women were analyzed. The average age was 36 years (SD 13). The most frequent destination continent was Africa (39%) followed by Asia (36%) and Latin America (23%). The most common country of destination was India 13% (882), followed by Senegal 7.5% (509) and Thailand 6.3% (429). The most frequently recommended vaccines were typhoid fever (82.9%) and hepatitis A (66.9%). As for malaria prophylaxis, the indicated drugs were atovaquone-proguanil (56.5%), mefloquine (36.7%), in regard to travelers returning to visit relatives and friends with a 26.81% were children (0-9 years). Conclusions. The overall profile of the traveler is a young man who chooses holiday destination Africa followed by Asia and Latin America. Over 50% of travelers received vaccination against typhoid and hepatitis A. The most commonly used malaria chemoprophylaxis was atovaquone / proguanil followed by mefloquine (AU)

Relationship of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with parasitism, iron homeostasis, and other health outcomes: Results from a cross-sectional study on recently arrived African immigrants.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are toxic and persistent chemicals produced between 1930s and 1980s, which accumulate in humans and wildlife. Although a decreasing trend of PCB levels in humans has been described in developed countries, mainly as a consequence of strict regulations and remediation plans, an inverse trend has been recently reported in people from developing countries. We had the opportunity of sampling a series of African immigrants recently arrived to the Spanish archipelago of the Canary Islands, in which high levels of PCBs have been described, and we studied the relationships between their level of contamination and health status. A total of 570 subjects who underwent a complete medical examination and a face-to-face interview were recruited for this study. Hematological and biochemical parameters (blood and urine) were determined in all participants. Serology for the diagnostic of infectious diseases was also performed, and direct identification of parasites was performed in feces, urine or blood samples when appropriate. It is remarkable that up to 26.0% of the population had intestinal parasites, and we found an inverse relationship between PCB levels and parasitism and parasitic diseases: median values of PCBs were lower in parasitized subjects than in subjects without parasites in stool (237.6ng/g fat vs. 154.4ng/g fat for marker PCBs, p=0.015) and median values of dioxin-like PCBs were lower in subjects carrying pathogen parasites than among subjects showing non-pathogen parasites in stool (0.0 ng/g fat vs. 13.1ng/g fat, respectively; p=0.001). Although this inverse association had been described in some vertebrates this is the first study reporting such an association in humans. Furthermore, it has been also recently described that PCBs may disrupt iron metabolism, and we found a direct relationship between serum iron and total PCBs burden (r=0.231, p=0.025), suggesting that PCBs, although at subclinical level, could play a role on iron homeostasis. Although the role of PCBs in parasitism and in the iron metabolism needs future research, our findings may help to understand the adverse health outcomes associated to environmental exposure to PCBs and they might be used in exposed populations as indicators of subtle effects due to environmental insult.

Unilateral mydriasis secondary to ipratropium bromide in a critically ill patient.

Unilateral dilated pupil in a critical patient under sedation is an important clinical sign that requires prompt evaluation. An exhaustive assessment must be performed, including neurological examination and imaging tests, and pharmacological causes must be ruled out. We describe a case of unilateral fixed dilated pupil secondary to the administration of a nebulized cholinergic antagonist, ipratropium bromide, in an unconscious patient.