Detection of Giardia duodenalis and Toxoplasma gondii in soil and water samples in the Quindío River basin, Colombia.

Two zoonotic protozoan pathogens, Giardia duodenalis and Toxoplasma gondii, are important causes of waterborne infections in the Quindío region in Colombia. No previous data exist on how contamination occurs at the source for drinking water consumed by the human population in this region. Our aim was to describe the frequency of G. duodenalis and T. gondii DNA in 11 sampling points during a five-month period in water and adjacent soil at the Quindío River basin (Andean region in the central western part of Colombia). The study employed nested PCR for T. gondii, using the B1 gene as the amplification target, and single-round PCR for G. duodenalis assemblage A and assemblage B, amplifying the gdh gene, followed by DNA sequencing. In 50 soil samples, 28% (14/50) were positive for T. gondii. For G. duodenalis, distribution was in equal parts for assemblage A (8%; 4/50) and assemblage B (8%, 4/50). Genotyping of T. gondii sequences showed two soil samples with type I strain, another two samples of soil with type III strain, but most samples were of unidentified strains. In water samples, T. gondii was detected in 9.1% (5/55), G. duodenalis assemblage A in 34.5% (19/55), and G. duodenalis assemblage B in 12.7% (7/55). T. gondii DNA positivity was associated with lower soil temperature (p = 0.0239). Presence of G. duodenalis and T. gondii was evidenced in soil and water samples in the Quindío River basin, indicating soil as the potential source of contamination for the river that it is destined for human consumption. Monitoring these protozoa in drinking water is necessary to prevent public health risks in human populations.

Identificación morfológica y comprobación de patogenicidad de agentes biológicos asociados Tabebuia rosea (Bertol) en etapa de vivero en Morelia (Risaralda) / Morphological identification of pathogenic agents associated with Tabebuia rosea (Bignoniaceae) in nursery stage in morelia (Risaralda)

Introducción. Las susceptibilidades de las plantaciones al ataque de organismos dañinos pueden ocasionar efectos nocivos para su desarrollo, cuando se considera que el nivel de daños ocasionado no se puede tolerar, es indispensable determinar acertadamente la naturaleza del agente causal, sea éste tipo biótico o abiótico; la acertada determinación del agente de un problema fitosanitario en un vivero o plantaciones forestale, se fundamenta en un análisis detallado de los factores que la pueden estar afectando. Tabebuia rosea o Guayacán rosado es una especie forestal nativa de amplia aceptación en el mercado, que presenta durante su etapa de vivero, limitantes en las fases de germinación, emergencia y sobrevivencia, por lo anterior el objetivo de esta investigación era la de Identificar morfológicamente los posibles agentes patógenos asociados a Tabebuia rosea en etapa de vivero y comprobar su patogenicidad. Metodología. Se tomaron plántulas de vivero, las cuales se les realizo un análisis de los signos y los síntomas para el aislamiento y siembra de zonas afectadas en agar papa dextrosa. En el cultivo mixto se identificó los posibles agentes patógenos, los cuales fueron sembrados para obtener cultivos puros, y utilizados en la prueba de patogenicidad, para la inoculación de las estructuras sanas (hojas, peciolos y tallos) y su respectivo control. Resultados. Se identificaron tres géneros de hongos Colletotrichum, Mucor, y Candida, y un género de nematodo denominado Meloidogyne. La prueba de patogenicidad para Colletotrichum y Candida mostraron relaciones significativas en el proceso de infección principalmente en estructuras foliares. Se concluye en este trabajo dos nuevos posibles géneros patógenos para Tabebuia rosea evidenciados en la prueba de patogenicidad. Y se corrobora que el género Meloidogyne es un patógeno severo en el guayacán rosado que ocasiona anomalías morfológicas en la raíz; cabe resaltar que es el primer reporte para el departamento de Risaralda

Introduction. The susceptibilities of plantations to attack by harmful organisms can cause harmful effects for their development, when it is considered that the level of damage caused cannot be tolerated, it is essential to correctly determine the nature of the causal agent, be it biotic or abiotic; The correct determination of the agent of a phytosanitary problem in a nursery or forest plantations is based on a detailed analysis of the factors that may be affecting it. Tabebuia rosea or pink Guayacán is a native forest species widely accepted in the market, which presents, during its nursery stage, limitations in the germination, emergence and survival phases, therefore the objective of this research was to morphologically identify the possible pathogens associated with Tabebuia rosea in the nursery stage and check its pathogenicity. Methodology. Nursery seedlings were taken, which were analyzed for signs and symptoms for the isolation and sowing of affected areas on potato dextrose agar. In the mixed culture, possible pathogens were identified, which were sown to obtain pure cultures, and used in the pathogenicity test, for the inoculation of healthy structures (leaves, petioles and stems) and their respective control. Results. Three fungal genera Colletotrichum, Mucor, and Candida, and a nematode genus named Meloidogyne were identified. The pathogenicity test for Colletotrichum and Candida showed significant relationships in the infection process mainly in leaf structures. Two new possible pathogenic genera for Tabebuia rosea evidenced in the pathogenicity test are concluded in this work. And it is corroborated that the genus Meloidogyne is a severe pathogen in the pink guayacán that causes morphological anomalies in the root; It should be noted that it is the first report for the department of Risaralda

Identificación de bacterias y parásitos asociados a la materia fecal de diferentes ejemplares de Equus ferus caballus de Salento, departamento del Quindío / Identification of bacteria and parasites associated with fecal matter from different specimens of Equus ferus caballus from Salento, department of Quindío

Las enfermedades de origen zoonótico han sido gravemente descuidadas en países en vía de desarrollo, sin tener en cuenta que esto puede tener graves implicaciones a nivel de salud pública, particularmente para Colombia, en las últimas décadas se han dado fuertes cambios sociales que han implicado, entre otras cosas, el aumento de la tendencia a la posesión de animales de compañía incluyendo a Equus ferus caballus, para el cual, la microbiota asociada ha sido mal estudiada en comparación con otros animales. Por lo anterior, se planteó como objetivo identificar la microbiota bacteriana y parasitaria asociada a la materia fecal de Equus ferus caballus, para cumplir dicho objetivo, se tomaron muestras independientes para cada uno de los fines, realizando la concentración de parásitos mediante la técnica de Ritchie y cultivo de bacterias para su posterior identificación mediante el Kit BD BBL CRYSTAL E/NF y GP. Para el análisis de los datos se realizó regresión logística mediante Statgraphics. Se lograron aislar 19 bacterias de las cuales seis fueron explicadas por al menos uno de las variables tenidas en cuenta. Nueve de las bacterias aisladas no se habían reportado con anterioridad para equinos. Se reportan tres géneros de parásitos nuevos para la especie (Balantidium sp, Cyclospora sp. y Taenia sp.) y cuatro nuevos para el país (Allantosoma sp, Blepharocorys sp, Cycloposthium sp. y Bundleia sp.) Se concluye que las variables tenidas en cuenta si tienen influencia en la incidencia de algunos microorganismos aislados, de igual manera se reportan nuevas especies de bacterias para Equus ferus caballus así como de parásitos.

Diseases of zoonotic origin have been seriously neglected in developing countries, without taking into account that this may have serious public health implications, particularly for Colombia, in recent decades there have been strong social changes that have involved, among other things, the increase of the tendency to the possession of companion animals including Equus ferus caballus, for which, the associated microbiota has been poorly studied in comparison with other animals. Therefore, we set ourselves the objective of identifying the bacterial and parasitic diversity associated with fecal matter of Equus ferus caballus. For this, independent samples were taken for each of the purposes, making the concentration of parasites using the Ritchie technique; Samples for bacterial isolation were processed and identified with the BD BBL CRYSTAL E / NF and GP Kit. For the analysis of the data, logistic regression was performed using Statgraphics. We were able to isolate 19 bacteria, of which six were explained by at least one of the variables taken into account. Nine of the isolated bacteria had not been previously reported for equines. Three genera of new parasites are reported for the species (Balantidium sp, Cyclospora sp and Taenia sp.) And four new for the country (Allantosoma sp, Blepharocorys sp, Cycloposthium sp. and Bundleia sp.) It is concluded that the variables taken into if they have influence on the incidence of some isolated microorganisms, in the same way new species of bacteria for Equus ferus caballus as well as parasites are reported.

[Blastocystis sp. frequency and sources among children from 0 to 5 years of age attending public day care centers in Calarcá, Colombia]. / Frecuencia y fuentes de Blastocystis sp. en niños de 0 a 5 años de edad atendidos en hogares infantiles públicos de la zona urbana de Calarcá, Colombia.

INTRODUCTION: There are no reports of the potential sources of Blastocystis sp . in Colombia. OBJECTIVES: To estimate the frequency of Blastocystis sp . and explore possible associations among infection, clinical manifestations and environmental sources. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted; a representative sample was calculated from a population of 1,993 children less than 5 years old of the lowest socioeconomic levels (1 and 2) attending day care centers in Calarcá, Colombia. The calculated sample size was 275 children, who were selected randomly in 10 % of the centers. Stool testing, questionnaires and sampling to identify the parasite in feces, nails, pets and environmental sources, were performed. Fresh preparations were made with 1% iodine solution, and a concentration technique with formalin-ether was used. Prevalence and odd ratios were estimated; the chi-square test was utilized for qualitative variables, and Student's t for the quantitative ones. RESULTS: The prevalence of infection in children was of 57.5%. A statistically significant association was found between the Blastocystis sp . positive stool tests and the presence of the parasite in containers of sugar cane beverage (OR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.05-2.79), wood or ground floors (OR=3.43; 95% CI: 1.12-10.48) and in foods other than bottled milk (OR=3.23; 95% CI: 1.41-4.41). A non-significant high prevalence was found in nails (OR=1.62; 95% CI: 0.99-2.67), as well as a significantly higher prevalence of diarrhea (OR=1.95; 95% CI: 0.99-2.77) in children with Blastocystis sp . (45%) as compared with those without the parasite (33%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Blastocystis sp . showed a significant association with diarrhea symptoms in children 0 to 5 years old and was widely distributed in the environment and in water. It is necessary to determine if there are specific hosts with pathogenic potential through molecular techniques.

Frecuencia y fuentes de Blastocystis sp . en niños de 0 a 5 años de edad atendidos en hogares infantiles públicos de la zona urbana de Calarcá, Colombia / Blastocystis sp . frequency and sources among children from 0 to 5 years of age attending public day care centers in Calarcá, Colombia

Introducción. No se han descrito las fuentes potenciales de infección por Blastocystis sp . en Colombia. Objetivos. Estimar la frecuencia de Blastocystis sp . y explorar posibles asociaciones entre la infección, las manifestaciones clínicas y algunas fuentes ambientales. Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo con una población de 1.993 menores de 5 años (lactantes y preescolares) de estratos socioeconómicos 1 y 2, atendidos en hogares infantiles de Calarcá, Colombia. Se calculó una muestra de 275 y se seleccionó aleatoriamente a los participantes en 10 % de los hogares infantiles. Se practicaron exámenes coprológicos y encuestas y se tomaron muestras para la identificación del parásito en heces, uñas, animales domésticos y algunas fuentes ambientales. Se hicieron preparaciones en fresco con lugol al 1 % y se utilizó una técnica de concentración con formol-éter. Se estimaron prevalencias y razones de momios; para las variables cualitativas se utilizó el test de ji al cuadrado y, para las cuantitativas, la prueba t de Student. Resultados. La prevalencia de infección en los niños fue de 57,5 %. Hubo asociación estadísticamente significativa entre la presencia del parásito en heces y su hallazgo en recipientes de agua de panela (OR=1,70; IC 95% 1,05-2,79), en los pisos de madera o de tierra en la vivienda (OR=3,43; IC 95% 1,12-10,48), y en alimentos diferentes a la leche en el tetero (OR=3,23; IC 95% 1,41-4,41); y se encontró una prevalencia alta sin asociación en muestras de uñas (OR=1,62; IC 95% 0,99-2,67). La diarrea fue más frecuente en niños con Blastocystis sp. (45 %) que en aquellos sin el parásito (33 %) (OR: 1,95; IC 95% 0,99-2,77) (p<0,05). Conclusiones. Blastocystis sp . se asoció significativamente con síntomas de diarrea en los niños menores de 5 años y se encontró distribuido ampliamente en el ambiente y en el agua. Se requeriría determinar si hay huéspedes específicos para genotipos patógenos por medio de técnicas moleculares.

Introduction: There are no reports of the potential sources of Blastocystis sp . in Colombia. Objectives: To estimate the frequency of Blastocystis sp . and explore possible associations among infection, clinical manifestations and environmental sources. Materials and methods: A descriptive study was conducted; a representative sample was calculated from a population of 1,993 children less than 5 years old of the lowest socioeconomic levels (1 and 2) attending day care centers in Calarcá, Colombia. The calculated sample size was 275 children, who were selected randomly in 10 % of the centers. Stool testing, questionnaires and sampling to identify the parasite in feces, nails, pets and environmental sources, were performed. Fresh preparations were made with 1% iodine solution, and a concentration technique with formalin-ether was used. Prevalence and odd ratios were estimated; the chi-square test was utilized for qualitative variables, and Student´s t for the quantitative ones. Results: The prevalence of infection in children was of 57.5%. A statistically significant association was found between the Blastocystis sp . positive stool tests and the presence of the parasite in containers of sugar cane beverage (OR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.05-2.79), wood or ground floors (OR=3.43; 95% CI: 1.12-10.48) and in foods other than bottled milk (OR=3.23; 95% CI: 1.41-4.41) . A non-significant high prevalence was found in nails (OR=1.62; 95% CI: 0.99-2.67), as well as a significantly higher prevalence of diarrhea (OR=1.95; 95% CI: 0.99-2.77) in children with Blastocystis sp . (45%) as compared with those without the parasite (33%; p<0.05). Conclusions: Blastocystis sp . showed a significant association with diarrhea symptoms in children 0 to 5 years old and was widely distributed in the environment and in water. It is necessary to determine if there are specific hosts with pathogenic potential through molecular techniques.

Prevalencia de protozoos intestinales en 79 niños de 2 a 5 años de edad de un hogar infantil estatal en Circasia, Quindío / Prevalence of intestinal protozoa in 79 children 2 to 5 years old from a state nursery program in Circasia, Quindío

Introducción: Los parásitos intestinales se consideran un problema de salud pública en los países en desarrollo y afecta a individuos de todas las edades y sexos, pero se presentan, sobre todo, en los primeros años de vida. En la actualidad, entre las parasitosis más reportadas para el departamento del Quindío se encuentra la giardiasis, producida por Giardia intestinalis (G. duodenalis o G. lamblia), y la blastocistocis, producida por Blastocystis sp. Objetivo: Determinar la prevalencia de protozoos intestinales en 79 niños con edades comprendidas entre los 2 y 5 años, de un hogar infantil en el municipio de Circasia, Quindío.Materiales y métodos: Se recolectaron tres muestras de heces en 79 niños con previo consentimiento del tutor legal. Las muestras fueron sometidas al análisis de laboratorio por examen directo macroscópico y microscópico, utilizando lugol al 1%, solución salina al 0,83%, solución salina-eosina y la técnica de concentración de Ritchie o formol-éter. Resultados: Para los tres muestras, los parásitos con potencial patógeno tuvieron las siguientes prevalencias: Blastocystis sp., 49,4%, 57% y 64,6%; G. lamblia, 16,5%, 22,8% y 15,2 %; complejo Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, 5,1%, 5,1% y 1,3%, respectivamente. Conclusiones: Este estudio muestra la elevada prevalencia de parásitos protozoarios, y Blastocystis sp. fue el más prevalente. Durante el seguimiento se detectó reinfestación de los niños que participaron en el estudio.

Introduction: Intestinal parasites are considered a public health problem in developing countries, and they affect individuals of all ages and sexes; nevertheless they are frequent in early childhood. At present, the most reported intestinal parasite conditions in Quindío are giardiasis, caused by Giardia intestinalis (G. lamblia or G.duodenalis), and blastocystosis caused by Blastocystis sp. Objective: The objective is to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in children 2 to 5 years old at a State nursery in Circasia, Quindio. Materials and methods: Three fecal samples per child were collected from 79 children following informed consent from their legal guardians. Microscopic and macroscopic laboratory test were made using 1 % Lugol, 0,8 % saline solution, saline-eosin solution and concentration techniques with formaldehyde-ether (Ritchie.) Results: In the three fecal samples, the pathogen parasites had the following prevalence: Blastocystis sp 49,4 %, 57 % and 64,6 % sp; Giardia lamblia 16,5 %, 22,8 % and 15,2 %; and Entamoeba histolytica/dispar 5,1 %, 5,1 % and.1,3 % respectively.Conclusions: This study shows a high frequency of protozoa parasites, Blastocystis sp being the most prevalent. Re-infection in children was detected during the study.