Sewershed surveillance as a tool for smart management of a pandemic in threshold countries. Case study: Tracking SARS-CoV-2 during COVID-19 pandemic in a major urban metropolis in northwestern Argentina.

Wastewater-based epidemiology is an economical and effective tool for monitoring the COVID-19 pandemic. In this study we proposed sampling campaigns that addressed spatial-temporal trends within a metropolitan area. This is a local study of detection and quantification of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater during the onset, rise, and decline of COVID-19 cases in Salta city (Argentina) over the course of a twenty-one-week period (13 Aug to 30 Dec) in 2020. Wastewater samples were gathered from 13 sewer manholes specific to each sewershed catchment, prior to convergence or mixing with other sewer lines, resulting in samples specific to individual catchments with defined areas. The 13 sewershed catchments selected comprise 118,832 connections to the network throughout the city, representing 84.7 % (534,747 individuals) of the total population. The number of COVID19-related exposure and symptoms cases in each area were registered using an application developed for smartphones by the provincial government. Geographical coordinates provided by the devices were recorded, and consequently, it was possible to geolocalise all app-cases and track them down to which of the 13 sampling catchments belonged. RNA fragments of SARS-CoV-2 were detected in every site since the beginning of the monitoring, anticipating viral circulation in the population. Over the course of the 21-week study, the concentrations of SARS-CoV-2 ranged between 1.77 × 104 and 4.35 × 107 genome copies/L. There was a correspondence with the highest viral load in wastewater and the peak number of cases reported by the app for each catchment. The associations were evaluated with correlation analysis. The viral loads of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater were a feasible means to describe the trends of COVID-19 infections. Surveillance at sewershed scale, provided reliable and strategic information that could be used by local health stakeholders to manage the COVID-19 pandemic.

Native Fauna of Tardigrades from Two Natural Areas of the Argentina Republic.

Understanding and preserving biodiversity in natural habitats is crucial due to their rapid degradation and destruction. The meiofauna of natural areas is less well known than the macroscopic life. Tardigrades are common in limno-terrestrial meiofauna and can indicate environmental conditions. In this study, we expand our understanding of the taxonomy and ecology of tardigrade communities in two natural reserves in Argentina by examining the environmental factors that can affect them and the species that could be used as indicators. In 2018, sampling occurred in the Parque Luro Provincial Reserve (province of La Pampa) and the Poligono A Municipal Ecological Reserve (province of Salta). Samples were taken from epiphytic communities that grow on the bark of trees. Various environmental and microhabitat factors were taken into account. In the province of La Pampa, there were 1326 specimens of five species, and in the province of Salta, there were 212 specimens of nine species. The tardigrade communities in Salta exhibited statistically higher diversity than those in La Pampa. Temperature and moisture affected the tardigrade community of Parque Luro Provincial Reserve, while the microhabitat thickness affected those of Poligono A Municipal Ecological Reserve. The species turnover shaped the community of Salta, while nesting shaped the community of La Pampa.

Molecular Crowded ″Water-in-Salt″ Polymer Gel Electrolyte for an Ultra-stable Zn-Ion Battery.

Recently, the use of a gel polymer electrolyte for the development of robust, flexible, quasi-solid, ultra-stable, high-performance zinc-ion batteries (ZiBs) as an alternative to lithium-ion batteries has attracted widespread attention. However, the performance of ZiBs is limited due to the lack of suitable gel electrolytes. Herein, a ″water-in-salt″ (WiS)-based hydrophilic molecular crowded polymer gel electrolyte and binder free V2O5@MnO2 cathode are introduced to augment the durability, flexibility, safety, and electrochemical performance of ZiBs. The ″free water trapping″ capability of the WiS-based cross-linked molecular crowded polymer electrolyte provides an extended electrochemical stability window (ESW) of the device. The quasi-solid-state ZiB delivers ∼422 mAh g-1 discharge capacity and shows excellent cycling stability as high as ∼79.83% retention of the initial capacity after 5000 cycles. The durable, flexible, and ultra-stable ZiB with the polymer gel electrolyte performs well under various severe conditions where both the battery safety and energy density are of high priority. This work demonstrates a new approach and application for the development of durable, flexible, ultra-stable, quasi-solid-state ZiBs.

Primer registro de Cooperia curticei (Strongylida: Trichostrongylidae) en un ovino de la región del noroeste argentino / First report of Cooperia curticei (Strongylida: Trichostrongylidae) in sheep from northwestern Argentina

Resumen Cooperia curticei, es un nematodo afín a los ovinos que se aloja en el intestino delgado de estos. Su presencia en Argentina ha sido registrada en ambientes como la región semiárida en la Pampa, subhúmeda pampeana en Buenos Aires y en la región subtropical en Corrientes. El objetivo de este trabajo es notificar la presencia de Cooperia curticei en intestino delgado de un ovino proveniente de la localidad de Cerrillos en Salta. En el intestino delgado se determinó una carga de 600 formas adultas de Cooperia spp.Estas fueron identificadas como Cooperia curticei. Como características taxonómicas de relevancia las ramas del rayo dorsal se curvaban hacia atrás mostrando una forma de lira. En cuanto a las espículas, midieron en promedio 146,8 µm (± 5,24), con una concavidad marcada en parte media del cuerpo y con un tallo con una curvatura final similar a un pie. Este hallazgo constituye el primero en su tipo en la región del NOA y demuestra la adaptación de C. curticei a un clima de tipo serrano sub-andino. Este trabajo complementa lo descripto previamente en la región, en donde se menciona la presencia de Cooperia spp en ovinos, sin especificar su especie.

Abstract Cooperia curticei is a nematode related to sheep that is housed in the small intestine. Its presence in Argentina has been reported in environments such as the semi-arid region in the Pampa, the sub-humid Pampas in Buenos Aires and in the subtropical region in Corrientes. The objective of this work is to report the presence of Cooperia curticei in the small intestine of a sheep from the town of Cerrillos in Salta. A worm burden of 600 adult forms of Cooperia spp. was determined in the small intestine. These were identified as Cooperia curticei. As relevant taxonomic features the branches of the dorsal ray curved backwards showing a lyre shape. As for the spicules, they measured an average of 146.8 µm (± 5.24), with a marked concavity in the middle part of the body and with a stem with a final curvature similar to a foot. This finding is the first of its kind in the NOA region and demonstrates the adaptation of C. curticei to a sub-Andean mountain type climate. This work complement that previously described in the region, where the presence of Cooperia spp. in sheep was described but without species determination.

New Records of Mosquito Species in Northwestern Argentina.

Four mosquito species-Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) galvaoi, An. (Anopheles) mediopunctatus, Culex (Culex) lahillei, and Uranotaenia (Uranotaenia) geométrica-were recorded for the first time in northwestern Argentina. In addition, Psorophora (Grabhamia) confinnis and Cx. (Melanoconion) pedroi are reported for the first time in Jujuy Province, while Aedes (Ochlerotatus) hastatus, Coquillettidia (Rhynchotaenia) hermanoi, An. (Ano.) fluminensis, and An. (Ano.) punctimacula were reported for the first time in Tucumán Province.

Toxoplasmosis caprina en la provincia de Salta, Argentina

La toxoplasmosis, causada por Toxoplasma gondii, es una zoonosis que produce pérdidas reproductivas en rumiantes. Este trabajo caracterizó la presencia indirecta, a través de anticuerpos, de la enfermedad en caprinos de la provincia de Salta a través de una encuesta en 39 unidades productoras (UP). Se tomaron muestras biológicas para el diagnóstico de enfermedades en la que fue incluida toxoplasmosis. En un análisis el promedio provincial de UP con animales positivos fue del 79,49% y la seroprevalencia media de los hatos fue 19,09% con valores entre 2,8 y 78,13% siendo más frecuentes valores menores del 20%. Se detectaron UP positivas en toda la provincia con los siguientes promedios de UP con animales positivos: Chaco Salteño (CS)=84,62%, Quebradas Áridas (QA)=72,72%, Valles Templados (VT)=80,00%. La seroprevalencia en los hatos osciló entre CS=3,50-20,00%, QA=2,80-42,00% y VT=6,25-78,13%, encontrándose anticuerpos contra T. gondii presentes en todas ecorregiones evaluadas de la provincia de Salta.

Toxoplasmosis, caused by Toxoplasma gondii, is a zoonosis that causes reproductive losses in ruminants. This work characterised indirectly (by detecting antibodies) the disease presence in goats from Salta province through a survey in 39 production units (PU). Biological samples were taken for a disease screening in which toxoplasmosis was included. The provincial average of positives PU was 79.49% and the average herd serum prevalence was 19.09% with values ranging between 2.8 y 78.13%, being more frequent values smaller than 20%. Positive PU were detected in all the provinces with the following averages of PU with positives animals: Saltean Chaco (SC)= 84.62%, Arid Ravines (AR)= 72.72%, Temperate Valleys (TV) = 80.00%. The ranges of seroprevalence were: CS= 3.50-20.00%, QA= 2.80-42.00% and VT= 6.25-78.13%. Antibodies against T. gondii were found in all the ecoregions of Salta province included in our study.

Analysis of 21 X-chromosome polymorphisms in urban and rural populations in Salta province (north-western Argentina).

Population genetic data for 21 X-chromosome markers (Alu insertions and STRs) are reported for two populations (rural and urban) in Salta province (north-western Argentina). New variants are described, confirming the complexity and variability of some markers in this set. Results reveal Salta populations harbor a high Native American component, despite their self-recognized European ancestry. Notwithstanding the high genetic similarity of both populations, the rural sample seems to have maintained a larger Amerindian legacy. Data further show these X-linked markers, especially STRs, are highly informative in Salta populations and, therefore, can contribute to the development of a local database for forensic purposes in north-western Argentina.

Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) Argentina-Bolivia border: new report and genetic diversity

American visceral leishmaniasis (AVL) has two main scenarios of transmission as follows: scattered cases in rural areas and urban outbreaks. Urban AVL is in active dispersion from the northeastern border of Argentina-Paraguay-Brazil to the South. The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis was initially reported in urban environments in the northwestern border of the country. The presence of Lu. longipalpis, environmental variables associated with its distribution, and its genetic diversity were assessed in Salvador Mazza, Argentina, on the border with Bolivia. The genetic analysis showed high haplotype diversity, low nucleotide diversity, and low nucleotide polymorphism index. We discuss the hypothesis of an expanding urban population with introgressive hybridisation of older haplogroups found in their path in natural forest or rural environments, acquiring a new adaptability to urban environments, and the possibility of changes in vector capacity.

Utilidad de los registros sanitarios locales para vincular la tasa de incidencia de diarreas con la calidad del agua de consumo / Usefulness of local health reports to link the incidence rate of diarrhea with the quality of drinking water

En este trabajo se realizó un relevamiento de los informes del centro de salud ubicado en Vaqueros (Salta, Argentina) durante un período de 8 meses. Al mismo tiempo se determinó la concentración de Escherichia coli y de quistes de Giardia spp. en muestras procedentes de cuatro fuentes de agua diferentes. No se encontró una relación estadísticamente significativa entre la calidad del agua y los casos de diarrea. Sin embargo, mediante un cálculo de odds ratios, se pudo determinar que uno de los sistemas de potabilización estudiados actúa como factor de protección contra diarreas. El presente trabajo brinda información útil para la planificación de medidas preventivas por parte del sistema de salud local.

In this study, we analyzed the reports of the health care center located in Vaqueros (Salta, Argentina) over an 8-month period. Moreover, we determined the concentration of Escherichia coli and Giardia spp. cysts in samples from four different drinking water sources. A statistical relationship between water quality and cases of diarrhea could not be found. However, using an odds ratio calculation, it was possible to determine that one of the studied drinking water systems acts as a protection factor in cases of diarrhea. The present work provides useful information for planning preventive measures by the local health system.

[Usefulness of local health reports to link the incidence rate of diarrhea with the quality of drinking water]. / Utilidad de los registros sanitarios locales para vincular la tasa de incidencia de diarreas con la calidad del agua de consumo.

In this study, we analyzed the reports of the health care center located in Vaqueros (Salta, Argentina) over an 8-month period. Moreover, we determined the concentration of Escherichia coli and Giardia spp. cysts in samples from four different drinking water sources. A statistical relationship between water quality and cases of diarrhea could not be found. However, using an odds ratio calculation, it was possible to determine that one of the studied drinking water systems acts as a protection factor in cases of diarrhea. The present work provides useful information for planning preventive measures by the local health system.

Caracterización espacial y estacional del agua de consumo proveniente de diversas fuentes en una localidad periurbana de Salta / Spatial and seasonal characterization of the drinking water from various sources in a peri-urban town of Salta

El control del agua de consumo es importante, ya sea que esta provenga de sistemas de potabilización o que carezca de tratamiento previo. El acceso creciente a agua potabilizada ha sido monitorizado a lo largo de los últimos anos a fin de alcanzar los denominados «Objetivos de desarrollo del milenio¼, cuyo plazo se cumplió en 2015. De cara al futuro, los llamados «Objetivos de desarrollo sostenible¼, que se han propuesto para el año 2030, buscan garantizar el acceso a agua segura de toda la población mundial. En el marco de estas metas mundiales, es importante la monitorización de los sistemas locales. En este trabajo se estudió una población que cuenta con diferentes sistemas de provisión de agua de consumo, que incluyen o no el tratamiento de aquella. Se realizó la monitorización de todos los indicadores microbiológicos regidos por el Código Alimentario Argentino y de diversas variables fisicoquímicas, a fin de diferenciar los sitios de muestreo de acuerdo con la influencia de la estacionalidad, el tipo de fuente de provisión de agua y la correlación entre las variables microbiológicas y las fisicoquímicas. Se observó que el agua proveniente de fuentes con tratamiento presentó desviaciones en algunas de sus variables en época de lluvias, mientras que las fuentes sin tratamiento no cumplieron con los requerimientos bacteriológicos en forma permanente. Este estudio pone de manifiesto la importancia de reevaluar los sistemas de potabilización, que deberían garantizar su eficacia de manera constante, así como la inmediata necesidad de desarrollar nuevos sistemas de tratamiento para dar solución a la población que aún no cuenta con agua de consumo segura.

Drinking water monitoring plans are important to characterize both treated and untreated water used for drinking purposes. Access to drinking water increased in recent years as a response to the Millennium Development Goals set for 2015. The new Sustainable Development Goals aim to ensure universal access to safe drinking water by 2030. Within the framework of these global goals, it is crucial to monitor local drinking water systems. In this paper, treated and untreated water from different sources currently consumed in a specific town in Salta, northern Argentina, was thoroughly assessed. Monitoring extended along several seasons and included the physical, chemical and microbiological variables recommended by the Argentine Food Code. On the one hand, treated water mostly complies with these standards, with some non-compliances detected during the rainy season. Untreated water, on the other hand, never meets microbiological standards and is unfit for human consumption. Monitoring seems essential to detect anomalies and help guarantee a constant provision of safe drinking water. New treatment plants are urgently needed to expand the water grid to the entire population.

Prevalencia de infección por Trypanosoma cruzi en escolares de Salta y Chaco, Argentina / Seroprevalencia of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in school-age children from localities in Salta and Chaco, Argentina / Prevalência de infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi em crianças em idade escolar de Salta e Chaco, na Argentina

El objetivo del trabajo consistió en identificar la seroprevalencia de la infección por Trypanosoma cruzi en niños en edad escolar en localidades de las provincias de Salta y Chaco. Se trabajó en 44 escuelas de la ciudad de Salta, en parajes de San Carlos; en 10 escuelas de La Unión y en 7 escuelas de Taco Pozo. El trabajo tiene un diseño de corte transversal. La toma de muestra se realizó por punción capilar con equipos Serokit, y la confirmación de los casos seropositivos o dudosos por punción venosa, y obtención de suero, para realizar HAI y ELISA. Los casos seropositivos confirmados fueron tratados con Benznidazol® durante 60 días en dosis de 5-7mg/kg/ día. Para el análisis estadístico se elaboraron tablas con frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Se analizaron 17.884 escolares y se detectaron159 seropositivos, siendo la mayor seroprevalencia en la localidad de La Unión y la menor en la ciudad de Salta. Se aplicó tratamiento a 93 niños (71,54 %) de la ciudad y en el ámbito rural se trataron todos los casos. La vía de infección vectorial fue la de mayor predominio en las madres (64,47%). Se concluye que aunque la seroprevalencia fue menor en la ciudad de Salta que en las zonas rurales, es necesario continuar con la vigilancia.

The aim of this work was to identify seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in school-age children who live in localities from Salta and Chaco. This work was conducted in the following schools: 44 located in Salta city, 10 in La Unión, 7 in Taco Pozo, and several in rural spots around San Carlos town. The design was cross-sectional and the samples were taken by capillary punction with Serokit equipment. Seropositive cases were confirmed by HAI and ELISA performed on serum obtained by venous punction. Confirmed seropositive cases were treated with Benznidazol® for 60 days in doses of 5-7 mg/kg/day. Tables with absolute and relative frequencies were made for statistical analysis. It resulted that the number of school-aged children analyzed was 17,884, 159 being seropositive. The highest seroprevalence was detected in La Unión and the lowest in Salta city. Treatment was given to 93 children (71.54%) from Salta city, while every child was treated in rural areas. Infections in mothers was vector-borne mainly (64.47%). It can be concluded that even though seroprevalence was lower in the city of Salta than in rural areas, it is important to continue monitoring for Chagas disease.

O objetivo do trabalho consistiu em identificar a soroprevalência da infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi em crianças em idade escolar em localidades das províncias de Salta e de Chaco. O trabalho foi realizado em 44 escolas da cidade de Salta, em paragens de San Carlos; em 10 escolas de La Unión e em 7 escolas de Taco Pozo. O mesmo tem um desenho de corte transversal. Tomada de amostra: foi realizada por punção capilar com equipamentos Serokit e a confirmação dos casos soropositivos ou duvidoso por punção venosa e obtenção de soro, para realizar HAI e ELISA. Os casos soropositivos confirmados foram tratados com Benznidazole® durante 60 dias em doses de 5-7 mg/kg/dia. Para a análise estatística foram preparadas tabelas com frequências absolutas e relativas. Analisaram-se 17.884 crianças detectando 159 soropositivos, sendo a maior soroprevalência na cidade de La Unión e a menor na cidade de Salta. Aplicou-se o tratamento a 93 crianças, (71,54%) da cidade e na área rural se trataram todos os casos. A via de infecção vetorial foi a de maior predominância nas mães (64,47%). Conclui-se que embora a soroprevalência tenha sido menor na cidade de Salta do que nas áreas rurais, é necessário continuar com a vigilância.

[Spatial and seasonal characterization of the drinking water from various sources in a peri-urban town of Salta]. / Caracterización espacial y estacional del agua de consumo proveniente de diversas fuentes en una localidad periurbana de Salta.

Drinking water monitoring plans are important to characterize both treated and untreated water used for drinking purposes. Access to drinking water increased in recent years as a response to the Millennium Development Goals set for 2015. The new Sustainable Development Goals aim to ensure universal access to safe drinking water by 2030. Within the framework of these global goals, it is crucial to monitor local drinking water systems. In this paper, treated and untreated water from different sources currently consumed in a specific town in Salta, northern Argentina, was thoroughly assessed. Monitoring extended along several seasons and included the physical, chemical and microbiological variables recommended by the Argentine Food Code. On the one hand, treated water mostly complies with these standards, with some non-compliances detected during the rainy season. Untreated water, on the other hand, never meets microbiological standards and is unfit for human consumption. Monitoring seems essential to detect anomalies and help guarantee a constant provision of safe drinking water. New treatment plants are urgently needed to expand the water grid to the entire population.

Caracterización de la enfermedad de la artritis y encefalitis caprina en las provincias de Salta y Jujuy

La artritis y encefalitis Caprina (CAEV) puede presentar diferentes síntomas clínicos, siendo la artritis la más común. A fin de caracterizar la presencia de enfermedades en las majadas caprinas del noroeste argentino, se llevó a cabo una encuesta sanitaria a productores, con toma de muestras biológicas para el diagnóstico de enfermedades en la que fue incluida CAEV. Se efectuó un análisis serológico con un ELISA indirecto y se completó con un examen clínico general de los animales y toma de muestra de necropsia de algunos de los casos. En la Provincia de Salta, tres establecimientos fueron positivos, con un 6,25% de prevalencia. La seroprevalencia del hato con seguimiento de caso fue del 55% mientras que el 48% presentó signos clínicos donde la artritis de la articulación carpal fue la más frecuentemente afectada. El virus CAEV está distribuido en la provincia de Salta y la severidad de las lesiones observadas sugiere la presencia de nuevas cepas que deben ser investigadas conjuntamente al desarrollo de capacidades locales para el diagnóstico, clave de cualquier plan de erradicación.

Caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAEV) may present different clinical symptoms, with arthritis being the most common. In order to characterize the presence of diseases in goats from the Argentinean northwest, a sanitary survey was carried out to producers, with biological sampling for the diagnosis of diseases in which CAEV was included. A serological analysis was performed with an indirect ELISA and was completed with a general clinical examination of the animals and a necropsy sample collection of some of the cases. In the Province of Salta, three establishments were positive, with a prevalence of 6.25%. The serum prevalence of the herd with case follow-up was 55%, while 48% presented clinical signs where arthritis of the carpal joint was most frequently affected. The CAEV virus is spread in the province of Salta and the severity of the observed lesions suggests the presence of new strains that should be investigated in combination with the development of local capacities for diagnosis, this is the key to any eradication plan.

New species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) (Nematoda: Anisakidae) in Rineloricaria steinbachi (Actinopterygii: Loricariidae) from Northwest Argentina.

During a parasitological survey, we reported specimens of a new species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) in Rineloricaria steinbachi from La Caldera River, province of Salta, Northwest Argentina. The new species, R. (S.) saltaensis sp. nov., is characterized by possessing 16 pairs of preanal papillae, lips with lateral protrusions and membranous elevations, and mature eggs rough-shelled with striations. This is the sixth species of the genus described in the Neotropical Region, and the second from Argentina. Rineloricaria steinbachi is reported as host of this nematode genus for the first time. A key to the species of Raphidascaris (Sprentascaris) in the Neotropical realm is provided. Also, zoogeographical and host information of the species, belonging to the subgenus Sprentascaris, is summarized.

Participatory, Multi-Criteria Evaluation Methods as a Means to Increase the Legitimacy and Sustainability of Land Use Planning Processes. The Case of the Chaco Region in Salta, Argentina.

Conflicts over land use and ownership are common in South America and generate frequent confrontations among indigenous peoples, small-scale farmers, and large-scale agricultural producers. We argue in this paper that an accurate identification of these conflicts, together with a participatory evaluation of their importance, will increase the social legitimacy of land use planning processes, rendering decision-making more sustainable in the long term. We describe here a participatory, multi-criteria conflict assessment model developed to identify, locate, and categorize land tenure and use conflicts. The model was applied to the case of the "Chaco" region of the province of Salta, in northwestern Argentina. Basic geographic, cadastral, and social information needed to apply the model was made spatially explicit on a Geographic Information System. Results illustrate the contrasting perceptions of different stakeholders (government officials, social and environmental non-governmental organizations, large-scale agricultural producers, and scholars) on the intensity of land use conflicts in the study area. These results can help better understand and address land tenure conflicts in areas with different cultures and conflicting social and enviornmental interests.

Presencia de infección por Trypanosoma cruzi Y Toxoplasma gondii en perros domésticos de localidades rurales en el noroeste argentino / Infection by Trypanosoma cruzi and Toxoplasma gondii in domestic dogs from rural localities in Northwest Argentina

Las zoonosis causadas por los parásitos Trypanosoma cruzi y Toxoplasma gondii son prevalentes en la Argentina y los perros cumplen el papel de reservorio además de padecer las enfermedades. Se considera una buena alternativa conocer la seroprevalencia de estas zoonosis en los perros debido a que son un reflejo de lo que ocurre en la población humana y en el ambiente. Nos propusimos conocer la seroprevalencia de infección por T. gondii y T. cruzi en caninos en cuatro zonas rurales de la provincia de Salta. Para la detección de anticuerpos anti-T. gondii se utilizó Hemaglutinación Indirecta (HAI) y para la detección de anticuerpos anti-T. cruzi, además de HAI, se usó Enzimoinmunoanálisis (ELISA). Fueron muestreados 209 canes y los resultados serológicos indicaron la presencia de anticuerpos anti-T. gondii en la localidad de La Unión, departamento Rivadavia en 18,2% (4/22), en San Carlos con 20,5% (8/39), en Cafayate con 13,1 % (11/84) y en Embarcación departamento General San Martín con 23.4% (15/64). Los anticuerpos anti-T cruzi sólo estuvieron presentes en los perros de la localidad de San Carlos con 28,2% (11/39). La frecuente seroprevalencia a T. gondii, encontrada en los perros de todas las localidades muestreadas sugiere contaminación ambiental por este parásito en la zona. El hallazgo de perros infectados por T. cruzi, en la localidad de San Carlos, nos sugiere la posibilidad de transmisión activa del parásito en un pasado reciente y nos alerta sobre la posibilidad de reservorio

Investigación de parásitos intestinales en una comunidad aborigen de la provincia de Salta / Survey of intestinal parasites among an aboriginal community in Salta

Se investigó la presencia de protozoarios y helmintos intestinales en una comunidad aborigen ubicada a 6 km de Tartagal, provincia de Salta, Argentina. La edad de los individuos estudiados estaba comprendida entre 1 y 49 años. Ciento doce muestras de materia fecal se recogieron en solución acética formolada (SAF). Cada muestra se recolectó en tres días, en forma alternada. Todas las muestras se procesaron por el método de concentración bifásico de Ritchie y la técnica de flotación de Faust. Para la investigación de Enterobius vermicularis, se recolectaron 68 muestras seriadas de 6 días en formol al 5% por escobillado anal. Para la búsqueda de Dientamoeba fragilis se utilizó la coloración tricrómica modificada de Gomori-Wheatley. Ciento seis individuos (94.6%) fueron positivos para parásitos entéricos. Cuarenta y cuatro sujetos (41.5%) estaban poliparasitados, con más de cuatro especies. Los parásitos más frecuentes entre los protozoarios fueron Blastocystis hominis (58.9%), Entamoeba coli (51.8%), Giardia lamblia (27.7%) y Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%). Entre los helmintos, los hallados con mayor frecuencia fueron uncinarias (58.0%), Hymenolepis nana (31.2%) y Strongyloides stercoralis (24.1%). Por primera vez se informa Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%) y Dientamoeba fragilis (2.7%) en una comunidad aborigen de los alrededores de Tartagal. Este estudio revela el problema de salud pública que constituyen las parasitosis intestinales en la comunidad indígena estudiada, en la que coexisten la falta de saneamiento y de abastecimiento de agua potable.

The prevalence of intestinal parasitoses by protozoans and helminths was determined in an aboriginal community located 6 km from Tartagal, province of Salta, Argentina. The age of the inhabitants studied ranged from 1 to 49 years old. A total of 112 stool samples were collected in sodium acetate-acetic acid- formalin solution (SAF). Each sample was obtained in three different days, alternatively. Ritchie biphasic concentration method and Faust flotation technique were applied. For survey of Enterobius vermicularis, 68 samples were collected during six consecutive days using anal swabs. For the diagnosis of Dientamoeba fragilis, the modified trichrome Gomori-Wheatley staining technique was used. One hundred and six (94.6%) subjects resulted positive for enteric parasites. Forty-four (41.5%) individuals were positive for four or more parasites. The parasites more frequently found were, among the protozoans Blastocystis hominis (58.9%), Entamoeba coli (51.8%), Giardia lamblia (27.7%) and Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%). Among the helminths, the most frequent were hookworms (58.0%), Hymenolepis nana (31.2%) and Strongyloides stercoralis (24.1%). This is the first time that Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (24.1%) and Dientamoeba fragilis (2.7%) have been registered in the suburbs of Tartagal. This study reveals how intestinal parasitoses constitute a critical problem of public health in aboriginal communities like the one examined, where the lack of adequate sanitation conditions and unsuitable supply of water coexist.