Diagnóstico Laboratorial para COVID-19: aspectos operacionais e processamento dos testes

O próximo Debate Virtual do Conass, nesta sexta-feira (31), às 17 horas irá tratar dos testes da Covid-19 – quais os tipos, quando e quais devem ser usados, como ser aplicados, como fazer a leitura do resultado, entre outros aspectos relevantes deste instrumento fundamental para o enfrentamento e controle da pandemia do novo coronavírus.

La técnica de polarización fluorescente para el diagnóstico de Brucella en Chaetophractus villosus / Technique of fluorescence polarization for the diagnosis of Brucella in Chaetophractus villosus / A técnica de polarização fluorescente para o diagnóstico de Brucella em Chaetophractus villosus

La brucelosis es una enfermedad muy extendida por todo el mundo. El diagnóstico se realiza mediante el uso de diferentes técnicas, entre ellas el aislamiento del agente etiológico o por serología detectando anticuerpos específicos. Todos estos métodos están estandarizados y validados en general para las distintas especies animales de interés zootécnico. En animales silvestres pueden utilizarse los mismos procedimientos serológicos, pero cada uno debe ser validado para la especie animal estudiada. El objetivo de este trabajo fue comprobar si la técnica de Polarización Fluorescente (FPA) utilizada para la determinación de anticuerpos contra Brucella en bovinos puede ser usada para el diagnóstico de Brucella en el armadillo (Chaetophractus villosus). Para ello se tomaron 150 muestras de sangre de Chaetophractus villosus. Veinticuatro muestras fueron positivas por medio de las técnicas de antígeno bufferado en placa, seroaglutinación lenta en tubo, 2-mercaptoetanol y fijación del complemento. Las mismas muestras resultaron positivas a la técnica de Polarización Fluorescente, estableciéndose un límite de corte de 82 mP. El índice Kappa registrado fue de 1 para todos los tests de diagnóstico comparados con FPA (IC: 0,84-1).

Brucellosis is a disease widespread throughout the world. The diagnosis is made through the use of different techniques including the isolation of the etiological agent or by serology detecting specific antibodies. All these methods are standardized and validated in general for animal species of zoo-technical interest. In wild animals, serological procedures may be used, but each should be validated for the particular animal species studied. The objective of this work was to verify if the technique of Fluorescent Polarization used for the determination of antibodies against Brucella in ruminants can be used for the diagnosis of Brucella in Chaetophractus villosus. To this aim, s 150 blood samples of Chaetophractus villosus were taken. Twenty-four samples were positive by the techniques of Antigen Buffered in Plate, serum agglutination test (SAT), 2-mercaptoethanol (2-ME) agglutination test and complement fixation test (CFT). The same samples were also positive by Fluorescent Polarization, and a cut-off limit of 82 mP was established. The KAPPA index was 1 for all diagnostic tests compared to FPA (CI: 0.84-1).

A brucelose é uma doença muito espalhada pelo mundo. O diagnóstico é feito por meio de diferentes técnicas, incluindo o isolamento do agente etiológico ou por sorologia detectando anticorpos específicos. Todos esses métodos são padronizados e validados em geral para diferentes espécies animais de interesse zootécnico. Em animais silvestres podem ser utilizados os mesmos métodos serológicos, mas cada um tem de ser validado para a espécie de animal estudada. O objectivo deste estudo foi testar se a técnica de Polarização Fluorescente utilizada para a determinação de anticorpos contra Brucella em bovinos pode ser utilizada para o diagnóstico de Brucella em tatu (Chaetophractus villosus). Para isso, 150 amostras de sangue de Chaetophractus villosus foram coletadas. Vinte e quatro amostras foram positivas por técnicas de antígeno bufferado em placa, soroaglutinação lenta em tubo, 2-mercaptoetanol e fixação do complemento. As mesmas amostras foram positivas para a técnica de Polarização Fluorescente, estabelecendo um limite de corte de 82 mP. O índice Kappa registrado foi de 1 para todos os testes de diagnóstico em comparação com FPA (CI: 0,84-1).

Artemisia annua contra la leishmaniosis canina: cuatro casos clínicos / Artemisia annua contra a leishmaniose canina: quatro casos clínicos / Artemisia annua against canine leishmaniasis: four clinical cases

La leishmaniosis canina es una enfermedad ampliamente extendida. En España afecta principalmente a la cuenca mediterránea, pero debido a su constante expansión, las zonas endémicas son cada vez mayores. La necesidad de controlarla hace que constantemente surjan nuevos tratamientos y protocolos terapéuticos. En ese sentido, la existencia de remedios naturales con probada efectividad terapéutica y carente de efectos secundarios abre una puerta valiosa en el control y tratamiento de la enfermedad. Artemisia annua contiene artemisinina, una lactona sesquiterpénica que actúa induciendo estrés oxidativo en el parásito, inhibiendo su crecimiento e induciendo su apoptosis. Se presentan cuatro casos clínicos de leishmaniosis canina tratados con preparados de A. annua en los que se han obtenido mejorías significativas (AU)

A leishmaniose e uma doenga com ampla distribuiçáo geográfica: em Espanha, afecta principalmente a bacia do Mediterráneo mas, devido a sua constante expansáo, as suas áreas endémicas sao cada vez maiores. A necessidadede controlar esta doença leva a que surjam constantemente novos tratamentos e protocolos terapéuticos. Nesse sentido, a existencia de fármacos naturais, com eficacia comprovada e desprovidos de efeitos secundários, abre uma porta inestimável para o controle e tratamento da doença. A planta medicinal Artemisia annua contém uma lactona sesquiterpénica, a artemisinina, que actua através de indugáo de stress oxidativo no parasita, inibindo o seu crescimento e induzindo a respectiva apoptose. Neste artigo sao apresentados quatro casos de leishmaniose canina tratados com preparaçóes de A. annua em que foram obtidas melhorias significativas (AU)

Canine leishmaniasis is a widespread disease: in Spain, it mainly affects the Mediterranean basin; but due to its constant expansion, the endemic areas are increasing. Due to the need of control, new treatments and therapeutic protocols constantly appear. In this context, the existence of natural remedies with preven therapeutic effectiveness and lacking side effects opens a valuable gateway in the control and treatment of the disease. Artemisia annua contains artemisinin, a sesquiterpene lactone which induces oxidative stress, inhibits the growth and induces the apoptosis in the parasite. Four clinical cases of canine leishmaniasis treated with A. annua preparations are presented. Significant improvements have been obtained (AU)

Serosurvey of Leptospira interrogans, Brucella abortus and Chlamydophila abortus infection in free-ranging giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from Brazil / Inquérito sorológico de Leptospira interrogans, Brucella abortus e Chlamydophila abortus em tamanduás-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) de vida livre no Brasil

A serological survey for antibodies against Leptospira interrogans, Brucella abortus, and Chlamydophila abortus was conducted in 21 clinically healthy, free-ranging giant ant- eaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) from Parque Nacional das Emas (Goiás State, Brazil; n=6), Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra (Minas Gerais State, Brazil; n=9), and RPPN SESC Pantanal (Mato Grosso State, Brazil; n=6) between July 2001 and September 2006. Sera were screened for antibodies against 22 serovars of Leptospira interrogans with a microscopic agglutination test. Twelve tested positive for L. interrogansserovars sentot (n=5 in PN Emas, n=2 in PN Serra da Canastra), butembo (n=2 in PN Serra da Canastra), autumnalis, bataviae, and shermani/icterohaemorrhagiae(n=1 each in SESC Pantanal)One adult female tested positive for B. abortus with the buffered plate antigen test. All sera were negative for C. abortususing the complement fixation text. This is the first report of pathogens that may interfere with the reproduction and population dynamics of free-ranging giant anteaters.

Inquéritos sorológicos para detecção de anticorpos contra Leptospira interrogans, Brucella abortus, e Chlamydophila abortus foram realizados em 21 tamanduás-bandeira (Myrmecophaga tridactyla) de vida livre do Parque Nacional das Emas (Goiás, Brasil, n=6), o Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra (Minas Gerais, Brasil, n=9) e RPPN SESC Pantanal (Mato Grosso, Brasil, n=6) entre julho de 2001 e setembro de 2006. Os sor os foram testados para anticorpos contra 22 sorotipos de Leptospira interrogans com um teste de aglutinação microscópica. Doze animais foram considerados positivos para L. interrogans sorovares sentot (n=5 em PN Emas, n=2 em PN Serra da Canastra), butembo (n=2 em PN Serra da Canastra), autumnalis, bataviae e shermani/icterohaemorrhagiae(n=1 para cada sorovar em SESC Pantanal). Uma fêmea adulta testou positivo para B. abortuscom o teste do antígeno tamponado. Todos os soros se mostraram negativos para C. abortusatravés do teste de fixação do complemento. Este é o primeiro relato de patógenos que podem interferir na dinâmica reprodutiva de populações de tamanduás em estado selvagem.

Utilidad de la serie blanca en el diagnóstico diferencial de la mononucleosis infecciosa / Utility of the white series in the differential diagnosis of infectious mononucleosis

Introducción: la mononucleosis infecciosa (MI) es una enfermedad frecuente en la infancia. Nos planteamos comparar la serie blanca de niños con sospecha de MI, en función de la serología positiva/negativa para virus Epstein-Barr (VEB), citomegalovirus (CMV) y Paul-Bunnell. Material y métodos: estudio descriptivo transversal. Se revisaron niños atendidos en Urgencias en 2010-2011, con diagnóstico de síndrome mononucleósico y serología positiva para VEB o CMV e igual número de niños con serologías negativas como grupo de control. Se compararon variables epidemiológicas, clínicas y serológicas. Resultados: se obtuvieron 50 niños con serologías positivas y 50 niños con serologías negativas (edad media de 5,81 años). Tuvieron serología positiva para VEB 44 niños, 2 para CMV y 4 para ambos. De los 48 niños con serología positiva para VEB, 26 eran Paul-Bunnell negativos y 22 positivos, siendo estos 22 niños el total de Paul-Bunnell positivos. La media de linfocitos, monocitos y basófilos fue mayor en niños con serología positiva para VEB y los neutrófilos fueron más bajos. En los dos casos con CMV positivo encontramos cifras de neutrófilos totales mayores. Ninguna edad se asoció con mayor probabilidad de VEB y Paul-Bunnell positivos. Conclusiones: existe predominio de linfocitos, monocitos y basófilos en niños con MI por VEB. El descenso de neutrófilos es la única variación analítica en los niños con MI por CMV. Estos valores analíticos pueden orientarnos en el diagnóstico de MI. Todos los niños con Paul-Bunnell positivo tenían positividad para el VEB sin relación con la edad (AU)

Introduction: the infectious mononucleosis (IM) is a common disease in childhood. We propose to compare the white series of children with suspected IM, based on serology positive/negative for Epstein -Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Paul- Bunnell. Material and methods: descriptive study. Children were reviewed, taken to hospital in 2010-2011, diagnosed with mononucleosis syndrome and positive serology for EBV or CMV, and equal number of children who were seronegative control group. Epidemiology, clinical and serological variables were compared. Results: there were 50 children with positive serology and 50 negative children (mean age 5.81 years ). EBV serology were 44 children, 2 and 4 both CMV. Of the 48 children with positive serology for EBV, 26 were negative Paul- Bunnell and 22 positive, and these 22 children total positive Paul-Bunnell. The average number of lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils was higher in children with positive serology for EBV and neutrophils were lower. Children were CMV negative but elevated neutrophils. No age was associated with increased likelihood of EBV and Paul- Bunnell positive. Conclusions: there is a predominance of lymphocytes, monocytes and basophils in children with EBV IM. The increase in neutrophils is the only analytical variation in children with CMV IM. These analytical values can guide the diagnosis of IM. All children with positive Paul- Bunnell positive for EBV had no relation with age (AU)

Medical devices; immunology and microbiology devices; classification of dengue virus serological reagents. Final order.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is classifying dengue virus serological reagents into class II (special controls). The special controls that will apply to the device are identified in this order, and the codified language for the dengue serological reagents classification will include the identification of the special controls that will apply to this device. The Agency is classifying the device into class II (special controls) because special controls, in addition to general controls, will provide a reasonable assurance of safety and effectiveness of the device.

Coinfección por VIH/VHB: estrategias terapéuticas y control serológico / HIV/HBV coinfection: Serological control and therapeutic strategies

Objetivos. La evolución y pronóstico de los pacientes coinfectados por el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH) y el de la hepatitis B (VHB) no es bien conocida. Este estudio describe el tratamiento y el control serológico, virológico, bioquímico y elastográfico de los pacientes coinfectados por VIH/VHB. Pacientes y métodos. Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, de la totalidad de pacientes coinfectados por VIH/VHB seguidos en una consulta monográfica de VIH entre el 1 de enero de 2007 y el 30 de noviembre de 2008. A los pacientes se les realizaron determinaciones virológicas y serológicas para el VHB y el VIH, así como linfocitos CD4 y transaminasas, antes de comenzar el tratamiento antirretroviral y en el momento del análisis. Resultados. Se identificaron 54 (5,4%) pacientes coinfectados por VIH/VHB. Las medianas de CD4 nadir y actual fueron de 179 y 437 células/μl, respectivamente. El 70% tenían RNA-VIH indetectable. Cincuenta y dos pacientes (96,3%) seguían terapia con fármacos activos frente al VHB. Un 68,8% presentaron negativización del antígeno «e» del VHB, con un 81,6% de respuesta virológica. El antígeno de superficie del VHB se negativizó en el 10,4%. La alanina aminotransferasa era normal en el75,5%. Se realizó FibroScan® a 30 (55,6%) pacientes, obteniéndose una mediana de 7.0 KPa. Conclusiones. Los resultados obtenidos sugieren un buen control serológico, virológico, bioquímico y elastográfico de los pacientes coinfectados por VIH/VHB con los tratamientos recomendados por las guías clínicas(AU)

Objectives. The evolution and prognosis of patients co-infected by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis B (HBV) is not well know. This study describes the treatment and serological, virological and biochemical and elastographic responses of HIV and HBV-coinfected patients. Patients and methods. A descriptive, retrospective study of all the HIV/HBV-coinfected patients seen in a specialized HIV department between 1 January 2007 and 30 November 2008 was performed. Virological and serological determinations of HIV and HBV infections as well as CD4 lymphocytes and transaminases prior to antiretroviral treatment and at the time of analysis were obtained. Results. A total of 54 (5.4%) cases of HIV/HBV coinfection were identified. The median nadir and current CD4 were 179 and 437 cells/L, respectively. There was undetectable RNA-HIV in 70%. There were 52 patients (96.3%) who followed active drugs treatment against HBV. After treatment, 68.8% had HBeAg negative result, with 81.6% virologic response. The HBsAg became negative in 10.4%. ALT was normal in 75.5%. FibroScan® was performed in 30 (55.6%) patients, yielding a median of 7.0kPa. Conclusions. The results obtained suggest a good serological, virological and biochemical control of HIV/HBV-coinfected patients with treatments recommended by clinical guidelines(AU)

Análisis comparativo de las serologías realizadas a los inmigrantes en la región sanitaria de Lleida / Comparative analysis of serological tests performed in immigrants in the lleida health area

Objetivo: Evaluar el proceso de cribado y detección de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) y de la hepatitis C (VHC) y sífilis en los inmigrantes de nuestra región sanitaria, determinando las proporciones de resultados positivos entre colectivos durante un año. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico donde se analizaron todas las serologías realizadas a inmigrantes y autóctonos atendidos durante todo el año 2007. Emplazamiento: Provincia de Lleida (España). Participantes: Se incluyeron 255.410 usuarios. Mediciones principales: Edad, sexo, país de origen y tiempo de permanencia en nuestro país y los resultados para VIH, hepatitis B, hepatitis C y sífilis. Se evaluó si había asociación entre las tasas de marcadores positivos y la zona geográfica de procedencia. Se calcularon las tasas ajustadas por grupos de edad estandarizadas según el método directo. Resultados: El colectivo de origen inmigrante presenta 4,6 veces más probabilidades de tener VHB que el colectivo autóctono (razón de porcentajes [RP]=4,6), siendo el colectivo sudafricano y de Europa del Este el que presenta una mayor probabilidad de VHB (RP=11,7 y 4,5). En la sífilis el porcentaje de positivos es 3 veces mayor en el colectivo inmigrante con las diferencias mayores detectadas en el colectivo latinoamericano (RP=5,5). En el VIH la RP en inmigrantes fue de 2,3 (específicamente en subsaharianos una RP=7,4). En la hepatitis C los inmigrantes obtienen un menor riesgo de ser positivos que los autóctonos (RP=0,4). Conclusiones: Se constatan diferencias importantes en la probabilidad de detectar un resultado positivo de hepatitis B, sífilis o VIH en el cribado cuando el usuario es de origen inmigrante(AU)

Objective: Evaluate the process of screening and detection of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in the province of Lleida by determining the proportions of positive results in the different groups during one year. Design: Descriptive, multicentre study of all the serological tests performed in immigrants and natives attended in 2007.SettingProvince of Lleida (Spain). Participants: 255,410 users. Main measurements: Age, sex, country of origin and period of residence in Spain, and the results for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. We calculated the proportions in which a serological test had been requested, and examined the association between the rates of positive tests and the geographical area of origin, and calculated age-adjusted rates taking the age distribution of the native population as the reference. Results: Risk of HBV was 4.6 times higher in immigrants than in natives (11.7 times in sub-Saharan Africans). The rate of positive syphilis tests was three times higher in the immigrant group. For HIV the PR was 2.3 (sub-Saharan Africans 7.4). For hepatitis C the risk was lower in immigrants than in natives (PR=0.4). Conclusions: Immigrants have a higher probability of testing positive in screening in hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV. The rates differ significantly according to the origin of the immigrant(AU)

Aseptic laboratory techniques: volume transfers with serological pipettes and micropipettors.

Microorganisms are everywhere - in the air, soil, and human body as well as on inanimate surfaces like laboratory benches and computer keyboards. The ubiquity of microbes creates a copious supply of potential contaminants in a laboratory. To ensure experimental success, the number of contaminants on equipment and work surfaces must be minimized. Common among many experiments in microbiology are techniques involving the measurement and transfer of cultures containing bacterial cells or viral particles. To do so without contacting non-sterile surfaces or contaminating sterile media requires (1) preparing a sterile workspace, (2) precisely setting and accurately reading instruments for aseptic transfer of liquids, and (3) properly manipulating instruments, cultures flasks, bottles and tubes within a sterile field. Learning these procedures calls for training and practice. At first, actions should be slow, deliberate, and controlled with the goal being for aseptic technique to become second nature when working at the bench. Here we present the steps for measuring volumes using serological pipettes and micropipettors within a sterile field created by a Bunsen burner. Volumes range from microliters (µl) to milliliters (ml) depending on the instrument used. Liquids commonly transferred include sterile broth or chemical solutions as well as bacterial cultures and phage stocks. By following these procedures, students should be able to: ·Work within the sterile field created by the Bunsen burner flame. ·Use serological pipettes without compromising instrument sterility. ·Aspirate liquids with serological pipettes, precisely reading calibrated volumes by aligning the meniscus formed by the liquid to the graduation marks on the pipette. ·Keep culture bottles, flasks, tubes and their respective caps sterile during liquid transfers. ·Identify different applications for plastic versus glass serological pipettes. ·State accuracy limitations for micropipettors. ·Precisely and accurately set volumes on micropipettors. ·Know how to properly use the first and second stop on a micropipettor to aspirate and transfer correct volumes.

Experiencia en el diagnóstico de hepatitis E en una unidad de enfermedades infecciosas tropicales / Experience in the diagnosis of hepatitis e in a tropical infectious diseases unit

El virus de la hepatitis E (VHE) es endémico en algunos países en vías de desarrollo. Produce cuadros de hepatitis aguda con casos esporádicos o epidemias. La principal vía de transmisión es fecal-oral sobre todo por aguas contaminadas. En países desarrollados cada vez se describen más casos debido fundamentalmente a los movimientos poblacionales (viajeros, inmigrantes, adopciones internacionales) aunque también han aumentado los casos autóctonos. Actualmente disponemos de técnicas serológicas y moleculares para el diagnóstico de la infección. Describimos la experiencia diagnóstica de la infección por VHE en una Unidad de Patología Infecciosa y Tropical Pediátrica de Madrid(AU)

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in some developing countries. It produces acute hepatitis in sporadic cases or epidemics. The main transmission route is faecal-oral by contaminated waters. In developed countries the cases described are more and more frequent, mainly due to population movement (travellers, immigrants, international adoptions), although there have also been increases in the local population. We currently have serological and molecular techniques for the diagnosis of this infection. We describe the experience in the diagnosis of the infection by HEV in a Paediatric Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit in Madrid(AU)

Comparação entre a imunidade induzida em bovinos vacinados com bacterinas polivalentes comerciais e uma monovalente experimental / Comparison between immunity induced in cattle vaccinated with commercial polyvalent bacterins and one experimental monovalent

O presente estudo avaliou a indução da produção de anticorpos contra Leptospira spp.por dez bacterinas, sendo nove polivalentes e uma monovalente experimental para a sorovariedade Hardjo amostra Norma. A concentração celular foi controlada e utilizou-se adjuvante de emulsão óleo em água. Um ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA) indireto foi desenvolvido utilizando-se conjugado anti-IgG total para mensurar os níveis de anticorpos da classe IgG conferido pelas bacterinas utilizando três amostras diferentes: Hardjoprajitino, Norma e Hardjo-bovis. Paralelamente foi utilizado também o Teste de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) para mensurar os níveis de anticorpos contra as mesmas amostras. Encontraram-se títulos variáveis entre as bacterinas de acordo com o teste ELISA. Os títulos no SAM foram de pouca intensidade e de curta duração indicando a necessidade de controle celular para uma posterior padronização destes produtos. Com base nos resultados encontrados no presente estudo, a bacterina monovalente foi a que apresentou melhor desempenho.

The study evaluated the induction of antibody production against ten bacterins, nine polyvalent and one experimental monovalent to serovar Hardjo strain Norma. An indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed using anti-IgG conjugate to measure total levels of IgG class antibodies conferred by bacterins using three different strains: Hardjoprajiitino, Norma and Hardjo-bovis. Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was also used to measure immunoglobulin levels of the same strains. Variable ELISA titers were induced by the tested bacterins. The MAT titers found showed lower intensity and shorter duration, indicating the need to cellular control in further standardization of these vaccines. Based on results of this study, the monovalent bacterin showed best performance.

Amperometric immunosensor for detecting Schistosoma mansoni antibody.

An immunosensor for detecting the antibody anti-apyrase of Schistosoma mansoni based on rigid composite materials, containing graphite powder and epoxy resins, developed in this work, is described. A surface modification strategy for the use of oxidized graphite in the detection of antibody-antigen interaction was developed. This modification strategy is based on silanization of conductive composite. First, the graphite powder-epoxy resin was treated with concentrated hydrogen peroxide to improve surface hydroxyl groups and to form a hydrophilic layer. Second, 3- aminopropyltriethoxysilane was subsequently used to functionalize the treated surface to form amino groups, which were further activated with glutaraldehyde to introduce a layer of aldehyde groups. Contact angle microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used as a qualitative analysis of the deposition of silane on the surface of the sensor. The effectiveness of the modification strategy was validated by amperometric immunoassays of S. mansoni. Amperometric signals related to concentrations of this immobilized protein were observed, and the effects of pH and incubation times were analyzed. This surface modification strategy provides a platform on which proteins can be directly immobilized for immunosensor and protein array applications.

Estudio epidemiológico de la enfermedad de chagas en la provincia Linares de Potosí / Epidemiolgic Study of chagas disease in Linares province of Potosi

La enfermedad de chagas en Bolivia se localiza en los valles y llanos. En el departamento de Potosí la escasa referencia de esta enfermedad nos motivó a realizar un estudio epidemiológico en las cabceras del valle (3.150 a 3.450 m.s.n.m.) la provincia Linares, en las localidades de Otavi, Mojona y Tomola, con el objeto de conocer la cadena epidemiológica y el,estudio del hombre enfermo; a traves de encuestas personales, exámen clínico, electrocardiográfico y serologia para chagas. Se observó que el 60 p/ciento de las viviendas están infectadas por triatóma; el porcentaje de infección de los triatómas por trypanosoma Cruzi es de 65.33 p/ciento. La construcción precaria de las viviendas, el hascinamiento, la convivencia con los animales domésticos determina un alto riesgo de transmisión de la enfermedad. De los 405 indíviduos estudiados el 62,72 por ciento presenta infección Chagásica en su fase crónica e indeterminada. Se concluye que la alta infeccióbn Chagásica en la provincia Linares es uno de los problemas prioritarios de salud

Control serológico prenatal del síndrome STORCH en un grupo de gestantes en la ciudad de Bogotá

Se tomaron 112 gestantes, con edades gestacionales de 10-30 semanas. Se determinó edad, antecedentes gestacionales, paridad, abortos, contacto con gatos, consumo de carnes semicrudas, labores de jardinería, antecedentes de rubéola enfermedad y vacunación, antecedentes de herpes oral y genital. Se practicó IFI-IgG para toxoplasma, ELISA IgG para Rubeóla, herpes I y II y citomegalovirus, VDRL, FTA, ABS y TPHA para lúes. Se encontró que 60.7 por ciento fueron negativas para Acs antitoxoplasma y 14.3 por ciento para rubéola, 5.4 por ciento fueron negativas para CMV, 99.1 por ciento positivas para herpes I y 46.4 por ciento para herpes II, 0.9 fueron positivas para lúes. La anamnesis para rubéola no es confiable y sólo 0.9 por ciento han sido vacunadas para rubéola. Se considera haber contribuido a actualizar el conocimiento epidemiológico de este síndrome en nuestro medio.

[Orinade--an aid for orientation when working with serology plates]. / Orinade--pomucka pro orientaci pri práci se sérologickými destickami.

Simple and cheap aid for help during pipeting of the reagent on standard microtiter 96 well plates is described. By means of the 8 x 12 LED diode matrix under the plate is by running the program from the memory accomplished the guide during the plate. The number of current sample is indicated by means of numerical display. The use of described aid limited the number of false pipeting in routine work.

A microtiter plate technique for the detection of platelet antibodies and platelet antigen typing.

A microtiter plate assay is described for platelet serologic studies. The assay is based on an indirect radiolabeled antiglobulin test. The test was performed in microtiter wells of 400 microliter capacity manufactured to form strips that fit into a standard 96-well carrier. The strips were broken apart and placed into tubes for counting in a gamma counter. The technique does not require fixation of the platelets to the wells. Freshly collected platelets or platelets that have been stored frozen in 5 percent dimethylsulfoxide can be used. Results are presented using the technique for platelet alloantibody identification, platelet antigen typing, and platelet crossmatching.

Serologic procedures performed in hydrophilized polystyrene cuvettes and borate glass tubes: a comparative study.

Serologic procedures were performed in parallel using hydrophilized polystyrene cuvettes and conventional glass test tubes. Consistent and comparable results were obtained with both containers. No significant differences in antibody titer, specificity, neutralization, or elution were observed. The effect of a proteolytic enzyme on red blood cell antigen was not altered by the hydrophilized plastic tubes. There was no difference in the stability of immune sera stored in glass or plastic at 4 degrees C and--30 degrees C. However, hemolysis of stored red blood cells was significantly slower in the hydrophilized plastic cuvettes.