Relationship of fat distribution with adipokines in patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus infection.

BACKGROUND: The aim was to examine the relationship of fat distributions with adipokines concentrations in HIV-infected patients. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional analysis of 36 HIV (free of lipodystrophy) infected patients. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used. RESULTS: In the multivariate analysis, basal adiponectin concentration was a dependent variable, whereas waist to hip ratio and abdominal fat mass were independent predictors in the model (F = 5.1; P < 0.05). Adiponectin concentration decreases by 5.541.2 µg/ml (CI 95%: 8,071.9-3,029.1) for each unit of waist to hip ratio and 561.9 ng/ml (CI 95%: 918.2-213.4) for each kilogram of fat mass of abdominal area. In the multivariate analysis, basal leptin concentration was a dependent variable, whereas waist circumference remained an independent predictor in the model (F = 6.3; P < 0.05), with a direct correlation. Leptin concentration increases by 0.067 ng/ml (CI 95%: 0.001-0.12) for each centimeter of waist circumference. CONCLUSIONS: Leptin and adiponectin are related with adiposity in HIV-infected patients.

[Zoonotic infectious diseases]. / Enfermedades infecciosas zoonóticas.

To effect a structured review about what emerging zoonoses represent, we present the following aspects in a deliberately biased way: firstly, by way of introduction, we discuss certain concepts and characteristics common to the profile of an emergent agent; secondly, we comment on the factors that facilitate the emergence of zoonotic infections at present; and finally, we describe the surveillance, medical practice and laboratory work in this area.

Detection and Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus and Methicillin-Resistant S. aureus in Foods Confiscated in EU Borders.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the potential role of the illegal entry of food in UE in the Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) spread. We studied the prevalence and characteristics of Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA isolated from foods of animal origin confiscated from passengers on flights from 45 non-EU countries from 2012 to 2015 by the Border Authorities at Bilbao International Airport (Spain) and Vienna International Airport (Austria), as well as foods from open markets close to EU land borders. Of 868 food samples tested (diverse meat samples including antelope, duck, guinea pig, pork, rodents, turkey, dairy products, and eggs), 136 (15.7%) were positive for S. aureus and 26 (3.0%) for MRSA. All MRSA strains were mecA-positive. The prevalence of S. aureus-positive dairy samples among food confiscated at Bilbao International Airport was 64.6%, and this airport also had the highest value (11.8%) for MRSA-positive samples. The predominant sequence type was ST5 (30.8%), followed by ST8, ST1649, ST1, and other lineages were found to a lesser extent (ST7, ST22, ST72, ST97, and ST398). Six isolates tested positive for luk-PVL genes (SCCmec IV subtypes IVc and IVe). Enterotoxin profiling revealed that 19 MRSA strains were enterotoxigenic, harboring one or more se genes. The MRSA isolates positive for luk-PVL genes were not enterotoxigenic, and none of the isolates tested positive for enterotoxin E. We found 14 resistance profiles, and more than 69% of the MRSA isolates were resistant to three or more types of antimicrobial agents. This finding reveals both the wide diversity of the antimicrobial resistance found in the strains and the capacity to resist not only to beta-lactam drugs. One MRSA strain showed unusual characteristics: it was oxacillin-susceptible, harbored SCCmec V, and was positive for sed, seg, and sej but negative for PVL virulence factors. This study shows the presence of enterotoxigenic HA-, CA-, and LA-MRSA in foods illegally entering the EU, and highlights illegal importation of food as route of enterotoxigenic MRSA spread. Uncontrolled entry of food stuffs into the EU can be a relevant neglected route of MRSA dissemination.

Impacto del virus gripal tipo B y divergencia con la cepa B incluida en la vacuna antigripal en España / Burden of influenza virus type B and mismatch with the flu vaccine in Spain

Introducción. Dos linajes de virus tipo B llevan co-circulando desde los años 80. Las divergencias antigénicas entre ellos son importantes y conduce a la falta de reactividad cruzada. Dado el impacto en la carga de enfermedad debida al virus gripal B, la mala previsión a la hora de estimar cuál de los dos linajes de virus B circulará en la temporada, y la consecuente falta de inmunidad en caso de incluir la cepa equivocada, hace que la disponibilidad de las vacunas cuadrivalentes se presenten como muy útiles. El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar las últimas temporadas gripales en España para valorar la carga de enfermedad, divergencia entre la cepa vacunal B y la circulante en el desarrollo de cada epidemia estacional. Material y métodos. Revisión de todos los informes emitidos por el Sistema de Vigilancia de Gripe en España desde la temporada 2003-2004 hasta la 2012-2013. Resultados. A lo largo de las últimas temporadas gripales, aunque el tipo A ha estado mayoritariamente presente, la circulación del virus gripal B en cada temporada ha sido identificada, siendo incluso co-dominante en alguna de ellas. En un alto número de temporadas la divergencia entre la cepa vacunal y el linaje de la cepa circulante ha quedado constatada. Conclusiones. El efecto protector de la vacuna antigripal ha variado en función del tipo/subtipo de virus gripal estudiado. La efectividad de la vacuna antigripal frente a la infección por virus de la gripe B ha variado enormemente en función de la temporada analizada (AU)

Introduction. Since the 80s two lineages of type B viruses are co - circulating in the world. Antigenic differences between them are important and it leads to lack of cross-reactivity. The impact on the burden of disease due to influenza B virus, poor foresight in estimating which of the two lineages of B viruses circulate in the season, and the consequent lack of immunity in case of including the wrong strain make that the availability of the quadrivalent vaccine is very useful. The aim of this paper is to analyze the past influenza seasons in Spain to assess the burden of disease, divergence between the vaccine strain and the circulating B and viral characteristics associated with type B in each seasonal epidemic. Material and methods. Review of all reports issued by the Influenza Surveillance System in Spain since the 2003-2004 season to 2012-2013. Results. Over the past influenza seasons, although type A was present mostly, circulation of influenza B virus in each season was observed, even being co - dominant in some of them. In a high number of seasons the divergence between the vaccine strain and the circulating strain lineage has been observed Conclusions. The protective effect of influenza vaccine has varied depending on the type / subtype of influenza virus studied. The vaccine effectiveness against influenza infection by influenza B virus has varied greatly depending on the season analyzed (AU)

Impacto en el consumo de antibióticos del test de diagnóstico rápido de Streptococcus pyogenes en Atención Primaria / Impact of the rapid diagnostic test of Streptococcus pyogenes on the consumption of antibiotics in Primary Care

OBJETIVOS: analizar el empleo de los test de detección rápida de antígeno estreptocócico en Pediatría de Atención Primaria (AP), su impacto en la prescripción de antibióticos y la reducción de costes del tratamiento antibiótico. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: estudio descriptivo transversal, en menores de 15 años atendidos en AP, en 24 centros de salud, desde abril de 2017 hasta febrero de 2018. Se elaboró un protocolo de utilización del test de detección rápida de antígeno estreptocócico (TDRS). Se incluyeron pacientes con escala Centor mayor o igual a 2 puntos. Se extrajeron del sistema de facturación de recetas datos del número de dosis diaria definida (DDD) e importe de antibióticos en dicha temporada, comparándose con el gasto en los 12 meses previos. RESULTADOS: se realizaron 819 TDRS. Resultaron positivos 250 (30,5%), negativos 557 (68%) y 12 no valorables (1,5%). Se prescribió antibiótico al 33% de los pacientes (todos los positivos, 18 negativos, 3 no valorables). En 539 pacientes (97%) con resultado negativo no se instauró antibiótico. El número de DDD total disminuyó en 21 960 (12%), de las cuales 19 023 (86,6%) corresponden a los antibióticos más utilizados (penicilinas, amoxicilina, amoxicilina-clavulánico y azitromicina). La reducción económica fue de 11 320 € (12,5%) y el gasto en TDRS fue de 991 €, lo que supone un ahorro de 10 329€. CONCLUSIONES: la introducción del TDRS en consultas de Pediatría de AP ha permitido que se eviten un elevado número de tratamientos antibióticos. Su utilización ha demostrado ser eficiente en la optimización del consumo de antibióticos, consiguiendo reducir su utilización, evitar efectos adversos y reducir el gasto farmacéutico innecesario

OBJECTIVE: the aim of the study was to analyse the use of the rapid Streptococcus antigen detection test in primary care paediatrics, its impact on antibiotic prescription of and the associated decrease in antibiotic treatment costs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we conducted a cross-sectional descriptive study in children aged less than 15 years managed in 24 primary care centres between April 2017 and February 2018. We developed a protocol for the use of the rapid strep test (RST). We included patients with a Centor score equal to or greater than 2 points. We collected data on the number of daily defined doses (DDDs) and amount antibiotics prescribed in the study period from the prescription billing system and compared it with the costs corresponding to the previous 12-month period. RESULTS: 819 TDRS were performed. The results were positive in 250 (30.5%), negative in 557 (68%) and inconclusive in 12 (1.5%). Antibiotics were prescribed to 33% of the patients (all patients with a positive test, 18 with a negative test and 3 with an inconclusive test). Antibiotherapy was not prescribed to 539 of the patients with a negative result (97%). The total number of prescribed DDDs decreased by 21 960 (12%), of which 19 023 (86.6%) corresponded to the most frequently prescribed antibiotics (penicillins, amoxicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and azithromycin). We found a reduction of €11 320 in antibiotherapy costs (12.5%), while the total cost of rapid testing was € 991, corresponding to total savings of €10 329. CONCLUSIONS: the introduction of the RST in primary care paediatrics has achieved a reduction in the frequency of antibiotherapy. Its use has proven effective in optimising antibiotic use, reducing antibiotic prescription and therefore preventing associated adverse events and reducing unnecessary pharmacotherapy costs

[Biodefense: a new challenge for microbiology and public health]. / Biodefensa: un nuevo desafío para la microbiología y la salud pública.

Bioterrorism and the potential use of biological weapons has become an important concern of governments and responsible authorities. An example of this threat occurred in 2001 in the USA, when letters were sent containing spores of the agent that produces anthrax; this resulted in some deaths, and caused panic and negative effects on the world economy. If this small-scale event was able to cause such a huge impact, the repercussions of a massive attack could be catastrophic. In many countries, these events have resulted in the implementation of measures directed toward preventing and responding to bioterrorist threats and acts. As a whole, these measures are known as biodefense. This article briefly analyzes several aspects related to detecting and identifying acts of bioterrorism, and considers the biological agents that are implicated. The microbiological diagnosis that allows identification of the causal agent, a key point for taking suitable control measures, is also included.

Consumo de antibióticos en la población general del área de Segovia durante el período 1999 a 2007 / Consumption of antibiotics of the general population of Segovia area during the period between 1999 to 2007

Introducción. Los antibióticos son los fármacos más utilizados tras los analgésicos, siendo prescritos más del 85% en Atención Primaria. El objetivo del estudio ha sido el analizar la evolución de la prescripción de antibióticos de uso sistémico en la población general del Área de Segovia, durante los años 1999 a 2007 y conocer su evolución temporal. Material y métodos. Se procesaron los antibióticos prescritos a la población general por parte de los Médicos de Familia utilizando el sistema de información de farmacia “CONCYLIA” que suministra la información en forma de dosis diaria definida (DDD), transformada posteriormente en el indicador DHD (DDD por 1.000 habitantes por día) teniendo como base los datos poblacionales de tarjeta sanitaria. Resultados. La prescripción global de antibióticos de uso sistémico fue alta, 18,06 DHD (IC:17,22-18,90), con una evolución variable a lo largo del estudio en forma de cubeta de concavidad inferior. El porcentaje de prescripción de penicilinas fue del 64,42 % del total de prescripciones correspondientes al grupo J01. Conclusiones. La prescripción en el Área de Segovia ha presentado un consumo contenido en relación con la hallada en otros estudios, existiendo diferencias en cuanto al volumen de prescripción de cada uno de los subgrupos. Destaca la centralización del consumo en el subgrupo de penicilinas que supusieron casi las dos terceras partes de las DDD prescritas. Se observa un cambio en los hábitos de prescripción detallándose una disminución del uso de la amoxicilina y un incremento de la amoxicilina clavulánico(AU)

Introduction. The antibiotics are the medicaments most used after the analgesics, being prescribed more than 85 % in Primary Care. The aim of the study is to analyze the evolution of the prescription of antibiotics of systemic use in the general population of the Area of Segovia, during the years 1999-2007 and to know his trends evolution. Material and methods. Antibiotics prescribed to the general population on the part of the Family physicians were processed using the information system of drugstore “CONCYLIA” that supplies the information in the shape of defined daily dose (DDD), transformed later into the indicator DHD (DDD for 1.000 inhabitants per day) taking as a base the population information of sanitary card. Results. The global prescription of antibiotics of systemic use was high, 18,06 DHD (IC:17,22-18,90), with a variable evolution along the study in the shape of basin of low concavity. The percentage of prescription of penicillins was 64.42 % of the total of prescriptions corresponding to the group J01. Conclusions. The prescription in the Area of Segovia has presented a contained consumption in relation to other studies, showing differences in the volume of prescription from each the subgroups. The centralization of the consumption emphasizes in the subgroup of penicillins that supposed almost two third parts of the prescribed DDD. A change in the habits of prescription is observed detailing a decrease of the amoxicillin use and an increase of amoxicillin-clavulanic acid(AU)

Biodefensa: un nuevo desafío para la microbiología y la salud pública / Biodefense: a new challenge for microbiology and public health

El bioterrorismo y el uso potencial de armas biológicas se ha convertido en una preocupación importante de los gobiernos y autoridades competentes. Como ejemplo, el envío de cartas con esporas del agente causante del carbunco en Estados Unidos en 2001 ocasionó varias muertes, causó pánico y tuvo repercusiones negativas en la economía mundial. Si este incidente, a pequeña escala, produjo semejante impacto, los efectos de un ataque masivo podrían ser catastróficos. En muchos países éste fue el punto que marcó el inicio de la toma de medidas encaminadas a prevenir y responder ante amenazas y actos bioterroristas, acciones que, en su conjunto, se conocen como biodefensa. Este artículo pretende analizar someramente algunos aspectos relacionados con la detección e identificación de este tipo de acciones y los agentes biológicos implicados. Se considera el diagnóstico microbiológico que permite la identificación del agente causal, punto clave para la toma de medidas de control adecuadas (AU)

Bioterrorism and the potential use of biological weapons has become an important concern of governments and responsible authorities. An example of this threat occurred in 2001 in the USA, when letters were sent containing spores of the agent that produces anthrax; this resulted in some deaths, and caused panic and negative effects on the world economy. If this small-scale event was able to cause such a huge impact, the repercussions of a massive attack could be catastrophic. In many countries, these events have resulted in the implementation of measures directed toward preventing and responding to bioterrorist threats and acts. As a whole, these measures are known as biodefense. This article briefly analyzes several aspects related to detecting and identifying acts of bioterrorism, and considers the biological agents that are implicated. The microbiological diagnosis that allows identification of the causal agent, a key point for taking suitable control measures, is also included (AU)