Soil-transmitted helminth infections and nutritional status in Ecuador: findings from a national survey and implications for control strategies.

OBJECTIVE: The estimation of prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections at a country-level is an essential prerequisite for the implementation of a rational control programme. The aim of this present study was to estimate the prevalence and distribution of STH infections and malnutrition in school-age children in rural areas of Ecuador. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study from October 2011 to May 2012. SETTING: Eighteen rural schools were randomly selected from the three ecological regions of Ecuador (coastal, highlands and Amazon basin). PARTICIPANTS: 920 children aged 6-16 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence and intensity of STH infections associated with malnutrition (thinness/wasting or stunting). RESULTS: The results showed that 257 (27.9%) children were infected with at least one STH parasite. The prevalence of Trichuris trichiura, Ascaris lumbricoides and hookworm was 19.3%, 18.5% and 5.0%, respectively. Malnutrition was present in 14.2% of children and most common was stunting (12.3%). Compared with other regions, schoolchildren in the Amazon region had the highest STH prevalence (58.9%) of which a greater proportion of infections were moderate/heavy intensity (45.6%) and had the highest prevalence of malnutrition (20.4%). A positive association was observed between moderate to heavy infections with A. lumbricoides and malnutrition (adjusted OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.31, p=0.037). CONCLUSIONS: Our estimate of the prevalence of STH infections of 27.9% at a national level in Ecuador is lower than suggested by previous studies. Our data indicate that schoolchildren living in the Amazon region have a greater risk of STH infection and stunting compared with children from other regions. The implementation of school-based preventive chemotherapy and nutritional supplement programmes within the Amazon region should be prioritised. Long-term control strategies require improvements in water, sanitation and hygiene.

Elimination of onchocerciasis in Ecuador: findings of post-treatment surveillance.

BACKGROUND: The Esmeraldas focus of onchocerciasis in Ecuador expanded geographically during the 1980s and was associated with severe ocular and skin disease. Mass drug administration (MDA) with ivermectin started in 1991, initially once but later twice a year, in the principle endemic focus followed by all satellite foci. Treatment was stopped in 2009 when entomological assessments determined that transmission of Onchocerca volvulus had been interrupted. METHODS: Three years after the cessation of ivermectin treatment in 2012, as defined by the WHO guidelines for onchocerciasis elimination, blackfly collections were done in four sentinel sites in former hyperendemic areas. The presence of infective larvae in local vectors, Simulium exiguum and Simulum quadrivittatum, was assessed by detection of O. volvulus DNA by PCR. Additional flies captured in four extra-sentinel sites located in former hyper- and mesoendemic dispersed isolated areas were also assessed. RESULTS: The results from 68,310 captured blackflies, 40,114 from four sentinel villages in the previously hyperendemic areas (Corriente Grande, El Tigre, San Miguel on Río Cayapas and Naranjal on Río Canandé) and 28,197 from extra-sentinel locations, were all negative for the presence of O. volvulus. These extra-sentinel sites (Hualpí on Río Hoja Blanca, Capulí on Río Onzole, La Ceiba on Río Tululví and Medianía on Río Verde) were included to provide additional evidence of the impact of MDA on the transmission of O. volvulus in isolated endemic areas. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that transmission of O. volvulus has been stopped in all endemic areas in Ecuador, including all satellite foci outside the main focus. These findings indicate that a strategy of ivermectin distribution twice a year to over 85% of the treatment-eligible population was effective in eliminating the infection from Ecuador in a focus with a highly competent primary vector, S. exiguum, and where the infection rates were equal to or greater than observed in many onchocerciasis foci in Africa.

Impact of long-term treatment of onchocerciasis with ivermectin in Ecuador: potential for elimination of infection.

BACKGROUND: Onchocerciasis is a leading cause of blindness worldwide, hence elimination of the infection is an important health priority. Community-based treatment programs with ivermectin form the basis of control programs for the disease in Latin America. The long-term administration of ivermectin could eliminate Onchocerca volvulus infection from endemic areas in Latin America. METHODS: A strategy of annual to twice-annual treatments with ivermectin has been used for onchocerciasis in endemic communities in Ecuador for up to 14 years. The impact of ivermectin treatment on ocular morbidity, and O. volvulus infection and transmission was monitored in seven sentinel communities. RESULTS: Over the period 1990-2003, high rates of treatment coverage of the eligible population were maintained in endemic communities (mean 85.2% per treatment round). Ivermectin reduced the prevalence of anterior segment disease of the eye to 0% in sentinel communities and had a major impact on the prevalence and transmission of infection, with possible elimination of infection in some foci. CONCLUSION: The distribution of ivermectin in endemic communities in Ecuador might have eliminated ocular morbidity and significant progress has been made towards elimination of the infection. A strategy of more frequent treatments with ivermectin may be required in communities where the infection persists to achieve the objective of elimination of the infection from Ecuador. The elimination of the infection from an endemic country in Latin America would be a major public health achievement and could stimulate the implementation of elimination strategies in other endemic countries.

Artéria tibial aberrante: revisão da literatura / Aberrant tibial artery: a literature review

A artéria tibial anterior, originária da artéria poplítea, normalmente se ramifica abaixo da articulação do joelho, passando posteriormente ao músculo poplíteo. Desta forma, a existência da artéria tibial aberrante ocorre quando sua ramificação está alterada, podendo se formar em diferentes alturas da artéria poplítea e realizar cursos alterados em relação aos músculos e articulações. Essas variações podem aumentar o risco de lesões intra-operatórias. O objetivo deste estudo foi realizar revisão de literatura sobre o tema pouco abordado, visando promover maior conhecimento e prevenção de iatrogenia nos atos operatórios. Foi realizada busca em bases de dados eletrônicas (PubMed, Scielo e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) utilizando os seguintes descritores: artérias da tíbia, artéria poplítea, e variação anatômica. Para a seleção dos artigos, foram utilizados os seguintes critérios de inclusão: resultados de pesquisa com relevância ao tema proposto, por meio de leitura crítica de cada artigo selecionado e em seguida, foram realizadas comparações das informações de cada um deles. Foram selecionados 10 artigos. Em conclusão, a presença de artéria tibial anterior aberrante é alteração anatômica de baixa incidência, mas é responsável por intercorrências durante procedimentos cirúrgicos, devido à sua localização próxima à tíbia. Sugere-se realização de exames de imagens para diagnóstico pré-operatório dessa anormalidade anatômica.

The anterior tibial artery, originating from the popliteal artery, normally branches below the knee joint, passing posteriorly to the popliteal muscle. In this way, the existence of the aberrant tibial artery occurs when its branch is altered, being able to form at different heights of the popliteal artery and carry out altered courses in relation to the muscles and joints. These variations can increase the risk of intraoperative injuries. So, the proposal to this review was to promote greater knowledge and prevention of iatrogenesis in surgical procedures. A search was performed in electronic databases (PubMed, Scielo and Virtual Health Library) using the following descriptors: tibial arteries, popliteal artery, and anatomical variation. For the selection of articles, the following inclusion criteria were used: research results with relevance to the proposed topic, through a critical reading of each selected article and then comparisons of the information on each of them were carried out. 10 articles were selected. In conclusion, the presence of an aberrant anterior tibial artery is an anatomical alteration of low incidence, but it is responsible for complications during surgical procedures, due to its location close to the tibia. It is suggested to perform imaging tests for preoperative diagnosis of this anatomical abnormality.

A histochemical study of the Nras/let-60 activity in filarial nematodes.

BACKGROUND: Control and elimination of filarial pathogens is a central focus of major global health efforts directed at parasitic diseases of developing countries. Accomplishment of these goals would be markedly enhanced by the enhanced destruction of the adult stage of filariae. The identification of new, more quantitative biomarkers that correlate with mortality or chemotherapeutic damage to adult filariae, would greatly facilitate, for example, the development of new macrofilaricides. METHODS: An immunocytochemical approach using an antibody against human Nras was used to identify and detect changes in the nematode homolog let-60 that is associated with cell growth and maintenance. Single Onchocerca volvulus nodules were removed from each of 13 patients treated with ivermectin (as part of a community-wide mass drug administration programme), and from each of 13 untreated individuals; these 26 nodules were stained with the anti-Nras antibody. The localization and degree of positivity of Nras/let-60 staining were assessed subjectively and compared between the two groups; the positivity of staining was also quantified, using image analysis, in a subgroup of these nodules. In addition, the specific morphological association between Nras/let-60 and the Wolbachia endosymbiont present in these parasites was also observed in 4 additional filarial species using an anti-Wolbachia surface protein (WSP) antibody under light and confocal microscopy. RESULTS: Nras/let-60 is present in many structures within the adult female worms. A statistically significant decrease in the general staining intensity of Nras/let-60 was observed in adult female O. volvulus treated with ivermectin when compared with parasites from untreated patients. Nras/let-60 staining was frequently observed to be co-localized with WSP in O.volvulus, Brugia malayi, Litomosoides sigmodontis and Dirofilaria immitis. Nras/let60 is also present in Onchocerca ochengi. CONCLUSION: Nras/let-60, as detected by immunocytochemical staining, is decreased in ivermectin-treated adult female O. volvulus relative to untreated control specimens, suggesting a suppressive effect of ivermectin on the overall biochemical activity of these parasites. Co-localization of Nras/let-60 and WSP suggests the possibility that the endosymbiont utilizes this nematode protein as part of a mutualistic relationship. Nras/let60 appears to be a useful biomarker for assessing the health of filariae.

Interruption of infection transmission in the onchocerciasis focus of Ecuador leading to the cessation of ivermectin distribution.

INTRODUCTION: A clinically significant endemic focus of onchocerciasis existing in Esmeraldas Province, coastal Ecuador has been under an ivermectin mass drug administration program since 1991. The main transmitting vector in this area is the voracious blackfly, Simulium exiguum. This paper describes the assessments made that support the decision to cease mass treatment. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPLE FINDINGS: Thirty-five rounds of ivermectin treatment occurred between 1991-2009 with 29 of these carrying >85% coverage. Following the guidelines set by WHO for ceasing ivermectin distribution the impact on parasite transmission was measured in the two vector species by an O-150 PCR technique standard for assessing for the presence of Onchocerca volvulus. Up to seven collection sites in three major river systems were tested on four occasions between 1995 and 2008. The infectivity rates of 65.0 (CI 39-101) and 72.7 (CI 42-116) in 1995 dropped to zero at all seven collection sites by 2008. Assessment for the presence of antibodies against O. volvulus was made in 2001, 2006, 2007 and 2008 using standard ELISA assays for detecting anti-Ov16 antibodies. None of total of 1810 children aged 1-15 years (between 82 and 98% of children present in the surveyed villages) tested in the above years were found to be carrying antibodies to this antigen. These findings were the basis for the cessation of mass drug treatment with ivermectin in 2009. SIGNIFICANCE: This fulfillment of the criteria for cessation of mass distribution of ivermectin in the only known endemic zone of onchocerciasis in Ecuador moves the country into the surveillance phase of official verification for national elimination of transmission of infection. These findings indicate that ivermectin given twice a year with greater than 85% of the community can move a program to the final stages of verification of transmission interruption.

Effects of six weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic physical training on metabolic and body parameters of Wistar rats: a pilot study

Physical training in animal models promotes changes that can be extrapolated to humans, due to physiological similarities between these species. Thus, the use of rodents submitted to exercise becomes feasible due to the possibility of analyzing variables that would not be admissible in humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of six weeks of swimming, at moderate intensity, on physical and physiological parameters of Wistar rats. Twelve animals were divided into two groups (trained and non-trained). The trained animals were subjected to six weeks of aerobic training in water with 5% of body weight load. The results between groups were compared by the t test (p < 0.05). The variation in body weight was lower in the trained groups. Food and water consumption were higher in the animals submitted to physical training. The relative weight of heart and kidney were higher in trained animals, with no differences in the liver and gastrocnemius relative weight. The gastrocnemius muscle fiber diameter did not differ between groups. The training promoted an increase in the percentage of protein in the carcass and a decrease in body fat percentage, as well as in the diameter of the epididymal region adipocytes. Additionally, the training promoted increased levels of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL-C) and decreased levels of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL-C) and triacylglycerols (TAG). It was concluded that six weeks of moderate-intensity aerobic training is sufficient to promote improvements in the metabolic profile, weight control, and reduce body fat and increase the protein content in the carcass of rats

El entrenamiento físico en un modelo animal promueve cambios que se pueden extrapolar a los seres humanos, debido a las similitudes fisiológicas entre estas especies. El uso de roedores sujetos a ejercicio se vuelve factible debido a la posibilidad de analizar variables que no serían aceptables en los seres humanos. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar los efectos de seis semanas de natación a una intensidad moderada en parámetros corporales y fisiológicos de ratas Wistar. Fueron divididos doce animales en dos grupos (entrenados y no entrenados). Las ratas entrenadas fueron sometidas a seis semanas de entrenamiento aeróbico en un medio acuático con una carga relativa a un 5% de su peso corporal. Los resultados entre los grupos se compararon por t-test de student (p < 0,05). La variación de la ganancia de peso corporal fue menor en los animales entrenados. El consumo de agua y alimentos fue mayor en los animales del grupo sometidos a entrenamiento. El peso relativo del corazón y de los riñones fue mayor en los animales entrenados, sin diferencias en el peso relativo del hígado gastrocnemio. El diámetro de las fibras del musculo no difirió entre los grupos. El entrenamiento provoco un aumento en el porcentaje de proteína en la carcasa y una disminución en el porcentaje de grasa corporal, así como en el diámetro de los adipocitos de la región del epidídimo. Además, el entrenamiento provoco un aumento de los niveles de lipoproteínas de alta densidad (HDL-C) y una disminución de los niveles de lipoproteína de baja densidad (LDL-C) y triacilgliceridos (TAG). Se concluye que seis semanas de entrenamiento aeróbico a una intensidad moderada es suficiente para promover mejoras en el perfil metabólico, control de peso, reducir la grasa corporal y aumentar el contenido de proteínas en la carcasa de las ratas

Impact of long-term treatment with ivermectin on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminth infections.

BACKGROUND: Control of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections relies on the periodic and long-term administration of anthelmintic drugs to high-risk groups, particularly school-age children living in endemic areas. There is limited data on the effectiveness of long-term periodic anthelmintic treatment on the prevalence of STHs, particularly from operational programmes. The current study investigated the impact of 15 to 17 years of treatment with the broad-spectrum anthelmintic ivermectin, used for the control of onchocerciasis, on STH prevalence and intensity in school-age and pre-school children. METHODS AND FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in communities that had received annual or twice-annual ivermectin treatments and geographically adjacent communities that had not received treatment in two districts of Esmeraldas Province in Ecuador. Stool samples were collected from school-age children and examined for STH infection using the Kato-Katz and formol-ether concentration methods. Samples were collected also from pre-school children and examined by the formol-ether concentration method. Data on risk factors for STH infection were collected by parental questionnaire. We sampled a total of 3,705 school-age children (6-16 years) from 31 treated and 27 non-treated communities, and 1,701 pre-school children aged 0-5 years from 18 treated and 18 non-treated communities. Among school-age children, ivermectin treatment had significant effects on the prevalence (adjusted OR = 0.06, 95% CI 0.03-0.14) and intensity of Trichuris trichiura infection (adjusted RR = 0.28, 95% CI 0.11-0.70), but appeared to have no impact on Ascaris lumbricoides or hookworm infection. Reduced prevalence and intensities of T. trichiura infection were observed among children not eligible to receive ivermectina, providing some evidence of reduced transmission of T. trichiura infection in communities receiving mass ivermectin treatments. CONCLUSION: Annual and twice-annual treatments with ivermectin over a period of up to 17 years may have had a significant impact on T. trichiura infection. The present data indicate that the long-term control of onchocerciasis with ivermectin may provide additional health benefits by reducing infections with trichuriasis. The addition of a second anthelmintic drug such as albendazole may be useful for a long-term effect on A. lumbricoides infection.

Paragonimiasis pulmonar en el Río Canande, Provincia de Esmeraldas / Pulmonary Paragonimiasis in the Canande River, Esmerald Province

Se estudiaron 137 muestras de esputo de adultos que habitan en un área endémica para paragonimiasis en laprovincia de Esmeraldas. En 10 individuos (7.11 por ciento) se observaron huevos de Paragonimus mexicanus en el esputo... (AU)

Paragonimiasis pulmonar en el Río Canande, Provincia de Esmeraldas / Pulmonary Paragonimiasis in the Canande River, Esmerald Province

Se estudiaron 137 muestras de esputo de adultos que habitan en un área endémica para paragonimiasis en laprovincia de Esmeraldas. En 10 individuos (7.11 por ciento) se observaron huevos de Paragonimus mexicanus en el esputo...