Molecular surveillance for anti-malarial drug resistance and genetic diversity of Plasmodium falciparum after chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine withdrawal in Quibdo, Colombia, 2018.

BACKGROUND: Resistance to anti-malarial drugs is associated with polymorphisms in target genes and surveillance for these molecular markers is important to detect the emergence of mutations associated with drug resistance and signal recovering sensitivity to anti-malarials previously used. METHODS: The presence of polymorphisms in genes associated with Plasmodium falciparum resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was evaluated by Sanger sequencing, in 85 P. falciparum day of enrollment samples from a therapeutic efficacy study of artemether-lumefantrine conducted in 2018-2019 in Quibdo, Colombia. Samples were genotyped to assess mutations in pfcrt (codons 72-76), pfdhfr (codons 51, 59, 108, and 164), and pfdhps genes (codons 436, 437, 540, and 581). Further, the genetic diversity of infections using seven neutral microsatellites (NMSs) (C2M34, C3M69, Poly α, TA1, TA109, 2490, and PfPK2) was assessed. RESULTS: All isolates carried mutant alleles for pfcrt (K76T and N75E), and for pfdhfr (N51I and S108N), while for pfdhps, mutations were observed only for codon A437G (32/73, 43.8%). Fifty samples (58.8%) showed a complete neutral microsatellites (NMS) profile. The low mean number of alleles (2 ± 0.57) per locus and mean expected heterozygosity (0.17 ± 0.03) showed a reduced genetic diversity. NMS multilocus genotypes (MMG) were built and nine MMG were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings confirm the fixation of chloroquine and pyrimethamine-resistant alleles already described in the literature, implying that these drugs are not currently appropriate for use in Colombia. In contrast, mutations in the pfdhps gene were only observed at codon 437, an indication that full resistance to sulfadoxine has not been achieved in Choco. MMGs found matched the clonal lineage E variant 1 previously reported in northwestern Colombia.

Exploring the latency period in Chagas disease: duration and determinants in a cohort from Colombia.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease has a varying latency period, the time between infection and onset of cardiac symptoms, due to multiple factors. This study seeks to identify and understand these factors to enhance our knowledge of the disease. METHODS: A retrospective follow-up study was conducted in Colombia on patients with indeterminate chronic Chagas disease. Medical files were examined to evaluate the disease latency time using time ratios (TRs) and the AFT Weibull model. RESULTS: The study followed 578 patients, of whom 309 (53.5%) developed cardiac disease, with a median latency period of 18.5 (95% CI 16 to 20) y for the cohort. Those with the TcISyl genotype (TR 0.72; 95% CI 0.61 to 0.80), individuals who lived 5-15 y (TR 0.80; 95% CI 0.67 to 0.95), 15-30 y (TR 0.63; 95% CI 0.53 to 0.74) or >30 y (vs 5 y) in areas with high disease prevalence had shorter latency periods. On the other hand, undergoing treatment increased the latency period (TR: 1.74; 95% CI 1.52 to 1.87). CONCLUSIONS: The latency period of Chagas disease was found to be independently related to male gender, receipt of etiological treatment, length of time spent in an endemic area and the TcISyl genotype. The implications of these findings are discussed.

Changes in the endemic-epidemic pattern of malaria in Colombia, 1978-2021.

BACKGROUND: Malaria is a major global public health issue with varying epidemiologies across countries. In Colombia, it is a priority endemic-epidemic event included in the national public health policy. However, evidence demonstrating nationwide variations in the disease behavior is limited. This study aimed to analyze changes in the levels and distribution of endemic-epidemic malaria transmission in the eco-epidemiological regions of Colombia from 1978 to 1999 and 2000 to 2021. METHODS: We conducted a comprehensive time-series study using official secondary data on malaria-associated morbidity and mortality in Colombia from 1978 to 2021. Temporal-spatial and population variables were analyzed, and the absolute and relative frequency measures of general and regional morbidity and mortality were estimated. RESULTS: We observed an 18% reduction in malaria endemic cases between the two study periods. The frequency and severity of the epidemic transmission of malaria varied less and were comparable across both periods. A shift was observed in the frequency of parasitic infections, with a tendency to match and increase infections by Plasmodium falciparum. The risk of malaria transmission varied significantly among the eco-epidemiological regions during both study periods. This study demonstrated a sustained decrease of 78% in malarial mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Although the endemic components of malaria decreased slightly between the two study periods, the epidemic pattern persisted. There were significant variations in the risk of transmission across the different eco-epidemiological regions. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions in reducing malarial morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia.

Malaria epidemics in Colombia, 1970-2019.

BACKGROUND: Malaria has unstable transmission in Colombia and has variable endemic-epidemic patterns. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of malaria epidemics registered in Colombia from 1970-2019. METHODS: Data from 1979-2019 were collected from the National Public Health Surveillance System. The data was tabulated and pertinent descriptive analyses were carried out. RESULTS: Fifteen malaria outbreaks and approximately five-year-long epidemic cycles were observed in Colombia during the study period. CONCLUSIONS: Malaria epidemics in Colombia present a five-yearly transmission pattern, mainly due to the increased vulnerability produced by seasonal population migrations in receptive areas with active transmission.

The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979 / La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

Leishmaniasis in the Colombian post-conflict era: a descriptive study from 2004 to 2019.

INTRODUCTION: Leishmaniasis is strongly associated with armed conflict. We describe the epidemiology of leishmaniasis before and after the peace agreement in Colombia. METHODS: Data for 2004-2019 period were collected from the National Public Health Surveillance System. The annual incidence per geographical department before and after the peace agreement was calculated and correlated with armed conflict severity. RESULTS: The annual incidence of leishmaniasis registered a downfall with an annual percentage change of 17.7% after the peace treaty. CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in hostilities has a positive impact on the leishmaniasis incidence, which may be the case for other public health issues.

Malaria mortality in Colombia from 2009 to 2018: a descriptive study.

INTRODUCTION: Colombia has an endemo-epidemic for malaria, with a downward trend in mortality over the last few decades. This study describes the malaria mortality rates from 2009-2018. METHODS: We obtained data from the Colombian Mortality Information System and calculated the case fatality and crude and age-adjusted mortality rates. RESULTS: During the study, 148 malaria-related deaths were registered. The average annual mortality rate was 0.032 deaths/100,000. Two peaks were observed in 2010 and 2016. Choco contributed to the highest number of deaths (27.7%). CONCLUSIONS: The unstable downward trend of malaria mortality rates calls for greater emphasis on surveillance and interventions.

Chagas disease-related mortality in Colombia from 1979 to 2018: temporal and spatial trends.

INTRODUCTION: Studies on Chagas disease-related mortality assist in decision-making in health policies. We analyzed the epidemiological characteristics, temporal trends, and regional differences in Chagas disease-related mortality in Colombia from 1979 to 2018. METHODS: A time-series study was conducted using death records and population data from the National Administrative Department of Statistics, using categorizations from the International Classification of Disease (ICD)-9 and ICD-10 systems. All deaths with Chagas disease as an underlying or associated cause of death were included. Crude and age-sex standardized mortality rates per 100,000 inhabitants and the annual percent change (APC) were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 7,287,461 deaths recorded in Colombia during 1979-2018, 3,276 (0.04%) deaths were related to Chagas disease-2,827 (86.3%) as an underlying cause and 449 (13.7%) as an associated cause. The average annual age-sex standardized mortality rate was 0.211 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.170-0.252) deaths/100,000 inhabitants, with a significant upward trend (APC = 6.60%; 95% CI: 5.9-7.3). The highest Chagas disease-related death rates were in males (0.284 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), those ≥65 years old (1.296 deaths/100,000 inhabitants), and residents of the Orinoco region (1.809 deaths/100,000 inhabitants). There was a significant increase in mortality in the Orinoco (APC = 8.28%; 95% CI: 6.4-10.2), Caribbean (APC = 5.06%; 95% CI: 3.6-6.5), and Andean (APC = 4.63%; 95% CI: 3.9-5.3) regions. CONCLUSIONS: Chagas disease remains a major public health issue in Colombia with high mortality rates in older age groups, a wide geographic distribution, regional differences, and the potential to increase.

Clinical and Epidemiological Characterization of Acute Chagas Disease in Casanare, Eastern Colombia, 2012-2020.

Background: Chagas disease (CD), caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, is considered a public health problem in Latin America. In Colombia, it affects more than 437,000 inhabitants, mainly in Casanare, an endemic region with eco-epidemiological characteristics that favor its transmission. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the cases of acute CD in Casanare, eastern Colombia, in the period 2012-2020. Methods: In the present study, 103 medical records of confirmed cases of acute CD were reviewed. The departmental/national incidence and fatality were compared by year; the climatological data of mean temperature, relative humidity, and precipitation per year were reviewed and plotted at IDEAM (Colombian Meteorology Institute) concerning the number of cases of acute CD per month, and it was compared with the frequency of triatomines collected in infested houses by community surveillance. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed, comparing symptoms and signs according to transmission routes, complications, and age groups. Results: The incidence was 3.16 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, and the fatality rate was 20% in the study period. The most frequent symptoms included: fever 98.1%, myalgia 62.1%, arthralgia 60.2%, and headache 49.5%. There were significant differences in the frequency of myalgia, abdominal pain, and periorbital edema in oral transmission. The main complications were pericardial effusion, myocarditis, and heart failure in the group over 18 years of age. In Casanare, TcI Discrete Typing Unit (DTU) has mainly been identified in humans, triatomines, and reservoirs such as opossums and dogs and TcBat in bats. An increase in the number of acute CD cases was evidenced in March, a period when precipitation increases due to the beginning of the rainy season. Conclusions: The results corroborate the symptomatic heterogeneity of the acute phase of CD, which delays treatment, triggering possible clinical complications. In endemic regions, clinical suspicion, diagnostic capacity, detection, and surveillance programs should be strengthened, including intersectoral public health policies for their prevention and control.

The First Few Hundred Cases for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Colombia.

BACKGROUND: SARS-CoV-2 virus is the causative agent of COVID-19 disease. It is essential to understand the epidemiological characteristics of the first few cases in each country. This study aimed to describe the geographical distribution, and temporal appearance of the first few hundred cases in Colombia. METHODS: This observational study was conducted to review the literature and key documentary information from public health institutions, websites and news reports were examined. RESULTS: The first few 100 cases for COVID-19 were confirmed in Colombia. According to sex, men with 54% predominate, the most affected age group was 20 to 29 yr old (26%), 9% of the cases required hospitalization and no deaths were reported. Most of the confirmed subjects were from the departments of Cundinamarca. To date, most cases are imported (63%), especially from Spain. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic puts in evidence the lack of understanding, prevention and contention power of the different countries around the world is not as good as it could be. Politics must not affect the different proposed measures.

Plasmodium vivax malaria across South America: management guidelines and their quality assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Plasmodium vivax malaria represents a major public health problem. This study presents the quality assessment of clinical practice guidelines for the management of P. vivax malaria. METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar. Additionally, five guidelines were assessed with the AGREE (Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation) II protocol. RESULTS: The general performance on the domains of stakeholder involvement, development rigor, and editorial independence was low. CONCLUSIONS: Most guidelines lack a solid research methodology, which implies ambiguous accuracy. Much needs to be done in the area of therapeutics and quality of policies.

Reactivation of Chagas disease in a heart transplant patient infected by sylvatic Trypanosoma cruzi discrete typing unit I.

Heart transplantation is an effective treatment for Chagas disease patients with severe cardiomyopathy. However, Trypanosoma cruzi reactivation is of great concern. The T. cruzi parasite is classified into six discrete typing units (DTUs identified as TcI-TcVI). It is unknown whether there is an association between T. cruzi genetic lineages and the different clinical manifestations of the disease. We report the case of a 51-year-old man who received a heart transplantation and presented with a reactivation of the disease. The molecular characterization of the parasite showed that the reactivation was related to specific infection by a DTU I (TcISYL) parasite.

Changes in the endemic-epidemic pattern of malaria in Colombia, 1978-2021

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria is a major global public health issue with varying epidemiologies across countries. In Colombia, it is a priority endemic-epidemic event included in the national public health policy. However, evidence demonstrating nationwide variations in the disease behavior is limited. This study aimed to analyze changes in the levels and distribution of endemic-epidemic malaria transmission in the eco-epidemiological regions of Colombia from 1978 to 1999 and 2000 to 2021. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive time-series study using official secondary data on malaria-associated morbidity and mortality in Colombia from 1978 to 2021. Temporal-spatial and population variables were analyzed, and the absolute and relative frequency measures of general and regional morbidity and mortality were estimated. Results: We observed an 18% reduction in malaria endemic cases between the two study periods. The frequency and severity of the epidemic transmission of malaria varied less and were comparable across both periods. A shift was observed in the frequency of parasitic infections, with a tendency to match and increase infections by Plasmodium falciparum. The risk of malaria transmission varied significantly among the eco-epidemiological regions during both study periods. This study demonstrated a sustained decrease of 78% in malarial mortality. Conclusions: Although the endemic components of malaria decreased slightly between the two study periods, the epidemic pattern persisted. There were significant variations in the risk of transmission across the different eco-epidemiological regions. These findings underscore the importance of targeted public health interventions in reducing malarial morbidity and mortality rates in Colombia.

Barriers to Diagnosis Access for Chagas Disease in Colombia.

Chagas disease is the leading cause of nonischemic cardiomyopathy in Latin America. Timely access to diagnosis and trypanocidal treatment and preventive tools for millions of infected people continues to be a challenge. The purpose of this study was to identify potential barriers for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in Colombia from the perspective of healthcare providers. Using a simultaneous mixed-methods study design, we analyzed trends in access to screening and diagnosis for Chagas disease in Colombia and assessed the national barriers to access. The main barriers to access at the national level included a limited governmental public health infrastructure for the diagnosis of Chagas disease and limited physician awareness and knowledge of the disease. Data indicate that 1.5% of total expected cases based on national prevalence estimates were reported. Few public health laboratories have the capacity to perform complementary tests for the diagnosis of Chagas disease and almost 6 months elapse between the requests of the tests and the confirmation of the disease. This study shows that infected people must overcome a number of barriers to achieve diagnosis. Reducing barriers to early diagnosis of Chagas disease is an important goal in the fight against the disease.

Therapeutic drug monitoring of benznidazole and nifurtimox: a systematic review and quality assessment of published clinical practice guidelines.

The pharmacological management of adults with chronic-phase Chagas disease is challenging despite it being the recent focus of extensive research. One of the challenges in the current clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) landscape is the existence of non-evidence-based recommendations for the use of laboratory tests in treatment monitoring. This study aimed to systematically assess the quality and consistency of recommendations of CPGs on the pharmacological management of adults with chronic-phase Chagas disease. Systematic literature searches were conducted in MEDLINE, EMBASE, SciELO and Google to identify all published CPGs relevant to the pharmacological management of Chagas disease, between January 2010 and March 2016. Three independent reviewers assessed the quality of each CPG using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II instrument. A total of five CPGs were included and the overall quality of the guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring of Chagas disease was moderate-to-low. There was considerable variation in the quality of the CPGs across the AGREE II domains. The domains of scope/purpose, stakeholder involvement, and clarity of presentation were rated well, and the domains of applicability and editorial independence received poor ratings. This review showed that the methodological quality of CPGs for Chagas disease was generally inappropriate, and there was no explicit link between the best available evidence and current recommendations.

Malaria epidemics in Colombia, 1970-2019

ABSTRACT Background: Malaria has unstable transmission in Colombia and has variable endemic-epidemic patterns. This study describes the epidemiological characteristics of malaria epidemics registered in Colombia from 1970-2019. Methods: Data from 1979-2019 were collected from the National Public Health Surveillance System. The data was tabulated and pertinent descriptive analyses were carried out. Results: Fifteen malaria outbreaks and approximately five-year-long epidemic cycles were observed in Colombia during the study period. Conclusions: Malaria epidemics in Colombia present a five-yearly transmission pattern, mainly due to the increased vulnerability produced by seasonal population migrations in receptive areas with active transmission.

La campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, 1959-1979 / The malaria eradication campaign in Colombia, 1959-1979

Introducción. A mediados de la década de 1950, el país adoptó e implementó la Campaña de Erradicación de la Malaria (CEM), sin que hasta ahora se haya hecho su evaluación. Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados alcanzados en las fases de ataque y consolidación de la campaña de erradicación de la malaria en Colombia, entre 1959 y 1979. Materiales y métodos. Se hizo un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo de los resultados "malariométricos" y operacionales de la CEM en Colombia entre 1959 y 1979 a partir de los datos recopilados de los archivos del Ministerio de Salud Pública. Se utilizaron los criterios establecidos por la Organización Mundial de la Salud (OMS) relacionados con las fases de un programa de erradicación de malaria. Se almacenó, tabuló y analizó la información, y se elaboraron y aplicaron indicadores malariométricos. Resultados. En el periodo de erradicación a corto plazo (1959-1969), durante el primer año de la fase de ataque (1959), se alcanzó una reducción de la transmisión del 94 % (4.172) y, en el último año (1962), una disminución del 88 % (8.426) en la carga acumulada de casos comparada con el promedio anual de la década del 50 (71.031); estos bajos niveles de transmisión se mantuvieron hasta finales de 1969. En el periodo de intensificación del control para la erradicación (1970-1979), se produjo un incremento de la endemia y resurgió la transmisión epidémica. Debido a problemas financieros que afectaron la regularidad de la operación para mantener los resultados, y no habiéndose logrado la interrupción de la transmisión, se observó un resurgimiento de casos en las fases de ataque y consolidación. Conclusiones. La campaña no logró la meta de interrupción de la transmisión de la malaria en el territorio nacional, pero sí se consiguió un acentuado control en áreas de mediana y baja intensidad.

Introduction: In the mid-fifties, Colombia adopted and implemented the Malaria Eradication Campaign (MEC), which has not been evaluated yet in the country. Objective: To evaluate the results achieved during the attack and consolidation phases of the MEC regarding malaria transmission in Colombia between 1959 and 1979. Materials and methods: We conducted a descriptive and retrospective study based on the malariometric and operational results of the MEC in Colombia from 1959 to 1979 compiled from the archives of the Ministry of Public Health. We used the criteria defined by the WHO Expert Committee on Malaria. The information was stored, tabulated, and analyzed based on the malariometric indicators we developed. Results: In the short-term eradication period (1959-1969), a reduction of 94% (4,172) in transmission was achieved during the first year of the attack phase (1959) while in the last year (1962), there was an 88% (8,426) reduction of the accumulated load of cases compared to the annual average of the 1950s (71,031). These low levels of transmission were maintained until the end of 1969. During the intensification period of control of the eradication (1970-1979), there was an increase in malaria endemicity and a resurgence of the epidemic transmission. Due to financial problems affecting the regularity of the operations, Colombia was unable to sustain the results and achieve an interruption of transmission, which resulted in a resurgence of cases during the attack and consolidation phases. Conclusions: The campaign did not achieve the goal of interrupting malaria transmission in the national territory but there was marked control in areas of medium and low intensity.

A patient with dextrocardia and chagas disease: case report and literature review

ABSTRACT Introduction: About half a million patients in Colombia are currently infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. However, little is known about patients with Chagas disease and anatomical defects such as dextrocardia. Case presentation: A 52-year-old male patient with a 4-year history of dyspnea, chest pain, lower limb edema and syncope (requiring hospitalization), arrhythmias and dextrocardia, underwent serological tests for T. cruzi that were positive. A literature review was conducted to find case reports of patients with dextrocardia or situs inversus and Chagas disease in order to determine the proper treatment. Conclusion: Cases of patients with dextrocardia and Chagas disease are rare. Besides the reported case, only three other cases were found in the literature, which were relatively similar, although they could be considered more severe. According to the findings, the use of etiological treatment is acceptable in patients with coronary anatomic abnormalities and T. cruzi infection. The present case draws attention to the importance of adequately approaching and monitoring this type of patient.

RESUMEN Introducción. En la actualidad, en Colombia hay aproximadamente medio millón de personas infectadas con Trypanosoma cruzi; sin embargo, no hay mucha información sobre pacientes que viven con enfermedad de Chagas y anomalías anatómicas como la dextrocardia. Presentación del caso. Paciente masculino de 52 años con cuadro clínico de aproximadamente cuatro años de evolución consistente en disnea, dolor torácico, edema de extremidades inferiores, síncope (que requirió hospitalización), arritmias y dextrocardia, a quien se le practicaron pruebas serológicas para T. cruzi que resultaron positivas. Con el fin de establecer el tratamiento adecuado, se realizó una revisión de la literatura buscando reportes de casos de pacientes con dextrocardia o situs inversus y enfermedad de Chagas. Conclusión. Los casos de pacientes con dextrocardia y enfermedad de Chagas son poco frecuentes: además del caso reportado, en la literatura solo se encontraron tres reportes adicionales, los cuales fueron relativamente similares, aunque podrían considerarse más severos. Según los hallazgos, el uso de tratamiento etiológico es adecuado en pacientes con anormalidades anatómicas cardiovasculares e infección por T. cruzi. El presente caso llama la atención sobre la importancia de tener un enfoque y seguimiento adecuados en este tipo de pacientes.

Medically important ants: a systematic review of the global distribution and clinical consequences of their bites and stings / Hormigas de importancia médica: revisión sistemática de su distribución global y consecuencias clínicas de sus mordeduras y picaduras

Introduction: From the medical point of view, only some ants are of special interest. Due to the diversity of ants and the growing contact with humans, it is necessary to have a better understanding of the factors and problems, which lead to adverse clinical outcomes. Objective: The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of published studies on ants and their impact on the medical field to synthesize fragmented knowledge and to inform the current state of this problem. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted in Medline, EMBASE, SciELO and Google Scholar, with no time threshold. The search strategy was limited to articles published in Portuguese, English and Spanish. Eligible studies were case reports and case series that reported outcomes in humans caused by ant stings. Patient-level and study-level information was extracted. Results: The literature search yielded 1909 studies; of which 30 case reports and 16 case series reporting a total of 95 cases were included. Of these 48 patients were women (50.5 percent, and the median age was 36.1 ± 25.5 years old. The most frequently reported complications were severe pain, anaphylaxis and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The death of eighteen patients was documented (18.9 percent). Ants from the genera Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia sp., Paraponera clavata, Pachycondyla sennaarensis, Myrmecia rubra caused most of the accidents Conclusions: Severe allergic reactions caused by ants are a rare event, however, mortality can be high. An increase of ant related accidents is expected, a quick diagnosis and treatment is necessary to avoid fatalities(AU)

Introducción: Desde el punto de vista médico, solo algunas hormigas son de especial interés. Debido a la diversidad de hormigas y al creciente contacto con humanos, es necesario comprender mejor los factores y problemas que conducen a resultados clínicos adversos. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión sistemática de estudios publicados sobre las hormigas y su impacto en el campo médico para sintetizar conocimientos fragmentados e informar sobre el estado actual del problema. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica sistemática en Medline, EMBASE, SciELO y Google Scholar, sin límite de tiempo. La estrategia de búsqueda se limitó a artículos publicados en portugués, inglés y español. Se seleccionaron informes y series de casos sobre consecuencias de las picaduras de hormigas en humanos. Se extrajo información a nivel de paciente y a nivel de estudio. Resultados: La búsqueda bibliográfica obtuvo 1 909 estudios, de los cuales se seleccionaron 30 informes y 16 series sobre un total de 95 casos. De estos, 48 pacientes eran mujeres (50,5 por ciento) y la media de edad era 36,1 ± 25,5 años. Las complicaciones más frecuentes fueron dolor intenso, anafilaxia y síndrome de dificultad respiratoria aguda. Se documentó la muerte de 18 pacientes (18,9 por ciento). Hormigas de los géneros Solenopsis spp., Myrmecia sp., Paraponera clavata, Pachycondyla sennaarensis y Myrmecia rubra causaron la mayoría de los accidentes. Conclusiones: Las reacciones alérgicas graves provocadas por hormigas son un evento raro; sin embargo, la mortalidad puede ser alta. Se espera un incremento de los accidentes relacionados con las hormigas. Se requiere un diagnóstico y tratamiento rápidos para evitar muertes(AU)