Revista Cubana De Medicina Tropical[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
[Burden of disease due to bacterial meningitis, Cuba 2006].
Pérez Rodríguez CA, de la Fuente Ricardo L, Seuc Jo CA
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444614
INTRODUCTION: bacterial meningitis is a real concern for physicians and general health systems of any country as well as the international bodies. OBJECTIVE: to estimate burdens of disease from morbidity and mortality ca...
INTRODUCTION: bacterial meningitis is a real concern for physicians and general health systems of any country as well as the international bodies. OBJECTIVE: to estimate burdens of disease from morbidity and mortality caused by bacterial meningitis in Cuba during 2006. METHODS: the mortality and the incidence data of the epidemiological survey from the National Surveillance of Bacterial Meningitis of "Pedro Kourí Institute of Tropical Medicine were used. The estimation methods were based on the WHO recommendations by using the DISMOD and the required Excel spreadsheets. RESULTS: the global burden of bacterial meningitis was estimated at a total of 3527.26 Disability Adjusted Lost Years (DALYs), which accounted for 31.3 years lost per 100 000 inhabitants. Morbidity and mortality burden of bacterial meningitis without sequel weighing was 2056.25 disability adjusted lost years, being the 55.9 % caused by unidentified agent, followed by S. pneumoniae (30.9 %), N. meningitidis (9.5 %) and H influenza type b (3.6 %). The mortality burden was 2 039 years of life lost from premature death, that is, 57.8 % of the global burden. Children under five years of age contributed the biggest global burden of disability adjusted lost years, and S. penumoniae generated the biggest burden. CONCLUSION: the burden of bacterial meningitis was high. Burden of disease is an important measure to assess health problems.
[Rapid serological diagnosis systems for human leptospirosis screening in Cuba].
Obregón Fuentes CA, Fernandez Molina C, Martínez Motas CI … +5 more , Llop Hernández CA, Rodríguez González I, Rodríguez Silveira J, Rodríguez Y, Valdés Y
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444613
INTRODUCTION: human leptospirosis requires rapid and early microbiological diagnosis since it is a common lethal disease worldwide. OBJECTIVES: to increase the quality of microbiological diagnosis of this infection, to e...
INTRODUCTION: human leptospirosis requires rapid and early microbiological diagnosis since it is a common lethal disease worldwide. OBJECTIVES: to increase the quality of microbiological diagnosis of this infection, to expand the knowledge on the circulation of groups of leptospiras in Cuba and to show the benefits of an agglutination assay using Cuban latex particles and of commercial immunochromatogenic systems LEPTO Dipstick, Lepto Tek Lateral Flow, Lepto Tek Dri Dot and SD Leptospira IgM-IgG. METHODS: this descriptive research used sera from positive and negative control cases to evaluate and measure the diagnostic value of rapid serological diagnosis systems with respect to the microagglutination method of reference (MAT). All the techniques used in this report are described in the Manual of Operations and Procedures of the Leptospira Lab in "Pedro Kourí" Institute of Tropical Medicine. RESULTS: all the studied diagnosis systems exhibited acceptable values of sensitivity, specificity and agreement when compared to the international microagglutination method of reference with live microorganisms. The great selectivity (antigen reactivity) and the diagnostic reliability of the diagnostic systems were confirmed; particularly the mixed Cuban-made latex, the LEPTO Dipstick and the SD Leptospira IgM-IgG. CONCLUSIONS: the procedures used in this research work exceeded the traditional methods including the microagglutination method of reference in terms of easiness, rapidity, technical simplicity and level of performance, and all were useful for the screening of antibodies to leptospiras.
[Active surveillance of adverse effects of Pandemrix vaccine to prevent influenza A(H1N1) in Cuba].
Galindo Santana BM, Peláez Sánchez OR, Galindo Sardiña MA … +5 more , Leon Villafuerte M, Concepción Díaz D, Estruch Rancaño CL, Martínez Sánchez R, Santín Peña M
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444612
INTRODUCTION: in April 2009, a new virus was identified in Mexico and North America as the cause of a respiratory disease. The virus quickly spread over other countries. On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WH...
INTRODUCTION: in April 2009, a new virus was identified in Mexico and North America as the cause of a respiratory disease. The virus quickly spread over other countries. On June 11, 2009 the World Health Organization (WHO) reported cases in 74 countries and territories located in 2 of its regions. The high sustained transmission of this virus worldwide led to establish the phase 6 or the pandemic phase, indicating that the situation had to do with spreading rather than increased severity. OBJECTIVES: to report on already known or new events after the administration of vaccine A(H1N1) called Pandemrix, to identify the most frequent events occurred in pregnant women and to research into the associated severe events. METHODS: a prospective descriptive study was designed to characterize the adverse effects of Pandemrix reported across the country from April 1st to June 30th, 2010. A total of 1,123,526 people were vaccinated in which 100% of pregnant women were included. RESULTS: active surveillance nationwide reported 5 763 signs and symptoms detected in 3 401 people (615 reports from pregnant women). The overall rate of reports was 302.7 x 100 000 doses administered. Adverse events such as fever, headache, pain, swelling and redness at the injection site, malaise, arthralgia, allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting were reported as common symptoms. These 10 symptoms and signs accounted for 79.1% of all the reported events. A total number of 80 317 pregnant women were vaccinated of whom 615 reported adverse effects, accounting for 0.8 % of the vaccinated pregnant women. Fever was the most notified symptom in children (193) followed by local reactions at the injection site (23), vomiting (20), arthralgia (17), headache (11), malaise (10) and high fever-related seizures (6). Eight events were analyzed as severe. CONCLUSIONS: the administration of the vaccine was related to 3 events, unrelated to other 3 events and 2 were classified as inconclusive (3 miscarriages). No deaths were reported. The capacity of the Cuban Health System for the administration of this vaccine with active surveillance in a short period of time was proved. Data from monitoring of events that were supposedly attributable to vaccination or immunization did not notify any unusual event. Therefore, no safety problem is associated to the Pandemrix vaccine.
[Serological study carried out in Cuban localities where confirmed western Nile virus infection is present].
Pupo-Antúnez CM, Cabrera Rodriguez CV, Vázquez Mojena Y … +6 more , Drebot M, Andonova M, Dickinson Meneses F, Fuentes González O, Pérez Rodriguez A, Santos Montero P
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444611
INTRODUCTION: first infected cases caused by West Nile virus were reported in Cuba in 2004. OBJECTIVE: to monitor and learn about the prevalence of the West Nile virus in those areas with confirmed cases. METHODS: the st...
INTRODUCTION: first infected cases caused by West Nile virus were reported in Cuba in 2004. OBJECTIVE: to monitor and learn about the prevalence of the West Nile virus in those areas with confirmed cases. METHODS: the study was conducted in Jatibonico municipality and in the city of sancti Spiritus. A total number of 14 persons, 8 horses and 41 birds were researched to detect antibodies to flavivirus and specific antibodies to West Nile virus. RESULTS: the presence of specific antibodies to West Nile virus was confirmed in 4 samples of sera from birds and in 4 from horses. One person was confirmed as one case of asymptomatic West Nile virus infection. CONCLUSIONS: the presence of specific antibodies to West Nile virus in birds, horses and persons residing in areas where there are confirmed cases showed that a local amplification cycle had been established in Cuba before this study.
[New evidence in the susceptibility to dengue infection associated to HH polymorphism of FcgammaRIIa receptor].
García Menéndez CG, Pérez Díaz CA, Sierra Vázquez CB … +5 more , Sánchez CL, Calzada Gutiérrez N, Alvarez Vera CM, Fonte Galindo CL, Guzmán Tirado CM
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444610
INTRODUCTION: polymorphic variants of FcgammaRIIa receptor have been associated to susceptibility to develop several infectious diseases. The relationship between the polymorphism of this receptor and the susceptibility...
INTRODUCTION: polymorphic variants of FcgammaRIIa receptor have been associated to susceptibility to develop several infectious diseases. The relationship between the polymorphism of this receptor and the susceptibility to dengue hemorrhagic fever was recently reported. OBJECTIVES: to explore whether the association of the homocygotic variants of the receptor to susceptibility to or protection from a disease could be also related with the IgG antibody titters and the exposure to a number of infections. METHODS: a retrospective analytical study was performed on individuals who had been infected with the dengue virus 4 during the 2006 epidemic in the City of Havana and were tracked down in 2008. A total number of 97 individuals were recruited of whom 68 had suffered dengue fever and 29 had had dengue hemorrhagic fever. A 10-mL blood sample was taken from each of them and then placed in EDTA anticoagulant for DNA isolation and 5 mL placed in dry tubes to obtain serum. The genetic polymorphism of FcgammaRIIa receptor, the total anti-dengue IgG antibody titers and the antecedent of dengue infection were determined. RESULTS: it was interesting to note that there was very significant direct relation (p< 0.0001) between high anti-dengue IgG antibodies titers and the number of infections suffered by these people. This behaviour was present in those individuals with the HH homocygotic variant. CONCLUSION: it seems that those individuals with polymorphism in FCgammaRIIa-H/H receptor would tend to non-elimination of IgG antibodies through this receptor, which is associated to the number of infections suffered by the individual.
[Dengue virus serotype 2 strains isolated from the epidemic occurred in Santiago de Cuba in 1997].
Rodríguez-Roche CR, López Matilla L, Alvarez Vera CM … +2 more , Morier Díaz L, Guzmán Tirado CM
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444609
INTRODUCTION: during the Cuban epidemic that occurred in Santiago de Cuba in 1997, there was observed increasing severity in the course of time, in terms of proportion of serious dengue haemorrhagic cases and deaths that...
INTRODUCTION: during the Cuban epidemic that occurred in Santiago de Cuba in 1997, there was observed increasing severity in the course of time, in terms of proportion of serious dengue haemorrhagic cases and deaths that could be due to the emergence of escape mutants to neutralization with greater virulent potential. OBJECTIVE: to study some biological attributes of a group of strains isolated at different points of time during the Santiago de Cuba epidemic in 1997. METHODS: nine DENV-2 strains were studied. The cytopathogenic effect, the viral growth in C6/36 HT and VERO cell lines, the virus plaque sizes, the sensitivity to temperatures, the neurovirulence in newborn mice and the influence of the pH in the union of the virus to the cell as well as in the multiplication medium were all evaluated. RESULTS: the strains isolated at the end of the epidemic differed from those of the beginning showing increased neurovirulence in newborn mice and higher viral titers and greater cytopathogenic effect in HT C6/36 cells. On the other hand, the virus and the cell union was favored by acid pH when testing strains from the beginning of the epidemic, whereas this union was favored by the basic PH in the strains isolated at the end of the epidemic CONCLUSIONS: the present study managed to show that in addition to the previously observed genotypical changes, there were phenotypical differences among the strains isolated at different points of time in the epidemic; all these aspects may be associated with differences in the viral fitness and/or in the virulent potential of these strains.
[Convalescence of pregnant women who suffered from dengue serotype 3].
López Barroso R, Deulofeu Betancourt I, Fayad Saeta Y … +1 more , Macias Navarro MM
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444608
INTRODUCTION: dengue is an infectious disease caused by ARN genome virus and has 4 recognized serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4) that are transmitted by Aedes aegypti as the main vector. The clinical manifestation...
INTRODUCTION: dengue is an infectious disease caused by ARN genome virus and has 4 recognized serotypes (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4) that are transmitted by Aedes aegypti as the main vector. The clinical manifestations of dengue in pregnancy are similar to those of the general population, except that the ecosystem is made up by the mother and the fetus where the virus with its genetic characteristics is introduced and finds special conditions for development and evolution. OBJECTIVE: to study the progression of the dengue symptoms in women who got sick during their pregnancy for one year of follow-up. METHODS: an observational descriptive research was conducted to find out the existence of sequelae in women who were infected with dengue 3 during their pregnancy. A cohort of 28 pregnant women, who had been admitted to "Juan Bruno Zayas Alfonso" General Hospital at the time of the dengue outbreak from April to November 2006, was studied. The diagnosis was serologically confirmed. RESULTS: after one-year of follow-up, it was observed that amnesia (25 %) and menstrual disorders (14.3%) affected these women. Amnesia was significant when the infection occurred in the third trimester of pregnancy, p=0.0377. CONCLUSIONS: dengue 3 infection may cause amnesia in pregnant women who suffered this disease, particularly in their third trimester of pregnancy.
[Histoplasmosis updating].
Fernández Andreu CC, Illnait Zaragozi MT, Martínez Machín G … +2 more , Perurena Lancha MR, Monroy Vaca E
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23444607
Histoplasmosis, an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, has been reported all over the world and is considered endemic in the American continent, including Cuba. This fungus grows on the soils contamina...
Histoplasmosis, an infection caused by the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum, has been reported all over the world and is considered endemic in the American continent, including Cuba. This fungus grows on the soils contaminated with bird and bat excreta, where it produces a great number of microconidia that could cause the infection when they are inhaled. The clinical spectrum varies from asymptomatic infections to serious disseminated diseases involving one or many organ systems and affects mainly AIDS patients, patients with hematological neoplasias, transplant recipients or other immunosuppressed patients. The main risk groups include those individuals whose working activities make them be exposed to aerosols contaminated with H. capsulatum. Lab diagnosis is based on the microscopic observation, isolation and identification of the fungus in fluid or tissue samples of patients, and on specific antigen and antibodies detection. The molecular methods based on polymerase chain reaction have not been sufficiently defined, and they could be an important advance in the early diagnosis of this mycosis. Itraconazole is recommended for treatment of moderate, localized and chronic infection whereas amphotericin B is the drug of choice for disseminated and serious manifestations, particularly in its lipidic formulations. At present, histoplasmosis is considered one of the most important systemic mycoses in the Americas, and it is widely spread over all regions of Cuba.
[Antimalarial activity of hydroalcoholic extract from Bixa orellana L].
Fernández-Calienes Valdés A, Mendiola Martínez J, Acuña Rodríguez D … +2 more , Scull Lizama R, Gutiérrez Gaitén Y
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437529
INTRODUCTION: Bixa orellana L. is one species used in traditional herb medicine in several continents. Among the medicinal properties attributed to this plant, the antimalarial action has been included. OBJECTIVE: to eva...
INTRODUCTION: Bixa orellana L. is one species used in traditional herb medicine in several continents. Among the medicinal properties attributed to this plant, the antimalarial action has been included. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate in vitro and in vivo antimalarial activity of extract from B. orellana grown in Cuba. METHODS: the antimalarial activity of the hydroalcoholic extract fro Bija seeds was evaluated in vitro against Plasmodium falciparum Ghana strain and in vivo using a model of murine malaria, that is, Balb/c mice infected with Plasmodium berghei ANKA strain. Citotoxicity was determined against MRC-5 human fibroblasts. Additionally, phytochemical composition of the studied extract was preliminarily informed. RESULTS: the extract exhibited IC50 (medium inhibitory concentration) of 11.6 microg/mL, CC50 (medium citotoxic concentration) of 60.2 microg/mL and SI (selectivity index) of 5.1. Subcutaneous administration of the extract at a 500 mg/kg dose caused parasitemia reduction of 50.3 +/- 5.8 % on infected animals compared with that of the controls. Phytochemical screening was consistent with detection of triterpenoids and/or steroids, alkaloids, lactonic compounds, phenols, tanins and flavonoids. CONCLUSIONS: the hydroalcoholic extract from B. orellona seeds grown in Cuba showed in vitro and in vivo moderate antimalarial activity. Bioassay-guided fractioning will allow identifying the molecules responsible for the exhibited extract activity and re-evaluating the potentialities of this extract.
[Contributions made by the Cuban advisory work to the entomological surveillance in Haiti].
Marquetti Fernández Mdel C, Fuster Callaba CA, Estévez Torres G … +1 more , Somarriba López L
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437528
INTRODUCTION: the earthquake occurred in Haiti in January 2010 led to the worsening of the hygienic, sanitary and environmental conditions and increased the number of breeding sites for disease-borne vectors in the count...
INTRODUCTION: the earthquake occurred in Haiti in January 2010 led to the worsening of the hygienic, sanitary and environmental conditions and increased the number of breeding sites for disease-borne vectors in the country. OBJECTIVES: to report the first results of the entomological surveillance set by the Cuban advisory group in Haiti after the earthquake. METHODS: the work was carried out in 7 sites located in West department, one of the ten departments of the country; larval sampling was conducted in reservoirs and natural breeding sites based on the methodologies for both. The sampling was weekly in the May-October period in 2010. RESULTS: twelve mosquito species were reported in the West department as well as the presence of Triatoma rubrofasciata. The fundamental breeding sites of the three most important mosquito species were identified including Aedes aegypti with water tanks followed by worn car rubbers and small artificial deposits, Anopheles albimanus in rice fields, animal footprints and coastal swampy plains, and Culex quinquefasciatus, one lymphatic phylarosis-borne vector still existing in Haiti, in drains and waste water ditches. CONCLUSIONS: these results are the first ones from this surveillance program after the earthquake and represent valuable information for the decision-making at the time of designing a control program to face the occurrence of any epidemics in which these insect vectors might be involved in this department.
[Optimization of extracting solutions of antibacterial molecules from Cenchritis muricatus (Gastropoda: Littorinidae)].
Menéndez AA, López Abarrategui C, Vázquez Perera AA … +1 more , Otero González AJ
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437527
INTRODUCTION: marine mollusks are natural reservoirs of molecules with therapeutic potential for the treatment of infectious diseases, at a time when many antibiotic-resistant strains are being described. OBJECTIVE: to c...
INTRODUCTION: marine mollusks are natural reservoirs of molecules with therapeutic potential for the treatment of infectious diseases, at a time when many antibiotic-resistant strains are being described. OBJECTIVE: to compare three solutions: 30 % acetic acid, 50 % methanol and saline-acid (NaCl 0.6 mol/L, 1 % HCl) according to their capacities to extract molecules with antimicrobial activity from the marine mollusk Cenchritis muricawus. METHODS: the three extraction solutions were used to process the biological material, and then, the obtained extracts were analyzed in terms of total protein concentration and the bacterial growth inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli strains by means of a turbidimetric bioassay using 96 well microplates in Luria-Bertani (LB) culture medium. RESULTS: the highest total protein concentration (7.8 microg/mL) was found in the C. muricatus extract from the saline-acid solution. Additionally, 200 microg/mL of total proteins from the extract caused significant growth inhibition (p< 0.001) of S. aureus (12.64 %) and E. coli (12.1 %) compared to the positive control of growth inhibition using chloramphenicol. CONCLUSIONS: according to these results, the saline-acid solution proved to be more efficient in extracting molecules with antibacterial activity that are likely to be antimicrobial peptides from C. muricatus.
[Effectiveness of insecticidal formulations for the Aedes aegypti adult population control in La Habana, Cuba].
Bisset Lazcano JA, Rodríguez Coto MM, Moya Hernández M … +4 more , Ricardo Leyva Y, Montada Dorta D, Gato De Armas R, Pérez Insueta O
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437526
INTRODUCTION: the vector control remains the sole sustainable measure to prevent dengue transmission in which the key role goes to adulticides in case of high rates of infestation by the vector, outbreaks or dengue epide...
INTRODUCTION: the vector control remains the sole sustainable measure to prevent dengue transmission in which the key role goes to adulticides in case of high rates of infestation by the vector, outbreaks or dengue epidemics. Pyrethroids are the most used whereas organophosphorous chloripirifos has been occasionally used because of the cost. OBJECTIVES: to determine the effectiveness of insecticides in their commercial formulation that is applied today by the National Unit of Anti-Vector Control and Surveillance in Cuba for the control of Ae aegypti adults such as chlorpirifos (Terfos 48 CE) and pyrethroids, lambda-cyhalothrin (ICON 2.5 CE) and cypermethrin (Galgotrin 25 CE). METHODS: fifteen Ae. Aegypti strains from the 15 municipalities of La Habana province, collected in 2008, and the Rockefeller reference strain were used. The level of effectiveness of these products against the adult vector was determined through WHO-recommended bioassays. RESULTS: in situ effectiveness bioassays, Terphos 48 CE was the most effective in causing 100 % mortality of all the strains, followed by Icon 2.5 CE and Galgotrin 25 CE which reached 98 % and 100 % mortality rates respectively. CONCLUSIONS: the field tests showed that the insecticides currently in use in the Aedes aegypti eradication program are still highly effective in La Habana province. The combined use of chlorpirifos and pyrethroids are recommended to delay the evolution of resistance to this last group of insecticides.
[Cuban advisory work to face the rise of malarial cases in two Haitian departments in April 2010].
Fuster Callaba CA, Ponce Cárdenas F, Fonseca Lozada JM … +3 more , Velásquez Martín M, Cox Iraola R, Marquetti Fernández Mdel C
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437525
INTRODUCTION: malaria is considered to be a serious health problem in Haiti, mainly in the rural zones of the coastal area located at 600 m above the sea level, particularly shallow zones with rice crops. OBJECTIVE: to d...
INTRODUCTION: malaria is considered to be a serious health problem in Haiti, mainly in the rural zones of the coastal area located at 600 m above the sea level, particularly shallow zones with rice crops. OBJECTIVE: to describe the actions taken in four sites of two Haitian departments to face the rise of the number of malarial cases. METHODS: the advisory work was carried out in three communities located in the West department and one in Nippes department in April 2010. Fever screenings along with sample-taking for thick smear test were performed as well as anti-vector activities including search for breeding sites and thermal treatment in the house and out of it. RESULTS: it was confirmed in this thick smear test that not all the persons presenting with febrile symptoms suffered malaria since low positive values to this disease were obtained. During this study, only Plasmodium falciparum was diagnosed. Out of the 46 breeding sites, 26 were positive to Anopheles albimanus. The impact of insecticidal treatment could not be assessed since the areas did not have preliminary data on this respect. CONCLUSIONS: these results provide the malaria control program with pieces of knowledge about the distribution and control of vectors in addition to emphasizing the need of making an updated stratification of the incidence of the disease that comprises all the aspects of the malaria control program in Haiti.
[Effectiveness of the anti-meningococcal vaccine VA-MENGO-BC in the first year of life of Cuban children, 1997-2008].
Pérez Rodríguez A, Dickinson Meneses F, Rodríguez Ortega M
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437524
INTRODUCTION: meningococcal disease is an important health problem worldwide. Since 1991 the vaccine VA-MENGOC-BC has been used in Cuban under one-year old infants. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine...
INTRODUCTION: meningococcal disease is an important health problem worldwide. Since 1991 the vaccine VA-MENGOC-BC has been used in Cuban under one-year old infants. OBJECTIVE: to evaluate the effectiveness of the vaccine VA-MENGO-BC METHODS: for the evaluation after licensing this vaccine, all the infants affected by meningococcal disease between 1997 and 2008 were studied. RESULTS: a total number of 114 cases were recorded. The annual average incidence was 7.1 per 100 000 infants. The mean vaccinal effectiveness for the period was 84.0 %, ranging from 68 % to 104 %. The frequency of disease in unvaccinated children was 20.2 % (23/114); 79.8 % (91/114) within the vaccination age, but only 75.8 % (69/91) of them had confirmed the immunization date. Only 26.4 % (24/91) had one single dose applied whereas 73.6 % (67/91) had completed their vaccination schedule (2 doses). The meningococcal disease prevailed in the first six months of life, declined afterwards and then started to rise again at 10 and 11 months of age. The meningeal form of clinical presentation predominated (89.5 %); case-fatality rate was 7.0 % (8/114), being 4.4 % for meningococcemia and 2,6 % for meningitis. CONCLUSIONS: the vaccine VA-MENGOC-BC effectiveness in infants was satisfactory. It is suggested that further analysis be made by a group of experts on the use of a booster dose.
[Molecular diagnosis of influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus and other respiratory viruses during the first pandemic wave in Cuba].
Oropeza Fernández S, Acosta Herrera B, Piñón Ramos A … +11 more , Valdés Ramírez O, Savón Valdés C, Arencibia García A, Guilarte García E, González Muñoz G, Goyenechea Hernández A, Muné Jiménez M, González Báez G, Hernández Espinosa B, Guzmán Tirado MG, Llop Hernández A
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437523
INTRODUCTION: the first pandemic virus of the 21st century - the influenza A (H1N1)/2009 virus-appeared in Mexico in April 2009 after triple reassortment of influenza strains of avian, human and pig origin and from there...
INTRODUCTION: the first pandemic virus of the 21st century - the influenza A (H1N1)/2009 virus-appeared in Mexico in April 2009 after triple reassortment of influenza strains of avian, human and pig origin and from there, it was spread worldwide. With the purpose of facing up to this event, Cuba adopted antipandemic measures including the virology surveillance using all necessary actions. OBJECTIVES: the detection and validation of the entry of the causative agent of pandemic into the country in a fast and timely way, in addition to the definition of involvement of other viruses in the etiology of acute respiratory infections. METHODS: as a result of the lab surveillance, from the 38th to the 42nd epidemiological weeks (September and October, 2009), 1 063 respiratory clinical samples were processed (nasopharyngeal exudates, bronchial aspirates and lung necropsy samples). The highest number of confirmed cases caused by the new virus was detected in this period that represented the first pandemic wave in Cuba. Diagnosis was based on molecular diagnosis algorithm. RESULTS: out of the 1063 samples, 597 (56.0 %) were positive. The pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus was the most commonly detected etiological agent in 306 suspected cases (51 %) followed by influenza A (H3N2) virus in 228 cases (38 %). Other respiratory viruses were diagnosed in 63 clinical samples (11 %). The pandemic virus was confirmed in 50 pregnant women. Rhinoviruses were identified more frequently in those samples from patients with clinical diagnosis of bronchial pneumonia and broncholitis. Morbidity increased during this period; 225 825 medical consultations were notified due to acute respiratory infections mid-October 2009. CONCLUSIONS: the molecular diagnosis algorithm proved to be sensitive, specific and effective to assure the systematic virological surveillance in our country during the pandemic phase.
[Sequence of viral infection associated to pregnancy in a dengue outbreak in Santiago de Cuba in 2006].
López Barroso R, Macias Navarro MM, Guzmán Tirado MG … +1 more , Alvarez Vera M
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437522
INTRODUCTION: several dengue outbreaks have taken place in Santiago de Cuba province in the last few years, in which pregnant women have been involved. OBJECTIVES: to determine the immunity and to describe the role of de...
INTRODUCTION: several dengue outbreaks have taken place in Santiago de Cuba province in the last few years, in which pregnant women have been involved. OBJECTIVES: to determine the immunity and to describe the role of dengue infection and its sequence. METHODS: an observational and descriptive study was conducted to characterize dengue immunity in mothers and children after 10 and 12 months of birth and to determine the influence of certain viral infection sequences in pregnant women who suffered this disease during the dengue 3 epidemics in Santiago de Cuba. To this end, serum samples from 25 females tested dengue 3-positive and from children born to them after 10 and 12 months of childbirth were studied. IgG titers and viral infection sequences were determined and analyzed according to the World Health Organization dengue classification criteria. RESULTS: the children did not present with the antibodies and the viral infection sequences associated to mothers; in order of frequency, the same percentage was observed in DEN2/DEN3, DEN1/DEN2/DEN3 (21,74 %); but lower percentage in DEN1/DEN3 (17,39 %). CONCLUSIONS: the children did not develop humoral immunity (IgG) despite some manifestations inherent to the disease. The secondary infections prompted the most serious forms of the disease.
[Evaluation of the immobilization of one HIV-2 gp36 peptide in nitrocellulose membrane].
Díaz Herrera DF, Cruz Sui O, Montano Tamayo L … +1 more , Silva Cabrera E
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437521
INTRODUCTION: antigen immobilization in solid supports is used for the development of several immunoassays. One of the first technologies developed was the protein adsorption by direct application to nitrocellulose. OBJE...
INTRODUCTION: antigen immobilization in solid supports is used for the development of several immunoassays. One of the first technologies developed was the protein adsorption by direct application to nitrocellulose. OBJECTIVE: to standardize the immobilization of a synthetic peptide of the HIV-2 transmembrane protein gp36 to nitrocellulose support for diagnostic purposes and to evaluate the performance parameters in a group of serum samples with recognized interesting reactivity. METHODS: the peptide was freely immobilized, conjugated to bovine serum albumin (BSA) and to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) as carrier proteins. Immobilization parameters were analyzed and then, the optimal immobilization alternative was determined. Using the chosen variant, the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity against reference panels of the AIDS Research Laboratory were evaluated. Analytical specificity was evaluated with reactive samples to HIV-1 and HTLV-1. RESULTS: the analysis of the immobilized peptide variants to nitrocellulose membranes showed that the gp36 peptide-BSA was the one that succeeded in setting the greatest differentiation between positive and negative samples. There were observed 100 % sensitivity, 95.2 % diagnostic specificity and 100 % analytical specificity. CONCLUSIONS: the gp36-BSA peptide immobilized on nitrocellulose membranes showed efficacy for the serological diagnosis of HIV-2, which will allow considering this peptide for diagnostic uses in systems with nitrocellulose -based solid phase.
[Radiological patterns and final diagnosis of patients presumptive of pulmonary tuberculosis with negative sputum smears].
Valdés Díaz S, García Silvera E, Rosas Valladares C … +3 more , Cayon Escobar IG, Valladares Baena A, Crespo Díaz TT
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437520
INTRODUCTION: the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in sputum smears-negative patients is a challenge for today's medical practice, mostly supported on clinical and radiographic elements. In Hospital Neumológico Benéfi...
INTRODUCTION: the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in sputum smears-negative patients is a challenge for today's medical practice, mostly supported on clinical and radiographic elements. In Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico of Havana, there is an expert commission for the sputum smear-negative diagnosis of tuberculosis called CODIBAARNE. OBJECTIVE: to identify the radiological patterns and the final diagnosis of patients submitted to this committee from October 2002 to December 2003. METHODS: a descriptive study was conducted in a sample of patients within the above-mentioned period, who had been studied and followed-up in Hospital Neumológico Benéfico Jurídico in order to define their final diagnoses under the CODIBAARNE commission recommendation. Data were gathered from the register of patients and from the individual medical histories. RESULTS: the average age of these patients was 68.2 years and 57 % were males. The most frequent symptoms were cough (76 %), general syndrome (70 %) and expectoration (61 %). The mostly seen radiographic patterns were infiltrates, with or without cavitation (44 %) and fibrotic lesions (34 %). The most common diagnoses showed bronchiectasia (26 %), followed by sputum smears-negative pulmonary tuberculosis (24 %). CONCLUSIONS: the results of this research work evinced the importance of the work by the group of experts in CODIBAARNE regarding the sputum smears-negative diagnosis of tuberculosis cases.
[Effect of 4B3 monoclonal antibody on the experimental Cryptococcus neoformans infection].
Illnait-Zaragozí MT, Gato Armas R, Martínez Machín GF … +5 more , Otero González A, Sarracent Pérez J, Rodríguez Sánchez H, Fernández Andreu CM, Valdés Hernández Idel C
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437519
INTRODUCTION: frequent relapses and high lethality of criptococcosis has encouraged the search for new therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the effect of the monoclonal antibody 4B3 on the cryptococcal infecti...
INTRODUCTION: frequent relapses and high lethality of criptococcosis has encouraged the search for new therapeutic strategies. OBJECTIVES: to evaluate the effect of the monoclonal antibody 4B3 on the cryptococcal infection in Balb/c mice. METHODS: the kinetics in serum concentration of the studied monoclonal antibody was determined for intraperitoneal administration (500 microg) by quantitative sandwich ELISA. In order to assess its protective capability, were administered 500 microg of 4B3 and innoculated 2 x 10(22) cells/mL of Cryptococcus neoformans. The survival of mice was recorded and the yeast dissemination to the main target organs was evaluated. Macrophages P338.D1 cell lines were used to measure the effect of the monoclonal antibody 4B3 on the phagocytosis and lysis of the microorganism. RESULTS: the used dose helped to keep high values (38 microg/m) of 4B3 in serum for at least 46 days. It was found that the monoclonal antibody does not give protection, which makes the microorganism dissemination possible, along with the reduction in the survival of mice. Finally, the phagocytosis test showed that 4B3 increased the phagocytic activity of macrophages without any fungicidal effect. CONCLUSIONS: the monoclonal antibody 4B3 stimulates C. neoformans phagocytosis by macrophages without fungicidal effect, thus favoring yeast dissemination and decreasing the survival of mice due to cryptococcal infection
[Presumptive identification of Cryptococcus gattii isolated from Terminalia catappa in Montería city, Córdoba, Colombia].
Contreras Martínez OI, Aycardi Morinelli MP, Alarcón Furnieles JL … +1 more , Jaraba Ramos AM
Rev Cubana Med Trop · 2011 · PMID 23437518
INTRODUCTION: the members of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex are responsible for cryptococcosis in animals and humans. Human infection is thought to be acquired by inhalation of airborne propagules from an en...
INTRODUCTION: the members of the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex are responsible for cryptococcosis in animals and humans. Human infection is thought to be acquired by inhalation of airborne propagules from an environmental source; therefore it is greatly important to study their habitat. OBJECTIVE: to determine the ecological relationship of Cryptococcus gattii with Terminalia catappa trees present in urban areas of Montería city in Colombia. METHODS: a total of 163 Terminalia catappa trees were selected; some samples were taken from the bark, the leaves, the flowers, the fruits of these trees and from the surrounding soil. The yeast was isolated using the Guizotia abyssinica seed agar medium; it was identified thanks to biochemical and morphologic tests whereas the right variety was determined by L-canavanine-glycine-bromothymol blue (CGB), D-proline and D-tryptophan tests. RESULTS: there was obtained 9.050 CFU/g isolate of Cryptococcus spp., 5.795 CFU/g of which were presumptively identified as Cryptococcus gattii. The highest percentage of isolates was found in flowers, followed by bark and fruits, presenting small cellular and capsular sizes. These isolates were more frequent in the south of the city, followed by the center zone and the lowest percentage in the northern zone. CONCLUSIONS: these findings confirmed the close relationship of Cryptococcus gattii and Terminalia catappa, being this the first study conducted in Monteria city. These results give us meaningful information for understanding and analyzing the epidemiology of cryptococcosis in Monteria city, Colombia.
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