RESUMEN

VectorBase (VectorBase.org) is part of the VEuPathDB Bioinformatics Resource Center, providing free online access to multi-omics and population biology data, focusing on arthropod vectors and invertebrates of importance to human health. VectorBase includes genomics and functional genomics data from bed bugs, biting midges, body lice, kissing bugs, mites, mosquitoes, sand flies, ticks, tsetse flies, stable flies, house flies, fruit flies, and a snail intermediate host. Tools include the Search Strategy system and MapVEu, enabling users to interrogate and visualize diverse 'omics and population-level data using a graphical interface (no programming experience required). Users can also analyze their own private data, such as transcriptomic sequences, exploring their results in the context of other publicly-available information in the database. Help Desk: help@vectorbase.org.

Asunto(s)

Biología Computacional , Culicidae , Animales , Genómica , Humanos , Invertebrados/genética , Mosquitos Vectores

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Resumen La implementación de rutas de formación para los docentes orientados a la cualificación, diseño y aplicación de recursos educativos digitales son necesarios y prioritarios para que las instituciones avancen hacia la transformación cultural requerida en los procesos de enseñanza-aprendizaje con soporte en las TIC. Esto implica una revisión de la construcción de los conceptos de comunidades de aprendizaje, práctica, práctica virtual, zona de desarrollo próximo en la práctica pedagógica, las relaciones en los ambientes virtuales de aprendizaje y las competencias docentes en el uso de las TIC.

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Abstract The implementation of teacher training pathways aiming at the qualifica tion, design, and application of digital educational resources are necessary and priority so that institutions move towards the required cultural transformation in the teaching and learning processes with ICT support. This involves a review of the construction of the concept of communities of learning, communities of practice, virtual practice, zone of proximal development in pedagogical practice, relationships in virtual learning environments, and educational expertise in the use of ICT.

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OBJECTIVE: We estimated the prevalence and identified the resistance pattern of HBV genotypes H and G in HBV monoinfected and HIV co-infected patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional prevalence and analytic study were performed in chronic hepatitis B patients at the Hospital de Infectología, La Raza National Medical Center in Mexico City. Chronic HBV monoinfected and HIV co-infected patients were included. HBeAg, HBV viral load and genetic analysis of mutations were collected; CD4+ cells count from HIV co-infected patients and HIV RNA were measured. We calculated the prevalence and exact 95% binomial confidence interval and the Odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals to assess the relationship between the presence of risk factors and HBV genotypes H or G. RESULTS: We enrolled 77 patients, 67 men and 10 women with 37 HIV co-infected patients. The distribution of HBV genotypes was: HBV genotype H 55 (71% [95% CI 60% to 80%]), HBV genotype G 16 (20.7%), HBV genotype F 4 (5.1%) and HBV genotype A 2 (2.6%). The most frequent mutations presented in 8 HIV co-infected patients and one mono-infected patient with antiretroviral therapy (ART) experience were rtM204V and six of them showed genotype G (6/9). Mono-infected HBV patients exposed more probability to HBV genotype H than co-infected HIV patients OR 13.0 (CI 95% 3.40-49.79), p = 0.0001. In contrast co-infected patients presented less possibility to have genotype H, 0.56 (CI 95% 0.42-0.75). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms the high prevalence of HBV genotype H in Mexico; furthermore, our results suggest that HBV genotype G predominates in co-infected patients. As well, rtM204V and rtL180M mutations are common in HBV-HIV co-infected patients with genotype G and ART experience.

Asunto(s)

Farmacorresistencia Viral/genética , Genotipo , Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , VIH/genética , Virus de la Hepatitis B/genética , Hepatitis B Crónica/epidemiología , Adulto , Antirretrovirales/uso terapéutico , Recuento de Linfocito CD4 , Comorbilidad , Estudios Transversales , Femenino , Infecciones por VIH/tratamiento farmacológico , Infecciones por VIH/patología , Hepatitis B Crónica/tratamiento farmacológico , Hepatitis B Crónica/patología , Humanos , Lamivudine/uso terapéutico , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Mutación/genética , Prevalencia , Estudios Retrospectivos

RESUMEN

Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature on the vectorial importance of the major Anopheles malaria vectors in Colombia. We provide basic information on the geographical distribution, altitudinal range, immature habitats, adult behaviour, feeding preferences and anthropophily, endophily and infectivity rates. We additionally review information on the life cycle, longevity and population fluctuation of Colombian Anopheles species. Emphasis was placed on the primary vectors that have been epidemiologically incriminated in malaria transmission: Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles nuneztovari. The role of a selection of local, regional or secondary vectors (e.g., Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and Anopheles neivai) is also discussed. We highlight the importance of combining biological, morphological and molecular data for the correct taxonomical determination of a given species, particularly for members of the species complexes. We likewise emphasise the importance of studying the bionomics of primary and secondary vectors along with an examination of the local conditions affecting the transmission of malaria. The presence and spread of the major vectors and the emergence of secondary species capable of transmitting human Plasmodia are of great interest. When selecting control measures, the anopheline diversity in the region must be considered. Variation in macroclimate conditions over a species' geographical range must be well understood and targeted to plan effective control measures based on the population dynamics of the local Anopheles species.

Asunto(s)

Anopheles/clasificación , Insectos Vectores/clasificación , Malaria/transmisión , Animales , Colombia , Ecosistema , Humanos , Dinámica Poblacional , Estaciones del Año

RESUMEN

We established methods for monitoring pesticide use and associated health hazards in Central America. With import data from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama for 2000-2004, we constructed quantitative indicators (kg active ingredient) for general pesticide use, associated health hazards, and compliance with international regulations. Central America imported 33 million kg active ingredient per year. Imports increased 33% during 2000-2004. Of 403 pesticides, 13 comprised 77% of the total pesticides imported. High volumes of hazardous pesticides are used; 22% highly/extremely acutely toxic, 33% moderately/severely irritant or sensitizing, and 30% had multiple chronic toxicities. Of the 41 pesticides included in the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), the Rotterdam Convention on Prior Informed Consent (PIC), the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer, the Pesticide Action Network (PAN) Dirty Dozen, and the Central American Dirty Dozen, 16 (17% total volume) were imported, four being among the 13 most imported pesticides. Costa Rica is by far the biggest consumer. Pesticide import data are good indicators of use trends and an informative source to monitor hazards and, potentially, the effectiveness of interventions.

Asunto(s)

Países en Desarrollo/estadística & datos numéricos , Plaguicidas/provisión & distribución , América Central/epidemiología , Humanos , Internacionalidad , Enfermedades Profesionales/epidemiología , Exposición Profesional/estadística & datos numéricos , Salud Laboral/estadística & datos numéricos

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We report the first record of Culex (Anoedioporpa) restrictor collected from a tree hole in the Cauca Valley, Colombia, in 2006.

Asunto(s)

Culex/clasificación , Animales , Colombia , Culex/anatomía & histología , Culex/fisiología , Ecosistema , Femenino , Larva , Masculino , Pupa

RESUMEN

Here we present a comprehensive review of the literature on the vectorial importance of the major Anopheles malaria vectors in Colombia. We provide basic information on the geographical distribution, altitudinal range, immature habitats, adult behaviour, feeding preferences and anthropophily, endophily and infectivity rates. We additionally review information on the life cycle, longevity and population fluctuation of Colombian Anopheles species. Emphasis was placed on the primary vectors that have been epidemiologically incriminated in malaria transmission: Anopheles darlingi, Anopheles albimanus and Anopheles nuneztovari. The role of a selection of local, regional or secondary vectors (e.g., Anopheles pseudopunctipennis and Anopheles neivai) is also discussed. We highlight the importance of combining biological, morphological and molecular data for the correct taxonomical determination of a given species, particularly for members of the species complexes. We likewise emphasise the importance of studying the bionomics of primary and secondary vectors along with an examination of the local conditions affecting the transmission of malaria. The presence and spread of the major vectors and the emergence of secondary species capable of transmitting human Plasmodia are of great interest. When selecting control measures, the anopheline diversity in the region must be considered. Variation in macroclimate conditions over a species' geographical range must be well understood and targeted to plan effective control measures based on the population dynamics of the local Anopheles species.

Asunto(s)

Animales , Humanos , Anopheles , Insectos Vectores , Malaria/transmisión , Colombia , Ecosistema , Dinámica Poblacional , Estaciones del Año

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Transfusion-transmitted viral infection (TTI) is a major problem in patients receiving blood products. Monitoring high-risk patients is essential for assessing the epidemiology of blood-borne infections. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A 1-year, cross-sectional seroprevalence study in patients with a history of multiple transfusions was conducted. Peripheral blood samples were titered to detect serologic markers of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV). The presence of these viruses and demographic, behavioral, and medical traits were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 300 male and female multiply transfused patients with a mean age of 30.7 (+/-17.5) years were studied. The prevalence was 13.7% for HCV, 7% for HBV, and 1.7% for HIV. Patients with hemophilia had the highest prevalence for HCV and HIV infections, and hemodialyzed patients, for HBV infection. The risk factors related to acquired HCV were hemophilia (odds ratio [OR], 5.6; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.5-12.6), more than five hospitalizations (OR, 3.8; 95% CI, 1.6-8.9), and having received a transfusion before mandatory screening in 1993 (OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 2.0-34.6), and for HIV, having received a transfusion before 1987 (OR, 19.0; 95% CI, 2.0-177.7). The main risk factors for HBV were having end-stage renal disease and being treated with hemodialysis (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.4-9.9) and transplantation (OR, 4.2; 95% CI, 1.4-12.1). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that HCV infection was more frequently identified than HBV and HIV infections in multiply transfused Mexican patients. Additionally, several risk factors are associated with TTI such as mandatory screenings before 1987 and 1993, which were the most important for HIV and HCV infections but not for HBV.

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Infecciones por VIH/epidemiología , Infecciones por VIH/etiología , Hepatitis B/epidemiología , Hepatitis B/etiología , Hepatitis C/epidemiología , Hepatitis C/etiología , Reacción a la Transfusión , Adolescente , Adulto , Niño , Preescolar , Femenino , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

INTRODUCTION: In Cali, Colombia, catch basins (streetside storm drains) are one of the main larval habitats of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Since 1999, these mosquitoes have been controlled by the Secretaría de Salud Municipal (Secretary of Municipal Public Health) using the larvicide triflumuron. Because of high densities of these mosquitoes that remain in the city, treatment failure was suspected -possibly insecticide resistance of the target species. OBJECTIVES: The efficacy of triflumuron and VectoMax (biorational mixture of Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis plus Bacillus sphaericus) were evaluated in the control of A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus in catch basins. The residual effect of a single application of the biorational formulation was determined in catch basins during periods of high and low rainfall. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of the products was measured in 60 catch basins located in a residential neighborhood of Cali for a period of 90 days. The mean number of immature instars (A. aegypti and C. quinquefasciatus larvae and pupae of both species) was determined biweekly from 40 catch basins with insecticide intervention (20 treated with triflumuron, 20 with VectoMax) and 20 untreated (control group). The residual effect of the biorational larvicide was evaluated biweekly in 10 catch basins during each of the 2 climatic periods. Results. The catch basins treated with VectoMax presented a significantly lower mean number of immature instars of both species compared with the control ( p<0.01). In contrast, the triflumuron treatment significantly reduced only immature instars of A. aegypti compared with the control ( p<0.001). The residual effect of VectoMax was higher during low rainfall compared to the control ( p<0.001). Conclusion. The biorational formulation was the more effective treatment for the control of both species during the period of evaluation (15 days).

Asunto(s)

Aedes , Bacillus thuringiensis/metabolismo , Benzamidas , Culex , Insecticidas , Larva/efectos de los fármacos , Agua/parasitología , Aedes/efectos de los fármacos , Aedes/microbiología , Animales , Colombia , Culex/efectos de los fármacos , Culex/microbiología , Ecosistema , Hormonas Juveniles/farmacología , Control de Mosquitos/métodos , Control Biológico de Vectores/métodos

RESUMEN

Introducción. En Cali los sumideros son uno de los principales criaderos de Aedes aegypti y Culex quinquefasciatus que son controlados por la Secretaría de Salud Municipal utilizando el insecticida triflumurón desde 1999. Se sospecha falla al tratamiento. Objetivos. Evaluar la eficacia del Starycide® (Triflumuron) y VectoMax® (mezcla bacteriana de Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis + B. sphaericus) en el control de Ae. aegypti y Cx. quinquefasciatus en los sumideros y determinar el efecto residual de una única aplicación deVectoMax®, en épocas de alta y baja pluviosidad.Materiales y métodos. La eficacia de los productos fue medida en 60 sumideros de una zona residencial de Cali por un período de 90 días. La media de individuos inmaduros (larvas y pupas de Ae. aegypti y Cx. quinquefasciatus) fueron obtenidas quincenalmente de 40sumideros intervenidos (20 con Triflumuron y 20 con VectoMax®) y 20 sin tratamiento (grupo testigo). El efecto residual de la mezcla bacteriana se evaluó quincenalmente en 10 sumideros en cada temporada climática evaluada. Resultados. Los sumideros tratados con VectoMax® presentaron diferencias en el promediode estadios inmaduros en ambas especies frente al testigo (p<0,01). En contraste, el tratamiento con triflumuron sólo presentó diferencias en los estadios inmaduros de Ae. aegypti con respecto al testigo (p<0,001). El efecto residual del VectoMax® fue mayor en la época de baja pluviosidad con respecto al testigo (p<0,001). Conclusión. La mezcla bacteriana fue el tratamiento más eficaz en el control de ambasespecies durante el período evaluado (15 días).

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Aedes , Culex , Control Biológico de Vectores , Bacillus , Control de Plagas

Asunto(s)

Hepacivirus/genética , Hepatitis C/epidemiología , Adulto , Femenino , Genotipo , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia