RESUMEN

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease with a worldwide distribution, which represents a major challenge in animal production across developing countries, mainly in tropical areas. Horses are particularly susceptible to the disease, presenting manifestations ranging from subclinical to the development of uveitis that compromises the visual health of the animals. In recent years, serological studies have been carried out in equid populations from America, demonstrating high exposure. For this reason, the aim of this study was to demonstrate microbiologically and molecularly the presence of the members of the genus Leptospira in urine samples from equids in an endemic state of leptospirosis in Mexico, and to detect the serological presence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in the sampled animals. For this reason, blood and urine samples were collected from 28 horses and one mule from three localities in the state of Veracruz, Mexico. Urine samples were inoculated in Ellinghausen-McCullough-Johnson-Harris (EMJH) medium, and the recovered isolates were typed using a short Multi Locus Sequence Typing scheme. Amplifications of the expected size were subjected to sequencing, and the recovered sequences were compared with those of reference deposited in GenBank using the BLAST tool. To identify their phylogenetic position, we performed a phylogenetic reconstruction using the maximum likelihood method. Additionally, Microscopic Agglutination test was performed on the serum samples to identify anti-Leptospira antibodies. We recovered 16 urine isolates which tested positive for the presence of Leptospira DNA. The phylogenetic reconstruction and the MLST analysis confirmed the presence of several genotypes of Leptospira interrogans and Leptospira santarosai. An overall serological frequency of 97.1 % was detected. Our results represent the first record of the presence of Leptospira through bacteriological isolates in equids from Mexico.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antibacterianos , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Leptospira , Leptospirosis , Filogenia , Animales , Leptospirosis/veterinaria , Leptospirosis/microbiología , Leptospirosis/epidemiología , México/epidemiología , Caballos/microbiología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/microbiología , Leptospira/aislamiento & purificación , Leptospira/genética , Leptospira/clasificación , Anticuerpos Antibacterianos/sangre , Leptospira interrogans/aislamiento & purificación , Leptospira interrogans/genética , Leptospira interrogans/clasificación , Tipificación de Secuencias Multilocus , Análisis de Secuencia de ADN , ADN Bacteriano/genética

RESUMEN

Background: The aim of the present study was to describe the presence of co-infection by Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in goats reared in extensive systems from Mexico. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to determine the frequency of T. gondii and N. caninum, by detecting antibodies to each parasite by mean commercial ELISA kits. A total of 176 blood samples were randomly collected from mature females reared in extensive system herds from 20 municipalities of state of Guanajuato, Mexico. Results: The general seroprevalence was 23.9 and 21.0% for T. gondii and N. caninum, respectively, while co-infection rate was 3.6%. For geographic and environmental variables, no differences were observed among T. gondii and coinfection; however, it was observed that altitude, annual precipitation, annual average temperature, and rainy period showed significant differences with N. caninum seropositive goats. Conclusion: The seroprevalence of both parasites was appreciated in most of the studied herds. The present study is the first report of T. gondii and N. caninum co-infection in goats from extensive herds in Mexico.

Asunto(s)

Coccidiosis , Coinfección , Enfermedades de las Cabras , Cabras , Neospora , Toxoplasma , Toxoplasmosis Animal , Animales , Coccidiosis/veterinaria , Coccidiosis/epidemiología , Coccidiosis/parasitología , México/epidemiología , Toxoplasma/inmunología , Enfermedades de las Cabras/epidemiología , Enfermedades de las Cabras/parasitología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/epidemiología , Toxoplasmosis Animal/parasitología , Coinfección/epidemiología , Coinfección/veterinaria , Coinfección/parasitología , Estudios Seroepidemiológicos , Femenino , Estudios Transversales , Anticuerpos Antiprotozoarios/sangre

RESUMEN

The genus Bartonella encompasses 38 validated species of Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells and erythrocytes of a wide spectrum of mammals. To date, 12 Bartonella species have been recorded infecting humans, causing diseases of long historical characterization, such as cat scratch fever and trench fever, and emerging bartonellosis that mainly affect animal health professionals. For this reason, this study aimed to report a documented case of Bartonella bovis infecting a veterinarian from Mexico by the amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of the citrate synthase (gltA) and the RNA polymerase beta-subunit (rpoB) genes, and to report the natural course of this infection. To our knowledge, this work is the first to report the transmission of B. bovis via needlestick transmission to animal health workers in Latin America.

Asunto(s)

Infecciones por Bartonella , Bartonella , Veterinarios , Animales , Humanos , México , Filogenia , Células Endoteliales , Bartonella/genética , Infecciones por Bartonella/diagnóstico , Infecciones por Bartonella/veterinaria , ADN , Mamíferos/genética

RESUMEN

Equine piroplasmosis is a parasitic illness caused by various protozoa of the Babesia and Theileria genera, which parasitize within red blood cells. The transmission of these pathogens occurs through certain genus of ticks, including Amblyomma, Haemaphysalis, Hyalomma, and Rhipicephalus. In recent times, an increase in the identification of new Theileria species and genotypes has been observed. This is further complicated by the presence of mixed Theileria infections in both mammals and tick vectors, particularly in regions where wildlife and livestock share habitats and vectors. Therefore, the objective of this study is to document the occurrence of Theileria cervi in a non-typical host. A total of 88 horses (Equus caballus) and 10 donkeys (Equus asinus) were sampled in three municipalities in Veracruz, Mexico. Molecular techniques were employed to identify Babesia/Theileria through the amplification of a segment of the 18S-rDNA and hsp70 genes. The phylogenetic reconstruction grouped the obtained sequences into a monophyletic cluster alongside sequences of T. cervi. This work represents the first documented occurrence of T. cervi in equids. These findings have significant implications from an epidemiological point of view. In addition, further studies are needed to determine the distribution and pathogenicity of this species for domestic animals and to develop effective control strategies.

Asunto(s)

Babesia , Babesiosis , Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Coinfección , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Ixodidae , Rhipicephalus , Theileria , Theileriosis , Infestaciones por Garrapatas , Animales , Caballos , Bovinos , Theileria/genética , Filogenia , México/epidemiología , Infestaciones por Garrapatas/veterinaria , Babesia/genética , Theileriosis/epidemiología , Equidae , Mamíferos , Coinfección/veterinaria , Babesiosis/epidemiología , Babesiosis/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Caballos/epidemiología

RESUMEN

The knowledge of lice associated with small ruminants, especially sheep and goats, is scarce. In Mexico, there are historical reports of six species of chewing and sucking lice associated with Capra hircus and Ovis canadensis. However, the reports did not analyze the ecology of the infestations or the presence of potentially pathogenic bacteria. For this reason, the objectives of this study were i) to identify the species of lice associated with sheep and goats in three states of the Mexican Republic, ii) to characterize the infestations, and iii) to identify the presence of bacterial pathogens. From October 2019 to August 2021, six ranches with sheep and goats were sampled in the states of Hidalgo and Veracruz. Hosts were visually inspected, and lice were retrieved with forceps. The specimens were sexed and identified using morphological taxonomic keys. DNA extraction was performed individually, and a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 gene (COI) was amplified for the molecular identification of the specimens. Subsequently, Anaplasma, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia were molecularly detected. Additionally, the infestations were characterized by calculating the prevalence and mean abundances. We collected 563 specimens of three species, Bovicola caprae, Bovicola ovis, and Linognathus africanus. The highest infestation levels were recorded for B. ovis (66.7%; 4.4) from Veracruz. Additionally, two Bartonella species were detected: Bartonella mellophagi in B. ovis and Bartonella capreoli in L. africanus. In contrast, Mycoplasma ovis was detected exclusively in one pool of B. ovis. This study provides new bacterial-ectoparasite associations and highlights the possible role of these neglected ectoparasites as vectors in the populations of sheep and goats from Mexico.

Asunto(s)

Anoplura , Bartonella , Ischnocera , Mycoplasma , Ovinos , Animales , Cabras , México/epidemiología , Bartonella/genética

RESUMEN

The study of lice associated with domestic cats is a neglected area of veterinary parasitology. In particular, the presence of the cat louse Felicola subrostratus, a small Ischnoceran species found in the fur of the domestic cat, is rarely recognized. In America, this species has been reported across six countries. Although it was also recently reported in Mexico, no studies on the molecular identification of the specimens or the monitoring of potential bacterial, and protozoan pathogens have been carried out. Thus, this work aimed to collect, and identify lice associated with domestic and free ranging cats from the states of Veracruz and Tabasco, using amplification and sequencing of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), and the ribosomal 18S rDNA genes, and to monitor selected vector-borne bacterial (Bartonella, Mycoplasma, and Rickettsia) and protozoan (Babesia, and Hepatozoon) agents. Only entire lice were used for molecular host and pathogen identification. Eighty-one lice, identified as F. subrostratus, were recovered from five infested cats, and 30 were selected for molecular identification and pathogen surveillance. Analysis of the COI and 18S rDNA partial sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%-100% with sequences of F. subrostratus from the US. Mycoplasma haemofelis and Hepatozoon canis DNA was detected in three and four samples, respectively. This work provides new collection locations for F. subrostratus, and the first sequences of the COI and 18S rDNA genes from Mexico. It also reports two pathogenic microorganisms found in the lice.

Asunto(s)

Babesia , Enfermedades de los Gatos , Animales , Gatos , México , Babesia/genética , ADN Ribosómico

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of Hurricanes Irma/Maria on diabetes incidence in Puerto Rico. Mortality increased substantially after the hurricanes, but morbidity was not assessed. METHODS: We recruited 364 participants from the San Juan Overweight Adults Longitudinal Study (SOALS) aged 40-65 years who completed a three-year follow-up and were free of diabetes. We conducted additional questionnaires 1.7-2.5 years after hurricanes. Glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), fasting glucose and insulin were assessed at all three visits. We compared diabetes incidence between pre-hurricane visits and between visits spanning the hurricanes using Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE) adjusting for within person repeated measures, age, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Diabetes incidence was significantly higher spanning the hurricanes than pre-hurricane (multivariate GEE model: IRR = 2.1; 95% CI: 1.4-3.1). There was a significantly higher increase spanning the hurricanes compared to pre-hurricanes for Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (median: 0.3 uIU/mL vs. 0.2 uIU/mL). HbA1c levels increased by 0.4% spanning the hurricanes. CONCLUSION: Increases in diabetes incidence, HOMA-IR and HbA1c were higher spanning the hurricanes compared to the pre-hurricanes period. The increase in diabetes incidence remains significant after adjusting for age and BMI.

Asunto(s)

Tormentas Ciclónicas , Diabetes Mellitus , Adulto , Humanos , Puerto Rico/epidemiología , Incidencia , Hemoglobina Glucada , Estudios Longitudinales , Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiología

RESUMEN

Fleas and ticks represent the two main groups of ectoparasites that infest companion animals. In particular, the flea Ctenocephalides felis felis and several members of the Rhipicephalus sanguineus complex are the main vectors of a wide range of pathogens on the American continent. They are competent vectors for several members of the genus Rickettsia, which encompass at least 15 pathogenic obligate intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells of vertebrates. In Mexico, 10 species of Rickettsia belonging to three groups have been detected in six species of ectoparasites from dogs in 9 of the 32 states of the country. However, in some larger regions of the country, active epidemiological surveillance has not been carried out. For this reason, the aim of this study was to identify the presence of members of the genus Rickettsia in fleas and ticks of dogs and cats in the state of Puebla, Mexico. A cross-sectional study was carried out to collect ectoparasites of dogs and cats during August to November 2019. Samples were fixed in 70% ethanol and examined to identify the presence of Rickettsia DNA by the amplification and sequencing of specific fragments of the gltA and ompB genes using conventional PCR. The recovered sequences were compared with those deposited in GenBank, and phylogenetic analyses were carried out to identify the position of the pathogens detected with respect to the valid species previously reported worldwide. Additionally, ecological parameters of the ectoparasite infestations were also calculated. We recovered 196 ectoparasites belonging to two species, 33 C. felis felis and 163 R. sanguineus s.l. (Rhipicephalus linnaei), parasitizing 46 hosts (42 dogs and 4 cats) in 11 localities of the state of Puebla. We detected the presence of Rickettsia felis in three pools of C. felis felis, and five from R. sanguineus s.l. Our work provides the first record of R. felis in hard ticks of Mexico and Central America, with new collection localities for this pathogen in central Mexico.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Felis , Infestaciones por Pulgas , Rhipicephalus sanguineus , Rickettsia felis , Rickettsia , Siphonaptera , Animales , Gatos , Perros , Siphonaptera/microbiología , Rickettsia felis/genética , Enfermedades de los Gatos/parasitología , Filogenia , Estudios Transversales , Células Endoteliales , México/epidemiología , Enfermedades de los Perros/microbiología , Infestaciones por Pulgas/epidemiología , Infestaciones por Pulgas/veterinaria , Rickettsia/genética

RESUMEN

Soft ticks are neglected competent vectors of a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms, among which bacteria of the genera Rickettsia and Borrelia stand out. In Mexico, previous studies have shown the presence of a member of the Ornithodoros talaje complex in the Virginia opossum (Didelphis virginiana Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae Kerr) from southeastern Mexico. However, its specific identification has not been achieved. Two D. virginiana were treated in a private clinic during the period of April-May 2022. Tick larvae were manually removed, DNA extraction was performed, and some genes from various bacterial and parasitic pathogens were amplified and sequenced. A total of 96 larvae were recovered, which were morphologically identified as Ornithodoros puertoricensis (Ixodida: Argasidae Fox); the 16 S sequences showed a similarity of 96.79%-99.51% with sequences of O. puertoricensis from Panama and Colombia. The presence of Rickettsia felis (Rickettsiales: Rickettsiaceae Bouyer et al.) was detected in 15 specimens from one host. The soft tick O. puertoricensis is recorded for the first time as an ectoparasite of the Virginia opossum in America and represents the second report for this soft tick in Mexico since 1963. This represents the most northern record of this tick species in its geographic distribution and brings a new soft tick-Rickettsia association.

Asunto(s)

Argasidae , Ornithodoros , Rickettsia felis , Rickettsia , Animales , México , Argasidae/genética , Argasidae/microbiología , Rickettsia/genética , Larva/microbiología

RESUMEN

ABSTRACT The genus Bartonella encompasses 38 validated species of Gram-negative, facultative intracellular bacteria that colonize the endothelial cells and erythrocytes of a wide spectrum of mammals. To date, 12 Bartonella species have been recorded infecting humans, causing diseases of long historical characterization, such as cat scratch fever and trench fever, and emerging bartonellosis that mainly affect animal health professionals. For this reason, this study aimed to report a documented case of Bartonella bovis infecting a veterinarian from Mexico by the amplification, sequencing and phylogenetic reconstruction of the citrate synthase (gltA) and the RNA polymerase beta-subunit (rpoB) genes, and to report the natural course of this infection. To our knowledge, this work is the first to report the transmission of B. bovis via needlestick transmission to animal health workers in Latin America.

RESUMEN

Ticks are obligate ectoparasites associated with a wide range of vertebrate hosts, including domestic animals. Moreover, ticks are capable of transmitting many pathogens such as Coxiella. To date, Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of coxiellosis or Q fever, is the only valid species of the genera. Nevertheless, a wide range of agents denominated Coxiella-like have been detected in recent studies, mainly associated with ticks. The pathogenicity of these Coxiella-like agents is controversial as some of them can infect both birds and humans. In Mexico, knowledge about Q fever is scarce and limited to historical serological records, and there is an overall lack of molecular proof of any agent of the genus Coxiella circulating in the country. Therefore, the aim of this study was to detect the presence of Coxiella in ticks associated with cattle in all 10 regions of Veracruz, Mexico. To accomplish this objective, first, we identified ticks collected from cattle and horses in Veracruz. Then, for Coxiella detection, DNA extraction from ticks and PCR amplification of the 16S-rDNA of Coxiella was performed. Finally, we performed a phylogenetic reconstruction to determine the Coxiella lineages detected. From the 10 regions sampled we collected 888 ticks grouped in 180 pools, and only five Amblyomma mixtum from the locality of Castán, and one from Los Angeles from Tuxpan were found positive, which represents a frequency of 20% for each locality. This study represents the first attempt at molecular detection of Coxiella in ticks associated with cattle in the state of Veracruz, the major livestock producer in the country. The findings of the present study are relevant as they establish a precedent regarding the circulation of Coxiella-like agents, as well as the absence in three municipalities of the state of Veracruz of C. burnetii, an abortive agent of livestock importance.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Coxiella burnetii , Enfermedades de los Caballos , Fiebre Q , Garrapatas , Humanos , Animales , Bovinos , Caballos , Coxiella burnetii/genética , Coxiella/genética , Fiebre Q/veterinaria , Amblyomma , Filogenia , México , Ganado

RESUMEN

Helminths are not usually considered important pathogens for birds of prey. There is a single published report of mortality in raptors due to an air sac trematode infection. We report a well-documented death case from massive infection by an air sac trematode of the family Cyclocoelidae in a wild-caught, juvenile male Snail Kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) in Ecuador. The necropsy of a Snail Kite revealed more than 200 trematodes among air sacs, lungs, heart, gizzard, proventriculus, and liver. Within air sacs and lungs, mature flukes were associated with sacculitis, bronchitis, pneumonia, and atelectasis. Using an integrative taxonomic approach with morphological and molecular data, we identified the parasites as Bothrigaster variolaris (Trematoda: Cyclocoelidae: Ophthalmophaginae). This case provides the first evidence for the pathologic presence of air sac trematodes associated with morbidity in birds of prey in South America. Our results suggest that cyclocoelids may cause debilitation and significant clinical lesions in birds of prey, with potentially fatal consequences.

RESUMEN

A dog that shared habitat with domestic animals in a cattle farm and that was exposed to wildlife was taken to a private practitioner for clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the patient revealed the presence of Babesia bigemina by a molecular test. Clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia and hyperthermia > 39 °C, pale mucous membranes and blood urine were observed in the patient. The animal was treated with imidocarb dipropionate (two doses each 0.5 ml/10 kg b.w. at an interval of 14 days). On treatment day 7, the clinical signs were mostly reduced. On day 30, PCR was carried out to assess the efficacy of the treatment, with a negative result. This case represents the first report of babesiosis due to B. bigemina in a dog living on a cattle farm in Mexico. It indicates the lower host specify of these pathogens and that dogs can play a role as sentinels of vector-borne parasites in livestock animals.

Asunto(s)

Babesia , Babesiosis , Enfermedades de los Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Animales , Babesia/genética , Babesiosis/diagnóstico , Babesiosis/tratamiento farmacológico , Babesiosis/parasitología , Bovinos , Enfermedades de los Bovinos/parasitología , Enfermedades de los Perros/diagnóstico , Enfermedades de los Perros/tratamiento farmacológico , Perros , México , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria

RESUMEN

Active epidemiological surveillance of infectious agents represents a fundamental tool for understanding the transmission dynamics of pathogens and establishing public policies that can reduce or limit their expansion. Epidemiological surveillance of emerging agents, such as the recently recognized severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the cause of COVID-19, is essential to establish the risk of transmission between species. Recent studies reveal that companion animals are organisms susceptible to being infected by this pathogen due to the close contact they have with their owners. For this reason, the aim of the present work was to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in dogs and cats in the state of Veracruz, Mexico, where there is active transmission of this microorganism in human populations. Oral and nasopharyngeal swab samples were collected from dogs and cats with a history of exposure to patients with COVID-19. Total RNA was extracted and detection of viral genes N1 and N2 was performed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). All 130 samples of companion animals tested by RT-qPCR for SARS-CoV-2 were negative at the time they were collected. This study represents the second active surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 in populations of domestic dogs and cats in Latin America and the first approach in Mexico. Given that coronaviruses have shown a high capacity to be transmitted between species, it is imperative to establish measures to prevent this agent from entering and establishing in populations of companion animals.

Asunto(s)

COVID-19 , Enfermedades de los Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros , Animales , COVID-19/epidemiología , COVID-19/veterinaria , Enfermedades de los Gatos/epidemiología , Gatos , Enfermedades de los Perros/epidemiología , Perros , Humanos , México/epidemiología , Mascotas , SARS-CoV-2/genética

RESUMEN

A dog that shared habitat with domestic animals in a cattle farm and that was exposed to wildlife was taken to a private practitioner for clinical examination. The analyses conducted on the patient revealed the presence of Babesia bigemina by a molecular test. Clinical signs such as lethargy, anorexia and hyperthermia > 39 °C, pale mucous membranes and blood urine were observed in the patient. The animal was treated with imidocarb dipropionate (two doses each 0.5 ml/10 kg b.w. at an interval of 14 days). On treatment day 7, the clinical signs were mostly reduced. On day 30, PCR was carried out to assess the efficacy of the treatment, with a negative result. This case represents the first report of babesiosis due to B. bigemina in a dog living on a cattle farm in Mexico. It indicates the lower host specify of these pathogens and that dogs can play a role as sentinels of vector-borne parasites in livestock animals.(AU)

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Um cão que compartilhava hábitat com animais domésticos em uma fazenda de gado e que foi exposto à vida selvagem foi levado a um clínico particular para que fosse examinado. As análises realizadas no paciente revelaram a presença de Babesia bigemina por um teste molecular. Sinais clínicos, como letargia, anorexia e hipertermia > 39°C, mucosas pálidas e sangue na urina foram observados no paciente. O animal foi tratado com dipropionato de imidocarb (duas doses cada 0,5 ml/10 kg de peso corporal em um intervalo de 14 dias). No dia de tratamento 7, os sinais clínicos foram reduzidos. No dia 30, foi realizada PCR para avaliar a eficácia do tratamento, com resultado negativo. Esse caso representa o primeiro relato de babesiose por B. bigemina em um cão que vive em uma fazenda de gado no México. Isso indica que o hospedeiro inferior especifica esses patógenos, e que os cães podem desempenhar um papel como sentinelas de parasitas transmitidos por vetores em animais de criação.(AU)

Asunto(s)

Animales , Babesia/efectos de los fármacos , Babesiosis/diagnóstico , Perros/parasitología , Antiprotozoarios/administración & dosificación , Filogenia , Medio Rural , Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa/veterinaria , Técnicas de Diagnóstico Molecular/veterinaria , Imidocarbo/análogos & derivados , México

RESUMEN

Introduction: Acute dyspnea is one of the most frequently observed symptoms in emergency departments, which can be caused mainly by pulmonary or cardiac system involvement. Bedside ultrasound is postulated as an inno-vative tool for basic use by the physician, which can complement the physical examination and quickly explore the integrity of thoracic structures. Objectives: To synthesize recent evidence on the use of bedside ultrasound in the evaluation of acute dyspnea. Materials and methods: A bibliographic search was carried out using search terms such as "Bedside Ultrasound" and "Acute Dyspnea," as well as synonyms, which were combined with Boolean operators, in the databases PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, EBSCO, and MEDLINE. Results: During the literature review, 10 observational studies, 2 clinical trials and 2 systematic reviews met the inclusion criteria and were ana-lyzed. The use of bedside ultrasound changes the main diagnosis associated with acute dyspnea in more than 60% of cases, the most frequent being acute decompensated heart failure and pneumonia. Protocols such as SEARCH 8Es for the evaluation of dyspnea in the emergency department, has a performance with sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value parameters above 95%. Conclusions: The current evidence on the use of bedside ultrasound in the management of patients with acute dyspnea in the emergency department is limited, Although the level of evidence is not the best, it suggests that this tool may promote the diagnostic perfomance of acute dyspnea of pulmonary or cardiac causes, improve the time to diagnosis, and enhance physician diagno-stic confidence.

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Introducción: La disnea aguda es uno de los síntomas más observados en los servicios de urgencias, que puede estar causada por la afectación del sistema pulmonar o cardiaco. La ecografía a pie de cama se postula como una herramienta innovadora, al complementar la exploración física con la eva-luación rápida de las estructuras intratorácicas. Objetivo: Sintetizar la evidencia reciente sobre el uso de la ecografía a pie de cama en la evaluación de la disnea aguda. Materiales y métodos: Búsqueda bibliográfica utilizando términos de búsqueda como Bedside Ultra-sound y Acute Dyspnea, así como sinónimos, que se combinaron con operadores booleanos, en cinco bases de datos. Resultados: Se evidenció que el uso de la ecografía a pie de cama cambia el diagnóstico principal asociado con la disnea aguda en más del 60 % de los casos, entre los cuales los más frecuentes fueron la insuficiencia cardiaca aguda descompensada y la neumonía. Protocolos como el SEARCH 8Es para la evaluación de la disnea en el servicio de urgencias tiene un rendimiento con parámetros de sensibi-lidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo superiores al 95 %. Conclusión: La evidencia actual sobre el uso de la ecografía a pie de cama en el tratamiento de los pacientes con disnea aguda en el servicio de urgencias es limitada. No obstante, sugiere que esta herramienta puede favorecer el rendimiento diagnóstico de la disnea aguda de causa pulmonar o cardiaca, mejorar el tiempo de diagnóstico y aumentar la confianza del médico en el diagnóstico

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Introdução: A dispneia aguda é um dos sintomas mais observados no departamento de emergência, que pode ser causado pela afetação do sistema pulmonar o cardíaco. O ultrassom à beira do leito é proposto como uma ferramenta inovadora, complementando o exame físico com uma rápida ava-liação das estruturas intratorácicas. Objetivo: sintetizar evidências recentes sobre o uso do ultrassom à beira do leito na avaliação da dispneia aguda. Materiais e métodos: Pesquisa de literatura usando termos de busca tais como Bedside Ultrasound e Acute Dyspnea, bem como sinônimos, que foram combinados com operadores booleanos, em cinco bancos de dados. Resultados: O uso do ultrassom á beira do leito mostrou a mudança do principal diagnóstico associa-do com a dispneia aguda em mais de 60% dos casos, sendo o mais frequente a insuficiência cardíaca descompensada aguda e a pneumonia. Protocolos como o SEARCH 8Es para a avaliação da dispneia no serviço de emergência tem um desempenho com parâmetros de sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo superiores ao 95%. Conclusão: As evidencias atuais sobre o uso do ultrassom á beira do leito no gerenciamento de pa-cientes com dispneia aguda no serviço de emergências são limitadas. No entanto, sugere que esta ferramenta pode favorecer o rendimento diagnóstico da dispneia aguda de causa pulmonar ou car-díaca, melhorar o tempo de diagnóstico e aumentar a confiança do médico no diagnóstico.

Asunto(s)

Ultrasonografía , Literatura de Revisión como Asunto , Sistemas de Atención de Punto , Medicina Basada en la Evidencia , Disnea

RESUMEN

The Rhipicephalus sanguineus group encompasses at least 12 validated species of Palearctic and Afrotropical hard ticks, which are relevant in veterinary medicine and public health. The taxonomy of R. sanguineus s.s., has been particularly intensely debated, due to its wide geographic distribution, morphological variants, parasite-host associations, and its capacity and vectorial competence for the transmission of several pathogens. By sequencing mitochondrial markers, it was possible to identify the existence of multiple lineages, among which the Tropical and the Temperate lineages stand out, particularly in America. However, the northern limit between these lineages is not clear due to the lack of extensive sampling across Mexico. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to determine the genetic diversity and structure of the R. sanguineus group in Mexico and to compare it with the populations reported in the Americas, in order to propose the northern limit of the R. sanguineus Tropical lineage and the potential regions of sympatry with R. sanguineus s.s. The findings of this study now confirm the presence of R. sanguineus s.s. in Mexico, showing a subtle genetic structure and high genetic diversity throughout its distribution in the Americas. In contrast, the Tropical lineage seems to be genetically less diverse in its overall distribution in the Americas. The genetic diversity of these two independent lineages could have important epidemiological implications in the transmission of tick pathogens.

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: Mycobacterial acid-resistant protease (MarP) is a membrane-associated serine protease involved in the survival of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in macrophages; here we produced MarP in the yeast Pichia pastoris and study its involvement in macrophage immune modulation. RESULTS: Pichia pastoris vectors, harboring a full-length or a partial sequence of MarP, were constructed. GS115 clones were selected, and homologous recombination at the AOX1 locus was assessed by PCR. Protein was purified by nickel affinity chromatography, and its effect on the cytokine profile was tested in human monocytes. Only the partial MarP protein (121-397 a.a.) lacking the transmembrane domain was successfully expressed as an N-glycosylated proteolytically active protease. In vitro stimulation of THP-1 cells with MarP promoted the release of TNF-α and IL-10. CONCLUSION: Mycobacterial MarP was successfully expressed in P. pastoris, and it is capable of cytokine release in vitro.

Asunto(s)

Mycobacterium tuberculosis/enzimología , Pichia/crecimiento & desarrollo , Serina Proteasas/genética , Serina Proteasas/metabolismo , Aldehído Oxidasa/genética , Proteínas Bacterianas/química , Proteínas Bacterianas/genética , Proteínas Bacterianas/metabolismo , Cromatografía de Afinidad , Proteínas Fúngicas/genética , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Recombinación Homóloga , Humanos , Interleucina-10/metabolismo , Monocitos/citología , Monocitos/efectos de los fármacos , Monocitos/inmunología , Mycobacterium tuberculosis/genética , Pichia/genética , Pichia/metabolismo , Dominios Proteicos , Ingeniería de Proteínas , Serina Proteasas/química , Serina Proteasas/farmacología , Células THP-1 , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To analyse the ecological and social factors involved in infestation of houses by Triatoma dimidiata in a rural locality of Veracruz, Mexico, where active transmission of the parasite is occurring. METHODS: A survey was applied to the households of the locality to obtain sociodemographic data. In parallel, T. dimidiata insects were collected during one year through community participation. Using PCR, the insects were genotyped, their infection status was assessed, and parasite genotypes infecting the insects were identified. The vector's blood meal sources were identified using a polymerase-heteroduplex chain reaction assay. RESULTS: Seasonal variations in the patterns of infestation by T. dimidiata were observed. An overall infestation rate of 19.46%, a colonisation index of 9.09%, a dispersion rate of 22.15% and a synanthropy index of 80.6% were found. The collected insects were identified as ITS-2 group 2 insects, and a natural infection with T. cruzi of 54.35% was found. TcI and no-TcI genotypes of T. cruzi were found in infected insects. Factors such as rain (P = 0.0006) and temperature (P < 0.0001) were associated with infestation. Analysis of the blood meal sources indicated frequent feeding upon humans and mice. Furthermore, house materials and peridomiciles were found to play an important role in the dynamics of infestation. CONCLUSIONS: The contribution of this study is important for understanding the epidemiology of Chagas disease in rural areas of the state of Veracruz and will help to the establishment of an entomological surveillance system and implementation of prevention and control measures in accordance with the reality of the area.

Asunto(s)

Enfermedad de Chagas/epidemiología , Insectos Vectores/parasitología , Triatoma/parasitología , Trypanosoma cruzi/parasitología , Microbiología del Agua , Animales , Enfermedad de Chagas/parasitología , Composición Familiar , Femenino , Vivienda , Humanos , Masculino , México/epidemiología , Factores de Riesgo , Población Rural , Estaciones del Año , Encuestas y Cuestionarios , Tiempo (Meteorología)

RESUMEN

The genus Rickettsia encompasses 35 valid species of intracellular, coccobacilli bacteria that can infect several eukaryotic taxa, causing multiple emerging and re-emerging diseases worldwide. This work aimed to gather and summarise the current knowledge about the genus Rickettsia in Mexico, updating the taxonomy of the bacteria and their hosts by including all the records available until 2020, to elucidate host-parasite relationships and determine the geographical distribution of each Rickettsia species present in the country. Until now, 14 species of Rickettsia belonging to four groups have been recorded in Mexico. These species have been associated with 26 arthropod species (14 hard ticks, three soft ticks, two sucking lice, and seven fleas) and 17 mammal species distributed over 30 states in Mexico. This work highlights the high biological inventory of rickettsias for Mexico and reinforces the need to approach the study of this group from a One Health perspective.

Asunto(s)

Anoplura/microbiología , Interacciones Huésped-Patógeno , Mamíferos/microbiología , Rickettsia/fisiología , Siphonaptera/microbiología , Garrapatas/microbiología , Animales , Interacciones Huésped-Parásitos , México