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Process evaluation determines the pathway of success for a health center-delivered, nutrition education intervention for infants in Trujillo, Peru.

Process evaluation was used to explain the success of a randomized, controlled trial of an educational intervention to improve the feeding behaviors of caregivers and the nutritional status of infants in Trujillo, Peru. Health personnel delivered a multicomponent intervention within the environment of usual care at government health centers. We created a model of the expected intervention pathway to successful outcomes. Process data were then collected on health center implementation of the intervention and caregiver reception to it. Using multivariate models, we found that variables of health center implementation, caregiver exposure, and caregiver message recall were all significant determinants in the pathway leading to improved feeding behaviors. These outcomes were consistent with our original intervention model. Further support for our model arose from the differences in caregiver reception between intervention and control centers. Process data allowed us to characterize the pathway through which an effective nutrition intervention operated. This study underscores the importance of including process evaluation, which will lead to the development and implementation of more effective nutrition interventions.

Adolescent↗

Cholera in Lima, Peru, correlates with prior isolation of Vibrio cholerae from the environment.

The authors utilized a recently developed DNA probe technique to obtain quantitative data on occurrence of Vibrio cholerae in samples collected monthly from 12 environmental sites in Lima, Peru, from November 1993 through March 1995. Peak V. cholerae counts ranged from 10(2)/ml to 10(5)/ml, with the highest counts in sewage-contaminated areas and irrigation water. With our methodology, no V. cholerae cases were detected at any site during the winter months of July through October. Counts were detectable in the environment before onset of cholera in the community, with counts at "cleaner" sites upriver correlating significantly with occurrence of community disease 2 and 3 months later. In sites with heavy sewage contamination, V. cholerae could still be detected before the onset of cases in the community; however, in contrast to upriver sites, counts at these latter sites correlated most closely with the number of concurrently occurring cholera cases. These data support a model of cholera seasonality in which initial increases in number of V. cholerae in the environment (possibly triggered by temperature) are followed by onset of illness in the community, with these human cases further amplifying the organism as the epidemic cycle proceeds.

Cholera↗

Antigenic and biologic characteristics of Venezuelan encephalitis virus strains including a possible new subtype, isolated from the Amazon region of Peru in 1971.

Nine strains of Venezuelan encephalitis (VE) virus isolated from the Amazon region of Peru in 1971 were identified as antigenic subtype I based on plaque-reduction neutralization tests with four and 20 units of antibody. A tenth strain, 71D1252, was possibly a new subtype, but was related to subtypes I and III. Hemagglutinins of each strain made from infected mouse brains had optimals pHs of 6.2 and 6.4. Nine strains were pathogenic for adult hamsters and adult mice, but strain 71D1252 inapparently infected some adult hamsters and mice inoculated peripherally. Plaques of nine strains in Vero African green monkey kidney cell cultures were intermediate in size between representative epizootic and enzootic strains, but plaques of strain 71D1252 were small like epizootic strains.

Animals↗

Hepatitis A in Peru. The role of children.

A serologic survey in 1983-1984 evaluated the presence of hepatitis A antibody (anti-HAV) and hepatitis A immunoglobulin M antibody (anti-HAV IgM) in 3,251 adults and 811 children in the jungle and coastal areas of Peru. All subjects were asymptomatic. Adults had a 98% positive anti-HAV rate except for naval cadets, who had a 76% rate. Children had an 82% positive anti-HAV rate, increasing from 30% at one year of age to 100% at eight years of age. Anti-HAV IgM was present in 27% of children one to four years of age who had antibody and was not present in those older than 12. The vast majority of Peruvian adults are immune to hepatitis A, and children with asymptomatic infection play a significant role in the transmission of this disease.

Adolescent↗

Incidence and etiology of infantile diarrhea and major routes of transmission in Huascar, Peru.

Community-based studies of diarrhea etiology and epidemiology were carried out from July 1982-June 1984 in 153 infants residing in a poor peri-urban community near Lima, Peru. Study infants had nearly 10 episodes of diarrhea in their first year of life. Diarrhea episodes were associated with organisms such as Campylobacter jejuni, enterotoxigenic and enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Shigella, rotavirus, and Cryptosporidium. These organisms appeared to be transmitted to infants in the home through animal feces, through contaminated water and food, and by direct person-to-person contact. A particularly important route of transmission may have been weaning foods, which were often contaminated because of improper preparation and inadequate cleaning of utensils. Improved feeding practices, along with avoidance of animal feces and improved personal and domestic hygiene, should be considered important interventions in reducing the high incidence of diarrhea in infants in developing countries.

Animals↗

Epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of acute vs. persistent diarrhea in periurban Lima, Peru.

Longitudinal studies of acute and persistent diarrhea in 677 children less than 3 years old were conducted for 27 months in an underprivileged, periurban community near Lima, Peru. Incidence rates and accurate durations of diarrhea were obtained by twice-weekly community-based surveillance and clinical and laboratory features of diarrheal episodes were documented. Study children had an overall incidence of diarrhea of 8.1 episodes per child-year and an incidence of persistent (greater than 14 days) diarrhea of 0.25 episodes per child-year. Episodes of longer duration were associated with young age (0-5 months) and more severe illness (greater than or equal to 6 diarrheal stools per day) in the first week. None of the laboratory tests performed in the first week of illness (fecal leukocytes, blood, reducing substances, pH, or fat) proved of value to identify episodes that would become persistent. Although steatorrhea was commonly present in the acute phase of the illness, it became less frequent by the third or subsequent week of illness in the persistent diarrheas. These results suggest that there are no clinical or laboratory features of acute diarrhea that are strongly predictive of the subset of diarrheas that persist. Thus, it is important that all diarrheal episodes should have appropriate fluid and dietary management and follow-up to detect the persistent diarrheas that may need special intervention.

Acute Disease↗

Incidence of Vibrio cholerae O1 diarrhea in children at the onset of cholera epidemic in periurban Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of Vibrio cholerae O1-associated diarrhea in children during the onset of the 1991 cholera epidemic in Peru. METHODS: Stool cultures were obtained from children (mean age, 26 months) participating in a prospective community-based study of diarrhea in a periurban community in Lima between February and May, 1991. RESULTS: Of the 409 diarrheal episodes cultured V. cholerae O1 was isolated in 14 (3.4%) episodes. This represented an incidence of 0.11 episode per child year, higher than previously reported rates in children from endemic cholera areas. Most cases were mild; only 1 case required hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that from the beginning of this epidemic, V. cholerae O1 caused diarrhea in children as well as adults and should therefore be considered as one of the possible pathogens when children from a cholera-affected area develop diarrhea.

Bacterial Infections↗

Sexual practices and prevalence of HIV, HTLV-I/II, and Treponema pallidum among clandestine female sex workers in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A survey was conducted to determine the sexual behavior practices and prevalence of HIV-1, HTLV-I/II, and T. pallidum infections among unlicensed female sex workers (FSWs) in Lima, Peru. GOAL OF THIS STUDY: To assess the role of unlicensed FSWs as a potential source of retroviral and T. pallidum infection. STUDY DESIGN: Female sex workers from 15 brothels were enrolled. Sera samples were obtained and tested for antibodies to HIV-1, HTLV-I, and Treponema pallidum. RESULTS: Of 158 FSWs studied, all were negative for HIV-1, 6 were positive for HTLV-I, and 5 were positive for Treponema pallidum. Of their male clients, 75% used condoms, whereas only 3% reported condom use with their steady partners. When condoms were always used by clients, the history of a sexually transmitted disease was significantly reduced (p < 0.01), and the prevalence of HTLV-I (p < 0.05) and syphilis was lower among these workers. CONCLUSION: Data suggested that the low rate of sexually transmitted diseases among FSWs reflected the high rate of condom use by their male clients.

Adult↗

Sexual behavior of international travelers visiting Peru.

BACKGROUND: Sexual behavior of travelers to Latin America and the sexual behavior of US travelers in general are poorly characterized. GOAL: The goal of the study was to evaluate sexual risk factors of travelers to Peru. STUDY DESIGN: Anonymous written questionnaires were administered to 442/507 (87%) of the individuals approached in the international departures area of the Lima airport. RESULTS: Of the 442 respondents, 54 (12.2%) had new sex partners during their stay. Sex with a local partner (35/52; 67.3%) was more frequent than sex with other travelers (18/52; 34.6%) or with sex workers (4/52; 7.7%). Risk factors for a new sex partner included male sex (relative risk, 1.94), single marital status (relative risk, 2.59), duration of stay longer than 30 days (relative risk, 5.05), traveling alone or with friends (relative risk, 2.88), and bisexual orientation (relative risk, 4.94). Frequency of sexual activity among US travelers was greater than that among travelers from other countries (15.2% [22/145] versus 10.6% [30/282]; NS). Condoms were consistently used by 12/50 (24%) and sometimes used by 10/50 (20%), including 8/20 United States travelers and 13/29 travelers from other countries. CONCLUSION: Behaviors and risk factors are similar to those described for travelers to Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe. Behavior of US travelers did not differ from that of other travelers.

Adolescent↗

The cost-effectiveness of syndromic management in pharmacies in Lima, Peru.

BACKGROUND: Many people with sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in Lima, Peru, seek treatment in pharmacies. GOAL: The goal was to assess the cost-effectiveness of training pharmacy workers in syndromic management of STDs. STUDY DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness from both the program and societal perspectives was determined on the basis of study costs, societal costs (cost of medicine), and the number of cases adequately managed. The latter was calculated from estimated incidence, proportion of symptomatic patients, proportion seeking treatment in pharmacies, and proportion of cases adequately managed in both comparison and intervention districts. Univariate and multivariate sensitivity analyses were performed. RESULTS: Under base-case assumptions, from the societal perspective the intervention saved an estimated US$1.51 per case adequately managed; from the program perspective, it cost an estimated US$3.67 per case adequately managed. In the sensitivity analyses, the proportion of females with vaginal discharge or pelvic inflammatory disease who seek treatment in pharmacies had the greatest impact on the estimated cost-effectiveness, along with the medication costs under the societal perspective. CONCLUSION: Training pharmacists in syndromic management of STDs appears to be cost-effective when only program costs are used and cost-saving from the societal perspective. Our methods provide a template for assessing the cost-effectiveness of managing STD syndromes, on the basis of indirect estimates of effectiveness.

Anti-Infective Agents↗

Clients of female sex workers in Lima, Peru: a bridge population for sexually transmitted disease/HIV transmission?

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of risk behaviors, gonorrhea, and chlamydia in clients of female sex workers, and to compare them with men selected from the general population. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional study of men recruited from commercial sex venues in Lima, Peru from January to February 2002. Subjects answered a survey and provided a urine sample. RESULTS: Men reported that in the recently concluded commercial sex encounter, 95.8% used condoms, and 85.8% always used condoms with female sex workers. Only 16% reported always using condoms with their stable partners; 50.8% always used condoms with casual, noncommercial partners; and 59.6% always used condoms for homosexual anal sex. There were 8 (2%) cases of chlamydia and no cases of gonorrhea. CONCLUSIONS: Clients of female sex workers report high rates of condom use with sex workers and a low prevalence of chlamydia and gonorrhea. It is unlikely that they constitute a bridging population.

Adolescent↗

Syphilis treatment and HIV infection in a population-based study of persons at high risk for sexually transmitted disease/HIV infection in Lima, Peru.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to characterize syphilis epidemiology and the relationship of HIV status and initial rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer to syphilis treatment in Lima, Peru. STUDY DESIGN: We screened 1,261 individuals at high risk for sexually transmitted diseases for syphilis and HIV infection. Syphilis was treated with penicillin injection or doxycycline; treatment was repeated in unresponsive cases. RESULTS: : The prevalence of syphilis was 7.7%, 1-year incidence rate was 4.7%, and reinfection rate was 42.7%. The treatment success rate was 93.4% (71 of 76); those with initial RPR titers or=1:16. HIV infection was associated with syphilis, prevalent in 15.6% and 3.7% of those with and without syphilis, respectively (P < 0.001), but did not affect treatment success (90.9% vs. 93.8%). CONCLUSIONS: Syphilis was common, associated with HIV infection, and less responsive to therapy in those with initial RPR titers <or=1:8. HIV infection did not affect syphilis treatment success rates.

Adolescent↗

High endemicity of human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 among pregnant women in peru.

Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1(HTLV-1) is associated with adult T-cell leukemia, tropical spastic paraparesis, and other immune-mediated diseases. There are reports of groups with high prevalences of HTLV-1 infection in Peru, but there is limited knowledge of the epidemiology of infection or which routes of infection are most important. We studied 2,492 women presenting to a large maternity hospital in Lima for prenatal, delivery, or abortion services. HTLV-1 seropositivity was confirmed in 42 women (1.7%; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-2.2). Seroprevalence increased with age but did not vary by region of birth or recency of migration to Lima. Age greater than 30 years and sexual intercourse before 20 years of age were strongly and independently associated with infection. History of abortion and history of transfusion were of borderline significance. Women whose male partner had a characteristic that might be a marker for risk of sexually transmitted infections were also more likely to be infected. HTLV-1 is common among Peruvians throughout the country and is maintained by a low level of neonatally acquired infection that is amplified by sexual transmission. In addition to screening of the blood supply, instituted in 1997, programs designed to reduce neonatal and sexual transmission should be effective.

Abortion, Induced↗

Clinical manifestations and molecular epidemiology of five cases of diarrhoea in children associated with Vibrio metschnikovii in Arequipa, Peru.

In April 1994, Vibrio metschnikovii was isolated from five infants with watery diarrhoea in Arequipa, Peru, as part of a passive cholera surveillance system. The children ranged in age from 11 to 20 months and had acute diarrhoea, with two cases showing moderate dehydration. Two children also had traces of blood in liquid stool. The children were seen at two different hospitals, and no evidence of a common source of infection was found. No additional V. metschnikovii isolates were identified in the remaining surveillance period that covered the rest of 1994 and 1995. However, stool samples were not screened for enteric pathogens other than vibrios. V. metschnikovii strains isolated from stool samples produced opaque and translucent colonies on agar plates, suggesting capsular material. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, erythromycin and streptomycin. Plasmid analysis revealed a common 200-kb plasmid in isolates from all cases and an additional 2.7-kb plasmid in three of the isolates. Ribotyping of each isolate after restriction with BglI and HindIII endonucleases demonstrated identical ribotyping patterns. The cases reported suggest that V. metschnikovii may be associated with diarrhoea in man by mechanisms so far unknown.

Acute Disease↗

Inbreeding and population structure of the potato cyst nematode (Globodera pallida) in its native area (Peru).

The dispersal abilities and the population genetic structure of nematodes living in the soil are poorly known. In the present study, we have pursued these issues in the potato cyst nematode Globodera pallida, which parasitizes potato roots and is indigenous to South America. A hierarchical sampling regime was conducted in Peru to investigate gene flow on regional, field and plant scales. Multilocus genotypes of single individuals were obtained using eight polymorphic microsatellites markers. Large heterozygote deficiencies were observed at most loci. The limited active dispersal of larvae from their cyst, which favours mating between (half) siblings, could be responsible for this pattern. Within fields, as well as among fields within regions (even 35 km apart), low F(ST) values suggest extensive gene flow. Among fields within regions, only 1.5-4.4% genetic variability was observed. Passive dispersal of cysts by natural means (wind, running water, or wild animals) or by anthropogenic means (tillage, movement of infected seed tubers) is probably responsible for the results observed. Among regions, high F(ST) values were observed. Thus long-range dispersal (more than 320 km apart) is probably limited by major biogeographical barriers such as the mountains found in the Andean Cordillera. These results provide useful information for the management of resistant varieties, to slow down the emergence and spread of resistance-breaking pathotypes.

Analysis of Variance↗

Control of mucocutaneous leishmaniasis, a neglected disease: results of a control programme in Satipo Province, Peru.

Mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) is an important health problem in many rural areas of Latin America, but there are few data on the results of programmatic approaches to control the disease. We report the results of a control programme in San Martin de Pangoa District, which reports one of the highest prevalences of MCL in Peru. For 2 years (2001--2002), the technicians at the health post were trained in patient case management, received medical support and were supplied with antimonials. An evaluation after 2 years showed the following main achievements: better diagnosis of patients, who were confirmed by microscopy in 34% (82/240) of the cases in 2001 and 60% of the cases (153/254) in 2002; improved follow-up during treatment: 237 of 263 (90%) patients who initiated an antimonial therapy ended the full treatment course; improved follow-up after treatment: 143 of 237 (60%) patients who ended their full treatment were correctly monitored during the required period of 6 (cutaneous cases) or 12 (mucosal cases) months after the end of treatment. These achievements were largely due to the human and logistical resources made available, the constant availability of medications and the close collaboration between the Ministry of Health, a national research institute and an international non-governmental organization. At the end of this period, the health authorities decided to register a generic brand of sodium stibogluconate, which is now in use. This should allow the treatment of a significant number of additional patients, while saving money to invest in other facets of the case management.

Antimony↗

Antibodies against desmoglein 1 in healthy subjects in endemic and nonendemic areas of pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem) in Peru.

BACKGROUND: Endemic pemphigus foliaceus or fogo selvagem is an autoimmune skin disease characterized by the presence of subcorneal superficial blisters and antibodies of the immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) class specific for the desmosomal glycoprotein, desmoglein 1. In Peru, no studies have been published on the seroprevalence of antibodies against desmoglein 1 in healthy subjects from endemic foci. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. The sample included 82 healthy subjects, 41 from the Pueblo Libre community, a focus of endemic pemphigus foliaceus, and 41 from a nonendemic urban area in Pucallpa City. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine the presence of antibodies against desmoglein 1. Samples were processed and tested at the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida. RESULTS: It was found that 31.7% of healthy individuals (13 subjects) from the endemic focus had anti-desmoglein 1 antibodies. A statistically significant association was found between the distance from the endemic focus and the presence of antibodies against desmoglein 1 in subjects living within the endemic focus [Mantel-Haenszel odds ratio (OR), 3.34; P = 0.03; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-10.48]. Agriculture as an occupation showed a statistically significant association with the presence of antibodies against desmoglein 1 (Mantel-Haenszel OR, 7.84; P < 0.001; 95% CI, 2.47-24.87). CONCLUSIONS: Antibodies against desmoglein 1 are present in healthy subjects exposed to an endemic focus of pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem). Agriculture is associated with a high risk of development of antibodies against desmoglein 1 in the endemic focus of the Pueblo Libre community.

Adolescent↗

Paracoccidioidomycosis in Quillabamba, Peru, and its surroundings.

Three cases of paracoccidioidomycosis observed in 1990-1991 in Quillabamba, Peru, and its surroundings are described. The climate and the living conditions of the inhabitants favour paracoccidioidomycosis. It can be assumed that a majority of cases could not be identified, because the symptoms are disguised as other tropical diseases. The application of ketoconazole to the patients showed different results, from optimal to scarce, while temporary remission of the disease was obtained with itraconazole. The best therapy for paracoccidioidomycosis appears to be the application of amphotericin B plus sulphamidics.

Adult↗