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Incidence and intensity of Babesia spp. sporokinetes in engorged Boophilus microplus from a dairy herd in Venezuela.

The objective of this study was to determine the incidence and intensity of Babesia spp. sporokinetes in hemolymph of engorged females (EF) Boophilus microplus monthly detached from two herds of a local dairy breed of cattle named Carora breed. The experimental herds were located in 2 ranches, 45 km apart, having different management of tick control (TC). Proper methods of TC were commonly used at ranch "A," whereas ineffective methods were used at ranch "B," Babesia spp. sporokinetes were diagnosed in EF B. microplus by microscopic exam of tiny smears of hemolymph stained with Giemsa. A total of 537 smears were checked, and 108 were positive to Babesia spp. (20.1%). The incidence of Babesia spp. was higher (p < 0.01) in ranch "B," 22.3%, compared with the value detected in ranch "A," 6.5%. Incidence of Babesia spp. was greater in the dry season (Dec-Apr) compared with the values detected during the rainy season (May-Nov). The intensity of Babesia spp. was 3.43 at ranch "B" (p < 0.01), and 0.32 at ranch "A" during the rainy season. The values detected for intensity kept no correlation with those two seasons, although it is known that the incidence and seroprevalence of bovine babesiosis are greater during the dry season. The importance of these parameters in the epizootiology of bovine babesiosis in Venezuela is discussed.

Animals↗

Determination of genotypes of hepatitis C virus in Venezuela by restriction fragment length polymorphism.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in Venezuela were analyzed by restriction fragment length polymorphism in the 5' noncoding region. The absence of BstUI digestion was found to be a useful marker for genotype 2 specimens. From 122 serum samples, 66, 20, and 2.5% were classified as genotypes 1, 2, and 3, respectively; 0.8% were classified as genotype 4; and 10% appeared to be mixed infections.

Genes, Viral↗

Antigenic diversity of hepatitis B virus strains of genotype F in Amerindians and other population groups from Venezuela.

The adw4 subtype of hepatitis B virus (HBV) belongs to a unique genomic group (genotype F) representing the original HBV strains from the New World. Data regarding the prevalence of this subtype among HBV carriers in South America are, however, scarce, and those concerning HBV genotype F are based on only a few samples from Latin America. In this study, serum samples were obtained from 141 hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers from Amerindians and urban populations from Venezuela. The HBsAg subtype was identified with monoclonal antibodies in 105 samples, and the HBV genotype was identified by reverse-phase hybridization with DNA fragments in 58 samples. The adw4 subtype was highly prevalent in the population studied (75%); among the Amerindians, the prevalence was 97%. The adw2 subtype was also present (10%), while other subtypes (ayw3 and ayw4) were only occasionally found. The HBV subtype was associated with the expected genotype in most cases (80%), and thus genotype F was highly prevalent. Sequencing of viral strains that gave genotypes unpredicted by the HBsAg subtyping confirmed seven of them as belonging to not previously described genotype-subtype associations: namely, adw2 and ayw4 within genotype F.

Amino Acid Substitution↗

Identification and type distribution of astroviruses among children with gastroenteritis in Colombia and Venezuela.

Astrovirus infections were detected by enzyme immunoassay in 12 (5%) of 251 stool samples from children with gastroenteritis from Bogota, Colombia. In addition, astroviruses were detected by reverse transcription-PCR in 3 (10%) of 29 stool samples negative for other enteric pathogens collected in Caracas, Venezuela, from children with gastroenteritis. Astrovirus type 1 was the most frequently detected virus.

Adolescent↗

Coinfection with three Ehrlichia species in dogs from Thailand and Venezuela with emphasis on consideration of 16S ribosomal DNA secondary structure.

As part of a larger study to investigate tick-borne infections in dogs from Thailand and Venezuela, documentation of coinfection with three Ehrlichia species in two dogs, one from each country, became the focus of the present study. Although neither dog had clinical signs attributable to ehrlichiosis, both dogs were anemic and neutropenic and the Thai dog was thrombocytopenic. Genus- and species-specific PCR targeting the 16S rRNA genes indicated that both dogs were coinfected with Ehrlichia canis, E. platys, and E. equi. To our knowledge, these results provide the first molecular documentation for the presence of E. equi in dogs from these countries. Using universal bacterial PCR primers, one nearly full-length 16S rRNA gene could be amplified from each dog. The sequences were identical to each other and almost identical to that of E. platys (AF156784), providing the first E. platys 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) sequences reported from these two geographically divergent countries. To determine whether these sequence differences allow differentiation between these two strains and other published 16S rDNA E. platys sequences, we performed a phylogenetic analysis of the rRNA, incorporating the consideration of secondary structure.

Animals↗

Antifungal susceptibilities, varieties, and electrophoretic karyotypes of clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela.

One hundred clinical isolates of Cryptococcus neoformans from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and non-HIV-infected patients from Brazil, Chile, and Venezuela were separated according to varieties and tested for antifungal susceptibility. A high susceptibility to antifungal agents was observed among all the isolates. The electrophoretic karyotyping of 51 strains revealed good discrimination among Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans strains.

AIDS-Related Opportunistic Infections↗

Insecticide impregnated curtains to control domestic transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Venezuela: cluster randomised trial.

OBJECTIVE: To measure the impact on transmission of leishmaniasis of curtains impregnated with insecticide. DESIGN: Cluster randomised controlled trial: household interview survey, observational study of people's behaviour, entomological study with light trap captures of sandflies inside houses. SETTING: 14 urban sectors in Trujillo, Venezuela. PARTICIPANTS: 2913 inhabitants of 569 houses. INTERVENTION: Sectors were paired according to their 12 month cumulative incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis, one sector in each pair was randomly allocated to receive polyester curtains impregnated with lambdacyhalothrin (intervention group) while the other sector received curtains without insecticide or no curtains (control groups). After 12 months a follow up household survey was conducted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reduction in abundance of sandflies indoors and 12 month incidence of clinical cases of cutaneous leishmaniasis. RESULTS: Transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred mainly in the domestic setting, with the incidence over 12 months of 4%. The mean number of sandflies per trap per night was 16. After follow up the 12 month incidence of cutaneous leishmaniasis was 0% in the intervention group and 8% in the six pairs in the control group that received unimpregnated curtains (mean difference 8, 95% confidence interval 4.22 to 11.78; P=0.001). There were significantly fewer sandflies in the intervention group (2 v 15, mean difference 13 sandflies per trap; 9 to 17; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Curtains impregnated with insecticide provide a high degree of protection against indoor transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis.

Adolescent↗

Effective control of dengue vectors with curtains and water container covers treated with insecticide in Mexico and Venezuela: cluster randomised trials.

OBJECTIVES: To measure the impact on the dengue vector population (Aedes aegypti) and disease transmission of window curtains and water container covers treated with insecticide. DESIGN: Cluster randomised controlled trial based on entomological surveys and, for Trujillo only, serological survey. In addition, each site had a non-randomised external control. SETTING: 18 urban sectors in Veracruz (Mexico) and 18 in Trujillo (Venezuela). PARTICIPANTS: 4743 inhabitants (1095 houses) in Veracruz and 5306 inhabitants (1122 houses) in Trujillo. INTERVENTION: Sectors were paired according to entomological indices, and one sector in each pair was randomly allocated to receive treatment. In Veracruz, the intervention comprised curtains treated with lambdacyhalothrin and water treatment with pyriproxyfen chips (an insect growth regulator). In Trujillo, the intervention comprised curtains treated with longlasting deltamethrin (PermaNet) plus water jar covers of the same material. Follow-up surveys were conducted at intervals, with the final survey after 12 months in Veracruz and nine months in Trujillo. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Reduction in entomological indices, specifically the Breteau and house indices. RESULTS: In both study sites, indices at the end of the trial were significantly lower than those at baseline, though with no significant differences between control and intervention arms. The mean Breteau index dropped from 60% (intervention clusters) and 113% (control) to 7% (intervention) and 12% (control) in Veracruz and from 38% to 11% (intervention) and from 34% to 17% (control) in Trujillo. The pupae per person and container indices showed similar patterns. In contrast, in nearby communities not in the trial the entomological indices followed the rainfall pattern. The intervention reduced mosquito populations in neighbouring control clusters (spill-over effect); and houses closer to treated houses were less likely to have infestations than those further away. This created a community effect whereby mosquito numbers were reduced throughout the study site. The observed effects were probably associated with the use of materials treated with insecticide at both sites because in Veracruz, people did not accept and use the pyriproxyfen chips. CONCLUSION: Window curtains and domestic water container covers treated with insecticide can reduce densities of dengue vectors to low levels and potentially affect dengue transmission.

Aedes↗

An obstetrics and gynaecology graduate residency programme in Venezuela.

We present our experience on the design and development of a gynaecology and obstetrics graduate residency programme, developed in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the Dr Adolfo Prince Lara Hospital, Puerto Cabello, Venezuela, in which medical specialists and residents participate synergistically. From January to September 1993, curricular activities were planned and students selected. The programme started in October 1993, with six residents for a three-year programme. Courses were given by medical specialists from the Department. In addition to a Programme Coordinator, there is also a Residents' Coordinator, appointed for a two-month term of office; specific functions were assigned for residents occupying this position. All the programmed activities for three years were accomplished, including lectures and rotations, with an important record of surgical interventions. In our grade system, residents got an average of 18 over a maximum of 20 points. Residents also participated as speakers in workshops, special courses and national medicinal meetings, in which they presented a total of nine papers. Activities were evaluated bimonthly in meetings with students and each semester by the Graduate Committee. The first class graduated in September 1996. Results suggest that resident participation in graduate programmes is an important part of their education.

Gynecology↗

Acid-fast bacterial infection and its control in guppies (Lebistes reticulatus) reared on an ornamental fish farm in Venezuela.

There was a spontaneous outbreak of mycobacteriosis in fancy veiltail guppies, Lebistes reticulatus, raised on an ornamental fish farm in Venezuela. The clinical signs included listlessness, emaciation, spinal curvature, sunken eyes and loss of colour. Numerous acid-fast bacteria, identified as Mycobacterium species, were detected in smears from the kidneys, liver, mesentery and spleen of the fish, from fresh faecal material, and from the unborn embryos of infected gravid females. The bacteria were eradicated by the addition of kanamycin sulphate to the water at a concentration of 50 ppm, the dose being repeated on four occasions with 48 hours between each dose. Fifteen days after the treatment, none of the clinical signs described were detected in any of the treated fish. The offspring born to treated females were healthy and normal, and did not harbour acid-fast bacteria.

Animals↗

A cytogenetic analysis of the polytene chromosomes of Anopheles triannulatus (Diptera: Culicidae) from western Venezuela.

The larval polytene chromosomes of Anopheles triannulatus are described for the first time in this report. The population from western Venezuela was chosen arbitrarily as the chromosome standard and is the basis for the photomap presented here. Anopheles trannulatus displays whole-arm associations distinct from other members of the subgenus Nyssorhynchus that have been examined cytogenetically. The association pattern for An. triannulatus is 2R-3R and 2L-3L, rather than the more common 2R-2L and 3R-3L. The possible role of whole-arm translocations in speciation is briefly discussed.

Animals↗

A polytene chromosome study of four populations of Anopheles aquasalis from Venezuela.

Polytene chromosome studies were undertaken to elucidate taxonomic relationships among populations of Anopheles aquasalis and A. emilianus in Venezuela. Four collection sites were chosen: two in Sucre state (Santa Fe and Guayana) where A. aquasalis (considered to be A. emilianus by Gabaldón and Escalante) is presumed to be the major regional vector of Plasmodium vivax; and two in areas where no malaria transmission occurs (Caño Rico, Aragua state, and Puerto Cabello, Carabobo state). The chromosome banding pattern of the four populations was identical and conformed to the standard chromosome map of A. aquasalis from Brazil. These results suggest that the population from Santa Fe and Guayana, considered to be A. emilianus, is conspecific with A. aquasalis. However, its status as a distinct species with a homosequential polytene chromosome banding pattern cannot be ruled out.

Animals↗

Intestinal parasitic infections among pregnant women in Venezuela.

INTRODUCTION: Intestinal parasitic infections, especially due to helminths, increase anemia in pregnant women. The results of this are low pregnancy weight gain and IUGR, followed by LBW, with its associated greater risks of infection and higher perinatal mortality rates. For these reasons, in the setting of no large previous studies in Venezuela about this problem, a national multicentric study was conducted. METHODS: Pregnant women from nine states were studied, a prenatal evaluation with a coproparasitological study. Univariated and multivariated analyses were made to determine risk factors for intestinal parasitosis and related anemia. RESULTS: During 19 months, 1038 pregnant women were included and evaluated. Intestinal parasitosis was evidenced in 73.9%: A lumbricoides 57.0%, T trichiura 36.0%, G lamblia 14.1%, E hystolitica 12.0%, N americanus 8.1%, E vermicularis 6.3%, S stercoralis 3.3%. Relative risk for anemia in those women with intestinal parasitosis was 2.56 (P < .01). DISCUSSION: Intestinal parasitoses could be associated with conditions for development of anemia at pregnancy. These features reflect the need of routine coproparasitological study among pregnant women in rural and endemic zones for intestinal parasites. Further therapeutic and prophylactic protocols are needed. Additional research on pregnant intestinal parasitic infection impact on newborn health is also considered.

Adult↗

Medical genetics in Zulia, a State of Venezuela.

Zulia is a state located in the northwest of Venezuela. Congenital malformations, deformities and chromosomal anomalies are the second cause of infant and neonatal mortality. There are seven public and private groups providing genetic services, the most important of which, the Medical Genetic Unit at the Zulia University was created in 1973. So far, this unit has provided genetic services to 12,000 families, and has been responsible for undergraduate and postgraduate education in human and medical genetics. Prenatal diagnosis is performed at the Unit and a private practice group, the most frequent referral reason being advanced maternal age. The most frequent genetic diseases in the state are Huntington's disease, sickle cell anemia, neural tube defects and Down's syndrome. Research in genetics includes the clinical, epidemiological and molecular characterization of hereditary diseases, cancer, reproductive problems and genetic diversity. Other public groups are conducting research on dementias, including Alzheimer's disease, and on the genotoxic effects of environmental pollutants.

Congenital Abnormalities↗

Cytogenetics and karyosystematics of Oryzomys albigularis (Rodentia, Cricetidae) from Venezuela.

Several authors have proposed that Oryzomys albigularis constitutes a supraspecific complex and that chromosomal pericentromeric inversions have played a fundamental role in the diversifying process. With the purpose of clarifying the unclear taxonomic situation of the nominal forms of O. albigularis living in Venezuela, a cytogenetic study was carried out on individuals from five different localities along the Andean range and the Cordillera de la Costa. All of the individuals examined showed a diploid number (2n) of 66 chromosomes, but there were differences in the number of autosomal arms (FN = 90, 92, and 104) and in the morphology of the X chromosome (metacentric or acrocentric). The C-banding pattern was similar in all populations, autosomal heterochromatin was restricted to the centromere, and the Y chromosome was the only one that had completely heterochromatic arms. G-banding was useful in making arm-to-arm comparison between the FN = 90 and FN = 104 karyomorphs; 23 shared pairs were found, 7 pairs differed due to pericentric inversions, and 3 pairs had no correspondence. We postulate that these karyomorphs probably correspond to allospecies, and that the specific denominations must correspond to two previously recognized populations of sigmodontine rodents: O. caracolus Thomas 1914 (2n = 66, FN = 90), for the populations from the Cordillera de la Costa, and O. meridensis Thomas 1894 (2n = 66, FN = 104), for the populations distributed between the middle and extreme north of the Andean range. The specific denomination for the populations of animals from the southern portion of the Andean range (Oryzomys sp., 2n = 66, FN = 92) is still to be determined.

Animals↗

Serum protein markers in the Piaroa Indians of Amazonia (Venezuela).

A sample of 121 Piaroa Indians from the Federal Amazonia Territory (Venezuela) was studied for the following serum protein polymorphisms: haptoglobin (HP), group-specific component subtypes (GC), orosomucoid (ORM), third component of complement (C3), transferrin C subtypes (TF) and alpha 1-antitrypsin subtypes (PI). The gene frequencies in the whole sample were: HP1 = 0.821; GC1S = 0.698; GC1F = 0.058; GC2 = 0.244; ORMS = 0.434; C3S = 0.699; C3F = 0.289; C3var = 0.012; TFC1 = 0.955; PIM1 = 0.467; PIM2 = 0.004; PIM3 = 0.529. The studied Piaroa sample came from three different communities: Gavilan, Paria and Alto Carinagua. The distribution of GC, C3 and HP polymorphisms was heterogeneous within the three groups. All the examined serum protein markers were polymorphic, in contrast to some enzymatic markers (ADA, DIA, 6PGD, AK) previously studied, which were shown to be monomorphic in the Piaroa. The results were compared with data from other populations living in the same territory.

Analysis of Variance↗

Long-term control of Chagas disease in Venezuela: effects on serologic findings, electrocardiographic abnormalities, and clinical outcome.

To evaluate the long-term effects (20 years) of a Chagas control program (CCP) in Venezuela, a prospective serologic evaluation was carried out from 1981 to 1984 on 5771 inhabitants (8%) of Roscio county. This region was selected as a representative area where the national CCP was implemented effectively. Comparison with a serologic survey performed in the same region before the CCP disclosed a reduction in seropositive subjects from 47.8% to 17.1% (p less than .001), most marked amongst children and teenagers from 29.9% to 1.9%, suggesting that transmission of the disease had diminished. Similar seropositivity changes after the CCP were observed nationwide. Because decreased superinfection would also be expected to occur, we tried to ascertain whether the clinical outcome of seropositive individuals living in Roscio county had improved. The mean age of seropositive subjects between both surveys increased significantly from 34.9 +/- 17.3 to 46.7 +/- 15.1 years (p less than .001). Additionally, we examined clinically and obtained electrocardiograms from 775 seropositive subjects. They were classified as asymptomatic (group A, n = 614) or as symptomatic, having mild-to-moderate heart symptoms (group B, n = 99) or having advanced congestive heart failure (group C, n = 62). Their electrocardiograms were compared with those of 923 seronegative subjects collected simultaneously and with published data obtained before the CCP. Comparison of the age-related rates of electrocardiographic abnormalities of seropositive individuals before and after the CCP showed that they did not differ significantly by linear regression analysis, by the Kruskal-Wallis test, or by the normal approximation to the binomial distribution.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Organ and tissue procurement system: a novel intervention to increase organ donation rates in Venezuela.

The limited number of organs and tissues available for transplantation in Venezuela and the need to improve outcomes for patients with life-threatening end-stage organ failure or inadequate quality of life resulted in the development and implementation of an organ and tissue procurement system by the Venezuelan National Transplant Organization. This procurement system, a 24-hour, nationwide, free phone service for detection of potential organ donors, connects callers with transplant coordinators. The on-call coordinator supervises family approach as well as maintenance, transport, and allocation of the organs and tissues. During a period of 21 months, the phone service received 1191 calls (713 requesting information to become a voluntary donor, 207 requesting information about donation and transplantation, and 271 reporting potential donors). Of the potential donors, 74% were men and 67% were aged between 11 and 40 years, and most came from hospital intensive care units, emergency departments, and trauma shock units. The main causes of death were trauma and stroke. Reasons why donation was not accomplished included early cardiorespiratory arrest and denied consent. In conclusion, establishing the procurement system resulted in an increase in the detection, referral, and maintenance of potential donors; doubling of the number of donors per million population; and an increase in the number of cadaveric transplants.

Adolescent↗