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PubMedDate not supplied

[Mescaline and the San Pedro cactus ritual: archaeological and ethnographic evidence in northern Peru].

INTRODUCTION: The San Pedro cactus contains the alkaloid mescaline and other derivates of phenethylamine with hallucinogenic properties. This cactus was used throughout history by a number of different pre-Columbine cultures and civilisations that settled in northern Peru. In this article we review the ethno-archaeological and ethno-historical evidence of the ritual use of the San Pedro cactus in the pre-Columbine cultures, and these findings are compared with the information provided by current ethnographical studies. DEVELOPMENT: The longer a cactus has been stored, the stronger and the higher its content in mescaline-derived alkaloids will be. Archaeological evidence has been found of the use of San Pedro for magical-religious purposes in the following pre-Columbine cultures: Cupisnique (1500 BC), Chavin (1000 BC), Moche (100-750 AD) and Lambayeque (750-1350 AD). Today's master shamans use San Pedro on altars ('mesas') erected for healing rites in order to treat enchantment and bad luck. The mesa follows a sophisticated ritual: 'levantar' (raise) or sniff tobacco with alcohol, ingest San Pedro, pinpoint the diseases, cleanse the evil and 'florecer' (flourish) the sick person. The mesa rite is performed in the early hours of Tuesdays and Fridays, which are sacred days in the Andean religions. San Pedro is sometimes replaced by an infusion of plants and seeds that contain hallucinogenic components, such as ayahuasca and the 'mishas' (Brugmansia sp.). CONCLUSIONS: The ancient tradition of using the San Pedro cactus for healing and hallucinogenic purposes has remained part of the culture in Andean shamanism up to the present day.

Art↗
PubMed2005

Optimizing data analysis tools to support healthcare workers in Peru.

Large healthcare projects in developing countries need to track data for clinical care, patient outcomes, medication supplies, and research. These heterogeneous information needs are compounded by the wide range of skills and experience of staff. We describe analysis tools designed to bridge these requirements in a tuberculosis (TB) treatment project in Peru.

Decision Support Systems, Clinical↗
PubMed1991

Diagnosis of cysticercosis in endemic regions. The Cysticercosis Working Group in Peru.

Taenia solium cysticercosis is a frequent cause of neurological disease in developing countries. Specific diagnosis of cysticercosis is difficult. We obtained serum and/or CSF samples from 204 consecutive patients admitted to a neurological ward in Lima, Peru, and looked for antibodies specific for T solium with the enzyme-linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) assay. 21 (12%) of 173 serum samples from these patients were EITB-positive. In contrast, only 2 (1.5%) of 135 patients attending a public endoscopy clinic and 1 (1%) of 88 patients attending a private endoscopy clinic were seropositive. 1 (1%) of 98 pregnant women living in a Lima shanty town was EITB-positive. 15 (58%) of 26 neurology patients diagnosed clinically as having cysticercosis were seronegative. Routine screening by EITB of all patients with neurological symptoms from areas of endemic cysticercosis would avoid misdiagnosis of this common and treatable disease.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2006

Comparison of altitude effect on Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection between rural and urban communities in Peru.

The mechanism of high altitude effect on tuberculosis (TB) infection has not been fully established. We previously reported a lower positive tuberculin skin test (TST) prevalence in high altitude villages compared with sea level communities in Peru. In this study, four additional communities were tested to assess whether decreased TB transmission was also in urban environments at high altitude. TST results from 3,629 individuals in nine communities were analyzed using generalized estimating equations to account for community clustering. Positive TST prevalence was not significantly different between the urban highland and the urban non-highland communities after adjusting for age, household contacts with a TST-positive person or a TB case, and presence of a Bacillus Calmette-Guérin vaccination scar. The effect of population concentration and increased contact with active TB overwhelmed the protective effect of altitude in urban highlands. Highland cities require the same preventive efforts against TB as non-highland communities.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Types of anxiety reported by couples treated with assisted fertilization vis a vis hypothethical embryo donation for research purposes in a private clinic in Lima, Peru].

INTRODUCTION: Embryo donation displays special characteristics within the Latin American context, where spare cryopreserved embryos are not currently available as is the case of industrialized countries. The Catholic church also plays a significant role. The need to regulate ethically and legally the practice of embryo donation suggests that we need to take into account the opinions from the main key players: patients, health professionals, and society. The objective of this study is to explore the patients perceptions vis a vis potential embryo donation for research purposes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional design included a tape recorded semi-structured interview administered to 32 patients attending a private clinic in Lima, Peru. Participants had undergone complex techniques of assisted fertilization (FIV and ICSI). The verbal Gottschalk analytical method was used to identify predominant anxiety manifestations in the interviews. RESULTS: The most common types of anxiety associated with embryo donation for research in this group of participants were guilt, separation anxiety and shame. Divided by gender, the more common types of anxiety reported by men were guilt, shame and separation anxiety. Women reported guilt, separation anxiety and shame.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

New larval mites (Acari: Prostigmata: Erythraeidae, Microtrombidiidae, Trombidiidae) from Turkey, Peru and Poland.

The following species are described as new: Erythraeus (E.) sifi n. sp., E. (Z.) didonae n. sp., Bursaustium gaspari n. sp. from Turkey, Charletonia alvedae n. sp., Balaustium medardii n. sp., Yucothrombium ilzae n. sp. from Peru and Allothrombium wolmari n. sp. from Poland. Three new genera are created: Rudaemannia n. gen., Bursaustium n. gen. and Yucothrombium n. gen. Erythraeus kresnensis, Charletonia cardinalis, Podothrombium proti, Allothrombium fuliginosum and A. triticium are new to the fauna of Turkey; Hauptmannia wratislaviensis is new to the fauna of Scotland. New localities in Poland are given for H. stanislavae and H. silesiacus and in Turkey for Rudaemannia rudeansis. Charletonia tamarae is synonymous to C. bucephalia; Hauptmannia victicola is synonymons to R. rudaensis.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Risk factors associated with diarrhea among international visitors to Cuzco, Peru.

The objective of this study was to determine the risk factors for travelers' diarrhea (TD) reported by visitors to Cuzco, Peru. In this cross-sectional study, self-administered questionnaires looking at perceived occurrence of health problems and pre-travel health advice were obtained from departing travelers at Cuzco's International Airport between August and November 2002. A total of 5,988 travelers participated in the study. The mean age was 35 years, and 51% were women. The prevalence of TD was 24%. Factors associated with TD in the multivariable analysis were use of antibiotic prophylaxis (OR: 3.20), vaccination against cholera (OR: 1.44), history of advice for safe food and water consumption (OR: 1.46), being younger than 35 years of age (OR: 1.37), being a resident of the United States (OR: 1.28), not staying in hotels in Cuzco (OR: 1.13), and number of unsafe food or beverages consumed (OR: 1.04). Remaining in Cuzco < 1 week was a protective factor (OR: 0.58). TD is common among travelers to Cuzco. This study suggests that conventional recommendations are not invariably effective at decreasing TD.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Factors associated with strongyloides stercoralis infection in an endemic area in Peru].

In order to determine the epidemiological factors and clinical symptoms associated with Strongyloides stercoralis infection, we carried out a descriptive study with a control group in the District of Chanchamayo, Province of Chanchamayo, Junin, Peru. Group I (n = 50) represented those individuals with strongyloidosis and group II (n = 50) were those who tested negative for S. stercoralis by parasitological methods. Epidemiological variables significantly associated with group I were: bathing in the river 3-4 times per week, consuming non-drinking water, defecating in the field; and with group II: drinking boiled water, wearing sneakers and living in houses with cement floor. The clinical symptoms of epigastric pain, daily abdominal pain, semi liquid feces, liquid feces, daily defecation frequency, urticaria and nausea were significantly associated with group 1; whereas more solid feces and defecating every other day were significantly associated with group II. Among individuals under the age of 20 there was a higher percentage of malnutrition according to the weight-age index in group I (p = 0.045). We conclude that infection by S. stercoralis should be suspected in persons from tropical areas who are in frequent contact with rivers or streams or live close to watercourses, who have gastroenterological or dermatological symptoms or who are malnourished, especially if they are children or adolescents.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Dermatophytoses in Cusco (Peru).

A total of 90 cases of suspected dermatophytoses was observed over a period of 9 months in the city of Cusco (Peru) and in its environs. The age groups most commonly infected were 1-10 and 11-20 year old. The most common tineae diagnosed were tinea capitis (13.3%) and tinea unguium (11.1%). Only four species of dermatophytes were isolated: Microsporum canis (52.4%), Trichophyton mentagrophytes (35.7%), Tr. rubrum (9.5%) and Epidermophyton floccosum (2.4%). Dry weather, low temperature and high altitude do not seem to affect proliferation and infections by dermatophytes.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Transmission factors and socioeconomic status as determinants of diarrhoeal incidence in Lima, Peru.

As part of a longitudinal, community-based study of diarrhoeal morbidity in a peri-urban community in Lima, Peru, a household survey was administered to ascertain possible risk factors, based on transmission routes, for diarrhoeal incidence. Socioeconomic information was also obtained in the survey and a composite socioeconomic status (SES) indicator was created based on four variables: income (wealth), ownership of 4 functioning electrical household appliances, community participation, and house construction. Both transmission factors and the SES indicator were analysed for their effects on diarrhoeal incidence using both bivariate and multivariate methods. The SES indicator, method of water storage, if the child was seen eating faeces or soil were all significantly associated with diarrhoeal incidence. In a final logistic model, water storage, location of defecation for children, child eating soil or faeces, and age, demonstrated significant results. Children in households with water stored in containers without a faucet were twice as likely to have a high incidence of diarrhoea (greater than 7 episodes/child/year). The SES indicator was not significant in the logistic model, but high SES was associated with whether or not the child was reported as having been seen eating faeces or soil and with non-use of latrines by adults. Also low SES households were more likely to have better water storage methods. Therefore, it would seem that (SES) does not independently determine diarrhoeal incidence, but rather may be functioning through these transmission factors to affect diarrhoeal incidence.

Child, Preschool↗
PubMed1991

The etiology of diarrhea among American adults living in Peru.

During 1984-1989, 655 diarrheic and 287 nondiarrheic stool specimens from adult U.S. citizens living in Lima, Peru were tested for presence of bacterial enteropathogens. Frequencies of isolation among diarrheic specimens were: Shigella 9.8%; Campylobacter 6.1%; enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) 6.0%; Plesiomonas 2.0%; Salmonella 1.4%; and Vibrio 0.6%. Isolates recovered from non-diarrheic stools were: Shigella 4.5%; Campylobacter 2.1%; Salmonella 1.0%; ETEC 0.7%; Plesiomonas 0.7%; and Vibrio 0.3%. Aeromonas, an unproven cause of diarrhea, was isolated from 9.2% of cases and 3.5% of controls. Disease occurrence was strongly associated with isolation of Shigella, ETEC, Campylobacter, or Aeromonas (p less than or equal to 0.01). During the 6-year period of study, shifts in the dominant phenotypes of Shigella and Campylobacter occurred which may have important implications for vaccine development and intervention strategies.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Mortality and body weight changes in Aotus nancymai shipped from Iquitos, Peru to Richland, Washington.

Four hundred and fifty wild-caught owl monkeys (Aotus nancymai) were shipped from Iquitos, Peru to Richland, Washington. Mortality and body weight changes from the time of shipment to 30 days after arrival were evaluated using age, sex, and transit time as comparison criteria. No association between mortality and sex, age, or transit time was observed. The mortality percentage from shipment to 30 days after arrival was 2.44%. Both age and transit time had a significant effect on weight changes, but sex did not. Shipping procedures are described.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1991

The phenomenon of stunting as the core problem in a community based, multisectoral project in northern Peru.

In a nutrition and health project in the countryside of the Highlands of Northern Peru, an anthropometric study was conducted on 306 pre-school children. The results showed a primarily stunted, but not wasted, population in which the process of stunting started after the first 6 months of life, with a modest linear progression over all age-groups. However, the rates of stunted children increased dramatically between the ages of 6 months and 2 years. Evidence with regard to the social dimension of the problem of becoming stunted was revealed by the significant differences between rates of stunted children according to the degree of community participation in their home villages.

Age Factors↗
PubMed1990

[Prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen in general population of coast, mountain and forest regions of Peru. A preliminary report].

A prospective study was performed in order to establish HBsAg prevalence on population living in urban areas of three geographical regions of Peru. There were included 100 apparently healthy people of each city, with a residence major to 5 years, no migrate neither transitory. Each subdivided group in 50 adults and 50 children. Of these last ones 15 between 1 to 7 years old and 20 cases between 7 to 14 years old. Samples were obtained by venipuncture, then they were centrifuged and the serum obtained was stored at -20 degrees C before being sent to Lima for processing. Determination of HBsAg was made by the Elisa's technic (Abbott Lab-III.-USA). In this preliminary report we informed about results in 7 cities (Lima, Iquitos, Chiclayo, Arequipa,Ica, Chachapoyas y Tarapoto) that include 680 persons of which 373 were adults and 307 children. The HBsAg, was positive in 26 cases (3.8%). In the adult group were 13 positives (3.4%), and in the children also 13 cases (4.2%). Result of all sample shows figures of prevalence (3.8%) major to that reported before at national level. The same phenomenon was observed in the cost while in the jungle our results were similar to those found before. In the andean area not studied previously there were obtained similar results to the rest of the country. It is also interesting to mention the high percentages of prevalence in children. These results indicate that hepatitis B is a serious problem of public health in our country that merit to take immediate prophylactic measures.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Bioethics in Peru].

Bioethics has still not acquired an identity of its own in Peru. The Ethics Committee of the Peruvian Medical School and the National AIDS Commission are review committees that deal with ethical problems arising in practice. Doubts regarding quality control of the drugs being tested have been raised in research on human subjects. Questions related to reproduction are very important. There is a high incidence of adolescent pregnancies, and illegal abortions result in many deaths and hospitalizations of women in serious condition. Birth control methods, such as vasectomy, conflict with attitudes about manhood in Peruvian society. Euthanasia is prohibited by the Ethical Code of the Peruvian Medical School, and legislation penalizes assisted suicide. Organ transplantation is hindered by concerns over early declaration of death. Handicapped children are often rejected by society owing to an absurd belief in the possibility that disorders such as Down's syndrome are contagious. The Ministry of Health requires state hospitals to accept AIDS patients, but instances of rejection are still reported.

Abortion, Induced↗
PubMed1990

[The impact of health promoters in an area of poor neighborhoods of Pucallpa, Peru].

In 1986, 30 months after the conclusion of a primary health care project financed by the Danish Agency for International Development, the performance of 43 voluntary health promoters in low-income neighborhoods of the city of Pucallpa, Peru, was evaluated. The evaluation included interviews with the health promoters and a survey of 152 families. The results were compared with a survey of 82 families in an index area where no promoters had been working. Approximately four-fifths of the promoters' activities were curative and one-fifth were preventive. The effect of their work, for the people served, was translated into enhanced utilization of public health care services and improved vaccination coverage. However, their work did not contribute to any improvement in drinking water hygiene or to any significant changes in the treatment of diarrhea among the population. It is recommended that programs for training health promoters continue to be included as part of the primary health care strategy.

Health Behavior↗
PubMed1990

Bioethics in Peru.

To date the application of bioethics in Peru has been rudimentary. The discipline has not yet acquired a distinct identity; only a few committees review ethical problems that arise in the course of medical practice, and bioethics is still taught mainly at schools of philosophy and theology. At the same time, situations in various health fields have raised bioethics questions or indicated areas where bioethical approaches might be effectively applied. Among others, the activities involved include research on human subjects, interventions relating to human reproduction, treatment of AIDS patients, treatment of dying patients, organ transplants, and management of handicapped children. This article reviews developments in each of these areas, with an eye to specific matters of ethical concern.

Bioethical Issues↗
PubMed1990

Detection of Salmonella typhi carriers in food handlers by Vi serology in Lima, Peru.

The work described here sought to assess the merits of using an indirect hemagglutination test employing highly purified Vi antigen to screen a high-risk population for chronic S. typhi carriers in Lima, Peru. A total of 1,931 female food handlers over 30 years old were enrolled in the study. Indirect hemagglutination tests performed on these subjects' sera, taking a titer of 1:40 or more as positive, yielded 29 positive results. Subsequent bacteriologic testing performed on 26 of these 29 subjects identified four (15%) as S. typhi carriers. The procedure had a sensitivity of 79%, indicating that the prevalence of S. typhi carriers among the population studied was on the order of 262 per 100,000. It appears that Vi serology employing highly purified Vi antigen offers a practical and cost-effective way of screening for S. typhi carriers in both endemic and nonendemic typhoid fever areas.

Antigens, Bacterial↗