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PubMed1993

Etiology of acute diarrhea among United States military personnel deployed to South America and west Africa.

A study of acute diarrhea was conducted from 1985 to 1987 among U.S. military personnel participating in routine shipboard exercises in South America and West Africa and ground troops deployed to coastal Ecuador. An enteropathogen was identified in 146 (51%) of 289 acute cases of diarrhea. Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli, found in 50 (17%) patients with diarrhea, was the most commonly identified enteropathogen. Viral enteropathogens were also found in a high percentage of acute cases of diarrhea: rotavirus was detected in 11% of the patients and Norwalk virus infection in 10%. Most enteric pathogens were acquired in equal frequencies in South America and West Africa, except for rotavirus infection which was identified more often in West Africa and enteroaggregative E. coli infection which was identified more often in South America. Bacterial enteropathogens were frequently resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, but no resistance to quinolone drugs was observed, indicating that quinolone drugs have become important agents for the treatment of diarrhea in South America and West Africa.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed2004

Neosporosis in South America.

This work gathers reports about Neospora-infections in South America. Neospora-infections have been reported from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay. Evidence of exposure to N. caninum was mentioned in cattle, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, water buffaloes, alpacas, llamas, South American opossums, wolves and other wild canids. No antibodies were found in horses. Interesting epidemiological and pathological data were described. Two isolations were performed from dogs, one from cattle, and recently five from water buffaloes. Since the cattle industry is important in South America and reproductive losses caused by Neospora-infection have been identified, more investigations are needed in order to understand its epidemiology and control the disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Quality assessment of published health economic analyses from South America.

BACKGROUND: Health economic analyses have become important to healthcare systems worldwide. No studies have previously examined South America's contribution in this area. OBJECTIVE: To survey the literature with the purpose of reviewing, quantifying, and assessing the quality of published South American health economic analyses. METHODS: A search of MEDLINE (1990-December 2004), EMBASE (1990-December 2004), International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1990-December 2004), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (1982-December 2004), and Sistema de Informacion Esencial en Terapéutica y Salud (1980-December 2004) was completed using the key words cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA), cost-utility analysis (CUA), cost-minimization analysis (CMA), and cost-benefit analysis (CBA); abbreviations CEA, CUA, CMA, and CBA; and all South American country names. Papers were categorized by type and country by 2 independent reviewers. Quality was assessed using a 12 item checklist, characterizing scores as 4 (good), 3 (acceptable), 2 (poor), 1 (unable to judge), and 0 (unacceptable). To be included in our investigation, studies needed to have simultaneously examined costs and outcomes. RESULTS: We retrieved 25 articles; one duplicate article was rejected, leaving 24 (CEA = 15, CBA = 6, CMA = 3; Brazil = 9, Argentina = 5, Colombia = 3, Chile = 2, Ecuador = 2, 1 each from Peru, Uruguay, Venezuela). Variability between raters was less than 0.5 point on overall scores (OS) and less than 1 point on all individual items. Mean OS was 2.6 (SD 1.0, range 1.4-3.8). CBAs scored highest (OS 2.8, SD 0.8), CEAs next (OS 2.7, SD 0.7), and CMAs lowest (OS 2.0, SD 0.5). When scored by type of question, definition of study aim scored highest (OS 3.0, SD 0.8), while ethical issues scored lowest (OS 1.5, SD 0.9). By country, Peru scored highest (mean OS 3.8) and Uruguay had the lowest scores (mean OS 2.2). A nonsignificant time trend was noted for OS (R2 = 0.12; p = 0.104). CONCLUSIONS: Quality scores of health economic analyses articles published in South America were rated poor to acceptable and lower than previous research from other countries. Thus, efforts are needed to improve the reporting quality of these analyses in South America. Future research should examine the region's level of expertise and educational opportunities for those in the field of health economics.

Economics, Medical↗
PubMed1995

Sequence and phylogenetic analyses of human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 from a Brazilian woman with adult T cell leukemia: comparison with virus strains from South America and the Caribbean basin.

Human T cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1) is endemic in South America and the Caribbean basin. To clarify the genetic and phylogenetic relationship between an HTLV-1 strain isolated from a Brazilian woman with adult T cell leukemia and viral isolates from elsewhere in South America and from other geographic regions, selected regions of the gag, pol, env, and pX genes were amplified and directly sequenced. The overall sequence similarities between the Brazil-R-1 strain and the Japanese prototype ATK strain were 98.7% based on 1,295 nucleotides and 99.1% based on 429 amino acids. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that strain Brazil-R-1 clustered with other Brazilian and South American HTLV-1 isolates and was more closely related to Caribbean isolates from Martinique and Guadeloupe than to virus strains from other geographic regions. These data suggest a common source of HTLV-1 infection in the Caribbean basin and South America.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed2003

Mitochondrial DNA diversity in South America and the genetic history of Andean highlanders.

We analyzed mtDNA sequence variation in 590 individuals from 18 south Amerindian populations. The spatial pattern of mtDNA diversity in these populations fits well the model proposed on the basis of Y-chromosome data. We found evidence of a differential action of genetic drift and gene flow in western and eastern populations, which has led to genetic divergence in the latter but not in the former. Although it is not possible to identify a pattern of genetic variation common to all South America, when western and eastern populations are analyzed separately, the mtDNA diversity in both regions fits the isolation-by-distance model, suggesting independent evolutionary dynamics. Maximum-likelihood estimates of divergence times between central and south Amerindian populations fall between 13,000 and 19,000 years, which is consistent with a Pleistocenic peopling of South America. Moreover, comparison of among-population variability of mtDNA and Y-chromosome DNA seems to indicate that South America is the only continent where the levels of differentiation are similar for maternal and paternal lineages.

Chromosomes, Human, Y↗
PubMed2002

Review of the status of foot and mouth disease in countries of South America and approaches to control and eradication.

Since the signing in 1987 of the Hemispheric Plan for the Eradication of Foot-and-Mouth Disease (PHEFA) by the countries of South America, clinical cases of foot and mouth disease (FMD) have decreased significantly throughout the continent. During the early 1990s, national laboratories diagnosed an average of 766 cases per year in South America. By the late 1990s, this continent-wide average had fallen to 130. By the end of the 1990s, the international community recognised Argentina, Chile, Guyana and Uruguay as free of FMD without vaccination. In 1999, clinical signs of FMD were absent in 60% of all cattle of the continent. These cattle represented 41% of all herds in South America and extended over 60% of the geographical area of the continent. However, in the spring of 2001, FMD re-appeared in certain countries of the Southern Cone. This widespread re-occurrence of the disease in Argentina, Uruguay and the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil called into question the basic premise of the PHEFA--that countries in South America can achieve and maintain FMD-free status, with or without vaccination. The authors suggest that these countries can regain their FMD-free status by supporting the PHEFA. A successful disease eradication strategy relies on high levels of vaccination, effectiveness of outbreak responses, and control of animal movement. This strategy must have a regional, not national, focus and must be based on risk analysis methodology. The multilateral administration of vaccination campaigns and field activities to ensure wide and simultaneous vaccine application, along with primary prevention and joint border activities, is the key to eradicating FMD and maintaining areas free of the disease.

Animals↗
PubMed2025

Ancient dog mitogenomes support the dual dispersal of dogs and agriculture into South America.

Archaeological and palaeogenomic data show that dogs were the only domestic animals introduced during the early peopling of the Americas. Hunter-gatherer groups spread quickly towards the south of the continent, but it is unclear when dogs reached Central and South America. To address this issue, we generated and analysed 70 complete mitochondrial genomes from archaeological and modern dogs ranging from Central Mexico to Central Chile and Argentina, revealing the dynamics of dog populations. Our results demonstrate that pre-contact Central and South American dogs are all assigned to a specific clade that diverged after dogs entered North America. Specifically, the divergence time between North, Central and South American dog clades is consistent with the spread of agriculture and the adoption of maize in South America between 7000 and 5000 years ago. An isolation-by-distance best characterizes how dogs expanded into South America. We identify the arrival of new lineages of dogs in post-contact South America, likely of European origin, and their legacy in modern village dogs. Interestingly, the pre-contact Mesoamerican maternal origin of the Chihuahua has persisted in some modern individuals.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Seroprevalence of and risk factors for HIV-1 infection among female commercial sex workers in South America.

OBJECTIVE: Assessment of HIV prevalence and associated risk behaviours among female commercial sex workers (FCSW) across major cities in South America. METHODS: Seroepidemiological, cross sectional studies of 13 600 FCSW were conducted in nine countries of South America during the years 1999-2002. Participants were recruited in brothels, massage parlours, hotels, and streets where anonymous questionnaires and blood samples were collected. HIV infection was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) screening and western blot confirmatory tests. RESULTS: The overall HIV seroprevalence was 1.2% (range 0.0%-4.5%). The highest HIV seroprevalences were reported in Argentina (4.5%) and Paraguay (2.6%); no HIV infected FCSW were detected in Venezuela and Chile. Consistent predictors of HIV seropositivity were: (1) a previous history of sexually transmitted infections (STI, AORs = 3.8-8.3), and (2) 10 years or more in commercial sex work (AORs = 2.2-24.8). In addition, multiple (> or =3) sexual contacts (AOR = 5.0), sex with foreigners (AOR = 6.9), use of illegal drugs (AOR = 3.2), and marijuana use (AOR = 8.2) were associated with HIV seropositivity in Southern Cone countries. CONCLUSIONS: Consistently low HIV seroprevalences were detected among FCSW in South America, particularly in the Andean region. Predictors of HIV infection across the continent were STI and length of commercial sex work; however, use of illegal drugs, especially marijuana, and sexual contacts with foreigners were also found to be associated risk factors in the Southern Cone region. Interventions for the control of HIV and other STI need to be region and country specific; drug use appears to have an ever increasing role in the spread of HIV among heterosexually active populations.

Adult↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Nuclear and atomic analytical techniques in environmental studies in South America.

The use of nuclear analytical techniques for environmental studies in South America is selectively reviewed since the time of earlier works of Lattes with cosmic rays until the recent applications of the PIXE (particle-induced X-ray emission) technique to study air pollution problems in large cities, such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. The studies on natural radioactivity and fallout from nuclear weapons in South America are briefly examined.

Body Burden↗
PubMed2003

Use of the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the rapid diagnosis of foot and mouth disease in South America.

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a limiting factor for the economic progress of the animal industry in South America. The presence of the disease results in the imposition of national and international sanitary barriers to animals and animal products, and, most especially, a reduction in the availability of protein from animal origin and in income. Rapid and accurate identification of infected animals, those with either clinical or subclinical disease as well as with persistent infection, is essential for maintaining an efficient eradication programme. The polymerase chain reaction was used to rapidly identify infected animals. With a primer set that corresponds to a conserved region of the 3D sequence of the viral genome, it was possible to amplify, regardless of the serotype, 116 strains of FMD virus, of which 109 were strains collected from outbreaks of FMD throughout South America from 1945 to the most recent outbreaks in 2000/2001. The PCR technique should be of considerable value in facilitating the diagnosis of FMD in South America. where laboratory resources are limited and a rapid response is needed, particularly in areas where national programmes for controlling or eradicating the disease are being implemented.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

International surveillance of bloodstream infections due to Candida species: frequency of occurrence and antifungal susceptibilities of isolates collected in 1997 in the United States, Canada, and South America for the SENTRY Program. The SENTRY Participant Group.

An international program of surveillance of bloodstream infections (BSIs) in the United States, Canada, and South America between January and December 1997 detected 306 episodes of candidemia in 34 medical centers (22 in the United States, 6 in Canada, and 6 in South America). Eighty percent of the BSIs were nosocomial and 50% occurred in patients hospitalized in an intensive care unit. Overall, 53.3% of the BSIs were due to Candida albicans, 15.7% were due to C. parapsilosis, 15.0% were due to C. glabrata, 7.8% were due to C. tropicalis, 2.0% were due to C. krusei, 0.7% were due to C. guilliermondii, and 5.8% were due to Candida spp. However, the distribution of species varied markedly by country. In the United States, 43.8% of BSIs were due to non-C. albicans species. C. glabrata was the most common non-C. albicans species in the United States. The proportion of non-C. albicans BSIs was slightly higher in Canada (47.5%), where C. parapsilosis, not C. glabrata, was the most common non-C. albicans species. C. albicans accounted for 40.5% of all BSIs in South America, followed by C. parapsilosis (38.1%) and C. tropicalis (11.9%). Only one BSI due to C. glabrata was observed in South American hospitals. Among the different species of Candida, resistance to fluconazole (MIC, > or = 64 microg/ml) and itraconazole (MIC, > or = 1.0 microg/ml) was observed with C. glabrata and C. krusei and was observed more rarely among other species. Isolates of C. albicans, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. guilliermondii were all highly susceptible to both fluconazole (99.4 to 100% susceptibility) and itraconazole (95.8 to 100% susceptibility). In contrast, 8.7% of C. glabrata isolates (MIC at which 90% of isolates are inhibited [MIC90], 32 microg/ml) and 100% of C. krusei isolates were resistant to fluconazole, and 36.9% of C. glabrata isolates (MIC90, 2.0 microg/ml) and 66.6% of C. krusei isolates were resistant to itraconazole. Within each species there were no geographic differences in susceptibility to fluconazole or itraconazole.

Antifungal Agents↗
PubMed2004

Vaccination: foot-and-mouth disease experience in South America.

Vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) constitutes an important component of the policy for its control and eradication in South America. Considering that immunization may not impair subclinical infection, it became advisable to ally to vaccination campaigns a surveillance instrument to monitor silent viral circulation. Novel approaches for the evaluation of antibodies to FMD non-capsid proteins (NCPs), developed and validated at PANAFTOSA proved valuable for assessing viral circulation in immunized populations. The extensive and coordinated application in South America of vaccination together with this serosurvey tool indicated the effectiveness of systematic vaccination to prevent FMD spread and to restrain silent viral circulation intra- and inter- herds, and gave input to an old controversy related to the real epidemiological significance, if any, of carrier animals under the vaccination conditions in South America. The fitness of NCP tests to assess viral circulation in a population supported the incorporation into the OIE code of the "free of FMD with vaccination" category as a step prior to the recognition of the "free of FMD without vaccination" category. Likewise it released the path to allow animals, vaccinated for protective purposes during emergencies, to live for the term of their productive lives.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Dermatobia hominis myiasis among travelers returning from South America.

Dermatobia hominis is the most common cause of myiasis in Central and South America, affecting mammals and humans, causing nonhealing furuncle-like lesions. During the years 1994 to 1999, 14 Israeli travelers returning from South America were diagnosed with D hominis myiasis. The approach consists of correct diagnosis and a proper removal of the larvae, after which the patients heal with no complications.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Breast cancer in South America: challenges to improve early detection and medical management of a public health problem.

Breast cancer is a public health issue in South America, with about 70,000 cases and 30,000 deaths expected for the year 2001 according to the World Health Organization database. This is especially the case for the so-called temperate region that includes Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Southern Brazil. In these areas, the incidence of breast cancer is in the same range as in most countries in Europe. Notably, Argentina has one of the highest incidences of breast cancer in the world, while in Brazil breast cancer is the second most frequent type of cancer (after skin cancer). The potential risk factors for the higher incidence of this disease in temperate South America are, among others, a high-fat diet, more elevated socioeconomic status, and the low average parity of women. In addition, the influence of European immigration on the genetic background of the population should be considered. Late diagnosis is a major factor affecting the mortality rates, as a significant proportion of patients are still diagnosed at clinical stages II and III. In this article, the available data on the incidence and mortality rates of breast cancer in South America, as well as the published literature on risk factors and the limitations of early detection of the disease, are discussed. The overall management of patients diagnosed at clinical stage IIIA is briefly addressed.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Stroke in South America: a systematic review of incidence, prevalence, and stroke subtypes.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability in South America because of an increase in life expectancy and changes in the lifestyle of the population. Because epidemiological and clinical characteristics of stroke vary according to regional factors, we need to know the peculiarities of stroke on this continent. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of articles on stroke in South America, with emphasis on those providing information on the incidence and prevalence of stroke (community-based studies) and the pattern of stroke subtypes (hospital-based studies). RESULTS: Seven papers provided information on stroke epidemiology; 11 gave data on the pattern of stroke subtypes. Community-based studies showed crude stroke prevalence rates ranging from 1.74 to 6.51 per 1000 and annual incidence rates from 0.35 to 1.83 per 1000. Hospital-based stroke registries consistently reported a high frequency of intracranial hemorrhages, which accounted for 26% to 46% of all strokes. Among patients with cerebral infarctions, intracranial atherosclerotic lesions and small-vessel disease have been common pathogenic mechanisms underlying the stroke. In most studies, hypertensive arteriolopathy was the most common cause of both infarctions and hemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke has been poorly studied in South America. Available data suggest that the prevalence and incidence of stroke are lower than in developing countries. The pattern of stroke subtypes seems to be different from that reported in other regions of the world, with a higher frequency of cerebral hemorrhages, small-vessel disease, and intracranial atherosclerotic lesions. Such differences may be related to genetic, environmental, or sociocultural factors and to differences in the control of stroke risk factors.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1979

Gastrointestinal pathology in South America.

Non-neoplastic gastrointestinal disease in South America is largely related to environmental conditions. Parasitic disorders, including Chagas' disease with megacolon, predominate in endemic regions. Common enteritides of various etiologie are frequent, whereas appendicits, diverticulosis of the colon, ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease are extremely rare. There was no appendicitis in native Indians of Paraguay.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Helminths of two anuran species, Atelopus spurrelli (Bufonidae) and Dendrobates histrionicus (Dendrobatidae), from Colombia, South America.

Two species of anurans from Colombia, South America, Atelopus spurrelli and Dendrobates histrionicus, were examined for helminths. A. spurrelli was found to harbor three species of Nematoda, adults of Cosmocerca podicipinus and larvae of Physocephalus sp. and Porrocaecum sp. D. histrionicus was found to harbor, in addition to C. podicipinus, Physocephalus sp. and Porrocaecum sp. and cystacanths of three species of Acanthocephala: Centrorhynchus sp., Onicola sp. and Polymorphus sp. A. spurrelli and D. histrionicus represent new host records for these helminths.

Acanthocephala↗