Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an important nosocomial and community pathogen. The genetic determinant of resistance is the mecA gene. 11 types of SCCmec have been described, with types II, III frequently found in hospital infections, and types IV and V in community infections. The present investigation was carried out to study the distribution of the SCCmec types and their relation with the Panton-Valentine Leucocidin, typified by the reaction in the Polymerase Chain. To this end, a total of 42 methicillin-resistant strains carrying the mecA gene were studied. Twenty-nine (29) strains showed the presence of type IV chromosomal cassette (69.05%); 30.95% presented SCCmec type I. A 61.95% (n= 13) of the strains were carriers of SCCmec IV, all of which were positive for the PVL gene. It is worth noting the dissemination of the type IV cassette in intrahospital strains carrying PVL, which is worrisome both for the therapeutic and for the aggravation of infections in patients.

The objective of the present investigation was to establish the frequency of isolation of the different species of staphylococci and to determine the antimicrobial resistance of the isolated strains. A retrospective study was carried out in isolated strains at the Bacteriological Reference Center of the Autonomous Service of the University Hospital of Maracaibo during the period January 2011 to December 2015. A percentage of isolation was obtained for S. aureus of 61.36% and 38, 64% for coagulase negative, showing a higher frequency of isolation in the hospitalization area for both groups of microorganisms. Skin and soft tissue samples represented the main sources of isolation for S. aureus; while for the coagulase negative group, they were blood samples. All strains were sensitive to glycopeptides. Resistance for β-lactams was accentuated for both bacterial groups, showing variability for macrolides and lincosamides and for the remaining antibiotics tested, low percentages of resistance were found. The results show that S. aureus is the most frequent species of the genus; followed by S. epidermidis and S. haemolyticus, among coagulase negative. Both groups of microorganism express phenotypes of resistance to penicillin and erythromycin, sensitivity to vancomycin and teicoplanin and variable susceptibility to the rest of evaluated antibiotics.

The intestinal helminth infections that affect man are intimately linked to ecological, human and / or social conditions that may or not allow their persistence. The objective of the present study was to present the casuistry of the intestinal helminth infections that were diagnosed in the Clinical Laboratory of the Ambulatory Urban III Los Curos between the years 2012 to 2015. For that purpose, a retrospective investigation was carried out where they were studied for the period laboratory records were evaluated. The results evidenced 61.7% of parasitized individuals, 1.9% with some helminth (Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura, Strongyloides stercoralis, Enterobius vermicularis, Hymenolepis nana or Ancylostomideos). There was no difference between the presence of helminths and the demographic parameters age or sex. It is concluded that the ecoepidemiological conditions of Los Curos are not sufficiently adequate for the maintenance of intestinal helminth infections.

AbstractThe cervical cancer represents a problem of public health and is considered the second reason of death by cancer in women. There have been described factors associated, related to the conduct, habits and infectious agents, such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus, herpes virus, Chlamydia trachomatis and Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). In order to establish risk factors and detect preinvasive cervical lesions, 101 samples of women from three indigenous ethnic groups of Zulia State were selected; to which a clinical-epidemiological survey was carried out to study the predisposing factors, in addition to the cytological study. Of the total of patients studied 33.66% were negative to the cytological study, while 66.34% had some type of alteration, observing that the Yukpa the most affected, 21 (20.79%) presented Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and related infectious agents were found in 56.51% of the women. Coelocytic cells suggestive of HPV were found in 26.21% of all patients. When we analyzed the risk factors, we found that, the onset of sexual intercourse before age 15 as well as alcohol consumption were the most relevant. According to the findings, it is important the timely diagnosis in these communities, which are disassociated, and without access to health centers, whether due to living conditions or cultural implications.

Raw salads play an important role in foodborne, especially during processing is not necessary meet to prevent its contamination hygienic conditions. The objective is to determine the microbiological quality of raw salads that are sold in fast food stalls Maracaibo, Venezuela. 15 establishments were studied by double sampling interval of one month. For microbiological study, samples were prepared according to the Venezuelan Industrial Standards Commission (COVENIN No. 1126-1189). Homogenate, counting mesophilic aerobics, Salmonella, Total and Fecal Coliforms and Escherichia coli by the method most probable number and rehydratable plate with dry films was determined. Regarding mesophilic aerobics, of the 30 samples, 2 (6.67%) showed counts of 225,000 CFU/g; and 28 (93, 33%) had countless counts. For Total Coliforms, 28 (93.3%) showed counts ranging from 350 to 730 x107 x 107 and 2 (6.6%) the average count was 197 CFU/g. Escherichia coli in 93.3% (28) of the samples was observed high counts, and in 2 (6.6%) counting was less than 1 CFU/g. Salmonella was detected in 4 (13.3%) samples. The salads studied are unfit for human consumption, not to meet the minimum safety requirements, according to established regulations.

Urinary infection is common in diabetic patients. The objective of this research was to determine the frequency, etiology, antimicrobial susceptibility and risk factors associated with urinary tract infection in patients with type 2 diabetes. 108 outpatients with a presumptive diagnosis of urinary tract infection during May 2016-May 2017, in the city of Jipijapa, Ecuador, were studied. For the uroculture the calibrated loop technique was used. The susceptibility to antibiotics was determined by the Kirby & Bauer method. The qualitative variables were compared with chi-squared or Fisher's exact test. The Odd radio (OR) and its 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated. Values of p ≤ 0.05 were considered significant. A frequency of 73.15% of urinary infection was found. The microorganism most frequently isolated was Escherichia coli (78.48%). The highest percentages of resistance were observed for amoxicillin (78.87%) and cephalexin (71.83%). Bad hygiene habits, the presence of kidney stones and an active sex life were risk factors for urinary tract infections. Nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin, fluoroquinolones and some beta-lactams still represent a useful alternative in the chemotherapy of uncomplicated urinary tract infections in diabetic patients.

Cervical-uterine cancer (CaCu) is a public health problem. Epidemiological studies have identified a close relationship between CaCu and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. The purpose of this study was to perform the molecular detection of HPV, identification of mixed infections and the screening of CaCu through conventional cytology in an indigenous population of the high Andean highlands of Ecuador in order to correlate the data obtained with the presence of lesions. Methodology: A cross-sectional study was carried out on 189 women between the ages of 21 and 65; who belonged to the community of Pilahuin in the province of Tungurahua, who assisted to gynecological check-ups. Data were analyzed with the EPI-INFO and SPSS statistical programs. Results: the average age of the participants was 35.2 years, most of the participants identified themselves as indigenous, in a stable relationship, multiparous, with a medium to low level of education and no paid work. The participants showed a favorable attitude towards the cervico-uterine cytology in 100% of the cases without showing a relation with age, level of education or civil status. HPV infection was positive in 10.5% of the participants, 70% of the patients had severe inflammation with a positive association with mixed bacterial infection.

In order to establish the frequency of isolation of the different species of enterococci, their distribution according to the type of sample and patient care service and determine the antimicrobial resistance, 1,624 strains obtained from bacteriological cultures of patients attended in the Bacteriological Reference Center at the Autonomous Service University Hospital of Maracaibo, during the period January 2010 - December 2015, were analyzed. The most frequent species were E. faecalis (52.46%) and E. faecium (41.38%). The greatest number of strains was obtained from skin and soft tissues samples (54.92%), urine (23.15%) and blood (17.27%). Services with increased frequency of isolation were: hospitalization of adults (47.71%) and pediatric hospitalization (16.38%). It did not find statistically significant association between the specie of enterococci and sample type, or patient care service (p > 0.05). It was detected more resistance in E. faecium than in E. faecalis. The enterococci are acquiring ever greater antimicrobial resistance, and therefore, it is necessary to maintain permanent vigilance over them, perform their proper identification and timely detect resistance, in order to apply preventive measures before these microorganisms cause a greater intrahospital impact.

A descriptive, cross-sectional study was carried out with field design to evaluate the knowledge about the healthcare associated infections (HCAI) and its prevention in postgraduate residents of the School of Health Sciences "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta” of the Universidad de Oriente, Venezuela. The sample consisted of 51 residents’ physicians from different postgraduate programs. A survey was applied to investigate knowledge on three specific areas: generalities about HCAI, standard precautions and hand hygiene. They were considered to have adequate knowledge if they obtained an average score of 17.5 points or more. 58.8% of the respondents were female with an average age of 31 years (SD ±4.32, Range: 25-47). The average score in the survey was 17.9 points (SD ±1.87, Range: 12-22). The 56.87% approved the survey. When evaluating the knowledge about the studied areas, it was found that the majority have basic concepts about standard precautions (86.27%) but not about generalities of IAAS (37.25%) or hand hygiene (19.6%). In conclusion, the postgraduate residents have adequate knowledge about the HCAI and its prevention but present deficiencies in specific aspects.