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Rickettsiosis is a re-emergent infectious disease without epidemiological surveillance in Colombia. This disease is generally undiagnosed and several deadly outbreaks have been reported in the country in the last decade. The aim of this study is to analyze the eco-epidemiological aspects of rickettsial seropositivity in rural areas of Colombia where outbreaks of the disease were previously reported. A cross-sectional study, which included 597 people living in 246 households from nine hamlets in two municipalities of Colombia, was conducted from November 2015 to January 2016. The survey was conducted to collect sociodemographic and household characteristics (exposure) data. Blood samples were collected to determine the rickettsial seropositivity in humans, horses and dogs (IFA, cut-off = 1/128). In addition, infections by rickettsiae were detected in ticks from humans and animals by real-time PCR targeting gltA and ompA genes. Data was analyzed by weighted multilevel clog-log regression model using three levels (person, household and hamlets) and rickettsial seropositivity in humans was the main outcome. Overall prevalence of rickettsial seropositivity in humans was 25.62% (95%CI 22.11-29.12). Age in years (PR = 1.01 95%CI 1.01-1.02) and male sex (PR = 1.65 95%CI 1.43-1.90) were risk markers for rickettsial seropositivity. Working outdoors (PR = 1.20 95%CI 1.02-1.41), deforestation and forest fragmentation for agriculture use (PR = 1.75 95%CI 1.51-2.02), opossum in peridomiciliary area (PR = 1.56 95%CI 1.37-1.79) and a high proportion of seropositive domestic animals in the home (PR20-40% vs <20% = 2.28 95%CI 1.59-3.23 and PR>40% vs <20% = 3.14 95%CI 2.43-4.04) were associated with rickettsial seropositivity in humans. This study showed the presence of Rickettsia antibodies in human populations and domestic animals. In addition, different species of rickettsiae were detected in ticks collected from humans and animals. Our results highlighted the role of domestic animals as sentinels of rickettsial infection to identify areas at risk of transmission, and the importance of preventive measures aimed at curtailing deforestation and the fragmentation of forests as a way of reducing the risk of transmission of emergent and re-emergent pathogens.

Sandflies are insects of importance in public health for their role as vectors of different pathogens of human interest such as Leishmania , recent studies for vector control are focused into the microbiota looking for new agents for alternative biological control. This research aims to determine Wolbachia and Cardinium prevalence and strain identity among female phlebotomine collected in northern Colombia. The sandflies were captured with Shannon traps, CDC, and search for diurnal resting sites from rural, periurban, and urban areas of Sampués, Sincelejo, Colosó, and Ovejas municipalities. The females were taxonomically determined, and molecular detection of bacterial endosymbionts. PCR products were sequenced and molecular phylogeny of the endosymbionts with the sequences obtained was carried out. Five hundred forty-four phlebotomine females belonging to eleven species of Lutzomyi a were captured. Wolbachia strains were found in seven samples of three phlebotomine species and Cardinium in thirty-three samples of eight Lutzomyia species, with prevalence of 1.2% and 6.06%, respectively. The phylogenetic analysis with the wsp gene of Wolbachia reveals the infection by supergroup B strains in L. c. cayennensis and for the first time infection in L. trinidadensis . Phylogenetic analysis of the 16 S gene indicates the presence of supergroup A strains of Cardinium in L. c. cayennensis , L. evansi , and L. micropyiga . These findings contribute to knowledge about prevalence, distribution and strain diversity of Wolbachia and Cardinium in South American sandflies, bacterial endosymbionts potentially relevant for a future effective biological control for sandfly-borne diseases.

Tick-borne rickettsiosis is an important emerging disease in Panama; to date, there have been 12 confirmed cases, including eight fatalities. To evaluate the distribution of rickettsiae in Panamanian ticks, we collected questing and on-host ticks in urban and rural towns in elevations varying between 0 and 2300 m. A total of 63 sites (13 urban and 50 rural towns) were used to develop models of spatial distributions. We found the following tick species: Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. (present in 54 of 63 towns and cities), Amblyomma mixtum (45/63), Dermacentor nitens (40/63), A. ovale (37/63), Rhipicephalus microplus (33/63), A. oblongoguttatum (33/63), Ixodes affinis (3/63), and Ixodes boliviensis (2/63). Rhipicephalus sanguineus s.l. was present in urban and rural towns, and other species were present only in rural towns. DNA was extracted from 408 R. sanguineus s.l., 387 A. mixtum , 103 A. ovale , and 11 A. oblongoguttatum and later tested for rickettsiae genes using PCR. Rickettsia DNA was detected in ticks from 21 of 63 localities. Rickettsia rickettsii was detected in five A. mixtum (1.29%), and Candidatus “Rickettsia amblyommii” was found in 138 A. mixtum (35%), 14 R. sanguineus (3.4%), and one A. ovale (0.9%). These results suggest that much of rural Panama is suitable for the expansion of tick populations and could favor the appearance of new tick-borne rickettsiosis outbreaks.

Background: EhrlichiaandRickettsiaare two major rickettsial genera transmitted by ticks that affect anumber of wild and domestic animal species and human populations around the world. Objective: To design and validate a duplex PCR for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia in ticks. Methods: Assay validation included testing for sensitivity, specificity, reproducibility, and robustness of the PCR. The groEL and 23sr RNA genes were used for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, respectively. Results: The limit of detection was one hundred gene copies per 50 μL of reaction for Ehrlichia spp, and one gene copy of Rickettsia per 50 μL of reaction. In general, the primers of the test only amplified in silico those bacterial agents for which they were originally designed, with the exception of the primers for Rickettsia that also amplified Methylocystis sp. The test was reproducible (intermediate precision) 96.7% of the times for both agents. The test was robust enough to tolerate concentration changes of all reagents with the exception of Taq DNA polymerase. Conclusions: The validation results indicated that this PCR is useful for detection in both bacterial genera and it is a good candidate for diagnostic validation.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of adding sesame protein isolate (Sesamum indicum L.) on the bromatological, microbiological, sensory, and textural properties of a Frankfurt-type sausage. Sesame protein isolate (SPI) was obtained by isoelectric precipitation. Four percentages of SPI were used in the Frankfurt-type sausage samples: 0% (SS0), 2% (SS2), 4% (SS4) and 6% (SS6). The proximate composition of the sausages and SPI was determined. Microbiological, sensory (preference), and textural (TPA) properties were also studied. The results indicated that the protein content of the SPI was 88.02%. Regarding sensory acceptance, SS4 and SS6 obtained the highest scores in most parameters. On the other hand, SS6 showed higher results in terms of cohesiveness (4.04), elasticity (9.98), and chewiness (47.93). In conclusion, SPI can be used in meat products because it increases the bromatological parameters of sausages and improves the acceptance of some sensory parameters.

Background Measures to control COVID‐19 transmission disrupted childhood cancer care. Data on the effects of the COVID‐19 pandemic on childhood cancer mortality are lacking. This study describes the impact of the pandemic on childhood cancer early‐mortality (≤ 24 months). Methods A multicenter prospective cohort was conducted in 10 Colombian cities. Children with newly diagnosed cancer registered in the Childhood Cancer Clinical Outcomes Surveillance System (VIGICANCER) were included. Our primary outcome was cumulative mortality at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months. The exposed cohort (EC = March 25, 2020–December 31, 2021) was compared with a historic cohort (HC = January 1, 2017–March 24, 2020). Covariates included sociodemographics, place of residence, health insurance type, and tumor classification. Results The cohort included 4124 children, comprised of 1627 children in the EC and 2497 children in the HC. Hematolymphoid, central nervous system, and extracranial solid tumors represented 57%, 15%, and 28% of patients, respectively. Participants' median age was 6.7 years (IQR, 3.2–11.3), 54% were male, 7% were Afro‐descendant, and 47% had public insurance. In the EC, the 6‐month and 24‐month mortality adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) in children with solid tumors was 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1–2.7) and 1.3 (95% CI, 1.0–1.7), respectively, and in children with bone tumors 4.0 (95% CI, 1.2–13.0) and 2.1 (95% CI, 1.2–3.6), respectively. These associations persisted after accounting for metastatic disease. Six‐month mortality aHRs for retinoblastoma, bone tumors, and soft tissue sarcomas due to progressive disease were 4.3 (95% CI, 1.3–14.5), 4.0 (95% CI, 1.4–11.3), and 5.4 (95% CI, 2.2–13.5), respectively. In the EC, the adjusted odds ratio (aOR) for metastatic solid tumors vs. nonmetastatic was 1.4 (95% CI, 1.0–1.8) and in children with retinoblastoma and public insurance the 24‐month mortality aHR was 4.9 (95% CI, 1.1–21.7). Conclusions We observed increased early‐mortality for solid tumors, particularly bone tumors and retinoblastoma, likely attributed to more advanced‐stage presentation and loss of treatment effectiveness due to healthcare disruptions. Early‐mortality was higher in patients with public insurance, a vulnerable population that warrants attention. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, an increase in the risk of early‐mortality in children with solid malignant tumors was observed, specifically in bone tumors and retinoblastoma. Furthermore, patients were diagnosed at more advanced stages and the main cause of death was progressive disease. This study shows that the COVID‐19 pandemic contributed to advanced‐staged diagnoses and early‐mortality in children with solid tumors.

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Ehrlichia and Rickettsia are two major rickettsial genera transmitted by ticks that affect a number of wild and domestic animal species and human populations around the world. Objective: To design and validate a duplex PCR for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia in ticks. Methods:Assay validation included testing for sensitivity,specificity, reproducibility, and robustness of the PCR. The groELand 23sr RNAgenes were used for Ehrlichia and Rickettsia, respectively. Results: The limit of detection was one hundred gene copies per 50 μLof reaction for Ehrlichia spp, and one gene copy of Rickettsia per 50 μL of reaction. In general, the primers of the test only amplified in silico those bacterial agents for which they were originally designed, with the exception of the primers for Rickettsia that also amplified Methylocystis sp. The test was reproducible (intermediate precision) 96.7% of the times for both agents. The test was robust enough to tolerate concentration changes of all reagents with the exception of Taq DNA polymerase. Conclusions: The validation results indicated that this PCR is useful for detection in both bacterial genera and it is a good candidate for diagnostic validation.RESUMEN: Ehrlichia spp. y Rickettsia spp.son dos de los principales géneros rickettsiales transmitidos por garrapatas que afectan a animales silvestres, domésticos y humanos alrededor del mundo. Objetivo: diseñar y validar una prueba PCR duplex para Ehrlichia y Rickettsia en garrapatas. Métodos: la validación de la prueba incluyó ensayos de sensibilidad, especificidad, reproducibilidad y robustez. En la PCR se usó groEL y ARNr 23S como genes blanco para Ehrlichia y Rickettsia, respectivamente. Resultados: el límite de detección fue de 100 copias del gen por 50 μL de reacción para Ehrlichia spp y una copia del gen de Rickettsia por 50 μLde reacción. En general, los cebadores de la prueba solo amplificaron in silico los agentes bacterianos para los cuales fueron originalmente diseñados, con la excepción de los cebadores de Rickettsia que también amplificaron Methylocystis sp. La prueba fue reproducible (precisión intermedia) en un 96.7% de las veces para ambos agentes. La prueba fue suficientemente robusta como para tolerar cambios de concentración de los diferentes reactivos, con excepción de la Taq DNA polimerasa. Conclusión: los resultados de validación indican que la PCR es útil para detectar ambos géneros bacterianos y podría usarse para validación diagnóstica.

RESUMEN Las garrapatas revisten gran importancia en el campo biomédico por sus hábitos hematófagos y asociación con la transmisión de agentes patógenos a humanos y animales. El objetivo de esta investigación fue establecer las especies de garrapatas que parasitan perros en tres poblaciones del área rural del Caribe colombiano. Durante los meses de agosto y diciembre del año 2006 se realizó búsqueda activa de garrapatas sobre caninos domésticos de las localidades de El Campín, Sabanas del Potrero y Escobar Arriba, departamento de Sucre. Las garrapatas recolectadas fueron almacenadas en viales con etanol al 70% e identificadas empleando claves morfológicas de referencia para cada familia. Para la determinación de especie en la familia Argasidae se realizaron estimaciones morfométricas de estructuras externas. Se recolectaron 420 garrapatas a partir de 50 caninos infestados, de un total de 134 perros examinados, que corresponde a una tasa de infestación del 37,3%. Las garrapatas fueron identificadas como Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus y Amblyomma ovale pertenecientes a la familia Ixodidae, y Ornithodoros (Alectorobius) puertoricensis de la familia Argasidae. La especie predominante fue R. sanguineus (92,1%) en los estados de larva, ninfa y adulto, seguida por larvas de O. puertoricensis, que fueron halladas en menor número sobre caninos de las tres localidades. Se registra, por primera vez en América, el parasitismo de O. puertoricensis sobre caninos domésticos y se confirma su presencia en Colombia. Palabras clave: garrapatas, perros, Ornithodoros puertoricensis, Ixodida, Colombia. ABSTRACT Ticks are very important from the biomedical point of view, by their hematophagic activity and their role in the transmission of pathogenic microorganisms to man and animals. The main goal of this work was to establish the tick species parasiting dogs in three rural localities of the Colombian Caribbean. From August to December 2006, an active search of ticks on dogs was carried out in the localities of El Campín, Sabanas del Potrero and Escobar Arriba, department of Sucre. The collected ticks were preserved into eppendorf tubes with 70% ethanol, and identified using standard morphological keys for each family. Argasid species were determined by measuring external morphological characters. Of 134 examined dogs in the three localities, 50 were found infested by ticks, representing a infestation rate of 37,3%. A total of 420 ticks were collected from dogs and identified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus, and Amblyomma ovale of the Ixodidae family, and Ornithodoros puertoricensis of the Argasidae family. R. sanguineus was the predominant species (92,1%) in the stages of larva, nymph and adult, following by O. puertoricensis larvae recorded in low numbers in the three regions sampled. The tick O. puertoricensis is recorded for the first time as ectoparasite of domestic dogs in America. Additionally, the presence of this tick species is confirmed in Colombia. Key words: Ticks, dogs, Ornithodoros puertoricensis, Ixodida, Colombia