Descentralización del diagnóstico de influenza pandémica en Chile: implementación laboratorios regionales de RT-PCR / Decentralization of pandemic influenza diagnosis in Chile: implementing regional laboratories RT-PCR

Debido a la pandemia de influenza A (H1N1) en el mundo, el Ministerio de Salud en Chile desarrolló un proyectodestinado a fortalecer la capacidad de los laboratorios descentralizados, mediante utilización de la técnica de biología molecular RT-PCR. El proyecto contempló: 1) Readecuación de los espacios físicos en los laboratorios clínicos, 2) compra de equipamiento, 3) adquisición de reactivos e insumos de laboratorio, 4) adquisición de materiales para la toma de muestra, 5) capacitación del recurso humano y 6) verificación del correcto funcionamiento del laboratorio. Al 2010, se encuentran funcionando 6 laboratorios que emplean RT-PCR; se ha obtenido un 100 por ciento de concordancia de las muestras y las autoridades centrales han elaborado un algoritmo de derivación de muestras respiratorias por parte de los 29 Servicios de Salud a los laboratorios regionales, basado en grupos objetivos establecidos en la vigilancia de influenza.

Due to pandemic influenza A (H1N1) in the world, the Ministry of Health in Chile developed a project to strengthen decentralized laboratory capacity through the use of molecular biology technique RT-PCR. The project included: 1) Renovating the physical space in clinical laboratories, 2) purchasing equipment, 3) purchasing laboratory reagents and supplies, 4) acquiring materials for sample collection, 5) human resource training 6) verifying the proper functioning of the laboratory. By 2010, 6 laboratories employing RT-PCR are running, a 100 percent match of the samples has been obtained and the central authorities have developed an algorithm for derivation of respiratory specimens from the 29 Health Services to regional laboratories based on target groups established in the surveillance of influenza.

Caracterización molecular en aislados chilenos de Streptococcus agalactiae / Molecular characterization of Chilean isolates of streptococcus agalactiae

Streptococcus agalactiae is the main causing organism of invasive infections such as sepsis and meningitis in the newborn. Aim: To perform a genotype characterization of Streptococcus agalactiae strains coming form invasive infections of newborns and colonized pregnant women. Material and methods: A group of 58 strains not related epidemiologically isolated from colonized pregnant women and invasive infections in newborns, were studied. Pulsed field electrophoresis (PFGE) and polymerase chain reaction amplification of hylB and IS 1548 genes, as possible virulence markers, were performed. Results: Among the studied strains, 37 genetic subtypes were observed. There were nine groups of identical PFGE patterns. Three corresponded to serotype la and six to serotype III. An erythromycin and clindamycin resistant clone was identified in three colonized women and a newborn with sepsis, which were not epidemiologically related. The hylB gene was equally present in cases of neonatal meningitis or colonized pregnant women. Conclusions: There was a great degree of polymorphism among the studied strains. The ample presence of hylB gene and the absence of the insertion element IS1548 in the hylB gene in invasive and colonizing strains, indicates that both groups of strains are potentially pathogenic.