An antimicrobial activity of oil extracted from Saara hardwickii

Abstract Present research work represents antiviral and antibacterial value of body fat of Saara hardwickii commonly called as spiny tailed lizard. Oil was extracted from body fats located in the ventral region of this animal using hydrocarbons e.g., n-hexane, methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of lizard oil was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines ofEscherichia coli, Styphalococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris alone and with antibiotic ampicillin. For antibacterial potential, Ethyl acetate and Butanol solvent extract showed best zone of inhibition (7mm) with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. For antiviral potential, Butanol and Methanol extract showed best HA (Hemagglutination) titer of 04 with NDV and IBV viral strain respectively. It is concluded that lizard oil has antimicrobial potential against different pathogens strains (virus, bacteria).

Resumo O presente trabalho de pesquisa apresenta a importância antiviral e antibacteriana da gordura corporal de Saara hardwickii, comumente chamado de lagarto de cauda espinhosa. O óleo foi extraído de gorduras corporais localizadas na região ventral desse animal usando hidrocarbonetos, por exemplo, n-hexano, metanol, butanol e acetato de etila, como solvente. A atividade antibacteriana do óleo do lagarto foi testada em linhagens padrão e multirresistentes de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Proteus vulgaris, de forma isolada e com antibiótico ampicilina. Para o potencial antibacteriano, acetato de etila e extrato de butanol apresentaram melhor zona de inibição (7 mm) com P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, respectivamente. Para o potencial antiviral, o extrato de butanol e o extrato de metanol apresentaram melhor título de hemaglutinação de 4 com as cepas virais NDV e IBV, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o óleo do lagarto possui potencial antimicrobiano contra diferentes cepas de patógenos (vírus e bactérias).

An antimicrobial activity of oil extracted from Saara hardwickii / Atividade antimicrobiana do óleo extraído de Saara hardwickii

Present research work represents antiviral and antibacterial value of body fat of Saara hardwickii commonly called as spiny tailed lizard. Oil was extracted from body fats located in the ventral region of this animal using hydrocarbons e.g., n-hexane, methanol, butanol and ethyl acetate as a solvent. The antibacterial activity of lizard oil was tested against standard as well as multi-resistant lines ofEscherichia coli, Styphalococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Proteus vulgaris alone and with antibiotic ampicillin. For antibacterial potential, Ethyl acetate and Butanol solvent extract showed best zone of inhibition (7mm) with P. aeruginosa and S. aureus respectively. For antiviral potential, Butanol and Methanol extract showed best HA (Hemagglutination) titer of 04 with NDV and IBV viral strain respectively. It is concluded that lizard oil has antimicrobial potential against different pathogens strains (virus, bacteria).

O presente trabalho de pesquisa apresenta a importância antiviral e antibacteriana da gordura corporal de Saara hardwickii, comumente chamado de lagarto de cauda espinhosa. O óleo foi extraído de gorduras corporais localizadas na região ventral desse animal usando hidrocarbonetos, por exemplo, n-hexano, metanol, butanol e acetato de etila, como solvente. A atividade antibacteriana do óleo do lagarto foi testada em linhagens padrão e multirresistentes de Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa e Proteus vulgaris, de forma isolada e com antibiótico ampicilina. Para o potencial antibacteriano, acetato de etila e extrato de butanol apresentaram melhor zona de inibição (7 mm) com P. aeruginosa e S. aureus, respectivamente. Para o potencial antiviral, o extrato de butanol e o extrato de metanol apresentaram melhor título de hemaglutinação de 4 com as cepas virais NDV e IBV, respectivamente. Conclui-se que o óleo do lagarto possui potencial antimicrobiano contra diferentes cepas de patógenos (vírus e bactérias).

Using guinea pig as a model for evaluation of equine influenza vaccine

Equine influenza is a highly contagious viral disease, specially among 1-5 years old naive horses. Vaccination is considered the best way to control the disease spread and outbreaks. Although foals are the main animal used for evaluation of equine influenza vaccines, guinea pigs were chosen as an alternative model in the present work, as they have a negligible antibody titer against equine influenza virus and are cheaper and easier to handle than foals. Five equine influenza vaccine batches were evaluated in two animal models, foals and guinea pigs, by injection of two doses/animal with 4 weeks apart using 2 mL/animal/dose and evaluation of immune responses by hemagglutination inhibition test and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. On the 7th week post vaccination, equine influenza antibodies titers reached maximum values of 9-10.2 and 8.7-10 hemagglutination inhibition units for foals and guinea pigs, respectively; sample/negative ratios were 0.126-0.464 and 0.128-0.445 for both animals, respectively. The use of guinea pigs as an animal model for the evaluation of equine influenza vaccines could be recommended instead of foals.

La gripe equina es una enfermedad viral muy contagiosa, especialmente entre los caballos jóvenes de 1 a 5 años de edad. La vacunación se considera la mejor forma de controlar la propagación y los brotes de la enfermedad. Aunque los potros son el principal animal utilizado para la evaluación de vacunas contra la gripe equina, en el presente trabajo se eligieron cobayos como modelo alternativo, ya que tienen un título insignificante de anticuerpos contra el virus de la gripe equina y son más baratos y fáciles de manejar que los potros. Se evaluaron cinco lotes de vacunas contra la gripe equina en dos modelos animales, potros y cobayos, mediante la inyección de dos dosis/animal con 4 semanas de intervalo utilizando 2 mL/animal/dosis y la evaluación de las respuestas inmunitarias mediante la prueba de inhibición de la hemaglutinación y el ensayo inmunoenzimático. En la 7ª semana posvacunación, los títulos de anticuerpos contra la gripe equina alcanzaron valores máximos de 9-10,2 y 8,7-10 unidades de inhibición de la hemaglutinación para potros y cobayos, respectivamente; las relaciones muestras/negativos fueron de 0,126-0,464 y 0,128-0,445 para ambos animales, respectivamente. Podría recomendarse el uso de cobayos como modelo animal para la evaluación de vacunas contra la gripe equina, en lugar de potros.

Preparation and evaluation of formalized bivalent Newcastle and Salmonella poultry vaccine

This study was conducted to prepare and evaluate the potency of different inactivated vaccine formulations that protect chickens against Salmonella Enteritidis and Newcastle disease virus using Montanide as adjuvant. Protection and the humoral immune response of prepared vaccines against Salmonella Enteritidis and Newcastle disease virus was evaluated and compared to imported vaccine. In this study, different formulae of Salmonella Enteritidis and Newcastle disease vaccines were prepared and compared with the imported one by measuring the antibody titer against Newcastle disease virus by hemagglutination inhibition test and the antibody titer against Salmonella Enteritidis using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. On the other hand, the protection percentages against Newcastle disease and Salmonella Enteritidis were recorded to determine the best effective formula. The highest hemagglutination inhibition antibody level against NDV at first week was recorded for the prepared combined Newcastle disease and Salmonella Enteritidis vaccine (4.2 log2) followed by the prepared monovalent Newcastle disease (3.4 log2); the lowest antibody level (3.1 log2) was obtained with the imported vaccine. A gradual increase was observed in all groups to 7.1 log2, 6.8 log2 and 6.4 log2 at fourth week post vaccination, respectively. The antibody titer against Salmonella Enteritidis was 552 for the prepared combined Salmonella Enteritidis and Newcastle disease, followed by the prepared monovalent Salmonella Enteritidis (477) at first week post vaccination; the antibody titer obtained for the imported vaccine was 477. There was a gradual increase to 1456, 1406 and 1130 at fourth week post vaccination, respectively. Prepared combined vaccines gave the highest protection percentage, followed by prepared monovalent types and finally imported vaccines. Vaccination by the prepared combined Salmonella Enteritidis and Newcastle disease vaccine may be a way to increase the resistance of birds to Salmonella and Newcastle and to decrease the shedding rate(AU)

Este estudio se llevó a cabo para preparar y evaluar la potencia de diferentes formulaciones de vacunas inactivadas que protegen a los pollos contra Salmonella Enteritidis y el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle utilizando Montanide como adyuvante. Se evaluó la protección y la respuesta inmune humoral de las vacunas preparadas contra Salmonella Enteritidis y el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle y se comparó con la vacuna importada. En este estudio se prepararon diferentes fórmulas de vacunas contra Salmonella Enteritidis y la enfermedad de Newcastle y se compararon con la importada midiendo el título de anticuerpos contra el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle mediante la prueba de inhibición de la hemaglutinación y el título de anticuerpos contra Salmonella Enteritidis mediante ELISA. Por otra parte, se registraron los porcentajes de protección contra la enfermedad de Newcastle y Salmonella Enteritidis para determinar la fórmula más eficaz. El mayor nivel de anticuerpos inhibidores de la hemaglutinación contra el virus de la enfermedad de Newcastle, en la primera semana, se registró con la vacuna combinada preparada contra la enfermedad de Newcastle y Salmonella Enteritidis (4,2 log2), seguida de la vacuna monovalente preparada contra la enfermedad de Newcastle (3,4 log2); el menor nivel de anticuerpos (3,1 log2) se obtuvo con la vacuna importada. Se observó un aumento gradual en todos los grupos hasta alcanzar 7,1 log2, 6,8 log2 y 6,4 log2 en la cuarta semana tras la vacunación, respectivamente. El título de anticuerpos contra Salmonella Enteritidis fue de 552 para la vacuna combinada preparada contra la Salmonella Enteritidis y enfermedad de Newcastle, seguida por la vacuna monovalente preparada contra Salmonella Enteritidis (477) en la primera semana después de la vacunación; el título de anticuerpos obtenido con la vacuna importada fue de 477. Hubo un aumento gradual hasta 1456, 1406 y 1130 en la cuarta semana después de la vacunación, respectivamente. Las vacunas combinadas preparadas dieron el mayor porcentaje de protección, seguidas por los tipos monovalentes preparados y, por último, por las vacunas importadas. La vacunación con la vacuna combinada preparada contra la Salmonella Enteritidis y la enfermedad de Newcastle puede ser una forma de aumentar la resistencia de las aves a la Salmonella y Newcastle y de disminuir la tasa de excreción(AU)

A hemagglutinin from Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre seed

Lectins are diverse proteins that bind to carbohydrates and are involved in many important physiological processes. They are highly specific to the sugar molecules they bind and therefore, have many therapeutic and diagnostic applications. There are several lectins that display antiviral, antibacterial antifungal and antitumour activities. Characterization of new lectins paves way for comprehension of their diverse biological roles and mechanism of action, thus aiding in further exploration of lectins in various domains of biology. Here, we endeavoured to purify and characterize lectin from the seed of the legume,Pongamia. Pongamia pinnata (L.) Pierre (syn. Millettia pinnata), seed lectin (PPSL) was purified conventionally by ammonium-sulfate precipitation followed by size exclusion chromatography. The further lectin was physicochemically characterized by CD, fluorescence spectroscopy, mass spectroscopy and isothermal calorimetry. Hemagglutination studies with various mono and disaccharides showed specificity towards galactose. This specificity was reaffirmed by isothermal studies with appreciable thermodynamic parameters. Lectins have tremendous diagnostic applications. They are used as second-generation drug delivery systems.

Antígeno nativo y no nativo para determinar la seroprevalencia de Trypanosoma cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos, México / Native and non-native antigen to determine the seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, Mexico

INTRODUCCIÓN: La enfermedad de Chagas es una infección parasitaria crónica sistémica, de importancia global, causada por Trypanosoma cruzi. OBJETIVO: Determinar la prevalencia de anticuerpos contra T cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos, México. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 1.620 sueros de mujeres embarazadas mediante dos pruebas serológicas: ELISAc (antígeno crudo nativo) y ELISAr (antígeno recombinante, no nativo). Las muestras reactivas se analizaron posteriormente mediante hemaglutinación indirecta (HAI). Se utilizaron dos enfoques de detección, en paralelo (son positivas las muestras reactivas por cualquier método) y en serie (son positivas las muestras confirmadas por HAI). Se evaluaron factores sociodemográficos y de salud asociados a la presencia de anticuerpos contra T. cruzi mediante razones de momios al 95%. RESULTADOS: Se obtuvo una seroprevalencia de 4,87% con el diagnóstico en paralelo y de 0,43% en serie. A partir de los resultados en paralelo las mujeres que fueron atendidas en los hospitales generales de Tetecala y Jojutla tuvieron, respectivamente, 2,2 y 2,0 veces mayor posibilidad de presentar anticuerpos contra T cruzi con respecto a las mujeres que fueron atendidas en el Hospital General de Cuautla. CONCLUSIÓN: La prevalencia de anticuerpos contra T cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos fluctuó entre 0,43 y 4,87%, según el antígeno y el abordaje utilizado. Es necesario continuar con la vigilancia de la seroprevalencia de anticuerpos contra T cruzi en mujeres embarazadas en el estado de Morelos, México, con las técnicas de mayor sensibilidad y especificidad disponibles.

BACKGROUND: Chagas disease is a globally important chronic systemic parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. AIM: To determine the prevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, México. METHODS: 1,620 sera from pregnant women were analyzed using two serological tests: ELISAc (native crude antigen) and ELISAr (recombinant, non-native antigen). Reactive samples were subsequently analyzed by indirect hemagglutination (IHA). Two detection approaches were used, in parallel (reactive samples by any method are positive) and serial (samples confirmed by IHA are positive). Sociodemographic and health factors associated with the presence of antibodies against T cruzi were evaluated using 95% odds ratios. RESULTS: A seroprevalence of 4.87% was obtained with parallel diagnosis and 0.43% in series. From the parallel results, the women who were attended at the general hospitals of Tetecala and Jojutla had respectively 2.2 and 2.0 times greater chance of presenting antibodies against T cruzi compared to the women who were attended at the General Hospital of Cuautla. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos fluctuated between 0.43 and 4.87%, depending on the antigen and the approach used. It is necessary to continue with the surveillance of the seroprevalence of antibodies against T cruzi in pregnant women from the state of Morelos, Mexico, using the techniques with the highest sensitivity and specificity available.

Serologic strategy in detecting RHD altered alleles in Brazilian blood donors

ABSTRACT Background: We evaluated different technological approaches and anti-D clones to propose the most appropriate serologic strategy in detecting the largest numbers of D variants in blood donors. Methods: We selected 101 samples from Brazilian blood donors with different expressions of D in our donor routine. The tests were performed in immediate spin (IS) with eleven commercially available anti-D reagents in a tube and microplate. The D confirmatory tests for the presence of weak D included the indirect antiglobulin test (IAT) in a tube, gel and solid-phase red blood cell adherence (SPRCA). All DNA samples were extracted from peripheral blood and the D variants were classified using different molecular assays. Results: The RHD variants identified by molecular analysis included weak D types (1, 2, 3, 11 and 38) and partial Ds (DAR1.2, DAR1, DAR3.1, DAU0, DAU2, DAU4, DAU5, DAU6, DMH and DVII). The monoclonal-monoclonal blend RUM-1/MS26 was the best anti-D reagent used in detecting the D antigen in the IS phase in a tube, reacting with 83.2% of the D variants, while the anti-D blend D175 + 415 was the best monoclonal antibody (MoAb) used in a microplate to minimize the need for an IAT, reacting with 83.2% of the D variants. The D confirmatory tests using SPRCA showed a reactivity (3 - 4+) with 100% of the D variant samples tested. Conclusion: Our results show that, even using sensitive methods and MoAbs to ensure the accurate assignment of the D antigen, at least 17% of our donor samples need a confirmatory D test in order to avoid alloimmunization in D-negative patients.

Investigation of the potential anti-influenza activity of five plants grown in Sudan and used folklorically for respiratory infections

Respiratory tract infections caused by influenza viruses have challenged clinicians due to shortages of ideal antiviraltherapy or rapid development of resistance to available drugs. The development of new medications, especially fromnatural sources, is particularly important to combat the highly mutagenic influenza virus. This study was conducted totest the activity of some medicinal plants used traditionally in Sudan for the treatment of respiratory tract infectionsand other various diseases. Balanites aegyptiaca, Cordia africana, Aristolochia bracteolata, Boscia senegalensis, andLeptadenia arborea were extracted by water and methanol and tested against influenza virus strain A/WSN/33(H1N1)using zanamivir as a standard. The effective concentrations for methanol and water extracts were found in the rangesof 0.25–20 mg/ml and 10–35 mg/ml, respectively. The toxicities of all extracts were evaluated against Madin–Darbycanine kidney cells, and the cytotoxic concentration for all extracts was 80 mg/ml. Plants’ extracts at a concentrationof 2.5–20 mg/ml prevented hemagglutinin-assisted viral adsorption to RBCs using hemagglutination inhibitionassay. The proven anti-influenza activity of the tested plants could explain their folkloric use. It would be valuableto standardize the plants’ extracts and conduct in vivo studies so as to develop a safe and effective herbal formula forinfluenza.

Assessment of hemagglutination activity of porcine deltacoronavirus

Surveillance of antibody level of influenza among physical examination population of Shenzhen City from 2014 to 2018 / 上海预防医学

Objective To provide the basis for influenza epidemic prevention and control by monitoring the antibody level of influenza among the general population in Dapeng New District of Shenzhen City. Methods A total of 1 350 serum samples of people were collected ten times from 2014 to 2018, and the antibody level was tested by hemagglutination-inhibition test. Results During 2014-2018 years, only the positive rate of antibody to H3N2 was above 60%.The positive rates of H1N1, H3N2, BV and BY were 50.0%, 85.6%, 35.4% and 45.6%, respectively, and the geometric mean titers (GMT) of antibody were 8.2, 81.5, 3.9 and 6.4, respectively.Influenza antibody titers of 1 : 160 and 1 : 320 were mainly distributed in influenza H3N2.The antibody level of BV and BY in age group 0~4 years was 29.0% and 30.4% separately. Conclusion It is imperative to enhance the surveillance of antibody level of influenza among general population in Dapeng New District, to investigate the epidemic development trend of influenza constantly, and to prevent and control the outbreak of influenza epidemics.

New Rabbit Erythrocyte Specific Mycelial Lectins from Fusarium sp. with Complex Saccharide Specificity

Eight Fusarium sp. namely, F. acutatum, F. globosum, F. graminearum, F. lactis, F. nivale, F. proliferatum, F.pseudoanthophilum and F. robustum were screened for the presence of lectins by hemagglutination activityusing human ABO, porcine, ovine, goat and rabbit erythrocytes. Mycelial extracts of all the fungal culturesexcept F. graminearum displayed unique lectin activity with only rabbit erythrocytes. Enzymatic treatment ofrabbit erythrocytes with neuraminidase has significantly enhanced the titre of all the lectin-positive extractsof fungal cultures. In contrast, most of the lectins showed a decline in lectin activity with protease treatedrabbit erythrocytes. Saccharide specificity studies have shown that majority of the lectins are inhibitory towardsO-acetyl sialic acids. None of the lectins from Fusarium sp. were inhibited by dextran, meso-inositol, andN-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Most of the fungal cultures displayed highest hemagglutination activity during the10th day of growth in broth cultures. The unique saccharide specificity of Fusarium sp. lectins can be used forelucidating their clinical role in glycobiology research.

Evaluation of Waning Immunity at 6 Months after Both Trivalent and Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccination in Korean Children Aged 6–35 Months

BACKGROUND: The titer of influenza vaccine-induced antibodies declines over time, and younger children have lower immunogenicity and shorter duration of immunity. This study aimed to compare persistence of antibody at 6 months after influenza vaccination according to influenza virus strains, vaccine type, antigen dose, and primed status in children aged 6 to 35 months. METHODS: A total 124 healthy children aged 6 to 35 months were enrolled from September to December 2016 at 10 hospitals in Korea and randomly assigned to either a full dose of quadrivalent influenza vaccine or a half dose of trivalent influenza vaccine with Victoria B strain group. Hemagglutination inhibition antibody titers (that measure the seroprotection rates) were assessed for the recommended influenza strains at 6 months post vaccination. RESULTS: The seroprotection rates at 6 months for strains A (H1N1), A (H3N2), B/Yamagata, and B/Victoria were 88.7%, 97.4%, 36.6%, and 27.6%, respectively. The seroprotection rates for A (H1N1), A (H3N2) and B (Victoria) were 91.4%, 98.7% and 27.5% in a full dose of quadrivalent vaccine vs. 83.7%, 94.6% and 27.9% in a half dose trivalent vaccine, respectively. The seroprotection rate for the B (Yamagata) strain was 23.8% in the quadrivalent group and 14.0% in the trivalent group. CONCLUSION: Persistence of antibodies at 6 months was more favorable against the influenza A strains than against the B strains. Persistence of antibodies to additional B strain at 6 months was superior in the quadrivalent vaccine group. The immunity of primed children with different B strains was not superior to that of the unprimed group with another B strain.

Antibody responses after vaccination against equine influenza in Korea in 2016–2018 / 대한수의학회지

Equine influenza (EI) is the main cause of respiratory illness in equines across the globe and is caused by equine influenza A virus (EIV-A), which has impacted the equine industry internationally because of the marginal mortality and high morbidity. In the present study, the immune responses after equine influenza vaccination were evaluated in 4,144 horses in Korea using the hemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay. The equine influenza virus (EIV), A/equine/South Africa/4/03 (H3N8), was used as the antigen in the HI assay. The mean seropositive rates were 89.2% (97.4% in 2016, 77.6% in 2017, and 92.4% in 2018). This paper highlights the advances in understanding the effects of vaccines and control strategies for mitigating the emerging menace by EIV.

Cepario autóctono de leptospiras en la prueba de micro - aglutinación / Micro - agglutination test of Autogenous leptospirosis

Introducción: leptospirosis. Zoonosis más frecuente en Cuba, como enfermedad infecto-contagiosa. Objetivos: identificar las cepas de leptospiras aisladas localmente, para ser empleadas en la prueba de microaglutinación. Apreciar su comportamiento serológico frente a las cepas de referencia. Método: estudio experimental, de sueros de pacientes presuntivos de padecer Leptospirosis, con 60 muestras, en el Instituto Carlos J. Finlay, de La Habana. Identificación de 40 sueros reactores a la hemaglutinación pasiva. Identificación de 34 cepas, de un total de 250 aislamientos, a partir de hemocultivos, de pacientes con antisueros policlonales a serogrupos y anticuerpos monoclonales a serovar. Se conformaron cinco cepasrepresentativas de los serovares: Ballum Ballum, Canicola Canicola, Pomona Pomona, Hebdomadis Wolffi e Icterohaemorrhagiae Copenhageni, como las de mayor circulación en la región. Se realizó la prueba de microaglutinación con las cepas aisladas localmente, y las de referencia de forma paralela. Resultados: mayor reactividad con las cepas locales, y conformación de cinco cepas representantes de los serovares: Ballum Ballum, Canicola Canicola, Pomona Pomona, Hebdomadis Wolffi e Icterohaemorrhagiae Copenhageni, como las de mayor circulación en la región. Se encontró una concordancia de 86,36% en la reactividad. Conclusiones: los resultados mostraron mayor reactividad con las cepas locales que con las de referencia, elevada concordancia e incremento de los títulos de anticuerpos de los sueros reactores usando cepas locales, y disminución del promedio de las reacciones cruzadas cuando se utilizaron las cepas locales. Se demostró su utilidad en la evaluación de estudios inmunológicos.

Introduction: leptospirosis, a contagious infectious disease considered the most common zoonosis in Cuba. Objectives: to identify locally isolated leptospirosis strains for micro- agglutination test. To evaluate their serological behavior against the reference strains. Method: an experimental study of 60 presumptive Leptospirosis patients' serum samples. Forty sera reactive to passive hemagglutination. To isolate 250 blood cultures of patients. To show 34 strains identified at the Carlos J. Finlay Institute, with polyclonal antisera to serogroups and monoclonal antibodies to serovar. Five strains represented by the serovars: Ballum Ballum, Canicola Canicola, Pomona Pomona, Hebdomadis Wolffi and Icterohaemorrhagiae Copenhageni, were the most circulating strains in the region. The microagglutination test was performed in parallel form to locally isolated strains and reference strains Results: greater reactivity with the local strains. Five strains representing the serovars: Ballum Ballum, Canicola Canicola, Pomona Pomona, Hebdomadis Wolffi and Icterohaemorrhagiae copenhageni as the most circulating in the region. The reactivity showed 86.36% concordance. Conclusions: there was greater reactivity with the local strains than the reference strains. A higher concordance increased the titers of antibodies of the reactive sera, by the use of local strains. The average of cross reactions decreased when the local strains were used. The evaluation of immunological studies was demonstrated.

Anticuerpos anti-Trypanosoma cruzi en migrantes latinoamericanos en tránsito por el cruce fronterizo entre México y los Estados Unidos / Anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in Latin American migrants in transit through the México-USA border

Resumen Introducción. En los últimos años, la tripanosomiasis americana se ha convertido en un problema de salud pública emergente en países receptores de poblaciones migrantes, como México, Estados Unidos, Canadá y los países europeos. Objetivo. Analizar la prevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Trypanosoma cruzi mediante técnicas serológicas, en los migrantes latinos en su paso hacia Estados Unidos y Canadá. Materiales y métodos. Se hicieron análisis serológicos mediante ELISA y la prueba de hemaglutinación indirecta (HAI) para detectar anticuerpos anti-T. cruzi, y encuestas socioeconómicas para determinar los factores asociados a los casos seropositivos que favorecieron la transmisión en el país de origen de los migrantes. Resultados. La seroprevalencia total en la población estudiada fue del 20 % (24/120). La prevalencia más alta se encontró en migrantes de Guatemala, con 37,5 % (6/16), seguidos de los de Honduras (22,6 %; 12/53), El Salvador (16 %; 4/25) y México (8,7 %; 3/23). De los 120 migrantes encuestados, 105 (87,5 %) reconocieron el vector y 62 (59 %) afirmaron haber sido picados por este. La asociación de la infección con los materiales de construcción de las paredes de las viviendas, así como con la presencia de mascotas (perros) en los hogares, fue muy significativa (p≤0,01). La asociación con el material de construcción del patio, los servicios básicos precarios, así como la cría de animales dentro de corrales en la periferia de los hogares, también fue significativa (p≤0,05). Conclusión. Los países no endémicos que reciben migrantes de zonas endémicas deben mejorar o desarrollar políticas de salud para prevenir la transmisión del parásito por transfusión o por vía congénita.

Abstract Introduction: In recent years, American trypanosomiasis has become an emergent public health problem in countries receiving migrant populations such as México, USA, Canada or those in Europe. Objective: To analyze the prevalence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibodies in Latin American migrants on their way to USA and Canada by means of serological techniques. Material and methods: ELISA and IHA were performed to detect anti-T. cruzi antibodies. Also, each participant filled out a socioeconomic questionnaire to determine the associated factors with seropositive cases, which could facilitate the transmission in the migrants' country of origin. Results: Total seroprevalence among the studied population was 20% (24/120). The highest prevalence was found in migrants from Guatemala with 37.5% (6/16), followed by Honduras (22.6%; 12/53), El Salvador (16%; 4/25), and México (8.7%, 3/23). From the total 120 surveyed migrants, 105 (87.5%) recognized the vector of Chagas' disease, and 62 (59%) assured having been bitten by it. Highly significant statistical associations were found between infection and the construction materials for walls and the presence of pets (dogs) inside houses (p≤0.01), as well as with the building materials for backyards, inadequate basic services, and animal breeding inside corrals built around dwellings (p≤0.05). Conclusion: Non-endemic countries receiving migrants from endemic areas should enhance or develop better health policies to prevent transfusion-transmitted Chagas or congenital parasite transmission.

Factors Affecting Hemagglutinations Strength in ABO Blood Group Typing Test Using the Tube Method

BACKGROUND: The ABO blood group typing test (ABO test) is an initial pre-transfusion test based on hemagglutination. Although various factors affect hemagglutination strength, few studies have examined how these factors can be applied in clinical laboratories and their effects on hemagglutination. This study was conducted to analyze the factors affecting hemagglutination strength in the ABO test using a tube method applied in many laboratories. METHODS: We conducted a detailed questionnaire survey of 51 laboratories which use the ABO test with a tube method. We also analyzed the results of the ABO test (cell and serum typing) with 40 specimens using factors affecting hemagglutination at a tube method and applied differently in each laboratory. RESULTS: Each laboratory used various methods to prepare red cell suspensions as specimens or reagents and used different reagent to sample ratios, centrifugation protocols, and shaking test tubes before evaluating hemagglutination strength. By testing various combinations of these factors, direct sampling from the red cell layer of the original specimen was found to have the largest effect on lowering hemagglutination strength in cell typing tests. In serum typing tests, various factors influenced hemagglutination strength, including shaking the tube before analysis and the concentration of a home-made red cell suspension used as a reagent. CONCLUSIONS: To achieve accurate results in the ABO test by the tube method, detailed guidelines that include the factors affecting hemagglutination strength determined in this study should be established.

Effects of epidural block on coagulation and hemorheology indicators in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery / 中国基层医药

Objective To learn the effects of epidural block on coagulation and hemorheology indicators in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery .Methods 166 patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery were randomly divided into control group (n=77) and observation group(n=89) by the random number table method.The anesthesia induction and anesthesia maintenance methods were the same in the two groups ,while the observation group was given epidural block analgesia .The operation time ,intraoperative blood loss and intraoperative transfusion volume were compared between the two groups ,and visual analogue scale ( VAS) was used to evaluate the degree of postoperative pain.Before anesthesia,15min after pneumoperitoneum,30min after pneumoperitoneum, 30min after pneumoperitoneum stopped ,24h after operation and 48h after operation were set up as T 0 ,T1 ,T2 ,T3 ,T4 and T5.The prothrombin time(PT),fibrinogen(Fib),activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT),two D-dimer content(D -D) were observed.And hemorheological indicators,including plasma viscosity,blood viscosity(low shear,medium shear,high shear),red blood cell aggregation were observed .Results There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in the operation time , intraoperative blood loss and the amount of intraoperative infusion(t=0.638,1.571,1.601,all P>0.05).The VAS score of the observation group [(1.8 ± 0.6)points]was lower than that of the control group (t=17.444,P<0.05).At T1,T2,T3 and T4,APTT of the control group were lower than those at T 0 ,APTT of the control group were lower than that of the observation group ( all P<0.05).At T1,T2,T3,T4 and T5,Fib and D-D of the two groups were higher than those at T 0,Fib and D-D of the control group were higher than those of the observation group (t=3.003,5.056,4.695,6.173,2.539,3.473,3.041, 8.831,2.612,10.746,all P<0.05).At T1,plasma viscosity,low shear blood viscosity,middle shear blood viscosity, high shear blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation of the observation group were (1.28 ±0.18) mPa/s,(9.53 ± 0.79)mPa/s,(6.09 ±0.89) mPa/s,(4.31 ±0.75) mPa/s,(1.41 ±0.21),respectively,which were lower than those at T0(t=2.805,4.148,4.276,4.497,6.804,all P<0.05).At T2,T3,T4 and T5,plasma viscosity,low shear blood viscosity ,blood viscosity ,blood high cut viscosity ,erythrocyte aggregation of the control group were higher than those at T0 (all P <0.05).At T1,T2,T3,T4,T5,plasma viscosity,low shear viscosity of blood,cutting blood viscosity,high shear blood viscosity and erythrocyte aggregation of the observation group were lower than those of control group(all P<0.05).Conclusion Epidural blockade can improve the coagulation function and hemorheology indicators of patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery ,it has good clinical application value .

Application and evaluation of indirect hemagglutination test in the Meriones unguiculatus natural focus of Inner Mongolia / 中华地方病学杂志

Objective To analyze and evaluate the application of indirect hemagglutination test (IHA) method in the epidemic area of Meriones unguiculatus in Inner Mongolia.Methods The plague monitoring summary and epidemic analysis reports of each year in Inner Mongolia from 1996 to 2016 were collected.The serum results of the IHA method were analyzed,including the time,region and the distribution of host animals.Results From 1996 to 2016,a total of 38 096 serum samples were detected from various host animals,and 172 positive samples were detected,with a positive rate of 0.45％.In the 21 years,except 2001 and 2015,the occurrence and prevalence of plague were judged by the IHA method for the remaining 19 years.There were 10 counties detected positive sera by IHA method;the positive results were detected by IHA method in 6 kinds of host animals,including 5 rodents and 1 carnivorous,and the positive rate of Rhombomys opimus was up to 6.17％ (91/1 475),the highest titer of the seropositive host animals was as high as 1:10 240.Conclusions The IHA method is easy to operate and economical.It plays a huge role in the timely detection of the epidemic in systematic monitoring of the Meriones unguiculatus in Inner Mongolia.

Inmunoserología y métodos moleculares para el diagnóstico de Chagas: revisión sistemática rápida / Immunoserology and molecular techniques for diagnosis of Chagas´ disease: rapid systematic review / Imunoserologia e métodos moleculares para o diagnóstico de Chagas: revisão sistemática rápida

Con el objetivo de incrementar la precisión diagnóstica, la Organización Mundial de la Salud recomienda la realización de dos o más pruebas inmunoserológicas para el diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Chagas en etapa crónica. El objetivo de este trabajo fue realizar una revisión sistemática rápida acerca del desempeño de las técnicas inmunoserológicas y métodos moleculares en la población general. Se identificaron 178 estudios de los cuales fueron incluidos nueve. Las técnicas de ELISA mostraron la mayor sensibilidad (82-98%) y especificidad (96-100%). Los métodos rápidos mostraron valores de sensibilidad entre 88-93% y especificidad 97- 100%, mientras que los métodos moleculares (PCR) presentaron niveles muy variables de sensibilidad (22-92%) y especificidad (70-100%). Estos resultados muestran que las técnicas de ELISA cuentan con una sensibilidad y especificidad adecuadas. La PCR, al igual que los métodos rápidos, mostró una gran variabilidad en los resultados, debido principalmente a la heterogeneidad de la técnicas y profusión de métodos elaborados de manera in house.

In order to increase diagnostic accuracy, the World Health Organization recommends performing two or more immunoserological tests for the diagnosis of Chagas disease in chronic stage. The aim of this work was to make a rapid systematic review of the performance of immunoserological techniques and molecular methods in the general population. A total of 178 studies were identified, nine ofwhich were included. ELISA techniques showed the highest sensitivity (82-98%) and specificity (96-100%). Rapid methods presented values of sensitivity between 88-93% and 97-100% of specificity, while the molecular methods (PCR) showed highly variable levels of sensitivity (22-92%) and specificity (70-100%). These results indicate that ELISA techniques have adequate sensitivity and specificity. PCR, as well as rapid methods, showed great variability in the results, mainly due to the heterogeneity of the techniques and abundance of "in-house" methods.

Visando a aumentar a precisão do diagnóstico, a Organização Mundial da Saúde recomenda executar dois ou mais testes imunoserológicos para o diagnóstico na fase crônica da doença de Chagas. O objetivo deste trabalho foi fazer uma revisão sistemática rápida sobre o desempenho de técnicas imunoserológicas e métodos moleculares na população em geral. Foram identificados 178 estudos dos quais se incluíram nove. Técnicas de ELISA mostraram a maior sensibilidade (82-98%) e especificidade (96-100%). Métodos rápidos apresentaram valores de sensibilidade e especificidade de 88-93% e 97-100%, respectivamente enquanto que os métodos moleculares (PCR) tinham níveis extremamente variáveis de sensibilidade (22-92%) e especificidade (70-100%). Estes resultados mostram que as técnicas de ELISA possuem sensibilidade e especificidade adequadas. A PCR, bem como os métodos rápidos, mostrou grande variabilidade nos resultados, principalmente devido à heterogeneidade das técnicas e profusão de métodos desenvolvidos de modo in house.