Alterações oculares decorrentes de picada de abelha na córnea / Ocular changes due to corneal bee sting

RESUMO O propósito deste estudo foi reportar as alterações oculares observadas após picada de abelha com ferrão retido na córnea. Destacamos o tratamento e o desfecho de uma lesão de córnea incomum e sua patogênese. Trata-se de relato de caso e revisão da literatura de lesões oculares por picada de abelha. Paciente do sexo feminino, 63 anos, procurou atendimento oftalmológico de urgência devido à picada de abelha na córnea do olho direito há 6 dias. Queixava-se de embaçamento visual, dor e hiperemia ocular. Apresentou acuidade visual de vultos no olho afetado. Ao exame, notaram-se hiperemia moderada de conjuntiva bulbar, edema corneano com dobras de Descemet e presença do ferrão alojado na região temporal, no estroma profundo da córnea. A paciente foi internada para ser abordada no centro cirúrgico sob anestesia geral. Durante a cirurgia, o ferrão teve que ser retirado via câmara anterior, mediante a realização de uma paracentese e uma lavagem da câmara anterior, com dupla via e solução salina balanceada. Ainda não existe na literatura um tratamento padrão na abordagem de pacientes com lesões oculares por picada de abelha, sendo importantes a identificação e o reconhecimento precoce de possíveis complicações que ameacem a visão.

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to report the ocular changes observed after a bee sting with a stinger retained in the cornea. We show the treatment and outcome of an unusual corneal injury and its pathogenesis. This is a case report and literature review of ocular injuries caused by bee stings. A 63-year-old female patient sought emergency ophthalmic care because of a bee sting on the cornea of her right eye six days before. She complained of blurred vision, pain, and ocular hyperemia. She had glare sensitivity on visual acuity in the affected eye. Examination revealed moderate hyperemia of the bulbar conjunctiva, corneal edema with Descemet's folds and a stinger lodged in the temporal region, in the deep stroma of the cornea. The patient was admitted to the operating room under general anesthesia. During surgery, the stinger had to be removed via the anterior chamber, by performing a paracentesis and washing the anterior chamber with a double flushing and balanced saline solution. There is still no standard treatment in the literature for patients with eye injuries caused by bee stings, and early identification and recognition of possible sight-threatening complications is important.

Picadura de insecto en la córnea, a propósito de un caso

Introducción : Es de vital importancia considerar que la toxina del veneno de la avispa puede ocasionar una reacción violenta que daña la función visual, es por ello que presentamos el siguiente caso relacionado. Cuadro Clínico : Mujer de 32 años con antecedente de picadura de avispa hace 24 horas en ojo derecho; disminución de la agudeza visual, enrojecimiento, lagrimeo, dolor, secreción; agudeza visual de cuenta dedos a 2 metros del ojo derecho y 20/25 ojo izquierdo, con presiones intraoculares de 12 y 13; biomicroscopía hiperemia conjuntival con inyección periciliar 3+, cuerpo extraño en córnea hasta estoma con edema 3+, estrías en la Descemet ojo derecho. Resultados : Se procede a la extracción del cuerpo extraño con previa protección antimicrobiana con antibiótico tobramicina, antiinflamatorio esteroideo prednisolona, hipertónicas y lubricante mixto carboximetilcelulosa y glicerina. A la semana, se observa la formación de una opacidad capsular anterior con signos de atrofia iridiana que empieza a dar un "cambio de color del iris", a las dos semanas se evidencia la dilatación de la vasculatura periciliar, a horas 4, y a las 3 semanas el paciente presenta una agudeza visual de 20/25 ambos ojos, con transparencia corneal, persistencia de la atrofia iridiana y catarata traumática capsular anterior, con remisión de sintomatología en el paciente. Conclusiones : No se sabe el componente exacto del veneno que produce los signos previamente descritos, existen teorías de que puede deberse a un componente con acción parasimpaticomimética, el mismo que se relaciona a otras observaciones clínicas de despigmentación local y heterocromía.

Introduction : It is very important to consider that the toxin present in wasp venom may lead to a severe reaction damaging visual function. This is the reason why we present the following case. Clinical Picture : This is a 32-year-old-female who was bitten by a wasp 24 hours ago in her right eye. She had visual acuity reduction, reddening, tearing, pain, and secretion. Her visual acuity was counting fingers at two-meter distance from her right eye and 20/25 in the left eye. Intraocular pressure was 12 and 13. Biomicroscopy showed conjunctival hiperemia with 3+ periciliary injection. There was a foreign body in the cornea towards the stoma, with 3+ edema. There were striae in the right Descemet. Resultados: We took out the foreign body with previous antimicrobial protection including an antibacterial (tobramycin) and a steroid anti-inflammatory compound (prednisolone). Hypertonic solution and mixed lubricants were also administered, including a mixed lubricant, carboxymethylcellulose, and glycerin. One week afterwards, we observed the formation of an anterior capsular opacity with signs of iris atrophy which led to a 'change of color in the iris'. Two weeks afterwards we observed periciliary vascular dilatation, at 4-hour meridian; and on the third week, the patient had 20/25 visual acuity in both eyes. Her cornea was transparent, there was persistence of iris atrophy, and there was an anterior capsular cataract. Her symptoms subsided. Conclusiones : The exact component of wasp venom leading to the described signs is not known. It has been proposed that it may be a compound with parasympathomimetic action, and this has been related with other clinical observations indicating local depigmentation and heterochromia.

Risk factors of acute kidney injury in patients with multiple wasp stings / 中华肾脏病杂志

Objective:To evaluate the risk factors of acute kidney injury (AKI) in patients with multiple wasp stings.Methods:Patients with multiple wasp stings were retrospectively enrolled in Hanzhong Central Hospital from September 2010 to November 2020. Based on whether the patients developed AKI, the patients were divided into AKI group and non-AKI group. The general characteristics and laboratory examinations between the two groups were compared. The logistic regression model was used to analyze the risk factors of AKI.Results:A total of 356 patients with multiple wasp stings were recruited in this study, with 196 males (55.1%). The age was 56.0(45.0, 64.0) years old. There were 59 patients (16.6%) with hypertension and 13 patients (3.6%) with diabetes. There were 51 patients (14.3%) in the AKI group and 305 patients (85.7%) in the non-AKI group. Baseline data and biochemical examinations indicated that the two groups showed significant differences in gender, age, sting sites (systemic or local), sting needles, proportions of gross hematuria, leukocyte count, hemoglobin, creatine kinase, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, proportions of urinary protein, and proportions of urine occult blood (all P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis results showed that the increasing number of sting needles (every 10 needles increase, OR=1.866, 95% CI 1.289-2.071, P=0.001), gross hematuria ( OR=9.770, 95% CI 2.586-36.910, P=0.001), decreasing hemoglobin (every 1 g/L increase, OR=0.016, 95% CI 0.001-0.355, P=0.009), increasing aspartate aminotransferase (every 100 U/L increase, OR=1.311, 95% CI 1.144-1.502, P<0.001), and increasing total bilirubin (every 10 μmol/L increase, OR=1.200, 95% CI 1.008-1.430, P=0.041) were independent influencing factors of AKI. Conclusions:The increasing number of sting needles, gross hematuria, decreasing hemoglobin, increasing aspartate aminotransferase, and increasing total bilirubin are independent risk factors of AKI in patients with multiple wasp stings.

Nephrotic syndrome after insect sting: a case report / Síndrome nefrótica após picada de inseto: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Minimal change disease accounts for up to 25% of the cases of nephrotic syndrome in adult population. The allergic mechanism has been associated with minimal change disease and allergens have been implied, namely insect stings. We present a case report of a woman with new onset of nephrotic syndrome after a non-hymenoptera insect sting, with biopsy-proven minimal change disease, that was accompanied by a pulmonary thromboembolism process. Complete remission with glucocorticoid therapy was observed, with sustained response for 6 months after discontinuation. A new exposure to insect sting in the same geographical region and season triggered a nephrotic syndrome relapse. Subsequent avoidance of the place resulted in a sustained remission for more than 4 years.

RESUMO A doença de lesões mínimas é responsável por até 25% dos casos de síndrome nefrótica na população adulta. O mecanismo alérgico tem sido associado à doença de lesão mínima a associada a alérgenos, como picadas de insetos. Apresentamos um caso de uma mulher com início recente de síndrome nefrótica após picada de inseto não himenóptero, com doença de lesões mínimas comprovada por biópsia, acompanhada por um processo de tromboembolismo pulmonar. A paciente teve remissão completa com glicocorticoides, com resposta sustentada por 6 meses após a interrupção do tratamento. Uma nova exposição à picada de inseto na mesma região geográfica e estação do ano provocou uma recaída da síndrome nefrótica. Evitar o local subsequentemente resultou em remissão sustentada por mais de 4 anos.

Acute bullous hemorrhagic prurigo: a diagnostic challenge

Abstract Insect bites and bite wounds are quite common and most often have mild repercussions in humans. Statistics on the incidence of accidents caused by insects are not available, and the skin reactions after the bites are not always known. The authors present two cases of patients with hemorrhagic blisters on their hands after tabanidae bites and discuss the factors that cause the problem and the importance of the differential diagnosis of blisters with hemorrhagic content on human skin.

Assessment on the ownership and use of mosquito nets in Mozambique / Avaliação sobre a posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras em Moçambique

ABSTRACT OBJECTIVE To assess the ownership and use of mosquito nets in 2014, in Mozambique. METHODS This observational and cross-sectional study assessed, in February and March 2015, 69 districts (nine of 11 provinces of Mozambique) that have benefited from the mass distribution of mosquito nets. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling methodology was used. Each locality was denominated supervision area. The Lot Quality Assurance Sampling opts for a minimum of 19 households (in this case, we decided for a minimum of 100 households per district) from each supervision area to assess an indicator (in this case, two indicators were assessed: ownership and use of mosquito nets). Two questions guided the research: a) received a mosquito net; b) used a mosquito net the night before. RESULTS A total of 6,725 households were assessed. Eighty three percent of them had received mosquito nets in the campaign. Of the 6,232 respondents, 82.0% said they used mosquito nets the night before. The districts of the provinces with low coverage of ownership and use were Tete (69.5% and 60.0%, respectively), Zambezia (79.0% and 60.0%, respectively), and Gaza (81.6% and 70.7%, respectively). The largest coverage of ownership and use were observed in the districts of Nampula (96.7% and 93.8%, respectively) and Niassa (86.0% and 85.4% respectively). CONCLUSIONS In the districts assessed, the progression of ownership and use of mosquito nets is satisfactory. Nampula and Niassa are the only provinces where ownership and use are at desired levels.

RESUMO OBJECTIVO Avaliar a posse e o uso das redes mosquiteiras no ano de 2014 em Moçambique. MÉTODOS Este estudo observacional transversal avaliou, em fevereiro e março de 2015, 68 distritos (nove das 11 províncias de Moçambique) que se beneficiaram da distribuição de redes em massa. Usou-se a metodologia Lot Quality Assurance Sampling. Cada localidade foi designada de área de supervisão. O Lot Quality Assurance Sampling opta por um mínimo de 19 agregados familiares (neste caso decidiu-se um mínimo de 100 agregados familiares por distrito) de cada área de supervisão, a fim de avaliar um indicador (neste caso dois indicadores foram avaliados: posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras). Duas perguntas nortearam a pesquisa: a) recebeu rede; b) usou rede na noite anterior. RESULTADOS Foram avaliados 6.725 agregados familiares . Desses, 83,0% tinham recebido redes na campanha. Dos 6.232 inqueridos, 82,0% disseram que usaram na noite anterior. As províncias com distritos com menores coberturas de posse e uso foram Tete (69,5% e 60,0%, respectivamente), Zambézia (79,0% e 60,0%, respectivamente) e Gaza (81,6% e 70,7%, respectivamente). As maiores coberturas de posse e uso foram observadas nos distritos de Nampula (96,7% e 93,8%, respectivamente) e Niassa (86,0% e 85,4%, respectivamente). CONCLUSÕES Nos distritos avaliados, a progressão para a posse e uso de redes mosquiteiras é satisfatória. Nampula e Niassa são as únicas províncias onde a posse e o uso estão em níveis desejados.

Conhecimento de puérperas sobre identificação e prevenção do acidente loxoscélico / Puerperal women's knowledge on the identification and prevention of loxoscelic acidentes / Conocimiento de las puérperas sobre la identificación y prevención de accidentes loxoscélicos

Objetivos: este estudo teve como objetivo identificar o grau de conhecimento que puérperas possuíam a respeito da aranha Loxosceles, sua picada e conduta no caso de acidente com elas ou seus filhos. Métodos: estudo transversal quantitativo, que utilizou um questionário estruturado abrangendo perfil socioeconômico, conhecimento sobre aranha-marrom e o loxoscelismo. Foram incluídas pacientes em puerpério imediato, considerado entre o primeiro e décimo dia do parto, internadas na maternidade do Hospital do Trabalhador em Curitiba-PR, entre julho e outubro de 2011. Participaram 208 puérperas, das quais oito foram excluídas porque os questionários foram preenchidos de forma incorreta. Os dados obtidos foram tabulados no programa Microsoft Excel 2007® e analisados pelos testes χ2 e Exato de Fisher. Resultados: sobre o conhecimento da aranha, 61% das puérperas afirmaram reconhecer a aranha e apontaram a imagem correta. Sobre a conduta em caso de acidente, 87,5% responderam a conduta correta, porém apenas 37% apontaram a sintomatologia correta. Hipóteses testadas mostraram que idade, escolaridade e acidente loxoscélico prévio são diretamente proporcionais ao conhecimento das participantes (p<0,05). Conclusão: a maioria das puérperas pesquisadas conhecia a aranha-marrom e grande parte reconhecia a lesão provocada pela picada, mas a gravidade da lesão foi superestimada. Contraditoriamente, o conhecimento dos sintomas foi pequeno, o que pode levar ao atraso do tratamento delas mesmas ou dos seus filhos. O conhecimento da aranha foi diretamente relacionado à idade, escolaridade e a acidente loxoscélico prévio.

Objectives: this study aimed to identify puerperal women's level of knowledge about the Loxosceles spider, its bite, and their own conduct in the event of a loxoscelic accident involving them or their children. Methods: this was a quantitative cross-sectional study using a structured questionnaire that included the socioeconomic profile of the participants, and knowledge about the brown spider and loxoscelism. Participants included postpartum women (between the first to tenth day of delivery), admitted to the maternity ward of the Hospital do Trabalhador, Curitiba-PR, between July and October 2011. From a total of 208 postpartum women, eight were excluded because the questionnaires were filled incorrectly. Data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel 2007® and analyzed using the χ2 test and Fisher's exact test. Results: regarding the knowledge about the spider, 61% of the participants said that they knew the spider and identified the correct picture. About their conduct in case of loxoscelic accidents, 87.5% gave appropriate responses, but only 37% identified the correct symptoms. Hypothesis testing revealed that age, education, and prior experience of loxoscelic accidents were directly proportional to the participants' knowledge (p<0.05). Conclusion: most of the women surveyed could identify the brown spider and largely recognized the spider's bite injury, but they overestimated its severity. On the contrary, they had little knowledge about the symptoms, which may lead to delayed treatment for them or their children. The participants' knowledge about the spider was directly related to age, education, and prior experience of a loxoscelic accident.

Objetivos: este estudio tuvo como objetivo identificar el grado de conocimiento que las puérperas tenían respeto la araña Loxosceles, su picadura y la conducta en el caso de un accidente con ellas o sus hijos. Métodos: estudio transversal cuantitativo en que se utilizó un cuestionario estructurado con el perfil socio-económico, el conocimiento sobre la araña marrón y el Loxoscelismo. Las pacientes incluidas fueron aquellas en el período inmediatamente posterior al parto, del primero hasta el décimo día puerperal, admitidas en la Maternidad y Hospital del Trabajador en Curitiba- PR, entre julio y octubre del 2011. Participaron 208 puérperas, de las cuales ocho fueron prohibidas debido a que sus cuestionarios fueron completados incorrectamente. Los datos fueron tabulados en Microsoft® Excel 2007 y analizados mediante el Test de χ2 y Exacto de Fisher. Resultados: respeto al conocimiento de la araña, el 61% de las madres dijeron reconocer la araña y apuntaron a la imagen correcta. Acerca de la conducta en caso de accidentes, el 87,5% respondieron la conducta correcta, pero sólo el 37% identificaron los síntomas correctos. Las hipótesis testadas mostraron que la edad, la educación y el accidente loxoscélico anterior son directamente proporcionales a los conocimientos de las participantes (p<0,05). Conclusión: la mayoría de las mujeres encuestadas conocía la araña marrón y en gran parte reconoció el daño causado por la picadura, pero sobrestimaran la gravedad de las lesiones. Paradójicamente, el conocimiento de los síntomas fue pequeño, lo que puede llevar al retraso del tratamiento para sí mismas o para sus hijos. El conocimiento sobre la araña estuvo directamente relacionado con la edad, la educación y el accidente loxoscélico anterior

Alergia a himenópteros: do ambulatório à urgência / Hymenoptera venom allergy: outpatient aspects and urgency

Os acidentes com himenópteros são comuns na infância, provavelmente pelo fato de as crianças estarem mais expostas ao ar livre. A maioria das reações é secundária ao efeito tóxico do veneno e limitada ao local da picadura, sendo sua abordagem feita ambulatorialmente. As reações extensas, as anafiláticas e as tóxicas graves poderão necessitar, além da abordagem ambulatorial, cuidados hospitalares e tratamento intensivo. As manifestações alérgicas resultam de uma reação de hipersensibilidadedo tipo I, mediada pela imunoglobulina E (IgE), a componentes reconhecidos como alérgenos contidos no veneno dos insetos da ordem Hymenoptera, em indivíduos previamente sensibilizados. As reações sistêmicas na infância são incomuns, atingindo menos de 1% dos casos, mas em adultos essa prevalência pode atingir 8,9%. A história clínica detalhada é imprescindível para determinar as condutas diagnóstica e terapêutica, assim como a orientação quanto às medidas preventivas para cadacaso. Os testes cutâneos por puntura e/ ou intradérmicos são os de escolha para o diagnóstico. No entanto, os testes in vivo e in vitro são considerados complementares, já que nenhum deles isoladamente identifica todos os pacientes verdadeiramente alérgicos. O grau de sensibilidade demonstrado nesses testes não se correlaciona com a gravidade dos sintomas.

Accidents with Hymenoptera are common in childhood probably because children are more exposed to the outdoors. Most of the reactions to their poison toxic effect are secondary and confined to the site of the sting, and treatment is performed in the outpatient clinic. Extensive, toxic, and severe anaphylactic reactions may require hospital care and intensive treatment in addition to the outpatient approach. Allergic manifestations result from a type I hypersensitivity reaction, mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) in previously sensitized individuals to components recognized as allergens, present in the venom of insects from the Hymenoptera order. Systemic reactions are uncommon in childhood patients, reaching less than 1% of cases, however, this prevalence can reach 8.9% in adults. A detailed medical history is essential to determine diagnostic and therapeutic protocols, as well as guidance for preventative measures in each case. Skin prick and/or intradermal tests are the choice for diagnosis. However, in vivo and in vitro tests are considered complementary because none of them, individually, identifies all patients who are truly allergic. The degree of sensitivity demonstrated in these tests does not correlate with the severity of symptoms.

Dermoscopy as an auxiliary method in the diagnosis of social wasp (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) stings

We describe the case of a 32-year-old male patient that sought medical treatment complaining of severe pain in his second and third right-hand fingers. The symptoms had started two hours before. The hypotheses of spider bite, scorpion or insect sting and injury caused by a foreign body were considered in the differential diagnoses. On dermoscopy, two foreign bodies were identified on his skin. After extraction, we concluded that they were wasp stingers.

Avaliação do uso de repelentes contra picada de mosquitos em militares na Bacia Amazônica / Evaluation of the use of repellent against mosquito bite by military personnel in the Amazon Basin

FUNDAMENTOS: No Brasil, doenças provocadas por picadas de insetos são frequentes, o que torna extremamente importante a execução de medidas profiláticas de forma adequada, sobretudo, em áreas endêmicas como a Amazônia, que recebe um grande contingente de visitantes, a trabalho ou turismo. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar o uso dos repelentes de insetos disponíveis no mercado por militares que costumam realizar missões em ambiente de selva, na região amazônica. MÉTODOS: Foram selecionados cinquenta e um militares da região amazônica que responderam um questionário em junho/2008. RESULTADOS: 63,7 por cento dos militares usaram produtos contendo Deet na concentração máxima de apenas 15 por cento, que possui mínima ação de repelência; 36 por cento relataram usar protetor solar associado, o que levou a um risco maior de intoxicação; 36,4 por cento fizeram uso de um repelente natural em suas missões; dois militares usaram vitamina B e consideraram a sua ação de repelência ineficaz. CONCLUSÕES: Os repelentes à base de Deet utilizados pelo grupo estudado apresentam concentrações inferiores às consideradas seguras para uso em ambiente de selva. Foi frequente a associação do Deet com protetor solar, que é uma combinação potencialmente tóxica. Os repelentes naturais à base de andiroba e copaíba apresentaram o maior grau de percepção de proteção.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, diseases caused by insect bites are frequent. Therefore, it is extremely important that prophylatic measures are adequately carried out, especially in endemic areas such as the Amazon which receives a great number of visitors, for both business and tourism purposes.. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the use of insect repellents available in the market by military personnel who often go in missions in the middle of the jungle, in the Amazon region. METHODOLOGY: Fifty - one militaries in the Amazon region were selected and they answered a questionnaire in June/2008. RESULTS: 63,7 percent of the militaries used products that contained Deet in the maximun concentration of only 15 percent that has minimum repellent action; 36 percent reported to combine these products with sun protective products which increased the risk of intoxication; 36,4 percent used a natural repellent during their missions; two of the militaries participants used vitamin B and considered their repellent action ineffective. CONCLUSION: The repellents that contain Deet and which were used by the group present concentrations that are lower than the concentrations considered safe for using in the jungle. It was frequent the combination of Deet with sun protective products ,which is a potentially toxic association. Natural repellents that have "andiroba" and" copaíba" as components presented a higher perception of protection from the participants.

Incidence of skin diseases in soldiers of the earthquake-rescue troops and its influencing factors / 第二军医大学学报

Objective: To investigate the incidence and major risk factors of skin diseases in soldiers of the earthquake-rescue troops in Yingxiu Town, and to evaluate the disinsection outcome in the camps. Methods: Two rescue teams were taken as subjects in this study. The incidence of skin diseases, hygiene status in the tents, and disinsection measures within 1 month after Wenchuan Earthquake were retrospectively studied from June 15 to June 20, 2008. Chi-square test was used to determine significance of difference. Results: The incidence of skin diseases was 42. 20% in the rescue troops during the 1st month after the earthquake,with insect bite dermatitis and hair follicle dermatitis accounting for 82. 05% and 15. 38%, respectively. The incidences of skin diseases during the 1st, 2nd, and 4th week after the earthquake were significantly higher than that before the earthquake (P<0. 05); the high incidence during the 4th week was associated with sleeping in the mountainous areas. Disinsection of the tents with 2.0% deltamethrin decreased the incidence of skin disease from 26.61% during the 2nd week to 0.92% during the 3rd week. Conclusion: The incidence of skin disease is obviously increased in the earthquake rescue troops; the major reasons are the poor hygiene condition and bites by the mosquitoes and insects. Regular disinsection can effectively decrease the incidence of skin diseases.

Mortality due to Hymenoptera stings in Costa Rica, 1985-2006 / Mortalidad por picaduras de himenópteros en Costa Rica, 1985-2006

OBJECTIVE: To analyze mortality due to Hymenoptera stings in Costa Rica during 1985-2006. METHODS: Records of deaths due to Hymenoptera stings in 1985-2006 were retrieved from Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos (National Statistics and Census Institute). Mortality rates were calculated on the basis of national population reports, as of 1 July of each year. Information for each case included age, gender, and the province in which the death occurred. In addition, reports of Hymenoptera sting accidents received by the Centro Nacional de Intoxicaciones (National Poison Center, CNI) in 1995-2006 were obtained to assess exposure to these insects. RESULTS: Over the 22-year period analyzed, 52 fatalities due to Hymenoptera stings were recorded. Annual mortality rates varied from 0-1.73 per 1 million inhabitants, with a mean of 0.74 (95 percent confidence interval: 0.46-0.93). The majority of deaths occurred in males (88.5 percent), representing a male to female ratio of 7.7:1. A predominance of fatalities was observed in the elderly (50 years of age and older), as well as in children less than 10 years of age. The province with the highest mortality rate was Guanacaste. The CNI documented 1 591 reports of Hymenoptera stings (mostly by bees) in 1995-2006, resulting in an annual average of 133 cases, with only a slight predominance of males over females (1.4:1). CONCLUSIONS: Stings by Hymenoptera, mostly by bees, constitute a frequent occurrence in Costa Rica that can be life-threatening in a small proportion of cases, most often in males and the elderly. The annual number of fatalities fluctuated from 0-6, averaging 2.4 deaths per year. Awareness should be raised not only among the general population, but also among health care personnel that should consider this risk in the clinical management of patients stung by Hymenoptera.

OBJETIVO: Analizar la mortalidad por picaduras de himenópteros en Costa Rica en el período de 1985 a 2006. MÉTODOS: Se obtuvieron los registros de picaduras de himenópteros entre 1985 y 2006 del Instituto Nacional de Estadísticas y Censos. Las tasas de mortalidad se calcularon a partir de los datos de la población nacional para el 1 de julio de cada año. La información de cada caso abarcaba la edad, el sexo y la provincia en la que ocurrió la muerte. Además, para evaluar la exposición a estos insectos se contó con las notificaciones de accidentes por picaduras de himenópteros del Centro Nacional de Intoxicaciones (CNI) de 1995 a 2006. RESULTADOS: En el período de 22 años analizado se registraron 52 muertes por picaduras de himenópteros. La tasa anual de mortalidad varió entre 0 y 1,73 por millón de habitantes, con una media de 0,74 (intervalo de confianza de 95 por ciento: 0,46 a 0,93). La mayoría de las muertes correspondieron a hombres (88,5 por ciento), con una razón hombre:mujer de 7,7:1. Predominaron los casos letales en adultos mayores (50 años o más) y niños menores de 10 años. La provincia con la mayor mortalidad fue Guanacaste. El CNI documentó 1 591 casos de picaduras de himenópteros (principalmente abejas) entre 1995 y 2006, para un promedio anual de 133 casos, con un ligero predominio de hombres sobre mujeres (1,4:1). CONCLUSIONES: Las picaduras de himenópteros, principalmente de abejas, son sucesos frecuentes en Costa Rica que pueden amenazar la vida en una reducida proporción de casos, principalmente hombres y adultos mayores. El número anual de muertes varió entre 0 y 6, con un promedio de 2,4 muertes anuales. Se debe fomentar la conciencia no solo en la población general sino también en el personal especializado de salud, quienes deben tomar en cuenta este riesgo al atender a los pacientes con picaduras de himenópteros.

Amplificación al azar del ADN de 5 poblaciones cubanas de peces larvívoros del género Rivulus

Se amplificó al azar el ADN de 10 individuos de 5 poblaciones de Rivulus colectados en la región occidental de Cuba. De la amplificación, empleando 5 cebadores, no resultó ningún marcador monomórfico, lo que evidenció una alta variabilidad genética entre los peces de las 5 poblaciones. Según la distancia genética entre los individuos, se forman 4 grupos, para cada uno de los cuales aparecen marcadores genéticos de RAPD (ADN polimórfico amplificado al azar) que son específicos, porque no se evidencian en el resto de los individuos. Estos resultados apoyan la utilización del RAPD como una herramienta eficiente para la caracterización genética de peces cubanos del género Rivulus.

DNA from 10 individuals from 5 populations of Rivulus collected in the western region of Cuba was amplified at random. No monomorphic marker resulted from the amplification by using 5 primers, which showed the high genetic variability existing among the fishes of the 5 populations. According to the genetic distance among the individuals, they were divided into 4 groups, for which there are specific genetic markers of RAPD, since they are not observed in the rest of the subjects. These results support the use of RAPD as an efficient tool for the genetic characterization of Cuban fishes of the Rivulus genus.

The etiology of papular urticaria: a systematic review / 中华皮肤科杂志

Objective To investigate the etiology of papular urticaria: is it caused only by arthropod-like insects-bite allergy, or by multiple factors such as food allergy, disturbance of gastrointestinal function and infection? Methods We searched, by computer and manually, the foreign and domestic literature related to the etiology of papular urticaria published since 1950s, and according to the methods of evidence-based medicine, systematically evaluated the evidence supporting either the insect-bite theory or the multiple factor theory. Results Twenty-nine articles ( 22 English and 7 Chinese ) supported the theory of hypersensitivity to bites from certain insects such as mosquitoes, gnats, fleas, mites, bedbugs etc. Two articles in Chinese mentioned the possibilities other than insect-bite, but the reliability was unconvincing, because the authors did not present the source of data or statistical methods used in the articles. The evidence from epidemiology, histopathology, laboratory and clinical researches all supported the insects-bite theory. No proven evidence was found supporting other aetiological hypotheses. Conclusion Our results suggest that papular urticaria is caused only by the allergy to stings or bites of arthropods, and other hypotheses still lack convincing evidence.