Enfoque terapéutico profiláctico para reducir la morbilidad por paludismo en la mujer embarazada / Prophylactic therapeutic approach to reduce malaria morbidity among pregnant women

Introducción: La infección por malaria durante el embarazo es un importante problema de salud en la mayoría de las regiones tropicales. Esta condición puede tener incidencia negativa tanto en la gestante como en el feto. Objetivo: Indagar en el impacto del tratamento preventivo intermitente con el medicamento antimalárico sulfadoxina-pirimetamina en la mujer embarazada. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en la base de datos Medline/Pub Med y en artículos relevantes relacionados al tema de los últimos cinco años. Además, se tomó como referencia las guías para el tratamiento de malaria de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, verisón 2016-2017. Análisis y síntesis de los resultados: Durante el período 2015-2017 no se lograron avances significativos en la reducción del número de enfermos palúdicos. No obstante, se señala la anemia como causa de mortalidad en el curso de la malaria. También, se destacan los nuevos enfoques y compromisos para reducir la morbilidad atribuible al paludismo en la mujer embarazada en sus tres vertientes: tratamiento eficaz de los casos de paludismo, el uso de mosquiteros tratados con insecticidas, y la utilización del tratamiento preventivo intermitente con el antimalárico sulfadoxina-pirimetamina a partir del segundo trimestre del embarazo. La indicación de este tratamiento inlcuye mínimo dos dosis del fármaco antipalúdico, con un intervalo de un mes entre cada dosis, con independencia de que las embarazadas muestren o no síntomas de la enfermedad. Conclusiones: Esta intervención para prevenir el paludismo en el embarazo es una cuestión prioritaria en la iniciativa de salud materna, infantil y reproductiva; además, ayuda a mejorar y aumentar la cobertura de las medidas de control de esta enfermedad durante la gestación(AU)

Introduction: Malaria infection during pregnancy is an important health problem in most tropical regions. This condition may have a negative incidence on pregnant women and fetuses. Objective: Inquire into the effect of the intermittent preventive treatment with the malarial sulfadoxine / pyrimethamine in pregnant women. Methods: A bibliographic review was conducted in the database Medline / PubMed and in relevant papers about the topic published in the last five years. The Guidelines for the Treatment of Malaria 2016-2017 of the World Health Organization were also used as reference. Analysis and synthesis of results: Significant progress was not achieved in reducing the number of malaria patients in the period 2015-2017. However, anemia is reported as the cause of mortality during the course of malaria. New approaches and commitments are proposed to reduce malaria-related morbidity among pregnant women, namely effective treatment of malaria cases, use of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and intermittent preventive treatment with the antimalarial sulfadoxine / pyrimethamine as of the second quarter of pregnancy. Indication of this treatment includes at least two doses of the malarial, with a separation of one month between the doses, regardless of whether the pregnant women have symptoms of the disease. Conclusions: The intervention to prevent malaria during pregnancy is a first-priority aspect of the mother, child, reproductive health initiative. It also helps improve and broaden the coverage of measures for the control of this disease during pregnancy(AU)

Traitement preventif intermittent du nourrisson par la Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine en Republique Democratique du Congo : etude de faisabilite au niveau des sites sentinelles de Kinshasa et du Bas-Congo.(Protocole de recherche)

Introduction : La paludisme est responsable d'une importante morbidite en milieu tropical principalement chez le jeune enfant. Le TPI administre au nourrisson dans le cadre du programme elargi de vaccination reduit l'incidence du paludisme maladie et le taux de mortalite infantile. Cependant; le succes du traitement preventif intermittent du nourrisson (TPI) a la Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP); outre l'efficacite de la molecule utilisee; repose aussi sur la perception de la chimio prevention par la communaute. L'objectif principal de l'etude est d'evaluer la faisabilite du TPI du nourrisson a la SP en RDC. Methodologie: Notre etude sera transversale analytique avec un volet quantitatif et un volet qualitatif. L'etude sera menee du 01 Novembre au 31 Decembre 2014 dans les sites sentinelles de Kingasani et Kimpese respectivement dans les provinces de Kinshasa et du Bas-Congo incluant respectivement 311 et 309 nourrissons de 2 a 11 mois. Resultats : Les donnees principales a recueillir sont; pour la partie quantitative; la prevalence de la fievre et la prevalence parasitaire; et la couverture vaccinale ainsi que leur determinants y compris la prevalence des les mutations C59 R pfdhfr et 540 E pfdhps. Pour la partie qualitative; on explorera l'adhesion ou non au TPI ainsi que les raisons d'une non adhesion eventuelle. Discussion: A travers cette etude; nous esperons obtenir les donnees sur les conditions d'application du TPIn a la SP dans le contexte de la RDC afin de mettre a jour la politique de lutte pour elargir le pannel d'outils capables de reduire la morbidite et la mortalite palustre en RDC

Alelos mutantes asociados a la resistencia a cloroquina y sulfadoxina-pirimetamina en Plasmodium falciparum de las fronteras Ecuador-Perú y Ecuador-Colombia / Mutant alleles associated to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethanime resistance in Plasmodium falciparum of the Ecuador-Peru and Ecuador-Colombia borders

Se evaluó la frecuencia de mutaciones en los genes pfCRT y DHFR/DHPS del Plasmodium falciparum asociados a la resistencia a cloroquina y sulfadoxina-pirimetamina en 83 cepas provenientes de los distritos Esmeralda y Machala ubicados en las fronteras entre Ecuador-Perú y Ecuador-Colombia durante el año 2002. Se empleó la reacción en cadena de polimerasa (PCR) convencional y sus variantes. El gen pfCRT presentó más de 90% de muestras mutantes en Esmeralda y Machala. Para el gen DHFR, el 90% de las cepas fueron muestras mutantes en Esmeralda, tres fueron mutaciones dobles y una triple; en Machala se encontró 25% de formas mutantes simples y 75% de formas mixtas (formas silvestres/mutantes). En conclusión, la resistencia a cloroquina se ha fijado en las cepas portadoras de la mutación K76T pfCRT, mientras que la impronta genética a la resistencia a pirimetamina está en evolución, principalmente en el distrito de Esmeralda.

The frequency of mutations in pfCRT and DHFR/DHPS genes of Plasmodium falciparum associated with resistance to chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine was evaluated in 83 strains from the districts of Esmeralda and Machala, located on the borders of Ecuador-Peru and Ecuador-Colombia in 2002. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR), conventional and its variants, was used. Mutations in the pfCRT gene were found in more than 90% of the samples from Esmeralda and Machala. For the DHFR gene, 90% of the strains were mutant samples from Esmeralda, 3 were double mutations and 1 was a triple mutation. In Machala, 25% were simple mutant forms and 75% mixed mutant forms (wild forms/mutant). In conclusion, resistance to chloroquine has been fixed in strains carrying K76T pfCRT mutation, whereas genetic imprinting for resistance to pyrimethamine is evolving, particularly in the district of Esmeralda.

Susceptibility of Escherichia coli from Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection to Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin, and Temocillin in Korea

With increase of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli in community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTI), other treatment option with a therapeutic efficacy and a low antibiotic selective pressure is necessary. In this study, we evaluated in vitro susceptibility of E. coli isolates from CA-UTI to fosfomycin (FM), nitrofurantoin (NI), temocillin (TMO) as well as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and cefepime (FEP). The minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by E-test or agar dilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, using 346 E. coli collected in 12 Korean hospitals from March 2010 to February 2011. FM, NI and TMO showed an excellent susceptibility profile; FM 100% (346/346), TMO 96.8% (335/346), and NI 99.4% (344/346). Conversely, resistance rates of CIP and SMX were 22% (76/346) and 29.2% (101/349), respectively. FEP still retained an activity of 98.5%. In Korea, NI and TMO in addition to FM are a good therapeutic option for uncomplicated CA-UTI, especially for lower UTI.

Susceptibility of Escherichia coli from Community-Acquired Urinary Tract Infection to Fosfomycin, Nitrofurantoin, and Temocillin in Korea

With increase of multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli in community-acquired urinary tract infections (CA-UTI), other treatment option with a therapeutic efficacy and a low antibiotic selective pressure is necessary. In this study, we evaluated in vitro susceptibility of E. coli isolates from CA-UTI to fosfomycin (FM), nitrofurantoin (NI), temocillin (TMO) as well as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SMX), ciprofloxacin (CIP) and cefepime (FEP). The minimal inhibitory concentrations were determined by E-test or agar dilution method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines, using 346 E. coli collected in 12 Korean hospitals from March 2010 to February 2011. FM, NI and TMO showed an excellent susceptibility profile; FM 100% (346/346), TMO 96.8% (335/346), and NI 99.4% (344/346). Conversely, resistance rates of CIP and SMX were 22% (76/346) and 29.2% (101/349), respectively. FEP still retained an activity of 98.5%. In Korea, NI and TMO in addition to FM are a good therapeutic option for uncomplicated CA-UTI, especially for lower UTI.

Effect of selected anti-malarial drugs on the blood chemistry and brain serotonin levels in male rabbits

The effects of oral administration of sulfadoxine - pyrimethamine [SP], artesunate [A] and sulfadoxine -pyrimethamine - artesunate [SPA] on blood chemistry and brain serotonin in rabbits were investigated. Forty rabbits were divided into four groups of ten animals each. The group that served as the control received 2ml of distilled water while the other groups were received 1.25/25mg base/kg body weight of SP, 3.3mg/kg body weight of A and 1.25/25mg base/kg body weight of SP plus 3.3mg/kg body weight of A respectively by oral route daily for 3 days in a week for four weeks. At the end of each week of drug administration, three rabbits from each group were anaesthetized, blood was taken from the jugular veins using sterile needle and serum was extracted. The rabbits were sacrificed by decapitation; the liver and brain tissues were excised and homogenized. Total blood protein, cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin, creatinine and urea concentrations, creatine kinase, aspartate transaminase [AST], alanine transaminase [ALT], alkaline phosphatase, ALP activities were assayed using CX5 synchron autoanalyzer. The brain and liver serotonin levels were determined using high performance liquid chromatography [HPLC]. There were no significant differences [P

Plasmodium falciparum infection in pregnant women attending antenatal care in Luanda, Angola / Infecção por Plasmodium falciparum em mulheres grávidas em consultas pré-natal em Luanda, Angola

INTRODUCTION: Malaria during pregnancy remains a serious public health problem. The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence and possible risk factors for malaria in pregnant women attending antenatal care at Augusto Ngangula Specialized General Hospital in Luanda, Angola. METHODS: Pregnant women (679 total) who attended antenatal care from April to September 2008 were included in the study after signing informed consent. For each participant, the social-demographic profile and malaria and obstetric histories were investigated via a questionnaire. Diagnosis was made by optic microscopy, and hemoglobin concentration measured. The associations between age, parity, gestational age, residence, schooling, malaria during gravity, anemia and treatment with incidence of Plasmodium falciparum infection were analyzed through logistic regression. RESULTS: During the period of study, 74 (10.9%) out of 679 women were infected by P. falciparum. The average concentration of hemoglobin was 11.1 ± 0.07g/dL, and there were significant associations between the history of malaria during pregnancy, P. falciparum infection (p<0.01) and anemia at the time of observation (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Previous history of malaria during pregnancy represents a risk factor for current infection and anemia was an important complication associated with malaria, even in women who were treated with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine during pregnancy.

INTRODUÇÃO: A malária na gravidez continua a ser um grave problema de saúde pública. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a prevalência e possíveis fatores de risco para a malária, em mulheres grávidas que foram atendidas em consultas pré-natal, no Hospital Geral Especializado Augusto Ngangula, em Luanda, Angola. MÉTODOS: De abril a setembro de 2008, 679 mulheres grávidas foram envolvidas no estudo após consentimento informado. O perfil sócio demográfico e história de malária e obstetrícia foram investigados através de um questionário. O diagnóstico foi efetuado por microscopia óptica e determinou-se ainda as concentrações da hemoglobina. Através da regressão logística foi analisada a associação entre a idade, paridade, tempo de gestação, residência, escolaridade, malária durante a gravidez, anemia e tratamento com a infecção por Plasmodium falciparum. RESULTADOS: Setenta e quatro (10,9%) das 679 mulheres estavam infectadas com P. falciparum. O valor médio da concentração da hemoglobina foi de 11,1 ± 0,07g/dL, encontrando-se uma associação significativa entre história de malária na gravidez e infecção por P. falciparum (p<0,01) e anemia no momento da observação (p<0.001). CONCLUSÕES: A história de malária anterior na gravidez foi um fator de risco para uma infecção atual e a anemia uma complicação importante associada à malária, mesmo em mulheres que receberam tratamento durante a gravidez com sulfadoxina-pirimetamina.

Status of dhps and dhfr genes of Plasmodium falciparum in Colombia before artemisinin based treatment policy / Estado de los genes dhps y dhfr de Plasmodium falciparum en Colombia antes de la recomendación de tratamiento basado en artemisinina

Introduction: Surveillance of the genetic characteristics of dhps and dhfr can be useful to outline guidelines for application of intermittent preventive therapy in Northwest Colombia and to define the future use of antifolates in artemisinin-based combination therapy schemes. Objective: To evaluate the frequency of mutations in dhps and dhfr and to characterize parasite populations using msp-1, msp-2 and glurp in historic samples before artemisinin-based therapy was implemented in the country. Methods: A controlled clinical study was carried out on randomly selected Plasmodium falciparum infected volunteers of Northwest Colombia (Turbo and Zaragoza). A sample size of 25 subjects per region was calculated. Treatment efficacy to antifolates was assessed. Molecular analyses included P. falciparum genotypes by msp-1, msp-2 and glurp and evaluation of the status of codons 16, 51, 59, 108 and 164 of dhfr and 436, 437, 540, 581 and 613 of dhps. Results: In total 78 subjects were recruited. A maximum number of 4 genotypes were detected by msp-1, msp-2 and glurp. Codons 16, 59 and 164 of the dhfr gene exhibited the wild-type form, while codons 51 and 108 were mutant. In the dhps gene, the mutant 437 glycine was detected in 85% on day 0, while codons 436, 540, 581 and 613 were wild-type. Conclusions: Plasmodium falciparum populations were very homogeneous in this region of Colombia, and the triple mutants of dhfr and dhps Asn108, Ile51 and Gly437 were predominant in clinical isolates.

Introducción. La vigilancia de las características genéticas de dhps y dhfr puede utilizarse para delinear guías de aplicación de terapia preventiva intermitente en el nordeste de Colombia y para definir el uso futuro de los antifolatos en esquemas terapéuticos basados en artemisinina. Objetivo. Evaluar la frecuencia de mutaciones en dhps y dhfr, y caracterizar las poblaciones parasitarias usando msp-1, msp-2 y glurp, en muestras históricas obtenidas antes de la implementación en el país de la terapia basada en artemisinina. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio clínico controlado en voluntarios infectados con Plasmodium falciparum seleccionados aleatoriamente y provenientes del nordeste de Colombia (Turbo y Zaragoza). Se calculó una muestra de 25 sujetos por región. Se evaluó la eficacia al tratamiento con antifolatos. Los análisis moleculares incluyeron la obtención de genotipos de msp-1, msp-2 y glurp y el estado de los codones 16, 51, 59, 108 y 164 de dhfr, y 436, 437, 5540, 581 y 613 de dhps. Resultados. Se estudiaron 78 sujetos. Se detectó un número máximo de 4 genotipos con msp-1, msp-2 y glurp. Los codones 16, 59 y 164 del gen dhfr se encontraron en su forma silvestre, mientras que los codones 51 y 108 estaban mutados. En el gen dhps, la forma mutante (glicina) en el codón 437, se detectó en 85% el día 0, mientras que los codones 436, 540, 581 y 613 se encontraron silvestres. Conclusiones. Las poblaciones de P. falciparum son muy homogéneas en esta región de Colombia y las triple mutantes de dhfr y dhps Asn108, Ile51 and Gly437, predominaron en los aislamientos clínicos.

Caracterização dos genes pfdhfr e pfdhps associados à quimiorresistência à sulfadoxina/pirimetamina em isolados de plasmodium falciparum de Lubango, Angola / Pfdhfr and characterization of genes associated with chemoresistance pfdhps to sulfadoxine / pyrimethamine in isolates of Plasmodium falciparum in Lubango, Angola

A malária é uma das principais doenças parasitárias do mundo, acometendo importante contingente de pessoas, sendo o P. falciparum a espécie com maior morbimortalidade e notória capacidade de apresentar quimiorresistência. Considerando que a quimiorresistência se caracteriza como um possível obstáculo à eficiência do tratamento intermitente preventivo (TIP) com sulfadoxina/pirimetanina (SP) em mulheres grávidas, e que em Angola essa intervenção é aplicada desde 2006, se faz necessário o conhecimento da sensibilidade do P. falciparum à combinação SP. Esse conhecimento irá auxiliar na avaliação da eficiência do TIP sobre a morbimortalidade da malária em grávidas, assim como na pertinência de introdução do TIP em crianças menores de 5 anos. Como a análise da quimiorresistência in vivo e in vitro não é tão evidente em áreas endêmicas, faz-se plausível a utilização de ferramentas de biologia molecular para a caracterização gênica da quimiorresistência de isolados de P. falciparum. Nesse contexto, das 110 amostras de sangue coletadas de pacientes com malária em Lubango, Angola, e submetidas a PCR para o gene pfdhfr, 107 (97(por cento)) foram amplificadas. Dentre os 49 isolados que foram sequenciadas com sucesso observou-se o seguinte: 48(por cento) deles com haplótipos duplo mutantes ACNRNVI nos códons 59 e 108; 29(por cento) com dupla mutação nos códons 51 e 108 apresentando o haplótipo ACICNVI; 17(por cento) triplo mutantes nos códons 51, 59 e 108 com haplótipos ACIRNVI; 2(por cento) triplo mutantes nos códons 50, 51, 108 e 59, 108, 164 com haplótiplos ARICNVI e ACNRNVL; 2(por cento) com uma única mutação no códon 108, com o haplótipo ACNCNVI e; uma amostra selvagem ACNCSVI (2(por cento)). A mutação 108N (mudança de serina para asparagina – S108N) do gene pfdhfr, descrita como a mutação precursora para o surgimento de todas as linhagens resistentes foi a mais prevalente (98(por cento)) seguida das mutações 59R (65(por cento)) e 51I (47(por cento)), enquanto que a mutação no códon 164L, considerada rara no continente africano, embora frequente no Sudoeste da Ásia e na América do Sul, foi identificada em uma amostra (2(por cento)). Em relação ao gene pfdhps, das 75 amostras amplificadas na PCR, 25 tiveram todas as SNPs sequenciadas e observou-se uma total prevalência da mutação no códon 437G, com exceção de 1 amostra (4(por cento)) que apresentou haplótipo selvagem SAKAA. Dessas 24 amostras mutantes, 21 tinham uma única mutação (single mutante) apresentando o haplótipo SGKAA, 2 amostras apresentaram duplo mutantes nos códons 437 e 540 originando o haplótipo SGEAA e 1 amostra também duplo mutante nos códons 436 e 437, com haplótipo AGKAA. Os haplótipos mais prevalentes nesse estudo foram ACNRNV (48(por cento)), ACICNVI (29(por cento)) e ACIRNVI (17(por cento)) para o gene pfdhfr (códons 51, 59 e 108), e SGKAA (88(por cento)), SGEAA (8(por cento)), AGKAA (4,5(por cento)) para o gene pfdhps (códons 436, 437 e 540). Em função do expressivo percentual de populações de P. falciparum circulando em Lubango com um perfil de resistência associado a pirimetamina assim como uma tendência de tolerância a sulfadoxina, concluimos que o TIP poderá não ser eficiente em áreas endêmicas angolanas.

Plasmodium vivax dhfr Mutations among Isolates from Malarious Areas of Iran

The use of sulfadoxine and pyrimethamine (SP) for treatment of vivax malaria is uncommon in most malarious areas, but Plasmodium vivax isolates are exposed to SP because of mixed infections with other Plasmodium species. As P. vivax is the most prevalent species of human malaria parasites in Iran, monitoring of resistance of the parasite against the drug is necessary. In the present study, 50 blood samples of symptomatic patients were collected from 4 separated geographical regions of south-east Iran. Point mutations at residues 57, 58, 61, and 117 were detected by the PCR-RFLP method. Polymorphism at positions 58R, 117N, and 117T of P. vivax dihydrofolate reductase (Pvdhfr) gene has been found in 12%, 34%, and 2% of isolates, respectively. Mutation at residues F57 and T61 was not detected. Five distinct haplotypes of the Pvdhfr gene were demonstrated. The 2 most prevalent haplotypes were F57S58T61S117 (62%) and F57S58T61N117 (24%). Haplotypes with 3 and 4 point mutations were not found. The present study suggested that P. vivax in Iran is under the pressure of SP and the sensitivity level of the parasite to SP is diminishing and this fact must be considered in development of malaria control programs.

Survival probability of Plasmodium falciparum against chloroquine and its combination with sulphadoxine-pyremethamine in Punjab, Pakistan

Survival probability of P.falciparum was determined against the chloroquine and its combination with sulphadoxine-pyremethamine, Type of study: Prospective nonrandomizcd descriptive study. Place and duration of study: Study was conducted in five districts [Muzaffargarh, D.G, Khan, Jhang, Sheikhupura and Multan] of Punjab, Pakistan, During the non-transmission season of the year 1999 to 2000 and 2008, among the rural populations 5952 persons were screened for malarial parasites, Methodology: During the malaria non transmission season [November, December and January], 5952 persons were screened for malaria and 1409 positive cases were detected, 404 subjects out of total positive cases were selected to be tested against chloroquine and 50 with combination of chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyremethamine by in vivo technique. Follow up was carried out for 28 days [on day 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28], Over all 35, 4% resistance-I was detected against chloroquine monotherapy and 4% with combination therapy [chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyremethamine] Resistance-Ill was not found. Two variables were found important predictors of drug resistance; a young child and a high parasitaemia count [>6000/micro1] at day 0, It is concluded that malaria is still significant problem and resistance against monotherapy is increasing, hence adoption of combination therapy as first line treatment for uncomplicated falciparum malaria in Punjab Pakistan is recommended

Antimalarial drug resistance in vitro studies against Plasmodium falciparum in Punjab, Pakistan

Antimalarial drug resistance was checked against Plasmodium falciparum in Punjab Pakistan, Prospective nonrandomized descriptive study. Study was conducted in seven districts [Muzaffargarh, D.G.Khan, Jhang, Sheikhupura, Faisalabad, Lahore and Multan] of Punjab, Pakistan during the transmission season from July-November of 2003 to 2008. Out of total positive for P.falciparum 612 [228+192+192] subjects were enrolled for study as per eligibility criteria of World Health Organization [WHO] and in vitro standard test kit was used for study. Differences in proportions and its significance were analyzed by chi-square tests. Resistance [%] to chloroquine was noted higher in males [79.5%] and in females [20.4%]. Highest resistance [%] 31.8 was detected in 6-15 years age group. Same resistance [%] trend was observed in basoquine for males [72], females [28.35], for age groups 6-15 years [41.7] and total was 34.8. Sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine found highly effective with only 5.7% resistance. Trend of resistance [%] in male, female and among different age groups was found same in chloroquine and basoquine. Differences among the resistance [%]sulphadoxine-pyrimethamme and chloroquine or basoquine was highly significant [p<0.00l] and between basoquine and chloroquine resistance difference was non significant [p>0.177]. Male of age group 6-15 years having 6000 parasite >/= microl must be treated on priority basis by artesunate combination therapy [ACT]. Chloroquine was less effective than sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine [adjusted odds ratio [OR], 6.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.4-17.0; P<.001] and basoquine [adjusted OR, 8.4; 95% CI, 2.0-36.5; P = .004]. Chloroquine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine were equivalent in efficacy at day 28 [adjusted OR, 1.3; 95% CI, 0.3-7.0; P = .73]

Disseminated toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient from Peruvian Amazon / Toxoplasmosis diseminada en un paciente inmunocompetente procedente de la Amazonía peruana

We report a case of severe toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient, characterized by pneumonia, retinochoroiditis, hepatitis and myositis. Diagnosis was confirmed by serology, T. gondii in thick blood smear and presence of bradyzoites in muscle biopsy. Treatment with pyrimethamine plus sulfadoxine was successful but visual acuity and hip extension were partially recovered. This is the first case report of severe toxoplasmosis in an immunocompetent patient from Peru.

Reportamos un caso de toxoplasmosis severa en un paciente inmunocompetente caracterizado por neumonía, retinocoroiditis, hepatitis y miositis. El diagnóstico fue confirmado por serología, el hallazgo de T. gondii en gota gruesa y la presencia de bradizoitos en biopsia muscular. El tratamiento con pirimetamina mas sulfadoxina fue exitoso pero solo hubo una parcial recuperación de la agudeza visual y de la capacidad de extensión de la cadera. Este es el primer reporte de un caso de toxoplasmosis severa en el Perú.

Response of Falciparum malaria to a combination of quinine and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in Boomy county of Liberia

To document the response of Falciparum malaria to a combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Boomy County of Liberia. Quasi-experimental study. Pak Level-II Hospital Tubmanburg, Boomy Country Liberia over a period of one year [Jan 2006- Dec 2006]. Employees of United Nations' Mission in Liberia [UNMIL] mostly Pakistani soldiers but also other nationals belonging to different countries; who presented with Falciparum malaria and treated with quinine were included in the study. Falciparum malaria was confirmed microscopically in each case and was treated with a seven day course of Quinine followed by a single dose of Fansidar [sulfadoxine- Pyrimethamine]. A total of 69 patients were treated with Quinine; age range 20 to 50 years; 43 Pakistanis and 26 other nationals. All responded well to a combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine. Fever settled within 72 hours in 91% of cases and parasite disappeared from the blood in 96% cases within 72 hours. A combination of Quinine and sulfadoxine- Pyrimethamine is very effective in the treatment of Falciparum malaria. Majority of patients became asymptomatic within 72 hours

Pharmacovigilance et impact du traitement preventif intermittent a la Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine chez la femme enceinte a Selingue au Mali

Cette etude avait pour but d'evaluer l'impact du traitement intermittent preventif (TPi) et les effets adverses associes chez la femme enceinte vivant en zone hyperendemique de Selingue sur l'issue de grossesse. La pharmacovigilance a pour objet; la surveillance du risque d'effet indesirable resultant del'utilisation des medicaments et produits a traitements a la S-P aux femmes enceintes a des intervalles definis apres environ 18-20 semaines de grossesse. L'enquete sur le comportement et les attitudes pratiques (CAP) nous a permis d'interviewer 210 femmes enceintes vues en consultation prenatale au niveau des centres de sante du district sanitaire de Selingue. La quasi-totalite de nos femmes (99) affirme connaitre le paludisme et 84;8connaitre les signescliniques du paludisme (tableau 1). L'automedication etait pratiquee par 40des femmes enceintes. Une faible proportion des femmes affirment posseder des moustiquaires (8;6) tandis que 14;3affirment utiliser des moustiquaires impregnees d'insecticides. Le taux d'anemie severe etait de 30;5(Hb 7 g/dl) apres la premiere dose et de 13;3apres la seconde dose de S-P. Parallelement; le taux d'anemie moderee (Hb 7-9g /dl) a diminue de 54;8apres la premiere dose a 26;2apres la seconde dose. Ce taux d'anemie etait plus eleve chez les multigestes (32;1) comparees aux primigestes (21;7). Nous n'avons observe aucun cas d'echec therapeutique a la S-P ni d'infection placentaire dans notre etude. Le taux de prematurite etait de 3tandis que le taux du petit poids a la naissance etait de 17;6. Les effets secondaires etaient essentiellement des nausees et embarras gastrique (1;9a la 1e dose S-P et 1apres la 2e dose de S-P). Nous n'avons note aucun cas d'effets secondaires severes ni de malformations a la naissance des nouveau-nes. En conclusion; le TPi a la S-P a ete bien tolere par les femmes enceintes vivant a Selingue et presente tres peu de reactions secondaires mineures. La S-P est actuellement le seul antipaludique a dose unique qui possede un effet prolonge et qui a des proprietes ideales (cout faible; assez de donnees disponibles sur sa tolerance et sa facilite d'utilisation) pour une meilleure utilisation au cours de la grossesse.) affirme connaitre le paludisme et 84;8connaitre les signescliniques du paludisme (tableau 1). L'automedication etait pratiquee par 40des femmes enceintes. Une faible proportion des femmes affirment posseder des moustiquaires (8;6) tandis que 14;3affirment utiliser des moustiquaires impregnees d'insecticides. Le taux d'anemie severe etait de 30;5(Hb 7 g/dl) apres la premiere dose et de 13;3apres la seconde dose de S-P. Parallelement; le taux d'anemie moderee (Hb 7-9g /dl) a diminue de 54;8apres la premiere dose a 26;2apres la seconde dose. Ce taux d'anemie etait plus eleve chez les multigestes (32;1) comparees aux primigestes (21;7). Nous n'avons observe aucun cas d'echec therapeutique a la S-P ni d'infection placentaire dans notre etude. Le taux de prematurite etait de 3tandis que le taux du petit poids a la naissance etait de 17;6. Les effets secondaires etaient essentiellement des nausees et embarras gastrique (1;9a la 1e dose S-P et 1apres la 2e dose de S-P). Nous n'avons note aucun cas d'effets secondaires severes ni de malformations a la naissance des nouveau-nes. En conclusion; le TPi a la S-P a ete bien tolere par les femmes enceintes vivant a Selingue et presente tres peu de reactions secondaires mineures. La S-P est actuellement le seul antipaludique a dose unique qui possede un effet prolonge et qui a des proprietes ideales (cout faible; assez de donnees disponibles sur sa tolerance et sa facilite d'utilisation) pour une meilleure utilisation au cours de la grossesse

Caracterización clínica y radiológica del compromiso pulmonar por toxoplasmosis aguda diseminada en nueve pacientes inmunocompetentes / Clinical and radiological characterization of the pulmonary commitment for acute toxoplasmosis disseminated in nine immunocompetents patients

La toxoplasmosis aguda en el individuo inmunocompetente generalmente tiene un comportamiento benigno y autolimitado. Sin embargo, en pacientes provenientes de área selvática se han presentado casos severos de compromiso visceral, el más frecuente de ellos, el pulmonar. Se realizó la descripción clínica y radiológica de nueve individuos miembros de las fuerzas militares de Colombia, con toxoplasmosis aguda y compromiso pulmonar. El 55% de los casos presentó disnea clase funcional II/IV; 33% clase funcional III/IV y tan sólo 1/9 pacientes presentó clase funcional IV/IV. La imagen radiológica más común fue la consolidación pulmonar unifocal o multifocal (66%), y en menor frecuencia la presencia de infiltrados reticulares, reticulonodulares y derrame pleural. La totalidad de los pacientes evolucionaron en forma satisfactoria, dos de ellos con necesidad de soporte con ventilación mecánica no invasiva.

Mutaciones puntuales en los genes dhfr y dhps de Plasmodium falciparum de tres regiones endémicas para malaria en Colombia / Point mutations in dihydrofolate reductase and dihydropteroate synthase genes of Plasmodium falciparum from three endemic malaria regions in Colombia

Introducción. La acumulación progresiva de mutaciones en los genes dhfr y dhps lleva al parásito Plasmodium falciparum a evadir la acción de la sulfadoxina-pirimetamina, situación que aumenta el nivel de resistencia del parásito a estos medicamentos y conlleva a la aparición de fallas del tratamiento. Objetivos. Determinar la frecuencia de mutaciones en los genes dhfr y dhps de P. falciparum asociadas con resistencia a sulfadoxina-pirimetamina, en muestras de pacientes de tres zonas endémicas de Colombia: La Carpa, Guaviare; Casuarito, Vichada; Tierralta y Puerto Libertador, Córdoba. Materiales y métodos. Se incluyeron 40 muestras de pacientes con malaria no complicada por P. falciparum. Los alelos 108, 59 y 164 del gen dhfr se analizaron mediante PCR específica de alelo y los alelos 51 del gen dhfr y 436, 437 y 540 del gen dhps por PCR y restricción enzimática. Resultados. En el gen dhfr encontramos en todas las muestras las mutaciones asparagina 108 e isoleucina 51. No se detectaron alelos mutantes en los codones 59 y 164 del gen dhfr, ni en el codón 436 del gen dhps. La mutación glicina 437 estuvo presente en 36 muestras y el alelo silvestre alanina en tres de Tierralta y una de La Carpa. La mutación ácido glutámico 540 sólo se halló en Casuarito. Conclusiones. En las poblaciones de P. falciparum analizadas prevalecen los alelos asparagina 108, isoleucina 51 y glicina 437, lo que indica un efecto acumulativo de mutaciones y la necesidad de vigilar la aparición de nuevos alelos mutantes que puedan conducir a la pérdida total de la eficacia de la sulfadoxina-pirimetamina.

Introduction. Plasmodium falciparum has the ability to counter the antiparasitic activity of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine by progressively accumulating mutations in the dihydrofolate reductase (dhfr) and dihydropteroate synthase (dhps) genes. These mutations gradually increase the resistance of the parasite to these drugs and lead to therapeutic failure. Objectives. To determine the frequency of mutations associated with resistance to sulphadoxine and pyrimethamine in the dhfr and dhps genes of P. falciparum in samples from patients in three endemic zones of Colombia -La Carpa, Guaviare; Casuarito, Vichada; and Tierralta and Puerto Libertador, Córdoba. Materials and methods. Forty samples were selected from patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. The frequency profiles of the 108, 59 and 164 alleles of dhfr were obtained by application of an allele-specific polymerase chain reaction, whereas the other alleles (alleles 51 of the dhfr gene and 436, 437 and 540 of dhps) were obtained by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. Results. The 108N and 51I mutations in the dhfr gene were found in all of the 40 samples. No mutant alleles were found in the 59 and 164 codons of the dhfr gene, or in the 436 codon of the dhps gene. The 437G mutation was observed in 36 samples and the wild-type allele was present in 3 from Tierralta and one from La Carpa. The 540E mutation was only detected in two samples from Casuarito. Conclusions. The 108N, 51I and 437G mutations prevail in the populations of P. falciparum, indicating a cumulative effect of mutations and the need to continue surveillance for other changes which can lead to the total loss of the efficacy of sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine.

Diagnosis of congenital toxoplasmosis: prenatal and neonatal evaluation of methods used in Toulouse University Hospital and incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of congenital toxoplasmosis (CT) and to assess the performances of prenatal and neonatal diagnoses. From 1994-2005, in Toulouse University Hospital, France, amniocentesis was performed on 352 pregnant women who were infected during pregnancy. All women were treated with spiramycin and pyrimethamine-sulfadoxine when prenatal diagnosis was positive. Among the 275 foetuses with follow-up, 66 (24 percent) were infected. The transmission rates of Toxoplasma gondii were 7 percent, 24 percent and 59 percent in the first, second and third trimesters, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR on amniotic fluid (AF) were 91 percent and 99.5 percent, respectively. One case was diagnosed by mouse inoculation with AF and six cases were diagnosed by neonatal or postnatal screening. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR on placentas were 52 percent and 99 percent, respectively. The sensitivity of tests for the detection of specific IgA and IgM in cord blood was 53 percent and 64 percent, respectively, and specificity values were 91 percent and 92 percent. In conclusion, PCR performed on AF had the highest levels of sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CT. This permits an early diagnosis of most cases and should be recommended.