Prevalence of rectovaginal colonization by group B Streptococcus in pregnant women seen at prenatal care program of a health organization / Prevalência de colonização retovaginal por estreptococo do grupo B em gestantes de programa de atendimento pré-natal de instituição de saúde

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the prevalence of group B Streptococci in pregnant women of a corporate health program, as well as the epidemiological correlations. Methods This retrospective study used medical records of patients who participated of the prenatal care program at a private hospital in the city of São Paulo (SP), Brazil, from 2015 to 2016. Those who abandoned the program or had incomplete data in their medical records were excluded. Quantitative variables were described by means, standard deviations, median, minimal and maximal values. Parity and socioeconomic status were described by absolute frequency and percentages. We used logistic regression models in the software (SPSS) to analyze correlations of variables according to vaginal-rectal culture, considering a 95%CI and p-values. Variables were age, number of pregnancies, weight gain in pregnancy and gestational age at delivery. Results A total of 347 medical records were included, and after applying the exclusion criteria, 287 medical records composed the final sample. Patients' age ranged between 17 and 44 years. Mean age was 30.6 years, 67 patients had positive result for group B Streptococcus (prevalence of 23.3%; 95%CI: 18.7-28.5). Conclusion Considering the high prevalence of group B Streptococcus in our service, the antibiotic prophylaxis strategy based on rectovaginal culture screening approach seems to be cost-effective.

RESUMO Objetivo Identificar a prevalência de estreptococo do grupo B entre gestantes que frequentaram um programa de saúde corporativa, bem como as correlações com a colonização positiva. Métodos Estudo retrospectivo dos prontuários do pré-natal de um hospital privado em São Paulo, no período de 2015 a 2016. Foram excluídas as mulheres que abandonaram o programa ou apresentavam dados incompletos nos prontuários. As variáveis quantitativas foram descritas por média, desvios padrão, mediana, valores mínimos e máximos. A paridade e a condição socioeconômica foram descritos por frequência absoluta e percentagens. Utilizamos modelos de regressão logística no programa (SPSS) para analisar as correlações de variáveis de acordo com a cultura retovaginal, considerando IC95% e valores de p. As variáveis foram idade, número de gestações, peso ganho na gestação e idade gestacional no parto. Resultados Foram incluídos 347 prontuários e, após a aplicação dos critérios de exclusão, 287 prontuários compuseram a amostra final. A idade dos pacientes variou entre 17 e 44 anos. A média de idade foi de 30,6 anos, e 67 pacientes tiveram resultado positivo para o estreptococo do grupo B (prevalência de 23,3%; IC95%: 18,7-28,5). Conclusão Considerando a alta prevalência de estreptococos do grupo B em nosso serviço, existem evidências de que a estratégia de antibiótico profilaxia baseada na cultura retovaginal é custo-efetiva.

Cribado de infecciones cervicales de transmisión sexual en mujeres embarazadas y su relación con la microbiota vaginal / Screening of cervical sexually transmitted infections in pregnant women and the relation with the vaginal microbiota

Resumen Introducción: La mujer embarazada está expuesta anumerosas infecciones de transmisión sexual (ITS), las que pueden producir aborto, enfermedad en el feto y/o en el recién nacido, además de alteraciones en el curso normal del embarazo. Objetivo: Realizar tamizaje de infección cervical asintomática en mujeres embarazadas y su relación con la microbiota. Pacientes y Métodos: Se enrolaron 85 mujeres embarazadas sin cervicitis clínica que consultaron en control de rutina de embarazo (47 pacientes) o que fueron derivadas a una unidad de ITS (38 pacientes). Se tomaron muestras de fondo de saco vaginal, que fueron analizadas por técnicas clásicas de microscopía y cultivo corriente y reacción de polimerasa en cadena para Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis y Chlamydia trachomatis. Resultados: Se encontró 12,9% de infección por C. trachomatis, 2,4% de T. vaginalis. En este estudio no se encontró N. gonorrhoeae. El 23,3% de pacientes con microbiota alterada (vaginosis bacteriana y microbiota intermedia) fue positiva para C. trachomatis. Conclusión: En este trabajo, encontramos una alta frecuencia de infección por C. trachomatis, que se relaciona en forma significativa con la presencia de microbiota alterada. Esta alta frecuencia debería promover estrategias preventivas en los controles de salud de la mujer embarazada.

Background: Pregnant woman is exposed to many sexual transmitted infections (STI). Many of these infections may produce diseases in the fetus and newborn, and also alteration in the normal course of the pregnancy. Aim: Screening of asymptomatic cervical infection in pregnant woman and its relationship with the vaginal microbiota. Patients and Methods: 85 pregnant women without clinical cervicitis who consult in the routine pregnant control (47 patients) and women derived from STI service (38 patients). The samples were obtained from the vaginal fund sac and were analyzed with optic microscopy, cultures and PCR of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis and Chlamydia trachomatis. Results: 12,9% of the enrolled women were positive for C. trachomatis, 2,4% for T. vaginalis. In this study, we did not found N. gonorrhoeae. We observed 23,3% of patients with altered microbiota (bacterial vaginosis and intermediate microbiota) was positive for C. trachomatis. Conclusions: In this study, we found a high frequency of C. trachomatis infection, that correlates with the presence of altered microbiota. This high frequency would promote preventive strategies in the pregnant women routine controls.

Infecciones urinarias por Streptococcus agalactiae y Staphylococcus saprophyticus y embarazo / Urinary tract infections due to Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus and pregnancy / Infecções urinárias por Streptococcus agalactiae y Staphylococcus saprophyticus e gravidez

Distintos autores difieren en la mayor o menor prevalencia de las infecciones urinarias (IU) por Streptococcus agalactiae y Staphylococcus saprophyticus en mujeres embarazadas (ME) y no embarazadas (NE). Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo, comparativo, de cohortes con el objetivo de evaluar la frecuencia de IU por S. agalactiae y S. saprophyticus en ME asintomáticas pertenecientes a centros de atención primaria de la salud del Municipio de La Plata (CAPS) entre 2008 y 2016 y se la comparó con la de NE sintomáticas en edad fértil, no internadas, que asistieron al Hospital "San Roque" (HSR) entre 2014 y 2017. Se procesaron 2.378 orinas de ME que concurrieron a las CAPS. De ese total, 201 fueron positivas (8,5%), el 10,4% de las mismas (n: 21) correspondieron a S. agalactiae y el 10,0% a S. saprophyticus (n: 20). En el 54% se aisló Escherichia coli. El total de urocultivos en la población de NE fue de 2.281 y 526 fueron positivos (23,1%): 7 correspondieron a S. agalactiae (1,3%), 18 a S. saprophyticus (3,4%) y el 78% a E. coli. En conclusión, la frecuencia de aislamiento de S. agalactiae y S. saprophyticus fue significativamente mayor en la población de ME pertenecientes a las CAPS respecto de las NE estudiadas en el HSR.

Several authors differ in the greater or lesser prevalence of urinary tract infections (UTI) due to Streptococcus agalactiae and Staphylococcus saprophyticus in pregnant women (PW) and non-pregnant women (NPW). A retrospective, comparative, cohort study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the frequency of UTI by S. agalactiae and S. saprophyticus in asymptomatic PW from primary care centers of the Municipality of La Plata (PCC) between 2008 and 2016 and comparing it with symptomatic NPW in a fertile age, not hospitalized women, who attended the "San Roque" Hospital (HSR) between 2014 and 2017. A total of 2,378 urine samples from PW assisted at the PCC were processed. Two hundred and one were positive (8.5%); 10.4% of them (n: 21) corresponded to S. agalactiae and 10.0% to S. saprophyticus (n: 20). Escherichia coli was isolated in 54%. The total of urine cultures in the population of NPW of the HSR was 2,281 and 526 were positive (23.1%): 7 corresponded to S. agalactiae (1.3%), 18 to S.saprophyticus (3.4%) and 78% to E. coli. In conclusion, the frequency of isolation of S. agalactiae and S. saprophyticus was significantly higher in the population of PW belonging to the PCC than in the NPW studied in the HSR.

Diferentes autores diferem na maior ou menor prevalência das infecções do trato urinário (ITU) devido a Streptococcus agalactiae e Staphylococcus saprophyticus em mulheres grávidas (MG) e mulheres não grávidas (NG). Realizou-se um estudo retrospectivo e comparativo de coortes com o objetivo de avaliar a frequência de ITU por S.agalactiae e S.saprophyticus em MGs assintomáticas pertencentes a salas de atendimento primário do município de La Plata (CAPS) entre 2008 e 2016 e compará-lo com NG sintomáticas em idade fértil, não hospitalizadas, que frequentaram o Hospital "San Roque" (HSR) entre 2014 e 2017. Foram processadas 2.378 amostras de urina de MG atendidas nas CAPS. Desse total, 201 foram positivos (8,5%), 10,4% das mesmas (n: 21) corresponderam a S. agalactiae e 10,0% a S. saprophyticus (n: 20). Escherichia coli foi isolada em 54%. As culturas de urina total na população de NG foram de 2.281 e 526 foram positivas (23.1%): 7 correspondem a S.agalactiae (1.3%), 18 a S.saprophyticus (3.4%) e 78% para E. coli. Em conclusão, a frequência de isolamento de S. agalactiae e S. saprophyticus foi significativamente maior na população de MG pertencente às CAPS do que as NG estudadas no HSR.

Tuberculosis congénita pre-extensivamente resistente a drogas: reporte de caso / Pre-extensively drug-resistant congenital tuberculosis: case report

RESUMEN La tuberculosis en el lactante es un cuadro de difícil diagnóstico por las pruebas diagnósticas que muchas veces resultan negativas y por la dificultad de identificar la fuente de transmisión. Se presenta el caso de un lactante varón de un mes de vida que presenta irritabilidad, taquipnea, fiebre, pobre ganancia de peso desde el nacimiento y hepatomegalia, además, tiene el antecedente materno de tuberculosis pre-extensivamente resistente a drogas y reacción granulomatosa tuberculoide con tinción auramina positiva para bacilos ácido-alcohol resistentes en la histopatología de placenta. Ante la sospecha de tuberculosis congénita, es referido al Instituto Nacional de Salud del Niño para estudio diagnóstico y tratamiento; el paciente presenta una evolución clínica favorable y sin reacciones adversas al tratamiento. El diagnóstico de tuberculosis congénita debe considerarse en lactantes con signos clínicos sugestivos de la enfermedad y mantener la sospecha ante la presencia del antecedente materno de infección por Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis in infants is a clinical case difficult to diagnose by regular testing which often yield negative results; additionally, the source of transmission is difficult to identify. This work presents the case of a one-month old nursing boy presenting irritability, tachypnea, fever, poor gain weight from birth, and hepatomegaly. Additionally, he had the maternal history of pre-extensively drug- resistant tuberculosis and tuberculoid granulomatosis reaction with positive auramine tincture for acid-alcohol resistant bacilli at histopathology of the placenta. With a suspected congenital tuberculosis, he was referred to the National Children's Health Institute for diagnosis and treatment. The patient showed a favorable clinical evolution and no adverse reactions to treatment. The diagnosis of congenital tuberculosis must be considered in infants with suggestive clinical signs of the disease and such suspicion must be maintained with the presence of a maternal history of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.

Assessment of conventional PCR and real-time PCR compared to the gold standard method for screening Streptococcus agalactiae in pregnant women

ABSTRACT Group B Streptococcus is a causative agent of invasive neonatal infections. Maternal colonization by Streptococcus agalactiae is a necessary condition for vertical transmission, with efficient screening of pregnant women playing an essential role in the prevention of neonatal infections. In this study, we aimed to compare the performance of conventional polymerase chain reaction and real-time PCR assays as screening methods for S. agalactiae in pregnant women against the microbiological culture method considered as the gold-standard. A total of 130 samples from pregnant women were analyzed for sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value. Statistical analysis was performed using the SPSS software, version 20.0. The verified colonization rate was 3.8% with the gold-standard, 17.7% with conventional PCR assay, and 29.2% with the real-time PCR test. The trials with conventional PCR and real-time PCR had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 85.6% and 73.6%, respectively. The real-time PCR assay had a better performance compared to the gold-standard and a greater detection rate of colonization by S. agalactiae compared to conventional PCR assay. With its quick results, it would be suitable for using in routine screenings, contributing to the optimization of preventive approaches to neonatal S. agalactiae infection.

Incidencia de sepsis precoz por Streptococcus agalactiae en recién nacidos del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell en el período 2007-2015 / Incidence of group B streptococcal early-onset sepsis in infants born at Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell between 2007-2015

Resumen Introducción La infección por Streptococcus agalactiae (β-hemolítico del grupo B (SGB) continúa siendo una de las principales causas de sepsis precoz en países desarrollados a pesar de la implementación de profilaxis efectiva. Objetivos Describir la incidencia, características clínicas y mortalidad de sepsis precoz por SGB en recién nacidos del Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR), y analizar las fallas de adherencia a las estrategias de prevención. Métodos Estudio retrospectivo de descripción de casos entre los años 2007 a 2015 identificados a partir de la base de datos del laboratorio de bacteriología. Resultados Se identificaron 15 casos de sepsis neonatal precoz a SGB con una incidencia en el período de estudio de 0,23‰. La quimioprofilaxis intraparto no fue realizada en caso alguno. Todos los recién nacidos se presentaron sintomáticos en las primeras 15 h de vida. La dificultad respiratoria fue el signo más frecuente (80%). En un caso se aisló SGB de líquido cefalorraquídeo. La mortalidad fue de 20%. Todas las muertes ocurrieron en las primeras 24 h de vida, siendo dos tercios prematuros. Conclusión La incidencia de sepsis precoz por SGB en el CHPR fue similar a la incidencia en centros donde se realiza quimioprofilaxis. Una mejor adherencia a las estrategias de prevención podría disminuir la incidencia.

Background: Group B Streptococcus (GBS) disease remains the leading cause of early-onset sepsis (EOS) in developed countries despite effective prophylaxis strategies. Aims: To describe the incidence, clinical features and mortality of GBS EOS in infants born at Centro Hospitalario Pereira Rossell (CHPR) and analyse failure of adherence to prevention strategies. Methods: Retrospective review of EOS cases between 2007 and 2015 collected from the bacteriology laboratory database. Results: Fifteen cases of GBS EOS were identified, with an incidence of 0.23% during the study period. Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) was not administered in any of the cases. All infants were symptomatic within the first 15 hours of life, mainly due to respiratory signs (80%). In one case, GBS was isolated from spinal fluid. Mortality rate was 20%. All deaths occurred in the first 24 hours of life, corresponding two thirds to preterm infants. Conclusion: The incidence of GBS EOS at CHPR was similar to other centers where IAP is implemented. Better adherence to prophylaxis strategies could reduce the incidence.

Detección de Treponema pallidum subespecie pallidum para el diagnóstico de sífilis congénita mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa anidada / Detection of Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum for the diagnosis of congenital syphilis by nested polymerase chain reaction

Resumen Introducción. La sífilis es una enfermedad producida por Treponema pallidum subespecie pallidum cuya incidencia mundial es de 12 millones de casos por año, aproximadamente; de estos, más de dos millones se presentan en mujeres gestantes, siendo la sífilis congénita la complicación más grave de esta infección en el embarazo. Objetivo. Detectar la presencia de T. pallidum subespecie pallidum en muestras clínicas para el diagnóstico de sífilis congénita mediante reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR) anidada y determinar su concordancia con las pruebas serológicas. Materiales y métodos. Mediante PCR convencional y anidada, se amplificaron tres genes diana (polA, 16S ADNr y TpN47) y se confirmaron los productos de amplificación de los genes TpN47 y polA por secuenciación. Las pruebas serológicas empleadas fueron la VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory), la de reagina plasmática rápida (Rapid Plasma Reagin, RPR) y la de aglutinación de partículas para Treponema pallidum (Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay, TPPA). Resultados. La sensibilidad para la PCR convencional fue de 52 pg y, para la PCR anidada, de 0,52 pg. La especificidad con los iniciadores TpN47 y polA fue de 100 %; los resultados de la secuenciación mostraron una identidad de 97 % con T. pallidum. En 70 % de las muestras, los resultados de las pruebas serológicas y la PCR anidada concordaron. Conclusión. El gen TpN47 resultó ser el mejor blanco molecular para la identificación de T. pallidum. La PCR anidada se presenta como una alternativa de diagnóstico molecular promisoria para el diagnóstico de sífilis congénita.

Abstract Introduction. Syphilis is a disease produced by Treponema pallidum subspecies pallidum, which affects approximately 12 million people worldwide every year. Of these, more than 2 million are pregnant women whose babies end up having congenital syphilis, the worst form of this infection. Objective. To detect the presence of T. pallidum subspecies pallidum in clinical samples in order to diagnose congenital syphilis by means of nested PCR, and to determine its concordance with serological testing. Materials and methods. Three target genes (polA, 16S ADNr y TpN47) were amplified by conventional and nested PCR. The results from the amplification of the TpN47 and polA genes were confirmed by sequencing. The serological tests used were VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory), RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) y TPPA (Treponema pallidum Particle Agglutination Assay). Results. The sensitivity for the conventional PCR was 52 pg and 0.52 pg for the nested PCR. The specificity of primers TpN47 and polA was 100 %; the results of the sequencing showed a 97 % identity with T. pallidum. There was concordance between the serology and the nested PCR in 70% of the samples. Conclusion. The TpN47 gene was the best molecular target for the identification of T. pallidum. The nested PCR is a promising molecular tool for the diagnosis of congenital syphilis.

Análise dos casos de sífilis gestacional e congênita nos anos de 2008 a 2010 em Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil / Analysis of cases of gestational and congenital syphilis between 2008 and 2010 in Fortaleza, State of Ceará, Brazil

Resumo O presente estudo analisa os casos notificados de sífilis em gestantes e os possíveis desfechos para o feto e o recém-nascido em Fortaleza, Ceará. Estudo transversal que analisou 175 casos notificados de sífilis em gestantes, pareados com as correspondentes notificações de sífilis congênita durante os anos de 2008 a 2010. Utilizou-se estatística descritiva com frequências absolutas e relativas, medidas de tendência central e dispersão e qui-quadrado de Pearson para analisar a significância estatística, utilizando o valor de p < 0,05. Foram analisadas variáveis sociodemográficas das gestantes/puérperas, da assistência prestada aos recém-nascidos e o desfecho dos casos. Os resultados mostraram a ocorrência da sífilis em mulheres jovens com mais de 85,0% de tratamentos inadequados, 62,9% dos parceiros sexuais não tratados ou com informação ignorada e percentuais elevados da não realização dos exames preconizados para a investigação de sífilis congênita nas crianças. Dentre os conceptos, cinco foram natimortos, um aborto e três óbitos neonatais. A falta de tratamento adequado dos casos de sífilis em gestantes pode estar associada à morbimortalidade dos conceptos, mantendo essa infecção como um fardo no rol dos problemas de saúde pública.

Abstract This study analyzes the reported cases of syphilis in pregnant women and the possible outcomes for fetuses and the newborn in Fortaleza, Ceará. It is a cross-sectional study that analyzed 175 reported cases of syphilis in pregnant women matched with the corresponding reports of congenital syphilis during the years 2008-2010. Descriptive statistics with absolute and relative frequencies, central tendency and dispersion measures, and the Pearson's chi-square test were used to analyze the statistical significance using the p-value <0.05. Sociodemographic variables of pregnant/postpartum women, the assistance provided to newborns and the outcome of cases were analyzed. The results showed the occurrence of syphilis in young women with more than 85% of inappropriate treatment, 62.9% of untreated sexual partners or lack of statistics and high percentages of non-realization of the recommended tests for congenital syphilis investigation in children. Among the fetuses, five were stillborn, one miscarried and there were three neonatal deaths. The lack of adequate treatment of pregnant women may be associated with morbidity and mortality of fetuses, maintaining this infection as a burden on the list of public health problems.

Intervención educativa para incrementar el nivel de conocimientos sobre infección vaginal en gestantes / Intervenção educativa para aumentar o nível de conhecimento sobre a infecção vaginal em mulheres grávidas / Educational intervention to increase the level of knowledge about vaginal infection in pregnant women

Introducción: las infecciones vaginales afectan a mujeres de todas las edades, que en su mayoría han presentado la enfermedad en algún momento de su vida, no se refieren diferencias en relación con la raza u origen étnico. Objetivo: diseñar una intervención educativa que permita incrementar el nivel de conocimientos sobre infección vaginal en gestantes del consultorio médico "El Gremio No. 1", municipio Baracoa, Guantánamo, en el período de octubre de 2015 a mayo de 2017. Método: se realizó un estudio pre-experimental de intervención educativa en una muestra no probabilística intencionada de 16 gestantes. El estudio se realizó en tres etapas: etapa de diagnóstico, etapa de intervención y etapa de evaluación. El dato primario se obtuvo de la encuesta aplicada antes y después de la intervención. Los resultados se presentaron en tablas de contingencia y la medida de resumen el porcentaje. Se utilizó el porciento de variación para medir la efectividad de la intervención. Resultados: antes de la intervención se evidenció bajo conocimiento sobre los tipos de infección vaginal, factores de riesgos y métodos de prevención de la infección vaginal en el embarazo y aplicación de la técnica del aseo y el uso de agua hervida. El estudio permitió incrementar el nivel de conocimientos acerca de la infección vaginal después de la intervención. Conclusiones: se incrementó el nivel de conocimiento, aspecto que demuestra la efectividad de la propuesta de inter vención(AU)

Introduction: vaginal infections affect women of all ages, who have mostly presented the disease at some point in their lives; no differences are related to race or ethnic origin. Objective: to design an educational intervention that increase the level of knowledge about vaginal infection in pregnant women of the medical office "El Gremio No. 1", Baracoa, Guantanamo, from October 2015 to May 2017. Method: it was carried out a pre-experimental study of educational intervention in an intentional non-probabilistic sample of 16 pregnant women. The study was carried out in three stages: diagnostic stage, intervention stage and evaluation stage. The primary data was obtained from the survey applied before and after the intervention. The results were presented in contingency tables and the summary measure the percentage. The variation percentage was used to measure the effectiveness of the intervention. Results: before the intervention, there was evident knowledge about the types of vaginal infection, risk factors and methods of prevention of vaginal infection in pregnancy and application of the technique of cleanliness and the use of boiled water. The study permited to increase the level of knowledge about the infection after the intervention. Conclusions: the level of knowledge was increased, an aspect that demonstrates the effectiveness of the intervention proposal(AU)

Introdução: as infecções vaginais afetam mulheres de todas as idades, que em sua maioria apresentam a doença em algum momento de suas vidas, não havendo diferenças relacionadas à raça ou origem étnica. Objetivo: projetar uma intervenção educacional para aumentar o nível de conhecimento sobre a infecção vaginal no escritório do doutor generalista "El Gremio No. 1", município Baracoa, Guantanamo, no período de outubro de 2015 até maio de 2017. Método: foi realizado um estudo pré-experimental de intervenção educativa em uma amostra intencional não probabilística de 16 gestantes. O estudo foi realizado em três etapas: estágio de diagnóstico, estágio de intervenção e estágio de avaliação. Os dados primários foram obtidos a partir do inquérito aplicado antes e após a intervenção. Os resultados foram apresentados em tabelas de contingência e o resumo mede a porcentagem. A porcentagem de variação foi usada para medir a eficácia da intervenção. Resultados: antes da intervenção, não havia conhecimento evidente sobre os tipos de infecção vaginal, fatores de risco e métodos de prevenção da infecção vaginal na gravidez e aplicação da técnica de limpeza e uso de água fervida. O estudo permitiu aumentar o nível de conhecimento sobre a infecção após a intervenção. Conclusões: o nível de conhecimento foi aumentado, aspecto que demonstra a efetividade da proposta de intervenção(AU)

Panorama de la infección por Listeria monocytogenes / Overview of Listeria monocytogenes infection

Resumen La listeriosis es una infección infrecuente pero potencialmente grave, causada por Listeria monocytogenes. La principal vía de transmisión es por el consumo de alimentos contaminados, afecta generalmente a personas mayores, mujeres embarazadas y hospederos inmunosuprimidos, aunque también se ven casos en adultos y niños inmunocompetentes. Listeria monocytogenes es un bacilo grampositivo corto, anaerobio facultativo, no formador de esporas, móvil, que provoca una zona angosta de hemólisis en agar sangre. Es un patógeno intracelular facultativo, por lo que presenta una compleja patogenia. Esta bacteria tiene la habilidad de atravesar la barrera intestinal, la placenta y la barrera hemato-encefálica produciendo cuadros de gastroenteritis, infecciones materno-fetales y meningoencefalitis. Se diagnostica, generalmente, a partir de un cultivo positivo de un sitio estéril. El tratamiento de elección incluye el uso de ampicilina intravenosa sola o en combinación con gentamicina.

Listeriosis is an uncommon but potentially serious infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. The main route of transmission is through the consumption of contaminated food. It generally affects elderly people, pregnant women and immunosuppressed hosts, although cases are also seen in immunocompetent adults and children. Listeria monocytogenes is a short, anaerobic, non-spore-forming gram-positive bacillus that causes a narrow zone of hemolysis in blood agar. It is a facultative intracellular pathogen, and therefore it shows a complex pathogenesis. This bacterium has the ability to cross the intestinal barrier, the placenta and the blood-brain barrier producing gastroenteritis, maternal-fetal infections and meningoencephalitis. It is most commonly diagnosed from a positive culture of a sterile site. The treatment of choice includes the use of intravenous ampicillin alone or in combination with gentamicin.

Group B Streptococcus detection in pregnant women via culture and PCR methods

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Group B Streptococcus (GBS), a source of neonatal infection, colonizes the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts of pregnant women. Routine screening for maternal GBS in late pregnancy and consequent intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis have reduced the incidence of early-onset GBS neonatal infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of PCR, compared to culture (gold standard), in GBS colonization screening of pregnant women, and to establish the prevalence of GBS colonization among this population. METHODS: Vaginal introitus and perianal samples were collected from 204 pregnant women, between the 35th and 37th weeks of pregnancy, at the Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit of the University of Caxias do Sul General Hospital between June 2008 and September 2009. All samples were cultured after enrichment in a selective medium and then assayed by culture and PCR methods. RESULTS: The culture and PCR methods yielded detection rates of vaginal/perianal GBS colonization of 22.5% and 26%, respectively (sensitivity 100%; specificity 95.6%; positive and negative predictive values 86.8% and 100%, respectively). A higher prevalence of GBS colonization was detected in the combined vaginal and perianal samples by both culture and PCR assay analyses. CONCLUSIONS: PCR is a faster and more efficient method for GBS screening, allowing for optimal identification of women who should receive intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis to prevent newborn infection.

Early-onset neonatal sepsis and the implementation of group B streptococcus prophylaxis in a Brazilian maternity hospital: a descriptive study

Abstract Objectives: To describe early-onset neonatal sepsis (EOS) epidemiology in a public maternity hospital in Brasilia, Brazil. Methods: We defined EOS as a positive blood culture result obtained from infants aged ≤72 hours of life plus treatment with antibiotic therapy for ≥5 days. Incidence was calculated based on the number of cases and total live births (LB). This is a descriptive study comparing the period of 2012-2013 with the period of 2014-September 2015, before and after implementation of antibiotic prophylaxis during labor for group B streptococcus (GBS) prevention, respectively. Results: Overall, 36 infants developed EOS among 21,219 LB (1.7 cases per 1000 LB) and 16 died (case fatality rate of 44%). From 2014, 305 vaginal-rectal swabs were collected from high-risk women and 74 (24%) turned out positive for GBS. After implementation of GBS prevention guidelines, no new cases of GBS were detected, and the EOS incidence was reduced from 1.9 (95% CI 1.3-2.8) to 1.3 (95% CI 0.7-2.3) cases per 1000 LB from 2012-2013 to 2014-September 2015 (p = 0.32). Conclusions: Although the reduction of EOS incidence was not significant, GBS colonization among pregnant women was high, no cases of neonatal GBS have occurred after implementation of prevention guidelines.

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in young pregnant women in Southern Brazil: a cross-sectional study / Infecção por Chlamydia trachomatis em gestantes jovens no Sul do Brasil: um estudo transversal / Infección por Chlamydia trachomatis en gestantes jóvenes en el sur de Brasil: un estudio transversal

Abstract: This study estimated the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis infection during pregnancy in a sample of women up to 29 years of age in the city of Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, and investigated socio-demographic risk factors such as maternal age, marital status, maternal schooling, and family income. C. trachomatis infection was diagnosed with PCR using BD ProbeTecTM CT/GC Amplified DNA Assay. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and reproductive data were collected using structured questionnaires. All collections were performed by previously trained medical students. The study included a stratified probabilistic sample from four maternity hospitals in the city. The sample included 562 pregnant women, and prevalence of C. trachomatis infection was 12.3% (95%CI: 9.6-15.0). No significant association was identified between C. trachomatis infection and any of the target variables, including obstetric outcomes such as history of preterm delivery. Our findings in terms of low treatment adherence, only 43% of the women and 9.7% of partners, associated with high C. trachomatis prevalence, reinforce the need to implement routine screening for C. trachomatis during prenatal care. The attempt to diagnose and treat this infection after delivery, as in this study, limits the possibility of success.

Resumo: Este estudo estimou a prevalência de Chlamydia trachomatis durante a gestação entre mulheres de até 29 anos e investigou fatores de risco sociodemográficos, como idade materna, estado civil, escolaridade materna e renda familiar, para a infecção na cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Infecção por C. trachomatis foi diagnosticada por PCR utilizando BD ProbeTecTM CT/GC Amplified DNA Assay system. Dados sociodemográficos, comportamentais e reprodutivos foram coletados através de questionários estruturados. Todas as coletas foram realizadas por estudantes de medicina treinados. Amostra probabilística estratificada de quatro maternidades da cidade foi estudada. A amostra constou de 562 gestantes e a prevalência de infecção por C. trachomatis foi de 12,3% (IC95%: 9,6-15,0). Não foi identificada associação significativa entre infecção por C. trachomatis e as variáveis investigadas, incluindo desfechos obstétricos como parto pretermo. Nossos achados de baixa adesão ao tratamento, de apenas 43% entre as mulheres e de 9,7% entre os parceiros, associados a alta prevalência, reforçam a necessidade de implementar rastreamento de rotina para C. trachomatis durante a assistência pré-natal. A tentativa de diagnosticar e tratar esta infecção depois do parto, como feito neste estudo, limita a possibilidade de sucesso.

Resumen: Este estudio estimó la prevalencia de Chlamydia trachomatis durante la gestación, entre mujeres de hasta 29 años, e investigó factores de riesgo sociodemográficos como: edad materna, estado civil, escolaridad materna y renta familiar, para esta infección en la ciudad de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. La infección por C. trachomatis fue diagnosticada mediante PCR, utilizando BD ProbeTecTM CT/GC Amplified DNA Assay system. Los datos sociodemográficos, comportamentales y reproductivos se recogieron a través de cuestionarios estructurados. Todas las recogidas de datos se realizaron por parte de estudiantes de medicina entrenados. Se estudió la muestra probabilística estratificada de cuatro maternidades de la ciudad. La muestra constó de 562 gestantes y la prevalencia de infección por C. trachomatis fue de un 12,3% (IC95%: 9,6-15,0). No se identificó una asociación significativa entre infección por C. trachomatis y las variables investigadas, incluyendo desenlaces obstétricos como el parto pretérmino. Nuestros hallazgos de baja adhesión al tratamiento, solamente un 43% entre las mujeres y un 9,7% entre los compañeros, asociados a la alta prevalencia, refuerzan la necesidad de implementar una exploración de rutina para C. trachomatis durante la asistencia prenatal. La tentativa de diagnosticar y tratar esta infección después del parto, como se realizó en este estudio, limita la posibilidad de éxito.

Obesidad, factor de riesgo de infección bacteriana ascendente durante el embarazo / Obesity, a risk factor for ascending bacterial infection during pregnancy

Background: Obesity in pregnancy is associated with significantly higher rates of infection. Aim: To compare the infectious morbidity in pregnant women with normal and altered body mass index (BMI). Material and Methods: Cross sectional retrospective study of 6,150 patients who had delivery or second trimester abortion during 2012. The patients were classified according to BMI as underweight, normal weight, overweight and obese. We compared the frequency of pregnancy and perinatal complications related to ascending bacterial infection (ABI). The data was obtained from the hospital’s databases. Results: Obese patients had higher rates of pregnancy and perinatal complications related to ABI compared to patients with normal weight. The odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for second trimester abortion were 3.45 (1.63-7.31) p < 0.01, for preterm delivery 2.42 (1.51-3.87) p < 0.01, for labor and puerperium infections 3.42 (2.06-5.68) p < 0.01 and for early neonatal infectious and perinatal mortality 4.46 (1.75-11.37) p < 0.01. A logistic regression analysis revealed that obesity is an independent risk factor for second trimester abortion related to ABI with an OR of 3.18 (CI 95% 1.46-6.91), premature delivery related to ABI with an OR of 2.51 (CI 95% 1.54-4.09) and for delivery and postpartum infections with an OR of 4.44 (CI 95% 2.62 to 7.51). Conclusions: Obese pregnant women had a 2.5 to 4.5 times increased risk of infectious morbidity compared to normal weight patients. Obesity is an independent risk factor for second trimester abortion and preterm delivery related to ABI and delivery and postpartum infectious.

Síndrome de TORCH: enfoque racional del diagnóstico y tratamiento pre y post natal. Recomendaciones del Comité Consultivo de Infecciones Neonatales Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016 / TORCH syndrome: Rational approach of pre and post natal diagnosis and treatment. Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Neonatal Infections Sociedad Chilena de Infectología, 2016

There is a lot of bacterial, viral or parasite infections who are able to be transmitted vertically from the mother to the fetus or newborn which implicates an enormous risk for it. The TORCH acronym is used universally to refer to a fetus or newborn which presents clinical features compatible with a vertically acquired infection and allows a rational diagnostic and therapeutic approach. The traditional "TORCH test" is nowadays considered not appropriate and it has been replaced for specific test for specific pathogens under well defined circumstances. The present document reviews the general characteristics, epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnostic and therapeutic options for the most frequently involved pathogens in the fetus or newborn with TORCH suspicion.

Existen numerosas infecciones bacterianas, virales y parasitarias que pueden transmitirse desde la madre al feto o recién nacido (RN) y que significan un riesgo para él. El acrónimo TORCH se utiliza en forma universal para caracterizar a aquel feto o RN que presenta un cuadro clínico compatible con una infección congénita y que permite un enfrentamiento racional, tanto diagnóstico como terapéutico. El concepto tradicional de realizar un "test de TORCH" sin consideraciones específicas a cada paciente, hoy en día se considera no adecuado y ha sido reemplazado por exámenes específicos para patógenos específicos bajo circunstancias bien definidas. El presente documento revisa las características generales, epidemiológicas, patogénicas, diagnósticas y terapéuticas de los patógenos más frecuentemente involucrados en el estudio de pacientes con sospecha de TORCH.

Longitudinal study on clinical and microbial analysis of periodontal status in pregnancy

Abstract This study was aimed to provide a longitudinal overview of the subgingival bacterial microbiome using fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technique, in women in the second trimester of pregnancy (between 14 and 24 weeks), and 48 h and 8 weeks postpartum. Of 31 women evaluated during pregnancy, 24 returned for the 48-h and 18 for their 8-week exams postpartum. Probing depth (PD), bleeding on probing, clinical attachment level, and presence of calculus were recorded. Subgingival plaque samples were collected, and FISH was used to identify the numbers of eight periodontal pathogens. Friedman test was used to compare differences between follow-up examinations, followed by a multiple comparison test for a post hoc pairwise comparison. Clinically, a significantly greater number of teeth with PD = 4-5 mm were found during pregnancy than on postpartum examinations. Microbial analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in cell count over the study period for Prevotella nigrescens. P. intermedia, Campylobacter rectus, and Porphyromonas gingivalis also decrease, although not significantly, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans increased. No significant changes were found for Fusobacterium nucleatum, Treponema denticola, or Tannerella forsythia. Our data demonstrate a change in the subgingival microbiota during pregnancy, at least for P. nigrescens.

Infecciones vaginales en un Centro de Salud Familiar de la Región Metropolitana, Chile / Vaginal infections in a Family Health Clinic in the Metropolitan Region, Chile

Background: Vaginal infections are a frequent cause for consultation, but their prevalence and etiology vary in different populations. Objectives: To determine the prevalence and etiologies of vaginal infection in women attending a family health center in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. Methods: The microbiological diagnosis was made by wet mount and Gram stain. Diagnosis of trichomoniasis was performed by wet mount, culture and polymerase chain reaction. Results: 101 women aged 15-54, not selected by signs or symptoms of vaginal infection, 46 of them pregnant were included. In 47 women (46.5%), vaginal infections were diagnosed. An association was observed between age and frequency of vaginal infection. The proportion of infections among pregnant and non-pregnant women was similar. The most frequent infections were bacterial vaginosis (16.8%), vulvovaginal candidiasis (11.9%) and co-infections (6.9%). We found 5.9% of intermediate microbiota cases, 3% of trichomoniasis and 2% of aerobic vaginitis. Symptoms of vaginal infection had poor agreement with microbiological findings. Otherwise physical signs had good agreement with the presence of infection, but low to moderate concordance with a specific etiology. Conclusions: We found a high prevalence of vaginal infections in the study population. It is necessary to improve the definitions and criteria of microbiological diagnosis of co-infections and intermediate microbiota, for them to be diagnosed in the clinical practice. More descriptive questionnaires are recommended to enhance the usefulness of clinical examination.

Introducción: Las infección vaginales constituyen un motivo frecuente de consulta, pero su prevalencia y etiología varían en distintas poblaciones. Objetivos: Determinar la prevalencia y tipos de infección vaginal en mujeres atendidas en un centro de salud familiar de la Región Metropolitana. Métodos: El diagnóstico microbiológico fue efectuado mediante examen microscópico al fresco y tinción de Gram y para tricomoniasis examen al fresco, cultivo y reacción de la polimerasa en cadena. Resultados: Se incluyeron 101 mujeres de 15-54 años, no seleccionadas por signos ó síntomas, 46 de ellas embarazadas. En 47 mujeres (46,5%) se diagnosticaron infecciones vaginales. Se observó asociación entre edad y frecuencia de infección vaginal. La proporción de infecciones entre gestantes y no gestantes fue similar. Las infecciones más frecuentes fueron vaginosis bacteriana (16,8%), candidiasis vulvo-vaginal (11,9%) y co-infecciones (6,9%). Se observó 5,9% casos de microbiota intermedia, 3% de tricomoniasis y 2% de vaginitis aeróbica. Los síntomas de infección vaginal tuvieron mala concordancia con los hallazgos microbiológicos. A su vez, los signos físicos tuvieron buena concordancia con la existencia de infección, pero escasa a moderada concordancia con una etiología específica. Conclusiones: Se encontró alta frecuencia de infecciones vaginales. Es necesario mejorar las definiciones y criterios de diagnóstico microbiológico de las co-infecciones y microbiota intermedia, para ser diagnosticadas en la práctica clínica. Se recomienda emplear cuestionarios más descriptivos para mejorar la utilidad del examen clínico.

Distribución de grupos filogenéticos y factores de virulencia en cepas de Escherichia coli uropatógena productora de ß-lactamasa CTX-M-15 aisladas de pacientes de la comunidad en Mérida, Venezuela / Distribution of phylogenetic groups and virulence factors in CTX-M-15 ß -lactamase-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from patients in the community of Mérida, Venezuela

En este estudio se determinó el perfil de distribución de grupos filogéneticos y la detección genética de factores de virulencia en cepas de Escherichia coli uropatógena (ECUP) productoras de ß-lactamasa CTX-M-15. Veintiocho cepas fueron aisladas de pacientes con infección del tracto urinario (ITU) que asistieron al Laboratorio de Salud Pública del estado Mérida, Venezuela, durante el lapso comprendido entre enero 2009 y julio 2011. La determinación de los grupos filogenéticos y la detección de seis genes de virulencia, fimH, fyuA, kpsMTII, usp, PAI y papAH, se realizó mediante amplificación por PCR. Quince cepas de 28 se ubicaron principalmente en el filogrupo A, seguidos por el B2 (12/28) y D (1/28). No se observó una relación directa entre la recurrencia o gravedad de la ITU y la distribución de los filogrupos. Todos los factores de virulencia estudiados se encontraron con la frecuencia más alta en el grupo B2. El perfil de virulencia prevalente estuvo conformado por la asociación de tres genes principales: fimH, fyuA y kpsMTII y en menor frecuencia, por la presencia de otros determinantes como usp, PAI y/o papAH. Estos resultados indican que la mayoría de ECUP estuvieron dotadas de tres propiedades virulentas importantes: adhesión, captación de hierro y evasión de la fagocitosis, las cuales favorecieron la producción de ITU recurrentes. Este es el primer trabajo que describe la asociación de grupos filogenéticos con el potencial de virulencia de cepas de ECUP productoras de ß-lactamasa CTX-M-15 en Venezuela.

In this study, the distribution of phylogenetic groups and the genetic detection of virulence factors in CTX-M-15 ß-lactamase-producing uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) strains were analyzed. Twenty eight strains were isolated between January 2009 and July 2011 from patients with urinary tract infection (UTI) who attended the Public Health Laboratory at Mérida, Venezuela. Determination of phylogenetic groups and detection of six virulence genes, fimH, fyuA, kpsMTII, usp, PAI and papAH, were performed by PCR amplification. Fifteen of the 28 isolates were mainly located in the phylogenetic group A, followed by B2 (12/28) and D (1/28). No direct relationship between the severity or recurrence of UTI and the distribution of phylogroups was observed. All studied virulence factors were found in group B2 strains with the highest frequency. The prevalent virulence profile included the combination of three main genes: fimH, kpsMTII and fyuA and, to a lesser extent, the presence of other determinants such as usp, PAI and/or papAH. These results indicate that virulent UPEC incorporated three important properties: adhesion, iron uptake and evasion of phagocytosis, which favored the production of recurrent UTI. This is the first report describing the association of phylogenetic groups with the potential virulence of CTX-M-15 ß-lactamase producing UPEC strains in Venezuela.

Evaluación de la disfunción vaginal en mujeres embarazadas sintomáticas y asintomáticas mediante la utilización de los estados vaginales básicos (EVB) y su comparación con el estudio microbiológico convencional / Evaluation of vaginal dysfunction in symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women by using the analysis of basic vaginal states (BVS) and its comparison with the conventional microbiological study

Durante el embarazo se producen frecuentemente infecciones del tracto genital inferior asociadas a complicaciones maternas y perinatológicas. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la disfunción vaginal mediante el análisis de los estados vaginales básicos (EVB) por la metodología del balance del contenido vaginal (BACOVA) y compararlo con el estudio microbiológico convencional en el diagnóstico de candidiasis, tricomonosis y vaginosis bacteriana (VB). Entre 2010 y 2012 se estudiaron 1238 pacientes embarazadas; 1046 eran asintomáticas (A) y 192 sintomáticas (S). La prevalencia del EVB I fue del 59,5 % y 26 %, respectivamente. El EVB II se observó en 19,7 % de las mujeres A y en 17,2 % de las S. El EVB III se detectó solamente en las A, en 0,4 %. El EVB IV se observó en 14,4 % de las A y en 38 % de las S. El EVB V se detectó en 6 % de las A y en 18,8 % de las S. En las mujeres A, las levaduras se asociaron a los EVB I y II en el 55,5 % y 23,2 % de los casos, respectivamente; entre las S, alcanzaron el 32,4 % y 31 % de los casos, en igual orden. Las tricomonas se asociaron al EVB I en el 50 % de las A, al EVB IV en el 44,4 % de las S y al EVB V en el 33,3 % de las S. La sensibilidad del BACOVA para detectar levaduras fue 80,4 % en las A y 85,5 % en las S; para detectar tricomonas, del 40 % y 75 %, y para detectar VB, del 100 % en los dos grupos. La especificidad del BACOVA fue 100 % para todos los patógenos en las A y en las S. El estudio de los EVB resultó útil para orientar el diagnóstico a la disfunción vaginal, independientemente de la sintomatología, por lo que se sugiere este estudio como parte del control prenatal. Durante el embarazo se producen frecuentemente infecciones del tracto genital inferior asociadas a complicaciones maternas y perinatológicas. El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar la disfunción vaginal mediante el análisis de los estados vaginales básicos (EVB) por la metodología del balance del contenido vaginal (BACOVA) y compararlo con el estudio microbiológico convencional en el diagnóstico de candidiasis, tricomonosis y vaginosis bacteriana (VB). Entre 2010 y 2012 se estudiaron 1238 pacientes embarazadas; 1046 eran asintomáticas (A) y 192 sintomáticas (S). La prevalencia del EVB I fue del 59,5 % y 26 %, respectivamente. El EVB II se observó en 19,7 % de las mujeres A y en 17,2 % de las S. El EVB III se detectó solamente en las A, en 0,4 %. El EVB IV se observó en 14,4 % de las A y en 38 % de las S. El EVB V se detectó en 6 % de las A y en 18,8 % de las S. En las mujeres A, las levaduras se asociaron a los EVB I y II en el 55,5 % y 23,2 % de los casos, respectivamente; entre las S, alcanzaron el 32,4 % y 31 % de los casos, en igual orden. Las tricomonas se asociaron al EVB I en el 50 % de las A, al EVB IV en el 44,4 % de las S y al EVB V en el 33,3 % de las S. La sensibilidad del BACOVA para detectar levaduras fue 80,4 % en las A y 85,5 % en las S; para detectar tricomonas, del 40 % y 75 %, y para detectar VB, del 100 % en los dos grupos. La especificidad del BACOVA fue 100 % para todos los patógenos en las A y en las S. El estudio de los EVB resultó útil para orientar el diagnóstico a la disfunción vaginal, independientemente de la sintomatología, por lo que se sugiere este estudio como parte del control prenatal.

Infections of the lower genital tract associated to maternal and perinatal complications frequently occur during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate vaginal dysfunction through the analysis of basic vaginal states (BVS) using the methodology of balance of the vaginal content (BAVACO) and to compare it with the microbiological study of candidiasis, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Pregnant patients (1238) were examined from 2010 to 2012. In asymptomatic (A) (n: 1046) and symptomatic pregnant women (S) (n: 192) BVS I was 59.5% and 26% of the patients, respectively. BVS II was observed in 19.7% of A and in 17.2% of S. BVS III was only detected in A in 0.4%. BVS IV was observed in 14.4% of A and in 38% of S. BVS V was detected in 6% of A and in 18.8% of S. Yeasts were associated to BVS I and II in 55.5% and 23.2% of A, respectively; and in 32.4% and 31% of S, respectively. Trichomonas were associated to BVS I in 50% of A, to IV in 44.4% of S and to V in 33.3% of S. BAVACO susceptibility to detect yeasts was 80.4% and 85.5% in A and S, respectively; 40% and 75% in A and S, respectively, to detect trichomonas and 100% in A and S to detect BV. BAVACO specificity was 100% for all pathogens in A and S. The study of BVS proved useful as a guide to evaluate vaginal dysfunction, regardless of symptomatology. Therefore, this study is recommended as prenatal control. Infections of the lower genital tract associated to maternal and perinatal complications frequently occur during pregnancy. The aim of this study was to evaluate vaginal dysfunction through the analysis of basic vaginal states (BVS) using the methodology of balance of the vaginal content (BAVACO) and to compare it with the microbiological study of candidiasis, trichomoniasis and bacterial vaginosis (BV). Pregnant patients (1238) were examined from 2010 to 2012. In asymptomatic (A) (n: 1046) and symptomatic pregnant women (S) (n: 192) BVS I was 59.5% and 26% of the patients, respectively. BVS II was observed in 19.7% of A and in 17.2% of S. BVS III was only detected in A in 0.4%. BVS IV was observed in 14.4% of A and in 38% of S. BVS V was detected in 6% of A and in 18.8% of S. Yeasts were associated to BVS I and II in 55.5% and 23.2% of A, respectively; and in 32.4% and 31% of S, respectively. Trichomonas were associated to BVS I in 50% of A, to IV in 44.4% of S and to V in 33.3% of S. BAVACO susceptibility to detect yeasts was 80.4% and 85.5% in A and S, respectively; 40% and 75% in A and S, respectively, to detect trichomonas and 100% in A and S to detect BV. BAVACO specificity was 100% for all pathogens in A and S. The study of BVS proved useful as a guide to evaluate vaginal dysfunction, regardless of symptomatology. Therefore, this study is recommended as prenatal control.

Helicobacter pylori infection and gastrointestinal symptoms on Chilean pregnant women / Infecção por Helicobacter pylori e sintomas gastrointestinais em mulheres grávidas chilenas

Objective: the aim of this research was to determine the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection on Chilean pregnant women and its relationship with the appearance and severity of hyperemesis and dyspepsia. Methods: quantitative study of prevalence in a transversal cut with variable analysis. The sample was taken from 274 Chilean pregnant women from the Bío Bío province through vein puncture between June and December, 2005. Pregnant women were informed of this study, interviewed and signed an informed consent. The samples were processed using ImmunoComb II Helicobacter pylori IgG kit. Statistical analysis was performed by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Program. Results: out of the total number of pregnant women, 68.6% showed infection by Helicobacter pylori. 79.6% of the total sample had symptoms of dyspepsia, and 72.5% of this group presented Helicobacter pylori infection. 12.4% showed pregnancy hyperemesis; among them, 79.4% were infected with Helicobacter pylori. 73.4% of the pregnant women that showed gastric discomfort during the first three months had Helicobacter pylori infection. 53.7% of them continued with gastric discomfort after the first three months; of those, 95.8% were infected. Helicobacter pylori infection was present only in 1.5% of pregnant women without gastric discomfort. Conclusion: both, gastric discomfort of pregnant women and the continuity of severe symptoms of dyspepsia and hyperemesis after the first three months of gestation are significantly correlated with Helicobacter pylori infection. .

Objetivo: o objetivo desta investigação foi determinar a prevalência da infecção por Helicobacter pylori em mulheres grávidas chilenas e a sua relação com o aparecimento e agravamento de hiperêmese e dispepsia. Métodos: estudo de prevalência, quantitativo de coorte transversal com análise de variáveis. A amostra foi tomada através de punção venosa em 274 mulheres grávidas chilenas, da província de Bío Bío, nos meses de junho a dezembro de 2005. As mulheres que participaram foram informadas, assinaram um consentimento e responderam uma pesquisa. As amostras foram processadas usando o kit ImmunoComb II Helicobacter pylori IgG. A análise estatística foi realizada com o programa Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Resultados: do total de mulheres pesquisadas, 68,5% apresentam infecção por Helicobacter pylori. Do total, 80,7% tiveram sinais de dispepsia; dessa porcentagem, 72,5% apresentaram infecção por Helicobacter pylori. Uma porcentagem de 12,6% das pacientes apresentou hiperêmese gravídica; dessas, 79,4% tiveram a infecção. Do total das mulheres grávidas com moléstias gástricas no primeiro trimestre de gravidez, 73,4% registraram infecção por Helicobacter pylori. Uma porcentagem de 53,7% continuou com moléstias gástricas depois do primeiro trimestre e dentro desse grupo 95,8% tiveram a infecção. Infecção por Helicobacter pylori estava presente em apenas em 1,5% das mulheres grávidas sem desconforto gástrico. Conclusão: as moléstias gástricas das mulheres grávidas e o agravamento dos sinais de dispepsia e hiperêmese depois do primeiro trimestre de gravidez estão correlacionados significativamente à infecção por Helicobacter pylori. .