ABSTRACT
Diatoms respond to toxicants in lotic systems, and they are commonly considered to be sensitive indicators in environmental safety assessment. In addition to the structural characteristics of the algal populations, recent studies have shown that endpoints such as nuclear anomalies or diatom motility measures can be affected quickly by environmental changes. We sought to determine if cell density, cell size, nuclear anomalies and motility of the diatom Nitzschia palea were useful indicators of sediment quality from agricultural streams. For this purpose, we exposed cultures of the diatom to elutriates from sediments of a stream that flows through an intensive agricultural area, and measured the responses of the populations for 7 days in laboratory tests. The bioassays showed that motility measures in Nitzschia palea and the condition of their nuclear membranes rapidly reflected the effects of sediment quality after only 48 h of exposure; mean cell density and length were affected by day 7. The sediment elutriates affected cell movements by shortening the total path length and decreasing cell velocity; they also increased the number of cells with nuclear membrane breakage. Our results from these bioassays show that diatom motility measurements and the condition of the nuclei might be indicators that respond faster to impacts than the traditional structural parameters, such as cell density, specific composition of the assemblage or diversity metrics of the algal communities more often used in biomonitoring.
Subject(s)
Agriculture , Diatoms/physiology , Environmental Monitoring/methods , Cell Movement , Rivers/chemistryABSTRACT
Filamentous bacteriophages are widely used in phage display technology. The most common quantification method is lysis plaque formation test (PFT). This technique has several disadvantages, and only quantifies infective phages and is not effective when phagemids are used. We developed a qPCR method directed against the M13 replication origin, which detects between 3.3 × 103 and 3.3 × 108 viral genome copies with a linearity of R 2 = 0.9998. Using this method we were able to observe a difference of approximately ten more phages than with the PFT. This difference was not due to the presence of a free genome, which suggests the presence of non-infective particles. Using a DNaseI treatment, we observed the presence of 30% to 40% of unpackaged genome in recombinant phage modified in PIII or PVIII. The qPCR method with a DNase I treatment is an efficient method to quantify the total amount of filamentous phages.
ABSTRACT
Introducción: La elevada prevalencia de la enfermedad renal crónica (ERC) en la población general ha creado la necesidad de desarrollar una coordinación entre la atención especializada nefrológica y la atención primaria. Aunque diversos sistemas se han desarrollado para coordinar este proceso, la presentación de resultados es escasa y a veces contradictoria. Objetivo: Presentar los resultados de un programa de coordinación entre atención primaria y atención especializada nefrológica mediante consultorías y un sistema de información clínica compartida para facilitar la comunicación y mejorarlos criterios de derivación de los pacientes. Métodos: Elaboración de un programa consensuado entre la dirección médica de atención primaria y nefrología basado en los criterios del «Documento de consenso entre la S.E.N. y la semFYC» y en un protocolo de estudio y tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial (HTA). Explicación e implantación en los equipos de atención primaria. Creación de un programa deagendas de consultorías en atención primaria tanto presenciales como vía correo electrónico de nefrólogos. Implantación de un programa de formación continuada en enfermedades renales y en HTA durante las consultorias presenciales. Progresivo desarrollo en un período de 3 años (2007-2010)en un área de 426.000 habitantes con 230 médicos de familia. Utilización de un sistema de información clínica compartida llamado «Salut en Xarxa» que permite el acceso a informesclínicos, diagnósticos, prescripciones, analíticas y curso (..) (AU)
Introduction: The high prevalence of chronic kidney disease(CKD) in the general population has created a need to coordinate specialised nephrology care and primary care. Although several systems have been developed to coordinate this process, published results are scarce and contradictory. Objective: To present the results of the application of a coordinated programme between nephrology care and primary care through consultations and a system of shared clinical information to facilitate communication and improve the criteria for referring patients. Methods: Elaboration of a coordinated care programme by the primary care management team and the nephrology department, based on the SEN-SEMFYC consensus document and a protocol for the study and management of arterial hypertension (AHT).Explanation and implementation in primary health care (..) (AU)
Subject(s)
Humans , Nephrology/trends , Primary Health Care/trends , Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data , Hospital Units/organization & administration , Renal Insufficiency, Chronic/epidemiology , Hospital Information Systems/organization & administrationABSTRACT
Cryptococcus is an encapsulated yeast of class Basidiomycetes, etiologic agent of cryptococcosis. Cryptococcosis is one of the most common opportunistic infections in immunosuppressed patients, although it can affect immunocompetent individuals. In recent years, the identification of medically important fungal species has been achieved through the amplification of specific regions or genes of fungal DNA by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CAP59 gene is involved in the synthesis of the capsule in Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii, and is useful in the molecular identification of serotypes. In this research, we use yeasts of different serotypes from collection strains and C. neoformans isolates recovered from patients with cryptococcosis. A standardized yeast suspension from different Cryptococcus isolates as template allowed CAP59 gene amplification. This procedure was quick, simple, and inexpensive and required no PCR steps. This is important for taxonomic studies in laboratories with implemented molecular biology tools.
Subject(s)
Cryptococcus gattii/genetics , Cryptococcus neoformans/genetics , DNA, Fungal/genetics , Fungal Proteins/genetics , Mycology/methods , Nucleic Acid Amplification Techniques , Cryptococcosis/microbiology , Cryptococcus gattii/classification , Cryptococcus gattii/growth & development , Cryptococcus neoformans/classification , Cryptococcus neoformans/growth & development , DNA, Fungal/isolation & purification , Humans , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length , Sensitivity and Specificity , Serotyping/methods , SuspensionsABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: It is generally recognized that Candida dubliniensis is commonly found in immunocompromised patients, such as those with advanced human immunodeficiency virus infection, at sites of periodontal disease. Since there are no data available for Argentina, the aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of and to identify C. dubliniensis in periodontal pockets from immunocompetent subjects living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, through a comparison of phenotypic and molecular assays. METHODS: Yeasts recovered from subgingival plaque samples were studied for 180 immunocompetent non-smoking patients with periodontal disease. Yeasts were identified by conventional mycological methods and by specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay. Fluconazole and voriconazole susceptibility studies were performed in keeping with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute. RESULTS: Among 76 yeasts isolated, C. dubliniensis comprised 10.5% (n = 8; 95% confidence interval 4.7-19.7), which corresponded to 4.4% of patients studied (8/180). C. albicans was the most frequently isolated species of yeast. A great majority of C. dubliniensis isolates was susceptible with only one isolate resistant to both antifungals. CONCLUSION: Micromorphology on Staib agar was the phenotypic method that was most concordant with PCR and it was useful for selecting presumptive C. dubliniensis. This is the first report to use PCR to identify C. dubliniensis in subgingival fluid from immunocompetent individuals with periodontal disease in Argentina. On the basis of the findings presented here, we confirm that C. dubliniensis can colonize periodontal pockets of immunocompetent patients with periodontal disease.
Subject(s)
Candida/genetics , Candidiasis, Oral/microbiology , Dental Plaque/microbiology , Periodontal Pocket/microbiology , Adolescent , Adult , Aged , Argentina/epidemiology , Candida/classification , Candida/drug effects , Candidiasis, Oral/epidemiology , DNA, Fungal/genetics , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Female , Fluconazole/pharmacology , Genotype , Humans , Male , Microbial Sensitivity Tests , Middle Aged , Mycological Typing Techniques , Phenotype , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Pyrimidines/pharmacology , Triazoles/pharmacology , Voriconazole , Young AdultABSTRACT
No disponible
Subject(s)
Humans , Male , Middle Aged , Condylomata Acuminata/diagnosis , Condylomata Acuminata/surgery , Biopsy/methods , Laser Therapy/methods , Biopsy/instrumentationABSTRACT
Candida guilliermondii developed a pink-purplish colony on CHROMagar Candida. In the micromorphology in milk-tween 80 1% agar at 28 degrees C after 48 h of incubation C. guilliermondii showed small (3-5 microm), spherical yeasts without pseudohyphaes. This Candida species presented a characteristic cluster of blastospores with pseudohyphaes radiating from the centre at 96 h. The trehalose-sucrose assimilation assay was applied to the C. guilliermondii isolates which proved negative for trehalose and positive for sucrose. These results allowed for the presumptive identification of C. guilliermondii. The results were concordant in 100% of the isolates with the identification of the C. guilliermondii species by the ID 32C and Vitek YBC methods. Such automated methods offered Candida famata as a second option, with a reliability percentage of 10%. Micromorphological studies increase yeast identification reliability, especially among species presenting similar biochemical profiles.
Subject(s)
Candida/classification , Mycology/methods , Algorithms , Body Fluids/microbiology , Candida/isolation & purification , Candida/metabolism , Candida/ultrastructure , Candidiasis/microbiology , Chromogenic Compounds/metabolism , Culture Media , Humans , Phenotype , Reproducibility of Results , Species Specificity , Sucrose/metabolism , Trehalose/metabolismABSTRACT
Comparison of different methods of DNA extraction from blood to detect fungal DNA by PCR. Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are associated with high mortality by reaching levels of 50%, and also with a significant failure in antifungical treatments. This fact mostly obeys to difficulties in obtaining a fast and accurate mycologic diagnosis due to the low sensitivity of conventional methods, mainly in neutropenic and AIDS patients. Various methods based on fungal DNA study are currently being used for the diagnosis of mycotic infections. We herein evaluated two procedures of extraction and purification of fungal DNA in blood for their use in PCR detection. Both of them showed equal efficiency in obtaining high performance DNA with universal primers ITS land ITS 4 as target.
Subject(s)
DNA, Fungal/blood , DNA, Fungal/isolation & purification , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Blood Chemical Analysis/methods , HumansABSTRACT
La infección fúngica invasora (IFI) está asociada a un alto índice de mortalidad, que alcanza el 50% debido a la frecuente falla en el tratamiento antifúngico. Existen dificultades para realizar un diagnóstico micológico rápido y certero dada la baja sensibilidad de los métodos convencionales, especialmente en pacientes neutropénicos y con SIDA. Numerosos métodos para diagnosticar infecciones micóticas basados en el estudio del ADN fúngico están actualmente en desarrollo. Nosotros evaluamos la utilidad de dos procedimientos de extracción y purificación del ADN fúngico presente en sangre para su posterior detección por PCR. Ambos métodos resultaron igualmente eficientes para obtener ADNs de óptima calidad y para realizar la técnica de PCR con los iniciadores universales para hongos ITS 1 e ITS 4.
Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are associated with high mortality by reaching levels of 50%, and also with a significant failure in antifungical treatments. This fact mostly obeys to difficulties in obtaining a fast and accurate mycologic diagnosis due to the low sensitivity of conventional methods, mainly in neutropenic and AIDS patients. Various methods based on fungal DNA study are currently being used for the diagnosis of mycotic infections. We herein evaluated two procedures of extraction and purification of fungal DNA in blood for their use in PCR detection. Both of them showed equal efficiency in obtaining high performance DNA with universal primers ITS 1and ITS 4 as target.
Subject(s)
Humans , DNA, Fungal/blood , DNA, Fungal/isolation & purification , Polymerase Chain Reaction , Blood Chemical Analysis/methodsABSTRACT
The importance of epidemiological monitoring of yeasts involved in pathologic processes is unquestionable due to the increase of these infections over the last decade, the changes observed in species causing candidiasis, and empirical antifungal treatment. At the Mycology Center, 1006 isolates from a wide range of clinical samples were studied during 1999-2001. Candida albicans (40.3%) was the most isolated species, although, the Candida no albicans species with 54.9% showed the major prevalence. In blood cultures Candida parapsilosis (34.9%), C. albicans (30.2%) and C. tropicalis (25.6%) were recovered most frequently while C. glabrata represented only 2.3%. C. albicans with 60%-80% was the predominant specie in mucosal surface. We also detected Candida mediastinistis, which alert us over the importance at this location. Urinary tract infections caused by yeasts were more frequent in hospitalized patients, being C. albicans (47.7%), the most commonly isolated, followed by C. glabrata (24.8%) and C. tropicalis (20.0%). In the candidal onychomycoses, C. parapsilosis (37.7%) outplaced C. albicans (22.0%). Fluconazole susceptibility studies of Candida species allowed us to conclude that the majority of C. albicans islolates are susceptible, and that the highest resistance averages were observed in C. glabrata (21.41%) and C. krusei (69.23%).
Subject(s)
Candida albicans/isolation & purification , Candida/isolation & purification , Candidiasis/epidemiology , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Argentina/epidemiology , Body Fluids/microbiology , Candida/drug effects , Candida albicans/drug effects , Candida glabrata/drug effects , Candida glabrata/isolation & purification , Candida tropicalis/drug effects , Candida tropicalis/isolation & purification , Candidiasis/microbiology , Candidiasis, Cutaneous/microbiology , Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/microbiology , Catheterization, Peripheral , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Female , Fluconazole/pharmacology , Fungemia/microbiology , Humans , Male , Mediastinitis/microbiology , Mucous Membrane/microbiology , Onychomycosis/microbiology , Organ Specificity , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Species Specificity , Urinary Tract Infections/microbiologyABSTRACT
Las levaduras implicadas en procesos patológicos son de indiscutible importancia debido al incremento experimentado por estas infecciones en las últimas décadas, a los cambios observados en las especies causales y al uso empírico de antifúngicos. En el Centro de Micología se estudiaron 1006 aislamientos provenientes de una amplia gama de muestras clínicas durante el periodo 1999-2001. Candida albicans con 40,3% resultó la especie de mayor frecuencia de aislamiento, pero las especies de Candida no albicans con 54,9% resultaron de mayor prevalencia y el 4,8% fueron otras levaduras. En los hemocultivos Candida parapsilosis con 34,9%, C. albicans con 30,2% y C. tropicalis con 25,6% resultaron las más recuperadas, mientras que C. glabrata se presentó con un 2,3%. En las secreciones mucosas C.albicans con 60%-80% fue la especie preponderante. Hemos detectado especies de Candida causantes de mediastinitis, lo que nos alerta sobre su importancia en estos procesos. Las infecciones del tracto urinario por levaduras se detectaron en mayor frecuencia en individuos hospitalizados, resultando C. albicans con 47,7% la especie más aislada, y dentro de Candida no albicans, C. glabrata con 24,8% y C. tropicalis con 20,0%. En las onixis candidiásicas C. parapsilosis con 37,7% desplazó a C.albicans con 22,0% de este lugar anatómico. Los estudios de sensiblidad al fluconazol de las especies de Candida nos permiten concluir que C.albicans es una especie sensible y que los mayores porcentajes de resistencia se observaron en C. glabrata (21,41%) y and C. krusei (69,23%).
The importance of epidemiological monitoring of yeasts involved in pathologic processes is unquestionable due to the increase of these infections over the last decade, the changes observed in species causing candidiasis, and empirical antifungal treatment. At the Mycology Center, 1006 isolates from a wide range of clinical samples were studied during 1999-2001. Candida albicans (40.3%) was the most isolated species, although, the Candida no albicans species with 54.9% showed the major prevalence. In blood cultures Candida parapsilosis (34.9%), C. albicans (30.2%) and C. tropicalis (25.6%) were recovered most frequently while C. glabrata represented only 2.3%. C. albicans with 60%-80% was the predominant specie in mucosal surface. We also detected Candida mediastinistis, which alert us over the importance at this location. Urinary tract infections caused by yeasts were more frequent in hospitalized patients, being C. albicans (47.7%), the most commonly isolated, followed by C. glabrata (24.8%) and C. tropicalis (20.0%). In the candidal onychomycoses, C. parapsilosis (37.7%) outplaced C. albicans (22.0%). Fluconazole susceptibility studies of Candida species allowed us to conclude that the majority of C. albicans islolates are susceptible, and that the highest resistance averages were observed in C. glabrata (21.41%) and C. krusei (69.23%).
Subject(s)
Female , Humans , Male , Candida albicans/isolation & purification , Candida/isolation & purification , Candidiasis/epidemiology , Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Argentina/epidemiology , Body Fluids/microbiology , Catheterization, Peripheral , Candida albicans/drug effects , Candida glabrata/drug effects , Candida glabrata/isolation & purification , Candida tropicalis/drug effects , Candida tropicalis/isolation & purification , Candida/drug effects , Candidiasis, Cutaneous/microbiology , Candidiasis, Vulvovaginal/microbiology , Candidiasis/microbiology , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Fluconazole/pharmacology , Fungemia/microbiology , Mediastinitis/microbiology , Mucous Membrane/microbiology , Organ Specificity , Onychomycosis/microbiology , Prevalence , Retrospective Studies , Species Specificity , Urinary Tract Infections/microbiologyABSTRACT
The importance of epidemiological monitoring of yeasts involved in pathologic processes is unquestionable due to the increase of these infections over the last decade, the changes observed in species causing candidiasis, and empirical antifungal treatment. At the Mycology Center, 1006 isolates from a wide range of clinical samples were studied during 1999-2001. Candida albicans (40.3
) was the most isolated species, although, the Candida no albicans species with 54.9
showed the major prevalence. In blood cultures Candida parapsilosis (34.9
), C. albicans (30.2
) and C. tropicalis (25.6
) were recovered most frequently while C. glabrata represented only 2.3
. C. albicans with 60
-80
was the predominant specie in mucosal surface. We also detected Candida mediastinistis, which alert us over the importance at this location. Urinary tract infections caused by yeasts were more frequent in hospitalized patients, being C. albicans (47.7
), the most commonly isolated, followed by C. glabrata (24.8
) and C. tropicalis (20.0
). In the candidal onychomycoses, C. parapsilosis (37.7
) outplaced C. albicans (22.0
). Fluconazole susceptibility studies of Candida species allowed us to conclude that the majority of C. albicans islolates are susceptible, and that the highest resistance averages were observed in C. glabrata (21.41
) and C. krusei (69.23
).
ABSTRACT
In vitro susceptibilities of 290 isolates of Candida spp to fluconazole were evaluated by a new NCCLS M44-P agar disk diffusion method that was read and interpreted automatically by the BIOMIC image-analysis plate reader system. Disk test results were compared to results obtained by a modified NCCLS M27-A broth microdilution method using RPMI-1640 supplemented with 2% dextrose. Overall agreement between both methods was 90.0%. Category agreement between the broth and disk test results for susceptible, susceptible dose-dependent and resistant disk results were 99.6%, 19.05% and 52.17%, respectively. No very major discrepancies, 1.03% major discrepancies, and 8.97% minor discrepancies were observed between results of the two test methods. This analysis suggests that results from both methods correlate highly for Candida strains susceptible to fluconazole. The lower agreement between the two methods for resistant and susceptible dose-dependent isolates was due to strains near or on that breakpoint, different media (Mueller-Hinton vs RPMI), agar vs broth, 80% vs 50% endpoints, and trailing growth near the endpoints.
Subject(s)
Antifungal Agents/pharmacology , Candida/drug effects , Fluconazole/pharmacology , Microbial Sensitivity Tests/methods , Antifungal Agents/administration & dosage , Automation , Colony Count, Microbial , Culture Media , Diffusion , Dose-Response Relationship, Drug , Drug Resistance, Fungal , Fluconazole/administration & dosage , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Microbial Sensitivity Tests/instrumentation , SpectrophotometryABSTRACT
In vitro susceptibilities of 290 isolates of Candida spp to fluconazole were evaluated by a new NCCLS M44-P agar disk diffusion method that was read and interpreted automatically by the BIOMIC image-analysis plate reader system. Disk test results were compared to results obtained by a modified NCCLS M27-A broth microdilution method using RPMI-1640 supplemented with 2
. Category agreement between the broth and disk test results for susceptible, susceptible dose-dependent and resistant disk results were 99.6
major discrepancies, and 8.97
minor discrepancies were observed between results of the two test methods. This analysis suggests that results from both methods correlate highly for Candida strains susceptible to fluconazole. The lower agreement between the two methods for resistant and susceptible dose-dependent isolates was due to strains near or on that breakpoint, different media (Mueller-Hinton vs RPMI), agar vs broth, 80
endpoints, and trailing growth near the endpoints.
ABSTRACT
In vitro susceptibilities of 290 isolates of Candida spp to fluconazole were evaluated by a new NCCLS M44-P agar disk diffusion method that was read and interpreted automatically by the BIOMIC image-analysis plate reader system. Disk test results were compared to results obtained by a modified NCCLS M27-A broth microdilution method using RPMI-1640 supplemented with 2
dextrose. Overall agreement between both methods was 90.0
. Category agreement between the broth and disk test results for susceptible, susceptible dose-dependent and resistant disk results were 99.6
, 19.05
and 52.17
, respectively. No very major discrepancies, 1.03
major discrepancies, and 8.97
minor discrepancies were observed between results of the two test methods. This analysis suggests that results from both methods correlate highly for Candida strains susceptible to fluconazole. The lower agreement between the two methods for resistant and susceptible dose-dependent isolates was due to strains near or on that breakpoint, different media (Mueller-Hinton vs RPMI), agar vs broth, 80
vs 50
endpoints, and trailing growth near the endpoints.
ABSTRACT
The ultrastructural changes produced in the upper mesophyl cells of Spirodela intermedia W. Koch, by the inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the nutrient solution, are related to the degree of the osmotically-induced water shortage. The ultrastructural characteristics of the -0.08 MPa treated fronds differed from the untreated ones in the form of the chloroplasts. PEG up to -0.20 MPa induced considerable cell structural disorganization as the swelling, breaking and disappearance of the outer membrane of the chloroplasts and the breakdown of the tonoplast into small vesicles.
Subject(s)
Plant Leaves/metabolism , Plant Leaves/ultrastructure , Water-Electrolyte Balance/physiology , Body Water/drug effects , Body Water/physiology , Dehydration , Organelles/drug effects , Organelles/metabolism , Organelles/ultrastructure , Plant Leaves/drug effects , Polyethylene Glycols/pharmacology , Water-Electrolyte Balance/drug effectsABSTRACT
The ultrastructural changes produced in the upper mesophyl cells of Spirodela intermedia W. Koch, by the inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the nutrient solution, are related to the degree of the osmotically-induced water shortage. The ultrastructural characteristics of the -0.08 MPa treated fronds differed from the untreated ones in the form of the chloroplasts. PEG up to -0.20 MPa induced considerable cell structural disorganization as the swelling, breaking and disappearance of the outer membrane of the chloroplasts and the breakdown of the tonoplast into small vesicles.
Subject(s)
Plant Leaves , Water Deprivation/physiology , Water-Electrolyte Balance , Body Water , Organelles , Plant Leaves , Polyethylene Glycols/pharmacology , Water-Electrolyte BalanceABSTRACT
The ultrastructural changes produced in the upper mesophyl cells of Spirodela intermedia W. Koch, by the inclusion of polyethylene glycol (PEG) in the nutrient solution, are related to the degree of the osmotically-induced water shortage. The ultrastructural characteristics of the -0.08 MPa treated fronds differed from the untreated ones in the form of the chloroplasts. PEG up to -0.20 MPa induced considerable cell structural disorganization as the swelling, breaking and disappearance of the outer membrane of the chloroplasts and the breakdown of the tonoplast into small vesicles.(AU)
Subject(s)
Plant Leaves/metabolism , Plant Leaves/ultrastructure , Water Deprivation/physiology , Water-Electrolyte Balance/physiology , Body Water/drug effects , Body Water/physiology , Organelles/drug effects , Organelles/metabolism , Organelles/ultrastructure , Plant Leaves/drug effects , Polyethylene Glycols/pharmacology , Water-Electrolyte Balance/drug effectsABSTRACT
Con el objeto de investigar la exposición mercurial y estado de salud del personal que labora en el Servicio de Odontología de la Unidad de IPAS-ME Barquisimeto, se realizó un estudio de corte transversal, utilizándose una muestra de cuarenta y siete trabajadores del Servicio de Odontología, lo cual representa un 92 por ciento del total de la población. Para investigar la exposición del metal mercurio en la orina recolectada en 24 horas, se realizaron análisis de laboratorio, además de exámenes complementarios: Hematología completa, Glicemia y pruebas renales y examen físico. Entre los resultados más relevantes se encontró que la población estudiada presentó niveles aceptables de Hg en orina, un 62 por ciento el nivel básico (0,6 mcg/lts), un 17 por ciento cifras entre 07-14 mcgs/lts, un 19 por ciento cifras entre 15.29mcgs/lts, un 2 por ciento en el nivel de intoxicación preclínica no encontrándose valores iguales o mayor a 50 mcgs/lts, el cual se considera como el índice de contaminación mercurial. Cabe destacar que los resultados de valores mercuriales en los ambientes del Servicio de Odontología se ubicaron por debajo de 0,05 mg/m3 de aire, concentración máxima permitida en ambiente de trabajo en Venezuela, por lo tanto se concluye que no existe exposición a la contaminación mercurial en el personal que labora en el Servicio de Odontología de la Unidad IPAS-ME Barquisimeto. Se espera que con los resultados obtenidos se elaboren y apliquien programas preventivos sobre la contaminación mercurial, con la finalidad de evitar el inicio del proceso de enfermedad debido a la falta de información sobre las normas de higiene mercurial
