[Causes and factors of diarrhea in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in a hospital of Mexico City]. / Causas y factores de diarrea en el síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida en un hospital de la ciudad de México.

One hundred and sixty-four AIDS patients were studied; in 70 of them (42.7%) an agent capable of producing diarrhea was identified either by bacteriology, histopathology, or both procedures. It was observed that homosexuals and bisexuals present diarrhea sooner and with a higher frequency than heterosexuals. Cryptosporidium (35.7%) was the most frequently isolated agent. The most useful study was the coproparasitoscopic series. In 27 patients (38.6%) 2 or more agents (pathogens or opportunist) were isolated. An statistical correlation was demonstrated between the presence of diarrhea and the existence of agents able to produce it. The convenience of using special methods, because of their efficacy or cost, to evidence other pathogenic or opportunistic agents is also discussed.

Clinical evaluation of 1-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide (ribavirin) in a double-blind study during an outbreak of influenza.

1-beta-D-Ribofuranosyl-1,2,4-triazole-3-carboxamide (ribavirin) at a dosage of 300 mg/day, or disguised placebo was administered to patients in a closed population during an epidemic outbreak of influenza in Mexico City. Treatment consisted of capsules given three times daily for 5 days beginning with first signs of disease. The study was conducted in a double-blind fashion. Clinical manifestations of the disease, as well as in titer of recoverable virus and in specific serum antibody titer were significantly reduced in the ribavirin-treated group. None of the individuals in the study had any sign of toxic effects attributable to the drug. In the study, 21 patients received the drug and 24 received placebo.