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1.
BMC Palliat Care ; 23(1): 163, 2024 Jul 01.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38951852

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: National palliative care plans depend upon stakeholder engagement to succeed. Assessing the capability, interest, and knowledge of stakeholders is a crucial step in the implementation of public health initiatives, as recommended by the World Health Organisation. However, utilising stakeholder analysis is a strategy underused in public palliative care. OBJECTIVE: To conduct a stakeholder analysis characterising a diverse group of stakeholders involved in implementing a national palliative care plan in three rural regions of an upper-middle-income country. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study design, complemented by a quantitative stakeholder analysis approach, was executed through a survey designed to gauge stakeholders' levels of interest and capability in relation to five fundamental dimensions of public palliative care: provision of services, accessibility of essential medicines, palliative care education, financial support, and palliative care vitality. Stakeholders were categorised as promoters (high-power, high-interest), latent (high-power, low-interest), advocates (low-power, high-interest), and indifferent (low-power and low-interest). Stakeholder self-perceived category and knowledge level were also assessed. RESULTS: Among the 65 surveyed stakeholders, 19 were categorised as promoters, 34 as advocates, 9 as latent, and 3 as indifferent. Stakeholders' self-perception of their category did not align with the results of the quantitative analysis. When evaluated by region and palliative care dimensions the distribution of stakeholders was nonuniform. Palliative care funding was the dimension with the highest number of stakeholders categorised as indifferent, and the lowest percentage of promoters. Stakeholders categorised as promoters consistently reported a low level of knowledge, regardless of the dimension, region, or their level of interest. CONCLUSIONS: Assessing the capability, interest, and knowledge of stakeholders is a crucial step when implementing public health initiatives in palliative care. It allows for a data-driven decision-making process on how to delegate responsibilities, administer financial resources, and establish governance boards that remain engaged and work efficiently.


Subject(s)
Palliative Care , Stakeholder Participation , Humans , Palliative Care/methods , Palliative Care/standards , Cross-Sectional Studies , Surveys and Questionnaires , Male , Female , Adult , Middle Aged
2.
Int J Clin Health Psychol ; 24(2): 100469, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38957682

ABSTRACT

Background/Objective: The adaptation and validation of measures to assess Sexual Distress (SD) are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of sexual dysfunction. This study aimed to adapt and validate the Spanish Sexual Distress Scale (SDS) in a Colombian sample and provide a percentile ranking score for a comprehensive understanding of sexual distress among the population. Method: Five hundred ninety-six people from Colombia (50.08 % women; 49.92 % men) aged 18-60 participated in the study. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial analyses and a convergent validity analysis were performed. Results: The SDS showed a high internal consistency (Ω = .95, α = .94) and a unidimensional model. Significative correlations were found between the SDS and related measures with sexual functioning, further supporting its convergent validity. Conclusions: The SDS is a valid and reliable measure to evaluate SD in Colombians, with implications for clinical practice and sexual health research. More investigations are needed to address the limitations, strengthen the validity and reliability of the scale, and develop specific interventions based on its results.

3.
Dev World Bioeth ; 2024 Jul 12.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38995203

ABSTRACT

Colombia was one of the first countries to decriminalise euthanasia. However, what is known in the international academic literature about the country's regulations is scarce and outdated. Such lack of information on the situation in Latin America is even more evident in the case of Peru, where the Lima Superior Court of Justice set a precedent by allowing a person to have access to euthanasia in 2021. Ecuador, which has just decriminalised euthanasia for all its citizens in February 2024, risks being similarly absent from the international dialogue. This article summarises for the first time all the regulations in force regarding euthanasia in Latin America, through a study of primary sources in Spanish, and analyses some of the convergences between these three neighbouring countries.

4.
Neotrop Entomol ; 53(4): 726-737, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38954393

ABSTRACT

Various factors, including environmental variables, influence the behavior of aquatic insects. However, our understanding of insect behavior and their relationships with these variables remains limited. One important variable is water turbidity, which may be exacerbated by soil erosion, directly impacting visibility in the water and potentially affecting the organism's behaviors. In this study, we investigated larval behavior across seven Odonata species under controlled conditions, examining variations in behavioral diversity (frequency and type) associated with sex and three levels of water turbidity. Our findings revealed that heightened water turbidity correlated with increased behavior frequency, possibly attributable to predator avoidance in darker, seemingly safer habitats. Furthermore, behavior diversity differed between sexes, being higher for males in certain categories and for females in others. Anisoptera species predominantly displayed behaviors like resting, eating, and prey capture, whereas Zygoptera larvae were often observed perching and walking, possibly indicative of distinct predator response strategies. Behaviors shared by Anisoptera larvae could be associated with similar responses to predators and capture of prey. Our study found an increased frequency of behaviors when the larvae are in water with higher turbidity. Behavior frequency disparities between the sexes were observed across various behaviors, likely influenced by species-specific activity levels and individual behavioral plasticity in response to environmental cues. Overall, individuals exhibited heightened behavioral activity in environments with elevated turbidity, potentially reflecting a perceived lower risk environment.


Subject(s)
Behavior, Animal , Larva , Odonata , Animals , Male , Female , Water
5.
Emerg Microbes Infect ; 13(1): 2368202, 2024 Dec.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38970562

ABSTRACT

Influenza A viruses (IAV) impose significant respiratory disease burdens in both swine and humans worldwide, with frequent human-to-swine transmission driving viral evolution in pigs and highlighting the risk at the animal-human interface. Therefore, a comprehensive One Health approach (interconnection among human, animal, and environmental health) is needed for IAV prevention, control, and response. Animal influenza genomic surveillance remains limited in many Latin American countries, including Colombia. To address this gap, we genetically characterized 170 swine specimens from Colombia (2011-2017). Whole genome sequencing revealed a predominance of pandemic-like H1N1 lineage, with a minority belonging to H3N2 and H1N2 human seasonal-like lineage and H1N1 early classical swine lineages. Significantly, we have identified reassortant and recombinant viruses (H3N2, H1N1) not previously reported in Colombia. This suggests a broad genotypic viral diversity, likely resulting from reassortment between classical endemic viruses and new introductions established in Colombia's swine population (e.g. the 2009 H1N1 pandemic). Our study highlights the importance of a One Health approach in disease control, particularly in an ecosystem where humans are a main source of IAV to swine populations, and emphasizes the need for continued surveillance and enhanced biosecurity measures. The co-circulation of multiple subtypes in regions with high swine density facilitates viral exchange, underscoring the importance of monitoring viral evolution to inform vaccine selection and public health policies locally and globally.


Subject(s)
Evolution, Molecular , Genetic Variation , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype , Orthomyxoviridae Infections , Phylogeny , Swine Diseases , Animals , Swine , Colombia/epidemiology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Swine Diseases/virology , Swine Diseases/epidemiology , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/classification , Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/classification , Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype/isolation & purification , One Health , Humans , Influenza A virus/genetics , Influenza A virus/classification , Influenza A virus/isolation & purification , Whole Genome Sequencing , Genome, Viral , Epidemiological Monitoring , Reassortant Viruses/genetics , Reassortant Viruses/classification , Reassortant Viruses/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H1N2 Subtype/genetics , Influenza A Virus, H1N2 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H1N2 Subtype/classification , Influenza, Human/virology , Influenza, Human/epidemiology
6.
Ann Geriatr Med Res ; 2024 Jul 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38952329

ABSTRACT

Background: There is limited research on social factors related to falls among older adults. This study assessed the association between falls during the past year with social participation, children's support, relationship with children, and social frailty. Methods: Participants were 17,687 community-dwelling older adults from the SABE (Health, Well-being, and Aging, 2015) Colombia survey. Covariates included sociodemographic characteristics, environmental barriers, psychotropic intake, vision problems, memory loss, multimorbidity, and fear of falling. Results: In multivariate logistic regression analyses, being socially frail (vs. no-frail) was associated with higher odds of falls (OR=1.20; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.10-1.32). Participating in groups (OR=1.07; 95% CI, 1.03-1.11), helping others (OR=1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), or volunteering (OR=1.09; 95% CI, 1.01-1.17) were also associated with higher odds of falls. These findings were partly explained because most group participants reside in cities where they are more exposed to environmental barriers. In contrast, receiving help, affection, and company from children (OR=0.95; 95% CI, 0.93-0.97) was associated with lower fall odds than not receiving it. Moreover, having a good relationship with children was associated with lower odds of falls (OR=0.75; 95% CI, 0.66-0.85) compared to an unsatisfactory relationship. Conclusion: Support from children and having a good relationship with them were associated with fewer falls; however, social frailty and participation in social groups were associated with more falls.

7.
Int J STD AIDS ; : 9564624241264041, 2024 Jul 19.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39030669

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The incidence of comorbidities is higher in HIV-positive patients than in the general population due to factors, such as HIV-related chronic inflammation. There is no consensus on whether a low CD4 lymphocyte count after virological suppression at long-term follow-up increases the risk of comorbidities. This study evaluates the association between CD4 lymphocyte count and the incidence of comorbidities during the first 5 years of virological suppression after highly active antiretroviral treatment. METHODS: We conducted a cohort study of HIV-positive adults who achieved virological suppression in an HIV program between 2002 and 2016 in Colombia. A generalized equation estimation model was used to estimate the association between CD4 lymphocyte count and the incidence of comorbidities. RESULTS: A follow-up period of at least 1 year was completed in 921 HIV-positive patients with virological suppression. We found 71 comorbidities during a maximum of 5 years of follow-up; 41 (59%) were AIDS-defining comorbidities and 19 (46%) of them occurred during the first semester. Thirty cases of non-AIDS- defining comorbidities were diagnosed.We did not find any association between CD4 lymphocyte count and the incidence of comorbidities (OR 0.92, CI 95% 0.45 -1.91 for CD4 201-499 cells/µL vs CD4 ≤200 cells/µL, and OR 0.55, 95% CI 0.21-1.44 for CD4 ≥500 cells/µL vs CD4 ≤200 cells/µL). CONCLUSION: No association was found between CD4 lymphocyte count and the incidence of AIDS-defining or non-AIDS-defining comorbidities in patients with virological suppression. Further studies are needed to assess the risk of comorbidities in this population to design interventions aimed at improving their prognosis.

8.
Int J Cardiol Heart Vasc ; 53: 101448, 2024 Aug.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39027018

ABSTRACT

Background: The value of Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2 inhibitor) therapy in individuals with heart failure with preserved EF (HFpEF) was unknown until the EMPEROR-Preserved trial. We aimed to assess the proportion of patients with HFpEF that are eligible for empagliflozin therapy within the Colombian Heart Failure Registry (RECOLFACA). Methods: RECOLFACA enrolled adult patients with a HF diagnosis during 2017-2019 from 60 medical centers in Colombia. Criteria of the EMPEROR-Preserved Trial were used to recruit participants. The main outcome was individual eligibility with N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) criteria, while the secondary outcome was eligibility without NT-proBNP data. Results: RECOLFACA had 799 patients with HFpEF (mean age70.7 ± 13.5; 50.7 % males). According to the major selection criteria of the EMPEROR Preserved Trial, 73.7 % patients would be eligible for empagliflozin therapy initiation when considering the NT-proBNP threshold. The NT-proBNP threshold represented the main determinant of ineligibility in patients with this biomarker measure (13.6 %; n = 16). In patients without NT-proBNP data, the main reasons for exclusion were the diagnosis of symptomatic hypotension or a systolic blood pressure below 100 mmHg (7.5 %), having an eGFR < 20 ml/min/1.73 m2 (4.3 %), and haemoglobin < 9 g/dl (3.1 %). Excluding NT-proBNP criteria increased empagliflozin eligibility to 80.6 %. Conclusion: Most patients with HFpEF from RECOLFACA are potential candidates for empagliflozin therapy initiation according to the EMPEROR-Preserved trial criteria. These findings favor the utilization of SGLT-2 inhibitor medications in daily medical practice, which may further decrease morbidity and mortality in HF patients, regardless of their EF classification.

9.
Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) ; 15: 1372992, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38982987

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Diabetes stands as one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists rank among the most effective medications for lowering blood glucose and body weight, as well as reducing cardiovascular risk in individuals with diabetes. Observational studies complement experimental evidence in new settings, different populations, and real-world healthcare practices. Methods: A multicentric observational study of adults with type 2 diabetes treated with once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide in four health centers in Colombia was conducted. The protocol for the present study was not pre-registered. Results: Data from 186 patients were included. Most patients were women (57%) with a mean age of 62.8 ± 12.1 years. One year of once-weekly semaglutide usage was associated with a mean reduction in HbA1C of -1.47% (95% CI -1.76, -1.17), weight loss of -4.23 kg (95% CI -5.34, -3.12), and albumin/creatinine ratio of -18.6 mg/g (95% CI -60.2, -5.9). Approximately half the treated patients achieved a level of HbA1c ≤7% by the end of follow-up. Adverse events were rare and consistent with clinical trial safety profiles. Conclusion: In Colombia, administering semaglutide subcutaneously once a week over a 1-year period led to an average weight loss of 4.2 kg and a decrease of 1.4% in HbA1c.


Subject(s)
Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 , Glucagon-Like Peptides , Hypoglycemic Agents , Humans , Female , Male , Middle Aged , Glucagon-Like Peptides/administration & dosage , Glucagon-Like Peptides/adverse effects , Glucagon-Like Peptides/therapeutic use , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/drug therapy , Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood , Retrospective Studies , Colombia , Hypoglycemic Agents/administration & dosage , Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use , Hypoglycemic Agents/adverse effects , Aged , Glycated Hemoglobin/analysis , Blood Glucose/drug effects , Blood Glucose/analysis , Treatment Outcome , Drug Administration Schedule
10.
Ecancermedicalscience ; 18: 1711, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-39021547

ABSTRACT

Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is characterised by high rates of recurrence and progression, requiring substantial healthcare resources. In Latin America, the incidence of NMIBC is set to increase due to an aging population and lifestyle changes. To better understand the current challenges for NMIBC treaters and patients, a mixed-methods approach was leveraged combining secondary research with qualitative interviews from healthcare providers in Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and Argentina. Our analysis found that significant challenges persist across the region, particularly due to Bacillus Calmette-Guérin shortages, inconsistent adherence to clinical guidelines and significant socioeconomic disparities for patients accessing healthcare services. Addressing these challenges requires improved patient advocacy, strategic use of clinical trials and better resource distribution to enhance NMIBC management across Latin America.

11.
Front Pediatr ; 12: 1386310, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38895192

ABSTRACT

Background: Staphylococcus aureus infections are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in pediatric populations worldwide. The Staphylo Research Network conducted an extensive study on pediatric patients across Colombia from 2018 to 2021. The aim of this study was to describe the epidemiological and microbiological characteristics of S. aureus in this patient group. Methods: We analyzed S. aureus isolates from WHONET-reporting centers. An "event" was a positive culture isolation in a previously negative individual after 2 weeks. We studied center characteristics, age distribution, infection type, and antibiotic susceptibilities, comparing methicillin sensitive (MSSA) and resistant S. aureus (MRSA) isolates. Results: Isolates from 20 centers across 7 Colombian cities were included. Most centers (80%) served both adults and children, with 55% offering oncology services and 85% having a PICU. We registered 8,157 S. aureus culture isolations from 5,384 events (3,345 MSSA and 1,961 MRSA) in 4,821 patients, with a median age of 5 years. Blood (26.2%) and skin/soft tissue (18.6%) were the most common infection sources. Most isolates per event remained susceptible to oxacillin (63.2%), clindamycin (94.3%), and TMP-SMX (98.3%). MRSA prevalence varied by city (<0.001), with slightly higher rates observed in exclusively pediatric hospitals. In contrast, the MRSA rate was somewhat lower in centers with Antimicrobial Stewardship Program (ASP). MRSA was predominantly isolated from osteoarticular infections and multiple foci, while MSSA was more frequently associated with recurrent infections compared to MRSA. Conclusions: This is the largest study of pediatric S. aureus infections in Colombia. We found MSSA predominance, but resistance have important regional variations. S. aureus remains susceptible to other commonly used antibiotics such as TMP-SMX and clindamycin. Ongoing monitoring of S. aureus infections is vital for understanding their behavior in children. Prospective studies within the Staphylored LATAM are underway for a more comprehensive clinical and genetic characterization.

12.
BMC Public Health ; 24(1): 1659, 2024 Jun 21.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38907204

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: Due to the increase in the prevalence of non-communicable diseases and the Colombian demographic transition, the necessity of palliative care has arisen. This study used accessibility and coverage indicators to measure the geographic barriers to palliative care. METHODS: Population-based observational study focused on urban areas and adult population from Colombia, which uses three measurements of geographic accessibility to services: a) density of palliative care services per 100,000 inhabitants, b) analysis of geographic distribution by territorial nodes of the country, and c) spatial analysis of palliative care services using Voronoi diagrams. ArcGIS Pro software was used to map services' locations and identify geographic disparities. RESULTS: A total of 504 palliative care services were identified, of which 77% were primary health care services. The density of palliative care services in Colombia is 1.8 primary care services per 100,000 inhabitants and 0.4 specialized services per 100,000 inhabitants. The average palliative care coverage is 41%, two regions of the country have a coverage below 30%. Twenty-eight percent of the services provide care for a population greater than 50,000 inhabitants within their coverage area, exceeding the acceptable limit by international standards. CONCLUSIONS: Palliative care services are concentrated in three main regions (Bogotá D.C., the Center, and the Caribbean) and are limited in the Orinoquia and Amazonia nodes. Density of specialized palliative care services is extremely low and there are regions without palliative services for adults with palliative needs.


Subject(s)
Health Services Accessibility , Palliative Care , Colombia , Humans , Palliative Care/statistics & numerical data , Health Services Accessibility/statistics & numerical data , Adult , Healthcare Disparities , Primary Health Care/statistics & numerical data , Spatial Analysis
13.
Biodivers Data J ; 12: e72511, 2024.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38912109

ABSTRACT

Background: The collection of insects of medical importance from the Instituto Nacional de Salud, INS (Bogotá, Colombia: https://www.ins.gov.co/Paginas/Inicio.aspx), was started in 1934 with the aim of being an institutional and national repository of the biodiversity of insects involved in vector-borne diseases of importance in public health. Today, the entomological collection includes more than 7,500 specimens.The ceratopogonid insects are one group of Diptera that are represented in this collection. Within the Ceratopogonidae, the genus Culicoides Latreille, 1809 is relevant in public health because of the nuisance caused by their bites when they are presented in great abundance and because of their role as vectors of several agents (virus, protozoa and nematodes) that cause diseases to humans and to animals (Mellor et al. 2000, Mullen 2002). An overview of the Ceratopogonidae, represented in this collection, is presented here. A total of 801 individuals, mainly adults of the genus Culicoides (90%) are represented. The collection is the result of the effort of several researchers of the Group of Entomology at INS. These researchers collected ceratopogonids when they went to different transmission scenarios of vector-borne diseases in Colombia, with the purpose of making entomological characterisations including the processing, assembly and identification of the specimens in the laboratory. New information: New information about the geographical distribution of 39 species of the genus Culicoides in Colombia. All data have been uploaded to GBIF and are publicly available there.

14.
Health Care Sci ; 3(2): 78-87, 2024 Apr.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38939615

ABSTRACT

Background: Colombia is a Latin American country with a very complex social and political context that has not allowed the allocation of sufficient resources to the fields of science, technology, and innovation (STI). This is particularly worrying for the area of health since not enough resources are allocated for public health, research, or education. Methods: The so-called "Great Survey in Health 2019" was administered online through the SurveyMonkey platform to 5298 people in different regions of the country, representing the public, private, and academic sectors. The questionnaire consisted of 46 open and closed questions, including demographic inquiries. Data analysis involved textual analytics and sentiment analysis. Results: Overall, 56% of those surveyed were women within the adult life cycle. Most respondents had a postgraduate education. Greater participation was observed in the Oriental, Bogotá, and Antioquia regions, which also concentrate the largest number of resources for STI. Among the main recommendations derived from the results, priorities include investing in research, personalised medicine, promoting the social appropriation of knowledge, addressing mental health, regulating research through a statute, promoting undergraduate research, and establishing recertification exams to pursue excellence. Conclusion: The results of this original study serve as a fundamental input to promote and strengthen the STI processes in life sciences and health. They serve as a guide to generate public policies and actions that guarantee better health and well-being for the Colombian population, strategically proposing a clear roadmap for the next 20 years.

15.
Pathogens ; 13(6)2024 May 30.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38921760

ABSTRACT

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a zoonotic disease caused by protozoa of the Leishmania genus, transmitted by vectors from the Phlebotominae subfamily. The interaction between the vector, reservoir, and parasite is susceptible to climate change. This study explores how temperature and rainfall influenced the incidence of CL in 15 Colombian municipalities between 2017 and 2019. Epidemiological data were obtained from Colombia's Instituto Nacional de Salud, while climatological data came from the Instituto de Hidrología, Meteorología y Estudios Ambientales. Using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, we examined the relationships between monthly climatic variables and the cumulative incidence of CL, considering various lag times. The data were further analyzed using Locally Weighted Scatterplot Smoothing (LOWESS). Our findings reveal both significant positive and negative correlations, depending on locality and climate variables. LOWESS analysis indicates that while rainfall-related incidence remains stable, temperature impacts incidence in a parabolic trend. This study underscores the significant yet complex influence of climatic factors on CL incidence. The insights gained could aid public health efforts by improving predictive models and crafting targeted interventions to mitigate the disease's impact, particularly in regions vulnerable to climate variability.

16.
Sci Total Environ ; 947: 174193, 2024 Jun 22.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38914335

ABSTRACT

Gold mining not only introduces mercury (Hg) contamination to soils but also facilitates the mobilization of other toxic substances, including arsenic (As). This study assessed the total content, chemical species, and bioavailable fraction of As in surface soils impacted by mining residues during frequent flooding. Analysis of 207 soil samples across the floodplain region of La Mojana, Colombia, screened to 2 mm with polyethylene mesh, revealed significant correlations (p < 0.05) between inorganic As, the residual phase, sulphur (S), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), and aluminum (Al), indicating associations with sulfides and oxyhydroxides of Fe and Mn. The origin of toxicity was linked to suspended materials transported by rivers during flooding in areas with intense mining activity. Sites with better oxidizing conditions exhibited a higher presence of phases associated with amorphous and crystalline oxides in non-flooded areas. Although the bioavailable fraction was minimal in flooded sites, reducing conditions facilitated As mobility, resulting in higher concentrations in deeper soil layers, particularly as As(III). The contamination factor (CF) ranged from 1.3 to 11.1, and the geochemical index (Igeo) ranged from -0.2 to 2.9, indicating a moderate to high As contamination level in soils. This poses potential health risks, considering the agricultural use of these soils.

17.
Viruses ; 16(6)2024 May 24.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38932133

ABSTRACT

Equine influenza is a viral disease caused by the equine influenza virus (EIV), and according to the WOAH, it is mandatory to report these infections. In Latin America and Colombia, EIV risk factors have not been analyzed. The objective of this research is to perform an epidemiological and molecular analysis of the EIV in horses with respiratory symptoms from 2020 to 2023 in Colombia. Molecular EIV detection was performed using RT-qPCR and nanopore sequencing. A risk analysis was also performed via the GEE method. A total of 188 equines with EIV respiratory symptoms were recruited. The positivity rate was 33.5%. The descriptive analysis showed that only 12.8% of the horses were vaccinated, and measures such as the quarantine and isolation of symptomatic animals accounted for 91.5% and 88.8%, respectively. The variables associated with the EIV were the non-isolation of positive individuals (OR = 8.16, 95% CI (1.52-43.67), p = 0.014) and sharing space with poultry (OR = 2.16, 95% CI (1.09-4.26), p = 0.027). In conclusion, this is the first EIV investigation in symptomatic horses in Colombia, highlighting the presence of the virus in the country and the need to improve preventive and control measures.


Subject(s)
Horse Diseases , Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype , Orthomyxoviridae Infections , Horses , Animals , Colombia/epidemiology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/epidemiology , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/veterinary , Orthomyxoviridae Infections/virology , Horse Diseases/virology , Horse Diseases/epidemiology , Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype/isolation & purification , Influenza A Virus, H3N8 Subtype/genetics , Female , Male , Phylogeny , Nanopore Sequencing/methods , Risk Factors
18.
Emerg Infect Dis ; 30(7): 1398-1401, 2024 Jul.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38916574

ABSTRACT

We describe a recent case of lymphatic filariasis in Colombia caused by Wuchereria bancrofti nematodes. Our study combines clinical-epidemiologic findings with phylogenetic data. Resurgence of lymphatic filariasis may be linked to increasing urbanization trends and migration from previously endemic regions. Fieldwork can be a beneficial tool for screening and containing transmission.


Subject(s)
Elephantiasis, Filarial , Wuchereria bancrofti , Elephantiasis, Filarial/epidemiology , Colombia/epidemiology , Wuchereria bancrofti/genetics , Humans , Animals , Phylogeny , Male , Adult , Female , Middle Aged
19.
Salud Colect ; 20: e4800, 2024 Jun 04.
Article in English, Spanish | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38901033

ABSTRACT

Dengue is a disease that constitutes a public health problem difficult to control due to the multidimensionality of associated factors and the particularities of the territories. This article analyzes the notion of family empowerment related to the prevention and control of dengue in Córdoba, Colombia. From July to October 2023, using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 family groups located in the municipalities of San Andrés de Sotavento, San Bernardo del Viento, Pueblo Nuevo, and Montería, selected for being indigenous, Afro-descendant, or rural and urban populations in vulnerable conditions. The results show that families, beyond their particular arrangements in terms of structure and dynamics, are aware of their role in the prevention and control of diseases, identifying the capacities required to face dengue. However, they reproduce narratives of conceptual and power dominance that assign a greater commitment on the part of educational and health agents to promote alternatives that contribute to reducing the risks of dengue. The challenges that must be faced for effective family empowerment are discussed, so that prevention practices gain greater strength.


El dengue es una enfermedad que constituye un problema de salud pública difícil de controlar por la multidimensionalidad de factores asociados y las particularidades de los territorios. En este artículo se analiza la noción de empoderamiento familiar relacionada con la prevención y control del dengue en Córdoba, Colombia. De julio a octubre de 2023, a partir de un enfoque cualitativo se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a 30 grupos familiares localizados en los municipios de San Andrés de Sotavento, San Bernardo del Viento, Pueblo Nuevo y Montería, seleccionados por ser territorios indígenas, afrodescendientes o con población rural y urbano en condiciones de vulnerabilidad. Los resultados muestran que las familias, más allá de sus arreglos particulares en términos de estructura y dinámica, son conscientes de su lugar en la prevención y control de enfermedades, identificando las capacidades requeridas para enfrentar el dengue. Sin embargo, reproducen narrativas de dominio conceptual y de poder que asignan un mayor compromiso por parte de los agentes educativos y de salud para el fomento de alternativas que contribuyan a disminuir los riesgos por dengue. Se discuten los desafíos que se deben enfrentar para un efectivo empoderamiento familiar, de modo que las prácticas de prevención cobren mayor vigor.


Subject(s)
Dengue , Empowerment , Qualitative Research , Colombia , Dengue/prevention & control , Humans , Family , Interviews as Topic , Female , Male , Narration
20.
Acta Trop ; 257: 107273, 2024 Jun 02.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: mdl-38834157

ABSTRACT

Phlebotomine sand flies are critical vectors of Leishmania parasites, impacting public health significantly. This study focused on assessing the diversity of sand flies in a rural area of El Carmen de Bolívar Municipality, northern Colombia, employing rarefaction curves and Hill numbers to understand potential vector communities and inform environmental management. From January 2018 to April 2019 (five samplings), sand flies were collected using CDC light traps with blue LED in domestic/peridomestic/sylvatic ecotopes, identifying species per Young and Duncan (1994) and Galati (2003). Hill numbers provided diversity estimates across samples, while Principal Component Analysis correlated with environmental factors with phlebotomine species presence and abundance. 8,784 phlebotomine individuals were collected; 56.4 % females and 43.6% males (ratio 3:2). These individuals belonged to eight species: Pintomyia evansi, Psychodopygus panamensis, Lutzomyia gomezi, Micropygomyia cayennensis, Evandromyia dubitans, Psathyromyia aclydifera, Pintomyia serrana, and Pintomyia rangeliana; with Pi. evansi being the most abundant species (74.39 %; 6,530 exemplars). The ANOVA showed no significant differences between phlebotomine sand flies abundances across ecotopes (p = 0.018). Species of epidemiological relevance as Pi. evansi and Lu. gomezi not show a positive correlation with environmental variables evaluated, only Ps. panamensis was positively correlated with precipitation. However, the study emphasizes the need for a continuous sand fly monitoring and research to enhance leishmaniasis control strategies, highlighting the necessity to expand knowledge on phlebotomine diversity and environmental interactions to understand vector ecology and disease dynamics better.

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