[Diagnostic workup in front of an hypereosinophilia in 2020]. / Démarche diagnostique devant une hyperéosinophilie en 2020.

The discovery of eosinophilia above 1.5 G/L should not be considered innocuous, requiring monitoring for etiology and possible secondary organ damage. Among these, cardiac localization is the most worrying, sometimes indolent, to be systematically sought by ultrasound and magnetic resonance. The potential etiologies are very numerous, mostly reactive and corticosensitive, much more rarely clonal in relation to a malignant hemopathy usually chronic and myeloid, sometimes sensitive to tyrosine kinase inhibitors.

Breve histórico da sífilis e evolução do diagnóstico laboratorial no período de 2005 a 2016 / Brief history of syphilis and evolutive diagnosis laboratory in the period 2005-2016

Essa revisão explorou dois aspectos: a evolução do diagnóstico laboratorial, quantitativamente, com análise de 12.328 dados da produção laboratorial (de 2005 a 2016) e o histórico epidemiológico, com abordagem qualitativa (descritiva). Com o objetivo de traçar um panorama e apresentar as ações laboratoriais, avaliou-se o impacto no diagnóstico com a implantação do teste treponêmico TPHA (2007) e atendimento aos fluxogramas I-A (2011) e I-B (2014), da Portaria nº 3.242/GM/MS/2011(revogada em 2016). Para traçar a trajetória epidêmica do sífilismo no contexto social, do Brasil colonial à atualidade, buscou-se a literatura científica nas bases de dados PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, PAHO, BVS, Google Acadêmico, elegendo os descritores isolados/agrupados: sífilis/congênita, sorodiagnóstico da sífilis, saúde pública. Das 200 publicações avaliadas por leitura exploratória, seletiva, analítica e interpretativa, 63 foram selecionadas para descrever a sífilis nos aspectos já mencionados. A ausência de dados laboratoriais e epidemiológicos dificulta o conhecimento das transformações do processo de manifestação da sífilis e adoção de medidas corretivas/preventivas para seu combate. Esse estudo detectou, com originalidade, pontos vulneráveis na execução do ensaio; necessidade de estratégias para melhoria da qualidade do diagnóstico laboratorial e, do ponto de vista epidemiológico, a inserção de políticas públicas específicas para atenção ao grupo de pessoas em idade fértil.

This review explored two aspects: quantitative evolution of the laboratory diagnosis with analysis of 12,328 laboratory data (2005/2016) and, epidemiological history with a qualitative (descriptive) approach. With aim of to draw a panorama and to present the laboratory actions was evaluated the impact from treponemic test (TPHA, 2007) in the diagnosis and attendance to flowcharts IA (2011)/IB (2014), of Ordinance Nº 3,242 /GM/MS/ 2011 (repealed in 2016). For drawing the syphilis epidemic trajectory in the social context, since Brazil colony to the currently scientific literature was searched in the databases PubMed, Scielo, Lilacs, PAHO, BVS, Google Scholar, choosing the isolated / grouped descriptors: syphilis / congenital, serodiagnosis, public health. From 200 publications selected 63 evaluated by exploratory, selective, analytical, interpretive reading, to describe syphilis in all aspects mentioned above. The lack of epidemiological and laboratorial data makes it difficult to know the changes in the syphilis manifestation process, and to adopt corrective/preventive measures to combat it. This original study detected vulnerability in the assay execution, need for strategies formulation to improve the laboratory diagnosis quality and, from an epidemiological point of view insertion of specific public policies for attention to childbearing age people group.

Out with the old, in with the new: Virtual versus physical crossmatching in the modern era.

The virtual crossmatch (VXM) is gaining acceptance as an alternative approach to assess donor:recipient compatibility prior to transplantation. In contrast to a physical crossmatch, the virtual crossmatch does not require viable donor cells but rather relies on complete HLA typing of the donor and current antibody assessment of the recipient. Thus, the VXM can be performed in minutes which allows for faster transplant decisions thereby increasing the likelihood that organs can be shipped across significant distances yet safely transplanted. Here, we present a brief review of the past 50 years of histocompatibility testing; from the original complement-dependent cytotoxicity crossmatch in 1969 to the new era of molecular HLA typing, solid-phase antibody testing and virtual crossmatching. These advancements have shaped a paradigm shift in our approach to transplantation. That is, foregoing a prospective physical crossmatch in favor of a VXM. In this review, we undertake an in-depth analysis of the pros- and cons- of physical and virtual crossmatching.Finally, we provide objective data on the selected use of the VXM which demonstrate the value of a VXM in lieu of the traditional physical crossmatch for safe and efficient organ transplantation.

Viral Detection: Past, Present, and Future.

Viruses are essentially composed of a nucleic acid (segmented or not, DNA, or RNA) and a protein coat. Despite their simplicity, these small pathogens are responsible for significant economic and humanitarian losses that have had dramatic consequences in the course of human history. Since their discovery, scientists have developed different strategies to efficiently detect viruses, using all possible viral features. Viruses shape, proteins, and nucleic acid are used in viral detection. In this review, the development of these techniques, especially for plant and mammalian viruses, their strengths and weaknesses as well as the latest cutting-edge technologies that may be playing important roles in the years to come are described.

Aportes del Laboratorio de Micología del Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí al desarrollo de la especialidad en Cuba / Contributions of the Mycology Laboratory at Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute to the development of the specialty in Cuba

En el marco del 80 aniversario del Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí, se exponen en apretada síntesis, las actividades más relevantes en el campo del diagnóstico, la investigación y la docencia desarrolladas hasta el momento por el Laboratorio de Micología de la referida institución. A 38 años de su creación, este sigue siendo uno de los pocos lugares en Cuba que se desempeña en este campo y que se reconoce por los logros científico-técnicos alcanzados. Sin lugar a duda, estos responden básicamente al cuadro de salud nacional, sin descuidar el entorno regional y mundial. Todos los resultados que se exponen, se encuentran sustentados por más de 100 publicaciones y otras obras científicas, lo que avala la calidad y rigor del trabajo desplegado. Sirva este artículo para homenajear al fundador del Instituto de Medicina Tropical Pedro Kourí y a todos los científicos que en el transcurso de estos años contribuyeron a engrandecer su nombre(AU)

In the framework of the 80th anniversary of Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute, a succinct presentation is provided of the most relevant activities in the fields of diagnosis, research and teaching so far performed by the Mycology Laboratory at the Institute. Thirty-eight years after its founding, the Laboratory continues to be one of the few places in Cuba devoted to this field and recognized for its scientific and technical achievements, which no doubt essentially respond to the national health status, without neglecting the regional and global environment. All the results presented are endorsed by over 100 publications and scientific works, which is evidence of the quality and rigor of the work done. May this paper be a tribute to the founder of Pedro Kouri Tropical Medicine Institute and all the scientists who have brought prestige to its name throughout these years(AU)

Diagnosis of some genital-tract infections: part 1. An historical perspective.

Making a prompt and accurate diagnosis of genital tract infections is the key to instituting appropriate treatment and the linchpin of sexually transmitted infection control. We present a brief history, not covering syphilis, of diagnostic events for each of six bacteria and one protozoan from the time of discovery up to the molecular revolution. The latter is touched upon but its impact will form the substance of a further presentation. Here, hindsight is helpful in understanding the way in which progress was made over 135 years, often when microbiology, not even seen as a distinct discipline, had a difficult time in providing what was required in terms of dependable diagnostic techniques. Gram-staining, growth on artificial media, growth in cultured cells, enzyme immunoassays, metabolic and immunofluorescence tests have all had their place and some still do despite the avalanche of the molecular era. Serology to determine the existence of organism-specific antibodies has been important in managing syphilis, but has only sometimes been helpful in supporting a diagnosis for other infections and has rarely been the primary deciding factor.

History of the preanalytical phase: a personal view.

In the 70ies of the last century, ther term "preanalytical phase" was introduced in the literature. This term describes all actions and aspects of the "brain to brain circle" of the medical laboratory diagnostic procedure happening before the analytical phase. The author describes his personal experiences in the early seventies and the following history of increasing awareness of this phase as the main cause of "laboratory errors". This includes the definitions of influence and interference factors as well as the first publications in book, internet, CD-Rom and recent App form over the past 40 years. In addition, a short summary of previous developments as prerequesits of laboratory diagnostic actions is described from the middle age matula for urine collection to the blood collection tubes, anticoagulants and centrifuges. The short review gives a personal view on the possible causes of missing awareness of preanalytical causes of error and future aspects of new techniques in regulation of requests to introduction of quality assurance programs for preanalytical factors.

El hemograma: nueva clasificación y perspectivas / Hemogram: new classification and perspectives

A través del tiempo, el surgimiento y desarrollo de nuevos métodos analíticos se han visto unidos a la introducción de nuevas tecnologías y a su incorporación al trabajo diagnóstico e investigativo del laboratorio clínico. En los últimos años, los indicadores de exactitud y precisión de los procedimientos en el laboratorio de hematología se han elevado extraordinariamente gracias a la llegada de los sistemas automatizados de conteo y caracterización de células sanguíneas.Desde principios de la segunda mitad del pasado siglo, la continúa fabricación de diversos modelos de contadores hematológicos por parte de las compañías proveedoras y firmas comerciales, ha nutrido el mercado internacional de distintas series de estos equipos. La combinación de principios de detección tales como la impedancia eléctrica, la radiofrecuencia, las medidas de dispersión y absorción de la luz halógena o láser en diversos ángulos y la citometría de flujo, como bases del conteo y caracterización de las poblaciones celulares hemáticas, ha hecho posible el surgimiento de autoanalizadores hematológicos de mayor costo y complejidad.Como fruto de los avances de esta tecnología y su aplicación al laboratorio de hematología, el hemograma o biometría hemática, como indicación de primera línea en la evaluación clínica de los desórdenes y respuestas del sistema hematopoyético, es hoy día una de las pruebas más accesibles y solicitadas al laboratorio clínico.1,2Esta técnica ha sido objeto de infinidad de variaciones en aspectos tales como la forma automatizada o manual de su realización, el número de parámetros que la componen, la manera de interpretarlos y la elevación de los indicadores de exactitud y precisión de sus..(AU)

El hemograma: nueva clasificación y perspectivas / Hemogram: new classification and perspectives

A través del tiempo, el surgimiento y desarrollo de nuevos métodos analíticos se han visto unidos a la introducción de nuevas tecnologías y a su incorporación al trabajo diagnóstico e investigativo del laboratorio clínico. En los últimos años, los indicadores de exactitud y precisión de los procedimientos en el laboratorio de hematología se han elevado extraordinariamente gracias a la llegada de los sistemas automatizados de conteo y caracterización de células sanguíneas.Desde principios de la segunda mitad del pasado siglo, la continúa fabricación de diversos modelos de contadores hematológicos por parte de las compañías proveedoras y firmas comerciales, ha nutrido el mercado internacional de distintas series de estos equipos. La combinación de principios de detección tales como la impedancia eléctrica, la radiofrecuencia, las medidas de dispersión y absorción de la luz halógena o láser en diversos ángulos y la citometría de flujo, como bases del conteo y caracterización de las poblaciones celulares hemáticas, ha hecho posible el surgimiento de autoanalizadores hematológicos de mayor costo y complejidad.Como fruto de los avances de esta tecnología y su aplicación al laboratorio de hematología, el hemograma o biometría hemática, como indicación de primera línea en la evaluación clínica de los desórdenes y respuestas del sistema hematopoyético, es hoy día una de las pruebas más accesibles y solicitadas al laboratorio clínico.1,2Esta técnica ha sido objeto de infinidad de variaciones en aspectos tales como la forma automatizada o manual de su realización, el número de parámetros que la componen, la manera de interpretarlos y la elevación de los indicadores de exactitud y precisión de sus..