Is there any correlation between levels of serum ostepontin, CEA, and FDG uptake in lung cancer patients with bone metastasis? / ¿Existe correlación entre los niveles de osteopontina en suero sanguíneo, CEA y captación de 18F-FDG en pacientes con metástasis óseas por cáncer de pulmón?

Objective. In this study, an evaluation was made of the relationship between the serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), osteopontin (OPN), and the semi-quantitative parameters of 18-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in lung cancer patients with bone metastasis. Material and methods. The evaluation included 42 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 31 small cell lung cancer (SCLC) patients who were referred to our institution for staging by 18F-FDG PET/CT. The biochemical parameters measured included CEA and OPN serum levels. Results. Serum levels of OPN in NSCLC patients with and without bone metastasis were 21.20 ± 4.97 ng/ml and 13.33 ± 4.53 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.05). In SCLC patients with and without bone metastasis serum OPN levels were 23.95 ± 4.78 ng/ml and 17.30 ± 3.09 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.05). Serum levels of CEA in NSCLC patients with and without bone metastasis were 33.79 ± 6.49 ng/ml and 11.74 ± 2.96 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.05). In SCLC patients with and without bone metastasis serum levels of CEA were 28.93 ± 4.59 ng/ml and 13.88 ± 4.47 ng/ml, respectively (p < 0.05). There were no correlations between primary tumor SUVmax, and serum levels of CEA and OPN. Conclusions. Bone metastasis can be detected in patients with lung cancer by measuring CEA and OPN levels. Increased levels of CEA and OPN levels may be considered an early warning sign in patients needing accurate imaging, as they are at higher risk of bone metastasis (AU)

Objetivo. Evaluar la relación entre los niveles de antígeno carcinoembriionario (CEA), osteopontina (OPN) y los valores semicuantitativos (SUV) de la PET/TC con 18F-FDG en pacientes con metástasis óseas por cáncer de pulmón. Material y método. Se incluyeron 40 pacientes con cáncer de pulmón de células no pequeñas (NSCLC) y 31 pacientes con cáncer de pulmón de células pequeñas (SCLC) referidos a nuestro centro para la realización de un estudio PET/TC con 18F-FDG de estadificación. Se analizarón los niveles sanguíneos de OPN y CEA. Resultados. Los niveles de OPN en pacientes con NSCLC con y sin metástasis óseas fueron de 21.20 ± 4.97 ng/ml y 13.33 ± 4.53 ng/ml, respectivamente (p < 0.05). En pacientes con SCLC con y sin metástasis óseas fueron de 23.95 ± 4.78 ng/ml y 17.30 ± 3.09 ng/ml, respectivamente (p < 0.05). Los niveles sanguíneos de CEA en pacientes de NSCLC con y sin metástasis óseas fueron de 33.79 ± 6.49 ng/ml y 11.74 ± 2.96 ng/ml, respectivamente (p < 0.05). En pacientes con SCLC con y sin metástasis óseas fueron de 28.93 ± 4.59 ng/ml y 13.88 ± 4.47 ng/ml, respectivamente (p < 0.05). No hubo correlación entre el SUV máximo del tumor primario, los niveles OPN ni de CEA. Conclusiones. La metástasis ósea puede ser detectada en pacientes con cáncer de pulmón con la determinación de los niveles de OPN y CEA. Los niveles incrementados de CEA y OPN pueden ser considerados como una señal de advertencia temprana en pacientes que necesiten imágenes precisas, porque ellos están en mayor riesgo de metástasis en el hueso (AU)

Encefalitis víricas en la infancia. Réplica / Viral encephalitis in childhood. Reply

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Análisis de resultados del Programa Externo de Control de Calidad SEIMC. Año 2013 / Analysis of the results of the SEIMC External Quality Control Program. Year 2013

El Programa de Control de Calidad Externo de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica incluye las áreas de bacteriología trimestral y mensual, serología, micología, parasitología, micobacterias, virología, microbiología molecular y cargas virales del virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana-1, virus de la hepatitis C y virus de la hepatitis B. En este manuscrito se presenta el análisis de los resultados remitidos por los participantes en los controles enviados durante el año 2013, exceptuando los correspondientes a cargas virales, que se presentan en un manuscrito aparte. Los resultados obtenidos con- firman de nuevo la buena capacitación general de los laboratorios españoles de microbiología clínica, como ha venido sucediendo en los años anteriores. A pesar de ello, el programa muestra que es posible obtener un resultado erróneo, incluso en determinaciones de la mayor trascendencia y en cualquier laboratorio. Resaltamos la importancia de complementar el control interno que cada laboratorio lleva a cabo con estudios de intercomparación externos, como los que ofrece el Programa de la Sociedad Española de Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica

The External Quality Control Program of the Spanish Society of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology (SEIMC) include controls for bacteriology, serology, mycology, parasitology, mycobacteria, virology, molecular microbiology and HIV-1, HCV and HBV viral loads. This manuscript presents the analysis of results obtained of the participants from the 2013 SEIMC External Quality Control Programme, except viral loads controls, that they are summarized in a manuscript abroad. As a whole, the results obtained in 2013 confirm the excellent skill and good technical standards found in previous editions. However, erroneous results can be obtained in any laboratory and in clinically relevant determinations. Once again, the results of this program highlighted the need to implement both internal and external controls in order to assure the maximal quality of the microbiological tests

Enfermedad celíaca / Coeliac disease

La enfermedad celíaca es una alteración sistémica de carácter autoinmune desencadenada por el consumo de gluten y prolaminas relacionadas en individuos con predisposición genética (principalmente HLA), caracterizada por una combinación variable de: manifestaciones clínicas gluten-dependientes, anticuerpos específicos de enfermedad celíaca, haplotipo HLA-DQ2 y/o DQ8 y enteropatía. Los anticuerpos específicos comprenden autoanticuerpos anti-TG2, incluyendo antiendomisio y antipéptidos deamidados de gliadina. En la infancia y adolescencia, la biopsia intestinal podría omitirse en sujetos sintomáticos con títulos de anticuerpos anti-TG2-IgA > 10 veces el punto de corte, verificados por anticuerpos antiendomisio y HLA-DQ2 y/o DQ8 positivos, y solo en este supuesto se podría realizar el diagnóstico e iniciar la dieta sin gluten. En todos los demás casos, la primera biopsia intestinal, antes de retirar el gluten de la dieta, es obligatoria para evitar diagnósticos incorrectos (AU)

Coeliac disease is a systemic autoimmune disorder that is triggered by the ingestion of gluten and associated prolamins in individuals with genetic susceptibility (mainly HLA), characterised by a variable combination of specific antibodies: gluten-dependent clinical manifestations, specific coeliac disease antibodies, HLA-DQ2 and/or DQ8 haplotype and enteropathy. The specific antibodies consist of anti-TG2 antibodies, including endomysial and deamidated gliadin peptide antibodies. In childhood and adolescence, the intestinal biopsy could be omitted in symptomatic subjects with anti-TG2-IgA antibody titres > 10 times the cut-off point, verified by a positive antibodies endomysial and HLA-DQ2 and/or DQ8, and only in this case, the diagnosis could be made and treatment started with gluten-free diets. In all the rest of the cases, a first intestinal biopsy, before withdrawal of the gluten diet, is mandatory to prevent incorrect diagnoses (AU)

The case for measuring antibodies to specific citrullinated antigens.

Anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA) are the principal autoantibody system associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with diagnostic sensitivity of 70% and specificity of 95%. Current testing for ACPA uses the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide assay (anti-CCP) which measures a generalized reactivity with citrulline-containing peptides, thus giving no insight into reactivity to specific RA antigens. Of these, the best characterized are, α-enolase, fibrinogen/fibrin, vimentin, Type 2 collagen and filaggrin, antibodies to each of which are found in approximately 30-60% of RA cases. Given reports of cross-reactivity between citrullinated antigens, we discuss whether or not measuring these specific antibodies could aid: clinical diagnosis, identification of clinical subsets and drug responses, or provide insight into pathogenic mechanisms or etiology of RA.

An innovative method to identify autoantigens expressed on the endothelial cell surface: serological identification system for autoantigens using a retroviral vector and flow cytometry (SARF).

Autoantibodies against integral membrane proteins are usually pathogenic. Although anti-endothelial cell antibodies (AECAs) are considered to be critical, especially for vascular lesions in collagen diseases, most molecules identified as autoantigens for AECAs are localized within the cell and not expressed on the cell surface. For identification of autoantigens, proteomics and expression library analyses have been performed for many years with some success. To specifically target cell-surface molecules in identification of autoantigens, we constructed a serological identification system for autoantigens using a retroviral vector and flow cytometry (SARF). Here, we present an overview of recent research in AECAs and their target molecules and discuss the principle and the application of SARF. Using SARF, we successfully identified three different membrane proteins: fibronectin leucine-rich transmembrane protein 2 (FLRT2) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis, and Pk (Gb3/CD77) from an SLE patient with hemolytic anemia, as targets for AECAs. SARF is useful for specific identification of autoantigens expressed on the cell surface, and identification of such interactions of the cell-surface autoantigens and pathogenic autoantibodies may enable the development of more specific intervention strategies in autoimmune diseases.

Análisis comparativo de las serologías realizadas a los inmigrantes en la región sanitaria de Lleida / Comparative analysis of serological tests performed in immigrants in the lleida health area

Objetivo: Evaluar el proceso de cribado y detección de virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (VIH), virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) y de la hepatitis C (VHC) y sífilis en los inmigrantes de nuestra región sanitaria, determinando las proporciones de resultados positivos entre colectivos durante un año. Diseño: Estudio descriptivo multicéntrico donde se analizaron todas las serologías realizadas a inmigrantes y autóctonos atendidos durante todo el año 2007. Emplazamiento: Provincia de Lleida (España). Participantes: Se incluyeron 255.410 usuarios. Mediciones principales: Edad, sexo, país de origen y tiempo de permanencia en nuestro país y los resultados para VIH, hepatitis B, hepatitis C y sífilis. Se evaluó si había asociación entre las tasas de marcadores positivos y la zona geográfica de procedencia. Se calcularon las tasas ajustadas por grupos de edad estandarizadas según el método directo. Resultados: El colectivo de origen inmigrante presenta 4,6 veces más probabilidades de tener VHB que el colectivo autóctono (razón de porcentajes [RP]=4,6), siendo el colectivo sudafricano y de Europa del Este el que presenta una mayor probabilidad de VHB (RP=11,7 y 4,5). En la sífilis el porcentaje de positivos es 3 veces mayor en el colectivo inmigrante con las diferencias mayores detectadas en el colectivo latinoamericano (RP=5,5). En el VIH la RP en inmigrantes fue de 2,3 (específicamente en subsaharianos una RP=7,4). En la hepatitis C los inmigrantes obtienen un menor riesgo de ser positivos que los autóctonos (RP=0,4). Conclusiones: Se constatan diferencias importantes en la probabilidad de detectar un resultado positivo de hepatitis B, sífilis o VIH en el cribado cuando el usuario es de origen inmigrante(AU)

Objective: Evaluate the process of screening and detection of HIV, HBV, HCV and syphilis in the province of Lleida by determining the proportions of positive results in the different groups during one year. Design: Descriptive, multicentre study of all the serological tests performed in immigrants and natives attended in 2007.SettingProvince of Lleida (Spain). Participants: 255,410 users. Main measurements: Age, sex, country of origin and period of residence in Spain, and the results for HIV, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and syphilis. We calculated the proportions in which a serological test had been requested, and examined the association between the rates of positive tests and the geographical area of origin, and calculated age-adjusted rates taking the age distribution of the native population as the reference. Results: Risk of HBV was 4.6 times higher in immigrants than in natives (11.7 times in sub-Saharan Africans). The rate of positive syphilis tests was three times higher in the immigrant group. For HIV the PR was 2.3 (sub-Saharan Africans 7.4). For hepatitis C the risk was lower in immigrants than in natives (PR=0.4). Conclusions: Immigrants have a higher probability of testing positive in screening in hepatitis B, syphilis and HIV. The rates differ significantly according to the origin of the immigrant(AU)

Seroepidemiology of sheep brucellosis in the microregion of Feira de Santana, BA, Brazil / Soroepidemiologia de brucelose ovina na microrregião de Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brasil

The aim of the present study was to perform a seroepidemiological survey of Brucella ovis in ovine flocks in the microregion of Feira de Santana, State of Bahia (BA), Brazil. Ten municipalities with the largest sheep flocks were selected for this survey: Antonio Cardoso, Feira de Santana, Ipecaetá, Ipirá, Itatim, Pintadas, Rafael Jambeiro, Santa Teresinha, Santo Estévão and Serra Preta. The sample size was established on the basis of three parameters: significance level (99%), sampling error (5%), and estimated prevalence (50%). The total sample was divided proportionally to the sheep population found in the respective municipalities. The flocks examined in each municipality were randomly selected. The animals were older than six months and were distributed among 49 properties in the municipalities. Samples of blood from 793 male and female sheep were analyzed. During visitations, an epidemiological questionnaire was applied for collection of information and analysis of possible risk factors. All sera samples were analyzed by agar gel immunodiffusion (AGID) and the antigen was a mixture of soluble proteins and lipopolysaccharides from B. ovis (strain Reo 198). Seropositive animals (6.94%, 55/793) to B. ovis were detected. However, significant statistical difference (p>0.05) was not found for age and sex. Risk factors that might be associated with cases of seropositive animals for the variables analyzed were not found. In 61.22% (30/49) of the examined farms at least one seropositive animal was detected. Only two of the ten municipalities above had no seropositive animal.

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi a realização de um inquérito soroepidemiológico de Brucella ovis em rebanhos de ovinos da Microrregião de Feira de Santana, Estado da Bahia, Brasil. Foram selecionados os dez municípios de maior efetivo ovino: Antônio Cardoso, Feira de Santana, Ipecaetá, Ipirá, Itatim, Pintadas, Rafael Jambeiro, Santa Teresinha, Santo Estévão e Serra Preta,. O tamanho da amostra foi calculado com base nos parâmetros: nível de significância, 99%; erro amostral, 5%, prevalência estimada, 50%. A amostra total foi fracionada segundo a população de ovinos do respectivo município. Foram examinados 793 animais, machos e fêmeas, com idade superior a seis meses, distribuídos em 49 propriedades dos municípios visitados. Por ocasião das visitas, foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico destinado à análise de possíveis fatores de risco. Todos os soros foram submetidos ao teste da imunodifusão em gel de ágar (IDGA) com o antígeno constituído por proteínas e lipopolissacarídeos solúveis de B. ovis amostra Reo198. Foram obtidos 6,94% (55/793) de animais positivos e não houve diferença significativa (p>0,05) para idade e sexo. Para as variáveis analisadas, não foram encontrados fatores de risco que pudessem estar associados aos casos de animais reatores positivos. Dentre as propriedades trabalhadas, 61,22% (30/49) apresentaram pelo menos um animal reagente e dos dez municípios visitados, apenas dois não apresentaram animais positivos.

Performance of DPP™ immunochromathographic rapid test (IRT) for canine visceral leishmaniasis:comparison with other serological methods in suspected dogs from Cuiabá, Mato Grosso State, Brazil / Desempenho do teste rápido imunocromatográfico (TRI) para o diagnóstico da leishmaniose visceral canina: comparação com outros métodos sorológicos em cães suspeitos de Cuiabá, Mato Grosso, Brasil

The immunochromathographic rapid test (IRT) for canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) was tested in suspected dogs from the urban area of Cuiabá. The performance of IRT was compared with IFT and EIE and the direct parasitological test (DPT) as the gold standard. The sample, comprising 45 dogs, was selected by the Zoonosis Control Center. Twenty (51%) were male and thirty-four (75.5%) were both mongrel and had an estimated age of less than three years old. According to clinical data and lab tests: 10 (26.3%) dogs have been classified as exposed or infected and 18 (47.4%) as sick. IRT has achieved the best result for sensibility, 62%, high specificity, 87% and for positive and negative predictive values: 83.3% and negative 81.48%, respectively, reinforced by a k coefficient equal to 0.50, representing substantial agreement.

O teste rápido imunocromatográfico (TRI) para leishmaniose visceral canina (LVC) foi testado em cães suspeitos da área urbana de Cuiabá. O desempenho do teste foi comparado com RIFI e ELISA e, como padrão ouro, o teste parasi- tológico direto (TPD). A amostra com 45 cães foi selecionada pelo Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, sendo 23 (51,1%) machos, 34 (75,5%) sem raça definida e com idade estimada inferior a três anos. De acordo com os dados clínicos e os exames laboratoriais, 10 (26,3%) cães foram classificados como expostos, outros 10 (26,3%) como infectados e 18 (47,4%) como doentes. O TRI alcançou os melhores resultados quanto à sensibilidade, 62%, elevada especificidade, 87% e para os valores preditivos positivo e negativo: 83,30% e 81,48%, respectivamente, consolidado pelo coeficiente Kappa igual a 0,50, de concordância moderada. Os resultados confirmaram TRI como um bom preditor de doença e infecção para LVC.

Experiencia en el diagnóstico de hepatitis E en una unidad de enfermedades infecciosas tropicales / Experience in the diagnosis of hepatitis e in a tropical infectious diseases unit

El virus de la hepatitis E (VHE) es endémico en algunos países en vías de desarrollo. Produce cuadros de hepatitis aguda con casos esporádicos o epidemias. La principal vía de transmisión es fecal-oral sobre todo por aguas contaminadas. En países desarrollados cada vez se describen más casos debido fundamentalmente a los movimientos poblacionales (viajeros, inmigrantes, adopciones internacionales) aunque también han aumentado los casos autóctonos. Actualmente disponemos de técnicas serológicas y moleculares para el diagnóstico de la infección. Describimos la experiencia diagnóstica de la infección por VHE en una Unidad de Patología Infecciosa y Tropical Pediátrica de Madrid(AU)

The hepatitis E virus (HEV) is endemic in some developing countries. It produces acute hepatitis in sporadic cases or epidemics. The main transmission route is faecal-oral by contaminated waters. In developed countries the cases described are more and more frequent, mainly due to population movement (travellers, immigrants, international adoptions), although there have also been increases in the local population. We currently have serological and molecular techniques for the diagnosis of this infection. We describe the experience in the diagnosis of the infection by HEV in a Paediatric Tropical Infectious Diseases Unit in Madrid(AU)

Avaliação da nested PCR em comparação aos testes sorológicos IDGA e ELISA para o diagnóstico da anemia infecciosa equina / Evaluation of nested PCR compared with AGID and ELISA serological tests for equine infectious anemia diagnosis

Comparou-se a técnica nested PCR (nPCR) com os testes sorológicos IDGA e ELISA para o diagnóstico da anemia infecciosa equina. Amostras do DNA provenientes das células mononucleares do sangue periférico foram submetidas à amplificação do gene gag pela nPCR, que apresentou valores de sensibilidade e especificidade relativas de 90 por cento e 52,9 por cento, respectivamente, em relação à IDGA, e valores de 85,7 por cento e 49 por cento, respectivamente, em relação ao ELISA. Considerando-se os fatores referentes às limitações de cada técnica, pode ser sugerido o uso da nPCR como teste de diagnóstico complementar para AIE em amostras brasileiras.

The nested polymerase chain reaction (nPCR) technique was compared to AGID and ELISA serological tests for the diagnosis of Equine Infectious Anemia. DNA samples from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells were subjected to the amplification of the gag gene by nPCR, which showed relative sensibility and specificity values of 90.0 percent and 52.9 percent respectively, compared to the AGID and values of 85.7 percent and 49.0 percent, respectively, as compared to ELISA. Considering the factors concerning the limitations of each technique, the use of nPCR can be suggested as a complementary diagnostic test for EIA in Brazilian samples.

Perfil sorológico, viremia e eliminação do circovírus suíno tipo 2 em animais naturalmente infectados pertencentes a granjas com ou sem a síndrome da refugagem multissistêmica / Serological profile, viremia and PCV2 shedding in naturally infected pigs of herds with or without postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome

Um estudo virológico e sorológico seccional (E1) e outro longitudinal (E2) foram realizados em granjas com (G2 e G3) e sem (G1) a síndrome de refugagem multissitêmica (SRM) no Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue, soro, swabs nasal e retal de animais de cada categoria do ciclo produtivo: porcas, leitões maternidade, creche, recria e terminação. Em E1, nas granjas G1a e G2, foram amostrados 40 animais de cada categoria. Em E2, nas granjas G1b e G3, 35 leitões na maternidade foram identificados e amostrados ao longo do ciclo produtivo. O soro foi avaliado para presença de anticorpos contra circovírus suíno tipo 2 (CVS2) e sangue e swabs para presença do ácido nucléico viral. Em E1, a categoria porcas possuía altas taxas de animais virêmicos e soropositivos, com porcentagem de porcas com títulos altos superior a G2. Em G1a a queda de imunidade passiva ocorreu entre o final da fase de creche e início da recria com aumento da eliminação viral em swabs e subsequente soroconversão. Em G2 a queda ocorreu entre a fase final da maternidade e início da creche, com diminuição da eliminação viral. Em E2, a queda da imunidade materna ocorreu entre a 1ª e 2ª coleta em G1b; e em G3, entre a 2ª e 3ª coleta. Em ambas as granjas, a queda de imunidade passiva coincidiu com o aumento da viremia e eliminação viral e a soroconversão ocorreu entre a 3ª e 4a coleta em ambas as granjas com aumento da média de título de anticorpos e declínio da viremia. Viremia e eliminação viral foram detectadas em todas as coletas realizadas; 42% dos animais amostrados em E2 foram virêmicos em todas as coletas e todas as amostras de tecido coletadas no abate foram positivas para o CVS2. Este estudo confirma a persistência da viremia mesmo em presença de altos títulos de anticorpos e que o perfil sorológico em um rebanho com e sem a presença da síndrome pode ser diferente, principalmente em relação à duração da imunidade passiva.

A virological and serological cross-sectional study (E1) and a longitudinal study (E2) were performed on herds with (G2 and G3) and without (G1) post weaning multisystemic syndrome (PMWS) in Brazil. Blood, serum, nasal and rectal swabs samples were collected of sows, farrowing piglets, nursery, growing and finishing pigs. In E1, were sampled 40 animals in each category (G1a and G2). In E2, (G1b and G3), 35 farrowing piglets were identified and sampled along the production cycle. Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) antibodies were assayed. A PCR was used to detected PCV2 genome in blood and swabs. In E1, sows had high rates of viremic and seropositives animals, with percentage of sows with high antibodies titers greater than G2. Passive antibodies decline occurred between nursery and growing area with increased viral shedding in swabs and subsequent seroconversion in G1. In G2, the passive antibodies decay occurred in nursery, with a reduction in viral shedding. In E2, the decline of maternal immunity occurred between the 1st and 2nd collection in G1b, and between 2nd and 3rd collections in G3. In both herds, the decay of passive immunity coincided with increased viremia and viral shedding; and seroconversion occurred between the 3rd and 4th collection in both herds with decline of viremia. Viremia and viral shedding was detected in all samples days, 42% of animals sampled in E2 were viremic and all tissue samples collected at slaughterwere positive for PCV2. This study confirms the persistence of viremia even in the presence of high titers of antibodies and the serological profile in a herd with or without PMWS may be different, especially with regard to the passive immunity duration.

Advances in the diagnosis of tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis ranges among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. A diagnostic approach to a patient with possible tuberculosis includes a detailed medical history and clinical examination as well as radiological, microbiological, immunological, molecular-biological and histological investigations, where available. Recently, important advances have been achieved in these fields that have led to substantial improvements in the accuracy and the timing of the diagnosis of tuberculosis. Novel methods allow for a better identification of latently infected individuals who are at risk of developing active tuberculosis, they also offer the possibility for a rapid diagnosis of active tuberculosis in patients with negative sputum smears for acid-fast bacilli and enable prompt identification of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis directly from respiratory specimen with a high accuracy. In addition, promising methods that will further optimize the diagnosis of tuberculosis are under development. In the future, therapeutic interventions based on the results of novel diagnostic procedures can be made earlier leading to improvements in patient care.

Infección por el Virus de Inmunodeficiencia Humana y conductas de riesgo asociadas en un Centro Penitenciario de Montevideo, Uruguay / HIV infection and associated risk behaviours in a prison in Montevideo, Uruguay

Introducción: El objetivo del trabajo consiste en conocer la prevalencia de la infección por VIH y las conductas de riesgoasociadas en reclusos alojados en el Complejo Penitenciario de Montevideo en el año 2005.Material y Método: Se analiza de prevalencia de la infección VIH y las distintas prácticas de riesgo en una muestra de 291individuos abordada mediante un estudio serológico y entrevista personal a partir de un cuestionario estructurado.Resultados: Se halló una prevalencia de 6.5% para la infección VIH en prisión. Las variables que demostraron ser factoresde riesgo para la infección VIH en la prisión fueron: poseer antecedentes de haber estado en prisión (p=0,009; OR= 9,51;IC95%: 1,31-144,0), el haber tenido una pareja sexual VIH (+) en el pasado (p=0,000025; OR=7,87; IC95%: 2,58-23,9), el teneractualmente una pareja VIH (+) (p=0,0013; OR=14,24; IC95%:2,84-70,65), haberse inyectado drogas I/V (p=0,0001; OR=22,6;IC95%: 6,87-78,9), el haberse inyectado drogas I/V en la prisión (p=0,03; OR=4,93; IC95%: 1,10-22,81) y la práctica de compartirel material de inyección (p=0,004; OR=12,5; IC95%: 1,72-114,7)(AU)

Introduction: The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of HIV infection and associated risk behaviours amongstinmates at the Montevideo Prison in 2005.Materials and Methods: The prevalence of HIV infection and different risk practices were analysed in a sample of 191individuals by means of a serological study and personal interview based on a structured questionnaire.Results: A prevalence of 6.5% was found for HIV infection in prison. The variables that proved to be risk factors were: previousprison sentences (p=0.009; OR= 9.51; IC95%: 1.31-144,0), having had an HIV (+) sexual partner in the past (p=0.000025;OR=7.87; IC95%: 2.58-23.9), current relationship with an HIV (+) partner (p=0.0013; OR=14.24; IC95%: 2.84-70.65), intravenousdrug use (p=0.0001; OR=22.6; IC95%: 6.87-78.9), intravenous drug use in prison (p=0.03; OR=4.93; IC95%: 1.10-22.81)and sharing needles (p=0.004; OR=12.5; IC95%: 1.72-114.7)(AU)

Sophrologie et sommeil

La sophorologie, créée en 1960 par Alphonso Caycedo, est une méthode thérapeutique à l´épistémologie un peu particulière. Aussi, lorsque notre président m´a confié la tâche de parler d´elle dans ce numéro des Cahiers de Biothérapie consacré aux troubles du sommeil, je me suis tout de suite aperçu que la difficulté principale résiderait dans la coexistence de deux épistémologies, de deux méthodes de réflexion que sont l´homéopathie (colonne vertébrale de notre revue) et la sophrologie. Ces deux méthodes thérapeutiques ne font pas que différer. Elles possèdent sans calembour hasardeux plusieurs similitudes.(AU)