Infection by Paramphistomidae trematodes in cattle from two agricultural regions in NW Uruguay and NW Spain.

The analysis of infection by Paramphistomidae trematodes was conducted in two agricultural regions with different knowledge on this parasitosis. Faecal and blood samples were collected from 374 cattle in Salto (NW Uruguay) where there is a lack of information about paramphistomosis. A total of 429 cattle from Galicia (NW Spain), an area with previous records of infection by gastric flukes, were sampled. Diagnostics of trematodosis was developed by using a copromicroscopic probe and an ELISA with excretory/secretory antigens collected from adult Calicophoron daubneyi (Paramphistomidae) specimens. Results were evaluated according intrinsic and extrinsic factors. In the Uruguay, the percentage of cattle passing Paramphistomidae-eggs by faeces was 7% (95% Confidence Interval 5, 10). A significantly higher prevalence of paramphistomosis in the Hereford × Angus cattle (OR=3.5) was recorded, as observed for the oldest ruminants (>3.5 years). An overall seroprevalence of 29% (25, 34) was obtained by ELISA, with the highest values in the Friesians (OR=3), the youngest bovines (<2.5 years) and dairy cattle (Friesians). Twenty-six percent (22, 30) of the cattle from Spain passed eggs by faeces, and cattle aged 2.5-7 years reached significant highest prevalences. By means of the ELISA, a percentage of 55 cattle (50, 59) had antibodies against the gastric fluke, and the highest seroprevalence was observed among the bovines under 6 years. It is concluded that paramphistomosis is on the increase in cattle from NW Spain, partly due to the absence of an effective treatment against the trematode. There is a need for reducing the risk of infection by Paramhistomidae spp. in cattle from Uruguay, especially by improving their management to avoid exposure to the gastric trematode. Further studies are in progress for identifying the species of Paramphistomidae affecting ruminants in Uruguay.

Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of tuberculosis educational activities for prisoners in Honduras.

SETTING: Prisons throughout Honduras. OBJECTIVE: To assess the strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities to improve non-standardized tuberculosis (TB) educational campaign materials utilized in prisons. DESIGN: A qualitative assessment was conducted. Prison staff completed a survey describing development and implementation of educational activities at each prison (n=25). Completed surveys with photographs or copies of educational materials were collected and cataloged. The content, literacy demand, illustrations, learning stimulation, and cultural appropriateness of cataloged items were assessed using an adapted version of the Suitability Assessment of Materials Instrument. Results from this assessment were examined in conjunction with information collected through focus groups conducted with prisoners and interviews with prison staff. RESULTS: Campaign strengths included the development and dissemination of print materials appropriate for individuals with low literacy levels. By actively engaging prisoners in the campaigns, materials often incorporated the language, values, and experiences encountered within prison culture. Content of print materials and presentations focused on correcting misperceptions and facilitating acceptance of TB control activities. Campaign weaknesses included the creation of illustrations that could perpetuate the stigma associated with TB and use of some materials in which the purpose was not apparent. CONCLUSIONS: The campaigns were generally suitable, and the evaluation allowed for their improvement.