Emergence of ciprofloxacin-resistant Neisseria meningitidis B from asymptomatic carriers during an outbreak in Peru, 2017.

Asymptomatic carriers are a likely source of transmission of Neisseria meningitidis to close contacts who are placed at a higher risk for invasive meningococcal disease (IMD). Although N. meningitidis ciprofloxacin-resistance is rare, there have been an increase in the reports of resistant isolates mainly in patients diagnosed with IMD, and little is known about the N. meningitidis ciprofloxacin-resistance in the carrier populations. We performed a pharyngeal carriage study during a 2017 military setting outbreak in Peru, caused by a ciprofloxacin-resistant N. meningitidis B. The isolates analysed came from two hospitalized cases and six asymptomatic carriers. Whole-genome sequence-based analysis was performed and showed that strains carrying the Thr91Ile mutation, in the gene encoding for subunit A of DNA gyrase (gyrA), were responsible for the fluoroquinolone resistance (MICs ≥0.256 µg ml-1) and were closely related to highly virulent strains from France, Norway and the UK. Phylogenetic analysis of the gyrA gene revealed that likely these Peruvian isolates acquired resistance through horizontal gene transfer from Neisseria lactamica. Our study provides evidence for the emergence and propagation of ciprofloxacin-resistant N. meningitidis B from asymptomatic carriers, and recommends the introduction of serogroup B vaccines for high-risk populations.

Percepciones comunitarias relativas a la prevención del dengue en asentamientos humanos afectados. Lima-Perú, 2015 / Community perceptions about dengue prevention in human settlements. Lima-Perú, 2015 / Percepções comunitárias na prevenção da dengue nos assentamentos humanos. Lima-Peru, 2015

Con el objetivo de describir las percepciones comunitarias para la prevención del dengue en las localidades afectadas de Lima, realizamos un estudio cualitativo a través de entrevistas desde el modelo de creencias en salud. Los entrevistados mencionaron diversos factores de saneamiento, conductas e información que incrementan su exposición al dengue, expresando que los afectaría en aspectos laborales, familiares y económicos, asumiendo parte de la responsabilidad en la prevención y recalcando la labor de los promotores de salud, medios de comunicación y líderes comunitarios. Entre las medidas preventivas mencionadas, se incluyeron medidas sin evidencia de efectividad. Las principales barreras expresadas fueron las siguientes, caraterizadas como insuficientes: cantidad de profesionales de salud, participación comunitaria, organización en las actividades preventivas y discontinuidad luego de los brotes. La discusión y reflexión sobre estos contextos promueve una oportunidad en el abordaje de la labor preventiva hacia el dengue.

This is a qualitative study, aimed at describing community perceptions on dengue prevention in affected areas of Lima. A series of interviews were conducted in six of those areas using the health belief model approach. Respondents noted several factors about sanitation, behaviors and information that could increase their exposure to dengue. They expressed that this illness would affect their lives in different ways, in aspects related to work, family and economy. They recognized their share of responsibility on prevention, but also talked about the importance of health promoters work, media and community leaders. Among the preventive measures they mentioned, there were a few with no evidence of effectiveness. The main identified problems were lack of health professionals, community participation and preventive activities. They also noted that most activities were discontinued after outbreaks. The findings provide an opportunity to discuss and reflect on the preventive work done to face dengue.

Com o objetivo de descrever as percepções comunitárias a respeito da prevenção da dengue, realizou-se um estudo qualitativo nas áreas afetadas de Lima. Foram utilizadas entrevistas sob o modelo de crenças em saúde. Os entrevistados mencionaram diversos fatores de saneamento e condutas que aumentariam sua exposição à doença. Também enumeraram aspectos laborais, familiares e econômicos que seriam afetados pelo adoecimento. Os entrevistados assumiram parte da responsabilidade na prevenção, mas destacaram a importância do trabalho dos promotores de saúde, líderes comunitários e meios de comunicação. Dentre as medidas preventivas enumeradas, foram citadas algumas que não tinham evidência de efetividade. Os principais obstáculos citados foram: quantidade insuficiente de profissionais de saúde, baixa participação comunitária, desorganização das atividades preventivas e descontinuidade das ações após a resolução dos surtos. A discussão dos resultados encontrados promove a oportunidade de refletir sobre o trabalho preventivo realizado para o combate à dengue.

[Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (Rio Mamore virus) in the Peruvian Amazon region]. / Síndrome pulmonar por Hantavirus (Virus Río Mamoré) en la Amazonía Peruana.

Hantavirus infection is a viral zoonotic infection borne by rodents which most letal form clinical is the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (SPH, Spanish abbreviation). The Mamore River variant originates in South America and was found in rodents without any association to human diseases. Two cases of SPH were identified in the Peruvian Amazon region in November 2011. In both cases, a molecular diagnostic testing was conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Salud from Peru. A phylogenetic analysis of a viral genome fragment and a histopathological evaluation were conducted. Both patients developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and refractory shock. A patient died and another one recovered 12 days later.

Síndrome pulmonar por Hantavirus (Virus Río Mamoré) en la Amazonía Peruana / Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (rio mamore virus) in the peruvian amazon region

La hantavirosis es una infección viral zoonótica transmitida por roedores cuya forma clínica más letal es el síndrome pulmonar por Hantavirus (SPH). La variante río Mamoré es autóctona de Sudamérica y fue descrita en roedores sin asociarla a enfermedad en humanos. Se presenta dos casos de SPH causados por Hantavirus río Mamoré en la Amazonía peruana en noviembre de 2011. En ambos casos, el diagnóstico confirmatorio fue molecular, efectuados en el Instituto Nacional de Salud de Perú. Se realizó análisis filogenético del fragmento de genoma viral y la evaluación histopatológica. Ambos pacientes evolucionaron a síndrome de distrés respiratorio del adulto y estado de choque refractario. Un paciente falleció y el otro se recuperó a los doce días(AU)

Síndrome pulmonar por Hantavirus (Virus Río Mamoré) en la Amazonía Peruana / Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (Rio Mamore Virus) in the Peruvian Amazon region

La hantavirosis es una infección viral zoonótica transmitida por roedores cuya forma clínica más letal es el síndrome pulmonar por Hantavirus (SPH). La variante río Mamoré es autóctona de Sudamérica y fue descrita en roedores sin asociarla a enfermedad en humanos. Se presenta dos casos de SPH causados por hantavirus río Mamoré en la Amazonía peruana en noviembre de 2011. En ambos casos, el diagnóstico confirmatorio fue molecular, efectuados en el Instituto Nacional de Salud de Perú. Se realizó análisis filogenético del fragmento de genoma viral y la evaluación histopatológica. Ambos pacientes evolucionaron a síndrome de distrés respiratorio del adulto y estado de choque refractario. Un paciente falleció y el otro se recuperó a los doce días.

Hantavirus infection is a viral zoonotic infection borne by rodents which most letal form clinical is the Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (SPH, Spanish abbreviation). The Mamore River variant originates in South America and was found in rodents without any association to human diseases. Two cases of SPH were identified in the Peruvian Amazon region in November 2011. In both cases, a molecular diagnostic testing was conducted by the Instituto Nacional de Salud from Peru. A phylogenetic analysis of a viral genome fragment and a histopathological evaluation were conducted. Both patients developed adult respiratory distress syndrome and refractory shock. A patient died and another one recovered 12 days later.

[Primary pneumonic plague with nosocomial transmission in La Libertad, Peru 2010]. / Peste neumónica primaria con transmisión intrahospitalaria en La Libertad, Perú 2010.

UNLABELLED: Pneumonic plague is one of the clinical forms of plague, of low frequency and high mortality, transmitted by direct inhalation of Yersinia pestis coming from an animal or from person to person. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the cases of primary pneumonic plague in an outbreak in the north of Peru. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The clinical records of the confirmed cases of primary pneumonic plague presenting in an outbreak occurring in La Libertad, in July 2010, were reviewed, also the search and contact investigation was performed. RESULTS: The index case was identified, as well as three additional cases, out of these, two were nosocomial infections related to the index case. The initial clinical presentation was characterized by sudden onset of fever, chills, myalgia and chest pain, which in less than 24 hours evolved to hypotension and cyanosis. The initiation of specific treatment varied from 2 to 12 days, and cases with prompt initiation of treatment had a better clinical outcome. The lethality was 50% (2/4). CONCLUSION: Nosocomial transmission of pneumonic plague in Peru is evidenced, with severe clinical manifestations and high lethality.

Peste neumónica primaria con transmisión intrahospitalaria en La Libertad, Perú 2010 / Primary pneumonic plague with nosocomial transmission in La libertad, Peru 2010

La peste neumónica es una forma clínica de peste, de baja frecuencia y alta letalidad, transmitida por la inhalación directa de Yersinia pestis proveniente de un animal o de persona a persona. Objetivo: Describir las características clínicas y epidemiológicas de los casos de un brote de peste neumónica primaria humana en el norte de Perú. Materiales y Métodos. Se revisaron las historias clínicas de los casos confirmados de peste neumónica primaria presentados en un brote ocurrido en la región de La Libertad, en el mes de julio de 2010, asimismo, se efectuó la búsqueda e investigación de contactos. Resultados: Se identificó el caso Índice y tres casos adicionales, de estos últimos, dos fueron infecciones intrahospitalarias relacionadas con el caso índice. La presentación clínica inicial se caracterizó por fiebre de inicio súbito, escalofríos, mialgias y dolor torácico y evolución en menos de 24 horas a hipotensión arterial y cianosis. El inicio del tratamiento específico varió de 2 a 12 días, observándose que los casos con inicio precoz de tratamiento tuvieron un mejor resultado clínico. La lealtad fue de 50 por ciento (2/4). Conclusión: Se evidenció la transmisión intrahospitalaria de peste neumónica en el Perú con manifestaciones graves y alta letalidad.

Pneumonic plague is one of the clinical forms of plague, of low frequency and high mortality, transmitted by direct inhalation of Yersinia pestis coming from an animal or from person to person. Objective. To describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the cases of primary pneumonic plague in an outbreak in the north of Peru. Materials and methods. The clinical records of the confirmed cases of primary pneumonic plague presenting in an outbreak occurring in La Libertad, in July 2010, were reviewed, also the search and contact investigation was performed. Results. The index case was identified, as well as three additional cases, out of these, two were nosocomial infections related to the index case. The initial clinical presentation was characterized by sudden onset of fever, chills, myalgia and chest pain, which in less than 24 hours evolved to hypotension and cyanosis. The initiation of specific treatment varied from 2 to 12 days, and cases with prompt initiation of treatment had a better clinical outcome. The lethality was 50 percent (2/4). Conclusion. Nosocomial transmission of pneumonic plague in Peru is evidenced, with severe clinical manifestations and high lethality.