Infectious diseases in Mexico. A survey from 1995-2000.

Data obtained at a central laboratory for emerging, re-emerging, and other infectious diseases in Mexico from 1995-2000 are presented. An outstanding increase of DEN-3 circulation was identified. Aedes aegypti, the dengue vector, is widely distributed. Leptospirosis has become the most important differential diagnosis for dengue. Identification of rabies virus variants allowed cataloging of new transmitters of rabies. Rotavirus showed a clear seasonal distribution, while different proportions of pathogenic classes of Escherichia coli under endemic and outbreak conditions were seen. Serotypes of several bacteria are reported as well as the sources of isolation and frequency of Shigella, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae. Rise and disappearance of cholera could be followed along the past decade. Influenza strains were identified, as were several pathogens causing sexually transmitted infections. Laboratory support was important for surveillance after Hurricane Mitch. Multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are emerging and primary resistance is very high. It is now mandatory to search for antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi in blood banks. Triatoma barberi, a peridomestic bug, is the main vector of Chagas disease. Localized cutaneous leishmaniosis increased in regions having a guerrilla element in Chiapas. Modern immunodiagnostic techniques are used for control studies of cysticercosis and similar techniques were recently standardized for Trichinella spiralis detection. Low iodine values in children's urine were found in several Mexican states; therefore, use of iodized salt should be encouraged.

Diagnóstico educativo sobre la enfermedad en pacientes diabéticos de la tercera edad / Educational diagnosis on the disease in elderly diabetic patients

Se realizó una investigación diagnóstica, de corte transversal, en un grupo de pacientes ancianos que asisten al Centro de Atención de Diabético para identificar las principales características y limitaciones de la educación en diabetes, en la tercera edad. Los pacientes tenían 60 años y más. Lasvariables generales y clínicas fueron tomadas de sus historias clíncias. Se exploró mediante cuestionario de conocimientos, encuestas y observación directa el grado de información teórica que poseían sobre la enfermedad; las destrezas para cumplir el tratamiento y su percepción sobre el grado de dificultad para entenderlo y cumplirlo. Se entrevistó al personal de salud que los atendía para indagarsobre las principales características, dificultades y necesidades educativas delgrupo. Más del 80 por ciento de los pacientes reflejó tener un nivel informativoaceptable sobre la enfermedad, pero las destrezas para ejecutar las diferentes técnicas de tratamiento y control eran suficientes en más del 50 por ciento de los pacientes. Un alto porcentaje (>50 por ciento) declaró que los consejos y orientaciones recibidos no eran fáciles de entender y/o llevar a cabo (AU)