Analysis of antibiotic resistance and genetic profile of conjunctival bacteria flora before and after cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: To analyze antibiotic resistance and genetic profile of conjunctival bacteria flora before and after cataract surgery with the focus on coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS) during cataract surgery and discuss the implications of this colonization as a potential risk of acquiring endophthalmitis. METHODS: After approval of the institutional review board and informed consent from patients had been obtained, conjunctival swabs for culture from 59 patients undergoing cataract surgery were taken of the fellow eye at baseline (C0) and from the eye to be operated before (T0) and after (T1) irrigation with povine-iodine 5%, and at the end of surgery (T2). Genes responsible for virulence (mecA, ica and atlE) and antibiotic profile were determined; strain clonality of persistent colonizing Staphylococcus epidermidis strains was established by the Multi-locus sequence typing (MLST). RESULTS: The frequency of CNS was significantly reduced in T1 (13.6%) from 81.4% in T0 and 86.4% in C0. The frequency of mecA, ica and atlE genes was 34.4%, 37.5% and 61.4%, respectively; and methicillin phenotypic resistance was 35.4%. S. epidermidis was the most frequent species isolated in every time point. MLST revealed in 7 patients 100% coincidence of the seven alleles of the S. epidermidis isolated previous to povine-iodine 5% disinfection and at the end of the surgery. CNS isolates from T1 or T2 corresponded to the same species, antibiotic and virulence profile as those isolates from C0 or T0. CONCLUSION: Povidone-iodine 5% prophylaxis before surgery significantly reduced conjunctival contamination; in those that persisted, the source of contamination was mostly the patient's microbiota confirmed by the MLST system.

Effect of antibiotic prophylaxis on Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus virulence factor profiles in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

PURPOSE: In this prospective study, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to identify genes encoding virulence factors (ica, atlE and mecA) in Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (CNS) isolates from the ocular microbiota of patients undergoing cataract surgery and to investigate possible changes in the CNS profile due to antibiotic prophylaxis. METHODS: Between 09/2011 and 08/2013, patients undergoing cataract surgery were recruited at the Department of Ophthalmology, National University of Asuncion, Paraguay. In the eye to be operated on, patients received moxifloxacin 0.5 % eye drops four times at the day before surgery and a last drop 1 hour before surgery (T1). The other eye remained as control (T0). Conjunctival swabs were taken from both eyes 1 hour after the last drop. The presence of genes encoding biofilm formation (ica and atlE) and methicillin resistance (mecA) was detected by a multiplex PCR. RESULTS: Of the 162 patients (162 study eyes, 162 fellow eye as control group), 87 (53.7 %) eyes were positive for CNS at T0 yielding 96 CNS isolates; 70 eyes (43.2 %) were positive at T1 yielding 77 CNS isolates. For this study, 43 CNS isolates (44.8 %) from T0 and 45 (64.3 %) from T1 were used. Of the total isolates, 81.8 % (72/88) had at least one virulence factor gene (37/43 from T0 and 35/45 from T1) (p = 0.314). Simultaneous detection of ica and atlE genes was higher in T0 (58.0 %) than T1 (46.7 %), but the difference was not significant (p = 0.28). CONCLUSION: A high frequency of genes encoding virulence factors was observed in the coagulase-negative Staphylococcus isolates. The use of moxifloxacin did not significantly modify the CNS virulence factor profiles.

Estado nutricional y aspectos alimentarios de mujeres indígenas del departamento de Presidente Hayes, Paraguay / Nutritional state and food aspects of indigenous women from Presidente Hayes department, Paraguay

Introducción: Las comunidades indígenas presentan un mayor riesgo de inseguridad alimentaria y malnutrición, menor disponibilidad de recursos, y una creciente dependencia de alimentos más baratos aunque con un alto grado de procesamiento. Objetivo: Identificar el estado nutricional y aspectos alimentarios en mujeres indígenas de tres comunidades del Departamento de Presidente Hayes, Chaco Paraguayo. Metodología: Estudio observacional de diseño transversal con componente analítico, que incluyó a 81 mujeres de 15 a 44 años de edad, de las etnias Maká y Toba Qom. Previo consentimiento informado, se realizó la valoración nutricional y la entrevista para obtener los datos sociodemográficos y alimentarios. Resultados: Las mujeres indígenas presentaron una frecuencia de sobrepeso de 30,8% y obesidad del 21,0%, mientras que el 1,2 % presentó desnutrición. No encontramos diferencia significativa entre las etnias, en relación al sobrepeso y obesidad, (p>0,05). Observamos que las indígenas tenían una alta ingesta de frutas, azúcares y mieles. El 87 y 88% de las mujeres indígenas de ambas etnias estudiadas refirieron no consumir lácteos y derivados y entre 65 y 69% refirieron no consumir verduras. Conclusiones: Observamos un elevado porcentaje de obesidad y sobrepeso, un bajo consumo de lácteos y verduras y un alto consumo de azúcares, relacionados posiblemente a cambios en los aspectos alimentarios y sus costumbres, influenciados por la cercanía a las zonas urbanas y el acceso a alimentos de menor precio y mayor contenido energético.

Introduction: Indigenous communities present higher risk of food insecurity and malnutrition, lower availability of resources and growing dependence on cheaper food but with high degree of processing. Objective: To identify the nutritional state and food aspects in indigenous women from three communities of Presidente Hayes Department, Paraguayan Chaco. Methodology: Cross-sectional observational study with analytical component including 81 women who were 15 to 44 years old from the Maká and Toba Qom ethnic groups. After giving their informed consent, the nutritional assessment and the interview to collect socio-demographic and food data were carried out. Results: The indigenous women presented an overweight frequency of 30.8 % and obesity of 21.0%, while malnutrition was observed in 1.2%. No significant differences were found between ethnic groups in relation to overweight and obesity (p>0.05). High ingestion of fruits, sugar and honey was observed and 87% and 88% of the indigenous women from both ethnic groups referred that they did not consume dairy products and derivatives and 65% and 69% referred that they did not consume vegetables. Conclusions: High percentages of obesity and overweight were observed. Low consumption of dairy products, its by products and vegetables and a high consumption of sugar were observed, related probably to changes in food aspects and the habits of these groups, influenced by the proximity to urban areas and the access to low prices food with high energetic content.

Distribution of human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes and bacterial vaginosis presence in cervical samples from Paraguayan indigenous.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of human papillomavirus (HPV) types and to assess bacterial vaginosis (BV) possible associations with cervical infections in indigenous Paraguayan women of the Department of Presidente Hayes. METHODS: This study included 181 sexually active women without cervical lesions. HPV typing was performed by polymerase chain reaction with primers PGMY 09/11 followed by reverse line hybridization. BV was diagnosed by the Nugent criteria using the results from a Gram stain smear. RESULTS: Sixteen percent of women were positive for at least one high risk HPV type (HR-HPV). The most frequent genotypes were HPV 16 (4.4%), followed by HPV 58 (3.3%), HPV 45 (3.3%), HPV 53 (2.8%) and HPV 11 (2.8%). A significant association between HR-HPV and BV was observed (p=0.01). In addition, women with BV had a higher frequency of Chlamydia trachomatis (p=0.0007), Trichomonas vaginalis (p=0.00009), Mycoplasma hominis (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A large variety of HPV genotypes was detected and showed a slightly different pattern from previous studies on urban women in Paraguay, with the predominance of HR-HPV. Furthermore, the information of co-infections involved in BV could be useful for the improvement of national prevention programs, as well as for laboratory surveillance of these genital infections.

[Demodex spp in chronic blepharitis patients]. / Demodex spp en pacientes con blefaritis crónica.

BACKGROUND: Blepharitis is a very common disease in the ophthalmologic practice generally taking a chronic course with intermittent exacerbations. Several studies have linked the presence of Demodex folliculorum with chronic blepharitis, since the mite has the capacity to perpetuate the follicular inflammatory process. The prevalence of infection by Demodex spp. is variable depending on the population. In Paraguay, information on the frequency of the infestation in patients with chronic blepharitis is not available. AIM: To determine the frequency of Demodex spp, and the ocular microbiota in patients with chronic blepharitis attending the Department of Ophthalmology at the Teaching Hospital of the National University of Asuncion. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Consecutively, 28 patients with chronic blepharitis, who agreed to participate in the study, were included. Eyes lashes from the upper and lower eyelids were extracted for immediate mite search by direct observation under a light microscope. Samples from eyelids were taken with Kimura spatula and then cultured on blood agar and in enrichment media and incubated in 5% CO2 at 35° C for 72 hours. RESULTS: Among participants, females were more frequent (64%), the age ranged from 17 to 87 years (mean: 38.0; SD: ± 13.5 years). The prevalence of Demodex sp was 54%. Bacteria were isolated 92.9% of cases, most frequently coagulase-negative staphylococci (75%). No association was found between socio-demographic or clinical characteristics and the presence of Demodex sp. CONCLUSION: The observed high prevalence of infestation by Demodex spp in patients with chronic blepharitis is consistent with other studies.

Demodex spp en pacientes con blefaritis crónica / Demodex spp in chronic blepharitis patients

Background: Blepharitis is a very common disease in the ophthalmologic practice generally taking a chronic course with intermittent exacerbations. Several studies have linked the presence of Demodex folliculorum with chronic blepharitis, since the mite has the capacity to perpetuate the follicular inflammatory process. The prevalence of infection by Demodex spp. is variable depending on the population. In Paraguay, information on the frequency of the infestation in patients with chronic blepharitis is not available. Aim : To determine the frequency of Demodex spp, and the ocular microbiota in patients with chronic blepharitis attending the Department of Ophthalmology at the Teaching Hospital of the National University of Asuncion. Patients and Methods: Consecutively, 28 patients with chronic blepharitis, who agreed to participate in the study, were included. Eyes lashes from the upper and lower eyelids were extracted for immediate mite search by direct observation under a light microscope. Samples from eyelids were taken with Kimura spatula and then cultured on blood agar and in enrichment media and incubated in 5% CO2 at 35° C for 72 hours. Results: Among participants, females were more frequent (64%), the age ranged from 17 to 87 years (mean: 38.0; SD: ±13.5 years). The prevalence of Demodex sp was 54%. Bacteria were isolated 92.9% of cases, most frequently coagulase-negative staphylococci (75%). No association was found between socio-demographic or clinical characteristics and the presence of Demodex sp. Conclusion: The observed high prevalence of infestation by Demodex spp in patients with chronic blepharitis is consistent with other studies.

Introducción: La blefaritis es una enfermedad muy común en la práctica oftalmológica, generalmente de curso crónico con exacerbaciones intermitentes. Varios estudios han relacionado la presencia del Demodex folliculorum con la blefaritis crónica, por su capacidad potencial de perpetuar el proceso inflamatorio a nivel folicular. La frecuencia de D. folliculorum varía de acuerdo a la población. Objetivo: Determinar la presencia de Demodex spp y, caracterizar la microbiota ocular en pacientes con blefaritis crónica y dar a conocer estos resultados. Pacientes y Métodos: Las muestras fueron obtenidas de pacientes que consultaron en la Cátedra de Oftalmología del Hospital de Clínicas de la Universidad Nacional de Asunción (UNA). Fueron incluidos en forma consecutiva 28 pacientes con blefaritis crónica que accedieron a participar en forma voluntaria en el estudio. Se extrajeron las pestañas del párpado superior e inferior de los pacientes para la búsqueda inmediata del ácaro por observación directa bajo el microscopio óptico. Para el cultivo de microorganismos se tomaron muestras del párpado con espátula de Kimura, las que fueron cultivadas en agar sangre y en medios de enriquecimiento e incubadas en CO2 al 5% a 35°C durante 72 h. Resultados: El sexo femenino fue más frecuente (64%), el rango de edad estuvo entre 17 y 87 años con una media de 37,9 ± 13,5. Se observó la presencia de Demodex sp en 54% y aislamiento de bacterias en 92,9%; Staphylococcus coagulasa negativa fue el más frecuente (75%). No se encontraron asociaciones entre las características socio-demográficas o clínicas y la presencia de Demodex sp. Conclusión: La alta infestación por Demodex spp observada en los pacientes con blefaritis crónica coincide con otros estudios.

Queratitis por Lasiodiplodia theobromae: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura / Keratitis by Lasiodiplodia theobromae: a case report and literature review

We report a case of mycotic keratitis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in a 60-year-old man with a history of ocular trauma with vegetable matter. Ophthalmological assessment with slit-lamp and microbiological evaluation of the corneal ulcer by conventional microbiological techniques were performed. Mycology study of the corneal scraping showed the presence of fungal filaments and the isolate was identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Patient was treated with natamycin 5% and fluconazole 0.2% for 37 days. The infection was controlled but the corneal scars required a cornea transplant. This is the first case of keratitis by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in Paraguay. Difficulties in the management of these cases, which often requires surgical procedures, are discussed.

Se presenta un caso clínico de queratitis causada por Lasiodiplodia theobromae en un agricultor de 60 años de edad, con antecedentes de un trauma ocular con un vegetal. Se realizó un examen oftalmológico con lámpara de hendidura y estudio microbiológico de la úlcera corneal por técnicas microbiológicas convencionales. El examen micológico del raspado corneal reveló la presencia de hifas septadas y el cultivo fue identificado como Lasiodiplodia theobromae. El paciente fue tratado con natamicina al 5% y fluconazol al 0,2% durante 37 días. La infección fue controlada, sin embargo, el paciente quedó con cicatrices corneales y con necesidad de trasplante. Es el primer caso de queratitis por Lasiodiplodia theobromae en Paraguay. Se discute la dificultad de manejo de estos casos que a menudo requieren procedimientos quirúrgicos y trasplante de córnea.

[Keratitis by Lasiodiplodia theobromae: a case report and literature review]. / Queratitis por Lasiodiplodia theobromae: comunicación de un caso y revisión de la literatura.

We report a case of mycotic keratitis caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in a 60-year-old man with a history of ocular trauma with vegetable matter. Ophthalmological assessment with slit-lamp and microbiological evaluation of the corneal ulcer by conventional microbiological techniques were performed. Mycology study of the corneal scraping showed the presence of fungal filaments and the isolate was identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Patient was treated with natamycin 5% and fluconazole 0.2% for 37 days. The infection was controlled but the corneal scars required a cornea transplant. This is the first case of keratitis by Lasiodiplodia theobromae in Paraguay. Difficulties in the management of these cases, which often requires surgical procedures, are discussed.

Human papillomavirus and other genital infections in indigenous women from Paraguay: a cross-sectional analytical study.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of cervical cancer in Paraguay is among the highest in the world, with the human papillomavirus (HPV) being a necessary factor for cervical cancer. Knowledge about HPV infection among indigenous women is limited. This cross-sectional study analyzed the frequency of HPV and other genital infections in indigenous Paraguayan women of the Department of Presidente Hayes. METHODS: This study included 181 sexually active women without cervical lesions. They belonged to the following ethnicities: Maká (n = 40); Nivaclé (n = 23); Sanapaná (n = 33); Enxet Sur (n = 51) and Toba-Qom (n = 34). The detection of HPV and other gynecological infectious microorganisms was performed by either molecular methods (for Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum, Chlamydia trachomatis), gram staining and/or culture (for Gardnerella vaginalis, Candida sp, Trichomonas vaginalis, Neisseria gonorrhoeae), serological methods (for Treponema pallidum, human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]) or cytology (cervical inflammation). RESULTS: A high prevalence (41.4%) of women positive for at least one sexually transmitted infection (STI) was found (23.2% any-type HPV, 11.6% T pallidum, 10.5% T vaginalis, 9.9% C trachomatis and 0.6% HIV) with 12.2% having more than one STI. HPV infection was the most frequent, with 16.1% of women positive for high-risk HPV types. There was a statistically significant association observed between any-type HPV and C trachomatis (p = 0.004), which indicates that the detection of one of these agents should suggest the presence of the other. There was no association between any-type HPV and other genital infections or cervical inflammation, suggesting that other mechanism could exist to favor infection with the virus. CONCLUSION: This multidisciplinary work suggests that STIs are frequent, making it necessary to implement control measures and improve diagnosis in order to increase the number of cases detected, especially in populations with poor access to health centers.

[Clinically significant coagulase-negative staphylococci: most frequent species and virulence factors]. / Staphylococcus coagulasa-negativa clínicamente significativos: Especies más frecuentes y factores de virulencia.

BACKGROUND: Coagulase-negative staphylococci have emerged as responsible for a large number of infections. However, it is often difficult to assess its pathogenic role or to discard it as a contaminant. AIM: The goal of this study was to identify clinically significant coagulase-negative staphylococci to the species level and their virulence factors. Isolates came from patients consulting at the San Roque Laboratory from 2009 to 2011. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Species identification was performed by De Paulis et al simplified method. Production of biofilm, hemolysins, lipases, lecithinases and DNase were determined by conventional methods; methicillin-resistance by diffusion method and mecA and Panton-Valentine genes, by multiplex PCR. RESULTS: Out of 64 isolates, 40.6% were S. epidermidis; 20.3%, S. haemolyticus, and 15.6%, S. lugdunensis. Biofilm production was detected in 73.1% of S. epidermidis, 53.8% of S. haemolyticus and 40% of S. lugdunensis. mecA gene was identified in 69.2% of S. epidermidis, 92.3% of S. haemolyticus and none of S. lugdunensis. 83% of mecA (+) S. epidermidis isolates were biofilm producers as compared to 50% of the mecA (-). CONCLUSION: The frequency of S. lugdunensis, the most virulent coagulase-negative staphylococci species, was relatively high. The main virulence factor in S. epidermidis was biofilm production, being higher in those resistant to methicillin.

Staphylococcus coagulasa-negativa clínicamente significativos: Especies más frecuentes y factores de virulencia / Clinically significant coagulase-negative staphylococci: Most frequent species and virulence factors

Coagulase-negative staphylococci have emerged as responsible for a large number of infections. However, it is often difficult to assess its pathogenic role or to discard it as a contaminant. Aim: The goal of this study was to identify clinically significant coagulase-negative staphylococci to the species level and their virulence factors. Isolates came from patients consulting at the San Roque Laboratory from 2009 to 2011. Material and Methods: Species identification was performed by De Paulis et al simplified method. Production of biofilm, hemolysins, lipases, lecithinases and DNase were determined by conventional methods; methicillin-resistance by diffusion method and mecA and Panton-Valentine genes, by multiplex PCR. Results: Out of 64 isolates, 40.6% were S. epidermidis; 20.3%, S. haemolyticus, and 15.6%, S. lugdunensis. Biofilm production was detected in 73.1% of S. epidermidis, 53.8% of S. haemolyticus and 40% of S. lugdunensis. mecA gene was identified in 69.2% of S. epidermidis, 92.3% of S. haemolyticus and none of S. lugdunensis. 83% of mecA (+) S. epidermidis isolates were biofilm producers as compared to 50% of the mecA (-). Conclusion: The frequency of S. lugdunensis, the most virulent coagulase-negative staphylococci species, was relatively high. The main virulence factor in S. epidermidis was biofilm production, being higher in those resistant to methicillin.

Staphylococcus coagulasa-negativa ha emergido como responsable de un gran número de infecciones. No obstante, con frecuencia es difícil asegurar su rol patógeno o descartarlo como contaminante. Objetivo: Estudiar a nivel de especies Staphylococcus coagulasa-negativa clínicamente significativos y sus factores de virulencia, de aislados provenientes de pacientes del Laboratorio San Roque de Asunción, Paraguay entre los años 2009 y 2011. Material y Métodos: Para la identificación de especies fue utilizado el método simplificado de De Paulis y cols. La producción de biopelícula, hemolisinas, lipasas, lecitinasas, AD-Nasa, fue determinada por métodos convencionales; la resistencia a meticilina por difusión y los genes mecA y Panton-Valentine por RPC múltiple. Resultados: De 64 aislados, 40,6% correspondió a S. epidermidis, 20,3% S. haemolyticus y 15,6% S. lugdunensis. La producción de biopelícula fue detectada en S. epidermidis en 73,1%, S. haemolyticus 53,8% y S. lugdunensis 40%. El gen mecA fue identificado en 69,2% de S. epidermidis, 92,3% de S. haemolyticus y en ninguno de S. lugdunensis. El 83% de S. epidermidis mecA (+) fue productor de biopelícula en comparación a 50% de los mecA (-). Conclusión: La frecuencia de S. lugdunensis, una de las especies más virulentas de Staphylococcus coagulasa-negativa fue relativamente alta; y el principal factor de virulencia en S. epidermidis fue la producción de biopelícula, siendo mayor en los resistentes a meticilina.

Contaminación microbiana de colirios utilizados por pacientes en la consulta externa de oftalmología / Microbial contamination of eye drops used by patients in an outpatient clinic of ophthalmology

Los colirios contaminados representan una causa potencial de infección ocular prevenible. Como toda medicación terapéutica tópica, los colirios deben estar libres de agentes contaminantes. La frecuencia de contaminación varía entre 0,07% y 35,6% en los estudios publicados; no existiendo estudios publicados sobre este tema en nuestro país. Este estudio tiene como objetivo determinar la frecuencia de contaminación de las gotas oftálmicas utilizadas por pacientes que consultan en la Fundación Visión en Asunción, Paraguay. A todos los pacientes que acudieron a la consulta externa en el Servicio de Oftalmología de la Fundación Visión, de agosto de 2007 a julio de 2008 se les solicitó que entregaran sus envases de gotas oftálmicas que estuvieron utilizando por dos o más semanas, además se registraron sus datos demográficos y relacionados al uso del colirio. Los envases fueron enviados al Instituto de Investigaciones en Ciencias de la Salud (IICS), de manera que la medicación restante en el interior de los mismos fuera cultivada en los medios microbiológicos convencionales. De los 73 envases recolectados, 8 (11%) presentaron cultivos positivos, siendo los gérmenes aislados Estafilococo coagulasa negativo, Propionibacterium acnes, Serratia marcescens, Corynebacterium sp y Alcaligenes faecalis, además del hongo oportunista Aspergillus fumigatus. La contaminación de los colirios utilizados por estos pacientes es relevante. Estos resultados coinciden con reportes de otros países y señala la importancia de dar orientaciones a los pacientes en cuanto al modo de utilización, almacenamiento y tiempo de recambio de los colirios por parte de los oftalmólogos.

A prospective study demonstrating the effect of 5% povidone-iodine application for anterior segment intraocular surgery in Paraguay.

PURPOSE: To determine the conjunctival bacterial flora in cataract surgery patients and the effect of presurgical irrigation with 5% povidone-iodine solution. METHODS: Three samples from the inferior conjunctival fornix of the eye to be operated were obtained at baseline before washing (T0) with 10 ml 5% povidone-iodine solution, immediately after washing (T1), and upon completion of surgery (T2). Bacteria from the samples were inoculated in blood agar, chocolate agar, and thioglycolate broth. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients (n=224 eyes) with a mean age of 67 +/- 13 years were included in the study. Bacteria from the (T0) samples were successfully grown in 73.2% of the thioglycolate agars, 21.0% of the blood agars, and 19.2% of the chocolate agars. Compared with T1 samples, the use of povidone-iodine wash translated into a 60.8% reduction (from 73.2% to 12.5%) in colonization of the conjunctiva (p<0.001), while no significant difference was found between the T1 and T2 samples. CONCLUSION: Conjunctival irrigation with a 5% povidone-iodine solution effectively reduces conjunctival flora and is therefore strongly recommended as a means of preventing postsurgical endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

A prospective study demonstrating the effect of 5 percent povidone-iodine application for anterior segment intraocular surgery in Paraguay / Estudio prospectivo demostrando el efecto de la instilación de yodo povidona al 5 por ciento previo a cirugía de segmento anterior en Paraguay

PURPOSE: To determine the conjunctival bacterial flora in cataract surgery patients and the effect of presurgical irrigation with 5 percent povidone-iodine solution. METHODS: Three samples from the inferior conjunctival fornix of the eye to be operated were obtained at baseline before washing (T0) with 10 ml 5 percent povidone-iodine solution, immediately after washing (T1), and upon completion of surgery (T2). Bacteria from the samples were inoculated in blood agar, chocolate agar, and thioglycolate broth. RESULTS: A total of 221 patients (n=224 eyes) with a mean age of 67 ± 13 years were included in the study. Bacteria from the (T0) samples were successfully grown in 73.2 percent of the thioglycolate agars, 21.0 percent of the blood agars, and 19.2 percent of the chocolate agars. Compared with T1 samples, the use of povidone-iodine wash translated into a 60.8 percent reduction (from 73.2 percent to 12.5 percent) in colonization of the conjunctiva (p<0.001), while no significant difference was found between the T1 and T2 samples. Conclusion: Conjunctival irrigation with a 5 percent povidone-iodine solution effectively reduces conjunctival flora and is therefore strongly recommended as a means of preventing postsurgical endophthalmitis following cataract surgery.

OBJETIVO: Determinar la flora bacteriana de la conjuntiva en los pacientes a ser sometidos a cirugía de catarata y el efecto del lavado prequirúrgico con yodo povidona al 5 por ciento sobre dichos microorganismos. MÉTODOS: Se tomaron 3 muestras del fondo de saco conjuntival del ojo a ser operado de catarata antes (T0) de la irrigación de la conjuntiva con 10 ml de yodo povidona al 5 por ciento, como control, inmediatamente después (T1) y al término de la cirugía (T2). Se realizaron cultivos en agar sangre, agar chocolate y en caldo de tioglicolato. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron en el estudio 221 pacientes (n=24 ojos) con un promedio de edad de 67 ± 13 años. El porcentaje de crecimiento bacteriano en (T0) fue de 73,2 por ciento en tioglicolato, 21 por ciento en agar sangre y 19,2 por ciento en agar chocolate. Al compararlo con (T1) el efecto de la yodo povidona se tradujo en una reducción del 60,8 por ciento (de 73,2 por ciento a 12,5 por ciento) en la colonización conjuntival (p<0.001). Entre las muestras de los tiempos T1 y T2 no hubo diferencia significativa en cuanto al crecimiento bacteriano. CONCLUSIÓN: El lavado conjuntival con yodo povidona al 5 por ciento reduce de forma efectiva la flora conjuntival por lo cual se recomienda fuertemente como método preoperatorio, como una de las medidas preventivas de la endoftalmitis posquirúrgica en cirugías de catarata.

[Antimicrobial susceptibility of H pylori strains obtained from Paraguayan patients]. / Susceptibilidad a antibióticos de cepas paraguayas de Helicobacter pylori aisladas de pacientes con enfermedad gastro-duodenal.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the main obstacles for an effective eradication of H. pylori infection. AIM: To determine the susceptibility of H. pylori strains obtained from gastric biopsies to metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Susceptibility to metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin was determined using E-test in 46 isolates of H. pylori obtained from gastric biopsies of 54 adult patients. RESULTS: Thirty three percent of isolates were resistant to metronidazole and 2% were resistant to clarithromycin and amoxicillin. One isolate was resistant to metronidazole and clarithromycin. CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial susceptibility of these strains of H. pylori obtained from Paraguayan patients, may help to decide the initial therapy to eradicate this infection.

Susceptibilidad a antibióticos de cepas paraguayas de Helicobacter pylori aisladas de pacientes con enfermedad gastro-duodenal / Antimicrobial susceptibility of H pylori strains obtained from Paraguayan patients

Background: Antimicrobial resistance is one of the main obstacles for an effective eradication of H. pylori infection. Aim: To determine the susceptibility of H. pylori strains obtained from gastric biopsies to metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin. Material and methods: Susceptibility to metronidazole, clarithromycin and amoxicillin was determined using E-test in 46 isolates ofH. pylori obtained from gastric biopsies of 54 adult patients. Results: Thirty three percent of isolates were resistant to metronidazole and 2 percent were resistant to clarithromycin and amoxicillin. One isolate was resistant to metronidazole and clarithromycin. Conclusions: The antimicrobial susceptibility of these strains ofH. pylori obtained from Paraguayan patients, may help to decide the initial therapy to eradicate this infection.

Epidemiological characteristics of microbiological results on patients with infectious corneal ulcers: a 13-year survey in Paraguay.

BACKGROUND: This is a retrospective, chart-reviewed study of patients diagnosed with infectious corneal ulcers at the Ophthalmology Department of the National University of Asunción in Paraguay. The microbiological culture results are described, as well risk factors for the development of fungal keratitis. METHODS: After obtaining approval from the Institutional Review Board, an analysis of medical charts from 1988 to 2001 was conducted and 660 patients were identified to have been diagnosed with infectious corneal ulcers due to bacteria or fungi. Demographic data were recorded, including age, gender, occupation and geographic location of their home and work (city or rural). Other information collected included the history of the presenting illness, past and current use of ocular medications and whether or not they had a history of trauma or contact lens use. Each patient had an eye examination performed by an ophthalmologist and corneal scrapings were obtained for cultures in all cases. Microbiologic culture results were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent (136/660) of the specimens collected from the patients' conjunctiva and cornea were sterile in all culture media. Of the 524 (79%) positive cultures, 267 were due to bacteria (51%), 136 to fungi (26%), and 121 (23%) cultures yielded both fungi and bacteria. Of the 430 isolated bacteria approximately 25% (103) were coagulase negative Staphylococcus, followed by 23% (94) Staphylococcus aureus, 14% (60) Pseudomonas aeruginosa and 13% (56) Streptococcus pneumoniae. Acremonium species accounted for 40% (79) of all fungi identified, followed by Fusarium species (15%) (41). Approximately two-thirds of the patients were male (n = 435). For those patients for whom a history was available, approximately half had a history of trauma. Of these, half of these again involved foreign bodies. Over-the-counter medications were used commonly, and most of those patients had a delay in diagnosis of over 1 week. Risk factors for fungal keratitis as opposed to bacterial keratitis were male gender, agricultural occupation, age between 30 and 59, history of trauma and self-medication. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study provide demographic data on patients with infectious corneal ulcers in Paraguay. Common causes of such ulcers are both bacteria and fungi. Most patients had self-medicated, and most had delayed seeking professional medical care.

Diarrea por Rotavirus: Detencion del Genoma Viral en heces por tecnicas Moleculares / Annual Reprts 1997 / Diarrea by Rotavirus: Detection of Viral Genome in feces by Molecular techniques

A continuación presentamos los resultados preliminares sobre la detección de genomas de rotavirus en 27 de 121 (22 por ciento) muestras de heces de niños con edades compredidas desde 0 y 5 años con cuadros de diarrea aguda de más de dos días. Las muestras analizadas fueron comparadas con los estudios convencionales, frotis y/o coprocultivo, y en algunos casos se ha comparado la sensibilidad con la técnica inmunológica conocidas como aglutinación de partículas de latex. El producto de la extracción del acido ribonucleico (ARN) total presente en 40 microlitos de heces permitió detectar en seis muestras ARN viral por medio de una electroforesis en gel de agarosa al 3 por ciento y visualizado con bromuro de etidio. Las 6 muestras positiva fueron comparadas con patrones de referencia en geles de poliacrilamida teñidos con argéntica. Los resultados preliminares indican que las ténicas moleculares empleadas han sido fáciles, rápidas y sensibles teniendo como ventaja las bajas exigencias en cuanto a la conservación y trasporte de materiales

Aislamiento de Acremonium spp. en ulcera de cornea en un paciente con Lupus eritematoso sistemico (LES) / Annual reports 1995 / Acremonium spp in corneal ulcer in patient with systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Se presenta el caso de una paciente con ùlcera central en O.I., de 8 dìas de evoluciòn, con blefarospasmo, lagrimeo, ojo colorado. La ùlcera abarca todo el espesor de la còrnea y en una superficie de 1-1,5mm; iris y pupila no se ven. Se observan escoriaciones de rascado en ambos ojos; la paciente no refiere traumatismo pero sì automedicaciòn con colirio de cortisona; es portadora de una colagenopatìa con diagnòstico de Lupus Eritematoso Sistèmico (LES) y refiere tratamiento con prednisona 50 mg. Por referencias bibliogràficas, sabemos que los pacientes lùpicos son màs susceptibles a contraer infecciones oportunistas debidas a hongos, paràsitos y virus como efecto del tratamiento a largo plazo de corticoides, lo que va reduciendo sus defensas naturales. A la toma de muestra en el examen microscòpico directo (400X) se observaron esporos micòticos (+) y filamentos (++). El cultivo para aislamiento de bacterias en medios selectivos, Agar chocolate y thioglycolate lìquido en 5 dìas de incubaciòn a 37o.C fue negativo; sin embargo, dentro de los 15 dìas de incubaciòn a 28o.C en medios selectivos para hongos como Biggy agar y Sabouraud agar desarrolaron colonias de hongos caracterìsticas e identificadas: Acremonium spp. El tratamiento se diò a travès del Servicio de Oftalmologìa del Hospital de Clìnicas con Miconazol pomada y luego Ketoconazol gotas bebibles y tòpico, los cuales no lograron evitar la perforaciòn de la còrnea. Cuando se tratan pacientes inmunodefiecientes, se debe considerar lo susceptibilidad a infecciones oportunistas, a fin de evitar el serio problema de la automedicaciòn en estos pacientes.

Aislamiento de Acremonium spp. en ulcera de cornea en un paciente con Lupus eritematoso sistemico (LES) / Annual reports 1995 / Acremonium spp in corneal ulcer in patient with systemic Lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Se presenta el caso de una paciente con ùlcera central en O.I., de 8 dìas de evoluciòn, con blefarospasmo, lagrimeo, ojo colorado. La ùlcera abarca todo el espesor de la còrnea y en una superficie de 1-1,5mm; iris y pupila no se ven. Se observan escoriaciones de rascado en ambos ojos; la paciente no refiere traumatismo pero sì automedicaciòn con colirio de cortisona; es portadora de una colagenopatìa con diagnòstico de Lupus Eritematoso Sistèmico (LES) y refiere tratamiento con prednisona 50 mg. Por referencias bibliogràficas, sabemos que los pacientes lùpicos son màs susceptibles a contraer infecciones oportunistas debidas a hongos, paràsitos y virus como efecto del tratamiento a largo plazo de corticoides, lo que va reduciendo sus defensas naturales. A la toma de muestra en el examen microscòpico directo (400X) se observaron esporos micòticos (+) y filamentos (++). El cultivo para aislamiento de bacterias en medios selectivos, Agar chocolate y thioglycolate lìquido en 5 dìas de incubaciòn a 37o.C fue negativo; sin embargo, dentro de los 15 dìas de incubaciòn a 28o.C en medios selectivos para hongos como Biggy agar y Sabouraud agar desarrolaron colonias de hongos caracterìsticas e identificadas: Acremonium spp. El tratamiento se diò a travès del Servicio de Oftalmologìa del Hospital de Clìnicas con Miconazol pomada y luego Ketoconazol gotas bebibles y tòpico, los cuales no lograron evitar la perforaciòn de la còrnea. Cuando se tratan pacientes inmunodefiecientes, se debe considerar lo susceptibilidad a infecciones oportunistas, a fin de evitar el serio problema de la automedicaciòn en estos pacientes