Comparative serology techniques for the diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a rural population from the state of Querétaro, Mexico

Immunological diagnostic methods for Trypanosoma cruzi depend specifically on the presence of antibodies and parasitological methods lack sensitivity during the chronic and “indeterminate” stages of the disease. This study performed a serological survey of 1,033 subjects from 52 rural communities in 12 of the 18 municipalities in the state of Querétaro, Mexico. We detected anti-T. cruzi antibodies using the following tests: indirect haemagglutination assay (IHA), indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA), ELISA and recombinant ELISA (rELISA). We also performed Western blot (WB) analysis using iron superoxide dismutase (FeSOD), a detoxifying enzyme excreted by the parasite, as the antigen. Positive test results were distributed as follows: ELISA 8%, rELISA 6.2%, IFA and IHA 5.4% in both cases and FeSOD 8%. A comparative study of the five tests was undertaken. Sensitivity levels, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, concordance percentage and kappa index were considered. Living with animals, trips to other communities, gender, age, type of housing and symptomatology at the time of the survey were statistically analysed using SPSS software v.11.5. Detection of the FeSOD enzyme that was secreted by the parasite and used as an antigenic fraction in WBs showed a 100% correlation with traditional ELISA tests.

Complete genome sequence of a clinical Bordetella pertussis isolate from Brazil

There has been a resurgence in the number of pertussis cases in Brazil and around the world. Here, the genome of a clinical Bordetella pertussis strain (Bz181) that was recently isolated in Brazil is reported. Analysis of the virulence-associated genes defining the pre- and post-vaccination lineages revealed the presence of the prn2-ptxS1A-fim3B-ptxP3 allelic profile in Bz181, which is characteristic of the current pandemic lineage. A putative metallo-β-lactamase gene presenting all of the conserved zinc-binding motifs that characterise the catalytic site was identified, in addition to a multidrug efflux pump of the RND family that could confer resistance to erythromycin, which is the antibiotic of choice for treating pertussis disease.

Diagnostic reliability of an immunochromatographic test for Chagas disease screening at a primary health care centre in a rural endemic area

Many patients with Chagas disease live in remote communities that lack both equipment and trained personnel to perform a diagnosis by conventional serology (CS). Thus, reliable tests suitable for use under difficult conditions are required. In this study, we evaluated the ability of personnel with and without laboratory skills to perform immunochromatographic (IC) tests to detect Chagas disease at a primary health care centre (PHCC). We examined whole blood samples from 241 patients and serum samples from 238 patients. Then, we calculated the percentage of overall agreement (POA) between the two groups of operators for the sensitivity (S), specificity (Sp) and positive (PPV) and negative (NPV) predictive values of IC tests compared to CS tests. We also evaluated the level of agreement between ELISAs and indirect haemagglutination (IHA) tests. The readings of the IC test results showed 100% agreement (POA = 1). The IC test on whole blood showed the following values: S = 87.3%; Sp = 98.8%; PPV = 96.9% and NPV = 95.9%. Additionally, the IC test on serum displayed the following results: S = 95.7%; Sp = 100%; PPV = 100% and NPV = 98.2%. Using whole blood, the agreement with ELISA was 96.3% and the agreement with IHA was 94.1%. Using serum, the agreement with ELISA was 97.8% and the agreement with IHA was 96.6%. The IC test performance with serum samples was excellent and demonstrated its usefulness in a PHCC with minimal equipment. If the IC test S value and NPV with whole blood are improved, then this test could also be used in areas lacking laboratories or specialised personnel.

Vaccination of dogs with Trypanosoma rangeli induces antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi in a rural area of Córdoba, Argentina

Dogs play a major role in the domestic cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi, acting as reservoirs. In a previous work we have developed a model of vaccination of dogs in captivity with nonpathogenic Trypanosoma rangeli epimastigotes, resulting in the production of protective antibodies against T. cruzi, with dramatic decrease of parasitaemia upon challenge with 100,000 virulent forms of this parasite. The aim of this work was to evaluate the immunogenicity of this vaccine in dogs living in a rural area. Domestic dogs, free from T. cruziinfection, received three immunisations with fixed T. rangeliepimastigotes. Dogs were not challenged with T. cruzi, but they were left in their environment. This immunisation induced antibodies againstT. cruzi for more than three years in dogs in their natural habitat, while control dogs remained serologically negative.

A influência do estilo de liderança consultivo nas relações de confiança e comprometimento no Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais do Rio de Janeiro

Este trabalho foi desenvolvido com ojetivo de compreender a influência de uma liderança consultiva nas relações de confiança e comprometimento dentro de uma unidade de operações especiais, mais especificamente no Batalhão de Operações Policiais Especiais da Polícia Militar do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Apresentam-se os resultados de um estudo em que se utilizaram métodos quantitativos e qualitativos, com entrevistas em profundidade e questionários estruturados. A amostra é composta por 128 respondentes, de um total de 400 policiais. Os resultados apontam para uma relação direta entre um estilo de liderança consultivo e as confianças pessoal e profissional no líder. Conclui-se que liderança e confiança explicam parcialmente a qualidade da coordenação informal nas equipes da unidade, e são esses mesmos fatores que explicam a propensão ao risco extremo para as operações e o foco em resultados.

Fatores de risco associados ao excesso de peso entre adolescentes da Região Oeste Paulista

Analisar a associação entre excesso de peso e diferentes fatores de risco familiares em adolescentes da região oeste do estado de São Paulo. Estudo transversal com 1779 adolescentes de ambos os sexos, e idade compreendida entre 11 e 17 anos. Calculou-se o índice de massa corporal e os fatores de risco familiares foram analisados por meio de questionário. O excesso de peso foi associado com o sexo masculino (RC=1,55 [1,22-1,97]), estudar em escola particular (RC=2,14 [1,56-2,94]) e maior escolaridade materna (RC=0,52 [0,33-0,83]). Iniciativas de combate à obesidade devem ser instauradas em meio escolar e atingir toda a estrutura familiar, bem como levar em consideração particularidades decorrentes do sexo.

Meninas Catarinas: a vida perdida ao ser mãe

A razão da mortalidade materna é um indicador para análise das condições de vida e de assistência prestada à mulher, e instrumento para avaliar o cumprimento dos direitos constitucionais relativos à vida e à saúde. Esta pesquisa demonstra a vida perdida de mulheres adolescentes associadas à gestação, parto e puerpéreo, em Santa Catarina, no período de 1994-2005. Trata-se de um estudo exploratório quantitativo. Encontrou-se no período 72 mortes maternas em adolescentes, sendo que 67% foram obstétrica direta, 23% obstétrica indireta e 9% acidentais e incidentais. A razão da mortalidade materna entre adolescentes foi elevada e a maioria dos óbitos poderia ter sido evitada, pois existem recursos técnicos para prevenir e controlar suas causas. A situação identificada demonstra a ausência de assistência de qualidade. Para reduzir estas mortes é fundamental o cuidado de enfermagem, numa ação articulada com outros profissionais e diferentes segmentos organizados da sociedade.