Showing papers by "Central University of Ecuador published in 2006"

Taeniasis-cysticercosis in Southern Ecuador: assessment of infection status using multiple laboratory diagnostic tools

Abstract: Taenia solium-taeniasis and cysticercosis were studied in the human and porcine populations of a rural community in the Southern Ecuadorian Andes. From the 1059 inhabitants, 800 serum samples and 958 stool samples could be collected. In addition, 646 from the estimated 1148 pigs were tongue inspected. Circulating antigen was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (Ag-ELISA) in 2.25% of the human population, whereas intestinal taeniasis was detected in 1.46% by the formalin-ether technique. Following treatment and recovery of tapeworm fragments these were all identified as T. solium. Porcine cysticercosis was diagnosed in 3.56% of the pigs by tongue inspection. In addition, enzyme linked immunoelectrotransfer blot (EITB) was performed on a subset group of 100 humans to confirm the results of the Ag-ELISA. One hundred serum samples from pigs were also analysed by EITB. It appeared that 43 and 74% of humans and pigs had antibodies against T. solium cysticerci, respectively. It is concluded that contrary to the high exposure of the human population to T. solium that is suggested by EITB, the number of active cysticercosis cases, diagnosed by Ag-ELISA, was low, which may indicate endemic stability. The further use of complementary diagnostic methods for a better understanding of the epidemiology of T. solium is suggested.

Preliminary observations on Mycobacterium spp. in dairy cattle in Ecuador.

Abstract: This study evaluated bovine tuberculosis in Mejia canton, a major dairy cattle production region in Ecuador. Randomly selected cattle (1,012 from 59 farms) classified according to herd size were tested by the single tuberculin test (STT). Sixty days later, positive reactors were tested again by the comparative tuberculin test (CTT). In addition, tissue samples from two STT-CTT-positive reactors detected on a farm were obtained in a local slaughterhouse and analyzed bacteriologically. A total of 4.24% of the cattle were positive in the STT and 3.85% were positive in the CTT, with the highest number (7.95%) in large herds versus 3.4% in medium herds and 0.3% in small herds. Mycobacterium bovis was isolated from mesenteric lymph nodes and lungs of one animal. A 16S ribosomal RNA-based polymerase chain reaction confirmed culture results and differentiated mycobacteria other than M. tuberculosis. This study confirms the zoonotic importance of tuberculosis in Ecuadorian dairy cattle with herd size likely to be a crucial parameter in the prevalence of the disease. The implementation of a national control program is necessary and should be based on the detection of positive cattle by STT in combination with CTT.

Caracterización de la comunidad de mamíferos no voladores en las estribaciones orientales de la cordillera del kutukú, amazonía ecuatoriana

Abstract: Non-volant mammal community characterization on the eastern slopes of Kutuku mountain range, Ecuadorian Amazon. The eastern slopes of the Andes in Ecuador are considered among the global biodiversity "hotspots". Although the region harbors a rich mammal fauna, few surveys of non-volant mammals have been conducted. This paper presents the results of an intensive survey of 11 months (November 2001 - September 2002) of the medium to large non-volant mammals in the upper Mangosiza River Basin, eastern slopes of the Kutuku mountain range, southeastern Ecuadorian Amazon. Using line transects, indirect records of tracks and signs, camera trapping, and interviews to local people, we recorded a total of 47 species of mammals (including 2 marsupials, 9 xenarthrans, 8 primates, 16 carnivores, 4 ungulates, 7 rodents, and 1 lagomorph). Palabras clave. Abundancia. Amazonia ecuatoriana. Densidad. Kutuku. Mamiferos.

[Iron, oxygen and placental development in the etiology of preeclampsia. Effects of high altitude in Ecuador].

Abstract: Preeclampsia is the second cause of maternal death in Ecuador. The etiology of this condition is probably a placental alteration, although the details are not well known. The development of the placenta is closely related to the availability of oxygen. A defect in the differentiation of trophoblastic cells due to a faulty sensitization to changes in oxygen pressure, could be the cause of the alteration in placental development. The role of iron and local environmental conditions of a susceptible population, should be considered in the study of the etiology of preeclampsia. In the Andrean area of Ecuador, the high incidence of preeclampsia could be explained by the high prevalence of anemia and high altitude. However more studies are required to establish a close link between the environmental conditions of this area and the imperfect placental development.

Globalizaciòn de los riesgos en salud

Abstract: En julio del ano 2000, el VIII Congreso Latinoamericano de Medicina Social ALAMES abordo la discusion sobre globalizacion, reformas y equidad en salud; hicimos algunas preguntas sobre la potencialidad de surcar por los mares de la globalizacion con espiritu critico, esto es, intentando encontrar la potencialidad de globalizar la solidaridad y la salud y, tambien, indagando sobre la posibilidad de glocalizarnos.