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Forero-Peña DA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Lopez-Perez M, Sandoval-de Mora M, Amaya ID, Gamardo ÁF, Chavero M, Figuera L, Marcano MV, Camejo-Ávila NA, Hidalgo M, Arenas CJ, Arévalo-Herrera M, Herrera S. Seroprevalence of viral and bacterial pathogens among malaria patients in an endemic area of southern Venezuela. Infect Dis Poverty 2023; 12:33. [PMID: 37038195 PMCID: PMC10084699 DOI: 10.1186/s40249-023-01089-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malaria remains a leading public health problem worldwide. Co-infections with other pathogens complicate its diagnosis and may modify the disease's clinical course and management. Similarities in malaria clinical presentation with other infections and overlapping endemicity result in underdiagnosis of co-infections and increased mortality. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of viral and bacterial pathogens among diagnosed malaria patients in malaria-endemic areas in Venezuela. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted on malaria patients attending three reference medical centres in Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela. Clinical evaluation and laboratory tests for dengue virus (DENV), chikungunya virus (CHIKV), viral hepatitis [hepatitis A virus (HAV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)], and leptospirosis (LEP) were performed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Previous exposure to these pathogens was defined by the presence of specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G, and co-infection or recent exposure (CoRE) was determined by the presence of specific IgM alone or IgM + IgG. Data analysis considered descriptive statistics. Parameter distribution was statistically evaluated using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the necessary comparison tests. Odds ratio (OR) for complications was determined according to CoRE presence with a 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS A total of 161 malaria patients were studied, 66% infected with Plasmodium vivax, 27% with P. falciparum, and 7.5% harboured P. vivax/P. falciparum mixed infection. Previous exposure to DENV (60%) and CHIKV (25%) was frequent. CoRE was confirmed in 55 of the 161 malaria patients (34%) and were more frequent in P. falciparum (49%) than in P. vivax (29%) and mixed malaria patients (25%) (OR = 2.43, 95% CI: 1.39-4.25, P = 0.018). The most frequent CoRE was DENV (15%), followed by HAV (12%), HBV (6.2%), CHIKV (5.5%), and LEP (3.7%); HCV CoRE was absent. Complicated malaria was significantly more frequent in patients with CoRE (56%) than those without CoRE (36%; OR = 2.31, 95% CI: 1.18-4.92, P = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS We found high CoRE prevalence in malaria patients as determined by serology in the study region; cases were associated with a worse clinical outcome. Further prospective studies with samples from different infection sites and the use of molecular tools are needed to determine the clinical significance of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
- Internal Medicine Department, "Ruiz y Páez" University Hospital Complex, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Mary Lopez-Perez
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Centre for Medical Parasitology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marisol Sandoval-de Mora
- Internal Medicine Department, "Ruiz y Páez" University Hospital Complex, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Iván D Amaya
- "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Ángel F Gamardo
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Melynar Chavero
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Luisamy Figuera
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - María V Marcano
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Natasha A Camejo-Ávila
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
- "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Mariana Hidalgo
- Immunoparasitology Laboratory, Microbiology and Cell Biology Centre, Venezuelan Institute for Scientific Research, Miranda, Venezuela
| | - Cariagne J Arenas
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
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2
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Forero-Peña DA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Omaña-Ávila ÓD, Mendoza-Millán DL, Romero SR, Escalante-Pérez IA, Maricuto AL, Camejo-Ávila NA, Chavero M, Figuera L, Contreras R, Torres J, Noya-González Ó. Plasmodium vivax and SARS-CoV-2 co-infection in Venezuela: A case series from the malaria hotspot in Latin America. Travel Med Infect Dis 2022; 50:102460. [PMID: 36115526 PMCID: PMC9473143 DOI: 10.1016/j.tmaid.2022.102460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- David A Forero-Peña
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela; Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela; "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Óscar D Omaña-Ávila
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela; "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Daniela L Mendoza-Millán
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela; "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Sinibaldo R Romero
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela; Medical Scientist Training Program (MD/PhD), University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, United States.
| | - Iván A Escalante-Pérez
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela; "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Andrea L Maricuto
- Infectious Diseases Department, University Hospital of Caracas, Caracas, Venezuela; Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Natasha A Camejo-Ávila
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela; "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Melynar Chavero
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Luisamy Figuera
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Rosa Contreras
- "Dr. Félix Pifano" Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Jaime Torres
- "Dr. Félix Pifano" Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.
| | - Óscar Noya-González
- "Dr. Félix Pifano" Tropical Medicine Institute, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela; Centro de Estudios Sobre Malaria, "Dr. Arnoldo Gabaldón" High Studies Institute, Caracas, Venezuela.
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3
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Forero-Peña DA, Carrión-Nessi FS, Chavero M, Gamardo Á, Figuera L, Camejo-Ávila NA, Marcano MV, Hidalgo M, Arenas-Leal CJ, Villegas L, Grillet ME, Pacheco MA, Mora MSD, Escalante AA. The clinical-epidemiological profile of malaria patients from Southern Venezuela, a critical hotspot in Latin America. Malar J 2021; 20:375. [PMID: 34544438 PMCID: PMC8453994 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03913-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Venezuela accounted for 55% of the cases and 73% of the malaria deaths in the Americas in 2019. Bolivar state, in the southeast, contributes > 60% of the country's Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum cases every year. This study describes the clinical–epidemiological characteristics of clinical malaria patients in this high-transmission area. Methods A prospective study was conducted on patients seeking medical attention in three medical centres in the state capital, Ciudad Bolivar, between June and October 2018. Malaria diagnosis was carried out using microscopy following national standards. Malaria-positive patients were examined for clinical symptoms, and haematological tests were performed at the time of diagnosis. Patients were followed up by telephone to evaluate malaria recurrences. Results Out of 287 patients, 200 (69.7%) were positive for P. vivax, 69 (24%) for P. falciparum, and 18 (6.3%) had mixed (P. vivax/P. falciparum) infections. Patients' median age was 33 years (IQR 20), 168 (69%) were men, and 40% practiced gold mining as the main occupation. Fever (96.5%), chills (91.3%), and headaches (90.6%) were the most frequent symptoms. At least one symptom associated with severe malaria was observed in 69 out of 161 patients with complete clinical evaluation (42.9%). Plasmodium vivax infections were found in 42 out of 69 (60.9%) severe cases; by contrast, P. falciparum and mixed malaria caused 34.8% (24/69) and 4.4% (3/69) of infections, respectively. Two patients died of cerebral malaria. Mean hemoglobin was lower in the patients infected with P. falciparum than those infected with P. vivax. Regardless of the parasite causing the infection, patients presented high levels of total bilirubin, aminotransferases (AST, ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Out of the 142 patients followed up by phone for three months (49.5% of the 287 patients), 35 (24.7%) reported recurrences. Conclusions The high malaria prevalence among young male adults practicing gold mining suggests that this occupation is a significant risk factor. The unexpected high prevalence of P. vivax patients with at least one criteria of severe clinical disease is a matter of concern. Whether it is the result of a lack of timely diagnosis and effective treatment should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela. .,Department of Internal Medicine, "Ruiz Y Páez" University Hospital Complex, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.,"Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Melynar Chavero
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.,Department of Internal Medicine, "Ruiz Y Páez" University Hospital Complex, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Ángel Gamardo
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Luisamy Figuera
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | | | - María V Marcano
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Mariana Hidalgo
- Venezuelan Institute of Scientific Research (IVIC), Miranda, Venezuela
| | | | - Leopoldo Villegas
- Civil Association of Social Impact (ASOCIS), Tumeremo, Venezuela.,Global Development One (GDO), Maryland, USA
| | - María E Grillet
- Vector and Parasite Biology Laboratory, Tropical Ecology and Zoology Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122-1801, USA
| | - Marisol Sandoval-de Mora
- Department of Internal Medicine, "Ruiz Y Páez" University Hospital Complex, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Ananías A Escalante
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19122-1801, USA.
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4
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Mendoza Millán DL, Carrión-Nessi FS, Mejía Bernard MD, Marcano-Rojas MV, Omaña Ávila ÓD, Doval Fernández JM, Chacón Labrador FR, Quintero Rodríguez A, Gasparini Vega S, Tami A, Maricuto AL, Velásquez VL, Landaeta ME, Figuera M, Chavero M, Figuera L, Camejo-Ávila NA, Forero-Peña DA. Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Regarding COVID-19 Among Healthcare Workers in Venezuela: An Online Cross-Sectional Survey. Front Public Health 2021; 9:633723. [PMID: 34327183 PMCID: PMC8315295 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.633723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The deterioration of Venezuela's health system in recent years undoubtedly contributes to an increased impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding healthcare workers' (HCWs) knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAPs) toward COVID-19 in the early stages of the pandemic could inform their medical training and improve their preparedness. Methods: A online national cross-sectional survey was conducted between May 26th and May 30th, 2020, to assess KAPs among HCWs in Venezuela. Results: A total of 1,441 HCWs from all 24 regions of the country responded to the survey. The mean age of the HCWs was 44 (SD [standard deviation] 14) years; most were women (66.4%). Most HCWs were specialized doctors (48%), followed by nurses (13%) and resident doctors (12.3%). The majority of HCWs had good knowledge (76.3%), obtained information mainly from scientific literature (85.4%); had negative attitudes (53.6%), felt uncomfortable with their work during the current pandemic (59.8%); and reported appropriate practices (76.9%). However, participation in COVID-19 related training was absent in more than half of the HCWs. Positive attitudes were significantly more frequent in frontline workers than in non-frontline workers (p = 0.001). Bioanalysts, students, and doctors were more likely to have good knowledge; participating in training was a predictor for positive attitudes and older age was an appropriate practice predictor. Conclusions: HCWs, knowledge in Venezuela could be improved by strengthening education and training programs. Strategies should focus on reducing fear and improving attitudes toward the care of COVID-19 patients, as well as the promotion of preventive practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Lucía Mendoza Millán
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | | | - Mario Daniel Mejía Bernard
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | | | - Óscar Daniel Omaña Ávila
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Juan Manuel Doval Fernández
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Fabián Rafael Chacón Labrador
- "Luis Razetti" School of Medicine, Central University of Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | | | | | - Adriana Tami
- University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Medical Microbiology and Infection Prevention, Groningen, Netherlands.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Carabobo, Valencia, Venezuela
| | - Andrea L Maricuto
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caracas University Hospital, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Viledy L Velásquez
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caracas University Hospital, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Manuel Figuera
- Infectious Diseases Department, Caracas University Hospital, Caracas, Venezuela
| | - Melynar Chavero
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Luisamy Figuera
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | | | - David A Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Infectious Diseases Department, Caracas University Hospital, Caracas, Venezuela
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5
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Romero M, Leiba E, Carrión-Nessi FS, Freitas-De Nobrega DC, Kaid-Bay S, Gamardo ÁF, Chavero M, Figuera L, Camejo-Ávila NA, Marcano MV, Lopez-Perez M, Forero-Peña DA. Malaria in pregnancy complications in Southern Venezuela. Malar J 2021; 20:186. [PMID: 33858446 PMCID: PMC8051027 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-021-03728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to malaria infections, increasing the risk of maternal–fetal complications, mainly in high-endemicity areas. However, few studies of malaria in pregnancy (MiP) have been carried out in Latin America, a region with low endemicity and transmission of both, Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax. Despite the high malaria burden in Venezuela in the last years, no recent studies of MiP have been conducted. Hence, epidemiological and clinical characteristics of pregnant women with malaria in southern Venezuela are described herein. Methods A retrospective study in pregnant women attending at the “Ruíz y Páez” University Hospital Complex, Bolivar state, Venezuela, was carried out between February and October, 2019. Epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory information was analysed. Results Thirty-seven out of 52 pregnant women analysed were infected with P. vivax. Age ranged between 15 and 39 years, and adolescent pregnancies were common. Malaria infection was diagnosed mainly during the third trimester of pregnancy (63.4%). The distribution of symptoms and signs as well as clinical laboratory values was similar among Plasmodium spp. Although uncomplicated malaria was most frequent, 30% (13/52) had severe anaemia. A high proportion of studied women (44%) presented at least one complication during the pregnancy or delivery. Spontaneous abortion was recorded in four women, and three fetal deaths were observed. Six women had preterm delivery without any further complication. Conclusions A high prevalence of maternal–fetal complications was found in the studied population, highlighting the requirement for a careful medical follow up during the prenatal check-ups, which should include routinary malaria tests. Preventive measures as distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito net for pregnant women at risk should also be implemented. Those measures can help to reduce the negative impact of malaria on the newborn and mother.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariestéfany Romero
- "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Elízabeth Leiba
- "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Fhabián S Carrión-Nessi
- "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Diana C Freitas-De Nobrega
- "Dr. Francisco Battistini Casalta" Health Sciences School, University of Oriente - Bolivar Nucleus, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Serris Kaid-Bay
- Gynaecology and Obstetrics Department, "Ruíz y Páez" University Hospital Complex, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Ángel F Gamardo
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Melynar Chavero
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Luisamy Figuera
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | | | - María V Marcano
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
| | - Mary Lopez-Perez
- Centre for Medical Parasitology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David A Forero-Peña
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela.
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6
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Pacheco MA, Forero-Peña DA, Schneider KA, Chavero M, Gamardo A, Figuera L, Kadakia ER, Grillet ME, Oliveira-Ferreira J, Escalante AA. Malaria in Venezuela: changes in the complexity of infection reflects the increment in transmission intensity. Malar J 2020; 19:176. [PMID: 32380999 PMCID: PMC7206825 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-020-03247-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malaria incidence has reached staggering numbers in Venezuela. Commonly, Bolívar State accounted for approximately 70% of the country cases every year. Most cases cluster in the Sifontes municipality, a region characterized by an extractive economy, including gold mining. An increase in migration to Sifontes, driven by gold mining, fueled a malaria spillover to the rest of the country and the region. Here samples collected in 2018 were compared with a previous study of 2003/2004 to describe changes in the parasites population structures and the frequency of point mutations linked to anti-malarial drugs. Methods A total of 88 Plasmodium falciparum and 94 Plasmodium vivax isolates were collected in 2018 and compared with samples from 2003/2004 (106 P. falciparum and 104 P. vivax). For P. falciparum, mutations linked to drug resistance (Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, and Pfcrt) and the Pfk13 gene associated with artemisinin delayed parasite clearance, were analysed. To estimate the multiplicity of infection (MOI), and perform P. falciparum and P. vivax population genetic analyses, the parasites were genotyped by using eight standardized microsatellite loci. Results The P. falciparum parasites are still harbouring drug-resistant mutations in Pfdhfr, Pfdhps, and Pfcrt. However, there was a decrease in the frequency of highly resistant Pfdhps alleles. Mutations associated with artemisinin delayed parasite clearance in the Pfk13 gene were not found. Consistent with the increase in transmission, polyclonal infections raised from 1.9% in 2003/2004 to 39% in 2018 in P. falciparum and from 16.3 to 68% in P. vivax. There is also a decrease in linkage disequilibrium. Bayesian clustering yields two populations linked to the time of sampling, showing that the parasite populations temporarily changed. However, the samples from 2003/2004 and 2018 have several alleles per locus in common without sharing multi-locus genotypes. Conclusions The frequency of mutations linked with drug resistance in P. falciparum shows only changes in Pfdhps. Observations presented here are consistent with an increase in transmission from the previously circulating parasites. Following populations longitudinally, using molecular surveillance, provides valuable information in cases such as Venezuela with a fluid malaria situation that is affecting the regional goals toward elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Andreína Pacheco
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David A Forero-Peña
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Oriente, Núcleo Bolívar, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Departamento de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez", Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | | | - Melynar Chavero
- Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Oriente, Núcleo Bolívar, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Departamento de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez", Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Angel Gamardo
- Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Luisamy Figuera
- Departamento de Medicina Interna, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario "Ruíz y Páez", Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela.,Biomedical Research and Therapeutic Vaccines Institute, Ciudad Bolívar, Venezuela
| | - Esha R Kadakia
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - María E Grillet
- Instituto de Zoología y Ecología Tropical, Universidad Central de Venezuela, Caracas, Venezuela
| | | | - Ananias A Escalante
- Biology Department/Institute of Genomics and Evolutionary Medicine (iGEM), Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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7
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Brambila Tapia AJ, Figuera L, Vázquez Cárdenas NA, Ramírez Torres V, Vázquez Velázquez AI, García Contreras C, Ramírez Dueñas ML. The variable phenotype in tetrasomy 18p syndrome. A propos of a subtle dysmorphic case. Genet Couns 2010; 21:277-283. [PMID: 20964117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
The variable phenotype in tetrasomy 18p syndrome. Apropos of a subtle dysmorphic case: Tetrasomy 18 is a rare chromosomal syndrome. Its frequency is 1/40,000 newborns and more than 40 cases have been reported. In this paper we report a 25-month-old female patient referred for chromosome examination essentially because of delayed psychomotor development. The physical examination showed: microcephaly, mild generalized spasticity, arched eyebrows, horizontal palpebral fissures with unilateral convergent strabismus, bilateral epicanthic folds, small nose, well placed ears, oral cavity with high arched palate and upper vestibular frenula, tented mouth with slightly everted upper lip, hands with normal palmar creases and long fingers. All the blood tests were normal, while the magnetic resonance imaging reported mild demyelination and polymicrogyria. The karyotype was 47,XX,+i(18)(p10).ish i(18)(plO)(D18Z1+) de novo.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Brambila Tapia
- División de Genética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS, Jalisco, México
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8
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Albano C, Cataño L, Figuera L, Perera R, Karam A, González G, Noris K. EVALUATION OF A COMPOSITE BASED ON HIGH-DENSITY POLYETHYLENE FILLED WITH SURFACE-TREATED HYDROXYAPATITE. Polym Bull (Berl) 2008. [DOI: 10.1007/s00289-008-1011-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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9
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Abstract
Ochratoxin A (OA) production of 92 isolates belonging to the A. niger aggregate was tested. All these isolates were grouped into the two proposed species A. niger and A. tubingensis, according to their ITS-5.8S rDNA RFLP patterns. The distribution of the isolates into the two species was very similar since 52.2% were classified as pattern T (corresponding to A. tubingensis), and 47.8% were classified as pattern N (corresponding to A. niger). Six out of the 92 isolates studied produced OA. All the OA producing strains were classified as pattern N while none of the isolates classified as pattern T produced OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Accensi
- Department de Sanitat i d'Anatomia Animals (Microbiologia), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Bellaterra, Spain.
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Simó JM, Joven J, Vilella E, Ribas M, Figuera L, Virgos C, Sundaram IM, Hoover-Plow J. Polymorphisms in human apolipoprotein(a) kringle IV-10 and coronary artery disease: relationship to allele size, plasma lipoprotein(a) concentration, and lysine binding site activity. J Mol Med (Berl) 2001; 79:294-9. [PMID: 11485023 DOI: 10.1007/s001090100203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Elevated plasma levels of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] represent a major independent risk factor for the development of atherosclerosis. The kringle IV type 10 of apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] is the primary lysine binding site (LBS) of Lp(a) and is associated with lesion formation in transgenic mice. The purpose of this study was to search for mutations in the apo(a) kringle IV type 10 which could alter the LBS activity of Lp(a) from patients with coronary artery disease. We found the DNA region of kringle IV type 10 of apo(a) to be mutable but relatively well preserved in the Spanish population. We identified a novel mutation which probably leads to a truncated form of apo(a) in a patient heterozygous for the mutation and with low lysine binding activity and low plasma Lp(a) concentration. Two other mutations have been previously identified in humans, the substitutions W81R and M75T. The W81R was not found in our sample, but the M75T mutation was present in 43% of patients with coronary artery disease and 23% of age-matched controls. The genotype TT conferred a significant risk for myocardial infarction (odds ratio 2.53). This association was not due to linkage disequilibrium with kringle IV repeats. The M75T polymorphism was not associated with the LBS function of apo(a), but it influenced plasma Lp(a) concentration.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M Simó
- Centre de Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, Reus, Spain
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Martorell L, Virgos C, Valero J, Coll G, Figuera L, Joven J, Pocoví M, Labad A, Vilella E. Schizophrenic women with the APOE epsilon 4 allele have a worse prognosis than those without it. Mol Psychiatry 2001; 6:307-10. [PMID: 11326299 DOI: 10.1038/sj.mp.4000855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2000] [Revised: 11/13/2000] [Accepted: 11/15/2000] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The epsilon 4 allele of APOE is generally accepted to be a risk factor in Alzheimer's disease and it has been related to other neuropsychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia. The results of several case-control studies have been inconclusive. To shed more light on this issue we carried out an association study that compared the APOE common variant in a group of 365 schizophrenia patients and 584 controls. We found no differences in the genotype distributions and allele frequencies of patients and controls. In the group of patients, we also analysed the possible influence of the epsilon 4 allele in the clinical variables. The most important findings are that the age at onset (AAO) of epsilon 4+ schizophrenic women, those that have one or two epsilon 4 alleles, is 4 years earlier than that of epsilon 4- women and their risk of suffering a negative syndrome subtype is four times greater. This was not found in schizophrenic men. Our results show that the APOE variant is not a risk factor for developing schizophrenia but that it may modulate its phenotypic expression in a sex-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Martorell
- Departament de Formació i Investigació, Hospital Psiquiàtric Universitari Institut Pere Mata, Ctra de I'Institut Pere Mata s/n, 43206 Reus, Spain
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12
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Abstract
Clinical studies have shown that there is a genetic contribution to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. The molecular mechanisms of effective antipsychotic drugs and recent advances in neural development suggest that several dopamine receptor, serotonin receptor and neurotrophic factor genes might be involved in the disorder. In this study, we assessed the associations between schizophrenia and polymorphisms in the D2 and D3 dopamine receptor (DRD2, DRD3), the serotonin 2A receptor (5HTR2A), the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and the neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) genes. Our results suggest that the polymorphisms at the DRD3, 5HTR2A, CNTF and BDNF gene loci are unlikely to make our sample more genetically susceptible to schizophrenia. However, we found significant differences in microsatellite allele frequencies between schizophrenic and control groups for DRD2 in the whole sample and for DRD2 and NT-3 only in women. Therefore, clinical differences in the presentation of schizophrenia between gender might be related to genetic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Virgos
- Hospital Psiquiàtric Universitari Institut Pere Mata, Ctra. de l'Institut Pere Mata, s/n. 43206, Reus, Spain
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Virgos C, Joven J, Simó JM, Vilella E, Camps J, Arcelus R, Blanco-Vaca F, Figuera L, Martorell L. Homocyst(e)ine and the C677T mutation of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase in survivors of premature myocardial infarction. Clin Biochem 2000; 33:509-12. [PMID: 11074245 DOI: 10.1016/s0009-9120(00)00151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- C Virgos
- Centre de Recerca Biomèdica, Hospital Universitari de Sant Joan, C/Sant Joan s/n, 43201, Reus, Spain
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Abstract
The DNA that encodes the 5.8S gene of the ribosomal RNA and the two intergenic spacers ITS1 and ITS2 of the two proposed type strains of the Aspergillus niger aggregate (A. niger and Aspergillus tubingensis) have been sequenced. By comparison of sequences we have found that both species could be differentiated by RsaI digestion of the PCR products of the mentioned regions. This method could be a useful tool in the identification of strains of the A. niger aggregate, especially in studies that involve a large number of isolates.
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MESH Headings
- Aspergillus niger/classification
- Aspergillus niger/genetics
- Base Sequence
- DNA, Fungal/genetics
- DNA, Fungal/metabolism
- DNA, Ribosomal/genetics
- DNA, Ribosomal/metabolism
- Deoxyribonucleases, Type II Site-Specific/metabolism
- Genes, rRNA
- Molecular Sequence Data
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Polymorphism, Restriction Fragment Length
- RNA, Ribosomal, 5.8S/genetics
- Sequence Analysis, DNA
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Affiliation(s)
- F Accensi
- Departament de Patologia i Producció Animals (Microbiologia), Facultat de Veterinària, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193-Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain.
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Gallegos-Arreola M, Rivas-Solis F, Flores-Martínez S, Zúñiga-González G, Sandoval-Ramírez L, Cantú-Garza JM, Ranaji C, Figuera L, Morán-Moguel MC, Sánchez Corona J. Linkage disequilibrium between IDUA kpnI-VNTR haplotype in Mexican patients with MPS-I. Arch Med Res 1999; 30:375-9. [PMID: 10596456 DOI: 10.1016/s0188-0128(99)00049-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The MPS-I is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the IDUA gene that induce to a deficiency of glycosidase alpha-L-iduronidase that is required for degradation of heparan and dermatan sulfate. This disorder expresses a wide range of clinical symptoms. METHODS Kpnl (K) and VNTR (V) intragenic polymorphisms at the IDUA gene were studied in mestizo and Huichol Indian Mexican populations as well in 13 MPS-I patients. Data from Australian normal and MPS-I (2-4) individuals were also studied. RESULTS Genotypes for IDUA K and V sites in Mexicans were in agreement with Hardy-Weinberg expectations, except for site K in Huichols. Individually, allele frequency distributions were different (p < 0.05) in the two normal groups for the V site. K-V haplotype frequency distributions (HFDs) in these two normal groups were also different as compared with normal Australians. In Mexican MPS-I patients, HFD was different (p < 0.05) with respect to both Mexican normal groups, and non-different when compared with normal or MPS-I Australians. This can be taken as evidence of linkage disequilibrium between K-V polymorphism and MPS-I gene mutation(s) at the IDUA region. A similar finding was reported. However, disequilibrium in Mexicans was determined by haplotypes different from those in Australia. In Mexican MPS-I patients, haplotype K2-V1 is increased and K1-V3 decreased with respect to the Mexican mestizo (p < 0.05), while in Australians, MPS-I patients had an increase of haplotypes K2-V2 and K1-V2 with respect to expected frequency. CONCLUSIONS The similar HFD between Mexican and Australian MPS-I patients suggests a common genetic origin, that MPS-I mutations were introduced to Mexico by Spaniards, and that such mutations predate the dispersion between Mexican and Australian Caucasian ancestors. The differences in disequilibrium are explained rather by genetic drift.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Gallegos-Arreola
- División de Medicina Molecular, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico.
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Virgos C, Martorell L, Simó JM, Valero J, Figuera L, Joven J, Labad A, Vilella E. Plasma homocysteine and the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase C677T gene variant: lack of association with schizophrenia. Neuroreport 1999; 10:2035-8. [PMID: 10424670 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-199907130-00008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Disturbances in methyl-carbon metabolism, which result in hyperhomocysteinemia, have been associated with schizophrenia. Homozygosity for the T677 allele of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene, which encodes for a thermolabile enzyme associated with hyperhomocysteinemia, has been found to be increased in schizophrenic patients. We have investigated whether plasma homocysteine concentration and the frequency of C677T MTHFR variant were increased in schizophrenic inpatients of a psychiatric hospital (n=210) compared with controls (n=218). There were no significant differences in plasma homocysteine concentrations between the schizophrenia and the control group. The distributions of T allele and TT genotype frequencies were similar in both groups (40% and 15%). These results show that impaired homocysteine metabolism is unlikely in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Virgos
- Hospital Psiquiàtric Universitari Institut Pere Mata, Ctra. de l'institut Pere Mata, Reus, Spain
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Suñé B, Campo R, Verdura T, Bernuz L, Figuera L, Denia MJ, Duch L, García C, Giménez V, Ruiz F, Valverde A, Barrachina L, Salvador I, Yuncadella M, Roca R, Mateo I. [Decubitus ulcers]. Rev Enferm 1981; 4:18-30. [PMID: 6914759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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