ABSTRACT The COVID-19 pandemic exhibits different characteristics in each country, related to the extent of SARS-CoV-2 local transmission, as well as the speed and effectiveness of epidemic response implemented by authorities. This study presents a descriptive epidemiological analysis of the daily and cumulative incidence of confirmed cases and deaths in Cuba from COVID-19 in the first 110 days after first-case confirmation on March 11, 2020. During this period, 2340 cases (20.7 x 100,000 population) were confirmed, of which 86 patients died (case fatality 3.67%; 52 men and 34 women). Mean age of the deceased was 73.6 years (with a minimum of 35 years and a maximum of 101), with the average age of men lower than that of women. More than 70% of all deceased had associated noncommunicable diseases. The incidence curve ascended for five weeks and then descended steadily. The average number of confirmed cases and deaths for the last week included (June 23–28, 2020) were 25 and 1 respectively; the curve always moved within the most favorable forecast zone of available mathematical models and the effective reproductive number fell below 1 after the fifth week following the onset of the epidemic. We present the prevention and control measures implemented during this period—some unique to Cuba—and assess their effectiveness using two analytical tools: comparison of observed deaths and confirmed cases with those predicted by mathematical models; and estimation of the effective reproductive rate of SARS-CoV-2. Some distinctive features of this strategy include nationwide door-to-door active screening for individuals with fever and/or symptoms of respiratory distress, isolation of cases and quarantine of contacts of confirmed cases and of persons suspected of having the virus. During this period, Cuba’s response to the epidemic was successful in flattening the curve and limiting transmission, resulting in fewer cases and a lower number of subsequent deaths.

ABSTRACT The fast spread of SARS-CoV-2 has posed big challenges, some of which are related to information management and visibility. Professionals from information institutions have been faced with having to reorganize their services in a short time, with an essential technological component to achieve virtuality in face of the unavoidable imperative of physical distancing. The National Medical Sciences Information Center (CNICM/Infomed) plays a fundamental role in the response plan implemented by Cuba during this health crisis, serving as facilitator and provider of specialized scientific information services, sources and tools, and supplying the required technological platform for the entire national health system and the population. The present document is aimed at describing the workflow devised by this institution, the spaces and modes used for the production and dissemination of scientific information during the epidemic, and the contributions made to the creation of products and the development and implementation of tools and services to support health scientific research and decision making during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESUMEN La rápida propagación del SARS-CoV-2 ha ocasionado grandes desafíos, algunos de ellos relacionados con la gestión y la visibilidad de la información. Los profesionales de las instituciones de información enfrentaron el reto de tener que reorganizar sus servicios en un breve tiempo, con un componente tecnológico esencial para lograr la virtualidad ante el imperativo indiscutible del distanciamiento físico. Como parte del Plan de enfrentamiento desplegado por Cuba durante esta crisis sanitaria, el Centro Nacional de Información de Ciencias Médicas (CNICM/Infomed) desempeña un rol fundamental, al actuar como proveedor y facilitador de las fuentes, herramientas y servicios de información científica especializada, además de garantizar la plataforma tecnológica para todo el sistema nacional de salud y la población. El presente documento se propone describir el flujo de trabajo concebido por esta institución, los espacios y modos empleados para la producción y difusión de la información científica durante la epidemia, así como los aportes realizados (elaboración de productos y desarrollo e implementación de herramientas y servicios( para apoyar las investigaciones científicas y la toma de decisiones en salud durante la pandemia de la COVID-19.

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Reference values for liver stiffness for healthy individuals vary worldwide. Different optimal cutoff values correspond to the stages of fibrosis in chronic liver disease. OBJECTIVES Characterize the distribution of liver stiffness in Cuban adults without liver disease and its association with age, serum uric acid and body mass index. METHODS A cross-sectional study was performed of 110 plasma donors recruited from the Havana Province Blood Bank January 2016 through February 2017. Measurements of liver stiffness were performed using a FibroScan elastography device on the same day of laboratory analyses and abdominal ultrasound. The Pearson coefficient was used to assess correlations, and the reference range was calculated using the mean and its 95% confidence interval. RESULTS Liver stiffness values observed ranged from 2.2–6.3 kPa. The reference range (95% CI) for the 110 subjects without known liver disease was 4.2–4.6 kPa (mean 4.4). A positive correlation was observed between liver stiffness measurements and body mass index (r = 0.255, p <0.01) and serum uric acid (r = 0.266, p <0.01). There was no correlation between liver stiffness and age. Liver stiffness in women was similar to that of men, 4.3 (2.4–6.1) and 4.5 (2.2–6.3) kPa, respectively (p = 0.086). CONCLUSIONS Liver stiffness in Cuban adults without liver disease ranges from 2.2–6.3 kPa. The reference range is 4.2–4.6 kPa. Body mass index and serum uric acid levels are positively associated with liver stiffness. CONTRIBUTION OF THIS RESEARCH This is the first Cuban study using FibroScan to measure liver stiffness; its results will enable better assessment of liver disease in clinical practice.

Abstract: Background: Urethral discharge syndrome (UDS) is characterized by the presence of purulent or mucopurulent urethral discharge.The main etiological agents of this syndrome are Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of the syndromic management to resolve symptoms in male urethral discharge syndrome cases in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil. Methods: Retrospective cohort of male cases of urethral discharge syndrome observed at a clinic for sexually transmitted disease (STD) in 2013. Epidemiological and clinical data, as well as the results of urethral swabs, bacterioscopy, hybrid capture for C.trachomatis, wet-mount examination, and culture for N.gonorrhoeae, were obtained through medical chart reviews. Results: Of the 800 urethral discharge syndrome cases observed at the STD clinic, 785 (98.1%) presented only urethral discharge syndrome, 633 (79.1%) returned for follow-up, 579 (91.5%) were considered clinically cured on the first visit, 41(6.5 %) were considered cured on the second visit, and 13(2.0%) did not reach clinical cure after two appointments. Regarding the etiological diagnosis, 42.7% of the patients presented a microbiological diagnosis of N.gonorrhoeae, 39.3% of non-gonococcal and non-chlamydia urethritis, 10.7% of C.trachomatis and 7.3% of co-infection with chlamydia and gonococcus. The odds of being considered cured in the first visit were greater in those who were unmarried, with greater schooling, and with an etiological diagnosis of gonorrhea. The diagnosis of non-gonococcal urethritis reduced the chance of cure in the first visit. Study limitation: A study conducted at a single center of STD treatment. Conclusion: Syndromic management of male urethral discharge syndrome performed in accordance with the Brazilian Ministry of Health STD guidelines was effective in resolving symptoms in the studied population. More studies with microbiological outcomes are needed to ensure the maintenance of the syndromic management.

Introduction: many technical procedures have been developed to repair femoral hernia. Since 1989, the Lichtenstein Plug technique has allowed lower rates of post operative complications and recurrence as well an earlier recovery of the daily life activities of the patients. This technique, widely known in elective surgery, can also be performed in the emergency surgery. Objective: to assess the experience of our basic working team in the surgical treatment of the femoral hernia through this technique. Methods: a retrospective, descriptive and observational study was conducted by our basic working team from the surgery service at "Dr. Enrique Cabrera" General Teaching Hospital from 2001 to 2010, which covered the patients who underwent surgical repair of femoral hernia through the Lichtenstein Plug technique. The anatomical variants of the hernias as well as the postoperative complications and the clinical progress were studied. Results: the mean age of the patients were 58.7 years old, (19-92 years), with prevalence of females (78 %). The most frequent location of hernias was on the right (67.5 %). Polypropylene reticular mesh was the most commonly used. Local anaesthesia was applied in 29 patients (63 %), and the mean surgical time was 25 minutes (15-65 minutes). The average length of stay at hospital was less than 24 hours. Just one patient developed wound sepsis and herniary recurrence. Conclusions: the Lichtenstein Plug procedure should be regarded as a choice in treating femoral hernia.

Introducción: se han desarrollado diversas técnicas para la reparación de la hernia femoral. La técnica con el Plug de Lichtenstein desde el año 1989 ha permitido obtener un menor índice de complicaciones y recidivas, así como una recuperación temprana de las actividades habituales del paciente. Su aplicación, ampliamente difundida en la cirugía electiva, también puede realizarse en la cirugía de urgencia. El objetivo de este trabajo es valorar la experiencia de nuestro grupo básico de trabajo en el tratamiento quirúrgico de la hernia femoral mediante la aplicación de esta técnica.Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo con carácter retrospectivo en nuestro grupo básico de trabajo, del servicio de cirugía del Hospital General Docente "Enrique Cabrera" entre los años 2001 al 2010, a un conjunto de pacientes a los cuales se les aplicó la técnica del Plug de Lichtenstein para la reparación de la hernia femoral. Se estudiaron las variantes anatómicas de las hernias así como las complicaciones posoperatorias y la evolución clínica. Resultados: la edad media de los pacientes fue de 58,7 años (19-92 años) y el sexo femenino fue el de mayor incidencia (78 %), además la localización más frecuente, la derecha (67,5 %). La prótesis empleada en la hernioplastia fue la de polipropileno. Se aplicó la anestesia local a 29 pacientes (63 %). El tiempo quirúrgico medio fue de 25 minutos (15-65 minutos). La deambulación fue precoz y la estancia media hospitalaria fue menos de 24 horas, en la mayoría de los pacientes. Solo se constató una infección de la herida y una recidiva herniaria en un paciente. Conclusiones: la técnica del Plug de Lichtenstein debe considerarse entre las de elección en el tratamiento de la hernia femoral.

INTRODUCTION Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, traditionally performed in Cuba in specialized hospitals, was decentralized to the primary health care level in 2004 to make it more patient-accessible. OBJECTIVES Describe frequency and distribution of the principal symptomatic diseases of the upper gastrointestinal tract and their relation to the main risk factors associated with each in a sample of urban adults who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in primary care facilities in Havana in selected months of 2007. METHODS A multicenter cross-sectional study was conducted, including 3556 patients seen in the primary health care network of Havana from May through November 2007. The endoscopies were performed at the 22 polyclinics (community health centers) providing this service. Diagnostic quality and accuracy were assessed by experienced gastroenterologists using a validated tool. Patients responded to a questionnaire with clinical, epidemiologic, and sociodemographic variables. Univariate and multivariate analyses (unconditional logistical regression) were used to identify associated risk factors. The significance level was set at p < 0.05 (or confidence interval excluding 1.0). RESULTS The diagnoses were: gastritis (91.6%), duodenitis (57.8%), hiatal hernia (46.5%), esophagitis (25.2%), duodenal ulcer (15.8%), gastric ulcer (6.2%) and malignant-appearing lesions (0.4%). Overall prevalence of Helicobacter pylori infection was 58.4%. The main risk factors for duodenal ulcer were H. pylori infection (OR 2.70, CI 2.17-3.36) and smoking (OR 2.08, CI 1.68-2.58); and for gastric ulcer, H. pylori (OR 1.58, CI 1.17-2.15) and age >60 years (OR 1.78, CI 1.28-2.47). H. pylori infection was the main risk factor for gastritis (OR 2.29, CI 1.79-2.95) and duodenitis (OR 1.58, CI 1.38-1.82); and age >40 years for hiatal hernia (OR 1.57, CI 1.33-1.84). External evaluation was "very good" or "good" for 99.3% of endoscopic procedures and 97.9% of reports issued. CONCLUSIONS Gastrointestinal endoscopy performed in primary care yielded high quality results and important information about prevalence of the most common diseases of the upper GI tract and associated risk factors. This study provides a reference for new research and can inform objective recommendations for community-based interventions to prevent and control these diseases. The existence of a network of universally accessible diagnostic endoscopy services at the primary care level, will contribute to conducting further research.

The colorectal carcinoma (CLC) is one of the more frequent neoplasia in our practice, in past years there was a significant advance in the knowledge of mechanisms implicated in its development and progression. Such advance embraces from the identification of different genetic factors or molecular involved in its genesis. A case-control study was conducted on the CLC risk factors in adult patients (92 cases and 184 controls), diagnosed in the Institute of Gastroenterology. A survey was applied to collect these possible factors and to determine its relation to CLC. Analysis of these results showed that the risk factors with a great solid causality are: smoking, hip-waist index, vegetable consumption, physical inactivity and personal pathologic backgrounds of polyps and of other malignant tumors. There was predominance to left colon (descending, sigmoid and rectum) in both sexes. There was also predominance of the ulcerated type in both sexes, and the more frequent histological type was the adenocarcinoma.

El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es una de las neoplasias más frecuentes en nuestro medio, en los últimos años hemos asistido a un avance muy significativo en el conocimiento de los mecanismos que participan en su desarrollo y progresión. Ese avance abarca desde la identificación de diversos factores genéticos o moleculares implicados en la fisiopatología de esta neoplasia, hasta la caracterización de múltiples aspectos epidemiológicos involucrados en su génesis. Se realizó un estudio de casos y controles sobre factores de riesgo del CCR, en pacientes adultos (92 casos y 184 controles), diagnosticados en el Instituto de Gastroenterología. Se aplicó una encuesta para recoger estos posibles factores y determinar su relación con el CCR. El análisis de estos resultados demostró que los factores de riesgo de más sólida causalidad son: hábito de fumar, índice cintura-cadera, consumo de vegetales, inactividad física y antecedentes patológicos personales de pólipos y de otros tumores malignos. Predominó la localización hacia colon izquierdo (descendente, sigmoide y recto) en ambos sexos. Se observó predominio del tipo ulcerado, en ambos sexos y el tipo histológico más frecuente fue el adenocarcinoma.

A sustained low level of fertility, along many years, without concomitant substantive variations in other demographic variables leads in the medium run to very low or negative rates of population growth, which triggers or even accelerates other demographic processes with potentially significant socioeconomic and political repercussions. A similar situation is taking place at the moment in a good number of developed countries. In Cuba, population decrease has begun to manifest itself, which is a fact without precedents in Latin America that needs to be identified and analyzed for this region as a whole, and in particular for those countries more advanced in the demographic transition. Fertility trends in the Caribbean Island can be seen as a model to be analyzed and reflected about because it may illuminate a pattern of demographic change with great potential social implications.

Un bajo nivel de fecundidad a lo largo de muchos años, sin que medien variaciones sustantivas en otras variables demográficas, condiciona, a mediano plazo, un ritmo de crecimiento poblacional muy lento o negativo, lo que desencadena o acelera, a su vez, otros procesos demográficos con repercusiones socioeconómicas y políticas, como sucede actualmente en muchos países desarrollados. En Cuba comenzó a manifestarse un decrecimiento poblacional sin antecedentes en América Latina, que debe ser evidenciado y analizado, ya que para la región en su conjunto y, en particular, para los países más avanzados en la transición demográfica, las tendencias del índice de la fecundidad cubano pueden servir, en perspectiva, como patrón de análisis o punto de reflexión y debate en torno a un hecho de implicaciones sociales de gran trascendencia potencial.

OBJETIVO: Descrever estudo de caso de intervenção de base comunitária, desenvolvido na perspectiva construcionista-emancipatória, para o controle das DST/Aids. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo desenvolvido no município de Manacapuru, Amazonas, de 1997-2004, sobre a utilização de procedimentos desenhados em colaboração com agentes governamentais, profissionais de saúde e comunidade. Foram levantados dados sobre a dinâmica da prostituição e a venda de preservativos na cidade, características comportamentais, avaliação do processo e da assistência às DST/Aids. Sincronicamente, estabeleceram-se ações de prevenção e assistência na rede pública de saúde às DST, centro de testagem, sistema de vigilância epidemiológica, e capacitação de trabalhadoras do sexo. RESULTADOS: Observou-se o fortalecimento das trabalhadoras do sexo como multiplicadoras e sua legitimação como cidadãs e agentes de saúde em projetos com travestis, homossexuais e escolares. Houve incremento da venda de preservativos na cidade, da utilização de preservativos entre trabalhadoras do sexo, redução das DST bacterianas e estabilização da ocorrência de infecção pelo HIV/Aids e sífilis congênita. A sustentabilidade do programa de intervenção estudado, organizado no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saude, foi estimulada pela pactuação política garantindo sede e orçamento regulamentado em lei municipal, e pelo debate permanente dos resultados do processo e programa. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo fortaleceu a noção de que o controle efetivo das DST/Aids depende de uma abordagem sinérgica que combine intervenções no plano individual (biológica-comportamental), sociocultural e programático.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case study of community-based intervention, developed in a constructionist-emancipatory framework to control STD/AIDS. METHODS: Descriptive study developed in the town of Manacapuru, in the state of Amazonas, from 1997 to 2004, focusing on procedures designed in collaboration with government agents, health professionals and the community. Data on the dynamics of prostitution and condom sales in this town, preventive practices and STD/AIDS care and process assessment were collected. Actions targeting STD prevention and care in the public healthcare system, a testing center, an epidemiological surveillance system and sex workers' qualification were established concomitantly. RESULTS: It was observed the strengthening of sex workers as peer educators and their legitimization as citizens and health agents in projects involving transvestites, homosexuals and students. There was an increase in condom sales in town, as well as in condom use among sex workers; reduction in bacterial STD; and stabilization of the incidence of HIV/AIDS infections and congenital syphilis. The sustainability of the intervention program studied, organized within the sphere of action of the Sistema Único de Saúde (National Health System), was promoted by a political pact, which guaranteed headquarters and municipal law-regulated budget, as well as by the constant debate over the process and program results. CONCLUSIONS: The study strengthened the notion that effective control of STD/AIDS depends on a synergic approach that combines interventions on individual (biological-behavioral), sociocultural and programmatic levels.

OBJETIVO: Descrever estudo de caso de intervenção de base comunitária, desenvolvido na perspectiva construcionista-emancipatória, para o controle das DST/Aids. MÉTODOS: Estudo descritivo desenvolvido no município de Manacapuru, Amazonas, de 1997-2004, sobre a utilização de procedimentos desenhados em colaboração com agentes governamentais, profissionais de saúde e comunidade. Foram levantados dados sobre a dinâmica da prostituição e a venda de preservativos na cidade, características comportamentais, avaliação do processo e da assistência às DST/Aids. Sincronicamente, estabeleceram-se ações de prevenção e assistência na rede pública de saúde às DST, centro de testagem, sistema de vigilância epidemiológica, e capacitação de trabalhadoras do sexo. RESULTADOS: Observou-se o fortalecimento das trabalhadoras do sexo como multiplicadoras e sua legitimação como cidadãs e agentes de saúde em projetos com travestis, homossexuais e escolares. Houve incremento da venda de preservativos na cidade, da utilização de preservativos entre trabalhadoras do sexo, redução das DST bacterianas e estabilização da ocorrência de infecção pelo HIV/Aids e sífilis congênita. A sustentabilidade do programa de intervenção estudado, organizado no âmbito do Sistema Único de Saude, foi estimulada pela pactuação política garantindo sede e orçamento regulamentado em lei municipal, e pelo debate permanente dos resultados do processo e programa. CONCLUSÕES: O estudo fortaleceu a noção de que o controle efetivo das DST/Aids depende de uma abordagem sinérgica que combine intervenções no plano individual (biológica-comportamental), sociocultural e programático.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a case study of community-based intervention, developed in a constructionist-emancipatory framework to control STD/AIDS. METHODS: Descriptive study developed in the town of Manacapuru, in the state of Amazonas, from 1997 to 2004, focusing on procedures designed in collaboration with government agents, health professionals and the community. Data on the dynamics of prostitution and condom sales in this town, preventive practices and STD/AIDS care and process assessment were collected. Actions targeting STD prevention and care in the public healthcare system, a testing center, an epidemiological surveillance system and sex workers' qualification were established concomitantly. RESULTS: It was observed the strengthening of sex workers as peer educators and their legitimization as citizens and health agents in projects involving transvestites, homosexuals and students. There was an increase in condom sales in town, as well as in condom use among sex workers; reduction in bacterial STD; and stabilization of the incidence of HIV/AIDS infections and congenital syphilis. The sustainability of the intervention program studied, organized within the sphere of action of the Sistema Único de Saúde (National Health System), was promoted by a political pact, which guaranteed headquarters and municipal law-regulated budget, as well as by the constant debate over the process and program results. CONCLUSIONS: The study strengthened the notion that effective control of STD/AIDS depends on a synergic approach that combines interventions on individual (biological-behavioral), sociocultural and programmatic levels.

O diagnóstico e o tratamento corretos e precoces da sífilis são essenciais para o seu controle. Os testes diagnósticos tradicionais dependem de equipamentos, instalações e recursos humanos especializados. Na busca de testes de execução simplificada e rápida, realizou-se projeto de validação e da reprodutibilidade de quatro diferentes testes anteriormente avaliados pelos laboratórios de referência da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Verificaram-se também as características operacionais e aceitabilidade dos pacientes e dos profissionais de saúde. As amostras obtidas numa clínica de DST constaram de 541 e 248 pacientes com 51 e 52 positivos no FTA-Abs (padrão ouro) nos estudos 1 e 2, respectivamente. A sensibilidade variou entre 84 e 96%, especificidade superior a 98% e valor preditivo positivo > 90%. A reprodutibilidade foi superior a 97% e 0,94 no índice de kappa, comparando-se os resultados obtidos pelos diferentes profissionais. A execução dos testes foi de menos de vinte minutos, e mais de 90% dos pacientes concordaram em esperar o seu resultado até duas horas. Os testes apresentaram requisitos necessários para serem empregados no diagnóstico da sífilis, dando assim mais uma opção para o controle desta infecção.

Correct, early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis are essential for its control. Traditional diagnostic tests depend on specialized equipment, installations, and human resources. In the search for quick, simple tests, a project was conducted on the validation and reproducibility of four different tests, previously assessed by WHO reference laboratories. The study also verified the operational characteristics and acceptance by patients and health professionals. Samples obtained at an STD clinic were from 541 and 248 patients with 51 and 52 positive results according to FTA-Abs (gold standard) in studies 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity varied from 84 to 96%, specificity was greater than 98%, and PPV was > 90%. Reproducibility was > 97% and kappa index 0.94, comparing the results obtained by different health workers. The tests took less than 20 minutes to perform, and more than 90% of patients agreed to wait up to two hours for the results. The tests presented the necessary requirements for use in diagnosis of syphilis, thus providing an additional option for controlling this disease.

O diagnóstico e o tratamento corretos e precoces da sífilis são essenciais para o seu controle. Os testes diagnósticos tradicionais dependem de equipamentos, instalações e recursos humanos especializados. Na busca de testes de execução simplificada e rápida, realizou-se projeto de validação e da reprodutibilidade de quatro diferentes testes anteriormente avaliados pelos laboratórios de referência da Organização Mundial da Saúde. Verificaram-se também as características operacionais e aceitabilidade dos pacientes e dos profissionais de saúde. As amostras obtidas numa clínica de DST constaram de 541 e 248 pacientes com 51 e 52 positivos no FTA-Abs (padrão ouro) nos estudos 1 e 2, respectivamente. A sensibilidade variou entre 84 e 96%, especificidade superior a 98% e valor preditivo positivo > 90%. A reprodutibilidade foi superior a 97% e 0,94 no índice de kappa, comparando-se os resultados obtidos pelos diferentes profissionais. A execução dos testes foi de menos de vinte minutos, e mais de 90% dos pacientes concordaram em esperar o seu resultado até duas horas. Os testes apresentaram requisitos necessários para serem empregados no diagnóstico da sífilis, dando assim mais uma opção para o controle desta infecção.

Correct, early diagnosis and treatment of syphilis are essential for its control. Traditional diagnostic tests depend on specialized equipment, installations, and human resources. In the search for quick, simple tests, a project was conducted on the validation and reproducibility of four different tests, previously assessed by WHO reference laboratories. The study also verified the operational characteristics and acceptance by patients and health professionals. Samples obtained at an STD clinic were from 541 and 248 patients with 51 and 52 positive results according to FTA-Abs (gold standard) in studies 1 and 2, respectively. The sensitivity varied from 84 to 96%, specificity was greater than 98%, and PPV was > 90%. Reproducibility was > 97% and kappa index 0.94, comparing the results obtained by different health workers. The tests took less than 20 minutes to perform, and more than 90% of patients agreed to wait up to two hours for the results. The tests presented the necessary requirements for use in diagnosis of syphilis, thus providing an additional option for controlling this disease.

Infection by Helicobacter pylori plays an important role in different digestive diseases. At present it is accepted that this microorganism is related to active chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer (gastric as well as duodenal), gastric adenocarcinoma and B-cell gastric lymphoma of the lymphoid tissue associated with mucosa (MALT lymphoma). The study included 121 patients: 53 having an endoscopic diagnosis of gastritis, 21 with peptic ulcer, 20 with duodenal ulcers, 3 adenocarcinomas of the gastric antro, 5 esophagus neoplasm, and 19 normal panendoscopies (dyspeptic). Gastroscopy was carried out on all patients and four biopsy fragments were taken from the antro and body regions of the stomach. For diagnosis and isolation of H. pylori a fast urease test was used. Gram stain and culture in brain heart agar with 10% horse serum, 0,25% yeast extract and Dent supplement (OXOID SR 147) during 7 days at 37 ºC in a jar with a microaerophyllic environment were also done. The presence of catalase and oxidase were also evaluated. An infection prevalence of 79,2% was observed in chronic gastritis patients, 100% in duodenal ulcer patients, and 90,4% in those with gastric ulcer, in agreement with the reports from other authors. In 100% of the gastric adenocarcinoma cases and 60% of the ones with esophagus neoplasm the microorganism was isolated. Isolation of H pylori in 78,9% of the endoscopic cases considered and reported as normal is a warning of the prevalence in dyspeptic patients.

La infección por Helicobacter pylori desempeña un papel fundamental en el desarrollo de diversas enfermedades digestivas. Actualmente se acepta que este microorganismo está relacionado con la gastritis crónica activa, la úlcera péptica (tanto gástrica como duodenal), el adenocarcinoma gástrico y el linfoma gástrico de células B del tejido linfoide asociado a mucosa (Linfoma MALT). Se estudiaron 121 pacientes, 53 con diagnóstico endoscópico de gastritis, 21 con úlcera péptica, 20 úlceras duodenales, 3 adenocarcinomas del antro gástrico, 5 neoplasias de esófago y 19 panendoscopias normales (dispépticos). A todos los pacientes se les practicó una gastroscopia y se tomaron cuatro fragmentos de biopsias distribuidas entre las regiones de antro y cuerpo gástrico. Para el diagnóstico y aislamiento de H. pylori se empleó la prueba de la ureasa rápida, la tinción de gram, y el cultivo en agar cerebro corazón con suero de caballo 10%, extracto de levadura 0,25% más suplemento Dent (OXOID SR 147) durante 7 días a 37 ºC en jarra en atmósfera de microaerofilia. También se evaluó la presencia de catalasa y oxidasa. Se observó una prevalencia de la infección del 79,2% en la gastritis crónica, un 100% en los pacientes con úlcera duodenal y un 90,4% en relación con la úlcera gástrica, lo que coincide con lo reportado por otros autores. En el 100% de los casos de adenocarcinoma gástrico y en el 60% de los casos de neoplasias de esófago se aisló el microorganismo. El aislamiento de H. pylori en el 78,9% de endoscopias realizadas e informadas como normales es una alerta de la prevalencia en pacientes dispépticos.