Abstract INTRODUCTION Toxoplasmosis is a zoonosis caused by Toxoplasma gondii. This study investigated the prevalence and factors associated with toxoplasmosis among pregnant women. METHODS We followed an analytical observational study. From July 2016 to June 2017, 218 pregnant women were selected. The infection was detected through serological dosage of anti-T.gondii Immunoglobulin(Ig) M and IgG antibodies. RESULTS The seroprevalence was 35.8%; the factors associated with infection were consumption of non-drinking water, residence in an urban area, and threatened abortion during the current pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS The seroprevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women is high. The risk factors are dependent on environmental determinants.

Objective. To describe the frequency and antiparasitic in vitro susceptibility of Blastocystis hominis in patients admitted to the Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Peru. Material and methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to August 2015 at 313 patients of all ages. B. hominis detection was performed on serial fecal samples by direct microscopic examination and microculture in modified Locke solution. The in vitro susceptibility testing against the drug metronidazole, nitazoxanide, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin was performed in 24 strains of B. hominis, which grew up (microculture method) in 10 double concentrations of each antimicrobial (from 256 ug/ml to 0.5 ug/mL) plus a control. Results. 46.3% (145/313) of the sample had B. hominis, also the age between 12 to 17 years and 60 years was associated with higher frequency of parasites (OR: 2.93 and 2.62). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 90 of metronidazole and nitazoxanide was 3.19 ug/mL and 11.19 ug/ml, respectively, whereas the MIC 90 of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole and erythromycin were above 256 ug/mL. Conclusions. B. hominis occurs in high frequency in patients admitted to the Hospital Regional in Lambayeque, proving to be an important problem of public health in the region. Also B. hominis isolated from these patients were shown to be susceptible in vitro to low concentrations of metronidazole and nitazoxanide so they could be chosen for treatment of this parasite.

Objetivo. Describir la frecuencia y susceptibilidad antiparasitaria in vitro de Blastocystis hominis en pacientes admitidos en el Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Perú. Material y métodos. Se realizó un estudio transversal entre enero y agosto del 2015 en 313 pacientes de todas las edades. La detección de B. hominis se realizó en muestras seriadas de heces mediante examen microscópico directo y microcultivo en solución de Locke modificada. La prueba de susceptibilidad in vitro frente a los fármacos metronidazol, nitazoxanida, trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol y eritromicina, se realizó en 24 cepas de B. hominis, a los cuales se los cultivó (método del microcultivo), en 10 concentraciones dobles de cada antimicrobiano (desde 256 ug/ mL hasta 0,5 ug/mL), además de un control. Resultados. El 46,3% (145/313) de la muestra tuvo B. hominis, además se observó que, la edad entre 12 a 17 años y más de 60 años estuvo asociado con la mayor frecuencia del parásito (OR: 2,93 y 2,62 respectivamente). La concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) 90 del metronidazol y nitazoxanida fue de 3,19 ug/mL y 11,19 ug/mL respectivamente, mientras que el CIM-90 del trimetoprim-sulfametoxazol y eritromicina fueron superiores a 256 ug/mL. Conclusiones. B. hominis se presenta en alta frecuencia en pacientes admitidos en el Hospital Regional de Lambayeque, mostrando ser importante y un problema de salud pública en la región. Asimismo, los B. hominis aislados de estos pacientes mostraron ser susceptibles in vitro a bajas concentraciones de metronidazol y nitazoxanida por lo que podrían ser de elección para el tratamiento de este parásito.