Abstract:INTRODUCTION:The therapeutic scheme of triclabendazole (TCBZ), the recommended anthelmintic against Fasciola hepatica , involves 10mg/kg of body weight administered in a single dose; however, clinical trials in children are scarce. We evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of 2 schemes of TCBZ.METHODS: Eighty-four Peruvian children with F. hepatica eggs in their stools were allocated into 2 groups: 44 received 2 dosages of 7.5mg/kg each with a 12-h interval (Group I), and 40 received a single 10-mg/kg dose (Group II). Evaluation of efficacy was based on the presence of eggs in stools, and tolerability was based on the presence of symptoms and signs post-treatment.RESULTS: A parasitological cure was obtained in 100% of individuals from Group I and 95% of individuals from Group II. The most common adverse event was biliary colic.CONCLUSIONS: The tested scheme was efficacious and tolerable, and it might be an optimal scheme in the region. To the best of our knowledge, this represents the largest series of children treated with TCBZ in a non-hospital setting.

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the Spontaneous Sedimentation in Tube Technique (SSTT) described by Tello, in comparison with the direct smear and other concentration techniques, when it is used to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in field and laboratory studies in rural areas of the Andean Region. METHODS. A prospective study (2000 - 2004) was carried out including 1 802 fecal samples from several areas around Peru: Iquitos (N=74), Puno (N=399), Junín (N=1241), Lima (N=88). RESULTS. SSTT showed more sensitivity to detect helminthes and protozoa in comparison to other conventional techniques carried out simultaneously (P;0.000). Although Baermann Technique and Lumbrera's Rapid Sedimentation Technique are crucial for Strongyloides larvae and Fasciola eggs detection, respectively; SSTT contributes to an effective and timely diagnosis of the intestinal parasites. CONCLUSIONS. Due to its low cost, easy reproducibility and adaptability both in the laboratory and field work, it should be mandatory and urgent its implementation in laboratories from rural areas, as well as training of the staff involved in the diagnosis, as first step in the fight against intestinal parasites in Peru.

OBJETIVO. El objetivo de este estudio fue medir la eficacia diagnóstica de la técnica de sedimentación espontánea en tubo descrita por Tello (TSET), en comparación con el examen directo y otras técnicas de concentración, cuando se usa para determinar la prevalencia de enteroparasitosis en trabajos de campo y laboratorio en zonas rurales de la sierra y selvas peruanas. METODOS. Se realizó un estudio prospectivo (2000 - 2004) donde se incluyeron 1 802 muestras de heces de diversas zonas del Perú: Iquitos (N=74), Puno (N=399), Junín (N=1241), Lima (N=88). RESULTADOS. La TSET presentó mayor sensibilidad para la detección de helmintos y protozoarios en comparación con las otras técnicas convencionales empleadas simultáneamente (P<0.000). Aunque no se debe prescindir de otras técnicas coprológicas, como Baermann para diagnóstico de Strongyloides stercoralis y la Técnica de Sedimentación Rápida de Lumbreras (TSR) para Fasciola hepatica, la TSET contribuye a un diagnóstico eficaz y oportuno de las enteroparasitosis. CONCLUSIONES. Debido a su bajo costo, fácil ejecución y adaptabilidad en la realización, tanto en el trabajo dentro de laboratorios como en los trabajos de campo, se constituye en un hecho de necesidad urgente su implementación en los laboratorios de áreas rurales, así como la capacitación del personal de salud encargado del diagnóstico, como un primer paso en la lucha contra la parasitosis intestinal en el Perú.

Fasciolíase é uma doença emergente/re-emergente transmitida por vetores com a distribuição sabidamente mais ampla. Existem aproximadamente 17 milhões de pessoas infectadas em todo mundo, sendo a região andina a área mais afetada. Há uma necessidade importante para desenvolver ferramentas diagnósticas sensíveis e específicas para tratar cedo os pacientes e para evitar complicações. Neste trabalho avaliamos a resposta imune de seres humanos infectados comparando a duas preparações antigênicas: o extrato solúvel total (FhTSE) e o vômito (FhAWV) do verme adulto a fim de identificar as frações antigênicas específicas para Fasciola hepatica. Ambas as preparações foram processadas por SDS-PAGE e Western blot com os soros humanos de portadores de fasciolíase (F), outras parasitoses e indivíduos saudáveis. No immunoblot de FhTSE, os soros F reconheceram 16 faixas com PM entre 8 e 110 kDa, das quais as de 8, 9, 10, 38, 45 e 57 kDa foram específicas. Na preparação de FhAWV, os soros F reconheceram 9 faixas com PM entre 8 e 85 kDa, das quais as de 8, 12, 15 e 24 kDa foram específicas. Algumas faixas com reação cruzada foram evidentes com os soros dos pacientes com outras parasitoses, mais freqüentes com o FhTSE. As faixas dentro do PM mencionado, particularmente aquela de 8 kDa, mostraram ser específicas por outros autores, e merecem a caracterização adicional para seu uso potencial no diagnóstico imunológico.

Fascioliasis is an emerging/re-emerging vector-borne disease with the widest known distribution. Approximately 17 million people are infected around the world, being the Andean region the most affected area. There is an important necessity to develop sensitive and specific diagnostic tools to treat patients early and to avoid complications. In this paper we evaluated the immune response of infected humans against two antigenic preparations: the total soluble extract (FhTSE) and the adult worm vomit (FhAWV) in order to identify antigenic fractions specific for Fasciola hepatica. Both preparations were processed by SDS-PAGE and Western blot with human sera with fascioliasis (F), other parasitosis and healthy individuals. In the immunoblot of FhTSE, sera F recognised 16 bands with MW between eight and 110 kDa, from which those of 8, 9, 10, 38, 45 and 57 kDa were specific. In the preparation FhAWV, sera F recognised nine bands with MW from eight to 85 kDa, from which those of 8, 12, 15 and 24 kDa were specific. Some bands of cross-reaction were evident with sera from patients with other parasitoses, more frequent with the FhTSE. Bands within the MW mentioned, particularly that of eight kDa, have been shown to be specific by others, and deserve additional characterisation for their potential use in immunodiagnosis.

High prevalence rates of human fascioliasis have been described in several regions of Peru. We surveyed 20 families in an endemic area of Peru in order to determine the proportion of infection with F. hepatica in relatives of diagnosed subjects and in order to identify associated risk factors. The study included feces and blood samples of 93 subjects. Ages ranged from one to 53 (mean = 18.6; SD = 14.2). The overall prevalence of fascioliasis by fecal examinations was 33.3% (n = 83) and by serology, 51.9% (n = 86). The prevalence in age group I (< 19 years old) by coprological and serological tests was 61.4% and 75.9%, respectively; in group II (> 19 years old) 15.4% and 37.5%. The main associated risk factor with fascioliasis was eating salads (OR = 3.29, CI = 1.2 - 9.0, p = 0.02). In conclusion, human fascioliasis is highly prevalent in the relatives of index cases and the most significant risk factor of acquiring fascioliasis in the family is eating salads in endemic areas.

Altas tasas de fasciolosis humana han sido descritas en varias regiones del Perú. Estudiamos 20 familias en una área endémica del Perú para determinar la proporción de infección con F. hepatica en los familiares de los sujetos diagnosticados y para identificar factores de riesgo asociados. El estudio incluyó un total de 93 sujetos, quienes contribuyeron con muestras de heces y sangre. Las edades comprendieron desde 1 a 53 años (media = 18.6; DS = 14.2). La prevalencia general de fasciolosis por exámenes de heces fue 33.3% (n = 83) y por serología, 51.9% (n = 86). La prevalencia en el grupo de edad I (< 19 años de edad) por pruebas coprológicas y serológicas fueron 61.4% y 75.9%, respectivamente; en el grupo II (> 19 años de edad) 15.4% y 37.5%. El principal factor de riesgo asociado con fasciolosis fue comer ensaladas (OR = 3.29, IC = 1.2-9.0, p = 0.02). En conclusión, la fasciolosis humana es altamente prevalente en familiares de los casos índices y el factor de riesgo más significante para adquirirla en la familia es comer ensaladas en las áreas endémicas.

Human fascioliosis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in Peru, due to the high prevalence rates reported in the last few years, mainly in the Andean Trapeze. The most affected group is that of children and the clinical manifestations of the disease can be very varied. In this study we reported seven cases of human fascioliosis diagnosed in the Specialized Children's Health Institute (IESN) Lima, Peru, between 1988 and 2003. From 168 medical histories checked with the final diagnosis of parasitosis, 7 children (2 boys and 5 girls), between 2 and 14 years (average ± DS: 8,52 ± 1,43) were diagnosed with fascioliosis by a parasitic and/or serological examinations. Six of the seven cases came from cattle raising areas such as: Cajamarca, Ancash, Huancavelica and Junín. The most frequent clinical signs were prolonged fever (up to 42 days), hepatomegaly, moderate abdominal pain (right hypochondriac region and epigastrium), eosinophils count (between 132 and 8321/mm≥), anemia (hematocrit up to 15%), jaundice and hypergammaglobulinemia. In some cases the diagnosis was difficult to reach with a delay between 1 and 24 weeks. It should be pointed out that one of these patients had hepatic cirrhosis diagnosed by anatomopathological investigations. Finally, we propose that in pediatric patients coming from endemic areas of animal fasciolosis who have prolonged fever, abdominal pain and hepatomegaly, should be considered suspicious and the infection of eliminated, to avoid hepatic damage caused by this parasite. We conclude that human fascioliosis must not be under-estimated as a secondary parasitic disease in patients coming from endemic areas in Peru.

La fasciolosis humana es una de las enfermedades parasitarias más importantes en el Perú debido a las altas tasas de prevalencia reportadas en los últimos años principalmente en el trapecio andino. El grupo etáreo más comprometido es en los niños y las manifestaciones clínicas de la enfermedad pueden ser diversas. En el presente estudio reportamos siete casos de fasciolosis humana diagnosticados en el Instituto Especializado de Salud del Niño (IESN), Lima, Perú, entre los años 1988 y 2003. De 168 historias clínicas revisadas con el diagnóstico final de parasitosis, 7 niños (2 hombres y 5 mujeres) entre 2 y 14 años (media ± DS: 8.52 ± 1.43) correspondieron a fasciolosis diagnosticados por exámenes parasitológicos y/o serológicos. Seis de los siete casos procedían de zonas ganaderas tales como Cajamarca, Ancash, Huancavelica y Junín. Los signos clínicos más frecuentes fueron fiebre prolongada (hasta 42 días), hepatomegalia, dolor abdominal moderado (hipocondrio derecho y epigastrio), recuento de eosinófilos (entre 132 y 8321/mm³), anemia (hematocrito hasta 15%), ictericia e hipergammaglobulinemia. En algunos casos el diagnóstico fue difícil llegando a retrasarse entre 1 y 24 semanas. Cabe destacar que uno de estos pacientes presentó cirrosis hepática diagnosticada por hallazgos anatomopatológicos. Finalmente, proponemos que en pacientes pediátricos procedentes de zonas endémicas de fasciolosis animal que presenten fiebre prolongada, dolor abdominal y hepatomegalia, debe sospecharse la infección de Fasciola hepatica para evitar el daño hepático causado por esta parasitosis. Concluimos que la fasciolosis humana no debe ser subestimada como una enfermedad parasitaria secundaria en pacientes procedentes de zonas endémicas en el Perú.

A bartonelose ou doença de Carrión é endêmica em algumas regiões do Peru, descrevendo-se classicamente nos vales inter-andinos, entre 500 e 3.200 metros acima do nível do mar. Os autores relatam o caso de um paciente de 43 anos de idade, fazendeiro, natural do distrito de Pichanaki (Chanchamayo, Junín), localizado na Selva Alta do Peru. O paciente apresentou-se com lesões disseminadas, elevadas e eritematosas, algumas delas com sinais de sangramento. Distribuiam-se também na mucosa nasal e no penis. Foram também observados nódulos subcutâneos no tronco e nas extremidades. Os exames laboratorais evidenciaram anemia moderada. Os testes sorológicos para detectar anticorpos contra o HIV e Treponema pallidum foram negativos. Os resultados dos estudos histopatológicos de duas biópsias de pele foram compatíveis com verruga peruana. Iniciou-se antibioticoterapia com ciprofloxacina (500 mg duas vezes ao dia). Após dez dias de tratamento, o paciente apresentou melhora clínica importante. Este relato representa o primeiro caso autóctone confirmado da fase eruptiva da bartonelose em um paciente da Selva Alta do Peru, sugestiva da expansão geográfica da doença.

Bartonellosis or Carrion's disease is endemic in some regions of Peru, classically found in the inter-Andean valleys located between 500 and 3200 meters above sea level. We report the case of a 43 year-old male patient, farmer, who was born in the Pichanaki district (Chanchamayo, Junin), located in the High Forest of Peru. He presented with disseminated, raised, erythematous cutaneous lesions, some of which bled. The distribution of these lesions included the nasal mucosa and penile region. Additionally subcutaneous nodules were distributed over the trunk and extremities. Hematologic exams showed a moderate anemia. Serologic studies for HIV and Treponema pallidum were negative. The histopathologic results of two biopsies were compatible with Peruvian wart. Oral treatment with ciprofloxacin (500 mg BID) was begun. Over 10 days, the patient showed clinical improvement. This is the first report of a confirmed case of bartonellosis in the eruptive phase originating from the Peruvian High Forest, showing the geographical expansion of the Carrion's disease.

This is a report of a case of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis secondary to fasciolosis in a 22 year old woman from Huaral (Lima, Peru) who had previously consumed emolientes (Emolientes are beverages made by steeping leaves of certain plants -watercress, alfalfa- or herbs in hot water). She had been ill for five days prior to admission with abdominal pain, vomiting, icterus, and anorexia. During the operation, foreign bodies were found and during the subsequent days of her hospitalization, adult forms of the trematode Fasciola hepatica were found to be obstructing the Kehr drain that had been placed intraoperatively. ERCP showed the parasites in the biliary tract. This is the second reported case of extraction of this parasite through this means. The epidemiology, radiologic findings, and diagnostic tests for infection by this parasite are discussed, with particular respect to Peru, one of the countries with the highest prevalence of infection by this parasite in the world

Se reporta un caso de colangitis y colecistitis aguda alitiásica secundaria a fasciolosis en una mujer de 22 años procedente de Huaral (Lima, Perú), con antecedentes de consumo frecuente de emolientes, con 5 días de enfermedad caracterizado por dolor abdominal, vómitos, ictericia e hiporexia. En el acto operatorio se halló cuerpos extraños y durante sus días de hospitalización se detectaron especimenes adultos del tremátode Fasciola hepatica en la irrigación trans-Kehr causantes de obstrucción del drenaje. La colangiografía retrógrada endoscópica mostró la localización de los parásitos en las vías biliares. Este es el segundo caso reportado en la literatura de extracción de este distoma mediante métodos similares. Se discute además la epidemiología, exámenes radiológicos y pruebas de diagnóstico en el Perú.

The objective of the present,study, is to determine the rate of intestinal parasitoses in rural and urban populations of Sandia district, located at 2178 msnm., department of Puno, Perú. Fecal samples, 35 from rural (Group A) and 37 from urban (Group B) populations were collected (total 72). Four parasitological tests were used: Direct Microscopy, Kato Technique, Spontaneous Tube Sedimentation Technique and Modified Cup Baermann Technique. Global prevalences of intestinal parasitoses in both groups were high (A: 88.58%; B: 67.57%). Prevalence of intestinal parasitoses was: Ascaris lumbricoides (A: 51.42%; B: 29.72%, p = 0.06), Entamoeba coli (A: 48.57%; B: 18.91%, p = 0.007), Trichuris trichiura (A: 42.85%; B: 13.51%, p = 0.005), Blastocystis hominis (A: 40%; B: 32.42%, p = 0.5), Endolimax nana (A: 37.14%; B: 16.66%, p = 0.04), Giardia lamblia (A: 25.71%; B: 13.51%, p = 0.19), Hymenolepis nana (A: 0%; B: 5.4%), Iodamoeba butschli (A: 2.85%; B: 0%), Entamoeba histolytica / E dispar (A: 2.85%; B: 0%), Strngyloides stercoralis (A: 2.85%; B: 0%) and Ancylostoma duodenale / Necator americanus (A: 0%; B: 2.7%). We conclude that intestinal parasitism is more frequent in rural than urban populations, is associated to poverty, poorer environmental sanitation and lack of hygienic services. Due to the high rates of parasitic infection we found, it is important to perform adequate parasitological tests to allow optimal diagnosis and opportune and effective treatment

El objetivo del presente estudio de tipo descriptivo y de corte transversal, es determinar la tasa de enteroparasitismo en las poblaciones rural y urbana del distrito de Sandia, localizado a 2.178 msnm, departamento de Puno, Perú. Fueron recolectadas un total de 72 muestras de heces, 35 de la población rural (Grupo A) y 37, urbana (Grupo B). Se realizaron cuatro exámenes parasitológicos: Examen Directo, Técnica de Kato, Técnica de Sedimentación Espontánea en Tubo y Técnica de Baermann modificado en copa. La prevalencia global de parasitismo intestinal fue alta en ambos grupos (A: 88,58%; B: 67,57%). La prevalencia de parásitos intestinales fue: A. lumbricoides (A: 51,42%; B: 29,72%, p = 0,06), E. coli (A: 48,57%; B: 18,91%, p = 0,007), T. trichiura (A: 42,85%; B: 13,51%, p = 0,005), B. hominis (A: 40%; B: 32,42%, p = 0,5), E. nana (A: 37,14%; B: 16,66%, p = 0,04), G. lamblia (A: 25,71%; B: 13,51%, p = 0,19), H. nana (A: 0%; B: 5,4%), I. butschli (A: 2,85%; B: 0%), E. histolytica / E. dispar (A: 2,85%; B: 0%), S. stercoralis (A: 2,85%; B: 0%) y A. duodenale/N. americanus (A: 0%; B: 2,7%). Este estudio concluye que la parasitosis es más frecuente en la población rural que en la urbana, asociado a la pobreza, escaso sanea-miento ambiental y falta de servicios higiénicos. Debido a estas altas cifras de infección parasitaria, es importante realizar exámenes copropara-sitológicos adecuados con el fin de hacer un diagnóstico óptimo que permita brindar un tratamiento oportuno y eficaz