Abstract: The first cases of Zika virus infection in Colombia were reported and confirmed in October 2015. The objective of the study was estimate the seroprevalence of ZIKV infection during the pre-epidemic phase in Barranquilla, Colombia, and demonstrate the presence of virus before the Colombian Ministry of Health confirmed the first case. We conducted a descriptive study of the seroprevalence of Zika virus in 390 samples obtained from a blood bank located in Barranquilla, Colombia - a city endemic for dengue, and with a recent history of a Chikungunya disease epidemic. The serum pools were tested using Euroimmun ZIKV ELISA kit. Seroprevalence of Zika virus IgG were: May 2015: 0%, June and July 2015: 2.62% (95% CI = 0.28-12.13) and August 2015: 5.35% (95% CI = 1.74-16.74). This brings to our attention the need for extending the surveillance period of this virus in order to adequately assess its teratogenic effects.

The yucca (Manihot esculenta) starch dextrination process using Aspergillus niger has been evaluated in order to obtain fermentable sugars from the original polysaccharide. The maximum glucose concentration (2466mg·l-1) was obtained at 30°C for a period of three days. The statistical analysis (P=0.05) of the experimental results revealed a second order behavior for the process. The interaction between the variables time (days) and temperature significantly affected the glucose production due to the enzymatic action of the A. niger on the substrate. Response surface analysis showed an optimal point for the process at 37ºC and 2.75 days, and a significant interaction between temperature and time. It is concluded that the catalytic action of A. niger strongly depends on the environmental conditions in which the process is carried out.

O processo de dextrinado do amido da mandioca (Manihot esculenta) utilizando Aspergillus niger foi avaliado a fim de obter açúcares fermentáveis a partir do polissacarídeo original. A concentração máxima de glicose (2466mg·l-1) se obteve a 30ºC em um período de três dias. A análise estatística (P=0,05) dos resultados experimentais revelou um comportamento de segunda ordem para o processo. A interação entre as variáveis, tempo e temperatura, afetou significativamente a produção de glicose devido à ação enzimática de A. niger sobre o substrato. A análise da superfície de resposta mostrou um ponto ótimo para o processo em 37ºC e 2,75 dias, e uma interação significativa entre tempo e temperatura. Conclui-se que a ação catalítica de A. niger depende fortemente das condições ambientais nas quais se desenvolve o processo.