ABSTRACT In this study, we report the presence of a female Amblyomma americanum tick attached to a former resident of the East Coast of the United States who moved to Mexico city. The amplification and sequencing of gene fragments of the 16S-rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 corroborated the identification of the species of the tick. Additionally, the presence of DNA of Rickettsia amblyommatis was confirmed. This work is the first report of an exotic tick of the genus Amblyomma in a traveler from the US to Mexico and represents the second record of an imported tick attached to humans in Mexico.

Abstract Background Rituximab is a monoclonal antibody that increases the disease-free and overall survival of patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) CD20+. The objective of this study is to describe the prevalence and spectrum of infections in patients with NHL receiving rituximab-containing chemotherapy and the impact on survival. Materials and Methods From January 2011 to December 2012, all patients diagnosed with NHL who received at least one dose of rituximab were included. Results During the study period, 265 patients received rituximab; 108 (40.8%) males; the mean age was 60 ± 15 years. There were 177 infections in 85 patients, being the most common febrile neutropenia (n = 38; 21.5%) and mucosal barrier injury-related infections (n = 28; 15.8%). In 88 events (49%), there was a microbiologic diagnosis, being bacterial infection the most frequent (39.6%), but tuberculosis (TB) was developed in 4 cases (1.5%; incidence rate 721/100,000 person-year). During follow-up, 71 patients died (27%); in 35 cases, it was related to infection. There were no differences in follow-up between those who died due to infection versus those who died from another cause (p = 0.188). Multivariate analysis for mortality showed that age >60 years, failure to achieve a complete response, and development of an infectious complication increased the risk of death. Conclusions It is important to perform a screening test for TB in all patients who will receive rituximab and maintain a constant monitoring to detect an infectious process and begin treatment as soon as possible.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the trend of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains isolated from blood in patients with cancer from 2005 to 2015. Materials and methods: 33 127 blood cultures were processed by retrospective analysis. Identification and antimicrobial sensitivity were performed through automated methods: WaLK away (Siemens Laboratory Diagnostics) and BD Phoenix (Becton, Dickinson and Company). Resistant strains were determined according to the minimum inhibitory concentration, following the parameters of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Of 6 397 isolates, 5 604 (16.9%) were positive; 3 732 (58.4%) Gram- bacilli; 2 355 (36.9%) Gram+ cocci; 179 (2.7%) yeasts, and 126 (1.9%) Gram+ bacilli. Escherichia coli (n=1 591, 24.5%) was the most frequent bacteria, with 652 (41%) strains being extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producers (ESBL); of Enterococcus faecium (n=143, 2.1%), 45 (31.5%) were vancomycin resistant; of Staphylococcus aureus (n=571, 8.7%), 121 (21.2%) methicillin resistant (MRSA); of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=367, 5.6%), 41 (11.2%) ESBL; of Acinetobacter baumanii (n=96, 1.4%), 23 (24%) MDR, and of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=384, 5.6%), 43 (11.2%) MDR. MDR strains were significantly more frequent in patients with hematological malignancies, compared to those with solid tumors: MRSA (OR=4.48, 95%CI 2.9-6.8), ESBL E. coli (OR=1.3, 95%CI 1.10-1.65) and MDR Acinetobacter baumanii (OR=3.2, 95%CI 1.2-8.3). Conclusions: We observed significantly higher isolations of E-ESPAKE MDR strains in patients with hematological malignancies.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la tendencia de cepas multidrogorresistentes (MDR) aisladas en hemocultivos de pacientes con cáncer durante el periodo de 2005 a 2015. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo en el que se procesaron 33 127 hemocultivos. La identificación y la sensibilidad antimicrobianas se realizaron a través de métodos automatizados WaLK away (Siemens Laboratory Diagnostics) y BD Phoenix (Becton, Dickinson and Company). Se determinaron cepas resistentes de acuerdo con la concentración mínima inhibitoria, según los parámetros del Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Resultados: 5604 (16.9%) aislamientos fueron positivos, con 6397 aislamientos, 3732 (58.4%) bacilos gramnegativos, 2355 (36.9%) cocos grampositivos, 179 (2.7%) levaduras y 126 (1.9%) bacilos grampositivos. Escherichia coli (n=1 591, 24.5%) fue la bacteria más frecuente, 652 (41%) productoras de beta-lactamasas de espectro-extendido (BLEE); Enterococcus faecium 143 (2.1%), 45 (31.5%) resistente a vancomicina; Staphylococcus aureus 571 (8.7%), 121 (21.2%) resistentes a meticilina (SARM); Klebsiella pneumoniae 367 (5.6%), 41 (11.2%) BLEE, Acinetobacter baumannii 96 (1.4%), 23 (24%) MDR; Pseudomonas aeruginosa 384 (5.6%), 43 (11.2%) MDR. Las cepas MDR se aislaron más frecuentemente en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas en comparación con tumores sólidos; SARM (RM=4.48, IC95% 2.9-6.8); E. coli BLEE (RM=1.3, IC95% 1.10-1.65) y A. baumannii-MDR (RM=3.2, IC95% 1.2-8.3). Conclusiones. Se observó un aislamiento significativamente mayor de cepas E-ESKAPE MDR en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the trend of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains isolated from blood in patients with cancer from 2005 to 2015. Materials and methods: 33 127 blood cultures were processed by retrospective analysis. Identification and antimicrobial sensitivity were performed through automated methods: WaLK away (Siemens Laboratory Diagnostics) and BD Phoenix (Becton, Dickinson and Company). Resistant strains were determined according to the minimum inhibitory concentration, following the parameters of the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Results: Of 6 397 isolates, 5 604 (16.9%) were positive; 3 732 (58.4%) Gram- bacilli; 2 355 (36.9%) Gram+ cocci; 179 (2.7%) yeasts, and 126 (1.9%) Gram+ bacilli. Escherichia coli (n=1 591, 24.5%) was the most frequent bacteria, with 652 (41%) strains being extended-spectrum beta-lactamases producers (ESBL); of Enterococcus faecium (n=143, 2.1%), 45 (31.5%) were vancomycin resistant; of Staphylococcus aureus (n=571, 8.7%), 121 (21.2%) methicillin resistant (MRSA); of Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=367, 5.6%), 41 (11.2%) ESBL; of Acinetobacter baumanii (n=96, 1.4%), 23 (24%) MDR, and of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n=384, 5.6%), 43 (11.2%) MDR. MDR strains were significantly more frequent in patients with hematological malignancies, compared to those with solid tumors: MRSA (OR=4.48, 95%CI 2.9-6.8), ESBL E. coli (OR=1.3, 95%CI 1.10-1.65) and MDR Acinetobacter baumanii (OR=3.2, 95%CI 1.2-8.3). Conclusions: We observed significantly higher isolations of E-ESPAKE MDR strains in patients with hematological malignancies.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la tendencia de cepas multidrogorresistentes (MDR) aisladas en hemocultivos de pacientes con cáncer durante el periodo de 2005 a 2015. Material y métodos: Análisis retrospectivo en el que se procesaron 33 127 hemocultivos. La identificación y la sensibilidad antimicrobianas se realizaron a través de métodos automatizados WaLK away (Siemens Laboratory Diagnostics) y BD Phoenix (Becton, Dickinson and Company). Se determinaron cepas resistentes de acuerdo con la concentración mínima inhibitoria, según los parámetros del Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Resultados: 5604 (16.9%) aislamientos fueron positivos, con 6397 aislamientos, 3732 (58.4%) bacilos gramnegativos, 2355 (36.9%) cocos grampositivos, 179 (2.7%) levaduras y 126 (1.9%) bacilos grampositivos. Escherichia coli (n=1 591, 24.5%) fue la bacteria más frecuente, 652 (41%) productoras de beta-lactamasas de espectro-extendido (BLEE); Enterococcus faecium 143 (2.1%), 45 (31.5%) resistente a vancomicina; Staphylococcus aureus 571 (8.7%), 121 (21.2%) resistentes a meticilina (SARM); Klebsiella pneumoniae 367 (5.6%), 41 (11.2%) BLEE, Acinetobacter baumannii 96 (1.4%), 23 (24%) MDR; Pseudomonas aeruginosa 384 (5.6%), 43 (11.2%) MDR. Las cepas MDR se aislaron más frecuentemente en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas en comparación con tumores sólidos; SARM (RM=4.48, IC95% 2.9-6.8); E. coli BLEE (RM=1.3, IC95% 1.10-1.65) y A. baumannii-MDR (RM=3.2, IC95% 1.2-8.3). Conclusiones. Se observó un aislamiento significativamente mayor de cepas E-ESKAPE MDR en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes causing infectious diseases in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors and their antimicrobial susceptibility before and after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in Mexico. Materials and methods: Consecutive pneumococcal isolates from hospitalized patients from the SIREVA-network were serotyped using the Quellung reaction and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using the broth microdilution method. Results: A total of 175 pneumococcal isolates were recovered, 105 from patients with hematological malignancies and 70 with solid tumors. Serotypes 19A (22.7%), 19F (20.4%), and 35B (17.7%) were the most frequent isolates in the first group and serotypes 3 (27.2%) and 19A (28.6%) in the second group. No decreased susceptibility to beta-lactams or TMP/SMX was observed after introduction of PCV7. Conclusions: An increase in non-vaccine types is observed without significate changes in antimicrobial susceptibility after introduction of PCV7.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la distribución de serotipos neumocócicos en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas y tumores sólidos, así como la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana antes y después de la introducción de la vacuna conjugada contra neumococo (PCV7) en México. Material y métodos: Se tipificaron, mediante la reacción de Quellung, los aislamientos consecutivos en hospitales de la Red SIREVA-México. Se determinó la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana mediante microdilución en placa. Resultados: Se recuperaron 175 aislamientos, de los cuales 105 provenían de pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas y 70 con tumores sólidos. Los serotipos 19A (22.7%), 19F (20.4%) y 35B (17.7%) fueron los más frecuentes en el primer grupo y los serotipos 3 (27.2%) y 19A (28.6%) en el segundo. No se observó disminución de la resistencia a betalactámicos o TMP/SMX después de la introducción de PCV7. Conclusiones: Se observa un incremento de serotipos no vacunales, sin cambios significativos en la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana antes y después de la introducción de PCV7.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the distribution of pneumococcal serotypes causing infectious diseases in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors and their antimicrobial susceptibility before and after introduction of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7) in Mexico. Materials and methods: Consecutive pneumococcal isolates from hospitalized patients from the SIREVA-network were serotyped using the Quellung reaction and antimicrobial susceptibility was performed using the broth microdilution method. Results: A total of 175 pneumococcal isolates were recovered, 105 from patients with hematological malignancies and 70 with solid tumors. Serotypes 19A (22.7%), 19F (20.4%), and 35B (17.7%) were the most frequent isolates in the first group and serotypes 3 (27.2%) and 19A (28.6%) in the second group. No decreased susceptibility to beta-lactams or TMP/SMX was observed after introduction of PCV7. Conclusions: An increase in non-vaccine types is observed without significate changes in antimicrobial susceptibility after introduction of PCV7.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir la distribución de serotipos neumocócicos en pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas y tumores sólidos, así como la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana antes y después de la introducción de la vacuna conjugada contra neumococo (PCV7) en México. Material y métodos: Se tipificaron, mediante la reacción de Quellung, los aislamientos consecutivos en hospitales de la Red SIREVA-México. Se determinó la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana mediante microdilución en placa. Resultados: Se recuperaron 175 aislamientos, de los cuales 105 provenían de pacientes con neoplasias hematológicas y 70 con tumores sólidos. Los serotipos 19A (22.7%), 19F (20.4%) y 35B (17.7%) fueron los más frecuentes en el primer grupo y los serotipos 3 (27.2%) y 19A (28.6%) en el segundo. No se observó disminución de la resistencia a betalactámicos o TMP/SMX después de la introducción de PCV7. Conclusiones: Se observa un incremento de serotipos no vacunales, sin cambios significativos en la susceptibilidad antimicrobiana antes y después de la introducción de PCV7.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the incidence and patterns of bacterial resistance in urine samples from a tertiary care oncology hospital in Mexico, from 2004 to 2013. Materials and methods: We included the strains obtained from urine cultures, describing separately multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. We analyzed the susceptibility to different antibiotics. Results: 51 202 urine cultures were processed during the study; 14 480 (28.3%) cultures were positive. In 11 427 samples Gram negative (79%) were isolated, 2 080 Gram positive (14.4%), and 973 yeasts (6.6%). Escherichia coli was the most frequent bacteria identified (56.1%); 24% of the community strains and 65.7% of the nosocomial were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers (ESBL). Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in 705 samples (4.8%); 115 were ESBL (16%), 13.1% from community and 29.8% from nosocomial source. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 593 cultures (4.1%): 9% from community and 51% nosocomial. Conclusions: MDR bacteria were more frequent in nosocomial isolates. It should be a priority to intensify the rational use of antimicrobials in the community and antibiotic stewardship in the hospital.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir los patrones de resistencia bacteriana en cultivos de orina de pacientes de un hospital oncológico en la Ciudad de México, de 2004 a 2013. Material y métodos: Se obtuvo el porcentaje de susceptibilidad para diferentes antibióticos, describiendo por separado las bacterias multidrogorresistentes (MDR). Se analizaron por separado las cepas obtenidas de pacientes hospitalizados de las de la comunidad. Resultados: Se realizaron 51 202 cultivos, de los cuales se identificaron 14 480 bacterias (28.3%). De éstas, se reportaron 11 427 Gram negativos (78.9%); 2 080 Gram positivos (14.4%); y 973 (6.6%) levaduras. Escherichia coli fue el principal microorganismo aislado (56.1%); 24% de las cepas de la comunidad y 66% de las nosocomiales fueron productoras de beta-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE). Klebsiella pneumoniae se identificó en 705 cultivos (4.8%), 115 de los cuales fueron BLEE (16%): 13.1% de la comunidad y 29.8% nosocomiales. Pseudomonas aeruginosa se identificó en 593 cultivos (4.1%): 9% de la comunidad y 51% nosocomiales. Conclusiones: Las cepas MDR son mucho más frecuentes en muestras de origen nosocomial. Es prioritario intensificar el uso racional de antibióticos en la comunidad y el programa de desescalamiento de antimicrobianos en el hospital.

Abstract: Objective: To describe the incidence and patterns of bacterial resistance in urine samples from a tertiary care oncology hospital in Mexico, from 2004 to 2013. Materials and methods: We included the strains obtained from urine cultures, describing separately multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria. We analyzed the susceptibility to different antibiotics. Results: 51 202 urine cultures were processed during the study; 14 480 (28.3%) cultures were positive. In 11 427 samples Gram negative (79%) were isolated, 2 080 Gram positive (14.4%), and 973 yeasts (6.6%). Escherichia coli was the most frequent bacteria identified (56.1%); 24% of the community strains and 65.7% of the nosocomial were extended-spectrum beta-lactamase producers (ESBL). Klebsiella pneumoniae was isolated in 705 samples (4.8%); 115 were ESBL (16%), 13.1% from community and 29.8% from nosocomial source. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 593 cultures (4.1%): 9% from community and 51% nosocomial. Conclusions: MDR bacteria were more frequent in nosocomial isolates. It should be a priority to intensify the rational use of antimicrobials in the community and antibiotic stewardship in the hospital.

Resumen: Objetivo: Describir los patrones de resistencia bacteriana en cultivos de orina de pacientes de un hospital oncológico en la Ciudad de México, de 2004 a 2013. Material y métodos: Se obtuvo el porcentaje de susceptibilidad para diferentes antibióticos, describiendo por separado las bacterias multidrogorresistentes (MDR). Se analizaron por separado las cepas obtenidas de pacientes hospitalizados de las de la comunidad. Resultados: Se realizaron 51 202 cultivos, de los cuales se identificaron 14 480 bacterias (28.3%). De éstas, se reportaron 11 427 Gram negativos (78.9%); 2 080 Gram positivos (14.4%); y 973 (6.6%) levaduras. Escherichia coli fue el principal microorganismo aislado (56.1%); 24% de las cepas de la comunidad y 66% de las nosocomiales fueron productoras de beta-lactamasas de espectro extendido (BLEE). Klebsiella pneumoniae se identificó en 705 cultivos (4.8%), 115 de los cuales fueron BLEE (16%): 13.1% de la comunidad y 29.8% nosocomiales. Pseudomonas aeruginosa se identificó en 593 cultivos (4.1%): 9% de la comunidad y 51% nosocomiales. Conclusiones: Las cepas MDR son mucho más frecuentes en muestras de origen nosocomial. Es prioritario intensificar el uso racional de antibióticos en la comunidad y el programa de desescalamiento de antimicrobianos en el hospital.

There are several disorders that affect the central control of breathing during sleep and cause central apneas. Although much of the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of the different syndromes of central sleep apnea are known, their entire features persist unidentified; likewise, it is unknown the importance of the central nervous system infections in the disruption of the normal mechanisms of central control of breathing during sleep. We present the case of a woman with Neuro-Lyme disease and chronic use of opioids that caused changes in respiratory homeostasis during sleep and that resolved with the use of a continuous positive airway pressure device.

Existen diferentes trastornos que afectan el control central de la respiración y se manifiestan durante el dormir como apneas centrales. Aunque se conoce mucho de la fisiopatología y etiopatogenia de los diferentes síndromes de apnea central, aún no se han logrado develar todas sus características; asimismo, no se conoce la importancia de las neuroinfecciones en la disrupción de los mecanismos normales del control central de la respiración durante la noche. A continuación se presenta el caso de una mujer con afección neurológica por enfermedad de Lyme y uso crónico de opioides que causó modificaciones en la homeostasis respiratoria durante el sueño y que se resolvieron con uso de un dispositivo de presión positiva continua en la vía aérea.

Objective. To establish the characteristics and causes of death of HIV patients who die while hospitalized. Materials and methods. We included HIV+ patients who died during hospitalization, in three hospitals in Mexico City between 2010 and 2013. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected as well as causes of death. We identified preventable deaths (defined as deaths that occurred in patients with less than six months of HAART, or without HAART, with less than 350 CD4 at diagnosis and/or opportunistic events as the cause of hospitalization). Results. 128 deaths were analyzed. The median of CD4 count was 47 cells/mm³; 18% of the patients ignored their HIV status at the time of hospitalization, 51% had less than six months of HAART, 40.5% had never received HAART before. The main causes of death were AIDS defining events, with 65.6%. We identified 70 preventable deaths (57%). Conclusions. Despite universal access to HAART, HIV patients in Mexico are still dying of AIDS defining illnesses, an indicator of late diagnosis. It is urgent to implement HIV testing programs to allow earlier diagnosis and make HAART benefit accessible to all.

Objetivo. Establecer las características y causas de muerte de pacientes VIH positivos que fallecen al estar hospitalizados. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes VIH positivos que fallecieron durante la hospitalización entre 2010 y 2013. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, causas de muerte y muertes prevenibles. Se consideraron prevenibles aquellas muertes en pacientes con menos de seis meses de terapia antirretroviral altamente activa (TARAA) o sin tratamiento y con menos de 350 CD4+ al momento del diagnóstico o del internamiento, con o sin enfermedades oportunistas. Resultados. Se identificaron 128 muertes. La mediana de CD4+ fue 47 cels/mm³; 18% llegó al internamiento sin diagnóstico de VIH, 51% tenía menos de seis meses de haber sido diagnosticado y 40.5% no había recibido TARAA. Las principales causas de muerte fueron eventos definitorios de sida (65.6%). Se identificaron 70 muertes prevenibles (57%). Conclusión. A pesar del acceso universal a TARAA, en México los pacientes VIH positivos siguen falleciendo por eventos relacionados con sida, que es un indicador de diagnóstico tardío del VIH. Es urgente implementar programas de detección temprana para hacer accesible el beneficio de la TARAA.

Objective. To establish the characteristics and causes of death of HIV patients who die while hospitalized. Materials and methods. We included HIV+ patients who died during hospitalization, in three hospitals in Mexico City between 2010 and 2013. Sociodemographic and clinical data were collected as well as causes of death. We identified preventable deaths (defined as deaths that occurred in patients with less than six months of HAART, or without HAART, with less than 350 CD4 at diagnosis and/or opportunistic events as the cause of hospitalization). Results. 128 deaths were analyzed. The median of CD4 count was 47 cells/mm³; 18% of the patients ignored their HIV status at the time of hospitalization, 51% had less than six months of HAART, 40.5% had never received HAART before. The main causes of death were AIDS defining events, with 65.6%. We identified 70 preventable deaths (57%). Conclusions. Despite universal access to HAART, HIV patients in Mexico are still dying of AIDS defining illnesses, an indicator of late diagnosis. It is urgent to implement HIV testing programs to allow earlier diagnosis and make HAART benefit accessible to all.

Objetivo. Establecer las características y causas de muerte de pacientes VIH positivos que fallecen al estar hospitalizados. Material y métodos. Se incluyeron pacientes VIH positivos que fallecieron durante la hospitalización entre 2010 y 2013. Se recabaron datos sociodemográficos y clínicos, causas de muerte y muertes prevenibles. Se consideraron prevenibles aquellas muertes en pacientes con menos de seis meses de terapia antirretroviral altamente activa (TARAA) o sin tratamiento y con menos de 350 CD4+ al momento del diagnóstico o del internamiento, con o sin enfermedades oportunistas. Resultados. Se identificaron 128 muertes. La mediana de CD4+ fue 47 cels/mm³; 18% llegó al internamiento sin diagnóstico de VIH, 51% tenía menos de seis meses de haber sido diagnosticado y 40.5% no había recibido TARAA. Las principales causas de muerte fueron eventos definitorios de sida (65.6%). Se identificaron 70 muertes prevenibles (57%). Conclusión. A pesar del acceso universal a TARAA, en México los pacientes VIH positivos siguen falleciendo por eventos relacionados con sida, que es un indicador de diagnóstico tardío del VIH. Es urgente implementar programas de detección temprana para hacer accesible el beneficio de la TARAA.

OBJECTIVE: Comparison of routine hospital indicators (consults at the Emergency Room (ER) and hospital admissions) during the 2009 pandemic of the influenza AH1N1 virus at the national referral hospital for respiratory diseases in Mexico City. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The outbreak was from April to mid-May 2009 and two control periods were used:2009 (before and after the outbreak),and during April-May from 2007 and 2008. RESULTS: During the outbreak total consultation at the ER increased six times compared with the 2007-2008 control period and 11 times compared with the 2009 control period. Pneumonia- or influenza-related ER consultations increased 23.2 and 15.3%, respectively. The rate of nosocomial infection during the outbreak was 13.6 and that of nosocomial pneumonia was 6 per/100 hospital discharges, a two-fold and three-fold increase compared to the control periods respectively. CONCLUSIONS: During the outbreak,mean severity of admitted patients increased,with a rise in in-hospital mortality and nosocomial infections rate, including nosocomial pneumonia.

OBJETIVO: Comparación de indicadores hospitalarios de rutina (consultas de urgencia, admisiones hospitalarias etc.) durante la pandemia de influenzaAH1N1 2009 en un hospital de referencia para enfermedades respiratorias de la Ciudad de México. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: El brote se consideró de abril a la mitad de mayo de 2009 y se comparó con dos periodos control: el de 2009 (antes y después del brote), y durante abril y mayo de 2007 y 2008. RESULTADOS: Durante el brote las consultas de urgencia crecieron seis veces comparadas con el periodo control 2007-2008 y 11 veces contra el periodo control de 2009. Las consultas por neumonía o influenza incrementaron 23.2 y 15.3% comparadas contra los periodos control, respectivamente. La tasa de infección nosocomial durante el brote fue de 13.6 y la de neumonía nosocomial de 6.0 por 100 egresos hospitalarios, el doble y el triple de la documentada en los periodos control respectivamente. CONCLUSIONES: Durante el brote, la gravedad promedio de los pacientes hospitalizados se incrementó, desencadenando un aumento en la mortalidad hospitalaria y en la tasa de infecciones nosocomiales, incluyendo la de neumonía nosocomial.

Respiratory virus epidemics had highlighted the importance of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to save life of severe cases. ICU functioning and outcomes depends on infrastructure and trained healthcare personnel. In Chiapas, a Southern state in Mexico,an area to care for severe H1N1 cases on respiratory distress during the second H1N1-2009 outbreak, had to be habilitated.This had to be done without sufficient equipment and ICU un-experienced healthcare workers. It was possible to improve its performance through training and standardizing attention care processes for critically ill patients. In preparation for the next pandemic it is essential to designate hospitals with preexistent ICU where to refer severe cases and avoid improvisations.The experience in Chiapas showed that standardization of medical care processes are clue and in case of an overwhelming emergency it is possible to habilitate an ICU although it is imperative to take advantage from installed facilities in each city with the official authority.

Las epidemias de virus respiratorios en la era moderna han destacado la importancia de las unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) para salvar la vida de pacientes graves. El desempeño de la UTI depende mucho del equipamiento y del personal capacitado. En Chiapas, durante el segundo brote de influenza H1N1-2009, se habilitó un área para atender enfermos graves con insuficiente equipamiento y con personal sin experiencia en UTI. Se logró mejorar su desempeño con una capacitación para estandarizar los procesos de atención del paciente en estado crítico.En la preparación para una próxima pandemia es esencial identificar anticipadamente los hospitales con UTI donde referir los casos graves y evitar improvisaciones. La experiencia en Chiapas demuestra que la estandarización de los procesos de atención es clave,y que en caso de una emergencia avasalladora es posible habilitar unidades sin dejar de lado la importancia de aprovechar la infraestructura instalada de cada ciudad con una decisión de autoridad.

Respiratory virus epidemics had highlighted the importance of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to save life of severe cases. ICU functioning and outcomes depends on infrastructure and trained healthcare personnel. In Chiapas, a Southern state in Mexico,an area to care for severe H1N1 cases on respiratory distress during the second H1N1-2009 outbreak, had to be habilitated.This had to be done without sufficient equipment and ICU un-experienced healthcare workers. It was possible to improve its performance through training and standardizing attention care processes for critically ill patients. In preparation for the next pandemic it is essential to designate hospitals with preexistent ICU where to refer severe cases and avoid improvisations.The experience in Chiapas showed that standardization of medical care processes are clue and in case of an overwhelming emergency it is possible to habilitate an ICU although it is imperative to take advantage from installed facilities in each city with the official authority.

Las epidemias de virus respiratorios en la era moderna han destacado la importancia de las unidades de terapia intensiva (UTI) para salvar la vida de pacientes graves. El desempeño de la UTI depende mucho del equipamiento y del personal capacitado. En Chiapas, durante el segundo brote de influenza H1N1-2009, se habilitó un área para atender enfermos graves con insuficiente equipamiento y con personal sin experiencia en UTI. Se logró mejorar su desempeño con una capacitación para estandarizar los procesos de atención del paciente en estado crítico.En la preparación para una próxima pandemia es esencial identificar anticipadamente los hospitales con UTI donde referir los casos graves y evitar improvisaciones. La experiencia en Chiapas demuestra que la estandarización de los procesos de atención es clave,y que en caso de una emergencia avasalladora es posible habilitar unidades sin dejar de lado la importancia de aprovechar la infraestructura instalada de cada ciudad con una decisión de autoridad.