Gastrointestinal tuberculosis is a rare and fatal complication in patients with HIV infection. It occurs in 3%-16% of extra pulmonary forms. The main location in 90% of cases is the ileocecal valve and colon. The most unusual presentation of gastrointestinal tuberculosis is massive bleeding with the presence of one or multiple ulcers in the colon. The diagnosis can be confirmed by biopsy and by culture of intestinal tissue. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. We report a case of a HIV-infected patient, who did not receive antiretrovirals, and who developed disseminated tuberculosis with intestinal perforation, presenting a fatal massive intestinal bleeding.

Resumen La tuberculosis (TBC) gastrointestinal es una complicación infrecuente y fatal en pacientes con infección por VIH. Se presenta en 3-16% de las formas extrapulmonares y su principal localización es la válvula ileocecal y colon. La hemorragia digestiva baja con presencia de una o múltiples úlceras en colon es una presentación muy inusual de TBC intestinal. El diagnóstico se confirma por biopsia y cultivo del tejido intestinal. La cirugía en caso de perforación intestinal sigue siendo el tratamiento de elección. Se presenta el caso de un paciente con infección por VIH, sin tratamiento anti-retroviral, quien desarrolló una TBC diseminada con perforación intestinal y hemorragia digestiva masiva de curso fatal.

Objectives. To determine the drug resistance profiles for quinolones: ciprofloxacin (CFX), ofloxacin (OFX), moxifloxacin (MFX), and gatifloxacin (GFX); and for injectables: kanamycin (KAN), amikacin (AMK), and capreomycin (CAP) in multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. We also investigated the correlation between mutations in rrs, tlyA and gyrA/B genes, and the in vitro resistance to the second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Materials and methods. In this pilot study we selected MDR clinical isolates collected from June-December 2004 in the Tropical Medicine Institute "Alexander von Humboldt" (Lima, Perú). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of CFX, OFX, MFX, GFX, KAN, AMK and CAP for 14 clinical isolates were determined and the sequences of rrs, tlyA and gyrA/B genes were analyzed by conventional PCR followed by sequencing. Results. We obtained valid results for 11 samples. Four isolates were resistant to injectable drugs, and in all the cases the MICs were; >120 µg/mL for KAN and >160 µg/mL for AMK and CAP. Only 2 isolates were resistant to OFX with MIC = 4 µg/mL. Sequencing results suggested that the mutation A1401T in rrs gene could be the molecular cause of the resistance to injectable drugs. In this study we did not find any mutation in tlyA and gyrA/B associated to resistance. Conclusions. Our study suggests a possible association between the mutation A1401T in rrs and resistance to injectable drugs. However further studies should be done to confirm this hypothesis in Perú.

Objetivos. Determinar los perfiles de resistencia de las quinolonas; ciprofloxacina (Cpx), ofloxacina (Ofx), gatifloxacina (Gfx) y moxifloxacina (Mfx), y de los inyectables; kanamicina (Km), amikacina (Am) y capreomicina (Cm) en cepas multidrogorresistente (MDR). Se buscó la presencia de mutaciones en los genes rrs,tlyA y gyrA/B, y su posible asociación con la resistencia a inyectables y quinolonas. Materiales y métodos. En este estudio piloto descriptivo se seleccionaron cepas MDR aisladas durante junio a diciembre de 2004, que fueron criopreservadas en el banco de muestras del Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Alexander von Humboldt" en Lima, Perú. Se determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) para Cpx, Ofx, Gfx, Mfx, Km, Am y Cm. Se investigó las mutaciones presentes en los genes rrs, tlyA y gyrA/B a través de un PCR convencional y posterior secuenciamiento de los productos obtenidos. Resultados. Cuatro de los once aislados presentaron resistencia contra los inyectables y en todas se observó una alta CMI; >120 μg/mL para Km y >160 μg/mL para Am y Cm. Solo dos aislados presentaron resistencia a Ofx con un CMI = 4 μg/mL. Los resultados de secuenciamiento sugirieron que la mutación A1401T en rrs podría ser la causa molecular de resistencia a los inyectables; mientras que en este estudio no se halló ninguna mutación en tlyA ni en gyrA/B asociada a resistencia. Conclusiones. Este estudio sugiere una posible asociación entre la mutación en A1401G y la resistencia a los antibióticos inyectables.

Objectives. To determine the drug resistance profiles for quinolones: ciprofloxacin (CFX), ofloxacin (OFX), moxifloxacin (MFX), and gatifloxacin (GFX); and for injectables: kanamycin (KAN), amikacin (AMK), and capreomycin (CAP) in multidrug resistant (MDR) strains. We also investigated the correlation between mutations in rrs, tlyA and gyrA/B genes, and the in vitro resistance to the second-line anti-tuberculosis drugs. Materials and methods. In this pilot study we selected MDR clinical isolates collected from June-December 2004 in the Tropical Medicine Institute "Alexander von Humboldt" (Lima, Perú). The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of CFX, OFX, MFX, GFX, KAN, AMK and CAP for 14 clinical isolates were determined and the sequences of rrs, tlyA and gyrA/B genes were analyzed by conventional PCR followed by sequencing. Results. We obtained valid results for 11 samples. Four isolates were resistant to injectable drugs, and in all the cases the MICs were; >120 µg/mL for KAN and >160 µg/mL for AMK and CAP. Only 2 isolates were resistant to OFX with MIC = 4 µg/mL. Sequencing results suggested that the mutation A1401T in rrs gene could be the molecular cause of the resistance to injectable drugs. In this study we did not find any mutation in tlyA and gyrA/B associated to resistance. Conclusions. Our study suggests a possible association between the mutation A1401T in rrs and resistance to injectable drugs. However further studies should be done to confirm this hypothesis in Perú.

Objetivos. Determinar los perfiles de resistencia de las quinolonas; ciprofloxacina (Cpx), ofloxacina (Ofx), gatifloxacina (Gfx) y moxifloxacina (Mfx), y de los inyectables; kanamicina (Km), amikacina (Am) y capreomicina (Cm) en cepas multidrogorresistente (MDR). Se buscó la presencia de mutaciones en los genes rrs,tlyA y gyrA/B, y su posible asociación con la resistencia a inyectables y quinolonas. Materiales y métodos. En este estudio piloto descriptivo se seleccionaron cepas MDR aisladas durante junio a diciembre de 2004, que fueron criopreservadas en el banco de muestras del Instituto de Medicina Tropical "Alexander von Humboldt" en Lima, Perú. Se determinó la concentración mínima inhibitoria (CMI) para Cpx, Ofx, Gfx, Mfx, Km, Am y Cm. Se investigó las mutaciones presentes en los genes rrs, tlyA y gyrA/B a través de un PCR convencional y posterior secuenciamiento de los productos obtenidos. Resultados. Cuatro de los once aislados presentaron resistencia contra los inyectables y en todas se observó una alta CMI; >120 μg/mL para Km y >160 μg/mL para Am y Cm. Solo dos aislados presentaron resistencia a Ofx con un CMI = 4 μg/mL. Los resultados de secuenciamiento sugirieron que la mutación A1401T en rrs podría ser la causa molecular de resistencia a los inyectables; mientras que en este estudio no se halló ninguna mutación en tlyA ni en gyrA/B asociada a resistencia. Conclusiones. Este estudio sugiere una posible asociación entre la mutación en A1401G y la resistencia a los antibióticos inyectables.

Objective: To elaborate optimal anti-tuberculosis regimens following drug susceptibility testing (DST) to isoniazid (H) and rifampicin (R). Design: 12 311 M. tuberculosis strains (National Health Institute of Peru 2007-2009) were classified in four groups according H and R resistance. In each group the sensitivity to ethambutol (E), pirazinamide (Z), streptomycin (S), kanamycin (Km), capreomycin (Cm), ciprofloxacin (Cfx), ethionamide (Eto), cicloserine (Cs) and p-amino salicilic acid (PAS) was determined. Based on resistance profiles, domestic costs, and following WHO guidelines, we elaborated and selected optimal putative regimens for each group. The potential efficacy (PE) variable was defined as the proportion of strains sensitive to at least three or four drugs for each regimen evaluated. Results: Selected regimes with the lowest cost, and highest PE of containing 3 and 4 effective drugs for TB sensitive to H and R were: HRZ (99,5%) and HREZ (99,1%), respectively; RZECfx (PE=98,9%) and RZECfxKm (PE=97,7%) for TB resistant to H; HZECfx (96,8%) and HZECfxKm (95,4%) for TB resistant to R; and EZCfxKmEtoCs (82.9%) for MDR-TB. Conclusion: Based on resistance to H and R it was possible to select anti-tuberculosis regimens with high probability of success. This proposal is a feasible alternative to tackle tuberculosis in Peru where the access to rapid DST to H and R is improving progressively.

Objetivo. Elaborar esquemas de tratamiento para tuberculosis de acuerdo con sus perfiles de susceptibilidad a isoniacida (H) y rifampicina (R). Materiales y métodos. Un total de 12 311 aislamientos de M. tuberculosis (Instituto Nacional de Salud, 2007-2009) se clasificaron en cuatro grupos de acuerdo con su susceptibilidad a H y R. En cada grupo se analizó la sensibilidad a etambutol (E), pirazinamida (Z), estreptomicina (S), kanamicina (Km), capreomicina (Cm), ciprofloxacina (Cfx), etionamida (Eto), cicloserina (Cs) y ácido p-amino salicílico (PAS). En base a los perfiles de resistencia, principios de terapéutica de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y costos en el país, se elaboraron los esquemas más adecuados para cada grupo. Se definió la eficacia potencial (EP) como la proporción de cepas sensibles a tres o cuatro drogas del esquema evaluado. Resultados. Los esquemas con el menor costo y la mayor EP a tres y cuatro drogas para tuberculosis sensible a H y R fueron: HRZ (EP=99,5%), HREZ (EP=99,1%); REZCfx (EP=98,9%) y para tuberculosis resistente a H: REZCfxKm (EP=97,7%). Para tuberculosis resistente a R: HEZCfx (EP=96,8%) y HEZCfxKm (EP=95,4%); el esquema con mejor eficacia potencial para tuberculosis multidrogorresistente fue EZCfxKmEtoCs (EP=82,9%). Conclusión. Basados en la resistencia a H y R se han elaborado y seleccionado esquemas de tratamiento con la más alta probabilidad de eficacia. Esta propuesta es una alternativa viable para hacer frente a la tuberculosis en Perú donde el acceso a pruebas de sensibilidad rápida a H y R se viene expandiendo.

Objective: To elaborate optimal anti-tuberculosis regimens following drug susceptibility testing (DST) to isoniazid (H) and rifampicin (R). Design: 12 311 M. tuberculosis strains (National Health Institute of Peru 2007-2009) were classified in four groups according H and R resistance. In each group the sensitivity to ethambutol (E), pirazinamide (Z), streptomycin (S), kanamycin (Km), capreomycin (Cm), ciprofloxacin (Cfx), ethionamide (Eto), cicloserine (Cs) and p-amino salicilic acid (PAS) was determined. Based on resistance profiles, domestic costs, and following WHO guidelines, we elaborated and selected optimal putative regimens for each group. The potential efficacy (PE) variable was defined as the proportion of strains sensitive to at least three or four drugs for each regimen evaluated. Results: Selected regimes with the lowest cost, and highest PE of containing 3 and 4 effective drugs for TB sensitive to H and R were: HRZ (99,5%) and HREZ (99,1%), respectively; RZECfx (PE=98,9%) and RZECfxKm (PE=97,7%) for TB resistant to H; HZECfx (96,8%) and HZECfxKm (95,4%) for TB resistant to R; and EZCfxKmEtoCs (82.9%) for MDR-TB. Conclusion: Based on resistance to H and R it was possible to select anti-tuberculosis regimens with high probability of success. This proposal is a feasible alternative to tackle tuberculosis in Peru where the access to rapid DST to H and R is improving progressively.

Objetivo. Elaborar esquemas de tratamiento para tuberculosis de acuerdo con sus perfiles de susceptibilidad a isoniacida (H) y rifampicina (R). Materiales y métodos. Un total de 12 311 aislamientos de M. tuberculosis (Instituto Nacional de Salud, 2007-2009) se clasificaron en cuatro grupos de acuerdo con su susceptibilidad a H y R. En cada grupo se analizó la sensibilidad a etambutol (E), pirazinamida (Z), estreptomicina (S), kanamicina (Km), capreomicina (Cm), ciprofloxacina (Cfx), etionamida (Eto), cicloserina (Cs) y ácido p-amino salicílico (PAS). En base a los perfiles de resistencia, principios de terapéutica de la Organización Mundial de la Salud y costos en el país, se elaboraron los esquemas más adecuados para cada grupo. Se definió la eficacia potencial (EP) como la proporción de cepas sensibles a tres o cuatro drogas del esquema evaluado. Resultados. Los esquemas con el menor costo y la mayor EP a tres y cuatro drogas para tuberculosis sensible a H y R fueron: HRZ (EP=99,5%), HREZ (EP=99,1%); REZCfx (EP=98,9%) y para tuberculosis resistente a H: REZCfxKm (EP=97,7%). Para tuberculosis resistente a R: HEZCfx (EP=96,8%) y HEZCfxKm (EP=95,4%); el esquema con mejor eficacia potencial para tuberculosis multidrogorresistente fue EZCfxKmEtoCs (EP=82,9%). Conclusión. Basados en la resistencia a H y R se han elaborado y seleccionado esquemas de tratamiento con la más alta probabilidad de eficacia. Esta propuesta es una alternativa viable para hacer frente a la tuberculosis en Perú donde el acceso a pruebas de sensibilidad rápida a H y R se viene expandiendo.

A 48-year old woman with a recent diagnosis of Graves’ disease arrived at the emergency room with fever, palpitations, and a sore throat. Her regular treatment included methimazole. On admission, laboratory results showed suppressed TSH, elevated free thyroxine, and neutropenia. She was admitted and started on antibiotics and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (gm-csf). After ten days, the patient developed leukocytosis, fever, and hemoptysis. Chest CT scan showed a lung cavity with multiple nodules in the upper right lobe. Cultures from a lung biopsy were positive for Aspergillus Fumigatus and Aspergillus Flavus. Amphotericin B was started but then switched to voriconazole, with both treatments failing to result in clinical improvement. The patient died of multi-organ failure

Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 48 años de edad con diagnóstico reciente de enfermedad de Graves, quien acudió a emergencia por presentar fiebre, palpitaciones y dolor faríngeo. Su tratamiento regular incluía metimazol. Al ingreso, los análisis mostraron TSH suprimido, T4 libre elevado y neutropenia. La paciente fue hospitalizada, se administraron antibióticos y factor estimulante de colonia. Después de diez días de tratamiento, la paciente presentó leucocitosis, fiebre y hemoptisis. La tomografía de tórax mostró una cavidad con múltiples nódulos en el lóbulo superior derecho. Los cultivos fueron positivos a Aspergillus fumigatus y Aspergillus flavus. Se inició tratamiento con anfotericina B y luego se cambió a voriconazol, a pesar de lo cual no hubo mejoría del cuadro. La paciente falleció por falla multiorgánica

A 48-year old woman with a recent diagnosis of Graves’ disease arrived at the emergency room with fever, palpitations, and a sore throat. Her regular treatment included methimazole. On admission, laboratory results showed suppressed TSH, elevated free thyroxine, and neutropenia. She was admitted and started on antibiotics and granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (gm-csf). After ten days, the patient developed leukocytosis, fever, and hemoptysis. Chest CT scan showed a lung cavity with multiple nodules in the upper right lobe. Cultures from a lung biopsy were positive for Aspergillus Fumigatus and Aspergillus Flavus. Amphotericin B was started but then switched to voriconazole, with both treatments failing to result in clinical improvement. The patient died of multi-organ failure.

Se reporta el caso de una paciente de 48 años de edad con diagnóstico reciente de enfermedad de Graves, quien acudió a emergencia por presentar fiebre, palpitaciones y dolor faríngeo. Su tratamiento regular incluía metimazol. Al ingreso, los análisis mostraron TSH suprimido, T4 libre elevado y neutropenia. La paciente fue hospitalizada, se administraron antibióticos y factor estimulante de colonia. Después de diez días de tratamiento, la paciente presentó leucocitosis, fiebre y hemoptisis. La tomografía de tórax mostró una cavidad con múltiples nódulos en el lóbulo superior derecho. Los cultivos fueron positivos a Aspergillus fumigatus y Aspergillus flavus. Se inició tratamiento con anfotericina B y luego se cambió a voriconazol, a pesar de lo cual no hubo mejoría del cuadro. La paciente falleció por falla multiorgánica.

Clones de Staphylococcus aureus resistentes à meticilina (MRSA) pertencentes aos complexos clonais Brasileiro, Pediátrico, Cordobês/Chileno e Nova Iorque/Japão estão amplamente distribuídos pela América Latina, embora seus padrões de distribuição individuais e de resistência a antibióticos estejam constantemente mudando. Ressalte-se ainda que clones com maior virulência estão começando a surgir mais frequentemente, tanto nos hospitais como na comunidade, e há evidência que fatores de virulência podem ser transferidos entre clones nosocomiais e clones associados à comunidade por meio de recombinação. Esses padrões variáveis têm implicações significativas para a prática clínica. Mais importante ainda, os clínicos devem ter ciência do perfil variável de resistência antimicrobiana dos clones de MRSA circulantes na sua região, para que optem pela terapia antimicrobiana empírica mais apropriada. Assim, há necessidade de programas regionais de epidemiologia molecular para que se tenha conhecimento de identificações e caracterizações precisas dos clones de MRSA circulantes.

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) clones belonging to the Brazilian, Pediatric, Cordobes/Chilean and New York/Japan clonal complexes are widely distributed across Latin America, although their individual distribution patterns and resistance to antimicrobial drugs are constantly changing. Furthermore, clones with increased virulence are beginning to appear more frequently both in hospital and community settings, and there is evidence that virulence factors can be transferred between hospital- and community-associated clones through recombination. These changing patterns have significant implications for clinical practice in the region. Most importantly, clinicians need to be aware of the changing antimicrobial resistance profile of circulating MRSA clones in their region in order to choose the most appropriate empiric antimicrobial therapy. Thus, regional molecular epidemiology programs are required across the region to provide accurate identification and characterization of circulating MRSA clones

Objective. To determine the epidemiological and clinic characteristics of gastroenteritis caused by Vibrio parahaemolyticus strains of the pandemic group in Peru. Material and methods. Clinical and laboratory records were searched in 100 cases of gastroenteritis caused by V parahaemolyticus, either of the pandemic or non pandemic group. Clinical and epidemiological data were collected and statistical analysis was done to evaluate if the severity of illness was associated with the pandemic group. Results. Epidemiological data were collected in 85% of cases, and clinical data were only available in 37% of cases, mainly on those hospitalized. Cases associated with the pandemic strains had a higher probability of liquid stools (96.3% vs. 62.5%, p<0.05), moderate or severe dehydration (100% vs. 60%, p<0.05), and hospital care (98% vs. 42.9%, p<0.0001). Cases aged thirty or older were associated with the pandemic strains (63% vs. 39.5%, p<0.05). Conclusions. Vibrio parahaemolyticus of the pandemic group causes more severe gastrointestinal disease than none pandemic strains, with higher probability of requiring hospital care. Based on this report, it is advisable to include the identification of V. parahaemolyticus in the etiological diagnosis of agents causing severe gastroenteritis in the Peruvian health system.

Objetivos. Determinar las características epidemiológicas y clínicas de la gastroenteritis causada por Vibrio parahaemolyticus del grupo pandémico en el Perú. Materiales y métodos. Se examinó las historias clínicas y registros de laboratorio de cien casos de gastroenteritis en los cuales se aisló V. parahaemolyticus del grupo pandémico y no pandémico. Se recolectó información epidemiológica y clínica y se realizó el análisis estadístico de los datos para evaluar si la gravedad de la enfermedad se asoció con la presencia de las cepas del grupo pandémico. Resultados. Se logró colectar información epidemiológica en 85% de los casos e información clínica sólo en 37% de los casos, principalmente de los hospitalizados. Los casos del grupo pandémico tuvieron una mayor probabilidad de tener deposiciones líquidas (96,3% frente a 62,5%, p<0,05), presentar deshidratación moderada o grave (100% frente a 60%, p<0,05) y requerir atención hospitalaria (98% frente a 42,9%, p<0,0001). Fue más probable aislar una cepa pandémica en personas de 30 o más años de edad (63% frente a 39,5%, p<0,05). Conclusiones. El Vibrio parahaemolyticus del grupo pandémico causa enfermedad gastrointestinal de mayor gravedad que las cepas no pandémicas, con mayor probabilidad de requerir atención hospitalaria. Basados en este reporte, se recomienda incluir la identificación de V. parahaemolyticus en el diagnóstico etiológico de agentes causantes de gastroenteritis grave en el sistema de salud del Perú.

The safety and efficacy of cefepime empiric monotherapy compared with standard broad-spectrum combination therapy for hospitalized adult patients with moderate to severe community-acquired bacterial infections were evaluated. In an open-label, multicenter study, 317 patients with an Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE II) score ranging from >5 to =19 were enrolled with documented pneumonia (n=196), urinary tract infection (n=65), intra-abdominal infection (n=38), or sepsis (n=18). Patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive cefepime 1 to 2 g IV twice daily or three times a day or IV ampicillin, cephalothin, or ceftriaxone ± aminoglycoside therapy for 3 to 21 days. For both treatment groups, metronidazole, vancomycin, or macrolide therapy was added as deemed necessary. The primary efficacy variable was clinical response at the end of therapy. Two hundred ninety-six (93%) patients met evaluation criteria and were included in the efficacy analysis. Diagnoses included the following: 180 pneumonias (90 cefepime, 90 comparator), 62 urinary tract infections (29 cefepime, 33 comparator), 37 intra-abdominal infections (19 cefepime, 18 comparator), and 17 sepses (8 cefepime, 9 comparator). At the end of therapy, overall clinical success rates were 131/146 (90%) for patients treated with cefepime vs 125/150 (83%) for those treated with comparator (95% confidence interval [CI]: - 2.6% to 16.3%). The clinical success rate for patients with community-acquired pneumonia, the most frequent infection, was 86% for both treatment groups. Among the patients clinically evaluated, 162 pathogens were isolated and identified before therapy. The most commonly isolated pathogens were Escherichia coli (n=49), Streptococcus pneumoniae (n=29), Haemophilus influenzae (n=14), and Staphylococcus aureus (n=11). Bacteriologic eradication/presumed eradication was 97% for cefepime vs 94% for comparator-treated patients. Drug-related adverse events were reported in 16% of cefepime patients and 19% of comparator patients. In conclusion, cefepime had higher cure rates compared with broad-spectrum combination therapy as an initial empiric treatment for hospitalized patients with moderate to severe community-acquired infections, including urinary tract infections, intra-abdominal infections, and sepsis.

Objective: To determine the incidence rate and epidemiological features of sharp injuies (SI) in a University Hospital. Material and methods: During 2 weeks of february 1998 a cohort of health workers (HW) was evaluated in four random selected times. In each evaluation, HW filled-in two questionnaires designed to collect demographic data, practices of risk for SI, and specific information of SI. Results: A total of 901 observations were made, mean age (SD) of the cohort was 32.9 ± 8.8 years old. The crude incidence rate (IR) per 1000 was 36.6. Majority of SI ocurred in nomedical personnel (58%), were caused by needles (77%), ocurred near the bedside (53%), and during the first 4 hours of working (58%). HW used gloves in 41% of situations were a SI ocurred, but the size of the glove was not adecuate in 62% of them. The highest IR (per 1000) were observed among those working at the laundry service (90.9) and among dentist (90.9). Risk groups for SI identified were: age less than 20 years (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.04-1.7), female sex (OR 3.16 95% CI 1.4-7), working at the odontology service (OR: 4.5 95% CI 1.2-8.8) and was laundry (OR: 4.6 95% CI 3.1-9.9). Data from this setting will require a combination of proper training of identified target populations, and adequacy of resources. ( Rev Med Hered 2000; 11:48-53).

Objetivo: Determinar la tasa de injurias por objetos punzocortantes y las características epidemiológicas de las injurias por objetos punzocortantes (IOPC) en el Hospital Nacional Cayetano Heredia. Material y métodos: Durante 2 semanas de febrero de 1998, los trabajadores de salud (TS) fueron evaluados en cuatro tiempos randomizados. En cada evaluación los TS respondieron dos cuestionarios diseñados para colectar datos demográficos e información especifica acerca de la IOPC. Resultados: Se realizaron un total de 901 observaciones. La edad media fue 32 ± 8.8 años. La tasa cruda de injuria fue de 36.6 x 1000 personas. La mayoría de las injurias sucedieron en personal no médico (58%), fueron causados por agujas (77%), ocurrieron cerca de la cama (53%) y durante las primeras 4 horas de trabajo (58%). Los TS usaron guantes en 41% de las injurias, pero la talla inadecuada fue de 62% de ellos. La tasa mas alta (por 1000) fue observada en el personal que labora en el servicio de lavandería (90.9) y que labora como dentista (90.1). Los grupos de riesgo identificados fueron: edad menor de 20 años (OR 1.1; 95% CI 1.04-1.17), sexo femenino (OR 3.16 95% CI 1.4-7), laborar en el servicio de odontología (OR: 4.5 95% CI 1.2-8.8) y ser lavandera (OR: 4.6 95% CI 3.1-9.9). Los datos tomados sugieren un entrenamiento laboral en las poblaciones en riesgo y suficientes recursos. ( Rev Med Hered 2000; 11:48-53).