Resumen El feminismo es un movimiento que busca transformar el orden social imperante, establecido a partir de la jerarquización de la diferencia surgida de una concepción binaria sexo-génerica, y que ha situado a las mujeres en una situación histórica de opresión y explotación. A pesar de la vigencia del feminismo y el aporte de este en las democracias actuales, no todas las personas y, en particular, las mujeres, se identifican con este movimiento social. El objetivo principal de este estudio es identificar los predictores de la identificación feminista en mujeres en Chile. Con base en los resultados de un cuestionario online respondido por 389 mujeres, se realizó un análisis de regresión lineal múltiple (R. = .53, F (3,385) = 107.1, p < .001) en el que se utilizó como variable dependiente la identificación feminista. Las variables con mayor poder predictivo fueron: la predisposición a la participación feminista (. = .54); el sexismo hostil (. = -.20), y la orientación política (. = -.16). Lo anterior indicaría que aquellas mujeres dispuestas a participar en actividades feministas, que rechazan las formas de sexismo hostil y que adhieren a posiciones políticas de izquierda, son quienes mayormente se identifican con el feminismo en Chile. Este modelo relacionaría procesos identitarios que involucran una toma de consciencia de la ilegitimidad que implica que un grupo domine a otro o se encuentre en una situación de privilegio injustificados respecto de otros, y el consecuente reconocimiento de la puesta en acción para la transformación social. Esta relación entre toma de conciencia y acción, a su vez, permitiría explicar la imbricación de las luchas sociales durante el estallido social de octubre 2019 y el movimiento feminista chileno. Finalmente, se discute sobre las limitaciones del presente estudio y lineamientos para futuros.

Abstract The data obtained were subjected to a descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation) and test score reliability (Cronbach´s Alpha). Then, Pearson´s partial correlations were calculated in order to contrast with the dependent variable feminist identification. From the total sample, 74.8 % self-identified with feminism to various degrees (from a form of private acceptance, but not public; up to activism); while 6 % self-declared as not feminist, and 19 %, well in-line with the objectives, did not self-identify as feminist. Feminism is a movement that looks to transform the current social order, established from the hierarchization based on the difference suggested of a binary sex/gender conception. This order has historically situated women in a position of oppression and exploitation. In spite of the relevance and support for feminism in current democracies, not everyone, in particular women, identify with this social movement. Considering this, the main objective of this study is to identify the predictors of feminist identification in women in Chile. This study, of quantitative type, has a sample size made up of 389 women. The type of sample was not probabilistic, rather self-selected. The participants answered an online survey that explored the variables: feminist identification, political orientation (left-right), support of the movement and feminist objectives, predisposition to feminist action, ambivalent sexism (hostile and benevolent sexism) (Glick & Fiske, 1996), social orientation domination SDO (Prato et al., 1994), right wing authoritarianism RWA (Altemeyer, 1996), and socio-demographic variables as well. Also, the participants signed an informed consent form, endorsed by the corresponding ethics committee. The ages of the participants fluctuated between 18 and 72 (M = 27.4; DT = 11.52). The data obtained were subjected to a descriptive analysis (mean and standard deviation) and test score reliability (Cronbach´s Alpha). Then, Pearson´s partial correlations were calculated in order to contrast with the dependent variable feminist identification. From the total sample, 74.8 % self-identified with feminism to various degrees (from a form of private acceptance, but not public; up to activism); while 6 % self-declared as not feminist, and 19 %, well in-line with the objectives, did not self-identify as feminist. Later on, the variables that showed a significant relationship with the dependent variable were subjected to a multiple linear regression analysis (R2 = .53, F (3,385) = 107.1 p < .001). The variables with the highest predictive power were predisposition to feminist participation (β = .54), hostile sexism (β = -.20), and political orientation (β = -.16). This would indicate that those women willing to participate in feminist activities, who reject hostile forms of sexism and adhere to leftist political positions are those who mostly identify with feminism in Chile. This model would relate identarian processes that involve an awareness of the legitimacy that implies that one group dominates another or finds itself in a position of unjustified privilege with respect to others, and the acknowledgement of the need for transformational social action. This relationship between awareness and action, likewise, would explain the overlapping social struggles during the social outbreak of October 2019 and the feminist movement in Chile. Finally, limitations of the present study are discussed with respect to the difficulty to generalize the results due to the type of sample (self-selected); and the characteristics of the sample, referring to the difficult access to women older than 50. These women presented difficulty in forms of access and in completing the survey online. Furthermore, it is considered that due to the bias of explicit attitude studies with regards to social desirability at the moment of response, it would be of great importance to complete this work with implicit attitude measures. Also, the study proposes that as future line of research a study that investigates what do women themselves understand about feminism in order to make realizations of the plurality of this social movement.

Abstract The beliefs revolving around the practice of eating animals are widely accepted and lead to an ideology known as carnism. This study aims to validate the carnism inventory, which measures two components of those beliefs: the defense of carnism and carnist domination. The defense of carnism would render legitimate the practice of eating animals based on arguments stemming from tradition, taste or need; while carnist domination would support animal slaughter based on the notion of a natural hierarchy and our natural right to rule over animals and used them for our own purposes. The bidimensional structure was confirmed and a fair internal consistency was achieved for a complete scale (α = 0,735). The dimensions showed a positive correlation (r = 0,407). The scale yielded good adjustment indexes and we were able to support the configuration and metric invariance of the carnism inventory for both males and females.

Resumen Las creencias que rodean la práctica de comer animales son ampliamente aceptadas y constituyen una ideología llamada carnismo. El objetivo de este estudio es validar el Inventario de carnismo, que mide dos componentes de dichas creencias: la defensa carnística y la dominación carnística. La defensa carnística legitimaría la práctica de comer animales basándose en argumentos que apuntan a la tradición, el gusto o la necesidad; mientras que la dominación carnística apoyaría la matanza de animales fundamentando en la noción de una jerarquía natural y del derecho que nos asiste de dominar a los animales y utilizarlos para nuestros fines. Se confirmó la estructura bidimensional y se logró buena consistencia interna para la escala completa (α=.735). Las dimensiones se correlacionaron positivamente (r=.407). La escala obtiene buenos índices de ajuste y podemos soportar la invariancia de tipo configuracional y métrica del Inventario de carnismo para hombres y mujeres.

Resumo As crenças que abrangem a prática de comer animais são amplamente aceitas e constituem uma ideologia chamada carnismo. O objetivo deste estudo é validar o inventário do carnismo, que mede os componentes de tais crenças: a defesa carnística e a dominação carnística. A defesa carnística legitimaria a prática de comer animais com base em argumentos que apontam para a tradição, o gosto ou a necessidade; enquanto a dominação carnística apoiaria o abate de animais com fundamento na noção de uma hierarquia natural e de direito que nos assiste de dominar os animais e utilizá-los para os nossos fins. Confirmou-se a estrutura bidimensional e atingiu-se boa consistência interna para a escala completa (α=.735). As dimensões correlacionaram-se positivamente (r=.407). A escala obtém bons índices de ajuste e podemos suportar a invariância de tipo configuracional e métrica do Inventário de carnismo para homens e mulheres.

Susceptibility to carbapenems in 238 isolates of Pseudomonas spp. recovered from environmental samples was investigated. In 198 (128 isolates with intermediate sensitivity / resistance to imipenem (IMP) and / or meropenem (MER) and 70 susceptible to both antimicrobials) of the 238 isolates studied, the production of carbapenemases was investigated phenotypically and genotypically. 8.8% of the isolates were resistant to IMP and 25.2% to MER. Nine strains recovered from water showed phenotypically the production of MBL. All of them were identified as P. otitidis. The genes blaIMP, blaSPM, blaVIM, blaKPC, or blaNDM were not detected in none of these isolates. The presence of resistant bacteria in the environment would require actions of control and environmental sanitation due to the impact that could represent on public health.

Se investigó la sensibilidad a carbapenemes en 238 aislamientos de Pseudomonas spp. recuperados de muestras ambientales. En 198 (128 aislamientos con sensibilidad intermedia/resistencia a imipenem (IMP) y/o meropenem (MER) y 70 sensibles a ambos antimicrobianos) de los 238 aislamientos estudiados, se investigó fenotípica y genotípicamente la producción de carbapenemasas. El 8,8% de los aislamientos fue resistente a IMP y el 25,2% a MER. Nueve cepas recuperadas de agua mostraron fenotípicamente la producción de MBL. Todas fueron identificadas como P. otitidis. En ninguno de estos aislamientos se detectó la presencia de los genes blaIMP, blaSPM, blaVIM, blaKPC, ni blaNDM. La presencia de bacterias resistentes en el ambiente, exigiría acciones de control y saneamiento ambiental dado el impacto que podría representar para la salud pública.

Objective Characterize the foci of visceral leishmaniasis infection in Neiva with a clinical and epidemiological approach. Materials and Methods Six children consulted medical services with hepatosplenomegaly. They were found to have anemia and leukopenia. The diagnosis was performed by bone marrow (five patients) and spleen (1 patient) aspiration. An active search for cases was carried out in the community. Anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies were also sought out using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in symptomatic patients and in dogs (IFI, rK39). House calls were made in order to carry out educational activities and to collect disease vectors. Patients received miltefosine, amphotericin B or Glucantime®. Results LV was confirmed in seven children. In six of them, the bone marrow or spleen aspirate contained amastigotes. The IIF was positive in 4 patients and negative in 3. One child was detected throught the active community search, confirmed by the clinic with IIF (1:32). Six patients were cured with liposomal amphotericin B (o deoxycholate) and one patient was cured with Glucantime®. The canine seroprevalence in 1182 dogs was 6.1% (IFI and rK39); the positive animals were destroyed. L. longipalpis was found in the houses. This is the principal vector of LV in Colombia. Conclusions The study showed that two zones of Neiva have children infected with LV. Diagnostic confirmation must include aspiration of bone marrow and IIFs. Treatment with miltefosine was not helpful, but liposomal amphotericin B is an ideal therapy. To control LV, active case searching, community education and vector and reservoir control is necessary.

Objetivo Estudiar clínica y epidemiológicamente focos de leishmaniasis visceral (LV) urbana en Neiva (Colombia). Materiales y Métodos Seis niños consultaron por hepato-esplenomegalia. Presentaban anemia y leucopenia. Se realizó biopsia por aspiración de medula ósea (5 pacientes) y de bazo (1 paciente). Se hizo búsqueda activa de casos en la comunidad y de anticuerpos anti-Leishmania infantum por inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) en los sintomáticos y en reservorios caninos (IFI, rK39). Se hicieron visitas domiciliarias para educación comunitaria y búsqueda de vectores. Los pacientes recibieron Miltefosina, Anfotericina B o Glucantime®. Resultados Se confirmó LV en siete niños. En seis, el aspirado de medula ósea o bazo demostró amastigotes. La IFI fue positiva en 4 pacientes y negativa en 3. Un niño se detectó por búsqueda activa comunitaria, con clínica de LV, confirmada por IFI (1:32). La miltefosina no fue útil en 6 de los 7 casos. La Anfotericina B liposomal o deoxicolato, curó 6 pacientes y el Glucantime® uno. La seroprevalencia en 1182 caninos (IFI y rK39) fue de 6.1 %; los animales positivos fueron sacrificados. Se demostró Lu. longipalpis, vector de LV, en el peridomicilio. Conclusiones Demostramos LV urbana en dos comunas de Neiva. La confirmación diagnóstica incluyó aspiración de medula ósea e IFI. La Miltefosina no fue útil. La Anfotericina B liposomal fue la terapia ideal. Para controlar la LV es necesario hacer BAC, educación comunitaria, control de vectores y reservorios.

Objetivo Estudiar clínica y epidemiológicamente focos de leishmaniasis visceral (LV) urbana en Neiva (Colombia). Materiales y Métodos Seis niños consultaron por hepato-esplenomegalia. Presentaban anemia y leucopenia. Se realizó biopsia por aspiración de medula ósea (5 pacientes) y de bazo (1 paciente). Se hizo búsqueda activa de casos en la comunidad y de anticuerpos anti-Leishmania infantum por inmunofluorescencia indirecta (IFI) en los sintomáticos y en reservorios caninos (IFI, rK39). Se hicieron visitas domiciliarias para educación comunitaria y búsqueda de vectores. Los pacientes recibieron Miltefosina, Anfotericina B o Glucantime®. Resultados Se confirmó LV en siete niños. En seis, el aspirado de medula ósea o bazo demostró amastigotes. La IFI fue positiva en 4 pacientes y negativa en 3. Un niño se detectó por búsqueda activa comunitaria, con clínica de LV, confirmada por IFI (1:32). La miltefosina no fue útil en 6 de los 7 casos. La Anfotericina B liposomal o deoxicolato, curó 6 pacientes y el Glucantime® uno. La seroprevalencia en 1182 caninos (IFI y rK39) fue de 6.1 %; los animales positivos fueron sacrificados. Se demostró Lu. longipalpis, vector de LV, en el peridomicilio. Conclusiones Demostramos LV urbana en dos comunas de Neiva. La confirmación diagnóstica incluyó aspiración de medula ósea e IFI. La Miltefosina no fue útil. La Anfotericina B liposomal fue la terapia ideal. Para controlar la LV es necesario hacer BAC, educación comunitaria, control de vectores y reservorios.

Objective Characterize the foci of visceral leishmaniasis infection in Neiva with a clinical and epidemiological approach. Materials and Methods Six children consulted medical services with hepatosplenomegaly. They were found to have anemia and leukopenia. The diagnosis was performed by bone marrow (five patients) and spleen (1 patient) aspiration. An active search for cases was carried out in the community. Anti-Leishmania infantum antibodies were also sought out using indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) in symptomatic patients and in dogs (IFI, rK39). House calls were made in order to carry out educational activities and to collect disease vectors. Patients received miltefosine, amphotericin B or Glucantime®. Results LV was confirmed in seven children. In six of them, the bone marrow or spleen aspirate contained amastigotes. The IIF was positive in 4 patients and negative in 3. One child was detected throught the active community search, confirmed by the clinic with IIF (1:32). Six patients were cured with liposomal amphotericin B (o deoxycholate) and one patient was cured with Glucantime®. The canine seroprevalence in 1182 dogs was 6.1% (IFI and rK39); the positive animals were destroyed. L. longipalpis was found in the houses. This is the principal vector of LV in Colombia. Conclusions The study showed that two zones of Neiva have children infected with LV. Diagnostic confirmation must include aspiration of bone marrow and IIFs. Treatment with miltefosine was not helpful, but liposomal amphotericin B is an ideal therapy. To control LV, active case searching, community education and vector and reservoir control is necessary.

This paper presents the formulation of a pharmaceutical veterinary product with insecticide and repellent effect of prolonged effect to be used in domestic dogs and applied to the animal’s coat. The formulation was developed to interrupt the endemic cycle of zoonotic prevalent diseases vectorized by sandflies, especially leishmaniasis. The vehicle is presented as a non-washable adhesive gel consisting of petrolatum and degummed soybean oil, gelatinized with polyethylene oflow densitythrough a process of “warm” by temperature. As an active principle, the use of cypermethrin is proposed. Thirteen batches were studied, obtaining as best formulation the one of 50% petrolatum, 50% of degummed soybean oil gelled with polyethylene 1%, 1% of butylhydroxytoluene and cypermethrin 2% by simple dissolution.

Este trabajo presenta la formulación de un producto farmacéutico veterinario con efecto insecticida y repelente de efecto prolongado para ser utilizado en canes domésticos y aplicado sobre el pelaje del animal. La formulación fue desarrollada para interrumpir el ciclo endémico zoonótico de enfermedades prevalentes vectorizadas por flebótomos, en especial leishmaniosis. El vehículo se presenta en forma de gel adherente no lavable, compuesto por petrolato y aceite de soja desgomado, gelatinizado con polietileno de baja densidad por un proceso de “templado” por temperatura. Como principio activo, se propone el uso de cipermetrina. Se estudiaron trece lotes obteniéndose como mejor formulación la de 50% de petrolato, 50% de aceite de soja desgomado gelificado con polietileno 1%, 1% de butilhidroxitolueno y cipermetrina al 2% por disolución simple.

Streptococcus agalactiae (SGB) es la primera causa de infecciones severas invasivas en el recién nacido. Penicilina es la droga de elección en la profilaxis intraparto que se realiza en la embarazada colonizada con SGB, pero en aquéllas alérgicas a los ß-lactámicos , eritromicina (ERI) y clindamicina (CLI) son las drogas de elección. Conocer los fenotipos de resistencia a ERI y CLI es crucial a la hora de prevenir esta severa enfermedad en los neonatos nacidos de gestantes colonizadas alérgicas a los ß-lactámicos. Se seleccionaron al azar 5 cepas con algún fenotipo de resistencia y cinco cepas sin ellos, mantenidas a -70 ºC, obtenidas de hisopados vagino-rectales de gestantes, entre los años 2004 y 2011. Los biotipos se determinaron con sueros del Statens Serum Institut Copenhagen, los fenotipos con test D-test, los genes ermB, ermTR y mef A con PCR . De las 5 cepas con fenotipo de resistencia, dos cepas fueron constitutivas, una inducible y dos fenotipos M. En los biotipos V y III se detectó el mayor número de genes de resistencia. El gen de resistencia más comunmente detectado fue el ermB seguido de mef A. Alguno de los genes de resistencia investigados fueron detectados en tres cepas sin fenotipo de resistencia. El conocer la asociación de biotipos, fenotipos y genes de resistencia a ERI y CLI, circulantes en la región, datos aún no existentes, colabora en la salud individual y colectiva en profilaxis y tratamientos y en el diseño de estrategias vacunales, aún en marcha.

Introduction: Although Streptococcus agalactiae is commensal of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract, it is the main cause of invasive diseases and mortality in newborns. The infection can be acquired through the aspiration of infected amniotic fluid or during the passage through the birth canal. Objectives: to compare the effectiveness of various methods for the conservation of Streptococcus agalactiae strains that can be reproducible and accessible to laboratories of low and medium complexity and guarantee their phenotypic and genotypic stability through a preservation method called continuous subculture, for the maintenance of the culture in an adequate environment with fresh medium transfers at variable interval periods. Methods: 40 strains of Streptococcus agalactiae were randomly selected, which were subjected to verification of viability, purity and genotypic and phenotypic characterization before and after being subjected to conservation, using identical environments, reactive and methodologies in both circumstances. Different means of preservation of strains were tested, which allowed laboratories of low and medium complexity their transfer to specialized centers for the proper surveillance of the organism. The strains were kept for nine months with subcultures that showed original characteristics. Results: The most effective environments were ATS-TA and LD-4 % -SO-20 ºC because they guaranteed viability, purity and genotypic and phenotypic stability of the strains. It was shown that the use of this environment is an adequate alternative for the conservation of Streptococcus agalactiae in laboratories where lyophilization and dessication are not available and are low cost, fast and very easy to use in regular practice. Conclusions: The ATS-TA and LD-4 % -SO-20 ºC environments are a good alternative for short periods of preservation and transportation of Streptococcus agalactiae strains in laboratories of low and medium complexity.

Introducción: Si bien Streptococcus agalactiae es comensal del tracto gastrointestinal y genitourinario, es la principal causa de enfermedades invasivas y de mortalidad en niños recién nacidos. La infección puede adquirirse a través de la aspiración de líquido amniótico infectado o durante el paso por el canal de parto. Objetivos: comparar la utilidad de diversos métodos de conservación de cepas de Streptococcus agalactiae que resulten reproducibles, accesibles a laboratorios de baja y mediana complejidad, y asegurar su estabilidad fenotípica y genotípica mediante el método de preservación llamado subcultivo continuo, para el mantenimiento del cultivo en medio adecuado con transferencias a medio fresco a intervalos variables. Métodos: Se seleccionaron al azar 40 cepas de Streptococcus agalactiae, las que se sometieron a verificación de viabilidad, pureza y caracterización fenotípica y genotípica antes y después de ser sometidas a conservación, utilizando idénticos medios, reactivos y metodología en ambas circunstancias. Se probaron diferentes medios de preservación de las cepas, que permitieran a laboratorios de baja y mediana complejidad su traslado a centros especializados para la vigilancia adecuada del organismo. Las cepas se conservaron durante nueve meses con subcultivos que mostraron las características originales. Resultados: Los medios más efectivos fueron ATS-TA y LD 4 %-SO-20 ºC, ya que garantizaron viabilidad, pureza y estabilidad fenotípica y genotípica de las cepas. Se demostró que el uso de este medio es una alternativa adecuada para la conservación de Streptococcus agalactiae en laboratorios donde la liofilización y la desecación no están disponibles y que son de bajo costo, rápidos y muy fáciles de usar en la práctica habitual. Conclusiones: los medios ATS-TA y LD 4 %-SO-20 ºC constituyen una buena alternativa para cortos períodos de preservación y transporte de cepas de Streptococcus agalactiae en laboratorios de baja y mediana complejidad.

The aim of this work was to study the distribution of a gene associated with Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Streptococcus, GBS) virulence in colonizing isolates from pregnant women and invasive isolates from newborn infants. We also aimed to contribute with useful data for epidemiological studies and formulation of a regional vaccine. A total of 34 colonizing isolates and 7 invasive isolates was analyzed for detection of rib gene by specific PCR. The rib gene was present in 87.8 % of the isolates, without significant differences (p>0.05) between colonizing and invasive ones. It was concluded that in the population studied, the rib gene in GBS strains was distributed comparably in colonizing isolates from pregnant women and invasive isolates from newborn infants with severe disease.

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la distribución de un gen asociado a la virulencia de Streptococcus agalactiae (Streptococcus Grupo B, SGB) en aislamientos colonizantes recuperados de mujeres embarazadas y aislamientos invasivos recuperados de neonatos, y de contribuir con datos útiles para estudios epidemiológicos y para la formulación de una vacuna regional. Un total de 34 aislamientos colonizantes y 7 aislamientos invasivos fueron analizados para detectar el gen rib por PCR específica. Se detectó la presencia del gen rib en el 87,8 % de los aislamientos, sin diferencias significativas (p>0,05) entre colonizantes e invasivos. Concluimos que en la población estudiada, el gen rib en cepas de SGB se distribuye comparablemente en aislamientos colonizantes recuperados de mujeres embarazadas y en aislamientos invasivos recuperados de neonatos con enfermedad severa.

Streptococcus agalactiae or Group B Streptococcus (GBS) is one of the major causes of serious neonatal infection. Given the importance of their detection, the aim of this study was to identify the types of blood (human, bovine, equine, and ovine blood) that provide better yields for the isolation and identification of GBS. They could be used in laboratories of low and medium complexity. In 30 GBS strains of collection studied, the best yields (number, size, degree of hemolysis of the colonies and results of CAMP's test obtained with bovine and ovine blood. We suggest the use of ovine or bovine blood for the recovery and identification of GBS in laboratories of medium and low complexity, thus avoiding the risk of using human blood.

Streptococcus agalactiae o Streptococcus grupo B (SGB) es una de las causas principales de infección neonatal grave. Dada la importancia de su detección, el objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los tipos de sangre (humana, bovina, equina y ovina) que provean mejor rendimiento para el aislamiento e identificación de SGB y que puedan ser utilizados en laboratorios de baja y mediana complejidad. En 30 cepas de SGB de colección estudiadas, los mejores rendimientos (número, tamaño, grado de hemólisis de las colonias y resultados de la Prueba de CAMP) se obtuvieron con sangre bovina y ovina. Sugerimos, el uso de sangre ovina o bovina para la recuperación e identificación de SGB en laboratorios de mediana y baja complejidad, evitando así el riesgo que significa el uso de sangre humana.

E. coli é o principal agente envolvido na produção de diarréias nos países em desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o tempo de aparição da primeira infecção assintomática pelas diferentes categorias de E. coli causadoras de diarréias em 44 crianças desde o nascimento e durante os primeiros 20 meses de vida. Em todas as crianças estudadas foram detectadas algumas categorias de E. coli causadoras de diarréia ao longo dos 20 meses do estudo. Durante o estudo foram obtidas 510 E. coli causadoras de diarréia (33,5%) a partir das 1524 amostras colectadas das 44 crianças (31,4% EAggEC, 28,8% EPEC, 27,1%DAEC e 12,7% ETEC). Não foram detectadas nem EHEC e nem EIEC. A idade média para a colonização pelas E. coli produtoras de diarréia foi de 7,5 meses. O período médio até o desmame foi de 12,8 meses e a idade média para a introdução de alimentação mista foi de 3,8 meses. Uma incidência significativamente baixa de diarréia e infecções assintomáticas foi registrada na época de amamentação exclusiva em relação às crianças com alimentação mista e àquelas que já não mamavam. Para ETEC, EPEC e EAggEC, a introdução de alimentos ao desmame e ao final da amamentação estiveram associadas com um aumento das infecções assintomáticas.

Diarrheagenics Escherichia coli are the major agents involved in diarrheal disease in developing countries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time of appearance of the first asymptomatic infection by the different categories of diarrheagenic E. coli in 44 children since their birth and during the first 20 months of their lives. In all of the children studied, we detected at least one category of diarrheagenic E. coli through the 20 months of the study. 510 diarrheagenic E. coli (33.5%) were obtained from the 1,524 samples collected from the 44 children during the time of the study (31.4% EAggEC, 28.8% EPEC, 27.1% DAEC, and 12.7% ETEC). Neither EHEC nor EIEC were identified. The median age for diarrheagenic E. coli colonization was 7.5 months. The mean weaning period was 12.8 months and the mean age for introduction of mixed feeding (breast fed supplemented) was 3.8 months. A significantly lower incidence of diarrheal disease and asymptomatic infections was recorded among the exclusively breast-fed rather than in the supplemented and non breast-fed infants. For ETEC, EPEC and EAggEC the introduction of weaning foods and complete termination of breast-feeding were associated with an increase of asymptomatic infections.

Children under five years of age, from two communities of different socio-economic strata (97 from Zaiman and 55 from Las Dolores) were examined epidemiologically during 2 years, by means of quarterly visits of the working team, who carried out the collection of faecal samples. During the study, one or more enteropathogens were identified in 73.9% of samples in children from Zaiman and in 58.3% of the samples from Las Dolores, being associated to diarrhoea in 70.5% and to asymptomatic infections in 65.7%. The number of diarrheic episodes was higher in Zaiman (15.45%) than in Las Dolores (12.35%), being more frequent in the spring-summer seasons. In Zaiman, the bacterial enteropathogen proportion was relevantly higher (p< 0.005) in children with diarrhoea, whereas the presence of parasites was more frequent in asymptomatic children (p< 0.01). Rotavirus had an even distribution within diarrheic and asymptomatic children. In Las Dolores, no relevant differences were found in the detection of enteroparasites between diarrheic and asymptomatic children. Mixed infections were detected; enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-rotavirus and ETEC-parasites being the most frequent ones. ETEC was involved in 85% of these infections. These data, together with the high enteropathogen carriage, suggest an elevated level of environmental contamination. The latter plays an important role in diarrheic diseases, and added to the most extreme poverty, it affects children's lives.

Niños menores de cinco años de edad de dos comunidades de diferente condición socio-económica (97 del Barrio Zaimán y 55 del Barrio Las Dolores), fueron vigilados epidemiologicamente durante 2 años, mediante visitas trimestrales del equipo de trabajo, el que realizó la toma de muestras fecales. Durante el estudio, se identificaron uno o más enteropatógenos en el 73,9% de las muestras de niños del Barrio Zaimán y en el 58,3% de Las Dolores, estando asociados a diarrea en un 70,5% y en infecciones asintomáticas en un 65,7%. El número de episodios de diarrea fue superior en Zaimán (15,5%) que en Las Dolores (12,4%), presentándose con mayor frecuencia en los meses de primavera-verano. En el Barrio Zaimán la proporción de enteropatógenos bacterianos fue significativamente mayor (p < 0.005) en los niños con diarrea, mientras que los parásitos se presentaron con mayor frecuencia en niños asintomáticos (p < 0.01). Rotavirus tuvo una distribución comparable en niños con diarrea y asintomáticos. En el Barrio Las Dolores, no se encontraron diferencias significativas en la deteccion de enteroparásitos entre asintomáticos y niños con diarrea. Se detectaron infecciones mixtas, siendo ECET-rotavirus y ECET-parásitos, las mas frecuentes. ECET estuvo involucrado en el 85%; de las mismas. Estos datos y la elevada portación de enteropatógenos, sugieren un alto nivel de contaminación ambiental, la cual juega un rol importante en la enfermedad diarreica, que sumada a la pobreza más extrema, afecta la vida de los niños