Abstract: Meckel's diverticulum is the most common congenital malformation of the gastrointestinal tract. This nosological entity manifests itself asymptomatically in almost all cases and is discovered as an incidental finding during a surgical intervention for another cause. Although there are no differences according to sex in asymptomatic patients, the symptoms are more frequent among men. The symptomatic form usually manifests as digestive bleeding, intestinal obstruction or acute abdomen (diverticulitis or diverticular perforation) in order of frequency. A 23-year-old male patient operated on for a perforated Meckel's diverticulum was presented as a case report. The presentation of a perforated Meckel's diverticulum in adults is rare and its preoperative diagnosis is exceptional, however, knowledge of this entity is important to have it within the diagnostic possibilities, in those patients who have symptoms related to its complications.

Resumen: El divertículo de Meckel es la malformación congénita más frecuente del tracto gastrointestinal. Esta entidad nosológica se manifiesta de forma asintomática en casi la totalidad de los casos y se descubre como hallazgo incidental durante una intervención quirúrgica por otra causa. Si bien no hay diferencias según sexo en pacientes asintomáticos, los síntomas son más frecuentes entre los hombres. La forma sintomática, suele manifestarse como hemorragia digestiva, obstrucción intestinal o abdomen agudo (diverticulitis o perforación diverticular) por orden de frecuencia. Se presenta un paciente masculino de 23 años de edad operado de un divertículo de Meckel perforado. La presentación de un divertículo de Meckel perforado en adultos es infrecuente y su diganóstico preoperatorio es excepcional, no obstante, resulta importante el conocimiento de esta entidad para valorarla dentro de las posibilidades diagnósticas, en aquellos pacientes que aquejen síntomas relacionados con sus complicaciones.

Abstract Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 that has caused an unprecedented pandemic with a high rate of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although most cases are mild, there are a considerable number of patients who develop pneumonia or even acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). After having recovered from the initial disease, many patients continue with various symptoms (fatigue, dry cough, fever, dyspnea, anosmia, and chest pain, among others.), which has led to consider the possible existence of “post-COVID-19 syndrome”. Although the definition and validity of this syndrome are not clear yet, several studies report that individuals who have recovered from COVID-19 may have persistent symptoms, radiological abnormalities, and compromised respiratory function. Current evidence suggests that there is a large number of pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19 pneumonia (interstitial thickening, ground glass opacities, crazy paving pattern, and bronchiectasis, among others). Likewise, it seems that pulmonary function tests (spirometry, DLCO, 6MWT, and measurement of maximum respiratory pressures), in addition to high-resolution computed axial tomographies (CAT scan), are useful for the assessment of these post-COVID-19 pulmonary sequelae. This review aims to describe the possible pulmonary sequelae after COVID-19 pneumonia, as well as to suggest diagnostic procedures for their correct assessment and follow-up; thus, allowing proper management by a multidisciplinary medical team.

Resumen COVID-19 es la enfermedad causada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, la cual ha ocasionado una pandemia sin precedentes, con gran cantidad de infectados y muertos en el mundo. Aunque la mayoría de los casos son leves, existe una cantidad considerable de pacientes que desarrollan neumonía o, incluso, síndrome de distrés respiratorio agudo (SDRA). Luego de recuperarse del cuadro inicial, muchos pacientes continúan con diversos síntomas (fatiga, tos seca, fiebre, disnea, anosmia, dolor torácico, entre otras), lo que ha llevado a considerar la posible existencia del “síndrome pos-COVID-19”. Aunque la definición y validez de este síndrome aún no son claras, varios estudios reportan que los individuos recuperados de la COVID-19 pueden tener persistencia de síntomas, anormalidades radiológicas y compromiso en la función respiratoria. La evidencia actual sugiere que existe gran cantidad de secuelas pulmonares despues de una neumonía por COVID-19 (engrosamiento intersticial, infiltrado en vidrio esmerilado, patrón en empedrado, bronquiectasias, entre otras.). De igual forma, parece ser que las pruebas de función pulmonar (espirometría, prueba de difusión pulmonar de monóxido de carbono, prueba de caminata de seis minutos y la medición de las presiones respiratorias máximas), además de la tomografía axial computarizada de alta resolución, son útiles para evaluar las secuelas pulmonares pos-COVID-19. En esta revisión se pretende describir las posibles secuelas a nivel pulmonar posteriores a neumonía por COVID-19, así como sugerir procedimientos diagnósticos para su correcta evaluación y seguimiento, que permitan el manejo adecuado por parte de un equipo médico multidisciplinario.

Abstract BACKGROUND: Malignant germ cell tumors of the ovary constitute a heterogeneous group of highly malignant and rapidly progressive neoplasms that usually appear during the first two decades of life. Its frequency in Mexico is 3.4% on ovarian tumors. Approximately 10% of affected patients report acute abdominal pain due to capsular distension, necrosis, hemorrhage, rupture or torsion. CLINICAL CASE: A 17 years-old patient, who went to the Emergency Department for pelvic pain of sudden onset. It was decided to perform a laparotomy and ovarian torsion was found secondary to a right adnexal tumor, so salpingo-ophorectomy was performed. High alpha-fetoprotein concentration (10.702 ng/mL) was detected; the Pediatric Oncology Service indicated chemotherapy for two years; however, after stopping the treatment, its concentration persisted. The ultrasound and PET-SCAN did not show active disease, so it was sent to the gynecological endoscopy service, where they performed diagnostic laparoscopy, observing multiple tumor implants. The histopathological results was endodermal sinus tumor. The patient was sent, again, to Pediatric Oncology to continue with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. It is currently stable, with a decrease in values of alpha-fetoprotein (last determination: 1200 ng/mL). CONCLUSION: The importance of diagnostic laparoscopy is especially relevant in this type of cases when there is disagreement between biochemical and imaging studies (ultrasound and PET-SCAN), which through laparoscopy guides us towards a more accurate diagnosis through visualization and direct biopsy taking sample and give a directed management.

Resumen ANTECEDENTES: Los tumores malignos de células germinales de ovario constituyen un grupo heterogéneo de neoplasias de rápida evolución a la malignización, que suelen aparecer durante las dos primeras décadas de la vida. La prevalencia en México es de 3.4% de los tumores ováricos. El 10% de las pacientes afectadas padece dolor abdominal agudo por distención capsular, necrosis, hemorragia, rotura o torsión. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 17 años, acudió al servicio de Urgencias por dolor pélvico de inicio súbito. En la laparotomía se encontró una torsión ovárica secundaria a una tumoración anexial derecha; por eso se le efectuó la salpingooferectomía. Se detectó elevada concentración de alfa-fetoproteína (10,702 ng/mL); el servicio de Oncología pediátrica indicó quimioterapia durante dos años; sin embargo, después de suspender el tratamiento persistió elevada su concentración. El ultrasonido y PET-SCAN no evidenciaron enfermedad activa. En la laparoscopia diagnóstica se observaron múltiples implantes tumorales. El reporte histopatológico fue de tumoración de senos endodérmicos. La paciente se envió, nuevamente, a Oncología pediátrica para continuar con quimioterapia y radioterapia. En la actualidad permanece estable, con descenso de la concentración de alfa-fetoproteína (última determinación: 1200 ng/mL). CONCLUSIÓN: La importancia de la laparoscopia toma relevancia en este tipo de casos, cuando existe discordancia entre los estudios bioquímicos y de imagen (ultrasonido y PET-SCAN); además, orienta hacia un diagnóstico más certero, mediante la visualización y obtención de biopsias directas, con la finalidad de establecer el tratamiento específico.

Abstract Electrodialysis is an electrochemical separation process very used in industry and elimination of pollutants contained in water, so is very important to understand phenomena associated to this process. However, there are only few works that have focused on proposing methods to facilitate your understanding. For these reasons, in this work is proposed using polarization curves to study effect of ion concentration, charge of ion and scaling of membrane in ionic transport through an exchange ion membrane.

Resumen La electrodiálisis es un proceso electroquímico de separación muy usando en la industria y en remoción de contaminantes presentes en agua, por lo que es muy importante entender los fenómenos asociados a este proceso. Sin embargo, se han publicado pocos estudios enfocados a facilitar su comprensión. Por estas razones, en este trabajo se propone emplear curvas de polarización para estudiar cómo afecta al transporte de un ion a través de una membrana de intercambio iónico, la concentración del ion y su carga; y la incrustación de sales insolubles en la membrana.

Abstract According to the interpersonal theory of suicide, thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness are key elements in the development of suicidal ideation. The Interpersonal Needs Questionnaire (INQ) was developed to assess the degree of frustration of these two interpersonal needs related to suicidal ideation. This study aims to analyze the psychometrics properties of a Spanish adaptation of INQ-12 in fibromyalgia patients. Exploratory factor analysis (n = 180) and confirmatory factor analysis (n = 179) were performed in two randomly selected sub-samples. The first analysis leads to the elimination of two items, whereas the second one confirmed the fit of the proposed two-factor structure. The reliability estimated using the Cronbach´s alpha coefficient and the Spearman-Brown coefficient was adequate. To obtain further validity evidence based on the relationship with other variables three variables were used. Moreover, a control group (n = 99) was used to contrast the means of INQ scores as evidence of validity based on differential scores. These findings support the usefulness of the Spanish version of the INQ-10 for assessing the degree of frustration of these interpersonal needs in patients with fibromyalgia.

Resumen Según la teoría interpersonal del suicidio, la pertenencia frustrada y la carga percibida son elementos clave en el desarrollo de la ideación suicida. El Cuestionario de necesidades interpersonales (INQ) fue diseñado para evaluar el grado de frustración de estas dos necesidades interpersonales relacionadas con la ideación suicida. El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las propiedades psicométricas de una adaptación al español del INQ-12 en pacientes con fibromialgia. Un análisis factorial exploratorio (n = 180) y un análisis factorial confirmatorio (n = 179) fueron realizados en dos submuestras seleccionadas al azar. El primer análisis llevó a la eliminación de dos ítems, mientras que el segundo confirmó el ajuste de la estructura propuesta de dos factores. La fiabilidad estimada mediante el coeficiente alfa de Cronbach y el coeficiente Spearman-Brown fue adecuada. Para obtener evidencias de validez basadas en la relación con otros variables, se utilizaron tres variables relacionadas con el suicidio. Además, se utilizó un grupo control (n = 99) para contrastar los promedios de las puntuaciones INQ como evidencia de validez basada en puntajes diferenciales. Estos hallazgos respaldan la utilidad de la versión española del INQ-10 para evaluar el grado de frustración de estas necesidades interpersonales en pacientes con fibromialgia.

The patient set out below is 18 years old, resident in a different province, and to whom caregiver parents, after two years searching, managed to contact the Hospital Virgen Macarena Telecare Unit in Seville. The patient shows ischial pressure ulcers treated by the dad, who gave up any hope in the first visit to the Unit. A basic non-negotiable need for the patient was to attend to his college classes and exams. Wound cures have been performed and sanitary education has been given to the caregiver mom, as well as preventive measures related to the seating position, etc. Original pressure ulcer posture problems have been also dealt with the acquisition of a therapeutic stabilizing cushion by the caregiver parents. According to this case we prove that with the Telecare Units, we can remotely tackle patients' health and needs by using the telecommunication means within our reach in order to provide comprehensive patients and carers-oriented assistance.

Se expone el caso de un paciente de 18 años de edad, domiciliado en otra provincia, cuyos padres cuidadores, tras 2 años de búsqueda, consiguen contactar con la Unidad de Telecuidados del Hospital Virgen Macarena de Sevilla. El paciente presenta úlcera por presión (UPP) isquiática, tratada por el padre, quien claudica en la primera visita a la Unidad. Una necesidad básica, innegociable, del paciente son sus estudios universitarios, tanto la asistencia a clase como los exámenes. Se han realizado curas de la herida y educación sanitaria a madre cuidadora, a la que se instruye en el manejo del instrumental, los productos de curas, así como las medidas preventivas relacionadas con la sedestación, etc. Se ha abordado al mismo tiempo el problema postural origen de la UPP, resuelto con la adquisición por parte de los cuidadores de una superficie especial, un cojín terapéutico estabilizador. Con este caso demostramos que con las unidades de telecuidados se puede realizar un abordaje a distancia en la salud y necesidades de los pacientes, utilizando los medios de telecomunicación que tenemos a nuestro alcance para poder ofrecer una atención integral orientada a pacientes y cuidadores.

La mayoría de las mujeres encarceladas en España cumplen sus condenas en cárceles mixtas, diseñadas por y para hombres. Además de sufrir un régimen de vida y seguridad que excede su peligrosidad y penaliza sus posibilidades de reingreso, la cultura del patriarcado reproduce en la cárcel su carácter discriminatorio con ellas, y llega incluso a castigarlas con más dureza que a sus compañeros. Aunque esta discriminación ya había sido enunciada anteriormente (Carlen & Worrall, 2004; Almeda, 2003), este artículo expone un método creado ad hoc, que permite medirla de manera empírica y objetiva. Los indicadores y el índice de punición aquí descritos han sido desarrollados en el marco del proyecto de investigación "SINDISCRIP" (Sistema de Indicadores de Discriminación en Instituciones Penitenciarias)1, cuyo propósito principal era la creación de un sistema de información que permitiese observar la posible existencia de discriminación entre hombres y mujeres en y entre los distintos centros penitenciarios españoles. En este sistema también se abordaban otros indicadores, que examinaban las áreas de salud, trabajo, educación o condiciones de vida.

Most women imprisoned in Spain are serving their sentences in mixed jails designed by men and for men. Apart from suff ering exceedingly hard regime, security and safety conditions above their own dangerousness and tending to penalize their potential reentry, the "patriarchy culture" reproduces in prison its discriminatory nature against them and at times may even punish them more severely than their male counterparts. Although this discrimination had already been revealed (Carlen & Worrall, 2004; Almeda, 2003), this article presents a method created ad hoc that can be measured in an empirical and objective manner. Both punishment indicators and the index described have been developed within the framework of the "SINDISCRIP" ("Sistema de Indicadores de Discriminación en Instituciones Penitenciarias) research project, the main purpose of which was the creation of an information system whereby it could be possible to verify the potential existence of discrimination between men and women and the diff erent Spanish correctional centers. Likewise, this system other indicators used to examine the areas of health, work, education or life conditions had been approached.

A maioria das mulheres presas na Espanha cumpre suas penas nas cadeias misturadas, projetadas por e para homens. Além de sofrer um regime da vida e da segurança que supera sua perigosidade e penaliza suas possibilidades de reingresso, a cultura do patriarcado reproduz na cadeia seu caráter discriminatório com elas, e chega a puni-las com mais dureza do que a seus companheiros. Embora esta discriminação já foi enunciada previamente (Carlen & Worrall, 2004; Almeda, 2003), este artigo expõe um método criado ad-hoc, que permite medi-la de maneira empírica e objetiva. Os indicadores e o índice da punição descritos aqui foram desenvolvidos dentro da estrutura do projeto da investigação "SINDISCRIP" (Sistema dos indicadores da discriminação em instituições penitenciárias), cujo propósito principal era a criação de um sistema de informação que permitisse observar a possível existência da discriminação entre homens e mulheres e entre os diferentes centros penitenciários espanhóis. Neste sistema também abordam-se outros indicadores que examinaram as áreas de saúde, de trabalho, de educação ou de condições de vida.

We evaluate the elimination of the microscopic stage of conventional xenodiagnosis (XD) to optimize the parasitological diagnosis of Trypanosoma cruzi in chronic Chagas disease. To this purpose we applied under informed consent two XD cages to 150 Chilean chronic chagasic patients. The fecal samples (FS) of the triatomines at 30, 60 and 90 days post feeding were divided into two parts: in one a microscopic search for mobile trypomastigote and/or epimastigote forms was performed. In the other part, DNA extraction-purification for PCR directed to the conserved region of kDNA minicircles of trypanosomes (PCR-XD), without previous microscopic observation was done. An XD was considered positive when at least one mobile T. cruzi parasite in any one of three periods of incubation was observed, whereas PCR-XD was considered positive when the 330 bp band specific for T. cruzi was detected. 25 of 26 cases with positive conventional XD were PCR-XD positive (concordance 96.2%), whereas 85 of 124 cases with negative conventional XD were positive by PCR-XD (68.5%). Human chromosome 12 detected by Real-time PCR used as exogenous internal control of PCR-XD reaction allowed to discounting of PCR inhibition and false negative in 40 cases with negative PCR-XD. Conclusion: PCR-XD performed without previous microscopic observation is a useful tool for detection of viable parasites with higher efficiency then conventional XD.

In this article we present the clinical evolution of a patient with a pressure ulcer, stage IV, in the area of the sacrum. We describe the utilization of a new guideline of debridement by means of the combination of dressing the dressing of Hydrofiber technology with ionic silver (Aquacel® Ag) and solution of polihexanida betaina (Prontosan®) in wound with high bacterial load and of extremely complex managing. By means of the guideline of debridement described we obtained a favourable evolution of the pressure ulcer, considering the clinical characteristics of the patient and ulcer we obtained an excellent result in a short period of time. We consider that the guideline of debridement described can be of great usefulness in those patients with high proportion of desvitalizated tissue, which is needed of a rapid and slightly aggressive debridement, as well as in those patients with cavity injuries and of difficult access for the professional.

En el presente artículo presentamos la evolución clínica de una paciente con una lesión por presión estadio IV en el sacro. Describimos la utilización de una nueva pauta de desbridamiento mediante la combinación de un apósito de hidrofibra de hidrocoloide con plata iónica (Aquacel® Ag) y solución de polihexanida betaina (Prontosan®) en una herida con elevada carga bacteriana y de manejo sumamente complejo. Mediante la pauta de desbridamiento descrita, conseguimos una evolución favorable de la lesión en un corto período de tiempo de acuerdo con las características clínicas del paciente y de la lesión. Consideramos que la pauta de desbridamiento descrita puede ser de gran utilidad en aquellos pacientes con elevada proporción de tejido desvitalizado, que se requiera de un desbridamiento rápido y poco agresivo, así como en aquellos pacientes con lesiones cavitadas y de difícil acceso para el profesional.

There are different concepts in electrochemistry that must be supported by a laboratory practice to better understand their importance in industrial applications. This work reports the procedure for manufacturing an electrodialyzer in series of two or more compartments with easy manipulation. Likewise, it reports the results obtained by using this system in the nitrate elimination from synthetic NaNO3 solutions at different concentrations. Among other results obtained in the electrodialysis of these solutions, the one that stands out is the demonstration of the linear relationship between the limiting current, obtained from the polarization curves, and nitrate concentration. Additionally, implementation of the separation treatment shows that the time of elimination of practically all ionic species depends on their concentration in solution and ranges between 50 and 80 min.

The effect of chloride adsorption on underpotential deposition of thallium onto gold electrode was studied using cyclic voltammetry coupled with microgravimetry. The results obtained suggest the existence of two potential regions with different processes occurring during Tl UPD in the presence of anions. In the first zone, at low coverage, there are two simultaneously occurring processes: desorption of all chloride atoms, which are adsorbed on the gold substrate prior to the onset of Tl UPD, and thallium adsorption on the energetically most favorable sites (grain boundaries, steps, etc) present on the electrode surface. During these processes a strong interaction among thallium atoms is induced by the presence of chloride atoms on the adjacent sites. This strong interaction generates sharper current peaks in the voltammogram, associated with the above processes, and their displacement towards cathodic potentials proportional to the anion concentration. However, in the second potential zone at high coverage, the adsorption of thallium atoms takes place on the least accessible sites (terraces) on the gold substrate. In this type of sites, the effect of the presence of chloride atoms on the UPD process is unimportant.

El efecto de la co-adsorción de los aniones cloruro sobre la formación del depósito en subpotencial de talio sobre electrodo de oro fue estudiado por el acoplamiento de la voltamperometría cíclica a la microbalanza de cuarzo. Los resultados obtenidos ponen en evidencia dos zonas de potencial en las que ocurren procesos diferentes durante la formación del depósito UPD de talio en presencia de cloruros. En la primera zona, a bajos recubrimientos, se produce simultáneamente la desorción de todos los iones cloruro, que ya recubrían la superficie del electrodo antes de iniciar la formación de la monocapa de talio, y la adsorción de los átomos metálicos de talio en los sitios energéticamente más accesibles (tipo escalón, hueco, etc.). Durante este proceso se produce una fuerte interacción entre los átomos metálicos adsorbidos sobre el sustrato debido a la presencia de los aniones cloruros adsorbidos que se mantienen en los sitios adyacentes. Esta interacción se refleja en picos de corriente más agudos y a un desplazamiento hacia potenciales menos positivos en el voltamperograma. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que este proceso es dependiente de la concentración del anión en solución. En cuanto a la segunda zona de potencial, a altos grados de recubrimiento, sólo se produce la adsorción de los átomos de talio en los sitios menos energéticamente accesibles (tipo terraza) sin una influencia importante de los iones cloruro.

In 1999 Chile declare no vectorial transmission of Chagas disease. On the other hand, the development of dwelling policy which include endemic rural zones, have obtained important advances in human groups with height deficiency of habitability. This epidemiological situation was studied 10 years after therapy, in 37 chronic chagasic patients from rural zones of the VI Region, by an epidemiologic inquest (pre and post-therapy) and parasitological evolution (post therapy). The inquest included: knowledge of the vector, presence of triatomines in the dwelling antecedents of have been bitten by triatomines, and construction materials of the dwellings. The parasitological evolution was performed by xenodiagnosis (XD) (37 cases) and Polimerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in peripherical blood (34 cases). The results of the epidemiological survey evidenced important changes of the quality of the rural dwelling of the treated chagasic patients, while, in relation to parasitemia, circulant Trypanosoma cruzi was detected in the 89.2% of the cases. (37.8%) and 88.2% by XD and PCR respectively. It is concluded that the persistence of the parasite after therapy is not relationated with the presence of intradomiciliary Triatoma infestans

En el año 1999, se certificó en Chile la interrupción de la transmisión vectorial de la enfermedad de Chagas. Por otra parte, el desarrollo de políticas habitacionales, que incluyen zonas rurales endémicas, han logrado importantes avances en grupos humanos que presentaban graves deficiencias de habitabilidad. En esta situación epidemiológica, se estudió 10 años después de la terapia, a 37 chagásicos crónicos procedentes de zonas rurales de la IV Región, mediante encuesta epidemiológica (pre y post-terapia) y evaluación parasitológica (post-terapia). La encuesta incluyó: conocimiento del vector, triatominos en el domicilio actual, antecedentes de haber sido picado por triatominos y material de la construcción de la vivienda. La evaluación parasitológica se realizó mediante xenodiagnóstico (XD) (37 casos) y Reacción en Cadena de la Polimerasa (PCR) en sangre periférica (34 casos). Los resultados de la encuesta epidemiológica evidenciaron cambios importantes en la calidad de la vivienda rural de los chagásicos tratados, mientras que, en relación a la parasitemia, se detectó Trypanosoma cruzi circulante en el 89,2% de los casos (37,8% y 88,2%, mediante XD y PCR, respectivamente). Se concluye que la persistencia del parásito en condiciones post-terapia, no está relacionada con la presencia de Triatoma infestans intradomiciliario

Congenital Chagas disease (CChD) has been reported in different countries, mostly in Latin America. In 1987 a fatal case of CChD of second generation (CChDSG) was published. Within a period of six months - 1989-1990 - two cases of CChDSG were diagnosed and studied in the city of Santiago. Two premature newborns, sons of two sisters, with moderate liver and spleen enlargement, were found to have positive serology for Chagas disease and xenodiagnoses. The mothers, urban residents all their lives, without antecedents of triatomine bugs contact or blood transfusions, showed positive serology and xenodiagnoses. Their mother (grandmother of the infants), lived 20 years in a Northern rural Chagas disease endemic locality, in a triatomine infested house. Afterwards, she moved to Santiago, where she married and has resided up to now. Serology and xenodiagnoses were also positive. All the Trypanosoma cruzi infected individuals were successfully treated with nifurtimox.

La enfermedad de Chagas congénita ha sido reportada en diferentes países, en su gran mayoría de Latinoamérica. En 1987 un caso fatal de enfermedad de Chagas congénita de segunda generación fue publicado. En 1989-1990 dos casos de enfermedad de Chagas congénita de segunda generación fueron diagnosticados y estudiados en la ciudad de Santiago. Dos recién nacidos prematuros, hijos de dos hermanas, con moderado aumento del hígado y del bazo, presentaron serología para enfermedad de Chagas y xenodiagnósticos positivos. Las madres, residentes urbanas toda su vida, sin antecedentes de contacto con triatominos ni transfusiones de sangre presentaron serología y xenodiagnósticos positivos. La madre de ellas (abuela de los niños) nació y vivió 20 años en una localidad rural de endemia chagásica, en una casa infestada con triatominos. Posteriormente, se trasladó a vivir a Santiago, donde se casó y ha residido hasta el presente; su serología y xenodiagnóstico fueron positivos. Todas las personas infectadas con Trypanosoma cruzi fueron tratadas exitosamente con nifurtimox.

Evaluation of desinsectation programs carried out in the two Health Services from the V Region, was undertaken by comparing serologic prevalences of T. cruzi in age groups exposed to the risk of infection in rural areas during the antivectorial campaign activities. (1982 vs 1995). Thus, were studied 2,193 blood samples from children under 10 years of age, proceeding rfrom six chagasic endemic provinces in which antitriatomic domiciliary insecticide sprayings had been performed. Indirect hemagglutination and ELISA tests were carried out to each of the blood samples. A total de 42 (1.9%) children resulted positive. As in five counties no positive case were detected in the last five years it is possible to assume that vector trasmission of T. cruzi should have been interrupted in them. When comparing prevalences existing in 1982 with the present ones, it is possible to observe a 63.5% of reduction of transmission in the V Region, been this reduction higher in the Aconcagua Health Service with 79.6% and lower in the Viña del Mar - Quillota Health Service with 55.6%. According to these results, comparison of prevalence of T. cruzi infection in children less than 10-year-old in diverse periods, allows evaluate the vectorial control of Triatoma infestans programs

Chile is located in the southwestern border of South America. The country is 4,329 km long and 96-342 wide. From north to south it is divided into five marked different biogeographical zones: deserts, steppes, bushes, forests (cattle raising) and austral (sheep raising). Population (June1999) 15,017,760 (14.6% rural). Human hydatidosis is endemic in Chile. According to Ministry of Health information about 320 cases are registered each year. In order to find out the likely prevalence of human hydatidosis in Chile,a series of serosurveys was carried out in 1988-1997 throughout the total country. By using the indirect hemagglutination reaction and ELISA for hydatidosis (tests with good sensibility and specificity) 60,790 unselected apparently healthy persons: 41,399 from urban areas (16,428 blood donors, from 13,894 delivering mothers and 11,077 middle grade school children) and 19,361 from rural areas - from randomly selected family groupings-were studied. A total individuals 82 (136/100,000) resulted positive: 36 (87/100,000) urban and 46 (241/100,000) rural, being the prevalence higher in rural areas, particularly in the southern austral zone (mean 1068/100,00). These figures agree with those observed in clinical epidemiological studies. In conformity with the present results, in the whole country 17,002 individuals should have hydatidosis: 10,318 urban and 6,784 rural. All these possible infected people, not necessarily should present pathology in the future, as it has been observed in autopsies from unselected individuals, performed at the Medico-Legal Service in Santiago, in whom 71.3% of diagnosed hydatosis with hydatid cysts in many different locations, was an autopsy finding