Diarrhoea caused by rotavirus in a regional Peruvian hospital: determination of circulating genotypes

Background: Gastroenteritis by rotavirus is responsible for approximately 810 annual deaths/year in children under 5 years in Peru and emerging rotavirus genotypes have led to concerns regarding cross-protection by the vaccines available. Moreover, there are no reports on the molecular-epidemiology of rotavirus diarrhea in Peru Methodology: A total of 131 stool samples were obtained from children under 5 years old hospitalized from January 2010 to December 2012 in the Hospital Regional de Cajamarca, Peru. ELISA and RT-PCR techniques were performed for rotavirus detection. G and P typing of rotavirus-positive samples were obtained by semi-nested multiplex RT-PCR and sequencing was performed to confirm the PCR results. Results: Of the 117 samples available, 18.80% (22/117) tested positive for rotavirus by ELISA and 35.90% (42/117) by RT-PCR. Among the G-genotype identified, G9 in 35.71% (15/42) and G12 in 33.33% (14/42) were the most prevalent. With the most common combination being G12/P6 in 23.81% (10/42). Conclusions: A high prevalence of the G12/P6 genotype was detected. It is know that this genotype is not covered by the current vaccines available. More in depth studies are needed to know the current rotavirus genotypes presents in Peru.
Authors: Weilg Espejo, Pablo; Orellana Peralta, Fiorella; Cornejo Pacheres, Hernán; Del Valle, Luis J.; Cornejo Tapia, Ángela; Bazán Mayra, Jorge; Ruiz, Joaquim; Del Valle Mendoza, Juana
Source: rans R Soc Trop Med Hyg

URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/313901

Probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children

Background Persistent diarrhoea (diarrhoea lasting more than 14 days) accounts for one third of all diarrhoea related deaths in developing countries in some studies. Probiotics may help treatment. Objectives To evaluate probiotics for treating persistent diarrhoea in children. Search methods We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS. We also contacted authors of included trials and organizations working in the field, and checked reference lists. The date of the most recent search was 13 December 2012 Selection criteria Randomized controlled trials comparing a specified probiotic agent with placebo or no probiotic in children with persistent diarrhoea. Data collection and analysis Two review authors assessed the eligibility, risk of bias, extracted and analysed data. Differences were resolved by discussion. Statistical analysis were performed using the fixed-effect model and the results were expressed as mean difference (MD) for continuous outcomes with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Main results Four trials were included, with a total number of 464 participants; one trial had a low risk of bias. Meta-analysis showed that probiotics reduced the duration of persistent diarrhoea (mean difference 4.02 days, 95%CI 4.61 to 3.43 days, n = 324, two trials). Stool frequency was reduced with probiotics in two trials. One trial reported a shorter hospital stay, which was significant, but numbers were small. No adverse events were reported.
Authors: Bernaola Aponte, Guillermo; Alfonso Bada Mancilla, Carlos; Yhuri Carreazo, Nilton; Rojas Galarza, Raúl Alberto
Source: Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/313797

Factors Associated with Anti-Tuberculosis Medication Adverse Effects: A Case-Control Study in Lima, Peru

Background: Long-term exposure to anti-tuberculosis medication increases risk of adverse drug reactions and toxicity. The objective of this investigation was to determine factors associated with anti-tuberculosis adverse drug reactions in Lima, Peru, with special emphasis on MDR-TB medication, HIV infection, diabetes, age and tobacco use. Methodology and Results: A case-control study was performed using information from Peruvian TB Programme. A case was defined as having reported an anti-TB adverse drug reaction during 2005–2010 with appropriate notification on clinical records. Controls were defined as not having reported a side effect, receiving anti-TB therapy during the same time that the case had appeared. Crude, and age- and sex-adjusted models were calculated using odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI). A multivariable model was created to look for independent factors associated with side effect from anti-TB therapy. A total of 720 patients (144 cases and 576 controls) were analyzed. In our multivariable model, age, especially those over 40 years (OR = 3.93; 95%CI: 1.65–9.35), overweight/obesity (OR = 2.13; 95%CI: 1.17–3.89), anemia (OR = 2.10; IC95%: 1.13–3.92), MDR-TB medication (OR = 11.1; 95%CI: 6.29–19.6), and smoking (OR = 2.00; 95%CI: 1.03–3.87) were independently associated with adverse drug reactions. Conclusions: Old age, anemia, MDR-TB medication, overweight/obesity status, and smoking history are independent risk factors associated with anti-tuberculosis adverse drug reactions. Patients with these risk factors should be monitored during the anti-TB therapy. A comprehensive clinical history and additional medical exams, including hematocrit and HIV-ELISA, might be useful to identify these patients.
Authors: Chung Delgado, Kocfa; Revilla Montag, Alejandro; Guillen Bravo, Sonia; Velez Segovia, Eduardo; Soria Montoya, Andrea; Nuñez Garbin, Alexandra; Silva Caso, Wilmer; Bernabe Ortiz, Antonio
Source:PLoS ONE 

URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/313811

Facebook Use by Peruvian Physicians:Exposing Private Life to Patients

Facebook, a social networking service with over 100 million unique users, is widely established in many contexts around the world. A significant number of physicians have opened Facebook accounts [1, 2] , which is resulting in major ramifications for the medical profession.
Authors: Pereyra Elías, Reneé; Nizama-Vía, Ayar; Mayta Tristán, Percy
Source: Med Princ Pract 

URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/313796

Does physicians’ right to strike outweigh students’ right to an education? The on-going ethical dilemma in Peru

Although often viewed as an action of last resort, going on strike remains a legal and often effective option for physicians seeking labor improvements and better working conditions. Indeed, in some countries, there have been reports of strikes by physicians (1, 2), followed by ensuing discussions of potential ethical implications (3 5). However, little has been said about the consequences of such a mass labor stoppage on undergraduate medical education and those students who aspire to the profession.
Authors: Carrillo-Larco, Rodrigo M.; Taype-Rondan, Alvaro; Pereyra Elías, Reneé
Source: Med Educ Online
URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10757/313754