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Introduction: high blood pressure is a health problem in the Mexican population, there are social determinants that condition its development, so it is important that the doctor controls high blood pressure based on an adequate assessment, examination and clinical history; as well as proper use and management of clinical practice guidelines. Objective: to know in greater detail the characteristics of health professionals who could influence the control of hypertension. Material and methods: a descriptive study was carried out, the study population was the doctors of a health center in Mexico City, a 26-item questionnaire with closed and open questions was applied, through an in-depth interview directly. divided into 4 sections: i) identification and demographic factors; ii) academic training; iii) information sources and iv) prescription criteria. Results: with regard to hypertension, the age of the doctors appears to be a determining factor in its control: the degree of control can vary up to almost three times more depending on the age of these doctors, the influence of the number of patients seen would be less. However, deficiencies associated with age, such as lack of updating, could be compensated with specific training interventions by health administrations; alternatively, or complementary, clinical sessions and case discussion among colleagues could play a crucial role in this regard. Conclusions: the age of the doctors appears as a determinant in the control of arterial hypertension., Introducción: la hipertensión arterial es un problema de salud en la población mexicana, existen determinantes sociales que condicionan a desarrollarla, por lo que es importante que el médico controle la hipertensión arterial partiendo de una adecuada valoración, exploración e historia clínica; así como un uso y manejo adecuado de las guías de práctica clínica. Objetivo: conocer con mayor detalle las características de los profesionales sanitarios que pudieran influir en el control de la hipertensión. Material y métodos: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, la población de estudio fueron los médicos de un centro de salud de la Ciudad de México, se aplicó un cuestionario de 26 ítems con preguntas cerradas y abiertas, mediante una entrevista a profundidad de forma directa, divido en 4 secciones: i) identificación y factores demográficos; ii) formación académica; iii) fuentes de información y iv) criterios de prescripción. Resultados: en lo que respecta a la hipertensión, la edad de los médicos aparece como determinante en su control, hasta casi tres veces más puede variar el grado de control, dependiendo de la edad de esos médicos la influencia del número de pacientes atendidos sería menor. No obstante, deficiencias asociadas a la edad como la falta de actualización, podrían compensarse con intervenciones formativas específicas a cargo de las administraciones sanitarias; de forma alternativa, o complementaria, las sesiones clínicas y la discusión de casos entre colegas podrían desempeñar un papel crucial a este respecto. Conclusiones: la edad de los médicos aparece como determinante en el control de la hipertensión arterial.

Lethal interactions between members of the carnivore guild are well represented in literature. In the Iberian lynx, interspecific killing (without prey consumption) of some mesocarnivores, such as the Egyptian mongoose, genet, and red fox, has been reported. Although vaguely documented, evidence suggests feral cats fall victim to interactions with this apex predator. Here, we describe the first documented case of interspecific killing and partial consumption of a feral cat by an adult male Iberian lynx reintroduced in Southwestern Spain. Ulterior analyses demonstrated that the victim was viremic to feline leukemia virus. To prevent the dissemination of the virus and a potential outbreak in the Iberian lynx population, control measures, including the clinical evaluation of the male Iberian lynx, and intensive monitoring were implemented in order to detect intraspecific interactions. After 3 weeks, the lynx was evaluated, presented good condition and resulted negative to both ELISA and RT-PCR. Thanks to the long-term monitoring, this case could be detected and measures to prevent an outbreak could be implemented.

The restoration of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) populations in Extremadura (Southwestern Spain) have been carried out since 2014. One of the measures to ensure the success of this program is to examine the effects that diseases may have on reintroduction. Since diseases may be greatly located at certain sites because of the specific ecological requirements of the pathogens and/or vectors, reintroduced individuals may present a risk of infection once released. To determine which pathogens the reintroduced individuals may encounter, we performed a molecular and sero-epidemiological survey in reintroduced and wild-born lynxes. From 2015 to 2019, 69 Iberian lynxes (40 reintroduced and 29 wild-born) were sampled and screened against 10 viral, bacterial and piroplasmid agents. In parallel, 195 sympatric carnivores from the families Canidae, Felidae, Viverridae, Herpestidae and Mustelidae were tested against current or past infections to six common canine/feline viruses. In the Iberian lynx, low contact rates of active infection were obtained for the feline leukemia provirus (FeLV: 1.5%; 1/67), feline parvovirus (FPV: 1.5%; 1/67) and Cytauxzoon sp. (6.7%; 1/15). We also confirmed the emergence of Aujeszky’s disease (suid herpesvirus-1) in this population (SuHV-1: 11.8%; 2/17). Evidence of previous exposure was detected for canine distemper virus (CDV: 5.8%; 3/52), feline coronavirus (1.9%; 1/52), FPV (7.7%; 1/13) and feline calicivirus (FCV: 5.3%; 1/19). From 25 recovered lynx carcasses, we could confirm infectious etiology involvement in the death of four individuals (SuHV-1 in two individuals, coinfection of Cytauxzoon spp. and Aeromonas veronii in one lynx and a Streptococcus canis myositis in another lynx). We confirmed the circulation of CDV, FPV, FeLV, FCV and the feline immunodeficiency virus within the sympatric carnivore community. Due to the low contact rate of infectious agents in such a small, endangered population, we recommend continuing a disease surveillanc, [Simple Summary]: The restoration of Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) populations in Extremadura (Southwestern Spain) have been carried out since 2014. To evaluate the effect that infectious diseases may have on their reintroduction, we performed a molecular and sero-epidemiological survey in reintroduced and wild-born lynxes and sympatric carnivores. From 2015 to 2019, 69 Iberian lynxes were screened against 10 viral, bacterial and piroplasmid agents. In parallel, 195 sympatric carnivores were tested against current or past infections to six common canine/feline viruses. In the Iberian lynx, low contact rates of active infection were obtained for feline leukemia provirus (FeLV: 1.5%; 1/67), feline parvovirus (FPV: 1.5%; 1/67) and Cytauxzoon sp. (6.7%; 1/15). We confirmed the emergence of Aujeszky’s disease (suid herpesvirus-1) in this population (SuHV-1: 11.8%; 2/17). We detected the circulation of FeLV, parvovirus, canine distemper virus (CDV), feline calicivirus (FCV) and feline immunodeficiency virus within the sympatric carnivore community and FCV, FPV, CDV and feline coronavirus in lynxes. Due to the low contact rate of infectious agents in such a small, endangered population, we recommend continuing a disease surveillance program to determine the prognostic factors of survival, understand the role that disease may play during the reintroduction and anticipate disease outbreaks that may pose a risk for the entire reintroduced population.

Numerous studies have unsuccessfully tried to unravel the definitive host of the coccidian parasite Besnoitia besnoiti. Cattle infections by B. besnoiti cause a chronic and debilitating condition called bovine besnoitiosis that has emerged in Europe during the last two decades, mainly due to limitations in its control associated with the absence of vaccines and therapeutical tools. Although the exact transmission pathways of B. besnoiti is currently unknown, it is assumed that the parasite might have an indirect life cycle with a carnivore as definitive host. Current lack of studies in wildlife might underestimate the importance of free-living species in the epidemiology of B. besnoiti. Thus, the aim of the present study is to assess the presence of Besnoitia spp. in free-ranging mesocarnivores in Spain. DNA was searched by PCR on faeces collected from wild carnivores as a first approach to determine which species could be considered as potential definitive host candidates in further research. For this purpose, a total of 352 faecal samples from 12 free-living wild carnivore species belonging to the Canidae, Felidae, Herpestidae, Mustelidae, Procyonidae and Viverridae families were collected in seven Spanish regions. PCR testing showed that Besnoitia spp. DNA was present in four faecal samples from red foxes collected in western Spain, an area with the greatest density of extensively reared cattle and associated with high incidence of bovine besnoitiosis in the country. To date, this is the first report of a B. besnoiti-like sequence (99.57% homology) from carnivore faeces in a worldwide context. Red foxes might contribute to the epidemiology of B. besnoiti, although further studies, mostly based on bioassay, would be needed to elucidate the accuracy and extent of these interesting findings.

Introduction: WHO identified self-medication as a component of self-care in health; 80% of the Mexican population uses medicines on their own initiative without medical advice and without a prescription. Objective: To identify the main causes of self-medication among students in the health area. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out where the universe of the study was students of the health area of undergraduate and postgraduate level. An ex profeso self-medication instrument was used. Results: The sample was of 305 students, 72% corresponded to the female gender, 71% are between 17 and 30 years old. The prevalence of self-medication was 88%. The main reasons why they self-medicate are the lack of time 42.1%, easy access to medicines 37.4% and 14.4% for economy. And the main reason for self-medication is ache 73.8%, flu 49.7%, fever 33.8%, gastroenteritis 27.8% and edema 26.4%. Conclusions: Self-medication is frequent among students in the health area and the main causes of self-medication are lack of time, easy access and the reasons are: pain, flu and fever. The health professional must establish prevention strategies to avoid masking and aggravate the disease process, drug resistance, intoxication and even death. It should also encourage that self-medication is a component of self-care, Introducción: La OMS identificó a la automedicación como un componente del autocuidado en la salud; 80% de la población mexicana usa medicamentos por iniciativa propia sin indicación médica y sin receta. Objetivo: Identificar las principales causas de automedicación en estudiantes del área de la salud. Material y métodos: Se realizó un estudio transversal donde el universo del estudio fueron estudiantes del área de la salud de nivel licenciatura y postgrado. Se utilizó un instrumento exprofeso de automedicación. Resultados: La muestra fue de 305 estudiantes, 72% correspondió al género femenino, 71% tiene entre 17 a 30 años. La prevalencia de automedicación fue del 88%. Las razones principales por la que se automedican son por falta de tiempo 42.1%, fácil acceso a los medicamentos 37.4% y 14.4% por economía. Y el principal motivo de salud por que se automedican es por algias 73.8%, gripe 49.7%, fiebre 33.8%, gastroenteritis 27.8% y edema 26.4%. Conclusiones: La automedicación es frecuente en estudiantes del área de la salud y las principales causas de automedicación son falta de tiempo, fácil acceso y los motivos son: algias, gripe y fiebre. El profesional de salud debe establecer estrategias de prevención para evitar el enmascaramiento y agravar el proceso de la enfermedad, resistencia a medicamentos, intoxicación e inclusive la muerte. Asimismo, debe fomentar que la automedicación es un componente del autocuidado.

The occurrence and molecular diversity of the stramenopile eukaryote Blastocystis sp. was investigated by PCR and sequencing (Sanger and NGS) methods in 380 faecal specimens of free-living carnivores in Spain. Blastocystis sp. was confirmed in 1.6% (6/380) of the specimens analysed. Two samples from a common genet and a fox were successfully subtyped as ST7 by Sanger. Using NGS, ST14 was found in a fox and a European polecat, ST7 in a fox, and two additional foxes presented mixed infections of ST1/ST2/ST4 and ST1/ST2/ST7, respectively. Wild carnivore species could act as carriers of zoonotic Blastocystis subtypes.

The role that apex predators play in ecosystem functioning, disease regulation and biodiversity maintenance is increasingly debated. However, the positive impacts of their presence in terrestrial ecosystems, particularly in human-dominated landscapes, remain controversial. Limited experimental insights regarding the consequences of apex predator recoveries may be behind such controversy and may also impact on the social acceptability towards the recovery of these species. Using a quasi-experimental design and state-of-the-art density estimates, we show that mesopredator abundances were reduced after the restoration of an apex predator, with evidence of resonating positive impacts on lower trophic levels. Iberian lynx Lynx pardinus reintroduction was followed by the reduction of the abundance of mesocarnivores (red foxes Vulpes vulpes and Egyptian mongooses Herpestes ichneumon by ca. 80%) and the recovery of small game of high socio-economic value (European rabbits Oryctolagus cuniculus and red-legged partridges Alectoris rufa). The observed mesopredator reduction resulted in an estimated 55.6% less rabbit consumption for the entire carnivore guild. Our findings have important implications for the social acceptability of Iberian lynx reintroductions, which crucially depend on the perception of private land owners and managers. Under certain circumstances, restoring apex predators may provide a sustainable and ethically acceptable way to reduce mesopredator abundances.