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Intrabreed additive genetic, environmental, and phenotypic variances and covariances for Romosinuano (R) and Zebu (Z), as well as interbreed nonadditive genetic variances and covariances (sire x breed-group-of-dam interactions), for birth weight (BWT), weaning weight (WW), and postweaning gain (GW) were computed using a Romosinuano-Zebu multibreed data set from the Turipana Experiment Station in Colombia. Covariances were estimated with a sire-maternal grandsire model, using a multibreed REML procedure. The computing algorithm was a generalized expectation-maximization (GEM) algorithm. This algorithm yields no asymptotic standard errors as part of its computations. Because of the small size of the data set (2,546 calves), these REML covariance estimates should be viewed with caution. Estimates of intrabreed heritabilities were similar to the ratios of interbreed nonadditive to phenotypic variances (interactibilities) for direct and maternal effects of the growth traits evaluated in this study. Intrabreed heritability estimates for BWT, WW, and GW direct genetic effects were .16, .09, and .14, for R and .24,. 10, and. 14 for Z. Corresponding heritability values for maternal effects were .18, .09, and .23 for R and .14, .13, and .07 for Z. Interactibility estimates were .21, .05, and .12, for direct and .26, .04, and .11, for maternal BWT, WW, and GW. Negative correlations between additive maternal weaning weight and direct and maternal postweaning gain, as well as between environmental weaning weight and postweaning gain, suggested that there was compensatory postweaning gain in this herd. Estimates of genetic variation and predictions of expected progeny differences showed that Romosinuano animals competed well against Zebu and RZ crossbred animals under the tropical environmental conditions at Turipana. Key Words: Beef Cattle, Analysis of Covariance, Genetic Parameters, Growth, Populations

Background: Seizures due to posterior fossa lesions is an uncommon phenomenon. In this study, a systemic literature review was done to (i) study the incidence of seizures in posterior fossa lesions, (ii) determine factors associated with high risk for seizures, and (iii) ascertain the role of prophylactic antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in such cases. Methods: Systemic literature review was done, for the MeSH terms "posterior cranial fossa" AND "seizures" AND "anticonvulsants." All original research articles, case reports, and systematic reviews pertaining to seizures or the use of anticonvulsants in posterior fossa lesions were considered for inclusion. Results: A total of 79 cases of posterior fossa lesions, identified from 8 studies, were included for analysis. The incidence of seizures in posterior fossa lesions ranged from 1.8% to 5% in various studies. The highest incidence for seizures was reported with medulloblastoma, cerebellar hemorrhage, and during microvascular decompression for cases of neurovascular conflict. The most significant risk factor for seizures in the postoperative period was the use of ventricular shunt or ventriculostomy. AEDs were administered symptomatically after the occurrence of seizures in 78 cases except for the use of prophylactic AEDs in a single case of posterior cranial fossa lipoma. Conclusion: Seizures in association with posterior fossa lesions are rare and associated with a poor prognosis. Clinical detection can often be difficult and electroencephalogram helps in early diagnosis and treatment. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of prophylactic AEDs in high-risk cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study Objectives: To describe the clinical features and laboratory abnormalities of 16 adults with confirmed Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) due to Andes virus in Temuco, Chile.Design: A retrospective chart review abstracting clinical, radiologic, laboratory, and epidemiologic data.Setting: ICU of the university teaching hospital in Temuco, Chile.Patients: Sixteen patients with HPS treated between 1997 and 1999.Results: Patients were aged from 19 to 45 years, 82% were men, and 88% were farm or timber workers with occupational acquisition of HPS. After an incubation period ranging from 5 to 25 days, a prodromal influenza-like phase frequently was accompanied by abdominal symptoms. From 1 to 7 days later, respiratory insufficiency and hemodynamic instability suddenly appeared. In 81%, hemorrhage was evident; in 63%, moderate-to-severe bleeding occurred. The most prominent laboratory abnormalities were hemoconcentration, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, altered partial thromboplastin time (PTT), creatine kinase, transaminases, and hyponatremia. Creatinine elevation was common, with clinical importance in two patients. All patients had severe hypoxemia and pulmonary edema. Fifteen patients received supportive treatment, and 5 patients were treated with corticosteroids. The mortality rate was 43.8%.Conclusions: Bad prognostic factors appeared to be severe hypotension, lower PaO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen values, prolonged PTT, hemorrhage, greater volume load, and profuse bronchorrhea. The effects of treatment with corticosteroids could not be determined. Hemorrhage and renal involvement were common in our patients, features not often described in the North American literature of Sin Nombre virus HPS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Asbestos is a group of fibrous non-metallic minerals, composed of double chain silicates, that shows high resistance to tension and chemical degradation and low thermal conductivity. Despite being recognized as carcinogenic agents by the World Health Organization (WHO), based on experimental evidences and population studies, asbestos are still used in many countries at the expense of the health of workers. This has become a worldwide problem associated with the increase of asbestos-related diseases in exposed persons. In this article, we review asbestos and their associated diseases; the use, exposure and existing regulations on asbestos both in Colombia and in other countries. Finally, we raise the possibility of evaluating the usefulness of genetic monitoring in addition to following-up exposed individuals. This would enable a better surveillance in our country with respect to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.

La respuesta inmune innata está conformada por un conjunto de mecanismos que permiten reconocer los componentes propios del organismo y diferenciarlos de los microorganismos invasores para generar una primera línea de defensa. Este reconocimiento está mediado por diferentes receptores presentes en la superficie y en el interior de células inmunes y no inmunes; entre ellos se encuentran los siguientes: receptores tipo Toll (RTT), receptores de lectinas tipo C, receptores tipo GIR (genes inducibles por ácido retinoico) y receptores tipo Nod y NALP, que reconocen patrones moleculares asociados a microorganismos (PMAM). Gracias a esta capacidad de discriminación, adquirida evolutivamente por la inmunidad innata, se ha aceptado tradicionalmente que los procesos autoinmunes no están relacionados con esta sino con la inmunidad adquirida. Sin embargo, varios estudios han demostrado que esa teoría no es totalmente cierta y que algunos mecanismos efectores de la inmunidad innata participan en la generación de las enfermedades autoinmunes o en la potenciación de su fisiopatología. En esta revisión se estudia la contribución de la inmunidad innata a la autoinmunidad con énfasis en el papel de los receptores tipo Toll.

Antecedentes: La valoración nutricional de la madre y el recién nacido es un criterio ampliamente usado con fines pronósticos y de manejo clínico. En el ámbito obstétrico materno y neonatal se utiliza índice de masa corporal e índice ponderal neonatal respectivamente. Objetivo: Construir tablas bidimensionales que en la clínica práctica faciliten la obtención de estos índices. Método: Los índices antropométricos que relacionan el peso y la talla, fueron calculados mediante sus fórmulas respectivas: peso dividido por talla al cuadrado o al cubo según se trate de índice de masa corporal o índice ponderal neonatal. Para la categorización posterior del estado nutricional tanto materno como neonatal, los índices obtenidos han de ser valorados con gráficas en función de la edad gestacional. Recomendamos para ello los estándares de referencia nacional. Resultados: Se conformaron dos tablas bidimensionales para el cálculo de índices, las cuales fueron acotadas de acuerdo a valores antropométricos promedios de nuestra población. Conclusión: Estas tablas facilitarán al clínico la obtención de índices antropométricos y el diagnóstico de la condición nutricional de la embarazada y recién nacido.Background: Nutritional assessment is a widely used criterion for prognostic purposes and clinical management. In obstetrics, maternal and neonatal body mass Índex and neonatal ponderal Índex, respectively, are used. Objective: To construct bidimensional tables to facilítate indexes obtaining process in clinical practice, moreover, graphs also are recommend for nutritional categorize using this indexes. Methods: The anthro-pometric indexes that associate weight with height were calculated by their respectively formulas: weight divided by height squared or cubed, depending if body mass index or neonatal ponderal index is needed. For the subsequently categorization of both maternal and neonatal nutritional status, these indexes have to be judged in terms of gestational age graphics. For this process, we recommend national standard references. Results: Two bidimensional tables were built to calcúlate the indexes and were delimited according to anthropometric averages of our population. Conclusion: These tables will facilítate the obtaining of indexes by the clinicians and, at the same time, the nutritional status diagnosis of pregnant women and their newborn.

Understanding mechanisms involved in speciation can be challenging, especially when hybridization or introgression blurs species boundaries. In bats, resolving relationships of some closely related groups has proved difficult due subtle interspecific variation both in morphometrics and molecular data sets. The endemic South American Histiotus bats, currently considered a subgenus of Eptesicus, harbor unresolved phylogenetic relationships and of those is a trio consisting of two closely related species: Eptesicus (Histiotus) macrotus and Eptesicus (Histiotus) montanus, and their relationship with a third, Eptesicus (Histiotus) magellanicus. The three sympatric species bear marked resemblance to each other, but can be differentiated morphologically. Furthermore, previous studies have been unable to differentiate the species from each other at a molecular level. In order to disentangle the phylogenetic relationships of these species, we examined the differentiation patterns and evolutionary history of the three Eptesicus (H.) species at the whole-genome level. The nuclear DNA statistics between the species suggest strong gene flow and recent hybridization between E. (H.) montanus and E. (H.) macrotus, whereas E. (H.) magellanicus shows a higher degree of isolation. In contrast, mitochondrial DNA shows a closer relationship between E. (H.) magellanicus and E. (H.) montanus. Opposing patterns in mtDNA and nuclear markers are often due to differences in dispersal, and here it could be both as a result of isolation in refugia during the last glacial maximum and female philopatry and male-biased dispersal. In conclusion, this study shows the importance of both the nuclear and mitochondrial DNA in resolving phylogenetic relationships and species histories., (© The Author(s) 2022. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for Molecular Biology and Evolution.)

Bats are widespread mammals of the order Chiroptera. They are key for ecosystem functioning, participating in crucial processes. Their unique ability amongst mammals to fly long distances, their frequently large population sizes, and their longevity favor infectious agent persistence and spread. This includes a large variety of viruses, encompassing many important zoonotic ones that cause severe diseases in humans and domestic animals. Despite this, the understanding of the viral ecological diversity residing in bat populations remains unclear, which complicates the determination of the origins of zoonotic viruses. To gain knowledge on the viral community of a widely distributed insectivorous bat species, we characterized the guano virome of a native Chilean bat species ( Myotis chiloensis (Waterhouse, 1840)). By applying a novel enrichment strategy, we were able to secure a consequent percentage of viral reads, providing unprecedented resolution for a bat virome. This in turn enabled us to identify and assemble a new bat alphacoronavirus from Chilean bats closely related to PEDV, an important viral pathogen with high mortality rates in suckling piglets. This study highlights the importance of applying and improving high-resolution virome studies in this vital order to ultimately enhance epidemiological surveillance for potentially zoonotic pathogens.

Despite its peculiar distribution, the biology of the southernmost bat species in the world, the Chilean myotis ( Myotis chiloensis ), has garnered little attention so far. The species has a north-south distribution of c. 2800 km, mostly on the eastern side of the Andes mountain range. Use of extended torpor occurs in the southernmost portion of the range, putting the species at risk of bat white-nose syndrome, a fungal disease responsible for massive population declines in North American bats. Here, we examined how geographic distance and topology would be reflected in the population structure of M. chiloensis along the majority of its range using a double digestion RAD-seq method. We sampled 66 individuals across the species range and discovered pronounced isolation-by-distance. Furthermore, and surprisingly, we found higher degrees of heterozygosity in the southernmost populations compared to the north. A coalescence analysis revealed that our populations may still not have reached secondary contact after the Last Glacial Maximum. As for the potential spread of pathogens, such as the fungus causing WNS, connectivity among populations was noticeably low, especially between the southern hibernatory populations in the Magallanes and Tierra del Fuego, and more northerly populations. This suggests the probability of geographic spread of the disease from the north through bat-to-bat contact to susceptible populations is low. The study presents a rare case of defined population structure in a bat species and warrants further research on the underlying factors contributing to this. See the graphical abstract here. https://doi.org/10.25387/g3.12173385., (Copyright © 2020 Lilley et al.)

The Cimicidae is a family of blood-dependent ectoparasites in which dispersion capacity is greatly associated with host movements. Bats are the ancestral and most prevalent hosts for cimicids. Cimicids have a worldwide distribution matching that of their hosts, but the global classification is incomplete, especially for species outside the most common Cimicidae taxa. In this study, we place a little-studied cimicid species, Bucimex chilensis , within a comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Cimicidae by sequencing the genomic regions of this and other closely related species. For this study, we collected B. chilensis females from Myotis chiloensis in Tierra del Fuego, 1,300 km further south than previously known southernmost distribution boundary. We also sequenced COI regions from Primicimex cavernis , a species which together with B. chilensis comprise the entire subfamily Primiciminae. Using Bayesian posterior probability and maximum-likelihood approaches, we found that B. chilensis and P. cavernis clustered close to each other in the molecular analyses, receiving support from similar morphological features, agreeing with the morphology-based taxonomic placement of the two species within the subfamily Primiciminae. We also describe a previously unrecognized morphological adaptation of the tarsal structure, which allows the austral bat ectoparasite, B. chilensis , to cling on to the pelage of its known host, the Chilean myotis ( Myotis chiloensis ). Through a morphological study and behavioral observation, we elucidate how this tarsal structure operates, and we hypothesize that by clinging in the host pelage, B. chilensis is able to disperse effectively to new areas despite low host density. This is a unique feature shared by P. cavernis , the only other species in Primiciminae.

This paper provides a re-description of the female and a description of the nymph of Ixodes chilensis Kohls, 1956. Additionally, the phylogenetic position of the species of Ixodes Latreille, 1796 belonging to the subgenus Pholeoixodes Schulze, 1942 was analysed and discussed based on a phylogenetic pattern obtained with mitochondrial DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA gene. The diagnostic characters unique for the female of I. chilensis are a combination of coxae I-IV of legs with one external minute triangular spur each (barely perceptible) and lacking internal spur, tarsus I with a subapical dorsal hump, basis capituli subrectangular with sinuous posterior margin, hypostome rounded apically, cornua and auriculae absent, scapulae pointed, palps short, porose areas rounded separated by an interporose area wider than the diameter of one area, scutum with posterior margin straight and surface in the anterolateral field rugose, with punctations larger in the posterior field. The nymph of I. chilensis is characterised by the presence of scutum with posterior margin nearly straight, lateral carinae absent, basis capituli subrectangular in shape with posterior margin nearly straight, small auriculae as lateral ridges, palps short, hypostome rounded apically, and coxae I-IV of legs with just one external small triangular spur each (barely perceptible) and lacking internal spurs. Analysis of 16S sequences showed that I. chilensis form a well-supported clade with the following species with a wide geographical distribution but mostly established in the Palaearctic region and none from the Neotropics: I. simplex Neumann, 1906; I. arboricola Schulze & Schlottke, 1929; I. lividus Koch, 1844; I. canisuga Johnston, 1849; I. vespertilionis Koch, 1844; I. ariadnae Hornok, 2014; I. collaris Hornok, 2016; and I. kangdingensis Gou, Sun, Xu & Durden, 2017. The phylogenetic analysis also has demonstrated that the subgenus Pholeoixodes Schulze, 1942 is not monophyletic. The species considered as belonging to this subgenus were grouped in two different clades which did not have a well-supported common node defining monophyly.

Background: Adverse effects of medications are an important cause of morbidity and hospital admissions. Errors in prescription or preparation of medications by pharmacy personnel are a factor that may influence these occurrence of the adverse effects Aim: To assess the frequency and type of errors in prescriptions and in their preparation at the pharmacy unit of a regional public hospital., Material and Methods: Prescriptions received by ambulatory patients and those being discharged from the hospital, were reviewed using a 12-item checklist. The preparation of such prescriptions at the pharmacy unit was also reviewed using a seven item checklist., Results: Seventy two percent of prescriptions had at least one error. The most common mistake was the impossibility of determining the concentration of the prescribed drug. Prescriptions for patients being discharged from the hospital had the higher number of errors. When a prescription had more than two drugs, the risk of error increased 2.4 times. Twenty four percent of prescription preparations had at least one error. The most common mistake was the labeling of drugs with incomplete medical indications. When a preparation included more than three drugs, the risk of preparation error increased 1.8 times., Conclusions: Prescription and preparation of medication delivered to patients had frequent errors. The most important risk factor for errors was the number of drugs prescribed.

Flying foxes (Pteropodidae) are key seed dispersers on the African continent, yet their migratory behavior is largely unknown. Here, we studied the movement ecology of the straw-colored fruit bat, Eidolon helvum, and other fruit bats by analyzing stable isotope ratios in fur collected from museum specimens. In a triple-isotope approach based on samples of two ecologically similar non-migratory pteropodids, we first confirmed that a stable isotope approach is capable of delineating between geographically distinct locations in Sub-Saharan Africa. A discriminant function analysis assigned 84% of individuals correctly to their capture site. Further, we assessed how well hydrogen stable isotope ratios (δ(2)H) of fur keratin collected from non-migratory species (n = 191 individuals) records variation in δ(2)H of precipitation water in sub-Saharan Africa. Overall, we found positive, negative and no correlations within the six studied species. We then developed a reduced major axis regression equation based on individual data of non-migratory species to predict where potentially migratory E. helvum (n = 88) would come from based on their keratin δ(2)H. Across non-migratory species, δ(2)H of keratin and local water correlated positively. Based on the isoscape origin model, 22% of E. helvum were migratory, i.e. individuals had migrated over at least 250 km prior to their capture. Migratory individuals came from locations at a median distance of about 860 km from the collection site, four even from distances of at least 2,000 km. Ground-truthing of our isoscape origin model based on keratin δ(2)H of extant E. helvum (n = 76) supported a high predictive power of assigning the provenance of African flying foxes. Our study highlights that stable isotope ratios can be used to explain the migratory behavior of flying foxes, even on the isotopically relatively homogenous African continent, and with material collected by museums many decades or more than a century ago.

We monitored Streptococcus pneumoniae serotypes causing invasive infections in patients admitted to one hospital in southern Chile during a 10-year period (1994 to 2004). All specimens isolated from patients with invasive S. pneumoniae infections were serotyped at the CDC in Atlanta, GA. A total of 508 isolates belonged to 58 serotypes. There were 95 infections in patients <2 years old, 33 infections in patients 2 to 4 years old, 61 infections in patients 5 to 14 years old, 66 infections in patients 15 to 44 years old, 134 infections in patients 45 to 64 years old, and 120 infections in patients >or=65 years old. The 10 serotypes isolated with the highest frequency in all groups were, in decreasing order, 1, 3, 14, 5, 19F, 6B, 7F, 12F, 23F, and 6A. The 10 most frequent isolates in children under 2 years of age were 1, 6B, 14, 19F, 5, 23F, 6A, 9V, and 7F. In patients >or=65 years old, the most common serotypes were 3, 7F, 1, 14, 19A, 23F, 19F, 35B, 4, and 5. Penicillin resistance was detected in 14 (2.7%) clinical specimens isolated since 1998, with 13 resistant strains identified since 2001. Vaccine coverage for the 7-valent conjugate vaccine was 42% for children <2 years of age. This study is important for the design of vaccines for this region and to evaluate public health measures to decrease pneumococcal infections.

Background: Hantaviruses in Europe and Asia cause haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and epidemic nephritis (mortality rate <1-15%). New strains of Hantaviruses cause Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) from Canada to South America. Andes virus mortality rate is about 30% in Chile., Method: Clinical charts of 54 patients were reviewed., Results: Inhalation of aerosolized urine, faeces or saliva of rodents is the principal cause of infection. The incubation period is between 8 and 43 days. The main prodromal symptoms are: myalgias, fever, fatigue, gastrointestinal disorders, dyspnoea, petechiae and coughing. After the 4th day pulmonary oedema, hypotension and renal failure appear. Haemorrhagic disorders may occur. The first laboratory tests presenting alterations are: haemoconcentration, leukocytosis, low platelet count <150 micro/L, and presence of immunoblasts. The treatment is supportive: mechanical ventilation, vasopressor drugs, haemofiltration or haemodialysis, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation. There is no specific treatment for HPS. Preventive measures must be empathised., Conclusion: The principal risk factors for tourists are: accommodation in abandoned or closed up facilities; failure to use indicated pathways when walking in forests; camping outside recommended areas; drinking water from natural sources and fishing in risk areas. The risk of infection for foreign tourists in Chile is low.

Mastocytosis is characterized by mast cell proliferation that may be limited to the skin (cutaneous mastocytosis) or may involve one or more extracutaneous organs, e.g., the bone marrow (systemic mastocytosis; SM). This study objective is to evaluate the features and outcome of patients referred to M. D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDACC) with SM. A search of the MDACC database from 1944 to 2002 was conducted for patients with SM and review of their clinical charts. Eighteen patients with mastocytosis were identified in the MDACC database; 15 (11 males and 4 females) had SM and available information. Two had associated myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), and one had acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The median age was 58 years (range 31-80). Nine patients were treated with subcutaneous interferon-alpha, and only 1 experienced temporary control of the disease. Three of these patients were then treated with imatinib mesylate: transient improvement was noted in two patients. One patient underwent stem cell transplantation as first therapy and achieved complete remission; this patient had associated MDS and is now in complete remission for 8 years. The patient with associated AML was treated with high-dose cytarabine and idarubicin; he has been in complete remission for 16 months. One patient was treated with induction chemotherapy consisting of high-dose cytarabine and 2CDA but expired due to sepsis. Three patients received symptomatic therapy only; these were the only 3 patients who presented with normal blood counts. SM is rare and has no effective standard of care. Collaboration among academic centers to accrue enough patients to evaluate novel therapeutic strategies is needed.

Background: Thirty six cases of clinical Hantavirus Cardiopulmonary Syndrome occurred in the IX Region of Chile. Most of these patients were young males, farm or timber workers, who lived near the Andes Mountain chain., Aim: To conduct an epidemiological and serosurvey study to determine the seroprevalence of IgG antibodies against Hantavirus in the general adult population living in rural and urban areas of 10 endemic communities of the IX region of Chile., Material and Methods: A total of 400 subjects were included, 40 of each community, 20 rural residents and 20 urban residents, 20 males and 20 females., Results: Seroprevalence was 7.5% in Melipeuco, 5.0% in Lonquimay, 2.5% in Curacautin, 2.5% in Pucón and 0.0% in the remaining communities. Seroprevalence was higher in rural population (2.5%) than in the urban areas (1%). All seropositive subjects worked in farms or forests and observed rodents near their homes or working places. Females were affected the same as males and no differences were observed between Chilean natives and Hispanics., Conclusions: Prevalence of Hantavirus antibodies correlated with the geographic zone (Andes Mountain chain), overgrowth of wild rodents and exposure to rodent-infested environments.

All clinical S. pneumoniae specimens isolated from patients with invasive or sterile-site infections admitted to one regional general hospital in southern Chile were collected during a 5-year period (February 1994 to September 1999). A total of 247 strains belonging to 50 serotypes were isolated in this survey: 69 in patients under 5 years of age, 129 in patients 5 to 64 years old, and 49 from patients 65 years and older. Eight serotypes were identified in all age groups, while all other serotypes were found exclusively in one age group or in patients over 4 years of age. Serotype 3 was never found in patients under 5 years old, and serotype 14 was not found in patients >64 years of age. There was no difference in the serotypes causing infection in each one of the 5 years of the survey. Our results suggest that both bacterial virulence factors and host factors play an important role in the selection of S. pneumoniae serotypes causing invasive infection. Possible host factors include age-related differences in the immune response. Comparative studies with other areas of the world may help to further understanding of our observations in southern Chile.

We compared the incidence of nasopharyngeal colonization by Streptococcus pneumoniae, the serotypes causing mucosal and invasive diseases, and the antibiotic resistance of these strains in patients admitted to three large hospitals and children attending day care centers in two Chilean cities (Santiago and Temuco). The populations in both cities were similar in ethnic background, socioeconomic status, family size, and access to medical care. Significant differences in nasopharyngeal colonization rates, in serotypes causing infections, and in antibiotic resistance were found between the two cities. In children 0 to 2 years of age, 42% were colonized with S. pneumoniae in Santiago compared to 14% in Temuco. A total of 41 serotypes were identified in both Chilean cities studied. Six serotypes were found only in Santiago; 14 serotypes were found only in Temuco. Antibiotic-resistant serotypes 6A, 6B, 14, 19F, and 23F were detected only in Santiago. We show that important differences in the incidence of nasopharyngeal carriage, infection, and S. pneumoniae serotypes can exist in similar populations in different areas of the same country. Our findings are relevant for prevention strategies, antibiotic usage, and vaccine design.

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a most important patogen in respiratory and meningeal infections. It is also a relevant agent of septic arthritis, pericarditis, acute endocarditis and spontaneous peritonitis in cirrhotic patients with ascites. It is less well known as a cause of infections in many other sites, including abdominal organs and soft tissues, which may be very severe. In this report, we describe three fatal cases (phlegmonous gastritis, cellulitis and primary peritonitis without pre-existing ascites) due to Streptococcus pneumoniae. In the last years it has become clear that this agent can cause infections at almost any body level, which is worth remembering. We review the literature and discuss some clinical aspects of two rare infectious syndromes, like primary peritonitis without previous ascites and phlegmonous gastritis.

We evaluated immunofluorescence techniques to investigate the presence of S pneumoniae, N meningitidis, H influenzae types a and b and L monocytogenes in 85 samples of CSF fluid: 60 were taken from patients suffering meningitis and 25 from a control group. Results were compared to conventional bacteriologic methods. There were no false positive results in the control group. In patients with meningitis, 28 were positive by both methods. Nine additional patients were positive only to immunofluorescence which allowed identification of S pneumoniae in 6, N meningitidis in 2 and H influenzae in 1. 37 samples were positive by immunofluorescence and 28 of them were positive to conventional bacteriology. There was only 1 case of Group B streptococcus identified by bacteriology which was not diagnosed by immunofluorescence. Thus, immunofluorescence increases the ability to make a bacteriologic diagnosis in patients with meningitis.