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Papers by barbara arroyo

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in Colombia (Nematoda: Anisakidae): morphology, molecular evidence and its genetic relationship with congeners from fish-eating birds

Systematic Parasitology, 2007

Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in no... more Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in northern Colombia (Totumo Marsh) based on 20 enzyme loci studied using multilocus allozyme electrophoresis. Moreover, genetic relationships between the new taxon and related congeners are presented based on allozyme data-sets and sequence analyses (519 bp) of the mtDNA-cox2 gene. Fixed allele differences were found at some of the allozyme loci analysed in comparison with other Contracaecum spp. from pelicans and cormorants [i.e. the sibling species of the C. rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 complex, C. septentrionale Kreis, 1955, C. micropa-pillatum (Stossich, 1890), C. microcephalum (Rudolphi, 1809) and C. pelagicum . The genetic distance, at the allozyme level, between C. bioccai n. sp. and its congeners ranged from D Nei = 0.80 versus C. septentrionale to D Nei = 1.40 versus C. micropapillatum. The genetic distance at the mtDNA cox-2 level ranged, on average, from K-2P = 0.12 versus the C. rudolphii species complex to K-2P = 0.15 versus C. micropapillatum. An overall concordant tree topology, obtained from UPGMA and NJ tree analyses inferred from allozyme data, as well as from MP, UPGMA and NJ inferred from mtDNA-cox2 sequence analysis, showed C. bioccai n. sp. as a separated lineage to the other Contracaecum spp. A concordant result was also obtained by PCA analysis based on both the allozyme and mtDNA cox-2 data-sets. All of the tree topologies, derived from the phylogenetic analysis inferred from both allozymes and mtDNA data-sets, were in substantial agreement and depicted C. bioccai as closely related to the sibling species of the C. rudolphii complex (C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B) and C. septentrionale. Morphological analysis and a differential diagnosis based on male specimens of C. bioccai, which had been genetically characterised by both allozyme markers and mtDNA sequences analysis with respect to morphologically related congeners, enabled the detection of differences in a numbers of characters, including spicule length, the morphology of the distal end of the spicule and the distribution patterns of the distal caudal papillae.

Research paper thumbnail of Presencia del marcador p16 en biosias cervicales dirigidas bajo colposcopia, en mujeres que asisten a la Clinica Maternidad Rafael Calvo, Cartagena, con resultados de citología anormal

Revista Ciencias Biomedicas, Sep 13, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Gene expression profile in blood cells isolated from carpenters exposed to organic solvents in Sucre (Colombia)

Revista Salud Uninorte, 2013

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes related to oxid... more ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in carpentry workers from Sucre, Colombia. Materials and methods: 41 male individuals were randomly selected, 28 exposed and 13 controls, with ages 32.3 ± 7.9 and 33.2 ± 8.4 years old, respectively. Peripheral blood samples were collected and used for hematological and liver damage markers analysis. Gene expression analysis for oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA markers was performed using Real-Time Polymerase Reaction on 24 exposed and 10 controls. Results: Hematological parameters and liver damage markers were found within the reference values. Gene expression of P53 and BCL-2, genes related to DNA damage, was significantly greater for the exposed group when compared with the control group. Conclusion: In the absence of hematological or hepatic damage markers, individuals exposed to solvents in Sucre have increased gene expression for P53 and BCL2. These genes may be useful candidates as molecular biomarkers related to solvent exposure.

Research paper thumbnail of Métodos de identificación bacteriana y sus aplicaciones en la investigación odontológica

Duazary, 2010

Los avances de las ciencias básicas y la tecnología aplicada a los diversos campos de investigaci... more Los avances de las ciencias básicas y la tecnología aplicada a los diversos campos de investigación, facilitan la caracterización microbiológica de la mayoría de patologías orales. Es por esto que desde hace un tiempo hasta el presente, métodos que permiten identificar fenotipos tales como cultivos, pruebas bioquímicas y tinciones, se convirtieron en gran ayuda para lograr ese objetivo en la búsqueda de respuestas a los interrogantes microbiológicos, lo mismo que sucede en aquellas circunstancias donde los organismos presenten retos para su aislamiento. Es allí donde la identificación se puede realizar a partir de técnicas moleculares como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), hibridación in situ, secuenciación, análisis del polimorfismo en los fragmentos de restricción (RFLP) entre diversos métodos con los que se cuenta en la actualidad. La identificación adecuada y certera de genotipos en la patología, permite diseñar mejores estrategias de tratamiento que lleven a la curación de los pacientes y a la implementación de programas de prevención óptimos, evitando la recidiva de patologías clínicas en la Odontología moderna. (DUAZARY 2010, 247 -256) Palabras clave: Reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, Hibridación in situ, crecimiento bacteriano, microbiología, periodoncia, endodoncia. abstraCt Advances in basic science and applied technology to various fields of research, facilitate the microbiological characteristics of most oral diseases. That is why for some time until the present, methods such as microorganism culture, staining techniques and biochemical tests, became a great help to achieve that objective in seeking answers to the questions microbiological same as those circumstances where agencies present challenges to its isolation. This is where the identification can be made from molecular techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction of (PCR), in situ hybridization, sequencing, polymorphism analysis of restriction fragment (RFLP) between different methods with which they are at present. Adequate and accurate identification of the specific organism in the pathology allows designing better treatment strategies that lead to the cure of patients and implementation of optimal prevention programs, avoiding the recurrence of clinical pathology in modern dentistry.

Research paper thumbnail of Expresión génica de individuos expuestos a solventes orgánicos en Sucre - Colombia

Research paper thumbnail of Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre citología cervicouterina en mujeres de Sicelejo y Cartagena, Colombia

Revista Ciencias Biomedicas, Jan 11, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Organochlorine pesticides and parasites in Mugil incilis collected in Cartagena Bay, Colombia

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015

Nematode parasites of the Anisakides family are often found in people living in countries where f... more Nematode parasites of the Anisakides family are often found in people living in countries where fish is consumed raw or partially cooked. This research shows the histological changes in the liver and spleen of Mugil incilis, collected in Cartagena Bay. These changes are associated with pollution by organochlorine pesticides and their possible influence on the parasite. Organochlorine compounds were extracted using the headspace-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique. Residual amounts in the muscle of M. incilis such as β-HCH, γ-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, endosulfan, 4,4'-DDE, and dieldrin, among others, were identified by gas chromatography connected to an electron capture detector, indicating that the fauna of Cartagena Bay are exposed to these pollutants. Histological analysis was carried out on liver and spleen samples of M. incilis which were fixed, processed, and embedded in paraffin. The presence of melano-macrophages, granulomes, and trematodes in the liver was the most important changes observed. Larval prevalence for the Anisakis spp. was determined to be 1.6%; for Pseudoterranova spp., 25.3%, and for Contracaecum spp., 57.8%. Other parasites such as acanthocephalans were also reported for a total of 15.3%. Nevertheless, no significant correlation between parasites and organochlorines was found. This study is the first to correlate the presence of organochlorine compounds and histological damage in the liver and spleen of M. incilis, with the presence of parasites in fish from Cartagena Bay (Colombia).

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum sp. infection in Hoplias malabaricus (moncholo) from rivers and marshes of Colombia

Veterinary parasitology, Jan 31, 2006

Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers ... more Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers and a marsh belonging to the North Coast Basin of Colombia, and from the Amazon River, during February 2003-December 2004. Preliminary morphological analysis of nematodes indicated the presence of Contracaecum sp. Parasites were mostly found in the intestinal mesenteries and a very low percentage in muscle. Parasite prevalence in all sampling locations at the north of Colombia was 100%, whereas in the Amazon River it was 6.12%. The mean intensity in the different stations were as follows: Magdalena River at the City of Magangué (58.92+/-7.59), Magdalena river at the city of Zambrano (128.9+/-7.08), Sinú River (53.88+/-4.92), Dique Channel (207.3+/-59.52), Cauca River (77.26+/-9.35), Atrato River (21.11+/-2.6), San Jorge River (39.5+/-7.13), and Totumo Marsh (62.5+/-6.38). In average, all specimens of Hoplias malabaricus from the north coast basin of Colombia were infected with a mean int...

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnóstico microbiológico compatible con Anaplasma sp. en un paciente con síndrome febril

Revista Argentina de Microbiología, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Enfoque hacia la dinámica de la biopelícula oral para el control de enfermedades bucales prevalentes

Revista Clínica de Medicina de Familia, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Aspectos epidemiológicos de la diabetes mellitus y su relación con los contaminantes ambientales

Revista chilena de nutrición, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Caracterización genética por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de Giardia intestinalis en muestras de humanos y perros del Caribe colombiano

Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica, 2014

Giardia intestinalis (G. Intestinalis) is a protozoan that causes diarrheal disease and malabsorp... more Giardia intestinalis (G. Intestinalis) is a protozoan that causes diarrheal disease and malabsorption syndrome in humans and other mammals. It presents a high genetic diversity evidenced in the recognition of 7 genotypes (A-G). Genotypes A and B are commonly associated to humans and domestic animals such as dogs. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary genetic characterization of G. intestinalis in humans and dogs from two cities on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Sampling areas were selected according to the highest numbers of acute diarrheal disease. Stool samples were collected from children under 7 years old, with positive medical tests for G. intestinalis. Cysts were purified by sucrose gradient and DNA samples were isolated by extraction with organic solvents. Molecular characterization was performed by amplifying the gene triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) by using a semi-nested PCR. A total of 202 samples of DNA were obtained; of these, 111 were positive in coproparasitological analysis (13 dogs and 98 children). Genotype distribution in positive samples was: 5.1% belonged to genotype A and 92.3% to genotype B. Genotype B was present in humans and animals. The most common genotype in both human and animal samples was genotype B, suggesting a zoonotic transmission cycle.

Research paper thumbnail of Nematode infection in fish from Cartagena Bay, North of Colombia

Veterinary Parasitology, 2011

Parasitic nematode infection indices were recorded in different fish species collected at Cartage... more Parasitic nematode infection indices were recorded in different fish species collected at Cartagena Bay, North of Colombia. Among 19 studied species, the Mugil genus presented the highest prevalence (83.9-100%), although Sciades herzbergii, Caranx hippos and Centropomus undecimalis were also found infected with nematodes. Parasites were found in the liver, intestinal mesenteries and encysted near the intervertebral joints, with an average parasite abundance of 4.0 ± 0.3 nematodes per fish. Morphological analysis allowed the identification of these nematodes as Contracaecum sp. A small, but positive correlation was found between parasite abundance and length (R=0.294, P<0.001) and weight (R=0.244, P<0.001). In contrast, the correlation between parasite abundance and condition factor was negative (R=-0.191, P<0.001). These results are the first describing the presence of nematodes in several fish species of this ecosystem, and it highlights the need for monitoring parasitism in Mugil species in order to avoid parasite ingestion during fish consumption.

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum sp. infection in Hoplias malabaricus (moncholo) from rivers and marshes of Colombia

Veterinary Parasitology, 2006

Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers ... more Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers and a marsh belonging to the North Coast Basin of Colombia, and from the Amazon River, during February 2003-December 2004. Preliminary morphological analysis of nematodes indicated the presence of Contracaecum sp. Parasites were mostly found in the intestinal mesenteries and a very low percentage in muscle. Parasite prevalence in all sampling locations at the north of Colombia was 100%, whereas in the Amazon River it was 6.12%. The mean intensity in the different stations were as follows: Magdalena River at the City of Magangué (58.92 AE 7.59), Magdalena river at the city of Zambrano (128.9 AE 7.08), Sinú River (53.88 AE 4.92), Dique Channel (207.3 AE 59.52), Cauca River (77.26 AE 9.35), Atrato River (21.11 AE 2.6), San Jorge River (39.5 AE 7.13), and Totumo Marsh (62.5 AE 6.38). In average, all specimens of Hoplias malabaricus from the north coast basin of Colombia were infected with a mean intensity of 77.82 AE 4.81 (1-466 parasites per host) whereas in fish from the Amazon River this value was significantly lower (intensity 1.0 AE 0.0). Size and weight correlated significantly with parasite intensity in fish collected from sampling locations at the north of Colombia (R = 0.240, P < 0.001 and R = 0.199, P = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, a significant, but low and negative correlation was found between condition factor and parasite intensity (R = À0.159, P = 0.034), suggesting a possible impact of parasites on fish health. These results suggest, for the first time, that the parasitism in Moncholo is a widespread phenomenon in Colombian rivers and could represent a risk factor for human consumers. # 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in Colombia (Nematoda: Anisakidae): morphology, molecular evidence and its genetic relationship with congeners from fish-eating birds

Systematic Parasitology, 2007

Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in no... more Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in northern Colombia (Totumo Marsh) based on 20 enzyme loci studied using multilocus allozyme electrophoresis. Moreover, genetic relationships between the new taxon and related congeners are presented based on allozyme data-sets and sequence analyses (519 bp) of the mtDNA-cox2 gene. Fixed allele differences were found at some of the allozyme loci analysed in comparison with other Contracaecum spp. from pelicans and cormorants [i.e. the sibling species of the C. rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 complex, C. septentrionale Kreis, 1955, C. micropa-pillatum (Stossich, 1890), C. microcephalum (Rudolphi, 1809) and C. pelagicum . The genetic distance, at the allozyme level, between C. bioccai n. sp. and its congeners ranged from D Nei = 0.80 versus C. septentrionale to D Nei = 1.40 versus C. micropapillatum. The genetic distance at the mtDNA cox-2 level ranged, on average, from K-2P = 0.12 versus the C. rudolphii species complex to K-2P = 0.15 versus C. micropapillatum. An overall concordant tree topology, obtained from UPGMA and NJ tree analyses inferred from allozyme data, as well as from MP, UPGMA and NJ inferred from mtDNA-cox2 sequence analysis, showed C. bioccai n. sp. as a separated lineage to the other Contracaecum spp. A concordant result was also obtained by PCA analysis based on both the allozyme and mtDNA cox-2 data-sets. All of the tree topologies, derived from the phylogenetic analysis inferred from both allozymes and mtDNA data-sets, were in substantial agreement and depicted C. bioccai as closely related to the sibling species of the C. rudolphii complex (C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B) and C. septentrionale. Morphological analysis and a differential diagnosis based on male specimens of C. bioccai, which had been genetically characterised by both allozyme markers and mtDNA sequences analysis with respect to morphologically related congeners, enabled the detection of differences in a numbers of characters, including spicule length, the morphology of the distal end of the spicule and the distribution patterns of the distal caudal papillae.

Research paper thumbnail of Nematode Infection in Mugil Incilis (Lisa) from Cartagena Bay and Totumo Marsh, North of Colombia

Journal of Parasitology, 2005

Nematode infection indices were recorded in Lisa, Mugil incilis, from Cartagena Bay and Totumo Ma... more Nematode infection indices were recorded in Lisa, Mugil incilis, from Cartagena Bay and Totumo Marsh, north of Colombia, during an 8-mo period (February to September 2002). Parasite prevalence (74.67% vs. 53.48%), intensity (9.73 +/- 2.98 vs. 2.73 +/- 1.07), and abundance (7.49 +/- 2.21 vs. 2.04 +/- 1.17) were significantly greater in Cartagena Bay, an estuary polluted by domestic sewage and industrial discharge, compared with those of Totumo Marsh, a body of water with low levels of contamination. Parasites were found below the spine, within the liver and the intestinal mesenteries, and a small percentage in muscle. Morphological analysis of nematodes indicated the presence of the third larval stage of several species belonging to the Anisakidae. Size correlated moderately and significantly with parasite intensity in fish collected from Totumo Marsh (R = 0.336; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001); in Cartagena Bay the correlation was also significant, but low and negative (R = -0.212; P = 0.003), clearly showing differences in host-parasite ecology. Fish health status, as represented by condition factor and hepatosomatic index, did not show any correlation with the parasite prevalence in fishes collected in either sampling areas. These results suggest, for the first time, that the consumption of Lisa from the Atlantic coast of Colombia could represent a risk for human infection.

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in Colombia (Nematoda: Anisakidae): morphology, molecular evidence and its genetic relationship with congeners from fish-eating birds

Systematic Parasitology, 2007

Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in no... more Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in northern Colombia (Totumo Marsh) based on 20 enzyme loci studied using multilocus allozyme electrophoresis. Moreover, genetic relationships between the new taxon and related congeners are presented based on allozyme data-sets and sequence analyses (519 bp) of the mtDNA-cox2 gene. Fixed allele differences were found at some of the allozyme loci analysed in comparison with other Contracaecum spp. from pelicans and cormorants [i.e. the sibling species of the C. rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 complex, C. septentrionale Kreis, 1955, C. micropa-pillatum (Stossich, 1890), C. microcephalum (Rudolphi, 1809) and C. pelagicum . The genetic distance, at the allozyme level, between C. bioccai n. sp. and its congeners ranged from D Nei = 0.80 versus C. septentrionale to D Nei = 1.40 versus C. micropapillatum. The genetic distance at the mtDNA cox-2 level ranged, on average, from K-2P = 0.12 versus the C. rudolphii species complex to K-2P = 0.15 versus C. micropapillatum. An overall concordant tree topology, obtained from UPGMA and NJ tree analyses inferred from allozyme data, as well as from MP, UPGMA and NJ inferred from mtDNA-cox2 sequence analysis, showed C. bioccai n. sp. as a separated lineage to the other Contracaecum spp. A concordant result was also obtained by PCA analysis based on both the allozyme and mtDNA cox-2 data-sets. All of the tree topologies, derived from the phylogenetic analysis inferred from both allozymes and mtDNA data-sets, were in substantial agreement and depicted C. bioccai as closely related to the sibling species of the C. rudolphii complex (C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B) and C. septentrionale. Morphological analysis and a differential diagnosis based on male specimens of C. bioccai, which had been genetically characterised by both allozyme markers and mtDNA sequences analysis with respect to morphologically related congeners, enabled the detection of differences in a numbers of characters, including spicule length, the morphology of the distal end of the spicule and the distribution patterns of the distal caudal papillae.

Research paper thumbnail of Presencia del marcador p16 en biosias cervicales dirigidas bajo colposcopia, en mujeres que asisten a la Clinica Maternidad Rafael Calvo, Cartagena, con resultados de citología anormal

Revista Ciencias Biomedicas, Sep 13, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Gene expression profile in blood cells isolated from carpenters exposed to organic solvents in Sucre (Colombia)

Revista Salud Uninorte, 2013

ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes related to oxid... more ABSTRACT Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of genes related to oxidative stress, inflammation and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) damage in carpentry workers from Sucre, Colombia. Materials and methods: 41 male individuals were randomly selected, 28 exposed and 13 controls, with ages 32.3 ± 7.9 and 33.2 ± 8.4 years old, respectively. Peripheral blood samples were collected and used for hematological and liver damage markers analysis. Gene expression analysis for oxidative stress, inflammation and DNA markers was performed using Real-Time Polymerase Reaction on 24 exposed and 10 controls. Results: Hematological parameters and liver damage markers were found within the reference values. Gene expression of P53 and BCL-2, genes related to DNA damage, was significantly greater for the exposed group when compared with the control group. Conclusion: In the absence of hematological or hepatic damage markers, individuals exposed to solvents in Sucre have increased gene expression for P53 and BCL2. These genes may be useful candidates as molecular biomarkers related to solvent exposure.

Research paper thumbnail of Métodos de identificación bacteriana y sus aplicaciones en la investigación odontológica

Duazary, 2010

Los avances de las ciencias básicas y la tecnología aplicada a los diversos campos de investigaci... more Los avances de las ciencias básicas y la tecnología aplicada a los diversos campos de investigación, facilitan la caracterización microbiológica de la mayoría de patologías orales. Es por esto que desde hace un tiempo hasta el presente, métodos que permiten identificar fenotipos tales como cultivos, pruebas bioquímicas y tinciones, se convirtieron en gran ayuda para lograr ese objetivo en la búsqueda de respuestas a los interrogantes microbiológicos, lo mismo que sucede en aquellas circunstancias donde los organismos presenten retos para su aislamiento. Es allí donde la identificación se puede realizar a partir de técnicas moleculares como la reacción en cadena de la polimerasa (PCR), hibridación in situ, secuenciación, análisis del polimorfismo en los fragmentos de restricción (RFLP) entre diversos métodos con los que se cuenta en la actualidad. La identificación adecuada y certera de genotipos en la patología, permite diseñar mejores estrategias de tratamiento que lleven a la curación de los pacientes y a la implementación de programas de prevención óptimos, evitando la recidiva de patologías clínicas en la Odontología moderna. (DUAZARY 2010, 247 -256) Palabras clave: Reacción en cadena de la polimerasa, Hibridación in situ, crecimiento bacteriano, microbiología, periodoncia, endodoncia. abstraCt Advances in basic science and applied technology to various fields of research, facilitate the microbiological characteristics of most oral diseases. That is why for some time until the present, methods such as microorganism culture, staining techniques and biochemical tests, became a great help to achieve that objective in seeking answers to the questions microbiological same as those circumstances where agencies present challenges to its isolation. This is where the identification can be made from molecular techniques such as the polymerase chain reaction of (PCR), in situ hybridization, sequencing, polymorphism analysis of restriction fragment (RFLP) between different methods with which they are at present. Adequate and accurate identification of the specific organism in the pathology allows designing better treatment strategies that lead to the cure of patients and implementation of optimal prevention programs, avoiding the recurrence of clinical pathology in modern dentistry.

Research paper thumbnail of Expresión génica de individuos expuestos a solventes orgánicos en Sucre - Colombia

Research paper thumbnail of Conocimientos, actitudes y prácticas sobre citología cervicouterina en mujeres de Sicelejo y Cartagena, Colombia

Revista Ciencias Biomedicas, Jan 11, 2011

Research paper thumbnail of Organochlorine pesticides and parasites in Mugil incilis collected in Cartagena Bay, Colombia

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2015

Nematode parasites of the Anisakides family are often found in people living in countries where f... more Nematode parasites of the Anisakides family are often found in people living in countries where fish is consumed raw or partially cooked. This research shows the histological changes in the liver and spleen of Mugil incilis, collected in Cartagena Bay. These changes are associated with pollution by organochlorine pesticides and their possible influence on the parasite. Organochlorine compounds were extracted using the headspace-solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) technique. Residual amounts in the muscle of M. incilis such as β-HCH, γ-HCH, heptachlor, aldrin, endosulfan, 4,4&amp;amp;#39;-DDE, and dieldrin, among others, were identified by gas chromatography connected to an electron capture detector, indicating that the fauna of Cartagena Bay are exposed to these pollutants. Histological analysis was carried out on liver and spleen samples of M. incilis which were fixed, processed, and embedded in paraffin. The presence of melano-macrophages, granulomes, and trematodes in the liver was the most important changes observed. Larval prevalence for the Anisakis spp. was determined to be 1.6%; for Pseudoterranova spp., 25.3%, and for Contracaecum spp., 57.8%. Other parasites such as acanthocephalans were also reported for a total of 15.3%. Nevertheless, no significant correlation between parasites and organochlorines was found. This study is the first to correlate the presence of organochlorine compounds and histological damage in the liver and spleen of M. incilis, with the presence of parasites in fish from Cartagena Bay (Colombia).

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum sp. infection in Hoplias malabaricus (moncholo) from rivers and marshes of Colombia

Veterinary parasitology, Jan 31, 2006

Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers ... more Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers and a marsh belonging to the North Coast Basin of Colombia, and from the Amazon River, during February 2003-December 2004. Preliminary morphological analysis of nematodes indicated the presence of Contracaecum sp. Parasites were mostly found in the intestinal mesenteries and a very low percentage in muscle. Parasite prevalence in all sampling locations at the north of Colombia was 100%, whereas in the Amazon River it was 6.12%. The mean intensity in the different stations were as follows: Magdalena River at the City of Magangué (58.92+/-7.59), Magdalena river at the city of Zambrano (128.9+/-7.08), Sinú River (53.88+/-4.92), Dique Channel (207.3+/-59.52), Cauca River (77.26+/-9.35), Atrato River (21.11+/-2.6), San Jorge River (39.5+/-7.13), and Totumo Marsh (62.5+/-6.38). In average, all specimens of Hoplias malabaricus from the north coast basin of Colombia were infected with a mean int...

Research paper thumbnail of Diagnóstico microbiológico compatible con Anaplasma sp. en un paciente con síndrome febril

Revista Argentina de Microbiología, 2015

Research paper thumbnail of Enfoque hacia la dinámica de la biopelícula oral para el control de enfermedades bucales prevalentes

Revista Clínica de Medicina de Familia, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Aspectos epidemiológicos de la diabetes mellitus y su relación con los contaminantes ambientales

Revista chilena de nutrición, 2014

Research paper thumbnail of Caracterización genética por reacción en cadena de la polimerasa de Giardia intestinalis en muestras de humanos y perros del Caribe colombiano

Enfermedades Infecciosas y Microbiología Clínica, 2014

Giardia intestinalis (G. Intestinalis) is a protozoan that causes diarrheal disease and malabsorp... more Giardia intestinalis (G. Intestinalis) is a protozoan that causes diarrheal disease and malabsorption syndrome in humans and other mammals. It presents a high genetic diversity evidenced in the recognition of 7 genotypes (A-G). Genotypes A and B are commonly associated to humans and domestic animals such as dogs. The aim of this study was to conduct a preliminary genetic characterization of G. intestinalis in humans and dogs from two cities on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Sampling areas were selected according to the highest numbers of acute diarrheal disease. Stool samples were collected from children under 7 years old, with positive medical tests for G. intestinalis. Cysts were purified by sucrose gradient and DNA samples were isolated by extraction with organic solvents. Molecular characterization was performed by amplifying the gene triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) by using a semi-nested PCR. A total of 202 samples of DNA were obtained; of these, 111 were positive in coproparasitological analysis (13 dogs and 98 children). Genotype distribution in positive samples was: 5.1% belonged to genotype A and 92.3% to genotype B. Genotype B was present in humans and animals. The most common genotype in both human and animal samples was genotype B, suggesting a zoonotic transmission cycle.

Research paper thumbnail of Nematode infection in fish from Cartagena Bay, North of Colombia

Veterinary Parasitology, 2011

Parasitic nematode infection indices were recorded in different fish species collected at Cartage... more Parasitic nematode infection indices were recorded in different fish species collected at Cartagena Bay, North of Colombia. Among 19 studied species, the Mugil genus presented the highest prevalence (83.9-100%), although Sciades herzbergii, Caranx hippos and Centropomus undecimalis were also found infected with nematodes. Parasites were found in the liver, intestinal mesenteries and encysted near the intervertebral joints, with an average parasite abundance of 4.0 ± 0.3 nematodes per fish. Morphological analysis allowed the identification of these nematodes as Contracaecum sp. A small, but positive correlation was found between parasite abundance and length (R=0.294, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001) and weight (R=0.244, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001). In contrast, the correlation between parasite abundance and condition factor was negative (R=-0.191, P&amp;amp;lt;0.001). These results are the first describing the presence of nematodes in several fish species of this ecosystem, and it highlights the need for monitoring parasitism in Mugil species in order to avoid parasite ingestion during fish consumption.

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum sp. infection in Hoplias malabaricus (moncholo) from rivers and marshes of Colombia

Veterinary Parasitology, 2006

Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers ... more Nematode infection indices were recorded in Hoplias malabaricus captured in six different rivers and a marsh belonging to the North Coast Basin of Colombia, and from the Amazon River, during February 2003-December 2004. Preliminary morphological analysis of nematodes indicated the presence of Contracaecum sp. Parasites were mostly found in the intestinal mesenteries and a very low percentage in muscle. Parasite prevalence in all sampling locations at the north of Colombia was 100%, whereas in the Amazon River it was 6.12%. The mean intensity in the different stations were as follows: Magdalena River at the City of Magangué (58.92 AE 7.59), Magdalena river at the city of Zambrano (128.9 AE 7.08), Sinú River (53.88 AE 4.92), Dique Channel (207.3 AE 59.52), Cauca River (77.26 AE 9.35), Atrato River (21.11 AE 2.6), San Jorge River (39.5 AE 7.13), and Totumo Marsh (62.5 AE 6.38). In average, all specimens of Hoplias malabaricus from the north coast basin of Colombia were infected with a mean intensity of 77.82 AE 4.81 (1-466 parasites per host) whereas in fish from the Amazon River this value was significantly lower (intensity 1.0 AE 0.0). Size and weight correlated significantly with parasite intensity in fish collected from sampling locations at the north of Colombia (R = 0.240, P < 0.001 and R = 0.199, P = 0.008, respectively). Moreover, a significant, but low and negative correlation was found between condition factor and parasite intensity (R = À0.159, P = 0.034), suggesting a possible impact of parasites on fish health. These results suggest, for the first time, that the parasitism in Moncholo is a widespread phenomenon in Colombian rivers and could represent a risk factor for human consumers. # 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.

Research paper thumbnail of Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in Colombia (Nematoda: Anisakidae): morphology, molecular evidence and its genetic relationship with congeners from fish-eating birds

Systematic Parasitology, 2007

Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in no... more Contracaecum bioccai n. sp. is described from the brown pelican Pelecanus occidentalis (L.) in northern Colombia (Totumo Marsh) based on 20 enzyme loci studied using multilocus allozyme electrophoresis. Moreover, genetic relationships between the new taxon and related congeners are presented based on allozyme data-sets and sequence analyses (519 bp) of the mtDNA-cox2 gene. Fixed allele differences were found at some of the allozyme loci analysed in comparison with other Contracaecum spp. from pelicans and cormorants [i.e. the sibling species of the C. rudolphii Hartwich, 1964 complex, C. septentrionale Kreis, 1955, C. micropa-pillatum (Stossich, 1890), C. microcephalum (Rudolphi, 1809) and C. pelagicum . The genetic distance, at the allozyme level, between C. bioccai n. sp. and its congeners ranged from D Nei = 0.80 versus C. septentrionale to D Nei = 1.40 versus C. micropapillatum. The genetic distance at the mtDNA cox-2 level ranged, on average, from K-2P = 0.12 versus the C. rudolphii species complex to K-2P = 0.15 versus C. micropapillatum. An overall concordant tree topology, obtained from UPGMA and NJ tree analyses inferred from allozyme data, as well as from MP, UPGMA and NJ inferred from mtDNA-cox2 sequence analysis, showed C. bioccai n. sp. as a separated lineage to the other Contracaecum spp. A concordant result was also obtained by PCA analysis based on both the allozyme and mtDNA cox-2 data-sets. All of the tree topologies, derived from the phylogenetic analysis inferred from both allozymes and mtDNA data-sets, were in substantial agreement and depicted C. bioccai as closely related to the sibling species of the C. rudolphii complex (C. rudolphii A and C. rudolphii B) and C. septentrionale. Morphological analysis and a differential diagnosis based on male specimens of C. bioccai, which had been genetically characterised by both allozyme markers and mtDNA sequences analysis with respect to morphologically related congeners, enabled the detection of differences in a numbers of characters, including spicule length, the morphology of the distal end of the spicule and the distribution patterns of the distal caudal papillae.

Research paper thumbnail of Nematode Infection in Mugil Incilis (Lisa) from Cartagena Bay and Totumo Marsh, North of Colombia

Journal of Parasitology, 2005

Nematode infection indices were recorded in Lisa, Mugil incilis, from Cartagena Bay and Totumo Ma... more Nematode infection indices were recorded in Lisa, Mugil incilis, from Cartagena Bay and Totumo Marsh, north of Colombia, during an 8-mo period (February to September 2002). Parasite prevalence (74.67% vs. 53.48%), intensity (9.73 +/- 2.98 vs. 2.73 +/- 1.07), and abundance (7.49 +/- 2.21 vs. 2.04 +/- 1.17) were significantly greater in Cartagena Bay, an estuary polluted by domestic sewage and industrial discharge, compared with those of Totumo Marsh, a body of water with low levels of contamination. Parasites were found below the spine, within the liver and the intestinal mesenteries, and a small percentage in muscle. Morphological analysis of nematodes indicated the presence of the third larval stage of several species belonging to the Anisakidae. Size correlated moderately and significantly with parasite intensity in fish collected from Totumo Marsh (R = 0.336; P &amp;amp;amp;amp;lt; 0.001); in Cartagena Bay the correlation was also significant, but low and negative (R = -0.212; P = 0.003), clearly showing differences in host-parasite ecology. Fish health status, as represented by condition factor and hepatosomatic index, did not show any correlation with the parasite prevalence in fishes collected in either sampling areas. These results suggest, for the first time, that the consumption of Lisa from the Atlantic coast of Colombia could represent a risk for human infection.