[Colombia: basic research and the human health resources development process].
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Colombia↗
Biomedical subjects
L Caraballo
Publications and source records attributed to L Caraballo.
Sequential determinations of Dermatophagoides spp. allergens in a tropical city.
The purpose of this study was to establish seasonal levels of Der p 1, Der f 1 and D. pteronyssinus allergens in mattress and floor dust samples in the homes of 20 mite-allergic asthmatic patients in Cartagena, Colombia. Dust samples were collected using a portable vacuum cleaner once monthly for the same 12 months in all houses. The highest Der p 1 levels in mattress samples were detected in August (geometric mean = 109.49 ng/g) and represented a 2.2-times increase from the lowest level observed in November. Der f 1 was detected in only 3 mattresses, ranging from 90 ng to 1.6 micrograms per gram of dust. The highest levels were detected in February and March. The highest level of D. pteronyssinus allergens in mattress dust samples, quantitated by RAST-inhibition, was 8, 994 AU/g (80% inhibition); the lowest level detected was 150 AU/g (5% inhibition). Allergen levels were significantly higher in mattresses than in floor samples (p < 0.001). Overall, a Spearman rank correlation coefficient of 0.48, p < 0.001, was obtained between Der p 1 and D. pteronyssinus allergens. There was a good correlation between mite allergens and absolute humidity (r = 0.8, p = 0.007). Der p 1, Der f 1 and D. pteronyssinus allergen levels show minimal variations in this tropical environment. Allergens derived from various mite species must be considered when assessing mite allergen exposure in these environments.
Allergens↗
Asthma mortality in Latin America.
There are not enough data concerning asthma mortality in Latin America. The Latin American Society of Allergy and Immunology coordinated this project to provide reliable data for gaining knowledge about our present situation, which is a condition indispensable to changing it. The following countries participated in this study: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Mexico, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. A uniform protocol was designed in Santa Fe, Argentina. Asthma mortality rates were analyzed in accordance with two variables: age-adjusted rates (5-34) and total death rates. The total population studied was 107, 122, 529 inhabitants. The highest death rates were found in Uruguay and Mexico (5.63), and the lowest in Paraguay (0.8) and Colombia (1.35). Age-adjusted (5-34) rates were higher in Costa Rica (1.38) and lower in Chile (0.28). Regarding sex, the analysis of the information provided by seven countries showed a predominance of females (51.8%) over males (48.18%). In the southern Latin American countries such as Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Argentina, which have marked climatic differences, deaths occurred mainly in the winter. It is important to emphasize that, in most countries, deaths from asthma occurred at home: Chile (60.7%), Argentina (63.4%) and Paraguay (88%). However, in Uruguay, 58.6% occurred during hospitalization. Mortality rates from bronchial asthma are high in most of the Latin American countries studied, even though further studies are needed. Asthma is a serious global health problem. People of all ages in countries throughout the world are affected by this chronic airway disorder that can be severe and sometimes fatal. The health ministries of each country do not believe asthma is a significant issue. Therefore, we should provide them with sound epidemiological studies to convince them to change their attitude toward this disease.
Adolescent↗
Sensitization to mite allergens and acute asthma in a tropical environment.
The objective of this study was to determine whether sensitization to certain aeroallergens is associated with acute asthma in Cartagena, Colombia. Ninety-nine subjects with acute asthma and 100 controls evaluated for other reasons were studied at a local emergency room. Sensitization was established by specific IgE determinations. Statistically significant differences between asthmatic subjects and controls were found in the prevalence of specific IgE to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, 64.6% vs. 28% (p = 0.0001); to Dermatophagoides farinae, 74.7% vs. 40% (p = 0.0001); to Euroglyphus maynei, 68.7% vs. 22% (p = 0.0001); and to Blomia tropicalis, 54.5% vs. 17% (p = 0.0001). The odds ratios were 4.9; 4.4; 7.7 and 5.8, respectively. In contrast, there was no significant difference between subjects with asthma and controls in the prevalence of specific IgE to Alternaria tenuis: 4% vs. 1% (p = 0.35); to Paspalum notatum (Bahia grass): 28% vs. 19% (p = 0.16); to Periplaneta americana (American cockroach): 21% vs. 19% (p = 0.83); to Ambrosia artemisifolia (short ragweed): 12% vs. 23% (p = 0.11); and to cat epithelium: 5% vs. 1% (p = 0.17). The results suggest that sensitization to domestic mites in subjects who reside in this tropical city is associated with acute asthma that requires emergency room treatment.
Acute Disease↗