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Biomedical subjects

M T Garea

Publications and source records attributed to M T Garea.

6 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Toxocara infection seroprevalence and its relationship with atopic features in a general adult population.

BACKGROUND: The relationship of helminth infection with atopy is controversial. Toxocariasis is the most common helminth infection in industrialized countries. The study aimed to investigate the association between Toxocara exposure and atopic features. METHODS: The study is based on a cross-sectional survey of 463 subjects, randomly selected (stratified by decades of age) from a general adult population. Toxocara exposure was defined by the presence of serum Toxocara antibodies. Main outcome measures included total serum IgE levels, skin prick tests (SPT) to a panel of 13 relevant aeroallergens, specific IgE to aeroallergens (Phadiatop test), and respiratory symptoms evaluated by means of a questionnaire. RESULTS: A total of 134 subjects (weighted proportion 28.6%, 95% CI 26.5-30.7%) showed Toxocara exposure. Pet ownership, rural habitat, farming, and low educational level were associated with Toxocara exposure. Toxocara exposure was associated with both positive SPT (particularly to mites) and positive specific IgE (Phadiatop test) after adjusting for potential confounders. The effect of Toxocara exposure on total serum IgE levels and blood eosinophil count was different in SPT-positive subjects and SPT-negative individuals. In SPT-negative individuals, Toxocara exposure was associated with an increase in both serum IgE levels and eosinophil counts, whereas an opposite trend was observed in SPT-positive individuals. Toxocara exposure was not associated with respiratory symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: In this adult population, Toxocara exposure is associated with allergic sensitization, particularly to mites. There is evidence of an intriguing interaction between Toxocara exposure and allergic sensitization for both total serum IgE levels and blood eosinophil counts.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[Assessment of 4 commercial immunoenzymatic assays for the serologic diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection].

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate four commercial tests for the serologic diagnosis of infection by Helicobacter pylori based on the detection of IgG class antibodies versus this microorganism. METHODS: Four commercial kits were analyzed based on the ELISA method in serum samples of 48 patients admitted for digestive endoscopy. The data of the serologic tests were compared with those provided by the culture, the histologic observation and the urease test of gastric biopsy specimens. The calculation of seroprevalence of anti-H. pylori antibodies in serum of 60 asymptomatic subjects was carried out. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of infection by H. pylori in an asymptomatic population of between 18 to 78 years of age was 58.33%. A sensitivity of 94.3% and a specificity of 88.9% were observed with the Pyloriset EIA-G test. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 92.2% and the negative predictive value (NPV) 91.5%. With the Chemifarma commercial kit the sensitivity was 78.8% and the specificity 100% with a PPV of 100% and NPV of 76.7%. Plate showed a sensitivity of 85.3% and a specificity of 87.5% with a PPV of 90% and a NPV of 80.76%. Milenia had a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 66.7% and a PPV of 77% and a NPV of 70.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The usefulness of the serologic tests for the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection is herein confirmed with the test evaluated showing a high sensitivity and specificity as well as high predictive values.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1992

Comparison of a new commercial enzyme immunoassay for rapid detection of respiratory syncytial virus.

Two rapid methods for detection of respiratory syncytial virus in respiratory specimens were compared: direct immunofluorescence assay (DFA) with monoclonal antibody and an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) (Test-Pack RSV). Ninety-five nasopharyngeal washings and aspirates from 51 children were examined; the patients were hospitalized during a winter outbreak of RSV infection in the first trimester of 1990. A total of 41.0% and 56.8% of these samples were positive by EIA and DFA respectively. Considering only the 51 specimens collected at the onset of illness, EIA detected 72.5% positive samples and DFA detected 78.4%. In comparison with DFA, EIA was 92.5% sensitive and 100% specific for the acute phase of illness. When all the samples were taken into account, specificity was maintained but sensitivity fell to 72.2%. The results show that both methods are useful during the acute phase of the illness, when the viral load is important. However, later on in the course of the infection DFA appears to be more sensitive than EIA.

Female↗
PubMed1991

[Resistance of Streptococcus pneumoniae in Galicia].

We studied the antibiotic sensitivity of 130 Streptococcus pneumonia strains isolated from respiratory samples (96 cases), blood (13 cases), CSF (6 cases), ocular secretions (5 cases) and other origins (10 cases). High-level penicillin-resistance was found in 13.08% of strains, and intermediate-level penicillin resistance was also found in 22.3% of strains. A multiple-antibiotic resistance pattern was shown by 80.44% of all penicillin-resistant strains. Resistance rates found against antibiotics were as follows: tetracycline, 41.53%; chloramphenicol 17.69%; cotrimoxazole, 16.92% and erythromycin 6.92%. All isolated strains were sensitive to rifampin and vancomycin.

Drug Resistance, Microbial↗