RESUMO
In 2009 CaribVET conducted a survey among Caribbean national Veterinary Services to assess perceptions of risk assessment and to identify the principal exotic diseases of concern in the region and their means of introduction. The results showed that the introduction of live animals was considered the most likely route of introduction of exotic animal pathogens, followed by the uncontrolled introduction of animal products by boat passengers. The results were used to define a regional strategy for assessing animal health risks that highlights the importance of within-region exchanges.
Assuntos
Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/métodos , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/veterinária , Doenças Transmissíveis/veterinária , Doenças Endêmicas/veterinária , Animais , Região do Caribe/epidemiologia , Controle de Doenças Transmissíveis/estatística & dados numéricos , Doenças Transmissíveis/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/epidemiologia , Doenças Transmissíveis Emergentes/prevenção & controle , Doenças Endêmicas/prevenção & controle , Doenças Endêmicas/estatística & dados numéricos , Medição de Risco , Fatores de Risco , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
The objective was to determine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MS) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in Argentina, to assess the factors associated to it, and to compare the results with a control group with non-inflammatory disorders. The study included 147 patients with SLE and 119 controls. MS was defined according to criteria by the American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI) Scientific Statement. Demographic characteristics, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/ACR Damage Index (SDI) were assessed as well as administration, maximum dose and cumulative dose of prednisone and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ). MS prevalence was 28.6% (CI 95%: 21.4-36.6) in patients with SLE and 16% in controls (P = 0.0019). Patients with SLE presented higher arterial hypertension frequency compared with controls (43 vs 25%, P = 0.007). When comparing lupus patients with MS (n = 41) and without MS (n = 106), no significant differences were observed regarding duration of the disease, SLEDAI or cumulative prednisone dose. Cumulative damage was associated independently with MS (OR 1.98; P = 0.021), whereas HCQ use was found to be protective (OR 0.13; P = 0.015). Patients with lupus presented higher MS prevalence than controls with non-inflammatory disorders, and occurrence of arterial hypertension was also higher. MS was associated with cumulative damage; the use of HCQ showed to be protective against presence of MS.
Assuntos
Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico/fisiopatologia , Síndrome Metabólica/epidemiologia , Adulto , Argentina/epidemiologia , Estudos Transversais , Feminino , Humanos , Síndrome Metabólica/fisiopatologia , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Análise de RegressãoRESUMO
This report describes the coexistence of three patients with rheumatic diseases (systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and dermatomyositis) and infections because of Histoplasma capsulatum. Connective tissue diseases and histoplasmosis share several clinical findings. Therefore, histoplasmosis could be misdiagnosed as connective tissue disease or a flare of these diseases. Such cases highlight the importance of awareness of histoplasmosis in immunocompromised patients, particularly in those originating from endemic areas.
Assuntos
Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo/complicações , Doenças do Tecido Conjuntivo/diagnóstico , Histoplasmose/complicações , Histoplasmose/diagnóstico , Adulto , Doenças Autoimunes/tratamento farmacológico , Terapia Biológica , Feminino , Histoplasma/metabolismo , Humanos , Imunossupressores/uso terapêutico , Pessoa de Meia-Idade , Paniculite/metabolismo , Doenças Reumáticas/metabolismo , RiscoRESUMO
International trade in agricultural goods is governed by the Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (the 'SPS Agreement') of the World Trade Organization. Small economies, such as the economy of Belize, must have the necessary infrastructure in place to meet their obligations and exercise their rights under the SPS Agreement. In response to the shortcomings of a small economy, the Belize Government has established the Belize Agricultural Health Authority (BAHA) as its organisational model, to meet the challenges of providing Veterinary Services in this new millennium, as well as the demands of the international trade in animals and plants and their products. This model became operational in the year 2000 and has received national and international recognition as an appropriate model for small economies. The success of BAHA is due to strong political support and its dual public and private sector characteristics.