Piscirickettsia salmonis is a pathogenic bacterial agent causing septicaemic disease in salmon. Since its isolation in Chile in 1989, P. salmonis has continually produced high mortality rates in salmon farms. Little information exists regarding the mechanisms of vertical transmission of this pathogen. Experimental vertical transmission was established in the present study by inoculation of male and female rainbow trout broodstock with P. salmonis. The bacterium was subsequently detected using indirect immunofluorescence in milt and coelomic fluid of the majority of inoculated broodstock (14/15). Bacteria were detected in the fry when 1 or both parents were inoculated, although none of the infected fry presented signs of the disease. P. salmonis was also detected in progeny obtained through fertilisation ova from non-inoculated females incubated in a medium containing a bacterial suspension, demonstrating transmission during the process of fertilisation. Ova infected in vitro were examined at sample periods from 30 s to 60 min using scanning electron microscopy. This demonstrated that the bacterium attaches to the ova by means of membrane extensions, structures which we have called 'piscirickettsial attachment complex' (PAC) and which would allow later penetration into the ovum.

Objectives To develop a simple DNA sequencing test for simultaneous identification and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) detection of multiple sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Methods Real-time PCR (qPCR) was initially performed to identify Neisseria gonorrhoeae (NG), Chlamydia trachomatis (CT), Mycoplasma genitalium (MG) and Trichomonas vaginalis (TV) infections among a total of 200 vulvo-vaginal swab samples from female sex workers in Ecuador. qPCR positive samples plus qPCR negative controls for these STIs were subjected to single gene targeted PCR MinION-nanopore sequencing using the smartphone operated MinIT. Results Among 200 vulvo-vaginal swab samples 43 were qPCR positive for at least one of the STIs. Single gene targeted nanopore sequencing generally yielded higher pathogen specific read counts in qPCR positive samples than qPCR negative controls. Of the 26 CT, NG or MG infections identified by qPCR, 25 were clearly distinguishable from qPCR negative controls by read count. Discrimination of TV qPCR positives from qPCR negative controls was poorer as many had low pathogen loads (qPCR cycle threshold >35) which produced few specific reads. Real-time AMR profiling revealed that 3/3 NG samples identified had gyrA mutations associated with fluoroquinolone resistance, 2/10 of TV had mutations related to metronidazole resistance, while none of the MG samples possessed 23S rRNA gene mutations contributing to macrolide resistance. Conclusions Single gene targeted nanopore sequencing for diagnosing and simultaneously identifying key antimicrobial resistance markers for four common genital STIs shows promise. Further work to optimise accuracy, reduce costs and improve speed may allow sustainable approaches for managing STIs and emerging AMR in resource poor and laboratory limited settings.

Of the 238 cases reported to the Ecuador Health Authorities in 2012 as severe dengue, only 53.3% met diagnostic criteria. The definition of severe dengue should be based on more precise criteria. Information about compliance with criteria should be fed back to local levels.

(OR adjusted : 1.79;.Conclusions: agreement between parents and their children demonstrated discordance, but did not influenced on excess weight.

<p><strong>Resumen </strong></p><p>Introducción: En el oficio de ser médico existen momentos de toma de decisiones en los que están presentes situaciones como: género, ciclo vital, capital económico.</p><p>Objetivo: Explorar las expectativas de residentes médicos para la toma de decisión del ámbito de trabajo.</p><p>Materiales y métodos: Estudio cualitativo, descriptivo, basado en enfoque fenomenológico. Se realizaron grupos focales con residentes de especialidades médicas, de universidades públicas y privadas de Quito. Las categorías analizadas fueron: expectativas para continuar con la construcción del oficio de médicos, expectativas para insertarse en un lugar de trabajo, expectativas para conciliar vida profesional y familiar.</p><p>Resultados: no se encontró diferencia en el discurso entre hombres y mujeres, ni entre universidad pública y privada, pero sí entre quienes tienen la obligación de devengar una beca y no son de la ciudad capital. Posgradista hombres y mujeres con beca hablan de regresar para establecerse en su lugar de origen, valoran ventajas de vivir en ciudades pequeñas, menos saturadas de especialistas, menor necesidad de contar con grandes capitales económicos, tienen esperanza de desarrollar mejor la profesión.</p><p>Conclusiones: Tanto hombres como mujeres tienen la expectativa de realizar una subespecialidad, es claro que solamente es posible si cuentan con capital económico. Para quienes cuenta con este capital la posibilidad de viajar y trabajar en otro país está presente, siempre y cuando no tengan responsabilidades familiares directas.</p>