Infectious diseases in Mexico. A survey from 1995-2000.
Data obtained at a central laboratory for emerging, re-emerging, and other infectious diseases in Mexico from 1995-2000 are presented. An outstanding increase of DEN-3 circulation was identified. Aedes aegypti, the dengue vector, is widely distributed. Leptospirosis has become the most important differential diagnosis for dengue. Identification of rabies virus variants allowed cataloging of new transmitters of rabies. Rotavirus showed a clear seasonal distribution, while different proportions of pathogenic classes of Escherichia coli under endemic and outbreak conditions were seen. Serotypes of several bacteria are reported as well as the sources of isolation and frequency of Shigella, Salmonella, and Vibrio cholerae. Rise and disappearance of cholera could be followed along the past decade. Influenza strains were identified, as were several pathogens causing sexually transmitted infections. Laboratory support was important for surveillance after Hurricane Mitch. Multidrug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis are emerging and primary resistance is very high. It is now mandatory to search for antibodies to Trypanosoma cruzi in blood banks. Triatoma barberi, a peridomestic bug, is the main vector of Chagas disease. Localized cutaneous leishmaniosis increased in regions having a guerrilla element in Chiapas. Modern immunodiagnostic techniques are used for control studies of cysticercosis and similar techniques were recently standardized for Trichinella spiralis detection. Low iodine values in children's urine were found in several Mexican states; therefore, use of iodized salt should be encouraged.
Flisser
Ana
A
Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico. flisser@servidor.unam.mx
Velasco-Villa
Andrés
A
Martínez-Campos
Carmen
C
González-Domínguez
Fernando
F
Briseño-García
Baltasar
B
García-Suárez
Rosario
R
Caballero-Servín
Angel
A
Hernández-Monroy
Irma
I
García-Lozano
Herlinda
H
Gutiérrez-Cogco
Lucina
L
Rodríguez-Angeles
Guadalupe
G
López-Martínez
Irma
I
Galindo-Virgen
Sonia
S
Vázquez-Campuzano
Roberto
R
Balandrano-Campos
Susana
S
Guzmán-Bracho
Carmen
C
Olivo-Díaz
Angélica
A
de la Rosa
Jorge
J
Magos
Clementina
C
Escobar-Gutiérrez
Alejandro
A
Correa
Dolores
D
D000818:Animals; D003141:Communicable Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004196:Disease Outbreaks; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008800:Mexico / Q000453:epidemiology; D011634:Public Health / Q000379:methods; D012698:Serologic Tests