Effect of Baseline HIV Disease Parameters on CD4+ T Cell Recovery After Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in Kenyan Women

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV infection reconstitutes the immune system and improves survival. However, the rate and extent of CD4+ T cell recovery varies widely. We assessed the impact of several factors on immune reconstitution in a large Kenyan cohort.HIV-infected female sex workers from a longitudinal cohort, with at least 1 year of pre-ART and 6 months of post-ART follow-up (n = 79), were enrolled in the current study. The median pre-ART follow-up was 4,040 days. CD4 counts were measured biannually and viral loads where available. The median CD4 count at ART initiation was 180 cells/ul, which increased to 339 cells/ul at the most recent study visit. The rate of CD4+ T cell increase on ART was 7.91 cells/month (mean = 13, range -25.92 to 169.4). LTNP status prior to ART initiation did not associate with the rate of CD4 recovery on ART. In univariate analyses, associations were observed for CD4 recovery rate and duration of pre-ART immunosuppression (r = -0.326, p = 0.004) and CD4 nadir (r = 0.284, p = 0.012). In multivariate analysis including age, CD4 nadir, duration of HIV infection, duration of pre-ART immunosuppression, and baseline viral load, only CD4 nadir (p = 0.007) and not duration of immunosuppression (p = 0.87) remained significantly associated with the rate of CD4 recovery.These data suggest that prior duration of immune suppression does not predict subsequent recovery once ART is initiated and confirm the previous observation that the degree of CD4 depletion prior to ART initiation is the most important determinant of subsequent immune reconstitution

Aborto por Leptospira en una yegua en Salta, Argentina

La leptospirosis en equinos es generalmente asintomática, aunque existen regiones donde la enfermedad constituye un problema. Aquí se describe un caso de aborto en yegua debido a la infección por este agente. Se efectuó la necropsia completa de un feto a término donde se colectaron muestras para inmunofluorescencia directa (IFD), histopatología y microbiología. Además, se efectuó un estudio serológico de la tropilla y se evaluó seroconversión en la yegua abortada. El feto evidenció hepatomegalia, esplenomegalia e ictericia. Microscópicamente se apreció hepatitis mononuclear con disociación de los hepatocitos, esplenitis aguda y glomérulo-nefritis. Aunque el microrganismo no pudo ser aislado, la enfermedad se confirmó por la seroconversión observada en la yegua abortada, y debido a la identificación del agente mediante IFD en la impronta renal. Este caso demuestra la presencia del agente localmente y evidencia que la enfermedad puede ser un problema para la producción ecuestre. SUMMARY. Abortion caused by Leptospira in a mare from Salta Province, Argentina. Leptospirosis in horses is usually asymptomatic, although there are regions where the disease is a problem. Here, a case of abortion caused by the agent in a mare is described. Full autopsy of a fetus at term was performed; samples for direct immunofluorescence (DIF), histopathology and microbiology were collected. Additionally, a serological study of the herd was conducted, as well as seroconversion in the aborted mare. The fetus evidenced hepatomegaly, splenomegaly and jaundice. Microscopically, mononuclear hepatitis with hepatocyte dissociation, acute splenitis and glomerulonephritis, were appreciated. Although the microorganism couldn’t be quite properly, the disease was confirmed by the seroconversion present in the aborted mare. Another factor was the identification of the agent through the renal imprint DIF. This case demonstrates the presence of the agent mentioned locally, and evidences that the disease can represent a problem to the equestrian industry

Brotes de babesiosis y anaplasmosis bovina diagnosticados en el INTA Salta, Argentina: período 2006-2016

Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo de brotes de babesiosis y anaplasmosis (tristeza parasitaria bovina, TPB) ocurridos entre 2006 y 2016 en el Noroeste argentino (NOA) para evaluar algunos aspectos epidemiológicos y clínicos de estas enfermedades. De 4.398 muestras para diagnóstico, 238 (5,4%) tuvieron sospechas de TPB, las cuales se confirmaron en 106 (44,3%) casos por observación microscópica de los agentes causales. Cuarenta y siete (44,3%) brotes se debieron a Anaplasma marginale, 40 (37,7%) a Babesia bovis y 14 (13,2%) a Babesia bigemina. En cinco (4,7%) focos de babesiosis no se determinó la especie causal de Babesia. Los brotes se diagnosticaron en 62 establecimientos ganaderos de cuatro provincias (Salta, Jujuy, Santiago del Estero y Chaco). La mayoría ocurrieron en verano y otoño, con máxima incidencia en abril y nula en setiembre para ambas noxas. Las vacas adultas fueron la categoría de ganado más afectada. En 58% (61/106) de los brotes murió al menos un bovino, con un número promedio de cuatro muertes por brote. Se concluye que la TPB continúa incidiendo negativamente en la producción bovina del NOA. SUMMARY. Bovine babesiosis and anaplasmosis outbreaks diagnosed at INTA Salta, Argentina: 2006-2016. A retrospective study of babesiosis and anaplasmosis outbreaks (tick fever, TF) was made, which occurred from 2006 to 2016 in Northwest Argentina (NWA), to evaluate clinical and epidemiological aspects of these diseases. From 4,398 specimens, 238 (5.4%) were associated with suspicions of TF and 106 of these cases (44.3%) were confirmed as TF outbreaks by microscopic observation of causal agents. Forty seven (44.3%) were due to Anaplasma marginale, 40 (37.7%) to Babesia bovis and 14 (13.2%) to Babesia bigemina. In five (4.7%) outbreaks of babesiosis, Babesia species were not determined. Outbreaks were diagnosed at 62 different cattle ranches in four provinces (Salta, Jujuy, Santiago del Estero and Chaco). The outbreaks occurred mostly during summer and autumn with a peak of incidence in April and null incidence in September for both diseases. Adult cows were the most affected cattle category. At least one death was recorded in 58% (61/106) of the outbreaks and the average number of deaths was determined as four by outbreak. We conclude that TF maintain its negative historical impact on cattle production of NWA

Caracterización de la enfermedad de la artritis y encefalitis caprina en las provincias de Salta y Jujuy

La artritis y encefalitis Caprina (CAEV) puede presentar diferentes síntomas clínicos, siendo la artritis la más común. A fin de caracterizar la presencia de enfermedades en las majadas caprinas del noroeste argentino, se llevó a cabo una encuesta sanitaria a productores, con toma de muestras biológicas para el diagnóstico de enfermedades en la que fue incluida CAEV. Se efectuó un análisis serológico con un ELISA indirecto y se completó con un examen clínico general de los animales y toma de muestra de necropsia de algunos de los casos. En la Provincia de Salta, tres establecimientos fueron positivos, con un 6,25% de prevalencia. La seroprevalencia del hato con seguimiento de caso fue del 55% mientras que el 48% presentó signos clínicos donde la artritis de la articulación carpal fue la más frecuentemente afectada. El virus CAEV está distribuido en la provincia de Salta y la severidad de las lesiones observadas sugiere la presencia de nuevas cepas que deben ser investigadas conjuntamente al desarrollo de capacidades locales para el diagnóstico, clave de cualquier plan de erradicación. SUMMARY. Characterization of caprine arthritis-encephalitis disease in Salta and Jujuy provinces. Caprine arthritis and encephalitis virus (CAEV) may present different clinical symptoms, with arthritis being the most common. In order to characterize the presence of diseases in goats from the Argentinean northwest, a sanitary survey was carried out to producers, with biological sampling for the diagnosis of diseases in which CAEV was included. A serological analysis was performed with an indirect ELISA and was completed with a general clinical examination of the animals and a necropsy sample collection of some of the cases. In the Province of Salta, three establishments were positive, with a prevalence of 6.25%. The serum prevalence of the herd with case follow-up was 55%, while 48% presented clinical signs where arthritis of the carpal joint was most frequently affected. The CAEV virus is spread in the province of Salta and the severity of the observed lesions suggests the presence of new strains that should be investigated in combination with the development of local capacities for diagnosis, this is the key to any eradication plan

Niveles séricos de minerales en hembras de cría bovina en un establecimiento de la región de selva y pastizal pedemontano del norte de Salta

Las deficiencias minerales son un problema de gran impacto productivo a nivel mundial. En el Noroeste argentino (NOA) la cría extensiva es una de las actividades económicas más importantes y está en franco crecimiento. En el NOA, los estudios sobre enfermedades carenciales son escasos y parciales. El presente trabajo tiene por objeto describir variaciones estacionales de los niveles séricos de calcio, fósforo, magnesio, cobre y zinc en vacas de cría y terneras de recría. En un establecimiento ganadero se seleccionaron 20 vacas y 20 terneras que fueron mantenidos en condiciones de pastoreo y sin suplementación externa. Se efectuaron muestreos de sangre a intervalos de 3 meses durante un año. Se determinaron niveles séricos de calcio, magnesio, cobre y zinc por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y de fósforo por espectrofotometría uv-visible. Los resultados indican la existencia de hipocupremia moderada a leve en las terneras (48,6±11μg/dL) durante todos los períodos muestreados. Las vacas presentaron valores promedio normales (66±3,5 μg/dL) pero cercanos al límite inferior durante algunos muestreos. Se observaron niveles subnormales de fósforo durante el verano (diciembre y marzo) en ambas categorías. Este trabajo sugiere que el cobre y el fósforo pueden comportarse como factores limitantes en las condiciones evaluadas. SUMMARY. Serum levels of minerals in beef heifers and cows in the cloudforest of Salta, Argentina. Mineral deficiencies are a problem of great productive impact worldwide. In the Argentine Northwest (NOA) extensive breeding is one of the most important economic activities and it is in frank growth. In the NOA, studies on deficiency diseases are scarce and partial. The present work aims to describe seasonal variations of serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper and zinc in beef cows and rearing calves. In a farm, 20 cows and 20 weaned heifer calves were selected, which were maintained under grazing conditions and without external supplementation. Blood samples were taken at intervals of 3 months for one year. Serum levels of calcium, magnesium, copper and zinc were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and phosphorus by UV-visible spectrophotometry. The results indicate the existence of moderated hypocupremia in the calves (48.6 ± 11μg / dl) during all sampled periods. Cows presented normal values (66 ± 3.5 μg / dl) but close to the lower limit during some sampling. Subnormal levels of phosphorus were observed during the summer (December and March) in both categories. This work confirms that copper and phosphorus can behave as limiting factors in the evaluated conditions

Climatic constraints for the maize-soybean system in the humid subtropical region of Argentina

The implementation of two summer crops in the same growing season is a possible alternative for land intensification in areas with a long frost-free period. The aim of this study was to analyse the strategy of land intensification through the implementation of the maize-soybean succession at two locations (Reconquista, 29°09′S 59°40′W and Las Breñas, 27°05′S 61°5′W) of the humid subtropical region of Argentina. CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Soybean models were used to evaluate the impact of inter-annual variability of climate (36 years) of both locations on rain-fed grain yields of the following productive alternatives: (i) monoculture of maize, (ii) monoculture of soybean and (iii) the succession of a short-cycle maize followed by soybean as the second summer crop (maize-soybean system). The maize-soybean system was evaluated by the method of land equivalent ratio (LER), based on the sum of the relative grain yields of its components. The impact of the inter-annual variability of climate and of “El Niño” or “La Niña” episodes (El Niño Southern Oscillation phenomenon (ENSO)) on LER values was analysed. Simulated yields of maize monoculture (5687 kg ha−1; CV = 49.7% and 5637 kg ha−1; CV = 57.6% at Reconquista and Las Breñas, respectively) were higher than those of the short-cycle maize, especially at Las Breñas (5448 kg ha−1; CV = 49.3% and 2322 kg ha−1; CV = 33.9% at Reconquista and Las Breñas, respectively). Simulated yields of the soybean monoculture were higher (3588 kg ha−1; CV = 26.1% and 2883 kg ha−1; CV = 20.7% at Reconquista and Las Breñas, respectively) that those of the soybean as the second crop (2634 kg ha−1; CV = 38.1% and 2456 kg ha−1; CV = 32.9% at Reconquista and Las Breñas, respectively) at both locations. Average LERs were 1.69 (CV = 11.4%) at Reconquista and 1.41 (CV = 26.1%) at Las Breñas, and the inter-annual variability of LER was mainly determined by grain yields of (i) soybean as the second crop at Reconquista and (ii) maize monoculture at Las Breñas. Soil water content after maize harvest and rainfalls during reproductive period of soybean as the second crop conditioned LER values, but they were generally greater than 1. At Reconquista, LER values were not affected by the different episodes of ENSO phenomenon. By contrast, at Las Breñas, LER values were higher during La Niña episodes (1.48; CV = 26.6%) than during El Niño episodes (1.32; CV = 23.7%) mainly by their effects on grain yields of maize monoculture. Therefore, crop simulation models demonstrate the possibility to intensify land use (40–70%) at two locations of the humid subtropical region of Argentina, by the implementation of the maize-soybean system.Fil: Giménez, Víctor David. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Producción Vegetal. Cátedra de Cerealicultura; ArgentinaFil: Micheloud, José Roberto. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Producción Vegetal. Cátedra de Cerealicultura; ArgentinaFil: Maddonni, Gustavo Angel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Instituto de Investigaciones Fisiológicas y Ecológicas Vinculadas a la Agricultura. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía; Argentina. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Agronomía. Departamento de Producción Vegetal. Cátedra de Cerealicultura; Argentin