Diseases In Mexico Research Articles

Multiple phytoplasmas associated with potato diseases in Mexico.

In recent years, the potato crop in Mexico has been notably affected by diseases recognized as potato purple top (PPT) in foliage and potato hair sprouts (PHS) in germinating tubers. In both cases, these syndromes reduce production by affecting viability of the tubers used as seeds. There is evidence indicating that phytoplasmas are associated with these syndromes. This study presents data on the molecular detection, characterization, and ecology of the pathogens related to PPT and PHS. Restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and sequence analysis indicated that PPT phytoplasma belongs to the 16SrI group and PHS phytoplasma fits in the 16SrII group. In this paper, we report that the two different phytoplasmas have been found coexisting in the same potato plant, which demonstrates the presence of mixed infection in the field. These phytoplasmas were also detected in weeds surrounding potato fields; therefore they should be considered as alternative hosts or natural reservoirs of PPT and PHS phytoplasmas.

Panorama of acute diarrhoeal diseases in Mexico

We examined the recent panorama of ADD related deaths in Mexico in an effort to assess the overall impact of control measures that may vary in space and time. We pay particular attention to mortality rates recorded between 1985–1995, that is, before and after the cholera emergency. The aim is to focus on the social groups at risk, using time series data represented in the form of images and produced by a geographic information system (GIS). We show the potential of such methods to define populations at risk and support the decision process.

5-02-08 Motor neuron diseases in Mexico an unusual early onset

5-02-08 Motor neuron diseases in Mexico an unusual early onset

Dietary studies in countries experiencing a health transition: Mexico and Central America

Several countries, including Mexico, are experiencing changes in health patterns that are characterized by an increase in the prevalence of chronic diseases and changes in the principal causes of death, coexisting with deficiencies in the intake of energy and micronutrients, particularly in children. Several factors may explain these changes, including dietary habits. To evaluate food consumption in a population undergoing a health transition, a food-frequency questionnaire was developed, validated, and used to study the dietary determinants of chronic diseases in Mexico. Nutrient deficiency and the relation between maternal child-feeding behaviors and dietary intake by the child were evaluated with use of 24-h recalls, food-frequency methods. and estimation of food intake by observation. The observation method was extremely useful for studies in rural areas.

Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii among patients with cryptococcal meningitis in Mexico. First observations.

A retrospective study of 20 patients with cryptococcal meningitis and their isolated strains was performed. Cryptococcus neoformans var. neoformans was recovered from 14 (70%) cases, and var. gattii was recovered from six (30%) patients. Twelve patients had AIDS (all carrying var. neoformans), two had other diseases (one with var. neoformans and one var. gattii) and there was no identifiable underlying disease in six (one var. neoformans and five var. gattii). Fourteen patients (11 var. neoformans and three var. gattii) resided in the Mexico City area, where a temperate climate is prevalent, and there were six cases (three var. neoformans and three var. gattii) from states with a tropical/subtropical climate. Although there was no significant statistical difference between the two varieties, the fatal outcome was higher in patients with var. neoformans. The disease caused by var. gattii strains was characterized by a higher opening pressure, more inflamatory changes of CSF and a longer clinical course (delayed clinical and mycological cure). Cryptococcus neoformans var. gattii is a significant cause of cryptococcal meningitis in patients without underlying diseases in Mexico.

Smoking-Attributable Mortality—Mexico, 1992

This report summarizes trends in the occurrence of smoking-related diseases in Mexico and estimates smoking-attributable mortality and years of potential life lost before age 65 years (YPLL-65) in 1992....The findings in this report document the substantial impact of cigarette smoking on premature mortality in adults in Mexico. Death rates from the leading causes of smoking-related deaths have nearly tripled since 1970 in Mexico. (EXCERPT)

Historical account of venereal diseases in Mexico.

This paper reviews the history of sexually acquired diseases in Mexico. It is divided into four major chronological sections which discuss social attitudes and values, the development of services and of official policy, and historical epidemiology.

Earthquake: Its Consequences in the Care of Chest Diseases in Mexico

On September 19, 1985, a devastating earthquake (9 on the Richter scale), with its center located on the Pacific coast of the state of Michoacán and due to a marked instability at the site of the St. Andres fault, hit the southwestern part of the Republic of Mexico. Severe damages were sustained in Mexico City. The official death toll was 14,000 and the loss of property was estimated at a figure close to 4.5 billion US dollars.

Venereal Diseases in Mexico

NOTEWORTHY PROGRESS in the control of venereal diseases in Mexico is indicated by the extensive data collected by the Mexican Ministry of Public Health. The nmortality and morbidity rates of syphilis and gonorrhea show a steady decline (tables 1 and 2). This decline, considered by itself, lhas given rise to the belief among some public health workers and members of the medical profession that syphilis and other venereal diseases have been or will be defeated soon simply by the passage of time and the application of present treatment. These optimists do not take into account the fact.ors which cause the decline in the rates to appear greater than it really is. Unjustified optimism is detrimental to progress in control. It encourages a leveling off and even a drop in effort which will resuilt in a future increase in the incidence of the diseases. Although the incidence of venereal diseases has abated in some parts of Mexico, these diseases still constitute a public health menace in some communities. Fortunately, the recenit establishment and improvement of well-staffed and well-equipped health centers should contribute to the reduction of venereal diseases. Death notifications submitted by private physicians constitute a major part of the Ministry's data on mortality. In some cases the physicians consider it in the interest of their patients' families to change the cause of death from syphilis to some other cause. This means that the real syphilis mortality rates are not as low as the registered ones. But since this practice by private physicians has prevailed consistently over the years, the indicated decline in syphilis mortality is a real one (table 1). Among the 10 leading transmissible diseases reported to the Ministry of Health during 1960, syphilis occupies fifth place, and gonorrhiea, eighth. If account is taken of the fact that physicians omit reporting of venereal disease cases to a greater degree than other transmissible diseases, it is possible that these two diseases may rank even higher. The statistical data available on venereal diseases are obtained largely from the field services of the Ministry of Health, located in communities where approximately 55 percent of the total population resides. Although these statistics come from the same source, are less subject to adventitious fa.ctors, and are considered to be the most adequate for comparison, they do not reflect the true incidence of these diseases even in the communities represented, since the field services are not used by all the inhabitants.