El Bierzo Research Articles

Wappleria tremoris gen. et sp. nov. the first representative of the insect order Caloneurodea in Spain (León, NW Spain) found in a Late Carboniferous forest

ABSTRACT We present a new genus and species of Caloneurodea from the Gzhelian (Stephanian B) of El Bierzo coalfield, in NW Iberian Peninsula (León, Spain) belonging to an uncertain family. Wappleria tremoris gen. et sp. nov. is described on the basis of a new specimen found in the Stephanian B strata of Casilda Mine, of Gzhelian age (Late Pennsylvanian, Late Carboniferous). The extinct order Caloneurodea (superorder Archaeorthoptera) is really scarce worldwide, it was previously found in the Carboniferous and Permian of Europe, North America, and Asia. This new specimen represents the first evidence of the order Caloneurodea from Spain, and the second record from the Iberian Peninsula, filling a gap in the Carboniferous palaeogeographical puzzle of this species in Europe. Little is known about the ecology and general biology of Caloneurodea. Nevertheless, Wappleria tremoris gen. et sp. nov. was found in close association with a rich palaeobotanical assemblage, dominated by pteridophytes, pteridospermatophytes, and gymnosperms, suggesting that W. tremoris could show a preference for forests under humid conditions.

Role of mental health and quality of life in adherence and effectiveness of a motivational exercise program to improve weight and functionality: “The way to change diabetes”.

IntroductionExercise and other lifestyles are key treatment strategies to improve diabetes outcome, prevent cardiovascular risk and may also result in further results in quality if life and emotional symptoms.ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise intervention program for people with diabetes or cardiovascular risk.To evaluate the influence of previous metal health and quality of life status in the results.Methods61 people with a type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular risk factors were recruited from health primary health centers in Ponferrada (EL Bierzo), including patients from the mental health association. After informed consent they were included in a 20 week, twice a week supervised walking training program to improve exercise and other lifestyles. A poster used for advertisement of the adtivity (“the way/walk to change diabetes”) is displayed in image 1). Baseline and after 20 weeks BMI and Waist perimeter were assessed, quality of life was evaluated with EQ-5D-5L and WHO-5 scales and the weekly steps walked were recorded previously and after the intervention with the subject usual mobile device.Differences in the variables were compared with Paired Ts and repeated ANCOVAs measures adjusted by gender, age and initial steps.Results46 subjects (75.4%) completed more than 90% of the sessions and 3 more 70-90%. The 19.7% that did not complete had worse scores in SF-12 Role Physical (t 2.261, p=0.041) and Role Emotional (t:2.048, p=0.045) and Mental Component Summary (t:2,313; p=0,036) and WHO5 Total Score (t:2.101; p=0,040) at Baseline. Main reasons for dropout (Image 2) were health related problems (50%) and adherence to exercise and motivation problems (31.25%).Those who completed the training improve number of weekly steps (baseline: 42022,92 +- 18836,35, final: 66448.06 +-28914,58; t:5.038; p<0.001), BMI (29.45 +-4.66 to 28.25 +-4.09 kg/m2; t:5.629; p<0.001), waist (from 107,34 + 9.98 to 102,88 +9,79 cm; t:6,840; p<0.001) and the EoQ-5D-EL VAS (form 72.88 to 82.42; t:6.122; p<0.001, image 3). The increase in the steps correlated directly with the improvement in the EoQ VAS (r:0.308; p=0.033).Image:Image 2:Image 3:ConclusionsExercise and lifestyle supervised intervention programs appear to be useful to improve physical health, wellbeing, emotional symptoms and quality of life in people with diabetes and cardiovascular risk.Factors associated to higher dropout rates were previous limited quality of life scores and mental health worse status. These could be related with limited motivation and adherence to the program and may be of interest to develop specific strategies for these high-risk groups.Studies focused on the long-term effect of the program are warranted.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Caring for Bierzo: A plan for improving motivation for health workers from Mental Health

IntroductionMotivation is an essential determinant of performance, particularly for those working in difficult conditions, such as the conditions facing many health workers. The relationship between motivation and performance is influenced by the health workers’ organizational environment and social context. Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors may influence the impulse to head for and maintain and effort to achieve the objectives of the organization these may include acknowledgements, status and incentives, but also auto efficacy perception, personal growth, welfare and physical and mental health.In the last years and particularly during COVID-19 pandemic health organizations have suffered a crisis of lack of motivation and high turnover rates in health professional, particularly among highly specialized professions.Objectivesto develop a quality program to promote mental health and motivation, detect risk of mental disorders and improve communication skills in the health workers of the Health Area of El Bierzo (GASBI).MethodsA committee with four members form the psychiatry and mental health service, two from the Quality and Security Unit and 1 from the Occupational Risk Prevention Service analyzed the GASBI with a SWOT-CAME matrix analysis. Actions to be implemented were ordered with a Hanlon method score according to a representative sample of the employees of GASBI.ResultsThe CAME matrix recommended an offensive strategy, given a number of strengths and the opportunities for an administration sensible to new paradigms. The program proposed included 6 main lines (evaluation, access to mental health consultation, prevention of suicide behavior, resilience group, communication and relation groups and a group of actions to improve motivation and prevent burnout called “10 actions to dream together”, displayed in figures 1 and 2. The Hanlon classified suicide behaviour as the highest priority (score: 16,25 points), mental disorders the second (score: 13.75), then fatigue (13 p), burnout and resilience (12p) and the less prioritary was motivation (7 points). The project was displayed in a canvas business model (figure 3)Image:Image 2:Image 3:ConclusionsMental health, fatigue, burnout and motivation of health workers is a complex problem that affect health organizations and quality of services. Mental Health service have an important role in the promotion of wellbeing and prevent burnout in the health system.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

The mobility of thorium, uranium and rare earth elements from Mid Ordovician black shales to acid waters and its removal by goethite and schwertmannite

Previous studies have addressed the occurrence of Acid Rock Drainage (ARD) affecting La Silva stream due to the generation of large dumps of Middle Ordovician black shales during the construction of a highway close to El Bierzo (León, Spain). This ARD was characterized by sulphated acid waters with high concentration of heavy metals and anomalies in dissolved thorium (Th) and uranium (U). In the present study, we analyse in depth black shales and water, streambed sediments and precipitates of La Silva stream and its tributaries using different petrographic, mineralogical and geochemical approaches. Black shales, with average Th and U contents of 20 and 3 μg/g respectively contain disseminated detritic micro-grains of high weathering-resistant minerals, such as monazite and xenotime, that present smaller amounts of yttrium and rare earth elements (REY) and other elements as Ca, U, Th, Si and F. Results of the affected waters by ARD show an enrichment in dissolved Th, U and REY of several orders of magnitude with respect to natural waters. Sampled precipitates were mainly schwertmannite (Fe8O8(OH)8-2x (SO4)xO16•nH2O) and goethite (α–Fe3+O(OH)) that showed an enrichment of Th (up to 798 μg/g) and REY, due to the presence of dissolved anionic species (e.g. Th(SO4)32−, REY(SO4)32−) that enables their adsorption. Furthermore, these black shales show a clear enrichment in REE (Rare Earth Elements) with respect to NASC (North American Shales Composite) normalized REE patterns. Likewise, normalized REE patterns of stream waters and precipitates clearly show convex curvatures in middle-REE (MREE) with respect to light- and something less than heavy-REE, indicating the trend towards MREE enrichment. These findings are essential to evaluate the impact of ARD of Mid Ordovician shales in the surrounding environment, and to start considering these site as potential source of REE and critical raw materials, activating a Circular Economy.

Detection of the optrA Gene Among Polyclonal Linezolid-Susceptible Isolates of Enterococcus faecalis Recovered from Community Patients.

Dispersion of transferable oxazolidinone resistance genes among enterococci poses a serious problem to human health. Prompt detection of bacteria carrying these genes is crucial to avoid their spread to multidrug-resistant bacteria. The aim of the study was to describe the presence of optrA-positive isolates among enterococci in a Spanish hospital, and to determine their genetic context and location through whole genome sequencing. All enterococci recovered in a Spanish hospital (Hospital El Bierzo; HEB) from February to December 2018 (n = 443), with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) to linezolid (LZD) ≥4 mg/L, were tested by polymerase chain reaction for the presence of cfr, optrA, and poxtA transferable genes. Only four Enterococcus faecalis isolates (0.9%) had LZD MICs ≥4 mg/L and none of them was positive for cfr or poxtA genes. However, the optrA gene was detected in three isolates collected from urine samples of community patients, whose genomes were sequenced and subjected to bioinformatics analysis. These isolates belonged to different clones: ST7, ST480, and ST585. In these three isolates, the optrA gene was located on plasmids, associated with IS1216 in different arrays. In one isolate, the optrA plasmid coexists with a second plasmid, which carried multiple resistance genes for different classes of antibiotics. Detection of optrA-positive E. faecalis isolates in the community is a matter of concern. The spread of these bacteria into hospital settings, particularly in those, such as the HEB, where vancomycin-resistant enterococci are endemic, should be avoided, to preserve the efficacy of the last-resort oxazolidinones.

Changes in psychiatric emergencies during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown in El Bierzo (Spain)

IntroductionThe interest have focused in the effects of COVID-19 in mental symptoms. However, the pandemic and restrictions such as the lockdown decreed in Spain limited access to resources and lead to a change in assistance organization.Objectivesto compare the incidence and characteristics of psychiatric emergencies during the Spanish 2020 Lockdown with the same period in 2019MethodsAll the emergencies attended the the emergency room (Hospital El Bierzo) From 01/02/2019 to 30/06/2019 and those from 01/02/2020 to 30/06/2020 were analysed by two senior psychiatrists. Cases were selected if attended by any psychiatric reason. The cases were evalueated identifying ICD-10 diagnosis (according to clinical records and best criteria matching), sociodemographics, factors associated to the emergency and resolution.Results23360 cases were attended in 2019 (799 psychiatric), 14907 (578) in 2020. That means a 36.19% of reduction in general emergencies and 27.66% in psychiatric emergencies (psychiatric emergencies proportion increased form 3.42% to 4.03%). The reduction started the week just before the lockdown declaration, minimal records coincided with the highest COVID-19 incidence and the recovery starts in early june for psychiatric and late June for general emergencies (figure 1). A decrease of 62.79% of anxiety cases and 45.9% of depresion was observed with no incresaes in any diagnosis. A slight increase in suicide attempts (two cases) was observed.ConclusionsThe lockdown seem to decrease psychiatric emergency care. Only suicidability was maintained/increased during the period. Psychiatry services must be aware of the risk of unattended inicidence that may cause an increase of cases after the lockdown.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Influence of overliming vineyard acid soils on the macro-nutritional status of grapevines

Aim of study: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of overliming with dolomitic lime on the topsoil and grapevine macro-nutritional levels (both petiole and grape tissues), as well as on berry weight and must quality properties in grapevines growing on an acid soil. Area of study: The study was carried out in the viticultural region of El Bierzo (Spain), one of the main wine protected designation of origin in the northwest of Spain. Material and methods: The effects of overliming were studied in soil parameters, petiole and grape tissues, as well as in must quality during three years (2014-2016). Data analysis was performed using factorial ANOVA (both parametric and non-parametric tests have been used). Main results: The results found on the soil levels of magnesium and phosphorus were mirrored by those shown in petiole and grape tissues. Data suggest that insufficient Mg supply in vineyard acid soils could lead to a lower P vascular movement in vines. Additionally, our findings suggest that a great decrease of K levels in vine tissues as a consequence of overliming, could lead to changes in harvest quality. Research highlights: Overliming with dolomitic limestone in large quantities decreased soil exchangeable K, as well as improved supply of exchangeable Mg and available P. Additionally Mg and P levels in both petiole and grape tissues were significantly affected by overliming.

Influence of overliming vineyard acid soils on the macro-nutritional status of grapevines

Aim of study: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of overliming with dolomitic lime on the topsoil and grapevine macro-nutritional levels (both petiole and grape tissues), as well as on berry weight and must quality properties in grapevines growing on an acid soil.Area of study: The study was carried out in the viticultural region of El Bierzo (Spain), one of the main wine protected designation of origin in the northwest of Spain.Material and methods: The effects of overliming were studied in soil parameters, petiole and grape tissues, as well as in must quality during three years (2014-2016). Data analysis was performed using factorial ANOVA (both parametric and non-parametric tests have been used).Main results: The results found on the soil levels of magnesium and phosphorus were mirrored by those shown in petiole and grape tissues. Data suggest that insufficient Mg supply in vineyard acid soils could lead to a lower P vascular movement in vines. Additionally, our findings suggest that a great decrease of K levels in vine tissues as a consequence of overliming, could lead to changes in harvest quality.Research highlights: Overliming with dolomitic limestone in large quantities decreased soil exchangeable K, as well as improved supply of exchangeable Mg and available P. Additionally Mg and P levels in both petiole and grape tissues were significantly affected by overliming.

Análisis e interpretación de un conflicto social de mediados del siglo XIII: el enfrentamiento Concejo de Ponferrada-Monasterio de Carracedo

About the middle of the l3th century, El Bierzo was the scenary of a serious social conflict, led by the town hall of Ponferrada, that rose up «in arms» against the king's «merino» and the monks of Carracedo, when the latter wanted to have under their authority the men from the enclosure of S. Andrés de Montejos who had become «inhabitants» of Ponferrada. This conflict, that comes to an end with the triumph of the monastery, does not have to be considered as a fight town hall aristocracy, but rather, as a confrontation within the upper classes monastery urban oligarchy that show some similar interests in the appropriation of the income from the other social classes.

Las actitudes sociales ante la muerte y las prácticas religiosas en el Bierzo en el S. XVIII

This study investigates religiousness and social customs surrounding death in the region of "El Bierzo" during the eighteenth century, using wills as a documentary source.There are two main conclusion in the study. Firstly, no qualitative changes can be appreciated in religiousness nor in attitudes towards death throughout the eighteenth century. Secondly, in "El Bierzo" ás in the rest of Spain, Baroque piety does not cease to exist, nor is there a move towards dechistianization as shown in studies carried out in France. Rather, this study shows a process of secularization and of a move away from such great respect for all matters concerning the church.

Use of elemental profiles to verify geographical origin and botanical variety of Spanish honeys with a protected denomination of origin

Honey with Protected Denomination of Origin (PDO) could be an attractive target for fraudsters. Elemental profiles by Energy Dispersive-X Ray Fluorescence were processed by multivariate methods to classify 183 PDO honeys produced in three regions of Spain (Liébana, Granada, Tenerife). Additional honey samples (18) produced in a fourth region without PDO (El Bierzo) separated well from the PDO clusters. The manganese content was a discriminant marker of Liébana PDO and El Bierzo, that could also be differentiated from each other. Within each region, distinct clusters revealed differences between dark vs light varieties, multi- vs uni-floral honey and producers of the same PDO. The developed models were validated with 131 samples produced outside the PDO regions and El Bierzo. The proposed classification approach could be implemented as a fast screening tool to support pollen analysis in honey authentication. The reduced number of observations in some light honey models affected their performance.

Sphenopteris hadrophylla knight ms, a possible discopteris, from the Upper Stephanian of NW Spain

The upper Stephanian fern Sphenopteris hadrophylla Knight, described originally in an unpublished thesis on the Sabero Coalfield in León, NW Spain, is now validly introduced on the basis of new, more complete, material collected from the La Magdalena Coalfield in León. This includes sporangiate pinnae interpreted as possibly attributable to Discopteris Stur. A holotype and paratypes are designated from this material. The more fragmentary specimens from Sabero are recorded also. Additional specimens from Villablino (León), El Bierzo (León), Ciñera-Matallana (León), and the Narragansett Basin in New England (U.S.A.) are referred to and partly illustrated, thus demonstrating the wider distribution of the species. Comparisons are made with several species of Stephanian age known from Europe and North America.

A new green-coloured Lusitanipus Mauriès, 1978 from the Iberian Peninsula (Diplopoda: Callipodida: Dorypetalidae)

Recent samplings in cavities of the Iberian Peninsula led to the discovery of a new millipede species of the order Callipodida in one cave in the region of El Bierzo (León, Spain): Lusitanipus xanin sp. nov. In additional samplings (near that cave), more specimens of this new species were discovered in surface habitats. The species has various distinctive characteristics, such as its green colour, but the morphology of the gonopod has several similarities with that of Lusitanipus alternans (Verhoeff, 1893), indicating a close relationship between them. The diagnosis of the genus Lusitanipus Mauriès, 1978 has to be changed to accommodate the new species. The presence of crests in two different sizes is no longer a diagnostic character of the genus Lusitanipus, but of the species L. alternans. Lusitanipus xanin sp. nov. is the fourth species of the order Callipodida for the Iberian Peninsula, and the second species for the genus. Lusitanipus xanin sp. nov. seems to be an epigean but troglophile species.

La desaparecida portada románica del monasterio de Santa María de Carracedo (León)

Esta investigación estudia los vestigios románicos conservados de la desaparecida puerta norte de la iglesia del monasterio de Santa María de Carracedo (El Bierzo, León), en concreto seis capiteles y dos estatuas columna con las efigies del rey Alfonso VII y el abad Florencio, renovadores del cenobio a partir del año 1138. Se analizan y datan dichas esculturas, ubicándolas en el templo y reflexionando sobre sus dimensiones simbólica e iconográfica. Asimismo, se demuestra el patrocinio de la casa real leonesa en esta obra casi perdida y la participación de artífices conocedores de experiencias plásticas internacionales, deudoras de la escultura de la basílica de Saint-Denis de París.

A 3D geological model for a potential CO2 reservoir in the El Bierzo Basin (Carboniferous, NW Spain)

ABSTRACTA 3D geological model of the Torre‐Bembibre Carboniferous sub‐basin, a potential CO2 storage reservoir, is proposed here. The Torre‐Bembibre sub‐basin is part of the El Bierzo coal‐bearing Carboniferous basin located in the westernmost part of León province (NW Spain). It covers an area of about 150 km2. Carboniferous deposits (up to 1500 m of continental siliciclastics) are divided into nine intervals, defined by earlier coal exploration work. They were deposited as intramontane basin infill within a transpressional regime during the last stages of the Variscan Orogeny and are partially covered by Neogene and Quaternary continental siliciclastic sediments, formed by alluvial plains, fans and terraces. To resolve a 3D geological model of the Torre‐Bembibre sub‐basin, including outcropping layers and their prolongation at depth, a 3D dip‐domain method was applied, where data from all stratigraphic positions were used to compose a coherent geological reconstruction of the stratigraphic surfaces. Subsurface information was available from previous and newly acquired seismic reflection profiles and boreholes. The 3D model helped resolving some uncertainties, specifically: (i) the western termination of the Carboniferous basin under the Tertiary sediments, corresponding to an NNE–SSW normal fault, (ii) the depth and morphology of the base of the Carboniferous strata and (iii) the morphology of the intra‐Carboniferous layers. The syncline/anticline shape of the Torre‐Bembibre sub‐basin suggests a reservoir which may be capable of storing CO2 under the Tertiary cover. The total estimated volume is 6.4 km3, while the total capacity for CO2 storage could be as much as 7 Mt. The reservoir is most likely located within the major massive sandstone bodies in the Chuchu interval, in the syncline–anticline structure north of the town of Bembibre. The potential capacity of the reservoir calls for undertaking further studies using the proposed 3D geological model in order to determine more precisely the petrophysics and geometry near Bembibre.

El suelo industrial como factor de oportunidad y resiliencia en espacios mineros y rurales de León (España)

Se plantea analizar con un enfoque de geografía económica y método hipotético-deductivo el alcance de la estrategia pública de promoción de áreas empresariales en tres ámbitos comarcales de la provincia de León de dominancia rural y/o minera: Órbigo, Montaña y El Bierzo, considerando los desafíos de la crisis desencadenada en 2008 y la importancia del suelo industrial en la resiliencia de estos espacios. La hipótesis es que la oferta de suelo empresarial es un factor de resiliencia capaz de mejorar la capacidad de respuesta de espacios en declive y zonas rurales, ya que sería inductor de tres efectos positivos: reforzar la ventaja competitiva del territorio en coyunturas post-crisis, impulsar la innovación mediante proyectos empresariales de nuevo cuño, y mejorar las expectativas de progreso local. Los resultados obtenidos mediante técnicas cualitativas, uso de estadísticas y cartografía confirman la premisa de partida, pero también desvelan que los efectos positivos de los polígonos industriales y parques empresariales pueden ser de baja intensidad y producirse a ritmo desigual.

Rasgos de continuidad del gallego en documentos del monasterio de San Andrés de Espinareda (León) en el siglo XIII

La finalidad de este trabajo es exponer una serie de rasgos lingüísticos contenidos en documentos notariales del siglo XIII, custodiados en el monasterio de San Andrés de Vega de Espinareda (El Bierzo, León), que muestran, en distinto grado, la continuidad del gallego en el registro escrito y su convivencia con soluciones del asturianoleonés occidental, comunes en ocasiones, diferentes otras veces. Hemos seleccionado rasgos pertenecientes a los niveles graficofonético, morfosintáctico y léxico, puesto que en los tres puede observarse la continuidad. Se trata de un análisis básicamente descriptivo, a partir de los datos que ofrecen los testimonios manejados, datos que se comparan con los que conocemos para las variedades lingüísticas del entorno geográfico más próximo en la Baja Edad Media. A partir de esta comparación se pone de manifiesto la distribución geográfica de las voces y rasgos estudiados, que muestran diferencias, con distintos grados de extensión y, en definitiva, prueban la existencia del continuo dialectal y la falta de fronteras lingüísticas nítidas entre las variedades colindantes.

Priorización de herramientas para la integración entre atención primaria y hospitalaria: encuesta sobre expectativas y creencias de los profesionales

IntroductionIntegrated care is a top priority for most of the National Health Services. In this study, an evaluation is made on the professional's beliefs and expectations regarding integration. Material and methodsBetween March and June 2017, Health Professionals from El Bierzo, León, Spain, were invited to complete 2 questionnaires on health integration process, including an online questionnaire on patient care integration (405 and 211 participants, respectively out of the total 1854 professionals). ResultsThree out of four professionals pointed at communication as the most important factor to achieve integration. Medical records, Health Care Education and medication reconciliation were the other prioritised factors. Care pathways (98%), nurse navigator (93%) or shared care protocols (92%) were highly recommended. The entire Hospital Service (55%) was the preferred link, with Primary Care versus a single consultant for every Primary Care Centre (29%), or for all the whole area (16%).There were no differences between primary and hospital services in most of the tools assessed. ConclusionsCommunication tools are the cornerstone to achieve a successful integration of the care services according to Health Professionals.

Contribution of microbiology in the diagnosis of tuberculosis in Castile and León (Spain): Findings of the GRUMICALE 2013 study

Introduction and objectivesA retrospective study was conducted by collecting microbiological tuberculosis (TB) data in Castile and León during the year 2013 in order to determine the incidence and distribution of TB, and resistance to the tuberculostatic drug, and compare them with the epidemiological data provided by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance (SIVE). Material and methodsMicrobiologists of the 14 hospitals of the Castile and León public health network (GRUMICALE) collected epidemiological, microbiological, and management data from the Microbiology laboratories in the community during the year 2013. A single isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) per patient was considered. ResultsThe study included a total of 270 MTC isolates (an incidence rate of 11.63 cases/100,000inhab./year). A total of 288 cases of TB (11.43 cases/100,000inhab. year) were recovered using epidemiological data, which included 243 confirmed, 29 suspected, and 16 as probable cases. Pulmonary TB was predominant, followed a long way off by the pleural TB and the remaining locations. A total of 27,620 samples were processed for mycobacterial detection. Mycobacterial growth was observed in 3.46% of automated fluid cultures, and 50.37% were positive by direct staining of the smear. Resistance to one tuberculostatic drug, mostly to isoniazid, was observed in 16 (5.92%) isolates of M. tuberculosis (MT). The province with greater incidence and number of isolates was León (24.23 cases/100,000inhab./year), with the highest being observed in El Bierzo health area (30.46 cases/100,000inhab./year). ConclusionsAn adequate collection of microbiological information is essential to determine the epidemiology of TB in our region.

Contribución de la microbiología al diagnóstico de la tuberculosis en Castilla y León: conclusiones del estudio GRUMICALE 2013

Introduction and objectivesA retrospective study was conducted by collecting microbiological tuberculosis (TB) data in Castile and León during the year 2013 in order to determine the incidence and distribution of TB, and resistance to the tuberculostatic drug, and compare them with the epidemiological data provided by the Department of Epidemiological Surveillance (SIVE). Material and methodsMicrobiologists of the 14 hospitals of the Castile and León public health network (GRUMICALE) collected epidemiological, microbiological, and management data from the Microbiology laboratories in the community during the year 2013. A single isolate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) per patient was considered. ResultsThe study included a total of 270 MTC isolates (an incidence rate of 11.63 cases/100,000 inhab./year). A total of 288 cases of TB (11.43 cases/100,000 inhab. year) were recovered using epidemiological data, which included 243 confirmed, 29 suspected, and 16 as probable cases. Pulmonary TB was predominant, followed a long way off by the pleural TB and the remaining locations. A total of 27,620 samples were processed for mycobacterial detection. Mycobacterial growth was observed in 3.46% of automated fluid cultures, and 50.37% were positive by direct staining of the smear. Resistance to one tuberculostatic drug, mostly to isoniazid, was observed in 16 (5.92%) isolates of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MT). The province with greater incidence and number of isolates was León (24.23 cases/100,000 inhab./year), with the highest being observed in El Bierzo health area (30.46 cases/100,000 inhab./year). ConclusionsAn adequate collection of microbiological information is essential to determine the epidemiology of TB in our region.