Latin America Countries Research Articles

Pre-Existing Atrial Fibrillation in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19: Insights from the CARDIO COVID 19-20 Registry.

Pre-existing (chronic) atrial fibrillation (AF) has been identified as a risk factor for cardiovascular complications and mortality in patients with COVID-19; however, evidence in Latin America (LATAM) is scarce. This prospective and multicenter study from the CARDIO COVID 19-20 database includes hospitalized adults with COVID-19 from 14 countries in LATAM. A parsimonious logistic regression model was used to identify the main factors associated with mortality in a simulated case-control setting comparing patients with a history of AF to those without. In total, 3260 patients were included, of which 115 had AF. The AF group was older, had a higher prevalence of comorbidities, and had greater use of cardiovascular medications. In the model, AF, chronic kidney disease, and a respiratory rate > 25 at admission were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. The use of corticosteroids did not reach statistical significance; however, an effect was seen through the confidence interval. Thus, pre-existing AF increases mortality risk irrespective of other concomitant factors. Chronic kidney disease and a high respiratory rate at admission are also key factors for in-hospital mortality. These findings highlight the importance of comorbidities and regional characteristics in COVID-19 outcomes, in this instance, enhancing the evidence for patients from LATAM.

Socialist Tendencies in the South-South Cooperation: Typology of States, Independence and Development

ABSTRACT The article focuses on interactions and cooperation between peoples and countries of the Global South which are getting more relevant in the contemporary era. It analyses mainly socialist tendencies in the South-South cooperation by specifying three issues: a conceptual typology of states, and interrelated concepts of independence and development. It proceeds in the following sequence of steps. First, it explains the typology of states in the Global South, specifically by using the global comparative typology of socialist countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia. Second, it identifies the basic kinds of periods of the struggle for independence and the struggle for development since World War II to specify the cooperation conceptually in a chronological way. From perspectives of social and political philosophy and global studies, the article contributes to the understanding of cooperation in the contemporary multipolar and multilateral tendencies in the world.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a neglected tropical disease in Latin America.

Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), a severe and extraordinarily lethal infectious disease, has emerged as a widespread public health crisis among predominantly vulnerable populations in several countries of Latin America, particularly evident in northern Mexico. Historically, RMSF has gained less attention than many other tropical infectious diseases, resulting in insufficient allocations of resources and development of capabilities for its prevention and control in endemic regions. We argue that RMSF fulfills accepted criteria for a neglected tropical disease (NTD). The relative neglect of RMSF in most Latin American countries contributes to disparities in morbidity and mortality witnessed in this region. By recognizing RMSF as an NTD, an increased public policy interest, equitable and more appropriate allocation of resources, scientific interest, and social participation can ameliorate the impact of this potentially treatable disease, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Hepatitis A in Latin America: The current scenario.

This review aims to gather and disseminate updated information regarding hepatitis A virus (HAV) in Latin America (LA) in the last 11years, including seroprevalence, post-vaccination studies, virus detection in aqueous matrices and food samples, and outbreak reports. Only 24 seroprevalence studies were published between 2012 and 2023 with 55%-100% reported prevalences of anti-HAV IgG. Among the 25 LA countries, only eight of them have introduced HAV vaccines into their immunisation programs. Outbreaks of hepatitis A occurred between 2017-2019, mainly affecting men who have sex with men in Argentina, Brazil and Chile, probably as a consequence of the abrupt decline of young adults' immunity. This could be due to that young adult have never been infected in childhood (due to socio-health improvements) and are above the cut-off ages to be included when the vaccination programs were introduced. Although scarce, studies focused on environmental and food HAV surveillance have shown viral presence in these samples. Surface waters presented HAV detections between 1.2% and 86.7%, and untreated wastewaters between 2.8% and 70.9%. Genotypes found in all cases were IA and IC. The only wastewater-based epidemiology study showed to be a useful tool as a complement of traditional epidemiological surveillance. Only four LA countries have looked for HAV in food samples, with genome detection rates between 9% and 33%. Latin American HAV circulation scenario is changing. In countries where socioeconomic and sanitary conditions have not improved, the virus persists with high endemicity and the access to the vaccine should be re-evaluated by local governments. In countries where access to clean water, better sanitary conditions and HAV immunisation programs have been implemented, the number of cases among young adults seems to be increasing, alerting health authorities.

Caracterização dos acidentes por mordeduras por serpentes na província de Benguela, período 2019 – 2021

Introduction: Snakebites are a public health problem affecting tropical countries in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. In Angola there are no rigorous statistics or scientific studies that allow us to know the situation of the country. Objective: to characterize snakebite accidents in Benguela province, in the period 2019-2021. Material and Method: Observational, descriptive, cross-sectional, and prospective study. Universe made up of the total number of families in the municipalities with the highest incidence: Cubal, Lobito, Caimbambo and Chongoroi. The sample size was calculated with a 95% confidence level for a total of 124 households, represented by 1014 people. The residences were selected by simple random sampling. A structured interview was given to the head of the family, with prior informed consent. Data were analyzed in SPSS through absolute frequencies and percentages. Results: Of the heads of household, 73.3% are men, 76.6% work in the fields and 56% had primary education. Of the total number of people, 2.6% were bitten by snakes (26 people) and 3 died. Of the survivors, 13% had physical sequelae. Regarding knowledge, 64.5% identified it as the place with the highest incidence at home, 33.8% from 6 pm to 12 pm, 48.3% in the summer season, 100% applied traditional treatments, 94.4% correctly identified at least one, and 70.9% recognized bitis arietans. Regarding prevention measures, 49.1% do not know, although of the remaining 54.8% consider it better to wear shoes or boots. Conclusion: Angola needs to continue and increase community education programs to alleviate human suffering.

Bioenergy: Paradoxes and dilemmas of a promising energy alternative

The energy production that still moves the world comes in the vast majority from fossil sources. However, according to renewable energy main institutions reports, the sources from which this renewable energy is being generated are hydropower with the highest percentage by far, 41.2%, followed by solar 31.2%, wind 26.4%, bioenergy 4.5%, geothermal 0.4%, and tidal with a minimum percentage of 0.02 %. Therefore, bioenergy is located as another of the promising renewable energies, but still with a very low percentage. As biomass is the main source of bioenergy, it is the renewable energy source with the greatest variety of inputs, for example, biogas from landfill or thermal processes, solid biofuels from wood, municipal waste, and crops or animal waste, and liquid biofuels from conventional and advanced bio gasoline and biodiesel, among others. The purpose of this paper is to explore and analyze the uses of biomass in some Latin American countries, offering a general reflection on this region, and to expand on the various faces of energy injustice suffered by a series of communities, and also the advances that the bioenergy sources could offer; therefore, the structure of this chapter is as follows: first, some general information and facts related to one of its inputs -the steadily growing problem of human waste production- are exposed. Then, a brief description of bioenergy advances in some Latin America countries is offered, to close with the identification of some challenges to be addressed within the domain of bioenergy and with some conclusions.

Externalities of Sanctions Impact on Russian Economy

The work reveals the economic motives for decision-making by the leading world powers and the features of the development of the Russian national economy in the context of measures taken by the Government of the country in the conditions of a changing geopolitical reality. The emphasis is made on the need to manage the risks of foreign economic activity after the introduction of anti-Russian sanctions by unfriendly countries with developed economies. The degree of dependence of the Russian Federation on high-tech goods, components, software and at the same time low diversification of production for the main export items has been revealed. Promising markets for export goods and potential importers as well as partner countries for the development of mutual trade in products and services have been identified. Acceptable solutions and current anti-crisis support measures from the state in the form of subsidizing lending rates, creating “new growth points” in the economy by allocating funds for import substitution programs, etc. are outlined. An assessment of the possible damage to several friendly countries from the attempt to economically isolate one of the world’s largest economies has been completed. The countries of Southeast Asia, Africa, and Latin America are considered the main regions for the future development of international cooperation. The BRICS bloc for Russia is becoming a key integration association in terms of transforming industrial, logistics and financial chains in the global economic space. As a result, constructive conclusions about the need to use diplomatic measures to maintain neutrality and create interstate agreements that contribute to a more intensive opening of the internal markets of friendly countries for the development of mutual trade in raw materials and high-tech goods are given.

Impacto del Índice neutrófilo/linfocito en el Melanoma Lentiginoso Acral

Introduction: Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is the fourth type of cutaneous melanoma and is the most common subtype in some countries in Latin America and Asia. The neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is an inflammatory marker that has been shown to be useful as a prognostic tool in several malignant neoplasms. Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate whether NLR has prognostic value in ALM. A retrospective study was conducted that included patients with ALM between 2010 and 2015. Methods: An observational, analytical and retrospective cohort design was used. We worked with a total population of 69 patients with the diagnosis of acral lentiginous melanoma. For the statistical analysis, the SPSS statistical package version 26 was used. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional regression models were performed. Results: A total of 69 patients with ALM were included. The median age was 68 years, with a predominance of females (55%). Most patients had T4 (34%), lymph node involvement (57.1%), and Clark III (34.4%). In univariate analysis, Clark level III/IV, anaplasia, lymphocytic infiltration, stage III-IV, and NLR were associated with prognoses. In the multivariate analysis, NLR >3.5 (HR 3.9, 95% CI 1.5-10.3, p=0.005) and Clark level III-IV (HR 3.5, 95% CI 1.6-7.8, p= 0.002) were associated with poor overall survival (OS). Conclusions: NLR is an independent prognostic factor for survival in ALM.

Economic growth and electricity consumption: Fresh evidence of panel data for LAC

This study reexamines the causal nexus among electricity consumption (EC) and economic growth (EG) for a panel of 31 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1980 and 2021. We find that there are statistically significant feedback impacts among the research variables in the long run. A 1 percent augment in EC raises EG by 0.5 percent and a 1 percent augment in EG produces a 1.54 percent increase in EC which reflects the nature of the latter as a luxury good and implies a tradeoff between economy and environment, since although greater electrical infrastructure drives EG, the latter also increases the EC whose use in a non-responsible manner could lead to environmental degradation through higher CO2 emissions. Therefore, the main policy implication is that, it is necessary to promote EG based on infrastructure focused on sustainable development, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

Newborn screening in Mexico and Latin America: present and future

The first newborn screening (NBS) program to be implemented in Latin America was in Mexico in 1974, eleven years after the initial NBS programs in other parts of the world. In the last 50 years, progress has been made in implementing and expanding NBS in Mexico and across Latin America, yet children across the region do not fully benefit from this effective public health strategy. Here, we review the progress in the implementation of expanded NBS in Latin America with a focus on Mexico and the challenges faced by its complex healthcare system. In light of new technologies such as genomic sequencing and their potential utilization for NBS, we discuss what the future of NBS may be for Mexico and countries in Latin America and the Caribbean region, given economic and technological constraints.

Findings on dietary characteristics among Haitian immigrants and the threat of food insecurity: A scoping review

ObjectivesThis study aimed to map and describe the available evidence on dietary characteristics and diet-related health conditions among Haitian immigrants across the globe. Study designScoping review. MethodsThis review was based on the international guide Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic review and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The searches were conducted in several electronic databases in July 2023. Reports focusing on diet, nutrition, and diet-related health conditions among international Haitian immigrants published in English, Portuguese, French, or Spanish with no year limit were included. The data extracted was tabulated and presented in a narrative summary. ResultsDatabase search retrieved 502 records, of which 30 met the inclusion criteria. The categories that emerged from the analysis were: food consumption patterns and trends, food and nutrition insecurity, cultural identity, and diet-related health conditions. Findings suggest: available evidence underrepresents Latin America and the Caribbean context; research gaps related to adolescents and the elderly and also to noncommunicable diseases except obesity; changes in food consumption after immigration towards less healthy eating; the Haitian immigrant's preference for healthy and traditional eating patterns; many experiences of food insecurity related to poverty, unemployment, and lack of social support, especially in host countries in Latin America and the Caribbean; and a high prevalence of obesity, especially among women. ConclusionsFurther research is required in countries in Latin America, mainly. Diet-related chronic diseases, adolescents, and the elderly should be targeted for further research. We recommend: longitudinal and qualitative research; field action reports describing local and global strategies to manage Haitian migration-related food and nutrition issues; culturally appropriate dietary interventions; and policies to protect and support the most vulnerable Haitian immigrants to have their fundamental right to adequate food guaranteed, reducing health inequalities.

Terminologia Anatomica in Latin-American countries: a systematic review.

Terminologia Anatomica (TA) is a unique collection of technical terms that allow communication in anatomy and medicine around the world. Considering this, we reviewed articles published by Latin American authors on Terminologia Anatomica and synthesized the main results found in this article. This study is a systematic review about Terminologia Anatomica that focuses on non-English-speaking countries in Latin America. The database used was Scopus via Elsevier. 207, and candidate articles were identified after applying the search strategy and with no restriction of year of publication. After the exclusion of articles whose authorship was not Latin American, 68 articles were filtered based on their titles and abstracts without the exclusion of any of them. These articles were fully evaluated resulting in 66 articles that met all the inclusion criteria of this review. We collected the following data: title of the article, year of publication, journal of publication, keywords of the study, country of origin, and aim of the article. Among the analyzed articles, 22 proposed changes to terms present in Terminologia Anatomica, 15 of them proposed the inclusion of terms for Terminologia Anatomica, and several articles sought to explain the existence of the existing terms. It is necessary to analyze the terms that are and their origins in the Latin America languages to evaluate their coherence and anatomical correspondence. A standard descriptor for Terminologia Anatomica was not obtained and it is a limitation since eventual articles may not have been obtained. As the study evaluates only articles that were published in journals indexed in Scopus, some articles published in non-indexed journals were not included.

Neuroimaging findings from a case of neurocysticercosis

Introduction: Human cysticercosis occurs when humans ingest Taenia solium eggs from the fecal-oral route. The infection in the central nervous system is called neurocysticercosis and is considered the principal cause of late-onset epilepsy in endemic countries in Latin America, Asia, and Africa. Case report: 71-year-old female in a state of neglect with a medical history of untreated rheumatoid arthritis. She presented her first seizure episode. Cerebral magnetic resonance imaging with contrast reported parenchymal and subarachnoid neurocysticercosis in different stages. Discussion: The high incidence of neurocysticercosis in endemic countries is associated with poverty conditions such as less hygienic conditions and permanent contact with domestic animals. The four stages of classification of neurocysticercosis is useful for pathologists and radiologists to identify the life cycle of the parasite within the body and the specific imaging findings of each phase. After diagnosis, treatment includes the use of niclosamide or praziquantel. Conclusions: neurocysticercosis is a public health problem in endemic countries that requires further attention. Clinical manifestations are variable and neuroimaging findings are essential to making a correct diagnosis.

Social determinants of health but not global genetic ancestry predict dementia prevalence in Latin America.

Leveraging the nonmonolithic structure of Latin America, which represents a large variability in social determinants of health (SDoH) and high levels of genetic admixture, we aim to evaluate the relative contributions of SDoH and genetic ancestry in predicting dementia prevalence in Latin American populations. Community-dwelling participants aged 65 and older (N=3808) from Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and Peru completed the 10/66 protocol assessments. Dementia was diagnosed using the cross-culturally validated 10/66 algorithm. Multivariate linear regression models adjusted for SDoH were used in the main analysis. This study used cross-sectional data from the 1066 population-based study. Individuals with higher proportions of Native American (>70%) and African American (>70%) ancestry were more likely to exhibit factors contributing to worse SDoH, such as lower educational levels (p<0.001), lower socioeconomic status (p<0.001), and higher frequency of vascular risk factors (p<0.001). After adjusting for measures of SDoH, there was no association between ancestry proportion and dementia probability, and ancestry proportions no longer significantly accounted for the variance in cognitive performance (African predominant p=0.31 [-0.19, 0.59] and Native predominant p=0.74 [-0.24, 0.33]). The findings suggest that social and environmental factors play a more crucial role than genetic ancestry in predicting dementia prevalence in Latin American populations. This underscores the need for public health strategies and policies that address these social determinants to effectively reduce dementia risk in these communities. Countries in Latin America express a large variability in social determinants of health and levels of admixture. After adjustment for downstream societal factors linked to SDoH, genetic ancestry shows no link to dementia. Population ancestry profiles alone do not influence cognitive performance. SDoH are key drivers of racial disparities in dementia and cognitive performance.

Morphological state of lungs of rats under the influence of Vipera berus berus venom

About 5.4 million snake bite cases are registered worldwide every year. About half of them cause 81,000-138,000 deaths or disabled 400,000 people. Despite this, this problem is neglected in many countries in Asia, Africa and Latin America. It is believed that death from snakebites is associated with poverty since the lack of proper access to medical facilities in such sections of the population causes the development of fatal complications. The purpose of the study is to study the morphological state of rats' lungs under exposure to Vipera berus berus venom. Experimental studies were carried out on white, non-linear male rats. Animals were conditionally divided into control and experimental groups, ten individuals each. Experimental rats were injected intraperitoneally with a semi-lethal dose (LD50) (1.576 mg/g-1) of Vipera berus berus venom in a physiological solution. Animals of the control group were injected intraperitoneally with only a physiological solution. Rats were removed from the experiment 24 hours after exposure to the poison and anaesthetized by cervical dislocation. Lung tissue samples were taken for microscopic examination. Fixation of the material and preparation of paraffin blocks were carried out according to generally accepted methods. Staining of histological preparations of the lungs was carried out with hematoxylin and eosin, according to Masson, and the PAS+"Hale" reaction was carried out according to the Mowry method. Histological preparations were studied using an SEO SСAN light microscope. The toxic effect of Vipera berus berus venom caused significant changes in the vascular, stromal and parenchymal components, which was confirmed by histological, histochemical and morphometric data. In the lungs of experimental animals, the vascular bed is primarily restructured, forming coagulopathies and thrombosis. The development of DIC syndrome and haemorrhages accompanies an increase in the permeability of the vessel wall. Inflammatory phenomena are found in the bronchi and respiratory departments' walls. There is a remodelling of the respiratory department components, with the formation of significant areas of dis- and atelectasis and zones of emphysema, which is confirmed morphometrically.

Beyond the narrative: Colombia and the Venezuelan migrants

AbstractForced migration is an increasingly common feature in international relations, and the mass migration of Venezuelans to Colombia provides an opportunity to analyze how strategic narratives can support a welcoming migration and integration policy. Because Colombia is a country with no history of immigration and no established anti‐immigrant group, its experience provides unique insight into the impact and limitations of positive migration narratives. While Colombia's migration policy and humanitarian narrative have garnered praise internationally, this praise has not been matched by a sense of urgency for action, attention, or funding. Domestically, the policy response to mass Venezuelan migration has met international standards. Moreover, the country has experienced relatively little unrest compared to other host countries in Latin America. There is, however, ample evidence that Colombian perceptions of increased Venezuelan migration are negative and that tension and scapegoating are on the rise. Given these contradictions, this article reviews and discusses how and why Colombia's positive, humanitarian narratives have succeeded, as well as these narratives' limitations and need for adjustments. Together, these insights can help other host nations craft more effective and truthful migration strategic narratives.

Effectiveness and safety of medication abortion via telemedicine versus in-person: A cohort of pregnant people in Colombia

ObjectiveTo compare the effectiveness and safety of medication abortion (MAB) via telemedicine versus in-person in pregnant people with less than 12 gestational weeks in Colombia. Study designA retrospective cohort study was conducted with 23,362 pregnant people who requested MAB service from Profamilia (a Colombian non-governmental organization) in 2021–2022. The outcomes were success and safety of MAB. We performed a descriptive and a multivariate statistical analysis using the binary regression model to obtain an adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) to identify factors associated with abortion success. ResultsIn comparison to in-person care (n = 20,289), individuals in telemedicine (n = 3073) were predominantly from urban areas, belonged to a lower socioeconomic stratum, single and did not identify with any ethnic group. In-person users tended to have higher levels of education and accessed the service through private insurance (p < 0,05). There were no differences in the odd of a successful abortion based on the modality of care (aOR 1.18; 95% CI=0.87–1.59). The results were also the same with sensitivity analysis stratified: pregnant people who were nine weeks gestation or less (aOR 0.86; 95% CI=0.63–1.17) or more (aOR 0.87; 95% CI=0.28–2.65). ConclusionTelemedicine is an effective and safe option for MAB, as in-person care. Telemedicine has the potential to increase abortion access by extending the availability of providers and offering people a new option for obtaining care conveniently and privately, especially for women with disadvantaged socioeconomic and educational background. ImplicationsThis study demonstrates that medication abortion (MAB) administered via telemedicine produces outcomes akin to those of in-person care, providing a compelling rationale for its adoption, particularly in underserved regions. This approach can be replicated in other countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Colombia's economic relations with China: The role of economics and politics in trade, investment, and economic agreements

AbstractOver the past two decades, many Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) countries have deepened their economic relationship with China by accepting large amounts of Chinese investments and signing up for China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). However, Colombia has not followed such a path. Using cross‐border data on trade, investment, and economic agreements, this article demonstrates that Colombia's under‐engagement with China is driven by Colombia's lower competitiveness in the commodities sectors, where Chinese demand for LAC products is highest. Colombia's limited competitiveness has led to lower exports to China and lower amounts of Chinese investment. The low level of bilateral economic activities has resulted in a lack of incentives for Colombia to sign economic agreements with China, as well as general public skepticism toward China and more favorable attitudes toward the United States even though this trend has been on the decline since 2016. Colombia can benefit from strengthening ties with China, without distancing itself from the United States, on issues pertaining to energy transition and the development of rural infrastructure, which will help reduce inequality and broaden export diversification in the medium to long term.

Latin America and cancer clinical trials: Underrepresented region with significant growth potential.

e23038 Background: Latin America (LATAM) represents 8.4% of the world's population and has a growing cancer incidence compared with other regions. However, most clinical trials are conducted in high-income countries. The clinical research regulatory regimen in LATAM has been evolving consistently in the last decade and now is stable and mature, and data quality is comparable to other geographies. Enhanced LATAM involvement in global clinical trials would help these studies to meet recruitment goals, increase diversity, and reduce costs and perhaps timelines associated with clinical research. This abstract shows the current landscape of clinical research in LATAM trough data and experience of a global clinic research organization (CRO) (Fortrea). Methods: We obtained the 2020 cancer incidence in Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Chile, Peru, Colombia, LATAM, and worldwide, from the World Health Organization’s GLOBOCAN database, as well as the information about ongoing, terminated, or completed clinical trials in these regions using Citeline’s database, from 2018 to 2023. We gathered LATAM countries' regulatory approval timelines from Fortrea’s database. Results: Overall, 7.7% of all cancer cases in 2020 were diagnosed in LATAM; however, only 3.64% of oncology trials were conducted there. The major disparities are in prostate cancer (15.2% vs 3.9% of cases and trials, respectively), followed by thyroid (10.8% vs 3.7%), cervix uteri (9.8% vs 4.6%), leukemia (8.1% vs 3.6%), and colorectal (7% vs 2.51%). Brazil had 3.1% of all cases but 1.9% of trials, while Mexico had 1% vs 1.3%, Argentina had 0.7% and 1.3%, Chile had 0.3% vs 0.7%, Peru had 0.4% vs 0.6%, and Colombia had 0.6% and 0.45% respectively. Regarding trial phases, 0.7% of Phase I trials were run in LATAM, 2.2% of Phase II, 15.6% of Phase III, and 2.8% of Phase IV. In the Table below, we present the proportion of clinical trials in LATAM in the past 5 years, based on the actual enrollment first date. Regulatory approval timelines in LATAM vary among countries, being 4.5 months in Argentina, 4 to 7 months in Brazil, 4.6 months in Chile, 7 months in Colombia, 2.8 months in Mexico, and 9 months in Peru. Conclusions: As a region, LATAM has been underrepresented in the clinical research scenario in the past five years, including in much-needed areas like prostate, colorectal, and cervical cancer. It is better represented in phase III studies but has almost negligible participation in other trial phases. There are differences among individual countries, with Brazil being underrepresented as opposed to Argentina and Mexico. Start-up timelines are variable among countries but overall comparable to other regions. We notice a significant potential to increase the number of clinical trials in LATAM. [Table: see text]

Environmental sustainability and tourism growth: convergence or compensation?

AbstractIn addition to the socio-economic advantages, tourism has been proven to be one of the most important sectors with adverse environmental effects. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between tourism and environmental sustainability by using a panel data from 32 countries in Latin America and the European Union for the period 2000–2019. Several techniques of cointegration and convergence of clusters are used to meet this objective. The empirical results show that on average, tourism growth has a negative impact on the environment in the two groups of countries, which could be attributed to the heterogeneity of the level of regional tourism development. On the other hand, the convergence of tourism growth and environmental sustainability is evident at different adjustment speeds in the different sample panels. It generates empirical evidence on whether the current expansion of the tourism sector in Latin American and European countries entails significant environmental externalities by using the ecological footprint variable as an indicator of environmental sustainability and foreign tourist arrivals as an economic indicator.