Can sexual transmission support the enzootic cycle of Trypanosoma cruzi?

Background: Trypanosoma cruzi circulates in sylvatic habitats, mainly through blood-feeding triatomines, although other routes also contribute to its dispersion. Sexual transmission of T. cruzi is an understudied topic, especially among wild mammals.

Sexual transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in murine model.

Trypanosoma cruzi is mainly transmitted by blood-sucking triatomines, but other routes also have epidemiological importance, such as blood transfusion and congenital transmission. Although the possibility of sexual transmission of T. cruzi has been suggested since its discovery, few studies have been published on this subject.

Fatty liver disease in severe obese patients: diagnostic value of abdominal ultrasound.

Aim: To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of abdominal ultrasound (US) for the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in severe obese subjects and its relation to histological grade of steatosis.

Methods: A consecutive series of obese patients, who underwent bariatric surgery from October 2004 to May 2005, was selected. Ultrasonography was performed in all patients as part of routine preoperative time and an intraoperative wedge biopsy was obtained at the beginning of the bariatric surgery.

Preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery: is it necessary?

Background: Obesity has been shown to be an important risk factor for several gastrointestinal diseases. However, the indication for preoperative upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for all patients before bariatric surgery is controversial. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the spectrum of gastrointestinal diseases detected during preoperative UGE in patients undergoing bariatric surgery and the relevance of this procedure.

[Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: clinical and histological characteristics in obese who underwent bariatric surgery].

Unlabelled: Obesity is an important risk factor of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) and it has been considered a predictor of severity of this condition. However, in severe obese patients the spectrum of NAFLD is in discussion.

Aim: To describe the clinical and histological characteristics of NAFLD in obese patients submitted to bariatric surgery.