In 2015, we investigated Bartonella quintana and typhus group rickettsiae in body lice from homeless persons in Bogotá, Colombia. We found B. quintana–infected body lice and seroprevalence of this microorganism in 19% of homeless persons and typhus group rickettsiae in 56%. Public health professionals should start preemptive measures and active vector control.

Molluscum Contagiosum (MC) is a skin infection caused by a double-stranded DNA virus of the family Poxviridae that replicates in the human epidermis, affecting mainly children and young sexually active adults and causing flesh colored papular lesions with central umbilication with an average size of 3-5mm, although atypical lesions that reach great size (Giant Molluscum Contagiosum), 10-15mm, can be seen in almost any immunodeficiency condition. We report the case of a 35 year old male patient with C3 HIV disease with an abdominal pathology associated to skin lesions predominantly in the forehead and scalp that reached sizes over 5mm, diagnosed as Giant Molluscum Contagiosum by skin biopsies.

Spoted fever group (SFG) rickettsioses are actually considered as emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases, caused by pathogenic bacteria of the spotted fever group rickettsiae (SFGR). Recently, serologic studies in human and animals conducted in Colombian Orinoquia, showed a high seroprevalence against SFGR. In June 2015, a 50-year-old male was admitted to a hospital in Bogotá, Colombia, with two days of malaise and temperature of 39°C, associated to generalized rash 24h after the onset of fever. He referred a work visit and outdoor activities in rural area of the Department of Meta 15days prior the onset of symptoms. The patient was transferred to the intensive care unit with supplementary oxygen, inotropic support and was assessed by the infectious diseases department, indicating the addition of Doxycycline. After seven days of antibiotic treatment the patient was discharged with no evidence of new symptoms or sequels. Retrospectively, two serum samples collected during the acute and convalescent phase were evaluated; there was four fold rise in titer against SFGR. With the foregoing, associated with the recent serological evidence that suggests the circulation of SFGR species in the Colombian Orinoquia, we consider to recognize this region as a new endemic area for SFG Rickettsioses.

In the first decades of the 20th century, scientific papers were published suggesting the presence of Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever in Colombia. As a contribution, we present some historical aspects referring to this topic.

BackgroundOccupational exposure to blood borne pathogens caused by percutaneous injuries or mucosal contamination is frequent among Healthcare Workers (HCW).MethodsA cross-sectional analysis of HCW with an occupational exposure to blood reported to professional risk insurance agencies between 2009 and 2014 was performed. Comparisons between groups according to exposure level (mild, moderate, and severe) were evaluated.ResultsTwo thousand, four hundred three reports were classified according exposure as mild 2.7 %, moderate 74.8 %, severe 21.9 %. Factors related: health sciences student with mild exposure events [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 11.91, 95 % CI 5.13–27.61, p < 0.00001], and physician with moderate exposure events (AOR 1.90, 95 % CI 1.17–3.07, p = 0.009). Factors inversely related: physician with severe exposure events (AOR 0.54, 95 % CI 0.32–0.91, p = 0.02) and health sciences student with moderate exposure events (AOR 0.08, 95 % CI 0.04–0.15, p < 0.00001). It was found an important relationship between severe events with infectious diseases specialist assessment, and follow-up adherence. Additionally, a case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus seroconversion was presented (0.0004 %), no other seroconversions were observed.ConclusionsOccupational exposure events must be managed according to established protocols, but adherence failure was evident with the exception of severe exposure cases. Thus, interventions to enhance occupational safety are required. Occupation must be considered as a risk factor during initial assessment of events.