Human trichinellosis outbreaks related to horsemeat consumption have been reported in France and Italy in recent years. In order to determine if Trichinella is present in horses slaughtered at an abattoir in the State of Mexico, diaphragm muscle tissue samples (22-37 g) from 80 horses were examined by artificial digestion. Four of these samples had larvae that were characterized as Trichinella sp. by morphological criteria and as Trichinella spiralis by the polymerase chain reaction.
In this study we compared the sensitivity of molecular, serologic and parasitologic methods for diagnosis of equine trichinellosis in two abattoirs, one rural and one federal inspection type. Diaphragm muscle samples were obtained from 170 slaughter horses and examined by artificial digestion and PCR. Serum samples from these horses were also analyzed by ELISA. No Trichinella muscle larvae were detected by artificial digestion. However, specific antibodies against Trichinella were detected in 17 % and 7 % of the serum samples examined from the rural and the federal abattoirs respectively. By PCR, 15 % and 2 % of the samples from these two abattoirs were Trichinella positive.
According to the National Institute of Health of the USA, «more than 60% of all microbial infections are caused by biofilms».'This can surprise us, but it is enough to consider that common infections like those of the genito-urinary tract, infections produced by catheters, middle ear infections in children, the formation of dental plaque and gingivitis are caused by biofilms, for this statement to seem more realistic. At present this is one of the subjects of great interest within medicine, particularly in otolaryngology. Bacteria have traditionally been considered to be in a free state without evident organization, partly perhaps by the ease of studying them in this form. Nevertheless, the reality is that, in nature, the great majority of these germs form complex colonies adhered to surfaces, colonies that have received the name of biofilms. These biofilms are more common than previously thought and almost all of the people have been in contact with them in the form of infections in the teeth or humid, slippery areas. New treatments that can eradicate them are currently being investigated.
The controversy over the effect of nasal breathing in musculoskeletal facial development has continued over the decades. Although today it is better understood how facial bones grow and the hormonal effect on them, further well-controlled studies with larger populations are still needed to establish a direct relationship between obstruction of the upper airway and poor facial development.
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