Artículos científicos

URI permanente para esta colecciónhttp://10.0.96.45:4000/handle/11056/14755

Examinar

Mostrando 1 - 20 de 144

Propuesta de indicadores para la vigilancia de la salud ocupacional en América Latina y el Caribe
(Pan American Health Organization, 2018) Merino Salazar, Pamela; Cornelio, Cecilia; López Ruiz, María; Benavides, Fernando G.; Rojas, Marianela; Barraza, Douglas
Este artículo propone un conjunto básico y común de indicadores para la vigilancia en salud ocupacional en América Latina y el Caribe e identifica las fuentes de datos disponibles para su medición. Para ello, se llevó a cabo un proceso de consenso de la Red Experta en Encuestas sobre Condiciones de Trabajo, Empleo y Salud (RED ECoTES) en dos etapas. En la primera etapa, se consensuó un primer listado de indicadores, y en la segunda etapa, se identificaron las fuentes de datos y sus características, con el fin de facilitar la comprobación de la factibilidad del cálculo real de cada indicador en 20 países de la Región. La propuesta del conjunto básico de indicadores, y sus definiciones, está conformado por 13 indicadores distribuidos en cuatro dimensiones: condiciones de empleo (tres indicadores), condiciones de trabajo (cuatro indicadores), recursos y actividades preventivas (dos indicadores) y salud (cuatro indicadores). Las principales fuentes disponibles para calcular estos indicadores en la Región fueron las encuestas permanentes de hogares, las encuestas de condiciones de trabajo, empleo y salud, las estadísticas vitales, y los sistemas de notificación de lesiones por accidentes de trabajo. En la Región existen datos para un número relevante de los indicadores propuestos. Sin embargo, un número importante de aquellos orientados a las condiciones de trabajo y actividades preventivas están ausentes en la mayoría de países. La vigilancia efectiva de la salud ocupacional en la Región exige impulsar decididamente las encuestas sobre condiciones de empleo, trabajo y salud en cada uno de los países que la conforman.
Associations between pesticide mixtures applied near home during pregnancy and early childhood with adolescent behavioral and emotional problems in the CHAMACOS study
(ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY, 2021) Hyland, Carly; Bradshaw, Patrick T.; Gunier, Robert; Mora, Ana M.; Kogut, Katherine; Deardorff, Julianna; Sagiv, Sharon; Bradman, Asa; Eskenazi, Brenda
Evidence from longitudinal cohort studies indicates that biomarkers of pesticide exposure and residential proximity to agricultural pesticide applications during pregnancy and early childhood may be associated with adverse child neurodevelopment, including poorer cognition1–6 and increased hyperactivity/ inattention7–9 and traits related to autism spectrum disorders.10–13 Despite relatively consistent findings for outcomes assessed during early and middle childhood, previous studies have only followed children up to the age of 12 years, and data gaps exist regarding the persistence of pesticide–neurodevelopment associations into adolescence and young adulthood.
Microplastic pollution increases gene exchange in aquatic ecosystems
(Environmental Pollution, 2018) Arias Andres, Maria; Klumper, Uli; Rojas Jimenez, Keilor; Grossart, Hans Peter.
Pollution by microplastics in aquatic ecosystems is accumulating at an unprecedented scale, emerging as a new surface for biofilm formation and gene exchange. In this study, we determined the permissiveness of aquatic bacteria towards a model antibiotic resistance plasmid, comparing communities that form biofilms on microplastics vs. those that are free-living. We used an exogenous and red-fluorescent E. coli donor strain to introduce the green-fluorescent broad-host-range plasmid pKJK5 which encodes for trimethoprim resistance. We demonstrate an increased frequency of plasmid transfer in bacteria associated with microplastics compared to bacteria that are free-living or in natural aggregates. Moreover, comparison of communities grown on polycarbonate filters showed that increased gene exchange occurs in a broad range of phylogenetically-diverse bacteria. Our results indicate horizontal gene transfer in this habitat could distinctly affect the ecology of aquatic microbial communities on a global scale. The spread of antibiotic resistance through microplastics could also have profound consequences for the evolution of aquatic bacteria and poses a neglected hazard for human health.
Causas y prevención del cáncer ocupacional
(Colegio de Médicos y Cirujanos, Costa Rica, 2009-04-28) Partanen, Timo; Monge, Patricia; Wesseling, Catharina
Las neoplasias ocupacionales son altamente prevenibles. Esta comunicación resume los datos de los riesgos cancerígenos ocupacionales, destacando grupos importantes de trabajadores y la prevención. La Agencia Internacional para la Investigación del Cáncer (IARC) ha identificado en el Grupo 1 (causa cáncer en humanos), 29 agentes que pueden presentarse en el lugar de trabajo, 26 en el Grupo 2 A (probablemente cancerígeno) y 113 en el Grupo 2B (posiblemente cancerígeno). Los agentes frecuentes en Centroamérica incluyen la radiación solar (Grupo 1) y la radiación ultravioleta (2A), las emisiones diesel (2A), los hidrocarburos poliaromáticos (1 - 3), el humo de tabaco ambiental (1), los compuestos de cromo hexavalente (1) y el benceno (1). En cuanto a los cánceres de mujeres, estudios de cáncer de mama y ovarios sugieren asociaciones con agentes ocupacionales. Los datos en la economía informal son pocos. Peligros cancerígenos para agricultores y peones agrícolas contemplan la exposición a radiación ultravioleta solar, virus, zoonosis, polvos, aflatoxinas, emisiones de diesel, solventes y plaguicidas. Agentes cancerígenos potenciales presentes en el Sector Salud incluyen: óxido de etileno, formaldehído, humo de tabaco ambiental, tricloroetileno, tetracloroetileno, benceno, asbesto, drogas, hormonas, antibióticos, plaguicidas, virus y desechos y gases cancerígenos. Algunas exposiciones durante el desarrollo y la infancia someten a los niños a riesgos cancerígenos. Prevenir los riesgos para la salud en el lugar de trabajo es responsabilidad del empleador. Se debe actuar con precaución en respuesta a la limitada evidencia plausible y creíble, sobre un peligro probable, y establecer comisiones mixtas de salud y seguridad en lugares de trabajo.
Aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de cepas bacterianas con potencial de degradación de los plaguicidas clorotalonil y clorpirifos
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2023) Estrada Gamboa, Joyce María; Umaña Castro, Rodolfo; Sancho Blanco, Carolina; Orozco Aceves, Martha
El uso indiscriminado de plaguicidas altamente tóxicos en la agricultura ha producido contaminación de los suelos y deterioro de los ecosistemas. Una solución prometedora para este problema ambiental es la biorremediación, que incluye el uso de bacterias para degradar sustancias contaminantes, incluidos los plaguicidas. [Objetivo] El presente trabajo tuvo por objetivo el aislamiento, identificación y caracterización de cepas bacterianas con capacidad de degradar los plaguicidas clorotalonil y clorpirifos, para su potencial uso en la biorremediación de suelos contaminados. [Metodología] Las cepas fueron aisladas de suelos agrícolas mediante cultivos de enriquecimiento, que contenían clorotalonil o clorpirifos (20 mg/L) como única fuente de carbono. Las cepas aisladas se caracterizaron por su morfología, fisiológicamente por su respuesta a 48 pruebas bioquímicas y frente a 15 antibióticos, cinética de crecimiento, y molecularmente (amplificación del gen 16S). [Resultados] Se aisló una cepa bacteriana capaz de utilizar (y degradar) clorpirifos como fuente de carbono, identificada como Stenotrophomonas maltophilia y dos cepas bacterianas con capacidad parcial de utilizar clorotalonil como fuente de carbono, identificadas como Enterobacter cloacae y Ochrobactrum anthropi. Las tres especies bacterianas son bacilos Gram negativo y presentaron características fisiológicas diversas, incluyendo resistencia variable a ciertos antibióticos. [Conclusión] Se concluye que las bacterias aisladas tienen potencial biotecnológico para ser incorporadas en una estrategia de biorremediación de suelos contaminados, especialmente para eliminación de clorpirifos. Finalmente, se plantean perspectivas de investigación a futuro para dilucidar procesos más eficientes de degradación de clorotalonil mediante cometabolismo.
Exposure to pesticides and health effects on farm owners and workers from conventional and organic agricultural farms in Costa Rica : Protocol for a cross-sectional study
(JMIR Publications, 2019-01-25) Fuhrimann, Samuel; Winkler, Mirko S.; Staudacher, Philipp; Weiss, Frederik T.; Stamm, Christian; Eggen, Rik IL; Lindh,Christian H; Menezes-Filho, José A; Baker, Joseph M; Ramírez-Muñoz, Fernando; Gutiérrez-Vargas, Randall; Mora, Ana M
Background: Pesticide use is increasing in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) including Costa Rica. This increase poses health risks to farm owners, farm workers, and communities living near agricultural farms. Objective: We aimed to examine the health effects associated with occupational pesticide exposure in farm owners and workers from conventional and organic smallholder farms in Costa Rica. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study involving 300 owners and workers from organic and conventional horticultural smallholder farms in Zarcero County, Costa Rica. During the baseline study visit, we administered a structured, tablet-based questionnaire to collect data on sociodemographic characteristics, pesticide exposure, and health conditions (eg, respiratory and allergic outcomes and acute pesticide intoxication symptoms) and administered a neurobehavioral test battery (eg, Finger Tapping Test and Purdue Pegboard); we measured blood pressure, anthropometry (height, weight, and waist circumference), and erythrocytic acetylcholinesterase activity and also collected urine samples. In addition, a functional neuroimaging assessment using near-infrared spectroscopy was conducted with a subset of 50 study participants. During the follow-up study visit (~2-4 weeks after the baseline), we administered participants a short questionnaire on recent pesticide exposure and farming practices and collected hair, toenail, and urine samples. Urine samples will be analyzed for various pesticide metabolites, whereas toenails and hair will be analyzed for manganese (Mn), a biomarker of exposure to Mn-containing fungicides. Self-reported pesticide exposure data will be used to develop exposure intensity scores using an exposure algorithm. Furthermore, exposure-outcome associations will be examined using linear and logistic mixed-effects regression models. Results: Fieldwork for our study was conducted between May 2016 and August 2016. In total, 113 farm owners and 187 workers from 9 organic and 83 conventional horticultural smallholder farms were enrolled. Data analyses are ongoing and expected to be published between 2019 and 2020. Conclusions: This study is one of the first to examine differences in health effects due to pesticide exposure between farm owners and workers from organic and conventional smallholder farms in an LMIC. We expect that this study will provide critical data on farming practices, exposure pathways, and how occupational exposure to pesticides may affect farm owners and workers’ health. Finally, we hope that this study will allow us to identify strategies to reduce pesticide exposure in farm owners and workers and will potentially lay the groundwork for a future longitudinal study of health outcomes in farm owners and workers exposed to pesticides.
Agriculture without paraquat is feasible without loss of productivity lessons learned from phasing out a highly hazardous herbicide
(Springer Nature Link, 2023-01-09) Ramírez-Muñoz, Fernando; Sánchez U., Jorge.; Stuart, Alexander M; Merfield, Charles N; Horgan, Finbarr G; Willis, Sheila; Watts, Meriel A.; Sánchez U., Jorge ; Utyasheva, Leah; Eddleston, Michael ; Davis, Mark L; Neumeister, Lars ; Sanou, Manoé R.; Williamson, Stephanie
A small proportion of the thousands of pesticides on the market today are associated with a disproportionately high incidence of severe acute pesticide poisoning and suicide. Paraquat stands out as one of the most lethal pesticides in common use, frequently involved in fatal incidents due to suicides or accidental exposure. Even though paraquat has been banned in over 67 countries, it is still widely used in many others, particularly in Asia and Latin America. Based on a literature review and consultations, this paper identifes options for replacing paraquat and distils practical lessons from numerous successes around the world. Our aim is to support regulators, policymakers, agronomists and the supply chain sector with practical information related to phasing out paraquat. Production data consistently failed to show any negative efects of banning paraquat on agricultural productivity. A wide range of alternative approaches to weed management and crop defoliation are available, many of which do not rely on herbicides. Over 1.25 million farmers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) successfully produce a range of crops for private voluntary standards (PVS) in food and fber supply chains which prohibit paraquat use. We conclude from the fndings of this study that eliminating paraquat will save lives without reducing agri- cultural productivity. Less hazardous and more sustainable alternatives exist. To enhance successful adoption and uptake of these methods on a wide scale, farmers require training and support within an enabling policy environment.
Pesticides in soil, groundwater and food in Latin America as part of one health
(Springer Nature Link, 2024-02-08) Ramírez Muñoz, Fernando; Hilber, Isabel; Bahena‑Juárez, Fernando; Chiaia‑Hernández, Aurea C.; Elgueta, Sebastián ; Escobar‑Medina, Arturo; Friedrich, Karen ; Peña‑Suárez, Brizeidi ; Pérez‑Consuegra, Nilda ; Sosa‑Pacheco, Dayana ; Bucheli, Tomas D.
We here report of a conference about “Pesticides in Soil, Groundwater and Food in Latin America as part of One Health” that took place at the “IV Seminario Internacional de Sanidad Agropecuaria (SISA)” in Varadero, Cuba, 8–12 May 2023. Researchers of Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico) and Switzerland (workshop initiator) held presentations about occurrence and efects of pesticides on the environment, human health, the replacement of highly hazardous pesticides (HHP) by agroecological alternatives and the agri-food value chain. In a subsequent round table discussion, the presenters identifed defcits, needs, interests and opportunities. According to them, the lack of awareness of pesticide use afects the health and safety of workers applying the chemicals. Despite Latin America representing the main agricultural area in the world with a very intense pesticide use, monitoring data of pesticides in soil, surface and groundwaters, food, as well as in humans are missing. Risks of pesticides to humans should be assessed so that authorities can withdraw or limit within “short time” the access to corresponding formulations on the market. Also, communication is not state of the art and should be improved as, e.g. the teaching of workers and farmers, how to correctly use and apply pesticides or the briefng of decision makers. Pollinators sufer from multiple stressors not the least due to pesticides, and alternatives are badly needed. On the technical side, the diferent analytical methods to determine residues of active ingredients and transformation products in matrices of concern should be harmonized among laboratories. Seven future actions and goals were identifed to overcome the above defcits. Next steps after the publishing of this conference report are to harmonize and complete the information status of the presenters by exchanging the results/data already present. Therefore, a platform of interaction to address issues described above and to enhance collaboration shall be created. Samples of diferent matrices shall be exchanged to harmonize the chemical analysis and establish interlaboratory comparisons. Such activities might be facilitated by joining international associations or organizations, where researchers can ofer their expertise, or by forming a new pesticide network for Central and South America that could present tailored projects to national and international organizations and funding agencies
Asociación entre la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y cáncer en Costa Rica para los últimos 35 años
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2021) Santamaría Ulloa, Carolina.; Ortiz, Adolfo.; Ramírez, Fernando.; Salas, Denis.; Mora, A.; Montero López, Melina.; Gutiérrez, F.
Esta investigación tiene como objetivo determinar si existe en Costa Rica una asociación entre la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y la incidencia de cáncer y su sobrevida en los últimos 35 años. En una primera etapa exploraremos todas las localizaciones anatómicas de cáncer según grandes grupos funcionales. Posteriormente nos centraremos en cáncer de mama, próstata, ovario y aquellas otras localizaciones que hayan mostrado asociaciones significativas en la etapa exploratoria previa. Las principales fuentes de información serán: Registro Nacional de Tumores (Ministerio de Salud), Estadísticas Vitales, Proyecciones Oficiales de Población y Censo Nacional Agropecuario 1984 y 2014 (Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos) y Boletines Estadísticos Agropecuarios (Ministerio de Agricultura y Ganadería). La metodología consiste en la utilización de técnicas de análisis espacio-temporal y Sistemas de Información Geográfica para determinar si existe una asociación entre la exposición ambiental a plaguicidas y la incidencia de cáncer, así como entre sta exposición y la sobrevida de los pacientes luego de su primer diagnóstico. La estimación de tasas de incidencia de cáncer se hará a nivel de distrito según quinquenio. Se estimará un índice de exposición ambiental a plaguicidas a partir de datos de los Censos Agropecuarios del INEC y de los Boletines Estadísticos agropecuarios del MAG. Mediante análisis de regresión espacial se determinará la magnitud de la asociación. El alcance de esta investigación es informar la política sanitaria en temas de exposición a plaguicidas y cáncer.
Exposure to an environmentally relevant concentration of chlorpyrifos induces transcriptional changes and neurotoxicity in Poecilia gillii without clear behavioral effects
(Elsevier, 2025-02-12) Sánchez-González, Daniel; Blanco Peña, Kinndle; Solano-Campos, Frank; Solano Díaz, Karla; Mena Torres, Freylan Gerardo
Overusing chlorpyrifos (CPF) in tropical countries such as Costa Rica poses a potential risk to freshwater ecosystems. This study investigated the effects of transient exposure to an environmentally relevant CPF concentration on the native fish species Poecilia gillii, employing a comprehensive approach that evaluated multiple levels of biological organization. Using RT-qPCR, we quantified transcript changes in genes involved in various biological processes, including inflammation and apoptosis; annexin A1 (anxa1b), cytokine regulation; cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (cish), redox reactions; NADH oxidoreductase subunit A2 (ndufa2), protein translocation; Sec61 gamma subunit (sec61g), and biotransformation; glutathione S-transferase rho (gstr). Additionally, we measured biochemical biomarkers such as phase I; 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and phase II; glutathione S-transferase (GST) biotransformation enzymes, oxidative stress markers; catalase (CAT) and lipid peroxidation (LPO), and conducted behavioral tests to assess swimming fitness and antipredator reactions. Neurotoxicity was assessed by measuring brain and muscle tissue cholinesterase (ChE) activity. Following 48 h of exposure to 5.5 µg/L CPF, we observed significant downregulation of the sec61g and gstr genes, decreased CAT activity, and neurotoxic effects, as indicated by reduced ChE activity in muscle. Although no significant behavioral changes were detected, our results suggest that short-term exposure to environmentally relevant CPF concentrations can disrupt gene expression, compromising biotransformation and protein synthesis in P. gillii juveniles. Moreover, the observed neurotoxicity, which is consistent with the mechanism of action of CPF, may lead to subtle behavioral changes. This study provides evidence of the sublethal effects of CPF on nontarget organisms, highlighting the importance of considering gene expression changes when assessing CPF toxicity.
The Epidemic of Chronic Kidney Disease of Unknown Etiology in Mesoamerica: A Call for Interdisciplinary Research and Action
(Asociación Estadounidense de Salud Pública, 2013-11) Wesseling Hoogervors, Catharina; Crowe, Jennifer; Hogstedt, Christer; Jakobsson, Kristina; Lucas, Rebekah; Wegman, David H.
Los autores discuten la necesidad de una investigación colaborativa e interdisciplinaria para abordar la epidemia regional de enfermedad renal crónica de origen desconocido (CKDu), o nefropatía mesoamericana (MeN), en México y Centroamérica. Exploran varias teorías sobre la causa de la MeN, incluida la deshidratación y el estrés por calor, el uso de medicamentos antiinflamatorios no esteroides (AINE) y la dieta alta en fructosa. También abogan por la investigación sobre factores de riesgo ocupacional, marcadores bioquímicos y análisis de biopsias.
Cambios en la superficie sembrada de palma aceitera en el cantón de Osa, Puntarenas. Período 2014-2018
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2020-06-29) Salas Gonzáles, Denis Mauricio
El cultivo de palma aceitera muestra un acelerado crecimiento a nivel mundial. Según datos oficiales, solo en la región latinoamericana se evidencia un crecimiento del 150,8% en el área cultivada de palma de aceite al pasar de 443 000 hectáreas en 2001 a 1 111 000 hectáreas sembradas en 2014, de las cuales 818 000 se encontraban en etapa productiva aportando cerca del 6% del aceite de palma producido en el mundo (González, 2016). Estas plantaciones han impactado los paisajes tropicales por la disminución de la vegetación natural, pastos o por el reemplazo de otros cultivos. La expansión del cultivo de palma de aceite aumentó en Costa Rica y de acuerdo con la tendencia de los últimos años, seguirá en aumento. En los últimos años se han realizado censos y encuestas agropecuarias que muestran el crecimiento general, pero no detallan las áreas geográficas donde se da ese crecimiento y el consecuente impacto a la dinámica natural de las áreas cultivadas, información clave para los procesos de ordenamiento territorial regional y local que tenemos en el país. Por tal motivo, los objetivos de esta investigación fueron: analizar el cambio en la superficie sembrada con palma aceitera en el cantón de Osa, provincia de Puntarenas en el periodo 2014-2018 y evaluar la expansión del cultivo de palma aceitera en los distritos del cantón. Para esto, se analizaron datos de instituciones gubernamentales y se identificaron y digitalizaron las plantaciones de palma aceitera de los seis distritos del cantón de Osa.
Medidas para la reducción del riesgo de contaminación ambiental con residuos de antibióticos y propagación de bacterias resistentes
(Universidad Estatal a Distancia, Costa Rica, 2023-06-30) Villalobos Araya, Adriana; Estrada Konig, Sandra; Chaves Ramírez, Andrea; Rivera Castillo, Josué; Gutiérrez Espeleta, Gustavo; Chaverri Fonseca, Fabio; Blanco Peña, Kinndle
La contaminación ambiental con antibióticos y la propagación de bacterias resistentes pueden provocar daños a la salud, el surgimiento de nuevas pandemias, la alteración del equilibrio de los ecosistemas, la inseguridad alimentaria y una crisis económica mundial. Ante este contexto, se plantea un análisis documental de las causas y consecuencias del problema, con el propósito de proponer medidas para la reducción de los riesgos. Como resultado de la investigación, se plantea el abordaje de la problemática a partir del enfoque “Un mundo, una salud”, donde es fundamental la implementación de buenas prácticas para la prevención de enfermedades infecciosas y el uso óptimo de antibióticos en la salud humana, animal y vegetal. Esto debe estar acompañado de procesos de investigación y concientización social, participación ciudadana, incidencia y gestión política, que permitan conservar un ambiente sano y ecológicamente equilibrado.
Anthropogenic imprint on riverine plasmidome diversity and proliferation of antibiotic resistance genes following pollution and urbanization
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2025-03-24) Barrantes-Jiménez, Kenia ; Lejzerowicz, Franck; Tran, Tam; Calderón-Osorno, Melany; Rivera-Montero, Luis; Rodríguez-Sánchez, César; Wikmark, Odd-Gunnar; Eiler, Alexander; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Arias-Andrés, María; Rojas-Jiménez, Keilor
Plasmids are key determinants in microbial ecology and evolution, facilitating the dissemination of adaptive traits and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs). Although the molecular mechanisms governing plasmid replication, maintenance, and transfer have been extensively studied, the specific impacts of urbanization-induced pollution on plasmid ecology, diversity, and associated ARGs in tropical regions remain underexplored. This study investigates these dynamics in a tropical aquatic ecosystem, providing novel insights into how pollution shapes plasmid composition and function. In contrast to the observed decrease in chromosomal diversity, we demonstrate that pollution associated with urbanization increases the diversity and taxonomic composition of plasmids within a bacterial community (plasmidome). We analyzed eighteen water and sediment metagenomes, capturing a gradient of pollution and ARG contamination along a tropical urban river. Plasmid and chromosomal diversity profiles were found to be anti-correlated. Plasmid species enrichment along the pollution gradient led to significant compositional differences in water samples, where differentially abundant species suggest plasmid maintenance within specific taxonomic classes. Additionally, the diversity and abundance of ARGs related to the plasmidome increased concomitantly with the intensity of fecal and chemical pollution. These findings highlight the critical need for targeted plasmidome studies to better understand plasmids' environmental spread, as their dynamics are independent of chromosomal patterns. This research is crucial for understanding the consequences of bacterial evolution, particularly in the context of environmental and public health.
A case study on pharmaceutical residues and antimicrobial resistance genes in Costa Rican rivers : a possible route of contamination for feline and other species
(Elsevier, 2023-11-12) Vargas-Villalobos, Seiling; Hernández, Felix; Fabregat-Safont, David; Salas-González, Denis; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Botero-Coy, Ana Maria; Esperón, Fernando; Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara; Monrós-González, Juan; Ruepert, Clemens; Estrada-König, Sandra; Rivera-Castillo, Josué; Chaverri-Fonseca, Fabio; Blanco-Peña, Kinndle
In this investigation, the presence of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals in Costa Rican surface waters, specifically in regions near feline habitats, was examined. The study revealed that 47% of the water samples contained detectable traces of at least one antibiotic. Ciprofloxacin and norfloxacin were the most frequently detected compounds, each with a detection rate of 27%. Other antibiotics, such as erythromycin, roxithromycin, and trimethoprim, were also found but at lower frequencies, around 14%. Notably, all antibiotic concentrations remained below 10 ng/L, with ciprofloxacin, norfloxacin, and erythromycin showing the highest concentrations. Furthermore, the investigation revealed the presence of non-antibiotic pharmaceutical residues in the water samples, typically at concentrations below 64 ng/L. Tramadol was the most frequently detected compound, present in 18% of the samples. The highest concentrations were observed for acetaminophen and tramadol, measuring 64 and 10 ng/L, respectively. Comparing these findings with studies conducted in treated wastewater and urban rivers, it became evident that the concentrations of antibiotics and pharmaceuticals were notably lower in this study. While previous research reported higher values, the limited number of studies conducted in protected areas raises concerns about the potential environmental impact on biodiversity. In summary, these results emphasize the importance of monitoring pharmaceutical residues and antimicrobial resistance genes ARGs in vulnerable ecosystems, especially those in close proximity to feline habitats in Costa Rica. Additionally, the study delved into the detection of (ARGs). All tested water samples were positive for at least one ARG, with the blaTEM gene being the most prevalent at 82%, followed by tetS at 64% and qnrB at 23%. Moreover, this research shed light on the complexity of evaluating ARGs in environmental samples, as their presence does not necessarily indicate their expression. It also highlighted the potential for co-selection and coregulation of ARGs, showcasing the intricate behaviors of these genes in aquatic environments.
Pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos air concentrations and pregnant women’s urinary metabolites in the Infants’ Environmental Health Study (ISA), Costa Rica
(Elsevier, 2022-05-27) Giffin, Andrew; Hoppin, Jane A.; Córdoba, Leonel; Solano, Karla; Ruepert, Clemens; Peñaloza Castañeda, Jorge; Lindh, Christian; Reich, Brian J.; Wendel de Joode, Berna van
Only few studies have compared environmental pesticide air concentrations with specific urinary metabolites to evaluate pathways of exposure. Therefore, we compared pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos concentrations in air with urinary 4-hydroxypyrimethanil (OHP, metabolite of pyrimethanil) and 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPy, metabolite of chlorpyrifos) among pregnant women from the Infant's Environmental Health Study (ISA) in Matina County, Costa Rica. During pregnancy, we obtained repeat urinary samples from 448 women enrolled in the ISA study. We extrapolated pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos concentrations measured with passive air samplers (PAS) (n = 48, from 12 schools), across space and time using a Bayesian spatiotemporal model. We subsequently compared these concentrationswith urinary OHP and TCPy in 915 samples from 448 women, usingseparatemixed models andconsidering several covariables. A 10% increase in air pyrimethanil (ng/m3) was associated with a 5.7% (95% confidence interval (CI 4.6, 6.8) increase in OHP (μg/L). Women living further from banana plantations had lower OHP: -0.7% (95% CI -1.2, -0.3) for each 10% increase in distance (meters) as well as women who ate rice and beans ≥15 times a week -23% (95% CI -38, -4). In addition, each 1 ng/m3 increase in chlorpyrifos in air was associated with a 1.5% (95% CI 0.2, 2.8) increase in TCPy (μg/L), and women working in agriculture tended to have increased TCPy (21%, 95% CI -2, 49). The Bayesian spatiotemporal models were useful to estimate pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos air concentrations across space and time. Our results suggest inhalation of pyrimethanil and chlorpyrifos is a pathway of environmental exposure. PAS seems a useful technique to monitor environmental current-use pesticide exposures. For future studies, we recommend increasing the number of locations of environmental air measurements, obtaining all air and urine measurements during the same month, and, ideally, including dermal exposure estimates as well.
The fungicide chlorothalonil changes the amphibian skin microbiome: a potential factor disrupting a host disease-protective trait
(MDPI, 2021-04-08) Jiménez, Randall R.; Alvarado, Gilbert; Ruepert, Clemens; Ballestero, Erick.; Sommer, Simone
The skin microbiome is an important part of amphibian immune defenses and protects against pathogens such as the chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), which causes the skin disease chytridiomycosis. Alteration of the microbiome by anthropogenic factors, like pesticides, can impact this protective trait, disrupting its functionality. Chlorothalonil is a widely used fungicide that has been recognized as having an impact on amphibians, but so far, no studies have investigated its effects on amphibian microbial communities. In the present study, we used the amphibian Lithobates vibicarius from the montane forest of Costa Rica, which now appears to persist despite ongoing Bd-exposure, as an experimental model organism. We used 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing to investigate the effect of chlorothalonil on tadpoles’ skin microbiome. We found that exposure to chlorothalonil changes bacterial community composition, with more significant changes at a higher concentration. We also found that a larger number of bacteria were reduced on tadpoles’ skin when exposed to the higher concentration of chlorothalonil. We detected four presumed Bd-inhibitory bacteria being suppressed on tadpoles exposed to the fungicide. Our results suggest that exposure to a widely used fungicide could be impacting host-associated bacterial communities, potentially disrupting an amphibian protective trait against pathogens.
Bacterial communities in residential wastewater treatmentplants are physiologically adapted to high concentrations of quaternary ammonium compounds
(Wiley Online Library, 2023-08-28) Chacón, Luz; Rojas-Jimenez, Keilor; Arias-Andres, Maria
Benzalkoniumchloride(BAC)isaquaternaryammoniumcompound(QAC)widely used as the active ingredient of disinfectants. Its excessive discharge into wastewater is constant and in high concentrations, likely affecting the physiology of microbial communities. We compared the physiological community profile of activated sludge (AS) bacteria with and without prior in vitro exposure to a high concentration of BAC(10 mg L−1). We measured the community functional diversity, carbon substrate multifunctionality, and the median effective concentration thatinhibits carbon respiration (EC50) using Biolog EcoPlates supplemented with a gradient of 0–50 mg L−1 of BAC. Surprisingly, we did not find significant differences in the physiological parameters among treatments. Certain abundant bacteria, including Pseudomonas, could explain the community’s tolerance to high concentrations of BAC. We suggest that bacterial communities in wastewater treatment plants’ AS are “naturally” adapted to BAC due to frequent and high-dose exposure. We highlight the need to understand better the effects of QACs in wastewater, their impact on the selection of tolerant groups, and the alteration in community metabolic profiles.
Assessing habitat selection in the prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii using the model toxicant copper and colonization as a test endpoint: Does prior exposure determine biochemical and behavioral responses?
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2024-08-20) Mena, F; Echeverría-Sáenz, Silvia; Brenes-Bravo, Gabriel; Araújo, Cristiano VM; Moreira-Santos, Matilde
Habitat selection by aquatic organisms is dependent on the availability of adequate conditions to support life and the benefits that the habitat provides. Contaminated environments tend to be less attractive to organisms because reduced habitat quality leads to increased maintenance costs. Consequently, reduced colonization of such disturbed habitats is an expected response. However, colonization has been understudied as an ecotoxicological test endpoint, despite its proven ability to assess habitat selection by populations across various taxa. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether previous exposure to copper could alter the colonization behavior of the freshwater prawn Macrobrachium rosenbergii along a non-forced exposure gradient of interconnected copper- contaminated habitats (0 to 500 µg/L) due to physiological and behavioral impairments. To assess this, post- larvae of M. rosenbergii were pre-exposed to 0, 50, 250 and 500 µg/L copper for a maximum period of 48 h. The physiological status and motility of the organisms after pre-exposure to copper were evaluated using behavioral endpoints (swimming activity by video tracking) and biochemical biomarkers (biotransformation, oxidative stress and neurotoxicity). The results indicated that pre-exposure to copper (at concentrations of 0, 50 and 500 µg/L) significantly influenced the median colonization concentration (CC50), which decreased from 270 µg/L to 109 µg/L. None of the assessed swimming parameters (speed, motility rate, exploration rate, and total distance) were affected by the pre-exposure to copper (0, 50 and 250 µg/L). Biochemically, cholinesterase levels were only affected in the prawn population exposed to 250 µg/L of copper. The present study provides a better understanding of the relevance of colonization as an ecotoxicological endpoint for assessing the spatial distribution of populations, including both new inhabitants and previously exposed organisms, in recovering habitats.
A multidisciplinary approach to analyze the antimicrobial resistance in natural ecosystems
(Elsevier, 2024-02-25) Blanco-Pena, Kinndle; Quesada-Alvarado, Francisco; Salas-González, Denis; Estrada- König, Sandra; Salom-Pérez, Roberto; Arroyo-Arce, Stephanny; Villalobos-Araya, Adriana; Rivera-Castillo, Josué; Martín-Maldonado, Bárbara; Corrales-Gutiérrez, Daniel; Gallardo-Castro, Valeria; Gutiérrez-Espeleta, Gustavo; Chaves, Andrea; Esperón, Fernando; Chaverri-Fonseca, Fabio
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a global threat to both human health and environmental well-being. Our study delved into Costa Rican wildlife reserves, uncovering a substantial human impact on these ecosystems and underscoring the imperative to pinpoint AMR hotspots. Embracing a One Health perspective, we advocated for a comprehensive landscape analysis that intricately intertwined geographic, climatic, forest, and human factors. This study illuminated the link between laboratory results and observed patterns of antimicrobial use, thereby paving the way for sustainable solutions. Our innovative methodology involved deploying open-ended questions to explore antimicrobial usage across livestock activities, contributing to establishing a comprehensive methodology. Non-invasive sampling in wildlife emerged as a critical aspect, shedding light on areas contaminated by AMR. Feline species, positioned at the apex of the food chain, acted as sentinels for environmental health due to heightened exposure to improperly disposed waste. Regarding laboratory findings, each sample revealed the presence of at least one antimicrobial resistance gene (ARG). Notably, genes encoding resistance to tetracyclines dominated (94.9%), followed by beta-lactams (75.6%), sulfonamides (53.8%), aminoglycosides (51.3%), quinolones (44.9%), phenicols (25.6%), and macrolides (20.5%). Genes encoding polymyxins were not detected. Moreover, 66% of samples carried a multi-resistant microbiome, with 15% exhibiting resistance to three antimicrobial families and 51% to four. The absence of a correlation between forest coverage and ARG presence underscored the profound human impact on wildlife reserves, surpassing previous estimations. This environmental pressure could potentially modify microbiomes and resistomes in unknown ways. As not all antimicrobial families encoding ARGs were utilized by farmers, our next step involved evaluating other human activities to identify the primary sources of contamination. This comprehensive study contributed crucial insights into the intricate dynamics of AMR in natural ecosystems, paving the way for targeted interventions and sustainable coexistence.

Examinar

Envíos recientes