Artículos científicos

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

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The Impact of Urban Pollution on Plasmid-Mediated Resistance Acquisition in Enterobacteria from a Tropical River
(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2024-11-14) Mendoza-Guido, B; Barrantes, Kenia; Rodríguez, César; Jiménez-Rojas, Keilor; Arias-Andrés, María
The exposure of environmental bacteria to contaminants in aquatic ecosystems accelerates the dissemination of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Methods: In this study, we sampled three locations along a contamination gradient of a polluted river, focusing on isolating Enterobacteria from the surface waters to investigate the relationship between urban pollution and antibiotic resistance. The genomes of 15 isolates (5 per site) were sequenced to identify plasmid-borne ARGs and their association with resistance phenotypes. Results: Isolates from the site with the highest contamination (Site 3) showeda larger number of ARGs, plasmids, and resistance phenotypes. Notably, one of the isolates analyzed, E. coli A231-12, exhibited phenotypic resistance to seven antibiotics, presumably conferred by a single plasmid carrying 12 ARGs. Comparative analysis of this plasmid revealed its close evolutionary relationship with another IncH plasmid hosted by Salmonella enterica, underscoring its high ARG burden in the aquatic environment. Other plasmids identified in our isolates carried sul and dfrA genes, conferring resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, a commonly prescribed antibiotic combination in clinical settings. Conclusions: These results highlight the critical need to expand research on the link between pollution and plasmid-mediated antimicrobial resistance in aquatic ecosystems, which can act as reservoirs of ARGs.
Sensibilidad de Hydra attenuata e Hydra viridis a los plaguicidas diuron y etoprofos, Costa Rica
(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2023-09-01) Jones, C.; Ugalde, María del Rocío.; Jiménez, K.; Mena, F.; Vargas, S.
El objetivo fue determinar cuál de las dos especies de hidras (Hydra attenuata o Hydra viridis) resultaba más sensible a dos plaguicidas, para luego usarla como parte de la batería de organismos de prueba del Laboratorio de Estudios Ecotoxicológicos (ECOTOX). [Metodología] Para esto se utilizaron diluciones de dos de los plaguicidas más comúnmente usados en el cultivo de piña en Costa Rica y detectados en muestras de agua: el herbicida diuron y el insecticida etoprofos. Se realizaron bioensayos de toxicidad con cada una de estas sustancias y con una mezcla de estas. Se registró el estado morfológico de las hidras. Además, se evaluaron la concentración de efecto medio (EC50), la concentración letal media (LC50), y las interacciones de toxicidad según tres posibilidades: antagónica, aditiva o sinérgica. [Resultados] La H. attenuata fue la especie más sensible a ambos plaguicidas, con LC50s de 16,84 mg/L y 103,01 mg/L; y EC50s de 4,24 mg/L y 23,74 mg/L para diuron y etoprofos, respectivamente. Mientras tanto la H. viridistuvo LC50s de 36,94 mg/L y 103,01 mg/L, con EC50s de 13,64 mg/L y 53,12 mg/L, también para diuron y etoprofos, respectivamente. La exposición a la mezcla de plaguicidas solo causó mortalidad a la H. viridis y tuvo efecto sinérgico en ambas especies. [Conclusiones] Estos resultados sugieren que la H. attenuata es la especie más apropiada para la evaluación de efectos de plaguicidas, pero se deben realizar más estudios sobre las interacciones de los contaminantes en mezclas, porque estas pueden modificar su toxicidad para diferentes especies.
El impacto de la resistencia a los antibióticos en el desarrollo sostenible
(Universidad Nacional de Costa Rica, 2022-06) Barrantes Jiménez, K; Chacón Jiménez, L; Arias Andrés, M
La resistencia a los antimicrobianos (RAM) es un problema de salud pública cada vez más complejo y se considera como una de las mayores amenazas en todo el mundo. El desarrollo de la RA en los patógenos bacterianos es una consecuencia esperada de la adaptación evolutiva, debido a la presencia de este tipo de contaminantes, los antibióticos, en variedad de nichos ecológicos. Además, hay múltiples factores asociados con su origen y diseminación, entre ellos, el uso desmedido y poco regulado de los antibióticos en la medicina humana y veterinaria, así como en la agricultura, la ganadería y la industria. De hecho, recientemente se ha indicado el papel del ambiente como reservorio para genes de RA y bacterias resistentes a antibióticos. En este sentido, el enfoque para contener y controlar este problema tan complejo involucra de forma necesaria a diversas áreas como la medicina, la veterinaria, las ciencias ambientales y sectores de la industria y la economía. En este artículo, se realiza una descripción tanto del problema de la RA y sus elementos causales, como del enfoque multidisciplinario que ha sido propuesto para su manejo en el ámbito global. Se detalla también cómo la RA afecta el desarrollo humano sostenible conforme a la Agenda 2030 formulada por la ONU, en el cumplimiento de algunos de los objetivos del desarrollo sostenible (ODS).
Suicide and Exposure to Organophosphate Insecticides: Cause or Effect?
(Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica, 2005-03-17) London, L.; Flisher, A.J.; Wesseling, C.; Mergler, D.; Kromhout, H.
Background Suicide using pesticides as agent is recognized as a major cause of pesticide poisoning. Methods A literature review of mortality and morbidity studies related to suicide among pesticide-exposed populations, and of human and animal studies of central nervous system toxicity related to organophosphate (OP) pesticides was performed. Results Suicide rates are high in farming populations. Animal studies link OP exposure to serotonin disturbances in the central nervous system, which are implicated in depression and suicide in humans. Epidemiological studies conclude that acute and chronic OP exposure is associated with affective disorders. Case series and ecological studies also support a causal association between OP use and suicide. Conclusions OPs are not only agents for suicide. They may be part of the causal pathway. Emphasizing OPs solely as agents for suicide shifts responsibility for prevention to the individual, reducing corporate responsibility and limiting policy options available for control.
Early life exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances and mid-childhood lipid and alanine aminotransferase levels
(ELSEVIER, 2018-02-01) Mora, Ana Maria; Fleisch, Abby F.; Rifas-Shiman, Sheryl L.; Woo Baidal, Jennifer A.; Pardo, Larissa; Webster, Thomas; Calafat, Antonia M.; Ye, Xiaoyun; Oken, Emily; Sagiv, Sharon
Growing evidence suggests that exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) may disrupt lipid homeostasis and liver function, but data in children are limited. We examined the association of prenatal and mid-childhood PFAS exposure with lipids and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in children. We studied 682 mother-child pairs from a Boston-area pre-birth cohort. We quantified PFASs in maternal plasma collected in pregnancy (median 9.7 weeks gestation, 1999–2002) and in child plasma collected in mid-childhood (median age 7.7 years, 2007–2010). In mid-childhood we also measured fasting total (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglycerides (TG), and ALT. We then derived low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) from TC, HDL-C, and TG using the Friedewald formula. Median (interquartile range, IQR) perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), and perfluorodecanoate (PFDeA) concentrations in child plasma were 6.2 (5.5), 4.3 (3.0), and 0.3 (0.3) ng/mL, respectively. Among girls, higher child PFOS, PFOA, and PFDeA concentrations were associated with detrimental changes in the lipid profile, including higher TC and/or LDL-C [e.g., β per IQR increment in PFOS = 4.0 mg/dL (95% CI: 0.3, 7.8) for TC and 2.6 mg/dL (−0.5, 5.8) for LDL-C]. However, among both boys and girls, higher plasma concentrations of these child PFASs were also associated with higher HDL-C, which predicts better cardiovascular health, and slightly lower ALT, which may indicate better liver function. Prenatal PFAS concentrations were also modestly associated with improved childhood lipid and ALT levels. Our data suggest that prenatal and mid-childhood PFAS exposure may be associated with modest, but somewhat conflicting changes in the lipid profile and ALT levels in children.
Microplastics Increase Impact of Treated Wastewater on Freshwater Microbial Community
(ELSEVIER, 2018-03-01) Eckert, Ester M.; Di Cesare, Andrea.; Therese Kettner, Marie; Arias Andrés, María de Jesús; Fontaneto, Diego; Grossart, Hans-Peter; Corno, Gianluca
Plastic pollution is a major global concern with several million microplastic particles entering every day freshwater ecosystems via wastewater discharge. Microplastic particles stimulate biofilm formation (plastisphere) throughout the water column and have the potential to affect microbial community structure if they accumulate in pelagic waters, especially enhancing the proliferation of biohazardous bacteria. To test this scenario, we simulated the inflow of treated wastewater into a temperate lake using a continuous culture system with a gradient of concentration of microplastic particles. We followed the effect of microplastics on the microbial community structure and on the occurrence of integrase 1 (int1), a marker associated with mobile genetic elements known as a proxy for anthropogenic effects on the spread of antimicrobial resistance genes. The abundance of int1 increased in the plastisphere with increasing microplastic particle concentration, but not in the water surrounding the microplastic particles. Likewise, the microbial community on microplastic was more similar to the original wastewater community with increasing microplastic concentrations. Our results show that microplastic particles indeed promote persistence of typical indicators of microbial anthropogenic pollution in natural waters, and substantiate that their removal from treated wastewater should be prioritised.
Age-, sex- and disease subtype–related foetal growth differentials in childhood acute myeloid leukaemia risk: A Childhood Leukemia International Consortium analysis
(ELSEVIER, 2020-03-09) Karalexi, Maria A.; Dessypris, Nick.; Ma, Xiaomei.; Spector, Logan G.; Marcotte, Erin.; Clavel, Jacqueline.; Pombo de Oliveira, Maria S.; Heck, Julia E.; Roman, Eve.; Mueller, Beth; Hansen, Johnni; Auvinen, Anssi; Lee, Pei-Chen; Joachim Schüz; Magnani, Corrado; Mora, Ana Maria; Dockerty, John; Scheurer, Michael; Wang, Rong; Bonaventure, Audrey; Petridou, Eleni Th
Evidence for an association of foetal growth with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is inconclusive. AML is a rare childhood cancer, relatively more frequent in girls, with distinct features in infancy. In the context of the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium (CLIC), we examined the hypothesis that the association may vary by age, sex and disease subtype using data from 22 studies and a total of 3564 AML cases. Pooled estimates by age, sex and overall for harmonised foetal growth markers in association with AML were calculated using the International Fetal and Newborn Growth Consortium for the 21st Century Project for 17 studies contributing individual-level data; meta-analyses were, thereafter, conducted with estimates provided ad hoc by five more studies because of administrative constraints. Subanalyses by AML subtype were also performed. A nearly 50% increased risk was observed among large-for-gestational-age infant boys (odds ratio [OR]: 1.49, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–2.14), reduced to 34% in boys aged <2 years (OR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05–1.71) and 25% in boys aged 0–14 years (OR: 1.25, 95% CI: 1.06–1.46). The association of large for gestational age became stronger in boys with M0/M1subtype (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.15–2.83). Large birth length for gestational age was also positively associated with AML (OR: 1.38, 95% CI: 1.00–1.92) in boys. By contrast, there were null associations in girls, as well as with respect to associations of decelerated foetal growth markers. Accelerated foetal growth was associated with AML, especially in infant boys and those with minimally differentiated leukaemia. Further cytogenetic research would shed light into the underlying mechanisms.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Costa Rican Air and Soil: A Tropical/Temperate Comparison
(ELSEVIER, 2007-11-07) Daly, Gillian L.; Lei, Ying D.; Castillo, Luisa Eugenia; Muir, Derek C.G.; Wania, Frank
Surface soil and passive air samples from a network of 23 sampling sites across Costa Rica were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), allowing for an evaluation of absolute levels, spatial distribution patterns, air/soil concentration (A/S) ratios and relative composition. Annual mean concentrations of four-ring PAHs in air were low (median of approximately 40 pgm 3), except in Costa Rica’s densely populated central valley (approximately 650 pgm 3). PAH concentrations in soil were also low (median of 5 ng g 1 dry weight) and comparable to those reported for other tropical regions. These low soil concentrations result in A/S ratios of four-ring PAHs in Costa Rica that are higher than the equilibrium air–soil partitioning coefficients and also higher than A/S ratios reported for temperate locations. A series of model calculations of increasing complexity were used to seek an explanation for variable A/S ratios of PAHs under tropical and temperate conditions. Temperature-driven changes in air–soil artitioning and differences in PAH degradability under temperate and tropical conditions are insufficient to explain the higher soil concentrations and lower A/S ratios in temperate regions. However, these can be explained by atmospheric deposition of PAHs during historical periods of much higher emissions and air concentrations and by persistence of PAHs in soils on the order of decades. Low PAH concentrations in tropical soils were found to be consistent with constant or increasing emissions, and in particular, do not require that degradation rates in soil are much faster than in temperate areas. In comparison to temperate soils, soils from Costa Rica and other tropical regions have a higher relative abundance of the lighter PAHs. This likely reflects a higher source contribution from biomass burning in the tropics, as well as the preferential loss of lighter PAHs from temperate soils that experienced high PAH deposition in the past.
Advanced Parental Age as Risk Factor for Childhood Acute Iymphoblastic Leukemia: Results From Studies of The Childhood Leukemia International Consortium
(Revista Europea de Epidemiología, 2018-08-01) Petridou, Eleni Th; Georgakis, Marios K; Magnani, Corrado; Metayer, Catherine; Roman, Eve; Mueller, Beth; Ma, Xiaomei; Erdmann, Friederike; Dockerty, John; Mora, Ana Maria; Scheurer, Michael; Ezzat, Sameera; Pombo-de-Oliveira, Maria S.; Hansen, Johnni; Rashed, Wafaa; Kane, Eleanor; Doody, David; Wang, Rong; Kang, Alice Y; Skalkidou, Alkistis; Infante Rivard, Claire; Schuz, Joachim; Dessypris, Nick; Mueller, Beth A; Spector, Logan G; Metayer, Catherine; Pombo-de-Oliveira, Maria S
Advanced parental age has been associated with adverse health effects in the offspring including childhood (0–14 years) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as reported in our meta-analysis of published studies. We aimed to further explore the association using primary data from 16 studies participating in the Childhood Leukemia International Consortium. Data were contributed by 11 case-control (CC) studies (7919 cases and 12942 controls recruited via interviews) and five nested case-control (NCC) studies (8801 cases and 29690 controls identified through record linkage of population-based health registries) with variable enrollment periods (1968–2015). Five-year paternal and maternal age increments were introduced in two meta-analyses by study design using adjusted odds ratios (OR) derived from each study. Increased paternal age was associated with greater ALL risk in the offspring (ORCC:1.05, 95% CI:1.00–1.11; ORNCC:1.04, 95% CI:1.01–1.07). A similar positive association with advanced maternal age was observed only in the NCC results (ORCC:0.99, 95% CI:0.91–1.07, heterogeneity I2=58%, p=0.002; ORNCC:1.05, 95% CI:1.01–1.08). The positive association between parental age and risk of ALL was most marked among children aged 1–5 years and remained unchanged following mutual adjustment for the collinear effect of the paternal and maternal age variables; analyses of the relatively small numbers of discordant paternal-maternal age pairs were not fully enlightening. Our results strengthen the evidence that advanced parental age is associated with increased childhood ALL risk; collinearity of maternal with paternal age complicates causal interpretation. Employing datasets with cytogenetic information may further elucidate involvement of each parental component and clarify underlying mechanisms.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Fatal Ischemic Heart Disease
(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2005-11-01) Burstyn, Igor; Kromhout, Hans; Kauppinen, Timo; Ahrens, Wolfgang; Langard, Sverre; Svane, Ole; Partanen, Timo; Ferro, Gilles; Heederik, Dick; Shahan, Judith; Stucker, Isabelle; Randem, Britt G.; Johansen, Cristoffer; Hooiveld, Mariette; Heikkila, Pirjo; Boffetta, Paolo
Several toxicologic and epidemiologic studies have produced evidence that occupational exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) is a risk factor for ischemic heart disease (IHD). However, a clear exposure–response relation has not been demonstrated.We studied a relation between exposure to PAH and mortality from IHD (418 cases) in a cohort of 12,367 male asphalt workers from Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, The Netherlands and Norway. The earliest follow up (country-specific) started in 1953 and the latest ended in 2000, averaging 17 years. Exposures to benzo(a)pyrene were assessed quantitatively using measurement-driven exposure models. Exposure to coal tar was assessed in a semiquantitative manner on the basis of information supplied by company representatives. We carried out sensitivity analyses to assess potential confounding by tobacco smoking. Both cumulative and average exposure indices for benzo- (a)pyrene were positively associated with mortality from IHD. The highest relative risk for fatal IHD was observed for average benzo- (a)pyrene exposures of 273 ng/m3 or higher, for which the relative risk was 1.64 (95% confidence interval 1.13–2.38). Similar results were obtained for coal tar exposure. Sensitivity analysis indicated that even in a realistic scenario of confounding by smoking, we would observe approximately 20% to 40% excess risk in IHD in the highest PAH-exposure categories. Our results lend support to the hypothesis that occupational PAH exposure causes fatal IHD and demonstrate a consistent exposure–response relation for this association. Background: Several toxicologic and epidemiologic studies have
Drivers of international variation in prevalence of disabling low back pain: Findings from the Cultural and Psychosocial Influences on Disability study
(Wiley Online Library, 2018-06-08) Coggon, David; Ntani, Georgia; Palmer, Keith T.; Felli, Vanda E.; Harari, Florencia; Quintana , Leonardo; Felknor, Sarah; Rojas Garbanzo, Marianela; Cattrell, Anna; Vargas-Prada, Sergio; Bonzini, Matteo; Solidaki, Eleni; Merisalu, Eda; Habib, Rima R.; Sadeghian, Farideh; Muhammad Masood, Kadir; Warnakulasuriya, Sudath; Matsudaira, Ko; Nyantumbu-Mkhize, Busisiwe; Kelsall, Helen; Harcombe, Helen
Wide international variation in the prevalence of disabling low back pain (LBP) among working populations is not explained by known risk factors. It would be useful to know whether the drivers of this variation are specific to the spine or factors that predispose to musculoskeletal pain more generally. Baseline information about musculoskeletal pain and risk factors was elicited from 11 710 participants aged 20–59 years, who were sampled from 45 occupational groups in 18 countries. Wider propensity to pain was characterized by the number of anatomical sites outside the low back that had been painful in the 12 months before baseline (‘pain propensity index’). After a mean interval of 14 months, 9055 participants (77.3%) provided follow-up data on disabling LBP in the past month. Baseline risk factors for disabling LBP at follow-up were assessed by random intercept Poisson regression. After allowance for other known and suspected risk factors, pain propensity showed the strongest association with disabling LBP (prevalence rate ratios up to 2.6, 95% CI: 2.2–3.1; population attributable fraction 39.8%). Across the 45 occupational groups, the prevalence of disabling LBP varied sevenfold (much more than within-country differences between nurses and office workers), and correlated with mean pain propensity index (r = 0.58). Within our study, major international variation in the prevalence of disabling LBP appeared to be driven largely by factors predisposing to musculoskeletal pain at multiple anatomical sites rather than by risk factors specific to the spine. Our findings indicate that differences in general propensity to musculoskeletal pain are a major driver of large international variation in the prevalence of disabling low back pain among people of working age.
Environmental Risk Assessment Of Pesticides In The River Madre De Dios, Costa Rica Using PERPEST, SSD, And msPAF Models
(Springer Nature Link, 2016-09-12) Ramo, Roberto A.; Van Den Brink, Paul J.; Ruepert, Clemens; Castillo, Luisa E.; Gunnarsson, Jonas S.
This study assesses the ecological risks (ERA) of pesticides to aquatic organisms in the River Madre de Dios (RMD), which receives surface runoff water from banana, pineapple, and rice plantations on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica. Water samples collected over 2 years at five sites in the RMD revealed a total of 26 pesticides. Their toxicity risk to aquatic organisms was assessed using three recent ERA models. (1) The PERPEST model showed a high probability (>50 %) of clear toxic effects of pesticide mixtures on algae, macrophytes, zooplankton, macroinvertebrates, and community metabolism and a low probability (<50 %) of clear effects on fish. (2) Species sensitivity distributions (SSD) showed a moderate to high risk of three herbicides: ametryn, bromacil, diuron and four insecticides: carbaryl, diazinon, ethoprophos, terbufos. (3) The multi-substance potentially affected fraction (msPAF) model showed results consistent with PERPEST: high risk to algae (maximum msPAF: 73 %), aquatic plants (61 %), and arthropods (25 %) and low risk to fish (0.2 %) from pesticide mixtures. The pesticides posing the highest risks according to msPAF and that should be substituted with less toxic substances were the herbicides ametryn, diuron, the insecticides carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, diazinon, ethoprophos, and the fungicide difenoconazole. Ecological risks were highest near the plantations and decreased progressively further downstream. The risk to fish was found to be relatively low in these models, but water samples were not collected during fish kill events and some highly toxic pesticides known to be used were not analyzed for in this study. Further sampling and analysis of water samples is needed to determine toxicity risks to fish during peaks of pesticide mixture concentrations. The msPAF model, which estimates the ecological risks of mixtures based on their toxic modes of action, was found to be the most suitable model to assess toxicity risks to aquatic organisms in the RMD. The PERPEST model was found to be a strong tool for screening risk assessments. The SSD approach is useful in deriving water quality criteria for specific pesticides. This study, through the application of three ERA models, clearly shows that pesticides used in plantations within the RMD watershed are expected to have severe adverse effects on most groups of aquatic organisms and that actions are urgently needed to reduce pesticide pollution in this high biodiversity ecosystem.
Parental Occupational Exposure to Pesticides and the Risk of Childhood Leukemia in Costa Rica
(Scand J Work Environ Health, 2007-08-31) Monge, P; Wesseling, Catharina; Guardado, J; Lundberg, Ingvar; Ahlbom, Anders; Cantor, Kenneth P; Weiderpass, Elisabete; Partanen, Timo
Parental exposure to pesticides and the risk of leukemia in offspring were examined in a population based case–control study in Costa Rica. All cases of childhood leukemia (N=334), in 1995–2000, were identified at the Cancer Registry and the Children’s Hospital. Population controls (N=579) were drawn from the National Birth Registry. Interviews of parents were conducted using conventional and icon-based calendar forms. An exposure model was constructed for 25 pesticides in five time periods. Mothers’ exposures to any pesticides during the year before conception and during the first and second trimesters were associated with the risk [odds ratio (OR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.0–5.9; OR 22, 95% CI 2.8–171.5; OR 4.5, 95% CI 1.4–14.7, respectively] and during anytime (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.8). An association was found for fathers’ exposures to any pesticides during the second trimester (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.3). An increased risk with respect to organophosphates was found for mothers during the first trimester (OR 3.5, 95% CI 1.0–12.2) and for fathers during the year before conception and the first trimester (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.0–2.2 and OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.0–2.6, respectively), and benzimidazoles during the first, second, and third trimesters of pregnancy (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–4.4; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–5.0; OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.0–5.2, respectively). There was a suggestion of an exposure–response gradient for fathers as regards picloram, benomyl, and paraquat. Age at diagnosis was positively associated with fathers’ exposures and inversely associated with mothers’ exposures. The results suggest that parental exposure to certain pesticides may increase the risk of leukemia in offspring.
Registration of Occupational Diseases in Costa Rica
(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2007-09) Monge, P.; Mora, A, M.
Previous efforts have been developed in Costa Rica to systematize and unify the registration of occupational diseases, but with nonpositive results. To better assess the feasibility to standardize the report of occupational risks, the Program in Work and Health in Central America (SALTRA) is conducting a project in 2 CA countries. We are presenting the advances in Costa Rica.
Indicators of Health Risks to Promote Sustainability in Agro-Food Chains
(Wolters Kluwer, 2007-09) Bravo, Virya; Partanen, Timo; Pelupessy, Wim; Wesseling, Catharina
Techniques to identify potential health risks of pesticide use are useful to promote and follow up sustainability in export agro-food chains, especially in production segment in developing countries. The aim of the study was to differentiate crop production technologies, based on the quantity of pesticides applied, grouped by toxicity criteria as health risk indicators.
An ecosystem health approach and children's health living in the vicinity of banana plantations
(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2007-09) Van Wendel de Joode, B.; Barraza, D.; Mora, AM; Córdoba, L; De la Cruz, E
To study children's exposure to pesticides, their health effects, and their social consequences in agricultural communities. Materials and methods: The study population included three communities near banana plantations (multinationals) and plantain plantations (small-scale farmers) with extensive pesticide use, and two with low pesticide use (livestock farmers and organic farmers). Pesticide exposure pathways in children were studied both qualitatively and quantitatively within a social, cultural, and gender context. To study perceptions of pesticide risks, focus groups with parents and semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders were conducted. Exposure was quantitatively assessed by measuring pesticide metabolites in urine in 55 exposed children and 12 children aged 7 and 8 with low exposure. Dermal exposure was assessed in 14 of these children, and dust samples were collected from their homes. Environmental samples (air, surface and drinking water, and soil) were also collected. To study the children's development and health, a battery of neurobehavioral tests was administered to all 7- and 8-year-old children in the 5 communities.
Pesticide Exposure and Neurological Effects in Children of Nicaraguan Agricultural Workers, With an Ecosystem Approach
(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2007-09) Rodríguez, T; van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Soto, A; Rojas, M; Wesseling, Catharina
Las familias de trabajadores agrícolas en Nicaragua suelen tener mayor contacto con plaguicidas en el entorno general debido a que viven cerca de los campos tratados con plaguicidas. Los niños suelen jugar y trabajar en o cerca de los campos tratados. Un estudio previo reportó TCPY en aplicadores y sus hijos (LOD 146.82 μg/L y LOD 125.13 μg/L, respectivamente). Además, los niveles urinarios de los metabolitos generales de los piretroides, PBA, cis-DCCA, trans-DCCA y DBCA, superan los niveles de referencia publicados en niños. El objetivo principal de este estudio es determinar el contexto económico y social de la exposición infantil a plaguicidas y sus efectos neurológicos.
Retrospective Analysis of an Outbreak of Nonsuccessful Pregnancies in a Community Nearby a Melon Plantation
(Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc., 2007-09) Cordoba, Leonel; van Wendel de Joode, Berna; Ramirez, F; Herrero, Marco V.; Wesseling, Catharina
The objective of this study was to identify risk factors of nonsuccessful pregnancies in a Costa Rican community during 2004. Out of 20 pregnancies, 4 resulted in stillbirths, 3 in miscarriages, and 1 in a congenital malformation. The community inhabitants attributed thi outbreak to the pesticide use in a nearby melon plantation.
Costa Rican Factory Workers Exposed to Chlorpyrifos
(Wolters Kluwer, 2007-09) Rojas, M.; Van Wendel del Joode, B.; Ruepert, C.; Wesseling, C.
Chlorpyrifos is a neurotoxic organophosphate insecticide. Moderated toxicity of chlorpyrifos inhibits the acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activity. Occupational exposure to chlorpyrifos has poisoned many workers in Central America. A group of factory workers involved in the manufacturing of bags with chlorpyrifos asked SALTRA to evaluate if they were intoxicated. To evaluate if factory workers with a chronic exposure to chlorpyrifos are intoxicated.
Health Risk Indicators for Pesticide Use: Banana in the Atlantic Region of Costa Rica, 2006
(Wolters Kluwer, 2007-09) Bravo, Virya; Partanen, Timo; Wesseling, Catharina
Pesticide use is a severe agricultural public health problem in developing countries. Surveillance of health risks is difficult. During decades, banana has been one of the crops where pesticides have been most intensively used in Costa Rica. The aim of the study was to establish a basis for surveillance of pesticide use in relation to potential health risks, by means of toxicity indicators, using banana cultivation in Costa Rica as an example.

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