Human rhinovirus (HRV) is a leading cause of acute respiratory infection (ARI) in young children and infants worldwide and has a high impact on morbidity and mortality in this population. Initially, HRV was classified into two species: HRV-A and HRV-B. Recently, a species called HRV-C and possibly another species, HRV-D, were identified. In Mexico, there is little information about the role of HRV as a cause of ARI, and the presence and importance of species such as HRV-C are not known. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical characteristics and genetic variability of HRV in Mexican children. Genetic characterization was carried out by phylogenetic analysis of the 5′-nontranslated region (5′-NTR) of the HRV genome. The results show that the newly identified HRV-C is circulating in Mexican children more frequently than HRV-B but not as frequently as HRV-A, which was the most frequent species. Most of the cases of the three species of HRV were in children under 2 years of age, and all species were associated with very mild and moderate ARI.

To assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the Zika virus in both students and workers at the University of Veracruz, an online survey was conducted. The participants were divided into two groups: one according to sex, the other according to whether they were workers or students. Their answers were classified into knowledge, attitudes, and practices and they were rated as low, medium, and high. The results showed that knowledge about Zika prevailing among the university population is considered as medium in 79.4% of the study population. Most respondents know that the mosquito spreads the Zika virus (98.8%) and the clinical characteristics, while sexual transmission by the virus is little known (36.85%). Both the univariate analysis (OR (CI5) 0.227 (0.070–0.735), p = 0.013] and multivariate analysis (OR (CI95) 0.234 (0.071–778), p = 0.018] showed that belonging to the health sciences area is related to having a greater knowledge about Zika. Despite the existing knowledge, a low level of prevention practices prevails in the whole community (55%). A medium level of knowledge about Zika prevailed, while proper implementation of preventive measures for Zika is low, despite the fact that the state of Veracruz—the place where the University is located—is an endemic area.

Las diferentes encuestas muestran que el consumo de alcohol entre los jóvenes es alto, dicha edad coincide con el inicio de la vida universitaria. Asimismo, se considera que el uso de alcohol incrementa el riesgo de consumir drogas ilegales. Objetivo. Conocer la prevalencia de consumo de alcohol en los estudiantes universitarios y su asociación como predictor del consumo de drogas ilegales. Método. Estudio transversal analítico en 19,815 estudiantes, mediante el análisis de la base de datos del Segundo Diagnóstico de Percepción, Riesgo y Consumo de Drogas en Estudiantes Universitarios en una universidad pública del estado de Veracruz, México. Resultados. La prevalencia del consumo de alcohol fue de 55.5%. El análisis de regresión logística mostró que los estudiantes que consumieron alcohol registraron mayor probabilidad de consumir drogas ilegales con respecto a los que no reportaron consumo de alcohol. Conclusiones. Se confirma la asociación entre el consumo de alcohol con drogas ilegales, datos que podrían reafirmar al alcohol como droga que es puerta de entrada para el consumo de otras. Es una tarea primordial para las universidades llevar a cabo acciones de intervención para la promoción de estilos de vida saludables, prevención y detección oportuna del consumo de alcohol y otras drogas.

Genetic variation in tuberculosis is influenced by the host environment, patients with comorbidity, and tuberculosis–type 2 diabetes mellitus (TB-T2DM) and implies a higher risk of treatment failure and development of drug resistance. Considering the above, this study aimed to evaluate the influence of T2DM on the dynamic of polymorphisms related to antibiotic resistance in TB. Fifty individuals with TB-T2DM and TB were initially characterized, and serial isolates of 29 of these individuals were recovered on day 0 (diagnosis), 30, and 60. Genomes were sequenced, variants related to phylogeny and drug resistance analyzed, and mutation rates calculated and compared between groups. Lineage X was predominant. At day 0 (collection), almost all isolates from the TB group were sensitive, apart from four isolates from the TB-T2DM group showing the mutation katG S315T, from which one isolate had the mutations rpoB S450L, gyrA A90G, and gyrA D94G. This pattern was observed in a second isolate at day 30. The results provide a first overview of the dynamics of mutations in resistance genes from individuals with TB-T2DM, describing an early development of resistance to isoniazid and a rapid evolution of resistance to other drugs. Although preliminary, these results help to explain the increased risk of drug resistance in individuals with TB and T2DM.

Objective: Identify psychosocial factors associated with tobacco, alcohol and marijuana consumption in Mexican and Colombian university students. Method: Transversal study carried out at a Mexican university and at a Colombian one, in students in the health sciences area. The variables considered were: sex, age, people living with, having kids, free time use, peer influence, family factors, self concept and self-esteem. Proportion analysis of each of the variables was performed using Chi-squared test. Influential factors for different consumptions were determined through bi varied analysis using odds ratio and multi-varied regression logistics analysis. Results: Greater consumption of alcohol was observed at the Colombian university and of tobacco at the Mexican one. At both universities, factors contributing for tobacco, alcohol and marijuana consumption were being a male, spending time in a negative way and peer influence. Differences such as living alone and not having kids were observed. Conclusions: The analysis allowed the observation of similarities and differences that must be taken into account when implementing preventive programs regarding drug consumption.