Epidemiology of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus with a “One Health” Approach

Introduction. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) represents a significant threat to public health due to its capacity for dissemination, colonization, and resistance to multiple antibiotics. Its distribution among humans, animals, food, and environment emphasizes the need to address it from a “One Health” approach. Objective. To analyze the epidemiology of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, including its virulence profile, distribution in different reservoirs, frequency of resistance genes and evaluation of the susceptibility profile. Methodology. A literature review was performed in PubMed, Scopus, and BVS databases, using MeSH terms and Boolean operators, applying the PRISMA method for article selection. Results. Analysis of 26 MRSA-focused studies identified the most prevalent virulence factors as: nuc, hla, hlb, clfA, clfB, coa, ica, and icaD, in addition to enterotoxins seb, sel, seo, and immunomodulatory genes scn, sak, and chp. The highest MRSA prevalence was identified in animal reservoirs (22.8%), followed by human (18.8%), food (7.7%), and environmental samples (4.6%). A high prevalence of the mecA (57.1%) and blaZ (70.7%) genes was observed, whereas the mecC gene was detected at a lower frequency (2.5%). Resistance to cefoxitin, oxacillin, penicillin, and ampicillin was consistently high across all reservoirs. Notably, resistance to vancomycin was detected in animal-derived isolates, representing a significant concern. Nevertheless, linezolid remained highly effective, with negligible resistance observed in the studied reservoirs. Conclusion. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus exhibits a broad range of virulence factors and resistance determinants, with considerable prevalence across multiple reservoirs, highlighting its zoonotic potential and the importance of integrated surveillance within a One Health framework. General Area of Study: Health. Specific area of study: Microbiology. Type of study: Systematic bibliographic review.

Jeremy Leonel Sangucho Suntasig, Ana Rafaela Burgos Mayorga, Sandra Margarita Cruz Quintana, Evelyn Katherine Jaramillo Ruales

6-28

Aplicación de la técnica de repeticiones palindrómicas cortas agrupadas y regularmente interespaciadas (CRISPR) como terapia alternativa en la beta-talasemia mayor

Introduction: Beta-thalassemia major is a severe hereditary hemoglobinopathy caused by mutations in the HBB gene, which encodes the beta chain of hemoglobin. These mutations drastically reduce the production of functional hemoglobin, leading to severe chronic anemia. As an alternative to regular transfusion treatments, a promising gene therapy based on CRISPR/Cas9 technology has been investigated with the aim of correcting these mutations and offering a potential cure. Objective: Analyze the efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 technique as a therapeutic approach for beta-thalassemia major, highlighting its benefits and limitations. Methodology: A systematic review of studies published between 2020 and 2025 was conducted using the PRISMA methodology. Results: CRISPR/Cas9-based therapies in numerous studies primarily focused on editing the BCL11A gene, resulting in increased production of HbF. Additionally, other investigations targeted the β039 gene, achieving an increase in both HbF and HbA levels. Conclusion: Genetic therapy has shown effectiveness in more than 90% of patients with beta-thalassemia major, demonstrating that increased levels of HbF help patients achieve transfusion independence. However, certain limitations remain, such as the prohibitive cost and limited accessibility of treatment, particularly in regions with a high prevalence of the disease. General Area of Study: Clinical Laboratory. Specific area of study: Molecular biology. Type of study: Systematic bibliographic review.

Bryan Sebastian Cevallos Saá, Daniela Alexandra Rosero Freire

29-47

Alterations in red blood cell parameters associated with the use of hormonal contraceptives

Introduction. Hormonal contraceptives are widely used worldwide due to their effectiveness in preventing unwanted pregnancies. In addition to their contraceptive function, these drugs offer multiple non-contraceptive benefits, such as regulating the menstrual cycle, reducing pain associated with dysmenorrhea, decreasing excessive menstrual bleeding, and treating acne and polycystic ovary syndrome. However, numerous studies have shown that their use can induce changes in hematological parameters, particularly in the red cell series and platelets. These modifications vary depending on the type of contraceptive, the route of administration, and the duration of treatment. Objective. To analyze the alterations in red blood cell parameters and platelet count associated with the use of diverse types of hormonal contraceptives in women. Methodology. An information search was conducted in various databases, including PubMed, Scopus, BVS, Cochrane Library, Elsevier, and books, considering studies published in both English and Spanish. Results. Combined oral contraceptives and quarterly progestogen-only injections are associated with clear increases in red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet count. In contrast, transdermal patches, the vaginal ring, and the hormonal IUD maintain stable erythrocyte indices and platelet counts. Subdermal implants, on the other hand, do not usually alter these parameters initially, but prolonged use can cause irregular uterine bleeding, which over time leads to a decrease in red blood cell count, hematocrit, MCV, and MCH due to the progressive depletion of iron stores. Conclusion. The hematological effects of hormonal contraceptives vary according to their type and duration of use. While combined oral contraceptives and injectable progestogens promote an increase in erythrocyte and platelet parameters due to reduced menstrual bleeding and possible erythropoietic stimulation, chronic use of subdermal implants may induce changes consistent with iron deficiency. General field of study: Health Sciences Specific field of study: Clinical Laboratory Type of study: Narrative literature review.

Jimmy Alexander Escobar Beltrán, Daniela Alexandra Rosero Freire

48-65

Role of immunological biomarkers in the alterations of the intestinal microbiota

Introduction: The composition of the intestinal microbiota is closely related to the modulation of immune system activity. However, alterations in this composition (dysbiosis) compromise biological functions and bacterial balance and are associated with pathologies such as obesity, cancer, inflammatory disorders, and even neurological conditions. In such cases, immunological markers allow for the evaluation of inflammatory processes and the functional state of microbiota. Objective: Describe the impact of immunological biomarkers on alterations of the intestinal microbiota through a literature review. Methodology: The information was gathered from studies published between 2020 and 2025. The search for articles was conducted in the scientific databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies published in both Spanish and English were included. Results: Dysbiosis leads to an increase in opportunistic and pathogenic bacteria, triggering the host's immune response by stimulating the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, IL-6, TNF-a, IL-1ß, IL-8, and fecal calprotectin were the most relevant immunological markers presented in this study, as they can assess mucosal damage and the progression of the inflammatory process. However, markers such as C-reactive protein, due to their lower specificity, have limited diagnostic value. Conclusion: This article summarizes the diagnostic value of immunological markers in microbial imbalance scenarios and their interaction with immune response activation associated with inflammatory disorders, infections, cancer, and neurological diseases. In this way, diagnostic tools are presented that offer new perspectives for the clinical management of patients. General Area of Study: Health Sciences Specific area of study: Clinical Laboratory Type of study: Narrative literature review

Gabriela Belén Tubón Arcos, María Elizabeth Proaño Pérez

66-85

Evaluation of alternative therapeutic methods for the control of metritis and endometritis in cows

Introduction. Metritis and endometritis in cows are considered a public health problem due to their high incidence and antimicrobial resistance, affecting both the loss of milk production and the decline in the percentage of pregnancies. This translates into economic losses that are detrimental to the purpose of dairy farming and cattle breeding. The most common treatments that have been applied are based on antibiotic therapy, but this article presents studies that provide viable alternatives to antibiotics for the treatment of metritis and endometritis in cows. We have described therapeutic alternatives such as: Nanotherapies, Phytotherapy, Hormonal Therapy, NSAIDs and Metabolic Therapy. With their respective comparative analyses in terms of feasibility, preventive actions, and application requirements. These alternative treatments may be the answer to the problem of antimicrobial resistance, improving animal health and welfare without neglecting economic performance in livestock systems. Objective. To evaluate alternative therapeutic methods for the control of endometris and metris in dairy cows. Methodology. Review and analysis of scientific literature, published in specialized journals and veterinary textbooks. Use of databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SciELO and specific veterinary databases such as VetMed Resource. Search engines such as Google Scholar. Results: In the present bibliographic review, a set of alternative non-antibiotic therapeutic options that are effective and comparable with traditional antibiotic treatments can be appreciated. Their effectiveness ranges from 60% to 92% compared to 87% and 96% for antibiotics. Phytotherapeutic compounds, nanoparticles, metabolic therapies and anti-flammatory therapies stand out, valuing preventive treatments to reduce the incidence of metritis and endometritis. The results obtained give us understanding that these are viable options, despite the limitations in terms of the samples presented in the studies. Conclusion: In conclusion, these alternative treatments, such as phytotherapy, anti-inflammatory therapies, etc., have proven to be viable and promising therapeutic options due to their efficacy, availability and easy application, obtaining also additional beneficial results in preserving the uterine microbiota, improvement in milk production and reduction of pathologies after metritis and endometritis. Representing an effective response to antibiotic resistance, contributing to an improvement in the sustainability of bovine reproductive health. General Area of Study: Veterinary Medicine. Specific area of study: Gynecology. Type of study: Systematic bibliographic review

Carlos Esteban Mantilla Villacreses

86-104

Rehabilitation through early mobilization in post stroke patients

Introduction: The research was conducted through a bibliographic analysis about the application of early mobilization as a physiotherapeutic method in post cerebrovascular accident (CVA) patients. This clinical condition is described as a syndrome characterized by the rapid development of signs of neurological involvement lasting more than 24 hours. Objective: To describe the effects of rehabilitation through early mobilization in post-stroke patients to prevent musculoskeletal deterioration and favor the patient's physical recovery. Methodology: The methodology is retrospective, since a search and compilation of information was conducted by reviewing files, documents, and relevant publications. To improve this search, advanced research tools were used, such as academic databases. The study started with a population of 120 articles, and after its analysis, a sample of 25 articles was obtained, covering rehabilitation through early mobilization. Results: 36% of the studies reported significant improvements in functional capacity by increasing cerebral blood flow after early mobility even before 24 hours of stroke onset, while 12% showed that the combination with early occupational therapy, virtual reality or robot program is also beneficial in terms of mobility and functional capacity. Conclusions: The integration of Early Mobilization with occupational therapy, virtual reality or with a robot program indicating superior results compared to the application of these therapies by individual. General area of study: Physiotherapy. Specific area of study: Stroke. Type of study: Bibliographic review.

Joselyn Anahy Cuenca Jiménez, Verónica Elizabeth Calvopiña Caizahuano, Esthefania Alexandra Rodriguez Bermeo, Alex Daniel Barreno Gadvay

105-127