Objective: To investigate antiviral activity of maca to reduce viral load in Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells infected with influenza type A and B viruses (Flu-A and Flu-B, respectively). Methods: Maca were extracted with methanol (1:2, v/v). The cell viability and toxicity of the extracts were evaluated on MDCK cells using method MTT assay. Antiviral activity of compounds against Flu-A and Flu-B viruses was assayed using a test for determining the inhibition of the cytopathic effect on cell culture and multiplex RT-PCR. Results: The methanol extract of maca showed low cytotoxicity and inhibited influenza-induced cytopathic effect significantly, while viral load was reduced via inhibition of viral growth in MDCK infected cells. Maca contains potent inhibitors of Flu-A and Flu-B with a selectivity index [cytotoxic concentration 50%/IC

Objective: To detect the most prevalent human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes in cervical smear samples of asymptomatic Peruvian women by analyzing the correlation between Papanicolaou (PAP)-stained cervical tests and PCR-sequencing. Methods: A total of 254 women attending routine gynecological examinations were included in this study. The samples were analyzed by PAP technique and examined under a microscope by a pathologist and classified by the Bethesda system. HPV amplification was done using the primers specific for E1 region and positive specimens were confirmed by direct sequencing. Results: The prevalence of HPV was investigated in 254 cervical scrape samples by PCR. PAP smear showed that 94.9% cases had normal morphology and 5.1% had an inflammatory pattern; 20.5% were found to be infected with HPV, comprising 20 different genotypes. HPV16 was the most prevalent genotype in correlation with changes in cervical cytology. Conclusions: Our results suggest the HPV is very frequent even in women with negative PAP, and PCR seems to be the best option to determine the causative agent of HPV infection in endocervical samples. Identification of the HPV genotype in asymptomatic women may allow the implementation of appropriate prophylactic measures which may have a direct impact on the natural history of the disease and the subsequent development of cervical malignancy.

We present an atypical case of disseminated cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Sihuas district, located in the Andean valleys of Ancash-Peru. A 62-year-old man with no particular medical history presented multiple lesions located on the inferior abdomen, lumbar region and the right anterior thigh. Histological analysis found leishmanial amastigotes in the lesion sample, the Montenegro reaction was positive for Leishmania spp, and the polymerase chain reaction was positive for Leishmania peruviana. In conclusion, the atypical presentation of this disease may be related to the presence of an uncommon parasite strain or host immune deficiencies. The molecular identification of the etiology for disseminated leishmaniasis, will allow a better understanding of the presentation and proper treatment, as well as associated risk factors.