Laboratorio Clínico-Pregrado
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Item Frecuencia de Helicobacter pylori en biopsia gástrica en pacientes de 20-50 años de edad atendidos en el Hospital del Río, Cuenca 2021-2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-06) Quizhpe Espinosa, Soraya Nicole; Sarango Paguay, Anahy Mariana; Garcés Chiriboga, Katherine GabrielaBackground: Helicobacter pylori is a Gram-negative, curved, microaerophilic bacillus that colonizes the gastric mucosa and is associated with gastritis, peptic ulcers, and gastric cancer. In 2020, reported prevalence rates in Latin America were high (>70%), with Ecuador being one of the countries with significantly elevated figures. However, the frequency of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies from young and middle-aged adults in the local context has not been sufficiently studied, which hinders the design of specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Objective: To determine the frequency of Helicobacter pylori in gastric biopsies in patients aged 20 to 50 years, treated at Hospital del Río during the period 2021-2024. Methods: The study was descriptive and retrospective, analyzing the results from the Pathological Anatomy Laboratory of Hospital del Río between 2021 and 2024. The frequency was determined using an anonymized database, and data analysis was performed with Microsoft Excel 2019 and SPSS 29. Results: The frequency of Helicobacter pylori in the studied population was 34.22%, being more common in individuals aged 36 to 40 years and predominantly in men (53.71%). The positivity rate was higher in biopsies that included both the antrum and body together (35.53%), followed by those from the body (32%) and antrum (29.07%). No relevant differences were observed between different hospital areas, and regarding place of residence, there was a higher proportion of cases in urban areas (34.98%) than in rural areas (31.49%).Item FRECUENCIA DE ANTICUERPOS ANTI PÉPTIDOS CITRULINADOS POSITIVOS EN PACIENTES DEL HOSPITAL VICENTE CORRAL MOSCOSO, PERIODO 2023(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-27) Quizhpi Sibri, Luis Fernando; Reinoso Quizhpi, Angelica Magali; Idrovo Condo, Daniel FernandoRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the joints and can lead to disability. Anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP) are key serological markers in the early diagnosis and prognosis of RA. In Ecuador, studies on the prevalence of these antibodies are limited, making it difficult to adequately characterize the disease in the population. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of anti-CCP-positive antibodies in patients treated at the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital during 2023. An observational, cross-sectional, descriptive study was conducted in patients treated at the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital during 2023. The study population consisted of patients who underwent anti-citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) antibody testing. Simple random sampling was used to ensure the representativeness of the results. This information was obtained from the clinical laboratory area of the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital, which provided an anonymized database from the computer system. The frequency of positive anti-CCP antibodies in patients at Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital in 2023 was 16.3% (IC: 95%), with a predominance in women, older adults, and the rural population, especially those with a primary education level. All positive cases had a disease duration of more than six months, evidencing detection in established phases of the disease and highlighting the importance of clinical laboratories as a key diagnosis support tool in rheumatoid arthritis.Item CARCINOMA DE TIROIDES EN PACIENTES DE 20 – 40 AÑOS ATENDIDOS EN EL HOSPITAL DEL RÍO, CUENCA 2021 - 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-26) Vera Campoverde, Paulina Nicole; Garcés Chiriboga, Katherine GabrielaThyroid carcinoma is one of the most frequent endocrine neoplasms, worldwide and, according to GLOBOCAN 2020 data, it ranks among then ten most frequent cancers globally. In recent years, its diagnosis has shown a progressive increase, particularly among young adults. The main histological types include papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic carcinoma, with papillary carcinoma being the most frequent, as well as having a better prognosis. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of thyroid carcinoma in patients aged 20 – 40 years treated at Hospital del Río, Cuenca 2021 – 2024. This was a descriptive, cross-sectional study conducted, in which anonymized data were collected from 41 patients who underwent thyroid biopsy during the established period. The information was recorded in data collection form designed for the study and subsequently analyzed using Microsoft Excel, applying descriptive and statistical analysis. Tue results showed that 41.46% of the patients were diagnosed with thyroid carcinoma, with a predominance in females, individuals living in urban areas, and papillary carcinoma as the most frequent histological type.Item Parámetros analíticos de laboratorio clínico prequirúrgicos en pacientes sometidos a cirugía abdominal electiva en el Hospital Municipal de la Mujer y el Niño Cuenca-Ecuador, 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-25) Arenillas Guanoquiza, Elvis Gabriel; Campozano Chica, Melani Luciana; Cevallos Guamancela, Alvaro JavierPotential causes of poor surgical wound healing that are not identified during the preoperative stage represent an ongoing issue in clinical practice. This is frequently associated with inadequate evaluation of laboratory parameters. In the United States of America, surgical site healing complications occur in approximately 2% of patients. The objective of this research is to determine preoperative Clinical Laboratory analytical parameters and describe their alterations and postoperative course in patients undergoing elective abdominal surgery at the Hospital Municipal de la Mujer y el Niño, Cuenca- Ecuador, in 2024. A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional design was employed, using anonymized clinical forms of patients who underwent elective abdominal surgery at the Hospital Municipal de la Mujer y el Niño in 2024. Data were tabulated and presented using Excel software. The results showed that 25.10% of patients presented some type of postoperative complication, and only 0.41% had a complication related to wound healing, specifically dehiscence. The main early postoperative complications in patients undergoing abdominal surgery were metabolic ileus (24.59%) and hematoma/hemorrhage (18.03%). The main late postoperative complications were seroma (29.51%) and surgical site infection (11.48%). The preoperative laboratory parameters most frequently altered in patients with postoperative complications were leukocytes, showing leukocytosis (>10*10^3/uL), commonly observed preoperatively in seroma, serositis, surgical site infection, and venous stasis. C-reactive protein was also elevated (>0.6 mg/dL), frequently observed preoperatively in seroma, metabolic ileus, surgical site infection, and venous stasis. Hemoglobin levels were decreased (<14.5 g/dL), commonly observed prior to surgery in dehiscence, bladder distension, hematoma/hemorrhage, and venous stasis.Item FRECUENCIA DE VIRUS RESPIRATORIOS EN PACIENTES ATENDIDOS EN EL HOSPITAL VICENTE CORRAL MOSCOSO EN EL PERIODO 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-25) Lituma Sarmiento, Camila Nicole; Sarmiento Iglesias, Diego José; Patiño Mogrovejo, Juan CarlosAcute respiratory infections are among the leading causes of morbidity in Ecuador, particularly affecting particularly vulnerable populations. In 2024, an increase in cases of respiratory viruses such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus was reported in cities such as Cuenca. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of respiratory viruses in patients treated at Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso during 2024, identifying the predominant viral types and their association with sociodemographic variables. The hospital employs advanced Molecular Biology technology that enables the simultaneous detection of multiple viral agents. A quantitative, non-experimental, observational, retrospective, descriptive, crosssectional design was used. A total of 316 viral panels were analyzed during the study period, processed using SPSS and Excel, and organized into tables and figures. This study updates local data on viral circulation, thereby strengthening epidemiological surveillance and clinical and public health decision-making. Ethical approval was obtained, and data were handled confidentially without posing any risk to patients. Of the viral panels analyzed, 50.32% tested positive for at least one virus. The most frequently detected pathogens were Human Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (33.33%), Influenza A (20.13%), Parainfluenza (16.35%), and SARSCoV-2 (5.66%). Male patients predominated (62.34%), particularly children aged 0 to 9 years (61.08%) and individuals from rural areas (51.58%). A high post-pandemic prevalence of diverse respiratory viruses was observed, primarily affecting males, rural populations, and children, likely due to factors such as immunological immaturity and overcrowding. These findings support surveillance strategies, vaccination programs, and prospective studies incorporating clinical variables to improve disease management in Ecuador.Item PREVALENCIA DE SÍFILIS CONGÉNITA EN LA UNIDAD DE NEONATOLOGÍA EN EL HOSPITAL VICENTE CORRAL MOSCOSO 2023-2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-24) Alarcón Román, María José; Criollo Bermeo, Mateo Fernando; Patiño Mogrovejo, Juan CarlosSyphilis is a systemic sexually transmitted or perinatally transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum, associated with pregnancy complications and perinatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. In Ecuador, it represents a public health problem. Congenital syphilis results from vertical transmission to the fetus; most infected newborns are asymptomatic at birth, although they may develop clinical manifestations later. The objective of the present study is to determine the prevalence of congenital syphilis in neonates treated in the Neonatology Unit of Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso during the 2023–2024 period. A descriptive, retrospective, cross-sectional study was conducted, based on the analysis of an anonymized laboratory database. The study population consisted of neonates with Venereal Disease Research Laboratory (VDRL) test results. The variables included congenital syphilis, gestational age, sex, VDRL results, VDRL titers, and fluorescent treponemal antibody absorption (FTA-ABS). The prevalence of congenital syphilis was 0.53%. Positivity was higher in serum (0.40%) than in cerebrospinal fluid (0.13%). The most frequent VDRL titer was 1:2 (50%), followed by 1:4 and 1:32 (25% each), and all cases were confirmed by FTA-ABS. A total of 99.59% of cases corresponded to preterm neonates, with an equal distribution by sex. These findings demonstrate a low prevalence of congenital syphilis and highlight the importance of prenatal care and epidemiological surveillance in this vulnerable population.Item Diseño, implementación y evaluación de seis indicadores de calidad en las fases preanalítica, analítica y postanalítica en el laboratorio Santa Ana Lab. Cuenca, agosto-diciembre 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-24) Alvear Ordoñez, Milagros Patricia; Fernández Sacotto, María Victoria; Espinoza Pesántez, Diana IsabelBackground: In the clinical laboratory, quality indicators enable the identification of deficiencies, improve the reliability of test results, and strengthen patient safety. In Ecuador, despite existing regulations, the systematic application of these indicators remains limited. Objective: To design, implement, and evaluate six quality indicators in the pre-analytical, analytical, and post-analytical phases at Santa Ana Lab, Cuenca, during the period August–November 2025. Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and prospective study was conducted through documentary review of physical and digital records. Results: In the pre-analytical phase, the satisfaction survey showed a 70% “excellent” rating, while errors in patient identification data were only 0.58%. In the analytical phase, internal quality control demonstrated 100% accuracy in complete blood count testing and 97.35% in clinical chemistry; external quality control achieved 96.29% accuracy. In the post-analytical phase, 95.64% of results were delivered on time, and 100% of critical values were reported promptly. Conclusions: The implementation of these indicators strengthened internal management and process traceability in accordance with ISO 15189:2022, positively impacting patient safety.Item Frecuencia de cándida SPP. en pacientes con estomatitis subprotésica que acuden a la clínica odontológica de la Facultad de Odontología. Cuenca, 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-24) León Ortega, Ariel Julian; Pulla León, Mishelle Verónica; Agreda Orellana, Ivanna SolmayraBackground: Inadequate use of removable dental prostheses favors the development of denture stomatitis and Candida spp. infections, a mycosis of public health relevance due to its high prevalence and the increasing emergence of fluconazole-resistant strains, which compromises therapeutic efficacy. Objective: To determine the frequency of Candida spp. in patients with denture stomatitis attending the dental clinic of the Faculty of Dentistry, Cuenca, 2025. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to identify the species causing the infection, evaluate their antifungal activity, and analyze their association with the study variables. The study population consisted of all samples collected during the established period. Results: Of the 50 patients, 68% tested positive for Candida spp., with a predominance in females (57.9%). Candida albicans was the most frequently identified species (44.74%), particularly in the elderly group (86.84%) and in Grade I lesions (81.58%). All isolates of C. albicans, C. tropicalis, and C. dubliniensis were susceptible to fluconazole, while C. glabrata showed dose-dependent susceptibility in all cases. Conclusion: A high frequency of denture stomatitis associated with Candida spp. was observed, with C. albicans as the predominant species, mainly affecting females, older adults, and Grade I lesions. Regarding antifungal response, the isolated species demonstrated susceptibility to fluconazole, although C. glabrata exhibited dose-dependent susceptibility.Item LESIONES CERVICOVAGINALES DETECTADAS POR CITOLOGÍA DE BASE LÍQUIDA EN MUJERES ATENDIDAS EN EL HOSPITAL VICENTE CORRAL MOSCOSO. CUENCA 2023-2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-24) Cajilima Molina, Elibeth Janela; Condo Valladarez, Diana Sarvelia; Patiño Mogrovejo, Juan CarlosCervicovaginal lesions and cervical cancer represent a public health problem, especially in developing countries. In Ecuador, cervical cancer is the second leading cause of gynecological mortality. A study conducted in Cuenca in 2018 showed a detection rate of 64.4%, exceeding the national average of 58.8%. This justifies the need for updated studies using liquid-based cytology, Papanicolaou staining, and cellular analysis to identify changes associated with carcinogenic processes. This study had a descriptive, cross-sectional cohort design. Microsoft Excel 2019 and IBM SPSS Statistics version 21 were used for data tabulation, with purposive sampling of all data collection forms. The variables included in this study were cervicovaginal lesions detected by liquid-based cytology, age, place of residence, and number of pregnancies. Data analysis was performed using qualitative variables expressed as percentages in simple tables. In the results obtained, the frequency of cervicovaginal lesions identified by liquid-based cytology in women treated at the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital was determined and classified according to the Bethesda System for the years 2023–2024.Item FRECUENCIA DE MYCOBACTERIUM TUBERCULOSIS EN PACIENTES ATENDIDOS EN EL HOSPITAL VICENTE CORRAL MOSCOSO. CUENCA 2023- 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-24) Hidalgo Quichimbo, Bryam Eduardo; Puma Romero, Diego Josué; Patiño Mogrovejo, Juan CarlosAccording to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis affected approximately 10.6 million people worldwide in 2023, establishing itself as a major public health problem. Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the causative agent of the disease, is an acid-alcohol-resistant bacillus with a cell wall rich in lipids and mycolic acids, which gives it high resistance and persistence. Its slow replication, facultative intracellular nature, and potential for drug resistance highlight the importance of timely diagnosis using microbiological and molecular methods such as Lowenstein-Jensen culture, MGIT liquid culture, and GeneXpert. The objective of the study was to determine the frequency of M. tuberculosis in patients treated at the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital in Cuenca during the period 2023–2024. A descriptive, retrospective, crosssectional study was conducted, analyzing variables such as age, sex, origin, and diagnostic methods. Data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and IBM SPSS Statistics 21. The results showed a tuberculosis frequency of 9.20%. Positive cases were mainly found in patients aged 18 to 65 years (57.98%), predominantly male (57.87%) and from rural areas (64.51%). Lung samples were the most frequent (58.99%). The MGIT, GeneXpert, and Lowenstein-Jensen methods showed a uniform positivity rate of 33.33%. Most cases did not show resistance to rifampicin (68%), while confirmed resistance was low (4%), predominantly in rural areas. MGIT positivity was mainly observed between the second and third week of incubation.Item CONOCIMIENTOS EN LAS PRÁCTICAS DE BIOSEGURIDAD DE LOS ESTUDIANTES DE LA CARRERA DE LABORATORIO CLÍNICO - UNIVERSIDAD DE CUENCA. SEPTIEMBRE - NOVIEMBRE 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-19) Siranaula Pasato, Miguel Alejandro; Cárdenas Carrera, Jenny CarolaBiosafety comprises standards and procedures aimed at protecting healthcare personnel, patients, and the environment from biological, chemical, and physical hazards; it is essential for preventing accidents and the transmission of infections. Despite the existence of national and international regulations, compliance may vary, especially among students in training; therefore, it is necessary to assess their level of knowledge in order to identify gaps and guide reinforcement actions. The objective of this study was to determine knowledge of biosafety practices among students in the Clinical Laboratory Program at the University of Cuenca during the September 2025–February 2026 academic term. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among students enrolled during that term (n=152), using non-probability sampling. Data were collected through a survey developed for this research, reviewed by expert judgment, and pilot-tested. For interpretation, the total score was converted into a percentage using the formula (score obtained/maximum score) × 100 and classified according to Bloom’s cut-off points as low (<60%), moderate (60.0–79.99%), and high (≥80%). Based on this classification, the moderate level predominated (55.9%), followed by the high level (44.1%). Strengths were identified in sample handling and response to accidents/incidents (99.3% high level in both), as well as in the management of supplies and waste (90.1%) and the safe disposal of contaminated material (90.8%). In contrast, the main gaps were observed in handwashing (56.6% low level), use and handling of PPE (29.0% low level), and cleaning/disinfection (14.5% low level), indicating priority areas for reinforcement and supervision.Item Frecuencia del antígeno Du en donantes del banco de sangre del Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Cuenca 2021-2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-10) Zhiña Barahona, Kevin Leandro; Guaman Panjon, Dayana Lorena; Baculima Tenesaca, José MauricioBackground: There is a wide variety of blood systems, one of the main ones being Rh, which is one of the most complex and immunogenic in transfusion medicine. Since its discovery, various studies have been conducted to understand it. The discovery of the D variant has become increasingly important due to the consequences it can cause when present. Objective: To determine the frequency of the Du antigen in donors at the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital Blood Bank, Cuenca 2021-2024. Methodology: Descriptive, observational, cross-sectional cohort study; data were obtained from the anonymized database of the Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital Blood Bank. The information was analyzed in simple and crosstabulated tables with percentage values and frequencies; statistical tools such as SPSS and Microsoft Excel 2021 were used. Results: The study variables were: Du antigen, sex, age, origin, blood group, and C, c, E, and e phenotypes. The frequency of the Du antigen was 1.7%. The variant predominated in males (75%) and in donors between 26 and 45 years of age, with a higher origin from the province of Azuay (87.5%). The antigen showed a greater association with blood group O (75%). In Rh phenotyping, the constant presence of the c and e antigens (100%) and the C + E- combination (62.5%) stood out. The results underscore the need to maintain strict protocols for detecting the Du antigen to ensure transfusion safety. The importance of correctly classifying carrier donors as Rh positive and recipients as Rh negative is confirmed in order to mitigate the risk of hemolytic reactions and alloimmunization.Item Alteración del cortisol en pacientes atendidos en el área de endocrinología del hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Cuenca 2023-2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-06) Sacaquirin Jiménez, María Viviana; Romero Estrella, Erika Pamela; Gutiérrez León, Yomaira YolandaBackground: Cortisol is an essential steroid hormone for maintaining physiological homeostasis, regulated by the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis and modulated by stress, circadian rhythm, and metabolic factors. Alterations in serum cortisol levels lead to severe clinical conditions, such as hypercortisolism (Cushing’s syndrome) and hypocortisolism (Addison’s disease), which present with multiple clinical manifestations. However, their clinical presentation is often nonspecific, making timely identification and diagnosis difficult.Objective: To determine alterations in cortisol levels in patients attended at the Endocrinology Department of Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital, Cuenca, during the period 2023–2024. Methods: A descriptive and retrospective study was conducted using an anonymized database. Variables such as age, sex, place of residence, and serum cortisol levels were analyzed. The analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. Alterations in cortisol levels were classified as hypocortisolism or hypercortisolism according to established reference values. Results: A total of 111 cases with altered cortisol levels were identified, with a predominance of hypocortisolism (70.27%), mainly among females (42.34%). The 20–64-year age group showed the highest frequency of cortisol alterations, including both hypocortisolism (27.93%) and hypercortisolism (22.52%). Most patients with cortisol alterations were from urban areas (38.74%); however, a significant proportion also came from rural areas (31.53%), suggesting a possible influence of environmental and lifestyle factors on hormonal regulation.Item Frecuencia de autoanticuerpos (Anticuerpos antinucleares y Anticuerpos anti ácido desoxirribonucleico) en pacientes con enfermedad autoinmune que acudieron al Laboratorio Clínico del Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga, Cuenca 2022-2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-04) Barbecho Urgiles, Bryam Ernesto; Caguana Guamán, Gabriela Elizabeth; Cárdenas Carrera, Jenny CarolaBackground: Various genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of autoimmune diseases through an abnormal immune response mediated by T and B lymphocytes. These conditions have an estimated prevalence of 3–5% in the general population, affect women more frequently, and may occur at any age. The detection of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti–deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies (anti-DNA) by indirect immunofluorescence is essential for identifying autoantibodies relevant to the diagnosis of diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. The objective of the research was to determine to determine the frequency of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti–deoxyribonucleic acid antibodies (anti-DNA) in patients with autoimmune diseases who attended the Clinical Laboratory of Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga, Cuenca, during the period 2022–2024. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. A total of 380 patient records in which ANA and anti-DNA antibodies were analyzed at the Clinical Laboratory of Hospital de Especialidades José Carrasco Arteaga were included. Data were obtained from an anonymized database and analyzed using Microsoft Excel and IBM SPSS Statistics version 27. Results: Among 380 records analyzed, ANA positivity was 47.1%, observed more frequently in women. Most common immunofluorescence patterns were fine speckled nuclear (AC-4; 20.0%) and homogeneous nuclear (AC-1; 10.8%), with predominance of intermediate titers (1:160 and 1:320). Anti– double-stranded DNA antibody positivity was 10.5%. Systemic lupus erythematosus accounted for a higher proportion of patients with positive autoantibodies, whereas negative results predominated in rheumatoid arthritis.Item Frecuencia de Aspergilosis pulmonar en pacientes con enfermedad respiratoria crónica atendidos en el Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso. Cuenca 2023-2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-04) Quezada Pineda, Fernanda Lisseth; Sigüenza Illescas, Viviana Itaty; Auquilla Díaz, Nancy EulaliaBackground: Pulmonary aspergillosis is an infection caused by opportunistic fungi of the genus Aspergillus, which form part of the environmental microbiota. In immunocompetent individuals, it usually does not cause disease; however, in immunocompromised individuals, spores invade the respiratory epithelium followed by hyphal germination. Pathogenesis is influenced by host and fungal conditions. Objective: To determine the frequency of pulmonary aspergillosis in patients with chronic respiratory disease treated at Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso, Cuenca, 2023-2024. Methodology: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Data were obtained through anonymized coding provided by the Hospital Vicente Corral Moscoso. Variables recorded included age, sex, place of residence, culture results, Aspergillus spp. species, direct KOH examination, type of biological sample, and respiratory disease. Results: The frequency of pulmonary aspergillosis was 3.79%, more frequent in men with 60% and in urban areas with 60%. The most commonly used sample types, 40% were sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage, while pleural fluid accounted for 20%. Conclusions: The results showed a lower prevalence of pulmonary aspergillosis compared to that reported in international studies, where values range between 22.1% and 69.6%.Item DETERMINACIÓN DEL ÍNDICE HOMA-IR EN ESTUDIANTES DE LA CARRERA DE LABORATORIO CLÍNICO DE LA UNIVERSIDAD DE CUENCA SEPTIEMBRE - NOVIEMBRE 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-03) Tapia Gutiérrez, Wendi Anabel; Herrera Segovia, Lisbeth Alexandra; Gutiérrez León, Yomaira YolandaThe Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) index is a tool used to estimate insulin resistance through a calculation based on fasting glucose and insulin levels. This metabolic alteration has become increasingly frequent and is associated with the development of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus. In Latin America, the estimated prevalence of insulin resistance reaches 46.5%. Among university students, factors such as physical inactivity, inadequate diet, and academic stress increase the risk of developing this condition, highlighting the importance of early detection.The aim of this study was to determine the HOMA-IR index in students of the Clinical Laboratory degree at the University of Cuenca during the period September–November 2025. A descriptive study was conducted among students enrolled between September 2025 and February 2026 who agreed to participate by signing an informed consent form. Fasting blood samples were collected to determine serum glucose and insulin levels and to calculate the HOMA-IR index. In addition, a survey was administered to collect personal and anthropometric data. Among the 128 students evaluated, 12.5% presented insulin resistance and 16.4% showed suspected insulin resistance according to the HOMA-IR index. The highest proportion of cases was observed in females and in the 18–20-year age group. A statistically significant association was found between the HOMA-IR index and sex, as well as academic semester, but not with age, body mass index, or family history. In conclusion, an important frequency of insulin resistance was identified, particularly among women.Item Actividad antifúngica in-vitro del aceite esencial de Eucalyptus globulus en cepas de Candida spp aisladas de secreciones vaginales en el Hospital del Río. Cuenca Enero - Agosto 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-03-03) Nieves Cazorla, Andrea Leonela; Agreda Orellana, Ivanna SolmayraBackground: Vulvovaginal candidiasis, caused by yeast of the genus Candida spp., constitutes one of the most common infections in women of reproductive age. Recurrence, variable therapeutic response, and increasing antifungal resistance complicate conventional management and encourage the search for complementary alternatives, including essential oils. Objective: To evaluate the in vitro antifungal activity of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil against Candida spp., strains isolated from vaginal secretions at Hospital Universitario del Río (Río University Hospital), Cuenca, during the period January–August 2025. Methods: Descriptive and quasi-experimental in vitro study. Recording technique: 50 Candida spp. strains from the Hospital Universitario del Río strain bank were included and registered using a data collection form. Experimental technique: the antifungal activity of Eucalyptus globulus essential oil was assessed by disk diffusion at concentrations of 100%, 75%, 50%, and 25%, according to the Duraffourd scale. Analytical technique: descriptive statistics and overall comparison among concentrations were applied, considering statistical significance (p < 0.05). Results: Eucalyptus globulus essential oil demonstrated inhibitory activity against the evaluated Candida spp. strains, with formation of inhibition halos that varied according to concentration and showed statistically significant overall differences. Conclusions: Eucalyptus globulus essential oil exhibited in vitro antifungal activity against Candida spp., providing relevant evidence under the evaluated conditions. To support its potential projection as a complementary agent, further studies are recommended to strengthen methodological standardization and characterize its safety profile prior to clinical extrapolation.Item FRECUENCIA DE CÁNCER COLORRECTAL POR ESTUDIO ANATOMOPATOLÓGICO EN BIOPSIAS ENDOSCÓPICAS DE PACIENTES ATENDIDOS EN EL HOSPITAL VICENTE CORRAL MOSCOSO, CUENCA 2023- 2024(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-28) Vega López, Javier Alejandro; Orellana Villazhañay, Esteban Leonardo; Auquilla Díaz, Nancy EulaliaBackground: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the malignant neoplasms with the highest incidence in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, in 2023 it ranked as the fourth most frequently diagnosed malignancy, with a total of 153,020 new cases, being significantly more common in men than in women. In the same year, in Ecuador, according to data from the National Tumor Registry, colorectal cancer ranked third in frequency, with approximately 1,123 new cases. Objective: To determine the frequency of colorectal cancer based on histopathological analysis of endoscopic biopsies from patients treated at Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital, Cuenca, 2023–2024. Methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted using a sample of 111 histopathological reports. Data were collected using standardized forms from the anonymized database of the Pathology Laboratory at Vicente Corral Moscoso Hospital. The information was analyzed using Microsoft Excel 2019 and IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0. Results: The frequency of CRC was 9.9%, and premalignant lesions accounted for 31.5% of the study population. When these findings were correlated with sociodemographic variables, the disease affected both sexes equally and showed a predominance in the older adult group. Regarding place of residence, most positive cases corresponded to patients from urban areas.Item PARASITOSIS INTESTINAL Y SU RELACIÓN CON PARÁMETROS HEMATOLÓGICOS EN PERSONAS QUE CRÍAN ANIMALES PARA EL CONSUMO HUMANO CUENCA. AGOSTO - DICIEMBRE 2025(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2026-02-27) Carvajal Reyes, Joselyn Estefania; Olivo Valdiviezo, Elizabeth Corina; Baculima Tenesaca, José MauricioBackground: Intestinal parasitosis is a public health problem affecting rural populations with poor sanitation and contact with animals raised for human consumption. This causes alterations in hematological parameters as a response to inflammatory processes. Objective: To determine the relationship between intestinal parasitosis and hematological parameters in people who raise animals for human consumption in the rural parishes of Santa Ana and Victoria del Portete, Cuenca canton, from August to December 2025. Methodology: A descriptive, analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted. The study population consisted of 350 people, with a sample of 183 individuals engaged in raising animals for human consumption. Parasite detection was performed using coproparasitological examination and concentration techniques. Hematological parameters were evaluated with an automated complete blood count, supplemented with blood smears to confirm alterations. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS v23, employing descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations. Results: The frequency of intestinal parasitosis was 46.4%. Animal husbandry was most prevalent in poultry (82.0%), with children playing a predominant role in these activities (38.0%); animal deworming was also the most common practice (80.9%). Hematological values were normal, with a decrease in hemoglobin, hematocrit, and MCV (3.3% each), and an increase in lymphocytes (9.8%) and eosinophils (7.1%), without a statistically significant association. Conclusions: Intestinal parasitosis affected approximately half of the population, with minimal hematological alterations, highlighting the need to strengthen prevention and control in rural areas.Item REALIDAD ACTUAL DEL PERSONAL QUE TRABAJA EN LOS LABORATORIOS CLÍNICOS PÚBLICOS Y PRIVADOS EN LA CIUDAD DE CUENCA. 2OO6(Universidad de Cuenca. Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, 2007) Carpio Garay, Diana Elizabeth; Durán Alvarez, Raquel Verónica; Fuela Fajardo, María Gloria; José, Cabrera