Description of malaria vectors (Diptera: Culicidae) in two agricultural settlements in the Western Brazilian Amazon

The majority of malaria cases in South America occur in rural areas of the Amazon region. Although these areas have a significant impact on malaria cases, few entomological studies have been carried out there. This study aimed to describe entomological parameters in settlements in Rondonia State, Brazil. Collections of anopheles were carried out using the Protected Human Attraction Technique (PHAT). The risk and the potential for malaria transmission were assessed using the human biting rate (HBR), the sporozoite rate (SR) and the entomological inoculation rate (EIR). The results confirmed that Nyssorhynchus darlingi is the predominant species in the two studied locations. Although settlement in the two study sites has occurred at different times, the species richness found was low, showing that environmental changes caused by anthropological actions have probably favor the adaptation of Ny. darlingi species. From the total of 615 anopheline mosquitoes assessed, seven (1.1%) were positive for Plasmodium sp. infections. The EIR revealed that Ny. darlingi contributes to malaria transmission in both locations, as it was responsible for 0.05 infectious bites in humans at night in the old settlement and 0.02 in the recent occupation. In the two study sites, the biting occurred more frequently at dusk. Nyssorhynchus darlingi was prevalent in areas of recent colonization but, even when present in a low density, this species could maintain the transmission of malaria in the older settlement. The entomological information obtained in this study is important and may aid the selection of vector control actions in these locations

Brazil's first free-mating laboratory colony of Nyssorhynchus darlingi.

INTRODUCTION: The lack of highly-productive Nyssorhynchus darlingi laboratory colonies limits some studies. We report the first well-established laboratory colony of Ny. darlingi in Brazil. METHODS: Mosquitoes were collected from Porto Velho and were reared at the Laboratory of Fiocruz/RO. After induced mating by light stimulation in the F1 to F6, the subsequent generations were free mating. Larvae were reared in distilled water and fed daily until pupation. RESULTS: In 11 generations, the colony produced a high number of pupae after the F5 generation. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the potential for permanently establishing Ny. darlingi colonies for research purposes in Brazil

Naturally Acquired Humoral Immunity against Malaria Parasites in Non-Human Primates from the Brazilian Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic Forest.

Plasmodium - Plasmodium brasilianum - P. malariae - P. malariae - P. falciparum - P. vivax - Plasmodium content: - "Non-human primates (NHPs) have been shown to be infected by parasites of the genus " - ", the etiological agent of malaria in humans, creating potential risks of zoonotic transmission. " - ", a parasite species similar to " - " of humans, have been described in NHPs from Central and South America, including Brazil. The merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), besides being a malaria vaccine candidate, is highly immunogenic. Due to such properties, we tested this protein for the diagnosis of parasite infection. We used recombinant proteins of " - " MSP1, as well as of " - " and " - ", for the detection of antibodies anti-MSP1 of these parasite species, in the sera of NHPs collected in different regions of Brazil. About 40% of the NHP sera were confirmed as reactive to the proteins of one or more parasite species. A relatively higher number of reactive sera was found in animals from the Atlantic Forest than those from the Amazon region, possibly reflecting the former more intense parasite circulation among NHPs due to their proximity to humans at a higher populational density. The presence of " - " positive NHPs in the surveyed areas, being therefore potential parasite reservoirs, needs to be considered in any malaria surveillance program.

PREVALÊNCIA DA INFECÇÃO PELO PAPILOMAVÍRUS HUMANO EM MULHERES PROFISSIONAIS DO SEXO EM BELÉM, PARÁ, NORTE DO BRASIL

Introdução: A infecção pelo papilomavírus humano (HPV) é a infecção sexualmente transmissível (IST) mais comum no mundo. Os tipos de HPV de alto risco oncogênico, estão associados ao desenvolvimento do câncer de colo do útero (CCU) que apresenta altas taxas de prevalência e mortalidade no Pará. Nesse contexto, mulheres profissionais do sexo (MPS), encontram-se em situação de vulnerabilidade para essa infecção e a outros fatores que podem se constituir como fatores de risco para a aquisição e persistência do HPV, favorecendo o desenvolvimento do CCU. Objetivo: Identificar o perfil sociocomportamental de MPS atendidas em ações de pesquisa universitária, além da prevalência e fatores associados à infecção pelo HPV, bem como identificar o tipo de HPV. Métodos: Foram investigadas mulheres atendidas por meio de busca ativa em casas noturnas, no período de junho a dezembro de 2022. Foi realizada a pesquisa molecular do HPV amostras de secreção cérvico-vaginal, por amplificação do genoma viral pela PCR. Também foi realizada captura híbrida em amostras viáveis, o que possibilitou a identificação do tipo de HPV. Foi realizada estatística descritiva no programa Microsoft excel. Resultados: As 17 mulheres atendidas nas ações possuíam idade média de 32 anos (DP = 12,8). Se declararam heterossexuais (n = 12; 70%), solteiras (n = 10; 59%), não fumantes (n = 10; 59%), relataram não utilizar o preservativo em todas as relações sexuais (n = 10; 59%), tinham dois ou mais filhos (n = 14; 82%), sem abortos (n=14; 82%) e com sexarca em média aos 14 anos (DP 2,3). A prevalência da infecção por HPV foi de 35% (n = 6), metade causadas por HPV de alto risco oncogênico (31, 39, 52). A infecção foi mais prevalente em mulheres com idade menor que 30 anos (5/17; 29%), solteiras (n = 4; 66%) assim como foi mais observada entre as mulheres que relataram realizar em média 5 programas por dia. Metade das mulheres que tiveram resultado positivo declararam ter usado drogas ilícitas em programas, aceitaram não usar preservativo em todos eles, bem como tabagismo (n = 3; 50%). Todas as positivas relataram algum problema ginecológico, como: dores durante a relação sexual, sangramento fora do período menstrual, corrimento anormal, etc. Conclusão: A prevalência da infecção por HPV encontrada, principalmente aquelas de HPV de alto risco oncogênico, ratifica a importância de ações de extensão voltadas para prevenção da infecção e rastreamento do CCU em populações vulneráveis para essas infecções, como as MPS

Ventrogluteal region, an alternative location to apply benzathine penicillin

v. 17, n. 4, out./dez. 2015.Submitted by Marlene Santos ([email protected]) on 2016-04-04T18:11:55Z No. of bitstreams: 1 Artigo -Márcia Maria de Souza - 2015.pdf: 182275 bytes, checksum: 47cb100a4a062276b4f92cf474181666 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira ([email protected]) on 2016-04-05T10:31:16Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Artigo -Márcia Maria de Souza - 2015.pdf: 182275 bytes, checksum: 47cb100a4a062276b4f92cf474181666 (MD5)Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira ([email protected]) on 2016-04-05T13:49:06Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 Artigo -Márcia Maria de Souza - 2015.pdf: 182275 bytes, checksum: 47cb100a4a062276b4f92cf474181666 (MD5)Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-05T13:50:13Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Artigo -Márcia Maria de Souza - 2015.pdf: 182275 bytes, checksum: 47cb100a4a062276b4f92cf474181666 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-08-30Programa de Apoio à Publicações Periódicas Científicas (PROAPUPEC) da UFGO objetivo deste estudo foi comparar o nível de dor relacionada à administração da Benzilpenicilina Benzatina G nas regiões ventro glútea (VG) e dorso glútea (DG). Ensaio clínico controlado randomizado. Participaram do estudo 61 pessoas, 31 do grupo de intervenção (região VG) e 30 do grupo controle (região DG). O teste de qui-quadrado e Mann– Whitney foram utilizados para testar diferenças entre proporções e comparar tendências centrais entre os grupos, respectivamente. Valores de p ˂ 0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significantes. Nos três momentos avaliados, a média do escore de dor foi maior quando a aplicação do fármaco ocorreu na região VG vs. DG. No primeiro e terceiro minuto a diferença foi estatisticamente significativa. Estes resultados ratificam a região VG como local alternativo com menor reação local para aplicação de injeções intramusculares.The objective of this study was to compare the pain level related to the administration of benzathine penicillin on the ventrogluteal (VG) and dorsogluteal (DG) region. A randomized controlled trial. Sixty-one people participated in the study, 31 on the intervention group (VG region), and 30 on the control (DG region). The Chi-Squared and Mann-Whitney tests were used to test differences of proportions and to compare central tendencies between groups, respectively. Values of p <0.05 were considered statistically significant. At the three assessed moments, the mean score of pain was higher when the application of the drug was on the VG region vs. DG. At the first and third minute, the difference was statistically significant. These results confirm the VG region as alternative place with less local reaction to apply intramuscular injections

Data_Sheet_1_Assessment of antibiotic treatment on Anopheles darlingi survival and susceptibility to Plasmodium vivax.docx

Antibiotic treatment has been used to enhance anopheline susceptibility to Plasmodium infection, because bacterial microbiota play a fundamental role in modulating the vector competence of mosquitoes that transmit Plasmodium parasites. However, few studies have examined the impact of antibiotic treatments on Plasmodium vivax sporogonic development in neotropical anopheline mosquitoes. Herein, we assessed the impact of antibiotic treatment on P. vivax development and survival in Anopheles darlingi, the main vector of malaria in the Amazon region. Female mosquitoes were treated continuously with antibiotics to impact the gut bacterial load and then tested for prevalence, infection intensity, and survival in comparison with untreated mosquitoes. Antibiotic-fed mosquitoes had not dramatic impact on P. vivax development previously observed in P. falciparum. However, antibiotic treatment increases mosquito survival, which is known to increase vectorial capacity. These findings raise questions about the effect of antibiotics on P. vivax development and survival in An. darlingi.</p

Table_1_Assessment of antibiotic treatment on Anopheles darlingi survival and susceptibility to Plasmodium vivax.XLSX

Antibiotic treatment has been used to enhance anopheline susceptibility to Plasmodium infection, because bacterial microbiota play a fundamental role in modulating the vector competence of mosquitoes that transmit Plasmodium parasites. However, few studies have examined the impact of antibiotic treatments on Plasmodium vivax sporogonic development in neotropical anopheline mosquitoes. Herein, we assessed the impact of antibiotic treatment on P. vivax development and survival in Anopheles darlingi, the main vector of malaria in the Amazon region. Female mosquitoes were treated continuously with antibiotics to impact the gut bacterial load and then tested for prevalence, infection intensity, and survival in comparison with untreated mosquitoes. Antibiotic-fed mosquitoes had not dramatic impact on P. vivax development previously observed in P. falciparum. However, antibiotic treatment increases mosquito survival, which is known to increase vectorial capacity. These findings raise questions about the effect of antibiotics on P. vivax development and survival in An. darlingi.</p

Vector-Focused Approaches to Curb Malaria Transmission in the Brazilian Amazon: An Overview of Current and Future Challenges and Strategies

In Brazil, malaria transmission is mostly confined to the Amazon, where substantial progress has been made towards disease control in the past decade. Vector control has been historically considered a fundamental part of the main malaria control programs implemented in Brazil. However, the conventional vector-control tools have been insufficient to control or eliminate local vector populations due to the complexity of the Amazonian rainforest environment and ecological features of malaria vector species in the Amazon, especially Anopheles darlingi. Malaria elimination in Brazil and worldwide eradication will require a combination of conventional and new approaches that takes into account the regional specificities of vector populations and malaria transmission dynamics. Here we present an overview on both conventional and novel promising vector-focused tools to curb malaria transmission in the Brazilian Amazon. If well designed and employed, vector-based approaches may improve the implementation of malaria-control programs, particularly in remote or difficult-to-access areas and in regions where existing interventions have been unable to eliminate disease transmission. However, much effort still has to be put into research expanding the knowledge of neotropical malaria vectors to set the steppingstones for the optimization of conventional and development of innovative vector-control tools

Psychological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Dentists in Latin America&rsquo;s Epicenter: S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil

The present study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of stress and anxiety symptoms among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic in the state of S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil. A structured questionnaire was sent electronically to 93,280 dentists with active registration in the Dental Council of S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil, enquiring about information regarding the first-wave peak period in Brazil. Descriptive analyses of background characteristics, perceptions of preparedness, and psychological impact were calculated. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed, and independent variables that showed p &lt; 0.20 were used in the adjusted logistic regression model to compare the psychological impact on dental professionals. Among the 2113 respondents, female participants had 63% lower chance of reporting anxiety than males. Older dentists had a lower likelihood of reporting anxiety compared to 21&ndash;30-year-old dentists (p &le; 0.05). Dentists working in the public health service were 1.78 times more likely to report anxiety than those who worked in private practice. Finally, dentists in the COVID-19 high-risk group and those with a family or team member with a positive COVID-19 diagnosis were more likely to have anxiety. This study can help dental and other healthcare professionals to better understand the consequences of COVID-19 in terms of mental health

Naturally acquired humoral immunity against malaria parasites in non-human primates from the Brazilian Amazon, Cerrado and Atlantic forest

Non-human primates (NHPs) have been shown to be infected by parasites of the genusPlasmodium, the etiological agent of malaria in humans, creating potential risks of zoonotic transmission.Plasmodium brasilianum, a parasite species similar toP. malariaeof humans, have been described in NHPs from Central and South America, including Brazil. The merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1), besides being a malaria vaccine candidate, is highly immunogenic. Due to such properties, we tested this protein for the diagnosis of parasite infection. We used recombinant proteins ofP. malariaeMSP1, as well as ofP. falciparumandP. vivax, for the detection of antibodies anti-MSP1 of these parasite species, in the sera of NHPs collected in different regions of Brazil. About 40% of the NHP sera were confirmed as reactive to the proteins of one or more parasite species. A relatively higher number of reactive sera was found in animals from the Atlantic Forest than those from the Amazon region, possibly reflecting the former more intense parasite circulation among NHPs due to their proximity to humans at a higher populational density. The presence ofPlasmodiumpositive NHPs in the surveyed areas, being therefore potential parasite reservoirs, needs to be considered in any malaria surveillance program