Study of the triatomine fauna and occurrence of Chagas disease in Monte Negro, Rondonia, Brazil

A doença de Chagas tem como agente etiológico o Trypanossoma cruzi, um protozoário flagelado que pode ser encontrado numa grande variedade de mamíferos e triatomíneos. O Estado de Rondônia, localizado na Amazônia Ocidental, possui um meio ambiente constantemente modificado pelas ações transformadoras do ser humano, resultando em um desequilíbrio, que pode facilitar a transmissão de inúmeros patógenos. Uma grande variedade e quantidade de palmáceas, em especial o babaçu, bem como mamíferos e triatomíneos, podem ser encontrados neste complexo ecossistema. Nesta pesquisa, a fauna de triatomíneos foi identificada em 225 babaçus e por meio de capturas peri e intradomiciliares. Foi realizado, concomitantemente, estudo de soroprevalência para doença de Chagas e a identificação da presença de T.cruzi no trato digestivo dos triatomíneos. Positividade ao T. cruzi foi verificada em 23,7% dos 652 triatomíneos coletados nos babaçus. Estes triatomíneos pertenciam ao gênero Rhodnius e foram classificados em 4 espécies: R. robustus, R. prolixus, R. pictipes e R. milesi. Nas capturas intradomiciliares, dez espécimes do Rhodnius robustus e uma de Panstrongylus geniculattus foram encontrados, sendo que 3% da população foi positiva para doença de Chagas. Na área pesquisada, há potencial de transmissão da doença de Chagas na forma endêmica devido a grande quantidade de triatomíneos, bem como alta freqüência de infecção destes triatomíneos, porém no momento deste estudo não se evidenciou a ocorrência da transmissão.Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. It is a flagellate protozoan that can be found in a large variety of mammals and triatomines. The biodiversity of the state of Rondonia, located in the Western Amazon, is constantly modified by man's transforming actions, which results in an unbalance that can facilitate the transmission of many pathogens. A great variety and quantity of native palms trees, especially the Babassu, as well as mammals and triatomines, can be found in the local ecosystem. In this survey, triatomine fauna was identified in 225 dissected Babassus, which were extra domiciled. In addition, peri-domiciled and intra-domiciled captures were done. Seroprevalence ocurrence of Chagas disease and identification of T. cruzi in the digestive tract of triatomines was performed. Positivity to T. cruzi was verified in 23.7% of the 652 triatomines collected from the Babassus. These triatomines belong to the Rhodnius genus and were classified into 4 species: R. robustus, R. prolixus, R. pictipes and R. milesi. In intra-domiciled captures, ten specimens of Rhodnius robustus and one of Panstrongilus geniculatus were found. Three per cent of the population was positive to Chagas disease. In the area surveyed, there is potential for endemic transmission of Chagas disease due to the large quantity of triatomines and to the high infection frequency of these triatomines. Nonetheless, this study did not provide evidence of the occurrence of endemic transmission at the present.Universidade de São Paulo - ICB5US

Capillariaisis (Trichurida, Trichinellidae, Capillaria hepatica) in the Brazilian Amazon: low pathogenicity, low infectivity and a novel mode of transmission

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Human capillariasis caused by <it>Capillaria hepatica (syn. Calodium hepaticum) </it>is a rare disease with no more than 40 cases registered around the world. Classically, the disease has severe symptoms that mimic acute hepatitis. Natural reservoirs of <it>C. hepatica </it>are urban rodents (<it>Mus musculus </it>and <it>Rattus novergicus</it>) that harbor their eggs in the liver. After examining the feces of 6 riverine inhabitants (Rio Preto area, 8° 03'S and 62° 53' W to 8° 14'S and 62° 52'W) of the State of Rondonia, Brazil, and identifying <it>C. hepatica </it>eggs in their feces, the authors decided to investigate the real dimension of these findings by looking for two positive signals.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>Between June 1^stand 15^th, 2008, 246 out of 304 individuals were clinically examined. Blood samples were collected, kept under -20°C, and test by the indirect immunofluorescence technique.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The first positive signal was the presence of specific antibodies at 1:150 dilution, which indicates that the person is likely to have been exposed to eggs, most likely non-infective eggs, passing through the food chain or via contaminated food (total prevalence of 34.1%). A second more specific signal was the presence of antibodies at higher titers, thus indicating true infection.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The authors concluded that only two subjects were really infected (prevalence of 0.81%); the rest was false-positives that were sensitized after consuming non-embryonated eggs. The present study is the first one carried out in a native Amazonian population and indicates the presence of antibodies against <it>C. hepatica </it>in this population. The results further suggest that the transmission of the parasite occurs by the ingestion of embryonated eggs from human feces and/or carcasses of wild animals. The authors propose a novel mode of transmission, describing the disease as a low pathogenic one, and showing low infectivity.</p

A BUSCA DE FÁRMACOS PARA TRATAMENTO DA TRIPANOSSOMÍASE AMERICANA: 103 ANOS DE NEGLIGÊNCIA

http://dx.doi.org/10.5902/223658344813Resumo: A presente revisão objetivou descrever um histórico da busca de fármacos para tratamento da Tripanossomíase Americana, e sua situação atual. A pesquisa foi desenvolvida através de revisão bibliográfica do tipo exploratória descritiva baseada em livros e pesquisa de artigos em base de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (Scielo), Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS) e National Institute of Health (PUBMED), utilizando os descritores: Tripanossomíase Americana, tratamento e perspectivas. Já se passaram mais de 100 anos da descoberta da doença de Chagas, e até hoje não foi desenvolvido nenhum fármaco com potencial satisfatório de cura, o medicamento ainda utilizado é o benzonidazol, utilizado em combinação com outros medicamentos. Entre os quimioterápicos o Posaconazol, é o mais forte candidato para novos tratamentos específicos da doença. Entre os fitoterápicos citam-se as espécies Banisteriopsis caapi e Psychotria viridis, utilizadas na região amazônica como alternativa

Verme subconjuntival da espécie Loa loa: primeiro caso no Brasil

We report the first case of ocular infestation by Loa loa in Brazil. Loiasis is caused by infestation with Loa loa, a filarial parasite originally found in the rainforests of western and central Africa. It is transmitted by the bite of the fly Chrysops and has been recently described in other places other than Africa, in African immigrants or travellers. Our case is a 33 year-old woman from Cameroon who was living in São Paulo, Brazil, for 5 years. She was asymptomatic until one morning she started feeling something moving in the left eye. Under topical anesthesia, on the slit lamp, a moving worm was removed from the subconjunctival space, which later was confirmed to be a male Loa loa adult specimen. Blood tests revealed microfilaraemia of 129 mf/mL. The patient was treated with 400 mg oral albendazole for 3 weeks and 60 mg prednisone. This report illustrates an unusual ocular disease, which is extremely rare outside of Africa, but easily diagnosed and treated. Ophthalmologists should be aware of it, in face of an increasingly globalized world.Este é o primeiro relato na literatura nacional e internacional de infestação ocular por Loa loa no Brasil. A loíase é uma filariose causada pelo parasita Loa loa, encontrado nas florestas tropicais da África equatorial. A transmissão se dá pela picada do mosquito Chrysops e casos têm sido descritos em países não africanos, em imigrantes e viajantes. O presente caso trata-se de uma paciente de 33 anos natural de Camarões e residente em São Paulo, Brasil, há 5 anos. Até então assintomática, uma manhã sentiu algo se mexendo em seu olho esquerdo. Sob anestesia tópica, na lâmpada de fenda, um verme altamente móvel foi removido do espaço subconjuntival e enviado para identificação, que confirmou tratar-se de um espécime macho adulto de Loa loa. Testes sanguíneos revelaram microfilaremia de 129 mf/mL. A paciente foi tratada com albendazol 400 mg e prednisona 60 mg esquema regressivo por 3 semanas. Este relato ilustra uma doença excepcionalmente rara no Brasil, e praticamente desconhecida dos oftalmologistas em nosso país.Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP) Department of OphthalmologyFaculdade São Lucas Department of MedicineUniversidade de São Paulo Biomedical Science Institute 5UNIFESP, Department of OphthalmologySciEL

Soroprevalência de hepatite B e hepatite C em Monte Negro, Rondônia, Região Amazônica Ocidental Brasileira

PURPOSE: This study was carried out in Monte Negro (state of Rondônia), a village in the Brazilian western Amazon region, where a University of São Paulo Medical School program for medical student training in rural assistance took place. It aimed to determine the prevalence of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus, to investigate risk factors for infection, and to evaluate the State immunization program against hepatitis B virus in the region. METHODS: The study is a cross-sectional seroprevalence survey, comprising 267 volunteers who answered a comprehensive questionnaire and had blood samples collected, which were analyzed in São Paulo for the presence of antibodies against hepatitis B virus (Hbs Ag, anti-Hbs, and anti-Hbc) and hepatitis C virus using commercial kits. Data were stored in a specific data bank, and the association between seropositivity and potential risk factors was analyzed by means of uni-, bi-, and multi-variate analysis, considering &plusmn;5%. RESULTS: The seroprevalence of hepatitis B virus was 61.79% and of hepatitis C virus was 0.38%. Statistical analysis on the data bank showed that the prevalence of hepatitis B virus rose significantly with age, especially after adolescence. Infection was higher in those coming from outside the state of Rondônia. Exposure to vaccination against hepatitis B virus was higher in younger individuals and in those who were born in Rondônia. CONCLUSION: Monte Negro is a highly endemic region for hepatitis B virus but not for hepatitis C virus. Our results also provide indirect evidence indicating a significant improvement in the immunization program in Rondônia in recent years.OBJETIVOS: O presente estudo foi realizado em Monte Negro, Rondônia, Amazônia Oriental, onde um projeto de acadêmicos de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo promoveu assistência médica à população rural. O objetivo foi determinar a soroprevalência de Hepatite B e Hepatite C, investigar os fatores de risco para sua infecção e avaliar o status imunológico vacinal contra Hepatite B nesta região. MÉTODOS: O estudo é uma pesquisa de corte transversal de soroprevalência, compreendendo 267 voluntários que tiveram suas amostras sanguíneas coletadas após preenchimento de um questionário. As amostras foram analisadas em São Paulo usando kits comerciais pesquisando anticorpos contra Hepatite B (AgHBs, Anti-HBs e Anti-HBc) e Hepatite C . Um banco de dados montado através do questionário foi analisado em relação aos resultados sorológicos com testes uni-, bi-, e multivariado, considerando &plusmn; = 5%. RESULTADOS: A soroprevalência do VHB encontrada foi de 61.79% e do Hepatite C, 0.38%. A análise dos possíveis fatores de risco mostrou que a prevalência de Hepatite B aumenta com a idade, especialmente após a adolescência, além de ser maior em aqueles nascidos em Rondônia. A exposição à vacinação contra Hepatite B foi maior em indivíduos jovens e aqueles nascidos em Rondônia. CONCLUSÃO: Monte Negro é uma região altamente endêmica para Hepatite B , mas não para Hepatite C . Ademais, os resultados obtidos evidenciam uma significativa melhora no programa de imunizações em Rondônia nos anos recentes

Analysis of different cultural aspects regarding oral health care in citizens of the rural riverside region in Rondônia State, Brazil

Esse estudo avaliou as práticas populares nos cuidados com a saúde bucal decorrentes de patologias como a cárie dentária, doença periodontal, entre outras, no distrito de Tabajara, Estado de Rondônia, Brasil, tendo em vista que o folclore é muito presente na cultura popular, sendo considerado um fato social e cultural, ao mesmo tempo atingindo e influenciando os cuidados quanto à saúde bucal. Realizou-se um estudo quanti-qualitativo, sendo a amostra composta por catorze mulheres e seis homens. O instrumento de pesquisa compreendeu um questionário, com questões objetivas e subjetivas, sendo os dados analisados sob a forma descritiva. Observou-se um baixo nível de conhecimento em aspectos relacionados à saúde bucal nas pessoas analisadas, bem como uma variedade de métodos alternativos para "tratamento" e "prevenção" de afecções bucais. Concluiu-se que há necessidade de um conhecimento mais aprofundado da população-alvo dos programas em saúde, haja vista que introduzem, quase sempre, mudanças culturais, e para que sejam construtivos e não desintegradores, devem levar em conta a estrutura sociocultural da comunidade onde serão executados.This study aimed to assess the popular practices in oral health care on pathologies such as dental caries, periodontal disease and others, in Tabajara District, Rondonia State, Brazil as folklore has a great importance on cultural aspects of the Brazilian people, and can be considered a social and cultural aspect at the same time, reaching and influencing people in oral health care. It was based in a quanti-qualitative study, being the sample composed by 14 women and 6 men. The research instrument comprehends a questionnaire with direct and subjective questions, for data analysis in descriptive form. The results show a low knowledge about oral health aspects, as well as many alternative methods for "treatment" and "prevention" of oral diseases. There is a need of deeply knowledge about the target population on health programs, as many times it can insert cultural changes and, in order to avoid being destructives, must analyses the social-cultural structure of the community

Correlation between presence of Leishmania RNA virus 1 and clinical characteristics of nasal mucosal leishmaniosis

AbstractIntroductionMucosal leishmaniosis (ML) is a severe clinical form of leishmaniosis. Complex factors related to the parasite and the host are attributed to the development of mucosal lesions. Leishmania RNA virus 1 (LRV1) can disrupt immune response, and may be the main determinant of severity of the disease; it should be investigated.ObjectiveTo study the existence of clinical differences between patients with ML with endosymbiosis by LRV1 and. those without it.MethodsA cross-sectional cohort study with clinical evaluation, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) detection of Leishmania, species classification, and search of LRV1 was performed. Only patients with confirmed diagnosis of ML by positive PCR and with nasal mucosa injuries were included in this analysis.ResultsOut of 37 patients, 30 (81.1%) were diagnosed with Leishmania braziliensis, five (13.5%) with Leishmania guyanensis, and two (5.4%) with mixed infection of L. braziliensis and L. guyanensis. LVR1 virus was present in 26 (70.3%) of the cases.ConclusionCorrelation between clinical phenotype and presence of LRV1 was not observed, although the frequency of the virus is two-fold higher in mucosal lesions than that found in the literature on skin lesions in the same geographical area

Survey of trypanosoma (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) infection in monte negro municipality, state of rondônia, western amazon, with first record of t. evansi in the state

Introduction: Trypanosomes can infect humans and animals. This is the first record of the occurrence of Trypanosoma evansi in Rondônia. Methods: Blood samples were collected from 7 dogs and 22 humans. Furthermore, triatomines and tabanids were collected. Results: It was observed that 42.8% of the dogs tested positive for T. evansi and 14.3% presented mixed infection; 15% of the triatomines tested positive for flagellates identified as T. cruzi TCI (3 specimens), T. cruzi TCI, and T. rangeli (1 specimen), and one with T. cruzi TCV. Two tabanids were infected with T. theileri. Conclusions: These findings may benefit vector control strategies. © 2019, Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical. All rights reserved