2 nd Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease, 2015

Abstract Chagas disease is a neglected chronic condition with a high burden of morbidity and mortality. It has considerable psychological, social, and economic impacts. The disease represents a significant public health issue in Brazil, with different regional patterns. This document presents the evidence that resulted in the Brazilian Consensus on Chagas Disease. The objective was to review and standardize strategies for diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and control of Chagas disease in the country, based on the available scientific evidence. The consensus is based on the articulation and strategic contribution of renowned Brazilian experts with knowledge and experience on various aspects of the disease. It is the result of a close collaboration between the Brazilian Society of Tropical Medicine and the Ministry of Health. It is hoped that this document will strengthen the development of integrated actions against Chagas disease in the country, focusing on epidemiology, management, comprehensive care (including families and communities), communication, information, education, and research

Intestinal parasitism among waste pickers in Mato Grosso do Sul, Midwest Brazil

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of intestinal parasites in both cooperative-affiliated and independent waste pickers operating at the municipal sanitary landfill in Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and associate these findings with hemoglobin, eosinophils, vitamin A and C levels and interleukin 5 and 10 (IL-5 and IL-10) production. Biological samples were collected, in addition to clinical, epidemiological, and sociodemographic data. Stool analyzes were based on sedimentation by centrifugation and on spontaneous sedimentation. High-performance liquid chromatography was used to determine vitamin A and C levels. ELISA was employed to quantify interleukins. Intestinal parasites were found in 29 of the 66 subjects assessed (43.9%). Endolimax nana (22.7%), Entamoeba coli (21.1%), Giardia lamblia (6.1%), Entamoeba histolytica/E. dispar (4.5%), and Ascaris lumbricoides (4.5%) were the most prevalent species. Pathogenic parasites were detected in 11 individuals (16.7%). Hypovitaminoses A and C were detected in 19.6% (13/66) and 98.4% (65/66) of subjects, respectively. IL-5 and IL-10 production was observed in 21 (31.8%) and 32 (48.4%) subjects, respectively. Infection with pathogenic intestinal parasites was not a cause of vitamin A and C deficiency or IL-5 and IL-10 production among these workers

Effect of tripanosomicide benznidazole (Rochagan®) on the biodistribution of sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) in Wistar rats

Benznidazole, a drug with specific anti-Trypanosoma cruzi activity, is used in the treatment of Chagas' disease. The radiopharmaceutical sodium pertechnetate (Na99mTcO4) is used to obtain diagnostic images of the stomach, thyroid, parathyroids, salivary glands, brain and in the study of esophageal reflux and blood flow. This study aimed at evaluating in vivo the influence of benznidazole treatment on the sodium pertechnetate biodistribution in Wistar rats. The percentage of radioactivity per gram (%ATI/g) of various organs (brain, heart, esophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine, spleen, liver, muscle and blood) was determined. Comparing the treated rats with the controls, we observed that sodium pertechnetate biodistribution did not change when administered to rats treated for thirty days with benznidazole.<br>O benzonidazol é um quimioterápico com atividade específica anti-T. cruzi utilizado por milhares de pessoas para tratamento da doença de Chagas. O radiofármaco pertecnetato de sódio (Na99mTcO4) é utilizado na obtenção de imagens diagnósticas do estômago, tireóide, paratireóides, glândulas salivares, plexo coróide, cérebro e de estudos de refluxo esofágico e de fluxo sanguíneo. Esse trabalho objetivou avaliar in vivo a influência do tratamento crônico com o benzonidazol na biodistribuição do radiofármaco pertecnetato de sódio em ratos Wistar. O percentual de radioatividade por grama (%ATI/g) de vários órgãos (cérebro, coração, esôfago, estômago, intestino delgado, intestino grosso, baço, fígado, músculo e sangue) foi determinado. Comparando-se o grupo controle e o tratado observou-se que o pertecnetato de sódio não possui sua biodistribuição alterada quando administrado em ratos tratados por trinta dias com a droga benzonidazol, mostrando não prejudicar a interpretação de diagnósticos por imagem