Effect of Biomphalaria straminea plasma in the phagocytosis of Biomphalaria glabrata hemolymph cells

Mollusc defensive system that discriminates self from non self molecules, include fixed cells that can trap particles like endothelial cells, reticular and pore-cells, and circulating elements. Hemocytes, cells with phagocytic capacity, are determinant elements in the resistance or susceptibility of Biomphalaria snails to the trematoda Schistosoma mansoni infection. Biomphalaria resistance or susceptibility to S. mansoni infection is well defined as genetically determined. Allograft of producing amebocyte organ from resistant snails to susceptible ones, enhance its resistance suggesting that the phenomenon is dependent on hemocytes activity. On the other hand, inoculation of hemolymph from B. tenagophila infected with either S. mansoni or with other trematoda furcocercaria, raised significantly the cellular response of susceptible mollusc

Study of the Activity of 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one against Schistosomiasis Mansoni in Mice

Previous studies conducted with the imidazolidinic derivative 3-benzyl-5-(4-chloro-arylazo)-4-thioxo-imidazolidin-2-one (LPSF-PT05) show outstanding activity against adult Schistosoma mansoni worms in vitro. In the first phase of this study, S. mansoni-infected mice were treated, orally, with 100 mg/Kg of the LPSF-PT05 in three formulations: Tween 80 and saline solution, oil/water (70 : 30) emulsion, and solid dispersion with polyethylene glycol (PEG). In the second phase, three other doses of the LPSF-PT05 in PEG were tested: 3, 10, 30 mg/kg. These treatment regimens significantly reduced the number of recovered worms due to increases in the solubility of the compound in this formulation; the greatest reduction (70.5%) was observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg. There was no changes in the pattern of mature egg compared to immature eggs; however there was a significant increase in the number of dead eggs. Histopathological analysis of liver tissue showed changes in morphological aspects of the hepatic parenchyma with decrease exudative-productive hepatic granuloma stages, although we found no significant differences in IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, or NO production in response to the specific antigen SEA. The results show the derivative LPSF-PT05 to be a potential candidate in the etiological treatment of schistosomiasis with a possible dampening effect of the granulomatous process

Qualidade microbiológica da água potável no interior, região de Pajeú, Pernambuco, nordeste do Brasil

Despite all efforts to store and reduce its consumption, water is becoming less inexhaustible and its quality is falling faster. Considering that water is essential to animal life, it is necessary to adopt measures to ensure its sanitary conditions in order to be fit for consumption. The aim of this study was to analyze the microbiological quality of drinking rainwater used by rural communities of Tuparetama, a small town located in Northeast Brazil. The study covered seven rural communities, totaling 66 households. In each household two samples were collected, one from a tank and the other from a clay pot located inside the home, resulting in 132 samples (tank plus clay pot). Approximately 90% of samples were below the standard recommended by the current legislation, being considered unfit for human consumption. Part of this high microbiological contamination of drinking rainwater could be related to the lack of sanitary education and of an adequate sewerage sanitation system.Apesar de todos os esforços para armazenar e diminuir o seu consumo, a água está se tornando, cada vez menos, inesgotável e sua qualidade vem se reduzindo cada vez mais rápido. Sendo a água imprescindível à vida animal, é necessário que se adotem medidas para garantir sua qualidade higiênico-sanitária a fim de que seja própria para o consumo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi analisar a qualidade microbiológica da água da chuva utilizada pelas comunidades rurais da cidade de Tuparetama, localizada no nordeste do Brasil. O estudo envolveu sete comunidades rurais, totalizando 66 residências. Em cada residência foram coletadas duas amostras, uma da água armazenada na cisterna e outra da água armazenada no pote de barro localizado no interior da residência, resultando em 132 amostras (cisterna mais pote de barro). Aproximadamente, 90% das amostras estavam em desacordo com a Legislação vigente, sendo consideradas impróprias para o consumo humano. Parte dessa elevada contaminação microbiológica da água da chuva armazenada para consumo pode dever-se à falta de educação sanitária e de um sistema de esgotamento sanitário adequado

Presença de Cryptosporidium spp em crianças com diarréia aguda em uma creche pública de Recife, Estado de Pernambuco Presence of Cryptosporidium spp in children with acute diarrhea in a public daycare center in Recife, State of Pernambuco

O objetivo do presente estudo foi analisar a freqüência de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp em amostras fecais de crianças, de 1 a 14 anos, de uma creche pública localizada em uma comunidade carente da cidade do Recife, Pernambuco. A pesquisa foi realizada no período de 28 de junho de 2006 a 3 de abril de 2007, e envolveu 182 crianças. Das amostras analisadas 59 (32,4%) foram positivas quanto à presença de oocistos de Cryptosporidium spp, e a faixa etária mais acometida foi a de 3 a 5 anos de idade (54,2%). A alta freqüência de amostras positivas para Cryptosporidium spp obtidas neste estudo comprovam que creches são ambientes propícios a essa ocorrência devido ao contato direto entre criança-criança, crianças e funcionários. A maior via de infecção por Cryptosporidium spp é a transmissão interpessoal, que é bem ilustrada em creches. A imaturidade, deficiências do sistema imune e hábitos higiênicos inadequados são fatores que também contribuem para esse tipo de infecção.The objective of the present study was to analyze the frequency of oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp in fecal samples from children aged one to fourteen years at a public daycare center located in a needy community in the city of Recife, Pernambuco. The investigation was carried out between June 28, 2006, and April 3, 2007, and involved 182 children. Among the samples analyzed, 59 (32.4%) were positive regarding the presence of oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp, and the age group most affected was between three and five years (54.2%). The high frequency of samples positive for Cryptosporidium spp obtained in this study confirms that daycare centers are an environment that favors such occurrences, because of the direct contact between children or between children and staff. The most important infection route for Cryptosporidium spp is person-to-person transmission, which is well illustrated in daycare centers. Immaturity, deficiencies of the immune system and inadequate hygiene habits are factors that also contribute towards this type of infection

Effect of Biomphalaria straminea plasma in the phagocytosis of Biomphalaria glabrata hemolymph cells

Mollusc defensive system that discriminates self from non self molecules, include fixed cells that can trap particles like endothelial cells, reticular and pore-cells, and circulating elements. Hemocytes, cells with phagocytic capacity, are determinant elements in the resistance or susceptibility of Biomphalaria snails to the trematoda Schistosoma mansoni infection. Biomphalaria resistance or susceptibility to S. mansoni infection is well defined as genetically determined. Allograft of producing amebocyte organ from resistant snails to susceptible ones, enhance its resistance suggesting that the phenomenon is dependent on hemocytes activity. On the other hand, inoculation of hemolymph from B. tenagophila infected with either S. mansoni or with other trematoda furcocercaria, raised significantly the cellular response of susceptible mollusc