Material genético do SARS-CoV-2 em superfícies de equipamentos utilizados na prática de atividades físicas / Genetic material of SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of equipment used in the practice of physical activities

A humanidade foi impactada por uma Pandemia que expôs a população ao contato com um vírus de elevado contágio e com o índice de letalidade alarmante. Este estudo objetivou avaliar a possibilidade da persistência de material genético do SARS-CoV-2 na superfície dos equipamentos de estabelecimentos de prática de atividades físicas indoor e outdoor. Foram coleta das amostras de equipamentos utilizados para a prática de exercícios físicos em cinco academias, cinco praças e entre os frequentadores desses ambientes. Aplicou-se a técnica RT-PCR para a detecção doRNA do SARS-CoV-2 e posterior análise dos resultadose foi detectada a existência de partículas de RNA viral do SARS-CoV-2 em 48,57% das amostras coletadas dos equipamentos das academias e 12,85% das amostras coletadas nas praças, evidenciando uma incidência menor em equipamentos utilizados em locais abertos em todas as áreas comparadas.Além disso, constatou-se que 35,7% dos participantes do estudo testaram positivo para COVID-19.Os casos positivos para COVID-19 detectados apresentaram sintomas classificados como levesa moderados e uma recuperação rápida.A presença de material genético nos equipamentos,por sua vez, leva-nos a perceber a importância da higienização adequada das superfícies, como forma de prevenção.

Humanity was impacted by a Pandemic that exposed the population to contact with a highly contagious virus with an alarming lethality rate. The present study aimed to evaluate the possibility of the persistence of genetic material from SARS-CoV-2 on the surface of equipment used to practice indoor and outdoor physical activities. A sample of equipment used for the practice of physical activity was collected in five gyms and five squares and among the regulars of these environments. The RT-PCR technique was applied to detect the RNA of SARS-CoV-2 and subsequent analysis of the results. The existence of SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA particles was detected in 48.57% of the samples collected from gym equipment and 12.85% of the samples collected in squares, evidencing a lower incidence in equipment used in open spaces in all areas compared and it was found that 35.7% of the study participants tested positive for COVID-19. The positive cases for COVID-19 detected, had symptoms classified as mild to moderate and a quick recovery. The presence of genetic material in the equipment, in turn, leads us to realize the importance of proper cleaning of surfaces, as a form of prevention.

Frequency of intestinal protozoan infections diagnosed in patients from a clinical analysis laboratory

This study aimed to determine the frequency of infection by intestinal protozoa diagnosed in patients from a clinical analysis laboratory in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. This was a retrospective descriptive study, using a database of stool examination results from July to December 2015. The study population consisted of males and females of all ages, from the greater area of Alagoas. Data on epidemiological variables such as age and gender were obtained using a collection instrument. Protozoan species were identified from stool examinations. Results on the prevalence of intestinal parasites are described as simple and relative frequencies. We examined a total of 1277 stool samples, of which 12.69% were positive for one or more protozoa. 43.83% were from men and 56.17% were from women. Endolimax nana was the most prevalent (59.22%) protozoan species followed by Entamoeba coli (23.45%). Although non-pathogenic, they indicate fecal contamination of drinking water. The highest number (23.46%) of infected individuals was observed among children in the 0 to 11 years age group. A high prevalence (93.83%) of monoparasitism was noted. We concluded that there was a high frequency of infection and a high prevalence of E. nana. Infections were more common in women than in men. Our results emphasize the need for preventive measures to control intestinal parasitic infections.

Evaluation of alternative RNA extraction methods for detection of SARS-CoV-2 in nasopharyngeal samples using the recommended CDC primer-probe set.

Background: The efficiency of isolation and purification of the viral genome is a critical step to the accuracy and reliability of RT-qPCR to detect SARS-CoV-2. However, COVID-19 testing laboratories were overwhelmed by a surge in diagnostic demand that affected supply chains especially in low and middle-income facilities. Objectives: Thus, this study compares the performance of alternative methods to extraction and purification of viral RNA in samples of patients diagnosed with COVID-19. Study design: Nasopharyngeal swabs were submitted to three in-house protocols and three commercial methods; viral genome was detected using the primer-probe (N1 and N2) described by CDC and viral load of samples were determined. Results: The in-house protocols resulted in detection of virus in 82.4 to 86.3% of samples and commercial methods in 94.1 to 98%. The disagreement results were observed in samples with low viral load or below the estimated limit of detection of RT-qPCR. Conclusion: The simplified methods proposed might be less reliable for patients with low viral load and alternative commercial methods showed comparable performance.

Frequency of intestinal parasites in patients attended at a university hospital in Maceió, state of Alagoas, Brazil / Frequência de parasitos intestinais em pacientes atendidos em um hospital universitário em Maceió, estado de Alagoas, Brasil

The aim of this study was to analyze the parasitological tests of a population at a public hospital in Maceió-AL. A descriptive study was made between January and July of 2015 analyzing the parasitological tests of a population at a public hospital in Maceió-AL. Variables such as gender, age, positive tests, protozoan species, helminths species and parasitic associations were analyzed. Out of 1.581 tests, 806 (51%) tested positive. Regarding gender, 535 (67%) were from women. Helminths were the most predominant infections (63.94%), compared to protozoans (36.06%). The Helminths with the highest number of infections were: Ascaris lumbricoides (93.23%), Trichuris trichiura (2.32%) and Enterobius vermicularis (1.26%). Among protozoans, Endolimax nana and Entamoeba coli corresponded to78.09% and 15.91% respectively. Although non pathogenic, it suggests fecal contamination. According to the degree of parasitism, 84.0% were monoparasitism. It can be concluded that the number of positive tests for enteroparasites was high, mainly in men. The species A. lumbricoides was the main helminth detected, while E. nana was the main protozoan found in the tests. The age group between 24 and 59 years old was the one that had the highest amount of positive tests. The results observed strengthen the need for the implementation of prevention measures for intestinal parasitic infections.

Os estudos da ocorrência de parasitoses em laboratório são de grande relevância, pois os mesmos podem proporcionar informações necessárias no diagnóstico da infecção e avaliar o índice de infecção parasitária, principalmente dos países em desenvolvimento, constituindo um problema de saúde pública. Foram coletados dados de exames de fezes realizados no período de janeiro a julho de 2015 nos registros de exames coproparasitológicos de fezes, de um hospital universitário de Maceió-AL. Foram analisados 1.581 exames, realizados pelo método de Hoffmann, Pons e Janer. Foi possível verificar que 51% apresentaram positividade para um ou mais enteroparasitos, sendo 66% para o sexo feminino e 34% no sexo masculino. Predominaram-se as infecções causadas por helmintos, com 55%, seguido das infecções causadas por protozoários 45%. Os helmintos com maior frequência de detecção foram: Ascaris lumbricoides (50,14%), Trichuris trichiura (1,61%), Enterobius vermicularis (0,87%) e ancilostomídeos (0,87%). Dentre os protozoários, Endolimax nanae Entamoeba coli com 34,42% e 7,8% respectivamente, que embora comensais indiquem contaminação fecal. A faixa etária entre 6 e 11 anos apresentou maior número de indivíduos parasitados (2,1%). Quanto ao grau de parasitismo, houve uma predominância de 84% para monoparasitismo. Assim, conclui-se, que foi elevado o número positividade para enteroparasitos, com predominância de casos no gênero masculino. A espécie A. lumbricoides foi e helminto detectado, enquanto que, E. nana foi o principal protozoário. A faixa etária entre 6 a 11 anos foi a que apresentou maior número de casos positivos. Os resultados observados reforçam a necessidade da implantação de medidas de prevenção para as parasitoses intestinais.

Ultrastructural study of morphological changes in Schistosoma mansoni after in vitro exposure to the monoterpene rotundifolone.

INTRODUCTION:: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, affects more than 200 million people worldwide, and its control is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel. Here, we report the in vitro effect of rotundifolone, a monoterpene isolated from Mentha x villosa (Lamiaceae), on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. METHODS:: The in vitro effect of rotundifolone on adult Schistosoma mansoni was evaluated by analysis of behavior and mortality and through a scanning electron microscopic analysis of ultrastructural changes in the tegument of the worms. RESULTS:: At concentrations of 3.54 and 7.09µg/mL-1 rotundifolone, no worm mortality was observed at any of the sampling intervals. A minor reduction in movement of the tail, suckers, and gynecophoral canal membrane was observed after 96 h of exposure to 7.09µg/mL-1 rotundifolone. At 70.96µg/mL-1, a lack of movement was observed from 72h onwards and all worms were deemed dead; similar effects were observed at 48h with 177.4µg/mL-1, and at 24h with 354.8µg/mL-1 and 700.96µg/mL-1. Rotundifolone also caused death of all parasites and separation of coupled pairs into individual males and females after 24h at 354.8µg/mL-1. CONCLUSIONS:: The main changes in the tegument induced by the different ROT treatments were: after 24h incubation, bubble lesions spread over the entire body and loss of tubercles occurred in some regions of the ventral region.

Ultrastructural study of morphological changes in Schistosoma mansoni after in vitro exposure to the monoterpene rotundifolone

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: Schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease caused by trematode flatworms of the genus Schistosoma, affects more than 200 million people worldwide, and its control is dependent on a single drug, praziquantel. Here, we report the in vitro effect of rotundifolone, a monoterpene isolated from Mentha x villosa (Lamiaceae), on Schistosoma mansoni adult worms. METHODS: The in vitro effect of rotundifolone on adult Schistosoma mansoni was evaluated by analysis of behavior and mortality and through a scanning electron microscopic analysis of ultrastructural changes in the tegument of the worms. RESULTS: At concentrations of 3.54 and 7.09μg/mL-1 rotundifolone, no worm mortality was observed at any of the sampling intervals. A minor reduction in movement of the tail, suckers, and gynecophoral canal membrane was observed after 96 h of exposure to 7.09μg/mL-1 rotundifolone. At 70.96μg/mL-1, a lack of movement was observed from 72h onwards and all worms were deemed dead; similar effects were observed at 48h with 177.4μg/mL-1, and at 24h with 354.8μg/mL-1 and 700.96μg/mL-1. Rotundifolone also caused death of all parasites and separation of coupled pairs into individual males and females after 24h at 354.8μg/mL-1. CONCLUSIONS: The main changes in the tegument induced by the different ROT treatments were: after 24h incubation, bubble lesions spread over the entire body and loss of tubercles occurred in some regions of the ventral region.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN Schistosoma mansoni MALE WORMS AFTER in vitro INCUBATION WITH THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF Mentha x villosa Huds.

INTRODUCTION: The essential oil Mentha x villosa (MVEO) has a wide range of actions, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and schistosomicidal actions. The present study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural changes of MVEO on the tegument of adult Schistosoma mansoni. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different concentrations of MVEO were tested on S. mansoni adult worms in vitro. Ultrastructural changes on the tegument of these adult worms were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS: The MVEO caused the death of all worms at 500 µg mL(-1) after 24 h. After 24h of 500 µg mL(-1) MVEO treatment, bubble lesions were observed over the entire body of worms and they presented loss of tubercles in some regions of the ventral portion. In the evaluation by TEM, S. mansoni adult worms treated with MVEO, 500 µg mL(-1), presented changes in the tegument and vacuoles in the syncytial matrix region. Glycogen granules close to the muscle fibers were visible. CONCLUSION: The ability of MVEO to cause extensive ultrastructural damage to S. mansoni adult worms correlates with its schistosomicidal effects and confirms earlier findings with S. mansoni.

ULTRASTRUCTURAL CHANGES IN Schistosoma mansoni MALE WORMS AFTER in vitro INCUBATION WITH THE ESSENTIAL OIL OF Mentha x villosa Huds

Introduction: The essential oil Mentha x villosa (MVEO) has a wide range of actions, including antibacterial, antifungal, antiprotozoal and schistosomicidal actions. The present study aimed to investigate the ultrastructural changes of MVEO on the tegument of adult Schistosoma mansoni. Materials and Methods: Different concentrations of MVEO were tested on S. mansoni adult worms in vitro. Ultrastructural changes on the tegument of these adult worms were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Results: The MVEO caused the death of all worms at 500 μg mL-1 after 24 h. After 24h of 500 μg mL-1 MVEO treatment, bubble lesions were observed over the entire body of worms and they presented loss of tubercles in some regions of the ventral portion. In the evaluation by TEM, S. mansoni adult worms treated with MVEO, 500 μg mL-1, presented changes in the tegument and vacuoles in the syncytial matrix region. Glycogen granules close to the muscle fibers were visible. Conclusion: The ability of MVEO to cause extensive ultrastructural damage to S. mansoni adult worms correlates with its schistosomicidal effects and confirms earlier findings with S. mansoni.

Ultrastructural characterization of the hemocytes of Lasiodora sp. (Koch, 1850) (Araneae: Theraphosidae).

This paper is the first descriptive review of hemolymph cell types in the circulation of the tarantula spider Lasiodora sp. These animals are more long-lived than other arthropods, and may live for approximately twenty years. Such remarkable longevity may result from a highly successful immune system, which in turn is directly correlated with hemocyte function. Since the literature on the genus Lasiodora sp. is limited, the main goal of the present study was to identify the different cell types by optical and transmission microscope. Six hemocyte types were characterized and called prohemocyte, granulocyte type I, granulocyte type II, spherulocyte, oenocytoid and plasmatocyte. Prohemocytes presented a large nucleus, elongated granulocytes type I showed the nucleus with the same cell format, elliptical granulocytes type II showed the central nucleus of identical shape, spherulocytes exhibited the nucleus filling almost the whole cell, oval oenocytoids showed eccentric nucleus and less dense cytoplasm, and irregular plasmatocytes showed a nucleus and no granules in cytoplasm. These polymorphic granulocytes presented a round, elongated, elliptical, oval or irregular profile with large and varied numbers of granules, except for plasmatocytes, that were agranular. Different densities and different concentrations of these granules were found at the periphery of the cell. The possible reasons and implications of differences and similarities between arthropods hemocytes are discussed. It can be concluded that there are six cell types in Lasiodora sp. This study is of the first step in the elucidation of the role these cells play in the circulatory and immune system in spiders.

Ultrastructural study on the morphological changes to male worms of Schistosoma mansoni after in vitro exposure to allicin / Estudo ultraestrutural das alterações morfológicas de vermes machos de Schistosoma mansoni após exposição in vitro à alicina

INTRODUCTION: Garlic has a wide range of actions, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal and anthelmintic actions. This antiparasitic activity has been attributed to allicin, which is the main constituent of garlic. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of allicin on the tegument of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms using scanning electron microscopy. METHODS: Swiss Webster mice were infected with S. mansoni cercariae (100 per mouse) and sacrificed 50 days later to acquire the adult worms. These worms were collected by perfusion and placed in RPMI medium 1,640 at 37°C before transferring to RPMI media containing 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20mg/mL of allicin, where they were incubated for 2h. The worms were fixed in 2.5 percent glutaraldehyde solution, washed twice, post-fixed in osmium tetroxide, washed twice and then dehydrated with ascending grades of ethanol. The samples were air-dried, mounted on stubs, gold coated in an ion sputtering unit and viewed using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: A concentration of 5mg/mL caused wrinkling in the tegument; a concentration of 10mg/mL resulted in changes to tubercles and loss or modification of spines. With 15 and 20mg/mL increasing damage to the tegument could be seen, such as vesicle formation and the presence of ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the effect of allicin on adult S. mansoni worms and indicate that most of the changes occur at concentrations greater than that normally indicated for treatment.

INTRODUÇÃO: O alho apresenta uma ampla gama de ações, incluindo antibacteriana, antiviral, antifúngico, antiprotozoário e anti-helmíntico. Esta atividade antiparasitária tem sido atribuída à alicina, que é o principal constituinte do alho. O presente estudo teve como objetivo investigar a ação in vitro da alicina no tegumento de vermes adultos de Schistosoma mansoni utilizando a microscopia eletrônica de varredura. MÉTODOS: Camundongos Swiss Webster foram infectados com cercárias de S. mansoni (100 por camundongo) e sacrificados 50 dias depois para aquisição de vermes adultos. Estes vermes foram coletados por perfusão e colocados em meio RPMI 1.640 a 37°C antes de transferir para o meio RPMI contendo 0 (controle), 5, 10, 15 e 20mg/mL de alicina, onde eles foram incubados por 2h. Os vermes foram fixados em uma solução de glutaraldeído a 2,5 por cento, lavados duas vezes, pós-fixados em tetróxido de ósmio, lavados duas vezes e então desidratados em séries crescentes de etanol. As amostras foram secadas, montadas em stubs, metalizadas em ouro e visualizadas utilizando o microscópio eletrônico de varredura. RESULTADOS: A concentração de 5mg/mL causou o enrugamento do tegumento; a concentração de 10mg/mL resultou em alterações nos tubérculos e perda ou modificações nos espinhos. Com 15 e 20mg/mL crescentes danos no tegumento pode ser visto, tais como formação de vesículas e presença de úlceras. CONCLUSÕES: Esses resultados demonstram os efeitos da alicina nos vermes adultos de S. mansoni e indicam que a maioria das alterações ocorrem numa concentração maior do que a normalmente indicada para o tratamento.

Ultrastructural study on the morphological changes to male worms of Schistosoma mansoni after in vitro exposure to allicin.

INTRODUCTION: Garlic has a wide range of actions, including antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antiprotozoal and anthelmintic actions. This antiparasitic activity has been attributed to allicin, which is the main constituent of garlic. The present study aimed to investigate the in vitro activity of allicin on the tegument of adult Schistosoma mansoni worms using scanning electron microscopy. METHODS: Swiss Webster mice were infected with S. mansoni cercariae (100 per mouse) and sacrificed 50 days later to acquire the adult worms. These worms were collected by perfusion and placed in RPMI medium 1,640 at 37°C before transferring to RPMI media containing 0 (control), 5, 10, 15 and 20mg/mL of allicin, where they were incubated for 2h. The worms were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde solution, washed twice, post-fixed in osmium tetroxide, washed twice and then dehydrated with ascending grades of ethanol. The samples were air-dried, mounted on stubs, gold coated in an ion sputtering unit and viewed using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: A concentration of 5mg/mL caused wrinkling in the tegument; a concentration of 10mg/mL resulted in changes to tubercles and loss or modification of spines. With 15 and 20mg/mL increasing damage to the tegument could be seen, such as vesicle formation and the presence of ulcers. CONCLUSIONS: These findings demonstrate the effect of allicin on adult S. mansoni worms and indicate that most of the changes occur at concentrations greater than that normally indicated for treatment.

Caracterização citoquímica ultra-estrutural da cercária de Schistosoma mansoni / Cytochemical ultrastructural caracterization of cercaria of Schistosoma mansoni

Uma alternativa para identificar a base de processos críticos necessários ao estabelecimento do parasito no hospedeiro é enfocar o estágio responsável pela invasão primária, ou seja, a estrutura infectante. O principal objetivo do trabalho foi realizar uma caracterização ultra-estrutural da cercária de Schistosoma mansoni, através de técnicas citoquímicas. Para a identificação de lipídios saturados e insaturados foi utilizado, respectivamente, as técnicas de Filipina e do Tampão Imidazol, para localização de proteínas básicas foram empregadas as técnicas do Ácido Fosfotúngstico (PTA) e da Prata Amoniacal. Para localizar sítios de cálcio utilizamos a técnica descrita por Hepler (1980) e para evidenciar grupamentos aniônicos empregamos ferritina cationizada além do tratamento enzimático com tripsina, condroitinase e neuraminidase de Vibrio cholerae. Foi observada a presença de lipídios insaturados de formato globular em toda a região externa da larva infectante, tegumento, glândula da cabeça, glândula pré-acetabular e corpos de inclusão. Utilizando a técnica de filipina, identificamos a presença de colesterol delimitando vários compartimentos da larva e também no tegumento, músculo e membranas de células subtegumentares. Através da técnica de PTA foi identificada a presença de proteínas básicas no tegumento, núcleo e nucléolo de células subtegumentares, corpos de inclusão e glândulas pré-acetabulares. Já na prata amoniacal, identificamos forte marcação em toda larva infectante além de marcações no núcleo das células musculares, tecido muscular circular e glândulas pré-acetabulares. A localização de sítios de cálcio mostrou-se bastante uniforme, demarcando os espaços internos da larva, principalmente, o tecido muscular da larva. As amostras tratadas com ferritina cationizada apresentaram uma forte marcação em nível cuticular. O tratamento das amostras com a neuraminidase não alterou o padrão de marcação dessas partículas na superfície do trematóide. Porém, o tratamento com tripsina ou condroitinase resultou numa ausência de marcação na superfície da larva. O esclarecimento da composição bioquímica da larva infectante de S. mansoni fornece dados para um melhor entendimento a respeito da biologia do parasito bem como a intrigante relação parasitohospedeiro, além de contribuir para um possível controle químico.