Occurrence of arbovirus infections in two riverine populations in the municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: The riverine communities of the Amazon comprise different social groups that inhabit the rural areas on the banks of rivers and lakes. Residents usually travel by river to rural and urban areas and are then exposed to urbanized diseases such as those caused by arbovirus infection. In Brazil, emerging diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and those caused by infection with Oropouche and Mayaro viruses necessitate epidemiological surveillance. This study was aimed at determining the frequency of positivity for immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies against Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses and performing molecular analyses to detect viral RNA for the Zika, chikungunya, dengue virus, Oropouche, and Mayaro viruses, in the same serum samples obtained from riverside populations. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a riverside population in the Humaitá municipality of the Brazilian Amazon. More than 80% of the local population participated in this study. Entomological samples were collected to identify local mosquito vectors. RESULTS: Analysis of 205 human serological samples revealed IgG antibodies against the dengue virus in 85 individuals. No molecular positivity was observed in human samples. Entomological analyses revealed 3,187 Diptera species, with Mansonia being the most frequent genus. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were not detected in the two collections. CONCLUSIONS: IgG antibodies against the dengue virus were highly prevalent, suggesting previous exposure. The absence of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the samples supports the hypothesis that the infections recorded likely occurred outside the riverside communities investigated.

Mapping the Silent Threat: A Comprehensive Analysis of Chagas Disease Occurrence in Riverside Communities in the Western Amazon.

Chagas disease (CD) is a typical tropical illness caused by Trypanosoma cruzi. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Chagas disease in communities in two states of the Brazilian Amazon. Data collection occurred in July in the Alto Juruá region of Acre and in December in the communities of Humaitá, Amazonas, in 2019. A total of 477 participants were included in the study. In the communities of Alto Juruá, triatomine collections and analyses of T. cruzi infection were also carried out. All confirmed cases were found in the state of Acre, resulting in a total prevalence of 1.67. Of these eight cases, seven underwent ECG, all of which were concluded as normal by the physician team's cardiologists. Seventeen triatomine bugs, all belonging to the Rhodnius genus, were captured. The natural infection rate by T. cruzi was 25% in the Nova Cintra community and 66.67% in the Boca do Moa community (Alto Juruá). This research found that more than 1% of the studied population exhibited positive serological results for Chagas disease in the riverine communities during the study period, representing a small portion of cases among those who have not yet been diagnosed.

Occurrence of arbovirus infections in two riverine populations in the municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The riverine communities of the Amazon comprise different social groups that inhabit the rural areas on the banks of rivers and lakes. Residents usually travel by river to rural and urban areas and are then exposed to urbanized diseases such as those caused by arbovirus infection. In Brazil, emerging diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and those caused by infection with Oropouche and Mayaro viruses necessitate epidemiological surveillance. This study was aimed at determining the frequency of positivity for immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies against Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses and performing molecular analyses to detect viral RNA for the Zika, chikungunya, dengue virus, Oropouche, and Mayaro viruses, in the same serum samples obtained from riverside populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a riverside population in the Humaitá municipality of the Brazilian Amazon. More than 80% of the local population participated in this study. Entomological samples were collected to identify local mosquito vectors. Results: Analysis of 205 human serological samples revealed IgG antibodies against the dengue virus in 85 individuals. No molecular positivity was observed in human samples. Entomological analyses revealed 3,187 Diptera species, with Mansonia being the most frequent genus. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were not detected in the two collections. Conclusions: IgG antibodies against the dengue virus were highly prevalent, suggesting previous exposure. The absence of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the samples supports the hypothesis that the infections recorded likely occurred outside the riverside communities investigated.

Prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and their associated factors in children and adolescents in a municipality in the Brazilian Amazon region / Prevalência de obesidade, pressão arterial elevada e dislipidemia e seus fatores associados em crianças e adolescentes de um município amazônico, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of chronic noncommunicable disease (CND) are rocketting over the world, including in young adults. The WHO estimates that more than half of the deaths in the world, even in underdeveloped countries, are caused by CND. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure (HBP) and dyslipidemia and its associated factors. METHODS: The authors carried out a cross-sectional study of 1,431 schools in the public-school system of Monte, Brazilian Western Amazon, with children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years. A random sampling of 496 individuals was carried out. The OpenEpi platform was used to calculate the sample size, considering p<0.05 and a presumed prevalence of CND of 50%. The authors applied a clinical-epidemiological questionnaire, made anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Diagnostic parameters recommended by the recent guidelines of the Ministry of Health in Brazil were used. RESULTS: Prevalence of CND was: Obesity 11.8%, HBP of 6.7% and dyslipidemia of 25.4%. After multivariate log-binomial analysis of the dependent variables, the statistically significant risk factors were overweight 18.4%, sedentary lifestyle 32.2%, family history of cardiovascular disease 23.4%, family history of HBP 84.2%, family dyslipidemia 55.8%, family obesity 38.7% and family chronic renal disease 40.6%. CONCLUSION: The findings pointed out to a context with a relatively high prevalence of CND, as well as their associated factors. Intervention measures such as health education, food education, stimulation of physical exercise, better school feeding and an improvement of the public health system are needed to mitigate the occurrence of CND.

INTRODUÇÃO: A incidência de Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) está aumentando em todo o mundo, inclusive em adultos jovens. A OMS estima que mais da metade das mortes no mundo, mesmo em países subdesenvolvidos, são causadas por DCNT. OBJETIVO: O estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de obesidade, pressão arterial elevada (PAE) e dislipidemia e seus fatores associados. MÉTODO: Os autores realizaram um estudo transversal com uma amostra randomizada de 496 de 1.431 alunos das escolas da rede pública de ensino de Monte Negro, Amazônia Ocidental, com crianças e adolescentes de 6 a 15 anos. Foi realizada uma amostragem aleatória de 496 indivíduos. Para o cálculo do tamanho da amostra foi utilizada a plataforma OpenEpi, considerando p <0,05 e prevalência presumida de DCNT de 50%. Os autores aplicaram um questionário clínico-epidemiológico, realizaram medidas antropométricas e exames laboratoriais. Foram utilizados parâmetros diagnósticos recomendados pelas diretrizes recentes do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Os dados foram analisados por por tetes estatísticos univariados e depois, multivariados, para se detectar associação entre causas e desfechos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de DCNT foi: Obesidade 11,8%, Pressão Arterial Elevada de 6,7% e dislipidemia de 25,4%. Após análise log-binomial multivariada das variáveis dependentes, os fatores associados estatisticamente significativos foram sobrepeso 18,4%, sedentarismo 32,2%, história familiar de doença cardiovascular 23,4%, história familiar de hipertensão arterial sistêmica 84,2%, dislipidemia familiar 55,8%, obesidade familiar 38,7% e doença renal crônica familiar 40,6%. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados apontam para um contexto com prevalência relativamente elevada de DCNT, bem como seus fatores associados em crianças/adolescentes. Medidas de intervenção como educação em saúde, educação alimentar, estímulo à prática de exercícios físicos, melhor alimentação escolar e melhoria do sistema público de saúde são necessárias para mitigar a ocorrência de DCNT.

Chromoblastomycosis in the Amazon region, Brazil, caused by Fonsecaea pedrosoi, Fonsecaea nubica, and Rhinocladiella similis: Clinicopathology, susceptibility, and molecular identification.

Chromoblastomycosis is a chronic subcutaneous disease caused by human contact with melanized fungi occurring mainly in tropical and subtropical zones worldwide. This study assessed 12 patients with chromoblastomycosis from Rondônia, Brazil, Amazon region. In sum, 83.3% were men, 41.6% were from Monte Negro city, median age was 52.9 years, and median time to disease progression was 12.2 years. Lesions were located on the lower limbs (75%), and verruciform was prevalent form (66.6%). After 3 years of treatment with itraconazole, two patients were considered cured. The etiological agents were identified by the molecular sequence of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer ITS1, 5.8S, and ITS2 region and ß-tubulin genes. Eight strains were identified as Fonsecaea pedrosoi, two were F. nubica, and two were Rhinocladiella similis. The antifungal activity of five drugs was evaluated, and the most active drug was terbinafine (range minimal inhibitory concentration [MIC] 0.015-0.12 µg/ml), itraconazole (range MIC 0.03-0.5 µg/ml) and voriconazole (range MIC 0.06-0.5 µg/ml). The highest MIC was 5-fluorocytosine (range MIC 2-32 µg/ml), and amphotericin B (range MIC 0.25-2 µg/ml). In conclusion, the present study expanded the epidemiological disease database and described for the first time F. nubica and R. similis as chromoblastomycosis agents in the Brazilian Amazon region. Our results confirmed the importance of using molecular methods to identify the melanized fungi and stimulate the recognition of the disease in other places where no cases have been reported.

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.

Survey of trypanosoma (kinetoplastida: trypanosomatidae) infection in Monte Negro Municipality, State of Rondônia, western amazon, with first record of T. evansi in the state

Abstract 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.

Potential for shistosomiasis in a municipality of Rondônia, Brazilian Amazon / Potencial de transmissão de esquistossomose em município de Rondônia, Amazônia brasileira

Schistossomiasis is a parasitic disease, caused by helminths of the genus Schistosoma and transmitted in Brazil by snails of the genus Biomphalaria. The municipality of Ouro Preto do Oeste, Rondônia, in the Brazilian Amazon Region, has unusually registered more than 900 cases of schistosomiasis in the last 10 years. The aim of this study was to investigate de potential of transmission of schsitosomiasis in Ouro Preto do Oeste. A total of 1,196 people in a risk area for the disease transmission were requested to answer a clinical-epidemiological survey and to collect feces samples for examination. All the samples that underwent examination resulted negative for S. mansoni. Two hundred and sixty-eight snails were collected in the locality of Ouro Preto do Oeste in 32 different locations. Among these, 44% were classified as belonging to the genus Biomphalaria. Another sample of snails (146 specimens), collected at the same sites, were submitted to an in vitro challenge with Schistosoma mansoni, and none of them were able to transmit the parasite. Finally, we discuss the epidemiological importance of these findings and the lack of attention to a patient with the disease in a non-endemic area. We failed to detected any association between shistossomiasis and the snails from the genus Biomphalaria, that exists in the local, as the planorbids were unable to transmit Shistosoma mansoni. Perhaps the small sample and/or the stool examination technique can have contributed to the results. Further studies, in other localities of Rondônia and with a greater sample could put some light in this question.

A esquistossomose é uma doença parasitária, causada por helmintos do gênero Schistosoma e transmitida no Brasil por caramujos do gênero Biomphalaria. O município de Ouro Preto do Oeste, Rondônia, Amazônia brasileira, notificou, de forma não usual, mais de 900 casos de esquistossomose mansônica nos últimos 10 anos. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar o potencial de transmissão da esquistossomose em Ouro Preto do Oeste. Um total de 1.196 pessoas residindo em áreas de risco para a transmissão da doença foram abordadas para responderem um questionário clínico-epidemiológico e realização de exame parasitológico de fezes. Todas as amostras foram negativas para S. mansoni. Duzentos e sessenta e oito caramujos foram coletados em Ouro Preto do Oeste, de 32 localidades diferentes. Entre estes, 44% foram classificados como pertencendo ao gênero Biomphalaria. Outra amostra de caramujos (146 exemplares), coletada nos mesmos locais, foi submetida in vitro a cepas de Schistosoma mansoni, sendo todos incapazes de transmitirem o parasito. Por fim, discute-se a importância epidemiológica desses achados e a falta de atenção ao paciente portador da parasitose em áreas indenes. O estudo não conseguiu demonstrar a ocorrência de transmissão na localidade e nem a habilidade dos planorbídeos locais transmitirem Shistosoma mansoni. Talvez o pequeno tamanho da amostra e/ou a técnica de exame de fezes (pouco sensível) possam ter contribuído para este resultado. Estudos futuros, em outras localidades e com uma amostra maior podem colocar um pouco de luz nesta questão.

Epidemiological aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in riverside communities in the Southern Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasma gondii infection is widely prevalent in humans and other animals worldwide. Information on the prevalence of T. gondii infection is scarce in some regions of Brazil, including riverside communities along the Amazon River basin. M METHODS: The prevalence of T. gondii in 231 people, aged 1-85 years, who were living in four riverside communities along the Purus River, Lábrea, State of Amazonas, Brazil, was determined. Antibodies against T. gondii were assayed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The hearts and brains of 50 chickens, which were raised free-range in the communities, were pooled according to the community of origin and bioassayed in mice. The isolates were genotyped using polymorphisms at 12 nuclear markers (SAG1, 5' and 3'-SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico and CS3). RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 56.7% (131/231). IgG antibodies were presented by 117 (89.3%) and IgM by 14 (10.7%) of the 131 positive individuals. No association between age group and gender with prevalence was observed (chi-square test, p > 0.05); however, the comparison between localities showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly lower among the individuals living in the Boca do Ituxi (p < 0.05) community. Five isolates of T. gondii were obtained in the mouse bioassay, and genotyping revealed two complete genotypes that had not been described previously and three mixed isolates. CONCLUSIONS: These results support previous findings that T. gondii population genetics are highly diverse in Brazil and that T. gondii infection is active in these riverside communities.

Epidemiological aspects of Toxoplasma gondii infection in riverside communities in the Southern Brazilian Amazon

INTRODUCTION: Toxoplasma gondii infection is widely prevalent in humans and other animals worldwide. Information on the prevalence of T. gondii infection is scarce in some regions of Brazil, including riverside communities along the Amazon River basin. M METHODS: The prevalence of T. gondii in 231 people, aged 1-85 years, who were living in four riverside communities along the Purus River, Lábrea, State of Amazonas, Brazil, was determined. Antibodies against T. gondii were assayed using a commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The hearts and brains of 50 chickens, which were raised free-range in the communities, were pooled according to the community of origin and bioassayed in mice. The isolates were genotyped using polymorphisms at 12 nuclear markers (SAG1, 5' and 3'-SAG2, alt.SAG2, SAG3, BTUB, GRA6, c22-8, c29-2, L358, PK1, Apico and CS3). RESULTS: The overall seroprevalence of T. gondii was 56.7% (131/231). IgG antibodies were presented by 117 (89.3%) and IgM by 14 (10.7%) of the 131 positive individuals. No association between age group and gender with prevalence was observed (chi-square test, p > 0.05); however, the comparison between localities showed that the seroprevalence of T. gondii was significantly lower among the individuals living in the Boca do Ituxi (p < 0.05) community. Five isolates of T. gondii were obtained in the mouse bioassay, and genotyping revealed two complete genotypes that had not been described previously and three mixed isolates. CONCLUSIONS: These results support previous findings that T. gondii population genetics are highly diverse in Brazil and that T. gondii infection is active in these riverside communities. .

Survey of Bancroftian filariasis infection in humans and Culex mosquitoes in the western Brazilian Amazon region: implications for transmission and control.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of this work was to identify possible lymphatic filariasis foci in the western Brazilian Amazonian that could be established from the reports of Rachou in the 1950s. The study was conducted in three cities of the western Brazilian Amazon region - Porto Velho and Guajará-Mirim (State of Rondônia) and Humaitá (State of Amazonas). METHODS: For human infection evaluation thick blood smear stained with Giemsa was used to analyze samples collected from 10pm to 1am. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine mosquito vectors for the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti DNA. Humans were randomly sampled from night schools students and from inhabitants in neighborhoods lacking sanitation. Mosquitoes were collected from residences only. RESULTS: A total 2,709 night students enrolled in the Program for Education of Young Adults (EJA), and 935 people registered in the residences near the schools were examined, being 641 from Porto Velho, 214 from Guajará-Mirim and 80 from Humaitá. No individual examined was positive for the presence of microfilariae in the blood stream. A total of 7,860 female Culex quinquefasciatus specimens examined were negative by PCR. CONCLUSIONS: This survey including human and mosquito examinations indicates that the western Amazon region of Brazil is not a focus of Bancroftian filariasis infection or transmission. Therefore, there is no need to be included in the Brazilian lymphatic filariasis control program.

Survey of Bancroftian filariasis infection in humans and Culex mosquitoes in the western Brazilian Amazon region: implications for transmission and control

Introduction The aim of this work was to identify possible lymphatic filariasis foci in the western Brazilian Amazonian that could be established from the reports of Rachou in the 1950s. The study was conducted in three cities of the western Brazilian Amazon region - Porto Velho and Guajará-Mirim (State of Rondônia) and Humaitá (State of Amazonas). Methods For human infection evaluation thick blood smear stained with Giemsa was used to analyze samples collected from 10pm to 1am. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to examine mosquito vectors for the presence of Wuchereria bancrofti DNA. Humans were randomly sampled from night schools students and from inhabitants in neighborhoods lacking sanitation. Mosquitoes were collected from residences only. Results A total 2,709 night students enrolled in the Program for Education of Young Adults (EJA), and 935 people registered in the residences near the schools were examined, being 641 from Porto Velho, 214 from Guajará-Mirim and 80 from Humaitá. No individual examined was positive for the presence of microfilariae in the blood stream. A total of 7,860 female Culex quinquefasciatus specimens examined were negative by PCR. Conclusions This survey including human and mosquito examinations indicates that the western Amazon region of Brazil is not a focus of Bancroftian filariasis infection or transmission. Therefore, there is no need to be included in the Brazilian lymphatic filariasis control program. .

Investigation of the occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi in the State of Rondônia, Western Amazonia, Brazil / Investigação da ocorrência da Mansonella ozzardi no Estado de Rondônia, Amazônia Ocidental

INTRODUCTION: Mansonella ozzardi, a human filarial nematode transmitted by Diptera Simuliidae flies (black flies), is widely spread in the Amazon, while the occurrence of mansonelliasis in the State of Rondônia (Western Amazonia) has not been reported thus far. The existence of this parasitic disease in this state is investigated in this study. METHODS: A total of 4,452 people who lived alongside the Madeira, Mamore, Guapore, Machado and Preto Rivers, in the State of Rondônia, were examined using the thick blood smear method. Alongside the Machado and Guapore rivers, 2,112 adult simuliid specimens were captured. RESULTS: Infected people were not reported, although simuliids with vector potential such as Cerqueirellum pydanielli, C. argentiscutum and C. amazonicum were found. CONCLUSIONS: This study registered no infected people. This finding may be explained by the individuals' low level of microfilaremia that is below the limit of detection of the diagnostic method used in the study or insufficient migration of people infected with M. ozzardi from endemic areas, making it impossible to introduce the disease into Rondônia. Further studies using more sensitive diagnostic techniques could shed light on this question.

INTRODUÇÃO: Mansonella ozzardi é uma filária humana que tem como vetor dípteros simulídeos e é amplamente distribuída na Amazônia. Não há informações sobre a ocorrência de casos de mansonelose no Estado de Rondônia, e neste trabalho procurou-se investigar a situação epidemiológica desta parasitose em áreas urbanas e ribeirinhas na Amazônia Ocidental. MÉTODOS: Foram examinados 4.452 moradores às margens dos rios Madeira, Mamoré, Guaporé, Machado e Preto em Rondônia, através da técnica da gota espessa de sangue. Capturou-se às margens do rio Machado e Guaporé 2.112 simulídeos adultos das espécies Cerqueirellum pydanieli e Chirostilbia pertinax. RESULTADOS: Não foram encontradas pessoas infectadas com M. ozzardi e foram encontradas diferentes espécies de simulídeos com potencial de transmissão da mansonelose. CONCLUSÕES: Não foram encontrados indivíduos infectados com M. ozzardi neste estudo. Este fato pode ser explicado pela existência de pacientes com baixas microfilaremias, associado à técnica diagnóstica de baixa sensibilidade utilizada no estudo. Pode-se ainda aventar a possibilidade de ter ocorrido migração insuficiente de pacientes infectados de áreas endêmicas, impossibilitando a implantação da endemia. Estudos posteriores com técnicas diagnósticas mais sensíveis podem ajudar a esclarecer esta questão.

Investigation of the occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi in the State of Rondônia, Western Amazonia, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Mansonella ozzardi, a human filarial nematode transmitted by Diptera Simuliidae flies (black flies), is widely spread in the Amazon, while the occurrence of mansonelliasis in the State of Rondônia (Western Amazonia) has not been reported thus far. The existence of this parasitic disease in this state is investigated in this study. METHODS: A total of 4,452 people who lived alongside the Madeira, Mamore, Guapore, Machado and Preto Rivers, in the State of Rondônia, were examined using the thick blood smear method. Alongside the Machado and Guapore rivers, 2,112 adult simuliid specimens were captured. RESULTS: Infected people were not reported, although simuliids with vector potential such as Cerqueirellum pydanielli, C. argentiscutum and C. amazonicum were found. CONCLUSIONS: This study registered no infected people. This finding may be explained by the individuals' low level of microfilaremia that is below the limit of detection of the diagnostic method used in the study or insufficient migration of people infected with M. ozzardi from endemic areas, making it impossible to introduce the disease into Rondônia. Further studies using more sensitive diagnostic techniques could shed light on this question.

Improvement of a PCR test to diagnose infection by Mansonella ozzardi.

INTRODUCTION: Mansonelliasis is caused by Mansonella ozzardi. It is widespread in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence. The common exam of thick blood smears stained with Giemsa shows low efficacy levels and has been an obstacle to diagnosing individuals with low blood parasitemia. METHODS: In order to increase diagnosis efficacy, the PCR technique was improved. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: PCR demonstrated the best performance, with sensitivity and negative predictive values (NPV) of 100%, followed by blood filtration through membrane filters, which showed a sensitivity of 88.9% and a NPV of 84.6%, when compared to thick blood smears.

Improvement of a PCR test to diagnose infection by Mansonella ozzardi / Adequação da técnica da PCR para diagnóstico de infecção de Mansonella ozzardi

INTRODUCTION: Mansonelliasis is caused by Mansonella ozzardi. It is widespread in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence. The common exam of thick blood smears stained with Giemsa shows low efficacy levels and has been an obstacle to diagnosing individuals with low blood parasitemia. METHODS: In order to increase diagnosis efficacy, the PCR technique was improved. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: PCR demonstrated the best performance, with sensitivity and negative predictive values (NPV) of 100 percent, followed by blood filtration through membrane filters, which showed a sensitivity of 88.9 percent and a NPV of 84.6 percent, when compared to thick blood smears.

INTRODUÇÃO: A mansonelose é uma filariose causada pela Mansonella ozzardi, ocorrendo na Amazônia com prevalências de até 60 por cento. A técnica de diagnóstico habitual (hemoscopia através da gota espessa) tem baixa eficácia o para o diagnóstico de pacientes com baixa parasitemia. MÉTODOS: Neste contexto foi aperfeiçoada a técnica da PCR para seu diagnóstico. RESULTADOS E CONCLUSÕES: Quando comparada à gota espessa, a PCR apresenta sensibilidade de 100 por cento, e valor preditivo negativo (VPN) de 100 por cento mostrando eficácia bastante superior à técnica da filtração em membrana que apresenta sensibilidade de 88,9 por cento e VPN de 84,6 por cento, quando também comparada à gota espessa de sangue.