AirQuality Lab-on-a-Drone: A Low-Cost 3D-Printed Analytical IoT Platform for Vertical Monitoring of Gaseous H2S.

The measurement of gaseous compounds in the atmosphere is a multichallenging task due to their low concentration range, long and latitudinal concentration variations, and the presence of sample interferents. Herein, we present a quadcopter drone deployed with a fully integrated 3D-printed analytical laboratory for H2S monitoring. Also, the analytical system makes part of the Internet of Things approach. The analytical method applied was based on the reaction between fluorescein mercuric acetate and H2S that led to fluorescence quenching. A 5 V micropump at a constant airflow of 50 mL min-1 was employed to deliver constant air into a flask containing 800 µL of the reagent. The analytical signal was obtained using a light-emitting diode and a miniaturized digital light detector. The method enabled the detection of H2S in the range from 15 to 200 ppbv, with a reproducibility of 5% for a sampling time of 10 min and an limit of detection of 9 ppbv. All devices were controlled using an Arduino powered by a small power bank, and the results were transmitted to a smartphone via Bluetooth. The proposed device resulted in a weight of 300 g and an overall cost of ∼50 USD. The platform was used to monitor the concentration of H2S in different intervals next to a wastewater treatment plant at ground and vertical levels. The ability to perform all analytical steps in the same device, the low-energy requirements, the low weight, and the attachment of data transmission modules offer new possibilities for drone-based analytical systems for air pollution monitoring.

Diagnosis of endoparasite species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. with one health importance, in feces from captive snakes in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

In captivity, snakes may present chronic infections with high mortality, such as those caused by Cryptosporidium serpentis, or they may be pseudoparasitized by species that present zoonotic potential. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of helminths and protozoa in the feces of captive snakes, characterize the species and subtypes of Cryptosporidium spp. and correlate the parasites detected with other information obtained from these animals. Feces were collected from 189 snakes kept at the Vital Brazil Institute, Rio de Janeiro, including samples from Bothrops jararaca, Bothrops jararacussu, Bothrops moojeni, Bothrops atrox, Bothrops leucurus, Crotalus durissus and Lachesis muta. All the samples were subjected to microscopy techniques and the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in association with sequencing, to identify Cryptosporidium spp.. Forms of parasites infecting the snakes were identified through microscopy in 50.8% of the samples. Helminths were detected more often than protozoa in the feces of these animals, mainly comprising eggs resembling Kalicephalus sp. and oocysts of Eimeria sp.. Pseudoparasites such as Syphacia sp., Aspiculuris sp. and Hymenolepis nana were also detected. Through correlating the results obtained from parasitological staining techniques and PCR, the total frequency of Cryptosporidium sp. was found to be 19%. The species C. tyzzeri and C. parvum were identified. Characterization using the target gp60 showed subtypes with high potential for zoonotic transmission, especially IIaA15G2R1 and IIaA14G2R1 of C. parvum and IXbA8 of C. tyzzeri. This study highlighted the need for more intensive health management in the Institute's serpentarium and, especially, in its bioterium where rodents are reared as a food source for these snakes.

Diagnosis, risk factors analysis and first molecular characterization of Cryptosporidium spp. in horses from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

An analysis was made of the frequency of Cryptosporidium spp. in fecal samples from horses raised on farms in the Teresópolis city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and the risk factors that favored this infection. Between 2019 and 2020, 314 samples of equine feces were collected, 287 of which came from English Thoroughbred horses and 27 from ponies. Information on the horses and their management were retrieved from a stud book and forms filled out by trainers. The fecal samples were subjected to macroscopic analysis, modified Sheather's and Lutz parasitological techniques, safranin staining, and to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for the detection of coproantigens. All the samples that tested positive by these techniques underwent partial sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene to characterize the protozoan species. Cryptosporidium spp. was identified in 35 (11.1%) of the samples, 34 from English Thoroughbred horses and one from a pony. Based on a logistic regression model, it was found that the presence of dogs and small ruminants on the farms, and drinking water from a spring, were significantly associated with the animals' infection by the protozoan (p < 0.05). Eight of the English Thoroughbred horse samples underwent molecular characterization, which revealed the presence of Cryptosporidium felis in one sample and Cryptosporidium parvum in seven. The seven samples containing C. parvum were subjected to gp60 gene analysis, based on which nucleotide sequences typical of the IIa family were identified, which are usually transmitted from animals to humans. In addition, the genotype IIaA15G2R1, which is considered to have the highest profile of zoonotic transmissibility, was identified in one Thoroughbred horse. This is the first study conducted in the state of Rio de Janeiro that molecularly characterized Cryptosporidium spp. in horses, and the first on the American continent to detect C. felis in the feces of these animals.

New multilocus genotypes of Giardia lamblia human isolates.

Giardia lamblia is considered a species complex, whose members show little differences in their morphology, but have remarkable genetic variability. The aim of this study was to identify inter- and intra-assemblage genetic variation in G. lamblia among patients in Rio de Janeiro. The parasitological study was performed on faeces, and DNA was extracted from the samples which tested positive for G. lamblia. The genetic assemblages and subtypes were determined via multilocus sequence typing (MLST) using ß-giardin, triose phosphate isomerase and glutamate dehydrogenase gene loci. Fourteen assemblage A samples were successfully genotyped at the three MLST loci (bg/tpi/gdh). Two previously identified multilocus genotypes were found (AII-1 and AII-4), and two novel multilocus genotypes are proposed (AII-8, profile A2/A2/A4; AII-9, profile A3/A2/A2). Sequence analysis showed that assemblage B isolates have a higher nucleotide variation than those from assemblage A. Novel assemblage B sequences are described and most (66.7%) have heterogeneous nucleotides, which prevent the definition of multilocus genotypes. This is the first time that MLST has been used to characterise G. lamblia isolates in human clinical samples from Rio de Janeiro. In addition, MLST has enabled the detection of novel subtypes in both assemblages and the description of two novel multilocus genotypes in assemblage A. This study provides new insights into the genetic diversity of assemblage A and shows that MLST should be used to characterise G. lamblia both in Brazil and globally.

Geospatial distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and its association with social determinants.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal parasitic infections remain among the most common infectious diseases worldwide. This study aimed to estimate their prevalence and provide a detailed analysis of geographical distribution of intestinal parasites in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, considering demographic, socio-economic, and epidemiological contextual factors. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The cross-section survey was conducted among individuals attending the Evandro Chagas National Institute of Infectious Diseases (FIOCRUZ, RJ) during the period from April 2012 to February 2015. Stool samples were collected and processed by sedimentation, flotation, Kato-Katz, Baermann-Moraes and Graham methods, iron haematoxylin staining and safranin staining. Of the 3245 individuals analysed, 569 (17.5%) were infected with at least one parasite. The most common protozoa were Endolimax nana (28.8%), Entamoeba coli (14.8%), Complex Entamoeba histolytica/Entamoeba dispar (13.5%), Blastocystis hominis (12.7%), and Giardia lamblia (8.1%). Strongyloides stercoralis (4.3%), Schistosoma mansoni (3.3%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.6%), and hookworms (1.5%) were the most frequent helminths. There was a high frequency of contamination by protozoa (87%), and multiple infections were observed in 141 participants (24.8%). A positive association between age (young children) and gender (male) with intestinal parasites was observed. Geospatial distribution of the detected intestinal parasitic infections was not random or homogeneous, but was influenced by socioeconomic conditions (through the material deprivation index (MDI)). Participants classified in the highest levels of deprivation had higher risk of having intestinal parasites. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides the first epidemiological information on the prevalence and distribution of intestinal parasitic infections in the Rio de Janeiro metropolitan area. Intestinal parasites, especially protozoa, are highly prevalent, indicating that parasitic infections are still a serious public health problem. MDI showed that intestinal parasites were strongly associated with the socioeconomic status of the population, thus making it possible to identify social vulnerable areas.

Molecular Characterization of Giardia lamblia: First Report of Assemblage B in Human Isolates from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of giardiasis, the genetic characterization of Giardia lamblia has been poorly documented in Brazil and molecular epidemiology research has only been conducted in the last few years. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of different G. lamblia assemblages and detect mixed infections among patients with giardiasis. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The cross-section survey was conducted among patients attending the FIOCRUZ in Rio de Janeiro. In order to discriminate the genetic assemblages/sub-assemblages, G. lamblia isolates were characterized by PCR-RFLP and qPCR using four loci genes (bg, gdh, tpi and orfC4). Of the 65 positive samples, 41 (63.1%) were successfully amplified by nested-PCR of bg and gdh genes. Among them, 16 were typed as sub-assemblage AII, 7 as BIII, 4 as BIV and 8 as a mixture of BIII and BIV. After the analysis by qPCR assay, a total of 55 (84.6%) samples were amplified using at least one locus: bg gene was amplified in 38 (58.5%) samples, gdh in 41 (63.1%), tpi in 39 (60%), and orfC4 in 39 (60%). Multilocus genotyping results showed that 29 (52.7%) samples belonged to Assemblage A and 26 (47.3%) samples belonged to Assemblage B. In 2011 and 2012, 20 (74.1%) samples belonged to Assemblage A and 7 (25.9%) belonged to Assemblage B. In subsequent years (2013-2015) there was a predominance of Assemblage B, 19 (67.9%) versus 9 (32.1%) Assemblage A. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first time that Assemblage B of G. lamblia was reported in human clinical samples from Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) and is the first report about genetic characterization using four genes. The qPCR assemblage-specific showed no mixed infections by Assemblages A and B. A switch in genetic profile over the years was observed, firstly predominance of Assemblage A and lastly of Assemblage B.

Dengue infection as a potential trigger of an imported Plasmodium ovale malaria relapse or a long incubation period in a non-endemic malaria region.

OBJECTIVES: To report that dengue fever (DF) could have triggered Plasmodium ovale wallikeri malaria. METHODS: A retrospective case report of P. ovale malaria and DF in a single patient in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, who had lived in Angola, is presented. RESULTS: On the second week of illness, the patient was referred to our research service. As symptoms had persisted up to day 14, malaria was also considered, based on the patient's long-standing epidemiological history. On day 16 of illness, a thick blood smear was positive for P. ovale (3480 parasites/mm(3)), PCR for malaria was positive for P. ovale wallikeri, and the kinetics of dengue virus (DENV) antibodies suggested a recent primary dengue infection. CONCLUSIONS: Concurrent infections of DENV and malaria have rarely been reported; the actual impact of these sequential or simultaneous infections remains unknown. Therefore, DF must be considered as a potential co-morbidity for malaria, because of its influence on fluid electrolyte management. The case presented showed consistent temporal, clinical, and laboratory evidence that the relapse or the long incubation period of P. ovale malaria may have been triggered by a recent DF episode. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of DENV and P. ovale co-infection.

FIRST REPORT OF ACUTE CHAGAS DISEASE BY VECTOR TRANSMISSION IN RIO DE JANEIRO STATE, BRAZIL.

Chagas disease (CD) is an endemic anthropozoonosis from Latin America of which the main means of transmission is the contact of skin lesions or mucosa with the feces of triatomine bugs infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. In this article, we describe the first acute CD case acquired by vector transmission in the Rio de Janeiro State and confirmed by parasitological, serological and PCR tests. The patient presented acute cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade. Together with fever and malaise, a 3 cm wide erythematous, non-pruritic, papule compatible with a "chagoma" was found on his left wrist. This case report draws attention to the possible transmission of CD by non-domiciled native vectors in non-endemic areas. Therefore, acute CD should be included in the diagnostic workout of febrile diseases and acute myopericarditis in Rio de Janeiro.

First report of acute Chagas disease by vector transmission in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil / Primeiro relato de doença de Chagas aguda por transmissão vetorial no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

SUMMARYChagas disease (CD) is an endemic anthropozoonosis from Latin America of which the main means of transmission is the contact of skin lesions or mucosa with the feces of triatomine bugs infected by Trypanosoma cruzi. In this article, we describe the first acute CD case acquired by vector transmission in the Rio de Janeiro State and confirmed by parasitological, serological and PCR tests. The patient presented acute cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade. Together with fever and malaise, a 3 cm wide erythematous, non-pruritic, papule compatible with a "chagoma" was found on his left wrist. This case report draws attention to the possible transmission of CD by non-domiciled native vectors in non-endemic areas. Therefore, acute CD should be included in the diagnostic workout of febrile diseases and acute myopericarditis in Rio de Janeiro.

RESUMOA doença de Chagas é antropozoonose endêmica na América Latina que tem como principal mecanismo de transmissão humana o contato da pele lesada ou da mucosa com as fezes de triatomíneos infectados por Trypanosoma cruzi. Neste artigo descrevemos o primeiro caso de doença de Chagas aguda adquirida no Estado do Rio de Janeiro por transmissão vetorial com confirmação parasitológica, sorológica e pela PCR. O paciente apresentou miocardite aguda e derrame pericárdico de evolução benigna. Juntamente com as manifestações sistêmicas da fase aguda, foi notada pápula eritematosa de três cm de diâmetro compatível com chagoma em punho esquerdo. Este relato de caso chama a atenção para a possibilidade de transmissão da doença de Chagas por vetores nativos não domiciliados e em áreas consideradas indenes. Portanto, a doença de Chagas aguda deve ser incluída entre os diagnósticos diferenciais de doenças febris e miopericardites agudas no Rio de Janeiro.

The unique Brazilian species of Polylobus Solier (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) with a checklist of all species of the genus.

Polylobus stigma (Erichson, 1839) is the only known species of the genus from Brazil. Here, this species is redescribed based on the type material, including illustrations of diagnostic characters. The species remains in Polylobus, but pending further revision of the genus and related genera as Tricolpochila Bernhauer, 1908 and Polylobinus Bernhauer, 1908. A commented checklist of all species in Polylobus is also provided.

Malaria, a difficult diagnosis in a febrile patient with sub-microscopic parasitaemia and polyclonal lymphocyte activation outside the endemic region, in Brazil.

A case of autochthonous Plasmodium vivax malaria with sub-microscopic parasitaemia and polyclonal B-cell activation (PBA) (as reflected by positive IgM and IgG serology for toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus, and antinuclear and rheumatoid factors) was diagnosed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) after consecutive negative rapid diagnostic test results and blood films. The patient, a 44-year-old man from Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, had visited the Atlantic Forest, a tourist, non-malaria-endemic area where no autochthonous cases of 'bromeliad malaria' has ever been described. The characteristic pattern of fever, associated with PBA, was the clue to malaria diagnosis, despite consecutive negative thick blood smears. The study highlights a need for changes in clinical and laboratory diagnostic approaches, namely the incorporation of PCR as part of the current routine malaria diagnostic methods in non-endemic areas.

Cryptosporidium spp. parasitize exotic birds that are commercialized in markets, commercial aviaries, and pet shops.

The purpose of this study was to genetically characterize and phylogenetically analyze the Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from exotic birds commercialized in popular markets, commercial aviaries, and pet shops located in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Fecal samples from individually housed birds were collected and subjected to centrifuge-flotation technique using saturated sugar solution. DNA was isolated from Cryptosporidium positive samples, and 18S subunit rDNA was amplified and processed using nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). To identify the protozoan species, the PCR amplicons were used for restriction fragment length polymorphism and sequencing analyses. Of the 103 analyzed fecal samples, seven (6.8%) were positive for Cryptosporidium oocysts. Sequencing and further phylogenetic analyses allowed us to identify the following species: Cryptosporidium parvum in Bengalese finch (Lonchura striata domestica) and avian genotype III in Java sparrow (Padda oryzivora) and cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus). The sequences of the Cryptosporidium spp. isolated from canaries (Serinus canarius) were not identifiable within the groups of known species, but they presented a higher genetic similarity with C. parvum. This is the first report in Brazil showing that C. parvum parasitizes Bengalese finches and that avian genotype III parasitizes Java sparrows.

Unexpectedly long incubation period of Plasmodium vivax malaria, in the absence of chemoprophylaxis, in patients diagnosed outside the transmission area in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: In 2010, Brazil recorded 3343,599 cases of malaria, with 99.6% of them concentrated in the Amazon region. Plasmodium vivax accounts for 86% of the cases circulating in the country. The extra-Amazonian region, where transmission does not occur, recorded about 566 cases imported from the Amazonian area in Brazil and South America, from Central America, Asia and African countries. Prolonged incubation periods have been described for P. vivax malaria in temperate climates. The diversity in essential biological characteristics is traditionally considered as one possible explanation to the emergence of relapse in malaria and to the differences in the duration of the incubation period, which can also be explained by the use of chemoprophylaxis. Studying the reported cases of P. vivax malaria in Rio de Janeiro, where there is no vector transmission, has made it possible to evaluate the extension of the incubation period and to notice that it may be extended in some cases. METHODS: Descriptive study of every malaria patients who visited the clinic in the last five years. The mean, standard deviation, median, minimum and maximum of all incubation periods were analysed. RESULTS: From the total of 80 patients seen in the clinic during the study time, with confirmed diagnosis of malaria, 49 (63%) were infected with P. vivax. Between those, seven had an estimated incubation period varying from three to 12 months and were returned travellers from Brazilian Amazonian states (6) and Indonesia (1). None of them had taken malarial chemoprophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: The authors emphasize that considering malaria as a possible cause of febrile syndrome should be a post-travel routine, independent of the time elapsed after exposure in the transmission area, even in the absence of malaria chemoprophylaxis. They speculate that, since there is no current and detailed information about the biological cycle of human malaria plasmodia's in Brazil, it is possible that new strains are circulating in endemic regions or a change in cycle of preexisting strains is occurring. Considering that a prolonged incubation period may confer advantages on the survival of the parasite, difficulties in malaria control might arise.

[Occurrence of Cryptosporidium sp in fecal samples of children less than 10 years old with clinical indication of Rotavirus]. / Ocorrência de Cryptosporidium sp em amostras fecais de crianças, menores de 10 anos de idade, com indicação clínica de Rotavírus.

The presence of oocysts of Cryptosporidium sp was investigated in 485 fecal samples of children with clinical indication of Rotavirus. No significant differences were observed between Cryptosporidium sp. and rotavirus occurrence and fecal consistency. Cryptosporidium sp also should be performed in the laboratory diagnosis of diarrheic episodes in children.