Multi-virulence of Campylobacter jejuni carried by chicken meat in Brazil.

Campylobacter jejuni is the most frequent cause of bacterial gastroenteritis; therefore, the characteristics of its epidemiology must be continuously investigated to support possible mitigating measures. This is particularly important when evaluating representative strains from the world's leading chicken meat exporter, Brazil. We evaluated a panel of 14 virulence genes in 359 strains of C. jejuni isolated from chilled broiler carcasses in Brazil. The genes were classified into five virulence categories (B: biofilm/motility; SS: secretion/cytotoxicity system; CI: invasion/colonization; GB: Guillain-Barré; and AE: adaptation to stress). The percentage of strains with stress adaptation genes (86.07%) indicates the ability to survive in unfavorable environments; in addition, the strains showed a risk of causing infections in humans due to the frequency of the hcp gene (97.77%). Genes related to Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) in 77.44% of strains are an additional concern, which must be monitored. The gene panel showed the presence of 124 virulence profiles. Individual analyses by carcass, slaughter establishment, and municipalities in which they were located showed high index variabilities (I.Var.) of 0.82, 0.87, and 0.78, respectively. Georeferencing indicated the state of Paraná as a hotspot for virulent strains. Higher levels of isolation and multi-virulence were identified in the summer, which is hot and humid in Brazil. Together, our results showed that the studied strains are a potential danger to public health and that there is an urgent need for their surveillance and the adoption of control measures, especially in the state of Paraná.

First Report of Genetic Variability of Erysipelothrix sp. Strain 2 in Turkeys Associated to Vero Cells Morphometric Alteration.

Erysipelas is a disease caused by the Erysipelothrix genus, whose main species is the E. rhusiopathiae, the causative agent of animal erysipelas and human erysipeloid. We isolated Erysipelothrix sp. strain 2 (ES2) from turkey's organs during an outbreak in Brazilian commercial and breeder flocks with sepsis and high mortality levels. We studied 18 flocks, accounting for 182 samples, being eight flocks (84 samples) as ES2 positive with individuals demonstrating clinical symptoms and high mortality. We obtained the genetic variability of 19 samples with PFGE and found two clones, both from the same flock but different samples, and two clusters. Interestingly, we found 15 strains with high genetic variability among and within flocks. We have found a positive association between the proximity of ES2 positive turkey flocks and commercial swine sites through epidemiological analysis. We infected Vero cells with two different isolates and three distinct concentrations of ES2. After performing the morphometry, we recorded enlargement of the nucleus and nucleolus. Moreover, we performed fluorescence assays that resulted in apoptotic and necrotic cells. We demonstrated that ES2 could multiply in the extracellular medium and invade and survive inside Vero cells. For the first time, our finds show that ES2 may have similar behavior as E. rhusiopathiae as a facultative intracellular microorganism, which may represent a hazard for humans.

Comparative genomics of a novel clade shed light on the evolution of the genus Erysipelothrix and characterise an emerging species.

Erysipelothrix sp. isolates obtained from a deadly outbreak in farmed turkeys were sequenced and compared to representatives of the genus. Phylogenetic trees-supported by digital DNA:DNA hybridization and Average Nucleotide Identity-revealed a novel monophyletic clade comprising isolates from pigs, turkeys, and fish, including isolates previously described as E. sp. Strain 2. Genes coding for the SpaC protein, typically found in E. sp. Strain 2, were detected in all isolates of the clade. Therefore, we confirm E. sp. Strain 2 represents a unique species that may be isolated from a broad host range, and the name "Erysipelothrix takahashiae" is suggested. Core genome analysis showed that the pathogenic species of this genus, E. rhusiopathiae and the clade E. sp. Strain 2, are enriched in core functionalities related to nutrient uptake and transport, but not necessarily homologous pathways. For instance, whereas the aerobic DctA transporter may uptake C4-dicarboxylates in both species, the anaerobic DcuC transporter is exclusive of the E. sp. Strain 2. Remarkably, the pan-genome analysis uncovered that genes related to transport and metabolism, recombination and repair, translation and transcription in the fish isolate, within the novel clade, have undergone a genomic reduction through pseudogenization. This reflects distinct selective pressures shaping the genome of species and strains within the genus Erysipelothrix while adapting to their respective niches.

Molecular Epidemiology of Multidrug-Resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae Isolates in a Brazilian Tertiary Hospital.

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kp) is a major bacterial pathogen responsible for hospital outbreaks worldwide, mainly via the spread of high-risk clones and epidemic resistance plasmids. In this study, we evaluated the molecular epidemiology and ß-lactam resistance mechanisms of MDR-Kp strains isolated in a Brazilian academic care hospital. We used whole-genome sequencing to study drug resistance mechanisms and their relationships with a K. pneumoniae carbapenemase-producing (KPC) Kp outbreak. Forty-three Kp strains were collected between 2003 and 2012. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed for 15 antimicrobial agents, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect 32 resistance genes. Mutations in ompk35, ompk36, and ompk37 were evaluated by PCR and DNA sequencing. Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were carried out to differentiate the strains. Based on distinct epidemiological periods, six Kp strains were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. ß-lactamase coding genes were widely distributed among isolates. Almost all isolates had mutations in porin genes, particularly ompk35. The presence of bla KPC promoted a very high increase in carbapenem minimum inhibitory concentration only when ompk35 and ompk36 were interrupted by insertion sequences. A major cluster was identified by PFGE analysis and all isolates from this cluster belonged to clonal group (CG) 258. We have also identified a large repertoire of resistance genes in the sequenced isolates. A bla KPC-2-bearing plasmid (pUFPRA2) was also identified, which was very similar to a plasmid previously described in the first Brazilian KPC-Kp (2005). We found high-risk clones (CG258) and an epidemic resistance plasmid throughout the duration of the study (2003 to 2012), emphasizing a persistent presence of MDR-Kp strains in the hospital setting. Finally, we found that horizontal transfer of resistance genes between clones may have played a key role in the evolution of the outbreak.

Evolution of Campylobacter jejuni of poultry origin in Brazil.

Campylobacter jejuni is the most common pathogen associated with foodborne diseases. Persistent presence of this pathogen contaminating the environment in slaughterhouses and chicken products have been reported worldwide. Although many efforts have been employed for reducing C. jejuni contamination, few studies have been conducted to understand the dynamics of C. jejuni in slaughterhouses over time. In this study, we evaluated the virulence, antibiotic resistance and genetic diversity profiles of 99 C. jejuni isolated from chilled chicken carcasses collected in Brazilian slaughterhouses during two distinct periods (2011-2012 and 2015-2016). The virulence profile was evaluated for the presence of flaA, ciaB, cadF, pldA and cdtABC genes. Antibiotic resistance was evaluated for amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, gentamicin, erythromycin and tetracycline. Genetic diversity was assessed using RAPD-PCR. The prevalence of C. jejuni was significantly reduced in 2015-2016 as well the number of antibiotic (and multidrug) resistant isolates, except for tetracycline. However, isolates from 2015 to 2016 showed higher prevalence of multiple virulence genes and genetic diversity profile compared to isolates from 2011 to 2012. During the studied period, stricter regulations to control pathogens in poultry farms and slaughterhouses were implemented in Brazil, which may have contributed to the profile variation observed due to changes of selective pressures on bacterial populations.

First molecular screening of Plasmodium species in ungulates from Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: Despite malaria epidemiology has been extensively studied in primates, few studies were conducted in ungulates. After half a century without descriptions of Plasmodium spp. in deer since its first identification, recent research has rediscovered Plasmodium on ungulates in Africa, Asia, North America and South America, including Central Brazil. Here, a captive herd was evaluated in southern Brazil using light microscopy and PCR. DNA samples were tested for fragment amplification of two Plasmodium spp. genes: mitochondrial cytochrome b and small subunit ribosomal RNA. RESULTS: All analyses were negative. However, the tests were performed on samples that were collected at a single time point, and parasitemia may fluctuate over the parasite's life cycle. Thus, the possibility of occult infection cannot be ruled out. Despite the negative results of all of the methods applied, it cannot be categorically stated that these animals are free from Plasmodium sp. infection. Further monitoring and/or multiple sequential sampling may improve the success rate of detecting parasites. Moreover, although this survey of Plasmodium represents the first molecular study on ungulate malaria parasites from Southern Brazil, further analysis of samples from different ungulate species is important for characterizing the epidemiology of Plasmodium of these mammals in this region.

Prokaryotic Virus Orthologous Groups (pVOGs): a resource for comparative genomics and protein family annotation.

Viruses are the most abundant and diverse biological entities on earth, and while most of this diversity remains completely unexplored, advances in genome sequencing have provided unprecedented glimpses into the virosphere. The Prokaryotic Virus Orthologous Groups (pVOGs, formerly called Phage Orthologous Groups, POGs) resource has aided in this task over the past decade by using automated methods to keep pace with the rapid increase in genomic data. The uses of pVOGs include functional annotation of viral proteins, identification of genes and viruses in uncharacterized DNA samples, phylogenetic analysis, large-scale comparative genomics projects, and more. The pVOGs database represents a comprehensive set of orthologous gene families shared across multiple complete genomes of viruses that infect bacterial or archaeal hosts (viruses of eukaryotes will be added at a future date). The pVOGs are constructed within the Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COGs) framework that is widely used for orthology identification in prokaryotes. Since the previous release of the POGs, the size has tripled to nearly 3000 genomes and 300 000 proteins, and the number of conserved orthologous groups doubled to 9518. User-friendly webpages are available, including multiple sequence alignments and HMM profiles for each VOG. These changes provide major improvements to the pVOGs database, at a time of rapid advances in virus genomics. The pVOGs database is hosted jointly at the University of Iowa at http://dmk-brain.ecn.uiowa.edu/pVOGs and the NCBI at ftp://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/kristensen/pVOGs/home.html.

Analysis of the Storage Methods for Raw Human Milk from Mothers with Infants Admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, According to Brazilian Regulations.

BACKGROUND: Milk safety is an important concern in neonatal units and human milk banks. Therefore, evidence-based recommendations regarding raw milk handling and storage are needed to safely promote supplying hospitalized infants with their mother's own milk. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate raw human milk storage methods according to Brazilian milk management regulations by investigating the effects of refrigeration (5°C) for 12 hours and freezing (-20°C) for 15 days on the acidity and energy content in a large number of raw milk samples. METHODS: Expressed milk samples from 100 distinct donors were collected in glass bottles. Each sample was separated into 3 equal portions that were analyzed at room temperature and after either 12 hours of refrigeration or 15 days of freezing. Milk acidity and energy content were determined by Dornic titration and creamatocrit technique, respectively. RESULTS: All samples showed Dornic acidity values within the established acceptable limit (≤ 8°D), as required by Brazilian regulations. In addition, energy content did not significantly differ among fresh, refrigerated and frozen milk samples (median of ~50 kcal/100 mL for each). CONCLUSION: Most samples tested (> 80%) were considered top quality milk (< 4°D) based on acidity values, and milk energy content was preserved after storage. We conclude that the storage methods required by Brazilian regulations are suitable to ensure milk safety and energy content of stored milk when supplied to neonates.

Transcription factors, chromatin proteins and the diversification of Hemiptera.

Availability of complete genomes provides a means to explore the evolution of enormous developmental, morphological, and behavioral diversity among insects. Hemipterans in particular show great diversity of both morphology and life history within a single order. To better understand the role of transcription regulators in the diversification of hemipterans, using sequence profile searches and hidden Markov models we computationally analyzed transcription factors (TFs) and chromatin proteins (CPs) in the recently available Rhodnius prolixus genome along with 13 other insect and 4 non-insect arthropod genomes. We generated a comprehensive collection of TFs and CPs across arthropods including 303 distinct types of domains in TFs and 139 in CPs. This, along with the availability of two hemipteran genomes, R. prolixus and Acyrthosiphon pisum, helped us identify possible determinants for their dramatic morphological and behavioral divergence. We identified five domain families (i.e. Pipsqueak, SAZ/MADF, THAP, FLYWCH and BED finger) as having undergone differential patterns of lineage-specific expansion in hemipterans or within hemipterans relative to other insects. These expansions appear to be at least in part driven by transposons, with the DNA-binding domains of transposases having provided the raw material for emergence of new TFs. Our analysis suggests that while R. prolixus probably retains a state closer to the ancestral hemipteran, A. pisum represents a highly derived state, with the emergence of asexual reproduction potentially favoring genome duplication and transposon expansion. Both hemipterans are predicted to possess active DNA methylation systems. However, in the course of their divergence, aphids seem to have expanded the ancestral hemipteran DNA methylation along with a distinctive linkage to the histone methylation system, as suggested by expansion of SET domain methylases, including those fused to methylated CpG recognition domains. Thus, differential use of DNA methylation and histone methylation might have played a role in emergence of polyphenism and cyclic parthenogenesis from the ancestral hemipteran.

Occurrence of antibodies anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans in a captive deer herd in Southern Brazil.

A large number of Brazilian zoos keep many endangered species of deer, however, very few disease surveillance studies have been conducted among captive cervids. Blood samples from 32 Brazilian deer (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana and Mazama americana) kept in captivity at Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil) were investigated for 10 ruminant pathogens, with the aims of monitoring deer health status and evaluating any potential zoonotic risk. Deer serum samples were tested for Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 serovars), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, western equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies against T. gondii (15.6%), N. caninum (6.2%) and L. interrogans serogroup Serjoe (3.1%) were detected. The serological results for all other infectious agents were negative. The deer were considered to be clinically healthy and asymptomatic regarding any disease. Compared with studies on free-ranging deer, the prevalences of the same agents tested among the captive deer kept at the Sanctuary were lower, thus indicating good sanitary conditions and high-quality management practices at the zoo.

Occurrence of antibodies anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leptospira interrogans in a captive deer herd in Southern Brazil / Ocorrência de anticorpos anti -Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum e Leptospira interrogans em um rebanho de cervídeos de cativeiro do sul do Brasil

Abstract A large number of Brazilian zoos keep many endangered species of deer, however, very few disease surveillance studies have been conducted among captive cervids. Blood samples from 32 Brazilian deer (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana and Mazama americana) kept in captivity at Bela Vista Biological Sanctuary (Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil) were investigated for 10 ruminant pathogens, with the aims of monitoring deer health status and evaluating any potential zoonotic risk. Deer serum samples were tested for Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 serovars), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, bovine viral diarrhea virus, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus, foot-and-mouth disease virus, western equine encephalitis virus, eastern equine encephalitis virus and Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus. Antibodies against T. gondii (15.6%), N. caninum (6.2%) and L. interrogans serogroup Serjoe (3.1%) were detected. The serological results for all other infectious agents were negative. The deer were considered to be clinically healthy and asymptomatic regarding any disease. Compared with studies on free-ranging deer, the prevalences of the same agents tested among the captive deer kept at the Sanctuary were lower, thus indicating good sanitary conditions and high-quality management practices at the zoo.

Resumo Um grande número de zoológicos brasileiros abriga espécies de cervídeos ameaçados de extinção, entretanto, estudos de vigilância de doenças em cervídeos de cativeiro são escassos. Amostras de sangue de 32 cervídeos brasileiros (Blastocerus dichotomus, Mazama nana e Mazama americana), mantidos em cativeiro no Refúgio Biológico Bela Vista (Foz do Iguaçu, Brasil), foram investigados para 10 patógenos de ruminantes, visando monitorar o estado de saúde dos cervídeos e avaliar a presença de agentes zoonóticos. As amostras de soro foram testadas para Brucella abortus, Leptospira (23 sorovares), Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, diarreia viral bovina, rinotraqueíte infecciosa bovina, febre aftosa, encefalomielite equina do oeste, encefalomielite equina do leste e encefalomielite equina venezuelana. Foram detectados anticorpos para T. gondii (15,6%), N. caninum (6,2%) e para L. interrogans sorogrupo Serjoe (3,1%). As sorologias apresentaram resultado negativo para as demais doenças. Os cervídeos foram considerados clinicamente sadios e assintomáticos para doenças. Comparados aos estudos de populações de vida livre, as soroprevalências para os mesmos agentes testados foram menores para os cervídeos mantidos no Refúgio, indicando as boas condições sanitárias e a qualidade das práticas de manejo no zoológico.

Uncovering major genomic features of essential genes in Bacteria and a methanogenic Archaea.

Identification of essential genes is critical to understanding the physiology of a species, proposing novel drug targets and uncovering minimal gene sets required for life. Although essential gene sets of several organisms have been determined using large-scale mutagenesis techniques, systematic studies addressing their conservation, genomic context and functions remain scant. Here we integrate 17 essential gene sets from genome-wide in vitro screenings and three gene collections required for growth in vivo, encompassing 15 Bacteria and one Archaea. We refine and generalize important theories proposed using Escherichia coli. Essential genes are typically monogenic and more conserved than nonessential genes. Genes required in vivo are less conserved than those essential in vitro, suggesting that more divergent strategies are deployed when the organism is stressed by the host immune system and unstable nutrient availability. We identified essential analogous pathways that would probably be missed by orthology-based essentiality prediction strategies. For example, Streptococcus sanguinis carries horizontally transferred isoprenoid biosynthesis genes that are widespread in Archaea. Genes specifically essential in Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Burkholderia pseudomallei are reported as potential drug targets. Moreover, essential genes are not only preferentially located in operons, but also occupy the first position therein, supporting the influence of their regulatory regions in driving transcription of whole operons. Finally, these important genomic features are shared between Bacteria and at least one Archaea, suggesting that high order properties of gene essentiality and genome architecture were probably present in the last universal common ancestor or evolved independently in the prokaryotic domains.

Development of a gene-centered ssr atlas as a resource for papaya (Carica papaya) marker-assisted selection and population genetic studies.

Carica papaya (papaya) is an economically important tropical fruit. Molecular marker-assisted selection is an inexpensive and reliable tool that has been widely used to improve fruit quality traits and resistance against diseases. In the present study we report the development and validation of an atlas of papaya simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We integrated gene predictions and functional annotations to provide a gene-centered perspective for marker-assisted selection studies. Our atlas comprises 160,318 SSRs, from which 21,231 were located in genic regions (i.e. inside exons, exon-intron junctions or introns). A total of 116,453 (72.6%) of all identified repeats were successfully mapped to one of the nine papaya linkage groups. Primer pairs were designed for markers from 9,594 genes (34.5% of the papaya gene complement). Using papaya-tomato orthology assessments, we assembled a list of 300 genes (comprising 785 SSRs) potentially involved in fruit ripening. We validated our atlas by screening 73 SSR markers (including 25 fruit ripening genes), achieving 100% amplification rate and uncovering 26% polymorphism rate between the parental genotypes (Sekati and JS12). The SSR atlas presented here is the first comprehensive gene-centered collection of annotated and genome positioned papaya SSRs. These features combined with thousands of high-quality primer pairs make the atlas an important resource for the papaya research community.

An outbreak of tuberculosis by Mycobacterium bovis in coatis (Nasua nasua).

Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, which includes Mycobacterium bovis, infrequently causes severe or lethal disease in captive wildlife populations. A dead coati from a wildlife triage center showing pulmonary lesions compatible with tuberculosis had raised suspicion of a potential disease caused by mycobacteria species and was further investigated. Four native coatis (Nasua nasua) with suspected mycobacterial infection were sedated, and bronchoalveolar lavages and tuberculin skin tests (TSTs) were performed. All animals tested positive upon TST. Mycobacterial culturing, Ziehl-Neelsen staining, and genetic testing were performed on postmortem samples and the etiologic agent was identified as M. bovis. Molecular genetic identification using a polymerase chain reaction panel was crucial to achieving a definitive diagnosis.

Prevalence and molecular characterization of Mycoplasma ovis in selected free-ranging Brazilian deer populations.

Mycoplasma ovis is a hemoplasma that may cause anemia and mortality in small ruminants. Our aim was to determine whether M. ovis infects populations of free-ranging deer in Brazil. Buffy coat samples from 64 Blastocerus dichotomus from Porto Primavera, 18 Ozotocerus bezoarticus from Pantanal, and 21 O. bezoarticus from Emas National Park were tested. Using a M. ovis PCR protocol to amplify extracted DNA, 46/64 (72%) of deer from Porto Primavera, 10/18 (56%) from Pantanal, and 4/21 (19%) from Emas National Park were positive, giving an overall positive rate of 58% for hemoplasma in these wild deer. Sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed 3 genetically distinct hemoplasmas including M. ovis, 'Candidatus Mycoplasma erythrocervae', and a hemoplasma most closely related to M. ovis. Phylogenetic analysis of the 23S rRNA gene from selected sequences confirmed these relationships.

Mycoplasma ovis in captive cervids: prevalence, molecular characterization and phylogeny.

Hemotrophic mycoplasmas (hemoplasmas) are bacteria that attach to red blood cells of mammals, leading to acute and/or subclinical disease in infected animals. It has been suggested that Mycoplasma ovis, a hemoplasma that infects sheep and goats worldwide, may also infect deer. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether South American deer are infected with M. ovis. EDTA-anticoagulated blood samples from a herd of 32 captive South American deer were collected. DNA extraction of blood samples was performed followed by PCR amplification of the 16S and 23S rRNA genes, and sequencing of products. Using M. ovis PCR, 27/31 (87%) were positive, including 21/22 Mazama nana; 2/3 Mazama americana and 4/6 Blastocerus dichotomus. Sequencing of the nearly entire 16S rRNA gene of 26/27 positive samples showed 98.2-98.8% identity to M. ovis of sheep (GenBank, AF338268) and 98.6-99.4% identity to M. ovis-like of a fawn (FJ824847); the 23S rRNA gene from one of these isolates and the fawn's had 97.6% identity. The remaining isolate had just 94.9% identity to the 16S rRNA gene of M. ovis and only 89.4% identity to the 23S rRNA gene of the fawn's M. ovis. This is the first report of M. ovis in captive South American deer, revealing a high prevalence of hemoplasma infection in these animals.

Epidemiologic pattern of patients with neurocysticercosis diagnosed by computed tomography in Curitiba, Brazil.

The aim of this study was to drawn an epidemiological pattern of neurocystisticercosis (NCC) patients diagnosed by computed tomography at the major private diagnostic center in Curitiba, Brazil. A total of 1,009 medical files of consecutive patients presenting neurological indications were diagnosed by computed tomography from July 2007 to April 2008. Patient data included sex, age, municipality and tomography findings were analysed by Epi-info version 6.0.1. software. Most patients (81.10%) were living in Curitiba. A total of 91/1,009 cases (9.02%) were considered positive to NCC; 88 (96.7%) patients had inactive form of NCC and only 3 (3.2%) patients had cysts in granulomatous process. No patients had both forms. The prevalence of NCC cases in studied group was greater in patients between 51 to 60 years old, however, difference between sex was not significant. This epidemiological pattern of NCC was similar to the first NCC study in Curitiba, performed in 1995-1996 with 9.24% of positive cases.

Epidemiologic pattern of patients with neurocysticercosis diagnosed by computed tomography in Curitiba, Brazil / Perfil epidemiológico de pacientes com neurocisticercose diagnosticados por tomografia computadorizada em Curitiba, Brazil

The aim of this study was to drawn an epidemiological pattern of neurocystisticercosis (NCC) patients diagnosed by computed tomography at the major private diagnostic center in Curitiba, Brazil. A total of 1,009 medical files of consecutive patients presenting neurological indications were diagnosed by computed tomography from July 2007 to April 2008. Patient data included sex, age, municipality and tomography findings were analysed by Epi-info version 6.0.1. software. Most patients (81.10 percent) were living in Curitiba. A total of 91/1,009 cases (9.02 percent) were considered positive to NCC; 88 (96.7 percent) patients had inactive form of NCC and only 3 (3.2 percent) patients had cysts in granulomatous process. No patients had both forms. The prevalence of NCC cases in studied group was greater in patients between 51 to 60 years old, however, difference between sex was not significant. This epidemiological pattern of NCC was similar to the first NCC study in Curitiba, performed in 1995-1996 with 9.24 percent of positive cases.

Determinou-se o perfil epidemiológico da neurocisticercose (NCC) em pacientes diagnosticados por tomografia computadorizada (TC) no maior centro privado de diagnósticos de Curitiba, Brasil. Foram analisados 1009 registros médicos de pacientes consecutivos com indicações neurológicas submetidos a TC entre julho de 2007 a abril de 2008. Os dados dos pacientes que incluíram sexo, idade, município de residência e achados tomográficos foram analisados pelo software Epi-info versão 6.01. A maioria dos pacientes (80,10 por cento) era procedente de Curitiba; 91/1.009 casos (9,02 por cento) foram positivos para NCC; 88 (96,7 por cento) apresentaram a forma inativa e apenas em 3 (3,2 por cento) cistos em processo granulomatoso; não houve formas mistas. A prevalência de casos de NCC foi maior entre 51 e 60 anos. Não houve diferença significativa para o sexo entre os casos. O perfil dos pacientes diagnosticados para NCC por TC neste estudo é semelhante ao estudo anterior realizado em Curitiba entre 1995-1996, com 9,24 por cento de casos de NCC.