Interruption of lymphatic filariasis transmission in Manaus, a former focus of Wuchereria bancrofti in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

OBJECTIVE: To confirm the absence of Wuchereria bancrofti autochthonous cases in Manaus, a former focus of lymphatic filariasis in the Western Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: A field survey was carried out in 2016 using immunochromatographic rapid tests (ICT card) for the detection of circulating filarial antigens in blood. The sample included a group of 3 000 schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years enrolled in schools from different urban areas of Manaus (including the former lymphatic filariasis focus in the city) and a group of 709 adolescents and adults, between the ages of 11 and 85 years, born and raised in different areas of Manaus. RESULTS: All of the individuals tested negative for W. bancrofti antigen. CONCLUSIONS: Although Manaus was once considered endemic, this focus no longer seems to be active for lymphatic filariasis transmission. The results of this study could support the certification by the World Health Organization of the lymphatic filariasis transmission elimination exercise in Brazil.

Sensitivity of diagnostic methods for Mansonella ozzardi microfilariae detection in the Brazilian Amazon Region.

BACKGROUND: The human filarial worm Mansonella ozzardi is highly endemic in the large tributaries of the Amazon River. This infection is still highly neglected and can be falsely negative when microfilariae levels are low. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the frequency of individuals with M. ozzardi in riverine communities in Coari municipality, Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: Different diagnostic methods including polymerase chain reaction (PCR), blood polycarbonate membrane filtration (PCMF), Knott's method (Knott), digital thick blood smears (DTBS) and venous thick blood smears (VTBS) were used to compare sensitivity and specificity among the methods. Data were analysed using PCMF and Bayesian latent class models (BLCM) as the gold standard. We used BLCM to calculate the prevalence of mansonelliasis based on the results of five diagnostic methods. FINDINGS: The prevalence of mansonelliasis was 35.4% by PCMF and 30.1% by BLCM. PCR and Knott methods both possessed high sensitivity. Sensitivity relative to PCMF was 98.5% [95% confidence interval (CI): 92.0 - 99.7] for PCR and 83.5% (95% CI: 72.9 - 90.5) for Knott. Sensitivity derived by BLCM was 100% (95% CI 93.7 - 100) for PCMF, 100% (95% CI: 93.7 - 100) for PCR and 98.3% (95% CI: 90.6 - 99.9) for Knott. The odds ratio of being diagnosed as microfilaremic increased with age but did not differ between genders. Microfilariae loads were higher in subjects aged 30 - 45 and 45 - 60 years. MAIN CONCLUSIONS: PCMF and PCR were the best methods to assess the prevalence of mansonelliasis in our samples. As such, using these methods could lead to higher prevalence of mansonelliasis in this region than the most commonly used method (i.e., thick blood smears).

Factors Associated with Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections among Young Population in Northeast Brazil.

Background. Intestinal parasitic infections constitute a major public health problem that is frequently associated with poverty, inadequate sanitation, and the nutritional status of the population. Objective. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible association of parasitic infections, sanitary conditions, hygiene practices, and the nutritional and socioeconomic status of a poor youth population. Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 367 children and adolescents inhabiting a substandard settlement in the urban area of Maceió (Alagoas State, Brazil). Data collection included socioeconomic status, anthropometric measurements, fecal sample examinations, and laboratory blood analysis. The identification of factors associated with gastrointestinal parasitic infections was undertaken through bi- and multivariate analyses. Results. Stool sample analysis obtained from 300 individuals revealed that 204 (68%) were infected with at least one parasite species and of these 130 (63.7%) were polyparasitized. No significant associations were identified between low height for age (stunted), parasitic infections, and polyparasitism. There was also no association between family income and parasitosis. However, low socioeconomic status proved to be a potential risk factor for parasitic infections. Conclusion. Actions must be taken to improve sanitation, housing, and environmental conditions in order to eliminate the risk factors for parasitic infections, and thereby guarantee a better quality of life for this population.

Diversity, Leishmania detection, and blood meal sources of sand flies from Iguatama, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

This study investigated the sand fly fauna of the municipality Iguatama, in the Midwest Region of Minas Gerais state, Brazil, including Leishmania infection rates and blood meal sources. Sand flies were collected during four periods over the course of a single year, encompassing both dry and rainy seasons, using CDC light traps placed in peridomiciles where dogs were seropositive for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). A total of 762 sand fly specimens, representing 12 species across seven genera, were collected. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the most abundant species, comprising 57.6% of the collected specimens, followed by Nyssomyia neivai (19.6%) and Nyssomyia whitmani (10.5%). Species richness and diversity varied among collection periods, with the highest diversity observed in January 2019. Molecular analysis detected Leishmania DNA in 12.5% of the sand fly specimens, with Le. infantum being the predominant species. Blood meal analysis revealed feeding on multiple vertebrate species, including humans, rats, dogs, and chickens. The presence of Leishmania DNA in sand flies, and the identification of human blood meals, highlight the potential role of these species in VL transmission. These findings underscore the importance of continued surveillance and control measures to prevent the spread of VL and reduce transmission risk in the region.

Detection and Genotyping of Trypanosoma cruzi Samples in Species of Genus Rhodnius from Different Environments in the Brazilian Amazon.

Background: In the Amazon region, several species of triatomines occur in the natural environments. Among them, species of the genus Rhodnius are a risk to human populations due to their high rates of infection with Trypanosoma cruzi. The aim of this study was to identify the T. cruzi genotypes in Rhodnius specimens and their relationship with sylvatic hosts from different environments in the Brazilian Amazon. Methods: A total of 492 triatomines were collected from the municipalities of Monte Negro, Rondônia state, and Humaitá, Amazonas state, 382 of them being nymphs and 110 adults. Genotyping of T. cruzi in six discrete typing units (DTUs) was performed using conventional multilocus PCR. The triatomines that were positive for T. cruzi and engorged with blood were also targeted for amplification of the cytochrome B (cytB) gene to identify bloodmeal sources. Results: Of the 162 positive samples, the identified DTUs were TcI (87.65%) and TcIV (12.35%). It was observed that 102 specimens were engorged with a variety of bloodmeals. Triatomines infected with TcI were associated with DNA of all identified vertebrates, except Plecturocebus brunneus. TcIV was detected in triatomines that fed on Coendou prehensilis, Didelphis marsupialis, Mabuya nigropunctata, P. brunneus, Pithecia irrorata, Sapajus apella, and Tamandua tetradactyla. Conclusion: Results highlight the need to understand the patterns of T. cruzi genotypes in Rhodnius spp. and their association with sylvatic hosts to better elucidate their role in the transmission of Chagas disease in the Amazon region.

Clinical and Laboratory Response of Domiciled Dogs with Visceral Leishmaniasis Treated with Miltefosine and Allopurinol.

Canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL) remains a significant disease worldwide. In Brazil, its treatment is performed using miltefosine, which has demonstrated promising outcomes in dogs. This study represents the first attempt to treat and monitor dogs with CVL in natural conditions over the course of one year. The dogs were divided into two groups: G1 received miltefosine and allopurinol for 28 days, while G2 received miltefosine for 28 days, followed by allopurinol for one year. The follow-up involved clinical, hematological, and biochemical evaluations, as well as the detection of Leishmania DNA in skin and bone marrow samples. By the end of the follow-up, dogs in G2 exhibited improved staging compared to their initial conditions, whereas those in G1 showed worsened staging. Leishmania DNA in skin and bone marrow decreased between 6 and 12 months after treatment. Our observations indicate that the treatment using miltefosine reduces the detection of the parasite in the skin and bone marrow for up to one year following its administration. The continuous use of allopurinol contributes to control of the disease in dogs. These findings provide valuable insights into the response of dogs treated in natural conditions, offering essential information for veterinarians and public health authorities.

Efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: potential entry points for neglected tropical diseases.

BACKGROUND: The damage inflicted by the coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic upon humanity is and will continue to be considerable. Unprecedented progress made in global health over the past 20 years has reverted and economic growth has already evaporated, giving rise to a global recession, the likes of which we may not have experienced since the Second World War. Our aim is to draw the attention of the neglected tropical disease (NTD) community towards some of the major emerging economic opportunities which are quickly appearing on the horizon as a result of COVID-19. MAIN TEXT: This scoping review relied on a literature search comprised of a sample of articles, statements, and press releases on initiatives aimed at mitigating the impact of COVID-19, while supporting economic recovery. Of note, the donor scenario and economic development agendas are highly dynamic and expected to change rapidly as the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, as are donor and lender priorities. CONCLUSIONS: The NTD community, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), will need to work quickly, diligently, and in close collaboration with decision-makers and key stakeholders, across sectors at national and international level to secure its position. Doing so might enhance the odds of grasping potential opportunities to access some of the massive resources that are now available in the form of contributions from corporate foundations, trust funds, loans, debt relieve schemes, and other financial mechanisms, as part of the ongoing and future economic development agendas and public health priorities driven by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper should serve as a starting point for the NTD community to seek much needed financial support in order to sustain and revitalize control and elimination efforts pertaining to NTDs in LMICs.

Progress towards elimination of lymphatic filariasis in the Americas region.

In South and Central America, lymphatic filariasis (LF) is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti, which is transmitted by Culex quinquefasciatus, the only vector species in this region. Of the seven countries considered endemic for LF in the Americas in the last decade, Costa Rica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago were removed from the World Health Organization list in 2011. The remaining countries, Brazil, Dominican Republic, Guyana and Haiti, have achieved important progress in recent years. Brazil was the first country in the Americas to stop mass drug administration (MDA) and to establish post-MDA surveillance. Dominican Republic stopped MDA in all LF-endemic foci: La Ciénaga and Southwest passed the third Transmission Assessment Survey (TAS) and the Eastern focus passed TAS-1 in 2018. Haiti passed the TAS and interrupted transmission in >80% of endemic communes, achieving effective drug coverage. Guyana implemented effective coverage in MDAs in 2017 and 2018 and in 2019 scaled up the treatment for 100% of the geographical region, introducing ivermectin in the MDA in order to achieve LF elimination by the year 2026. The Americas region is on its way to eliminating LF transmission. However, efforts should be made to improve morbidity management to prevent disability of the already affected populations.

Strategies supporting the prevention and control of neglected tropical diseases during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

Emerging and re-emerging zoonotic diseases represent a public health challenge of international concern. They include a large group of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), many of which are of zoonotic nature. Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), another emerging zoonotic disease, has just increased the stakes exponentially. Most NTDs are subject to the impact of some of the very same human-related activities triggering other emerging and re-emerging diseases, including COVID-19, severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), bird flu and swine flu. It is conceivable that COVID-19 will exacerbate the NTDs, as it will divert much needed financial and human resources. There is considerable concern that recent progress achieved with control and elimination efforts will be reverted. Future potential strategies will need to reconsider the determinants of health in NTDs in order to galvanize efforts and come up with a comprehensive, well defined programme that will set the stage for an effective multi-sectorial approach. In this Commentary, we propose areas of potential synergies between the COVID-19 pandemic control efforts, other health and non-health sector initiatives and NTD control and elimination programmes.

Biological Aspects of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) Under Laboratory Conditions.

Triatominae are insects notorious as vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, which is the etiologic agent of Chagas disease, and other trypanosomatids. Triatomines of the genus Rhodnius are primarily sylvatic, nevertheless the occurrence of native species that invade households suggests their possible role in the transmission of Chagas disease. Rhodnius montenegrensis was first described in 2012, but the biological aspects of this species are still unknown. This study aimed to analyze the biological aspects of R. montenegrensis under laboratory conditions. The emergence rate was 63.0%, the mean time required for the emergence was 13.9 ± 1.7 days, the biological cycle from egg to adult phase occurred in 105.2 ± 9.2 days, the number of bloodmeals required for each nymphal stage to reach the next stage varies between a minimum of two and a maximum of seven. The weight gained after a bloodmeal varied between 10.6 times on 1st-instar nymphs and 3.9 times on 5th-instar nymphs. The adult specimens had the lowest gain of weight, reaching 2.2 times on females and 1.6 times on males. The sex ratio observed was 1:1. These data are relevant to understand the life cycle of this new described species and to elaborate more effective vector control strategies.

First Report of Natural Infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Western Amazon, Brazil.

Rhodnius montenegrensis was described in 2012. Since then, reports of the occurrence of this species associated with palm trees near households in Rondônia have been published. This study aimed to analyze the natural infection of R. montenegrensis with trypanosomatids in the municipality of Monte Negro, Rondônia, Brazilian western Amazon. Capture of triatomines occurred in Attalea speciosa (babassu) specimens around households. Twelve of the 72 captured triatomines were identified by morphological and morphometric characters, by molecular analysis made using the PCR, DNA sequencing, and phylogenetic analyses. The intestinal content was collected from 60 of these 72 specimens. The positivity for trypanosomatids was confirmed by examining the intestinal content followed by PCR amplification of the cathepsin L-like gene specific for Trypanosoma cruzi (PCR-DTcrCatL) and Trypanosoma rangeli (PCR-DTraCatL). Of the 60 specimens analyzed by microscopy, 22 (36.7%) were positive for trypanosomatids in the intestinal content analysis. Of these 22 specimens of R. montenegrensis, 16 (72.7%) were infected with T. cruzi, 2 (9.1%) were infected with T. rangeli, 2 (9.1%) had mixed infection with T. cruzi and T. rangeli, and 2 were negative (9.1%). These data suggest the need for attention of the health surveillance system of Chagas disease in the State of Rondônia, as this study points out to another potential vector of the disease.

Phase III Clinical Trial to Evaluate Ivermectin in the Reduction of Mansonella ozzardi infection in the Brazilian Amazon.

The treatment of mansonelliasis is still a challenge because there are few clinical trials for the treatment of the disease. This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study (phase III clinical trial) was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a single oral dose of ivermectin (0.15 mg/kg) in the reduction of the Mansonella ozzardi microfilaraemia and the occurrence of adverse effects in infected people compared with the control group treated with placebo. A total of 49 microfilaraemic patients were randomly selected from the municipality of Lábrea, State of Amazonas, in the Brazilian Amazon. Among them, 40 patients have concluded the study, 19 treated with ivermectin and 21 treated with placebo. In the first and third days after the treatment, all the patients were clinically evaluated, and the diagnostic and quantification of blood microfilariae through blood filtration in polycarbonate membranes was performed. A significant reduction of the microfilaraemia (99.9%) was observed in the patients who received ivermectin. Slight changes in laboratory test results, without clinical importance, were seen in treated and control groups. Our results suggest that ivermectin is effective and safe for the treatment of infections caused by M. ozzardi.

Wuchereria bancrofti infection in Haitian immigrants and the risk of re-emergence of lymphatic filariasis in the Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION:: Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a public health problem in Haiti. Thus, the emigration of Haitians to Brazil is worrisome because of the risk for LF re-emergence. METHODS:: Blood samples of Haitian immigrants, aged ≥18 years, who emigrated to Manaus (Brazilian Amazon), were examined using thick blood smears, membrane blood filtration, and immunochromatography. RESULTS:: Of the 244 immigrants evaluated, 1 (0.4%) tested positive for W. bancrofti; 11.5% reported as having received LF treatment in Haiti. CONCLUSIONS:: The re-emergence of LF in Manaus is unlikely, due to its low prevalence and low density of microfilaremia among the assessed Haitian immigrants.

Interruption of lymphatic filariasis transmission in Manaus, a former focus of Wuchereria bancrofti in the Western Brazilian Amazon

[ABSTRACT]. Objective. To confirm the absence of Wuchereria bancrofti autochthonous cases in Manaus, a former focus of lymphatic filariasis in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Methods. A field survey was carried out in 2016 using immunochromatographic rapid tests (ICT card) for the detection of circulating filarial antigens in blood. The sample included a group of 3 000 schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years enrolled in schools from different urban areas of Manaus (including the former lymphatic filariasis focus in the city) and a group of 709 adolescents and adults, between the ages of 11 and 85 years, born and raised in different areas of Manaus. Results. All of the individuals tested negative for W. bancrofti antigen. Conclusions. Although Manaus was once considered endemic, this focus no longer seems to be active for lymphatic filariasis transmission. The results of this study could support the certification by the World Health Organization of the lymphatic filariasis transmission elimination exercise in Brazil.

[RESUMEN]. Objetivo. Confirmar la ausencia de casos autóctonos de Wuchereria bancrofti en Manaos, anteriormente un foco de filariasis linfática en la Amazonia occidental de Brasil. Métodos. En el 2016 se llevó a cabo una encuesta en el terreno con pruebas rápidas inmunocromatográficas (tiras inmunocromatográficas) para detectar antígenos filáricos circulantes en sangre. La muestra constó de un grupo de 3 000 escolares de 6 a 10 años matriculados en escuelas de diferentes zonas urbanas de Manaos (incluida la zona que anteriormente era el foco de filariasis linfática en la ciudad) y de un grupo de 709 adolescentes y adultos, de edades comprendidas entre 11 y 85 años, nacidos y criados en diferentes áreas de Manaos. Resultados. Todas las personas dieron negativo en la prueba de antígeno de Wuchereria bancrofti. Conclusiones. Aunque hubo un tiempo en que Manaos se consideraba zona endémica, parece que este foco de transmisión de la filariasis linfática ya no está activo. Los resultados de este estudio podrían brindar apoyo a la certificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud respecto de los esfuerzos realizados en Brasil para eliminar la transmisión de la filariasis linfática.

[RESUMO]. Objetivo. Confirmar a ausência de casos autóctones de Wuchereria bancrofti em Manaus, anteriormente um foco da filariose linfática na parte leste da Amazônia brasileira. Métodos. Uma pesquisa de campo foi realizada em 2016 com o uso de teste rápido por imunocromatografia (cartão ICT) para detecção de antígenos de microfilárias circulantes no sangue. A amostra estudada consistiu de um grupo de 3 000 crianças escolares entre 6 e 10 anos de idade matriculados em escolas de diferentes áreas da zona urbana de Manaus (englobando a área anteriormente com o foco de filariose linfática) e um grupo de 709 adolescentes e adultos entre 11 e 85 anos de idade nascidos e crescidos em diferentes áreas de Manaus. Resultados. Todos os indivíduos pesquisados tiveram teste negativo para o antígeno da W. bancrofti. Conclusões. Apesar de Manaus ter sido anteriormente uma área endêmica, parece que não existe mais foco ativo de transmissão da filariose linfática na cidade. Os resultados deste estudo podem servir para embasar a certificação pela Organização Mundial da Saúde da eliminação da transmissão da filariose linfática no Brasil.

Interruption of lymphatic filariasis transmission in Manaus, a former focus of Wuchereria bancrofti in the Western Brazilian Amazon / Interrupción de la transmisión de la filariasis linfática en Manaos, anteriormente un foco de Wuchereria bancrofti en la Amazonia occidental de Brasil / Interrupção da transmissão da filariose linfática em Manaus, anteriormente um foco de Wuchereria bancrofti na parte leste da Amazônia brasileira

ABSTRACT Objective. To confirm the absence of Wuchereria bancrofti autochthonous cases in Manaus, a former focus of lymphatic filariasis in the Western Brazilian Amazon. Methods. A field survey was carried out in 2016 using immunochromatographic rapid tests (ICT card) for the detection of circulating filarial antigens in blood. The sample included a group of 3 000 schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years enrolled in schools from different urban areas of Manaus (including the former lymphatic filariasis focus in the city) and a group of 709 adolescents and adults, between the ages of 11 and 85 years, born and raised in different areas of Manaus. Results. All of the individuals tested negative for W. bancrofti antigen. Conclusions. Although Manaus was once considered endemic, this focus no longer seems to be active for lymphatic filariasis transmission. The results of this study could support the certification by the World Health Organization of the lymphatic filariasis transmission elimination exercise in Brazil.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Confirmar la ausencia de casos autóctonos de Wuchereria bancrofti en Manaos, anteriormente un foco de filariasis linfática en la Amazonia occidental de Brasil. Métodos. En el 2016 se llevó a cabo una encuesta en el terreno con pruebas rápidas inmunocromatográficas (tiras inmunocromatográficas) para detectar antígenos filáricos circulantes en sangre. La muestra constó de un grupo de 3 000 escolares de 6 a 10 años matriculados en escuelas de diferentes zonas urbanas de Manaos (incluida la zona que anteriormente era el foco de filariasis linfática en la ciudad) y de un grupo de 709 adolescentes y adultos, de edades comprendidas entre 11 y 85 años, nacidos y criados en diferentes áreas de Manaos. Resultados. Todas las personas dieron negativo en la prueba de antígeno de Wuchereria bancrofti. Conclusiones. Aunque hubo un tiempo en que Manaos se consideraba zona endémica, parece que este foco de transmisión de la filariasis linfática ya no está activo. Los resultados de este estudio podrían brindar apoyo a la certificación de la Organización Mundial de la Salud respecto de los esfuerzos realizados en Brasil para eliminar la transmisión de la filariasis linfática.

RESUMO Objetivo. Confirmar a ausência de casos autóctones de Wuchereria bancrofti em Manaus, anteriormente um foco da filariose linfática na parte leste da Amazônia brasileira. Métodos. Uma pesquisa de campo foi realizada em 2016 com o uso de teste rápido por imunocromatografia (cartão ICT) para detecção de antígenos de microfilárias circulantes no sangue. A amostra estudada consistiu de um grupo de 3 000 crianças escolares entre 6 e 10 anos de idade matriculados em escolas de diferentes áreas da zona urbana de Manaus (englobando a área anteriormente com o foco de filariose linfática) e um grupo de 709 adolescentes e adultos entre 11 e 85 anos de idade nascidos e crescidos em diferentes áreas de Manaus. Resultados. Todos os indivíduos pesquisados tiveram teste negativo para o antígeno da W. bancrofti. Conclusões. Apesar de Manaus ter sido anteriormente uma área endêmica, parece que não existe mais foco ativo de transmissão da filariose linfática na cidade. Os resultados deste estudo podem servir para embasar a certificação pela Organização Mundial da Saúde da eliminação da transmissão da filariose linfática no Brasil.

Identification of Entamoeba histolytica and E. dispar infection in Maceió, Alagoas State, northeast Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: A cross-sectional study was carried out to assess the prevalence of E. histolytica and E. dispar by examining stool samples obtained from 1,003 students of public schools in Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. METHODOLOGY: All stool samples were processed using the spontaneous sedimentation technique and examined microscopically for the presence of Entamoeba species. In order to distinguish infections caused by E. histolytica, fecal samples presenting cysts of Entamoeba were subjected to specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). RESULTS: The analysis of the fecal specimens by microscopy identified 6.4% (64/1,003) students positive for E. histolytica/E. dispar/E. moshkovskii cysts. The prevalence of E. histolytica detected by ELISA was 3.0% (30/1,003) and by PCR 2.8% (28/1,003), but the difference is not statistically significant (p > 0.05). The prevalence of E. dispar in schoolchildren was 5.0% (50/1,003). Mixed infections with E. histolytica and E. dispar were also detected by PCR.  Even though immunological and molecular methods have shown similar results for identification of E. histolytica, ELISA is advantageous over the PCR since it is relatively cheaper and easier to perform. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated the occurrence of E. histolytica in Maceió and highlights the need to introduce a specific diagnostic test to detect amoebiasis cases in public laboratories.

Occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi diagnosed using a polycarbonate membrane in a riverside population of Lábrea in the Western Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION Mansonella ozzardi is a widely distributed filaria worm in the Amazon region. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of M. ozzardi infection in riverine communities of Lábrea municipality, Amazonas State, Brazil. METHODS A diagnostic blood filtration method in a polycarbonate membrane was used. RESULTS M. ozzardi was found in 50.3% of the sample, with the highest prevalence in farmers/fishermen (69.4%; χ 2 = -19.14, p<0.001). The prevalence was higher in longer-term residents (≥11 years; 60.2%). CONCLUSIONS M. ozzardi infection rates are high near the Purus River, much greater than those previously reported based on diagnosis using thick blood smears.

[Lymphatic filariasis in Belém, Pará State, North of Brazil and the perspective of elimination]. / Filariose linfática em Belém, Estado do Pará, Norte do Brasil e a perspectiva de eliminação.

The objective was to characterize the epidemiological situation of lymphatic filariasis in Belém, state of Pará. Hemoscopic data was analyzed from 1951 through 2003. Information for the period from 1951 to 1994 was collected from reports available from the National Health Foundation. Data from 1995 to 2003 was obtained through surveys carried out in 62 city sectors, within the eight administrative districts of the city. An appreciable drop in the microfilaraemic rates was observed over the years. The percentages of parasitized individuals in the decades of 1950, 1960, 1970, 1980 and 1990, were respectively: 8.2%, 2.6%, 0.7%, 0.16% and 0.02%. In 2001, a single microfilaraemic case was diagnosed, interrupting a series of two years without registering positive cases in the city. In 2002 and 2003, hemoscopic and entomological surveys were performed simultaneously revealing no microfilariae positive individuals, nor infected mosquitoes. To maintain this trend, surveillance measures must be conducted in order to detect and promptly treat patients, to prevent the risk of resurgence of a focus apparently now controlled.

FIRST CASE OF HUMAN INFECTION BY Bertiella studeri (Blanchard, 1891) Stunkard,1940 (Cestoda; Anoplocephalidae) IN BRAZIL.

Cestodes of the Bertiella genus are parasites of non-human primates found in Africa, Asia, Oceania and the Americas. Species Bertiella studeri and Bertiella mucronata could, accidentally, infect human beings. The infection occurs from ingestion of mites from the Oribatida order containing cysticercoid larvae of the parasite. The objective of this report is to register the first case of human infection by Bertiella studeri in Brazil. Proglottids of the parasite, found in the stool sample of a two-and-a-half-year-old child, were fixed, stained and microscopically observed to evaluate its morphological characteristics. Eggs obtained from the proglottids were also studied. The gravid proglottids examined matched the description of the genus Bertiella. The eggs presented a round shape, with the average diameter of 43.7 µm, clearly showing the typical pyriform apparatus of B. studeri. The authors concluded that the child was infected with Bertiella studeri,based on Stunkard's (1940) description of the species. This is the fifth case of human Bertiellosis described in Brazil through morphometric analysis of the parasite, the third in Minas Gerais State and the first diagnosed case of Bertiella studeri in Brazil.