Genital and Oral HPV Geno-Prevalence Measured through Urine and Saliva Samples in Young Adults in Italy.

BACKGROUND: The aims of the study were to determine, in the urine and oral samples of young adults, the genotype-specific prevalence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection, the HPV DNA type-specific prevalence in unvaccinated and vaccinated individuals, and the determinants of HPV infection. METHODS: Selected participants were asked to fill in a self-administered questionnaire and to self-collect urine and saliva samples. RESULTS: Among the 1002 participants, 81 (8.1%) resulted positive for HPV DNA. The most common low-risk genotype was HPV 42 (2.2%), followed by HPV 43 (0.8%), and 40 (0.5%). The HPV 51 was the most common high-risk genotype (1.5%) followed by HPV 66 (1%) and HPV 68 (1%), and no participants were infected with HPV genotypes 18, 33, 45. Females, those who have had one or more occasional sexual partner, those who never/rarely/sometimes used condoms during their sexual activity, those with a previous diagnosis of sexually transmitted infection, and those who were not vaccinated were more likely to be tested positive for HPV infection. CONCLUSIONS: The low prevalence of genital HPV infections has provided evidence of the effectiveness of HPV vaccination both in vaccinated and not yet vaccinated subjects through herd immunity and indicated its decisive role in the changing epidemiology of circulating HPV genotypes in the population.

Antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory effects of Spirulina in disease conditions: a systematic review.

The goal of this review was to critically evaluate the research on the effects of Spirulina (SP) supplementation on pathological conditions in the general population, considering its antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties. On a total of 1621 records screened, eighteen studies published between 2001 and 2020 met the inclusion criteria. Despite variability in research methodology and patient conditions, the findings of these studies generally support the benefits of supplementing diet with SP in subjects with both transmittable and non-transmittable diseases. Improvements were found for all the conditions studied, with the only exception of male infertility. However, the number of clinically controlled trials examining the effects of SP on specific health conditions is still very low, and some studies show medium quality. Further research in this field is needed to confirm the possible clinical role of Spirulina supplementation in parallel with medical therapies.

Evaluation of the Pathogenic-Mixed Biofilm Formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa/Staphylococcus aureus and Treatment with Limonene on Three Different Materials by a Dynamic Model.

BACKGROUND: Biofilms have been found growing on implantable medical devices. This can lead to persistent clinical infections. The highly antibiotic-resistant property of biofilms necessitates the search for both potent antimicrobial agents and novel antibiofilm strategies. Natural product-based anti-biofilm agents were found to be as efficient as chemically synthesized counterparts with fewer side effects. In the present study, the effects of limonene as an antibiofilm agent were evaluated on Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formed on different surfaces using the CDC model system in continuous flow. The flgK gene and the pilA gene expression in P. aeruginosa, and the icaA gene and eno gene in S. aureus, which could be considered as efficient resistance markers, were studied. METHODS: Mono- and dual-species biofilms were grown on polycarbonate, polypropylene, and stainless-steel coupons in a CDC biofilm reactor (Biosurface Technologies, Bozeman, MT, USA). To evaluate the ability of limonene to inhibit and eradicate biofilm, a sub-MIC concentration (10 mL/L) was tested. The gene expression of P. aeruginosa and S. aureus was detected by SYBR Green quantitative Real-Time PCR assay (Meridiana Bioline, Brisbane, Australia). RESULTS: The limonene added during the formation of biofilms at sub-MIC concentrations works very well in inhibiting biofilms on all three materials, reducing their growth by about 2 logs. Of the same order of magnitude is the ability of limonene to eradicate both mono- and polymicrobial mature biofilms on all three materials. Greater efficacy was observed in the polymicrobial biofilm on steel coupons. The expression of some genes related to the virulence of the two microorganisms was differently detected in mono- and polymicrobial biofilm. CONCLUSIONS: These data showed that the limonene treatment expressed different levels of biofilm-forming genes, especially when both types of strains alone and together grew on different surfaces. Our findings showed that limonene treatment is also very efficient when biofilm has been grown under shear stress causing significant and irreversible damage to the biofilm structure. The effectiveness of the sanitation procedures can be optimized by applying antimicrobial combinations with natural compounds (e.g., limonene).

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of spirulina in exercise and sport: A systematic review.

Arthrospira platensis, also known as spirulina, is currently one of the most well-known algae supplements, mainly due to its high content of bioactive compounds that may promote human health. Some authors have hypothesized that spirulina consumption could protect subjects from exercise-induced oxidative stress, accelerate recovery by reducing muscle damage, and stimulate the immune system. Based on this, the main goal of this review was to critically analyze the effects of spirulina on oxidative stress, immune system, inflammation and performance in athletes and people undergoing exercise interventions. Of the 981 articles found, 428 studies were considered eligible and 13 met the established criteria and were included in this systematic review. Most recently spirulina supplementation has demonstrated ergogenic potential during submaximal exercise, increasing oxygen uptake and improving exercise tolerance. Nevertheless, spirulina supplementation does not seem to enhance physical performance in power athletes. Considering that data supporting benefits to the immune system from spirulina supplementation is still lacking, overall evidence regarding the benefit of spirulina supplementation in healthy people engaged in physical exercise is scarce and not consistent. Currently, spirulina supplementation might be considered in athletes who do not meet the recommended dietary intake of antioxidants. Further high-quality research is needed to evaluate the effects of spirulina consumption on performance, the immune system and recovery in athletes and active people. Systematic review registration: [https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=262896], identifier [CRD42021262896].

Understanding Knowledge and Behaviors Related to CoViD-19 Epidemic in Italian Undergraduate Students: The EPICO Study.

Background: On February 2020, the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic began in Italy. In order to contain the spread of the virus, the Italian government adopted emergency measures nationwide, including closure of schools and universities, workplaces and subsequently lockdown. This survey was carried out among Italian undergraduates to explore their level of knowledge about the epidemic and the behaviors they adopted during the lockdown. Methods: An electronic questionnaire was administered to the students attending three Italian universities. Results: A good level of knowledge about the epidemic and its control was registered in the sample, mainly among students attending life sciences degree courses. The majority of the students did not modify their diet and smoking habits, while a great part of the sample reported a decrease in physical activity (PA). Conclusions: Students from life sciences courses showed a higher awareness regarding the infection and the control measures. The lockdown caused an important reduction of PA. Preventive interventions should transform the restrictive measures also as an opportunity to improve lifestyle.

Allium ursinum and Allium oschaninii against Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans Mono- and Polymicrobic Biofilms in In Vitro Static and Dynamic Models.

The present study assesses the in vitro antibiofilm potential activity of extracts of wild Allium ursinum and Allium oschaninii. The active ingredients of the extracts were obtained with a technique named Naviglio (rapid solid-liquid dynamic extraction, RSLDE) which is based on an innovative and green solid-liquid extraction methodology. The extracts were tested against models of mono- and polymicrobial biofilm structures of clinically antibiotic-resistant pathogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae ATCC 10031 and Candida albicans ATCC 90028. Biofilms were studied using a static and a dynamic model (microtiter plates and a CDC reactor) on three different surfaces reproducing what happens on implantable medical devices. Antimicrobic activities were determined through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), while antibiofilm activity was assessed by minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) using a crystal violet (CV) biofilm assay and colony forming unit (CFU) counts. Results showed that both Allium extracts eradicated biofilms of the tested microorganisms well; biofilms on Teflon were more susceptible to extracts than those on polypropylene and polycarbonate, suggesting that when grown on a complex substrate, biofilms may be more tolerant to antibiotics. Our data provide significant advances on antibiotic susceptibility testing of biofilms grown on biologically relevant materials for future in vitro and in vivo applications.

Canine leptospirosis in asymptomatic populations from the Southwest Region of São Paulo State, Brazil / Leptospirose canina em uma população assintomática da região sudoeste do estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that can affect animals and humans. Distributed worldwide, the disease is more prevalent in tropical regions due to socioenvironmental characteristics. Dogs can serve as sentinels for environmental contamination due to their frequent contact with humans. This study investigated the frequency of occurrence of canine leptospirosis in asymptomatic populations from the Southwest Region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Thus, blood samples collected from 572 asymptomatic dogs from the cities of Apiaí, Cananeia, Itapeva, and Itu were tested with a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). A total of 40.5% of animals in Apiaí reacted to Leptospira spp., 42.6% in Itapeva, 7.1% in Cananeia, and 5.1% in Itu. The data from the present study demonstrate that at least one animal from the municipalities of Itapeva, Apiaí, and Cananeia had a titer equal to or higher than 800, indicating that Leptospira is circulating in these municipalities and that the teams working on castration campaigns need to be educated on the correct use of personal protective equipment, especially when mechanically emptying the bladder of these animals. This study also suggests that castration campaigns can strategically monitor zoonotic diseases and assist in establishing preventive strategies for human and animal health.(AU)

A leptospirose é uma enfermidade infectocontagiosa que pode acometer os animais e o homem. Nos países tropicais e em desenvolvimento ocorrem 70% dos casos humanos, com mortalidade variando entre 10 a 70%. Os cães podem se tornar portadores assintomáticos por um longo período, podendo transmitir a Leptospira para humanos. Devido ao intenso convívio com o ser humano, os cães podem servir como sentinelas da contaminação ambiental. Esse trabalho investigou a frequência de ocorrência da leptospirose canina em populações assintomáticas da região sudoeste do estado de São Paulo. Para isso foram examinadas pela técnica de soroaglutinação microscópica (MAT), amostras de sangue provenientes de 572 cães assintomáticos dos municípios de Apiaí, Cananeia, Itapeva e Itu por amostragem de conveniência, oriundos de campanhas de castração. Em Apiaí, foram encontrados 40,5% dos animais reagentes para Leptospira spp.; em Itapeva, 42,6%; em Cananeia, 7,7% e em Itu, 5,1%. Os dados encontrados demonstram que, pelo menos, um animal dos municípios de Itapeva, Apiaí e Cananeia apresentaram título igual ou maior que 800, indicando a circulação da bactéria nessas localidades e que a equipe envolvida nas campanhas de castração precisam ser alertadas sobre o correto uso de equipamento de proteção individual, principalmente no esvaziamento mecânico da bexiga antes do procedimento cirúrgico. O estudo também sugere que as campanhas de castração podem ser estratégicas no monitoramento de doenças zoonóticas e poderiam auxiliar no estabelecimento de ações preventivas para a saúde humana e animal.(AU)

Prevention of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation on Soft Contact Lenses by Allium sativum Fermented Extract (BGE) and Cannabinol Oil Extract (CBD).

Two natural mixtures, Allium sativum fermented extract (BGE) and cannabinol oil extract (CBD), were assessed for their ability to inhibit and remove Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms on soft contact lenses in comparison to a multipurpose Soft Contact Lens-care solution present on the Italian market. Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 9027 strain) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical strains isolated from ocular swabs were tested. Quantification of the biofilm was done using the microtiter plate assay and the fractional inhibitory concentration index was calculated. Both forms of Pseudomonas aeruginosa generated biofilms. BGE at minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed inhibition percentages higher than 55% for both strains, and CBD inhibited biofilm formation by about 70%. The care solution at MIC inhibited biofilm formation by about 50% for both strains tested. The effect of BGE on the eradication of the microbial biofilm on soft contact lenses at MIC was 45% eradication for P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and 36% for P. aeruginosa clinical strain. For CBD, we observed 24% biofilm eradication for both strains. For the care solution, the eradication MICs were 43% eradication for P. aeruginosa ATCC 9027 and 41% for P. aeruginosa clinical strain. It was observed that both the test soft contact lenses solution/BGE (fractional inhibitory concentration index: 0.450) and the test soft contact lenses solution/CBD (fractional inhibitory concentration index: 0.153) combinations exhibited synergistic antibiofilm activity against most of the studied bacteria. The study showed that BGE and CBD have good effect on inhibition of biofilm formation and removal of preformed biofilms, which makes them promising agents that could be exploited to develop more effective care solutions.

Improving Self-Management of Type 2 Diabetes in Overweight and Inactive Patients Through an Educational and Motivational Intervention Addressing Diet and Physical Activity: A Prospective Study in Naples, South Italy.

INTRODUCTION: Nutrition and physical activity are key elements in the prevention and management of type 2 diabetes. A community-based, multidisciplinary educational intervention aimed to improve quality of life and disease self-management in sedentary, overweight/obese type 2 diabetic patients was implemented in Naples, South Italy. METHODS: The 9-month intervention included a motivational program, a nutrition program, and an exercise program. Satisfaction, worry, and embarrassment regarding their condition, together with disease-related behaviors and propensity towards physical activity, were evaluated through a validated questionnaire before and after the intervention; health status perception was evaluated through the short-form 12 questionnaire. Changes in HbA1c level and weight were also checked. RESULTS: A significant improvement (p < 0.05) was registered in behaviors related to the management of hypoglycemic crisis and food choice; in nearly all the items related to living with the disease (p < 0.01); and in health status perception (p < 0.01). The adoption of healthy behavior was more common among women (OR 2.17, 95% CI 1.09, 3.02) and persons with higher educational levels (OR 1.26, 95% CI 0.83, 2.17; OR 1.54, 95% CI 0.56, 2.27). About 30% of participants did not modify their emotional status after the intervention. Although not significantly (p = 0.18), the trust of patients towards physical activity increased at the end of the study, together with their active lifestyle (p < 0.01) and with the decrease of perceived barriers (p < 0.01). A significant improvement was registered in glycemic control and weight status (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The intervention was feasible and effective in addressing diet and physical activity among participants, giving consequent improvements in health status. Similar educational interventions including a training program for people with diabetes should be standardized and adopted by the Italian National Health System.

Immature argasid ticks: diagnosis and keys for neotropical region / Carrapatos argasídeos imaturos: diagnoses e chaves para a região neotropical

Many argasid tick species are known only through their larval descriptions, in which the chaetotaxy, together with other external morphological characteristics, has been used to separate genera and species. However, the illustrations of these features are based on optical microscopy alone and many of these features are not clearly defined. Because of the difficulties in determining the larval and nymph stages of some genera, we have prepared illustrated keys for the immature stages of argasids, including an up-to-date list of the known species of the Neotropical region. We have also included an illustrated key for larvae of the Ornithodoros species from Brazil, based on scanning electron microscopy.

Muitos carrapatos argasídeos são conhecidos somente por descrições larvais, nas quais a quetotaxia associada a outros caracteres morfológicos tem sido usada para separar gêneros e espécies. No entanto, as ilustrações sobre esses caracteres são baseadas somente em microscopia óptica e muitos deles não estão claramente definidos. Devido às dificuldades em determinar estágios larvais e ninfais de alguns gêneros, elaboramos chaves ilustradas para os estágios imaturos de argasídeos, incluindo uma lista atualizada de espécies conhecidas da região Neotropical. Incluímos também uma chave ilustrada para larvas das espécies de Ornithodoros do Brasil baseada em microscopia eletrônica de varredura.

Candida spp. in oral cancer and oral precancerous lesions.

To assess the presence of Candida spp. in lesions of the oral cavity in a sample of patients with precancer or cancer of the mouth and evaluate the limitations and advantages of microbiological and histological methods, 103 subjects with precancerous or cancerous lesions and not treated were observed between 2007 and 2009. The presence of Candida in the lesions was analyzed by microbiological and histological methods. Cohen's k statistic was used to assess the agreement between culture method and staining techniques. Forty-eight (47%) patients had cancer and 55 (53%) patients had precancerous lesions. Candida spp. were isolated from 31 (30%) patients with cancerous lesions and 33 (32%) with precancerous lesions. C. albicans was the most frequent species isolated in the lesions. The k value showed a fair overall agreement for comparisons between culture method and PAS (0.2825) or GMS (0.3112). This study supports the frequent presence of Candida spp. in cancer and precancerous lesions of the oral cavity. Both microbiological investigations and histological techniques were reliable for detection of Candida spp. It would be desirable for the two techniques to be considered complementary in the detection of yeast infections in these types of lesions.

Noteworthy records of Ixodes schulzei (Acari: Ixodidae) on rodents from the State of Parana, southern Brazil / Relatos de Ixodes schulzei (Acari: Ixodidae) em roedores do estado do Paraná, sul do Brasil

Ixodes schulzei Aragão & Fonseca is an endemic tick to Brazil and has already been reported in the northern (State of Rondonia), southeastern (States of Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo) and southern (State of Santa Catarina) regions, always found in association with the water rat Nectomys squamipes (Brandt). This communication records the first occurrence of this tick species in the State of Parana, southern region of Brazil, and it constitutes its first report on Akodon montensis (Thomas) and Oryzomys russatus (Wagner) hosts.

Ixodes schulzei Aragão & Fonseca é um carrapato endêmico do Brasil e já foi relatado nas regiões Norte (estado de Rondônia), Sudeste (estados de Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo) e Sul (estado de Santa Catarina), tendo sido encontrado sempre em associação com o rato d'água Nectomys squamipes (Brandt). Esta comunicação registra a primeira ocorrência dessa espécie de carrapato no estado do Paraná, região Sul do Brasil e constitui o primeiro relato de Akodon montensis (Thomas) e Oryzomys russatus (Wagner) como hospedeiros.

New host records of Ixodes luciae (Acari: Ixodidae) in the State of Para, Brazil / Registros de novos hospedeiros para Ixodes luciae (Acari: Ixodidae) no estado do Pará, Brasil

The aim of this paper is to record new hosts for Ixodes luciae Sénevet in the State of Para, Brazil, and present a case of malformation (teratogeny) in a nymph of this species. The new host records are Marmosa murina (parasitized by females) and Philander opossum (parasitized by nymphs). One of these nymphs showed malformation in the posterior margin of the opisthosoma resulting in a heart shaped posterior end.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi registrar novos hospedeiros para Ixodes luciae Sénevet no estado do Pará, Brasil, e um caso de malformação em uma ninfa dessa espécie de carrapato. Os novos hospedeiros são Marmosa murina (parasitado por fêmeas) e Philander opossum (parasitado por ninfas). Uma dessas ninfas apresentou uma malformação na parte posterior do opistossoma em forma de coração.

First record of Amblyomma scalpturatum Neumann (Acari: Ixodidae) in the States of Paraná and Roraima, Brazil

Amblyomma scalpturatum Neumann has been reported in Brazil in the northern (States of Amazonas, Pará and Rondônia) and mid-western regions (States of Mato Grosso and Mato Grosso do Sul). It has been found in association with large and medium sized mammals, as Artiodactyla, Perissodactyla, Xenarthra and Carnivora. In this paper, this tick species is reported for the first time in the Brazilian states of Paraná and Roraima, southern and northern regions, respectively.

Comments on the validity of Haemaphysalis cinnabarina Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), a taxon known solely by the type specimens from Northern Brazil / Comentários sobre a validade de Haemaphysalis cinnabarina Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae) um táxon conhecido somente pelos espécimes tipos do Norte do Brasil

The types of Haemaphysalis cinnabarina Koch and its junior synonym H. sanguinolenta Koch, both from State of Pará, Brazil, have been studied. Although H. cinnabarina has been considered a synonym of H. punctata Canestrini and Fanzago (a Palearctic species), they were compared to another closely related species H. chordeilis (Packard) (a Nearctic species). Based on the morphology and geographical distance among of H. cinnabarina, H. chordeilis and H. punctata, we are reasonably sure that all are valid taxa. The lack of additional reports of H. cinnabarina is more related to few investigations in South America, mainly in Northern Brazil, rather than suggesting that it does not exist.

Os tipos de Haemaphysalis cinnabarina Koch e da espécie sinônima H. sanguinolenta Koch, ambos do Estado do Pará, Brasil, foram estudados. Embora H. cinnabarina tenha sido considerada uma sinonímia de H. punctata Canestrini e Fanzago (uma espécie Paleártica), elas foram comparadas a uma outra espécie próxima, H. chordeilis (Packard) (uma espécie Neártica). Com base em morfologia e distância geográfica entre H. cinnabarina, H. chordeilis e H. punctata, consideramos válidos os três taxa. A ausência de relatos adicionais de H. cinnabarina está mais relacionada à ausência de investigações na América do Sul, principalmente no Norte do Brasil, do que a sugestão da sua não existência.

Primeiro relato de Amblyomma fuscum Neumann, 1907 (acari: ixodidae) parasitando lagarto da espécie Tupinambis teguixin (L.), no município de Glorinha, estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / The first report of Amblyomma fuscum Neumann, 1907 (acari ixodidae) on the lizard Tupinambis teguixin (L.) at the municipality of Glorinha, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Amblyomma fuscum conhecida somente no Brasil, tem sido descrita como uma espécie rara de carrapato com relatos de sua ocorrência nas regiões sul e sudeste. Este é um novo registro desta espécie (9 fêmeas) parasitando lagarto (Tupinambis teguixin), no Município de Glorinha, Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. As fêmeas foram depositadas na coleção do Instituto de Pesquisas Veterinárias Desidério Finamor (7 espécimes) e na coleção de Acari do Instituto Butantan, Estado de São Paulo (2 espécimes). O achado confirma o estabelecimento de A. fuscum no Sul do Brasil.

Amblyomma fuscum known only from Brazil has been described as a rare tick species with few reports of its occurrence in South and Southeast region. This is a new records this tick species (9 females) parasitizing lizard (Tupinambis teguixin) at the Municipality of Glorinha, State of Rio Grande do Sul. The females were deposited in the tick collection of Veterinary Research Institute Desiderio Finamor (7 specimens), Eldorado do Sul, RS and in the Acari collection from Instituto Butantan, São Paulo, State of São Paulo (2 specimens). The finding confirms establishment de A. fuscum in the South of Brazil.

Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitando Mazama nana (Hensel, 1872) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) no estado do Rio Grande do Sul / Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing Mazama nana (Hensel, 1872) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) in the State of Rio Grande do Sul

O encontro de Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, um carrapato ixodídeo, no veado bororó-do-sul, Mazama nana (Hensel), representa novo relato de ocorrência, após 34 anos de seu registro no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os exemplares de carrapatos (3 machos e 1 fêmea) foram encontrados em Cachoeira do Sul, RS (30º02’21"S, 52º53’38"W). O local está a 72 m acima do nível do mar, com uma média anual de temperatura de 18,8°C, e uma precipitação média anual de 1.438 mm. Este é o primeiro registro de H. juxtakochi nesta espécie de cervídeo e um segundo relato de ocorrência para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

The record of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, an ixodid tick, on the brocket deer, Mazama nana (Hensel), represents a new report after 34 years of its last report in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The tick specimens (three males and one female) were found in Cachoeira do Sul, RS (30º02’21"S, 52º53’38"W). This place is elevated 72 m sea above, with an annual average temperature of 18.8°C, and annual average rainfall of 1.438 mm. This is the first record of this tick species in a Cervidae and it is the second occurrence report for the State of Rio Grande do Sul.

Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, 1946 (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitando Mazama nana (Hensel, 1872) (Artiodactyla: Cervidae) no estado do Rio Grande do Sul

The record of Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, an ixodid tick, on the brocket deer, Mazama nana (Hensel), represents a new report after 34 years of its last report in the State of Rio Grande do Sul. The tick specimens (three males and one female) were found in Cachoeira do Sul, RS (30º0221"S, 52º5338"W). This place is elevated 72 m sea above, with an annual average temperature of 18.8°C, and annual average rainfall of 1.438 mm. This is the first record of this tick species in a Cervidae and it is the second occurrence report for the State of Rio Grande do Sul.

O encontro de Haemaphysalis juxtakochi Cooley, um carrapato ixodídeo, no veado bororó-do-sul, Mazama nana (Hensel), representa novo relato de ocorrência, após 34 anos de seu registro no Estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Os exemplares de carrapatos (3 machos e 1 fêmea) foram encontrados em Cachoeira do Sul, RS (30º0221"S, 52º5338"W). O local está a 72 m acima do nível do mar, com uma média anual de temperatura de 18,8°C, e uma precipitação média anual de 1.438 mm. Este é o primeiro registro de H. juxtakochi nesta espécie de cervídeo e um segundo relato de ocorrência para o Estado do Rio Grande do Sul.

Brazilian distribution of Amblyomma varium Koch, 1844 (Acari: Ixodidae), a common parasite of sloths (Mammalia: Xenarthra)

Amblyomma varium, commonly known in Brazil as the "carrapato-gigante-da-preguiça" (sloth's giant tick) is found from southern Central America to Argentina. The present study adds information on the geographical distribution of A. varium, as well as on their hosts, based on material deposited in the main Brazilian collections and on the available literature. Eighty-two vials, containing 191 adult specimens, deposited in five Acari collections between 1930 and 2001, were examined. These vials included data on the host and collection localities. The biology of A. varium is unknown. However it is known that, during the adult stage, the tick presents a high host specificity and is found almost exclusively on the sloths Bradypus tridactylus, B. variegatus, B.torquatus (Bradypodidae), Choloepus hoffmanni and C. didactylus (Megalonychidae). Based on the material examined, the states of Rondônia, Amazonas, Bahia and Alagoas are newly assigned to geographic distribution of A. varium in Brazil

Oviposition and eclosion periods of Ixodes didelphidis Fonseca and Aragäo, 1951 (Acari: Ixodidae) under laboratory conditions

Oviposition and eclosion periods for Ixodes didelphidis were observed under two temperatures (25o.C and 27o.C) and 90-95 percent humidity. Although there was a significant increase in the eclosion period (p<0.05) and a tendency to increase the oviposition period at 25o.C, there was neither significant differences in the interval (days), until maximum peak of eclosion nor in the number of emerging larvae during the peak nor the total number of emerged larvae. These temperature values are not critical for embryological development of the species. Because at 27o.C and under high humidity the oviposition and eclosion periods are shorter, and the percentage of emerged larvae is higher, we consider this to be the ideal temperature for laboratory studies