Snail transmitters of schistosomiasis and other mollusks of medical and economic importance at the Simplício Queda Única Hydroelectric Plant, Southeast Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This paper presents the results of an extensive survey of freshwater mollusks in the Simplício Queda Única Hydroelectric Development area, Southeast Brazil. METHODS: Mollusks were collected between 2008 and 2013. All specimens were examined for the presence of larval trematodes. RESULTS: In total, 12,507 specimens classified into 16 genera were obtained. Known snail vectors of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis and exotic species were identified, and new records are reported. CONCLUSIONS: No specimens parasitized by larval trematodes of medical interest were detected. However, the results reinforce the importance of surveillance in study areas vulnerable to the occurrence of schistosomiasis transmission.

Snail transmitters of schistosomiasis and other mollusks of medical and economic importance at the simplício queda única hydroelectric plant, southeast Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION This paper presents the results of an extensive survey of freshwater mollusks in the Simplício Queda Única Hydroelectric Development area, Southeast Brazil. METHODS Mollusks were collected between 2008 and 2013. All specimens were examined for the presence of larval trematodes. RESULTS In total, 12,507 specimens classified into 16 genera were obtained. Known snail vectors of schistosomiasis and fascioliasis and exotic species were identified, and new records are reported. CONCLUSIONS No specimens parasitized by larval trematodes of medical interest were detected. However, the results reinforce the importance of surveillance in study areas vulnerable to the occurrence of schistosomiasis transmission.

Vetores da Doença de Chagas do Brasil 2015 (Região Centro-Oeste)

156 estampas divididas em 5 blocos: Região Norte: 35 estampas; Região Nordeste: 36 estampas; Região Centro-Oeste: 35 estampas; Região Sudeste: 25 estampas; Região Sul: 25 estampas

Vetores da doença de Chagas do Brasil 2015 (Região Sudeste)

156 estampas divididas em 5 blocos: Região Norte: 35 estampas; Região Nordeste: 36 estampas; Região Centro-Oeste: 35 estampas; Região Sudeste: 25 estampas; Região Sul: 25 estampas

Vetores da doença de Chagas do Brasil 2015 (Região Nordeste)

156 estampas divididas em 5 blocos: Região Norte: 35 estampas; Região Nordeste: 36 estampas; Região Centro-Oeste: 35 estampas; Região Sudeste: 25 estampas; Região Sul: 25 estampas

Vetores da doença de Chagas no Brasil 2015 (Região Sul)

156 estampas divididas em 5 blocos: Região Norte: 35 estampas; Região Nordeste: 36 estampas; Região Centro-Oeste: 35 estampas; Região Sudeste: 25 estampas; Região Sul: 25 estampas

Vetores da doença de Chagas no Brasil 2015 (Região Norte)

156 estampas divididas em 5 blocos: Região Norte: 35 estampas; Região Nordeste: 36 estampas; Região Centro-Oeste: 35 estampas; Região Sudeste: 25 estampas; Região Sul: 25 estampas

Assessment of cleaning and disinfection in Salmonella-contaminated poultry layer houses using qualitative and semi-quantitative culture techniques.

Salmonella infection of laying flocks in the UK is predominantly a problem of the persistent contamination of layer houses and associated wildlife vectors by Salmonella Enteritidis. Methods for its control and elimination include effective cleaning and disinfection of layer houses between flocks, and it is important to be able to measure the success of such decontamination. A method for the environmental detection and semi-quantitative enumeration of salmonellae was used and compared with a standard qualitative method, in 12 Salmonella-contaminated caged layer houses before and after cleaning and disinfection. The quantitative technique proved to have comparable sensitivity to the standard method, and additionally provided insights into the numerical Salmonella challenge that replacement flocks would encounter. Elimination of S. Enteritidis was not achieved in any of the premises examined although substantial reductions in the prevalence and numbers of salmonellae were demonstrated, whilst in others an increase in contamination was observed after cleaning and disinfection. Particular problems with feeders and wildlife vectors were highlighted. The use of a quantitative method assisted the identification of problem areas, such as those with a high initial bacterial load or those experiencing only a modest reduction in bacterial count following decontamination.

Experimental evaluation of rodent exclusion methods to reduce hantavirus transmission to residents in a Native American community in New Mexico.

We conducted a pilot study to evaluate the efficacy of rodent proofing continuously occupied homes as a method for lowering the risk for hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) among residents of a Native American community in northwestern New Mexico. Rodent proofing of dwellings was paired with culturally appropriate health education. Seventy homes were randomly assigned to treatment or control categories. Treatment homes were rodent-proofed by sealing openings around foundations, doors, roofs, and pipes and repairing screens and windows. Repairs to each dwelling were limited to $500 US. After repairs were completed, 15-20 snap traps were placed in each treatment and control home and checked approximately every 2 days for an average of 3-4 weeks. During 23,373 trap nights, one house mouse (Mus musculus) was captured in one treatment home, and 20 mice (16 deer mice, Peromyscus maniculatus, two Pinyon mice, Peromyscus truei, and two unidentified mice) were captured in five control homes (one house had 14 captures, two had two captures, and two had one capture). Trap success was 0.01% in treatment homes and 0.15% in controls. Intensity of infestation (mean number of mice captured per infested home) was 1 in treatment homes and 4 in controls. Observations of evidence of infestation (feces, nesting material, gnaw marks, or reports of infestation by occupant) per 100 days of observation were 1.2 in treatment homes and 3.1 in controls. Statistical power of the experiment was limited because it coincided with a period of low rodent abundance (August-November 2000). Nevertheless, these results suggest that inexpensive rodent proofing of occupied rural homes can decrease the frequency and intensity of rodent intrusion, thereby reducing the risk of HPS among rural residents in the southwestern United States.