High-risk space-time clusters of mortality in children 5 to 14 years of age in Mato Grosso state, Brazil. / Clusters Espaço-Temporais de Alto Risco da Mortalidade Infantojuvenil em Mato Grosso, Brasil.

The study aimed to detect high-risk areas for deaths of children and adolescents 5 to 14 years of age in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, from 2009 to 2020. This was an exploratory ecological study with municipalities as the units of analysis. Considering mortality data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and demographic data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the study used multivariate statistics to identify space-time clusters of excess mortality risk in this age group. From 5 to 9 years of age, two clusters with high mortality risk were detected; the most likely located in the state's southern mesoregion (RR: 1.6; LRT: 8,53). Among the 5 clusters detected in the 10-14-year age group, the main cluster was in the state's northern mesoregion (RR: 2,26; LRT: 7,84). A reduction in mortality rates was observed in the younger age group and an increase in these rates in the older group. The identification of these clusters, whose analysis merits replication in other parts of Brazil, is the initial stage in the investigation of possible factors associated with morbidity and mortality in this group, still insufficiently explored, and for planning adequate interventions.

O objetivo deste estudo é detectar as áreas de maior risco para óbitos de crianças e adolescentes de 5 a 14 anos no estado de Mato Grosso entre os anos de 2009 e 2020. Estudo ecológico, tipo exploratório, cuja unidade de análise foram os municípios. Considerando dados de mortalidade do SIM e os demográficos do IBGE, o estudo utilizou a estatística multivariada para a identificação dos clusters espaço-temporais de sobrerrisco de mortalidade nesta faixa etária. Dos 5 aos 9 anos, dois clusters de alto risco de mortalidade foram detectados; o mais provável localizado na mesorregião sul (RR: 1,6; LRV: 8,53). Dentre os 5 clusters detectados na faixa etária dos 10 aos 14 anos, o principal foi localizado na mesorregião norte (RR: 2,26; LRV: 7,84). Foi identificada redução das taxas de mortalidade na faixa etária mais jovem e aumento destas taxas na faixa etária mais velha. A identificação destes clusters, cuja análise merece ser replicada a outras partes do território nacional, é a etapa inicial para a investigação de possíveis fatores associados à morbi-mortalidade deste grupo ainda pouco explorado e para o planejamento de intervenções adequadas.

Clusters Espaço-Temporais de Alto Risco da Mortalidade Infantojuvenil em Mato Grosso, Brasil / High-risk space-time clusters of mortality in children 5 to 14 years of age in Mato Grosso state, Brazil

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo é detectar as áreas de maior risco para óbitos de crianças e adolescentes de 5 a 14 anos no estado de Mato Grosso entre os anos de 2009 e 2020. Estudo ecológico, tipo exploratório, cuja unidade de análise foram os municípios. Considerando dados de mortalidade do SIM e os demográficos do IBGE, o estudo utilizou a estatística multivariada para a identificação dos clusters espaço-temporais de sobrerrisco de mortalidade nesta faixa etária. Dos 5 aos 9 anos, dois clusters de alto risco de mortalidade foram detectados; o mais provável localizado na mesorregião sul (RR: 1,6; LRV: 8,53). Dentre os 5 clusters detectados na faixa etária dos 10 aos 14 anos, o principal foi localizado na mesorregião norte (RR: 2,26; LRV: 7,84). Foi identificada redução das taxas de mortalidade na faixa etária mais jovem e aumento destas taxas na faixa etária mais velha. A identificação destes clusters, cuja análise merece ser replicada a outras partes do território nacional, é a etapa inicial para a investigação de possíveis fatores associados à morbi-mortalidade deste grupo ainda pouco explorado e para o planejamento de intervenções adequadas.

Abstract The study aimed to detect high-risk areas for deaths of children and adolescents 5 to 14 years of age in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil, from 2009 to 2020. This was an exploratory ecological study with municipalities as the units of analysis. Considering mortality data from the Mortality Information System (SIM) and demographic data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), the study used multivariate statistics to identify space-time clusters of excess mortality risk in this age group. From 5 to 9 years of age, two clusters with high mortality risk were detected; the most likely located in the state's southern mesoregion (RR: 1.6; LRT: 8,53). Among the 5 clusters detected in the 10-14-year age group, the main cluster was in the state's northern mesoregion (RR: 2,26; LRT: 7,84). A reduction in mortality rates was observed in the younger age group and an increase in these rates in the older group. The identification of these clusters, whose analysis merits replication in other parts of Brazil, is the initial stage in the investigation of possible factors associated with morbidity and mortality in this group, still insufficiently explored, and for planning adequate interventions.

Vigilância participativa: caminhos para a Saúde Única no Pantanal e na fronteira oeste / Participatory surveillance: paths to One Health in the Pantanal and the western border

RESUMO O projeto 'Saúde Única no Pantanal: participação da sociedade na vigilância de emergência de zoonoses como efeito pós-incêndios no território e formação de estratégias integradas' objetivou integrar representações institucionais e da sociedade local; ampliar o uso do Sistema de Informação em Saúde Silvestre (SISS-Geo) para o monitoramento da fauna; identificar áreas prioritárias para vigilância de zoonoses e construir caminhos envolvendo a Saúde Única (SU). Realizou webinário, apontando a necessidade de eventos mais amplos com a participação de lideranças em cada um dos territórios escolhidos. Foram executados seminários e oficinas nos estados de Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), com a participação de gestores do serviço de saúde da Província de Santa Cruz, Bolívia, e de Mato Grosso. A representatividade dos diferentes segmentos nos eventos possibilitou a articulação de cidadãos e gestores locais. Nas comunidades tradicionais, foi possível abordar os impactos dos incêndios e dar oportunidade para que essas pessoas manifestassem suas prioridades e demandas de saúde, antes e depois dos incêndios. A Oficina Síntese realizada em Corumbá, MS possibilitou a devolutiva dos resultados e a integração com representantes de diferentes instituições do Brasil e da Bolívia, além da prospecção e priorização de enfermidades a serem incorporadas em modelo de SU para o Pantanal e fronteira oeste do Brasil.

ABSTRACT The project 'One Health in the Pantanal: society's participation in the emergency surveillance of zoonoses emergency as a post-fire effect in the territory and the formation of integrated strategies' aimed to integrate institutional representations and local society; expand the use of Wildlife Health Information System (SISS-Geo) for fauna monitoring; identify priority areas for zoonosis surveillance and build paths involving One Health (OH). A webinar was held, highlighting the need for broader events with the participation of leaders in each of the chosen territories. Seminars and workshops were held in the states of Mato Grosso do Sul (MS), with the participation of health service managers from the Province of Santa Cruz, Bolivia, and Mato Grosso. The representation of different segments at the events enabled the articulation of citizens and local managers. In traditional communities, it was possible to address the impacts of the fires and provide the opportunity for these people to express their health priorities and demands, before and after the fires. The Synthesis Workshop held in Corumbá, MS allowed the feedback of results and integration with representatives from different institutions in Brazil and Bolivia, and prospecting and prioritization of illnesses to be incorporated into the OH model for the Pantanal and western border of Brazil.

Development and validity assessment of ELISA test with recombinant chimeric protein of SARS-CoV-2.

Serological tests developed for COVID-19 diagnostic are based on antibodies specific for SARS-CoV-2 antigens. Most of the antigens consist of a fragment or a whole amino acid sequence of the nucleocapsid or spike proteins. We evaluated a chimeric recombinant protein as an antigen in an ELISA test, using the most conserved and hydrophilic portions of the S1-subunit of the S and Nucleocapsid (N) proteins. These proteins, individually, indicated a suitable sensitivity of 93.6 and 100% and a specificity of 94.5 and 91.3%, respectively. However, our study with the chimera containing S1 and N proteins of SARS-CoV-2 suggested that the recombinant protein could better balance both the sensitivity (95.7%) and the specificity (95.5%) of the serological assay when comparing with the ELISA test using the antigens N and S1, individually. Accordingly, the chimera showed a high area under the ROC curve of 0.98 (CI 95% 0.958-1). Thus, our chimeric approach could be used to assess the natural exposure against SARS-CoV-2 virus over time, however, other tests will be necessary to better understand the behaviour of the chimera in samples from people with different vaccination doses and/or infected with different variants of the virus.

Characteristics and temporal trends of mortality rates in children and adolescents in Mato Grosso and Brazil, 2009-2020. / Características e tendência temporal das taxas de mortalidade de crianças e adolescentes em Mato Grosso e no Brasil, 2009 a 2020.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the characteristics and temporal trend of mortality rates in the population aged 5 to 14 years in Mato Grosso state and in Brazil, from 2009 to 2020. METHODS: this was an ecological time-series study, based on data taken from the Mortality Information System. Descriptive and trend analyses were performed, using the joinpoint regression model and calculating the average annual percentage change (AAPC). RESULTS: in Brazil and in Mato Grosso state, deaths were predominantly male, preventable and due to external causes. A falling trend was identified for Brazil (5-9 years AAPC: -2.9; 95%CI -4.3;-1.6 and 10-14 years AAPC: -2.5; 95%CI -3.3;-1.8), while a stationary trend was found in Mato Grosso (5-9 years AAPC: -2.0; 95%CI -5.6;1.7 and 10-14 years AAPC: -0.1; 95%CI -5.9;6.1). CONCLUSION: the stable trend of mortality at high levels demands urgent interventions to reduce it.

Case Report: SARS-CoV-2 Gamma Isolation From Placenta of a Miscarriage in Midwest, Brazil.

The present study investigated a SARS-CoV-2 infection in placenta and fetal samples from an early pregnancy miscarriage in Midwest Brazil. The Gamma variant was isolated and fully sequenced from the placenta sample, but not from fetal samples. Our findings highlight potential adverse perinatal outcomes caused by SARS-CoV-2 Gamma infection during pregnancy.

Prevalence of Bartonella species in shelter cats and their ectoparasites in southeastern Brazil.

Feline Bartonella can be transmitted to humans through cat scratches or bites, and between cats, by the flea Ctenocephalides felis. The study was carried out in order to investigate the occurrence of Bartonella DNA in cats living in shelters and their ectoparasites and the relationship between the infection status of cats and ectoparasites they host. Bartonella DNA was detected in 47.8% of the cat blood samples, 18.3% of C. felis fleas, 13.3% of flea egg pools and 12.5% of lice pools. B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae DNA were detected in cat fleas, while B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae were found in blood samples from bacteremic cats. Cats infested by positive ectoparasites showed approximately twice the odds of being infected. Our results indicate that shelter cats have high prevalence of Bartonella species that are known to be human pathogens. This highlights the importance of controlling infestations by ectoparasites to avoid cat and human infection.

Características e tendência temporal das taxas de mortalidade de crianças e adolescentes em Mato Grosso e no Brasil, 2009 a 2020 / Características y tendencia temporal de la mortalidad en niños y adolescentes en Mato Grosso y Brasil, 2009 a 2020 / Characteristics and temporal trends of mortality rates in children and adolescents in Mato Grosso and Brazil, 2009-2020

Objetivo: analisar as características e a tendência temporal das taxas de mortalidade na população de 5 a 14 anos em Mato Grosso e no Brasil, no período de 2009 a 2020. Métodos: estudo ecológico de série temporal, sobre dados do Sistema de Informação sobre Mortalidade. As análises foram descritivas e de tendência, utilizando-se o modelo de regressão por pontos de inflexão (joinpoint) com cálculo da variação média no período (VMP). Resultados: no Brasil e em Mato Grosso, os óbitos foram predominantemente masculinos, evitáveis e por causas externas. Foi identificada tendência decrescente no Brasil (5 a 9 anos VMP: -2,9; IC95% -4,3;-1,6 e 10 a 14 anos VMP: -2,5; IC95% -3,3;-1,8) e estacionária em Mato Grosso (5 a 9 anos VMP: -2,0; IC95% -5,6;1,7 e 10 a 14 anos VMP: -0,1; IC95% -5,9;6,1). Conclusão: a tendência estável da mortalidade em patamares elevados demanda intervenções urgentes, visando a sua redução.

Objetivo: analizar las características y la tendencia temporal de las tasas de mortalidad en la población de 5 a 14 años en Mato Grosso y Brasil, desde 2009 hasta 2020. Métodos: estudio ecológico de serie temporal, sobre datos del Sistema de Información de Mortalidad. Se realizaron análisis descriptivos y de tendencia, utilizando el modelo de regresión por puntos de inflexión (joinpoint) y el cálculo de la variación media del periodo (VMP). Resultados: en Brasil y Mato Grosso, las muertes fueron predominantemente masculinas, evitables y por causas externas. Se identificó una tendencia decreciente en Brasil (5 a 9 años VPP: -2,9; IC95% -4,3;-1,6 y 10 a 14 años VMP: -2,5; IC95% -3,3;-1,8) y una tendencia estacionaria en Mato Grosso (5 a 9 años VMP: -2,0; IC95% -5,6;1,7 y 10 a 14 años VMP: -0,1; IC95% -5,9;6,1). Conclusión: la tendencia estacionaria de la mortalidad en niveles altos exige intervenciones urgentes orientadas a reducirla.

Objective: to analyze the characteristics and temporal trend of mortality rates in the population aged 5 to 14 years in Mato Grosso state and in Brazil, from 2009 to 2020. Methods: this was an ecological time-series study, based on data taken from the Mortality Information System. Descriptive and trend analyses were performed, using the joinpoint regression model and calculating the average annual percentage change (AAPC). Results: in Brazil and in Mato Grosso state, deaths were predominantly male, preventable and due to external causes. A falling trend was identified for Brazil (5-9 years AAPC: -2.9; 95%CI -4.3;-1.6 and 10-14 years AAPC: -2.5; 95%CI -3.3;-1.8), while a stationary trend was found in Mato Grosso (5-9 years AAPC: -2.0; 95%CI -5.6;1.7 and 10-14 years AAPC: -0.1; 95%CI -5.9;6.1). Conclusion: the stable trend of mortality at high levels demands urgent interventions to reduce it.

Prevalence of Bartonella species in shelter cats and their ectoparasites in southeastern Brazil / Prevalência de espécies de Bartonella em gatos de abrigos e seus ectoparasitas no Sudeste do Brasil

Abstract Feline Bartonella can be transmitted to humans through cat scratches or bites, and between cats, by the flea Ctenocephalides felis. The study was carried out in order to investigate the occurrence of Bartonella DNA in cats living in shelters and their ectoparasites and the relationship between the infection status of cats and ectoparasites they host. Bartonella DNA was detected in 47.8% of the cat blood samples, 18.3% of C. felis fleas, 13.3% of flea egg pools and 12.5% of lice pools. B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae DNA were detected in cat fleas, while B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae and B. koehlerae were found in blood samples from bacteremic cats. Cats infested by positive ectoparasites showed approximately twice the odds of being infected. Our results indicate that shelter cats have high prevalence of Bartonella species that are known to be human pathogens. This highlights the importance of controlling infestations by ectoparasites to avoid cat and human infection.

Resumo Algumas espécies de Bartonella têm os felinos como principais hospedeiros reservatórios. Tais patógenos são transmitidos ao homem por intermédio da arranhadura ou mordedura de gatos e entre os gatos, por meio da pulga Ctenocephalides felis. O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a ocorrência de DNA de Bartonella spp. em gatos de abrigos e seus ectoparasitas e a relação entre o estado de infecção dos gatos e dos ectoparasitas albergados por estes. Material genético bacteriano foi detectado em 47,8% das amostras de sangue de gatos, 18,3% das pulgas C. felis, 13,3% dos "pools" de ovos de pulgas e 12,5% dos "pools" de piolhos. DNA de B. henselae e B. clarridgeiae foi detectado em pulgas, e B. henselae, B. clarridgeiae e B. koehlerae, em amostras de sangue de gatos. Gatos infestados por ectoparasitas que carreavam DNA de Bartonella spp. demonstraram aproximadamente o dobro de chance de estarem infectados. Esses resultados indicam que os gatos de abrigos têm alta prevalência de infecção por espécies de Bartonella, capazes de causar doenças no homem. E também destacam a importância do controle e prevenção da infestação por ectoparasitas, no intuito de prevenir a infecção em gatos e humanos.

Molecular Survey of Bartonella Species in Shelter Cats in Rio De Janeiro: Clinical, Hematological, and Risk Factors.

The present study aimed to detect Bartonella DNA in cats belonging to shelters, and to evaluate risk factors, clinical signs, and hematological abnormalities associated with infection. Complete blood counts and screening for the presence of Bartonella DNA were performed on cats' ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid anticoagulant-blood samples. Eighty-three cats (39.9%) were positive for Bartonella species. Bartonella DNA was also detected in fleas and in the blood of cats infested by positive flea. Cats that had not been sterilized, had outdoor access, had histories of fights, and had concurrent flea infestation were more likely to be infected by Bartonella species (P < 0.05). Age and sex were not associated with infection. Fifty-one (38.6%) symptomatic cats were positive to Bartonella species (P > 0.05). Clinical conditions most commonly observed were signs of respiratory abnormality and Sporothrix species coinfection (P > 0.05). Regarding hematological changes, eosinophilia was associated with infection (P < 0.05). A high frequency of Bartonella species infection was found in shelter cats and highlights the importance of adequate flea-control programs to prevent infection in cats and consequently in adopters and other animals.

Bartonella henselae and Bartonella clarridgeiae infection, hematological changes and associated factors in domestic cats and dogs from an Atlantic rain forest area, Brazil.

Cats are considered main reservoir of Bartonella henselae, which is transmitted to other cats especially through Ctenocephalides felis fleas, and to humans through scratching and biting. Serra da Tiririca State Park (PESET) is an Atlantic Forest area that shelters a wide variety of endemic fauna. Recently, the park has been suffering due to irregular housing construction and domestic animal population that interacts with humans and wildlife. Given that surveillance policies for animals are part of the global Strategic Framework for One Health, the aim of this study was to detect Bartonella spp. DNA in cats and dogs, evaluating laboratory changes and associated factors. Blood samples of 124 dogs and 89 cats were collected for hematology and serum chemistry analysis. DNA was extracted and tested by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting a fragment of the citrate synthase (gltA) gene of Bartonella spp. with specific primers. Positive samples were sequenced to identify species. Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae were detected in 24.7% of cats, being, for our knowledge, the first report of B. clarridgeiae in cats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. None of the samples obtained from dogs tested positive in the PCR assays. No statistical significance was observed in physical and laboratory exams. We suggest that cats that inhabit PESET can be considered sources of Bartonella sp. for other cats and humans. We highlight that infected cats did not present clinical or laboratory alterations. We alert for the need of care measures, avoiding scratch and bite, particularly in immunocompromised people.

Seroprevalence of Bartonella spp., Coxiella burnetii, and Hantavirus among people who inject drugs in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: a retrospective assessment of a biobank.

The increasing use of illicit drugs imposes a public health challenge worldwide. People who inject drugs (PWID) are more susceptible to health complications due to immunosuppression associated with drug use and non-hygienic self-administration of substances, contaminants, and liquids. PWID are subjected to increased risk of acquiring and transmitting different pathogens (frequently functioning as sentinel cases for (re)emerging pathogens), including those transmitted by arthropods and vertebrate reservoirs in unhealthy environments. A clear association between injection drug use and HIV, HBV, and HCV infections has been described; however, other infectious viral and bacterial agents have been seldomly assessed. In this study, we investigated the seroprevalence of Bartonella spp., Coxiella burnetii, and Hantavirus among 300 randomly selected PWIDs from Rio de Janeiro, as part of a multi-city cross-sectional study carried out in the 1990s. Point seroprevalences and respective 95% CIs are as follows: 9.3% for C. burnetii (95% CI: 6.0%-13.0%), 1.0% for Bartonella spp. (95% CI: 0.0%-3.0%), and 4.0% for Hantavirus (95% CI: 2.0%-7.0%). In addition to the blood-borne pathogens, the results of this study increase our knowledge on other transmissible infectious agents in PWID. The high seroprevalence of C. burnetii and Hantavirus found among PWID is intriguing and suggests the need to carry out prospective studies, including molecular analyses, to confirm these findings and allow a better understanding of the putative relevance of these zoonotic infectious agents among PWID.

An unusual case of bacillary angiomatosis in the oral cavity of an AIDS patient who had no concomitant tegumentary lesions - case report and review.

Bacillary angiomatosis (BA) is an angioproliferative disease of immunocompromised patients that usually presents as vascular tumors in the skin and subcutaneous tissues. It is caused by chronic infections with either Bartonella henselae or B. quintana. Oral cavity BA is exceedingly rare and even rarer without simultaneous cutaneous disease. We report herein the case of a 51-year-old HIV-infected man who presented severe odynophagia and an eroded lesion on the hard palate that progressed to an oronasal fistula. No cutaneous lesions were recorded. Doxycycline led to complete resolution. To the best of our knowledge, only six previous cases of oral BA without tegumentary disease have been previously reported and none of them progressed to fistula.

Bartonella species pathogenic for humans infect pets, free-ranging wild mammals and their ectoparasites in the Caatinga biome, Northeastern Brazil: a serological and molecular study

ABSTRACT This study verified the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in dogs, cats, wild mammals and their ectoparasites in Petrolina and Lagoa Grande Counties, Pernambuco, located in a semi-arid region in Northeastern Brazil. Anti-Bartonella spp. antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in 24.8% of dogs (27/109) and in 15% of cats (6/40). Bartonella sp. DNA was identified by PCR performed on DNA extracted from blood and ectoparasites using primers targeting Bartonella sp. gltA and ribC genes in 100% (9/9) of Pulex irritans from Cerdocyon thous, 57.4% (35/61) of P. irritans from dogs, 2.3% (1/43) of Ctenocephalides felis felis from dogs, 53.3% (24/45) of C. felis felis from cats, and 10% (1/10) of Polyplax spp. from Thrichomys apereoides. DNA sequencing identified Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella henselae in C. felis felis from cats, Bartonella rochalimae in P. irritans from dog and C. thous, and Bartonella vinsoni berkhofii in P. irritans from dog.

Bartonella species pathogenic for humans infect pets, free-ranging wild mammals and their ectoparasites in the Caatinga biome, Northeastern Brazil: a serological and molecular study.

This study verified the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in dogs, cats, wild mammals and their ectoparasites in Petrolina and Lagoa Grande Counties, Pernambuco, located in a semi-arid region in Northeastern Brazil. Anti-Bartonella spp. antibodies were detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) in 24.8% of dogs (27/109) and in 15% of cats (6/40). Bartonella sp. DNA was identified by PCR performed on DNA extracted from blood and ectoparasites using primers targeting Bartonella sp. gltA and ribC genes in 100% (9/9) of Pulex irritans from Cerdocyon thous, 57.4% (35/61) of P. irritans from dogs, 2.3% (1/43) of Ctenocephalides felis felis from dogs, 53.3% (24/45) of C. felis felis from cats, and 10% (1/10) of Polyplax spp. from Thrichomys apereoides. DNA sequencing identified Bartonella clarridgeiae and Bartonella henselae in C. felis felis from cats, Bartonella rochalimae in P. irritans from dog and C. thous, and Bartonella vinsoni berkhofii in P. irritans from dog.

Bartonella spp. and hematological changes in privately owned domestic cats from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: Bartonella infection in cats can represent a risk to owners, particularly today when considering the increase in cat populations and their role in human bartonellosis epidemiology. In the present study, we aimed to detect Bartonella spp. in blood samples from 163 asymptomatic privately-owned cats from the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil by using a conventional PCR test and also to evaluate the association between Bartonella spp. and hematological changes in positive cats. METHODOLOGY: PCR assays were performed targeting the Bartonella spp heat shock protein (htrA) gene and complete blood counts were also performed in all samples. Positive PCR samples were confirmed by the presence of two genes, citrate synthase (gltA) and RNA polymerase beta-subunit-encoding (rpoB). RESULTS: A total of 74.85% (122/163) of the tested cats were positive for Bartonella spp and partial sequencing confirmed to be B. henselae. All hematological findings from the 163 cats tested (PCR-positive and negative), presented normal limits. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that B. henselae is present in almost 75% asymptomatic privately-owned domestic cats in the metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Our results also show that hematological findings in Bartonella spp. infected cats are uncommon. In this scenario, the use of PCR as a diagnostic tool in feline Bartonella infections should be considered. Finally, these results also demonstrate the potential risk of Bartonella spp. infection in the human population of the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil.

Association of Bartonella Species with Wild and Synanthropic Rodents in Different Brazilian Biomes.

Bartonella spp. comprise an ecologically successful group of microorganisms that infect erythrocytes and have adapted to different hosts, which include a wide range of mammals, besides humans. Rodents are reservoirs of about two-thirds of Bartonella spp. described to date; and some of them have been implicated as causative agents of human diseases. In our study, we performed molecular and phylogenetic analyses of Bartonella spp. infecting wild rodents from five different Brazilian biomes. In order to characterize the genetic diversity of Bartonella spp., we performed a robust analysis based on three target genes, followed by sequencing, Bayesian inference, and maximum likelihood analysis. Bartonella spp. were detected in 25.6% (117/457) of rodent spleen samples analyzed, and this occurrence varied among different biomes. The diversity analysis of gltA sequences showed the presence of 15 different haplotypes. Analysis of the phylogenetic relationship of gltA sequences performed by Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood showed that the Bartonella species detected in rodents from Brazil was closely related to the phylogenetic group A detected in other cricetid rodents from North America, probably constituting only one species. Last, the Bartonella species genogroup identified in the present study formed a monophyletic group that included Bartonella samples from seven different rodent species distributed in three distinct biomes. In conclusion, our study showed that the occurrence of Bartonella bacteria in rodents is much more frequent and widespread than previously recognized. IMPORTANCE: In the present study, we reported the occurrence of Bartonella spp. in some sites in Brazil. The identification and understanding of the distribution of this important group of bacteria may allow the Brazilian authorities to recognize potential regions with the risk of transmission of these pathogens among wild and domestic animals and humans. In addition, our study accessed important gaps in the biology of this group of bacteria in Brazil, such as its low host specificity, high genetic diversity, and relationship with other Bartonella spp. detected in rodents trapped in America. Considering the diversity of newly discovered Bartonella species and the great ecological plasticity of these bacteria, new studies with the aim of revealing the biological aspects unknown until now are needed and must be performed around the world. In this context, the impact of Bartonella spp. associated with rodents in human health should be assessed in future studies.

Zoonotic Bartonella species in wild rodents in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Several rodent-associated Bartonella species cause disease in humans but little is known about their epidemiology in Brazil. The presence of Bartonella spp. in wild rodents captured in two municipalities of the Mato Grosso do Sul state was assessed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Fragments of heart tissue from 42 wild rodents were tested using primers targeting the Bartonella 16S-23S intergenic transcribed spacer (ITS) region and citrate synthase gltA gene. The wild rodents were identified based on external and cranial morphology and confirmed at species level by mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome B) sequencing and karyotype. Overall, 42.9% (18/42) of the wild rodents were PCR positive for Bartonella spp.: Callomys callosus (04), Cerradomys maracajuensis (04), Hylaeamus megacephalus (01), Necromys lasiurus (06), Nectomys squamipes (01), Oecomys catherinae (01) and Oxymycterus delator (01). Bartonella vinsonii subsp. arupensis was detected in N. lasiurus (46%) and C. callosus (21%) captured in the two study sites. We reported the first molecular detection of B. vinsonii subsp. arupensis in different species of wild rodents collected in the Brazilian territory. Further studies are needed to examine the role of these mammals in the eco-epidemiology of bartonellosis in Brazil.

Molecular identification of Bartonella henselae in a seronegative cat scratch disease patient with AIDS in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Bartonella henselae is associated with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations, including cat scratch disease, endocarditis and meningoencephalitis, in immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. We report the first molecularly confirmed case of B. henselae infection in an AIDS patient in state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Although DNA sequence of B. henselae has been detected by polymerase chain reaction in a lymph node biopsy, acute and convalescent sera were nonreactive.