A novel nested polymerase chain reaction assay targeting Plasmodium mitochondrial DNA in field-collected Anopheles mosquitoes.

Sensitive techniques for the detection of Plasmodium (Aconoidasida: Plasmodiidae) sporozoites in field-collected malaria vectors are essential for the correct assessment of risk for malaria transmission. A real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) protocol targeting Plasmodium mtDNA proved to be much more sensitive in detecting sporozoites in mosquitoes than the widely used enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay targeting Plasmodium circumsporozoite protein (CSP-ELISA). However, because of the relatively high costs associated with equipment and reagents, RT-PCRs are mostly used to assess the outcomes of experimental infections in the frame of research experiments, rather than in routine monitoring of mosquito infection in the field. The present authors developed a novel mtDNA-based nested PCR protocol, modified from a loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay for Plasmodium recognition in human blood samples, and compared its performance with that of routinely used CSP-ELISAs in field-collected Anopheles coluzzii (Diptera: Culicidae) samples. The nested PCR showed 1.4-fold higher sensitivity than the CSP-ELISA. However, nested PCR results obtained in two laboratories and in different replicates within the same laboratory were not 100% consistent, probably because the copy number of amplifiable Plasmodium mtDNA was close in some specimens to the threshold of nested PCR sensitivity. This implies that Plasmodium-positive specimens should be confirmed by a second nested PCR to avoid false positives. Overall, the results emphasize the need to use molecular approaches to obtain accurate estimates of the actual level of Plasmodium circulation within malaria vector populations.

Far-UV-C irradiation promotes synergistic bactericidal action against adhered cells of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

The contamination of indoor areas is a global health problem that can cause the dispersion of infectious diseases. In that sense, it is urgent to find new strategies applying a lower concentration of the traditional chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection. Ultraviolet radiation (UV), in particular far-UV-C (200-225 nm), has emerged as a successful, powerful, easy-to-apply, and inexpensive approach for bacterial eradication that still requires scientific assessment. This study investigated new strategies for disinfection based on far-UV-C (222 nm) combined with chlorine and mechanical cleaning, providing an innovative solution using low doses. The bactericidal activity of far-UV-C (222 nm) was tested at an intensity of irradiation from 78.4 µW/cm2 to 597.7 µW/cm2 (for 1 min) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus epidermidis adhered on polystyrene microtiter plates. It was further tested in combination with mechanical cleaning (ultrasounds for 1 min) and free chlorine (0.1, 0.5, and 1 mg/L for 5 min). The triple combination consisting of mechanical cleaning + free chlorine (0.5 mg/L) + far-UV-C (54 mJ/cm2) was tested against cells adhered to materials found in hospital settings and other public spaces: polyvinyl chloride (PVC), stainless steel (SS), and polyetheretherketone (PEEK). Disinfection with far-UV-C (54 mJ/cm2) and free chlorine at 0.5 mg/L for 5 min allowed a total reduction of culturable E. coli cells and a logarithmic reduction of 2.98 ± 0.03 for S. epidermidis. The triple combination of far-UV-C, free chlorine, and mechanical cleaning resulted in a total reduction of culturable cells for both adhered bacteria. Bacterial adhesion to PVC, SS, and PEEK occurred at distinct extents and influenced the bactericidal activity of the triple combination, with logarithmic reductions of up to three. The overall results highlight that, based on culturability assessment, far-UV-C (54 mJ/cm2) with chlorine (0.5 mg/L; 5 min) and mechanical cleaning (1 min) as an efficient disinfection strategy using mild conditions. The combination of culturability and viability assessment of disinfection is recommended to detect regrowth events and increase the effectiveness in microbial growth control.

Morphometry, topography and arterial supply of the thyroid gland in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta Zimmermann, 1780).

The purpose of this research was to investigate the measures, topography, and vascularization of the thyroid gland in Macaca mulatta, a non-human primate. The study involved the dissection of ten male adult cadavers of Macaca mulatta. The length, width, and thickness of the right lobe of the thyroid were 2.552 ± 0.341, 1.019 ± 0.137, and 0.729 ± 0.137 cm. These measures in the left thyroid lobe were 2.406 ± 0.299, 1.013. ± 0.087, and 0.769 ± 0.083 cm. The study found no significant differences in the measures of the left and right lobes of the thyroid gland in rhesus monkeys. Regarding topography, the thyroid gland was located ventrolateral to the trachea, similar to its position in other mammal species. The cranial pole of the gland was closely related to the cricoid or thyroid cartilage, while the caudal pole showed variable positioning to the tracheal rings. The isthmus, a thin band of tissue connecting the lobes, was present in all specimens. The cranial thyroid artery was found to originate from the external carotid artery in most specimens. It supplied the thyroid gland and sent branches to muscles in the neck region. The caudal thyroid artery, originating from the common carotid artery, provides additional blood supply to the gland and sends a branch to the esophagus. This research contributes to knowledge about the thyroid gland in non-human primates, specifically Macaca mulatta. The findings provide critical information for comparative studies and understanding the thyroid gland's role in health and disease.

The lumbosacral plexus in two Didelphis species (Didelphidae, Didelphimorphia): origin and nerve distribution.

Morphological studies provide knowledge that allow us to understand how animals interact with the natural environment or the captivity. The goal of this study was to describe the origin and antimeric distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves in Didelphis aurita and D. albiventris. Fourteen adult cadavers of D. aurita, seven males and seven females, and 13 adult cadavers of D. albiventris, nine males and four females were used. The specimens were sexed, identified, fixed and dissected until the origins of the lumbosacral plexus nerves were exposed. Data were represented as absolute frequency and simple percentage. The lumbosacral plexuses derived a trunk for the femoral and obturator nerves from the ventral branches of L3-L4 (75%) in D. aurita, and in D. albiventris the femoral nerve of L3-L4 (73.1%) and the obturator nerve of L3-L4 (61.5%). In both species, formation of a lumbosacral trunk derived from L5-L6-S1 occurred in 78.6% of D. aurita and 61.5% of D. albiventris. The origin and distribution of lumbosacral plexus nerves of the studied species present similarities with domestic and wild eutherian mammals.

Ongoing outbreak of dengue type 1 in the Autonomous Region of Madeira, Portugal: preliminary report.

Following the identification of two autochthonous cases of dengue type 1 on 3 October 2012, an outbreak of dengue fever has been reported in Madeira, Portugal. As of 25 November, 1,891 cases have been detected on the island where the vector Aedes aegypti had been established in some areas since 2005. This event represents the first epidemic of dengue fever in Europe since 1928 and concerted control measures have been initiated by local health authorities.

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883).

Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.

Phallus eversion sexing in Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae): a new non-invasive approach.

The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroy's side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

Anatomical description of the aortic arch of a rare species "the giant armadillo" (Priodontes maximus; Kerr, 1792).

The giant armadillo (Priodontes maximus) is found in diverse habitats from South America. A female adult giant armadillo with a body mass of 45 kg was used. The animal was a victim of trampling on highway AC-40, at 70 km, near the municipality of Capixaba-Acre and the corpse donated to the Animal Anatomy Laboratory at Federal University of Acre (UFAC). The arterial system was filled with natural latex via the thoracic aorta in a direction opposite the blood flow to facilitate the description of the aortic arch and its side branches. The study was approved by CEUA/UFAC - no. 053/2015 and SISBIO no. 47124-1. The aortic arch issued side groups, which had the following sequence: brachycephalic trunk, left carotid artery, left subclavian artery. The brachycephalic trunk forked forming the right subclavian artery and the right common carotid artery. The arrangement allowed the whole carotid blood supply to the brain and surrounding structures present in the animal's head. The subclavian arteries, of homologous way, originated the arteries: vertebral, thoracic, and cervical costocervical trunk. The aortic arch armadillo showed the same pattern as that described for the Euphractus sexcinctus and different from those reported for the Dasypus novemcinctus and Tamandua tetradactyla. In addition, the function assigned to each branch was the same regardless of the species with which it was compared.

Anatomical characterisation of the kidneys of Didelphis aurita (Didelphimorphia: Didelphidae).

BACKGROUND: Didelphis aurita is a marsupial with wide distribution in the South American continent and highly adapted to urban centres. The objective of this study was to describe the measurements and skeletopy of the kidneys and renal vascularisation of this species. MATERIALS AND METHODS: With this aim, 29 cadavers (14 males and 15 females) of D. aurita collected on highways were analysed. The rostrum-sacral length of specimens, kidney measurements (length, width and thickness) and the length of the renal vessels were measured and the renal skeletopy registered. RESULTS: In the right kidney, average length, width, thickness and ellipsoid volume were 28.6 ± 5.0 mm, 15.6 ± 2.9 mm, 12.8 ± 3.0 mm and 3.3 ± 2.4 cm3, respectively; in the left kidney, 31.0 ± 3.8 mm, 14.5 ± 3.6 mm, 12.6 ± 2.6 mm and 3.2 ± 2.2 cm3, respectively. There was no significant difference in the comparison of averages of renal dimensions between sexes and between antimeres. The right renal artery (13.2 ± 2.6 mm) was significantly longer (p < 0.01) than the left renal artery (10.7 ± 2.3 mm). In contrast, the left renal vein (13.9 ± 3.5 mm) was longer (p < 0.01) than the right renal vein (7.0 ± 2.3 mm). The skeletopy of the right kidney predominated between T13-L1 in 58.6% of the cases and the skeletopy of the left kidney between L1-L3 in 41.4%. The average length of the kidneys corresponded to 6% to 8% of the rostrum-sacral length of the specimens. CONCLUSIONS: The data of the present study characterised the measurements and topography of kidneys and renal vessels in D. aurita and can support the interpretation of clinical, experimental and pathological findings in this species.

Right circumcaval ureter and double right renal vein in the Brazilian shorthair cat (Felis catus): two case reports.

Variations of the renal veins are well described in the literature, although variations concerning the ureter are considered a rare finding in cats. The circumcaval ureter is one of the rarest variations of the ureter and is characterised by a loop of the ureter posterior to the caudal vena cava. This variant is also known as preureteral vena cava and retrocaval ureter. It is thought to be caused by a deviation during embryonic development of the aforementioned vein. Due to its rarity, there are scarce reports of the circumcaval ureter in cats, and its association with two renal veins makes it less common as well. These variations should be preoperatively identified in order to avoid complications in kidney transplants, ureteral surgeries and cystoscopies, for instance. The present work aims to report two cases of a circumcaval ureter with two renal veins in two different Brazilian shorthair cats (Felis catus).

Is the right testis more affected by cryptorchidism than the left testis? An ultrasonographic approach in dogs of different sizes and breeds.

BACKGROUND: Considered the most common congenital testicular abnormality of companion animals and a predisposition factor to the development of testicular neoplasia, cryptorchidism is defined as the non-descent of one or both testes to their normal anatomical location. Data on the occurrence of cryptorchidism in Brazil are scarce. The purpose of this work was to verify the occurrence of cryptorchidism in dogs of different sizes and breeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cryptorchidism identification was carried out by ultrasound scanning, from November, 1994 to March, 2007, at the Centre for Veterinarian Diagnosis and Support (Centro de Apoio e Diagnóstico Veterinário - CAD), in Rio de Janeiro. 4924 male dogs of different breeds were examined, revealing 403 (8.2%) cryptorchidism. RESULTS: In this study, occurrence took place more often on the right testicle (59.5%), more frequently displaying inguinal localisation (59.5%) and unilateral occurrence (70%). Regarding bilateral presentation, the symmetrical form was the most common (86.8%). Cryptorchidism was more common in the inguinal region of dog of small sized breeds and in the abdominal region in dogs of medium- and large-sized breeds. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound scan proved a valuable diagnosis tool for cryptorchid testes, giving precise localisation and parenchymal changes thus leading to a safe clinical treatment.

Phallus eversion sexing in Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae): a new non-invasive approach

Abstract The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroys side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

Resumo A sexagem das espécies é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo populacional. Em tartarugas, cágados e jabutis, a sexagem geralmente é feita de acordo com características secundárias, como morfologia do plastrão ou técnicas de eversão do falo. Neste artigo, apresentamos o método de eversão do falo e comparamos sua eficiência com outras técnicas existentes. Este novo método visa encurtar o tempo de manejo e reduzir os efeitos colaterais físicos nos animais, promovendo o manejo clínico e reprodutivo do cágado-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) e espécies relacionadas. Uma amostra de cinquenta indivíduos foi coletada na região central do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O método proposto consiste em remover a cabeça de sua posição de repouso. Os métodos que obtiveram índice de sucesso superior a 80% foram comparados entre si quanto ao tempo de estimulação necessário para a eversão do falo. O método aqui proposto alcançou 100% de eficiência na determinação do sexo de espécimes com comprimento de carapaça linear entre 10 e 34 cm. Além disso, quando comparado ao segundo método mais eficiente, reduziu substancialmente o tempo necessário para o manejo dos espécimes (91%), evitando possíveis sequelas nos indivíduos manuseados.

Phallus eversion sexing in Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae): a new non-invasive approach / Sexagem por eversão do falo em Phrynops geoffroanus (Testudines: Chelidae): uma nova abordagem não invasiva

Abstract The sexing of species is an important tool for population management. In tortoises and turtles, sexing is usually done according to secondary characteristics, such as plastron morphology or phallus eversion techniques. In this paper, we present the phallus eversion method and compare its efficiency to other existing techniques. This new method aims at shortening the management time and reducing the physical aftereffects on the animals, fostering the clinical and reproductive management of Geoffroy's side-necked turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus) and related species. A sample of fifty individuals was taken in the central region of Piauí state, Northeastern Brazil. The proposed method consisted of moving the head from its resting position. The methods achieving a success rate higher than 80% were compared to each other as for the stimulation time required for phallus eversion. The method as here proposed achieved 100% efficiency in the sex determination of specimens with a linear carapace length between 10 and 34 cm. Also, when compared to the second most efficient method, it substantially reduced the time needed for managing the specimens (91%), avoiding possible sequelae in the individuals handled.

Resumo A sexagem das espécies é uma ferramenta importante para o manejo populacional. Em tartarugas, cágados e jabutis, a sexagem geralmente é feita de acordo com características secundárias, como morfologia do plastrão ou técnicas de eversão do falo. Neste artigo, apresentamos o método de eversão do falo e comparamos sua eficiência com outras técnicas existentes. Este novo método visa encurtar o tempo de manejo e reduzir os efeitos colaterais físicos nos animais, promovendo o manejo clínico e reprodutivo do cágado-de-barbicha (Phrynops geoffroanus) e espécies relacionadas. Uma amostra de cinquenta indivíduos foi coletada na região central do estado do Piauí, Nordeste do Brasil. O método proposto consiste em remover a cabeça de sua posição de repouso. Os métodos que obtiveram índice de sucesso superior a 80% foram comparados entre si quanto ao tempo de estimulação necessário para a eversão do falo. O método aqui proposto alcançou 100% de eficiência na determinação do sexo de espécimes com comprimento de carapaça linear entre 10 e 34 cm. Além disso, quando comparado ao segundo método mais eficiente, reduziu substancialmente o tempo necessário para o manejo dos espécimes (91%), evitando possíveis sequelas nos indivíduos manuseados.

Potential mosquito vectors of arboviruses in Portugal: species, distribution, abundance and West Nile infection.

Circulation of West Nile virus in Portugal was demonstrated by serological surveys, and the virus was isolated in 1969 from Anopheles maculipennis s.l. A survey of the whole country was carried out (2001-2004) to assess the abundance of mosquito species and to screen them for arbovirus infection. A total of 770 collections yielded 32460 mosquitoes of 15 species. The regions with the highest abundance of mosquitoes were the coastal and estuarine districts of Santarém, Setúbal and Faro. Culex pipiens s.l., An. maculipennis s.l., Cx. theileri and Ochlerotatus caspius were the most abundant and widespread, accounting for 92% of mosquitoes caught. Anopheles maculipennis s.l. and Cx. pipiens s.l. were present all over the country. Culex theileri and. Oc. caspius were more abundant in the southern and coastal areas, respectively. A total of 2355 mosquito pools were screened by RT-PCR for flaviviruses, of which 987 pools were also screened for bunyaviruses. Culex pipiens s.l. and Cx. univittatus collected in 2004 in the southern district of Faro were found to be infected with West Nile virus. The density and proximity of these mosquitoes to the human populations may constitute a public health threat in the case of involvement in arbovirus transmission cycles.

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883) / Ultrassonografia abdominal em peixe boi amazônico (Trichechus inunguis (Natterer, 1883)

Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.

Pesquisas morfofisiológicas em espécies selvagens são fundamentais, e o diagnóstico por imagem é uma excelente técnica, já usada e com grande aplicação, não invasiva e que fornece informações em tempo real de cada órgão. Peixes-boi-amazônico encontram-se na lista de animais ameaçados de extinção classificados na categoria vulnerável e o conhecimento do padrão normal da anatomia ultrassonográfica de órgãos e tecidos é importante para a manutenção e bem-estar de espécimes em cativeiro contribuindo para ações de reintrodução. O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a técnica de exame e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do fígado, vesícula biliar, estômago, vesícula urinária e o tecido subcutâneo da região abdominal em Trichechus inunguis, de modo a contribuir com o conhecimento anátomo-sonográfico e auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças. O estudo utilizou 18 animais para descrever a anatomia ultrassonográfica normal na cavidade abdominal de peixe-boi amazônico. Durante a varredura abdominal foi possível visualizar as características dos órgãos obtendo resultados satisfatórios neste estudo, concluindo ser uma técnica eficiente para avaliação de determinados órgãos abdominais em peixe-boi amazônico. Entretanto, outras estruturas não foram identificadas principalmente pelo tempo reduzido, muita gordura e gases nos intestinos dos animais.

Abdominal ultrasound in amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis) (Natterer, 1883)

Abstract Morphophysiological species researches are fundamental, and diagnostic imaging is an excellent technique, already used in wild animals, with great application, not invasive and provide real-time information of each body. Amazonian manatees are on the list of endangered animals classified in the vulnerable category and knowledge of the normal pattern of ultrasound anatomy of organs and tissues is important for the maintenance and well-being of captive specimens contributing to reintroduction actions. The objective of the study was to standardize the examination technique and describe the ultrasound findings of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder and the subcutaneous tissue of the abdominal region in Trichechus inunguis, in order to contribute with the anatomical and sonographic knowledge and assist in the diagnosis and prognosis diseases. The study used 18 animals to describe the normal sonographic anatomy in the abdominal cavity of the Amazonian manatee. During abdominal scan, it was possible to visualize the features of the liver, gallbladder, stomach, urinary bladder obtained satisfactory results in this study. Therefore, other structures were not primarily identified by the reduced time, lots of fat and gases in intestines of animals.

Resumo Pesquisas morfofisiológicas em espécies selvagens são fundamentais, e o diagnóstico por imagem é uma excelente técnica, já usada e com grande aplicação, não invasiva e que fornece informações em tempo real de cada órgão. Peixes-boi-amazônico encontram-se na lista de animais ameaçados de extinção classificados na categoria vulnerável e o conhecimento do padrão normal da anatomia ultrassonográfica de órgãos e tecidos é importante para a manutenção e bem-estar de espécimes em cativeiro contribuindo para ações de reintrodução. O objetivo deste estudo foi padronizar a técnica de exame e descrever os achados ultrassonográficos do fígado, vesícula biliar, estômago, vesícula urinária e o tecido subcutâneo da região abdominal em Trichechus inunguis, de modo a contribuir com o conhecimento anátomo-sonográfico e auxiliar no diagnóstico e prognóstico de doenças. O estudo utilizou 18 animais para descrever a anatomia ultrassonográfica normal na cavidade abdominal de peixe-boi amazônico. Durante a varredura abdominal foi possível visualizar as características dos órgãos obtendo resultados satisfatórios neste estudo, concluindo ser uma técnica eficiente para avaliação de determinados órgãos abdominais em peixe-boi amazônico. Entretanto, outras estruturas não foram identificadas principalmente pelo tempo reduzido, muita gordura e gases nos intestinos dos animais

Malaria in São Tomé and Príncipe: parasite prevalences and vector densities.

A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 16 localities on the island of São Tomé and three on the island of Príncipe, at the end of the rainy season of 1997, to determine malaria prevalence and vector densities. Blood samples from 664 inhabitants of all ages were examined by optical microscopy (OM) and PCR. Mosquito collections were made by outdoor landing captures from 21:00-23:00 h. Great differences were found between OM and PCR readings. OM had a sensitivity of 66%, a specificity of 79% and failed to reveal any mixed-infections. Overall prevalence, determined by PCR, was higher in São Tomé (53%) than in Príncipe (35%). It was highest in children below 16 years-old. All four human Plasmodium species occurred in São Tomé but P. ovale was not detected in Príncipe. The human population was largely asymptomatic. Bednet users had lower prevalence than did non-users. The FOREST form of Anopheles gambiae s.s., identified by PCR and cytogenetics, was the only vector on the islands. The sporozoite rate in São Tomé, assessed by ELISA, was 0.5%. Parasite prevalence and vector densities were positively correlated in São Tomé, where malaria transmission must occur predominantly in the more populated coastal areas.

Dogs as a favored host choice of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae) of São Tomé West Africa.

The host source and human blood index (HBI) of an exophilic population of the "forest" cytoform of Anopheles gambiae Giles sensu stricto, from a peri-urban area of the island of São Tomé were assessed. Blood meals of 434 An. gambiae females from all-night indoor light-trap collections, 193 from indoor and 422 from outdoor resting collections, were determined by ELISA. Significant differences were found in the HBI estimates from insects collected indoors (0.93) and outdoors (0.27). Blood-fed insects collected resting outdoors provided the most representative sample for host determination. Dogs were the predominant hosts, followed by humans and pigs. Of all human feeds, it was estimated that 81.5% were taken inside houses. The low HBI of 0.27 for the An. gambiae population explains the low sporozoite rate and the meso-endemicity of malaria in the island.

The ACVD task force on canine atopic dermatitis (II): genetic factors.

Canine atopic dermatitis is commonly diagnosed in pruritic animals. Many studies have attempted to determine the inheritance pattern of both atopic dermatitis and of elevated allergen-specific IgE production. Despite many clinical, laboratory and breeding studies, the mode of inheritance and genetic mutations underlying this disease currently remain elusive.