Anti-Ascaris suum immunoglobulin Y as a novel biotechnological tool for the diagnosis of human ascariasis.

Human ascariasis is a neglected tropical disease of great relevance to public health and is considered the most frequent helminthiasis in poor regions. Accurately diagnosing this parasite has been challenging due to limitations of current diagnostic methods. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) technology is a very effective alternative for the production of highly specific and profitable antibodies. This study aimed to produce and apply anti-Ascaris suum IgY antibodies in the immunodiagnosis of human ascariasis. Five immunizations comprising total saline extract from A. suum adult life forms were given at 14-day intervals to Gallus gallus domesticus hens of the Isa Brown line. Eggs and blood samples were collected weekly and fortnightly, respectively, to monitor the production of antibodies. The specificity of antibodies was confirmed by dot-blot, kinetic enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), avidity ELISA, immunoblotting and indirect immunofluorescence antibody tests. The application for disease diagnosis was performed through the detection of immune complexes in human serum samples by sandwich ELISA. Peaks of IgY anti-A. suum production occurred at weeks 6 and 8. IgY showed high avidity levels after the second dose of immunization, ranging from 64% to 93%, with a mean avidity index of 78.30%. Purified IgY recognized 12 bands of proteins from A. suum saline extract. Eggs, the uterine portion and cuticles of A. suum female adult are reactive in immunofluorescence. The detection of immune complexes showed diagnostic values of 80% sensitivity and 90% specificity. In conclusion, specific IgY have been shown to be a potential immunodiagnostic tool with promising future applications in human ascariasis.

High level of B19 strain detection in Brazilian cattle semen.

Semen contaminated with microorganisms can disseminate serious diseases including brucellosis. The objectives of this study were to detect Brucella-specific antibodies and Brucella abortus DNA in samples of blood and fresh semen from 100 animals older than 20 months. The samples were collected on farms and in semen collection and processing centers (CCPS). The serum samples were evaluated by Rose Bengal test (RBT). B. abortus DNA was detected by a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using BAB and IS771 primers. The difference between the vaccine field strain was identified using ery-1, ery-2, and ery-3 primers, using the hemi-nested PCR method. No anti-B. abortus antibodies were detected in the serum samples. Out of the total semen samples, 68% (68/100) presented amplifications of the B. abortus genes. All (68/68) were identified as B19 strain of Brucella abortus vaccine. It was concluded that even bulls that are seronegative for brucellosis can eliminate the bacteria in the semen. The presence in the DNA of the B19 vaccine strain should be investigated for a better understanding of the epidemiological importance of this strain in these animals.

Evaluation of strongyloidiasis in kennel dogs and keepers by parasitological and serological assays.

Strongyloides stercoralis is an intestinal nematode with worldwide distribution, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Due to the low sensitivity of traditional parasitological methods, the detection of serum specific antibodies may serve as an alternative test for the diagnosis. The aims of the present study were to verify the occurrence of S. stercoralis and the presence of specific IgG antibodies to the parasite in kennel dogs and keepers, using parasitological and serological assays. A total of 181 dogs were examined from 7 breeding kennels in the city of Uberlândia, southeastern region of Brazil and distributed as follows: kennel A (n=41), kennel B (n=16), kennel C (n=11), kennel D (n=63), kennel E (n=11), kennel F (n=18) and kennel G (n=21). Fecal and serum samples from 11 keepers responsible for kennel cleaning and dog control were also collected in five of the seven kennels (two from kennel A, one from kennel B, four from kennel D, two from kennel E and two from kennel G). Overall, enteroparasites were detected by parasitological assays in 66, 36.5% (95% CI: 2.5-43.4%) of the 181 dogs tested. Only one (0.6%) dog was copropositive for S. stercoralis. Among the keepers only one fecal sample, 9.1% (95% CI: 8.6-9.4%) was positive for hookworm by the Lutz method. Serological assays showed that 44 (24.3%) of the 181 dogs were seropositive for S. stercoralis in at least one of the tests in the following kennels: 21 (11.6%) in kennel A; 1 (0.6%) in kennel B; 5 (2.7%) in kennel C; 6 (3.3%) in kennel D; 1 (0.6%) in kennel E; 9 (4.9%) in kennel F and 1 (0.6%) in kennel G. Among the keepers no S. stercoralis seropositive samples were identified using IFAT but 2 (18.2%) of the keepers from kennel D and 1 (9.1%) from kennel G were seropositive by ELISA. The present study demonstrated that the occurrence of S. stercoralis infection in kennel dogs and keepers is low in the city of Uberlândia and that serological assays can contribute to the diagnosis of canine as well as human strongyloidiasis.

Reproductive periods of Lucina pectinata (BIVALVE; LUCINIDAE) in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, Paraná - Brazil.

The objectives of the present study is to describe the size for exploitation and gonadal maturation of L. pectinata in Peças Island in Paraná coast. Twenty two individuals were sampled every month, from an intertidal flat of the Peças River, Municipality of Guaraqueçaba, during two periods - summer/autumn and winter of the 2009. Environmental parameter data was obtained at the same time of the biological sampling: temperature, salinity and seawater transparency at the Peças River mouth. The animals' height, length, width, gross weight, wet weight of meat and dry weight of meat were measured at the lab. The gonad development stages (GDS), condition index (CI) and yield index (Y) were calculated. Sex identification was conducted by direct observation of the gonads and gametes under an optic microscope. Individuals were classified as males (M), females (F) or undetermined (U). The medium height observed was of 49.62 ± 6.84 mm. Period of more expressive gonad repletion were observed in summer when water temperature was higher. Results of GDS in both periods showed a predominance of partially filled gonad stages. This may be related with the fact that L. pectinata has intense gametogenesis activity, that is, the organisms do not have a resting interval, but go back to gonad restructuring rapidly after releasing the gametes. The continuity of the reproductive cycle of the specimens found in both studied periods could demonstrate a possible continuous reproduction of the species and a size for exploitation above 40.00 mm of height.

Enteroviruses as a possible cause of myocarditis, pericarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy in Belém, Brazil.

We attempted to assess the role of enteroviruses in the etiology of myocarditis (MC), pericarditis (PC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) among 15 in-patients at a public hospital in Belém, Brazil, from November 1992 to December 1993. We obtained stool specimens and throat swabs from each patient (particularly acute cases) and, when possible, acute and convalescent serum samples for both isolation and serological procedures. MC, PC and DCM occurred in 10, 2 and 3 patients, respectively, mostly in the 0- to 10-year age group. Neutralizing antibody seroconversions were detected as follows: one for Coxsackievirus (Cox) B2 in one patient suffering from MC, and two for Cox B4, in patients with DCM and MC. In addition, antibody titers of 1/320 against Cox B2 and Cox B4 were noted in two other patients, one suffering from PC and the other presenting MC. Isolation of echovirus (ECHO) serotype 1 was recorded in a patient with MC, without either seroconversion or high antibody levels for Cox B 1 to 6. These results indicate that enteroviruses may be involved in the etiology of MC, PC and DCM in the Amazon region.

Detection of enteroviral sequence in endomyocardial tissues from patients with cardiac diseases in northern Brazil.

In the present report we describe the results from a pilot study aimed at detecting enterovirus sequence in cardiac tissues, obtained through endomyocardial biopsies, from patients suffering from cardiac diseases in the Amazon region. Six samples that were collected from three patients were analysed by RT-PCR showing 3 positive and 3 negative results. These preliminary findings suggest the participation of enteroviruses in the etiology of cardiac diseases, mainly myocarditis, and warrant further and broader local studies on this subject.

Reproductive periods of Lucina pectinata (BIVALVE; LUCINIDAE) in the Paranaguá Estuarine Complex, Paraná - Brazil / Período reprodutivo de Lucina pectinata (BIVLAVE; LUCINIDAE) no Complexo Estuarino de Paranaguá, PR - Brasil

Abstract The objectives of the present study is to describe the size for exploitation and gonadal maturation of L. pectinata in Peças Island in Paraná coast. Twenty two individuals were sampled every month, from an intertidal flat of the Peças River, Municipality of Guaraqueçaba, during two periods – summer/autumn and winter of the 2009. Environmental parameter data was obtained at the same time of the biological sampling: temperature, salinity and seawater transparency at the Peças River mouth. The animals’ height, length, width, gross weight, wet weight of meat and dry weight of meat were measured at the lab. The gonad development stages (GDS), condition index (CI) and yield index (Y) were calculated. Sex identification was conducted by direct observation of the gonads and gametes under an optic microscope. Individuals were classified as males (M), females (F) or undetermined (U). The medium height observed was of 49.62 ± 6.84 mm. Period of more expressive gonad repletion were observed in summer when water temperature was higher. Results of GDS in both periods showed a predominance of partially filled gonad stages. This may be related with the fact that L. pectinata has intense gametogenesis activity, that is, the organisms do not have a resting interval, but go back to gonad restructuring rapidly after releasing the gametes. The continuity of the reproductive cycle of the specimens found in both studied periods could demonstrate a possible continuous reproduction of the species and a size for exploitation above 40.00 mm of height.

Resumo O presente estudo tem como objetivo descrever o tamanho de exploração e a maturação gonadal de L. pectinata na Ilha das Peças no litoral do Paraná. Vinte e dois indivíduos foram amostrados mensalmente na região entre-marés no Rio das Peças, Município de Guaraqueçaba, durante 2 períodos – verão/outono e inverno de 2009. Paralelamente às amostragens, foram obtidos dados dos parâmetros ambientais: temperatura, salinidade e transparência da água do mar na foz do Rio das Peças. A altura, comprimento, largura, peso bruto, peso úmido da carne e peso seco da carne dos animais foram medidos no laboratório. Foram calculados os estágios de desenvolvimento gonadal (EDG), índices de condição (IC) e de rendimento (R). A Identificação do sexo foi realizada por observação direta das gônadas e gametas sob microscópio óptico. Os indivíduos foram classificados como: machos (M), fêmeas (F) ou indeterminados (I). A altura média observada foi de 49,62 ± 6,84 mm. O período de maior repleção gonadal foi observado no verão, quando a temperatura da água foi mais elevada. Resultados dos EDG em ambos os períodos mostrou um predomínio de gônadas parcialmente cheias. Isso pode estar relacionado com o fato de que L. pectinata tem atividade gametogênese intensa, ou seja, os organismos não têm um intervalo de repouso, mas voltam a reestruturação das gônadas rapidamente após liberação dos gametas. A continuidade do ciclo reprodutivo dos espécimes encontrados em ambos os períodos estudados, pode demonstrar possível reprodução contínua da espécie e tamanho de exploração superior a 40,00 mm de altura.

Detection of enteroviral sequence in endomyocardial tissues from patients with cardiac diseases in northern Brazil

No presente trabalho, são mostrados resultados de um estudo piloto direcionado à detecção de seqüências de enterovirus em tecido cardíaco obtido a partir de biópsias endomiocárdicas de pacientes com doenças cardíacas na região Amazônica. Seis amostras coletadas de três pacientes foram analisadas por RT-PCR obtendo-se três espécimes positivos e três negativos. Esses achados preliminares sugerem a participação dos enterovirus na etiologia de doenças cardíacas, principalmente miocardites, e justificam estudos mais amplos nesse assunto.

In the present report we describe the results from a pilot study aimed at detecting enterovirus sequence in cardiac tissues, obtained through endomyocardial biopsies, from patients suffering from cardiac diseases in the Amazon region. Six samples that were collected from three patients were analysed by RT-PCR showing 3 positive and 3 negative results. These preliminary findings suggest the participation of enteroviruses in the etiology of cardiac diseases, mainly myocarditis, and warrant further and broader local studies on this subject.

Diverticulo de jejuno perfurado. Relato de um caso. / Perforated diverticulum of the jejunum. Report of a case

Os autores apresentam um caso de diverticulo de jejuno perfurado por espinha de peixe, nao constatando na literatura pertinente nenhum caso semelhante

Enteroviruses as a possible cause of myocarditis, pericarditis and dilated cardiomyopathy in Belém, Brazil

We attempted to assess the role of enteroviruses in the etiology of myocarditis (MC), pericarditis (PC) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) among 15 in-patients at a public hospital in Belém, Brazil, from November 1992 to December 1993. We obtained stool specimens and throat swabs from each patient (particularly acute cases) and, when possible, acute and convalescent serum samples for both isolation and serological procedures. MC, PC and DCM ocurred in 10, 2 and 3 patients, respectively, mostly in the 0- to 10- year age group. Neutralizing antibody seroconversions were detected as follows: one for Coxsackievirus (Cox) B2 in one patient suffering from MC, and two for Cox B4, in patients with DCM and MC. In addition, antibody titers of 1/320 against Cox B2 and Cox B4 were noted in two other patients, one suffering from PC and the other presenting MC. Isolation of echovirus (ECHO) serotype 1 was recorded ina a patient with MC, without either seroconversion or high antibody levels for Cox B 1 to 6. These results indicate that enteroviruses may be involved in the etiology of MC, PC and DCM in the Amazon region.

Angioplastia transluminal coronária na fase intrahospitalar do infarto agudo do miocárdio / Angioplasty, Transluminal, percutaneous coronary

Os autores analisam a utilização da Angioplastia Transluminal Coronária, na fase intrahospitalar no infarto. Incluindo subgrupos de alto risco, mesmo nos pacientes tratados após as primeiras 12 horas. Mostram o estudo de 129 pacientes submetidos a ATC no IAM: 41 (32 'por cento') nas primeiras 6 h: 22 (17 'por cento') de 6 as 12 h e 66 (51 'por cento') após 12 horas. As Classes Funcionais (Killip), foram: I - 43 (33 'por cenro'); II - 26 (20 'por cento'); III - 26 (20 'por cento'); IV - 34 (27 'por cento'). O sucesso angigráfico nas 146 lesöes foi de 95 'por cento' de reperfusão, com 138 vasos dilatados. O sucesso clínico foi de 89 'por cento', (115 em 129), com onze óbitos (todos em CF III e IV). Houve três reoclusöes agudas, duas delas redilatadas com sucesso, foi submetido a revascularização cirúrgica devido a lesöes mjultiarteriais. Vinte e cinco pacientes foram tratados com ATC e implante de stent coronário. Concluem ser a ATC uma forma abrangente e segura de tratamento na fase intrahospitalar do IAM, principalmente nos subgrupos de alto risco, mesmo ultrapassadas as primeiras 6 horas.