Zoonotic sporotrichosis in humans and domestic cats: Profile of notifications and spatio-temporal distribution in Southeastern Brazil between 2017 and 2023.

The research addresses zoonotic sporotrichosis in Brazil, particularly caused by Sporothrix brasiliensis, highlighting its epidemiological severity. Transmission occurs through contact with sick animals, especially felines, and diagnosis in humans is challenging due to the low fungal load in the lesions. The study analyzed data from Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) and Zoonosis Surveillance Unit (UVZ) from January 2017 to March 2023, carried out in Contagem, Minas Gerais. Geospatial tools and statistical analysis revealed a significant increase in cases, peaking in 2021 for felines and 2022 for humans. The geospatial analysis highlighted areas of higher incidence, suggesting a correlation between human and feline populations. The research contributes to the understanding of sporotrichosis in Contagem, emphasizing the importance of integrated approaches for surveillance and control strategies, aiming to mitigate impacts on the local community.

The Burden of Helminth Coinfections and Micronutrient Deficiencies in Patients with and without Leprosy Reactions: A Pilot Study in Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Leprosy reactions are immune-mediated complications occurring in up to 50% of patients. The immune consequences of helminth infections and micronutrient deficiencies suggest a potential role in type 1 reactions (T1R) or type 2 reactions (T2R). We conducted a case-control study in Minas Gerais, Brazil, to evaluate whether comorbidities and other factors are associated with reactions in patients with multibacillary leprosy. Stool and serum were tested for helminth infections. Deficiencies of vitamin A, D, and iron were measured using serum retinol, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, and ferritin, respectively. Logistic regression models identified associations between reactions and helminth infections, micronutrient deficiencies, and other variables. Seventy-three patients were enrolled, 24 (33%) with T1R, 21 (29%) with T2R, 8 (15%) with mixed T1R/T2R, and 20 (27%) without reactions. Evidence of helminth infections were found in 11 participants (15%) and included IgG4 reactivity against Schistosoma mansoni, Strongyloides, and Ascaris antigens. Thirty-eight (52%) had vitamin D deficiency, eight (11%) had vitamin A insufficiency, 21 (29%) had anemia, and one (1.4%) had iron deficiency. Multivariable logistic regression showed no statistically significant associations between helminth coinfections and total reactions (adjusted odds ratios [aOR]: 1.36, 95% CI: 0.22, 8.33), T1R (aOR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.17, 4.17), or T2R (aOR: 2.41, 95% CI: 0.29, 20.0). Vitamin D deficiency and vitamin A insufficiency were also not statistically associated with reactions. However, vitamin deficiencies and helminth infections were prevalent in these patients, suggesting a potential role for additional treatment interventions. Studying reactions prospectively may further clarify the role of comorbidities in the clinical presentation of leprosy.

Effect of low-power gallium-aluminum-arsenium laser therapy (830 nm) in combination with bisphosphonate treatment on osteopenic bone structure: an experimental animal study.

Laser therapy is able to modulate cell metabolism and accelerate the repair of fracture. Little attention has been given to the effect of laser on bone with osteopenia or osteoporosis. The purpose of our study was to verify the effect of laser therapy in combination with bisphosphonate on osteopenic bone structure. The 35 Wistar female rats used were divided into five groups: (1) sham-operation rats (control), (2) ovariectomized (OVX'd) rats with osteopenia, (3) OVX'd rats with osteopenia treated with laser, (4) OVX'd rats with osteopenia treated with bisphosphonate and (5) OVX'd rats with osteopenia treated with bisphosphonate and laser. Groups 3 and 5 were given daily 6 mg doses of bisphosphonate orally. Groups 4 and 5 underwent low level laser therapy [gallium-aluminum-arsenium (GaAlAs) laser, 830 nm, 50 mW and 4 J/cm(2)] on the femoral neck and vertebral segments (T13-L2). Both treatments were performed over an 8-week period. Rats from the osteopenic control and osteopenic + laser groups presented marked osteopenia. In the osteopenic + bisphosphonate group, the trabecular bone volume in vertebra L2 was significantly greater than in the osteopenic control group. Notably, in the association between laser and bisphosphonate, the trabecular bone volume was significantly greater in vertebrae L2 and T13 and was similar to that in the sham-operation control group. It was concluded that the laser therapy associated with bisphosphonate treatment was the best method for reversing vertebral osteopenia caused by the ovariectomy.