"CLUPS": A New Culture Medium for the Axenic Growth of Entamoeba histolytica.

Amebiasis remains a major health problem in Mexico. Therefore, the search for better culture media and low-cost diagnostic and therapeutic tools is fundamental. We present a new culture medium for Entamoeba histolytica which allows the microbe to preserve its virulence factors and ability to induce hepatic abscesses in animal models. The novel CLUPS medium is an improved version of the PEHPS medium, previously designed in our laboratory. The main difference is the substitution of raw beef liver in PEHPS by raw beef lung in the CLUPS medium. To compare the performance of three-culture media (traditional TYI-S-33, PEHPS, and CLUPS), E. histolytica trophozoites were cultured in quintuplicate, followed by the evaluation of phospholipase activity and the induction of liver abscesses in golden hamsters. E. histolytica trophozoites grew significantly better in CLUPS medium than in TYI-S-33. Likewise, CLUPS-cultured trophozoites produced significantly more phospholipases than TYI-S-33-cultured trophozoites. Finally, trophozoites grown in any of the three tested media had similar potential to induce liver abscesses.

Genetic and Biological Characterization of Four Nucleopolyhedrovirus Isolates Collected in Mexico for the Control of Spodoptera exigua (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

This study describes four multiple nucleocapsid nucleopolyhedrovirus isolates recovered from infected larvae of beet armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae), on crops in two different geographical regions of Mexico. Molecular and biological characterization was compared with characterized S. exigua multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (SeMNPV) isolates from the United States (SeUS1 and SeUS2) and Spain (SeSP2). Restriction endonuclease analysis of viral DNA confirmed that all Mexican isolates were SeMNPV isolates, but molecular differences between the Mexican and the reference isolates were detected using PCR combined with restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Amplification of the variable region V01 combined with RFLP distinguished the two Mexican isolates, SeSLP6 and SeSIN6. BglII digestions showed that the majority of the isolates contained submolar bands, indicating the presence of genetic heterogeneity. Amplification of the variable regions V04 and V05 distinguished between American and the Spanish isolates. Biological characterization was performed against two laboratory colonies of S. exigua, one from Mexico, and another from Switzerland. Insects from the Mexican colony were less susceptible to infection than insects from Se-Swiss colony. In the Se-Mex colony, SeSP2 was the most pathogenic isolate followed by SeSIN6, although their virulence was similar to most of the isolates tested. In Se-Swiss colony, similar LD50 values were observed for the five isolates, although the virulence was higher for the SeSLP6 isolate, which also had the highest OB (occlusion body) yield. We conclude that the Mexican isolates SeSIN6 and SeSLP6 possess insecticidal traits of value for the development of biopesticides for the control of populations of S. exigua.

Phytostabilization of arsenic in soils with plants of the genus Atriplex established in situ in the Atacama Desert.

In the ChiuChiu village (Atacama Desert, Chile), there is a high concentration of arsenic (As) in the soil due to natural causes related to the presence of volcanoes and geothermal activity. To compare the levels of As and the growth parameters among plants of the same genus, three species of plants were established in situ: Atriplex atacamensis (native of Chile), Atriplex halimus, and Atriplex nummularia. These soils have an As concentration of 131.2 ± 10.4 mg kg(-1), a pH of 8.6 ± 0.1, and an electrical conductivity of 7.06 ± 2.37 dS m(-1). Cuttings of Atriplex were transplanted and maintained for 5 months with periodic irrigation and without the addition of fertilizers. The sequential extraction of As indicated that the metalloid in these soils has a high bioavailability (38 %), which is attributed to the alkaline pH, low organic matter and Fe oxide content, and sandy texture. At day 90 of the assay, the As concentrations in the leaves of A. halimus (4.53 ± 1.14 mg kg(-1)) and A. nummularia (3.85 ± 0.64 mg kg(-1)) were significantly higher than that in A. atacamensis (2.46 ± 1.82 mg kg(-1)). However, the three species accumulated higher levels of As in their roots, indicating a phytostabilization capacity. At the end of the assay, A. halimus and A. nummularia generated 30 % more biomass than A. atacamensis without significant differences in the As levels in the leaves. Despite the difficult conditions in these soils, the establishment of plants of the genus Atriplex is a recommended strategy to generate a vegetative cover that prevents the metalloid from spreading in this arid area through the soil or by wind.

[Subsequent reoperation obstetric hysterectomy and selective ligation of hypogastric arteries]. / Reintervención posterior a histerectomía obstétrica y ligadura selectiva de arterias hipogástricas.

Background: Bleeding in pregnancy, childbirth or postpartum period is an emergency. Selective internal iliac (hypogastric) arteries ligation is a surgical therapy in selected cases of obstetric massive hemorrhage. It had proven to be safe. Objetive: To evaluate the risk for re-intervention for post-operatory bleeding in patients with obstetric hysterectomy and selective hypogastric arteries ligation. Material and method: Cross-sectional study including women diagnosed with obstetric hysterectomy with and without selective arterial ligation as a factor to assess the risk of re-intervention, from December 2013 to December 2014, at High Specialty Medical Unit 23 of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, in Monterrey, which is a tertiary care medical center. Those patients with 28 weeks of gestation or more were selected. The postoperative blood loss was quantified by open drainage system (Penrose). Results: We performed 88 hysterectomies in the study period. We included 45 women according to selection criteria. The average was 31.9 ± 5.48 years old. Performing a selective hypogastric arteries ligation may be a protective factor (p<0.05) for re-intervention as a consequence of postoperative bleeding. Conclusion: Selective arterial ligation is a factor that could help to prevent a re-intervention. A continuous training of physicians and residents of Gynecology and Obstetrics is essential to ensure the reduction in morbidity and maternal mortality.

[Cervical arthrodesis by means of interbody fusion with autologous bone and/or interbody spacer for cervical disc disease]. / Artrodesis cervical mediante fusión intersomática con hueso autólogo versus espaciador intersomático en discopatía cervical.

UNLABELLED: The purpose of this study was to compare the results of cervical arthrodesis performed through interbody fusion with autologous bone and/or interbody spacer for cervical disc disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Comparative cross-sectional study that included 49 patients who underwent surgery for anterior arthrodesis between January and December 2011, whose clinical records were reviewed. RESULTS: We included 49 patients: 20 (40.8%) males and 29 (59.2%) females. All of them were diagnosed with disc disease (cervical disc herniation) involving one or two levels. Mean operative time was 69.12, with a minimum of 53 and a maximum of 110 +/- 19.61 minutes for cervical arthrodesis with a graft. Mean operative time was 61.18 with a minimum of 50 and a maximum of 96.00 +/- 11.38 minutes for cer vical arthrodesis with an interbody spacer (p = 0.00, Student t test). Patient sociodemographic and clinical characteristics and complications are shown. Patients in whom both surgical techniques were used had appropriate radiological integration, with p = 0.015, considering p < or = a 0.05 as significant, chi2. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with cervical disc disease bone integration is appropriate with the use of either an interbody cage or an autologous iliac crest graft.

Atriplex atacamensis and Atriplex halimus resist As contamination in Pre-Andean soils (northern Chile).

The Pre-Andean area of Chile exhibits saline soils of volcanic origin naturally contaminated with arsenic (As), and we hypothesise that revegetation with resistant species may be a valid alternative for soil management in this area. Thus, the xerophytic and halophytic shrubs Atriplex halimus and Atriplex atacamensis were cultivated in containers for 90 days in Pre-Andean soil, As-soil, (111±19 mg As kg(-1), pH8.4±0.1) or control soil (12.7±1.1 mg As kg(-1), pH7.8±0.1) to evaluate As accumulation and resistance using stress bioindicators (chlorophylls, malondialdehyde (MDA) and total thiols). Sequential extraction of As-soil indicated that 52.3% of As was found in the most available fraction. The As distribution was significantly different between the species: A. halimus translocated the As to leaves, whilst A. atacamensis retained the As in roots. At 30 and 90 days, A. halimus showed similar As concentrations in the leaves (approximately 5.5 mg As kg(-1)), and As increased in stems and roots (up to 4.73 and 16.3 mg As kg(-1), respectively). In A. atacamensis, As concentration was lower (2.6 in leaves; 3.2 in stems and 6.9 in roots in mg As kg(-1)). Both species exhibited a high concentration of B in leaves (362-389 mg kg(-1)). If the plants are used for animal feed, it should be considered that A. halimus accumulates higher concentration of As and B in the leaves than A. atacamensis. Neither plant growth nor stress bioindicators were negatively affected by the high levels of available As, with the exception of MDA in the leaves of A. halimus. The results indicate that these plants resist contamination by arsenic, accumulating mainly the metalloid in the roots and can be recommended to generate plant cover in As-contaminated soils in the Pre-Andean region, under saline conditions controlled, preventing the dispersion of this metalloid via wind and leaching.

Parasitosis intestinales y tisulares y su relación con la eosinofilia en una comunidad indígena Yukpa de la Sierra de Perijá, estado Zulia / Intestinal and tissue parasites and their relation with eosinophilia in a Yukpa Amerindian community from the Mountains of Perijá, state of Zulia

Para determinar la prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales y tisulares y su relación con la eosinofilia en una comunidad indígena Yukpa, se analizaron 91 muestras fecales y sanguíneas. A las muestras fecales se les practicó examen coproscópico y concentrado. Se realizó hematología completa para determinar cuenta blanca y porcentaje de eosinófilos, y en suero se efectuó un test de ELISA para la detección de anticuerpos anti- Toxocara canis y anti- Toxoplasma gondii. Se observó una elevada prevalencia de parasitosis intestinales (90,10%). Se apreció predominio de protozoarios sobre helmintos, siendo para los primeros el más prevalente Blastocystis sp. (51,64%) y para los segundos Ascaris lumbricoides (38,46%). La seroprevalencia de anticuerpos anti-Toxocara canis fue de 24,17% y anti-Toxoplasma gondii de 43.95%. No se observó diferencias estadísticamente significativas entre los grupos de edad y sexo en las diferentes parasitosis intestinales y tisulares. No se encontró asociación entre la seroprevalencia para Toxocara canis y la eosinofilia. Se apreció una asociación estadística significativa entre la presencia de eosinofilia y las helmintiasis. Estos resultados sugieren que existe una alta prevalencia de infecciones parasitarias en estas comunidades debido probablemente a sus costumbres y las condiciones sanitarias en las que habitan.

To determine the prevalence of intestinal and tissue parasites and their relationship with eosinophilia in Yukpa Amerindians, 91 fecal and blood samples were analyzed. The fecal samples underwent microscopic and concentrated examinations. Complete hematology was performed to determine white count and percentage of eosinophils; and ELISA tests were performed on the serum to detect anti-Toxocara canis and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies. A high prevalence of intestinal parasites (90.10%) was observed. The predominance of protozoa over helminths was noted; for the first, the most prevalent were Blastocystis hominis (51.64%), and for the second, Ascaris lumbricoides (38.46%). Seroprevalence of anti-Toxocara canis antibodies was 24.17% and for anti-Toxoplasma gondi, 43.95%. No statistically significant differences were observed between age and sex groups for the different intestinal and tissue parasites. No association between seroprevalence for Toxocara canis and eosinophilia was found. A statistically significant association between the presence of eosinophilia and helminthiasis was observed. These results suggest that there is a high prevalence of parasitic infections in these communities due probably to their customs and the sanitary conditions in which they live.

Closure of midline contaminated and recurrent incisional hernias with components separation technique reinforced with plication of the rectus muscles.

PURPOSE: Midline incisional hernia reconstruction by defect closure and reinforcement with either prosthetic or biologic materials has shown to significantly decrease recurrence rates even for complex cases. The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcomes regarding large incisional hernia reconstruction with components separation technique using rectus muscle plication as a reinforcement method. METHODS: Thirteen patients having large midline incisional hernias and either history of abdominal wall contamination or recurrence in the presence of mesh were treated between January 2007 and December 2011 with closure using components separation technique reinforced by rectus muscle plication. RESULTS: Average hernia square was 222 cm(2), and mean follow-up was 24 months. Complications occurred in 6 patients with a mean time to resolution of 59 days. One recurrence was present. CONCLUSIONS: When use of mesh or biologic materials is not desired, rectus muscle plication is a feasible tool as a reinforcement method after large hernia closure with components separation.

Habilidad de cuidado de los profesionales de enfermería de unainstitución prestadora de servicios de salud / The Care ability of nursing professionals in a health care providing institution

Objetivo: Medir la habilidad de cuidado de los profesionales de enfermería que laboran en una InstituciónPrestadora de Servicios de Salud de tercer nivel de la ciudad de Sincelejo, Colombia, en el 2009. Metodología:Estudio descriptivo, cuantitativo de corte transversal: la muestra estuvo conformada por 30 enfermeros del áreaasistencial, a quienes se les aplicó el Inventario de Habilidad de Cuidado, que mide tres categorías: conocimiento,valor y paciencia. La información se procesó a través del programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS).Resultados: En la caracterización de los cuidadores se reportó que la edad estuvo comprendida entre 20 a 30 añosen el 53,3%, el sexo femenino predominó en el 80,0% de los participantes, el estado civil casado ocupó un 60,0%,eltiempo de experiencia laboral superó los 60 meses en el 67,0% y el 93,0% expresó no padecer enfermedades crónicas.En cuanto a la habilidad de cuidado, el 46,6% se ubicó en la categoría media, el 40,0% en la baja y el 13,3% en la alta.Conclusiones: Los resultados muestran la necesidad de fortalecer en los cuidadores profesionales las capacidadesde afrontamiento ante situaciones cotidianas del acto de cuidar, en las dimensiones conocimiento, valor ypaciencia.

Objetive: To measure the caring ability of nursing professionals that work in a third level Health Care ProvidingInstitution in Sincelejo, Colombia. Methodology: This being a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study, thesample consisted of 30 nurses from the care area, which were administered the Care Ability Inventory, whichmeasures three categories: knowledge, value and patience. The information was processed through the StatisticalPackage for the Social Sciences: SPSS software. Results: The caregivers characterization reported that the age wasbetween 20 to 30 years in the 53,3%, females predominated in 80,0% of the participants, the marital status, married,occupied 60,0%, work experience history surpassed 60 months 67,0% and 93,0% declared not suffering any chronicillnesses. In the caring ability aspect, 46,6% were placed in the medium category, 40,0% in the low and 13,3% in thehigh. Conclusions: The results show the need to strengthen the capacity of professional caregivers to face theeveryday situations in the act of caring, in the aspects of knowledge, value and patience.

Total and bioavailable arsenic concentration in arid soils and its uptake by native plants from the pre-Andean zones in Chile.

Arsenic is the most important contaminant of the environment in northern Chile. Soil samples and plant organs from three native plant species, Pluchea absinthioides, Atriplex atacamensis and Lupinus microcarpus, were collected from arid zones in order to determine the total and bioavailable arsenic concentrations in soils and to assess the bioconcentration factor (BCF) and transport index (Ti) of arsenic in the plants. Total arsenic concentrations in soils (pH 8.3-8.5) where A. atacamensis and P. absinthioides were collected, reached levels considered to be contaminated (54.3 ± 15.4 and 52.9 ± 9.9 mg kg⁻¹, respectively), and these values were approximately ten times higher than in soils (pH 7.6) where L. microcarpus was collected. Bioavailable arsenic ranged from 0.18 to 0.42% of total arsenic concentration. In the three plant species, arsenic concentration in leaves were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher than in roots. L. microcarpus showed the highest arsenic concentration in its leaves (9.7 ± 1.6 mg kg⁻¹) and higher values of BCF (1.8) and Ti (6.1), indicating that this species has a greater capacity to accumulate and translocate the metalloid to the leaf than do the other species.

Lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on the development, survival and reproduction of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The lethal and sublethal effects of the ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were investigated by feeding a methoxyfenozide-treated diet to fifth instars until pupation in doses corresponding to the LC10 and LC25 for the compound. Larval mortality reached 8% and 26% in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12% for the LC10 and 60% for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. The development period for males and females was about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. In contrast, the compound affected neither pupae nor adult longevity. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their mean cumulative number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), nor percentages of eggs hatched (fertility), or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.

Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Methoxyfenozide on the Development, Survival and Reproduction of the Fall Armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The lethal and sublethal effects of the ecdysone agonist methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith), were investigated by feeding a methoxyfenozide-treated diet to fifth instars until pupation in doses corresponding to the LC10 and LC25 for the compound. Larval mortality reached 8 percent and 26 percent in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12 percent for the LC10 and 60 percent for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. The development period for males and females was about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. In contrast, the compound affected neither pupae nor adult longevity. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their mean cumulative number of eggs laid per female (fecundity), nor percentages of eggs hatched (fertility), or the sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.

Assessment of total mercury levels in Clarias gariepinus from the Sagua la Grande River, Cuba.

Total mercury levels (Thg) were quantified in Clarias gariepinus captured from the Sagua la Grande River (Cuba) in the vicinity of an active chlor-alkali plant, and relationships among place of capture; fish size, weight, and sex; and THg levels were assessed. THg levels ranged from 67 to 375 ng/g ww in collected fish, never exceeding the Cuban recommended maximum limit for fish consumption of 500 ng/g ww. No significant correlation was observed between mercury levels and fish allometric characteristics (p < 0.05); however, levels were significantly higher in fish captured below the chlor-alkali facility, suggesting a connection between mercury bioaccumulation and plant discharges.

Estimate of mercury and methyl mercury intake associated with fish consumption from Sagua la Grande River, Cuba.

This paper provides an estimate of the weekly intake of total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MeHg) from consumption of fish from the Sagua la Grande River, Villa Clara, Cuba, by determining the THg levels in different fish species. The levels varied between 0.143 and 0.484 µ g g(-1) on a fresh weight basis. None of the analysed fish was found to have levels above the national and international regulatory levels, although THg levels over 0.2 µ g g(-1), the threshold concentration established by the World Health Organization (WHO) for the consumption by vulnerable population groups, were found in 75% of samples. The MeHg level was found to be 84% of the THg content. A Food Frequency Survey was given to 127 townspeople to estimate river fish consumption. The weekly intake of MeHg was found to be greater than the value established by the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) in 50% of children, in 80% of pregnant women, and in 75% of women in childbearing age. These weekly intakes can represent an important risk to the population's health, especially for vulnerable groups.

Effects of larval exposure to sublethal concentrations of methoxyfenozide in Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith).

Methoxyfenozide is an ecdysone agonist, the most new class of insect growth regulators. Most studies of the toxicity of ecdysone agonists on lepidopteran pests have been conducted during the larval stages, and little has been published regarding its sublethal effects in the surviving individuals. In this study, the lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide on the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) were assessed. For this, fifth instars of this pest were continuously fed, until pupation, with artificial diet containing 0.24 and 0.35 mg of active ingredient/kg diet, which correspond to the LC10 and LC25 values, respectively, for this insecticide. Larval mortality reached 8% and 26% in the low and high concentration groups, respectively, on the seventh day of the experiment. A progressive larval mortality of 12% for the LC10 and 60% for the LC25 was observed before pupation. Treated larvae exhibited lower pupal weights, higher pupal mortality, presence of deformed pupae, and more deformed adults than untreated larvae. The incorporation of methoxyfenozide into the diet had a significant effect on the timing of larval development. Both male and female treated larvae lived about seven days longer than the controls for both concentrations tested. Finally, S. frugiperda adults that resulted from fifth instars treated with methoxyfenozide were not affected in their sex ratio. Our results suggest that the combination of lethal and sublethal effects of methoxyfenozide may have important implications for the population dynamics of the fall armyworm.

Susceptibilidad canina a rabia después de una campaña de vacunación en zonas endémicas del Perú / Dogs susceptibility to rabies after a vaccination campaign in endemic areas of Peru

Objetivo: Determinar el nivel de la respuesta inmune posterior a una campaña de vacunación antirrábica canina en dos zonas que han presentado en los últimos años casos de rabia canina. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una encuesta serológica, en 101 y 199 canes localizados en los distritos de Tambo Grande (Piura) y Juliaca (Puno) respectivamente y se efectuó la prueba del seroneutralización en ratón para determinar la proporción de canes con anticuerpos protectores (¡Ý 0,5 UI/mL) según zona de estudio, antecedentes de vacunación, edad del perro y sexo. Resultados: Después de tres meses de la campaña antirrábica 32% del total de canes estuvieron protegidos adecuadamente, 66% tuvieron antecedentes de vacunación y 44% de los canes vacunados tenían anticuerpos (> 0,1 UI/mL). En Juliaca se encontró mayor protección, contra la rabia, que en Tambo Grande en los perros vacunados (51% frente a 34%, p<0,05). Los canes mayores de un año estaban más protegidos que los menores de un año (p<0,01), sin embargo el sexo del perro no tuvo relación con la protección (p>0,05). Conclusiones: Existe una deficiente protección inmune contra la rabia en los distritos de Tambo Grande y Juliaca, lo cual hace estas zonas muy susceptibles a desarrollar brotes de rabia canina.

Objective: To determine the level of immune response after a mass vaccination campaign against rabies in two areas which presented cases of canine rabies in the last years. Materials and methods: A serologic survey was carried out in 101 and 199 dogs located respectively, in the cities of Tambo Grande (Piura) and Juliaca (Puno) and a rabies serum mouse neutralization test was perform to measure neutralizing antibodies (¡Ý 0,5 UI/mL) according to area of study, vaccination antecedents, age and sex of the dog. Results: After three months of the rabies campaign 32% of all dogs were properly protected, 66% had vaccination antecedents and only 44% of the vaccinated dogs had antibodies (> 0,1 UI/mL). A greater protection against rabies was found in Juliaca than in Tambo Grande in vaccinated dogs (51 vs 34%, p<0,05). Dogs older than a year old were better protected than dogs under a year old (p<0,01), but non relation was found between sex and protection (p>0,05). Conclusions: This study found that there is a poor immune response against rabies in the districts of Tambo Grande, and Juliaca, making them very susceptible to develop dog rabies outbreaks.

Polychaeta (Annelida) associated with Thalassia testudinum in the northeastern coastal waters of Venezuela

Seasonal variations of polychaetes in a Thalassia testudinum bed were studied from June 2000 to April 2001 in Chacopata, northeastern Venezuela. Eight replicate samples were taken monthly with a 15 cm diameter core and the sediment was passed through a 0.5 mm mesh sieve. A total of 1,013 specimens, belonging to 35 species, was collected. The monthly density ranged from 387 ind/m2 (September) to 1,735 ind/m2 in May (x = 989+/-449 ind/m2). Species richness was lowest in August and September (8) and highest (25) in April (x = 18.00+/-5.29). The shoot density of Thalassia showed an average of 284+/-77.60 shoots/m2, with extreme values in February (164) and May (422). Species diversity ranged from 1.25 in August and 3.33 bits/ind in December (x = 2.47+/-0.64). Significant positive correlations were detected among the number of Thalassia shoots, polychaete abundance and species richness, as well as among species richness, polychaete abundance and species diversity. Species number and average density were found within the intervals of mean values reported in similar studies. The higher number of species and organisms obtained in March-April and June-July can be attributed to the recruitment correlated with the regional up-welling.