Remarkable diversity, new records and Leishmania detection in the sand fly fauna of an area of high endemicity for cutaneous leishmaniasis in Acre state, Brazilian Amazonian Forest.

The species richness of Amazonian phlebotomines is considered to be one of the highest in the world. In the present study, we investigated the richness and diversity of phlebotomine fauna in Xapuri city, Acre state, Western Brazilian Amazonia, which is an area that is highly endemic for cutaneous leishmaniasis. Sand fly collections were performed monthly from August 2013 to July 2015 (288 h total of sampling effort) in intradomiciliary, peridomiciliary, and forested environments of two localities. Collected females were dissected, microscopically examined for flagellates in their guts, and preserved in ethanol. A total of 21,197 specimens comprising 14 genera and 57 species were collected, and the majority of these were Nyssomyia, Psychodopygus, and Trichophoromyia genera. Three new records of phlebotomine species for Acre are presented here, including Brumptomyia brumpti, Psathyromyia pradobarrientosi, and for the first time in Brazil, Th. omagua. In Xapuri, the phlebotomine fauna of different ecotopes was varied in regard to abundance, diversity, and frequency, and they included proven and permissive vectors of Leishmania spp. The fauna discovered in the forested areas (57 species) was richer and more diverse than was that (33 species) identified in the peri­ and intra-domiciles. The identification of Leishmania subgenera that were present in sand fly guts according to SSU rRNA sequences revealed ten and three species harboring Leishmania of subgenera Viannia and Leishmania (most likely Leishmania amazonensis), respectively. The presence of Leishmania (Leishmania) in sand flies are reported here for the first time in Acre. The presence of L. (Viannia) spp. in Brumptomyia sp. and Lutzomyia sherlocki. and the occurrence of mixed infections with Leishmania of both subgenera in Ps. lainsoni have been reported for the first time in Brazil. Taken together, data from previous studies and from the present study highlight the remarkable complexity of phlebotomine fauna that is possibly due to the well-preserved Xapuri forested areas sustaining vital economic activities of plant extraction and ecological tourism. Our findings also provide new insights into the ongoing adaptation of Trichophoromyia and Psychodopygus species to human habitats.

Occurrence of geohelminths in the soil of public squares in Rio Branco, Acre State, Brazilian Western Amazon / Ocorrência de geohelmintos em solo de praças públicas em Rio Branco, estado do Acre, Amazônia Brasileira

Soil contamination by dog and cat feces can become a public health problem due to the transmission of various etiologic agents that cause zoonoses. This study aimed to verify the occurrence of geohelminths in the soil of some public square areas of the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre State, Western Brazilian Amazon. Five public squares were selected, and soil samples collection was performed from April 2014 to March 2015. The samples were processed by using the Baermann-Moraes and centrifugal-flotation methods. Geohelminths positivity was of 25% for Tox o c ara spp., 6.6% for the Ancylostomatoidea Superfamily and 1.6 for Trichuris spp.. Measures should be implemented to prevent the free access of animals to these places, as well as deworming of stray dogs and cats and the implementation of population control and policies for such animals.(AU)

A contaminação do solo por fezes de cães e gatos pode se tornar um problema de saúde pública devido à transmissão de vários agentes etiológicos que causam zoonoses. Este estudo objetivou verificar a ocorrência de geohelmintos no solo de praças públicas do município de Rio Branco, estado do Acre, Brasil. Cinco praças públicas foram selecionadas e amostras de solo foram colhidas entre abril de 2014 e março de 2015. As amostras foram processadas pelos métodos de Baermann-Moraes e centrífugo-flutuação. A positividade observada para geohelmintos foi de 25% para Tox o c ara spp., 6,6% para a Superfamília Ancylostomatoidea e 1,6% para Trichuris spp.. Medidas devem ser implementadas para prevenir a livre circulação de animais nestes locais, bem como a desverminação de cães e gatos de rua e a implementação de políticas de adoção e controle populacional de cães e gatos.(AU)

Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis type 2 as probable etiological agent of canine cutaneous leishmaniasis in Brazilian Amazon.

Canine cutaneous leishmaniasis (CCL) is a zoonosis of public health interest, and in the Americas, Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis has been identified as the main etiological agent. The present study sought to investigate Leishmania spp. infection in domestic dogs from a rural area of the Xapuri municipality, Acre state, Brazilian Amazonia. For this purpose, visits were carried out to domiciles where the human cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) occurred, followed by the clinical evaluation of the animals in search of clinical signs suggestive of CCL. Blood samples were collected from 40 dogs, 13 of which had lesions suggestive of CCL, and biopsies of these lesions were performed. The methods used were Neal, Novy, and Nicolle's (NNN) medium cultures and direct parasitological examination. Further, to detect and characterize Leishmania DNA some molecular techniques were performed such as conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing targeting SSU rDNA and ITS1, restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and high resolution melting (HRM) analysis targeting hsp70. The investigation revealed that the results obtained from the parasitological methods were negative. In PCR by ITS1 and network topology sequences, six strains from dogs, isolated from the Peruvian Andes, appeared identical to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis type 2 (99-100%). By other molecular methods these samples turned out to be positive to Leishmania (Viannia) sp.. The diagnosis of Leishmania in domestic dogs from Acre state showed a high proportion of infected animals, and the occurrence of L. braziliensis type 2 in Brazil for the first time. This new report suggests that L. braziliensis type 2 is both trans- and cis-Andean. However, more studies are needed regarding the clinical and diagnostic aspects of this species of Leishmania.

Disney Trap Attractiveness for the Cortelezzii Series (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in a Fishing Tourism Area, Bonito Municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil.

Sand fly fauna is frequently sampled using automatic light or Shannon traps, yet few studies have been devoted to investigating the effectiveness of Disney traps baited with live animals as an attractant. This study sought to identify the phlebotomine fauna attracted to Disney traps having hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus) as bait. A hamster-baited Disney trap was installed in a gallery forest located in Águas do Miranda District, Bonito Municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, from November 2011 to October 2012. A total of 717 phlebotomines were collected, in which male (251) and female (463) specimens of the Cortelezzii series (Diptera: Psychodidae) predominated (99%). Males were attracted from January to July, whereas the females were predominantly attracted from January to May. No significant correlation was observed between the monthly climatic averages of temperature, rains and humidity, and the numbers of insects collected. Although these findings showed the attractiveness of both sexes of the species of the Cortelezzii series to golden hamsters, further studies are needed to investigate the blood meal preferences of these females to other rodents. As rodents have been reported as reservoirs of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), research using live-baited traps can reveal feeding preferences of sand flies and the importance of various rodent species in the zoonotic cycle.

Canine visceral leishmaniosis in an area of fishing tourism, Bonito Municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul, Central-West Brazil / Leishmaniose visceral canina em área de turismo pesqueiro, município de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Centro-Oeste do Brasil

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to investigate Leishmania infection in a population of dogs (92 animals) in a fishing area of Bonito Municipality, and evaluate comparatively the serological methods used, immunoenzymatic assay (ELISA), indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT), and rapid Dual Path-Platform test (DPP®). Blood and aspirate of bone marrow samples were used and parasitological investigation was also performed, such as parasite isolation in Neal, Novy, Nicolle (NNN) medium culture, Woo technique, Giemsa stained smears and specific identification by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). IFAT revealed 56/92 seropositive, the ELISA 8/92 and the DPP®41/92. Regarding the agreement between the serological tests by the Kappa index, there was a slight agreement between ELISA/IFAT and ELISA/DPP®, and fair agreement in IFAT/DPP®. The NNN culture was positive in three out of 21 dogs, and identified by PCR as Leishmania infantum chagasi. No samples were positive by the Woo technique. Our results showed low agreements between the serological tests recommended by the Brazilian Ministry of Heath, and it is necessary to associate other diagnostic techniques, such as parasitological tests and PCR, to increase the sensitivity for canine visceral leishmaniosis diagnosis, mainly regarding asymptomatic dogs in endemic areas.

RESUMO: O estudo teve como objetivo verificar a infecção por Leishmania em uma população de cães (n=92 animais) de uma área de turismo de pesca no município de Bonito e avaliar comparativamente os métodos sorológicos utilizados, ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA), reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) e teste rápido de plataforma dupla (DPP®). Testes parasitológicos também foram realizados, como o isolamento do parasita em meio de cultura Neal, Novy, Nicolle, técnica de Woo, esfregaços em lâminas coradas com Giemsa e identificação específica pela reação em cadeia da polimerase (PCR). A RIFI revelou sorologia positiva de 56/92, ELISA 8/92 e DPP®41/92. Quanto à concordância entre os testes sorológicos pelo índice Kappa, houve um ligeiro acordo entre ELISA/RIFI e ELISA/DPP®, e uma concordância razoável entre RIFI/DPP®. A cultura NNN foi positiva em três cães, e identificada por PCR como Leishmania infantum chagasi. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva pela técnica de Woo. Nossos resultados mostraram baixas concordâncias entre os testes sorológicos recomendados pelo Ministério da Saúde, sendo necessário associar a outras técnicas de diagnóstico, como testes parasitológicos e PCR, para aumentar a sensibilidade ao diagnóstico de leishmaniose visceral canina, principalmente, com relação aos cães assintomáticos em áreas endêmicas.

Attractiveness of black and white modified Shannon traps to phlebotomine sandflies (Diptera, Psychodidae) in the Brazilian Amazon Basin, an area of intense transmission of American cutaneous leishmaniasis.

In the Amazon region the phlebotomine fauna is considered one of the most diverse in the world. The use of Shannon traps may provide information on the anthropophily of the species and improve the traps' performance in terms of diversity and quantity of insects collected when white and black colored traps are used together. This study sought to verify the attractiveness of the traps to the phlebotomine species of the Brazilian Amazon basin using Shannon traps under these conditions. The insects were collected using two Shannon traps installed side by side, one white and the other black, in a primary forest area of the municipality of Xapuri, Acre, Brazil. Samples were collected once a month during the period August 2013 to July 2015. A sample of females was dissected to test for natural infection by flagellates. A total of 6,309 (864 males and 5,445 females) specimens (36 species) were collected. Psychodopygus carrerai carrerai (42%), Nyssomyia shawi (36%), and Psychodopygus davisi (13%), together represented 90% of the insects collected. Nyssomyia shawi and Psychodopygus davisi were more attracted by the white color. Specimens of Nyssomyia shawi, Nyssomyia whitmani, and Psychodopygus hirsutus hirsutus were found naturally infected by flagellates in the mid and hindgut. This is the first study in Acre state using and comparing both black and white Shannon traps, demonstrating the richness, diversity, and anthropophilic behavior of the phlebotomine species and identifying proven and putative vectors of the etiological agents of leishmaniasis.

Epidemiological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in an endemic area of forest extractivist culture in western Brazilian Amazonia.

The study sought to analyze clinical and epidemiological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Xapuri, Acre, Brazil. Data from 2008 to 2014 registered in the notification records of the disease of the Information System of the Complaints of Notification (SINAN), and the data of the Information Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) available from 2007 to 2013 were used and analyzed in the light of the statistics of the temporal series by the Prais-Winsten method and chi-squared test. A total of 906 cases were registered with 60.2% occurring in men and 39.7% in women. The groups from 0 to 4 years of age (48.0%) and from 5 to 19 years of age (23.3%) were the most affected. Regarding the clinical forms, 77.7% presented CL and 22.3% mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Among the 896 cases with information on the diagnostic methods used, Montenegro's skin test predominated (66.4%), with a positive result of 95.8% for CL and 99.3% for MCL. Treatment with N-methylglucamine antimony was performed in 99.4% of the cases, but discontinuously used in the majority of patients. This study presents information which may be used as a tool for the epidemiological surveillance and control of the disease in Xapuri, a region which depends essentially on forest resources and ecological tourism.

Epidemiological aspects of American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) in an endemic area of forest extractivist culture in western Brazilian Amazonia

ABSTRACT The study sought to analyze clinical and epidemiological aspects of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) in Xapuri, Acre, Brazil. Data from 2008 to 2014 registered in the notification records of the disease of the Information System of the Complaints of Notification (SINAN), and the data of the Information Department of the Unified Health System (DATASUS) available from 2007 to 2013 were used and analyzed in the light of the statistics of the temporal series by the Prais-Winsten method and chi-squared test. A total of 906 cases were registered with 60.2% occurring in men and 39.7% in women. The groups from 0 to 4 years of age (48.0%) and from 5 to 19 years of age (23.3%) were the most affected. Regarding the clinical forms, 77.7% presented CL and 22.3% mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL). Among the 896 cases with information on the diagnostic methods used, Montenegro’s skin test predominated (66.4%), with a positive result of 95.8% for CL and 99.3% for MCL. Treatment with N-methylglucamine antimony was performed in 99.4% of the cases, but discontinuously used in the majority of patients. This study presents information which may be used as a tool for the epidemiological surveillance and control of the disease in Xapuri, a region which depends essentially on forest resources and ecological tourism.

Sandflies in an urban area of transmission of visceral leishmaniasis in midwest Brazil.

The phlebotomine fauna of Campo Grande city, capital of Mato Grosso do Sul state in Brazil, an endemic area for visceral leishmaniasis, has been thoroughly investigated, but all the insect collections were undertaken with automatic light traps. The present study sought to investigate the fauna in this city using Shannon and Disney traps, having human beings and hamsters, respectively, as bait. Both types of traps were installed in forest fragment and peridomiciliary areas in the period from 2007 to 2009. The phlebotomine females were analyzed by PCR for Leishmania identification. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the only species collected in the peridomiciles and rendered a total of 574 specimens with a 5.2:1 male:female ratio. A total of eight species were attracted to the two traps (one of each type) installed in the forest fragment, including: Bichromomyia flaviscutellata, Evandromyia bourrouli, Evandromyia lenti, Lutzomyia longipalpis, Nyssomyia whitmani, Pintomyia christenseni, Psathyromyia bigeniculata, and Sciopemyia sordellii. A total of 143 specimens were collected, Bi. flaviscutellata accounting for 81% and Lu. longipalpis for 1.4% of them. In one female of Lu. longipalpis collected in a Disney trap installed in a peridomicile, Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum DNA was found, thus strengthening the hypothesis that the transmission of leishmaniasis is in fact occurring in the anthropic environment.

Natural infection of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in an area of ecotourism in Central-Western Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Bonito municipality, known as an area of ecoturism, in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, is also a focus of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases, with cases registered in both human and canine populations. This study sought to investigate natural infection by flagellate forms of Leishmania in phlebotomines of the urban area of Bonito. FINDINGS: Sand flies were collected fortnightly from October 2005 to July 2006 with modified automatic light traps installed in peridomiciles and animal shelters in the center and on the outskirts of the city. The females were dissected and their guts observed under an optical microscope. A total of 1977 specimens were captured, Lutzomyia longipalpis (88.4 %) and Bichromomyia flaviscutelata (3.0 %) being the most frequent species. Bi. flaviscutellata was found infected by flagellates that were identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis by indirect immunofluorescence reaction, employing monoclonal antibodies and the biotin-avidin system. This is the first report of natural infection by L. amazonensis in Bi. flaviscutellata in a Brazilian urban area. CONCLUSIONS: As Bi. flaviscutellata is only slightly attracted by humans, the transmission of L. amazonensis in the study area may have a zoonotic character; however, the sympatric occurrence of this parasite and Lu. longipalpis should be taken into consideration by the local health authorities since this sand fly has already been found with L. amazonensis DNA in a focus of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Bonito municipality.

PHLEBOTOMINE FAUNA (DIPTERA: PSYCHODIDAE) IN AN AREA OF FISHING TOURISM IN CENTRAL-WESTERN BRAZIL.

The aim of this study was to identify behavioral aspects of the sandfly fauna of a fishing tourism area in the municipality of Bonito (MS). Monthly captures were undertaken from December 2009 to November 2010, using automatic CDC type light traps, from 18h00 to 06h00, in a forested area, a savannah area, peridomiciles and animal shelters near peridomiciliary areas. Nyssomyia whitmani was the most frequent out of a total of 6,699 specimens collected, belonging to 16 species, followed by Psathyromyia bigeniculata and Lutzomyia longipalpis, found in all the environments investigated, though in their greatest numbers in the animal shelters. Ny. whitmani exhibited its highest frequencies during the dry months, coincident with the fishing season, when the risk of transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis for tourists and inhabitants increases. Noteworthy was the finding of two species naturally infected by flagellates: Ny. whitmani and Pa. bigeniculata. The local population and visiting tourists should be warned of the threat posed by leishmaniasis and the health authorities alerted to the need for adopting environmental sanitary measures, especially regarding such animal shelters as they seem to provide favorable conditions to the proliferation, maintenance and breeding opportunities of phlebotomines.

Phlebotomine fanna (diptera: psychodidae) in anarea of fishing tourism in centtral-western Brazil / Fauna flebotomínea (Diptera: Psychodidae) em área de turismo pesqueiro no Centro-Oeste do Brasil

The aim of this study was to identify behavioral aspects of the sandfly fauna of a fishing tourism area in the municipality of Bonito (MS). Monthly captures were undertaken from December 2009 to November 2010, using automatic CDC type light traps, from 18h00 to 06h00, in a forested area, a savannah area, peridomiciles and animal shelters near peridomiciliary areas. Nyssomyia whitmani was the most frequent out of a total of 6,699 specimens collected, belonging to 16 species, followed by Psathyromyia bigeniculata and Lutzomyia longipalpis, found in all the environments investigated, though in their greatest numbers in the animal shelters. Ny. whitmani exhibited its highest frequencies during the dry months, coincident with the fishing season, when the risk of transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis for tourists and inhabitants increases. Noteworthy was the finding of two species naturally infected by flagellates: Ny. whitmani and Pa. bigeniculata. The local population and visiting tourists should be warned of the threat posed by leishmaniasis and the health authorities alerted to the need for adopting environmental sanitary measures, especially regarding such animal shelters as they seem to provide favorable conditions to the proliferation, maintenance and breeding opportunities of phlebotomines.

O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar aspectos do comportamento da fauna flebotomínea de área de turismo pesqueiro localizada no município de Bonito (MS). Foram realizadas capturas mensais no período de dezembro de 2009 a novembro de 2010, utilizando armadilhas luminosas automáticas do tipo CDC das 18:00h às 6:00h, em matas, área de cerrado, peridomicílios e abrigos de animais próximos a áreas peridomiciliares. De um total de 6.699 espécimes coletados, pertencentes a 16 espécies, Nyssomyia whitmani foi a mais frequente, seguida de Psathyromyia bigeniculata e Lutzomyia longipalpis, encontradas em todos os tipos de ambientes, porém com maior expressão em abrigos de animais. Ny. whitmani apresentou frequências mais elevadas nos meses mais secos, coincidentes com a estação da pesca, o que eleva o risco de transmissão da leishmaniose tegumentar a turistas e moradores da área. Importante ressaltar o encontro de duas espécies naturalmente infectadas por flagelados: Ny. whitmani e Pa. bigeniculata. A população local e turistas devem ser advertidos da ameaça que representam as leishmanioses e as autoridades de saúde alertadas para adoção de medidas de saneamento ambiental, principalmente com relação aos abrigos de animais, que parecem fornecer condições favoráveis para a proliferação, manutenção e reprodução de flebotomíneos.

Natural infection of phlebotomines (Diptera: Psychodidae) by Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis in an area of ecotourism in Central-Western Brazil

Background Bonito municipality, known as an area of ecoturism, in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, is also a focus of visceral and cutaneous leishmaniases, with cases registered in both human and canine populations. This study sought to investigate natural infection by flagellate forms of Leishmania in phlebotomines of the urban area of Bonito.Findings Sand flies were collected fortnightly from October 2005 to July 2006 with modified automatic light traps installed in peridomiciles and animal shelters in the center and on the outskirts of the city. The females were dissected and their guts observed under an optical microscope. A total of 1977 specimens were captured, Lutzomyia longipalpis (88.4 %) and Bichromomyia flaviscutelata (3.0 %) being the most frequent species. Bi. flaviscutellata was found infected by flagellates that were identified as Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis by indirect immunofluorescence reaction, employing monoclonal antibodies and the biotin-avidin system. This is the first report of natural infection by L. amazonensis in Bi. flaviscutellata in a Brazilian urban area.Conclusions As Bi. flaviscutellata is only slightly attracted by humans, the transmission of L. amazonensis in the study area may have a zoonotic character; however, the sympatric occurrence of this parasite andLu. longipalpis should be taken into consideration by the local health authorities since this sand fly has already been found with L. amazonensis DNA in a focus of canine visceral leishmaniasis in Bonito municipality.

Presença de Toxocara spp. e ancilostomídeos em áreas de peridomicílios de uma comunidade pesqueira no Centro-Oeste do Brasil / Presence of Toxocara spp. and hookworms in peridomiciliary areas of a fishing community in the Mid-west region of Brazil

O objetivo do estudo foi verificar a contaminação do solo de peridomicílios de uma comunidade pesqueira localizadano município de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil, onde é frequente a ocorrência de casos de Larva migrans cutânea.Utilizando-se das técnicas de centrifugo-flutuação, Baermann-Moraes e centrifugo- sedimentação, amostras de solo efezes de cães foram analisadas e os resultados evidenciaram altos índices de contaminação por ovos de Toxocara spp.,Ancilostomídeos e larvas de nematoides. Estes achados podem estar associados aos casos de Larvas migrans cutânea eàs elevadas taxas de eosinofilia em escolares daquela comunidade.

The aim of this study was to investigate soil contamination in peridomiciliary areas from a fishing community in themunicipality of Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, where is often found the occurrence of cases of cutaneous larvamigrans. Using the techniques of zinc sulphate centrifugal flotation, Baermann-Moraes and centrifugal sedimentation,soil samples and feces of dogs were analyzed and the results showed high levels of contamination by Toxocara spp.,hookworm and larvae of nematodes. These findings may be associated with cases of cutaneous larva migrans and highrates of eosinophilia in school children of that community.

Enteroparasitos em escolares do distrito Águas do Miranda, município de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul / Enteroparasites in schoolchildren of Águas do Miranda district, municipality of Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

As infecções por enteroparasitos contribuem para o agravamento de problemas socioeconômicos e médicos. A frequência desses parasitos varia de acordo com diversos fatores, tanto do ecótopo (umidade e temperatura do ambiente, deficiência de saneamento básico), como do hospedeiro (idade, grau de escolaridade, hábitos de higiene e nível socioeconômico). O objetivo deste estudo foi identificar infecções por enteroparasitos em crianças do distrito Águas do Miranda, município de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul, visando o tratamento dos casos diagnosticados, e a obtenção de subsídios para a construção da Política de Saneamento Básico na região. Foram realizados exames coproparasitológicos de 115 alunos da Escola Municipal Rural Águas do Miranda. As amostras foram processadas pelo Método de Blagg (MIFC). Foram obtidas 48 (41,7por cento) amostras positivas. A frequência de protozoários, Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica/dispar, Entamoeba coli, Iodamoeba bütschlii e Endolimax nana foi superior à de helmintos, Ancilostomideos, Strongyloides stercoralis e Hymenolepis nana. O índice de infecções por parasitos e ou comensais intestinais sinalizam para a necessidade de verificação das condições de higiene pessoal dos munícipioses, e de saneamento básico do distrito Águas do Miranda, particularmente da qualidade da água consumida pela população.

Injuries and envenoming by aquatic animals in fishermen of Coxim and Corumbá municipalities, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: identification of the causative agents, clinical aspects and first aid measures.

INTRODUCTION: The fishes of continental Brazil have socioeconomic importance due to their potential for sport fishing and commercial and subsistence uses, as seen in the Upper Paraguay River Basin, particularly in the municipalities of the Pantanal region, where it is the second largest economic activity. Injuries caused in professional fishermen are common and poorly studied, as in other regions of the country. METHODS: Data were obtained from questionnaires and interviews with 100 professional fishermen, 50 in each municipality, between December 2008 and October 2009. RESULTS: All the fishermen reported some kind of injury caused by fish stings (78% of injuries) and fish, alligator and snake bites (22%) on the hands (46% of cases) and feet (35% of cases). Most of the patients had mild symptoms. The most severe cases were associated with secondary bacterial infections and required specific treatment and prolonged recovery associated with social and economic losses. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the stressful work conditions, inattention to basic preventive measures and carelessness were factors that contributed to accidents and that the toxicity and ability to inflict mechanical trauma of some aquatic species, plus the ineffective use of first aid and hospital treatment, contributed to the high morbidity and complications in many cases. Data from this study are relevant to the fishing communities of the Pantanal region, since they reveal high rates of accidents, lack of knowledge concerning first aid, initial treatment, injury prevention and lack of medical follow-up of the population.

Injuries and envenoming by aquatic animals in fishermen of Coxim and Corumbá municipalities, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil: identification of the causative agents, clinical aspects and first aid measures / Traumas e envenenamentos por animais aquáticos em pescadores de Coxim e Corumbá, estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil: identificação de agentes causadores, aspectos clínicos e medidas de primeiros socorros

INTRODUCTION: The fishes of continental Brazil have socioeconomic importance due to their potential for sport fishing and commercial and subsistence uses, as seen in the Upper Paraguay River Basin, particularly in the municipalities of the Pantanal region, where it is the second largest economic activity. Injuries caused in professional fishermen are common and poorly studied, as in other regions of the country. METHODS: Data were obtained from questionnaires and interviews with 100 professional fishermen, 50 in each municipality, between December 2008 and October 2009. RESULTS: All the fishermen reported some kind of injury caused by fish stings (78 percent of injuries) and fish, alligator and snake bites (22 percent) on the hands (46 percent of cases) and feet (35 percent of cases). Most of the patients had mild symptoms. The most severe cases were associated with secondary bacterial infections and required specific treatment and prolonged recovery associated with social and economic losses. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that the stressful work conditions, inattention to basic preventive measures and carelessness were factors that contributed to accidents and that the toxicity and ability to inflict mechanical trauma of some aquatic species, plus the ineffective use of first aid and hospital treatment, contributed to the high morbidity and complications in many cases. Data from this study are relevant to the fishing communities of the Pantanal region, since they reveal high rates of accidents, lack of knowledge concerning first aid, initial treatment, injury prevention and lack of medical follow-up of the population.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os peixes continentais do Brasil têm grande importância socioeconômica, tanto pelo potencial para a pesca esportiva, quanto para a pesca comercial e de subsistência, como é notado na bacia do Alto Rio Paraguai, particularmente, nos municípios da região do Pantanal. Ferimentos e envenenamentos em pescadores profissionais são comuns e pouco estudados. MÉTODOS: Foram entrevistados 100 pescadores profissionais, 50 em cada município, entre dezembro/2008 e outubro/2009. RESULTADOS: Todos relataram ter sofrido algum tipo de acidente, sendo estes causados por ferrões de peixes (78 por cento dos acidentados) e mordidas de peixes, jacarés ou serpentes (22 por cento), estes ocorridos em maioria nas mãos (46 por cento dos casos) e pés (35 por cento dos casos). A maioria dos pacientes apresentou sintomas leves. Os casos mais graves apresentavam infecções bacterianas e necessitaram de tratamento específico e tempo prolongado de recuperação, o que condicionou às vítimas prejuízos socioeconômicos. CONCLUSÕES: Os resultados deste estudo indicam que, no plano social, as condições estressantes do trabalho, a desatenção com medidas preventivas básicas e o descuido foram os fatores que mais contribuíram para os acidentes. Por outro lado, a capacidade de algumas espécies de envenenar ou de produzir traumas mecânicos e o emprego de primeiros socorros e tratamentos hospitalares ineficazes contribuíram para a grande morbidade e complicações em muitos casos. Os dados deste estudo são relevantes para as comunidades pesqueiras do Pantanal, uma vez que revelam altos índices de acidentes de trabalho, inexistência de noções de primeiros socorros ou prevenção dos acidentes e ausência de atendimento médico continuado junto a estas populações.

Comportamento biológico de Leishmania (L. ) amazonensis isolada de um gato doméstico (Felis catus) de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil / Biological behavior of Leishmania (L. ) amazonensis isolated from a cat (Felis catus) from Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil

Embora os principais reservatórios mamíferos de Leishmania descritos nas Américas sejam roedores, gambás, endentados, equinos, caninos e primatas, tem-se discutido o papel do gato como hospedeiro de Leishmania em razão do encontro de felinos infectados nos últimos anos. Este trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o comportamento histopatológico das lesões características de leishmaniose cutânea em camundongos infectados, com uma amostra de Leishmania amazonensis isolada de um gato em Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. A avaliação histopatológica foi realizada de acordo com a intensidade e a composição do infiltrado inflamatório e a quantidade de parasitos. O estudo mostrou um elevado grau de parasitismo cutâneo na pata 20 dias após a infecção dos camundongos, demonstrando a elevada e rápida infectividade da amostra. Associado à infecção, foi observado um infiltrado inflamatório linfo-histiocitário, eosinofílico intenso e difuso e necrose moderada e difusa. É importante salientar que, no gato de origem, não foram detectadas doenças com características imunossupressoras. Não se verificou a ocorrência de visceralização, uma vez que não foram observados parasitos no fígado e no baço. Apesar disso, constatou-se reação inflamatória focal e perivascular no fígado.

Even though the main mammalian reservoirs of Leishmania described in the Americas are rodents, opossums, horses, canines, and primates, the role of the cat as a host of Leishmania has also been discussed. This work was performed in order to study the histopathology of cutaneous lesions of mice infected with Leishmania(L.) amazonensis isolated from a cat in Ribas do Rio Pardo, Mato Grosso do Sul,Brazil. The histopathological analysis comprised an assessment of the intensity and composition of the inflammatory infiltrate, as well as parasite load. Mice exhibited a high degree of cutaneous parasitism in the paw, at 20 days post infection,demonstrating the high and rapid infectivity of the sample isolated from the cat. An intense and diffuse lymphohistiocytic, eosinophilic inflammatory infiltrate anda diffuse, moderate necrosis were observed at the site of infection. It is important to note that the original cat presented no sign of imunosuppressive disease. The occurrence of visceralization was not observed, since no parasites were found in the liver or spleen 60 days after infection. Nonetheless, the liver presented focal and perivascular inflammatory reactions.

Epidemiological study on leishmaniasis in an area of environmental tourism and ecotourism, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, 2006-2007.

The aims of this study were to carry out a serological survey of canine leishmaniasis and identify the phlebotomine fauna in the urban area of Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul. The serological survey was conducted on a sample of 303 dogs, by means of the indirect immunofluorescence test. Phlebotomines were captured using automated light traps. The serological survey found that 30% of the dogs were seropositive, both from the center and from all districts of the town. A total of 2,772 specimens of phlebotomines were caught and the species most found was Lutzomyia longipalpis (90.4%), which corroborated its role as the vector of for canine visceral leishmaniasis in the region. Phlebotomines of the species Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (the main vector for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis) and Nyssomyia whitmani (the vector for Leishmania (Viannia) brasiliensis) were also caught. The findings indicate the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance, with attention towards diminishing the vector breeding sites and the transmission of these diseases in that region.

Epidemiological study on leishmaniasis in an area of environmental tourism and ecotourism, State of Mato Grosso do Sul, 2006-2007 / Estudo epidemiológico das leishmanioses em área de turismo ambiental e ecoturismo, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, 2006-2007

The aims of this study were to carry out a serological survey of canine leishmaniasis and identify the phlebotomine fauna in the urban area of Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul. The serological survey was conducted on a sample of 303 dogs, by means of the indirect immunofluorescence test. Phlebotomines were captured using automated light traps. The serological survey found that 30 percent of the dogs were seropositive, both from the center and from all districts of the town. A total of 2,772 specimens of phlebotomines were caught and the species most found was Lutzomyia longipalpis (90.4 percent), which corroborated its role as the vector of for canine visceral leishmaniasis in the region. Phlebotomines of the species Bichromomyia flaviscutellata (the main vector for Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis) and Nyssomyia whitmani (the vector for Leishmania (Viannia) brasiliensis) were also caught. The findings indicate the need for continuous epidemiological surveillance, with attention towards diminishing the vector breeding sites and the transmission of these diseases in that region.

O presente trabalho teve por objetivo proceder ao levantamento sorológico para leishmanioses em cães e identificar a fauna flebotomínea da zona urbana de Bonito, Mato Grosso do Sul. O inquérito sorológico foi realizado em amostras de 303 cães com a utilização da reação de imunofluorescência indireta. As capturas de flebotomíneos realizaram-se com armadilhas automáticas luminosas. O inquérito sorológico identificou 30 por cento cães reagentes procedentes do centro e de todos os bairros da cidade. Foram capturados 2,772 exemplares de flebotomineos, sendo a espécie mais freqüente foi Lutzomyia longipalpis (90.4 por cento), o que corrobora o seu papel de vetora de leishmaniose visceral canina na região. Foram capturados, também, flebotomíneos da espécie Bichromomyia flaviscutellata, principal vetora da Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis, e Nyssomyia whitmani, vetora da Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. Os achados indicam a necessidade de uma contínua vigilância epidemiológica, atentando para a diminuição dos criadouros dos vetores e da transmissão desses agravos naquela região.