Artisanal mining of monazite and cassiterite in the Amazon: Potential risks of rare earth elements for the environment and human health.

Artisanal mining is intensely carried out in developing countries, including Brazil and especially in the Amazon. This method of mineral exploration generally does not employ mitigation techniques for potential damages and can lead to various environmental problems and risks to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) and estimate the environmental and human health risks in cassiterite and monazite artisanal mining areas in the southeastern Amazon, as well as to understand the dynamics of this risk over time after exploitation. A total of 35 samples of wastes classified as overburden and tailings in active areas, as well as in areas deactivated for one and ten years were collected. Samples were also collected in a forest area considered as a reference site. The concentrations of REEs were quantified using alkaline fusion and ICP-MS. The results were used to calculate pollution indices and environmental and human health risks. REEs showed higher concentrations in anthropized areas. Pollution and environmental risk levels were higher in areas deactivated for one year, with considerable contamination factors for Gd and Sm and significant to extreme enrichment factors for Sc. Human health risks were low (< 1) in all studied areas. The results indicate that artisanal mining of cassiterite and monazite has the potential to promote contamination and enrichment by REEs.

Thermographic Profiles in Livestock Systems under Full Sun and Shaded Pastures during an Extreme Climate Event in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil: El Niño of 2023.

The El Niño represents a substantial threat to pastures, affecting the availability of water, forage and compromising the sustainability of grazing areas, especially in the northern region of Brazil. Therefore, the objective of this study was to characterize the thermographic profile of three production systems in the Eastern Amazon, Brazil. The study was conducted on a rural cattle farm in Mojuí dos Campos, Pará, Brazil, between August and November 2023. The experiment involved livestock production systems, including traditional, silvopastoral and integrated, with different conditions of shade and access to the bathing area. An infrared thermographic (IRT) camera was used, recording temperatures in different zones, such as areas with trees, pastures with forage and exposed pastures. The highest mean temperatures (p = 0.02) were observed in pastures with full sun from August to November. On the other hand, the lowest average temperatures were recorded in areas shaded by chestnut trees (Bertholletia excelsa). The highest temperature ranges were found in sunny areas and the lowest were recorded in shaded areas. The highest temperatures were observed in the pasture in full sun, while the lowest were recorded in areas shaded by chestnut trees (p < 0.0001). The interaction between the systems and treatments revealed significant temperature differences (p < 0.0001), with the native trees showing an average temperature of 35.9 °C, lower than the grasses and soil, which reached 61.2 °C. This research concludes that, under El Niño in the Eastern Amazon, areas shaded by Brazil nut trees had lower temperatures, demonstrating the effectiveness of shade. Native trees, compared to grasses and soil, showed the ability to create cooler environments, highlighting the positive influence on different species such as sheep, goats and cattle.

Horse Flies (Diptera: Tabanidae) in Mangrove Forests and Estuarine Floodplains on Marajó Island, Brazil.

Tabanids constitute an important group of hematophagous insects that can transmit zoonoses, but with studies on the ecological distribution of species still neglected in the Amazon. We evaluated the role of mangrove forests and estuarine floodplains located inside and outside a conservation unit (UC) on the coast of Marajó Island, Amazon River estuary, on the diversity and distribution of tabanids. Specifically, we studied whether the community of mangrove and estuarine floodplain tabanids located inside and outside the UC differ in abundance, richness, and species composition. We collected tabanids using a Malaise trap at 40 sampling points, resulting in 637 specimens distributed in 13 species and one morphotype, representing approximately 37% of the tabanid fauna ever recorded for the Marajó Island. There was no significant difference in the richness and composition of tabanids between the phytophysiognomies, but the abundance was significantly different, with greater abundance in the mangrove. The areas inside and around the UC had an influence on the tabanids, with the areas inside the UC having the highest number of specimens and species, also influencing the species composition. Two species are new records for the Marajó Island, bringing the number of species recorded to 38. Our results suggest that, along the Amazonian coast, mangroves and estuarine floodplains maintain part of the diversity of tabanids known for the Brazilian Amazon. Our data also indicate that the region's UC provides potentially important habitats for the maintenance of local tabanid populations.

First molecular detection of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a domestic cat (Felis catus) from an urban area in eastern Amazon.

Background: Domestic cats have been implicated as accidental hosts of Leishmania sp. However, in recent years, the recurrent description of new cases in endemic and nonendemic areas draw attention to the potential epidemiological role of cats as reservoir hosts. Although dogs are considered urban reservoirs, cats could act as a secondary natural reservoirs in these areas. Thus, feline leishmaniasis has become an emerging disease in several countries worldwide. Case presentation: This study aimed to describe the first case of feline leishmaniasis in a stray animal that presented lesions compatible with the disease in Belém, Pará, Brazil, an important urban area in eastern Amazon. Serological tests for Leishmania infantum (ELISA and IFA) were nonreactive, whereas histopathological examination indicated infectious dermatitis caused by Leishmania spp. or Toxoplasma gondii. Cytopathological study of lesion aspirate confirmed the presence of Leishmania sp. amastigotes within macrophages. Finally, molecular analyses revealed that the feline infection was caused by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi. Conclusion: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study reports the first case of natural infection by Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum chagasi in a feline from eastern Amazon. These findings suggest domestic cats as potential secondary reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp. in Belém, which reinforces the importance of further epidemiological investigation of feline leishmaniasis, especially in urban areas with human cases.

Levels and environmental risks of rare earth elements in a gold mining area in the Amazon.

Artisanal gold (Au) mining may have increased the concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in the Serra Pelada mine (southeastern Amazon, Brazil), which has not been evaluated so far. The objectives of this study were to determine the concentrations of cerium (Ce), lanthanum (La), scandium (Sc), and yttrium (Y) in the surroundings of the Serra Pelada mine, as well as the environmental risks associated with these elements. Therefore, 27 samples were collected in agricultural, forest, mining, and urban areas, and submitted to chemical and particle size characterization. The concentrations of REEs were quantified by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and used to estimate pollution indices and environmental risks of the studied elements. All REEs had higher levels in the anthropized areas when compared to the forest area, except Sc in the mining and urban areas. Pollution load indices revealed that all areas are contaminated (>1) by the combined effect of REEs, especially the agricultural areas (index of 2.3). The element of greatest enrichment in the studied areas was Y, with enrichment factors of 18.2, 39.0, and 44.4 in the urban, agriculture, and mining areas, respectively. However, the potential ecological risk indices were low (<150) in all areas, indicating that there are no current environmental risks by the studied REEs.

Bioaccumulation and human health risks of potentially toxic elements in fish species from the southeastern Carajás Mineral Province, Brazil.

Anthropogenic activities may have increased the concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in fish from the southeastern Carajás Mineral Province in Brazil, which has not yet been studied. The objectives were to determine the quality parameters of surface water and bottom sediments, and to assess the bioaccumulation and risks of Al, Fe, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V and Zn in fish species from the southeastern Carajás Mineral Province. Water, sediments and fish species (Colossoma macropomum, Curimata cyprinoides, Geophagus sp., Leporinus trifasciatus, and Serrasalmus eigenmanni) were collected in 14 areas in the municipalities of Parauapebas, Marabá and Canaã dos Carajás, contemplating the Gelado Stream and the Parauapebas, Tapirapé and Itacaiúnas Rivers. Water samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis using a multiparameter meter. Concentrations of PTEs in all samples were quantified by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry. Enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were calculated to study the sediment enrichment and contamination. Ecological and human health risk assessments were performed to determine the risks to the environment and population's health. EF and Igeo revealed that the sediments from the Parauapebas River and Gelado Stream are respectively enriched by Ba, Co, Cu, Cr, Mn, Pb, and Ba, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb and V. The concentrations of Fe (1.67 mg L-1) and Mn (0.11 mg L-1) in water and the concentrations of Cr (>0.1 mg kg-1) and Pb (>2 mg kg-1) in fish were above the Brazilian legislation thresholds. The ecological risk assessment revealed considerable risk from Ni and moderate risk from multiple PTEs in sediments from the Gelado Stream. Human health risks were detected for Pb in all fish species and for Mo in L.trifasciatus. These results indicate that techniques for monitoring and controlling contamination must be implemented by the environmental agencies.

Livestock rabies in Pará state, Brazil: a descriptive study (2004 to 2013) / Raiva em herbívoros no estado do Pará, Brasil: estudo descritivo (2004 a 2013)

Rabies is an important zoonosis to public health associated with lethal encephalitis and economic losses. Analysis of its spatial distribution is a meaningful tool in understanding its dispersion, which may contribute to the control and prophylaxis of the disease. This study analyzed the spatial-temporal distribution of rabies outbreaks in livestock in Pará state, Brazil, from 2004 to 2013. We used records of neurological syndromes obtained from the state's livestock authority (Adepará). The analysis recorded 711 neurological syndromes reports in livestock, of which 32.8% were positive for rabies. In 8% of the neurological syndromes (n=57) was not possible to perform the analysis because of bad-packaging conditions of the samples sent. Outbreaks involved at least 1,179 animals and cattle were the most affected animal species (76.8%). The numbers of reported neurological syndromes and of rabies outbreak shad strong positive correlation and exhibited decreasing linear trend. Spatially, most outbreaks occurred in two mesoregions in Pará (Northeast and Southeast). One of the justifications for this spatial distribution may be related with the distribution of the animals in the state, since these mesoregions are the largest cattle producers in Pará and have most of their territory deforested for pasture implementation.(AU)

A raiva é uma zoonose importante para a saúde pública associada à encefalite letal e às perdas econômicas. A análise de sua distribuição espacial é uma ferramenta importante no entendimento de sua dispersão, o que pode contribuir para o controle e a profilaxia da doença. Este estudo analisou a distribuição espaço-temporal do surto de raiva em rebanhos no estado do Pará, Brasil, entre 2004 e 2013. Foram utilizados registros de síndromes neurológicas obtidas junto à agência de defesa agropecuária do estado (Adepará). A análise revelou 711 notificações de síndromes neurológicas em herbívoros, das quais 32,8% foram positivas para raiva. Em 8% das síndromes neurológicas (n=57) não foi possível realizar as análises devido às más condições das amostras enviadas. Surtos envolveram pelo menos 1.179 animais e os bovinos foram a espécie animal mais afetada (76,8%). Os números de síndromes neurológicas relatadas e de surtos de raiva apresentam forte correlação positiva e exibem tendência linear decrescente. Espacialmente, a maioria dos surtos ocorreu em duas mesorregiões no Pará (Nordeste e Sudeste). Uma das justificativas para essa distribuição espacial pode estar relacionada à distribuição dos animais no estado, uma vez que essas mesorregiões são os maiores produtores de gado do Pará e possuem grande parte do seu território desflorestado para implantação de pastagens.(AU)

Prevalence and molecular characterisation of Calyptospora parasites Overstreet, Hawkins and Fournié, 1984 (Apicomplexa: Calyptosporidae) in fishes from the eastern Amazon, Brazil.

This work reports the occurrence of coccidia of the genus Calyptospora in fishes from the eastern Amazon. Fish were collected on flood plains in the municipality of Macapá, State of Amapá, Brazil. Fresh squash preparations of liver, heart and gallbladder were examined under light microscope. Positive samples of Geophagus proximus and Hoplias malabaricus were used to detect parasites by PCR with Calyptospora-specific primers mRF and mrR, which amplify a region of the 18S rRNA gene. Oocysts were observed in 55% of 130 fishes examined. Parasite prevalence varied according to feeding habits, and was 100% in carnivores, 74% in omnivores (invertivores and detritivores) and 0% in herbivores. Variation in the frequency of parasitized organs showed 100% in the liver, 30% in the gallbladder, and 9% in the heart. The sequences obtained from G. proximus and H. malabaricus were identical and showed 99% similarity to Calyptospora serrasalmi. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the occurrence of Calyptospora in 10 new species of fish from the region of the eastern Brazilian Amazon. The results demonstrate the occurrence of C. serrasalmi in the region and the research provides new primers for the diagnosis of Calyptospora spp.

Richness and composition of anuran assemblages from an Amazonian savanna.

The Amazonian savannas occupy approximately 150,000 km2 of the Brazilian Amazon, occurring in scattered isolated patches over large areas of forest in the states of Amapá, Amazonas, Pará, Roraima and Rondônia. Despite having considerable variation in the Anuran composition between locations and between the savanna's physiognomies, a systematic and geographically wide sampling has not been performed for the savanna from Amapá yet, located in the north of Brazil, eastern Amazonia. In this perspective, a study was conducted on the richness, composition, diversity, and abundance of Anuran species in a ​​savanna area in Amapá State. For Anuran sampling, we performed 24 samples in four physiognomies (grassland savanna, scrub grassland savanna, parkland savanna, open woodland savanna) through an active and auditory search more than 20 sampling plots of 100 × 50 meters in each physiognomy. Twenty-one (21) species of frogs belonging to five families were registered: Bufonidae, Hylidae, Leptodactylidae, Microhylidae and Phyllomedusidae. Scrub grassland savanna registered a greater number of individuals regarding the species richness by physiognomy. The species rarefaction curve for the total area reached an asymptote, suggesting that the data collection effort was enough to adequately sample the species richness of the area. The Kruskal-Wallis variance analysis revealed significant differences in the species richness and diversity among the physiognomies. The Bray-Curtis similarity analysis grouped the physiognomies into three main groups: open woodland savanna, grassland savanna and scrub grassland savanna and parkland savanna. Through ordering by non-metric multidimensional scaling, the species composition from the savanna anuran assemblage resulted in a separation among three sampled physiognomies with significant differences, indicating differences in assemblage composition of the three sampled physiognomies. The local richness (21 species) corresponds to 14% of the 15 typical species that have strongly associated distribution with the Cerrado from Central Brazil, and 35.6% of 59 typical species of neighboring domains which only marginally occur in the Cerrado, representing a considerable part of frog species richness recorded in the savanna in the eastern portion of the Brazilian Amazon.

Length-weight relationship and condition factor of eight fishspecies from the upper Araguari River, State of Amapá, Brazil

The present study estimated parameters of the length-weight relationship (LWR) and allometric condition factor for eight fish species from the upper Araguari River, in the State of Amapá, Brazil. A total of 615 fish of eight species were analyzed: Acestrorhynchus falcatus, A. falcirostris, Ageneiosus inermis, Hemiodus unimaculatus, Hoplias aimara, Myloplus asterias, M. ternetzi and Tometes trilobatus. The allometric condition factor varied from 0.742 to 1.435. The coefficient of allometry ranged from 2.723 to 3.225. The coefficient of determination (R2) of the LWR ranged from 0.742 to 0.985. This is the first estimate of the length-weight relationship for fish from the Araguari River and the first record of these parameters for Myloplus ternetzi and Tometes trilobatus.

Determination of hepatitis B, C and D prevalence among urban and Amerindian populations from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to determine the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HDV in urban populations and Amerindians living in the state of Tocantins (Eastern Amazon). METHODS: A total of 948 individuals were recruited in Tocantinopolis city (Tocantins state) of whom 603 were Amerindians (from 6 tribes) and 345 were non-Amerindians (6 urban areas of Tocantinópolis city). Anti-HCV, HBsAg, anti-HBc, anti-HBs, anti-HBc IgM, anti-HBe, HBeAg, and anti-delta antibodies were determined using enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: HBV cleared infection (both anti-HBc/anti-HBs+), chronic inactive/immune controlled HBV infection (anti-HBc + only), previous HBV vaccination (anti-HBs + only), active HBV infection (HBsAg+), individuals susceptible to HBV, and anti-HCV reactivity were found in 12.9, 1.8, 27.2, 0.5, 57.7, 1.2% in Amerindians and 12.1, 2.0, 37.1, 0.3, 55.4, 0.3% in non-Amerindians respectively. Out of 139 anti-HBc reactive individuals, 70 were anti-HBe reactive and none presented HBeAg or anti-HBc IgM. Anti-HBc prevalence was associated to older age (p < 0.0001). Overall anti-Delta prevalence was 0.3% and regarding anti-HBc reactive individuals, anti-delta prevalence was 3.4 and 0% in Amerindians and non-Amerindians respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overall low prevalence of HBV and HCV infection was found in the populations studied, but high HBV and HCV prevalence was observed in Amerindians compared to non-Amerindians suggesting that these individuals have a higher likelihood of acquiring to these infections. Anti-delta antibodies were found among Amerindians from Eastern Amazon suggesting a risk for this population. Of note is that nearly half of Amerindians had no anti-HBs, indicating a need for HBV vaccination campaigns in this population.

Anuran species composition of Cancão Municipal Natural Park, Municipality of Serra do Navio, Amapá state, Brazil.

In this study, the first survey of anuran species in the Cancão Municipal Natural Park is presented, a protected area of approximately 370 hectares of Amazonian forest located in the northwest center region of the state of Amapá, Brazil. The work was performed during the dry and rainy season, through active visual and auditory survey, totaling 216 man hours of sampling effort. Forty-nine species of anuran amphibians were recorded in the Cancão Municipal Natural Park, including three new records: Hyalinobatrachium iaspidiense, Pristimantis cf. ockendeni, and Scinax garbei. Three species, Hyalinobatrachium iaspidiense, Ameerega pulchripecta, and Anomaloglossus baeobatrachus, are listed as Data Deficient and one is listed as Vulnerable (Atelopus hoogmoedi) according red lists of IUCN. The rarefaction curve cumulative species did not reach an asymptote, indicating that site has potential for species that have not yet been recorded. Nine species were represented by only one individual and were considered rare in the studied environments, eight species were defined as common, and the 32 remaining species were classified as having intermediary abundance. Our data indicated that Cancão Municipal Natural Park contains a considerable portion of the anurans species richness of Amapá state, turn the area into a place of great importance for the conservation of the anurans of the Eastern Amazon.

Leishmania infantum infection in dogs from maroon communities in the Eastern Amazon / Infecção por Leishmania infantum em cães de comunidades quilombolas na Amazônia Oriental

ABSTRACT: This study was designed to detect L. infantum infection in dogs and to evaluate the factors associated with canine visceral leishmaniasis in the maroon communities of Menino Jesus de Petimandeua and Itaboca in the municipality of Inhangapi, Pará, Brazil. Whole blood and intact skin samples were collected from 143 dogs, and a questionnaire was applied. L. infantum DNA was detected by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using primers RV1 and RV2. Collection sites were georeferenced to obtain a spatial distribution of the residences visited and infected dogs. L. infantum DNA was detected in 8.4% (12/143) of the skin samples and in 1.4% (2/143) of the blood samples. On the risk map, three clusters were observed in Itaboca and one was observed in Menino Jesus de Petimandeua. We observed that most of the inhabitants in these maroon communities live close to forested areas and do not use protection against insect vectors. The presence of canine reservoirs of L. infantum associated to environment characteristics (preserved forests and deforested areas) and habits of dog owners (living near forested areas and not using any protection against insects) may favor the transmission of L. infantum in the studied areas.

RESUMO: O presente estudo objetivou detectar a infecção por Leishmania infantum em cães e avaliar os fatores associados com a leishmaniose visceral canina nas comunidades quilombolas Menino Jesus de Petimandeua e Itaboca, município de Inhangapi, Pará, Brasil. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue e de pele íntegra de 143 cães, sendo aplicado um questionário. A detecção do DNA de L. infantum foi realizada através da PCR com os iniciadores RV1 e RV2. Os locais de coleta foram georreferenciados para realizar a distribuição e análise espacial das residências visitadas e dos cães infectados. DNA de L. infantum foi detectado em 8,4% (12/143) das amostras de pele dos cães e em 1,4% (2/143) das amostras de sangue. No mapa de risco, foram observados três aglomerados em Itaboca e um em Menino Jesus de Petimandeua. Pôde-se constatar que a maioria dos moradores das comunidades quilombolas reside em áreas próximas de mata e não utilizam proteção contra insetos vetores. A presença de reservatórios caninos de L. infantum associada com características ambientais (floresta preservada e áreas de desmatamento) e os hábitos dos proprietários dos cães (que vivem perto de áreas de floresta e não usam qualquer tipo de proteção contra insetos) podem favorecer a transmissão de L. infantum nas áreas estudadas.

Three decades of reference evapotranspiration estimates for a tropical watershed in the eastern Amazon

ABSTRACT This study estimated the reference evapotranspiration rate (ETo) for the Itacaiúnas River Watershed (IRW), Eastern Amazonia, and measured the accuracy of eight empirical equations: Penman-Monteith (PM), Priestley-Taylor (PT), Hargreaves and Samani (HS), Camargo (CAM), Thornthwaite (TH), Hamon (HM), Kharrufa (KF) and Turc (TC) using monthly data from 1980 to 2013. In addition, it verifies the regional applicability to the IRW using a for the Marabá-PA station. The methods TC and PM (FAO56) presented the best results, which demonstrate that radiation and higher temperatures are the dominant drivers in the Evapotranspiration process, while relative humidity and wind speed have a much smaller impact. The temporal and spatial variability of ETo for IRW show has strong seasonality, increasing during the dry season and decreasing during the rainy season. The statistical analyses at 1% level of significance, indicates that there is no correlation of the residuals between the dry and rainy seasons, and test of the physical parameters such as mean temperature, solar radiation and relative air humidity explains the variations of ETo.

Taxonomy of Aspidosperma Mart. (Apocynaceae, Rauvolfioideae) in the State of Pará, Northern Brazil / Taxonomia de Aspidosperma Mart. (Apocynaceae, Rauvolfioideae) no Estado do Pará, Brasil

Aspidosperma Mart. is one of the most important genera from Apocynaceae Juss. occurring in Brazil. It is present in many plant formations and has species with both medicinal and economic value. From a taxonomic point of view, many of its species are difficult to identify, especially those occurring in the Amazonian region. In order to complement the information already available with regard to the taxonomy and distribution of the genus, the goal of this work was to provide a taxonomic study of the Aspidosperma species occurring in the state of Pará, northern Brazil. This study was based on the analysis of vouchers from the BHCB, HBRA, IAC, IAN, INPA, MG, R, RB and UEC herbaria, as well as scanned images of vouchers from Brazilian and foreign herbaria, and specimens collected in the field. Species identification was confirmed by analysis of protologues and types (or images). We present taxonomic descriptions, illustrations and one identification key for the 20 species of Aspidosperma found in Pará, with the Baixo Amazonas Mesoregion presenting the largest number of species (17), and the Metropolitana de Belém Mesoregion presenting the smallest number of species (3). Aspidosperma eteanum, A. oblongum, A. salgadense (endemic of Pará) and A. sandwithianum are accepted as species here. Aspidosperma cuspa is a new record for Pará. The fruits of Aspidosperma eteanum and A. salgadense, and the seeds of A. eteanum, have been described and illustrated for the first time.

Dentre os gêneros de Apocynaceae Juss. ocorrentes no Brasil, Aspidosperma Mart. é um dos mais importantes. Está presente em várias formações vegetais e apresenta espécies com valor medicinal e econômico. Do ponto de vista taxonômico, várias de suas espécies são de difícil identificação, principalmente as que ocorrem na Amazônia. Com o intuito de complementar as informações disponíveis sobre a taxonomia e a distribuição do gênero, este trabalho teve por objetivo realizar estudos taxonômicos com as espécies de Aspidosperma ocorrentes no estado do Pará, Brasil. Este estudo foi baseado na análise de exsicatas dos herbários BHCB, HBRA, IAC, IAN, INPA, MG, R, RB e UEC, assim como de imagens digitalizadas de exsicatas de herbários nacionais e estrangeiros, e de materiais coletados. A identificação das espécies foi confirmada por meio de consulta aos protólogos e tipos (ou imagens). São apresentadas descrições, ilustrações e uma chave de identificação para as 20 espécies de Aspidosperma encontradas no Pará, com a Mesorregião do Baixo Amazonas apresentando um maior número de espécies (17), e a Mesorregião Metropolitana de Belém apresentando um menor número de espécies (3). As espécies Aspidosperma eteanum, A. oblongum, A. salgadense (endêmica do Pará) e A. sandwithianum são aqui aceitas. Aspidosperma cuspa é uma nova ocorrência para o Pará. Os frutos de Aspidosperma eteanum e A. salgadense, e as sementes de A. eteanum, estão sendo descritos e ilustrados pela primeira vez.

Molecular detection of Trypanosoma evansi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) in procyonids (Carnivora: Procyonidae) in Eastern Amazon, Brazil / Detecção molecular de Trypanosoma evansi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) em procionídeos (Carnivora: Procyonidae) na Amazônia Oriental, Brasil

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to diagnose the natural infection of captive and free-living procyonids with Trypanosoma evansi in the states of Amapá and Pará, Brazil. From February 2012 to August 2013, whole blood samples and blood smears were obtained from 45 free-living procyonids and from nine procyonids kept in captivity in wild life refuges and zoobotanical parks in the states of Amapá and Pará. Whole blood samples were collected and kept at -20ºC for the detection of T. evansi DNA by PCR using the RoTat 1.2 forward and RoTat 1.2 reverse primers. In addition, the blood smears were processed and examined for the presence of trypomastigote forms of T. evansi. T. evansi DNA was detected in 18.52% (10/54) of the procyonids, namely, in captive crab-eating raccoons and captive and free-living coatis in Pará State. No trypomastigote forms were observed in the blood smears. DNA from T. evansi was detected in P. cancrivorus and N. nasua in Pará State, being this the first such report in P. cancrivorus.

RESUMO: O objetivo do presente trabalho foi realizar o diagnóstico da infecção natural por Trypanosoma evansi em procionídeos de vida livre e de cativeiro dos estados do Amapá e Pará, Brasil. Durante o período de fevereiro de 2012 a agosto de 2013, amostras de sangue total e esfregaços sanguíneos foram obtidos de 45 procionídeos de vida livre e de nove mantidos em cativeiro em mantenedores e Parques Zoobotânicos dos estados do Amapá e Pará. As amostras de sangue total foram coletadas e mantidas a -20ºC para pesquisa de DNA de T. evansi pela PCR utilizando-se os iniciadores RoTat 1.2 forward e RoTat 1.2 reverse. Os esfregaços sanguíneos também foram processados e examinados para a pesquisa de formas tripomastigotas do agente. DNA de T. evansi foi detectado em 18,52% (10/54) dos procionídeos, ocorrendo em mãos-peladas de cativeiro e quatis de vida livre e de cativeiro no estado do Pará. Não foram observadas formas tripomastigotas nos esfregaços sanguíneos. DNA de T. evansi foi detectado em P. cancrivorus e N. nasua no estado do Pará, sendo este o primeiro relato em P. cancrivorus.