Trichophoromyia auraensis: evidence for cryptic species and first record in the state of Maranhão, Brazil.

Trichophoromyia auraensis (Mangabeira, 1942) (Diptera, Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) has a wide geographic distribution in the western region of the Amazon biome, where it is a putative Leishmania vector. Here, we reported for the first time a population of this species in the Brazilian state of Maranhão, in the eastern Amazon, from which we DNA-barcoded and compared with previously processed specimens from Acre State, in the western Amazon. For this, we analyzed the DNA barcoding fragment (658 bp) of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene and the nuclear internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) of Trichophoromyia species using phylogenetic gene trees, and species delimitation algorithms. The analyses of COI barcodes showed high values of genetic distance (mean K2P = 5.17) and well-supported clades/MOTUs for the eastern and western populations of T. auraensis, which may indicate a possible complex of cryptic species. The western population of this taxon merged with the close-related sand fly Trichophoromyia velezbernali Posada-López, Galvis and Galati, 2018 from Colombia, which may be associated with the recent speciation history and introgression between these populations. These evidences should be evaluated with a more comprehensive sampling in terms of analyzed populations and molecular markers.

First official record of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Acre State, Northern Brazil.

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1854) was reported in Brazil for the first time in 1986 and has shown marked expansion throughout the Brazilian territory. During a routine activity to control dengue fever conducted by the Division of Entomology of the Municipal Health Department in Rio Branco city, adults and immatures of Culicidae were collected in a peri-urban area. The identified Culicidae forms indicated that they belonged to the species Ae. albopictus. This is the first official record of the presence of Ae. albopictus in the Acre State, confirming its current presence in all Brazilian states.

Intestinal parasite infections associated with sociodemographic and seasonal factors in the Western Amazon.

Intestinal parasites are a constant public health problem in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence of cases related to poor sanitary conditions. We investigated the sociodemographic and seasonal factors associated with human intestinal parasite infections in an area of the Western Amazon, Brazil, from September 2017 to August 2019. Data were collected using a database available at the Diagnostic Support Centre (Centro de Apoio ao Diagnóstico, CAD) of the Municipality of Rio Branco, on positive diagnoses for intestinal parasites. Among the 53,200 samples analysed, 18.3% (n = 9712) were positive. Of these, 96.4% (n = 9363) and 3.6% (n = 349) were protozoan and helminthic infections, respectively. Males showed higher odds ratio (OR) for Enterobius vermicularis infection (OR: 2.3) and giardiasis (OR: 1.9) and lower OR for Endolimax nana (OR: 0.9) and Entamoeba coli (OR: 0.9) infections. Individuals aged ≥ 15 presented higher OR for Strongyloides stercoralis (OR: 3.4), hookworms (OR: 2.3), and almost all protozoan infections than younger individuals. In the dry season, the OR for hookworms (OR: 1.5), Iodamoeba butschlii (OR: 1.4), and Endolimax nana (OR: 1.3) infections was higher than that in the rainy season, including a high chance of polyparasitism (OR: 1.6). We concluded that there was a significant difference between the different types of intestinal parasites, particularly protozoa, with high OR in the dry season and for certain groups.

Phlebotomine Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) and Infection by Leishmania spp. in Forest Fragments of a University Campus, Western Amazon.

Forest fragments consist of important ecosystems for the maintenance of sand fly populations and Leishmania hosts. This study sought to identify the phlebotomine fauna and its infection by Leishmania spp. in forest fragments on the campus of the Federal University of Acre (UFAC), Western Amazon. Monthly collections with CDC traps were carried out from March 2020 to June 2021, in four forest fragments of UFAC. Male and female insects were processed and identified at species level. A sample of females was subjected to polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis to verify the presence Leishmania DNA. In total, 465 specimens were collected, of which 238 were males and 227 were females. The most frequent species were Nyssomyia antunesi (Coutinho, 1939) (47.3%), Trichophoromyia sp. (Mangabeira, 1942) (18.70%), and Ny. whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) (8.81%). Molecular analysis detected the presence of Leishmania (Ross, 1903) DNA in a specimen of Ny. antunesi, and another one of Evandromyia walker (Newstead, 1914). The forest fragments of the university campus harbor a diverse sand fly fauna with the presence of Leishmania DNA in these insects, in addition to the presence of other species considered incriminated vectors of Leishmania parasites.

First official record of Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae) in the Acre State, Northern Brazil

ABSTRACT Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus (Skuse, 1854) was reported in Brazil for the first time in 1986 and has shown marked expansion throughout the Brazilian territory. During a routine activity to control dengue fever conducted by the Division of Entomology of the Municipal Health Department in Rio Branco city, adults and immatures of Culicidae were collected in a peri-urban area. The identified Culicidae forms indicated that they belonged to the species Ae. albopictus. This is the first official record of the presence of Ae. albopictus in the Acre State, confirming its current presence in all Brazilian states.

Preliminary observations of the urbanization and domiciliation of the American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Rio Branco, Acre, Western Amazon.

BACKGROUND: The American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is expanding in peri-urban environments. METHODS: An entomological survey was conducted in the area of the occurrence of an autochthonous urban case of ACL. Sandflies and a parasitological slide of the human case were submitted for molecular diagnosis. RESULTS: Nyssomyia whitmani and Ny. antunesi were the most frequently collected species. Ny. whitmani and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata were positive for Leishmania guyanensis and L. lainsoni, respectively. The human case tested positive for L. lainsoni. CONCLUSIONS: Sandflies and Leishmania parasites present in urban forest may occur frequently in nearby domiciliary environments; thus, these areas must be monitored.

Business Intelligence in supporting strategic health management: an experience report / Business Intelligence no apoio à gestão estratégica em saúde: um relato de experiência / Business Intelligence en apoyo a la gestión estratégica en salud: relato de experiencia

Background and objectives: In 2015, Microsoft launched a Business Intelligence service, called Power BI, which can be used in several areas of knowledge if operated by a qualified professional. Power BI has several utilities, including the integration of data from various sources and formats, case mapping, real-time data visualizations, and remote work. This study aimed to report the use experience of Power BI by utilizing data from a State Department of Health Western Amazon, Brazil. Methods: As an example, cases of tuberculosis in the state of Acre, from 2010 to 2020, were used. These data wee extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Information System, provided by the State Health Department of Acre ­ SESACRE. Results: Power BI offers a simple and intuitive interface. To share the experience, we provided a link (http://tiny.cc/tbacre) to explore the tool and understand the speed and practicality in data visualization. Conclusion: We recommend the use of Power BI mainly in agencies that need agile decision-making based on evidence.(AU)

Justificativa e objetivos: Em 2015, a Microsoft lançou um serviço de Business Intelligence (Inteligência de Negócios), chamado Power BI, que pode ser empregado em diversas áreas do conhecimento, desde que operado por um profissional capacitado. Possui diversas utilidades, entre elas: a integração de dados provenientes de diversas fontes e formatos, mapeamento de casos, visualizações de dados em tempo real e trabalho remoto. Este trabalho propôs relatar a experiência de uso do Microsoft Power BI utilizando dados de uma Secretaria Estadual de Saúde da Amazônia Ocidental, Brasil. Métodos: Como exemplo, utilizam-se casos de tuberculose no estado do Acre, de 2010 a 2020, extraídos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan), fornecidos pela Secretaria de Estado da Saúde do Acre (Sesacre). Resultados: O Power BI oferece uma interface simples e intuitiva. Para compartilhar a experiência, foi fornecido um link (http://tiny.cc/tbacre) por meio do qual foi possível explorar a ferramenta e perceber a rapidez e praticidade na visualização de dados. Conclusão: Recomenda-se sua utilização sobretudo em órgãos que necessitam de tomadas ágeis de decisões baseadas em evidências.(AU)

Justificación y objetivos: En 2015, Microsoft lanzó un servicio de Business Intelligence, denominado Power BI, que puede ser utilizado en diversas áreas del conocimiento siempre que sea realizado por un profesional capacitado. Tiene varias utilidades, incluyendo la integración de datos de diferentes fuentes y formatos, mapeo de casos, visualización de datos en tiempo real y trabajo remoto. Este trabajo propuso relatar la experiencia de uso de Microsoft Power BI utilizando datos de un departamento de salud estatal en la Amazonía Occidental, Brasil. Methods: Como ejemplo, se utilizaron casos de tuberculosis en el estado de Acre, de 2010 a 2020, extraídos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria ­ SINAN, proporcionado por la Secretaría de Salud del Estado de Acre ­ SESACRE. Results: Power BI ofrece una interfaz sencilla e intuitiva. Para compartir la experiencia, se facilitó el enlace (http://tiny.cc/tbacre). A través de esto, fue posible explorar la herramienta y darse cuenta de la rapidez y practicidad en la visualización de datos. Conclusión: Recomendamos su uso, sobre todo, en órganos que necesiten una toma de decisiones ágil y basada en evidencias.(AU)

Temporal trend and epidemiological profile of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil, 2007-2019. / Tendência temporal e perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, 2007-2019.

OBJECTIVE: to analyze the temporal trend of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil from 2007 to 2019. METHODS: this was a cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN). Prais-Winsten linear regression was used for the temporal analysis. We calculated incidence rates according to sex and age group, relative risk and case fatality ratio. RESULTS: during the study period there were 2,102,657 cases of accidents involving venomous animals. With the exception of snakebite, the remaining accidents showed a rising temporal trend in most regions of the country. Scorpion stings, snake bites and spider bites were responsible for 86% of accidents, mainly affecting male people of working age. Accidents involving snakes (0.4%) and bees (0.3%) had the highest case fatality ratios. Children were the main victims of accidents involving bees, caterpillars and "others". CONCLUSION: accidents involving venomous animals showed a rising temporal trend for most conditions, as well as different epidemiological profiles.

Publishing data to support the fight against human vector-borne diseases.

Vector-borne diseases are responsible for more than 17% of human cases of infectious diseases. In most situations, effective control of debilitating and deadly vector-bone diseases (VBDs), such as malaria, dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, Zika and Chagas requires up-to-date, robust and comprehensive information on the presence, diversity, ecology, bionomics and geographic spread of the organisms that carry and transmit the infectious agents. Huge gaps exist in the information related to these vectors, creating an essential need for campaigns to mobilise and share data. The publication of data papers is an effective tool for overcoming this challenge. These peer-reviewed articles provide scholarly credit for researchers whose vital work of assembling and publishing well-described, properly-formatted datasets often fails to receive appropriate recognition. To address this, GigaScience's sister journal GigaByte partnered with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) to publish a series of data papers, with support from the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), hosted by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Here we outline the initial results of this targeted approach to sharing data and describe its importance for controlling VBDs and improving public health.

Temporal trend and epidemiological profile of accidents by venomous animals in Brazil, 2007-2019 / Tendencia temporal y perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes por animales venenosos en Brasil, 2007-2019 / Tendência temporal e perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, 2007-2019

Objective: To analyze the temporal trend of accidents by venomous animals in Brazil from 2007 to 2019. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Notifiable Diseases Information System ­ Sinan. For the temporal analysis, the Prais-Wistein Linear Regression was used. The incidences by sex and age group, relative risk and lethality were calculated. Results: During the study period there were 2,102,657 cases of accidents by venomous animals. With the exception of snakebite, the other accidents showed an increasing temporal trend in most regions of the country. Scorpionism, snakebite and spider bites were responsible for 86% of accidents, mainly affecting men of working age. Snake (0.4%) and beetle (0.3%) accidents were the most lethal. Children were the main victims of accidents by bees, caterpillars and 'others'. Conclusion: Accidents by venomous animals showed an increasing temporal trend for most diseases and different epidemiological profiles.

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal de los accidentes por animales ponzoñosos en Brasil de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria ­ Sinan. Para el análisis temporal se utilizó la Regresión Lineal de Prais-Wistein. Se calcularon las incidencias por sexo y grupo de edad, riesgo relativo y letalidad. Resultados: Durante el período de estudio hubo 2.102.657 casos de accidentes por animales ponzoñosos. Con excepción de la mordedura de serpiente, los demás accidentes mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente en la mayoría de las regiones del país. El escorpionismo (51,2%), la mordedura de serpiente (17,4%) y la mordedura de araña (17,3%) fueron responsables del 86% de los accidentes, afectando principalmente a hombres en edad laboral. Conclusión: Los accidentes por animales venenosos mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente para la mayoría de las enfermedades y diferentes perfiles epidemiológicos.

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação ­ Sinan. Para a análise temporal, utilizou-se a regressão linear de Prais-Wistein. Foram calculadas as incidências por sexo e faixa etária, risco relativo e letalidade. Resultados: No período de estudo, houve 2.102.657 casos de acidentes por animais peçonhentos. Com exceção do ofidismo, os demais acidentes apresentaram tendência temporal crescente na maioria das macrorregiões nacionais. Escorpionismo, ofidismo e araneísmo foram responsáveis por 86% dos acidentes, principalmente entre homens em idade economicamente ativa. As taxas de letalidade mais elevadas foram por acidentes ofídicos (0,4%) e apílicos (0,3%). As crianças foram as principais vítimas de acidentes com abelhas, lagartas e 'outros'. Conclusão: Os acidentes com animais peçonhentos apresentaram tendência temporal crescente para a maioria dos agravos e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos.

Sand fly (Diptera Psychodidae Phlebotominae) records in Acre, Brazil a Dataset

Amazonian phlebotomine fauna is considered one of the most diverse in the world. In addition, the region is the most prevalent for leishmaniasis in Brazil and South America. The state of Acre, which belongs to this region, also stands out in terms of the diversity of the sand fly fauna, as well as the occurrence of American tegumentary leishmaniasis. In this context, the present Dataset comprise a bibliographic review of sand fly species recorded in Acre State, Amazon region, Brazil. A total of 1,096 observations from Material Citation type (and two of preserved specimens) were presented using 32 variables according to Darwin Core terms. The bibliographic review was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, SciELO, BVS (Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde) and bibliographic references cited in related scientific articles. Thus, the present study is a solid report for further studies on sand fly studies in Acre and other Amazon states.

Sand fly (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) records in Acre, Brazil: a dataset.

Amazonian phlebotomine sand fly fauna is one of the most diverse in the world. The Amazon region is also the most prevalent for leishmaniasis in Brazil and South America. The state of Acre, in this region, also stands out in terms of the diversity of sand fly fauna, as well as the occurrence of American tegumentary leishmaniasis. In this context, the present dataset comprises a bibliographic review of sand fly species recorded in Acre state, Brazil. A total of 1,094 observations from material citations and two of preserved specimens are presented using 33 variables according to Darwin Core terms. The bibliographic review was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, SciELO, Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde, and references cited in related scientific articles. Thus, this report will be valuable for further studies on sand flies in Acre and other Amazon states.

Tendência temporal e perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, 2007-2019 / Tendencia temporal y perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes por animales venenosos en Brasil, 2007-2019 / Temporal trend and epidemiological profile of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil, 2007-2019

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Para a análise temporal, utilizou-se a regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Foram calculadas as incidências por sexo e faixa etária, risco relativo e letalidade. Resultados: No período de estudo, houve 2.102.657 casos de acidentes por animais peçonhentos. Com exceção do ofidismo, os demais acidentes apresentaram tendência temporal crescente na maioria das macrorregiões nacionais. Escorpionismo, ofidismo e araneísmo foram responsáveis por 86% dos acidentes, principalmente entre pessoas do sexo masculino em idade economicamente ativa. A de letalidade foi mais elevada para acidentes ofídicos (0,4%) e apílicos (0,3%). As crianças foram as principais vítimas de acidentes com abelhas, lagartas e "outros". Conclusão: Os acidentes com animais peçonhentos apresentaram tendência temporal crescente para a maioria dos agravos e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos.

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal de los accidentes con animales ponzoñosos en Brasil de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (Sinan). Para el análisis temporal se utilizó la Regresión Lineal de Prais-Wisten. Se calcularon las incidencias por sexo y grupo de edad, riesgo relativo y letalidad. Resultados: Durante el período del estudio hubo 2.102.657 casos de accidentes con animales ponzoñosos. Con excepción de la mordedura de serpiente, los demás accidentes mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente en la mayoría de las regiones del país. El escorpionismo, la mordedura de serpiente y la picadura de araña fueron responsables del 86% de los accidentes, afectando principalmente a personas del sexo masculino en edad laboral. Las tasas de letalidad más altas fueron por accidentes de mordedura de serpiente (0,4%) y picadura de araña (0,3%). Los niños fueron las principales vitimas de los acidentes con abejas, lagartas y "otros". Conclusión: Los accidentes com animales ponzoñosos mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente para la mayoría de las enfermedades y diferentes perfiles epidemiológicos.

Objective: to analyze the temporal trend of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil from 2007 to 2019. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN). Prais-Winsten linear regression was used for the temporal analysis. We calculated incidence rates according to sex and age group, relative risk and case fatality ratio. Results: during the study period there were 2,102,657 cases of accidents involving venomous animals. With the exception of snakebite, the remaining accidents showed a rising temporal trend in most regions of the country. Scorpion stings, snake bites and spider bites were responsible for 86% of accidents, mainly affecting male people of working age. Accidents involving snakes (0.4%) and bees (0.3%) had the highest case fatality ratios. Children were the main victims of accidents involving bees, caterpillars and "others". Conclusion: accidents involving venomous animals showed a rising temporal trend for most conditions, as well as different epidemiological profiles.

Preliminary observations of the urbanization and domiciliation of the American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Rio Branco, Acre, Western Amazon

ABSTRACT Background: The American cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL) is expanding in peri-urban environments. Methods: An entomological survey was conducted in the area of the occurrence of an autochthonous urban case of ACL. Sandflies and a parasitological slide of the human case were submitted for molecular diagnosis. Results: Nyssomyia whitmani and Ny. antunesi were the most frequently collected species. Ny. whitmani and Bichromomyia flaviscutellata were positive for Leishmania guyanensis and L. lainsoni, respectively. The human case tested positive for L. lainsoni. Conclusions: Sandflies and Leishmania parasites present in urban forest may occur frequently in nearby domiciliary environments; thus, these areas must be monitored.

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.

First report of an Onchocercidae worm infecting Psychodopygus carrerai carrerai sandfly, a putative vector of Leishmania braziliensis in the Amazon.

Sandflies are insects of public health interest due to their role as vectors of parasites of the genus Leishmania, as well as other pathogens. Psychodopygus carrerai carrerai is considered an important sylvatic vector of Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in Amazonia. In this study, sandflies were collected in a forested area in the Xapuri municipality, in the State of Acre (Northern Brazil). Two Ps. carrerai carrerai females were found parasitized with a larval form of a filarial worm, one in the labium of the proboscis, the other after the head was squashed, suggesting they were infective larvae. Sandflies were identified through morphological characters as well as amplification and sequencing of the cytochrome oxidase gene (COI). This was the first sequence obtained for Ps. carrerai carrerai for this marker. The obtained nematodes were also characterized through direct sequencing of a fragment of COI and 12S genes, both mitochondrial, and ITS1, a nuclear marker. Phylogenetic analyses revealed that the filarial nematodes belong to a species without sequences for these markers in the database, part of family Onchocercidade and closely related to genus Onchocerca (12S tree). Although sandfly infection with nematodes including members of the Onchocercidae has been reported in the Old World, this is the first report of sandfly infection by a member of the Onchocercidae family in the New World, to the best of our knowledge. Considering that the phylogenetic relationships and location in the insect, it can be expected that this is a parasite of mammals and the transmission cycle should be clarified.

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)

Phlebotomine (Diptera: Psychodidae) fauna in a cavern containing cave paintings and its surrounding environment, Central-West Brazil.

The interior of caves usually presents climate, light, soil, flora and fauna that distinguish it from the external environment. Among the sandfly species found in caves, several may act as vectors of Leishmania spp. and others are a nuisance to humans due to their painful bites. This study sought to identify the phlebotomine fauna in a cavern with cave paintings ("Gruta do Pitoco") which attract tourists in Alcinopólis municipality, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. The sandflies were collected from March 2014 to September 2015, with automatic light traps, installed monthly, in the entrance and interior of the cave and outside it. A total of 7645 specimens belonging to 27 species were collected. Lutzomyia dispar, Martinsmyia oliverai and those of the Lu. longipalpis complex (Lu. cruzi and Lu. longipalpis) were the predominant species. Among the three environments sampled, no great difference between species richness was observed. Comparing these environments, the interior of the cave presented the lowest diversity index due to the high frequency of Lu. dispar (46%). For the first time, specimens (only females) of the genus Deanemyia were collected in Mato Grosso do Sul state. Moreover, the study revealed the sympatric occurrence of Lu. cruzi and Lu. longipalpis, both proven vectors of L. infantum, and also Lu. dispar, a highly anthropophilic species, which often causes annoyance to those who visit the cave.

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.