Survey of sandfly fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Uberlândia, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, 2003-2004.

We analyzed the sandflies around houses and domestic animal shelters located in residences close to forests in localities on the banks of the Araguari River, Uberlândia, MG, from February 2003 to November 2004. The phlebotomines were captured in the peridomiciliary area, where Shannon traps were utilized in the peridomicile and CDC traps in animal shelters. 2,783 specimens of sandflies were captured, 2,140 females (76.9%) and 643 males (23.1%), distributed between 17 species. The most abundant species was Nyssomyia neivai (88.1%), followed by Nyssomyia whitmani (3.1%). The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis was also confirmed, it is the main vector of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi which causes visceral leishmaniasis. The presence of species involved in the transmission of leishmaniases in the municipality of Uberlândia is cause for concern. The presence of L. longipalpis indicates that its urbanization may not have been aleatory and instead occurred through the destruction of wild ecotopes. More studies of their occupation in anthropic environments need to be made.

Survey of sandfyy fauna (diptera: psychodidae) n uberlândia, minas gerais statte, Brazil, 2003-2004 / Levantamento da fauna flebotomínica (Diptera: Psychodidae) no município de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brasil, 2003-2004

We analyzed the sandflies around houses and domestic animal shelters located in residences close to forests in localities on the banks of the Araguari River, Uberlândia, MG, from February 2003 to November 2004. The phlebotomines were captured in the peridomiciliary area, where Shannon traps were utilized in the peridomicile and CDC traps in animal shelters. 2,783 specimens of sandflies were captured, 2,140 females (76.9%) and 643 males (23.1%), distributed between 17 species. The most abundant species was Nyssomyia neivai (88.1%), followed by Nyssomyia whitmani (3.1%). The presence of Lutzomyia longipalpis was also confirmed, it is the main vector of Leishmania (L.) infantum chagasi which causes visceral leishmaniasis. The presence of species involved in the transmission of leishmaniases in the municipality of Uberlândia is cause for concern. The presence of L. longipalpis indicates that its urbanization may not have been aleatory and instead occurred through the destruction of wild ecotopes. More studies of their occupation in anthropic environments need to be made.

Analisamos a fauna flebotomínica do peridomicílio e de abrigos de animais domésticos localizados em residências próximas de matas em localidades às margens do rio Araguari, município de Uberlândia-MG, de fevereiro de 2003 a novembro de 2004. Foram realizadas capturas no peridomicílio, sendo armadilhas de Shannon utilizadas no peridomicílio das residências e as armadilhas CDC em abrigos de animais domésticos. Foram capturados 2.783 espécimes de flebotomíneos, sendo 2.140 fêmeas (76,9%) e 643 machos (23,1%), distribuídos em 17 espécies. A espécie mais abundante foi Nyssomyia neivai (88,1%), seguida por Nyssomyia whitmani (3,1%). Foi confirmada também a presença de Lutzomyia longipalpis, o principal vetor de Leishmania infantum chagasi, causadora da leishmaniose visceral. Constitui-se motivo de alerta a presença de espécies envolvidas com a transmissão de leishmanioses no município de Uberlândia. A presença de L. longipalpis indica que sua urbanização pode não ter sido aleatória e ocorre pela destruição de ecótopos silvestres. Mais estudos sobre sua ocupação em ambientes antrópicos precisam ser realizados.

Perfil hepático e protéico em cães com leishmaniose visceral / Hepatic and proteic profile in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis

Objetivando estabelecer o perfil bioquímico hepático e protéico de cães com leishmaniose visceral no município de Uberlândia ­ MG, sangue de 40 cães sororreagentes nos testes de Imunofluorescência Indireta e ELISA foi colhido por venopunção da jugular em tubo sem anticoagulante para obtenção de soro e mensuração de albumina, fosfatase alcalina, proteínas totais, globulinas, alanina aminotransferase e gamma glutamiltransferase em analisador automático (ChemWell®). Para análise dos resultados, os 40 animais foram divididos em 3 grupos classificados em assintomáticos (4 animais), oligossintomáticos (19) e sintomáticos (17 animais). Hipoalbuminemia e hipergamaglobulinemia foram notadas em todos os grupos. Porém, diferenças significativas no nível sérico de albumina (1,48±0,49 g/dL) e na relação A:G (0,24 ± 0,12) ocorreram no grupo sintomático em relação aos demais grupos. Os valores médios de FA, PT, ALT e GGT permaneceram dentro dos padrões de referência. Assim, a Leishmaniose Visceral pode levar à hipoalbuminemia e hiperglobulinemia independente da sintomatologia apresentada ou não pelos cães, sendo que os outros parâmetros do perfil hepático-protéico podem permanecer dentro dos padrões de referência.

Aiming to establish the hepatic and proteic biochemical profile in dogs with visceral leishmaniasis in Uberlândia - MG, blood of 40 seropositive dogs in indirect immunofluorescence tests and ELISA was collected by jugular venipuncture tube without anticoagulant to obtain serum and measurement of albumin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), globulins, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) in an automatic analyzer (ChemWell ®). For data analysis, 40 animals were divided into three groups classified as asymptomatic (4 animals), oligosymptomatic (19) and symptomatic (17 animals). Hypoalbuminemia and hypergammaglobulinemia were noted in all groups. However, significant differences in serum albumin level (1.48 ± 0.49 g/dL) occurred in the symptomatic group compared to other groups. The mean values of FA, PT, ALT and GGT remained within the reference standards. Thus, visceral leishmaniasis can lead to hypoalbuminemia and hyperglobulinemia independent of symptomatology presented by dogs or not, and the other parameters, the hepatic protein may remain within the reference standards.

Occurrence of positivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomine from municipalities in Southeastern Brazil, from 2002 to 2004.

INTRODUCTION: from an epidemiological point of view, more than 120 species of triatomine (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) are known. The occurrence and positivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomines in 16 municipalities of the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba were evaluated from January 2002 to December 2004. METHODS: the triatomines were captured basically according to the classic norms of the National Health Foundation. The parasitological exams of the triatomines were conducted according to the technique described by the Ministry of Health. During the study period, 990 specimens of triatomines were captured and of these, 771 could be examined. RESULTS: five species were identified: Triatoma sordida, Panstrongylus diasi, Panstrongylus megistus, Panstrongylus geniculatus and Rhodnius neglectus. Triatoma sordida represented 71.5% of all the triatomines captured, followed by Panstrongylus megistus (18%), Rhodnius neglectus (9.3%), Panstrongylus diasi (0.8%) and Panstrongylus geniculatus (0.4%). Of the total number of triatomines examined, 2.7% were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi. Panstrongylus megistus was the species that presented the highest rates of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (8.3%), followed by Rhodnius neglectus (2.9%) and Triatoma sordida (1.4%). CONCLUSIONS: there is a need to adapt to new circumstances in epidemiology, with greater emphasis on entomological surveillance, since the potential for adaptation of secondary species of triatomines exists, especially where Chagas' disease is already under control.

Occurrence of positivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomine from municipalities in Southeastern Brazil, from 2002 to 2004 / Ocorrência e positividade para Trypanosoma cruzi em triatomíneos de municípios da região sudeste do Brasil, de 2002 a 2004

INTRODUCTION: from an epidemiological point of view, more than 120 species of triatomine (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) are known. The occurrence and positivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomines in 16 municipalities of the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba were evaluated from January 2002 to December 2004. METHODS: the triatomines were captured basically according to the classic norms of the National Health Foundation. The parasitological exams of the triatomines were conducted according to the technique described by the Ministry of Health. During the study period, 990 specimens of triatomines were captured and of these, 771 could be examined. RESULTS: five species were identified: Triatoma sordida, Panstrongylus diasi, Panstrongylus megistus, Panstrongylus geniculatus and Rhodnius neglectus. Triatoma sordida represented 71.5 percent of all the triatomines captured, followed by Panstrongylus megistus (18 percent), Rhodnius neglectus (9.3 percent), Panstrongylus diasi (0.8 percent) and Panstrongylus geniculatus (0.4 percent). Of the total number of triatomines examined, 2.7 percent were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi. Panstrongylus megistus was the species that presented the highest rates of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (8.3 percent), followed by Rhodnius neglectus (2.9 percent) and Triatoma sordida (1.4 percent). CONCLUSIONS: there is a need to adapt to new circumstances in epidemiology, with greater emphasis on entomological surveillance, since the potential for adaptation of secondary species of triatomines exists, especially where Chagas' disease is already under control.

INTRODUÇÃO: do ponto de vista epidemiológico mais de 120 espécies de triatomíneos (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) são conhecidas. A ocorrência e a positividade de Trypanosoma cruzi em triatomíneos de 16 municípios do Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba foram avaliadas de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2004. MÉTODOS: os triatomíneos foram capturados seguindo basicamente as normas clássicas da Fundação Nacional de Saúde. Os exames parasitológicos dos triatomíneos foram conduzidos de acordo com a técnica descrita pelo Ministério da Saúde. Durante o período de estudo, foram capturados 990 exemplares de triatomíneos, sendo que 771 dos capturados estavam em condições de serem examinados. RESULTADOS: cinco espécies foram identificadas: Triatoma sordida, Panstrongylus diasi, Panstrongylus megistus, Panstrongylus geniculatus e Rhodnius neglectus. Triatoma sordida representou 71,5 por cento de todos os triatomíneos capturados, seguido por Panstrongylus megistus (18 por cento), Rhodnius neglectus (9,3 por cento), Panstrongylus diasi (0,8 por cento) e Panstrongylus geniculatus (0,4 por cento). Dos triatomíneos examinados, 2,7 por cento foram positivos para Trypanosoma cruzi. Panstrongylus megistus foi a espécie que apresentou a maior taxa de infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi (8,3 por cento), seguida pelo Rhodnius neglectus (2,9 por cento) e Triatoma sordida (1,4 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: há necessidade de se adequar às novas circunstâncias epidemiológicas com ênfase na vigilância entomológica, uma vez que o potencial de adaptação de espécies secundárias de triatomíneos, em áreas onde a doença de Chagas está controlada, é uma preocupação.

Malaria outbreaks in a non-endemic area of Brazil, 2005.

In March 2005, a resident of the municipality of Monte Alegre de Minas, State of Minas Gerais, without any history of traveling to endemic areas for malaria, was diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax infection and local mosquito-borne transmission was suspected. The epidemiological investigation identified another 10 cases with local transmission and all of them were related to the imported malaria case that was detected in this region. The potential exposure site was the banks of the river Tejuco, an area frequented by mineral prospectors. Some of these prospectors were known to have come from states with malaria transmission. In the autochthonous cases, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum were diagnosed. Entomological investigation identified Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) albitarsis, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) triannulatus and Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) parvus. After the first outbreak, another three autochthonous cases were notified in municipality of Monte Alegre de Minas, in the same year. The occurrence of these outbreaks highlights the importance of surveillance systems in areas that are nonendemic for malaria.

[First finding of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) in the urban area of Uberlândia, MG, concomitant with the first reported autochthonous case of human visceral leishmaniasis]. / Primeiro encontro de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) na área urbana de Uberlândia, MG, concomitante com o relato de primeiro caso autóctone de leishmaniose visceral humana.

The first occurrence of the vector for visceral leishmaniasis, Lutzomyia longipalpis, in the urban area of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, and the first autochthonous case of human visceral leishmaniasis recorded in the same locality are reported. These were notified to the Zoonosis Control Center, through the Epidemiological Surveillance sector of the Municipal Health Department. The importance of these findings regarding transmission of the disease in this area is discussed.

Malaria outbreaks in a non-endemic area of Brazil, 2005 / Surtos de malária em área não endêmica do Brasil, 2005

In March 2005, a resident of the municipality of Monte Alegre de Minas, State of Minas Gerais, without any history of traveling to endemic areas for malaria, was diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax infection and local mosquito-borne transmission was suspected. The epidemiological investigation identified another 10 cases with local transmission and all of them were related to the imported malaria case that was detected in this region. The potential exposure site was the banks of the river Tejuco, an area frequented by mineral prospectors. Some of these prospectors were known to have come from states with malaria transmission. In the autochthonous cases, Plasmodium vivax and Plasmodium falciparum were diagnosed. Entomological investigation identified Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) albitarsis, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) triannulatus and Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) parvus. After the first outbreak, another three autochthonous cases were notified in municipality of Monte Alegre de Minas, in the same year. The occurrence of these outbreaks highlights the importance of surveillance systems in areas that are nonendemic for malaria.

Em março de 2005, um morador do município de Monte Alegre de Minas, Estado de Minas Gerais, sem histórico de viagem para área endêmica de malária foi diagnosticado com infecção por Plasmodium vivax e a transmissão vetorial no local foi suspeitada. A investigação epidemiológica identificou outros 10 casos com transmissão local e todos relacionados ao caso de malária importada detectado na região. A área de potencial exposição foi às margens do rio Tejuco, local freqüentado por garimpeiros, muitos sabidamente, oriundos de estados com transmissão de malária. Nos casos autóctones, Plasmodium vivax e Plasmodium falciparum foram diagnosticados. A investigação entomológica identificou Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) darlingi, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) albitarsis, Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) triannulatus e Anopheles (Nyssorhynchus) parvus. Após o primeiro surto, outros três casos autóctones foram notificados no município de Monte Alegre de Minas no mesmo ano. A ocorrência desses surtos alerta sobre a importância de sistemas de vigilância em áreas não endêmicas para a malária.

Primeiro encontro de Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) na área urbana de Uberlândia, MG, concomitante com o relato de primeiro caso autóctone de leishmaniose visceral humana / First finding of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) in the urban area of Uberlândia, MG, concomitant with the first reported autochthonous case of human visceral leishmaniasis

Relata-se a primeira ocorrência do vetor da leishmaniose visceral, Lutzomyia longipalpis, na área urbana de Uberlândia, estado de Minas Gerais e o primeiro caso de leishmaniose visceral humana autóctone no município, notificado ao Centro de Controle de Zoonoses, por meio da Vigilância Epidemiológica da Secretaria Municipal de Saúde. Discute-se a importância deste encontro na transmissão da doença nessa área.

The first occurrence of the vector for visceral leishmaniasis, Lutzomyia longipalpis, in the urban area of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, and the first autochthonous case of human visceral leishmaniasis recorded in the same locality are reported. These were notified to the Zoonosis Control Center, through the Epidemiological Surveillance sector of the Municipal Health Department. The importance of these findings regarding transmission of the disease in this area is discussed.

[Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba regions, State of Minas Gerais, 1998-2005: clinical-epidemiological aspects of 23 cases]. / Síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavírus no Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais, 1998-2005: aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de 23 casos.

The epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and treatment findings from 23 cases of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome were analyzed. These cases were identified either serologically or immunohistochemically in hospitals in the municipality of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais. Fever (100%), dyspnea (100%) and myalgia (78%) were the symptoms most frequently observed in this sample. The most prevalent physical signs were hypotension (65%) and tachycardia (65%). The most common laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia (96%), hemoconcentration (83%) and leukocytosis (74%). Abnormal values for liver enzymes were found in all the patients tested and abnormalities in chest radiography were very frequent (95.6%). In 55.5% of the patients, orotracheal intubation and hemodynamic support were required. The present study confirmed the seasonal pattern of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in the Uberlândia region and the involvement of professional groups who are considered to be at low risk of infection, in the transmission cycle of the disease. The high lethality rate (39%) and the severity of the disease observed in this study may be related to attending to these patients at a late stage.

Síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavírus no Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba, Minas Gerais, 1998-2005: aspectos clínico-epidemiológicos de 23 casos / Hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba regions, State of Minas Gerais, 1998-2005: clinical-epidemiological aspects of 23 cases

Foram analisados os achados epidemiológicos, clínicos, laboratoriais e terapêuticos de 23 casos de síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavírus, identificados sorologicamente ou por imunohistoquímica em hospitais do município de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais. Febre (100 por cento), dispnéia (100 por cento) e mialgias (78 por cento) foram os sintomas mais frequentemente observados nesta casuística. Os sinais físicos mais prevalentes foram hipotensão (65 por cento) e taquicardia (65 por cento). Achados laboratoriais mais comuns incluíram trombocitopenia (96 por cento), hemoconcentração (83 por cento) e leucocitose (74 por cento). Valores anormais de enzimas hepáticas foram encontrados em todos os pacientes testados e alterações em radiografias de tórax foram muito (95,6 por cento) freqüentes. Em 55,5 por cento dos pacientes, foi necessário intubação orotraqueal e suporte hemodinâmico. O presente estudo confirmou o padrão sazonal da síndrome cardiopulmonar por hantavírus na região de Uberlândia e o envolvimento, no ciclo de transmissão da doença, de grupos profissionais considerados de baixo risco de infecção. A alta (39 por cento) taxa de letalidade e a gravidade da doença observadas neste estudo podem estar associadas ao atendimento tardio dos pacientes.

The epidemiological, clinical, laboratory and treatment findings from 23 cases of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome were analyzed. These cases were identified either serologically or immunohistochemically in hospitals in the municipality of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais. Fever (100 percent), dyspnea (100 percent) and myalgia (78 percent) were the symptoms most frequently observed in this sample. The most prevalent physical signs were hypotension (65 percent) and tachycardia (65 percent). The most common laboratory findings included thrombocytopenia (96 percent), hemoconcentration (83 percent) and leukocytosis (74 percent). Abnormal values for liver enzymes were found in all the patients tested and abnormalities in chest radiography were very frequent (95.6 percent). In 55.5 percent of the patients, orotracheal intubation and hemodynamic support were required. The present study confirmed the seasonal pattern of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in the Uberlândia region and the involvement of professional groups who are considered to be at low risk of infection, in the transmission cycle of the disease. The high lethality rate (39 percent) and the severity of the disease observed in this study may be related to attending to these patients at a late stage.