Socioeconomic factors associated with infection by Toxoplasma gondii and Toxocara canis in children.

The intense contact of children with domestic animals or environments contaminated with faeces of these animals, together with habits related to lack of hygiene, can facilitate infection by zoonoses. The study evaluated the seroprevalence and risk factors associated with toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis in schoolchildren in the city of Jataizinho, Paraná. Of the 412 children aged 4-15 years, 56.8% (234/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxoplasma gondii, 42.5% (175/412) presented antibodies reactive to Toxocara canis, and 27.4% (113/412) were reactive for the two species. The analysis of risk factors showed that prevalence of toxoplasmosis and toxocariasis was associated with the level of education of the child's mother (less than eight years of schooling), age range (10-15 years) and the presence of cats in the residence. In addition, family income (up to a minimum wage), presence of a dog, the habit of playing in soil/sand and eosinophilia were associated with Toxocara canis infection. There was an association between the two zoonoses (p < .01), indicating the existence of coinfection. The results show high prevalence of these two important zoonoses, alerting to the need of implementing control measures in order to reduce the incidence and risks of sequelae in children.

Immune-inflammatory, coagulation, adhesion, and imaging biomarkers combined in machine learning models improve the prediction of death 1 year after ischemic stroke.

Some clinical, imaging, and laboratory biomarkers have been identified as predictors of prognosis of acute ischemic stroke (IS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic validity of a combination of clinical, imaging, and laboratory biomarkers in predicting 1-year mortality of IS. We evaluated 103 patients with IS within 24 h of their hospital admission and assessed demographic data, IS severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and degree of stenosis, as well as laboratory variables including immune-inflammatory, coagulation, and endothelial dysfunction biomarkers. The IS patients were categorized as survivors and non-survivors 1 year after admission. Non-survivors showed higher NIHSS and cIMT values, lower antithrombin, Protein C, platelet counts, and albumin, and higher Factor VIII, von Willebrand Factor (vWF), white blood cells, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and vascular cellular adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) than survivors. Neural network models separated non-survivors from survivors using NIHSS, cIMT, age, IL-6, TNF-α, hsCRP, Protein C, Protein S, vWF, and platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (PECAM-1) with an area under the receiving operating characteristics curve (AUC/ROC) of 0.975, cross-validated accuracy of 93.3%, sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 85.7%. In conclusion, imaging, immune-inflammatory, and coagulation biomarkers add predictive information to the NIHSS clinical score and these biomarkers in combination may act as predictors of 1-year mortality after IS. An early prediction of IS outcome is important for personalized therapeutic strategies that may improve the outcome of IS.

Carotid intima media thickness measurements coupled with stroke severity strongly predict short-term outcome in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a machine learning study.

Acute ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the leading causes of morbidity, functional disability and mortality worldwide. The objective was to evaluate IS risk factors and imaging variables as predictors of short-term disability and mortality in IS. Consecutive 106 IS patients were enrolled. We examined the accuracy of IS severity using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and carotid stenosis (both assessed using ultrasonography with doppler) predicting IS outcome assessed with the modified Rankin scale (mRS) three months after hospital admission. Poor prognosis (mRS ≥ 3) at three months was predicted by carotid stenosis (≥ 50%), type 2 diabetes mellitus and NIHSS with an accuracy of 85.2% (sensitivity: 90.2%; specificity: 81.8%). The mRS score at three months was strongly predicted by NIHSS (ß = 0.709, p < 0.001). Short-term mortality was strongly predicted using a neural network model with cIMT (≥ 1.0 mm versus < 1.0 mm), NIHSS and age, yielding an area under the receiving operator characteristic curve of 0.977 and an accuracy of 94.7% (sensitivity: 100.0%; specificity: 90.9%). High NIHSS (≥ 15) and cIMT (≥ 1.0 mm) increased the probability of dying with hazard ratios of 7.62 and 3.23, respectively. Baseline NIHSS was significantly predicted by the combined effects of age, large artery atherosclerosis stroke, sex, cIMT, body mass index, and smoking. In conclusion, high values of cIMT and NIHSS at admission strongly predict short-term functional impairment as well as mortality three months after IS, underscoring the importance of those measurements to predict clinical IS outcome.

Association of Lower Adiponectin Plasma Levels, Increased Age and Smoking with Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Patients with HIV-1 Infection.

BACKGROUND: The association between subclinical atherosclerosis and traditional cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, inflammatory and metabolic biomarkers has been demonstrated around the world and specifically Brazilian human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)- infected individuals. However, the association between subclinical atherosclerosis and these aforementioned factors combined with anti-inflammatory biomarkers has not been examined in these populations. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association of the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) with CVD risk factors, inflammatory, metabolic and HIV-1 infection markers combined with adiponectin and interleukin (IL)-10 as anti-inflammatory variables. METHODS: In this case-control study, 49 HIV-1-infected patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and 85 controls were compared for traditional CVD risk factors, inflammatory, metabolic, and anti-inflammatory variables. Further, we compared HIV-1-infected patients according to their cIMT (as continuous and categorized <0.9 or ≥0.9 mm variable) visualized by carotid ultrasonography doppler (USGD). RESULTS: Twenty-four (48.9%) HIV-1-infected patients showed cIMT ≥0.9 mm. The patients had higher levels of C reactive protein on high sensitivity assay (hsCRP), tumor necrosis factor α, IL-6, IL-10, triglycerides, and insulin, and lower levels of adiponectin, total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol than controls (all p<0.05). Low levels of adiponectin were negatively associated with cIMT ≥0.9 mm (p=0.019), and explained 18.7% of the cIMT variance. Age (p=0.033) and current smoking (p=0.028) were positively associated with cIMT values, while adiponectin levels (p=0.008) were negatively associated with cIMT values; together, these three variables explained 27.3% of cIMT variance. CONCLUSION: Low adiponectin was associated with higher cIMT in HIV-1-infected patients on cART. Low adiponectin levels in combination with age and smoking could explain, in part, the increased subclinical atherosclerosis observed in these patients. Adiponectin may be a good candidate for predicting subclinical atherosclerosis in the management of HIV-1-infected patients in public health care, especially where USGD is not available.

Variabilidade nos resultados de INR (International Normalized Ratio): comparação de seis marcas comerciais de tromboplastina / Variability in the results of INR (International Normalized Ratio): a comparison of six commercial thromboplastin brands

Introdução: A eficácia e a segurança no tratamento com os anticoagulantes orais são dependentes do monitoramento do efeito destes anticoagulantes através da determinação do tempo de protrombina (TP). O sistema INR (International Normalized Ratio) foi elaborado para minimizar a variabilidade nos resultados do TP devido à variação na constituição das tromboplastinas utilizadas. Objetivo: Comparar os resultados do INR de pacientes em tratamento com anticoagulantes orais obtidos com tromboplastinas de marcas comerciais distintas. Materiais e Métodos: Para este estudo foram selecionados, aleatoriamente, 96 pacientes que tiveram solicitação de TP para monitoramento de terapia com anticoagulantes orais. Os valores de INR foram determinados empregando seis marcas comerciais de tromboplastina. Resultados e Discussão: A faixa terapêutica de INR entre 2 e 3, esperada para pacientes em uso anticoagulantes orais, foi observada em 29 (30,2%) pacientes quando foram utilizados os reagentes Dade-Behring®, Human do Brasil® e Diagnostica Stago®. Esta faixa foi observada em 33 (34,4%), 36 (37,5%) e 21 (21,9%) pacientes com os reagentes Trinity Biotech®, Bios Diagnostica® e Labtest® respectivamente. Independentemente da faixa do INR, os resultados obtidos com o reagente da Labtest® foram estatisticamente diferentes dos resultados obtidos com reagentes Dade-Behring®, Diagnostica Stago®, Trinity Biotech® e Bios Diagnostica®. ComINR entre 2 e 3 só foram observadas diferenças entre os resultados das marcas Bios Diagnostica® e Labtest®. Conclusão: Apesar da criação do sistema INR ainda existem diferenças significativas nos resultados de INR dependente da marca de tromboplastina utilizada, o que pode interferir na conduta terapêutica em relação aos anticoagulantes orais.

Introduction: The efficacy and safety in treatment with oral anticoagulants are dependent on the monitoring of the effect of anticoagulants by the prothrombin time (PT). The system INR (International NormalizedRatio) was developed to minimize the variability in the PT, mainly because of the thromboplastin reagent used. Objective: Compare the results of INR employing six thromboplastins and plasmas of patients using oral anticoagulants. Materials and Methods: For this study, 96 patients using oral anticoagulants and that had TP collected for monitoring anticoagulants were selected randomly. INR values were determined using six commercially available thromboplastin brands. Results and Discussion: of the 96 patients, 29 were with the INR between 2 and 3 when used reagents Dade-Behring®, Human do Brasil® and Diagnostica Stago®. Regardless of the range of INR, the results obtained with the reagent Labtest® were statistically different from the Dade-Behring®, from Diagnostica Stago®, Trinity Biotech and Bios Diagnostica®. With INR between 2 and 3 only differences were observed between the results of brands and Bios Diagnostica® Labtest®. With INR above 3, the results of Labtest® were different from the Dade-Behring®, from Diagnostica Stago®, Trinity Biotech® and Bios Diagnostica®. Conclusion: Despite the establishment of INR, there are still significant differences in INR results depending on the thromboplastin brand used, which can interfere with the therapeutic approach in relation to oral anticoagulants.

Variabilidade na sensibilidade à heparina de reagentes do TTPA em plasmas heparinizado in vitro e de pacientes heparinizados / Variability in heparin sensitivity of TTPA reagents in heparinized plasma in vitro and patients receiving heparin

Introdução: No final da década de 80 e início dos anos 90 vários estudos demonstraram a falta de padronização e a variabilidade nos resultados do TTPA devido a diferentes sensibilidades à heparina dos reagentes empregados para sua determinação. Objetivo: Avaliar a sensibilidade à heparina de reagentes utilizados para a determinação do TTPA em amostras de plasmas heparinizadas in vitro e de pacientes em uso de heparina não fracionada (HNF). Material e Métodos: Para este estudo foi utilizado um pool de plasma heparinizado, com concentrações de 0,1 até 1,0 unidade de heparina/mL, 29 pacientes em uso de HNF e 8 kits de reagentes para a determinação do TTPA. Resultados e Discussão: Com os plasmas heparinizados in vitro os resultados com o reagente da Actin® foram estatísticamente diferente dos da Labtest®, da Human® e da Clot®. O melhor coeficiente de correlação, resultado do TTPA versus concentração de HNF, foi observado com o reagente da Stago® (R=0,9919). Quando-se empregou os plasmas de pacientes em uso de HNF os resultados do Actin® e do Actin FSL® foram estatisticamente diferentes dos da Clot®. Conclusão: Diferenças estatisticamente significativas, nos valores de TTPA, ainda são observadas, tanto em plasmas de pacientes em uso de HNF como em plasmas heparinizados in vitro de acordo com o reagente utilizado.

Introduction: At the end of the 1980s and at the beginning of the 1990s, several studies showed lack of standardization and variability in APPT results due to the different sensibilities to heparin in reagents used for its determination. Objective: To evaluate the sensibility to heparin in the different reagents used to determine APPT in samples of heparinized plasma in vitro and in patients using non-fractioned heparin (NFH). Material and Methods: This study was performed with a pool of heparinized plasma with concentrations from 0.1 to 1.0 unit heparin/mL, 29 patients using NFH and 8 reagent kits for TTPA determination. Results and Discussion: Using heparinized plasma in vitro, there was a statistically significant difference with Actin® reagent in relation to Labtest®, Human® and Clot® reagents. The best correlation coefficient, a result of the APTT versus UFH concentration was observed with reagent from Stago® (R = 0.9919). When we used the plasma from patients using UFH, the results of Actin ® and Actin FSL® were statistically different from the Clot®.

Comparison of selective and non selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors in experimental colitis exacerbation: role of leukotriene B4 and superoxide dismutase.

CONTEXT: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered one of the most important causes of reactivation of inflammatory bowel disease. With regard to selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors, the results are controversial in experimental colitis as well as in human studies. OBJECTIVES: The aim this study is to compare nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs effects, selective and non selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors, in experimental colitis and contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provoke colitis exacerbation. METHODS: Six groups of rats: without colitis, with colitis, and colitis treated with celecoxib, ketoprofen, indometacin or diclofenac. Survival rates, hemoglobin, plasmatic albumin, colonic tissue of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, prostaglandin E2, catalase, superoxide dismutase, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, chemiluminescence induced by tert-butil hydroperoxides, and tissue and plasmatic leukotriene B4 were determined. RESULTS: The groups treated with diclofenac or indometacin presented lower survival rates, hemoglobin and albumin, higher tissue and plasmatic leukotriene B4 and tissue superoxide dismutase than the group treated with celecoxib. Ketoprofen presented an intermediary behavior between diclofenac/indometacin and celecoxib, concerning to survival rate and albumin. The groups without colitis, with colitis and with colitis treated with celecoxib showed leukotriene B4 and superoxide dismutase lower levels than the groups treated with nonselective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Diclofenac and indometacin presented the highest degree of induced colitis exacerbation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, celecoxib did not show colitis exacerbation, and ketoprofen presented an intermediary behavior between diclofenac/indometacin and celecoxib. These results suggest that leukotriene B4 and superoxide dismutase can be involved in the exacerbation of experimental colitis by nonselective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

COMPARISON OF SELECTIVE AND NON SELECTIVE CYCLO-OXYGENASE 2 INHIBITORS IN EXPERIMENTAL COLITIS EXACERBATION: role of leukotriene B4 and superoxide dismutase / Comparação dos inibidores seletivos e não seletivos da ciclo-oxigenage 2 na exacerbação da colite experimental: papel do leucotrieno B4 e superóxido dismutase

Context Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are considered one of the most important causes of reactivation of inflammatory bowel disease. With regard to selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors, the results are controversial in experimental colitis as well as in human studies. Objectives The aim this study is to compare nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs effects, selective and non selective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors, in experimental colitis and contribute to the understanding of the mechanisms which nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs provoke colitis exacerbation. Methods Six groups of rats: without colitis, with colitis, and colitis treated with celecoxib, ketoprofen, indometacin or diclofenac. Survival rates, hemoglobin, plasmatic albumin, colonic tissue of interleukin-1ß, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, prostaglandin E2, catalase, superoxide dismutase, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, chemiluminescence induced by tert-butil hydroperoxides, and tissue and plasmatic leukotriene B4 were determined. Results The groups treated with diclofenac or indometacin presented lower survival rates, hemoglobin and albumin, higher tissue and plasmatic leukotriene B4 and tissue superoxide dismutase than the group treated with celecoxib. Ketoprofen presented an intermediary behavior between diclofenac/indometacin and celecoxib, concerning to survival rate and albumin. The groups without colitis, with colitis and with colitis treated with celecoxib showed leukotriene B4 and superoxide dismutase lower levels than the groups treated with nonselective cyclo-oxygenase 2 inhibitors. Conclusions Diclofenac and indometacin presented the highest degree of induced colitis exacerbation with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, celecoxib did not show colitis exacerbation, and ketoprofen presented an intermediary behavior between diclofenac/indometacin and celecoxib. These results suggest that leukotriene B4 and superoxide ...

Contexto Os anti-inflamatórios não-esteróides são considerados uma das mais importantes causas de reativação da doença inflamatória intestinal. Em relação aos inibidores seletivos da ciclo-oxigenase 2, os resultados são controversos tanto em estudos envolvendo humanos como na colite experimental. Objetivos Comparar os efeitos dos anti-inflamatórios não-esteróides, seletivos e não seletivos da ciclo-oxigenase 2, na colite experimental e, contribuir para o entendimento do mecanismo no qual os anti-inflamatórios não-esteróides provocam a exacerbação da colite. Métodos Seis grupos de ratos foram estudados: sem colite, com colite e com colite e tratados com celecoxib, cetoprofeno, indometacina ou diclofenaco. Foram determinadas a taxa de sobrevida, as concentrações de hemoglobina e albumina plasmática, as concentrações teciduais na mucosa colônica de interleucina-1ß, interleucina-6, fator de necrose tumoral alfa, prostaglandina E2, catalase, superóxido dismutase, substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico e quimiluminescência estimulada por hidroperóxido de tert-butil, e as concentraçãos plasmática e tecidual de leucotrieno B4. Resultados O grupo tratado com diclofenaco ou indometacina apresentaram as menores taxas de sobrevida, concentrações de hemoglobina e albumina, e as maiores concentrações plasmática e tecidual de leucotrieno B4 e tecidual de superóxido dismutase do que os groupos tratados com celecoxib. O grupo tratado com cetoprofeno apresentou um comportamento intermediário entre diclofenaco/indometacina e celecoxib, em relação a taxa de sobrevida e albumina. Os grupos sem colite, colite e colite tratado com celecoxib apresentaram menores concentrações de leucotrieno B4 e superóxido ...

Decreased total antioxidant capacity in plasma, but not tissue, in experimental colitis.

The aim of the present work was to compare colonic mucosa and plasmatic oxidative stress measured concomitantly and with different degrees of injury in rats with colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid. Three groups were studied: control group, colitis group, and colitis exacerbated by diclofenac. Enzymatic markers of colon injury showed enhanced activity in both groups with colitis. The colitis group treated with diclofenac presented higher colonic damage score than the other groups. In both groups with colitis, higher values of tert butyl hydroperoxide-initiated-chemiluminescence and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances in tissue and decreased total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP) levels in plasma were found. In conclusion, independently of the degree of colonic mucosa injury and inflammation, oxidative stress in tissue occurs as a consequence of pro-oxidants increase, and is not explained by a reduction of antioxidant defenses. In both conditions, TRAP determination decreases in plasma, but not in tissue.

Effectiveness of fortification of corn flour-derived products with hydrogen-reduced elemental iron on iron-deficiency anaemia in children and adolescents in southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To find the ideal combination of Fe fortifier and its food vehicle is an essential measure in developing countries. However, its cost also plays an important role. In the present study, the effect on blood parameter values of corn flour-derived products fortified with powdered elemental Fe in the form of H2-reduced Fe was investigated in children and adolescents. METHODS: One hundred and sixty-two individuals (eighty-six boys and seventy-six girls) from public educational centres in Londrina, Paraná (southern Brazil) participated in the study. Fe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) was defined when Hb and serum ferritin values fell below 12 g/dl and 20 microg/l, respectively; Fe deficiency (ID) was considered when serum ferritin was below 20 microg/l. RESULTS: The prevalence of ID and IDA decreased from 18.0 % and 14.9 %, values found at the beginning of the study, to respectively 5.6 % and 1.2 % after 6 months. Changes from altered to normal values occurred more often than normal to altered values with transferrin saturation (14.2 % v. 6.8 %; P < 0.04) and ferritin (12.4 % v. 0 %; P < 0.001). Hb, transferrin saturation and ferritin showed differences between normal and altered parameters after 6 months (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A pronounced reduction in the prevalence of ID and IDA was observed in children and adolescents following 6 months' ingestion of corn flour-derived products enriched with elemental Fe.

Comparison of ferrous sulfate and ferrous glycinate chelate for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in gastrectomized patients.

OBJECTIVES: Postgastrectomy iron deficiency anemia has a variable prevalence and occurs in 20-50% of patients. Food fortification reports examining ferrous glycinate chelate have shown that it can be 2.5-3.4 times more bioavailable than ferrous sulfate, with minimal gastrointestinal symptoms. The present study was designed as a controlled experimental study including 18 gastrectomized patients with iron deficiency anemia to compare the effects of ferrous sulfate and ferrous glycinate chelate in the treatment of anemia and to evaluate the presence of side effects. METHODS: Patients were divided in two groups: group 1 received ferrous sulfate (200 mg twice a day, corresponding to 80 mg of elemental iron) and group 2 received ferrous glycinate chelate (250 mg/d, corresponding to 50 mg of elemental iron) for 4 mo. Laboratory measurements were performed at baseline and after 2 and 4 mo. RESULTS: Group 1 showed an apparent recovery in laboratory parameters, with increases in medium corpuscular hemoglobin (P = 0.02), serum iron (P = 0.02), and ferritin (P = 0.04), and a decrease in transferrin (P = 0.002) after 4 mo. Individualized analysis showed that only one patient using ferrous sulfate had anemia at the end of the study in contrast to six patients using ferrous glycinate. In addition, ferritin levels increased above 20 microg/L at the end of the study in seven patients using ferrous sulfate in contrast to one patient using ferrous glycinate. CONCLUSION: Patients with iron deficiency anemia after gastrectomy treated with ferrous sulfate had better results in hematologic laboratory parameters than those who used ferrous glycinate chelate.

The effect of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1/CXCL12) genetic polymorphism on HIV-1 disease progression.

The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) epidemic is increasing in Brazil, and little information has been reported about the genetic host factors related to HIV-1 infection in the Brazilian population. A polymorphism in the conserved 3' untranslated region of the stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1/CXCL12) gene has been related either to resistance to HIV-1 infection and delayed progression to AIDS or to rapid disease progression and death. A longitudinal study was conducted to evaluate the association of the SDF1 polymorphism and the progression of HIV-1 infection in 161 asymptomatic patients infected with HIV-1 (ASYMPT) and 617 patients with AIDS (SYMPT) from Londrina and the surrounding region, southern Brazil. The endpoints used were the development of AIDS, death, and the slopes of the CD4+ T cell counts and HIV-1 RNA plasma levels. Among the 161 ASYMPT patients, all of the 7 patients (4.3%) homozygous for the mutation remained asymptomatic (p=0.1906); 6 of them had not initiated antiretroviral therapy. Among the 617 patients with AIDS, 40 (6.5%) progressed to death. Of these, 33/388 (8.5%) did not have the SDF1-3'A allele, 6/196 (3.1%) were heterozygous and 1/33 (3.0%) was homozygous for the SDF1-3'A allele (p=0.029). The SDF1 genotypes were not associated with the surrogate markers of HIV-1 disease progression such as the CD4+ T cell decline and plasma HIV-1 RNA levels. The results observed in this study support the hypothesis that the mutation of SDF1-3'A could have a possible late-stage protective effect on HIV-1 disease progression in the Brazilian population.

Socio-demographic and epidemiological characteristics associated with human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) infection in HIV-1-exposed but uninfected individuals, and in HIV-1-infected patients from a southern Brazilian population.

The ability to control human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection and progression of the disease is regulated by host and viral factors. This cross-sectional study describes the socio-demographic and epidemiological characteristics associated with HIV-1 infection in 1,061 subjects attended in Londrina and region, south of Brazil: 136 healthy individuals (Group 1), 147 HIV-1-exposed but uninfected individuals (Group 2), 161 HIV-1-infected asymptomatic patients (Group 3), and 617 patients with AIDS (Group 4). Data were obtained by a standardized questionnaire and serological tests. The age of the individuals ranged from 15.1 to 79.5 years, 54.0% and 56.1% of the Groups 3 and 4 patients, respectively, were men. The major features of groups 2, 3, and 4 were a predominance of education level up to secondary school (55.8%, 60.2% and 62.4%, respectively), sexual route of exposure (88.4%, 87.0% and 82.0%, respectively), heterosexual behavior (91.8%, 75.2% and 83.7%, respectively), and previous sexually transmitted diseases (20.4%, 32.5%, and 38.1%, respectively). The patients with AIDS showed the highest rates of seropositivity for syphilis (25.6%), of anti-HCV (22.3%), and anti-HTLV I/II obtained by two serological screening tests (6.2% and 6.8%, respectively). The results documenting the predominant characteristics for HIV-1 infection among residents of Londrina and region, could be useful for the improvement of current HIV-1 prevention, monitoring and therapeutic programs targeted at this population.

Socio-demographic and epidemiological characteristics associated with human immunodeficiency virus type I (HIV-1) infection in HIV-1-explosed but uninfected individuals, and in HIV-1-infected patients from a southern brasilian population

Este estudo transversal descreve as principais características sociodemográficas e epidemiológicas associadas com a infecção pelo HIV-1 em 1.061 indivíduos atendidos em Londrina e região, Sul do Brasil: 136 indivíduos saudáveis (Grupo 1), 147 indivíduos expostos ao HIV-1 mas não infectados (Grupo 2), 161 pacientes infectados pelo HIV-1 assintomáticos (Grupo 3) e 617 pacientes com aids (Grupo 4). Os dados foram obtidos pela aplicação de um questionário padronizado e realização de testes sorológicos. A idade dos indivíduos variou de 15,1 a 79,5 anos; 54,0% e 56,1% dos pacientes dos Grupos 3 e 4, respectivamente, eram homens. As principais características dos indivíduos dos Grupos 2, 3 e 4 foram o predomínio do nível educacional com até oito anos de escolaridade (58,8%, 60,2% e 62,4%, respectivamente), a via sexual de transmissão (88,4%, 87,0% e 82,0%, respectivamente), o comportamento heterossexual (91,8%, 75,2% e 83,7%, respectivamente) e antecedentes de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis (20,4%, 32,5% e 38,1%, respectivamente). Os pacientes com aids apresentaram os valores mais elevados de soropositividade para sífilis (25,6%), anti-HCV (22,3%) e anti-HTLV I/II em dois testes de triagem sorológica (6,2% e 6,8%, respectivamente). Os resultados documentando as características predominantes associadas com a infecção pelo HIV-1 observada nos indivíduos de Londrina e região, poderá ser útil na melhoria dos atuais programas de prevenção, monitoramento e de tratamento da infecção pelo HIV-1 dirigidos a esta população.

Phytomonas serpens, a tomato parasite, shares antigens with Trypanosoma cruzi that are recognized by human sera and induce protective immunity in mice.

The immune cross-reactivity between Trypanosoma cruzi, the protozoan that causes Chagas' disease, and Phytomonas serpens, a trypanosomatid that infects tomatoes, was studied. Sera from patients with Chagas' disease presented a strong reactivity with P. serpens antigens by conventional serological assays such as indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) and direct agglutination test (DAT), confirmed after cross-absorption experiments. The results show that this protozoan is highly immunogenic and that rabbit and mouse hyperimmune serum raised against T. cruzi or P. serpens was able to recognize both T. cruzi and P. serpens antigens in immunofluorescence and agglutination assays. The antigenic cross-reactivity between T. cruzi and P. serpens was also demonstrated in vivo. BALB/c mice immunized by the intraperitoneal or oral route with P. serpens and later challenged with a lethal inoculum of T. cruzi blood forms showed a significant decrease in parasitemia and increase in survival compared to controls. A practical implication of these findings is that the ingestion by humans or animals of living plant trypanosomatids present in naturally infected edible fruits could potentially prime the immune response to T. cruzi antigens and interfere with the development of T. cruzi infection.