Phlebotominae Fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae) and the Spatial Distribution of Species in Sergipe, Brazil.

Some sand fly species are the vectors responsible for the transmission of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae), the etiological agent of leishmaniasis, and in the state of Sergipe, the two main forms of the disease (visceral and cutaneous) are recorded. Few works show information about the species that form the Phlebotominae fauna in Sergipe. This study aimed to update and determine how they are distributed throughout the state. The study used data from surveys about phlebotomines in Sergipe, from the Program of Surveillance and Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis, carried out by the Central Public Health Laboratory of Sergipe, from 2008 to 2018, along with review and original data from 2022. The commentary on this information was developed with focus on the species that can be vectors for the disease. Sergipe has, up to now, 27 registered species of phlebotomines from 12 genera, 15 of them are of sanitary relevance. Twenty two of these species are in the mesoregion East, 19 in the Agreste, and 11 in the Sertão of Sergipe. The species with the greatest distribution was Evandromyia lenti (Mangabeira, 1938), present in 74.6% of the municipalities of Sergipe, followed by Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), the main vector of the etiological agent of visceral leishmaniasis in Brazil, present in 68% of the municipalities studied. This study expands the number and distribution of species recorded in the state. This information can contribute to disease containment plans and support health education actions aimed at the control of leishmaniasis in Sergipe.

Demandas e utilização de serviços de saúde entre imigrantes de uma região metropolitana do nordeste do Brasil / Demandas y uso de servicios de salud entre inmigrantes de uma región metropolitana del noreste de Brasil / Demands and use of health services among immigrants from a metropolitan region in northeastern Brazil

Resumo Objetivo analisar as demandas e a utilização dos serviços de saúde por imigrantes na Região Metropolitana de Aracaju, Sergipe. Método recrutaram-se, pelo método bola de neve, 186 imigrantes, alocados em clusters relacionados à renda per capita do país de origem e países da América Latina ou não. Utilizou-se questionário auto aplicado sobre as condições e práticas de saúde. Resultados imigrantes de países com renda baixa e média baixa (IMB) são mais jovens, com menor tempo de permanência no Brasil, possuem ensino fundamental/médio, exercem atividade laboral sem carteira de trabalho assinada e renda de até um salário mínimo (p<0,05). Imigrantes da América Latina (IAL) possuem aproximadamente duas vezes mais chances de ter alguma doença crônica não transmissível (DCNT), comparados aos imigrantes de outros países (IOP). A idade e o tempo de permanência no Brasil influenciam na autoavaliação da saúde, na busca por serviços de saúde e ter alguma DCNT (p<0,05). O Sistema Único de Saúde foi o mais buscado tanto na chegada ao Brasil quanto nos últimos 12 meses, principalmente pelos IMB e IAL (p<0,05). Conclusão e implicações para a prática observaram-se diferenças dentro dos subgrupos de imigrantes, principalmente em termos de padrões de utilização, ressaltando a importância da competência transcultural na assistência.

Resumen Objetivo fueron analizadas las demandas y el uso de los servicios de salud por los inmigrantes en la Región Metropolitana de Aracaju, Sergipe. Método fueron reclutados, mediante el método bola de nieve, 186 inmigrantes y se dividieron en agrupación es según la renta per cápita del país de origen y continente. Se utilizó un cuestionario auto aplicado sobre condiciones y prácticas de salud. Resultados los inmigrantes de países de renta baja y media baja (IMB) son más jóvenes, han pasado menos tiempo en Brasil, tien en educación primaria/secundaria, trabajan sin contrato formal y tienen una renta de hasta 1 mínimo salario (p<0,05). Los inmigrantes de Latinoamérica (LAI) tienen aproximadamente el doble de probabilidades de tener una enfermedad crónica no transmisible (ENT) em comparación con inmigrantes de otros países (IOP). La edad y el tiempo de permanencia en Brasil influyen en la autoevaluación de la salud, la búsqueda de servicios de salud y el tener algunas ENT (p<0,05). El Sistema Único de Salud (Sistema Único de Saúde) fue el más buscado tanto a su llegada a Brasil como en los últimos 12 meses, principalmente por el IMB y la IAL (p<0,05). Conclusión e implicaciones para la práctica se observaron diferencias dentro de los subgrupos de inmigrantes, principalmente en términos de sus patrones de uso, resaltando la importancia de la competencia intercultural em la asistencia.

Abstract Objective This study aimed to analyze the demands and use of health services by international migratory clusters in the metropolitan region of Aracaju, Sergipe. Method A total of 186 immigrants were recruited, and divided into clusters according to the country of origin and continent. An epidemiological questionnaire on health conditions and care-related. Results Low and low middle income country immigrants (LMI) are younger, with lower length of stay in Brazil, elementary education, working without a formal contract, with an income of up to 1 minimum wage (p<0.05). Latin America immigrants (LAI) are approximately twice as likely to have some Chronic noncommunicable disease (NCDs), compared to other country immigrants (OCI). Age and length of stay in Brazil influence self-rated health, search for health services and having some NCDs (p<0.05). The Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde) was the most sought after both on arrival in Brazil and in the last 12 months, mainly by LMI and LAI (p<0.05). Conclusion and implications for practice Differences were observed within immigrant subgroups, mainly in terms of their use patterns and the importance for cross-cultural competence in health care.

Sintomas e compreensões de mulheres na menopausa em área metropolitana do Nordeste brasileiro: estudo quantiqualitativo / Symptoms and understandings of women in menopause in a metropolitan area of brazilian northeast: a quanti-qualitative study

Avaliar como as mulheres em área metropolitana do Nordeste brasileiro sentem e compreendem a menopausa. Estudo misto, com 417 mulheres de 40 a 60 anos no qual se utilizou um roteiro de questões socioeconômicas, ginecológicas/obstétricas, morbidades, medicações e sexualidade, além do Female Sexual Function Index e Menopause Rating Scale. A menopausa, constatada em 56,6% das mulheres com média de idade de 50,4±5,7 anos, teve sintomatologia associada severa (falta de ar, suor, calor e ansiedade); 52,5% apresentaram dúvidas ou falta de conhecimento sobre a menopausa, e 44,6%, redução na função sexual, que se correlacionou negativamente com a idade (r= -0,208; p<0,001). A disfunção sexual é quase duas vezes maior nas mulheres em menopausa do que naquelas em pré menopausa (OR=1,81; p=0,036). A sexualidade das mulheres com dificuldades ou disfunções sexuais por causa da menopausa pode estar permeada por inibições emocionais e psicológicas.

To evaluate what women feel and how they understand the menopause period in a metropolitan area of the Brazilian Northeast. A mixed study with 417 women aged 40 to 60 years that used a script of socioeconomic, gynecological/obstetrical, morbidity, medication, and sexuality questions, as well as the Female Sexual Function Index and Menopause Rating Scales. Menopause, observed in 56.6% of women with a mean age of 50.4±5.7 years, had severe associated symptoms (shortness of breath, sweat, heat and anxiety); 52.5% had doubts or lack of knowledge about menopause, and 44.6%, reduction in sexual function, which correlated negatively with age (r= -0.208; p<0.001). Sexual dysfunction is almost twice as high in menopausal women as in premenopausal women (OR=1.81; p=0.036). The sexuality of women with sexual issues or dysfunctions due to menopause may be permeated by emotional and psychological inhibitions.

Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae): first report in Sergipe State, Brazil.

INTRODUCTION: This study reports the first occurrence of Psammolestes tertius (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. METHODS: In 2020, 95 specimens were collected from the municipality of Porto da Folha, Sergipe, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of the species from 15 states in Brazil to 16 and increases the biodiversity of triatomines in the state of Sergipe. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Sergipe demonstrated a wider distribution of this species in northeastern Brazil.

Analysis of the occurrence of microplastics in beach sand on the Brazilian coast.

The occurrence of microplastics in coastal areas is a growing concern due to the increase in plastic waste pollution in recent decades. This study had as objective to evaluate the occurrence of microplastics in Brazilian beach sand, using a simple and fast methodology. In addition, possible microplastics were classified according to color, shape and chemical composition. The study was conducted on six beaches on the Brazilian coast: Pecado Beach (RJ), Castanheiras Beach (ES), Regência Beach (ES), Imbassaí Beach (BA), Viral Beach (SE) and Ponta dos Mangues Beach (SE). The methodology was adapted from international protocols, with section demarcation (100 m), where samples were collected from the superficial layer of the beach sand in ten quadrants (50 cm × 50 cm). The laboratory extraction procedure consisted of the density separation technique in two stages: the first used sodium chloride solution and the second used zinc chloride solution. For the visual inspection and screening procedures, a stereoscopic microscope was used. A total of 166 items of microplastics were collected on the six beaches on the Brazilian coast under study. The largest quantity of possible microplastics was recorded on the beaches of Viral (SE) and Ponta dos Mangues (SE) with 30.4 items/m2 and 17.4 items/m2, respectively. Regarding colour, white items were predominant (49.3%), and among particle types, fragments represented 85.1%. In addition, some microplastic particles were sent for FT-IR analysis, one of which was identified as being polyethylene. This study contributes to the knowledge of the presence of microplastics in different locations, and to supporting decision makers regarding coastal management.

Psammolestes tertius Lent & Jurberg, 1965 (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae): first report in Sergipe State, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study reports the first occurrence of Psammolestes tertius (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the state of Sergipe, Brazil. METHODS: In 2020, 95 specimens were collected from the municipality of Porto da Folha, Sergipe, Brazil. RESULTS: This finding expands the geographical distribution of the species from 15 states in Brazil to 16 and increases the biodiversity of triatomines in the state of Sergipe. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of P. tertius in the state of Sergipe demonstrated a wider distribution of this species in northeastern Brazil.

Modifications in a Reference Freeze-Dried Direct Agglutination Test to Improve Visceral Leishmaniasis Detection.

Currently, a significantly lower temperature (35°C) than initially established (56°C) is indicated as the maximum temperature storage for the commercial reference visceral leishmaniasis (VL) freeze-dried direct agglutination test (FD-DAT). Despite an approximately 50% loss in the number of promastigotes in an FD-DAT batch that expired 7 years earlier, the promastigotes maintained a similar morphology to the equivalent valid batch implying most likely that auto-agglutination, rather than aging, is the main reason for expiry. The substitution of normal saline which was initially recommended for reconstitution, by citrate-saline/formaldehyde (CSF) as an anti-clumping/preservative agent resulted in restoration of validity comparable with that of the freeze-dried original or the liquid direct agglutination test (LQ-DAT) version (Friedman ANOVA test = 1.0588; P = 0.5890). Following a similar reconstitution procedure as for the 7-year expired antigen, using significantly lower promastigote concentration (1.4 × 107/mL) than in the non-expired (9.0 × 107/mL), good reliability for VL detection and stability at 4°C (> 12 months) were achieved. In comparison with the original version using normal saline ($32.0/vial), the cost-effectiveness of the FD-DAT was appreciably improved by the CSF incorporation and lowering of promastigote concentration per unit suspension medium ($12.8/vial). With diagnostic reliability comparable with the full-out titration used, FD-DAT procedure based on single sample dilution at the VL cutoff (1:3,200) permitted the use of significantly smaller antigen volumes (0.1 mL vs. > 1.5 mL), therefore contributing to a further reduction in the application cost. The successful replacement of ß-mercaptoethanol (ß-ME) by urea (T = 21.00; P = 0.0868) provided the required safety for the test procedure similar to the widely applied LQ-DAT.

Bovine fasciolisis in São Paulo state, Brazil.

Fasciolosis is a zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution caused by Fasciola hepatica, which leads to severe economic losses in cattle such as reducing meat and milk production, livers condemnation, growth retardation and increase in mortality. From October 2008 to April 2011, condemned bovine livers in slaughterhouses of different municipalities from São Paulo state, Brazil were evaluated for the presence of Fasciola hepatica. Out of 20,635 analyzed livers, 1422 were infected with F. hepatica. These cattle came from 33 municipalities, out of which 16 showed infected animals and where 7 municipalities did not show statistical difference between each month throughout the year: Tuiuti - 276/1408 (19,6%), Atibaia - 44/257 (17,1%), Joanópolis - 116/738 (15,7%), Bragança Paulista - 318/2316 (13,3%), Piracaia - 182/1442 (12,6%), Santo Antonio de Posse - 118/1005 (11,7%), Amparo 131/2003 (6,5%). The other nine municipalities, Monte Alegre do Sul, Descalvado, Campinas, Morungaba, Pedreira, Socorro, Munhoz, Jaguariúna and Itatiba showed a positive percentage varying from 5.08% to 1.46%. Our results demonstrated the presence of F. hepatica in this region was higher than official data, bringing the need for control measures. There is also an apparent increase in fasciolosis two to three months after low to medium precipitation, however high precipitation causes a decrease in fasciolosis prevalence.

User and environment friendly direct agglutination test for the sero-diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: exclusion of formaldehyde and ß-mercaptoethanol in test execution.

PURPOSE: Based on world-wide evaluation, the direct agglutination test (DAT) is now generally acknowledged as one of the leading diagnostics for visceral leishmaniasis (VL). To enhance more routine and mass application, but simultaneously ensure safety to both user and environment, further improvements need to be introduced. METHODOLOGY: In the current format, a two-sixfold titre decrease was observed due to using formaldehyde as an antigen preservative in DAT. Successful formaldehyde preservative exclusion was achieved by increasing its concentration to 3 % (wt/vol) for conserving promastigote status after ß-mercaptoethanol (ß-ME) treatment and repeating exposure of the parasite to the fixative after Coomassie Brilliant Blue staining. RESULTS: Microbial contamination was not observed in any of the antigen aliquots preserved in 0.05 % (wt/vol) sodium dichloroisocyanurate (chlorine) instead of formaldehyde for 6 months or longer. By excluding formaldehyde, restoring the normal antibody level, prior to treatment of sera with ß-ME only minimally influenced the test outcome. A comparable successful reduction in non-specific agglutination, as with ß-ME, was achieved by incorporating urea (0.3 % wt/vol) in the improved DAT procedure (P=0.646; T=23.0). As with the current procedure, the improved equivalent (formaldehyde and ß-ME free) showed good reliability for VL detection (VL - Fr=52.39, W=0.70, P<0.001; and non-VL - Fr=65.97, W=0.83, P<0.001). A much lower cut-off (titre 1 : 400 versus 1 : 3200) for VL diagnosis can be adopted if urea is integrated in the improved procedure. CONCLUSIONS: By introducing the modifications mentioned, we think we have succeeded to a reasonable degree in increasing the DAT potential for VL control.

Occurrence of larvae of trypanorhynch cestodes in snappers (Lutjanidae) from northeast Brazil / Ocorrência de larvas de cestodas trypanorhyncha em vermelhas (Lutjanidae) do nordeste do Brasil

Abstract Three species of snappers from artisanal, small-scale fisheries were examined for the presence of parasites. A total of 139 lutjanid fish were collected: 69 specimens of Lutjanus analis, 47 specimens of Lutjanus vivanus, and 23 specimens of Lutjanus synagris. Encysted plerocercoid of trypanorhynch cestodes found at necropsy in the viscera of snappers were sampled for parasitological analysis. These plerocercoid larvae belong to the genera Floriceps, Pseudogrillotia , and Oncomegas. Although these parasites do not have any zoonotic potential, fish with heavy loads of plerocercoids are rejected during inspection as they compromise meat hygiene. Our findings suggest that light larval cestode infections in lutjanids would not lead to consumer rejection of the food product. The occurrence of Floriceps sp. in L. analis and in L. synagris, of Pseudogrillotia sp. in L. vivanus and in L. synagris , and of Oncomegas sp. in L. synagris are new findings in these fish species. These parasites are new to these fish species and have not been reported in snappers from the northeast coast of Brazil. The results contribute to the existing body of knowledge about the parasitic fauna of fish and its distribution along the coastline of Brazil.

Resumo Três espécies de pargos de pescaria artesanal e de pequena escala foram examinadas quanto à presença de parasitas. Um total de 139 peixes lutjanídeos foram coletados: 69 espécimes de Lutjanus analis, 47 de Lutjanus vivanus e 23 de Lutjanus synagris. Cistos de plerocercóides de cestodas Trypanorhyncha encontrados durante a necrópsia nas vísceras de pargos foram amostrados para análise parasitológica. Estas larvas plerocercóides pertencem aos gêneros Floriceps, Pseudogrillotia e Oncomegas. Embora esses parasitas não tenham qualquer potencial zoonótico, peixes com elevadas cargas de plerocercóides são rejeitados durante a inspeção, pois comprometem a higiene da carne. Os achados sugerem que baixas infecções por essas formais larvais de cestodas em lutjanídeos não levariam a rejeição do consumidor quanto ao produto alimentar. A ocorrência de Floriceps sp. em L. analis e em L. synagris, de Pseudogrillotia sp. em L. vivanus e em L. syngaris, e de Oncomegas sp. em L. synagris são novas descobertas nestas espécies de peixes. Estes parasitas são novos para essas espécies de peixes e não foram relatados em pargos da costa nordeste do Brasil. Os resultados contribuem para o conhecimento existente sobre a fauna parasitária do peixe e sua distribuição ao longo do litoral do Brasil.

Socioenvironmental factors associated with Schistosoma mansoni infection and intermediate hosts in an urban area of northeastern Brazil.

Schistosomiasis, which is caused by trematodes of the genus Schistosoma and by the species Schistosoma mansoni in Brazil, is transmitted primarily by Biomphalaria glabrata mollusks. Infections occur in humans and mollusks in freshwater environments contaminated with feces from infected humans. This study aimed to evaluate potential foci of schistosomiasis based on the identification of infection sites for the snails, factors that increased the human infection probability of S. mansoni infection, and the relationship of the disease with abiotic, biotic, and sociocultural factors. The study was conducted in an urban area on the northeast coast of Brazil; this location was chosen based on the following factors: the presence of B. glabrata, nearby freshwater, and the absence of sewer treatment. A parasitological analysis was performed to evaluate infections of the mollusks and residents inside the perimeter defined by the collection points. Questionnaires were applied to obtain demographic data and to identify behaviors that led to human infection. To verify the contamination of freshwater by human feces, a microbiological analysis of the water was performed at the mollusk collection points to determine the rate of contamination with fecal coliforms. A total of 10,270 B. glabrata mollusks were collected between August 2013 and August 2014, of which 8.8% were positive for S. mansoni; the prevalence ranged from 0 to 34.5% over the study period. A total of 232 coprological samples from the residents were analyzed. The S. mansoni infection prevalence rate was 16.4%, and the S. mansoni parasitic load in the infected residents was 54.9 eggs per gram of feces on average. Males were more affected by the parasite, especially in the 8-17-year-old age range. Thermotolerant coliforms were observed at the mollusk collection sites, which indicated that freshwater and sewage were in continuous contact. This contamination indicated poor sanitary conditions, as was previously observed, which could be combined with detrimental behavior due to the residents' habits. These conditions cause a predisposition for both intermediate and definitive infections of the hosts by creating a socioenvironmental scenario that is conducive to the formation and maintenance of potential schistosomiasis foci. This and similar areas deserve special attention from the government with an aim of improving sanitation services and local resident knowledge to prevent future contamination.

Occurrence of larvae of trypanorhynch cestodes in snappers (Lutjanidae) from northeast Brazil.

Three species of snappers from artisanal, small-scale fisheries were examined for the presence of parasites. A total of 139 lutjanid fish were collected: 69 specimens of Lutjanus analis, 47 specimens of Lutjanus vivanus, and 23 specimens of Lutjanus synagris. Encysted plerocercoid of trypanorhynch cestodes found at necropsy in the viscera of snappers were sampled for parasitological analysis. These plerocercoid larvae belong to the genera Floriceps, Pseudogrillotia , and Oncomegas. Although these parasites do not have any zoonotic potential, fish with heavy loads of plerocercoids are rejected during inspection as they compromise meat hygiene. Our findings suggest that light larval cestode infections in lutjanids would not lead to consumer rejection of the food product. The occurrence of Floriceps sp. in L. analis and in L. synagris, of Pseudogrillotia sp. in L. vivanus and in L. synagris , and of Oncomegas sp. in L. synagris are new findings in these fish species. These parasites are new to these fish species and have not been reported in snappers from the northeast coast of Brazil. The results contribute to the existing body of knowledge about the parasitic fauna of fish and its distribution along the coastline of Brazil.

Identification of an area predominantly endemic for childhood and adolescent visceral leishmaniasis in central Sudan.

Although widely spread throughout Sudan, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is predominantly endemic in the Gedaref, southern Blue-Nile, and Umrimta areas located in the eastern, southern, and central regions, respectively. Regardless of form (endemic or epidemic), VL occurrence follows similar patterns as all ages and both sexes are affected. From January 2005 to May 2016, we received a total of 563 patients with high suspicion for VL from various endemic areas; 159 were children and adolescents (0.5-18 years) from Umrimta (central Sudan). A significant observation during this 11-year period of uninterrupted monitoring using a standard liquid direct agglutination test (LQ-DAT) version was the exclusive VL occurrence (100%) in the child and adolescent populations of Umrimta when compared with other endemic areas (27.3%-48.0%). Among 12 child and adolescent suspects who initially tested marginal in the standard LQ-DAT, 6 scored unequivocally positive readings both in an improved LQ-DAT version (based on an autochthonous Leishmania donovani strain) and rK28 VL reference test. None of the 4 (2.5%) VL adult suspects (≥19years) referred had positive outcomes in the improved LQ-DAT version or the VL reference freeze-dried direct agglutination and rK28 tests. Further incorporation of antigens derived from autochthonous L. donovani strains from Umrimta (central Sudan) or Gedaref (eastern Sudan) in LQ-DAT significantly increased the agglutination titer levels in the respective VL homologous sera (p=0.0263 T=505 and p=0.2814T=219), suggesting possible antigenic variation within the predominant Sudanese L. donovani complex. Additional research is required to determine characteristics other than the serologically-based ones reported for the L. donovani strain involved.

Kudoa spp. (Myxozoa, Multivalvulida) parasitizing fish caught in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil / Kudoa spp. (Myxozoa, Multivalvulida) parasitando peixes capturados em Aracaju, Sergipe, Brasil

Abstract This study reports on Kudoa spp. (Myxozoa, Multivalvulida) from the fish species Lutjanus analis, Bagre marinus, Aspistor luniscutis and Lutjanus jocu, which were caught in Aracaju, state of Sergipe, Brazil. The parasites formed oval plasmodia around the esophagus of L. analis, and elongated plasmodia inside the skeletal muscle of B. marinus, A. luniscutis and L. jocu. Host myoliquefaction was not observed in all the cases studied. The current study provides a morphological and morphometric description of each parasite as well as a comparison with all the species described worldwide. Lack of molecular data impaired specific identification of the parasites. The importance of these parasites is discussed and the need for further studies on infections in Brazilian fish is emphasized because of the high economic impact of some Kudoa species which cause liquefaction in hosts’ muscles and render these fish unsuitable for consumption.

Resumo Este estudo relata Kudoa spp. (Myxozoa, Multivalvulida) de espécies de peixes Lutjanus analis, Bagre marinus, Aspistor luniscutis e Lutjanus jocu que foram capturados na costa litorânea de Aracaju, Estado de Sergipe, Brasil. Os parasitas formavam plasmódios ovais rodeando o esófago em L. analis, enquanto que nas espécies B. marinus, A. luniscutis e L. jocu formavam plasmódios alongados no interior das fibras musculares. Fenômenos de liquefação do músculo do hospedeiro não foram observados. O presente estudo proporciona uma descrição morfológica e morfométrica de cada parasita, sendo feita uma comparação com todas as espécies conhecidas em todo mundo. A inexistência de dados moleculares prejudica a identificação específica dos parasitas. A importância destes parasitas é discutida e a necessidade de mais estudos relacionados a infecções em peixes brasileiros é enfatizada por causa do alto impacto econômico de algumas espécies de Kudoa que causam liquefação nos músculos dos hospedeiros e tornam estes peixes impróprios para consumo.

Kudoa spp. (Myxozoa, Multivalvulida) parasitizing fish caught in Aracaju, Sergipe, Brazil.

This study reports on Kudoa spp. (Myxozoa, Multivalvulida) from the fish species Lutjanus analis, Bagre marinus, Aspistor luniscutis and Lutjanus jocu, which were caught in Aracaju, state of Sergipe, Brazil. The parasites formed oval plasmodia around the esophagus of L. analis, and elongated plasmodia inside the skeletal muscle of B. marinus, A. luniscutis and L. jocu. Host myoliquefaction was not observed in all the cases studied. The current study provides a morphological and morphometric description of each parasite as well as a comparison with all the species described worldwide. Lack of molecular data impaired specific identification of the parasites. The importance of these parasites is discussed and the need for further studies on infections in Brazilian fish is emphasized because of the high economic impact of some Kudoa species which cause liquefaction in hosts' muscles and render these fish unsuitable for consumption.

Spatial temporal study of scorpion envenomation in the state of Sergipe, Brazil / Estudo espacial e temporal dos envenenamentos por escorpiões no estado de Sergipe, Brasil

This is a descriptive, retrospective study using a quantitative approach based on secondary data from records related to scorpion envenomation from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN ­ Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação) from 2004 to 2014. The goal was to determine the frequency of scorpion envenomation in the eight territories of the state of Sergipe and to examine spatial differences and environmental influences on envenomation. The study was conducted in the state of Sergipe, Brazil and analysed the relationship between locations most affected by scorpion stings and anthropogenic changes. The following variables were analysed: month and year of the envenomation, territory, area of the envenomation and population according to Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE - Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística). Territorial changes were observed in the neighbourhood of Santos Dumont, in the municipality of Aracaju, that were caused by human occupation in the years 2003, 2009 and 2014. To analyse the climatic influences on the frequency of scorpion stings, we used the normal temperature and normal rainfall in the municipalities of Sergipe, especially in Canindé de São Francisco, Nossa Senhora das Dores and Aracaju, provided by the National Institute of Meteorology and Technology (INMET ­ Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Tecnologia). A total of 8021 accidents with poisonous animals occurred in Sergipe between 2004 and 2014, of which 5133 (63.99%) involved scorpions; 80% of scorpion envenomation in Sergipe occurred in urban areas, with significant differences in the distribution per zone between the territories (P<0.01). The territory of Grande Aracaju (87.9%) had the highest frequency on scorpion envenomation in urban areas, Alto Sertão (55.9%) had the highest frequency in rural areas, and the municipality of Aracaju had 58.11% of all cases of scorpion stings in Sergipe. The neighbourhood of Santos Dumont was the most affected in the municipality of Aracaju, with 219/2983 cases. Regarding preventive measures aimed at the population, it is recommended that individuals maintain cleanliness in the vicinity of their households, avoid accumulating construction waste, use wall coatings, use protective screens in drains and sewers, and seal septic tanks; individuals may also preserve the scorpions' predators.

Estudo descritivo, retrospectivo de abordagem quantitativa com base em dados secundários, extraídos das notificações de envenenamentos por escorpião no Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) no período de 2004 a 2014. O objetivo foi determinar a frequência de envenenamentos por escorpiões nos oito territórios sergipanos, verificando as diferenças espaciais nas ocorrências e as influências ambientais sobre os envenenamentos. O estudo foi realizado no Estado de Sergipe, Brasil, e analisou a relação entre localidades mais acometidas por acidentes escorpiônicos e modificações antrópicas. As variáveis analisadas foram: ano e mês do envenenamento, território, zona de ocorrência e população segundo Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Verificaram-se as modificações territoriais no bairro Santos Dumont, no município de Aracaju, causadas pela ocupação humana nos anos de 2003, 2009 e 2014. Para analisar as influências climáticas nas frequências de envenenamentos por escorpiões, utilizou-se as normais de temperatura e normais de pluviosidade dos municípios de Sergipe, em especial Canindé do São Francisco, Nossa Senhora das Dores e Aracaju, fornecidos pelo Instituto Nacional de Meteorologia e Tecnologia (INMET). Verificou-se a ocorrência de 8021 casos de acidentes com animais peçonhentos em Sergipe no período entre 2004 e 2014, dos quais 5133 (63,99%) envolveram escorpiões; 80% dos casos de acidentes escorpiônicos em Sergipe, ocorreram em zona urbana, com diferenças estatísticas na distribuição por zona entre os territórios (p0,01). O território da Grande Aracaju (87,9%) apresentou a maior frequência de envenenamentos em zona urbana; o Alto Sertão (55,9%) obteve a maior frequência em zona rural; o município de Aracaju concentrou 58,11% de todos os casos de acidentes escorpiônicos de Sergipe. O bairro Santos Dumont foi o mais acometido do município de Aracaju com 219/2983 casos. Em relação às medidas preventivas voltadas à população é recomendável orientar sobre a manutenção da limpeza no entorno dos domicílios; evitar resíduos de construção civil; realizar o acabamento das paredes através de revestimentos; utilizar telas protetoras nos ralos de esgotos e manter fossas sépticas lacradas, além de preservar os predadores dos escorpiões.

Trypanosomatids (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) in three species of Armored Catfish from Mogi-Guaçu river, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil.

Trypanosome infections have been reported in several species of fish, in majority of cases described on the basis of morphological characteristics. Trypanosomes in fish are heteroxenous and transmitted by hirudineans. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and density of infections by Trypanosoma sp. in blood from three species of catfish, Hypostomus regani, H. strigaticeps, H. albopunctatus, from the Mogi Guaçu River, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. Further, this study intends to characterize the Trypanosoma specimens found in the blood of these fish by morphological and molecular techniques. The trypanosomes overall prevalence observed was 47.6% with a general average density of 0.75 parasites/µl of blood. Hypostomus regani and Hypostomus strigaticeps showed a significant difference in prevalence. The average densities of parasites were not significantly different among the three fish species. Similar findings were observed for the monthly variations in densities. The parasites found in the three species of catfish studied showed similar morphological characteristics. The morphological data and the statistical analyses used in this study didn't show the formation of groups. The analyses provided evidence of the presence of pleomorphisms in the trypanosomes found in the three studied fish.

Trypanosomatids (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) in three species of Armored Catfish from Mogi-Guaçu river, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil / Tripanossomatídeos (Protozoa: Kinetoplastida) em três espécies de cascudos do rio Mogi-Guaçu, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract Trypanosome infections have been reported in several species of fish, in majority of cases described on the basis of morphological characteristics. Trypanosomes in fish are heteroxenous and transmitted by hirudineans. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence and density of infections by Trypanosoma sp. in blood from three species of catfish, Hypostomus regani, H. strigaticeps, H. albopunctatus, from the Mogi Guaçu River, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil. Further, this study intends to characterize the Trypanosoma specimens found in the blood of these fish by morphological and molecular techniques. The trypanosomes overall prevalence observed was 47.6% with a general average density of 0.75 parasites/µl of blood. Hypostomus regani and Hypostomus strigaticeps showed a significant difference in prevalence. The average densities of parasites were not significantly different among the three fish species. Similar findings were observed for the monthly variations in densities. The parasites found in the three species of catfish studied showed similar morphological characteristics. The morphological data and the statistical analyses used in this study didn’t show the formation of groups. The analyses provided evidence of the presence of pleomorphisms in the trypanosomes found in the three studied fish.

Resumo Infecções por tripanossomas foram descritas em diversas espécies de peixes, sendo a maioria das descrições baseada nas características morfológicas. Tripanossomas de peixes são heteroxenos e transmitidos por hirudíneos. Este estudo tem como objetivo a avaliação da prevalência e densidade da infecção por Trypanosoma sp. no sangue de três espécies de cascudos, Hypostomus regani, H.strigaticeps, H.albopunctatus, do Rio Mogi-Guaçu, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brasil. Além disso, pretende-se a caracterização das espécies de Trypanosoma encontradas no sangue desses peixes, por meio da utilização de técnicas morfólogicas e moleculares. A prevalência total de tripanossomas foi de 47,6%, e a densidade média foi de 0,75 parasitas/ µl de sangue. Hypostomus regani e Hypostomus strigaticeps apresentaram diferenças significativas em prevalência. As médias das densidades dos parasitas não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre as três espécies de peixes estudadas. O mesmo foi observado com a variação mensal das densidades. Os parasitas encontrados nas três espécies de cascudo possuíam características morfológicas semelhantes. As análises morfológicas e estatísticas obtidas neste estudo não mostraram a formação de grupos. As análises evidenciaram a presença de pleomorfismo dos tripanossomas encontrados nas três espécies de peixes estudados.

Local Production of a Liquid Direct Agglutination Test as a Sustainable Measure for Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Sudan.

A prerequisite for the control of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) is the accessibility to reference diagnostics. The high price of the freeze-dried direct agglutination test (FD-DAT) and the short shelf-life time of the rK39 strip test (rK39) have limited the application of these tests in Sudan. An original liquid DAT (LQ-DAT) with high reproducibility compared with the FD-DAT and rK39 has been routinely produced in our laboratory since 1999. In this study, a 3.4-year-old batch (of more than 90 test batches produced to date) was chosen to validate the diagnostic performance of this test against microscopy, FD-DAT, and rK39 in 96 VL and 42 non-VL serum samples. Relatively higher sensitivity (95/96, 99.0%) was recorded for the LQ-DAT than for the FD-DAT (92/96, 95.8%) and rK39 (76/96, 79.2%), probably because of the use of the endemic autochthonous Leishmania donovani isolate as the antigen. Experience with the LQ-DAT, its low cost of production, ease of providing this test, and diagnostic reliability compared with the FD-DAT suggest that widescale implementation of the LQ-DAT can contribute to sustainable VL control in Sudan.

Determinantes sociocomportamentais e vulnerabilidade de crianças da educação infantil à pediculose / Socio-behavioral determinants and the vulnerability of children during early childhood education to pediculosis / Determinantes sociocomportamentales y vulnerabilidad de niños de la educación inicial a la pediculosis

O espaço escolar é associado à alta infestação pelo piolho de cabeça. Este trabalho objetivou caracterizar os determinantes sociocomportamentais e a vulnerabilidade de pré-escolares à infestação por Pediculus humanus capitis no município de Aracaju, estado de Sergipe. A pesquisa de campo exploratória foi realizada de junho a agosto de 2014, na microrregião do bairro Augusto Franco, no domínio familiar (unidades domésticas) e escolar (Escola Municipal de Ensino Infantil). A análise dos dados utilizou a estatística descritiva, teste Qui-quadrado de Pearson e Odds Ratio. Aproximadamente de 64% (30/47) dos entrevistados recebem até 1 salário mínimo e possuem residência própria, a quantidade de filhos foi entre 2 e 3 crianças. 30% tiveram piolho, destas, 40% realizaram tratamento medicamentoso e 13,3% catação manual. Questões como a pediculose devem ser consideradas no contexto da situação, com metodologia participativa e dialógica no contexto familiar e escolar (AU).

Schools have a high rate of head lice infestations. The aim of this study was to characterize the socio-behavioral determinants and the vulnerability of early childhood education students to infestations by Pediculus humanus capitis in the city of Aracaju, Sergipe state. The exploratory field study was conducted from June to August 2014, in the micro region of the Augusto Fanco neighborhood, in the family domain (households) and school (Municipal Early Childhood Education Center). Data analysis used descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-square test and Odds Ratio. Approximately 64% (30/47) of respondents receive up to 1 minimum wage and have their own residence, the number of children was between 2 and 3 per interviewee. 30% had lice, of these, 40% were treated with medication and 13.3% used manual removal. Issues such as lice infestation should be considered in the context of the situation with dialogue and a participatory methodology in the family and school context (AU).

El espacio escolar está asociado a alta infestación por el piojo de cabeza. Este trabajo tuvo la finalidad de caracterizar los determinantes ociocomportamentales y la vulnerabilidad de preescolares a la infestación por Pediculus humanus capitis en el municipio de Aracaju, estado de Sergipe. La investigación de campo exploratoria fue realizada de junio a agosto de 2014, en la microrregión del barrio Augusto Franco, en el dominio familiar (unidades domésticas) escolar (Escuela Municipal de Enseñanza Inicial). El análisis de los datos utilizó la estadística descriptiva, test Chi- cuadrado de Pearson y OddsRatio. Aproximadamente 64% (30/47) de los entrevistados ganan hasta 1 salario mínimo y poseen vivienda propia; la cuantidad de hijos está entre 2 y 3 niños. Aproximadamente 30% tuvieron piojo, de estas, 40% realizaron tratamiento medicamentoso y 13,3% quitaron manualmente. Cuestiones como la pediculosis deben ser consideradas en el contexto de la situación, con metodología participativa y dialógica en el contexto familiar y escolar (AU).