Cysticercosis in free-ranging agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Eastern Brazilian Amazon.

The study describes the occurrence of cysticercosis in liver of 22 wild agoutis (Dasyprocta leporina) in the Brazilian Amazon. The phylogenetic analysis and microscopic characteristics of metacestodes in liver tissue sections, associated with the geographic distribution of the intermediate hosts indicated that a possibly novel Taenia sp. metacestode caused the parasitism. Additionally, two cases of hepatic co-infection by Taenia sp., Calodium sp. and Echinococcus oligarthra were also observed among the analyzed animals. The results point to the need for a better understanding of hepatotropic parasites among wild rodents in the Brazilian Amazon.

Perfil bioquímico e sorológico das hepatites b e c num centro recuperação para dependentes químicos / Biochemical and serological profile of hepatitis b and c in a recovery center for chemical dependents / Perfil bioquímico y serológico de hepatitis b y c en un centro de recuperación de dependientes químicos

Objetivo: A pesquisa visa determinar o perfil bioquímico e sorológico das hepatites B e C em internos de um centro de recuperação, Ananindeua, Pará, Brasil. Métodos: Estudo transversal, descritivo e quantitativo, desenvolvido entre 2015 e 2018. Os dados foram coletados com o uso de Ficha de Inquérito e entrevista. Os participantes foram submetidos à coleta de sangue para realização de testes sorológicos para as hepatites virais B e C e bioquímicos. Resultados: Participaram 125 internos, com frequência de 97,6% para o sexo masculino, prevalecendo a faixa etária de 31 a 40 anos (38,4%). Os marcadores bioquímicos que mais sofreram alterações: ácido úrico, alanina aminotransferase e lipoproteína de alta densidade. O HBsAg não foi detectado, porém houve detecção de anti-HBc total reagente isolado em 1,6% dos indivíduos. Em 20,8% pode-se observar resposta vacinal contra o vírus da hepatite B. A pesquisa detectou prevalência de 3,2% de anti-VHC reagente. Conclusão: É baixa prevalência da infecção pelos vírus das hepatites B e C, apesar dessa população ser considerada de elevado risco para a transmissão desses vírus, os examinados na sua maioria referiu utilizar apenas drogas inaláveis. A baixa cobertura vacinal encontrada entre os examinados demonstrou a vulnerabilidade em adquirir a hepatite B e a importância de estudos entre usuários de drogas no Pará. (AU)

Objective: The research aims to determine the biochemical and serological profile of hepatitis B and C in inmates of a recovery center, Ananindeua, Pará, Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive and quantitative study, developed between 2015 and 2018. Data were collected using an Inquiry Form and an interview. Participants underwent blood collection to perform serological tests for viral hepatitis B and C and biochemicals. Results: 125 inmates participated, with a frequency of 97.6% for males, with the age group of 31 to 40 years old prevailing (38.4%). The biochemical markers that suffered the most changes: uric acid, Alanine aminotransferase and High density lipoprotein. HBsAg was not detected, but total anti-HBc reagent isolated was detected in 1.6% of individuals. In 20.8%, a vaccine response against the hepatitis B virus can be observed. The survey found a 3.2% prevalence of anti-HCV reagent. Conclusion: The prevalence of infection by the hepatitis B and C viruses is low, although this population is considered to be at high risk for the transmission of these viruses, the majority of those examined reported using only inhalable drugs. The low vaccination coverage found among those examined demonstrated the vulnerability to acquire hepatitis B and the importance of studies among drug users in Pará. (AU)

Objetivo: La investigación tiene como objetivo determinar el perfil bioquímico y serológico de la hepatitis B y C en los reclusos de un centro de recuperación, Ananindeua, Pará, Brasil. Métodos: Estudio transversal, descriptivo y cuantitativo, desarrollado entre 2015 y 2018. Los datos se recopilaron mediante el Formulario de encuesta y la entrevista. Los participantes se sometieron a extracción de sangre para pruebas serológicas de hepatitis viral B y C y bioquímicos. Resultados: Participaron 125 reclusos, con una frecuencia del 97,6% para los hombres, prevaleciendo el grupo de edad de 31 a 40 años (38,4%). Los marcadores bioquímicos que sufrieron más cambios: ácido úrico, Alanina aminotransferasa y Lipoproteínas de alta densidad. No se detectó HBsAg, pero se detectó el reactivo anti-HBc total aislado en el 1,6% de los individuos. En 20.8%, se puede observar una respuesta de vacuna contra el virus de la hepatitis B. La encuesta encontró una prevalencia del 3.2% Del reactivo anti-VHC. Conclusiones: La prevalencia de infección por los virus de la hepatitis B y C es baja, aunque se considera que esta población tiene un alto riesgo de transmisión de estos virus, la mayoría de los examinados informaron que usaban solo medicamentos inhalables. La baja cobertura de vacunación encontrada entre los examinados demostró la vulnerabilidad a contraer hepatitis B y la importancia de los estudios entre usuarios de drogas en Pará. (AU)

Bartonelose: doença de importância para a saúde pública envolvendo a tríade homem-ambiente-animal / Bartonellosis: disease of importance for public health involving the man-environment-animal triad / Bartonelosis: enfermedad de importancia para la salud pública que involucra la triada hombre-ambiente-animal

A relação hospedeiro-parasita é caracterizada como uma interação alelobiótica construída por meio de processos evolutivo-adaptativos com hospedeiros assintomáticos. No ambiente silvestre é notório o equilíbrio desta relação, porém quando há intervenção antropogênica um ciclo enzoótico pode se estabelecer proporcionando o surgimento de enfermidades emergentes ou reemergentes. Dentre estes agentes etiológicos, a Bartonella spp. é um bacilo gram-negativo da classe Proteobacteria que apresentam tropismo por eritrócitos e células endoteliais, com infecção já descrita em animais das Ordens: Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Eulipotyphla e Chiroptera. A infecção pela bactéria pode estar associada à linfadenite, endocardite, angiomatose bacilar e peliose hepática em humanos. Treze espécies de Bartonella spp. são tidas como zoonóticas. O objetivo desta revisão está em apontar para a comunidade científica a bartonelose como uma doença de notificação obrigatória, assim como, os possíveis hospedeiros em animais domésticos e silvestres e sua etiopatogenia.(AU)

The host-parasite relationship is characterized as an allelobiotic interaction built through evolutionary-adaptive processes with asymptomatic hosts. In the wild environment, the balance of this relationship is notorious, but when there is anthropogenic intervention, an enzootic cycle can be established, providing the emergence of emerging or reemerging diseases. Among these etiologic agents, Bartonella spp. is a gram-negative bacillus of the Proteobacteria class that presents tropism for erythrocytes and endothelial cells, with infection already described in animals of the Orders: Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Eulipotyphla and Chiroptera. Infection by the bacterium may be associated with lymphadenitis, endocarditis, bacillary angiomatosis and peliosis hepatica in humans. Thirteen species of Bartonella spp. are considered zoonotic. The objective of this review is to point out to the scientific community bartonellosis as a notifiable disease, as well as the possible hosts in domestic and wild animals and their etiopathogenesis.(AU)

La relación hospedador-parásito se caracteriza por ser una interacción alelobiótica construida mediante procesos evolutivo-adaptativos con hospedadores asintomáticos. En el medio silvestre, el equilibrio de esta relación es notorio, pero cuando hay intervención antropogénica, puede establecerse un ciclo enzoótico, propiciando la aparición de enfermedades emergentes o reemergentes. Entre estos agentes etiológicos, Bartonella spp. es un bacilo gramnegativo de la clase Proteobacteria que presenta tropismo por eritrocitos y células endoteliales, con infección ya descrita en animales de los Órdenes: Rodentia, Lagomorpha, Carnivora, Artiodactyla, Eulipotyphla y Chiroptera. La infección por la bacteria puede estar asociada a linfadenitis, endocarditis, angiomatosis bacilar y peliosis hepática en humanos. Trece especies de Bartonella spp. se consideran zoonóticas. El objetivo de esta revisión es señalar a la comunidad científica la bartonelosis como enfermedad de declaración obligatoria, así como los posibles hospedadores en animales domésticos y salvajes y su etiopatogenia.(AU)

HCV-HIV Chronic Coinfection Prevalence in Amazon Region.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health problem, especially in areas with a low human development index such as the Amazon region. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and genotypes of HCV among people living with HIV (PLWH), both neglected chronic diseases in the Amazon region. From March 2016 to June 2017, 433 PWLH were attended to at two sexually transmitted infection referral centers in the city of Belém, in the Brazilian state of Pará in the Amazon region. All individuals were submitted to testing via the rapid immunochromatographic assay (RIA) for the qualitative detection of anti-HCV antibodies. Samples with anti-HCV antibodies were evaluated by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and samples with HCV RNA were subjected to nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. Three (0.7%) PLWH had anti-HCV antibodies, and only one (0.2%) had HCV RNA (genotype 2); of these, 31 (7.1%) self-declared to have used drugs at least one time, and 12 (2.7%) regularly use injected drugs. One participant was elderly, single, heterosexual, with a history of unprotected sex and multiple sexual partners. This study detected a low prevalence of HCV infection and recorded the presence of HCV genotype 2 for the first time among PLWH in the Brazilian Amazon.

Molecular investigation of occult hepatitis B virus infection in a reference center in Northern Brazil.

The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV infection in a reference center for the Northern Brazil from 2005 to 2015 and to identify mutations associated with occult hepatitis B. Molecular analysis was performed on 110 serum samples in which anti-HBc was the only positive serological marker. Regions of the HBV genome were amplified by polymerase chain reaction to detect HBV DNA. A prevalence of 4.1% (793/18,889) for anti-HBc alone was identified. Molecular analysis revealed a prevalence of occult HBV infection of 0.04%. HBV DNA detected were identified in individuals who underwent hemodialysis, infected with the hepatitis C virus and from area of high endemicity for HBV. Direct DNA nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified that genotypes A and D and mutations E164D, I195M, P217L and P120S were associated with occult HBV infection in the S gene. This study contributed with epidemiological and molecular information on Northern Brazil samples with a suggestive profile of occult HBV infection in addition to reinforcing the importance of molecular diagnosis in this type of infection.

Behavioral and Neuropathological Changes After Toxoplasma gondii Ocular Conjunctival Infection in BALB/c Mice.

Ocular infection with Toxoplasma gondii causes toxoplasmosis in mice. However, following ocular infection with tachyzoites, the cause of the accompanying progressive changes in hippocampal-dependent tasks, and their relationship with the morphology and number of microglia, is less well understood. Here, in 6-month-old, female BALB/c mice, 5 µl of a suspension containing 48.5 × 106 tachyzoites/ml was introduced into the conjunctival sac; control received an equal volume of saline. Before and after instillation, all mice were subject to an olfactory discrimination (OD) test, using predator (cat) feces, and to an open-field (OF) task. After the behavioral tests, the animals were culled at either 22 or 44 days post-instillation (dpi), and the brains and retinas were dissected and processed for immunohistochemistry. The total number of Iba-1-immunolabeled microglia in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus was estimated, and three-dimensional reconstructions of the cells were evaluated. Immobility was increased in the infected group at 12, 22, and 43 dpi, but the greatest immobility was observed at 22 dpi and was associated with reduced line crossing in the OF and distance traveled. In the OD test, infected animals spent more time in the compartment with feline fecal material at 14 and at 43 dpi. No OD changes were observed in the control group. The number of microglia was increased at 22 dpi but returned to control levels by 44 dpi. These changes were associated with the differentiation of T. gondii tachyzoites into bradyzoite-enclosed cysts within the brain and retina. Thus, infection of mice with T. gondii alters exploratory behavior, gives rise to a loss in predator's odor avoidance from 2 weeks after infection, increased microglia number, and altered their morphology in the molecular layer of the dentate gyrus.

Molecular investigation of occult hepatitis B virus infection in a reference center in Northern Brazil

ABSTRACT The goal of this study was to investigate the prevalence of occult HBV infection in a reference center for the Northern Brazil from 2005 to 2015 and to identify mutations associated with occult hepatitis B. Molecular analysis was performed on 110 serum samples in which anti-HBc was the only positive serological marker. Regions of the HBV genome were amplified by polymerase chain reaction to detect HBV DNA. A prevalence of 4.1% (793/18,889) for anti-HBc alone was identified. Molecular analysis revealed a prevalence of occult HBV infection of 0.04%. HBV DNA detected were identified in individuals who underwent hemodialysis, infected with the hepatitis C virus and from area of high endemicity for HBV. Direct DNA nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis identified that genotypes A and D and mutations E164D, I195M, P217L and P120S were associated with occult HBV infection in the S gene. This study contributed with epidemiological and molecular information on Northern Brazil samples with a suggestive profile of occult HBV infection in addition to reinforcing the importanceof molecular diagnosis in this type of infection.

Natural prevalence of NS3 gene resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) in patients with chronic hepatitis C from the state of Pará/Brazil.

The resistance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) to direct-acting antiviral agents, used in chronic hepatitis C treatment, consists of a natural process resulting from resistance-associated substitutions (RASs) at specific amino acid regions. To identify and establish the natural prevalence of RASs in the NS3 gene in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the state of Pará, northern Brazil. Molecular analysis was performed on a total of 35 patients infected with HCV genotype 1, who were treatment-naive to protease inhibitors. HCV RNA was extracted from plasma and the NS3 region was amplified and submitted to DNA sequencing (Sanger). The general natural prevalence of RASs in the NS3 gene was 37.5 % (Y56F and S122T). The substitutions Y56F (34.3 %), S122T (3.1 %), V132I (15.6 %) and V170I (9.3 %) were identified. Y56F and S122T provide resistance to the protease inhibitors grazoprevir and simeprevir, respectively. All amino acid substitutions in the NS3 gene, including RASs, identified in patients from the state of Pará were present in other Brazilian studies. The natural presence of RASs in this study reflects the elevated genetic variability of HCV.

Contágio intradomiciliar e status vacinal entre comunicantes de portatores do vírus da hepatite B / House hold contagion and vaccination status among communicants of hepatitis B virus carriers

Objetivo: Avaliar a cobertura da vacina contra hepatite B e a frequência da infecção em comunicantes de portadores do Vírus da Hepatite B vinte anos após a implementação da vacina na cidade de Belém, Pará, Brasil. Método: Estudo descritivo quantitativo, desenvolvido entre 2016 e 2018. Foram realizadas visitas domiciliares aos portadores do vírus, notificados por meio da busca de comunicantes, com orientações sobre a pesquisa, preenchimento e assinatura de formulários, coleta de amostras para testes sorológicos de hepatite B (HBsAg, anti-HBc total, anti-HBs) por técnica imunoenzimática. Resultados: Na população analisada 53,5% são do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 9,4 anos (entre 4 meses a 19 anos com mediana de 10 anos). Não foram detectados portadores de HBsAg reagente; anti-HBc isolado total foi detectado em 2,1%; 4,2% eram anti-HBc total / anti-HBs reagente e 42% anti-HBs isolado, atribuídos à vacinação; 41,7% receberam esquema vacinal completo e 58,3% eram suscetíveis. Conclusões: Os resultados encontrados podem ser utilizados como norteadores de ações estratégicas visando ampliar a cobertura vacinal e reduzir a prevalência de infectados na população de comunicantes intradomiciliares. (AU)

Objective: To evaluate the coverage of the hepatitis B vaccine and the frequency of infection in communicants of Hepatitis B virus carriers twenty years after the vaccine was implemented in the city of Belém, Pará, Brazil. Method: Quantitative descriptive study developed between 2016 and 2018. Home visits were carried out to the carriers of the virus notified through the search for communicants, with guiding on research, filling and signing forms, collecting samples for serological tests for Hepatitis B (HBsAg, total anti - HBc, anti - HBs) by immunoenzymatic technique. Results: In the population analyzed 53.5% are male, with a mean age of 9.4 years (ranging from 4 months to 19 years and median of 10 years). Carriers HBsAg reagent were not detected; total anti - HBc isolated was detected in 2.1%; 4.2% were total anti - HBc / anti - HBs reagent and 42% anti - HBs alone, attributed to vaccination; 41.7% received a complete vaccination schedule and 58.3% were susceptible. Conclusions:The results found can be used as guidelines for strategic actions aimed at expanding vaccine coverage and reducing the prevalence of infected people in the population of household communicators. (AU)

Objetivo: Evaluarla cobertura de la vacuna contra lahepatitis B y lafrecuencia de infecciónen portadores delVirus de laHepatitis Bveinteañosdespués de laimplementación de lavacuna enlaciudad de Belém, Pará, Brasil. Método: Estudiodescriptivocuantitativo realizado entre 2016 y 2018. Fueron realizadas visitas domiciliarias a los portadores del vírus, notificados a través de labúsqueda de domiciliares, conorientaciones sobre lainvestigación, registro y asignatura de formularios, toma de muestras de sangre para pruebas serológicas de Hepatitis B (HBsAg, anti-HBc total, anti-HBs) por la técnica inmunoenzimática. Resultados: Enlapoblaciónanalizada 53,5% del sexo masculino, conedadpromedio de 9,4 años (entre 4 meses a 19 añoscon mediana de 10 años) no fueron detectados portadores de HBsAgreactivo; el total de anti-HBcfué detectado en 2,1%; 4,2% anti-HBc total/anti-HBs reactivo, y, 42% anti-HBs aislado, atribuido a lavacunación; 41,7% recibieronel esquema completo de vacunación y 58,3% fueronsusceptibles. Conclusiones: Los resultados encontrados puedenusarse como pautas para acciones estratégicas dirigidas a ampliar la cobertura de vacunación y reducirlaprevalencia de personas infectadas enlapoblación de comunicadores domésticos. (AU)

Serological and molecular retrospective analysis of hepatitis E suspected cases from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon 1993-2014.

INTRODUCTION: We evaluated the anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody prevalence and HEV-RNA in archived serum samples of non-A-C hepatitis, or suspected cases of HEV infection from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon from 1993 to 2014. METHODS: Serum samples (n = 318) were tested using ELISA and immunoblotting, and screened for HEV-RNA by RT-qPCR. RESULTS: Anti-HEV IgM and IgG were detected in 3.4% (11/318) and 5.9% (19/318) of the samples, respectively. All samples were HEV-RNA negative. CONCLUSIONS: HEV was detected at a low prevalence. Broader serological and molecular evaluation of HEV infection in the Amazon region should be carried out.

Serological and molecular retrospective analysis of hepatitis E suspected cases from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon 1993-2014

Abstract INTRODUCTION We evaluated the anti-hepatitis E virus (HEV) antibody prevalence and HEV-RNA in archived serum samples of non-A-C hepatitis, or suspected cases of HEV infection from the Eastern Brazilian Amazon from 1993 to 2014. METHODS Serum samples (n = 318) were tested using ELISA and immunoblotting, and screened for HEV-RNA by RT-qPCR. RESULTS Anti-HEV IgM and IgG were detected in 3.4% (11/318) and 5.9% (19/318) of the samples, respectively. All samples were HEV-RNA negative. CONCLUSIONS HEV was detected at a low prevalence. Broader serological and molecular evaluation of HEV infection in the Amazon region should be carried out.

Hepatitis E virus infection among rural Afro-descendant communities from the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

INTRODUCTION: The prevalence, public health impact, and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) are poorly understood in Brazil. METHODS: Serum samples from 535 individuals from three rural Afro-descendant communities located in eastern Brazilian Amazon were collected in October 2015 and tested for presence of anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies. Serologically positive samples were also tested for HEV-RNA. RESULTS: Two cases were confirmed for anti-HEV IgM (0.3 %) and two cases for anti-HEV IgG (0.3 %). No sample was positive for HEV-RNA. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicated low prevalence of HEV infection in Afro-descendant rural communities from the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Hepatitis E virus infection among rural Afro-descendant communities from the eastern Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION The prevalence, public health impact, and epidemiological characteristics of hepatitis E virus (HEV) are poorly understood in Brazil. METHODS Serum samples from 535 individuals from three rural Afro-descendant communities located in eastern Brazilian Amazon were collected in October 2015 and tested for presence of anti-HEV IgM and IgG antibodies. Serologically positive samples were also tested for HEV-RNA. RESULTS Two cases were confirmed for anti-HEV IgM (0.3 %) and two cases for anti-HEV IgG (0.3 %). No sample was positive for HEV-RNA. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated low prevalence of HEV infection in Afro-descendant rural communities from the eastern Brazilian Amazon.

Neotropical echinococcosis: second report of Echinococcus vogeli natural infection in its main definitive host, the bush dog (Speothos venaticus).

The bush dog (Speothos venaticus) acts as the natural definitive host in the life cycle of Echinococcus vogeli, the causative agent of polycystic hydatid disease, a zoonotic neglected disease in the South America. We report a case of natural infection by Echinococcus vogeli in a bush dog from the Brazilian Amazon, confirmed by the morphological and morphometric examination of adult parasites and their hooks obtained from the small intestine of the canid. Additionally, mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis corroborated these findings. This is the second report of natural infection by E. vogeli in a bush dog.

Anatomo-clinical and molecular description of liver neotropical echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus oligarthrus in human host.

Since humans rarely play the role as Echinococcus oligarthrus host, there is lack of knowledge about the complex infectious process. Only three cases have been reported to occur in humans in the neotropics until now. We present the anatomo-clinical and molecular findings describing a new case of infection by E. oligarthrus in a man. The muscular or subcutaneous tissues tropism described for this species in the previously reported cases was not present, but a liver tropism was observed. Additionally, the larval stage rostellar hooks morphometry differed from E. oligarthrus in the other human cases.

Prevalência de marcadores sorológicos do vírus da hepatite B em profissionais de saúde de um laboratório de pesquisa na Amazônia oriental, Estado do Pará, Brasil, 2007 a 2009 / Prevalence of serological markers of hepatitis B virus in health professionals from a research laboratory in the eastern Amazon, State of Pará, Brazil, 2007 to 2009

OBJETIVO: determinar a prevalência dos marcadores sorológicos da infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B (VHB) entre trabalhadores de um instituto de pesquisas na Amazônia oriental, estado do Pará, Brasil. MÉTODOS: estudo descritivo, desenvolvido entre 2007 e 2009, com trabalhadores que concordaram em participar mediante entrevista e investigação dos marcadores sorológicos da hepatite B, por técnicas imunoenzimáticas. RESULTADOS: entre 528 trabalhadores pesquisados, encontrou-se prevalência de 0,4 por cento do antígeno de superfície do VHB, 8,0 por cento anticorpos contra o antígeno core do VHB/anticorpos contra o antígeno de superfície do VHB, 2,5 por cento anticorpos contra o antígeno core do VHB isolado e 28,8 por cento anticorpos contra o antígeno de superfície do VHB isolado, entre 68,4 por cento de suscetíveis ao VHB que correspondiam aos indivíduos não vacinados. CONCLUSÃO: identificou-se prevalência e soroconversão inadequadas, abaixo da média informada pelo Ministério da Saúde, em que três doses da vacina devem conferir proteção de aproximadamente 90,0 por cento em adultos.

OBJECTIVE: to determine the prevalence of serological markers of infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) among workers at a research institute in eastern Amazon, state of Pará, Brazil. METHODS: descriptive study, carried between 2007 and 2009, with workers who agreed to participate through interview and investigation of serological markers of hepatitis B by immu-noenzymatic techniques. RESULTS: among 528 individuals surveyed, was found the prevalence of 0,4 per cent of surface antigen of HBV, 8.0 per cent of antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen/antibody against the surface antigen of VHB, 2.5 per cent antibodies against hepatitis B core isolated antigen and 28.8 per cent antibodies against surface antigen of isolated HBV, 68.4 per cent susceptible to HBV that corresponded to non-vaccinated individuals. CONCLUSION: the research identified inadequate prevalence of seroconversion below the average reported by the Ministry of Health, in which three doses of the vaccine should confer protection of approximately 90.0 per cent in adults.

Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft, 1893) (Nematoda) entre populações indígenas e mamíferos silvestres no noroeste do Estado do Mato Grosso, Brasil, 2000 / Capillaria hepatica (Bancroft, 1893) (Nematoda) among indigenous populations and wild mammals in the northwest of Mato Grosso State, Brazil, 2000

Capillaria hepatica é um nematoide hepatotrópico capaz de infectar roedores e outros mamíferos. Em virtude da identificação de ovos deste helminto em amostras de fezes de indígenas do noroeste do Mato Grosso, no ano 2000, foi realizado inquérito coproparasitológico nas fezes de 477 (76,6 por cent) dos 622 indígenas de seis aldeias (Mamaindé, Kithãulu,Camararé, Negatoré, Nambiquara e Wassussu) situadas nos vales dos rios Guaporé e Nambiquara, noroeste do Estado do Mato Grosso. Amostras de fígado de animais silvestres utilizados como fonte alimentar por estes indígenas também foram coletadas para avaliação histopatológica e parasitológica...

Capillaria hepatica is a hepatotropic nematode that infects rodents and other mammals. In 2000, eggs of this helminth were identified in stool samples from the indigenous population in Northwestern Mato Grosso, Brazil. A parasitological survey was conducted in stool samples from 477 (76.6 per cent) out of 622 Indians from six villages (Mamaindé, Kithãulu, Camararé, Negatoré, Nambiquara and Wassussu) located in the valleys of the Guaporé and Nambiquara rivers. Liver samples from wild animals were used by these Indians as a food source and were collected for histopathological and parasitological assessment...

Prevalência de infecção pelos vírus das hepatites A, B, C e D na demanda de um hospital no Município de Juruti, oeste do Estado do Pará, Brasil / Prevalence of hepatitis A, B, C and D infections in the Juruti municipal hospital, western Pará, Brazil

O Município de Juruti, localizado a oeste do Estado do Pará, possui importante reserva de bauxita, cuja exploração iniciou em 2005. O surgimento ou aumento da frequência de doenças influenciadas por essa exploração, particularmente em relação às hepatites virais, é diversa da observada em qualquer outra região do mundo. Para definir a prevalência das infecções pelos vírus das hepatites A, B, C e D na demanda do hospital municipal de Juruti, entre fevereiro de 2007 e abril de 2008, foram coletadas amostras de soro de pessoas da demanda hospitalar e submetidas à análise dos marcadores sorológicos das hepatites A (VHA), B (VHB), C (VHC) e D (VHD), por técnicas imunoenzimáticas. Nas amostras positivas para os vírus B e C foram realizadas pesquisas para detecção do VHB-DNA e VHC-RNA, por PCR e RT-PCR, respectivamente. Entre as 1.630 amostras coletadas, ocorreu prevalência de 85,6 por cento para o anti-VHA total; de 0,7 por cento para o HBsAg; 9,1 por cento anti-HBc/anti-HBs e 31,4 por cento anti-HBs isolado. Entre os HBsAg+, 9,1 por cento eram HBeAg+; 63,6 por cento anti-HBe+ e 72,7 por cento VHB-DNA+. O anti-VHC foi positivo em 0,1 por cento e não foi detectada sorologia positiva para o VHD. Caracterizamos, em base laboratorial, alta prevalência de infecção pelo VHA, detecção de portadores crônicos e de suscetíveis para o VHB, presença de portador do VHC e a ausência de portadores do VHD. Recomenda-se a realização de estudos epidemiológicos locais, baseados em comunidades, para comparar com os dados hospitalares ora apresentados...

The Juruti Municipality, located to the west of the Pará State, possesses major bauxite reserves, the exploration of which started in 2005. The appearance of some diseases and the increased frequency of others have been influenced by this exploration, particularly in relation to viral hepatitis. These epidemiological trends are different from those observed anywhere else worldwide. To define the prevalence of the infections by the hepatitis A, B, C and D viruses in the Juruti municipal hospital between February 2007 and April 2008, serum samples were collected from patients and analyzed for serological markers of hepatitis A (HAV), B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (HDV) by immunoenzymatic techniques. In samples positive for the hepatitis B and C viruses, assays were performed for the detection of HBV-DNA and HCV-RNA by PCR and RT-PCR, respectively. Among the 1,630 samples collected, the prevalence of total anti-HAV was 85.6 per cent; HBsAg was 0.7 per cent; anti-HBc/anti-HBs was 9.1 per cent and isolated anti-HBs were 31.4 per cent. Among the HBsAg+, 9.1 per cent were HBeAg+; 63.6 per cent were anti-HBe+ and 72.7 per cent were HBV-DNA+. Anti-HCV was positive in 0.1 per cent of the samples and positive serologies were not detected for HDV Laboratory-based characterization revealed a high prevalence of infection by HAV, detected chronic HBV carriers and those susceptible to HBV, identified an HCV carrier and revealed the absence of HDV carriers. Local, community-based epidemiological studies are recommended for comparison to the hospital data presented here...

Etiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis and anthropophilic vectors in Juruti, Pará State, Brazil.

In a preliminary study in Juruti, a mining municipality in western Pará State, Brazil, 12 out of 21 patients suspected of presenting cutaneous leishmaniasis showed positive PCR (SSUrDNA and G6PD): Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (9/12; 75%) and L. (V.) sp. (3/12; 25%). Entomological studies in the same location revealed the presence of 12 different phlebotomine species (n =105). One of the most common species was Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) complexa (17%) which is both highly anthropophilic and a known vector of L. (V.) braziliensis in other regions of Pará. These preliminary findings should serve to guide future epidemiological surveillance in Juruti.

Etiology of cutaneous leishmaniasis and anthropophilic vectors in Juruti, Pará State, Brazil / Etiologia da leishmaniose cutânea e vetores antropofílicos em Juruti, Estado do Pará, Brasil

In a preliminary study in Juruti, a mining municipality in western Pará State, Brazil, 12 out of 21 patients suspected of presenting cutaneous leishmaniasis showed positive PCR (SSUrDNA and G6PD): Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (9/12; 75 percent) and L. (V.) sp. (3/12; 25 percent). Entomological studies in the same location revealed the presence of 12 different phlebotomine species (n =105). One of the most common species was Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) complexa (17 percent) which is both highly anthropophilic and a known vector of L. (V.) braziliensis in other regions of Pará. These preliminary findings should serve to guide future epidemiological surveillance in Juruti.

Em um estudo preliminar em Juruti, um município minerário na região oeste do Estado do Pará, Brasil, 12 de 21 pacientes suspeitos de possuírem leishmaniose cutânea tiveram PCRs positivas (SSUrDNA e G6PD): Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis (9/12; 75 por cento) e Leishmania (Viannia) sp. (3/12; 25 por cento). Estudos entomológicos na mesma localidade revelaram a presença de 12 diferentes espécies de flebotomíneos (n = 105). Uma das espécies mais comuns foi Lutzomyia (Psychodopygus) complexa (17 por cento) que é altamente antropofílica e reconhecida vetora de L. (V.) braziliensis em outras regiões do Estado do Pará. Esses resultados preliminares servem como orientação para futura vigilância epidemiológica em Juruti.