Situation of and phenotypic markers of susceptibility to helminth infection among sheep on farms in the Brazilian cerrado biome.

This study aimed to determine the intensity, seasonality, and distribution by genera of, as well as to identify phenotypic markers of susceptibility to, gastrointestinal parasites among sheep on farms within the Brazilian savanna (cerrado) biome. We evaluated 1271 sheep, on seven farms, during the rainy season (in December 2017 and December 2018) and dry season (in July 2018 and July 2019). Parasitological evaluation was based on culture and EPG. We calculated hematocrit, as well as the body condition score and feces score. Of the sheep evaluated, 34.15% had moderate-to-severe parasitic infection. The factors of herds' phenotypic characterization about helminth infections were (p ≤ 0.05 for all): anemia (OR = 5.72); leanness (OR = 1.80); loose stools or diarrhea (OR = 1.54); breed other than Santa Inês (OR = 2.31); "weaned lamb" category (OR = 4.76); "lambing ewe" category (OR = 4.66); and dry season (OR = 2.37). Haemonchus, Trichostrongylus, Oesophagostomum, and Cooperia accounted for 76.40%, 20.23%, 2.89%, and 0.47%, respectively, of the helminth genera identified, with their proportional distributions being comparable between the rainy and dry seasons. Changes in health management, with regard to helminth infection control, are urgently needed in order to combat the disease more effectively and sustainably.

Parasitic lesions in fish in the Federal District, Brazil

Brazil has a vast territory and favorable climatic conditions that allow the cultivation of freshwater fish. The intensification of the productive system can cause an imbalance in the aquatic environment as a result of poor water quality, nutritional deficiencies and infectious or parasitic diseases. The laboratory diagnosis and the determination of the prevalence of the main lesions, which occur in a certain region, help to guide towards the etiological diagnosis. This study aimed to describe the main parasitic lesions in fish in the routine at the Veterinary Pathology Laboratory of the Universidade de Brasília (UnB). All records of fish with parasitic lesions were recovered. Those cases in which there was an intralesional parasite and which presented lesions compatible with the parasite were included. The screening of ectoparasites was done by scraping the superficial mucus from the gills and skin. Organ sections were routinely processed for histopathologyand stained with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). In some records, parasitological identification was carried. The information was divided into the species of the affected fish, epidemiology of the outbreak (water quality, temperature, type of breeding), lesion distribution, etiology and macroscopic and microscopic changes. The resulting data was organized in absolute frequency and percentage. In this study, 22 cases were counted, between individual deaths and outbreaks, totaling 83 necropsied teleost fish. Inflammatory changes of parasitic origin were seen in 13/22 (59%) of the cases had lesions of parasitic origin. Skin lesions and gills were the most relevant. Macroscopically, red areas or spots of hyperemia or hemorrhage on the body surface were the most prevalent findings. Under microscopy, proliferative gill inflammation was the most relevant diagnosis. Pscinoodinium pilullare (Dinoflagellida), Ichthyophthirius multifiliis (Ciliophora), and monogenetic worms (Monogenea) were the main parasites found. Trichodina sp. (Ciliophora), Ichtyobodo sp. (Kinetoplastida), Amoebas, and Chilodonella sp. (Ciliophora), were seen in fewer numbers. An unusual case suggestive of parasitism by Eustrongylides sp. (Nematoda), in a pirá-brasília (Simpsonichthys boitonei), specimen has been recorded. The diagnoses were based on epidemiology, anatomopathological and parasitological findings. The most frequent and significantly lethal lesion in the study was proliferative and / or hyperplastic branchitis. Proliferative branchitis with lamellar epithelial hyperplasia (LEH) is a response to some type of chemical or mechanical injury to the gill epithelium in order to protect the capillaries from further damage or microbial penetration. However, it also increases the diffusion distance between capillaries and the environment and, therefore, hinders breathing, excretory and osmoregulatory functions. Protozoan infections and monogenetic worms in general generated LEH and skin lesions of mechanical origin. Secondary bacterial infection, were observed in this parasitosis determining the cause of death of the fish. Its pathogenicity comes from the lesions caused by the colonization and histophagy of the epithelial surfaces, mainly gills and skin, causing epithelial proliferation, lamellar cell fusion, epithelial cell degeneration and necrosis forming several ulcers in the epithelium after the release of mature trophies. The pathogenesis of parasitism by Eustrongylides spp. is considerable when there is a large quantity of these larvae that can cause intestinal obstruction, rupture and compression of viscera, of greater importance in small fish. The main parasites of necropsied fish were protozoa and monogenetic worms, which mainly cause branquitis and dermatitis in varying grades.(AU)

Auto-avaliação da saúde em adultos no Sul do Brasil / Self-rated health among adults in Southern Brazil

OBJETIVO: Analisar fatores associados à auto-avaliação da saúde em adultos. MÉTODOS: Estudo transversal, de base populacional, com amostra de 2.051 adultos de 20 a 59 anos de Lages, SC, em 2007. Foram aplicados questionários domiciliares para obter dados sobre auto-avaliação da saúde, condições socioeconômicas e demográficas, tabagismo, de estilo de vida e morbidades auto-referidas. Foram aferidos pressão arterial, peso, altura e circunferência abdominal. A análise multivariável foi realizada por regressão de Poisson, ajustada pelo efeito do delineamento amostral e estratificada por sexo. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de auto-avaliação da saúde positiva foi de 74,2 por cento (IC 95 por cento: 71,3;77,0), significativamente maior nos homens (82,3 por cento, IC 95 por cento: 79,3;85,0) do que nas mulheres (66,9 por cento, IC 95 por cento: 63,2;70,7). Homens mais pobres, menos escolarizados e mais velhos apresentaram maiores prevalências de auto-avaliação da saúde negativa. Após o ajuste, níveis pressóricos elevados e referir chiado no peito foram fortemente associados à auto-avaliação negativa entre os homens. A prevalência de auto-avaliação negativa foi maior em mulheres mais pobres, menos escolarizadas e mais velhas e dentre as que apresentaram obesidade abdominal. Níveis pressóricos elevados, diabetes, chiado no peito e sintomas de falta de ar permaneceram associados ao desfecho após o ajuste nas mulheres. O número de morbidades auto-referidas por homens e mulheres associou-se à auto-avaliação da saúde negativa. CONCLUSÕES: Os mais velhos, as mulheres, os mais pobres e menos escolarizados avaliam sua condição de saúde como regular ou ruim. Quanto maior o número de morbidades auto-referidas, maior a proporção de indivíduos com auto-avaliação de saúde negativa, sendo o efeito das morbidades maior entre as mulheres.

Self-rated health among adults in Southern Brazil.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze factors associated with self-rated health in adults. METHODS: A population-based, cross-sectional study was performed with a sample of 2,051 adults aged between 20 and 59 years, in the city of Lages, Southern Brazil, in 2007. Household questionnaires were applied to obtain data on self-rated health, socioeconomic and demographic conditions, smoking habit, lifestyle and self-reported morbidities. Blood pressure, weight, height and abdominal circumference were measured. multivariable analysis was performed using Poisson regression, adjusted for the sampling design effect and stratified by sex. RESULTS: Prevalence of positive self-rated health was 74.2% (95% CI: 71.3;77.0), significantly higher in men (82.3%, 95%CI: 79.3;85.0) than in women (66.9%, 95%CI: 63.2;70.7). Poorer, less educated and older men showed higher prevalences of negative self-rated health. After adjustment, high blood pressure levels and reporting chest wheezing were strongly associated with negative self-rated health in men. Prevalence of negative self-assessment was higher in poorer, less educated and older women and in those who showed abdominal obesity. High blood pressure levels, diabetes, chest wheezing and shortness of breath remained associated with the outcome after adjustment in women. The number of morbidities self-reported by women and men showed an association with negative self-rated health. CONCLUSIONS: Women and individuals who were older, poorer or less educated considered their health condition to be fair or poor. The higher the number of self-reported morbidities, the greater the proportion of individuals with negative self-rated health; the effect of morbidities was greater in women.

Paleoparasitology at "Place d'Armes", Namur, Belgium: a biostatistics analysis of trichurid eggs between the Old and New World / Paleoparasitologia na "Praça das Armas", Namur, Bélgica: uma análise bioestatística de ovos de tricurídeos entre o Velho e o Novo Mundo

Paleoparasitological findings about human occupation and their domestic animals, from Gallo-Roman period up to recent times, were described at the archaeological site of "Place d'Armes", Namur, Belgium, by preventive archaeological excavations. Organic sediment samples from cesspools, latrines and structures-like were analyzed and revealed intestinal parasite eggs (helminthes) in all of the different archaeological contexts. The parasitic association Ascaris sp. and Trichuris sp. was found although it is not easy to determinate the specific parasite species. Trichurids were described inboth New and Old Worlds since the prehistorical time. To elucidate the zoological origin of the organic remains, the parasites and the prior function of the sanitary structures Trichuris eggs were statistically analyzed for morphometric parameters, and suggest that it could be an important tool to help the whole paleoparasitological diagnosis.

Achados paleoparasitológicos sobre a ocupação humana e seus animais domésticos, desde o período Galo-Romano até períodos recentes, foram registrados no sitio arqueológico da "Praça das Armas", em Namur, Bélgica, através de excavações de salvamento arqueológico. Amostras de sedimentos orgânicos coletados de fossas, latrinas e estruturas semelhantes foram analisadas e revelaram ovos de helmintos intestinais, em todos os diferentes contextos arqueológicos. A associação parasitária Ascaris sp. e Trichuris sp. foi encontrada, sem identificação de espécie. Tricurídeos foram descritos em ambos, Novo e Velho Mundo, desde tempos pré-históricos. Para contribuir na elucidação da origem zoological dos vestígios orgânicos, dos parasitos e a função primárias das estruturas sanitárias, ovos de Trichuris foram analisados estatisticamente através dos seus parâmetros morfométricos, e sugerem que esta pode ser uma importante ferramenta para o diagnóstico paleoparasitológico.

Prevalência de sintomas respiratórios e fatores associados: estudo de base populacional em adultos de Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil / Prevalence of respiratory symptoms and associated factors: a population-based study in adults from Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil

Realizou-se estudo transversal de base populacional em Lages, Santa Catarina, Brasil, para estimar a prevalência de sintomas de bronquite crônica, falta de ar e chiado no peito e os fatores associados em adultos de 20-59 anos de idade (n = 2.051). Processo de amostragem através de conglomerados e análise de regressão de Poisson foram realizados. As prevalências de bronquite crônica, falta de ar e chiado no peito foram de 5 por cento, 35,7 por cento e 20,2 por cento, respectivamente. Análises ajustadas mostraram presença de bronquite crônica associada à baixa escolaridade, fumar dez ou mais pacotes de cigarros ao ano e internação por problemas de pulmão na infância. Falta de ar associou-se ao sexo feminino, baixa escolaridade e renda familiar, pardos e amarelos, história de internação por problemas de pulmão na infância, ser fumante e trabalhar com poeira ou pó. Presença de chiado no peito associou-se ao sexo feminino, baixa escolaridade e renda familiar, pardos e pretos, história de internação por problemas de pulmão na infância, ser fumante e trabalhar com poeira ou pó. Particularidades do clima e das atividades laborais devem ser consideradas no planejamento das ações em saúde.

A cross-sectional population-based study was conducted in Lages, Santa Catarina State, Brazil, in order to estimate the prevalence of symptoms of chronic bronchitis, breathlessness, and wheezing and associated factors in a sample of adults 20 to 59 years of age (n = 2,051). The study employed a cluster sample design and Poisson regression analyses. Prevalence rates for chronic bronchitis, breathlessness, and wheezing were 5 percent, 35.7 percent, and 20.2 percent, respectively. The adjusted analysis showed chronic bronchitis associated with low schooling, smoking, and hospital admissions due to respiratory illness during childhood. Breathlessness was associated with female gender, low schooling and family income, non-white race, hospital admissions due to respiratory illness during childhood, smoking, and occupational exposure to dust. Wheezing was associated with female gender, low schooling and family income, non-white race, hospital admissions due to respiratory illness during childhood, smoking, and occupational exposure to dust. Public health planners should consider climatic factors and work activities when developing activities to prevent respiratory diseases.

[Prevalence of obesity and potential causal factors among adults in southern Brazil]. / Prevalência de obesidade e fatores potencialmente causais em adultos em região do sul do Brasil.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of obesity and potential causal factors among adults living in the urban area of Lages, Southern Brazil. METHODS: Population based cross-sectional study with a sample of 2,022 adults from 20 to 59 years-old. Obesity was assessed by the body mass index (BMI > or = 30 kg/m(2)). Exploratory variable were collected at adults households using questionnaire and included age, schooling, per capita familial income, parity, obesity familial episodes, and level of physical activity. Simple and multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 23.5 (95% CI 21.6-25.3). The prevalence of obesity was higher in women (26.1%) than in men (19.3). In the final model, adjusted for confounders, were associated with obesity among women: older ages, low schooling and familial episodes of obesity; for men were associated with obesity: older ages and those with insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with obesity differ between men and women. The prevalence of obesity was higher in women and it was associated with low income and elderly.

Prevalência de obesidade e fatores potencialmente causais em adultos em região do sul do Brasil / Prevalence of obesity and potential causal factors among adults in southern Brazil

OBJETIVO: Estimar a prevalência de obesidade e os fatores potencialmente causais em adultos da região urbana de Lages, SC. MÉTODO: Estudo transversal de base populacional, realizado em adultos entre 20 a 59 anos (n = 2.002).A obesidade foi diagnosticada por meio do índice de massa corporal (IMC> 30 kg/m²). As variáveis independentes coletadas domiciliarmente por meio de entrevista foram idade, escolaridade, renda per capita, número de filhos, história familiar de obesidade e nível de atividade física. Foi realizada análise de regressão de Poisson, simples e múltipla. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de obesidade foi de 23,5 por cento (IC95 por cento 21,6-25,3), sendo maior em mulheres (26,1 por cento) do que em homens (19,3 por cento). No modelo final, ajustado por variáveis de confusão, mulheres mais idosas, de menor renda e com história familiar apresentaram maiores prevalências. Nos homens, a prevalência foi maior com o aumento da idade e entre os sedentários. CONCLUSÃO: Os fatores relacionados à obesidade são distintos entre os sexos. A prevalência da obesidade foi maior em mulheres e foi associada com menores rendas e idades mais avançadas.

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of obesity and potential causal factors among adults living in the urban area of Lages, Southern Brazil. METHODS: Population based cross-sectional study with a sample of 2,022 adults from 20 to 59 years-old. Obesity was assessed by the body mass index (BMI > 30 kg/m²). Exploratory variable were collected at adults´ households using questionnaire and included age, schooling, per capita familial income, parity, obesity familial episodes, and level of physical activity. Simple and multiple Poisson regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: The prevalence of obesity was 23.5 (95 percent CI 21.6-25.3). The prevalence of obesity was higher in women (26.1 percent) than in men (19.3). In the final model, adjusted for confounders, were associated with obesity among women: older ages, low schooling and familial episodes of obesity; for men were associated with obesity: older ages and those with insufficient physical activity. CONCLUSION: Factors associated with obesity differ between men and women. The prevalence of obesity was higher in women and it was associated with low income and elderly.

Paleoparasitological remains revealed by seven historic contexts from "Place d'Armes", Namur, Belgium

Human occupation for several centuries was recorded in the archaeological layers of "Place d'Armes", Namur, Belgium. Preventive archaeological excavations were carried out between 1996/1997 and seven historical strata were observed, from Gallo-Roman period up to Modern Times. Soil samples from cesspools, latrines, and structures-like were studied and revealed intestinal parasite eggs in the different archaeological contexts. Ascaris lumbricoides, A. suum, Trichuris trichiura, T. suis. Taenia sp., Fasciola hepatica, Diphyllobothrium sp., Capillaria sp. and Oxyuris equi eggs were found. Paleoparasitology confirmed the use of structures as latrines or cesspit as firstly supposed by the archaeologists. Medieval latrines were not only used for rejection of human excrements. The finding of Ascaris sp. and Trichuris sp. eggs may point to human's or wild swine's feces. Gallo-Roman people used to eat wild boar. Therefore, both A. suum and T. suis, or A. lumbricoides and T. trichuris, may be present, considering a swine carcass recovered into a cesspit. Careful sediment analysis may reveal its origin, although parasites of domestic animals can be found together with those of human's. Taenia sp. eggs identified in latrine samples indicate ingestion of uncooked beef with cysticercoid larvae. F. hepatica eggs suggest the ingestion of raw contaminated vegetables and Diphyllobothrium sp. eggs indicate contaminated fresh-water fish consumption. Ascaris sp. and Trichuris sp. eggs indicate fecal-oral infection by human and/or animal excrements.

Praça das Armas, Namur, Bélgica. Contribuição de um estudo paleoparasitológico / Square of the Weapons, Namur, Belgium. Contribution of a study paleoparasitology

As análises e interpretações sobre o encontro de helmintos parasitos no sítio da Praça das Armas, Namur, Bélgica, foram realizadas a partir das escavações de salvamento arqueológico ocorridas em 1996 e 1997. Sete períodos históricos de ocupação estão registrados: galo-romano, carolíngio, séculos XI, XII – XIII, XIV – XV A.D., Renascença até os Tempos Modernos. Foram analisadas 34 amostras de sedimentos arqueológicos, colhidas de estruturas como latrinas, fossas, poços e depósitos similares considerando as descrições arqueológicas e o contexto histórico. O material foi processado pela mesma técnica de reidratação e de sedimentação espontânea para coprólitos, além do ultrassom para a desagregação dos ovos e partículas de sedimento. Ovos de Ascaris lumbricoides, Ascaris sp., ascarídeos; Trichuris trichiura, Trichuris sp., Taenia sp.; Capillaria sp., Fasciola hepatica, Diphyllobothrium sp. e Oxyuris equi foram identificados. Os resultados bioestatísticos revelaram diferenças significativas entre o tamanho dos ovos de Trichuris sp. das amostras em relação à média de referência (Confalonieri, 1983). A maioria das amostras selecionadas não pertencia à população de T. trichiura. Ovos de Taenia sp. identificados de latrinas medievais, indicam o consumo de carne suína ou bovina contaminadas por cisticercos. A presença de ovos de Fasciola hepatica sugere o consumo de vegetais inquinados por metacercárias e ovos de Diphyllobothrium sp. o consumo de carne de peixe contaminada por esparganos. Ovos de Ascaris sp. e Trichuris sp. atestam a contaminação oral por excrementos de origem animal e/ou humana estando presentes em todos os contextos históricos estudados. A maioria das formas parasitárias apresentavam boas condições de preservação. Foi observado que ovos identificados como ascarídeos são Ascaris sp. que perderam o envoltório externo de proteína. O fato de outros ovos de helmintos não terem sido encontrados no sítio não indica, todavia, que outros parasitos não faziam parte do espectro parasitário local.