First report of Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) spores in human feces in Brazil / Primeiro relato de esporos de Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) em fezes humanas no Brasil

Most species of Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) infect freshwater and marine fish, and cause sporozoosis. Passage of myxozoan parasites into human feces has been described occasionally. We examined fecal samples from 97 dwellers of a riverine community in Amazonas State (Brazil), which revealed Myxobolus sp. in 13 (13%) samples. The discovery probably does not represent true parasitism as the myxospores - most likely ingested through the consumption of infected fish - were eliminated unchanged after passing through the gastrointestinal tract. This discovery represents the first report of this myxosporean in human fecal samples in Brazil. (AU)

A maioria das espécies de Myxobolus (Cnidaria: Myxozoa) infecta principalmente peixes de água doce e marinhos, nos quais produz esporozoose. A passagem de parasitos mixozoários em fezes humanas tem sido ocasionalmente descrita. Nós examinamos amostras fecais de 97 moradores de uma comunidade ribeirinha no estado do Amazonas e identificamos Myxobolus sp. em 13 (13%) delas. O achado provavelmente não representa um parasitismo verdadeiro, uma vez que os mixosporos − mais provavelmente ingeridos ao consumir peixes infectados − foram eliminados inalterados após a passagem pelo trato gastrointestinal. O achado representa o primeiro relato deste mixosporídeo em amostras fecais humanas no Brasil.(AU)

Concentraciones de mercurio total en sangre y cabello por ingesta de pescado en niños, mujeres embarazadas y en edad reproductiva residentes de los municipios aledaños al lago de Chapala, Jalisco - México / Concentrations of total mercury in blood and hair and fish intake in children, residents of the municipalities bordering to the Chapala lake, Mexico

Environmental pollution (water, sediment and fish) poses serious threats to the Chapala lake, Mexico. We seek to identify the concentrations of totalMercury (Hg) in children, pregnant women and in reproductive age from the communities around the lake. We will use blood samples and hair samples as biomarkers. Exposure will be assessed by dietary habits (quantity, frequency, species and type of fish consumed).Taking in consideration that some groups may be more susceptible to Mercury (Hg). In particular, the fetus, newborn babies and infants are at high risk because their nervous system is particularly delicate. Exposure to Hg during pregnancy can affect the neuronal connection and the mielinization of the nervous system, which may result in reduced number of cells neurons " in active" at the end of life. Very limited data exists in Mexico, protection measures are difficult to support without reliable information (e.g., possible damage from fish consumption). Therefore, this investigation seeks to generate hypothesis (cross sectional study) regarding the concentrations of Hg inside the organism soon after the fish consumption. We will evaluate the possible health risk e.g., children'sneurological damages, pregnant women and those in reproductive age.