Vertical stratification of sand fly diversity in relation to natural infections of Leishmania sp. and blood-meal sources in Jamari National Forest, Rondônia State, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Almost 1000 cases of American cutaneous leishmaniasis have been registered yearly in Rondônia State, Brazil. Little is known about the Leishmania transmission cycle (vectors and reservoirs) in the state. This study aimed to evaluate sand fly fauna from two vertical stratification layers in order to identify potential vectors and their blood-meal sources. METHODS: The study was conducted in Jamari National Forest. Sand flies were collected in the canopy (15 m) and at ground level (1 m) using HP light traps during four months, February, April, August and October, 2018. Insects were identified to the species level, and females were subjected to DNA extraction and PCR targeting minicircle kDNA and hsp70 (for Leishmania detection and species identification), and cytb (to identify blood-meal sources). Exploratory data analysis was used to determine mean of abundance and species richness between stratifications. The hsp70 and cytb sequences were analyzed and compared with sequences from GenBank. RESULTS: Overall, 68 species were identified from 15,457 individuals. On the Potosi trail, 7531 individuals of 49 species were collected; canopy captures totaled 6463 individuals of 46 species, while ground captures totaled 1068 individuals of 38 species. On the Santa Maria trail, 7926 individuals of 61 species were collected; canopy captures totaled 6136 individuals of 51 species, while ground captures totaled 1790 individuals of 53 species. A total of 23 pools were positive for kDNA (canopy n = 21, ground n = 2). Only two samples were sequenced for hsp70 (both in canopy); one sequence exhibited similarity with Leishmania braziliensis (Lutzomyia davisi pool) and another with L. naiffi (Lu. antunesi pool). The cytb fragment was amplified in 11 of 86 samples. Sample sequencing identified cytb DNA from 5 blood-meal sources: Micrastur gilvicollis, Psophia viridis, Tamandua tetradactyla, Homo sapiens and Choloepus didactylus. CONCLUSIONS: Sand fly fauna is more diverse in the canopy than at ground level. Factors such as blood-meal sources, resting sites, and abiotic components probably contribute to high abundance in the canopy. Our results reinforce the possibility that Lu. antunesi and Lu. davisi participate in Leishmania transmission in forest environments and may play an important role in transmission from sylvatic to human hosts.

Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi strains circulating in Córdoba department (Colombia) isolated from triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) collected by the community. / Detección y caracterización molecular de cepas de Trypanosoma cruzi aisladas de triatominos recolectados por la comunidad en el departamento de Córdoba, Colombia

INTRODUCTION: From 2011 to 2016, 24 cases of Chagas disease were reported in Córdoba according to the national public health surveillance system (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, Sivigila), but the information regarding Trypanosoma cruzi circulating strains and infection rates are unknown. OBJECTIVES: To establish the triatomine species with which people come in contact and recognize as Chagas disease vectors, as well as to assess the infection with trypanosomes and make an exploratory approach to host feeding preferences with the participation of the local community. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Triatomines sampling was conducted in 12 municipalities between 2011 and 2016; T. cruzi infection was established by k-PCR, SAT-PCR, while strain genotyping was done by mini-exon and SL-IR (spliced-leader intergenic region) sequence characterization. We also screened for blood sources. RESULTS: Local community members collected the majority of triatomines and we identified three species: Rhodnius pallescens, Panstrongylus geniculatus, and Eratyrus cuspidatus. The overall T. cruzi infection rate in collected triatomines was 66.6% and we detected the TcIDOM and TcI sylvatic strains. Community-based insect collection allowed reporting the presence of P. geniculatus in two new disperse rural settlements, T. cruzi infection of P. geniculatus in Córdoba, and the first report of triatomines infected with T. cruzi in Montería municipality. CONCLUSIONS: These results revealed the presence of triatomines infected with T. cruzi inside dwellings in five municipalities of Córdoba. The dominant circulating T. cruzi strain was TcIDOM, a genotype associated with human Chagas disease and cardiomyopathies in Colombia. Our results highlight the importance of local community participation in entomological surveillance tasks.

Introducción. Entre el 2011 y el 2016, se reportaron 24 casos de enfermedad de Chagas en Córdoba, según el Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila), pero la información sobre las unidades discretas de tipificación de Trypanosoma cruzi circulantes y las tasas de infección se desconoce. Objetivos. Identificar las especies de triatominos con las cuales las personas entran en contacto y que reconocen como vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas, así como establecer la infección por tripanosomas y explorar posibles fuentes de alimentación de los triatominos con la participación de la comunidad. Materiales y métodos. El muestreo de triatominos se hizo en 12 municipios entre el 2011 y el 2016. T. cruzi se detectó mediante las técnicas de kinetic-polymerase chain reaction (k-PCR) y serial amplification of targets-polymerase chain reaction (SAT-PCR), en tanto que la genotipificación de las cepas se logró mediante la caracterización de secuencias de genes miniexon y de la región intergénica SL-IR (Spliced-Leader Intergenic Region). Se evaluaron, asimismo, las fuentes de alimento. Resultados. La mayoría de los triatominos fue recolectada por miembros de la comunidad y se identificaron tres especies: Rhodnius pallescens, Panstrongylus geniculatus y Eratyrus cuspidatus. La tasa de infección general por T. cruzi fue de 66,6 % y se detectaron las cepas TcIDOM y TcI sylvatic. La participación de la comunidad permitió reportar la presencia de P. geniculatus en dos nuevas localidades, la infección con T. cruzi de P. geniculatus en Córdoba y reportar por primera vez triatominos infectados con T. cruzi en Montería. Conclusiones. Se demostró la presencia de triatominos infectados con T. cruzi dentro de las viviendas en cinco municipalidades. La cepa circulante dominante fue T. cruzi TcIDOM, asociada con la enfermedad de Chagas y con cardiomiopatías en Colombia. Los resultados resaltan la importancia de vincular a miembros de la comunidad en la vigilancia entomológica.

Detection of Trypanosoma cruzi strains circulating in Córdoba department (Colombia) isolated from triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) collected by the community / Detección y caracterización molecular de cepas de Trypanosoma cruzi aisladas de triatominos recolectados por la comunidad en el departamento de Córdoba, Colombia

Abstract Introduction: From 2011 to 2016, 24 cases of Chagas disease were reported in Córdoba according to the national public health surveillance system (Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública, Sivigila), but the information regarding Trypanosoma cruzi circulating strains and infection rates are unknown. Objectives: To establish the triatomine species with which people come in contact and recognize as Chagas disease vectors, as well as to assess the infection with trypanosomes and make an exploratory approach to host feeding preferences with the participation of the local community. Materials and methods: Triatomines sampling was conducted in 12 municipalities between 2011 and 2016; T. cruzi infection was established by k-PCR, SAT-PCR, while strain genotyping was done by mini-exon and SL-IR (spliced-leader intergenic region) sequence characterization. We also screened for blood sources. Results: Local community members collected the majority of triatomines and we identified three species: Rhodnius pallescens, Panstrongylus geniculatus, and Eratyrus cuspidatus. The overall T. cruzi infection rate in collected triatomines was 66.6% and we detected the TcIDOM and TcI sylvatic strains. Community-based insect collection allowed reporting the presence of P. geniculatus in two new disperse rural settlements, T. cruzi infection of P. geniculatus in Córdoba, and the first report of triatomines infected with T. cruzi in Montería municipality. Conclusions: These results revealed the presence of triatomines infected with T. cruzi inside dwellings in five municipalities of Córdoba. The dominant circulating T. cruzi strain was TcIDOM, a genotype associated with human Chagas disease and cardiomyopathies in Colombia. Our results highlight the importance of local community participation in entomological surveillance tasks.

Resumen Introducción. Entre el 2011 y el 2016, se reportaron 24 casos de enfermedad de Chagas en Córdoba, según el Sistema Nacional de Vigilancia en Salud Pública (Sivigila), pero la información sobre las unidades discretas de tipificación de Trypanosoma cruzi circulantes y las tasas de infección se desconoce. Objetivos. Identificar las especies de triatominos con las cuales las personas entran en contacto y que reconocen como vectores de la enfermedad de Chagas, así como establecer la infección por tripanosomas y explorar posibles fuentes de alimentación de los triatominos con la participación de la comunidad. Materiales y métodos. El muestreo de triatominos se hizo en 12 municipios entre el 2011 y el 2016. T. cruzi se detectó mediante las técnicas de kinetic-polymerase chain reaction (k-PCR) y serial amplification of targets-polymerase chain reaction (SAT-PCR), en tanto que la genotipificación de las cepas se logró mediante la caracterización de secuencias de genes miniexon y de la región intergénica SL-IR (Spliced-Leader Intergenic Region). Se evaluaron, asimismo, las fuentes de alimento. Resultados. La mayoría de los triatominos fue recolectada por miembros de la comunidad y se identificaron tres especies: Rhodnius pallescens, Panstrongylus geniculatus y Eratyrus cuspidatus. La tasa de infección general por T. cruzi fue de 66,6 % y se detectaron las cepas TcIDOM y TcI sylvatic. La participación de la comunidad permitió reportar la presencia de P. geniculatus en dos nuevas localidades, la infección con T. cruzi de P. geniculatus en Córdoba y reportar por primera vez triatominos infectados con T. cruzi en Montería. Conclusiones. Se demostró la presencia de triatominos infectados con T. cruzi dentro de las viviendas en cinco municipalidades. La cepa circulante dominante fue T. cruzi TcIDOM, asociada con la enfermedad de Chagas y con cardiomiopatías en Colombia. Los resultados resaltan la importancia de vincular a miembros de la comunidad en la vigilancia entomológica.

Molecular identification of blood meals in mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) in urban and forested habitats in southern Brazil.

The study of host associations of mosquitoes (Diptera, Culicidae) provides valuable information to assist in our understanding of a variety of related issues, from their life-history to the entomological surveillance of pathogens. In this study, we identified and characterized mosquito blood meals from both urban and forested areas in the city of Paranaguá, state of Paraná, Brazil, by analyzing the amplification of host DNA ingested by mosquitoes under different storage conditions and digestion levels. Host DNA preservation was evaluated in fresh blood meals according to storage duration (30 to 180 days) and temperature (-20°C / -80°C) and, in digested blood, according the degree of digestion classified on the Sella scale. Molecular analysis of blood meals was based on DNA extraction and amplification of a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene. We determined that, up to180 days of storage, the evaluated temperatures did not influence the preservation of fresh blood meals DNA, whereas the amplification success was increasingly reduced over the course of the digestion process. The species Anopheles cruzii, Aedes fluviatilis, Aedes scapularis, Psorophora ferox, Culex quinquefasciatus, Culex mollis, and Culex intrincatus, together with specimens representing four subgenera and one genus of Culicidae [Ae. (Ochlerotatus), Cx. (Culex), Cx. (Melanoconion), Cx. (Microculex), and Limatus, respectively] had their blood meals identified. Their diverse host use was evidenced by the identification of 19 species of vertebrate host, namely two amphibians, three mammals and 14 birds. Birds were the most commonly identified host in blood meals. These results not only show the diversity of mosquito hosts, but also underscore the challenges involved in monitoring arboviruses of public health importance, given potential combinations of host use for each mosquito species.

LEPTOSPIRA ANTIBODIES DETECTED IN WILDLIFE IN THE USA AND THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS.

From 2011 to 2017, 4,534 serum samples from 13 wildlife species collected across the US and in one territory (US Virgin Islands) were tested for exposure to Leptospira serovars Bratislava, Canicola, Grippotyphosa, Hardjo, Icterohaemorrhagiae, and Pomona. Of 1,759 canids, 1,043 cervids, 23 small Indian mongooses ( Herpestes auropunctatus), 1,704 raccoons ( Procyon lotor), and five striped skunks ( Mephitis mephitis), 27.0, 44.4, 30.4, 40.8, and 60%, respectively, were antibody positive for any of the six serovars. The most commonly detected serovars across all species were Bratislava and Grippotyphosa. Our results indicate that Leptospira titers are very common in a wide variety of wildlife species. These species may act as important reservoirs in the epidemiological cycle of the pathogen. Additional studies to determine the relationship between serologic evidence and shedding of the pathogen by wildlife are necessary to better understand the risk.

Evolution of the α2-adrenoreceptors in vertebrates: ADRA2D is absent in mammals and crocodiles.

Evolutionary studies of genes that have been functionally characterized and whose variation has been associated with pathological conditions represent an opportunity to understand the genetic basis of pathologies. α2-Adrenoreceptors (ADRA2) are a class of G protein-coupled receptors that regulate several physiological processes including blood pressure, platelet aggregation, insulin secretion, lipolysis, and neurotransmitter release. This gene family has been extensively studied from a molecular/physiological perspective, yet much less is known about its evolutionary history. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to investigate the evolutionary history of α2-adrenoreceptors (ADRA2) in vertebrates. Our results show that in addition to the three well-recognized α2-adrenoreceptor genes (ADRA2A, ADRA2B and ADRA2C), we recovered a clade that corresponds to the fourth member of the α2-adrenoreceptor gene family (ADRA2D). We also recovered a clade that possesses two ADRA2 sequences found in two lamprey species. Furthermore, our results show that mammals and crocodiles are characterized by possessing three α2-adrenoreceptor genes, whereas all other vertebrate groups possess the full repertoire of α2-adrenoreceptor genes. Among vertebrates ADRA2D seems to be a dispensable gene, as it was lost two independent times during the evolutionary history of the group. Additionally, we found that most examined species possess the most common alleles described for humans; however, there are cases in which non-human mammals possess the alternative variant. Finally, transcript abundance profiles revealed that during the early evolutionary history of gnathostomes, the expression of ADRA2D in different taxonomic groups became specialized to different tissues, but in the ancestor of sarcopterygians this specialization would have been lost.

Bloodmeal Identification in Field-Collected Sand Flies From Casa Branca, Brazil, Using the Cytochrome b PCR Method.

PCR-based identification of vertebrate host bloodmeals has been performed on several vectors species with success. In the present study, we used a previously published PCR protocol followed by DNA sequencing based on primers designed from multiple alignments of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene used to identify avian and mammalian hosts of various hematophagous vectors. The amplification of a fragment encoding a 359 bp sequence of the Cyt b gene yielded recognized amplification products in 192 female sand flies (53%), from a total of 362 females analyzed. In the study area of Casa Branca, Brazil, blood-engorged female sand flies such as Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912), Migonemyia migonei (França, 1924), and Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes & Coutinho, 1939) were analyzed for bloodmeal sources. The PCR-based method identified human, dog, chicken, and domestic rat blood sources.

The long road of research on snake venom serine proteinases.

It has long been recognized that snake venom serine proteinases (SVSPs) affect various physiological functions including blood coagulation, fibrinolysis, blood pressure and platelet aggregation. Therefore, SVSPs have been used as refined tools to study molecular mechanisms involved in the activation of key factors that control hemostasis and as therapeutic agents in various thrombotic and hemostatic conditions. The aim of this review is to highlight the state of our knowledge on the advances made in SVSP research since the 18th century. It includes the personal accounts of some distinguished scientists that addressed specific problems and contributed to advance the field.

Ecological patterns of blood-feeding by kissing-bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae).

Host use by vectors is important in understanding the transmission of zoonotic diseases, which can affect humans, wildlife and domestic animals. Here, a synthesis of host exploitation patterns by kissing-bugs, vectors of Chagas disease, is presented. For this synthesis, an extensive literature review restricted to feeding sources analysed by precipitin tests was conducted. Modern tools from community ecology and multivariate statistics were used to determine patterns of segregation in host use. Rather than innate preferences for host species, host use by kissing-bugs is influenced by the habitats they colonise. One of the major limitations of studies on kissing-bug foraging has been the exclusive focus on the dominant vector species. We propose that expanding foraging studies to consider the community of vectors will substantially increase the understanding of Chagas disease transmission ecology. Our results indicate that host accessibility is a major factor that shapes the blood-foraging patterns of kissing-bugs. Therefore, from an applied perspective, measures that are directed at disrupting the contact between humans and kissing-bugs, such as housing improvement, are among the most desirable strategies for Chagas disease control.

Ecological patterns of blood-feeding by kissing-bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae: Triatominae)

Host use by vectors is important in understanding the transmission of zoonotic diseases, which can affect humans, wildlife and domestic animals. Here, a synthesis of host exploitation patterns by kissing-bugs, vectors of Chagas disease, is presented. For this synthesis, an extensive literature review restricted to feeding sources analysed by precipitin tests was conducted. Modern tools from community ecology and multivariate statistics were used to determine patterns of segregation in host use. Rather than innate preferences for host species, host use by kissing-bugs is influenced by the habitats they colonise. One of the major limitations of studies on kissing-bug foraging has been the exclusive focus on the dominant vector species. We propose that expanding foraging studies to consider the community of vectors will substantially increase the understanding of Chagas disease transmission ecology. Our results indicate that host accessibility is a major factor that shapes the blood-foraging patterns of kissing-bugs. Therefore, from an applied perspective, measures that are directed at disrupting the contact between humans and kissing-bugs, such as housing improvement, are among the most desirable strategies for Chagas disease control.

Comparative scanning electron microscopy of platelets and fibrin networks of human and differents animals / Microscopía electrónica de barrido comparativa de plaquetas y redes de fibrina de humano y de diferentes animales

The purpose of the present study was to compare the platelet and fibrin network ultrastructure of humans to eight different animal species in order to determine the differences between human and animal platelet and fibrin morphology, and to determine whether the animals studied differ in their platelet and fibrin morphology, and whether these differences can be observed by scanning electron microscopy. Platelets and fibrin networks play an important role both in the coagulation process as well as physiologically in allergic processes and immunological mechanisms. The thickness of human fibrin networks were compared to mouse (Mus musculus), equine (Equus caballus), vervet monkey (Chlorocebus aethiops previously Cercopithecus aethiops), oryx (Oryx gazella), ovine (Ovis aries), penguin (Spheniscus demersus), rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and sea turtle (Caretta caretta). Fibers were measured and divided into thin (minor) fibers, intermediate fibers and thick (major) fibers. The results obtained indicated that for each of the three fibrin classes, the size ranges of the monkey, oryx and equine were not significantly different to one another, and the human, penguin, oryx and ovine not significantly different to one other. From these results it can be concluded that mammals and aves possess a distinct tri-modal fibrin fiber distribution, different from that of the studied reptilian species where the sea turtle possesses a distinct bimodal fibrin fiber distribution and it can be suggested that the utilization of mammalian and avian models, in terms of fibrin fiber distribution patterns, might be a suitable alternative for ultrastructural studies.

El propósito del presente estudio fue comparar la ultraestructura de plaquetas y las redes de fibrina de los seres humanos y de ocho diferentes especies de animales, con el fin de determinar las diferencias morfológicas de estas estructuras y si las diferencias pueden ser observadas por microscopía electrónica de barrido. Las plaquetas y las redes de fibrina desempeñan un papel importante tanto en el proceso de coagulación como, fisiológicamente en procesos alérgicos y mecanismos inmunológicos. Elgrosor de las redes de fibrina humana fue comparado con las del ratón (Mus musculus), equino (Equus caballus), mono vervet (Chlorocebus aethiops, anteriormente Cercopithecus aethiops, antílope Africano (Oryx gazella), ovino (Ovis aries), pingüino (Spheniscus demersus), conejo (Oryctolagus cuniculus) y tortuga marina (Caretta caretta). Las fibras fueron medidas y agrupadas en fibras delgadas (menor), fibras intermedias y fibras gruesas (grandes). Los resultados obtenidos indicaron que para cada una de las tres clases de fibrina, los rangos de su tamaño en el mono, antílope africano y en equino no fueron significativamente diferentes entre sí, mientras que en humano, pingüino, antílope africano y ovino no fueron significativamente diferentes entre éstos. De estos resultados se pudo concluir que mamíferos y aves poseen una distribución tri-modal de fibras de fibrina, distinta a la de las especies de reptiles estudiadas, donde la tortuga de mar posee una distribución bimodal de fibras de fibrina. Se puede sugerir que la utilización de los modelos mamíferos y aviar, en términos de patrones de distribución de fibras de fibrina, pueden ser una alternativa adecuada para los estudios ultraestructurales.

Feeding patterns of Haemagogus capricornii and Haemagogus leucocelaenus (Diptera: Culicidae) in two Brazilian states (Rio de Janeiro and Goiás).

We present the identification of bloodfeeding sources of Haemagogus (Haemagogus) capricornii Lutz and Haemagogus (Conopostegus) leucocelaenus (Dyar & Shannon) (Diptera: Culicidae) from different regions of Brazil, as analyzed by precipitin tests. Anti-sera for bird, bovine, equine, human, opossum, and rodent were used. Two hundred one mosquitoes were examined (147 Hg. leucocelaenus and 54 Hg. capricornii), of which 177 reacted for some anti-serum. For Hg. leucocelaenus, 86 (68.3%) reacted to one blood source, 38 (30.2%) to two sources, and two (1.6%) to three sources; the combinations of bird + human (18.4%), bird + rodent (15.8%), and bird + marsupial (15.8%) were the most frequent. For Hg. capricornii, 34 (66.7%) reacted to one blood source; combinations bird + rodent (37.5%) and bird + marsupial (25%) were the most frequent combinations. Mosquito preference for bloodfeeding sources was different in these areas, possibly because of the availability of sources. This diversity of sources can have important epidemiological implications.

Estudo da cascata de coagulação sangüínea e seus valores de referência / Study of blood coagulation cascade and the reference values

Um vaso sanguíneo lesado inicia um processo denominado hemostasia. A coagulação envolve uma sequência de reações interligadas, a cascata de coagulação, dividido na via extrínseca em resposta ao contato do sangue com os tecidos extravasculares e na via intrínseca pelo contato do sangue com uma superfície diferente do endotelio normal e das células sanguíneas. O tempo de protrombina (TP) é o tempo necessário para que ocorra a coagulação, nos fatores envolvidos no sistema extrínseco. O tempo tromboplastina parcial ativado (TTPA) é empregado para verificação do mecanismo intrínseco da coagulação. A avaliação da cascata de coagulação é revisada neste trabalho.

A harmed blood vessel begins a process denominated hemostasis. The coagulation involves a sequence of interlinked reactions, the coagulation cascade, divided in the extrinsic pathway in response to the blood contact with the extravascular tissues and in the intrinsic pathway for the blood contact with a different surface from the normal endothelium and the blood cells. Prothrombin time (PT) is the time needed to occur the coagulation, in the factors involved in the extrinsic system. Activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) is used for verification of the coagulation intrinsic mechanism. The evaluation of coagulation cascade is reviewed in this work.

Major plasma lipids and fatty acids in four HDL mammals.

Lipid classes and their fatty acids were compared in plasma from four mammals: a laboratory rodent, the mouse; two domestic animals, the cat and dog; and a wild animal, the South American armadillo, Chaetophractus villosus. In all, the most abundant lipoprotein was high-density lipoprotein (HDL). In the total lipid of plasma, phospholipids (PL) predominated in all four species, in correlation with the proportion of HDL, both being largest in dogs. The major PL was phosphatidylcholine (PC), followed by sphingomyelin (SM) and lysophosphatidylcholine. The total plasma lipid from the four species contained long-chain n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids as the predominant acyl groups, followed by comparable proportions of total saturated and monoenoic fatty acids and small percentages of n-3 PUFA. The percentages of these four major groups of fatty acids in PC, SM, triacylglycerols and cholesterol esters were similar among species, but showed significant differences in the ratios between major individual fatty acids composing these groups.

[Ilheus arbovirus in wild birds (Sporophila caerulescens and Molothrus bonariensis)]. / Arbovírus Ilheus em aves silvestres (Sporophila caerulescens e Molothrus bonariensis).

OBJECTIVE: To report the first Ilheus arboviruses isolated from wild birds and analyze its public health impact. METHODS: Wild birds and mammals were captured using mist nets and Tomahawk traps, respectively. Blood samples were drawn from these animals and inoculated intracerebrally in Swiss suckling mice found in the Parque Ecológico do Tietê, Brazil. The isolates were identified by serological tests, such as hemagglutination, hemagglutination inhibition, complement fixation and neutralization. Besides virus isolation, serum samples were also tested for the presence of hemagglutination inhibition antibodies. RESULTS: Two strains of Ilheus virus were isolated from the bird species Sporophila caerulescens and Molothrus bonariensis. Specific antibodies to Ilheus virus were detected in serum samples of some birds (Columbina talpacoti, Geopelia cuneata, Sicalis flaveola and Molothrus bonariensis), marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata) and coati (Nasua nasua). CONCLUSIONS: Virus isolation and detection of specific antibodies in serum samples of local, migratory and captive birds, captive marmosets and wild coati corroborate the circulation of Ilheus virus in the Parque Ecológico do Tietê. The migrating behavior of some species of wild birds, like Sporophila caerulescens, enables the virus spread to other regions. Taking into consideration its human pathogenicity and the presence of the virus in this area, local authorities should be aware of the risk of infecting the local community.

Spontaneous micronuclei in peripheral blood erythrocytes from 35 mammalian species.

In this paper we report the results of a study to determine the frequencies of spontaneous micronucleated erythrocytes (MNE) in peripheral blood of 35 mammalian species. The main goal was to find mammals with a high spontaneous frequency of MNE that could, therefore, be good candidates for biomonitoring genotoxic agents in their natural habitat. We obtained 187 peripheral blood samples, but in 13 of the species we could only sample one individual. A wide range in the number of MNE (1/434 to 0/40,000 erythrocytes) was observed. Since the number of individuals per species is not high enough, this results should be cautiously considered. The cat, mouse, giraffe, pig, opossum and capuchin monkey seem to be suitable species for biomonitoring for genotoxic events.

The primary structure of the hemoglobin of the Brazilian manatee (Trichechus inunguis, Sirenia).

The hemoglobin of the Brazilian Manatee (Trichechus inunguis, Sirenia) consists of one component. We present the primary structures of the alpha- and beta-chains which have been separated by chromatography on carboxymethyl-cellulose CM-52. The sequences have been determined by automatic Edman degradation with the film technique, using the native chains, tryptic peptides and the C-terminal prolyl-peptide obtained by acid hydrolysis of the Asp-Pro bond of the alpha-chains. Compared to the corresponding human chains we found 27 substitutions in the alpha- as well as in the beta-chains. Three heme contacts and four alpha 1/beta 1 contacts between the subunits are affected by exchanges. The hemoglobin of Trichechus inunguis is compared with those of Elephas maximus, Loxodonta africana, and Procavia habessinica and the monophyletic origin of the superorder Paenungulata is discussed.

Host feeding profiles of Triatoma dimidiata in peridomestic habitats of western Panama.

Bloodmeal analysis of Triatoma dimidiata collected in peridomestic habitats of western Panama showed that avian feedings comprised 25% of this species' host selections; opossums, the principal reservoir of Chagas' disease in the republic, were not among mammalian feedings. These findings may account for the low infestation rates of Trypanosoma cruzi in the bugs and the hypoendemicity of Chagas' disease in western Panama.

[The critical pressure of oxygen]. / La presión crítica de oxígeno.

A review of the metabolic response (M) to hypoxia measured in different mammals shows that the critical ambient O2 pressure (Pc), is a linear function of the normoxic metabolic demand. Values for Pc at different metabolic loads may range from about 10 torr to close to 150 torr. However, the ratio M/Pc provides a useful index that seems to be independent of the metabolic demand. Critical ambient pO2 for reducing O2 uptake at comparable loads has been found to be lower in highland than in lowland species. Below the Pc the metabolism changes sharply or more gradually with further reduction in pO2. This reduction may be better expressed by a single hypoxic coefficient that is independent of the metabolic demand, representing the fractional reduction of M per torr. Regression analysis of Pc on body weight shows independence of the critical pO2 on body size within the range 8-480 g.

Blood coagulation of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus).

Blood was obtained from 10 clinically normal West Indian manatees. Many coagulation screening tests were performed on the blood as well as specific clotting factor assays. All clotting factors were present and their activities compared to those of the dog. The clotting factor activities of the intrinsic system of the manatee are much higher than those of the dog. Factor X activity is about the same as that of the dog. The clotting factor activities of the extrinsic system seems to be less than that of the the dog.