Fatal Outcome of Chikungunya Virus Infection in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) emerged in the Americas in 2013 and has caused approximately 2.1 million cases and >600 deaths. A retrospective investigation was undertaken to describe clinical, epidemiological, and viral genomic features associated with deaths caused by CHIKV in Ceará state, northeast Brazil. METHODS: Sera, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and tissue samples from 100 fatal cases with suspected arbovirus infection were tested for CHIKV, dengue virus (DENV), and Zika virus (ZIKV). Clinical, epidemiological, and death reports were obtained for patients with confirmed CHIKV infection. Logistic regression analysis was undertaken to identify independent factors associated with risk of death during CHIKV infection. Phylogenetic analysis was conducted using whole genomes from a subset of cases. RESULTS: Sixty-eight fatal cases had CHIKV infection confirmed by reverse-transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (52.9%), viral antigen (41.1%), and/or specific immunoglobulin M (63.2%). Co-detection of CHIKV with DENV was found in 22% of fatal cases, ZIKV in 2.9%, and DENV and ZIKV in 1.5%. A total of 39 CHIKV deaths presented with neurological signs and symptoms, and CHIKV-RNA was found in the CSF of 92.3% of these patients. Fatal outcomes were associated with irreversible multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. Patients with diabetes appear to die at a higher frequency during the subacute phase. Genetic analysis showed circulation of 2 CHIKV East-Central-South African (ECSA) lineages in Ceará and revealed no unique virus genomic mutation associated with fatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The investigation of the largest cross-sectional cohort of CHIKV deaths to date reveals that CHIKV-ECSA strains can cause death in individuals from both risk and nonrisk groups, including young adults.

Emergence and dissemination of equine-like G3P[8] rotavirus A in Brazil between 2015 and 2021.

Rotavirus A (RVA) is a major cause of acute gastroenteritis globally that is classically genotyped by its two immunodominant outer capsid proteins, VP7 (G-) and VP4 (P-). Recent evidence suggests that the reassortant equine-like G3P[8] strain played a substantial role in RVA transmission in Brazil since 2015. To understand its global emergence and dissemination in Brazilian territory, stool samples collected from 11 Brazilian states (n = 919) were genotyped by RT-qPCR and proceeded to sequence the VP7 gene (n = 102, 79 being newly generated) of the G3P[8] samples with pronounced viral loads. Our phylogenetic genotyping showed that G3P[8] became the dominant strain in Brazil between 2017 and 2020, with equine-like variants representing 75%-100% of VP7 samples in this period. A Bayesian discrete phylogeographic analysis strongly suggests that the equine-like G3P[8] strain originated in Asia during the early 2010s and subsequently spread to Europe, the Caribbean, and South America. Multiple introductions were detected in Brazil between 2014 and 2017, resulting in five national clusters. The reconstruction of the effective population size of the largest Brazilian cluster showed an expansion until 2017, followed by a plateau phase until 2019 and subsequent contraction. Our study also supports that most mutations fixed during equine-like G3P[8] evolution were synonymous, suggesting that adaptive evolution was not an important driving force during viral dissemination in humans, potentially increasing its susceptibility to acquired immunity. This research emphasizes the need for comprehensive rotavirus genomic surveillance that allows close monitoring of its ever-shifting composition and informs more effective public health policies.IMPORTANCEOur original article demonstrated the origin and spread in a short time of equine-like G3P[8] in Brazil and the world. Due to its segmented genome, it allows numerous mechanisms including genetic drift and reassortment contribute substantially to the genetic diversity of rotavirus. Although the effectiveness and increasing implementation of vaccination have not been questioned, a matter of concern is its impact on the emergence of escape mutants or even the spread of unusual strains of zoonotic transmission that could drive epidemic patterns worldwide. This research emphasizes the need for comprehensive rotavirus genomic surveillance, which could facilitate the formulation of public policies aimed at preventing and mitigating its transmission.

Molecular dynamics simulations of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein and variants of concern: structural evidence for convergent adaptive evolution.

The Spike protein's structure of the SARS-CoV-2 provides a unique opportunity to consider perturbations at the atomic level. We used the cryo-electron microscopy structure of the open conformation of the Spike protein to assess the impact of the mutations observed in the variants of concern at the molecular level. Molecular dynamics were subsequently performed with both the wt and the mutated forms to compare the flexibility and variation data for each residue of the three-dimensional fluctuations in the region associated with each alpha carbon. Additionally, protein-protein docking was used to investigate the interaction of each mutated profile with the ACE-2 receptor. After the molecular dynamics, the results show that the mutations increased the stability of the trimeric protein, with greater stability observed in the Gamma variant harboring the 10 characteristic mutations. The results of molecular dynamics, as shown by RMSF demonstrated for the residues that comprise the binding domain receptor (RBD), exhibited a reduction in flexibility, which was more pronounced in the Gamma variant. Finally, protein-protein docking experiments revealed an increase in the number of hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bonds in the Gamma variant against the ACE-2 receptor, as opposed to the other variants. Taken together, these in silico experiments suggest that the evolution of the mutations favored the increased stability of Spike protein while potentially improving its interaction with the ACE-2 receptor, which in turn may indicate putative structural outcomes of the selection of these mutations in the convergent adaptive evolution as it has been observed for SARS-CoV-2.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Ehrlichiosis in Brazil.

Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by rickettsial organisms belonging to the genus Ehrlichia. In Brazil, molecular and serological studies have evaluated the occurrence of Ehrlichia species in dogs, cats, wild animals and humans. Ehrlichia canis is the main species found in dogs in Brazil, although E. ewingii infection has been recently suspected in five dogs. Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA has been detected and characterized in mash deer, whereas E. muris and E. ruminantium have not yet been identified in Brazil. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by E. canis appears to be highly endemic in several regions of Brazil, however prevalence data are not available for several regions. Ehrlichia canis DNA also has been detected and molecularly characterized in three domestic cats, and antibodies against E. canis were detected in free-ranging Neotropical felids. There is serological evidence suggesting the occurrence of human ehrlichiosis in Brazil but its etiologic agent has not yet been established. Improved molecular diagnostic resources for laboratory testing will allow better identification and characterization of ehrlichial organisms associated with human ehrlichiosis in Brazil.

Fasciola hepatica: epidemiology, perspectives in the diagnostic and the use of geoprocessing systems for prevalence studies / Fasciola hepatica: epidemiologia, perspectivas no diagnóstico e estudo de prevalência com uso de programas de geoprocessamento

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that is located in the liver of ruminants with the possibility to infect horses, pigs and humans. The parasite belongs to the Trematoda class, and it is the agent causing the disease called fasciolosis. This disease occurs mainly in temperate regions where climate favors the development of the organism. These conditions must facilitate the development of the intermediate host, the snail of the genus Lymnaea. The infection in domestic animals can lead to decrease in production and control is made by using triclabendazole. Triclabendazole resistance in F. hepatica has been reported worldwide including in Brazil. Another concern is the increase number of human cases with the consumption of contaminated vegetables in regions where sanitation is inadequate together with the presence of infected animals and the absence of efficient control methods. The knowledge of the epidemiology of animal fasciolosis, including their occurrence, distribution and monitoring with techniques such as PCR and ELISA is reaching a new level with the usage of the Geographic Information System. The objective is to use new technologies for early fasciolosis diagnostic, as well as, to develop geoprocessing technics that could allow the determination of its prevalence and the evolution of clinical cases in animals before hand. This review paper provides an overview of F. hepatica, covering the aspects listed above, including original data.(AU)

Fasciola hepatica é um parasita que se localiza no fígado de ruminantes, podendo infectar equinos, suínos e humanos. O parasito pertence à classe Trematoda, sendo o agente responsável pela doença denominada fasciolose, que ocorre principalmente em regiões temperadas, com clima favorável para o desenvolvimento do organismo. Tais condições devem auxiliar no desenvolvimento do hospedeiro intermediário, o molusco do gênero Lymnaea. Existe uma crescente preocupação quanto ao número de casos humanos diagnosticados em certas regiões cujo saneamento básico é inadequado, há presença de animais infectados e cultura em consumir hortaliças de áreas contaminadas cruas ou pouco cozidas. O parasitismo em animais domésticos pode levar a uma queda no desempenho animal e seu controle é realizado, principalmente, com o uso do triclabendazole. Entretanto, relatos quanto à resistência do patógeno à este produto vêm sendo descritos, inclusive no Brasil. O conhecimento da epidemiologia da fasciolose animal, incluindo sua ocorrência, distribuição e monitoramento com técnicas laboratoriais como o ELISA e a PCR, estão tendo um novo progresso com a utilização do Sistema de Informação Geográfica. O objetivo de utilizar essas novas tecnologias é diagnosticar a fasciolose mais precocemente, assim como, desenvolver técnicas de geoprocessamento que possam determinar a prevalência e a evolução dos casos em animais. Este artigo aborda recentes avanços no monitoramento da F. hepatica, cobrindo alguns aspectos listados acima, compilando dados inéditos.(AU)

Epidemiological status of bovine leptospirosis in the State of Paraná, Brazil / Situação epidemiológica da leptospirose bovina no estado do Paraná

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp and their geographic distribution and to identify the risk factors associated with this disease in cattle herds with reproductive activity in the state of Paraná. A total of 14 163 females aged ≥24 months originating from 1 926 herds that were not vaccinated against Leptospira spp were evaluated. To detect the Leptospira spp antibodies, all serum samples were submitted for a microscopic serum-agglutination test (MAT). An epidemiological questionnaire was performed at each farm visited to characterize the management practices and study the risk factors associated with the presence or absence of Leptospira spp. To perform geoprocessing, the geographical coordinates of each farm were recorded with a Global Positioning System (GPS), which were then used to create a map. The apparent prevalence of bovine leptospirosis in the herds was the parameter used to generate the final risk map. The apparent prevalences of seropositivity in the herds and animals in Paraná state were 54.28%(95%CI:52.05- 56.51) and 37.70%(95%CI:34.54-40.86), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors associated with leptospirosis due to any serovar were the rental of grazing areas [OR=1.91(1.36-2.68)], presence of horses [OR=1.59(1.28-1.97)], presence of > 20 females ≥ 24 months of age [OR=2.25(1.46-3.49)], presence of > 49 bovines [OR=2.78(1.82-4.26)], purchase of animals for reproduction [OR=1.96(1.59-2.41)] and presence of calving pens [OR=1.32(1.04-1.68)]. Risk factors for leptospirosis due specifically to serovar Hardjo were the presence of > 49 bovines [OR=3.05(1.94-4.80)], presence of > 20 females ≥ 24 months [OR=2.38(1.50-3.79)], presence of horses [OR=1.87(1.45-2.43)], purchase of animals for reproduction [OR=2.14(1.68-2.72)] and rental of grazing areas [OR=2.22(1.54-3.21)].

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp, sua distribuição espacial e identificar os fatores de risco associados à doença nos rebanhos bovinos com atividade reprodutiva do estado do Paraná. Foram estudadas 14.163 fêmeas com idade ≥ 24 meses, provenientes de 1.926 rebanhos não vacinados contra a leptospirose. Para detectar anticorpos contra a Leptospira spp, todos os soros foram submetidos a prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). . Em cada propriedade visitada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico, que permitiu a caracterização das práticas de manejo empregadas e o estudo dos fatores de risco associados com a presença ou ausência da Leptospira spp. Para o geoprocessamento, as coordenadas geográficas de cada propriedade foram obtidas por meio de aparelhos de posicionamento global por satélite (GPS), as quais foram utilizadas para a confecção do mapa. A prevalência aparente de propriedades e animais sororeagentes no estado foi de 54,28%(95%CI:52.05-56.51) e 37,70%(95%CI:34.54- 40.86), respectivamente. Na análise de regressão logística multivariada, foram identificados como fatores de risco para a infecção para qualquer sorovar de Leptospira spp: aluguel de pasto [OR=1.91(1.36-2.68)]; presença de equinos [OR=1.59(1.28-1.97)]; presença de > 20 fêmeas com idade ≥ 24 meses [OR=2.25(1.46-3.49)]; presença de > 49 bovinos [OR=2.78(1.82-4.26)]; compra de reprodutores [OR=1.96(1.59-2.41)] e presença de piquete de parição [OR=1.32(1.04-1.68)]. Os fatores de risco para a infecção pelo sorovar Hardjo foram presença de > 49 bovinos [OR=3.05(1.94- 4.80)], presença de > 20 fêmeas com idade ≥ 24 meses [OR=2.38(1.50-3.79)]; presença de equinos [OR=1.87(1.45-2.43)]; compra de reprodutores [OR=2.14(1.68-2.72)] e aluguel de pasto (O.R=2,22; I.C=1,54-3,21). [OR=2.22(1.54-3.21)].

Epidemiological status of bovine leptospirosis in the State of Paraná, Brazil / Situação epidemiológica da leptospirose bovina no estado do Paraná

The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of antibodies against Leptospira spp and their geographic distribution and to identify the risk factors associated with this disease in cattle herds with reproductive activity in the state of Paraná. A total of 14 163 females aged ≥24 months originating from 1 926 herds that were not vaccinated against Leptospira spp were evaluated. To detect the Leptospira spp antibodies, all serum samples were submitted for a microscopic serum-agglutination test (MAT). An epidemiological questionnaire was performed at each farm visited to characterize the management practices and study the risk factors associated with the presence or absence of Leptospira spp. To perform geoprocessing, the geographical coordinates of each farm were recorded with a Global Positioning System (GPS), which were then used to create a map. The apparent prevalence of bovine leptospirosis in the herds was the parameter used to generate the final risk map. The apparent prevalences of seropositivity in the herds and animals in Paraná state were 54.28%(95%CI:52.05- 56.51) and 37.70%(95%CI:34.54-40.86), respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the risk factors associated with leptospirosis due to any serovar were the rental of grazing areas [OR=1.91(1.36-2.68)], presence of horses [OR=1.59(1.28-1.97)], presence of > 20 females ≥ 24 months of age [OR=2.25(1.46-3.49)], presence of > 49 bovines [OR=2.78(1.82-4.26)], purchase of animals for reproduction [OR=1.96(1.59-2.41)] and presence of calving pens [OR=1.32(1.04-1.68)]. Risk factors for leptospirosis due specifically to serovar Hardjo were the presence of > 49 bovines [OR=3.05(1.94-4.80)], presence of > 20 females ≥ 24 months [OR=2.38(1.50-3.79)], presence of horses [OR=1.87(1.45-2.43)], purchase of animals for reproduction [OR=2.14(1.68-2.72)] and rental of grazing areas [OR=2.22(1.54-3.21)]. (AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a prevalência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira spp, sua distribuição espacial e identificar os fatores de risco associados à doença nos rebanhos bovinos com atividade reprodutiva do estado do Paraná. Foram estudadas 14.163 fêmeas com idade ≥ 24 meses, provenientes de 1.926 rebanhos não vacinados contra a leptospirose. Para detectar anticorpos contra a Leptospira spp, todos os soros foram submetidos a prova de soroaglutinação microscópica (SAM). . Em cada propriedade visitada foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico, que permitiu a caracterização das práticas de manejo empregadas e o estudo dos fatores de risco associados com a presença ou ausência da Leptospira spp. Para o geoprocessamento, as coordenadas geográficas de cada propriedade foram obtidas por meio de aparelhos de posicionamento global por satélite (GPS), as quais foram utilizadas para a confecção do mapa. A prevalência aparente de propriedades e animais sororeagentes no estado foi de 54,28%(95%CI:52.05-56.51) e 37,70%(95%CI:34.54- 40.86), respectivamente. Na análise de regressão logística multivariada, foram identificados como fatores de risco para a infecção para qualquer sorovar de Leptospira spp: aluguel de pasto [OR=1.91(1.36-2.68)]; presença de equinos [OR=1.59(1.28-1.97)]; presença de > 20 fêmeas com idade ≥ 24 meses [OR=2.25(1.46-3.49)]; presença de > 49 bovinos [OR=2.78(1.82-4.26)]; compra de reprodutores [OR=1.96(1.59-2.41)] e presença de piquete de parição [OR=1.32(1.04-1.68)]. Os fatores de risco para a infecção pelo sorovar Hardjo foram presença de > 49 bovinos [OR=3.05(1.94- 4.80)], presença de > 20 fêmeas com idade ≥ 24 meses [OR=2.38(1.50-3.79)]; presença de equinos [OR=1.87(1.45-2.43)]; compra de reprodutores [OR=2.14(1.68-2.72)] e aluguel de pasto (O.R=2,22; I.C=1,54-3,21). [OR=2.22(1.54-3.21)]. (AU)

Brazilian spotted fever in dogs / Febre maculosa brasileira em cães

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is caused by bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, highly pathogenic for humans and dogs, and has the Amblyomma cajennense tick as its main vector. Dogs maybe have a significantly participation on the BSF epidemiology, particularly in urban areas, due to the close contact with human beings. Several serologic studies in dogs from different Brazilian regions have indicated a previous contact of these animals with the R. rickettsii, and they are even considered as sentinels for the bacteria distribution. Although dogs are susceptible to R. rickettsii infection, the clinical disease in dogs has been very recently described in Brazil. Common signs of infection may include fever, depression, anorexia, ocular lesions, hemorrhagic petechiaes, anemia and thrombocytopenia, which also may appear in other diseases, such as the canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, considered the most common disease in dogs transmitted by ticks in Brazil. Thus, BSF clinical diagnosis in dogs may be confused by other diseases, causing its sub-notification. The aim of the present review article on BSF in dogs was to describe epidemiologic, clinical and diagnosis aspects, including also the main alternatives for its treatment and control.

A febre maculosa brasileira (FMB) é causada pela bactéria Rickettsia rickettsii, cuja patogenicidade é conhecida para seres humanos e cães, e o carrapato Amblyomma cajennense é tido como seu principal vetor. Os cães podem ter um papel significativo na epidemiologia da FMB devido ao próximo contato com seres humanos. Vários estudos sorológicos em cães em diferentes estados brasileiros indicaram um contato prévio destes animais com a R. rickettsii, sendo inclusive considerados sentinelas para a circulação da bactéria. Apesar de serem susceptíveis à infecção por R. rickettsii, a doença clínica em cães foi relatada apenas recentemente no Brasil, onde observaram-se sinais comuns da infecção, como febre, anorexia, letargia, anemia e trombocitopenia, os quais também podem ser encontrados em outras enfermidades, como a erliquiose monocítica canina, considerada a mais comum das doenças transmitidas por carrapatos em cães no país. Deste modo, o diagnóstico clínico de FMB em cães pode ser confundido com o de outras enfermidades, causando sua subnotificação. Além disso, a observação de sinais oculares em um cão infectado experimentalmente com cepa brasileira de R. rickettsii e sinais neurológicos em outro diagnosticado com FMB sugere que a doença seja semelhante à que ocorre nos Estados Unidos, onde tem sido predominantemente relatada. O objetivo do presente artigo de revisão sobre FMB em

Ehrlichiosis in Brazil / Erliquiose no Brasil

Ehrlichiosis is a disease caused by rickettsial organisms belonging to the genus Ehrlichia. In Brazil, molecular and serological studies have evaluated the occurrence of Ehrlichia species in dogs, cats, wild animals and humans. Ehrlichia canis is the main species found in dogs in Brazil, although E. ewingii infection has been recently suspected in five dogs. Ehrlichia chaffeensis DNA has been detected and characterized in mash deer, whereas E. muris and E. ruminantium have not yet been identified in Brazil. Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis caused by E. canis appears to be highly endemic in several regions of Brazil, however prevalence data are not available for several regions. Ehrlichia canis DNA also has been detected and molecularly characterized in three domestic cats, and antibodies against E. canis were detected in free-ranging Neotropical felids. There is serological evidence suggesting the occurrence of human ehrlichiosis in Brazil but its etiologic agent has not yet been established. Improved molecular diagnostic resources for laboratory testing will allow better identification and characterization of ehrlichial organisms associated with human ehrlichiosis in Brazil.

Erliquiose é uma doença causada por rickettsias pertencentes ao gênero Ehrlichia. No Brasil, estudos sorológicos e moleculares têm avaliado a ocorrência de espécies de Ehrlichia em cães, gatos, animais selvagens e seres humanos. Ehrlichia canis é a principal espécie em cães no Brasil, embora a infecção por E. ewingii tenha, recentemente, despertado suspeita em cinco cães. O DNA de E. chaffeensis foi detectado e caracterizado em cervo-do-pantanal, enquanto que E. muris e E. ruminantium ainda não foram identificadas no Brasil. A erliquiose monocítica canina causada pela E. canis parece ser altamente endêmica em muitas regiões do Brasil, embora dados de prevalência não estejam disponíveis em muitas delas. O DNA de E. canis também foi detectado e caracterizado em três gatos domésticos, enquanto anticorpos contra E. canis foram detectados em felídeos neotropicais de vida livre. Evidências sorológicas sugerem a ocorrência de erliquiose humana no Brasil, entretanto, o agente etiológico ainda não foi identificado. A melhoria do diagnóstico molecular promoverá a identificação e caracterização de espécies associadas à erliquiose humana no Brasil.

Brazilian spotted fever in dogs / Febre maculosa brasileira em cães

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is caused by bacteria Rickettsia rickettsii, highly pathogenic for humans and dogs, and has the Amblyomma cajennense tick as its main vector. Dogs maybe have a significantly participation on the BSF epidemiology, particularly in urban areas, due to the close contact with human beings. Several serologic studies in dogs from different Brazilian regions have indicated a previous contact of these animals with the R. rickettsii, and they are even considered as sentinels for the bacteria distribution. Although dogs are susceptible to R. rickettsii infection, the clinical disease in dogs has been very recently described in Brazil. Common signs of infection may include fever, depression, anorexia, ocular lesions, hemorrhagic petechiaes, anemia and thrombocytopenia, which also may appear in other diseases, such as the canine monocytic ehrlichiosis, considered the most common disease in dogs transmitted by ticks in Brazil. Thus, BSF clinical diagnosis in dogs may be confused by other diseases, causing its sub-notification. The aim of the present review article on BSF in dogs was to describe epidemiologic, clinical and diagnosis aspects, including also the main alternatives for its treatment and control.

A febre maculosa brasileira (FMB) é causada pela bactéria Rickettsia rickettsii, cuja patogenicidade é conhecida para seres humanos e cães, e o carrapato Amblyomma cajennense é tido como seu principal vetor. Os cães podem ter um papel significativo na epidemiologia da FMB devido ao próximo contato com seres humanos. Vários estudos sorológicos em cães em diferentes estados brasileiros indicaram um contato prévio destes animais com a R. rickettsii, sendo inclusive considerados sentinelas para a circulação da bactéria. Apesar de serem susceptíveis à infecção por R. rickettsii, a doença clínica em cães foi relatada apenas recentemente no Brasil, onde observaram-se sinais comuns da infecção, como febre, anorexia, letargia, anemia e trombocitopenia, os quais também podem ser encontrados em outras enfermidades, como a erliquiose monocítica canina, considerada a mais comum das doenças transmitidas por carrapatos em cães no país. Deste modo, o diagnóstico clínico de FMB em cães pode ser confundido com o de outras enfermidades, causando sua subnotificação. Além disso, a observação de sinais oculares em um cão infectado experimentalmente com cepa brasileira de R. rickettsii e sinais neurológicos em outro diagnosticado com FMB sugere que a doença seja semelhante à que ocorre nos Estados Unidos, onde tem sido predominantemente relatada. O objetivo do

Fasciola hepatica: epidemiology, perspectives in the diagnostic and the use of geoprocessing systems for prevalence studies / Fasciola hepatica: epidemiologia, perspectivas no diagnóstico e estudo de prevalência com uso de programas de geoprocessamento

Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that is located in the liver of ruminants with the possibility to infect horses, pigs and humans. The parasite belongs to the Trematoda class, and it is the agent causing the disease called fasciolosis. This disease occurs mainly in temperate regions where climate favors the development of the organism. These conditions must facilitate the development of the intermediate host, the snail of the genus Lymnaea. The infection in domestic animals can lead to decrease in production and control is made by using triclabendazole. Triclabendazole resistance in F. hepatica has been reported worldwide including in Brazil. Another concern is the increase number of human cases with the consumption of contaminated vegetables in regions where sanitation is inadequate together with the presence of infected animals and the absence of efficient control methods. The knowledge of the epidemiology of animal fasciolosis, including their occurrence, distribution and monitoring with techniques such as PCR and ELISA is reaching a new level with the usage of the Geographic Information System. The objective is to use new technologies for early fasciolosis diagnostic, as well as, to develop geoprocessing technics that could allow the determination of its prevalence and the evolution of clinical cases in animals before hand. This review paper provides an overview of F. hepatica, covering the aspects listed above, including original data.

Fasciola hepatica é um parasita que se localiza no fígado de ruminantes, podendo infectar equinos, suínos e humanos. O parasito pertence à classe Trematoda, sendo o agente responsável pela doença denominada fasciolose, que ocorre principalmente em regiões temperadas, com clima favorável para o desenvolvimento do organismo. Tais condições devem auxiliar no desenvolvimento do hospedeiro intermediário, o molusco do gênero Lymnaea. Existe uma crescente preocupação quanto ao número de casos humanos diagnosticados em certas regiões cujo saneamento básico é inadequado, há presença de animais infectados e cultura em consumir hortaliças de áreas contaminadas cruas ou pouco cozidas. O parasitismo em animais domésticos pode levar a uma queda no desempenho animal e seu controle é realizado, principalmente, com o uso do triclabendazole. Entretanto, relatos quanto à resistência do patógeno à este produto vêm sendo descritos, inclusive no Brasil. O conhecimento da epidemiologia da fasciolose animal, incluindo sua ocorrência, distribuição e monitoramento com técnicas laboratoriais como o ELISA e a PCR, estão tendo um novo progresso com a utilização do Sistema de Informação Geográfica. O objetivo de utilizar essas novas tecnologias é diagnosticar a fasciolose mais precocemente, assim como, desenvolver técnicas de geoprocessamento que possam determinar a prevalência e a evolução dos casos em animais. Este artigo aborda recentes avanços no monitoramento da F. hepatica, cobrindo alguns aspectos listados acima, compilando dados inéditos.

Fasciola hepatica: epidemiologia, perspectivas no diagnóstico e estudo de prevalência com uso de programas de geoprocessamento / Fasciola hepatica: epidemiology, perspectives in the diagnostic and the use of geoprocessing systems for prevalence studies

Fasciola hepatica é um parasita que se localiza no fígado de ruminantes, podendo infectar equinos, suínos e humanos. O parasito pertence à classe Trematoda, sendo o agente responsável pela doença denominada fasciolose, que ocorre principalmente em regiões temperadas, com clima favorável para o desenvolvimento do organismo. Tais condições devem auxiliar no desenvolvimento do hospedeiro intermediário, o molusco do gênero Lymnaea. Existe uma crescente preocupação quanto ao número de casos humanos diagnosticados em certas regiões cujo saneamento básico é inadequado, há presença de animais infectados e cultura em consumir hortaliças de áreas contaminadas cruas ou pouco cozidas. O parasitismo em animais domésticos pode levar a uma queda no desempenho animal e seu controle é realizado, principalmente, com o uso do triclabendazole. Entretanto, relatos quanto à resistência do patógeno à este produto vêm sendo descritos, inclusive no Brasil. O conhecimento da epidemiologia da fasciolose animal, incluindo sua ocorrência, distribuição e monitoramento com técnicas laboratoriais como o ELISA e a PCR, estão tendo um novo progresso com a utilização do Sistema de Informação Geográfica. O objetivo de utilizar essas novas tecnologias é diagnosticar a fasciolose mais precocemente, assim como, desenvolver técnicas de geoprocessamento que possam determinar a

 Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that is located in the liver of ruminants with the possibility to infect horses, pigs and humans. The parasite belongs to the Trematoda class, and it is the agent causing the disease called fasciolosis. This disease occurs mainly in temperate regions where climate favors the development of the organism. These conditions must facilitate the development of the intermediate host, the snail of the genus Lymnaea. The infection in domestic animals can lead to decrease in production and control is made by using triclabendazole. Triclabendazole resistance in F. hepatica has been reported worldwide including in Brazil. Another concern is the increase number of human cases with the consumption of contaminated vegetables in regions where sanitation is inadequate together with the presence of infected animals and the absence of efficient control methods. The knowledge of the epidemiology of animal fasciolosis, including their occurrence, distribution and monitoring with techniques such as PCR and ELISA is reaching a new level with the usage of the Geographic Information System. The objective is to use new technologies for early fasciolosis diagnostic, as well as, to develop geoprocessing technics that could allow the determination of its prevalence and the evolution of clinical cases in animals before hand. This review paper provides an overview of F. hepa

Fasciola hepatica: epidemiologia, perspectivas no diagnóstico e estudo de prevalência com uso de programas de geoprocessamento / Fasciola hepatica: epidemiology, perspectives in the diagnostic and the use of geoprocessing systems for prevalence studies

Fasciola hepatica é um parasita que se localiza no fígado de ruminantes, podendo infectar equinos, suínos e humanos. O parasito pertence à classe Trematoda, sendo o agente responsável pela doença denominada fasciolose, que ocorre principalmente em regiões temperadas, com clima favorável para o desenvolvimento do organismo. Tais condições devem auxiliar no desenvolvimento do hospedeiro intermediário, o molusco do gênero Lymnaea. Existe uma crescente preocupação quanto ao número de casos humanos diagnosticados em certas regiões cujo saneamento básico é inadequado, há presença de animais infectados e cultura em consumir hortaliças de áreas contaminadas cruas ou pouco cozidas. O parasitismo em animais domésticos pode levar a uma queda no desempenho animal e seu controle é realizado, principalmente, com o uso do triclabendazole. Entretanto, relatos quanto à resistência do patógeno à este produto vêm sendo descritos, inclusive no Brasil. O conhecimento da epidemiologia da fasciolose animal, incluindo sua ocorrência, distribuição e monitoramento com técnicas laboratoriais como o ELISA e a PCR, estão tendo um novo progresso com a utilização do Sistema de Informação Geográfica. O objetivo de utilizar essas novas tecnologias é diagnosticar a fasciolose mais precocemente, assim como, desenvolver técnicas de geoprocessamento que possam determinar a

 Fasciola hepatica is a parasite that is located in the liver of ruminants with the possibility to infect horses, pigs and humans. The parasite belongs to the Trematoda class, and it is the agent causing the disease called fasciolosis. This disease occurs mainly in temperate regions where climate favors the development of the organism. These conditions must facilitate the development of the intermediate host, the snail of the genus Lymnaea. The infection in domestic animals can lead to decrease in production and control is made by using triclabendazole. Triclabendazole resistance in F. hepatica has been reported worldwide including in Brazil. Another concern is the increase number of human cases with the consumption of contaminated vegetables in regions where sanitation is inadequate together with the presence of infected animals and the absence of efficient control methods. The knowledge of the epidemiology of animal fasciolosis, including their occurrence, distribution and monitoring with techniques such as PCR and ELISA is reaching a new level with the usage of the Geographic Information System. The objective is to use new technologies for early fasciolosis diagnostic, as well as, to develop geoprocessing technics that could allow the determination of its prevalence and the evolution of clinical cases in animals before hand. This review paper provides an overview of F. hepa