Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum and Leishmania amazonensis antibodies in domestic dogs in the western Brazilian Amazon region

Amostras de sangue de 99 cães domiciliados foram coletadas no meio urbano (n = 33) e rural (n = 66) do município de Lábrea, estado do Amazonas, Brasil. Dentre as amostras rurais, 40 foram obtidas em comunidades ribeirinhas e 26 em comunidades indígenas, ambas ao longo do rio Purus. Durante a amostragem foi aplicado um questionário com informações sobre sexo, idade, viver em áreas secas ou alagadiças, acesso ou não às ruas (cães urbanos) e acesso à floresta. A presença de anticorpos contra Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, Leishmania infantum chagasi e Leishmania amazonensis foi detectada pela reação de imunofluorescência indireta (RIFI) com ponto de corte de, respectivamente, 16, 50, 40 e 40. Associação entre as variáveis qualitativas e a positividade para cada um dos parasitos foi avaliada pelo teste do χ2 (p < 0,05). A ocorrência de animais com anticorpos contra T. gondii, N. caninum e L. amazonensis foi de, respectivamente, 61,6%; 7,1% e 8,1%. Nenhuma amostra foi positiva para L. infantum chagasi. A variável viver em área urbana (p=0,041) apresentou associação com ocorrência de T. gondii e o número de cães positivos a T. gondii aumentou com a idade (p = 0,0006). A variável sexo (machos) apresentou associação com N. caninum (p = 0,018) e nenhuma variável apresentou associação com L. amazonensis. Os títulos de anticorpos contra T. gondii variaram de 64 a 32.768; contra N. caninum de 100 a 800 e contra L. amazonensis de 40 a 640. T. gondii e L. amazonensis são dois agentes de importantes zoonoses e encontram-se ativos na região. O município estudado, especialmente as comunidades ribeirinhas, possuem peculiaridades geográficas, sociais e ecológicas distintas e necessitam maior atenção das autoridades para o controle desses agentes.

New strategies for active finding of leprosy cases in the Amazonian region

INTRODUCTION

The use of the Self-Image Form (SIF) expands the identification of active leprosy cases to neighbors of index cases.

METHODS

The SIF was used to screen two groups: case (neighbors of index cases of leprosy) and control (individuals residing next to houses without leprosy) group. A specialist investigated suspected leprosy cases for disease confirmation.

RESULTS

New cases of leprosy were diagnosed in the case group (n = 7, 8.6%), but not the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

The new surveillance strategy is inexpensive, efficient, and feasible within a primary health strategy. Future studies can help improve the use of the SIF.

Description of Trichophoromyia ruifreitasi, a new phlebotomine species (Diptera, Psychodidae) from Acre State, Brazilian Amazon

Trichophoromyiaruifreitasisp. n. is described as a new species of sand fly from the genus Trichophoromyia Barretto. This description is supported with illustrations and photographs that detail the morphological characteristics of male specimens collected in the municipality of Assis Brasil, Acre State, Brazilian Amazon. This species is similar to Trichophoromyiaauraensis (Mangabeira), but the two species can be easily differentiated by the distribution of setae on their parameres, and by the presence of a dorsal lobe in the parameres of the new species.

Hepatitis B in Rondônia (Western amazon region, Brazil): descriptive analysis and spatial distribution

BACKGROUND

The Amazon is one of the regions who have the highest rates of infection by the hepatitis B virus in the world. Objectives This study aimed to evaluate the epidemiological data and spatial distribution of hepatitis B cases reported between 2002 and 2012 in the Brazilian State of Rondônia.

METHODS

Social and clinical data of these individuals were studied through the Information System for Notifiable Diseases (SINAN), including the following variables: gender, age group, vaccination, contact with a known patient with HBV, exposure to risk factors, source of infection, and clinical status.

RESULTS

There were 7,132 cases reported in Rondônia, with an average incidence rate of 42/100,000 inhabitants per year. The municipalities with the highest incidence rates were Monte Negro (187.6/100,000 inhabitants) and Ariquemes (157.2/100,000 inhabitants). The 20-39 year-old age group had the highest number of cases (n = 3,834), and 69.9% of patients were likely infected via sexual contact. Regarding the clinical disease status, most of the patients (80.7%) were in the chronic phase.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a recent 402% increase in the diagnosis of hepatitis B, which is likely owing to the improvements in the public diagnostic system. This highlights the need for public policies to prevent and control the disease.

Study of the prevalence of Capillaria hepatica in humans and rodents in an urban area of the city of Porto Velho, Rondônia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Hepatic capillariosis, caused by Capillaria hepatica (Calodium hepaticum) (Bancroft, 1893), Travassos, 1915 (Nematoda, Trichinelloidea, Capillariidae), is a common zoonosis in rodents but is rare in humans. Seventy-two cases in humans have been reported worldwide since the first case was described by MACARTHUR in 192417,27. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Capillaria hepatica in humans and rodents in an urban area of Porto Velho, the capital of Rondônia, in Brazil.

METHODS

After conducting a census of the area, 490 residents were randomly selected, and, after signing a term of consent, provided blood samples that were screened for anti-Capillaria hepatica antibodies. Simultaneously, rats were captured to assess the prevalence of this parasite in rodents by histopathological examination in liver sections.

RESULTS

A prevalence of 1.8% was found among residents who had specific antibodies at a dilution of 1:150, indicating exposure to parasite eggs; 0.8% of the subjects also had positive titers at a dilution of 1:400, indicating true infection. The prevalence in rats was 2%.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of infection with this parasite among humans and rats was low. While the prevalence encountered among humans was within the limits reported in the literature, the prevalence among rodents was much lower.

Characteristics relating to the interiorization of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome in Brazil: a cross-sectional study

Background

In recent years there has been changes in the social and geographic profile of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the internalization of AIDS in the state of Rondônia, Brazil.

Findings

In Rondônia, 1473 AIDS cases were reported, with an average annual incidence of 15.8/100,000 persons (42.7 % women). The most common mode of viral transmission was sexual (96.5 %), and the majority of the individuals had not completed their primary education (64.8 %). There was heterogeneity in relation to case distribution, involving almost all of the municipalities in the state. The average annual mortality rate was 2.5/100,000 persons.

Conclusion

Rondônia has a higher incidence of AIDS than the national average and the northern region. Efforts to provide access to treatment and follow-up of these individuals should be implemented, prioritizing areas where the incidence is higher and decentralizing the treatment of patients with AIDS in the state.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s40249-015-0060-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

[Sick leave benefits for workers in the Brazilian meat and fish industries in 2008]

This study aims to analyze factors associated with sick leave rates among workers in the meat, fish, and seafood industries in Brazil. The study analyzed all sick leave benefits granted by the country's social security system to workers in these industries in 2008. Incidence of sick leave per 10 thousand jobs was stratified by sex, age, diagnosis, job position, State, and nature and length of benefits. The study analyzed 31,913 sick leaves, with an annual incidence of 788.7. Meat processing and packaging showed the highest incidence, and fish and seafood processing and packaging showed the longest mean length of sick leave. Women showed a higher sick leave incidence, while men received longer average sick leaves. Injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, and mental disorders accounted for 67.2% of sick leaves. The most common diagnoses were lower back pain, first-trimester bleeding in pregnancy, and depression. The data suggest poor job protection and adverse working conditions in these industries.

Canine heartworm disease in Porto Velho: first record, distribution map and occurrence of positive mosquitoes

The aim of this study was to make the first report on canine heartworm disease in the state of Rondônia and confirm its transmission in this state. Blood samples were randomly collected from 727 dogs in the city of Porto Velho. The samples were analyzed to search for microfilariae and circulating antigens, using three different techniques: optical microscopy on thick blood smears stained with Giemsa; immunochromatography; and PCR. Mosquitoes were collected inside and outside the homes of all the cases of positive dogs and were tested using PCR to search for DNA of Dirofilaria immitis. Ninety-three blood samples out of 727 (12.8%) were positive according to the immunoassay technique and none according to the thick smear method. Among the 93 positive dogs, 89 (95.7%) were born in Porto Velho. No difference in the frequency of infection was observed between dogs raised indoors and in the yard. PCR on the mosquitoes resulted in only one positive pool. This result shows that the transmission of canine heartworm disease is occurring in the city of Porto Velho and that there is moderate prevalence among the dogs. The techniques of immunochromatography and PCR were more effective for detecting canine heartworm than thick blood smears. The confirmation of canine heartworm disease transmission in Porto Velho places this disease in the ranking for differential diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in humans in Rondônia.

Insecticide-treated bed nets in Rondônia, Brazil: evaluation of their impact on malaria control

Mosquito nets treated with long-lasting insecticide (LLINs), when used in compliance with guidelines of the World Health Organization, may be effective for malaria vector control. In 2012, approximately 150,000 LLINs were installed in nine municipalities in the state of Rondônia. However, no studies have assessed their impact on the reduction of malaria incidence. This study analyzed secondary data of malaria incidence, in order to assess the impact of LLINs on the annual parasite incidence (API). The results showed no statistically significant differences in API one year after LLIN installation when compared to municipalities without LLINs. The adoption of measures for malaria vector control should be associated with epidemiological studies and evaluations of their use and efficiency, with the aim of offering convincing advantages that justify their implementation and limit malaria infection in the Amazon Region.

Reduction of incidence and relapse or recrudescence cases of malaria in the western region of the Brazilian Amazon

INTRODUCTION

Malaria is one of the major parasitic diseases in the State of Rondônia, located in the western Brazilian Amazon. The basic treatment scheme for this disease is chloroquine and primaquine. This study evaluated the epidemiological profile of malaria in Rondônia between 2008 and 2012.

METHODOLOGY

The epidemiological data were provided by the Health Surveillance Agency from the State of Rondônia, and socioeconomic indicators were obtained from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, Department of Informatics of the Unified Health System, and from the National Institute for Space Research. The analyzed variables included year of diagnosis, gender, age group, main activity performed in the 15 days previous to the diagnosis, parasite species, level of parasitemia, number of relapse/recrudescence cases, and socioeconomic and environmental data for Rondônia.

RESULTS

A total of 238,626 cases of malaria were recorded in Rondônia during the study period. Of this total, 65.6% were men and the most prevalent age group was 20-39 years. Plasmodium vivax was the most common parasite (89.8%), followed by Plasmodium   falciparum (9.4%). An average of 30.9% of the individuals who were tested presented with relapse/recrudescence malaria. The API value was highest in 2008 and lowest in 2012, corresponding to 42.3 cases and 19.2 cases per 1,000 inhabitants, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

A 58% reduction in the number of malaria cases and a 36.2% reduction in the number of relapse/recrudescence malaria cases were observed, due to increases in the economy, improvements in the health system, and reduction of deforestation in this region.

Sustained clearance of Mansonella ozzardi infection after treatment with ivermectin in the Brazilian Amazon

Therapy for mansonelliasis is challenging because there is no standard drug recommended for its treatment. This non-randomized study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a single dose of 0.15 mg/kg of ivermectin to reduce Mansonella ozzardi microfilaraemia in infected persons. A total of 74 patients were studied within the municipality of Lábrea, which is located in Amazonas State, Brazil. The patients were treated with ivermectin after detection of the parasite by blood examination. Significant microfilaraemia reduction was observed and its residual effect was maintained for at least 12 months. There was no significant change in the laboratory blood count, hepatic metabolites, and nitrogen-bounding compound excreta dosage values that could compromise the use of this drug, demonstrating that ivermectin has a low toxicity level.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in a western Brazilian Amazon State: clinical-epidemiologic profile and spatial distribution of the disease

INTRODUCTION

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a systemic infection caused by the fungus Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. PCM is considered one of the most important systemic mycoses in Latin America.

METHODS

This is a clinical, epidemiological, retrospective, quantitative study of PCM cases in patients attending the National Health Service in the State of Rondônia in 1997-2012. The examined variables included sex, age group, year of diagnosis, education level, profession, place of residence, diagnostic test, prior treatment, medication used, comorbidities and case progress.

RESULTS

During the study period, 2,163 PCM cases were registered in Rondônia, and the mean annual incidence was 9.4/100,000 people. The municipalities with the highest rates were located in the southeastern region of Rondônia, and the towns of Pimenteiras do Oeste and Espigão do Oeste had the highest rates in the state, which were 39.1/100,000 and 37.4/100,000 people, respectively. Among all cases, 90.2% and 9.8% were observed in men and women, respectively, and most cases (58.2%) were observed in patients aged between 40 and 59 years. Itraconazole was used to treat 91.6% (1,771) of cases, followed by sulfamethoxazole in combination with trimethoprim (4.4% [85] of cases). One hundred thirty-one (6%) patients died.

CONCLUSIONS

The State of Rondônia has a high incidence of PCM, and the municipalities in the southeastern region of the state were found to have the highest incidence rates of this disease. Our findings suggest that Rondônia is the state in the northern region with the highest mortality rate for PCM.

[Inability to work: analysis of sickness benefits granted in the State of Rondônia]

This is a descriptive epidemiological study aiming to o estimate the prevalence and duration of sickness benefits granted by the Brazilian Social Security Institute, as well as the clinical causes of inability to work among employees in Rondonia in 2008. The prevalence was submitted by 10,000 workers and stratified by sex, age, diagnosis, economic activity, and type and duration of benefits. Men had a higher prevalence and duration of benefits. Social security benefits were found to be 2,5 times more prevalent than accident benefits and both increased with age. Labor accidents were more prevalent in the age group ranging between 50-59 years, and Forestry, construction and manpower leasing: had the highest prevalence. The main diagnostic groups were injuries, musculoskeletal system disorders and digestive diseases. The duration of the sickness benefits was higher among men, =40 years and in the social security category. The economic activity is an important risk factor for Inability to work, and it needs to be further explored in order to improve sickness prevention and reduce the impact on workers' health arising from environmental conditions and working processes.

High occurrence of Entamoeba histolytica in the municipalities of Ariquemes and Monte Negro, State of Rondônia, Western Amazonia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Entamoeba histolytica infections were investigated in residents of the Ariquemes and Monte Negro municipalities in Rondônia State, Brazil.

METHODS

Stool samples of 216 individuals were processed by the spontaneous sedimentation method and analyzed by microscopy for detection of the E. histolytica/E. dispar complex, followed by the immunoassay method using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay-based kit for the E. histolytica stool antigen.

RESULTS

E. histolytica/E. dispar cysts were present in 61% (50/82) and 44% (59/134) of the samples from Ariquemes and Monte Negro respectively, with a significant difference in the occurrence of infection between the two populations [p < 0.05; χ2 = 5.2; odds ratio = 2.0 (1.1 - 3.6)]. The E. histolytica antigen detection rate was 36.6% (30/82) for stool samples from Ariquemes, and 19.4% (26/134) for stool taken from the residents of Monte Negro. The rate of the occurrence of amoebiasis was significantly higher in the population from Ariquemes [p < 0.05; χ2 = 7.8; odds ratio = 2.4 (1.2 - 4.7)].

DISCUSSION

Due to the high occurrence of E. histolytica infected residents diagnosed in the region and the unavailability in local clinics of a test to distinguish between the two Entamoeba species, physicians should consider treating E. histolytica/E.dispar infections.

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that E. histolytica infection is highly endemic in the studied areas.

Genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis in Brazil

Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis is a highly prevalent disease in Brazil, where the genetic diversity of Ehrlichia canis remains undefined. In this study, we used the TRP36 gene to examine the genetic diversity of E. canis strains from naturally infected dogs residing in five distinct geographic regions in Brazil. E. canis DNA was detected in 82/126 (65%) dogs by dsb-specific PCR and E. canis was isolated in cell culture from 13 dogs. Sequences obtained from dsb genes amplified from the isolates were identical to the US E. canis strain. An extended molecular characterization based on the TRP36 gene identified two major genogroups based on differences among eight isolates. Isolates with tandem repeat amino acid sequence (TEDSVSAPA) identical to the previously reported TRP36 sequence were found in the midwest, northeast and southeast regions of Brazil, and classified into the US genogroup. A novel Brazilian genotype with a different tandem repeat sequence (ASVVPEAE) was also identified in midwest, northern and southern regions. Similarity in the N-terminal sequence of a US genogroup member with the Brazilian genogroup suggested that genomic recombination between the two genogroups may have occurred. Other subtypes within the Brazilian genogroup were also identified using C-terminal amino acid divergence. We identified two distinct major Brazilian genogroups and several subtypes based on analysis of TRP36, and such information will be useful for further genotyping and possible associations with disease severity, understanding of the genetic and antigenic variability of E. canis, and for developing strain-specific vaccines and diagnostic methods based on TRP36.

Description of a new phlebotomine species (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) and new records of sand flies from the State of Acre, northern Brazil

Groundbreaking studies of phlebotomine sand fly populations in Assis Brasil, State of Acre, Brazil, resulted in the collection of 13 new records of phlebotomine sand flies and one previously undescribed species. Lutzomyia naiffi sp. nov. is described here. The new species is similar to Lutzomyia columbiana (Ristorcelli & Van Ty) in measurements and other morphological characters.

Natural infection of triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) by trypanosomatids in two different environments in the municipality of Ouro Preto do Oeste, State of Rondônia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION: This study analyzed the occurrence and the contamination of triatomines by trypanosomatids in Orbignya speciosa (babassu) specimens in the State of Rondônia, Brazil, in two different environments (pasture and woods). METHODS: Capture of triatomines on babassus and microscopic search for trypanosomatids in their digestive tube were carried out. RESULTS: Four hundred ninety-four (494) specimens were captured (Rhodnius prolixus and R.robustus), of which 35.6% of the triatomines were positive for trypanosomatids. CONCLUSIONS: The high index of natural infection along with the abundance of triatomines points out to the necessity to create an epidemiological surveillance system to monitor vector-borne transmission and deepen the studies on the ecology of such vectors in the Amazon.

First report of Eratyrus mucronatus, Stal, 1859, (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae), in the State of Rondônia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

This paper reports, for the first time, the presence of the Eratyrus mucronatus species in the State of Rondonia, Brazil.

METHODS

These specimens were caught by chance in the forest and later they were collected using luminous traps.

RESULTS

After finding these specimens, the number of the Triatominae genera in Rondonia rose to four, while its species rose to seven.

CONCLUSIONS

Complimentary studies will be conducted in order to allow for clearer understanding the ecology of this arthropod, its possible role in transmitting Chagas' disease and its current geographical distribution.

Investigation of the occurrence of Mansonella ozzardi in the State of Rondônia, Western Amazonia, Brazil

INTRODUCTION

Mansonella ozzardi, a human filarial nematode transmitted by Diptera Simuliidae flies (black flies), is widely spread in the Amazon, while the occurrence of mansonelliasis in the State of Rondônia (Western Amazonia) has not been reported thus far. The existence of this parasitic disease in this state is investigated in this study.

METHODS

A total of 4,452 people who lived alongside the Madeira, Mamore, Guapore, Machado and Preto Rivers, in the State of Rondônia, were examined using the thick blood smear method. Alongside the Machado and Guapore rivers, 2,112 adult simuliid specimens were captured.

RESULTS

Infected people were not reported, although simuliids with vector potential such as Cerqueirellum pydanielli, C. argentiscutum and C. amazonicum were found.

CONCLUSIONS

This study registered no infected people. This finding may be explained by the individuals' low level of microfilaremia that is below the limit of detection of the diagnostic method used in the study or insufficient migration of people infected with M. ozzardi from endemic areas, making it impossible to introduce the disease into Rondônia. Further studies using more sensitive diagnostic techniques could shed light on this question.

Improvement of a PCR test to diagnose infection by Mansonella ozzardi

INTRODUCTION: Mansonelliasis is caused by Mansonella ozzardi. It is widespread in the Amazon region, with a high prevalence. The common exam of thick blood smears stained with Giemsa shows low efficacy levels and has been an obstacle to diagnosing individuals with low blood parasitemia. METHODS: In order to increase diagnosis efficacy, the PCR technique was improved. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: PCR demonstrated the best performance, with sensitivity and negative predictive values (NPV) of 100%, followed by blood filtration through membrane filters, which showed a sensitivity of 88.9% and a NPV of 84.6%, when compared to thick blood smears.