in donkeys and mules from Minas Gerais, Brazil

Research concerning leptospirosis in donkeys and mules has been neglected around the world. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiological situation of the prevalence of anti-Leptospira spp. antibodies in donkeys and mules from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Blood serum samples were collected from 180 animals (109 donkeys and 71 mules) in two rural properties from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, and then submitted to a microscopic agglutination test (MAT). Urea and creatinine values were also quantified. Epidemiological variables such as age, breeding system, contact with other animal species, source of water and food, vaccination against leptospirosis, presence of reproductive alterations, and rodent control were also investigated. From 180 samples collected, 39 (21.67%) showed positive results in the MAT, at a dilution ≥ 1:100. Some animals were reactive for more than one serovar. The serovar Tarassovi was the most frequent (14.07%), followed by Hardjo (11.85%) and Wolffi (11.11%). There was a statistically significant difference between animals from 0 to 3 years of age reactive in the MAT in comparison to the other age groups. Most of the animals had urea and creatinine concentrations within the acceptable reference limit; however, there was a significant increase in creatinine levels in some of the test animals. The studied properties showed differences in some epidemiological aspects such as vaccination of the animals, presence of reproductive problems in the herd, and rodent control. Such aspects pointed as risk factors that may influence the frequency of positive serological results in property 1. The present study demonstrated that the prevalence of leptospirosis in donkeys and mules is high and several serovars are being maintained by these animals, representing a potential public health risk.

Genomic Surveillance of Monkeypox Virus, Minas Gerais, Brazil, 2022

Phylogenetic analysis of 34 monkeypox virus genome sequences isolated from patients in Minas Gerais, Brazil, revealed initial importation events in early June 2022, then community transmission within the state. All generated genomes belonged to the B.1 lineage responsible for a global mpox outbreak. These findings can inform public health measures.

Systematics of the Trembleya sensu stricto clade of Microlicia (Melastomataceae, Lavoisiereae)

A systematic monograph of the Trembleya s.s. clade is presented, a Brazilian endemic lineage of Melastomataceae comprising 11 species and currently recognised as part of Microlicia s.l. (Melastomataceae). First, we investigate phylogenetic relationships within Lavoisiereae using two nuclear markers and two sampling datasets (102 and 134 terminals). Then, we provide a systematic revision and new circumscription of the Trembleya s.s. clade, including line drawings, photos of living specimens, leaves and floral parts, distribution maps, a key to the 11 accepted species, comments on morphology, reproductive biology, richness, endemism, biogeography and recommended conservation assessments. A nomenclatural update of all taxa previously treated in Trembleya is also provided, including the designation of 45 lectotypes and the proposal of 38 new synonyms.

Nicotianagandarela (Solanaceae), a new species of 'tobacco' highly endangered from the Quadrilátero Ferrífero in Brazil

Nicotianagandarela Augsten & Stehmann (Solanaceae), sp. nov., a small 'tobacco' known only from one locality at Serra do Gandarela, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically characterized by its rosulate basal leaves, red corolla with a short tube not inflated at the apex, and the peculiar habitat, a shaded site under a rocky outcrop ledge along a forested stream. Phylogenetic analyses based on a combined dataset of nuclear (ITS) and plastid (ndhF, trnLF, and trnSG) DNA sequences revealed that the species belongs to the Nicotianasect.Alatae and is sister to the clade with the remaining species in the section. A key for the identification of Brazilian species of the section is given. The unusual habitat, the small population size, and the intense pressure of mining activities in the surroundings made the species assessed as Critically Endangered (CR), needing conservation efforts to avoid its extinction.

Profile of hospitalization and death records associated to dengue and severe dengue in Minas Gerais between 2000 and 2015 from the Brazilian Public Health System perspective

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES

Dengue is one of the most important arboviruses and public health problem associated with increasingly large outbreaks, especially in tropical countries such as Brazil. The state of Minas Gerais, in particular, has had high numbers of cases of this infection in recent years.

METHODS

Our study evaluated the epidemiological impact of dengue fever in the state of Minas Gerais from the National Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, SUS) perspective between 2000 to 2015 using the Brazilian Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN, notification cases) and Hospital Information System (SIH)/SUS (hospitalization registers) databases.

RESULTS

The SUS database recorded 34,996 reports of dengue (International Classification of Diseases [ICD]: A90) as well as 1984 verified cases of severe dengue (ICD-A91). These hospitalizations for dengue and cases of severe dengue generally affected individuals aged 15-24 (17.74%) and 5-14 (20.86%) years, respectively. The epidemiological burden of dengue was substantial in Minas Gerais state, with the highest number of notifications nationally in 2013.

INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION

From retrospective data associated with dengue records, our study sought to better highlight the locations with the largest number of dengue cases in the Minas Gerais state, and contribute to direct educational and surveillance actions of these regions applied to this infection.

Microliciadeflexa and M.johnwurdackiana (Melastomataceae), two new species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Microliciadeflexa sp. nov. and M.johnwurdackiana sp. nov. are described, illustrated and an updated identification key for the species of Microlicia from Clube Caça e Pesca Itororó de Uberlândia is provided. Microliciadeflexa occurs in Minas Gerais and Goiás States and is characterised by its linear-lanceolate and deflexed sepal on flower and immature fruit, long pedicel and indumentum of glandular trichomes, mixed with spherical, golden glands. Microliciajohnwurdackiana is endemic to Uberlândia and characterised by having indumentum of setose trichomes and spherical, golden glands, magenta petal with greenish abaxial surface at the apex and dimorphic stamens with bicolorous and tetrasporangiate anthers.

Impact of COVID-19 in Minas Gerais, Brazil: Excess deaths, sub-notified cases, geographic and ethnic distribution

By analysing the evolution of the COVID-19 epidemic in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, we showed the importance of considering the sub-notification not only of deaths but also of infected cases. It was shown that the largely used criteria of a historical all-deaths baseline are not approachable in this case, where most of the deaths are associated with causes that should decrease due to social distancing and reduction of economic activities. A quite simple and intuitive model based on the Gompertz function was applied to estimate excess deaths and excess of infected cases. It fits well the data and predicts the evolution of the epidemic adequately. Based on these analyses, an excess of 21.638 deaths and 557.216 infected cases is predicted until the end of 2020, with an upper bound of the case fatality rate of around 2.4% and a prevalence of 2.6%. The geographical distribution of cases and deaths and its ethnic correlation are also presented. This study points out the necessity of governmental and private organizations working together to improve public awareness and stimulate social distancing to curb the viral infection, especially in critical places with high poverty.

Epidemiology and evolution of Zika virus in Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil

Autochthonous Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission in Brazil was first identified in April 2015 in Brazil, with the first ZIKV-associated microcephaly cases detected in October 2015. Despite efforts on understanding ZIKV transmission in Brazil, little is known about the virus epidemiology and genetic diversity in Minas Gerais (MG), the second most populous state in the country. We report molecular and genomic findings from the main public health laboratory in MG. Until January 2020, 26,817 ZIKV suspected infections and 86 congenital syndrome cases were reported in MG state. We tested 8552 ZIKV and microcephaly suspected cases. Ten genomes were generated on-site directly from clinical samples. A total of 1723 confirmed cases were detected in Minas Gerais, with two main epidemic waves; the first and larger epidemic wave peaked in March 2016, with the second smaller wave that peaked in March 2017. Dated molecular clock analysis revealed that multiple introductions occurred in Minas Gerais between 2014 and 2015, suggesting that the virus was circulating unnoticed for at least 16 months before the first confirmed laboratory case that we retrospectively identified in December 2015. Our findings highlight the importance of continued genomic surveillance strategies combined with traditional epidemiology to assist public health laboratories in monitoring and understanding the diversity of circulating arboviruses, which might help attenuate the public health impact of infectious diseases.

Regional inequalities in cervical cancer survival in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

BACKGROUND

Cervical cancer survival is marked by socioeconomic and demographic inequalities. We investigated differences in survival across health regions in Minas Gerais, Brazil, in cervical cancer patients who underwent treatment in the Brazilian Public Health System.

METHODS

From a database developed through probabilistic and deterministic linkage of data from information systems of the Brazilian Public Health System, we identified cervical cancer cases, diagnosed between 2002 and 2010, who underwent radiation and/or chemotherapy and lived in Minas Gerais, Brazil. Five-year overall and cause-specific survivals were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. We used extended Cox models to assess the relationship between the health region of residence and the overall and cause-specific death risk, adjusting for relevant variables.

RESULTS

We included 5613 patients with a median age of 55.0 years. Median follow-up time was 70.0 months. Five-year overall and cause-specific survivals were 56.3 % and 63.6 %, respectively. Across the 13 health regions, 5-year survival ranged from 46.6%-64.2% (p < 0.001) in the overall analysis and from 52.0% to 72.0% (p < 0.001) in the cause-specific analysis. Multivariate models revealed a significantly higher death risk for most health regions in comparison to the reference health region (Norte). Adjustment by age, tumor stage, comorbidity, treatment, travel time, and year of diagnosis had little effect on the association.

CONCLUSION

We found regional disparities in cervical cancer survival that persisted after relevant adjustments. Uneven regional provision of health services might be implicated in these disparities, affecting timely access to treatment for cervical cancer patients.

Underreporting of Death by COVID-19 in Brazil's Second Most Populous State

The COVID-19 pandemic brings to light the reality of the Brazilian health system. The underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in the state of Minas Gerais (MG), where the second largest population of the country is concentrated, reveals government unpreparedness, as there is a low capacity of testing in the population, which prevents the real understanding of the general panorama of SARS-CoV-2 dissemination. The goals of this research are to analyze the causes of deaths in different Brazilian government databases (Civil Registry Transparency Portal and InfoGripe) and to assess whether there are sub-records showing an unexpected increase in the frequency of deaths from causes clinically similar to COVID-19. A descriptive and quantitative analysis of the number of deaths by COVID-19 and similar causes was performed in different databases. Our results demonstrate that different official sources had a discrepancy of 109.45% between these data referring to the same period. There was also a 758.57% increase in SARI deaths in 2020, when compared to the average of previous years. Finally, it was shown that there was an increase in the rate of pneumonia and respiratory insufficiency (RI) by 6.34 and 6.25%, respectively. In conclusion, there is an underreporting of COVID-19 deaths in MG due to the unexplained excess of deaths caused by SARI, respiratory insufficiency, and pneumonia compared to previous years.

The ongoing COVID-19 epidemic in Minas Gerais, Brazil: insights from epidemiological data and SARS-CoV-2 whole genome sequencing

The recent emergence of a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), first identified in the Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has had major public health and economic consequences. Although 61,888 confirmed cases were reported in Brazil by 28 April 2020, little is known about the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in this country. To better understand the recent epidemic in the second most populous state in southeast Brazil - Minas Gerais (MG) - we sequenced 40 complete SARS-CoV-2 genomes from MG cases and examined epidemiological data from three Brazilian states. Both the genome analyses and the geographical distribution of reported cases indicate for multiple independent introductions into MG. Epidemiological estimates of the reproductive number (R) using different data sources and theoretical assumptions suggest the potential for sustained virus transmission despite a reduction in R from the first reported case to the end of April 2020. The estimated date of SARS-CoV-2 introduction into Brazil was consistent with epidemiological data from the first case of a returned traveller from Lombardy, Italy. These findings highlight the nature of the COVID-19 epidemic in MG and reinforce the need for real-time and continued genomic surveillance strategies to better understand and prepare for the epidemic spread of emerging viral pathogens..

Capsicum carassense (Solanaceae), a new species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Capsicum carassense Barboza & Bianchetti sp. nov., a species from mid-elevation of the Atlantic Forest (Minas Gerais, Brazil) is described and illustrated. This endemic new species is distinguished from the most similar C. mirabile Mart. by its moderate to dense general pubescence, narrowly elliptic leaves and larger calyx appendages and corollas. A key for the native Brazilian species of Capsicum growing in the state of Minas Gerais is also provided.

Dataset on ecological fiscal transfers and municipal protected areas in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

This dataset was collected in the state government of Minas Gerais, Brazil (Instituto Estadual de Florestas), regulatory deliberation 86/2005 of the state of Minas Gerais, law 12040/1995 of the state of Minas Gerais, law 18030/2009 of the state of Minas Gerais, Brazilian law 9985/2000, and some laws/decrees that created municipal protected areas. The data was used to analyze the influence of the ecological fiscal transfers (EFT) in the policy-making process of adopting protected areas by municipal governments in the state of Minas Gerais. It has the potential to be reused in other studies to analyze the EFT at the local level. The related research article that uses this database was published under the title "Ecological Fiscal Transfers for Biodiversity Conservation Policy: A Transaction Costs Analysis of Minas Gerais, Brazil" [1].

Identification of priority areas for surveillance of cutaneous leishmaniasis using spatial analysis approaches in Southeastern Brazil

BACKGROUND

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is an important public health problem in Brazil and in several tropical regions of the world. In the Americas, Brazil is the country with the highest number of registered cases. In Brazil, the state of Minas Gerais has the highest number of cases in the southeastern region. In the present study, we used spatial analysis in the State of Minas Gerais to identify municipalities of priority during a nine-year period (2007-2015), which might be used to guide surveillance and control measures.

METHODS

An ecological study with spatial analysis of autochthonous cases of CL was performed in the state of Minas Gerais between 2007 and 2015. We calculated incidence rates, used Empirical Bayesian smoothing for each municipality, and divided the analyses into three-year intervals. In order to analyze the existence of spatial autocorrelation, and to define priority areas, Moran's Global Index and Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) were used.

RESULTS

The mean incidence rate for the entire state was 6.1/100,000 inhabitants. For Minas Gerais, analysis of CL cases over time revealed a successive increase of indicated mesoregions with high priority municipalities. Eight of the designated mesoregions contained municipalities classified as high priority areas in any of the three evaluated trienniums, and four mesoregions had high priority municipalities throughout the entire investigation.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the southeastern region of Brazil, Minas Gerais State stands out, with highest CL incidence rates. Using spatial analysis, we identified an increasing numbers of cases in the municipalities classified as high priority areas in different mesoregions of the state. This information might be of value to direct surveillance and control measures against CL and to understand the dynamics of the expansion of CL in Minas Gerais. Similar approaches might be used to map CL in other regions throughout Brazil, or in any other country, where national notification and control programs exist.

Four new troglophilic species of Loxosceles Heinecken & Lowe, 1832: contributions to the knowledge of recluse spiders from Brazilian caves (Araneae, Sicariidae)

Four new species of recluse spiders from Brazilian caves are described with both males and females. Loxoscelesericsoni Bertani, von Schimonsky & Gallão, sp. n. and L.karstica Bertani, von Schimonsky & Gallão, sp. n. both occur in caves in the Peruaçu region, located in the northern area of the state of Minas Gerais; L.karsticasp. n. is additionally found in the Serra do Ramalho karst area, located in the southwestern region of the state of Bahia. These two species belong to the gaucho group. Loxoscelescarinhanha Bertani, von Schimonsky & Gallão, sp. n. and L.cardosoi Bertani, von Schimonsky & Gallão, sp. n. occur exclusively in caves of the Serra do Ramalho karst area and belong to the rufescens/amazonica species group. The discovery of two additional and highly distinct species in the rufescens/amazonica group (L.carinhanhasp. n. and L.cardosoisp. n.) increases the debate on the origin, evolution, and geographical distribution of this widely distributed group of recluse spiders in the New and Old World. The presence of three species (L.ericsonisp. n., L.carinhanhasp. n., and L.cardosoisp. n.) with marked differences in morphological characters in a relatively small area indicates that the region seems to be an important center for Loxosceles diversity, which remains poorly studied.

Prognostic factors for death from visceral leishmaniasis in patients treated with liposomal amphotericin B in an endemic state in Brazil

Objective

To characterize the clinical and epidemiological profiles of patients with visceral leishmaniasis (VL) treated with liposomal amphotericin B (LAmB) and to identify prognostic factors for death from VL in 2008-2012 in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Methods

A historical cohort study was conducted using data obtained from treatment requests forms, Brazilian Notifiable Disease Information System and the Mortality Information System. Case-fatality rates of patients with VL treated with LAmB were compared with patients treated with other therapies. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify prognostic factors for death.

Results

The overall case-fatality rate of the 577 patients treated with LAmB was 19.4%. Prognostic factors for death from VL were age between 35 and 49 years (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.3-5.4) and above 50 years (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.3-4.9), jaundice (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.2-3.7), kidney disease (OR 2.8; 95% CI 1.6-4.9), presence of other infections (OR 2.4; 95% CI 1.5-4.1), edema (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1-3.4), platelet count below 50.000/mm3 (OR 3.6; 95% CI 2.1-6.0), AST higher than 100 U/L (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.3-3.8), and assistance in non-specialized institutions (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.0-3.5).

Conclusions

Case-fatality rates were higher than that observed among patients with VL treated with other therapies. Identification of prognostic factors of death from VL may allow early diagnosis of patients prone to such outcome and prompt an expeditious and appropriate management of VL to reduce fatality rates.

Meningitis Associated with Simultaneous Infection by Multiple Dengue Virus Serotypes in Children, Brazil

To determine the causes of viral meningitis, we analyzed 22 cerebrospinal fluid samples collected during the 2014–2015 dengue epidemics in Brazil. We identified 3 serotypes of dengue virus (DENV-1, -2, and -3), as well as co-infection with 2 or 3 serotypes. We also detected the Asian II genotype of DENV-2.

Frequency of red blood cell genotypes in multi-transfused patients and blood donors from Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The frequency of red blood cell (RBC) antigens in Brazil varies due to differences in the ethnic groups in different regions; however, these studies have not been performed in Minas Gerais, where African admixture is more prevalent in comparison with other states. Due to these facts, this study aimed to determine the frequency of RBC genotypes on Rh, Kell, Duffy and Kidd systems in blood donors and multi-transfused patients from Minas Gerais, Southeast Brazil.

METHODS

Blood samples were collected from 170 donors and 117 patients with different diagnosis and at least three RBC transfusions. DNA was extracted from leukocytes and genotyped by PCR-SSP, Multiplex or RFLP to alleles of the referred systems. The results were compared by the Chi-Square test, with a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

The most frequent genotypes were: RHD+, RHCE*ce/RHCE*ce, KEL*2/KEL*2, FY*B-67T/FY*B-67T and JK*A/JK*B. FY*B-67C/FY*B-67C, RHD*Ψ and JK*A/JK*A genotypes were more prevalent in sickle cell disease (SCD) patients than in donors. Many differences in RBC genotype frequencies were observed in comparison with studies from other states and countries.

CONCLUSION

The results reinforce the importance of determining RBC genotypes of blood donors and patients in different regions of Brazil and the world, improving the transfusion safety of individuals requiring chronic RBC transfusions, especially those with SCD, due to ethnic differences in relation to donors.

Isolation of Rickettsia rickettsii from the tick Amblyomma sculptum from a Brazilian spotted fever-endemic area in the Pampulha Lake region, southeastern Brazil

Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) is a tick-borne disease caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii, the deadliest spotted fever of the world, transmitted in southeastern Brazil mainly by the tick Amblyomma sculptum, a member of the Amblyomma cajennense species complex. In the present study, over 5000 adults of A. sculptum ticks were collected by dry ice traps in the Municipal Ecological Park, alongside the Pampulha Lake region, a BSF-endemic area of Belo Horizonte city, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Ticks were taken alive to the laboratory, where a sample of 2100 specimens was processed for isolation of R. rickettsii. For this purpose, ticks were macerated and intraperitoneally inoculated into guinea pigs. Only one out of 21 inoculated guinea pigs presented high fever within 21days post inoculation with tick homogenates. This febrile animal was euthanized and its internal organs were macerated and inoculated into additional guinea pigs (guinea pig passage). A spleen sample from a febrile guinea pig was used to inoculate Vero cells, resulting in a successful isolation and in vitro establishment of rickettsiae. Rickettsia-infected Vero cells were used for molecular characterization of the rickettsial isolate through PCR and DNA sequencing of fragments of three rickettsial genes (gltA, ompA, and ompB), which were all 100% identical to corresponding sequences of R. rickettsii from GenBank. The present R. rickettsii isolate was designated as strain Pampulha. A minimal infection rate of 0.05% R. rickettsii-infected ticks was estimated for A. sculptum population of the Pampulha Lake region. Our results, coupled with epidemiological evidences, suggest that R. rickettsii strain Pampulha, isolated from A. sculptum ticks in the present study, is the strain responsible for human clinical cases of BSF in the Pampulha Lake region of Belo Horizonte city.

Phylogenetic analysis of Dengue virus 1 isolated from South Minas Gerais, Brazil

Dengue is a major worldwide public health problem, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Primary infection with a single Dengue virus serotype causes a mild, self-limiting febrile illness called dengue fever. However, a subset of patients who experience secondary infection with a different serotype can progress to a more severe form of the disease, called dengue hemorrhagic fever. The four Dengue virus serotypes (1–4) are antigenically and genetically distinct and each serotype is composed of multiple genotypes. In this study we isolated one Dengue virus 1 serotype, named BR/Alfenas/2012, from a patient with dengue hemorrhagic fever in Alfenas, South Minas Gerais, Brazil and molecular identification was performed based on the analysis of NS5 gene. Swiss mice were infected with this isolate to verify its potential to induce histopathological alterations characteristic of dengue. Liver histopathological analysis of infected animals showed the presence of inflammatory infiltrates, hepatic steatosis, as well as edema, hemorrhage and necrosis focal points. Phylogenetic and evolutionary analyses based on the envelope gene provided evidence that the isolate BR/Alfenas/2012 belongs to genotype V, lineage I and it is probably derived from isolates of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The isolate BR/Alfenas/2012 showed two unique amino acids substitutions (SER222THRE and PHE306SER) when compared to other Brazilian isolates from the same genotype/lineage. Molecular models were generated for the envelope protein indicating that the amino acid alteration PHE 306 SER could contribute to a different folding in this region located within the domain III. Further genetic and animal model studies using BR/Alfenas/2012 and other isolates belonging to the same lineage/genotype could help determine the relation of these genetic alterations and dengue hemorrhagic fever in a susceptible population.

Prevalence and risk factors for bovine tuberculosis in Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The aim of the present study was to estimate the prevalence and regional spread of bovine tuberculosis in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, to identify herd-level risk factors, and to provide guidance for disease control and mitigation of its impact in public health. The study comprised a large-scale random sample survey of 22,990 animals and 1586 herds, distributed in seven regions. A questionnaire was applied on each farm to collect epidemiological and herd management data. Overall, 5.04 % of herds and 0.81 % of animals were positive for bovine tuberculosis. The highest herd prevalence was found in Alto Paranaíba, an expanding dairy region. The more technologically advanced dairy herds showed a prevalence ratio of 2.83 compared to others and are obvious candidates for risk-based surveillance and herd accreditation schemes. Small farms cannot be left out of disease control efforts because they are the vast majority of herds, albeit with lower individual risk. With regard to public health, there is widespread practice of producing homemade fresh cheese with raw milk and of slaughtering culled cows in places without sanitary inspection. This poses a risk to consumers and limits the efficacy of surveillance at slaughter.

Brucellosis in working equines of cattle farms from Minas Gerais State, Brazil

The present survey aimed at estimating the seroprevalence of brucellosis in working equines of cattle farms from Minas Gerais State, Brazil, and investigating risk factors associated with the infection. Serum samples from 6439 animals, including 5292 horses, 1037 mules and 110 donkeys, were collected from 1936 herds, between September 2003 and March 2004, in 848 municipalities from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The prevalence of antibodies against smooth Brucella spp. found in equines from Minas Gerais State was 1.37% (95% CI: 0.97-1.78), resulting in a prevalence of herds with infected animals of 4.28% (95% CI: 4.21-4.36). There were differences between regions but these were not of major epidemiological relevance nor were most of them statistically significant, given the considerable overlap of confidence intervals. Nevertheless, the point estimates suggest that the three northeastern regions have slightly higher prevalence than the rest of the state, both at the herd and animal levels. No association of Brucella spp. seropositivity with sex, age or host was observed. In conclusion, the present study showed a low but widespread prevalence of antibodies against smooth Brucella in equines kept in cattle farms in Minas Gerais, a state where bovine brucellosis is also widespread albeit with low prevalence.

Population genetics of the endemic and endangered Vriesea minarum (Bromeliaceae) in the Iron Quadrangle, Espinhaço Range, Brazil

• Premise of the study: Knowledge about genetic variability in plant populations is one of the main branches of conservation genetics, linking genetic data to conservation strategies. Vriesea minarum is a bromeliad endemic to the Iron Quadrangle region (southeastern Brazil), occurring on mountaintop rock outcrops. It is listed as endangered due to habitat loss, particularly from iron ore mining. Thus, determining the structure and genetic diversity of V. minarum populations could help develop strategies to conserve the species.• Methods: We studied the genetic structure of 12 populations of V. minarum using 10 microsatellite loci transferred from other species of Bromeliaceae. Statistical analyses to compare and describe the genetic diversity of each population were performed, and genetic structure within and among populations, isolation by distance, and Bayesian structure were also analyzed.• Key results: Our results show high inbreeding (G_IS = 0.376) and low population structure (F_ST = 0.088), possibly related to high gene flow due to great pollinator efficiency and/or efficient seed dispersal, thus leading to high connectivity among populations of these fragmented rock outcrops. Two clusters were observed, corresponding to the basins of rivers São Francisco and Doce.• Conclusions: Gene flow among populations is high but, given the rate of habitat loss to mining, most populations are vulnerable and will become increasingly isolated if no action is taken to preserve them. Thus, conservation of this species depends on in situ and ex situ actions, such as controlling overexploitation and creating a germoplasm bank.

A new combination in Lapanthus (Bromeliaceae)

A new combination, Lapanthus vidaliorum (O.B.C. Ribeiro & C.C. Paula) Louzada & Wand. is proposed for Orthophytum vidaliorum O.B.C. Ribeiro & C.C. Paula. In addition notes on taxonomy, geographic distribution and conservation are provided.

Genetic characterization of native and introduced populations of the neotropical cichlid genus Cichla in Brazil

A molecular phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial 16S ribosomal DNA and Control Region sequences from native and introduced populations was undertaken, in order to characterize the introduction of Cichla (peacock bass or tucunaré) species in Brazil. Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes found in introduced fish from Minas Gerais state (southeastern Brazil) clustered only with those from native species of the Tocantins River (Cichla piquiti and C. kelberi), thereby suggesting a single or, at most, few translocation acts in this area, even though with fish from the same source-population. Our study contributes to an understanding of the introduction of Cichla in regions of Brazil outside the Amazon basin, and adds phylogenetic data to the recently describe Cichla species, endemic from the Tocantins-Araguaia basin.