Occurrence of triatomines in public spaces: An atypical case in the Southwestern Brazilian Amazon

ABSTRACT Background: Triatomines infest atypical public spaces in the Western Amazon. Methods: Frequent visitors to these spaces captured the insects in the state of Acre, Brazil (Rio Branco and Cruzeiro do Sul). Results: Six insects were found in a penitentiary, a church, a school, a university, a hospital, and a health center. Five of the insects were adults (three positive for Trypanosoma cruzi) and one was a nymph. Conclusions: This is the first report of triatomine occurrence in schools or churches. These data are important for implementing surveillance strategies and alerting individuals about possible changes in Chagas disease transmission dynamics.

Tendência temporal e perfil epidemiológico dos acidentes por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, 2007-2019 / Tendencia temporal y perfil epidemiológico de los accidentes por animales venenosos en Brasil, 2007-2019 / Temporal trend and epidemiological profile of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil, 2007-2019

Objetivo: Analisar a tendência temporal dos acidentes causados por animais peçonhentos no Brasil, de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudo transversal, realizado com dados do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (Sinan). Para a análise temporal, utilizou-se a regressão linear de Prais-Winsten. Foram calculadas as incidências por sexo e faixa etária, risco relativo e letalidade. Resultados: No período de estudo, houve 2.102.657 casos de acidentes por animais peçonhentos. Com exceção do ofidismo, os demais acidentes apresentaram tendência temporal crescente na maioria das macrorregiões nacionais. Escorpionismo, ofidismo e araneísmo foram responsáveis por 86% dos acidentes, principalmente entre pessoas do sexo masculino em idade economicamente ativa. A de letalidade foi mais elevada para acidentes ofídicos (0,4%) e apílicos (0,3%). As crianças foram as principais vítimas de acidentes com abelhas, lagartas e "outros". Conclusão: Os acidentes com animais peçonhentos apresentaram tendência temporal crescente para a maioria dos agravos e diferentes perfis epidemiológicos.

Objetivo: Analizar la tendencia temporal de los accidentes con animales ponzoñosos en Brasil de 2007 a 2019. Métodos: Estudio transversal realizado con datos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (Sinan). Para el análisis temporal se utilizó la Regresión Lineal de Prais-Wisten. Se calcularon las incidencias por sexo y grupo de edad, riesgo relativo y letalidad. Resultados: Durante el período del estudio hubo 2.102.657 casos de accidentes con animales ponzoñosos. Con excepción de la mordedura de serpiente, los demás accidentes mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente en la mayoría de las regiones del país. El escorpionismo, la mordedura de serpiente y la picadura de araña fueron responsables del 86% de los accidentes, afectando principalmente a personas del sexo masculino en edad laboral. Las tasas de letalidad más altas fueron por accidentes de mordedura de serpiente (0,4%) y picadura de araña (0,3%). Los niños fueron las principales vitimas de los acidentes con abejas, lagartas y "otros". Conclusión: Los accidentes com animales ponzoñosos mostraron una tendencia temporal creciente para la mayoría de las enfermedades y diferentes perfiles epidemiológicos.

Objective: to analyze the temporal trend of accidents involving venomous animals in Brazil from 2007 to 2019. Methods: this was a cross-sectional study carried out with data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System (SINAN). Prais-Winsten linear regression was used for the temporal analysis. We calculated incidence rates according to sex and age group, relative risk and case fatality ratio. Results: during the study period there were 2,102,657 cases of accidents involving venomous animals. With the exception of snakebite, the remaining accidents showed a rising temporal trend in most regions of the country. Scorpion stings, snake bites and spider bites were responsible for 86% of accidents, mainly affecting male people of working age. Accidents involving snakes (0.4%) and bees (0.3%) had the highest case fatality ratios. Children were the main victims of accidents involving bees, caterpillars and "others". Conclusion: accidents involving venomous animals showed a rising temporal trend for most conditions, as well as different epidemiological profiles.

When to think about a Lachesis muta envenomation in the Western Brazilian Amazon: Lessons from a case report

ABSTRACT In the Brazilian Amazon, envenomations by lancehead pit vipers prevail across the region, while bushmaster (Lachesis muta) envenomations are rarely confirmed. Here, we described a moderate snakebite, diagnosed as a lancehead pit viper envenomation upon admission and treated with four vials of Bothrops antivenom. Blood remained unclottable for 4 days of hospitalization. On day 4, after admission, the patient presented pictures of the perpetrating snake to the hospital staff, which was identified as a Lachesis muta specimen. After administering 10 vials of Lachesis antivenom, blood became clottable 12 hours after treatment. The patient was discharged without complaints.

Chagas Disease in the Western Brazilian Amazon: Epidemiological Overview from 2007 to 2018 / Doença de Chagas na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira: panorama epidemiológico no período de 2007 a 2018

INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease (CD) is a disease caused by the protozoan flagellates of the Kinetoplastid order Trypanosoma cruzi. Approximately 8,000,000 people are infected worldwide, mainly in Latin America, causing disabilities and more than 10,000 deaths per year OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological panorama of CD in the Western Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2018. METHODS: In this ecological study, secondary data regarding the confirmed cases of T. cruzi infection in the states of Acre, Amazonas, Rondônia, and Roraima were collected from the Single Health System Notification Information System of the Department of Informatics of the Single Health System and were analyzed. The data were used to characterize the epidemiological profile of T. cruzi infection and to determine the frequency of infection in Western Amazonia. RESULTS: A total of 184 cases of CD were reported in Western Amazonia, and the highest number of cases was reported in the states of Amazonas and Acre. CONCLUSION: The epidemiological panorama of the Western Brazilian Amazon from 2007 to 2018 includes a greater number of cases of T. cruzi infection in men aged 20-39 years and those living in rural areas. Oral transmission was prevalent in the region during the study, and the highest number of cases was reported in the months of April and December. Epidemiological data are an important resource for understanding the dynamics of CD and the main aspects related to the health-disease process.

INTRODUÇÃO: A doença de Chagas (DC) é uma enfermidade causada pelo protozoário flagelado da ordem Kinetoplastida denominado Trypanosoma cruzi. Estima-se que oito milhões de pessoas estejam infectadas em todo o mundo, principalmente na América Latina, causando incapacidades e mais de dez mil mortes por ano. OBJETIVO: Descrever o panorama epidemiológico da doença de Chagas na Amazônia Ocidental brasileira no período de 2007 a 2018. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo ecológico e com coleta e análise de dados referentes aos casos confirmados de infecção por T. cruzi nos estados do Acre, Amazonas, Rondônia e Roraima, por meio de fontes secundárias oriundos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação do Sistema Único de Saúde (SINAN) do Departamento de Informática do Sistema Único de Saúde (DATASUS). Os dados foram utilizados para caracterizar o perfil epidemiológico dos infectados por T. cruzi e determinar a frequência da infecção na Amazônia Ocidental RESULTADOS: Houve a notificação de 184 casos de doença de Chagas na Amazônia Ocidental com mais registros nos estados do Amazonas e Acre. CONCLUSÃO: O panorama epidemiológico da Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira no período de 2007 a 2018, compreende uma maior quantidade de casos em indivíduos do sexo masculino, na faixa etária dos 20-39 anos, e provenientes de zona rural. A forma de contágio prevalente na região durante o estudo foi a oral e a maior sazonalidade compreendeu os meses de abril e dezembro. Dados epidemiológicos são um importante recurso para a compreensão da dinâmica da DC e os principais aspectos relacionados no processo saúde-doença.

Triatominae (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in homes: Report of their occurrence in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, South Western Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are hematophagous insects that are important to public health since they are the vectors of American Trypanosomiasis. The objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of triatomines in homes in Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. METHODS The specimens were collected by an active search inside homes and also by a passive search by the residents. RESULTS: A total of 55 triatomines were captured comprising of 5 species each of the genera Rhodnius, Eratyrus, and Panstrongylus. No colonies were detected, ruling out the possibility of domiciliation. CONCLUSIONS: Information on regional epidemiological dynamics contributes to the prevention and control of disease.

Efficacy of the 20-minute whole blood clotting test (WBCT20) in the diagnosis of coagulation alteration related to snakebites in a Western Brazilian Amazon hospital

Abstract Introduction: The efficacy of 20-minute whole blood clotting (WBCT20) and the Lee-White clotting time (LWCT) tests in diagnosing coagulation alterations from snakebites were compared. Methods: We evaluated 89 snakebite cases treated at the Hospital Regional do Juruá em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil. Results: WBCT20 results were normal in 33.7% and unclottable in 66.3% of cases, while LWCT results were normal in 23.6% and altered (prolonged or unclottable) in 76.4% of cases, with no significant differences. Conclusions: The WBCT20 is important for rapidly diagnosing coagulation alterations from snakebites. Furthermore, it is efficient, inexpensive, and can be deployed in isolated hospitals.

Epidemiological and clinical aspects of snakebites in the upper Juruá River region, western Brazilian Amazonia

This study addresses the clinical and epidemiological aspects of envenoming cases resulting from snakebites treated at a hospital in Cruzeiro do Sul, in the upper Juruá River region, western Brazilian Amazonia. The specific identity of snakes that caused the envenomings was inferred (a) from the diagnosis of patient symptoms and signs upon hospital admission, (b) by enzyme immunoassay for detection of Bothrops atrox and Lachesis muta venom from serum samples taken from patients before antivenom therapy, or (c) by direct identification of the snake, when it was brought along to the hospital or photographed. There were 133 snakebites (76.2 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) registered during one year (July 2017 to June 2018). Most snakebites (88.7%) were caused by Bothrops spp., and the rest by non-venomous snakes or dry bites. Snakebites tended to occur more often during the rainy season, coinciding with the period of greater reproductive activity of the snakes and greater availability of their prey. In addition, the increase in the water level of rivers and lakes during the rainy season tends to concentrate snakes in dry places and, thus, to increase encounters with humans. Information campaigns on prevention and first aid, specially among the most vulnerable groups (indigenous people, farmers, and children and teenagers in rural areas), and the importance of using protective equipment (boots, leggings, leather gloves) in certain high risk activities (e.g. agriculture and extractivism in forests) are fundamental for the reduction of snakebite morbidity. (AU)

Snakebites in Rio Branco and surrounding region, Acre, Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION Snakebites are considered a neglected tropical disease in many countries in Latin America, including Brazil. As few studies have assessed snakebites in the Amazon region and especially in the state of Acre, epidemiological studies are of great importance. The present study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of snakebites in the Rio Branco region, observing their characteristics in rural and urban areas and their correlation with rainfall and river outflow. METHODS This retrospective, descriptive study analyzed epidemiological information obtained from snakebite notifications registered on the Information System for Notifiable Diseases that occurred from March, 2018 to February, 2019. The cases of snakebite were correlated with rainfall and flow. RESULTS A total of 165 cases of snakebite were registered in the period. Most cases were caused by Bothrops and affected mainly individuals of the male sex who were between 21 and 30 years old. Most of the snakebites occurred in Rio Branco (71.52%; 29 cases per 100,000 inhabitants). Of these, 60.2% occurred in the urban area and 39.8% in the rural area and the majority occurred during the rainy season. CONCLUSIONS Although studies have shown that a majority of cases occur in rural areas, in this study, urbanization of snakebites was observed. The Bothrops genus was responsible for the highest number of snakebites and, during the rainy season, bites occurred more frequently. Educational prevention campaigns, population advice, and first aid in case of snakebites for the population are thus suggested.

The deadliest snake according to ethnobiological perception of the population of the Alto Juruá region, western Brazilian Amazonia

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We examined the ethnobiological perception of the population of the Alto Juruá region about different snake species, in terms of their dangerousness and manifestations of envenomation. METHODS: We interviewed 100 villagers who were active in the forests. RESULTS: Lachesis muta was considered the most venomous snake, and Bothrops atrox appeared to be the most feared snake species. CONCLUSIONS: The high incidence, severity, and mortality of B. atrox bites and the severity and mortality of L. muta bites were the factors that contributed to these species being perceived as the most feared and venomous snakes.

Injuries caused by fish to fishermen in the Vale do Alto Juruá, Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to document injuries caused by fish among professional fishermen in the Western Brazilian Amazon. METHODS: We undertook a descriptive, retrospective study, involving 51 professional fishermen, to determine clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutic aspects of their injuries. RESULTS: Among 51 fishermen interviewed, most injuries were due to mandi (Pimelodus spp.), and the hands were the most injured region, resulting in pain and bleeding in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: Our study findings confirm the morbidity of fish-related injuries, and reaffirm the need for relevant information regarding prevention and injury management.

Accident and vascular injury with stingray in the Alto Juruá, Acre, Brazil: a case report / Acidente e lesão vascular com arraia no Alto Juruá, Acre, Brasil: um relato de caso

INTRODUCTION: Injuries caused by fish are common and considered a neglected health problem with high morbidity and low lethality. Noteworthy are the envenomings by freshwater stingrays, which are considered very serious and one of the most important injuries caused by aquatic animals in South America. CASE PRESENTATION: To describe an accident and vascular injury with venomous stingray animals in the Alto do Juruá, Acre, Brazil. Male patient admitted due to stingray in the left lower extremity 20 days ago. CONCLUSION: The freshwater stingray, due to its sharp characteristics, injured the great saphenous vein, requiring surgical intervention. The situation presented negative evolution due to the lack of necessary procedures in the first attendance, such as the proper cleaning of the wound and the removal of the sting.

INTRODUÇÃO: Acidentes com peixes, denominados de ictismo, são comuns e são considerados um problema de saúde negligenciado, de alta morbidade e baixa letalidade. Destacam-se os envenenamentos por arraias de água doce, pois são considerados muito graves e uma das mais importantes lesões causadas por animais aquáticos na América do Sul. APRESENTAÇÃO DO CASO: Descrever um acidente e lesão vascular com animais peçonhentos do tipo arraia no alto do Juruá, Acre, Brasil. Paciente do sexo masculino, admitido devido a ferroada de arraia no membro inferior esquerda há 20 dias. CONCLUSÃO: O ferrão da arraia de água doce por possuir características pontiagudas lesionou a veia safena magna, necessitando de uma intervenção cirúrgica. O quadro apresentou evolução negativa devido a não realização de procedimentos necessários no primeiro atendimento, como a limpeza adequada do ferimento e a retirada do ferrão.

Snakebites in the Municipality of Tarauacá, Acre, Western Brazilian Amazon / Acidentes ofídicos no Município de Tarauacá, Acre, Oeste da Amazônia brasileira

INTRODUCTION: Snakebites are a public health problem and are considered a common clinical emergency in several tropical countries, especially in rural and forested regions where these animals are more frequent. It is estimated that approximately 28,800 cases of snakebites per year occur in Brazil, with an average of 119 deaths, in which the north region has the highest rate of incidence. However, the accuracy of these data ends up being brought into question, since there are undoubtedly many cases of under-reporting and even cases that are not reported at all, due to logistical and geographical reasons or due to a lack of preparation as to the precise identification of the problem. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to describe the epidemiological characteristics of the reported cases of snakebites victims in the municipality of Tarauacá (Acre), comparing the morbidity coefficient with other Amazonian regions, and to observe possible factors associated with the appearance of complications in these cases. METHODS: This is a retrospective descriptive study through the analysis of the clinical-epidemiological information found on the notification sheets of the Information System of Notification Diseases of victims of snakebites that occurred during the period between 2012 and 2016 in Tarauacá. RESULTS: We recorded 96 snakebite cases during the study period, with the majority (95.8%) classified as botropic, followed by laquetics (3.2%) and one by a non-venomous snake (1%). No deaths were recorded. Snakebites were more frequent in rural areas (87.5%), most being an occupational accident, and affected mainly adult male individuals in their lower limbs. Most cases occurred during the rainy season and had a positive correlation with rainfall. CONCLUSIONS: The morbidity coefficient registered in Tarauacá in 2016 (72.5 cases per 100,000 inhabitants) was higher than that recorded in the cities of Cruzeiro do Sul and Rio Branco and in the states of Acre and Amazonas. Although most patients receive antivenom within the first six hours, many victims do not receive appropriate hospital care until more than 24 hours after the envenoming, which is a factor associated with the appearance of complications.

INTRODUÇÃO: Os acidentes ofídicos constituem um problema de saúde pública, sendo considerada uma emergência clínica comum em vários países tropicais, principalmente em regiões de zona rural e florestadas, onde esses animais são mais frequentes. É estimado ocorrerem aproximadamente 28.800 casos anuais de acidentes ofídicos no Brasil, com uma média de 119 óbitos, no qual a região Norte apresenta a maior incidência. Todavia, a precisão desses dados acaba sendo questionada, pois devem ocorrer muitas subnotificações e mesmo não notificações por questões logísticas e geográficas ou decorrentes ao despreparo quanto à identificação precisa do agravo. OBJETIVO: Descrever características epidemiológicas dos casos notificados de vítimas de acidentes ofídicos no município de Tarauacá (Acre), comparando o coeficiente de morbidade com outras regiões amazônicas e observar possíveis fatores associados ao surgimento de complicações dos casos. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo descritivo retrospectivo através da análise das informações clínico-epidemiológicas das fichas de notificação do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação de vítimas de acidentes ofídicos ocorridos durante o período de 2012 a 2016 em Tarauacá RESULTADOS: Foram registrados 96 casos durante o período de estudo, sendo a maioria (95,8%) classificada como botrópico, seguido de laquéticos (3,2%) e um por serpente não peçonhenta (1%). Nenhum óbito foi registrado. Os acidentes foram mais frequentes na área rural (87,5%), sendo um acidente ocupacional, acometendo principalmente indivíduos adultos do sexo masculino em seus membros inferiores. A maioria ocorreu durante a estação chuvosa e teve correlação positiva com a pluviosidade. CONCLUSÃO: O coeficiente de morbidade registrado em 2016 (72,5 casos por 100.000 habitantes) foi maior do que o registrado em Cruzeiro do Sul e Rio Branco e também para os estados do Acre e Amazonas. Apesar da maioria dos pacientes receber a soroterapia dentro das primeiras seis horas, muitos recebem o devido atendimento hospitalar após 24 horas decorrido o envenenamento, sendo um fator associado ao surgimento de complicações.

Envenomation by an opisthoglyphous snake, Erythrolamprus aesculapii (Dipsadidae), in southeastern Brazil

Abstract Snakebites by aglyphous or opisthoglyphous snakes are common in Brazil. We report a case of snakebite by the opisthoglyphous Erythrolamprus aesculapii. The victim presented with pain, edema, and bleeding at the bite site, along with erythema, similar to a Bothrops envenomation. In this type of snakebite, if the snake is not brought to the hospital, the victim may receive unnecessary serum therapy, with the risk of adverse reactions to the antivenom. The possibility of reducing after-effects with anti-inflammatory drugs and early antibiotic therapy for secondary infection need to be further investigated, preferably in multicenter studies, while observing good clinical practice.

Popular names for bushmaster (Lachesis muta) and lancehead (Bothrops atrox) snakes in the Alto Juruá region: repercussions for clinical-epidemiological diagnosis and surveillance

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The popular names "surucucu" and "jararaca" have been used in literature for Lachesis muta and Bothrops atrox snakes, respectively. We present the popular names reported by patients who suffered snakebites in the Alto Juruá region. METHODS: Fifty-seven (76%) patients saw the snakes that caused the envenomations and were asked about their popular names and sizes. RESULTS: The snakes Bothrops atrox, referred to as "jararaca," were recognized as being mainly juveniles (80.7%) and "surucucu" as mainly adults (81.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The name "surucucu" is used in the Alto Juruá region for the snake B. atrox, mainly for adult specimens.

Extractivism of palm tree fruits: A risky activity because of snakebites in the state of Acre, Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We present here the risk from snakebites because of palm extractivism in western Amazonia. METHODS: The data were extracted from a cross-sectional sample study, from January 2016 to April 2018, at the Juruá Regional Hospital of Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre). RESULTS: There were 14 Bothrops incidents involving males, most of them occurring during the harvesting of "açaí" (Euterpe precatoria). CONCLUSIONS: During the harvesting of "açaí," there is the risk of the presence of B. atrox on the ground near the palm tree, and of B. bilineatus at the top of the palm tree.

Non-venomous snakebites in the Western Brazilian Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In this study, we examined the clinical manifestations, laboratory evidence, and the circumstances of snakebites caused by non-venomous snakes, which were treated at the Regional Hospital of Juruá in Cruzeiro do Sul. METHODS: Data were collected through patient interviews, identification of the species that were taken to the hospital, and the clinical manifestations. RESULTS: Eight confirmed and four probable cases of non-venomous snakebites were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The symptoms produced by the snakes Helicops angulatus and Philodryas viridissima, combined with their coloration can be confused with venomous snakes (Bothrops atrox and Bothrops bilineatus), thus resulting in incorrect bothropic snakebite diagnosis.

Acidentes com animais peçonhentos no Brasil por sexo e idade / Accidents with poisonous animals in Brazil by age and sex

INTRODUÇÃO: acidentes com animais peçonhentos são uma emergência clínica frequente em vários países tropicais, principalmente nos campos e áreas rurais, constituindo um problema de Saúde Pública, inclusive pediátricaOBJETIVO: analisar a morbidade, mortalidade e letalidade de acordo com a faixa etária e sexo nos casos de envenenamentos por serpentes, escorpiões e aranhas no BrasilMÉTODO: Os dados sobre envenenamentos por serpentes, escorpiões e aranhas ocorridos no período de 2009 a 2013 foram obtidos na base de dados online do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - SINAN do Ministério da SaúdeRESULTADOS: foi registrada uma média de 28.812 casos por ano de acidentes ofídicos, 60.370,8 com escorpiões e 25.786,4 com aranhas. A maioria dos óbitos foi causada por serpentes (119 por ano) e também apresentou maior letalidade (0,41%), seguida por escorpiões (79,6 óbitos) com letalidade de 0,13% e, aranhas (13,2) com menor letalidade (0,05%). Em indivíduos do sexo masculino ocorreram a maioria dos casos de acidentes ofídicos, enquanto que nos acidentes com escorpiões e aranhas foi observado pouca diferença na frequência entre homens e mulheres. A faixa etária com maior número de registros de envenenamentos foi a de 20 a 39 anosCONCLUSÕES: ocorre um aumento progressivo de casos de envenenamentos a partir do primeiro ano de idade até a faixa etária compreendida entre 20 a 39 anos e após esta, começa uma diminuição. Crianças, adolescentes e adultos idosos, constituem grupos mais vulneráveis por apresentarem maiores índices de letalidade, especialmente nos acidentes ofídicos e escorpiônicos.

INTRODUCTION: accidents with poisonous animals are a common clinical emergency in several tropical countries, mainly in the fields and rural areas, constituting a public health problem, including pediatric OBJECTIVE: The objective is to analyze the morbidity, mortality and lethality according to age and sex in cases of poisoning by snakes, scorpions and spiders in Brazil METHODS: data on poisoning by snakes, scorpions and spiders that occurred from 2009 to 2013 were collected in the online database of the Information System on Diseases of Compulsory Declaration (SINAN) of the Ministry of Health RESULTS: were recorded 28.812 cases of snake bites per year, 60.370,8 with scorpions and 25.786,4 with spiders. Most deaths were caused by snakes (119 per year) and also showed higher lethality (0.41%), followed by scorpions (79.6 deaths) with a lethality of 0.13% and spiders (13.2) and the lowest mortality (0.05%). In males individuals were most cases of snake bites, whereas in accidents scorpions and spiders was observed little difference in frequency between men and women. The age group with the largest number of poisonings records was 20-39 years CONCLUSIONS: there is a progressive increase in cases of poisoning from the first year of age until the age range 20-39 years, and after this, begins a decrease in cases. Children, adolescents and elderly adults are most vulnerable because they have higher lethality rates, especially in the snake and scorpion accidents.

Herpetofauna da floresta do baixo rio Moa em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre - Brasil / Herpetofauna of the forest of Lower Moa River, Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre - Brazil

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar o resultado de um levantamento herpetofaunístico realizado na floresta do baixo rio Moa, em Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre. O estudo foi realizado entre fevereiro de 2008 e setembro de 2009, sendo as espécies registradas através de armadilhas de interceptação e queda (AIQ), procura limita por tempo (PLT), busca ativa (BA), amostragem em sítios reprodutivos (ASR) e encontros ocasionais (EO). A herpetofauna foi amostrada em uma área de aproximadamente 256 hectares em áreas de propriedades particulares, incluindo área aberta antropizada, adjacente a floresta, composta principalmente por pastagens. Na área florestada a amostragem foi realizada em duas trilhas com fisionomias diferentes (Mata de Terra Firme e Mata de Várzea). Foram registradas 103 espécies, sendo 50 de anfíbios anuros e 53 de répteis (35 serpentes, 17 lagartos e um crocodiliano). A curva do coletor atingiu a assíntota para os anfíbios anuros, mas não para os lagartos, serpentes e a herpetofauna (todos os grupos). Nas áreas florestadas foi registrada a maioria das espécies de anfíbios anuros, o mesmo sendo observado para os répteis, sendo que a maioria destes foi registrada na mata de terra firme. A maioria dos anfíbios foi registrada durante a PLT e a ASR, enquanto os répteis foram através de EO e também por PLT. Espera-se um número maior de espécies de serpentes para a localidade do que a riqueza registrada (35 espécies). Salienta-se a importância da preservação de áreas florestadas particulares abrangendo tanto habitats nas margens de rios sujeitos a alagação periódica como de terra firme, uma vez que existem diferenças na composição herpetofaunística em relação a estrutura das florestas. A preservação das áreas de floresta é fundamental para manutenção da diversidade de anfíbios e répteis na Amazônia, que tem sua riqueza diminuída com a transformação de florestas em pastagens e também com a retirada de madeira e abertura de clareiras.

We report the results of a herpetofauna survey carried out in the forest of Lower Moa River, Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, northern Brazil. The study was carried out from February 2008 to September 2009; the species were sampled through pitfall traps with drift fences (AIQ), time-constrained search (PLT), active search (BA), sampling at breeding sites (ASR), and occasional encounters (EO). The herpetofauna was sampled in an area of approximately 256 ha located within private properties, including an open area of pastures adjacent to a forest. In the forest area, sampling was carried out in two trails with different physiognomies: terra firme (upland forest) and várzea (flooded forest). We recorded 103 species: 50 anurans and 53 reptiles (35 snakes, 17 lizards and one crocodilian). The collector's curve reached the asymptote for anurans, but not for lizards, snakes or the whole herpetofauna (all groups together). Most species of anurans and reptiles were recorded in forest areas, mainly terra firme. Most amphibians were recorded through PLT and ASR, whereas reptiles were recorded through EO and PLT. A higher number of snakes were expected for the locality than the richness actually recorded (35 species). We emphasize the importance of preserving private forests that encompass both kinds of habitat (terra firme and várzea), since they differ in herpetofauna composition due to differences in forest structure. The preservation of forests is crucial to the maintenance of amphibian and reptile biodiversity in the Amazon, which loses species due to the conversion of forests into pastures and logging.