Occurrence of arbovirus infections in two riverine populations in the municipality of Humaitá, Amazonas, Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: The riverine communities of the Amazon comprise different social groups that inhabit the rural areas on the banks of rivers and lakes. Residents usually travel by river to rural and urban areas and are then exposed to urbanized diseases such as those caused by arbovirus infection. In Brazil, emerging diseases such as dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and those caused by infection with Oropouche and Mayaro viruses necessitate epidemiological surveillance. This study was aimed at determining the frequency of positivity for immunoglobulin (Ig)G and IgM antibodies against Zika, chikungunya, and dengue viruses and performing molecular analyses to detect viral RNA for the Zika, chikungunya, dengue virus, Oropouche, and Mayaro viruses, in the same serum samples obtained from riverside populations. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a riverside population in the Humaitá municipality of the Brazilian Amazon. More than 80% of the local population participated in this study. Entomological samples were collected to identify local mosquito vectors. Results: Analysis of 205 human serological samples revealed IgG antibodies against the dengue virus in 85 individuals. No molecular positivity was observed in human samples. Entomological analyses revealed 3,187 Diptera species, with Mansonia being the most frequent genus. Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus were not detected in the two collections. Conclusions: IgG antibodies against the dengue virus were highly prevalent, suggesting previous exposure. The absence of the arbovirus vectors Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the samples supports the hypothesis that the infections recorded likely occurred outside the riverside communities investigated.

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.

La otra llave, la poética propia de los cortometrajes de ficción / The other key, the poetics of short fiction films

Este escrito es un extracto de la Tesis Final de la Licenciatura de Medios Audiovisuales de la UNTDF del autor, en la que se expusieron los resultados de una indagación académica sobre las especificidades del formato cinematográfico denominado "cortometraje", estudiando aquellos aspectos que hacen que el mismo sea un producto audiovisual autónomo respecto del largometraje. El trabajo también comprendió una Memoria Crítica sobre el proceso de creación, producción y realización de una obra audiovisual del autor, un corto de ficción denominado La otra llave, que aquí se comenta y comparte

This paper is an extract from the author's Final Thesis of the UNTDF Audiovisual Media Degree, in which the results of an academic investigation on the specificities of the cinematographic format called "short film" were presented, studying those aspects that make the itself be an autonomous audiovisual product with respect to the feature film. The work also included a Critical Report on the process of creation, production and production of an audiovisual work by the author, a short fiction called The Other Key, which is commented and shared here

Prevalence of chronic noncommunicable diseases and their associated factors in adults over 39 years in riverside population in the western brazilian amazon region

Backgroung: The prevalence of Chronic Noncommunicable Disease (CND) are rocketting over the world, including in young adults. The WHO estimates that more than half of the deaths in the world are caused by CND.A cross-sectional study was carried out from june to november 2016. The researchers visited 16 communities, with a sample size of 183 adult individuals performed for convenience. The patients went through screening and verified: weight, height, abdominal circumference, blood pressure, clinical-epidemiological history and performed physical and laboratory examination. Prevalence ratios were calculated with confidence intervals of 95% and with statistical significance with p<0.05.This study aims to estimate the prevalence of CND and its associated factors in the adult riverside population of the Rio Madeira in Humaitá, Amazonas State, Western Brazilian Amazon.The prevalence of systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) was 44.7%, 52.6% in female. Of the individuals with SAH, 77.5% did not use medication. About 51.5% of them had Grade I SAH. The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus was 16.4%, where no patient used medication and about 40.4% of the studied population fits in the glucose intolerance range. Metabolic syndrome presented a prevalence of 24.0%, with a higher frequency in females (33.8%) (p=0.007). Concerning chronic kidney disease, a prevalence of 12.1% was observed in both sexes. The associated factors found were alcoholism, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and obesity, and more than 45% of the patients had at least two associated factors. The population had a high prevalence of CND and associated factors, low frequency of medication use, revealing inefficiency of the local health system. Increased coverage of the Governmental Family Health Strategy (GFHS) and the increase in number of trained Community Health Assistants , together with health education actions can increase the population's health standard.

A prevalência de Doença Crônica Não Transmissível (DCNT) está elevada em todo o mundo, incluindo em adultos jovens. A OMS estima que mais da metade das mortes no mundo são causadas por DCNT.Um estudo transversal foi realizado de junho a novembro de 2016. Os pesquisadores visitaram 16 comunidades, com um tamanho de amostra de 183 indivíduos adultos, realizada por conveniência. Os pacientes passaram por triagem e verificados: peso, altura, circunferência abdominal, pressão arterial, história clínico-epidemiológica, sendo realizado exame físico e laboratorial. Razões de prevalência foram calculadas com intervalos de confiança de 95% e com significância estatística com p<0,05. Este estudo tem como objetivo estimar a prevalência de DCNT e seus fatores associados na população ribeirinha do Rio Madeira em Humaitá, Estado do Amazonas, Amazônia Ocidental, em adultos com mais de 39 anos. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) foi de 44,7%, 52,6% no sexo feminino. Dos indivíduos com HAS, 77,5% não faziam uso de medicamentos. Cerca de 51,5% deles tinham HAS grau I. A prevalência de diabetes mellitus tipo 2 foi de 16,4%, nenhum paciente fazia uso de medicamentos e cerca de 40,4% da população estudada se enquadra na faixa de intolerância à glicose. A síndrome metabólica apresentou prevalência de 24,0%, com maior frequência no sexo feminino (33,8%) (p = 0,007). Em relação à doença renal crônica, foi observada prevalência de 12,1% em ambos os sexos. Os fatores de risco associados encontrados foram etilismo, tabagismo, sedentarismo e obesidade, sendo que mais de 45% dos pacientes apresentavam pelo menos dois fatores associados. A população apresentou alta prevalência de DCNT e fatores associados, baixa frequência de uso de medicamentos, revelando ineficiência do sistema de saúde local. O aumento da cobertura da Estratégia Saúde da Família (ESF) e o aumento do número de Agentes Comunitários de Saúde capacitados, aliados a ações de educação em saúde, podem elevar o padrão de saúde da população.

Evaluation of the influence of genetic variants in Cereblon gene on the response to the treatment of erythema nodosum leprosum with thalidomide

BACKGROUND Erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) is an acute and systemic inflammatory reaction of leprosy characterised by painful nodules and involvement of various organs. Thalidomide is an immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory drug currently used to treat this condition. Cereblon (CRBN) protein is the primary target of thalidomide, and it has been pointed out as necessary for the efficacy of this drug in others therapeutics settings. OBJECTIVES In this study, we aimed to evaluate the influence of CRBN gene variants on the dose of thalidomide as well as its adverse effects during treatment of ENL. METHODS A total of 103 ENL patients in treatment with thalidomide were included in this study. DNA samples were obtained from saliva and molecular analysis of CRBN gene were performed to investigate the variants rs1620675, rs1672770 and rs4183. Different genotypes of CRBN variants were evaluated in relation to their influence on the dose of thalidomide and on the occurrence of adverse effects. FINDINGS No association was found between CRBN variants and thalidomide dose variation. However, the genotypes of rs1672770 showed association with gastrointestinal effects (p = 0.040). Moreover, the haplotype DEL/C/T (rs4183/rs1672770/rs1620675) was also associated with gastrointestinal adverse effects (p = 0.015). MAIN CONCLUSIONS Our results show that CRBN variants affect the treatment of ENH with thalidomide, especially on the adverse effects related to the drug.

Incidencia de la enfermedad de Fabry en pacientes con enfermedad renal crónica atendidos en tres centros de salud del departamento de Atlántico, Colombia. 2017-2018

Introducción: la enfermedad de Fabry es un defecto lisosomal caracterizado por una alteración de la enzima alfa-galactosidasa y que produce el acúmulo de glucoesfingolípidos en diferentes tejidos. Este defecto enzimático está ligado al cromosoma X y por ende es más frecuente en hombres. Sus manifestaciones clínicas varían de acuerdo al grupo etario afectado e incluyen lesiones en piel, anhidrosis, opacidades corneales, crisis de dolor, daño renal, entre otros. Objetivo: calcular la incidencia de enfermedad de Fabry en pacientes con diagnóstico de enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). Materiales y métodos: estudio ambispectivo realizado en los pacientes con diagnóstico de ERC que asistían a controles médicos en tres centros de prevención renal ubicados en el departamento del Atlántico, Colombia, y que además cumplían los criterios de inclusión y exclusión. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y se tomaron muestras para confirmar la presencia de enfermedad de Fray. Resultados: se identificaron 471 pacientes con ERC y se estableció una incidencia global de 21,23 casos por cada 1.000 habitantes para baja actividad de la alfa-galactosidasa. Sin embargo, solo en el 20% se confirmó la presencia de enfermedad de Fray mediante pruebas genéticas. Conclusiones: la incidencia de la enfermedad de Fabry en la población estudiada es mayor a la reportada en otras cohortes y además fue más frecuente en el sexo femenino.

Introduction: Fabry's disease consists of a lysosomal defect linked to the X chromosome that produces the accumulation of glycosphingolipids in different tissues. The clinical manifestations depend on the age of presentation, and includes skin lesions, acroparesthesia, pain crisis, anhidrosis, corneal opacities and hearing loss, among others. Objectives: Calculate the incidence of Fabry disease in patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease Methodology: An ambispective study was designed, including all patients diagnosed with chronic kidney disease under medical control in three renal prevention centers located in the department of Atlántico, and which also met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Subsequently, the review of the medical records and the sampling were carried out. Results: A total of 471 patients with chronic kidney disease were identified, with an overall incidence of 21.23 cases per 1000 people. However, only 20% were confirmed by genetic tests. Conclusions: The incidence of Fabry disease in the population studied is greater than that reported in other cohorts. In addition, it is more frequent in the female sex.

CHECKEATE, aplicación tecnológica en la prevención y tratamiento de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles / CHECKEATE, a technological application for the prevention and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases

La falta de cultura preventiva y un diagnóstico precoz oportuno representan dos de los factores más importantes a considerar en la prevención y tratamiento de las enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles a nivel mundial, por lo que la tecnología móvil constituye una alternativa que bien puede ser utilizada en la medicina preventiva. En este sentido, el presente artículo tuvo como objetivo validar una aplicación tecnológica que permita realizar el diagnóstico de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles, utilizando el dispositivo móvil. Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, que utilizó la encuesta como técnica y el cuestionario como instrumento para la recolección de la información en una muestra de 60 personas mayores de 18 años, todos usuarios de la red social Facebook, quienes seguían la página https://es-la.facebook.com/DrLuisPacoraCamargo/. Los resultados obtenidos permitieron demostrar que el 57,1 por ciento de los encuestados presentaba edades comprendidas entre los 21 y 40 años de edad, de los cuales el 88,3 por ciento reportó que utilizaba internet diariamente; el 53,3 por ciento respondió que utilizaba sus dispositivos frecuentemente para comunicarse a través de las redes sociales; el 53,4 por ciento de los encuestados había descargado un aplicativo relacionado con la salud y, finalmente, el 82,8 por ciento de las personas respondió tener conocimiento del término de medicina preventiva y, que de tener información en sus dispositivos móviles, la utilizaría con frecuencia. En conclusión, el diseño e implementación de un servicio de salud a través de los dispositivos móviles, como el CHECKEATE, es viable en un mercado joven, potencialmente interesado en temas de salud preventiva(AU)

Lack of a preventive culture and of timely early diagnosis are two of the most important factors to be considered in the prevention and treatment of chronic non-communicable diseases worldwide. Mobile technology is therefore an alternative which could very well be used in preventive medicine. The purpose of the study was to validate a technological application for the diagnosis of chronic non-communicable diseases using a mobile device. A descriptive study was conducted based on the survey as technique and the questionnaire as data collection tool. The sample was 60 people aged over 18 years, all of them users of the social network Facebook, who follow the webpage https://es-la.facebook.com/DrLuisPacoraCamargo/. Results show that 57.1 percent of the respondents were aged 21-40 years; 88.3 percent reported using the Internet daily; 53.3 percent that they used their devices frequently for communication through social networks; 53.4 percent had downloaded a health-related application, and 82.8 percent were familiar with the term "preventive medicine" and would used it more frequently if they had more information on their mobile devices. In conclusion, design and implementation of a health service through mobile devices, as is the case with CHECKEATE, would be viable in a young market potentially interested in preventive health topics(AU)

Prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia and their associated factors in children and adolescents in a municipality in the Brazilian Amazon region / Prevalência de obesidade, pressão arterial elevada e dislipidemia e seus fatores associados em crianças e adolescentes de um município amazônico, Brasil

INTRODUCTION: The incidence of chronic noncommunicable disease (CND) are rocketting over the world, including in young adults. The WHO estimates that more than half of the deaths in the world, even in underdeveloped countries, are caused by CND. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of obesity, high blood pressure (HBP) and dyslipidemia and its associated factors. METHODS: The authors carried out a cross-sectional study of 1,431 schools in the public-school system of Monte, Brazilian Western Amazon, with children and adolescents aged 6 to 15 years. A random sampling of 496 individuals was carried out. The OpenEpi platform was used to calculate the sample size, considering p<0.05 and a presumed prevalence of CND of 50%. The authors applied a clinical-epidemiological questionnaire, made anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests. Diagnostic parameters recommended by the recent guidelines of the Ministry of Health in Brazil were used. RESULTS: Prevalence of CND was: Obesity 11.8%, HBP of 6.7% and dyslipidemia of 25.4%. After multivariate log-binomial analysis of the dependent variables, the statistically significant risk factors were overweight 18.4%, sedentary lifestyle 32.2%, family history of cardiovascular disease 23.4%, family history of HBP 84.2%, family dyslipidemia 55.8%, family obesity 38.7% and family chronic renal disease 40.6%. CONCLUSION: The findings pointed out to a context with a relatively high prevalence of CND, as well as their associated factors. Intervention measures such as health education, food education, stimulation of physical exercise, better school feeding and an improvement of the public health system are needed to mitigate the occurrence of CND.

INTRODUÇÃO: A incidência de Doenças Crônicas Não Transmissíveis (DCNT) está aumentando em todo o mundo, inclusive em adultos jovens. A OMS estima que mais da metade das mortes no mundo, mesmo em países subdesenvolvidos, são causadas por DCNT. OBJETIVO: O estudo teve como objetivo estimar a prevalência de obesidade, pressão arterial elevada (PAE) e dislipidemia e seus fatores associados. MÉTODO: Os autores realizaram um estudo transversal com uma amostra randomizada de 496 de 1.431 alunos das escolas da rede pública de ensino de Monte Negro, Amazônia Ocidental, com crianças e adolescentes de 6 a 15 anos. Foi realizada uma amostragem aleatória de 496 indivíduos. Para o cálculo do tamanho da amostra foi utilizada a plataforma OpenEpi, considerando p <0,05 e prevalência presumida de DCNT de 50%. Os autores aplicaram um questionário clínico-epidemiológico, realizaram medidas antropométricas e exames laboratoriais. Foram utilizados parâmetros diagnósticos recomendados pelas diretrizes recentes do Ministério da Saúde do Brasil. Os dados foram analisados por por tetes estatísticos univariados e depois, multivariados, para se detectar associação entre causas e desfechos. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de DCNT foi: Obesidade 11,8%, Pressão Arterial Elevada de 6,7% e dislipidemia de 25,4%. Após análise log-binomial multivariada das variáveis dependentes, os fatores associados estatisticamente significativos foram sobrepeso 18,4%, sedentarismo 32,2%, história familiar de doença cardiovascular 23,4%, história familiar de hipertensão arterial sistêmica 84,2%, dislipidemia familiar 55,8%, obesidade familiar 38,7% e doença renal crônica familiar 40,6%. CONCLUSÃO: Os achados apontam para um contexto com prevalência relativamente elevada de DCNT, bem como seus fatores associados em crianças/adolescentes. Medidas de intervenção como educação em saúde, educação alimentar, estímulo à prática de exercícios físicos, melhor alimentação escolar e melhoria do sistema público de saúde são necessárias para mitigar a ocorrência de DCNT.

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.

Occurrence of Neoechinorhynchus curemai (Acanthocephala: Neoechinorhynchidae) in Prochilodus nigricans (Characiformes: Prochilodontidae), in southwestern Amazon

Prochilodus nigricansis extensively exploited in fishing and aquaculture activities in the Brazilian Amazon, it is the definitive host for Neoechinorhynchus curemaiNoronha, 1973. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of N. curemaiin P. nigricansand the parasite-host relationship in three rivers (Juruá, Crôa and Môa) in the municipality of Cruzeiro do Sul, state of Acre, Brazil. Fish were caught, weighed, measured, and subjected to necropsy, and the gastrointestinal tract and viscera were analyzed. A totalof 178 specimens of N. curemaiwere found in 61 infected fish, with the (p= 58.62%). The prevalence, mean intensity, and mean abundance were higher in hosts from the Môa River, and lower from the Juruá River. Regarding the length-weight relationship, the b-value did not differ statistically from three (b=3) for fish species in the three locations, nor in parasitized and non-parasitized species. In addition, growth was considered isometric, and in the case of the relative condition factor, there was no difference in fish hosts between the three rivers. The correlation between parasite intensity, condition factor, length, and weight of P. nigricanswas not significant. Thus, this parasite infestation varied between the habitats. However, this did not influence the growth and development of the hosts.

First report of Amblyomma latepunctatum and the second record of Ixodes luciae in the state of Acre, Brazil / Primeiro relato de Amblyomma latepunctatum e o segundo registro de Ixodes luciae no estado do Acre, Brasil

Abstract The state of Acre is in the western part of the Brazilian Amazon region and few studies involving ticks are available. The aim of the present study was to provide the first report of occurrence of Amblyomma latepunctatum and the second record of Ixodes luciae in Acre. Ticks were collected in October 2020 inside an open forested area in the municipality of Rio Branco, the state capital of Acre. Ixodid ticks were identified according to their external morphological characteristics. Three specimens were found on the vegetation by means of a visual search and were identified as Amblyomma scalpturatum (one male and one female) and Amblyomma latepunctatum (one male). Another specimen was found parasitizing a Didelphis marsupialis female that was caught using a Tomahawk trap; this was identified as Ixodes luciae (one male). This first report of A. latepunctatum in the state of Acre increases the number of species recorded here to 22. In addition, presence of I. luciae is confirmed in this state (second record), in the western Brazilian Amazon region.

Resumo O estado do Acre está localizado na Amazônia ocidental brasileira e apresenta poucos estudos envolvendo carrapatos. O presente estudo objetivou relatar, pela primeira vez, a ocorrência da espécie Amblyomma latepunctatum e o segundo registro de Ixodes luciae no estado do Acre, Brasil. A coleta de carrapatos foi realizada em outubro de 2020 no interior de uma floresta aberta no município de Rio Branco, capital do estado do Acre. Carrapatos ixodídeos foram identificados de acordo com suas características morfológicas externas. Três espécimes foram encontrados sobre a vegetação pelo método de inspeção visual e identificados como as espécies Amblyomma scalpturatum (um macho e uma fêmea) e Amblyomma latepunctatum (um macho); e outro foi encontrado parasitando uma fêmea de Didelphis marsupialis que foi capturada por uma armadilha Tomahawk, e identificado como Ixodes luciae (um macho). Este primeiro relato de A. latepunctatum no estado do Acre aumenta o número de espécies registradas aqui para 22. Além disso, a presença de I. luciae é confirmada no estado do Acre (segundo registro), na região da Amazônia ocidental brasileira.

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.

Occurrence of triatomines (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) and their natural infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (Chagas, 1909) in Boca do Moa community, Cruzeiro do Sul, Acre, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are insect vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of Chagas disease. METHODS: Triatomines were collected from households and by dissecting palm trees in the peri-urban areas of Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre); they were identified using a specific key and via genital analyses. Trypanosomatid infection was determined through microscopy and polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: In total, 116 triatomines of the species Eratyrus mucronatus, Rhodnius pictipes, R. stali, and R. montenegrensis were collected, of which 13.8% were positive for T. cruzi. CONCLUSIONS: Four species of triatomines presented an infection rate above 13% in the Boca do Moa community.

First report of Rhodnius montenegrensis (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Triatomines are hematophagous insects of epidemiological importance because they are vectors of Chagas disease. We present here the first report of Rhodnius montenegrensis in Amazonas, Brazil. METHODS: Triatomines were collected from Attalea butyracea palm trees in the municipality of Guajará. RESULTS: Two adult female R. montenegrensis specimens were identified. CONCLUSIONS: The present study confirms that the number of triatomine species within the Amazon has increased from 10 to 11, and the number of Brazilian states with R. montenegrensis has increased from two to three.

Isopods Cymothoidae ectoparasites of fish from the Amazon / Isópodes Cymothoidae ectoparasitos de peixes da Amazônia

Abstract Most freshwater species of Cymothoidae are distributed in South America. They have mainly been recorded in the eastern and western regions of the Amazon River basin. However, in this ecosystem, the biodiversity of this group may be greater if the entire Amazon basin is considered. In this regard, the aim of the present study was to provide an updated list of isopod species of the family Cymothoidae that are found in fish in the Brazilian Amazon region and to report on new fish host occurrences and expanded geographical distributions for cymothoid isopods that parasitize fish in the southwestern Brazilian Amazon region. The parasites found in fish specimens were collected, fixed and identified later. We found eight species of Cymothoidae parasitizing different host fish species in the southwestern Amazon region. However, we found 14 species of Cymothoidae throughout the Brazilian Amazon region. Three additional species are thus reported here, which increases the number of species of Cymothoidae in this region to 17. These additional species are also new records for Brazil. Therefore, this study has contribute to expand the knowledge about the distribution and diversity of Cymothoidae in the Amazon basin.

Resumo A maioria das espécies de água doce de Cymothoidae está distribuída na Sul e foi registrada principalmente nas regiões Leste e Oeste da bacia do Rio Amazonas. Entretanto, nesse ecossistema, a biodiversidade desse grupo pode ser maior se toda a bacia amazônica for considerada. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente estudo foi fornecer uma lista atualizada de espécies de isópodes da família Cymothoidae que são encontrados em peixes na Região Amazônica brasileira e relatar novas ocorrências de peixes hospedeiros, ampliando as distribuições geográficas para isópodes cimotoides que parasitam peixes na região Sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira. Os parasitos encontrados em espécimes de peixes coletados foram analisados e posteriormente identificados. Foram encontradas oito espécies de Cymothoidae parasitando diferentes espécies de peixes hospedeiros na região Sudoeste da Amazônia. No entanto, foram encontradas 14 espécies de Cymothoidae em toda a Região Amazônica brasileira. Três novos relatos de espécies foram observados, o que aumenta o número de espécies de Cymothoidae nessa região para 17. Essas espécies relatadas, também são novos registros para o Brasil. Portanto, este estudo ajudou a expandir o conhecimento sobre a distribuição e diversidade de Cymothoidae na bacia amazônica.

Child injured by suspected catfish (Cetopsis sp. ) bite in river, Humaitá, Amazonas, Brazil

Abstract We present the first recent reported case of traumatic injury caused by catfish in the Americas. Although 66.2% of fish-related injuries occur in the Amazon Region, they are scarcely reported. We report a traumatic injury in a 2-year-old boy who entered Madeira River. The use of traditional methods to treat the injury and his incomplete vaccination history reflect the weakness of the health system. Further, the fact that it was the second time that such an incident had occurred in the locality in 3 weeks during the dry season suggests that this could be a frequent occurrence during this period.

Research methodology topics: Cohort studies or prospective and retrospective cohort studies / Tópicos de metodologia de pesquisa: Estudos de coorte ou cohorte prospectivo e retrospectivo

In health sciences, the epidemiological method can be divided into descriptive and analytical epidemiology and the latter being divided into observational (cross-sectional study, case-control study and cohort study) and experimental studies. Cohort studies may be retrospective or prospective, and both assume that the researcher will follow a population over time to seek a possible association between exposure (s) and outcome(s). These types of studies have as advantages the possibility of measuring several exposure factors and outcomes, both primary and secondary, for both relatively frequent outcomes and rare exposure factors. However, they are often long and therefore expensive studies. They have as main biases those of selection, memory and information. These are studies that may point to statistical associations between exposure and outcome that need other models to prove the casualty of these associations.

Na área de ciências da saúde, o método epidemiológico, pode ser dividido em epidemiologia descritiva e a analítica, essa última se divide em observacional (estudo de corte transversal, estudo caso-controle e estudo de coorte/cohorte) e experimentais. Os estudos de coorte ou cohorte, podem ser retrospectivos ou prospectivos, e ambos partem do pressuposto que o pesquisador irá acompanhar uma população ao longo do tempo para buscar possível associação entre exposição e desfecho. Esses tipos de estudos apresentam como vantagens a possibilidade de se mensurar vários fatores de exposição e desfechos, tanto primários como secundários, aplicam-se tanto para desfechos relativamente frequentes e fatores de exposição raros. Porém, muitas vezes são estudos prolongados e, portanto, caros. Têm como principais viéses os de seleção, memória e informação. São estudos que podem apontar para associações estatísticas entre exposição e desfecho que necessitam de outros modelos para se comprovar há casualidade destas associações.

Occurrence of triatomines in an urban residential complex in the municipality of Rio Branco, Acre, South-Western Amazon

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study describes the occurrence of triatomines, and their positivity for trypanosomatids, in a residential complex in Rio Branco, Acre, Brazil. METHODS: Triatomines were collected through direct capture in a home environment. Positivity analysis for trypanosomatids was performed by PCR assays. RESULTS Collected insects consisted of 31 Rhodnius robustus, 4 Rhodnius montenegrensis, and 1 Panstrongylus geniculatus specimens. All were adults, with no presence of domiciliation, and with an infection rate of 30.6%. CONCLUSIONS Future studies are recommended in other locations of Rio Branco in order to develop a georeference database of the occurrence of triatomines in urban areas.