Seroepidemiological aspects of human infection by Strongyloides stercoralis in Alfenas, southern Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: In most Strongyloides stercoralis infected individuals, nematoidosis occurs asymptomatically, but in immunocompromised patients, it can cause hyperinfection. Serological techniques seem to be a good alternative for detecting this parasite. METHODS The frequency of seropositivity for strongyloidiasis in Alfenas, MG, was estimated using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay on blood samples, between May and August of 2015. RESULTS: Out of 258 samples tested, 53.9% were positive, and the frequency of seropositive individuals was higher in the peripheral districts of the municipality. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate high seropositivity rates for strongyloidiasis among the residents of Alfenas city.

Seroprevalence of human cysticercosis in Jataí, Goiás state, Brazil

ABSTRACT The Taenia solium cysticercosis affects millions of people worldwide and is considered a public health problem, especially in developing countries. The diagnosis of neurocysticercosis is complex and involves the analysis of epidemiological, clinical, neuroimaging, and immunological host data. Neurocysticercosis is endemic in Brazil, and is related to the cause of death mainly in the Southeast, South, and Central-West regions. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of cysticercosis in inhabitants of the city of Jataí, Goiás, in the Central-West region of Brazil from April to August 2012. A total of 529 serum samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detecting IgG antibodies against T. solium larvae, and Western blotting was used for confirming the diagnosis through the recognition of at least two specific peptides from their serum antibodies. The 351/529 (66.3%) reactive samples were analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting confirmed the diagnosis in 73 samples that recognized at least two of the following peptides specific IgG antibodies for cysticercosis: 18, 24, 28-32, 39-42, 47-52, 64-68, and 70 kDa. The seroprevalence of cysticercosis was 13.8% (95% CI 5.9-21.7), demonstrating that the studied area is endemic to this disease.

In vitro efficacy of latex and purified papain from Carica papaya against Strongyloides venezuelensis eggs and larvae

ABSTRACT Latex from Carica papaya is rich in bioactive compounds, especially papain, which may help to control parasitic diseases. This study evaluated the efficacy of latex from C. papaya and purified papain against Strongyloides venezuelensis. The Egg Hatching Test (EHT) and the Larval Motility Test (LMT) using fresh and frozen latex (250mg/mL), lyophilized latex (34mg/mL), and purified papain (2.8 mg/mL) were performed. Albendazole (0.025 mg/mL) and ivermectin (316 ppm) were used as positive controls. EHT and LMT were carried out through the incubation of each solution with S. venezuelensis eggs or larvae (± 100 specimens), and results were analyzed after 48h (EHT) or 24, 48, and 72h (LMT). EHT showed that latex preparations at higher concentrations (1:10 to 1:100) resulted in partial or complete destruction of eggs and larvae inside the eggs. The result from the 1:1,000 dilution was similar to the positive control. LMT showed effectiveness in all the tested dilutions compared to negative controls. Purified papain showed a dose-dependent response in the EHT. Purified papain (2.8 mg/ mL) showed similar results to lyophilized latex at 1:1,000 in the EHT. Latex and purified papain from C. papaya were effective against S. venezuelensis eggs and larvae in vitro, suggesting their potential use as an alternative treatment for strongyloidiasis.

HIGH PREVALENCE OF Strongyloides stercoralis INFECTION AMONG THE ELDERLY IN BRAZIL / Alta prevalência da infecção por Strongyloides stercoralis em idosos do Brasil

SUMMARY Little is known about the frequency of intestinal parasites in the elderly due to a lack of attention given to the occurrence of these infections among older adults. This study compares the frequency of Strongyloides stercoralis and other enteroparasites between elderly living in nursing homes (n = 100) and those noninstitutionalized (n = 100) from Uberlândia, state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, associated with data of epidemiological and socio-demographic conditions. Through coproparasitological examination of both groups, enteroparasites were detected in 15 of 200 individuals examined (7.5%; CI: 5.1- 9.9). S. stercoralis was the most frequent parasite 10/200 (5%; CI: 4.2-5.8), being significantly higher in males and in individuals with autonomy for daily living activities. There were no statistical differences in the prevalence of parasites between the two groups compared. In conclusion, S. stercoralis infection was highly prevalent in elderly patients and it does not depend on whether the individual was institutionalized or not. .

RESUMO Pouco é conhecido sobre a freqüência de parasitas intestinais em idosos devido à falta de atenção dada à ocorrência destas infecções nesta faixa etária. Este estudo compara a freqüência de Strongyloides stercoralis e outros parasitos intestinais entre idosos residindo em lares para idosos (n = 100) e aqueles não institucionalizados (n = 100) de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, região sudeste do Brasil, associados com dados epidemiológicos e condições sócio-demográficas. Ambos os grupos foram submetidos a exames coproparasitológicos. Parasitos foram detectados em 15 dos 200 indivíduos examinados (7,5%; CI: 5,1 - 9,9). S. stercoralis foi o parasito mais freqüente 10/200 (5%; CI: 4,2 - 5,8), sendo significantemente maior em homens e indivíduos com autonomia das atividades diárias. Não houve diferença estatística entre a prevalência de parasitos quando os dois grupos foram comparados. Concluiu-se que a infecção por S. stercoralis foi altamente prevalente em idosos independente se institucionalizados ou não. .

Serodiagnosis of human neurocysticercosis using antigenic components of Taenia solium metacestodes derived from the unbound fraction from jacalin affinity chromatography

The aim of the present study was to analyse Taenia solium metacestode antigens that were derived from the unbound fraction of jacalin affinity chromatography and subsequent tert-octylphenoxy poly (oxyethylene) ethanol Triton X-114 (TX-114) partitioning in the diagnosis of human neurocysticercosis (NCC). Immunoassays were designed to detect T. solium-specific IgG antibodies by ELISA and immunoblot. Serum samples were collected from 132 individuals who were categorised as follows: 40 had NCC, 62 presented Taenia spp or other parasitic diseases and 30 were healthy individuals. The jacalin-unbound (J unbound ) fraction presented higher sensitivity and specificity rates than the jacalin-bound fraction and only this fraction was subjected to subsequent TX-114 partitioning, resulting in detergent (DJ unbound ) and aqueous (AJ unbound ) fractions. The ELISA sensitivity and specificity were 85% and 84.8% for J unbound , 92.5% and 93.5% for DJ unbound and 82.5% and 82.6% for AJ unbound . By immunoblot, the DJ unbound fraction showed 100% sensitivity and specificity and only serum samples from patients with NCC recognised the 50-70 kDa T. solium-specific components. We conclude that the DJ unbound fraction can serve as a useful tool for the differential immunodiagnosis of NCC by immunoblot.

Avaliação parasitológica de alfaces (Lactuca sativa) comercializadas no município de Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso< Brasil / Parasitological evaluation of lettuce (Lactuca sativa) commercialized in the municipality of Tangará da Serra, Mato Grosso State, Brazil

A contaminação de hortaliças por parasitos pode ser um fator de risco à saúde. Este estudo teve como objetivos verificar a ocorrência de parasitos e avaliar as condições higiênico-sanitárias de alfaces (Lactuca sativa) comercializadas no município de Tangará da Serra, estado de Mato Grosso, no período de dezembro de 2006 a abril de 2007. Cem exemplares de alface comercializadas na feira municipal foram submetidos ao método de sedimentação espontânea. Constataram-se 11por cento de positividade para espécies de importância médica (Strongyloides spp., Toxocara sp., Fasciola hepatica e Entamoeba coli) e 71por cento para espécies de vida livre. A água predominante na irrigação era de poço artesiano (59,1por cento) e as hortaliças eram transportadas predominantemente em veículosabertos (77,2or cento). A eliminação de dejetos em fossas sanitárias foi verificada em 86,4por cento daspropriedades e o uso de fezes de animais na adubação foi relatado por 100por cento dos produtores, portantoas amostras de alface foram consideradas inadequadas para o consumo.

Genetic polymorphism in Taenia solium metacestodes from different Brazilian geographic areas

The aim of the present study is to investigate genetic polymorphisms in Taenia solium metacestodes from different Brazilian geographical areas and to relate them to antibody recognition in serum samples of neurocysticercosis (NC) patients. Metacestodes were obtained from the Distrito Federal (DF), Bahia, Minas Gerais (MG) and São Paulo (SP) regions of Brazil. Samples of human sera from 49 individuals with NC, 68 individuals with other helminthiasis and 40 healthy volunteers were analysed (157 individuals in total). Antigens were prepared and used in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and western blotting assays to detect specific immunoglobulin G antibodies. Genetic distances between metacestode populations were analysed using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis. Our results show that there was a higher frequency of reactivity in the DF region in the sera from NC patients (p < 0.05), while discrimination between active and inactive NC was seen only in extracts from the MG and SP regions (p < 0.05). Using RAPD, the sample from the DF region presented a greater increase compared to the other regions. A relationship between genetic polymorphisms among T. solium metacestodes from different areas in Brazil and the differences in antibody detection in patients with NC were established.

Hydrophobic fraction of Taenia saginata metacestodes, rather than hydrophilic fraction, contains immunodominant markers for diagnosing human neurocysticercosis / Fração hidrofóbica de metacestódeos de Taenia saginata, ao contrário da fração hidrofílica, contém marcadores imunodominantes para o diagnóstico de neurocisticercose humana

INTRODUCTION: Considering that alternative antigens for diagnosing neurocysticercosis continue to be a challenge because of the increasing difficulty in obtaining parasites from naturally infected pigs for preparation of Taenia solium homologous antigen, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the detergent (D) and aqueous (A) fractions from saline extract of Taenia saginata metacestodes for diagnosing neurocysticercosis. METHODS: Taenia saginata was obtained from naturally infected bovines in the Triângulo Mineiro region, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. The carcasses came from cold storage units and had been slaughtered in accordance with the inspection technique recommended by the Federal Inspection Service. The D and A fractions were obtained by using Triton X-114 (TX-114). Serum samples were obtained from 40 patients with a diagnosis of neurocysticercosis, 45 with other parasitic diseases and 30 from apparently normal individuals. IgG antibody levels were evaluated using the ELISA and immunoblotting assays. RESULTS: The ELISA sensitivity and specificity were 95 percent and 73.3 percent, when using saline extract; 95 percent and 82.6 percent for the D fraction; and 65 percent and 61.3 percent for the A fraction, respectively. The immunoblotting assay confirmed the ELISA results, such that the D fraction was more efficient than the other extracts, and the 70-68kDa component was immunodominant among neurocysticercosis patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that the D fraction from Taenia saginata metacestodes obtained using TX-114 can be used as a heterologous antigenic fraction in the immunoblotting assay for serologically diagnosing human neurocysticercosis, given its ability to select immunodominant antigens.

INTRODUÇÃO: Considerando que antígenos alternativos para o diagnóstico da neurocisticercose (NC) continua sendo um desafio devido ao aumento da dificuldade em se obter parasitas de suínos naturalmente infectados, para a preparação do antígeno homólogo de Taenia solium, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar frações detergente (D) e aquosa (A), do extrato salino de metacestódeo de Taenia saginata para diagnóstico da NC. MÉTODOS: Bovinos, naturalmente infectados com Taenia saginata, procedentes da região do Triângulo Mineiro, Estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil, foram obtidos de frigoríficos e abatidos de acordo com a técnica de inspeção recomendada pelo Serviço de Inspeção Federal. As frações D e A foram obtidas utilizando Triton X-114 (TX-114). Amostras de soro foram obtidas de 40 pacientes com diagnóstico de NC, 45 com diagnóstico de outras doenças parasitárias e 30 de indivíduos aparentemente normais. Níveis de IgG foram avaliados pelos testes ELISA e Imunoblotting. RESULTADOS: A sensibilidade e especificidade do teste ELISA foram 95 por cento e 73,3 por cento, quando utilizado o extrato salino, 95 por cento e 82,6 por cento para fração D, e 65 por cento e 61,3 por cento para a fração A, respectivamente. O ensaio Imunoblotting confirmou os resultados do teste ELISA, sendo a fração D mais eficiente que os outros extratos, observando-se que o componente 70-68kDa se comportou como imunodominante para os pacientes com NC. CONCLUSÕES: Estes resultados demonstraram que a fração D de metacestódeo de Taenia saginata obtida com TX-114 pode ser utilizada como fração antigênica heteróloga pelo Imunoblotting para o diagnóstico sorológico da NC humana, considerando sua habilidade para selecionar antígenos imunodominantes.

Occurrence of positivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomine from municipalities in Southeastern Brazil, from 2002 to 2004 / Ocorrência e positividade para Trypanosoma cruzi em triatomíneos de municípios da região sudeste do Brasil, de 2002 a 2004

INTRODUCTION: from an epidemiological point of view, more than 120 species of triatomine (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) are known. The occurrence and positivity for Trypanosoma cruzi in triatomines in 16 municipalities of the Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba were evaluated from January 2002 to December 2004. METHODS: the triatomines were captured basically according to the classic norms of the National Health Foundation. The parasitological exams of the triatomines were conducted according to the technique described by the Ministry of Health. During the study period, 990 specimens of triatomines were captured and of these, 771 could be examined. RESULTS: five species were identified: Triatoma sordida, Panstrongylus diasi, Panstrongylus megistus, Panstrongylus geniculatus and Rhodnius neglectus. Triatoma sordida represented 71.5 percent of all the triatomines captured, followed by Panstrongylus megistus (18 percent), Rhodnius neglectus (9.3 percent), Panstrongylus diasi (0.8 percent) and Panstrongylus geniculatus (0.4 percent). Of the total number of triatomines examined, 2.7 percent were positive for Trypanosoma cruzi. Panstrongylus megistus was the species that presented the highest rates of infection by Trypanosoma cruzi (8.3 percent), followed by Rhodnius neglectus (2.9 percent) and Triatoma sordida (1.4 percent). CONCLUSIONS: there is a need to adapt to new circumstances in epidemiology, with greater emphasis on entomological surveillance, since the potential for adaptation of secondary species of triatomines exists, especially where Chagas' disease is already under control.

INTRODUÇÃO: do ponto de vista epidemiológico mais de 120 espécies de triatomíneos (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) são conhecidas. A ocorrência e a positividade de Trypanosoma cruzi em triatomíneos de 16 municípios do Triângulo Mineiro e Alto Paranaíba foram avaliadas de janeiro de 2002 a dezembro de 2004. MÉTODOS: os triatomíneos foram capturados seguindo basicamente as normas clássicas da Fundação Nacional de Saúde. Os exames parasitológicos dos triatomíneos foram conduzidos de acordo com a técnica descrita pelo Ministério da Saúde. Durante o período de estudo, foram capturados 990 exemplares de triatomíneos, sendo que 771 dos capturados estavam em condições de serem examinados. RESULTADOS: cinco espécies foram identificadas: Triatoma sordida, Panstrongylus diasi, Panstrongylus megistus, Panstrongylus geniculatus e Rhodnius neglectus. Triatoma sordida representou 71,5 por cento de todos os triatomíneos capturados, seguido por Panstrongylus megistus (18 por cento), Rhodnius neglectus (9,3 por cento), Panstrongylus diasi (0,8 por cento) e Panstrongylus geniculatus (0,4 por cento). Dos triatomíneos examinados, 2,7 por cento foram positivos para Trypanosoma cruzi. Panstrongylus megistus foi a espécie que apresentou a maior taxa de infecção por Trypanosoma cruzi (8,3 por cento), seguida pelo Rhodnius neglectus (2,9 por cento) e Triatoma sordida (1,4 por cento). CONCLUSÕES: há necessidade de se adequar às novas circunstâncias epidemiológicas com ênfase na vigilância entomológica, uma vez que o potencial de adaptação de espécies secundárias de triatomíneos, em áreas onde a doença de Chagas está controlada, é uma preocupação.

Enteroparasites and commensals among children in four peripheral districts of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais / Enteroparasitas e comensais em crianças de quatro bairros da periferia de Uberlândia, Estado de Minas Gerais

The aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of intestinal parasites and commensals among children in four peripheral districts located in the northern, southern, eastern and western sectors of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, using the Baermann methods as modified by Moraes and Lutz. Out of 160 individuals studied, 93 (58.1 percent CI: 50.4-65.7) were infected, distributed among the sectors as follows: northern (72.5 percent), southern (47.5 percent), eastern (57.5 percent) and western (55 percent). The positive findings according to age groups were: 0-5 years (26.9 percent), 5-10 years (21.2 percent) and 10-15 years (10 percent). Male children presented 2.7 times higher risk of infection than females did (OR: 2.7; CI: 1052-7001). The parasites and commensals identified were: Giardia lamblia (27.5 percent), Entamoeba coli (20.6 percent), Ascaris lumbricoides (14.4 percent), Enterobius vermicularis (8.8 percent), Hymenolepis nana (7.5 percent), Hymenolepis diminuta (5 percent), hookworms (3.1 percent), Trichuris trichiura (2.5 percent), Endolimax nana (2.5 percent), Entamoeba hartmanni (2.5 percent), Strongyloides stercoralis (1.3 percent), Iodamoeba butschlii (1.3 percent) and Capillaria hepatica (0.6 percent). The infection rate in these children was high and showed the need to implement prophylactic education programs in the community.

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a ocorrência de parasitas e comensais intestinais em crianças de quatro bairros periféricos, localizados nos setores norte, sul, leste e oeste em Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, utilizando os métodos de Baermann modificado por Moraes, e de Lutz. Dos 160 indivíduos estudados, 93 (58,1 por cento, IC: 50,4-65,7) estavam infectados, assim distribuídos: setor norte (72,5 por cento), sul (47,5 por cento), leste (57,5 por cento) e oeste (55 por cento). A positividade por faixa etária foi: 0 - 5 anos (26,9 por cento), 5 - 10 (21,2 por cento) e 10 - 15 anos (10 por cento). As crianças do sexo masculino mostraram 2,7 maior risco de infecção (OR: 2,7, IC: 1052-7001). Os agentes identificados foram: Giardia lamblia (27,5 por cento), Entamoeba coli (20,6 por cento), Ascaris lumbricoides (14,4 por cento), Enterobius vermicularis (8,8 por cento), Hymenolepis nana (7,5 por cento), Hymenolepis diminuta (5 por cento), ancilostomídeos (3,1 por cento), Trichuris trichiura (2,5 por cento), Endolimax nana (2,5 por cento), Entamoeba hartmanni (2,5 por cento), Strongyloides stercoralis (1,3 por cento), Iodamoeba butschlii (1,3 por cento) e Capillaria hepatica (0,6 por cento). A porcentagem de infecção nas crianças foi alta e mostrou a necessidade de implantação de programas de educação profilática na comunidade.

Taenia solium metacestode immunodominant peptides recognized by IgG antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid and serum paired samples from patients with active and inactive neurocysticercosis

The aim of this study was to test if serological distinction between patients with active and inactive neurocysticercosis (NCC), could be accomplished by the recognition of immunodominant peptides in total saline antigenic extract of Taenia solium metacestodes by IgG antibody in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum paired samples. CSF and serum samples of 10 each, active NCC patients, inactive NCC, and individuals with other neurological disorders, were used to recognize the antigenic peptides by western blot (WB). In the active NCC the 28-32 and 39-42 kDa peptides were more frequently detected in CSF than in sera (p < 0.05). The 47-52, 64-68, and 70 kDa antigens showed high frequencies in both samples from patients with active NCC. All the CSF samples of inactive NCC and other neurological disorder (control) patients tested negative, while serum samples from these last two groups recognized mainly the 80, 86, 95, and 98 kDa bands. This finding eliminates the use of the high molecular weigh bands (> 80 kDa) for diagnosis of NCC. The final conclusions were that the difference between active and inactive NCC may be done with the detection of peptides only in the CSF samples and that the 47-52, 64-68, and 70 kDa bands may be included as specific markers for active NCC when detected in CSF samples by WB using total saline extract of T. solium metacestode.

Use of the paired samples (cerebrospinal fluid and serum) in immunodiagnostic of active and inactive human neurocysticercosis

Paired samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum of 30 patients - 10 with active, 10 with inactive neurocysticercosis (NCC), and 10 control subjects - were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using two Taenia crassiceps metacestode extracts as antigen in order to detect IgG antibodies. In active NCC, high levels of IgG were detected (p < 0.05). The CSF samples showed 80 percent (CI 72-88) of reactivity in the saline extract (S) and 90 percent (CI 84-95) in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) and the serum samples were reactive in 90 percent (CI 84-95) and 100 percent (CI 98-100) in the S and SDS antigenic extracts, respectively. The use of the paired samples of CSF and serum in active NCC showed equivalent results suggesting that the serum samples could be used as a screening in those patients whose CSF puncture is counter-indicated.

Strongyloides ratti antigenic components recognized by IgE antibodies in immunoblotting as an additional tool for improving the immunodiagnosis in human strongyloidiasis

IgE antibody response in human strongyloidiasis was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblotting (IB) using Strongyloides ratti saline extract as heterologous antigen. A total of 50 serum samples of patients who were shedding S. stercoralis larvae in feces (group I, copropositive), 38 of patients with other intestinal parasites (group II), and 38 of subjects with negative results in three parasitologic assays (group III, copronegative) were analyzed. Levels of IgE anti-Strongyloides expressed in ELISA Index (EI) were significantly higher in patients of group I (1.32) than in group II (0.51) and group III (0.81), with positivity rates of 54 percent, 0 percent, and 10.5 percent, respectively. Fifteen S. ratti antigenic components were recognized in IB-IgE by sera of group I, with frequency ranging from 8 percent to 46 percent. In group II, only two antigenic bands (101, 81 kDa) were detected in a frequency of 10 percent and no reactivity was found in group III. Sera with EI values > 1.5 recognized five from 13 specific antigenic bands (70, 63, 61, 44, 7 kDa). It can be concluded that these five antigenic components recognized by IB-IgE using S. ratti antigen might be employed as an additional tool for improving the immunodiagnosis in human strongyloidiasis.

Detection of Cryptosporidium - specific coproantigen in human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients by using a commercially available immunoenzymatic assay

The aim of this study was to verify the occurrence of Cryptosporidium infection in 52 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients (group 1) and 38 clinically healthy individuals (group 2) by using enzyme immunoassay (EIA). All fecal samples collected were submitted to the Baermann, Lutz, and Ritchie methods, the Safranin/Methylene Blue, and Weber's chromotrope modified Trichrome staining techniques, and EIA. In group 1, parasitological staining techniques and EIA were both positive for Cryptosporidium sp. infection in 3/52 (5.8 percent) samples and both negative in 45/52 (86.5 percent) samples, while 4/52 (7.7 percent) samples were positive in EIA and negative in parasitological staining techniques. Concerning group 2, all samples were negative by EIA and microscopy for Cryptosporidium infection. In conclusion, EIA may be an alternative method for detecting Cryptosporidium-specific coproantigen in HIV/AIDS patients.

Heterologous antigen extract in ELISA for the detection of human IgE anti-Strongyloides stercoralis

Extrato contendo larvas de Strongyloides ratti foi usado na padronização de um ELISA para detecção de IgE gênero-específica na estrongiloidíase humana. Foram analisadas 40 amostras de soro de pacientes monoinfectados que estavam eliminando larvas de S. stercoralis nas fezes (Grupo I), 40 de pacientes com outros parasitos intestinais (Grupo II), e 40 indivíduos copronegativos (Grupo III). Níveis de IgE gênero-específica (índice ELISA: EI) foram significativamente maiores no Grupo I (EI = 1,43) do que no II (EI = 0,70) e III (EI = 0,71), mostrando positividade de 55 por cento, 2,5 por cento e 0 por cento, respectivamente. Similarmente, soros dos pacientes copropositivos (Grupo I) apresentaram níveis significativamente maiores de IgE total (866 IU/mL) quando comparados com os soros dos Grupo II (302 IU/mL) e III (143 IU/mL). Uma significativa correlação positiva foi encontrada entre os níveis de IgE específica a Strongyloides sp. e IgE total nos soros de pacientes com estrongiloidíase. Em conclusão, extrato heterólogo de S. ratti mostrou ser uma ferramenta útil para detecção de IgE gênero-específica por ELISA, desta forma contribuindo para melhor caracterização do perfil da resposta imune na estrongiloidíase humana.

Strongyloides venezuelensis alkaline extract for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay

The present study was conducted to detected IgG antibodies using Strongyloides venezuelensis alkaline extract for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sera from 90 subjects were analyzed (30 with strongyloidiasis, 30 with other parasites and 30 healthy individuals). Results were expressed in antibody titers, which were considered as positive when titer was > 80. Sensibility and specificity of the assay were 100 percent and 96.7 percent, respectively. It can be concluded that the heterologous alkaline extract could be employed in ELISA as a diagnostic aid in human strongyloidiasis, due to its advantages as easiness of obtaining, practicability in preparing, and high indexes of sensitivity and specificity

Western blotting using Strongyloides ratti antigen for the detection of IgG antibodies as confirmatory test in human strongyloidiasis

The present study was conducted to evaluate the frequency of antigenic components recognized by serum IgG antibodies in Western blotting (WB) using a Strongyloides ratti larval extract for the diagnosis of human strongyloidiasis. In addition, the WB results were compared to the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT) results. Serum samples of 180 individuals were analyzed (80 with strongyloidiasis, 60 with other intestinal parasitoses, and 40 healthy individuals). S. ratti was obtained from fecal culture of experimentally infected Rattus rattus. For IFAT, S. ratti larvae were used as antigen and S. ratti larval antigenic extracts were employed in WB and ELISA. Eleven S. ratti antigenic components were predominantly recognized by IgG antibodies in sera of patients with strongyloidiasis. There was a positive concordance for the three tests in 87.5 percent of the cases of strongyloidiasis. The negative concordance in the three tests was 94 percent and 97.5 percent, in patients with other intestinal parasitoses and healthy individuals, respectively. In cases of positive ELISA and negative IFAT results, diagnosis could be confirmed by WB. ELISA, IFAT, and WB using S. ratti antigens showed a high rate of sensitivity and specificity. In conclusion, WB using S. ratti larval extract was able to recognize 11 immunodominant antigenic components, showing to be a useful tool to define the diagnosis in cases of equivocal serology

Intestinal parasites and commensals among individuals from a landless camping in the rural area of Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, Brazil

We evaluated the occurrence of intestinal parasites and commensals among children and adults from a landless camping in the rural area of Uberlândia, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, from October to November 2001. Stool samples from 78 individuals were examined by both the Baermann-Moraes and Lutz methods. Fifty-one (65.4 percent; CI 54.8 - 76.0) individuals were found to be infected, 23 (45.1 percent) children and 28 (54.9 percent) adults, of whom 34 (66.7 percent) were mono-infected, 9 (17.6 percent) bi-infected, and 8 (15.7 percent) poly-infected. In conclusion, the high prevalence of intestinal parasites and commensals suggests that parasitological exams should be periodically carried out in addition to the sanitation education and health special care in this population

Ocorrência de parasitas e comensais intestinais em crianças de escola localizada em assentamento de sem-terras em Campo Florido, Minas Gerais, Brasil / Occurrence of intestinal parasites and commensal organisms among schoolchildren living in a 'landless farm workers' settlement in Campo Florido, Minas Gerais, State Brazil

O objetivo deste estudo foi verificar a ocorrência de parasitas e comensais intestinais em crianças de escola localizada em assentamento de sem-terras em Campo Florido, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Exames coproparasitológicos realizados em 72 indivíduos evidenciaram 59,7 por cento de positividade, sendo identificados 4 tipos de protozoários e 5 de helmintos. Concluiu-se que há necessidade de acompanhamento das condições de saúde desta populaçäo