Triatomine fauna in the state of Bahia, Brazil: What changed after 40 years of the vector-control program?

ABSTRACT Background: Neglected tropical diseases are a growing threat to global health, and endemic Chagas disease has emerged as one of the most important health problems in America. The main strategy to prevent Trypanosoma cruzi transmission is chemical control of vectors. This study presents a descriptive analysis of synanthropic triatomines before and after the implementation of a vector-control program in Bahia, Brazil. Methods: Descriptive analysis and geospatial statistics were performed on triatomine data, (1) the relative abundance and (2) proportional spatial distribution, from Bahia during two periods: (A) 1957 to 1971 and (B) 2006 to 2019. Results: We observed a decrease in the relative abundance of Panstrongylus megistus (A: n=22.032, 61.9%; B: n=1.842, 1.0%) and Triatoma infestans (A: n=1.310, 3.7%; B: n=763, 0.43%), as well as an increase in the relative abundance of T. sordida (A: n=8.314, 23.4%, B: n=146.901, 81.6%) and T. pseudomaculata (A: n=894, 2.5%, B: n=16.717, 9.3%). Conclusions: Our results indicate a clear reduction in the occurrence of P. megistus and T. infestans (last record in 2015) and an increase in the relative abundance and geographical distribution of T. sordida and T. pseudomaculata after 40 years of the vector-control program. The high frequency of other triatomine species in the municipalities of the state of Bahia and their abundance in recent years highlight the need to reinforce permanent entomological surveillance actions to prevent Chagas disease.

Phenotypic and genetic variation of Triatoma costalimai (Hemiptera: Reduviidae)

Abstract INTRODUCTION: We aimed to study intraspecific variation in Triatoma costalimai, a potential vector of Chagas disease present in Brazil and Bolivia. METHODS: We analyzed phenotypic (connexivum color patterns, wing morphometrics) and genetic variation (16S mtDNA) of three Brazilian T. costalimai populations. We compared 16S sequences with those of putative Bolivian T. costalimai and its sister species, T. jatai. RESULTS: Brazilian populations had different connexivum color patterns and forewing shapes. A 16S mtDNA haplotype network showed a clear separation of Brazilian T. costalimai from both T. jatai and Bolivian T. costalimai. CONCLUSIONS: We report considerable variability in T. costalimai populations.

Aplicações do Deep Learning para diagnóstico de doenças e identificação de insetos vetores / Deep Learning applications for disease diagnosis and identification of insect vectors

RESUMO Deep Learning é uma técnica de aprendizado de máquina na qual o programa computacional aprende padrões diretamente a partir de imagens classificadas previamente. O presente ensaio objetivou apresentar essa técnica e algumas de suas aplicações para diagnóstico de doenças e identificação de insetos vetores para incentivar profissionais da saúde que não tenham conhecimento aprofundado em informática e que desejem utilizar a ferramenta para realizar análises automatizadas. Deep Learning tem sido aplicado para diagnóstico de câncer, fibrose cardíaca, tuberculose, detecção de parasitos como Plasmodium e Leishmania e ainda para identificação de insetos vetores. Na Universidade de Brasília, a técnica tem sido aplicada para desenvolver uma ferramenta para identificar lesões ulceradas de leishmaniose em diagnóstico diferencial e para detectar Leishmania em lâminas de estudos histopatológicos. Além disso, Deep Learning tem sido usado para identificar as espécies de vetores da doença de Chagas - o que é importante para auxiliar na vigilância epidemiológica. O uso da tecnologia envolve desafios éticos e procedimentais que são discutidos no presente ensaio. O ensaio aponta perspectivas de desenvolvimento de aplicativos que auxiliem os profissionais de saúde no diagnóstico de Leishmaniose e de vetores da doença de Chagas, o que vai ao encontro dos objetivos da pesquisa translacional.

ABSTRACT Deep Learning is a machine learning technique in which the computational algorithm learns patterns directly from images previously classified. The present essay aims to show some of its applications for clinical diagnosis and identification of insect vectors to encourage health professionals who do not have deep knowledge of computer science and who wish to use the tool to perform automated analyzes. Deep Learning has been applied to the diagnosis of cancer, cardiac fibrosis, tuberculosis, detection of parasites such as Plasmodium and Leishmania, and to identify insect vectors. At the University of Brasília, Deep Learning has been used to develop a tool to identify ulcers caused by leishmaniasis, as well as to detect Leishmania parasites. Moreover, Deep Learning was applied to identify the species of vectors of Chagas disease, an important contribution to the epidemiological surveillance of the disease. The use of Deep Learning involves some ethical and procedural issues that are discussed in this paper. Finally, the essay points out perspectives of development of apps that assist health professionals in the diagnosis of Leishmaniasis and Chagas disease vectors, which meets the goals of translational research.

The first Acanthamoeba keratitis case in the Midwest region of Brazil: diagnosis, genotyping of the parasite and disease outcome

Abstract We report an Acanthamoeba keratitis case associated with the use of contact lens in a 28-year-old female from Brasília, Brazil. Samples from corneal scraping and contact lens case were used for culture establishment, PCR amplification, and partial sequencing (fragments of ~400kb) of small subunit rDNA; both culture and PCR were positive. The sequence analyses of the cornea and of isolates from the contact lens case showed similarity with the T4 genotype. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of T4 Acanthamoeba keratitis case from the Midwest region of Brazil.

Synanthropic triatomines as potential vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Central Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Chagas disease surveillance requires current knowledge on synanthropic triatomines. We analyzed the occurrence and Trypanosoma cruzi infection rates of triatomine bugs in central Brazil, during 2012-2014. METHODS: Triatomines were collected inside or around houses, and T. cruzi infection was determined by optical microscopy and conventional/quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Of the 2706 triatomines collected, Triatoma sordida was the most frequent species in Goiás State, whereas Panstrongylus megistus predominated in the Federal District. Parasites identified were T. cruzi, T. rangeli, and Blastocrithidia sp. CONCLUSIONS: P. megistus and T. sordida sustained the risk of T. cruzi transmission to humans in central Brazil.

The role of gallery forests in maintaining Phlebotominae populations: potential Leishmania spp. vectors in the Brazilian savanna

BACKGROUND Knowledge on synanthropic phlebotomines and their natural infection by Leishmania is necessary for the identification of potential areas for leishmaniasis occurrence. OBJECTIVE To analyse the occurrence of Phlebotominae in gallery forests and household units (HUs) in the city of Palmas and to determine the rate of natural infection by trypanosomatids. METHODS Gallery forests and adjacent household areas were sampled on July (dry season) and November (rainy season) in 2014. The total sampling effort was 960 HP light traps and eight Shannon traps. Trypanosomatids were detected in Phlebotominae females through the amplification of the SSU rDNA region, and the positive samples were used in ITS1-PCR. Trypanosomatid species were identified using sequencing. FINDINGS A total of 1,527 sand flies representing 30 species were captured in which 949 (28 spp.) and 578 (22 spp.) were registered in July and November, respectively. In July, more specimens were captured in the gallery forests than in the HUs, and Nyssomyia whitmani was particularly frequent. In November, most of the specimens were found in the HUs, and again, Ny. whitmani was the predominant species. Lutzomyia longipalpis was commonly found in domestic areas, while Bichromomyia flaviscutellata was most frequent in gallery forests. Molecular analysis of 154 pools of females (752 specimens) identified Leishmania amazonensis, L. infantum, and Crithidia fasciculata in Ny. whitmani, as well as L. amazonensis in Lu. longipalpis, Trypanosoma sp. and L. amazonensis in Pintomyia christenseni, and L. amazonensis in both Psathyromyia hermanlenti and Evandromyia walkeri. MAIN CONCLUSIONS These results show the importance of gallery forests in maintaining Phlebotominae populations in the dry month, as well as their frequent occurrence in household units in the rainy month. This is the first study to identify Leishmania, Trypanosoma, and Crithidia species in Phlebotominae collected in Palmas, Tocantins, Brazil.

High frequency of Ascaris lumbricoides in public playgrounds in CENTRAL Brazil

Public playgrounds may be sources of parasite infections. This study analyzed the occurrence of intestinal parasites in playgrounds in the Federal District of Brazil (DF). Seventy sand samples were collected in 14 playgrounds distributed around the DF in 2015-2016 and were processed using the Willis and Hoffman methods. All playgrounds were contaminated with parasites. The parasites identified were Ascaris lumbricoides (33%), Strongyloides sp. (6%), Ancylostomidae (4%), Giardia sp. (4%), Trichuris sp. (3%) Toxocara sp. (3%) and Hymenolepis nana (1%). Results show the potential risk of transmission of parasitic diseases (mainly ascariasis) in playgrounds in central Brazil.

Intestinal parasites in two indigenous ethnic groups in northwestern Amazonia / Parasitos intestinais em dois grupos indígenas no noroeste da Amazônia

Approximately 90% of the population in the northwestern Amazonia is composed of indigenous people and their healthcare is still a challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of parasites in two indigenous ethnic groups (Baré and Baniwa) in northwestern Amazonia. Stool samples from 270 individuals (199 Baniwa and 71 Baré) were analyzed using Richie's method and the spontaneous sedimentation method. Statistical differences among the proportions of infected individuals based on gender, age, and ethnicity were determined. All individuals were infected by protozoans or helminths. The most frequent parasites in the indigenous people were Ascaris lumbricoides (73%), Entamoeba spp. (53%), and Giardia intestinalis (48%). Protozoan parasites were more common among children aged 0-12 years; however, the frequency of helminths, such as hookworms and A. lumbricoides, was higher in adults. There were no significant differences in parasite frequencies between different genders or ethnic groups. Mixed infections by two or more protozoan and/or helminth species were detected in 96% of individuals. One individual was infected by 14 species. A high frequency of intestinal parasites was found in Baré and Baniwa ethnic groups. Improvements to infrastructure and health education programs are required to reduce risk of infection by intestinal parasites.

Aproximadamente 90% da população no noroeste da Amazônia é composta de grupos indígenas e o acesso deles aos serviços de saúde ainda é um desafio. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar a frequência de parasitos em dois grupos indígenas (Baré e Baniwa) no noroeste da Amazônia. Amostras de fezes de 270 indivíduos (199 Baniwa e 71 Baré) foram analisadas pelos métodos de Richie e sedimentação espontânea. Foram determinadas diferenças estatísticas entre as proporções de indivíduos infectados com base no sexo, idade e etnia. Todos os indivíduos estavam infectados por protozoários ou helmintos. Os parasitos mais frequentes nos índios foram Ascaris lumbricoides (73%), Entamoeba spp. (53%), e Giardia intestinalis (48%). Protozoários parasitos foram mais comuns entre as crianças com idade entre 0-12 anos; no entanto, a frequência de ancilostomídeos e A. lumbricoides foi maior em adultos. Não houve diferenças significativas nas frequências de parasitos entre os diferentes sexos ou grupos étnicos. Infecções mistas por duas ou mais espécies de protozoários e/ou helmintos foram detectadas em 96% dos indivíduos. Um indivíduo estava infectado por 14 espécies. Uma alta frequência de parasitos intestinais foi encontrada em indígenas dos grupos Baré e Baniwa. Melhorias dos programas de infra-estrutura e educação em saúde são necessárias para reduzir o risco de infecção por parasitos intestinais.

An update on the epidemiological situation of spotted fever in Brazil

Background Spotted fever is a tick-borne rickettsial disease. In Brazil, its notification to the Ministry of Health is compulsory. Since 2007, cases of spotted fever have been integrated to the Notifiable Diseases Information System, and epidemiological analyzes are part of the routines on surveillance programs. Methods This descriptive study updates epidemiological information on cases of spotted fever registered in Brazil between 2007 and 2015. Results In Brazil, 17,117 suspected cases of the disease were reported and 1,245 were confirmed in 12 states, mainly in São Paulo (550, 44.2 %) and Santa Catarina (276, 22.2 %). No geographic information was registered for 132 cases (10.6 %). Most of the infected people were men (70.9 %), mainly in rural areas (539, 43.3 %), who had contact with ticks (72.7 %). A higher number of suspected cases were registered between 2011 and 2015, but the number of confirmed cases and the incidence were relatively low. Moreover, 411 deaths were registered between 2007 and 2015, mainly in the southeastern region of the country, where the case-fatality rate was 55 %. Lack of proper filling of important fields of notification forms was also observed. Conclusions The results showed expansion of suspected cases of spotted fever and high case-fatality rates, which could be related to diagnostic difficulties and lack of prompt treatment. These factors may comprise limitations to the epidemiological surveillance system in Brazil, hence improvement of notification and investigation are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality due to spotted fever in Brazil.(AU)

An update on the epidemiological situation of spotted fever in Brazil

Spotted fever is a tick-borne rickettsial disease. In Brazil, its notification to the Ministry of Health is compulsory. Since 2007, cases of spotted fever have been integrated to the Notifiable Diseases Information System, and epidemiological analyzes are part of the routines on surveillance programs. Methods This descriptive study updates epidemiological information on cases of spotted fever registered in Brazil between 2007 and 2015. Results In Brazil, 17,117 suspected cases of the disease were reported and 1,245 were confirmed in 12 states, mainly in São Paulo (550, 44.2 %) and Santa Catarina (276, 22.2 %). No geographic information was registered for 132 cases (10.6 %). Most of the infected people were men (70.9 %), mainly in rural areas (539, 43.3 %), who had contact with ticks (72.7 %). A higher number of suspected cases were registered between 2011 and 2015, but the number of confirmed cases and the incidence were relatively low. Moreover, 411 deaths were registered between 2007 and 2015, mainly in the southeastern region of the country, where the case-fatality rate was 55 %. Lack of proper filling of important fields of notification forms was also observed. Conclusions The results showed expansion of suspected cases of spotted fever and high case-fatality rates, which could be related to diagnostic difficulties and lack of prompt treatment. These factors may comprise limitations to the epidemiological surveillance system in Brazil, hence improvement of notification and investigation are crucial to reduce morbidity and mortality due to spotted fever in Brazil.

Frequency of intestinal parasites and commensals in street waste pickers from two cooperatives in the Brazilian Federal District

This study describes the occurrence of intestinal parasites and commensals among street waste pickers (SWPs) of two cooperatives of recyclable materials in the Federal District, Brazil. Stool samples from 75 individuals were analyzed using the Rugai method and spontaneous sedimentation. A questionnaire was applied to assess the awareness of SWPs regarding diseases caused by garbage handling and their prevention methods. Sixty SWPs (80%) were diagnosed with intestinal helminths or protozoa. The most frequent protozoa found were Entamoeba coli (43%), Endolimax nana (28%), and Entamoeba hartmanni (15%), and helminths such as Ascaris lumbricoides (12%), hookworms (8%), and Strongyloides stercoralis (8%) were also found. Other species identified in the workers were E. histolytica/dispar (8%), Giardia lamblia (7%), Hymenolepis diminuta (3%), and Hymenolepis nana (3%). Thirty nine SWPs (65%) had mixed infections. Most (80%) SWPs reported having parasitic diseases in the past, and 72% reported having undergone a stool test. All individuals considered important to use personal protective equipment but only 40% wore gloves. The adoption of healthy hygiene habits and the proper use of personal protective equipment should decrease the occurrence of intestinal parasites in these individuals

Geographic distribution of phlebotomine sandfly species (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Central-West Brazil

This study updates the geographic distributions of phlebotomine species in Central-West Brazil and analyses the climatic factors associated with their occurrence. The data were obtained from the entomology services of the state departments of health in Central-West Brazil, scientific collections and a literature review of articles from 1962-2014. Ecological niche models were produced for sandfly species with more than 20 occurrences using the Maxent algorithm and eight climate variables. In all, 2,803 phlebotomine records for 127 species were analysed. Nyssomyia whitmani, Evandromyia lenti and Lutzomyia longipalpis were the species with the greatest number of records and were present in all the biomes in Central-West Brazil. The models, which were produced for 34 species, indicated that the Cerrado areas in the central and western regions of Central-West Brazil were climatically more suitable to sandflies. The variables with the greatest influence on the models were the temperature in the coldest months and the temperature seasonality. The results show that phlebotomine species in Central-West Brazil have different geographical distribution patterns and that climate conditions in essentially the entire region favour the occurrence of at least one Leishmania vector species, highlighting the need to maintain or intensify vector control and surveillance strategies.

Factors associated with the occurrence of Triatoma sordida (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in rural localities of Central-West Brazil

This study estimates the factors of artificial environments (houses and peridomestic areas) associated with Triatoma sordida occurrence. Manual searches for triatomines were performed in 136 domiciliary units (DUs) in two rural localities of Central-West Brazil. For each DU, 32 structural, 23 biotic and 28 management variables were obtained. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed in order to identify statistically significant variables associated with occurrence of T. sordida in the study areas. A total of 1,057 specimens (99% in peridomiciles, mainly chicken coops) of T. sordida were collected from 63 DUs (infestation: 47%; density: ~8 specimens/DU; crowding: ~17 specimens/infested DU; colonisation: 81%). Only six (0.6%) out of 945 specimens examined were infected with Trypanosoma cruzi. The final adjusted logistic regression model indicated that the probability of T. sordida occurrence was higher in DU with wooden chicken coops, presence of > 30 animals in wooden corrals, presence of wood piles and presence of food storeroom. The results show the persistence of T. sordida in peridomestic habitats in rural localities of Central-West Brazil. However, the observed low intradomestic colonisation and minimal triatomine infection rates indicate that T. sordida has low potential to sustain high rates of T. cruzi transmission to residents of these localities.

Susceptibility of different Rhodnius species (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) to a Brazilian strain of Trypanosoma rangeli (SC58/KP1-) / Sensibilidad de diferentes especies de Rhodnius (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) a una cepa brasileña de Trypanosoma rangeli (SC58/KP1-)

Introduction: Specific host-parasite a ssociations have been detected experimentally and suggest that triatomines of the genus Rhodnius act as biological filters in the transmission of Trypanosoma rangeli . Objective: To analyze the susceptibility of four Rhodnius species ( Rhodnius robustus , Rhodnius neglectus , Rhodnius nasutus and Rhodnius pictipes ) to a Brazilian strain of T. rangeli (SC-58/KP1-). Materials and methods: We selected t hirty nymphs of each species, which were fed on blood infected with T. rangeli . Periodically, samples of feces and hemolymph were analyzed. Triatomines with T. rangeli in their hemolymph were fed on mice to check for transmission by bites. Later, the triatomines were dissected to confirm salivary gland infection. Results: Specimens of R. pictipes showed higher rates of intestinal infection compared to the other three species. Epimastigotes and trypomastigotes were detected in hemolymph of four species; however, parasitism was lower in the species of the R. robustus lineage. Rhodnius robustus and R. neglectus specimens did not transmit T. rangeli by bite; after dissection, their glands were not infected. Only one specimen of R. nasutus and two of R. pictipes transmitted the parasite by bite. The rate of salivary gland infection was 16% for R. pictipes and 4% for R. nasutus . Conclusions: Both infectivity (intestinal, hemolymphatic and glandular) and transmission of T. rangeli (SC58/KP1-) were greater and more efficient in R. pictipes. These results reinforce the hypothesis that these triatomines may act as biological filters in the transmission of T. rangeli .

Introducción. Se han detectado asociaciones biológicas huésped-parásito específicas que sugieren que los triatominos del género Rhodnius podrían actuar como filtros biológicos en la transmisión de Trypanosoma rangeli . Objetivo. Estudiar la sensibilidad de cuatro especies de Rhodnius ( Rhodnius robustus , Rhodnius neglectus , Rhodnius nasutus y Rhodnius p ictipes ) frente a la cepa de T. rangeli (SC-58/KP1-). Materiales y métodos. Se seleccionaron treinta ninfas de cada especie después de xenodiagnóstico artificial en sangre infectada con T. rangeli. Se examinaron periódicamente m uestras de heces y hemolinfa. Los insectos con hemolinfas infectadas fueron alimentados en ratones a fin de comprobar la transmisión por picadura y posteriormente disecados para confirmar la infección de las glándulas salivales . Resultados . En Rhodnius pictipes se encontró un mayor porcentaje de infección intestinal que en las otras especies . Se detectaron epimastigotes y tripomastigotes en la hemolinfa de las cuatro especies , y se encontró que el parasitismo fue menor en las especies del linaje R. robustus . Rhodnius robustus y R. neglectus no transmitían T. rangeli a ratones por picadura: después de la disección , sus glándulas no estaban infectadas. Solo un espécimen de R. nasutus y dos de R. pictipes transmitieron el parásito por la picadura . La tasa de infección glandular fue de 16 % para R. pictipes y de 4 % para R. nasutus . Conclusiones . La capacidad infecciosa ( hemolinfática, intestinal y glandular ) y la transmisión de T. rangeli (SC-58/KP1-) fueron mayores y más eficientes en R. pictipes . Estos resultados refuerzan la hipótesis de que estos triatominos actúan como filtros biológicos en la transmisión de T. rangeli .

Bloodsucking insects in rural áreas adjacent to the Corumbá IV hydroelectric dam reservoir, Santo Antônio do Descoberto, Goiás, Brazil

Eutrophic reservoirs of hydroelectric dams may favor the proliferation of macrophytes andbloodsucking insects. Currently, macrophyte overgrowth has been observed in some stretches ofthe Corumbá IV hydroelectric dam (CIV) reservoir. The occurrence of bloodsucking insects wasanalyzed in rural areas adjacent to the CIV reservoir. In two periods (March and July/August) tenhouses in the area with increased macrophyte proliferation (AG) and ten others in the area with lowmacrophyte proliferation (AP) were selected and sampled. Additionally, 100 macrophytes fromeach area were analyzed. A total of 35,788 insects were captured in light traps and 28 percent of thembelonged to families of bloodsucking insects, especially Culicidae. The occurrence of culicids wasdifferent between the AG and AP areas (p<0.05). Mosquitoes were more frequent and abundant inthe AG area. The larval survey showed that 100 percent of the houses visited had potential for mosquitobreeding. Overall, 302 mosquito larvae were collected among macrophytes, mainly in the AG area.It is concluded that there is a higher frequency of mosquitoes in areas with increased macrophyteproliferation, but the CIV reservoir is not the only breeding source of mosquitoes in the studied areas.

Reservatórios de usinas hidrelétricas, quando eutrofizados, podem favorecer a proliferação demacrófitas e insetos hematófagos. Nos últimos anos, tem sido observado um crescimento excessivode macrófitas em alguns trechos do reservatório da hidrelétrica Corumbá IV (CIV). O estudoobjetivou analisar a ocorrência de insetos hematófagos em áreas rurais adjacentes ao reservatório daCIV. Foram selecionadas dez casas em área com grande proliferação de macrófitas (AG) e outras dezem área com baixa proliferação de macrófitas (AP), que foram amostradas em dois períodos (marçoe julho/agosto). Adicionalmente, analisaram-se 100 macrófitas em cada área. Foram capturados35.788 insetos nas armadilhas luminosas e 28 por cento deles pertenciam a famílias de insetos hematófagos,especialmente Culicidae. A ocorrência de culicídeos foi diferente entre as áreas AG e AP (p<0,05),uma vez que estes foram mais frequentes e abundantes na área AG. A pesquisa larvária mostrou que100 por cento das casas visitadas apresentaram potenciais criadouros de mosquitos. No total, 302 larvas demosquitos foram coletadas nas macrófitas, sobretudo na área AG. Pode-se concluir que há maiorfrequência de culicídeos nas áreas com maior proliferação de macrófitas, porém o reservatório CIVnão é o único criadouro de mosquitos nas áreas estudadas.

Predicting geographic distributions of Phacellodomus species (Aves: Furnariidae) in South America based on ecological niche modeling / Predição das distribuições geográficas das espécies de Phacellodomus (Aves: Furnariidae) na América do Sul utilizando modelagem de nicho ecológico

Phacellodomus Reichenbach, 1853, comprises nine species of Furnariids that occur in South America in open and generally dry areas. This study estimated the geographic distributions of Phacellodomus species in South America by ecological niche modeling. Applying maximum entropy method, models were produced for eight species based on six climatic variables and 949 occurrence records. Since highest climatic suitability for Phacellodomus species has been estimated in open and dry areas, the Amazon rainforest areas are not very suitable for these species. Annual precipitation and minimum temperature of the coldest month are the variables that most influence the models. Phacellodomus species occurred in 35 ecoregions of South America. Chaco and Uruguayan savannas were the ecoregions with the highest number of species. Despite the overall connection of Phacellodomus species with dry areas, species such as P. ruber, P. rufifrons, P. ferrugineigula and P. erythrophthalmus occurred in wet forests and wetland ecoregions.

Phacellodomus Reichenbach, 1853 é composto por nove espécies de furnarídeos que ocorrem na América do Sul em áreas abertas e geralmente secas. Este estudo objetivou estimar as distribuições geográficas das espécies de Phacellodomus utilizando modelagem de nicho ecológico. Os modelos foram desenvolvidos com base em seis variáveis climáticas e 949 registros de ocorrência de oito espécies, utilizando o algoritmo Maxent. Maior adequabilidade climática para as espécies de Phacellodomus foi estimada em áreas abertas e secas. Áreas úmidas na Amazônia não foram muito favoráveis para a ocorrência dessas espécies. A precipitação anual e a temperatura mínima do mês mais frio foram as variáveis que mais influenciaram os modelos. As espécies de Phacellodomus ocorreram em 35 ecorregiões da América do Sul. O Chaco e as savanas do Uruguai foram as ecorregiões com o maior número de espécies. Apesar da ampla ocorrência das espécies Phacellodomus em áreas secas, espécies como P. ruber, P. rufifrons, P. ferrugineigula e P. erythrophthalmus ocorreram em florestas úmidas e ecorregiões alagadas.

Ocorrência de parasitos intestinais em hortaliças comercializadas em feiras no Distrito Federal, Brasil / Intestinal parsites in vegetables commercialized in markets from Federal District, Brazil

Infecções parasitárias ocorrem em decorrência de precárias condições sanitárias e maus hábitos de higienização. Hortaliças comercializadas em feiras livres podem representar risco para a saúde pública por serem consumidas cruas pela população e, eventualmente, estarem contaminadas com cistos de protozoários, ovos e/ou larvas de helmintos parasitos. Com o objetivo de descrever a ocorrência desses organismos em hortaliças comercializadas em feiras, foram analisadas amostras de agrião (Nasturtium officinale R. Br), alface-crespa (Lactuca sativa L.) e rúcula (Eruca sativa Mill) em dez Regiões Administrativas do Distrito Federal, no período de fevereiro a abril de 2013, pelo método de sedimentação espontânea. Observou-se que todas as feiras comercializavam hortaliças contaminadas por algum organismo (protozoários, helmintos e/ou artrópodes). Os parasitos intestinais detectados foram Entamoeba sp., E. coli, Strongyloides sp., Ascaris sp, Enterobius vermicularis e Ancylostomidae. Concluiu-se que as hortaliças comercializadas nas feiras públicas do DF podem veicular parasitos intestinais caso não sejam devidamente higienizadas.

Parasitic infections occur due to poor sanitary conditions and hygiene habits. Vegetables sold in open markets may pose a risk to public health because they are eaten raw by the population and eventually be contaminated with protozoan cysts, eggs and/or larvae of helminthes parasites. In order to describe the occurrence of these parasites in vegetables sold in open markets, samples of watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br), lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and arugula (Eruca sativa Mill) collected in ten administrative regions of the Federal District of Brazil were analyzed between February and April 2013, using the method of sedimentation. It was observed that all open markets sold vegetables contaminated by some organism (protozoans, helminthes and/or arthropods). The intestinal parasites detected were Entamoeba sp., E. coli, Strongyloides sp. Ascaris sp, Enterobius vermicularis and Ancylostomidae. It is concluded that vegetables sold in the open markets of the Federal District of Brazil may facilitate the transmission of intestinal parasites if not properly sanitized.

Factors associated with the occurrence of intestinal parasites in children living in the federal district of Brazil

This study aimed to describe factors associated with the occurrence of intestinal parasites in children living in the Federal District of Brazil (FD). Between 2012 and 2013 fecal samples from 193 children of Riacho Fundo II (RF, n=73) and Ceilândia (CE, n=120) were examined using Rugai and Lutz’s methods. Socioeconomic and health variables were obtained through interviews with the children’s parents. The association between these variables and the occurrence of parasites was analyzed by chi-squared or Fisher’s exact tests. The occurrence of parasites in RF (79 percent) was higher than in CE (54 percent). The most frequent parasites were Giardia intestinalis (RF=15 percent, CE=9 percent), Hymenolepis nana (RF=44 percent, CE=0 percent) and Ascaris lumbricoides (RF=30 percent, CE=2 percent). In CE, a higher frequency of parasites was found in children living in crowded houses and also in houses with domestic animals present. In RF, a higher frequency of parasites was found in children whose families did not wash fruit and vegetables hygienically. A relevant occurrence of intestinal parasites in children was found in the FD, where there is a treated water supply and sewage system. We concluded that poor hygiene habits are the key factors in the transmission of intestinal parasites in FD.

O objetivo do estudo foi descrever fatores associados à ocorrência de enteroparasitos em crianças no Distrito Federal (DF). Entre 2012 e 2013, foram examinadas amostras de fezes de 193 crianças das regiões administrativas de Riacho Fundo II (RF, n=73) e Ceilândia (CE, n=120) pelos métodos Rugai e Lutz. As variáveis socioeconômicas e sanitárias foram obtidas por meio de questionários aplicados às famílias e a associação com a ocorrência de enteroparasitos foi analisada pelo teste qui-quadrado. A ocorrência de enteroparasitos em RF (79 porcento) foi maior que em CE (54 porcento) e os mais frequentes foram: Giardia intestinalis (RF=15 porcento, CE=9 porcento), Hymenolepis nana (RF=44 porcento, CE=0 porcento) e Ascaris lumbricoides (RF=30 porcento, CE=2 porcento). Verificou-se frequência mais elevada de parasitos entre crianças de CE que viviam em casas com maior número de moradores e nas quais havia a presença de animais domésticos. Também foi encontrada frequência mais elevada de parasitos entre crianças de RF cujas famílias não higienizavam frutas e verduras. Uma relevante ocorrência de parasitos intestinais em crianças foi constatada no DF onde existem boas condições de saneamento básico. Conclui-se que, precários hábitos de higiene são fatores fundamentais para a transmissão de enteroparasitos no DF.