Occurrence and distribution of Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister, 1835) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae) in a metropolitan area of Southern Brazil

ABSTRACT Two triatomine genera (Panstrongylus and Triatoma) have essentially been recorded in Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Panstrongylus megistus should be highlighted since this species is one of the main vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi in Brazil, due to its wide geographical distribution and the high susceptibility to this protozoan. This study aimed to present not only the occurrence and distribution of P. megistus in the Porto Alegre city's metropolitan area (PAMA), Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil, but also the rates of T. cruzi infection, from 2009 to 2020. The PAMA, which comprises 34 cities and 4.4 million habitants, extends across the transition area in two biomes - Pampa and Mata Atlantica - found in the state. Results showed that P. megistus was recorded in 76.5% of cities (i.e., 26 out of 34), mainly in Porto Alegre city, where the vector was found in 11 out of the 12 years that were monitored. Three hundred and nineteen specimens were captured. Two hundred and sixty-seven specimens (83.7%) were located intradomicile (p < 0.0001), while 52.3% positivity for T. cruzi was found. Thus, P. megistus is important in the PAMA, because it invades and colonizes the households. Moreover, the high rates of T. cruzi infection have drawn attention.

Triatoma rubrovaria (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) in the Pampa biome, Brazil: a retrospective study of its occurrence and abundance

ABSTRACT Triatoma rubrovaria has been captured in some areas of Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), Brazil, as this species can be found in the Pampa biome. Its distribution across this biome should be described in detail to verify the potential of this vector to transmit Trypanosoma cruzi. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of T. rubrovaria in the Pampa biome and transitional areas of RS. The collected information resulted from the analysis of secondary data provided by the Centro Estadual de Vigilancia em Saude (CEVS - State's Center of Health Surveillance). The following aspects were taken into consideration: the year in which the insect was captured, the city, the number of specimens captured, invasion or domiciliation, the notification in the household, surroundings or both, and T. cruzi infection. The data comprised the period from 2009 to 2020, in 109 cities located in the Pampa biome and 98 located in transitional areas. The Pampa biome exhibited 85% of the occurrences of T. rubrovaria, while 1.2% of specimens were T. cruzi-like positive. Both the first and second biennia concentrated 64.6% of captures. Alegrete city, Cangucu city and Piratini city were the locations in the Pampa where the largest numbers of specimens were found. Regarding the transitional areas, Roque Gonzales city, Santiago city and Santana da Boa Vista city exhibited the largest numbers. Most insects were adults, which were found in households. Even though positivity for T. cruzi-like was low, the species still has epidemiological importance in the region.

Soil contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs in elementary school playgrounds in the extreme south of Brazil / Contaminação do solo de praças de recreação de escolas de ensino fundamental por ovos de Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp. no extremo sul do Brasil

Abstract Millions of people worldwide, and especially schoolchildren, may be infected by geohelminths due to their exposure to a contaminated environment. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. eggs in recreation areas at elementary schools in Pelotas, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Sand samples were collected from 22 schools and were processed using the centrifugal flotation method. Helminth eggs with zoonotic potential were found in 12 out of the 22 schools (54.5%). Contamination by Ancylostoma spp. and Toxocara spp. was observed in 36.4% (8/22) and 27.3% (6/22) of the soil samples collected at these schools, respectively. These findings of eggs show that the school communities are exposed to risks of zoonotic transmission.

Resumo Milhões de pessoas podem ser acometidas por geohelmintos, especialmente crianças em idade escolar, devido a sua maior exposição a ambientes contaminados. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a contaminação do solo por ovos de Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp. em áreas de recreação de escolas de ensino fundamental da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram colhidas amostras de areia de 22 escolas e processadas pelo método de centrífugo-flutuação. Em 54,5% (12/22) das escolas houve registro da presença de ovos de helmintos com potencial zoonótico. A contaminação por Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp. foi observada em 36,4% (8/22) e 27,3% (6/22) das amostras de solo das escolas, respectivamente. Existe a presença de ovos de Ancylostoma spp. e Toxocara spp., havendo risco de transmissão de zoonoses à comunidade escolar.

Seroprevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi infection in blood donors in the extreme South of Brazil

ABSTRACT Background: We aimed to evaluate the seroprevalence of Chagas disease among blood donors in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Methods: The study was conducted from 2010 to 2019 based on data registered by the Hemocentro Regional de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul. Results: There were 106,320 blood donations, and the discard rate of blood bags, either due to positive reactions to anti-T. cruzi antibodies or inconclusive results was 0.27% (283 bags). Conclusions: The usage of methods that enable the safe identification of donors with positive serology for Chagas disease is fundamental to ensure transfusional safety.

Residual foci of Triatoma infestans infestation: Surveillance and control in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, 2001-2018

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This retrospective study conducted from 2001 to 2018 investigated the residual foci of Triatoma infestans infestation in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. METHODS: The data were obtained via entomological surveillance and the distribution of vector occurrence. The coverage of active research was mapped. RESULTS: The largest coverage rate for active research was observed in the northwest region of the total of 515,081 domiciles researched. Most T. infestans specimens were captured in the peridomicile. CONCLUSIONS: Infestation has decreased significantly since 2008, and T. infestans has not been captured since 2015.

Helminth eggs with zoonotic potential in the vicinity of public schools in southern Brazil / Ovos de helmintos com potencial zoonótico nas proximidades de escolas públicas no extremo sul do Brasil

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate environmental contamination by helminth eggs with zoonotic potential that were found in dog feces in the vicinity of elementary schools. Seventy-nine samples of dog feces were collected from 28 municipal schools located in five neighborhoods in Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The samples were processed using the Willis-Mollay technique and analyzed using an optical microscope (40X), to identify any parasite eggs present. All neighborhoods were positive and 74.7% of the samples exhibited one or more helminth genera. The agent with the highest prevalence was Ancylostoma spp. (93.2%), followed by Trichuris spp. (18.6%), Toxocara spp. (11.9%) and Toxascaris (1.7%). These data show that there is a need for greater care towards controlling these helminths with zoonotic potential, including responsible pet ownership and daily activities to clean and collect dog feces in the vicinity of schools, because these are places where children play and study.

Resumo O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a contaminação ambiental por ovos de helmintos com potencial zoonótico, diagnosticados em fezes caninas depositadas nas proximidades de escolas primárias. Setenta e nove amostras de fezes foram colhidas em 28 escolas municipais localizadas em cinco bairros da cidade de Pelotas, Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil. As amostras foram processadas pela técnica de Willis-Mollay e analisadas em microscópio óptico (40X), para identificar quaisquer parasitos presentes. Todos os bairros foram positivos e 74,7% das amostras apresentaram um ou mais gêneros de helmintos. O agente com maior prevalência foi Ancylostoma spp. (93,2%), seguido por Trichuris spp. (18,6%), Toxocara spp. (11,9%) e Toxascaris (1,7%). Esses dados mostram que há necessidade de maior cuidado no controle desses helmintos com potencial zoonótico, incluindo a posse responsável dos animais e atividades diárias de limpeza e colheita de fezes de cães nas proximidades das escolas, porque esses são locais onde as crianças brincam e estudam.

Seroprevalence of anti-TRYPANOSOMA CRUZI and anti-TOXOPLASMA GONDII antibodies in possible and potential organ donors in the south of Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Serological profiles are important in cases of solid organ donation where serological findings, such as antibodies against Trypanosoma cruzi and toxoplasmosis, may interfere in organ donation by increasing morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to outline seroprevalence of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi and anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in possible and potential organ donors in the south of Rio Grande do Sul (RS) State, Brazil. A cross-sectional quantitative and retrospective epidemiological study was carried out, based on secondary data. Data on serology were extracted from medical records found in the Sistema de Gestão Hospitalar (SIGH), a hospital management system used by a university hospital in the south of RS, Brazil. Sociodemographic variables, such as age, sex and race, as well as clinical variables, such as titration of IgM and IgG anti-T. cruzi and anti­T. gondii antibodies, were analyzed. Medical records were found to be poorly filled in, since 67.6% (506 records) could not be used due to lack of information. Seroprevalence of T. cruzi was 6.8% (5 cases), mostly in white males. Regarding seroprevalence of T. gondii, 76.2% (64 donors) were serologicaly positive, 10.9% of which were IgM positive. This is the first study on anti-T. cruzi and anti-T. gondii antibodies in organ donors in RS, Brazil and should be furthered since there may be consequences regarding organ uptake and donation.

Ovicidal and larvicidal potential of Rosmarinus officinalis to control gastrointestinal nematodes of sheep / Potencial ovicida e larvicida de Rosmarinus officinalis para controle de nematódeos gastrintestinais de ovinos

Abstract Gastrointestinal Nematode Infection (GIN) are the main constraint to the production of small ruminants. Studies of medicinal plants have been an important alternative in the effort to control these parasites. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the in vitro ovicidal and larvicidal activity of essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis. The oil was extracted, analyzed by gas chromatography and tested on GIN eggs and larvae in six concentrations, 227.5mg/mL, 113.7mg/mL, 56.8mg/mL, 28.4mg/mL, 14.2mg/mL and 7.1mg/mL. To determine the ovicidal activity, GIN eggs were recovered from sheep feces and incubated for 48h with different concentrations of the oil. For the evaluation of larval migration, third-stage larvae (L3) were obtained by fecal culture, and associated with the essential oil for 24h at the same concentrations, after which they were left for another 24 hours on microsieves, followed by the count of migrating and non-migrating larvae. The assays of R. officinalis oil showed a significant (p<0.05) 97.4% to 100% inhibition of egg hatching and a significant (p<0.05) 20% to 74% inhibition of larval migration. The main constituent revealed by gas chromatography was Eucalyptol. The results indicate that R. officinalis essential oil has ovicidal and larvicidal activity on sheep GINs.

Resumo As infecções por nematódeos gastrintestinais (ING) constituem a maior limitação à produção de pequenos ruminantes. Na busca do controle desses parasitos, estudos com plantas medicinais têm sido uma importante alternativa. Visto isto, o estudo desenvolvido teve como objetivo avaliar a ação ovicida e larvicida in vitro do óleo essencial de Rosmarinus officinalis. O óleo foi extraído, analisado por cromatografia gasosa e testado sobre ovos e larvas de ING em seis concentrações, 227,5mg/mL; 113,7mg/mL; 56,8mg/mL; 28,4mg/mL; 14,2mg/mL; 7,1mg/mL. Para determinar a ação ovicida, ovos de ING foram recuperados de fezes de ovinos e incubados por 48h com as diferentes concentrações do óleo. Na avaliação da migração das larvas, as larvas de terceiro estágio (L3) foram obtidas por coprocultura, e associadas ao óleo essencial por 24h nas mesmas concentrações, permanecendo por mais 24h em microtamises, seguindo-se a contagem de larvas que migraram e que não migraram. Os testes in vitro com o óleo de R. officinalis mostraram o nível de significância (p<0.05) 97,4% a 100% na inibição da eclodibilidade e 20% a 74% na inibição da migração das larvas. Na análise por cromatografia gasosa o constituinte majoritário foi o eucaliptol. Os resultados apresentados mostram que o óleo essencial de R. officinalis possui ação ovicida e larvicida sobre ING de ovinos.

Health education in chagas disease control: making an educational video

Several studies have shown that the population has relatively little information regarding Chagas disease (CD) and its vectors; however, this knowledge is relevant because community participation is vital for success in disease control actions. For this reason, and due to the lack of audiovisual material on this subject in the country, this study focused on making an educational documentary on CD and its vectors, which could be available to the population for free. The video preparation was divided into three phases: Pre-production, Production and Post-production. The site chosen for shooting was northwestern Rio Grande do Sul State due to the Triatoma infestans vector persistence in recent decades in that area. A documentary was obtained which addresses relevant CD aspects, such as its history, transmission, major vectors and biology, phases of the disease and, in particular, how to inspect the intra-domiciliary and peri-domiciliary areas in search of triatomine bugs or "kissing bugs". The use of videos as an educational tool helps broadcast information; therefore, this documentary is a public use tool, which aims to promote the control and prophylaxis of CD and its vectors.

Prevalence of and risk factors for intestinal parasite infections in pediatric patients admitted to public hospitals in Southern Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of intestinal parasitosis and to identify risk factors associated therewith in hospitalized children. METHODS: Three fecal samples from each patient were evaluated using three different techniques. The patients' nutritional and socioeconomic status and hematologic profiles were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 106 children, 32.1% tested positive for intestinal parasitosis. The associated risk factors were low parental education levels and children's nail-biting habit. Eosinophilia, observed in 15 cases, was not associated with parasitosis. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend routine fecal parasitologic examination for hospitalized children and implementation of educational campaigns on the prevention of these diseases.

Trichomonas vaginalis / awareness of trichomoniasis in women attended by the health service of Bagé, RS, Brazil

This study aimed to measure the level of awareness of Trichomonas vaginalis / trichomoniasis and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), in 300 women from 19 municipalities in the southwest region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, who sought the gynecology sector of the Basic Healthcare Centers in the Municipality of Bagé from January to June 2013. The data were collected through a semi-structured questionnaire, and the results were tabulated and organized using Excel® 2010 software. Only 5.7% of the participants said they were aware of T. vaginalis / trichomoniasis and had a little information on HIV and Aids in reference to other STDs. Schooling alone was significant (p = 0.0135), as women who had a high school diploma or higher education were 6.6 times more likely to be aware of T. vaginalis. There is, therefore, a need to devise better educational campaigns, addressing this and other STDs, such as trichomoniasis, given the lack of knowledge about this parasite, its high frequency and possible escalation.

Intestinal parasite prevalence in schoolchildren from northwestern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil

Parasites are often a public health hazard, especially among schoolchildren. The transmission of these parasites is associated with poor hygiene and sanitation, as well as close contact between people. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of intestinal parasitic infections in schoolchildren from the rural and urban areas of the Palmeira das Missões county, a major town in northwestern Rio Grande do Sul State. Fecal samples from 209 schoolchildren aged three to fourteen were analyzed. The Hoffman, Pons and Janer, Faust, Ritchie, and Kinyoun's stain for coccidea parasite detection techniques were applied. 59.3% of the patients were positive for pathogenic or commensal parasites. The most common parasites were Ascaris lumbricoides, Entamoeba coli, Giardia duodenalis and Cryptosporidium spp., respectively. There were no significant differences in positivity among schoolchildren from rural and urban areas. Low family income and the mothers' schooling (up to 8 years of education) were statistically significant for the presence of parasites. This is the first parasite study carried out in the Palmeira das Missões county

Prevalence of Trypanosoma cruzi/HIV coinfection in southern Brazil

Abstract Chagas disease reactivation has been a defining condition for acquired immune deficiency syndrome in Brazil for individuals coinfected with Trypanosoma cruzi and HIV since 2004. Although the first coinfection case was reported in the 1980s, its prevalence has not been firmly established. In order to know coinfection prevalence, a cross-sectional study of 200 HIV patients was performed between January and July 2013 in the city of Pelotas, in southern Rio Grande do Sul, an endemic area for Chagas disease. Ten subjects were found positive for T. cruzi infection by chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay and indirect immunofluorescence. The survey showed 5% coinfection prevalence among HIV patients (95% CI: 2.0-8.0), which was 3.8 times as high as that estimated by the Ministry of Health of Brazil. Six individuals had a viral load higher than 100,000 copies per µL, a statistically significant difference for T. cruzi presence. These findings highlight the importance of screening HIV patients from Chagas disease endemic areas.

Trypanosoma cruzi seroprevalence and associated risk factors in cancer patients from Southern Brazil

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of Chagas disease in patients treated at a Public Oncology Service in the City of Pelotas, Southern Brazil. METHODS: This study included 200 individuals undergoing cancer treatment and involved the use of a questionnaire and venous blood collection for the detection of anti-Trypanosoma cruzi antibody. RESULTS: The study found a 5% prevalence of patient seropositivity. Significant variables are presented and discussed in the article. CONCLUSIONS: Serological T. cruzi checks are recommended in cancer patients, especially individuals from endemic areas in Brazil and other Latin American countries.

Assessment of the housing improvement program for chagas disease control in the northwestern municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Abstract INTRODUCTION: The Housing Improvement Program for Chagas Disease Control (HIPCDC) was established in 2001 in Northwestern Rio Grande do Sul State, aiming to improve the conditions of the domiciliary and peridomiciliary environments to make them resistant to triatomine colonization. This study aimed to assess the impact of the HIPCDC on triatomine control by developing local population and authority awareness on the issue. METHODS: The study was conducted by means of questionnaires applied to local authorities and the program beneficiaries. Three municipalities - Ajuricaba, Coronel Barros, and Crissiumal - were visited. RESULTS: A program coordinator from each municipality and 62 individuals from selected households were interviewed. The authorities reported difficulties in the implementation of the program due to differences between the project development period and financial resource availability, in addition to a lack of understanding by the community not included in the program. As for the houses, most improvements were made in the peridomiciliary environments; moreover, construction of 4 new residences, as well as the renovation of others, was also reported. Regarding suggestions to the program, requests for better planning (44.9%) and renovation quality (36.7%) were highlighted. With reference to the presence of triatomine bugs, prior to the HIPCDC adaptations, 12.9% of the respondents reported coming across at least one specimen at home, as compared to 22.6% who found these insects in peridomiciliary areas. CONCLUSIONS: Despite reports of difficulties in carrying out the HIPCDC, there was an improvement in the housing conditions, with no triatomine occurrence reports after the program implementation.

Estudo retrospectivo de sororreatividade para Trypanosoma cruzi em doadores de sangue da região noroeste do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Retrospective study of seroreactivity to Trypanosoma cruzi in blood donors in the northwestern region of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

O presente trabalho objetivou investigar os resultados da triagem sorológica para doença de Chagas (DCH) dos doadores do Banco de Sangue do município de Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, no período de junho de 2001 a maio de 2011. Os dados foram obtidos por meio do Sistema HEMOVIDA®, tendo por base 10.164 bolsas de sangue. Observou-se que 2,7% (272) das doações apresentaram sororreatividade para Trypanosoma cruzi, sendo esta a primeira causa de descarte das bolsas dentre as doenças infecciosas sorologicamente testadas. Entre as bolsas reagentes, 6,3% (17) também apresentaram resultados positivos para outros marcadores sorológicos: hepatite B (9 casos), hepatite C (4 casos), HTLV I/II (3 casos) e sífilis (1 caso). Embora os testes sorológicos confirmatórios e a caracterização da forma clínica sejam etapas relevantes realizadas em centros de referência, os resultados apontam elevado índice de sororreatividade na triagem para T. cruzi nesta área do estudo. Evidenciou-se que a via de transmissão transfusional de T. cruzi pode ocorrer na região noroeste do RS, não sendo permitida, portanto, nenhuma negligência quanto à obrigatoriedade do exame sorológico para DCH nos bancos de sangue

Soroprevalência de infecção humana por Trypanosoma cruzi em uma área rural do sul do Brasil / Seroprevalence of human infection with Trypanosoma cruzi in a rural area of southern Brazil

A doença de Chagas é causada pelo protozoário Trypanosoma cruzi. Apesar de ser endêmica na América Latina, há poucos estudos de soroprevalência de infecção por T. cruzi em áreas rurais, onde os indivíduos têm menos acesso à informação sobre esta enfermidade. Neste trabalho, teve-se como objetivo investigar a soroepidemiologia de T. cruzi em uma população humana rural do município de Pelotas, RS. Participaram 227 usuários de uma Unidade Básica de Saúde (UBS) da localidade Cerrito Alegre-RS (3º distrito de Pelotas-RS). Amostras de sangue foram coletadas e os soros testados quanto à presença de anticorpos anti-T. cruzi por meio de Imunoensaio Quimioluminescente de Micropartículas e, quando reagentes, confirmados via Imunofluorescência Indireta. O levantamento dos fatores de risco associados à presença da parasitose deu-se por meio de um questionário semiestruturado. Na população da região rural avaliada foi encontrado o índice de 2,7% de soropositividade para T. cruzi. Dentre os fatores de risco avaliados, dois apresentaram diferença estatística significativa: o tipo de moradia (P0,0093), com maior risco morar ou ter morado em casa de pau-a-pique, barro e madeira (OR 46,9), e o fato de já ter sido picado pelo vetor (P 0,0309 e OR 14,5)

Contaminação do solo por geohelmintos em áreas públicas de recreação em municípios do sul do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brasil / Soil contamination by helminths in public recreation areas in southern municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil

O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a contaminação ambiental do solo por parasitos em praças públicas de seis municípios da região sul do Rio Grande do Sul. Foram visitadas dez praças, sendo analisadas 10 amostras de solo de cada uma destas localidades, totalizando 100 amostras. A técnicaempregada para a pesquisa de parasitos no solo foi a de Caldwell e Caldwell adaptada por Pessoa e Martins. Constatou-se contaminação parasitária em 41 por cento (41) das amostras e todas as praçasavaliadas possuíam ao menos uma amostra positiva. O parasito de maior frequência foi Toxocaraspp., presente em 25 por cento das amostras, seguido pela superfamília Strongyloidea (possivelmenteancilostomídeos) (11 por cento), por Ascaris spp. (4 por cento) e Trichuris spp. (2 por cento), dentre outros. Tambémfoi identificada a presença de cães e suas fezes na maioria dos locais avaliados. Evidencia-se apossibilidade da transmissão de helmintoses aos usuários destas praças, especialmente larva migransvisceral, larva migrans cutânea e enteroparasitoses. Os resultados ressaltam a importância daimplementação de medidas preventivas cujo intuito seja minimizar a contaminação fecal do solo deáreas públicas destinadas ao lazer. Para isso, o esclarecimento da população, o controle de animaiserrantes e a posse responsável dos animais são as principais alternativas.

Enteroparasites and ostomized individuals

This study aimed to investigate the presence of infectious intestinal parasites in individuals undergoing enterectomy and enrolled in the Ostomy Program of the Department of Health Management, Health System (SUS), in the municipality of Pelotas, Brazil. An epidemiological questionnaire was applied to 71 individuals who participated in the survey, to assess demographic, social, and cultural effects on basic knowledge concerning enteroparasites. They also underwent fecal examinations by the Faust, Ritchie and Baermann-Moraes methods. The prevalence of monoparasitism carriers was 5.6 percent: Enterobius vermicularis larvae and eggs, Taenia sp. eggs and Strongyloides stercoralis larvae were diagnosed. As for knowledge about parasites, 69 percent of interviewees had general knowledge of the subject and 56.3 percent knew of the importance of hygiene for hands and food. However, 33.8 percent of respondents did not know of the necessary precautions for preventing intestinal parasites, and 50.7 percent of the respondents did not understand the real importance of the subject. There were no signs or symptoms that would indicate the presence of parasites in the patients. The results indicated the presence of helminths in individuals undergoing intestinal ostomy.

Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a presença de agentes infecciosos de natureza nteroparasitária em indivíduos estomizados e cadastrados no Programa de Ostomizados do Departamento de Gestão de Saúde, Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), no município de Pelotas (RS), Brasil. Foi aplicado um questionário epidemiológico a 71 indivíduos que aceitaram participar da pesquisa, para avaliar as variáveis demográficas, sociais e culturais, além dos conhecimentos básicos sobre enteroparasitos. Também foram submetidos a exames coproparasitológicos por meio dos métodos de Faust, Ritchie e Baermann-Moraes. A prevalência de portadores foi de 5,6 porcento, predominando o monoparasitismo. Foram diagnosticadas larvas e ovos de Enterobius vermicularis, ovos de Taenia sp. e larvas de Strongyloides stercoralis. Em relação ao conhecimento sobre os parasitos, 69 porcento dos entrevistados tinham conhecimento geral acerca do assunto, 56,3 porcento evidenciaram a importância da higiene das mãos e alimentos. No entanto, 33,8 porcento dos entrevistados não sabiam das precauções necessárias para prevenir as parasitoses intestinais e, ainda assim, 50,7 porcento dos entrevistados afirmaram não sentirem falta de maiores explicações, não compreendendo a real importância do assunto. Relata-se, ainda, que não havia sinais ou sintomas que indicassem a presença de parasitos nos pacientes, o que permite que estas condições persistam, com transmissão dos parasitos a outros indivíduos. Os resultados indicaram também a presença de helmintos em indivíduos submetidos à ostomia intestinal.

Aspectos da vigilância entomológica da doença de chagas no sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil / Aspects of Entomological Surveillance of Chagas disease in southern Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever as espécies de triatomíneos presentes na região de abrangência da 3ª Coordenadoria Regional de Saúde do Rio Grande do Sul (3ª CRS) e avaliar aspectos da vigilância entomológica da doença de Chagas desencadeada a partir da notificação de insetos pela população. Para tanto, fez-se o acompanhamento das atividades desenvolvidas pelos agentes no período proposto, sendo também realizadas entrevistas com estes agentes para a identificação das principais dificuldades encontradas durante o andamento das ações do programa. No biênio 2010-2011, foram capturados 295 triatomíneos em nove municípios, todos eles provenientes de capturas realizadas pela população (notificação) e entregues em Postos de Informação de Triatomíneos. Dentre os municípios que obtiveram maior número de capturas, destacaram-se Canguçu (37,8 porcento) e Piratini (28,8 porcento). As espécies com mais exemplares capturados foram Triatoma rubrovaria (93,9 porcento) e Panstrongylus tupynambai (5,1 porcento). As capturas dos insetos ocorreram, predominantemente, no intradomicílio e nos meses de temperatura mais elevada. Quanto aos agentes, 95,2 porcento relataram alguma dificuldade no exercício do ofício, destacando-se as inadequações do transporte e a escassez de material educativo para distribuição pública como principais elementos dificultadores. Concluiu-se que alguns municípios apresentam risco permanente de invasão domiciliar por triatomíneos, especialmente T. rubrovaria. Em razão disso, ficou evidenciada a importância da manutenção das atividades de vigilância e de maior assistência ao trabalho dos agentes que atuam no programa...

The objective of this study was to describe the triatomine species present in the region covered by the 3rd Regional Health Coordination of Rio Grande do Sul (3rd CRS) and evaluate aspects of entomological surveillance of Chagas disease from the notification of insects by the population. For this, the agents’ activities over this period were monitored and they were interviewed to ascertain the main difficulties encountered in the activities of the program. Over this period, 295 triatomines were caught in nine municipalities. All of them were caught by members of the public (notifications) and were handed in at triatomine information centers. Among the municipalities in which larger numbers of specimens were caught, Canguçu (37.8 percent) and Piratini (28.8 percent) were prominent. The species for which the largest numbers of specimens were caught were Triatoma rubrovaria (93.9 percent) and Panstrongylus tupynambai (5.1 percent). The insects were predominantly caught inside homes and during the hotter months. Regarding the agents, 95.2 percent reported that they had some difficulties in carrying out their duties. Inadequacies of transportation and scarcity of educational material for public distribution were cited as the main factors that caused difficulties. It was concluded that some municipalities present an ongoing risk of triatomine invasion in homes, especially regarding T. rubrovaria; maintenance of surveillance activities is of fundamental importance, and greater assistance for the work of agents acting within the program is needed...