Lista actualizada de los anfibios del departamento de Loreto / Updated checklist of the amphibians from Loreto Department

Resumen En este trabajo se presenta una lista actualizada de los anfibios distribuidos en el departamento de Loreto, Perú, incluyendo información sobre el estado de conservación a nivel internacional y nacional, el endemismo y zonas con vacíos de información. Se utilizó literatura herpetológica, bases de datos y especímenes de la colección del Departamento de Herpetología del Museo de Historia Natural de la Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos para la elaboración de esta lista. Se registraron un total de 232 especies, con los anuros (sapos y ranas) representando el 96% del total de anfibios en Loreto. Dieciocho especies son endémicas de Loreto mientras que la gran mayoría (208 especies) tienen una distribución altitudinal por debajo de los 500 m. Diez especies están en categorías de amenaza y cuatro son consideradas casi amenazadas según criterios internacionales, mientras que cuatro están consideradas como amenazadas y seis como casi amenazadas en el listado nacional. Se observa mayor vacío de información en áreas cercanas a las fronteras con Brasil y Colombia.

Abstract This paper presents an updated list of the amphibians occurring in the department of Loreto, Peru, including information on conservation status, endemic species and areas with information gaps. Herpetological literature, databases and the collection of the Department of Herpetology of the Natural History Museum of the National University of San Marcos were used to update the species list. A total of 232 species were recorded, with anurans (toads and frogs) representing 96% of amphibians in Loreto. eighteen species are endemic to Loreto while the vast majority (208 species) have an altitudinal distribution below 500 m. Ten species are in threatened categories and four are near threatened according to international criteria; while four are considered as threatened and six as near threatened according the national list. Mayor information gaps are observed in areas near the borders with Brazil and Colombia.

A Review of Recent Phytomedicinal Investigations and the Need for DNA Barcoding of Endemic Plants of Northern Cyprus

Aims: To review the phytomedicinal researches on endemic plants of Northern Cyprus and to assess the plants of their DNA barcoding status.Study Design:A review.Methodology:This work reviewed available and accessible original articles in EBSCO, Ovid MEDLINE®, PubMed®, ScienceDirectTM, Scopus®and Web of ScienceTMdatabases on phytomedicinal investigations and BOLD System, MMDBD version 1.5 and GenBank®on DNA barcodes of the endemic plants of Northern Cyprusuntil May, 2020. Using keywords searches related to phytochemistry, biological activity and DNA barcoding, DNA Sequences and the data obtain evaluated and the information that does not meet the inclusion criteria were excluded. We believe that this information would tentatively help researchers to ethically explore these plants for their Medicinal and Aromatic potentials.Results:Only 6 of the 20 endemic plants of Northern Cyprus were phytopharmaceutically investigated,while DNA sequences of 5 were foundto be deposited in the publicly accessible databases accounting for30% and 25% of the total plants respectively Conclusion:Endemism is related to uniqueness in features including the phytomedicinal features, thus Northern Cyprus endemic plants holdample of such. However the results of this review showed that only few were harnessed for their medicinal properties and hence the need for their pharmacological properties and comprehensive barcoding for proper authentication, detection of adulteration, and quality control.

Práticas educativas no controle da dengue: atuação dos agentes de combate às endemias e percepção dos moradores / Educational practices in the control of dengue: performance of agents against endemics and perception of residents / Prácticas educativas en el control del dengue: desempeño de agentes para combatir endémicas y percepción de residentes

Objetivo: Analisar as práticas educativas dos ACE durante as inspeções domiciliares. Método: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, do tipo descritiva. Os sujeitos participantes foram os ACE que atuavam nos bairros selecionados e os moradores dos domicílios inspecionados. A pesquisa obedeceu aos princípios éticos e legais conforme determinação da Resolução CNS N.466/12. Resultados: A síntese dos discursos possibilitou chegar a duas unidades temáticas: Categoria 1. A prática educativa do ACE focada essencialmente no controle ao mosquito transmissor; Categoria 2. A mudança de hábito em relação aos criadouros do A. aegypti: uma lição a ser apreendida? Os resultados desse estudo apontaram que a ação educativa realizada pelos agentes durante as inspeções é focada essencialmente no controle do vetor transmissor, pautadas na transmissão de informações, sem a participação do morador neste processo, e realizadas na maioria das vezes ao final da inspeção, dissociado da prática. Conclusão: Entende-se que é necessário repensar a importância desta estratégia, propiciando aos ACE uma qualificação adequada para a abordagem da comunidade durante a visita domiciliar e juntos conseguirem mudar o perfil de infestação do vetor na localidade.

Objective: Analyze the educational practices of ACE during home inspections. Method: This is a qualitative, descriptive research. The participating subjects were the ACE who worked in the selected neighborhoods and the residents of the households inspected. The research followed the ethical and legal principles as determined by CNS Resolution N.466/12. Results: The synthesis of the speeches made it possible to arrive at two thematic units: Category 1. The educational practice of the ACE focused essentially on combating the transmitting mosquito; Category 2. Changing habits in relation to A. aegypti breeding sites: a lesson to be learned? The results of this study pointed out that the educational action carried out by the agents during the inspections is essentially focused on the control of the transmitting vector, based on the transmission of information, without the participation of the resident in this process, and performed most of the time at the end of the inspection, dissociated practice. Conclusion: It is understood that it is necessary to rethink the importance of this strategy, providing the ACEs with an adequate qualification to approach the community during the home visit and together they are able to change the vector infestation profile in the locality.

Objetivo: analizar las prácticas educativas de ACE durante las inspecciones de viviendas. Método: Esta es una investigación cualitativa, descriptiva. Los sujetos participantes fueron los ACE que trabajaban en los barrios seleccionados y los residentes de los hogares inspeccionados. La investigación siguió los principios éticos y legales determinados por la Resolución CNS N.466 / 12. Resultados: La síntesis de los discursos permitió llegar a dos unidades temáticas: Categoría 1. La práctica educativa de la ACE se centró esencialmente en controlar el mosquito transmisor; Categoría 2. El cambio de hábito en relación con la cría de A. aegypti: ¿una lección que aprender? Los resultados de este estudio mostraron que la acción educativa llevada a cabo por los agentes durante las inspecciones se centra esencialmente en el control del vector transmisor, basado en la transmisión de información, sin la participación del residente en este proceso, y se lleva a cabo la mayor parte del tiempo al final de la inspección, disociado práctica. Conclusión: se entiende que es necesario repensar la importancia de esta estrategia, proporcionando a las ACE una calificación adecuada para acercarse a la comunidad durante la visita domiciliaria y juntas pueden cambiar el perfil de infestación de vectores en la localidad

Diagnóstico de lepra en una comunidad ecuatoriana / Diagnosis of leprosy in an Ecuadorian community

Introducción: La lepra es una infección bacteriana compleja causada por el bacilo Mycobacterium leprae, puede causar discapacidad, afecta principalmente a la piel, los nervios periféricos, la mucosa de las vías respiratorias superiores y los ojos. Caso clínico: Paciente de 22 años de edad, con enfermedad de Hansen, facie Leonina, con lesiones nodulares diseminadas en la cara de color violáceo, deformidades en ambas manos, nódulos en ambos brazos y pies y pérdida de la sensibilidad superficial y profunda. Conclusiones: En el Ecuador la Lepra puede ser calificada como de baja endemia, la tasa de detección han ido descendiendo progresivamente en los últimos diez años(AU)

Introduction: Leprosy is a complex bacterial infection caused by the Mycobacterium leprae bacillus. It can cause disability and mainly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosa of the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. Case report: 22 years patient with Hansen's disease, Leonine facies, with purplish colour nodular lesions spread out in the face, deformities in both hands, nodules in both arms and feet, and loss of superficial and deep sensitivity. Conclusions: In Ecuador leprosy can be qualified as low endemicity. The detection rate has been falling progressively over the past ten years(AU)

New Records and Range Extensions for Birds from the Western Slope of the Eastern Andes, Santander, Colombia / Nuevos registros y ampliación de distribución de aves en la vertiente occidental, cordillera oriental, santander, colombia

RESUMEN Las aves de la vertiente occidental de la Cordillera Oriental en Santander han sido poco estudiadas. La Serranía de los Yariguíes y zonas aledañas, al norte del municipio de El Peñón, han sido muestreados en la última década con nuevas subespecies descritas y ampliaciones de distribución. Estudiamos las aves de la parte alta del municipio de El Peñón entre los 2750 a 2850 m s.n.m. durante ocho días de campo en agosto de 2016, mediante captura con redes de niebla y observaciones visuales y auditivas en bosques de roble. Registramos 77 especies de aves pertenecientes a 13 órdenes y 29 familias. La familia mejor representada fue Tyrannidae (Atrapamoscas) con 12 especies, seguida por Trochilidae (Colibríes) con nueve y Thraupidae (Fruteros y afines) con ocho. Registramos la ampliación de distribución geográfica para la endémica Pyrrhyra calliptera para el flanco occidental de la Cordillera Oriental, la segunda localidad para Macroagelaius subalaris para este flanco y al sur de los registros conocidos de la Serranía de los Yariguíes, ampliaciones menores o confirmación de presencia para 18 especies y otras 11 poco conocidas para este flanco. Casi el 45 % de los individuos capturados presentaron indicios de actividad reproductiva (parches de incubación o gónadas desarrolladas). Así mismo, 50 % de los individuos se encontraban mudando el plumaje, donde 15 % presentaron solapamiento entre muda y reproducción. Aunque comparte especies con los bosques al norte y sur, los bosques de roble remanentes están en buen estado e inmersos entre ecosistemas cársticos poco conocidos.

ABSTRACT Birds from the western slope of the East Andean Cordillera at Santander have been little studied. Serranía de los Yariguies and nearby areas, just north of El Peñon, have been studied in the last decade with new subspecies described and new range extensions. We studied birds from oak forests from the upper part of the municipality of El Peñon between 2750 and 2850 m a.s.l during eight field days during August 2016. Surveys included vocal and visual observations and mist netting. We report 77 species belonging to 13 different Orders and 29 Families. The best-represented family was Tyrannidae (Flycatchers) with 12 species, followed by Trochilidae (Hummingbirds) with nine and Thraupidae (fruit eaters and allies) with eight. Mayor range extensions were made for the endemic Pyrrhura calliptera - Brown-breasted Parakeet from the eastern to the western flack, confirmed a second locality for Macroagelaius subalaris-Colombian Mountain Grackle south of previously known Serranía de los Yariguies, minor range extensions or confirmed presence records for 18 species and new information for 11 poorly known species for this flank. Almost 45 % of all captured individuals showed reproductive activity (brood patches or developed gonads). 50 % of individuals were molting feathers, where 15 % showed some overlap between reproduction and molt. Even though species are shared with other forests to the north and south, the remnant oak forests are in good condition and immersed in karst ecosystems poorly known.

Leishmaniose tegumentar americana no município de Jussara, estado do Paraná, Brasil: série histórica de 21 anos / American cutaneous Leishmaniasis in the city of Jussara, state of Paraná, Brazil: historical series of 21 years

A Leishmaniose Tegumentar Americana (LTA) é uma doença causada por protozoários do gênero Leishmania e é transmitida ao homem pela picada do mosquito flebotomíneo. O Brasil nos últimos anos tem apresentado aumento do número de casos e a doença tem ampliado sua extensão geográfica. Na região Sul, o estado do Paraná registra mais de 90% das notificações e o município de Jussara, situado a noroeste do estado, tem um dos maiores coeficientes de detecção da doença (299,4 casos/100.000 hab). O objetivo do estudo foi descrever as características clínico-epidemiológicas da endemia da LTA no município, no período de 1994 a 2014. Observou-se que os coeficientes flutuaram ao longo dos anos. Foram notificados 399 casos. A doença foi mais frequente nos homens, adultos jovens, que adquiriram a LTA especialmente relacionada ao trabalho rural. A autoctonia da doença foi de 97,5%. A forma clínica predominante foi a cutânea e o acesso ao exame diagnóstico foi observado para todos os portadores da infecção. São reconhecidos na literatura os avanços no diagnóstico e tratamento e as dificuldades das medidas de controle da doença, especialmente aquelas relacionadas ao vetor (AU)

American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis (ATL) is a disease caused by protozoa of the genus Leishmania, and is transmitted to humans by the bite of phlebotominae mosquitos. In recent years, Brazil has presented an increase in the number of cases and the disease has expanded its geographic extension. The Brazilian Southern region, state of Paraná, registers more than 90% of notifications, and the city of Jussara, located on the northwest of the State, has one of the largest coefficients of disease detection (299.4 cases/100,000 inhabitants). The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological features of endemic ATL in the city between 1994 and 2014. Coefficients fluctuation over the years was observed. There were 399 cases notified. The disease was more frequent in men, young adults, with transmission especially related to rural work. The autochthonism of the disease was of 97.5%. The predominant clinical form was cutaneous, and access to diagnostic examination was observed for all the infected hosts. The advances in diagnosis and treatment, and the difficulties of disease control measures, especially those related to the vector, are acknowledged. (AU)

Equídeos infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) Infantum na área endêmica de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil / Equines infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) Infantum in the endemic area of Teresina, Piauí, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo pesquisar infecção natural de equídeos por Leishmania sp em área endêmica de leishmaniose tegumentar americana de Teresina, Piauí, Brasil. As leishmanioses são causadas por protozoário hemoflagelado, intracelular integrante do gênero Leishmania. Clinicamente observa-se uma variedade de sinais desde lesões cutâneas até formas viscerotrópicas que são mais graves e potencialmente fatais. Constituem grande problema de saúde pública mundial. O cão é considerado o principal reservatório doméstico de leishmaniose visceral americana (LVA). No peridomicílio de moradias rurais, os equídeos, embora com menor relevância que os canídeos, podem se transformar em importante hospedeiro para este parasito. Coletou-se sangue periférico de 42 equídeos para pesquisa de DNA de leishmânia spp através da técnica de "nested" reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) com oligonucleotídeos flanqueando a região ribossomal internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS'1). A confirmação da espécie foi realizada pela digestão do produto amplificado com enzima de restrição Hae III. Os animais não apresentavam sinal clínico sugestivo de nenhuma patologia, entretanto 21 (50%) foram PCR positivos para leishmaniose (14 equinos, quatro asininos e três muares). A digestão do produto da "nested" PCR permitiu identificar sequências de DNA de Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, caracterizando a infecção como leishmaniose visceral americana (LVA). A presença de equídeos infectados com Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum sugere sua participação no ciclo de transmissão da leishmaniose visceral em Teresina, Piauí, Brasil.

This study aims to research natural Leishmania sp equine infection in an endemic American Tegumentary Leishmaniasis area of Teresina City, Piauí State, Brazil. Leishmania are caused by intracellular hemoflagellate protozoa of the gender Leishmania. Clinically we can observe a variety of signals since cutaneous injuries until viscerotropic types which are more severe and potentially fatal. They constitute a great worldwide public health problem. The dog is considered the main domestic reservoir of American Visceral Leishmaniasis (AVL). In the peridomicile of rural abodes, the equines, although with less relevance than canines, may become an important host for this parasite. Peripheral blood was collected from 42 equines for DNA research of leishmania spp through the technique of "nested" PCR with oligonucleotides flanking the region ITS'1. The confirmation of the species was performed by the digestion of the amplified product with restriction enzyme Hae III. The animals did not present any suggestive clinical pathology signal, however, 21 (50%) were PCR positive for Leishmaniasis (14 equines, four donkeys and three mules). The digestion of the product from "nested" PCR permitted to identify DNA sequences of Leishmania (Leishmania) infantum, characterizing the infection as American Visceral Leishmaniasis (AVL). The presence of infected equines with Leishmania (Leishmania) infantun suggests their participation in the cycle of visceral Leishmaniasis transmission in Teresina City, Piauí State, Brazil.

Ichthyofauna of streams from the lower Iguaçu River basin, Paraná State, Brazil / Ictiofauna de riachos da bacia do baixo rio Iguaçu, estado do Paraná, Brasil

Abstract The drainages of the Iguaçu River basin, as well as the main channel of the river, have peculiar characteristics resulting from geomorphological processes in this area, including the formation of the Iguaçu River Falls. This slope in the lower portion of the basin is a biogeographical barrier to many organisms. In this study was inventoried the fish fauna of streams of the lower Iguaçu River basin, evaluating possible differences in the species composition upstream and downstream of this biogeographical barrier. Sampling were conducted between 2004 and 2013, in five streams, three upstream and two downstream of the Iguaçu River Falls, using electrofishing. The nMDS analysis was run to investigate possible groupings of similar fauna between the streams sampled. The scores of this test were tested as to the significance of groupings with the Hotelling T2 test. The indicator value method (IndVal) was used to detect the distribution of species among the groups of the streams upstream and downstream of the Iguaçu River Falls. We collected 18,908 individuals of six orders, 11 families, and 40 species. Siluriformes and Characiformes had the highest species richness; Cyprinodontiformes presented the highest abundance. Considering the species recorded, 21 are considered natives to the Iguaçu River basin, including 15 endemic, wich were found only in streams upstream of the falls. Additional 18 species were verified only in the streams downstream of such barrier. Four species were common to both stretches. The axis 1 of the nMDS separated two groups: streams upstream (S1, S2 and S3) and streams downstream of the Iguaçu River Falls (S4 and S5). The indicator species analysis also indicated a distinction between the groups of streams, that were significantly different (Hotelling's T2 = 234.36, p ˂ 0.0001). The number of endemic species in the streams upstream of the Falls (15 spp.) evidences a significant effect of isolation promoted by the Iguaçu River Falls, and confirms the role of this barrier in the vicariant processes and endemism typical of this basin. These results emphasize the importance of conserving these ecosystems, once the extinction of species in this region means the irreversible loss of them.

Resumo As drenagens da bacia do rio Iguaçu, bem como o canal principal do rio, possuem características peculiares resultantes de processos geomorfológicos dessa área, incluindo a formação das Cataratas do rio Iguaçu. Esse desnível na porção inferior da bacia constitui uma barreira biogeográfica para muitos organismos. Neste trabalho inventariamos a fauna de peixes de riachos na porção do baixo rio Iguaçu, avaliando possíveis diferenças na composição de espécies acima e abaixo dessa barreira biogeográfica. Entre 2004 e 2013, foram amostrados cinco riachos, sendo três localizados acima das Cataratas do Iguaçu e dois abaixo, por meio de pesca elétrica. Para investigar possíveis padrões de agrupamentos de fauna similares entre os riachos amostrados foi realizada uma análise nMDS, cujos escores foram testados quanto à significância dos agrupamentos utilizando o teste de T2 de Hotelling. O valor indicador (IndVal) foi usado para detectar a distribuição das espécies entre os grupos de riachos. Foram amostrados 18.908 indivíduos, pertencentes a seis ordens, 11 famílias e 40 espécies. As ordens Siluriformes e Characiformes destacaram-se em riqueza de espécies; Cyprinodontiformes apresentou maior abundância. Do total de espécies amostradas, 21 são consideradas nativas da bacia do rio Iguaçu, sendo 15 delas endêmicas e registradas somente nos riachos acima das Cataratas do rio Iguaçu. Outras 18 espécies foram registradas somente nos riachos que desembocam abaixo das cataratas. Quatro espécies foram comuns em ambos os ambientes. A dimensão do eixo 1 da análise nMDS resultou na separação de dois grupos: riachos acima (S1, S2 e S3) e riachos abaixo das cataratas (S4 e S5). A análise de espécies indicadoras também indicou a distinção entre os grupos de riachos, sendo que esses agrupamentos foram significativamente diferentes (Hotelling's T2 = 234.36, p ˂ 0.0001). O número de espécies endêmicas registrado nos riachos acima das cataratas (15 spp.), demonstra um significativo efeito de isolamento da fauna proporcionado pelas Cataratas do rio Iguaçu e confirmam o papel dessa barreira nos processos vicariantes e endemismos característicos dessa bacia. Esses resultados ressaltam a importância da preservação desses ecossistemas, pois a extinção de espécies nessa região significa a perda global dessas entidades biológicas.

Seroprevalencia de la Leishmaniasis Visceral Canina mediante Elisa con rK39 en Focos Endémicos de Venezuela / Seroprevalence of Canine Visceral Leishmaniasis by rK39-ELISA in Endemic Foci in Venezuela

En el presente trabajo se presenta la seroprevalencia de la leishmaniasis visceral canina (LVC), zoonosis causada por Leishmania infantum/chagasi. Se realizaron pruebas serológicas y examen clínico a 15.822 perros de 13 entidades federales endémicas para la leishmaniasis visceral en Venezuela, en el periodo 2004-2012. Los sueros fueron analizados mediante ELISA con el antígeno recombinante rK39. Los resultados muestran que 14,8% de la población de caninos son positivos para LV. Los estados Lara (19%) y Guárico (18%) mostraron una mayor prevalencia de la enfermedad. Sin embargo, para los años 2010-2012, la prevalencia de la LVC para las entidades federales como Anzoátegui, Aragua, Carabobo, Cojedes, Nueva Esparta y Sucre se mantuvieron entre un 3% y un 31%. Los caninos seropositivos (67,1% machos y 32,9% hembras) tenían edades promedio de 4,8±2,9 años. El 81% de los caninos seropositivos encontrados en estas zonas, no presentó signos clínicos característicos de LVC, mientras que la clínica presentada por el resto fueron ulceraciones cutáneas (8,5%), alopecia (9,4%) y onicogrifosis (19,2%). Este reporte muestra la distribución geográfica (tanto en zonas rurales como urbanas) y características clínicas más resaltantes de perros parasitados en las diferentes regiones endémicas del país, con el fin de tomar medidas estratégicas que fortalezcan los programas de control y prevención de esta zoonosis problema de salud pública.

This study discloses the seroprevalence of canine visceral leishmaniasis (CVL), a zoonotic disease caused by Leishmania infantum/chagasi. In this study, serological tests and clinical examinations were performed in 15,822 dogs from 13 federal entities endemic for visceral leishmaniasis in Venezuela, during the period 2004-2012. Serum samples were analysed by ELISA against the recombinant antigen rK39. Results demonstrated a prevalence of 14.8% of positive dogs for VL. Lara (19%) and Guárico (18%) states showed the highest seroprevalence of the disease. However, for the years 2010-2012, the prevalence of CVL for federal entities as Anzoátegui, Aragua, Carabobo, Cojedes, Nueva Esparta, and Sucre remained between 3% and 31%. The seropositive canines (67.1% males and 32.9% females) average 4.8±2.9 years of age and 81% of the dogs found in these endemic areas did not show clinical signs characteristic of LVC, while clinical symptoms presented by the rest were skin ulceration (8.5%), alopecia (9.4%) and onychogryphosis (19.2%). This report demonstrates the geographical distribution (both rural and urban) and most striking clinical features of parasitized dogs in different endemic regions of the country, in order to take strategic actions to strengthen the control and prevention programs of this public health problem.

Paludismo por Plasmodiumvivax: presentación de un caso / Plasmodium vivax malaria: a case report

Introducción: el paludismo o malaria, es la enfermedad infecciosa tropical más frecuente del mundo y dependiendo del subtipo del Plasmodium se puede definir su distribución geográfica. La cantidad de casos reportados en los últimos años ha aumentado debido al incremento en el número de viajeros a zonas endémicas, falta de profilaxis adecuada y la prevalencia cada vez mayor de parásitos resistentes a los fármacos empleados para su tratamiento. Caso clínico: se presenta un caso con un síndrome febril agudo y antecedente epidemiológico de regresar de Guinea Ecuatorial, país donde el paludismo se considera endémico. Conclusiones: la malaria por Plasmodiumvivax es considerada una enfermedad de prevalencia muy baja, curso clínico benigno y distribución geográfica limitada a zonas de Asia, América del Sur y Oceanía; sin embargo, en este trabajo se pudo demostrar la infección por P. vivax en viajero procedente de Guinea Ecuatorial donde el tipo de Plasmodiummás frecuente es el falciparum.

Introduction: malaria is the most frequent tropical infectious disease all over the world and depending on the subtype of Plasmodiaits geographical distribution can be defined. The number of reported cases has increased in the last years, due to the increase in the number of travellers to endemic areas, lacking of appropriate prevention and to the augmentation of much more resistant parasites to the drugs used for their treatment. Clinical case: a case is presented, showing anacute feverish syndrome and epidemiological antecedent of returning of Equatorial Guinea, a country where Malaria is considered endemic. Conclusions: The malaria due to Plasmodium vivax is considered a disease having very low incidence, that shows a benign clinical course and limited geographical distribution to areas of Asia, South America; however in this paper it has been showed the infection for P. vivax in a traveller coming from Equatorial Guinea where the P. falciparum is the most frequent species.

Biodiversity conservation status in the Republic of Kosovo with focus on biodiversity centres.

This paper presents the most recent results on Kosovo biodiversity conservation efforts with focus on two main biodiversity centers of Kosovo: Sharri mountain (already declared as National Park) and Bjeshket e Nemuna mountains in process of designation as a National park. The study presents collection of up to date publications on biodiversity of Kosovo. Of course, there is still to be investigated particularly in the field of lower plants as well invertebrate fauna species. Beside the small territory of 10,887 km2, Kosovo is quite rich in both plant and animal biodiversity. Up to date1800 vascular plant species have been recorded, while expected number is about 2500 species. Number of higher vertebrates is 210, while the invertebrates are not studied with exception of Lepidoptera with about 150 species. There is no Red List of species for Kosovo developed yet, while some short term conservation measures have already taken place.

Hyperendemicity of Onchocerciasis in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area, Edo State, Nigeria

Background: Onchocerciasis is a chronic parasitic infection caused by the filarial nematode, Onchocerca volvulus. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence, endemicity, and symptomatic effects of the disease in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area. Methods: The prevalence of onchocerciasis was investigated in Ovia Northeast Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, between March 2008 and June 2009 using the standard skin-snip method. A total of 2020 subjects, who had visited various primary health centres located in each community, were enlisted using randomised sampling, and the data were analysed using the Chi-squared (χ2) test and logistic regression. Results: A Of the 2020 individuals examined, 1674 (83%) harboured microfilaria in their skin tissues. On the basis of the standardised scale for microfilaria prevalence—less than 10% is considered sporadic, 10%–29% is considered hypoendemic, 30%–59% is considered mesoendemic, and 60% and above is considered hyperendemic—the prevalence (83%) reported in this study led to the disease being classified as hyperendemic. Females were more frequently infected than were males, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Prevalence was also found to increase with age, and this correlation was significant (P < 0.001). The prevalence of the clinical features of the disease in the local government area was 87.5% for leopard skin, 84.16% for itching, and 75.42% for nodules. Conclusion: A prevalence of 83% was observed and considered hyperendemic. Female gender and age (50 years or more) were significant risk factors that affected the prevalence of onchocerciasis. The findings demonstrated the hyperendemicity of infection and the need for urgent attention with ivermectin treatment and other control measures.

Biodiversity and ecology of Hirudinea (Annelida) from the Natural Reserve of Isla Martín García, Río de la Plata, Argentina / A Biodiversidade e a Ecologia de Hirudinea (Annelida) da Reserva Natural da Ilha Martín García, na Argentina

The Island of Martin Garcia lies at the confluence of the Uruguay and Paraná Rivers (upper Río de la Plata). This island is an outcrop of the crystalline basement. Due to basalt exploitation the island exhibits several ponds covered by carpets of free-floating macrophytes. Seven major environmental variables were measured: water and air temperature, percentage of oxygen saturation, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids and pH. Eleven leech species were found, Helobdella striata, H. diploides, H. adiastola and H. hyalina were new records. UPGMA clustering of species based on their occurrence in different ecological conditions revealed three main species groups. Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) explained 97.2 percent of the correlation between species and environmental variables. H. triserialis shows the widest range of tolerance, H. hyalina shows positive relationships to conductivity; H. diploides shows a high correlation with dissolved oxygen, H. striata, H. lineata, and S. similis are negatively correlated with water temperature, and H. simplex is positively correlated with pH. Relationships between the species richness (S) and the sampling sites were negatively correlated with water temperature and positively correlated with dissolved oxygen. Leech biodiversity from the water bodies of Martín García Island, shows a great diversity of species and a wide plasticity regarding the characteristics of the environmental factors considered.

A Ilha Martín García encontra-se na afluência dos Rios Uruguay e Paraná (no Rio de la Plata superior) e constitui um afloramento do maciço cristalino de Brasília. Por causa da exploração do basalto, formaram-se lacunas que apresentam tapetes de vegetação flutuantes e macrófitas enraizadas. Mediram-se sete variáveis físico-químicas da água: temperatura do ar e da água, porcentagem de saturação de oxigênio, oxigênio dissolvido, condutividade elétrica, sólidos totais dissolvidos e pH. Encontraram-se onze espécies de sanguessuga, como Helobdella striata, H. diploides, H. adiastola e H. hyalina que constituem novos registros para a ilha. A análise de agrupamento baseado na ocorrência das espécies em condições ecológicas diferentes revelou três grupos principais. A análise canônica da correspondência sugere que a distribuição das espécies relaciona-se às variáveis ambientais consideradas, 97,2 por cento da correlação entre as espécies e as variáveis se distribui no eixo dois do diagrama de ordenamento. As variáveis com maior flutuação foram a condutividade e o pH. H. triserialis foi a espécie mais tolerante às variáveis ambientais; H. hyalina se relacionou positivamente com a condutividade; H. diploides teve alta correlação com o oxigênio dissolvido; H. striata, H. lineata e Semiscolex similis relacionaram-se negativamente com a temperatura da água e H. simplex, positivamente com o pH. As relações entre a riqueza de espécies (S) e os lugares de amostras foram negativas com a temperatura da água e positivas com o oxigênio dissolvido. Os corpos da água da Ilha Martín García mostram uma grande biodiversidade de espécies de sanguessuga, assim como uma ampla ductilidade com relação aos fatores ambientais considerados.

Estudo de anticorpos IgM para vigilância epidemiológica da esquistossomose mansoni em área de baixa endemicidade / IgM antibodies for epidemiological vigilance of schistosomiasis mansoni in a low endemic area

O controle da esquistossomose no Estado de São Paulo iniciou-se ao final da década de 60, tendo como linhas mestras o uso de moluscidas e a de quimioterapia. Apesar da aparente redução nos níveis de infecção, o Sistema de Vigilância Epidemiológica do Estado de São Paulo tem registrado continuamente casos autóctones da doença, tendo-se observado ampliação das áreas de transmissão. Com o objetivo de buscar-se método diagnóstico mais sensível para fins epidemiológicos em áreas de baixa endemicidade, onde o exame de fezes se mostra pouco eficiente, uma técnica sorológica foi avaliada em quatro áreas consideradas endêmicas para Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) no Estado. Amostras de fezes e de sangue absorvido em papel-filtro foram coletadas de populações de quatro áreas de transmissão com diferentes perfis epidemiológicos, acompanhando-as, por um período de 2 anos, com cinco inquéritos, a intervalos semestrais. Dados de prevalência e incidência obtidos pela aplicação da reação de imunofluorescência para anticorpos IgM contra tubo digestivo de Sm (RIF-IgM) e do exame de fezes (Kato-Katz) foram analisados comparativamente nas quatro áreas estudadas com maior sensibilidade que pelo método parasitológico e detectar sazonidade em algumas das áreas, através da observação de taxas de soroconversão de RIF-IgM. Esta soroconversäo, passando de negativo para positivo, indicando provável infecção recente, foi mais frequente nos inquéritos realizados no primeiro semestre do ano (pós-veräo). A RIF-IgM demonstrou sert útil para estudos epidemiológicos da esquistossomose, podendo constituir método diagnóstico, tanto na fase aguda como crônica. (AU)

The control of schistosomiasis in the State of S"o Paulo started at the end of the sixties. Themain control measures included the application of molluscicides and chemotherapy. Despite the apparentdecrease of the infection levels, the Epidemiological Vigilance System of the State has continually recordedcases of the disease, and expansion of transmission areas has been observed. Since the stool examinationshowed to be insufficiently sensitive for epidemiological purposes in areas with low transmission, aserological technique was evaluated in four schistosomiasis endemic areas of the State with the aim offinding a more efficient diagnostic method. For a period of two years, five follow-up measures of prevalenceand incidence rates were obtained for the four areas, through the stool examination (Kato-Katz method)and detection of IgM antibodies to gut antigens by the immunofluorescence test (IgM-IFT) on filter paperblood samples. The comparative analysis of the data showed the occurrence of seasonal transmission insome of the studied areas, detected by the observation of differences in the seroconversion taxes.Seroconversion from IgM-IFT negative to positive, indicating newly acquired Schistosoma mansoniinfection, was observed more frequently in surveys carried out after summer holidays.The IgM-IFTproved to be a useful technique for epidemiological purposes in shistosomiasis, so that it can be appliedfor diagnosis of both acute and chronic forms of the disease. . (AU)