Blood parasites (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) infecting birds in the Brazilian Amazon / Parásitos sanguíneos (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) que infectan aves en la Amazonía brasileña

Abstract Introduction: Trypanosomes are hemoparasites that can be observed circulating in the peripheral blood of birds. Parasitological studies in birds in their natural environment are neglected, but are important for research relating to transmission, maintenance of the biological cycle, and abundance, among other parasitological aspects. Objective: To describe infections by Trypanosoma sp. in birds in the Brazilian Amazon, as well as the prevalence, morphological and morphometric characteristics of this hemoparasite. Methods: In the Tapajós National Forest, we captured a total of 125 birds, mostly from the order Passeriformes. We obtained blood samples from the ulnar vein using sterile insulin needles, and aliquots of blood using a microhematocrit capillary tube. We made blood smears in triplicate and stained with the Giemsa method. We viewd the morphotypes of the Trypanosoma sp. under the light microscope with objective lenses of 40 X and 100 X. To determine the morphometric characteristics of Trypanosomatidae, we used the Zen Blue Edition 2 software package. Results: We observed the presence of hemoparasites in the trypomastigote form in specimens of Thamnophilidae, Dendrocolaptidae and Conopophagidae, with low prevalence. Only one morphotype of Trypanosoma sp. was detected and measurement. Conclusions: We report the infection by Trypanosoma sp. in species of ecological importance, such as Phlegopsis nigromaculata, endangered in Brazil. The morphology and morphometry of the morphotype found could contribute to more detailed descriptions of these hemoparasites.

Resumen Introducción: Los tripanosomas son hemoparásitos que pueden observarse circulando en la sangre periférica de las aves. Los estudios parasitológicos en aves en el medio natural son escasos, pero son importantes para la investigación relacionada con la transmisión, el mantenimiento del ciclo biológico y la abundancia, entre otros aspectos parasitológicos. Objetivo: Describir infecciones por Trypanosoma sp. en aves de la Amazonia brasileña, así como la prevalencia, características morfológicas y morfométricas de este hemoparásito. Métodos: En la Floresta Nacional de Tapajós, capturamos un total de 125 aves, la mayoría del orden Passeriformes. Obtuvimos muestras de sangre por punción de la vena cubital del ala con agujas estériles de insulina. Con un tubo capilar microhematocrito, obtuvimos alícuotas de sangre. Realizamos frotis de sangre por triplicado y teñimos con el método de Giemsa. Visualizamos los morfotipos de Trypanosoma sp. al microscopio óptico con lentes objetivos de 40 X y 100 X. Para determinar las características morfométricas de Trypanosomatidae, usamos el paquete informático Zen Blue Edition 2. Resultados: Observamos la presencia de hemoparásitos en la forma tripomastigote en ejemplares de la familia de aves Thamnophilidae, Dendrocolaptidae y Conopophagidae, con baja prevalencia. Solo detectamos un morfotipo de Trypanosoma sp. Conclusión: Reportamos la infección por Trypanosoma sp. en especies de importancia ecológica, como Phlegopsis nigromaculata en peligro de extinción en Brasil. La morfología y morfometría del morfotipo encontrado puede contribuir con descripciones más detalladas de estos hemoparásitos.

Mercury concentration in larvae of Eustrongylides sp (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) from fish of the Brazilian Amazon / Concentración de mercurio en larvas de Eustrongylides sp (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) en peces de la Amazonía brasileña

Abstract Introduction: Chemical pollution represents a great concern to aquatic organisms, especially fish. Metals enter the aquatic environment from a variety of sources, including natural biogeochemical cycles and anthropogenic sources such as industrial and residential effluents, mining and atmospheric sources. Objective: To describe the Eustrongylides sp. larvae and the interaction with their fish hosts as indicators of mercury (Hg) contamination in the Brazilian Amazon, and the distribution of Hg in the internal organs of fish species Hoplias malabaricus and Pygocentrus nattereri collected in oxbow lakes on the Tapajós River, in the municipality of Santarém, in the state of Pará. Methods: Total Hg was analyzed using the Direct Hg Analyzer - DMA-80. Concentrations of Hg in Eustrongylides sp. were compared with those found in the tissues/organs of the hosts H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. Hg concentrations in the host/parasite system were statistically compared using Principal Component Analysis. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated to assess the bioaccumulation capacity of metals in Eustrongylides sp. larvae, comparing the concentration of Hg in the parasite with that accumulated in the musculature of infected hosts. Results: Hg concentrations in all tissues/organs analyzed were higher in the parasitic species Eustrongylides sp. larvae when compared with those found in tissues/organs of H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. There was an inversely proportional relationship, showing that when Eustrongylides sp. larvae are present, the concentration in the parasite is higher than in the musculature of host fish H. malabaricus and P. nattereri. The BCF of Hg was found by comparing Eustrongylides sp. larvae/H. malabaricus muscle and was observed during a flood (BCF Hg = 15 364). Conclusions: The results confirm the greater bioaccumulative capacity of Eustrongylides sp. compared to its host. The data indicated the viability of using Eustrongylides sp. larvae in biomonitoring programs. It is worth mentioning that fish samples for Hg analysis must be free of parasites since their presence can alter the results.

Resumen Introducción: La contaminación química del hábitat acuático representa un gran peligro para organismos acuáticos, especialmente para peces. Los metales ingresan al ambiente acuático desde una variedad de fuentes, incluidos los ciclos biogeoquímicos naturales y fuentes antropogénicas, como efluentes industriales y residenciales, minería y fuentes atmosféricas. Objetivo: Describir las especies de Eustrongylides sp. y la interacción con sus peces hospederos como indicadores de contaminación por mercurio en la Amazonía brasileña, y la distribución en los órganos internos de las especies de peces Hoplias malabaricus y Pygocentrus nattereri recolectadas en cochas del Río Tapajós, en el municipio de Santarém, del estado de Pará. Métodos: El Hg total se analizó utilizando el Direct Hg Analyzer - DMA-80. Las concentraciones de Eustrongylides sp. se compararon con las encontrados en los tejidos/órganos de los hospederos H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. Las concentraciones en el sistema hospedero/parásito se compararon estadísticamente utilizando el análisis de componentes principales. Se calculó el factor de bioconcentración (BCF) para evaluar la capacidad de bioacumulación de metales en larvas de Eustrongylides sp., comparando la concentración en el parásito con la acumulada en la musculatura de los hospederos infectados. Resultados: Las concentraciones de Hg en todos los tejidos/órganos analizados fueron mayores en las larvas de la especie parasitaria Eustrongylides sp. en comparación con las encontradas en los tejidos/órganos de H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. Hubo una relación inversamente proporcional, mostrando que cuando las larvas de Eustrongylides sp. están presentes, la concentración en el parásito es mayor que en la musculatura de los peces hospederos H. malabaricus y P. nattereri. El BCF de Hg se encontró comparando Eustrongylides sp. larvas/ músculo H. malabaricus y se observó durante una inundación (BCF Hg = 15 364). Conclusiones: Los resultados confirman la mayor capacidad bioacumulativa de Eustrongylides sp. en comparación con su hospedero. Los datos indicaron la viabilidad de utilizar larvas de Eustrongylides sp. en programas de biomonitoreo. Cabe mencionar que las muestras de pescado para análisis de Hg deben estar libres de parásitos ya que su presencia puede alterar los resultados.

High prevalence and intensity of fish nematodes with zoonotic potential in the Brazilian Amazon, including a brief reflection on the absence of human infections

This study aimed to characterize the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity of potential fish-borne zoonotic nematode larvae infecting the predator fish Hoplias aff. malabaricus from the Tapajós River, in the municipality of Santarém, in the Brazilian Amazon. After capture, the specimens of H. aff. malabaricus were analyzed for infection by Contracaecum sp. and Eustrongylides sp. third-stage larvae, and the prevalence, mean abundance, and mean intensity were calculated. A literature search was carried out to clarify the relationship between these indicators and eventual human cases of infection in the Amazon region. Third-stage larvae of nematodes of the Contracaecum and Eustrongylides genera were found in the specimens of H. aff. malabaricus sampled from the Tapajós River. The prevalence of Contracaecum larvae was 100%, while its mean abundance and mean intensity were both 54.8 larvae/fish. The prevalence of Eustrongylides larvae was 62.9%, and its mean abundance and mean intensity were 1.8 and 2.8 larvae/fish, respectively. Despite the high prevalence and intensity values, there are no cases of human infection by these nematode larvae in the Brazilian Amazon reported. The absence of human infections by these nematode larvae in the Brazilian Amazon despite the high prevalence/intensity of Contracaecum and Eustrongylides larvae and the high consumption of fish in the region, is most probably due to the fact that the local populations do not eat raw or undercooked fish. However, it is noteworthy that the absence of zoonotic cases in the region is based only on the examination of the available published papers. A better knowledge of the situation would require surveying hospitals and clinics, and data from the region's medical treatment facilities. However, the authors consider that cases of human infection, if any, are extremely rare, mainly due to the eating habits of the local population.

Metacercariae of Austrodiplostomum spp. (Digenea: Diplostomidae) infecting the eyes and brains of fish in Brazilian Amazon / Metacercaria de Austrodiplostomum spp. (Digenea: Diplostomidae) infectando olhos e cérebros de peixes na Amazônia Brasileira

The aim of this paper was to report the occurrence of Austrodiplostomum spp. in the eyes and brain of Acaronia nassa, Caquetaia spectabilis, Satanoperca acuticeps, Curimatella sp. and Crenicichla marmorata in a lake of the Amazon River system in the state of Pará (Brazil). Of 49 fish examined, 10.2% were parasitized by Austrodiplostomum spp. metacercariae, and A. nassa was the host with higher number of metacercariae. In five examined fish species, a total of 51 metacercariae were collected, with 45 found in the eyes and 6 in the cranial vault. In the eyes, the metacercariae were free and active in the vitreous humor, but no opacification was observed. In the brain, the metacercariae were also free and active, and located mainly below the encephalon, on the cranial floor, at the height of the ophthalmic lobes and near the optic nerve. In laboratory observations, however, the infected fish did not exhibit any behavioral disorders, and this may be related to the low level of parasitism. This was the first report of this digenean for C. spectabilis, S. acuticeps, Curimatella sp., C. marmorata and A. nassa.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de Austrodiplostomum spp. nos olhos e cérebros de Acaronia nassa, Caquetaia spectabilis, Satanoperca acuticeps, Curimatella sp. e Crenicichla marmorata em um lago do rio Amazonas no estado do Pará (Brasil). Dos 49 peixes examinados, 10,2% foram parasitados por metacercárias de Austrodiplostomum spp., A. nassa sendo o hospedeiro com maior número de metacercárias. Em cinco espécies de peixes examinadas, foram coletadas 51 metacercárias, sendo 45 encontradas nos olhos e 6 na caixa craniana. Nos olhos, as metacercárias estavam livres e ativas no humor vítreo, mas nenhuma opacificação foi observada. No cérebro, as metacercárias também eram livres e ativas, localizadas principalmente abaixo do encéfalo, no assoalho do crânio, na altura dos lobos oftálmicos e próximo ao nervo óptico. Em observações laboratoriais, no entanto, o peixe infectado não apresentou distúrbios comportamentais, o que pode estar relacionado ao baixo nível de parasitismo. Este foi o primeiro relato de Austrodiplostomum spp. em C. spectabilis, S. acuticeps, Curimatella sp., C. marmorata e A. nassa.(AU)

Infections of Hypostomus spp. by Trypanosoma spp. and leeches: a study of hematology and record of these hirudineans as potential vectors of these hemoflagellates / Infecções de Hypostomus spp. por Trypanosoma spp. e Sanguessugas: um estudo hematológico e registro desses hirudíneos como potenciais vetores desses hemoflagelados

Abstract Among Kinetoplastida, the Trypanosoma is the genus with the highest occurrence infecting populations of marine fish and freshwater in the world, with high levels of prevalence, causing influences fish health and consequent economic losses, mainly for fish populations in situation stress. This study investigated infections of Hypostomus spp. by Trypanosoma spp. and leeches, as well as blood parameters of this host in the network of tributaries of the Tapajós River in the state of Pará, in the eastern Amazon region in Brazil. Of the 47 hosts examined, 89.4% were parasitized by Trypanosoma spp. and 55.4% also had leeches attached around the mouth. The intensity of Trypanosoma spp. increased with the size of the host, but the body conditions were not influenced by the parasitism. The number of red blood cells, and hemoglobin, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), total number of leukocytes and thrombocytes showed variations and negative correlation with the intensity of Trypanosoma spp. in the blood of the hosts. The results suggest that the leeches were vectors of Trypanosoma spp. in Hypostomus spp.

Resumo Dentre os Kinetoplastida, Trypanosoma é o gênero com maior ocorrência, infectando populações de peixes marinhos e de água doce em todo o mundo. Apresenta elevados níveis de prevalência, ocasiona impactos na saúde dos peixes e consequente perdas econômicas, principalmente para populações de peixes em situação de estresse. Este estudo investigou a infecção por Trypanosoma spp. e sanguessugas em Hypostomus spp. e parâmetros sanguíneos desse hospedeiro do sistema de tributários do Rio Tapajós, no Estado do Pará, Amazônia Oriental, Brasil. De 47 hospedeiros examinados, 89,4% estavam parasitados por Trypanosoma spp., e 55,4% tinham também sanguessugas na região da boca. A intensidade de Trypanosoma spp. aumentou com o tamanho dos hospedeiros, mas as condições corporais não foram influenciadas pelo parasitismo. O número de eritrócitos, hematócrito, hemoglobina, VCM, HCM, CHCM, número de leucócitos e trombócitos totais apresentaram variações e correlação negativa com a intensidade de Trypanosoma spp. no sangue dos hospedeiros. Os resultados sugerem que sanguessugas foram os vetores de Trypanosoma spp. in Hypostomus spp.

Hematological parameters of Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes: Erythrinidae) parasitized by Monogenea in lagoons in Pirassununga, Brazil / Parâmetros hematológicos de Hoplias malabaricus (Characiformes: Erythrinidae) parasitados por monogenea em lagoas de Pirassununga, Brasil

Hematology is an important pathological and diagnostic tool. This paper describes the hematological parameters of 76 specimens of Hoplias malabaricus infested with monogenean parasites, which were collected from two lagoons. The hematological parameters included: erythrocyte count (Er), microhematocrit (Hct), hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC). The blood parameters showed no significant changes associated with the infestation. Water temperature was found to be negatively correlated with MCV and Hct, with values of rs= −0.52, p<0.0001 and rs= −0.48, p<0.0001, respectively. The mean Relative Condition Factor was Kn=1.01, indicating good health conditions of the fish in these lagoons. No correlation was found between the monogenean infestation and the blood parameters, or between the environmental factors and the monogeneans.

A hematologia é uma importante ferramenta para patologia e diagnóstico. O presente estudo teve como objetivo descrever os parâmetros hematológicos de 76 espécimes de Hoplias malabaricus, coletados em duas lagoas, associados ao parasitismo por monogenético. Os parâmetros hematológicos foram: contagem de eritrócitos (Er), micro hematócrito (Hct), hemoglobina (Hb), volume corpuscular médio (VCM), hemoglobina corpuscular (HCM) e a concentração da hemoglobina cospuscular média (CHCM). Observou-se que não ocorreram mudanças significativas nos parâmetros sanguíneos relacionados com o parasitismo. Houve uma correlação negativa entre a temperatura da água o VCM e Hct, com valores de rs = −0,52, p<0,0001 e rs = −0,48, p<0,0001, respectivamente. O valor médio entre o fator de condição relativo foi de Kn = 1,01, indicando boas condições e os peixes estavam saudáveis nas lagoas estudadas. Não houve relação entre a infestação de monogeneas e os parâmetros sanguíneos, ou entre os fatores ambientais e as monogeneas.

Avaliação funcional do reparo artroscópico da instabilidade anterior recidivante do ombro / Functional assessment of arthroscopic repair for recurrent anterior shoulder instability

OBJETIVO: Avaliar clínica e radiograficamente pacientes submetidos ao tratamento cirúrgico da instabilidade anterior do ombro pela técnica de Bankart via artroscópica através da reconstrução com âncoras metálicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo retrospectivo de 49 pacientes submetidos ao reparo artroscópico da instabilidade anterior do ombro no período de 2002 a 2007. Os pacientes foram avaliados pelo escore de Carter-Rowe e pela classificação de Samilson e Prieto. A média de idade na cirurgia foi de 30 anos. O seguimento médio foi de 42,7 (variação de 18-74) meses. Oitenta e cinco porcento dos pacientes eram do sexo masculino. RESULTADOS: A média do escore de Carter-Rowe foi de 83 (variação de 30-100) pontos, sendo 31 resultados excelentes, sete bons, três regulares e oito ruins. Reluxação foi observada em 16% (oito pacientes), sendo 37,5% desses de origem traumática. Degeneração articular esteve presente em 32,5% dos casos, com cinco casos grau 1, seis casos grau 2 e dois casos grau 3. A perda média de rotação externa foi de 12º e de 8º na elevação anterior. Houve relação estatisticamente significante (p < 0,05) nas associações entre artrose e idade da primeira luxação, idade no tratamento cirúrgico e crepitação. Noventa e dois porcento dos pacientes relataram alto grau de satisfação com o procedimento. Dentre as complicações houve dois casos de ombro rígido, um paciente com proeminência do material de síntese e uma soltura de âncora. CONCLUSÃO: O reparo artroscópico da instabilidade anterior do ombro através do uso de âncoras metálicas é eficaz e apresenta baixos índices de complicações.

OBJECTIVE: To clinically and radiologically evaluate patients who underwent arthroscopic surgical treatment for anterior shoulder instability by means of the Bankart technique, using metal anchors. METHODS: This was a retrospective study on 49 patients who underwent arthroscopic repair of anterior shoulder instability between 2002 and 2007. The patients were evaluated using the Carter-Rowe score and the Samilson and Prieto classification. The mean age at the time of surgery was 30 years. The mean length of follow-up was 42.7 months (ranging from 18 to 74). 85% of the patients were male. RESULTS: The mean Carter-Rowe score was 83 points (ranging from 30 to 100) including 31 excellent results, 7 good, 3 fair and 8 poor. Recurrent dislocation was observed in 16% (8 patients), and 37.5% of them were of traumatic origin. Joint degeneration was present in 32.5% of the cases, including 5 cases of grade 1, 6 cases of grade 2 and 2 cases of grade 3. The average loss of external rotation was 12º and the loss of anterior elevation was 8º. There was a statistically significant relationship (p < 0.05) between arthritis and age at first dislocation, age at surgery and crackling. 92% of the patients reported high degrees of satisfaction after the procedure. Among the complications, there were two cases of stiff shoulder, one patient with prominence of the synthesis material and one case of anchor loosening. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic repair of anterior shoulder instability using metal anchors was shown to be effective, with a low complication rate.

Prevalência de diabetes melito e tolerância à glicose diminuída nos indígenas da Aldeia Jaguapiru, Brasil / Prevalence of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in indigenous people from Aldeia Jaguapiru, Brazil

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a prevalência de diabetes melito (DM) e de tolerância à glicose diminuída em indígenas da Aldeia Jaguapiru, em Dourados, Estado de Mato Grosso do Sul. MÉTODOS: Foram avaliados indígenas de 18 a 69 anos de idade entre agosto de 2007 e julho de 2008. A amostra aleatória simples foi obtida pelo sorteio de 349 de 1 255 casas da Aldeia. Excluíram-se as mulheres grávidas, os indivíduos não indígenas e seus descendentes moradores na Aldeia, além dos usuários de glicocorticoide. A amostra incluiu 606 pessoas, 268 ho-mens e 338 mulheres. Realizaram-se dosagens da glicemia capilar com glicosímetro e teste de tolerância oral à glicose, quando necessário. RESULTADOS: A prevalência de DM foi de 4,5 por cento, e a de tolerância diminuída à glicose, de 2,2 por cento, com maior frequência entre as mulheres. Dos diabéticos, 44,4 por cento não tinham diagnóstico. A obesidade esteve presente em 14,2 por cento dos homens e em 30,8 por cento das mulheres. A prevalência de hipertensão arterial foi de 29,7 por cento entre todos os sujeitos participantes e de 67,5 por cento entre os diabéticos e os indivíduos com tolerância à glicose diminuída. Não foi encontrada associação estatística entre fumar e presença de DM ou de tolerância à glicose diminuída. CONCLUSÕES: As prevalências de DM e de tolerância à glicose diminuída foram inferiores nesta amostra em relação à população brasileira; entretanto, a prevalência de obesidade foi maior e a de hipertensão arterial foi semelhante. São recomendáveis orientações nutricionais e incentivo à prática de atividades físicas entre os indígenas da Aldeia Jaguapiru como forma de prevenção do DM.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance in indigenous people from Aldeia Jaguapiru, in Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul. METHODS: Between August 2007 and July 2008, individuals aged 18-69 years were evaluated. To obtain the simple random sample for the study, 349 houses were picked from among the total 1 255 houses in the village. Pregnant women, nonindigenous individuals, and their descendents, and those using glucocorticoids were excluded from the sample. Six hundred and six people were studied (268 men and 338 women). Capillary glucose was measured with a glucose meter, and the oral glucose tolerance test was performed as necessary. RESULTS: A 4.5 percent prevalence was observed for DM and 2.2 percent for impaired glucose tolerance, with higher frequency among women. Among diabetics, 44.4 percent had not been previously diagnosed. Obesity was present in 14.2 percent of men and 30.8 percent of women. The prevalence of hypertension was 29.7 percent for the overall group and 67.5 percent in diabetics and individuals with impaired glucose tolerance. There was no statistical relationship between smoking and the presence of DM and impaired glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DM and impaired glucose tolerance was lower in this sample compared to the Brazilian population. However, the prevalence of obesity was higher, and that of hypertension was similar. Nutritional guidance and encouragement of physical activity are recommended in Jaguapiru as preventive measures for DM.