Consenso Argentino de toxoplasmosis congénita 2020 / Argentine Consensus of congenital toxoplasmosis

Resumen La transmisión vertical de la infección por Toxoplasma gondii ocurre cuando la madre se infecta por primera vez en el transcurso del embarazo. El diagnóstico de la infección materna y la del re cién nacido se logra con el conjunto de pruebas serológicas, hallazgos clínicos y ecográficos. El reconocimiento temprano de la infección materna permite un tratamiento que reduce la tasa de transmisión y el riesgo de daño en el producto de la concepción. El objetivo de este consenso de expertos fue revisar la literatura científica para actualizar las recomendaciones de práctica clínica respecto de la prevención, el diagnóstico y el tratamiento de la toxoplasmosis congénita en nuestro país.

Abstract Mother-to-child transmission in Toxoplasma gondii infection occurs only when the infection is acquired for the first time during pregnancy. Diag nosis of maternal infection and the newborn is achieved by a combination of serological tests, clinical features and ultrasound images. An early diagnosis of maternal infection allows treatment that offers a reduction both in transmission rate and risk of congenital damage. The aim of this expert consensus was to review the scientific literature which would enable an update of the clinical practice guideline of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of congenital toxoplasmosis in our country.

Experiencia de un servicio de pediatría del ámbito privado del área metropolitana de Buenos Aires durante la pandemia por COVID-19 / Experience at the Department of Pediatrics of a private facility in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires during the COVID-19 pandemic

Introducción. A fin de 2019 se identificó una nueva variedad de coronavirus causante de COVID-19 que alcanzó categoría de pandemia. En Argentina, el área metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA) concentra alrededor del 37 % de la población total y el mayor número de casos diagnosticados. El objetivo de este estudio fue describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes con COVID-19 y describir el impacto en el funcionamiento del Servicio de Pediatría de una institución privada de la zona. Métodos. Diseño retrospectivo, observacional, desarrollado en una institución de la zona oeste del AMBA entre el 12 de marzo y el 31 de agosto de 2020. Se incluyeron todos los menores de 16 años con diagnóstico de COVID-19. Se registraron características demográficas, epidemiológicas, clínicas, indicación de internación/control ambulatorio, número de consultas externas, internación por infecciones virales estacionales, licenciamiento del personal, modificación del número de camas y de las actividades de los profesionales. Resultados. Hubo 5454 consultas ambulatorias pediátricas totales, sospecha de COVID-19 en 753/5 454 (13,8 %), se confirmaron 152/753 (20,2 %). Mediana de edad 82 meses (rango intercuartílico: 20,5-147 m), el 50 % fueron varones. La fiebre fue el síntoma más frecuente. Se internaron 22/152 (14,5 %). Las consultas disminuyeron el 87 %, no hubo internación por infecciones virales estacionales y el 52,9 % (91/172) del personal fue licenciado. Conclusiones. La mayoría de los casos fueron leves y la fiebre fue el principal síntoma. Observamos un notable impacto en el funcionamiento del servicio en cuanto al recurso humano. Destacamos la necesidad de la organización logística del servicio para enfrentar esta contingencia.

Introduction. Towards the end of 2019, a novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 was identified and became a pandemic. In Argentina, approximately 37 % of the total population lives in the Metropolitan Area of Buenos Aires (AMBA), where most cases have been diagnosed. The objective of this study was to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of COVID-19 patients and the impact on the operations of the Department of Pediatrics of a private facility located in the AMBA. Methods. Retrospective, observational study conducted at a facility in the west of AMBA between March 12th and August 31st, 2020. All patients younger than 16 years diagnosed with COVID-19 were included. Demographic, epidemiological, and clinical characteristics; indication for hospitalization/outpatient follow-up; number of outpatient visits; hospitalization due to seasonal viral infections; staff on leave; changes in bed availability and health care providers' activities were recorded. Results. There were 5454 pediatric outpatient visits, COVID-19 was suspected in 753/5454 (13.8 %) and 152/753 (20.2 %) were confirmed cases. Their median age was 82 months (interquartile range: 20.5-147 months); 50 % were males. Fever was the most common symptom. In total, 22/152 (14.5 %) patients were hospitalized. Outpatients visits decreased by 87 %; there were no hospitalizations due to seasonal viral infections; and 52.9 % (91/172) of staff took a leave. Conclusions. Most cases were mild, and fever was the main symptom. The department operations were considerably affected in terms of human resources. It is worth noting the need for a logistic organization at the Department of Pediatrics to face such contingency.

Estimación de la ingesta de calcio y fosfato a partir de bebidas analcohólicas / Calcium and phosphate intake from analcoholic beverages

El calcio (Ca) es un nutriente crítico para la salud, especialmente en los períodos de crecimiento. Sin embargo, la mayoría de los individuos argentinos no alcanzan la ingesta diaria recomendada. Por su parte, el fósforo (P) es un nutriente cuya ingesta suele estar por encima de la recomendada. Este tipo de desequilibrio en la ingesta de ambos nutrientes conlleva a una pérdida de masa ósea. El consumo de bebidas analcohólicas (BA) se ha incrementado en los últimos años, sobre todo en la población infantil, desplazando el consumo de agua y lácteos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue estimar el aporte de Ca y P a partir de BA diferentes de agua. Se evaluaron 59 muestras, cuya mediana y rango de Ca fue de 7,74 [0,00 a 111,29] mg/l y de P 55,17 [0,16 a 957,00] mg/l. Los jugos en polvo son los que mayor contenido de Ca presentaron y las bebidas deportivas aquellas donde se halló el mayor contenido de P. Considerando un consumo de 500 ml/día de BA se estarían incorporando 3,87 mg Ca y 27,59 mg P. El creciente consumo de BA, su bajo contenido de Ca y la concomitante reducción del consumo de lácteos contribuyen a una inadecuada ingesta de Ca. (AU)

Calcium (Ca) is a critical nutrient, especially during periods of growth. However, the majority of Argentine individuals do not reach the recommended daily intake. On the other hand, phosphorus (P) is a nutrient with an intake usually above the recommended values. This type of imbalance between the intake of the nutrients leads to loss of bone mass. Soft drinks consumption (BA) has increased in recent years, especially in children, displacing the consumption of water and dairy products. The aim of this work was to estimate the Ca and P content in BA other than water. 59 samples were evaluated, with a median and range of Ca of 7.74 [0.00 to 111.29] mg/l and of P of 55.17 [0.16 to 957.00] mg/l. Powdered juices are the ones with the highest Ca content, and sports drinks are the beverages in which the highest P content was found. Based on a BA consumption of 500 ml/day, 3.87 mg Ca and 27.59 mg P would be incorporated. Therefore, the increased consumption of BA, their low Ca content, and the concomitant reduction in dairy consumption contribute to an inadequate intake of Ca. (AU)

Ectoparasites of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) in cage farming in a hydroelectric reservoir in Brazil / Ectoparasitas de tilápias-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) criadas em tanques-rede em um reservatório de usina hidrelétrica no Brasil

For this study, we performed a parasitological analysis of cage-cultured Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) from the Água Vermelha Reservoir, Southeastern Brazil, and verified relationships with limnological data, seasonality, and fish growth phase. From March 2010 to March 2011, sixty-three specimens of O. niloticus in three growth phases (i.e., initial, intermediate, and final) were collected. All fish specimens were infested with at least one ectoparasite species (prevalence = 100%). Five species of protozoans (Trichodina compacta, Trichodina magna, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare, and Epistylis sp.) and five species of monogenoids (Cichlidogyrus halli, Cichlidogyrus thurstonae, Cichlidogyrus sp. 1, Scutogyrus longicornis, and Gyrodactylus sp.) were observed. The abundance of Trichodina spp. and the prevalence of Epistylis sp. were higher in the dry season, and the prevalence of C. halli was higher in the rainy season. For the majority of ectoparasites found in this study, fish in the intermediate and final phases had higher parasitism rates than those in the initial phase. The data presented may help fish farmers to understand the parasite dynamics of the fish species studied in cage-farming systems.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo realizar análise parasitológica de tilápias-do-Nilo, (Oreochromis niloticus) criadas em tanques-rede no Reservatório de Água Vermelha, Sudeste do Brasil, bem como verificar suas inter-relações com as características limnológicas, sazonalidade e fase de criação. Durante o período de março de 2010 a março de 2011, espécimes de O. niloticus, pertencentes a três fases de criação (inicial, intermediária e final), foram colhidos, totalizando 63 indivíduos. Todos os peixes estavam infestados por pelo menos uma espécie de ectoparasita (prevalência = 100%). Foi observada a ocorrência de cinco espécies de protozoários (Trichodina compacta, Trichodina magna, Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Piscinoodinium pillulare e Epistylis sp.), assim como cinco espécies de monogenóides (Cichlidogyrus halli, Cichlidogyrus thurstonae, Cichlidogyrus sp. 1, Scutogyrus longicornis e Gyrodactylus sp.). A abundância de Trichodina spp. e prevalência de Epistylis sp. foram maiores no período seco, e a prevalência de C. halli foi maior no período chuvoso. Para a maioria dos ectoparasitas encontrados neste estudo, os peixes pertencentes às fases intermediária e final apresentaram maiores taxas de parasitismo do que aqueles pertencentes à fase inicial. Os dados apresentados neste estudo podem ser de grande importância para piscicultores, de forma a auxiliá-los no conhecimento da dinâmica dos parasitas da espécie de peixe estudada em sistemas de tanques-rede.

Parasitic infections of Piaractus mesopotamicus and hybrid (P. mesopotamicus x Piaractus brachypomus) cultured in Brazil / Infecções parasitárias de Piaractus mesopotamicus e do híbrido (P. mesopotamicus x Piaractus brachypomus) cultivados no Brasil

This study evaluated the occurrence of parasitic infections in the "pacu" fish Piaractus mesopotamicus and the "patinga" hybrid (P. mesopotamicus x Piaractus brachypomus) in the northwest of São Paulo State, Brazil. Fish from the following three fish farms were evaluated every two months: A, a hatchery and larviculture farm (n = 16 pacu / n = 19 patinga), B, a growout farm (n = 35 patinga) and C, a fee-fishing property (n = 28 pacu / n = 7 patinga). Thirty-five fish from each property were collected from February 2010 to February 2011 and subjected to parasitological analysis. The parasites found were the following: Mymarothecium viatorum, Anacanthorus penilabiatus, Notozothecium janauachensis (Dactylogyridae, Monogenea),Trichodina spp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Chilodonella sp. (Protozoa), Myxobolus spp.,Henneguya spp. (Myxozoa), Rondonia rondoni, Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), and Dolops carvalhoi(Crustacea). Of the fish examined, 62.9% from "A" and 100% from "B" and "C" were infested with at least one parasite species. Pacu fish (n = 44) showed a higher susceptibility to Anacanthorus penilabiatus infestations, whereas patinga (n = 61) were more susceptible to Mymarothecium viatorum (p < 0.05). Appropriate fish handling (nutrition, transport and storage), in conjunction with monitoring of water quality, can reduce the stress to which the farmed fish are exposed and is essential for pathogen control.

Este estudo avaliou a ocorrência de infecções parasitárias em pacus Piaractus mesopotamicus e do híbrido patinga (P. mesopotamicus x P. brachypomus) procedentes da região Noroeste do Estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Peixes de três pisciculturas foram avaliados bimestralmente: A - Reprodução e Larvicultura (n = 16 pacus / n = 19 patingas), B-Engorda n = 35 patingas), e C- Pesque-pague (n = 28 pacus / n = 7 patingas). Trinta e cinco peixes de cada propriedade foram coletados de fevereiro de 2010 a fevereiro de 2011, para análises parasitológicas. Os parasitas encontrados foram: Mymarothecium viatorum, Anacanthorus penilabiatus, Notozothecium janauachensis (Dactylogyridae, Monogenea), Trichodina spp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis, Chilodonella sp. (Protozoa), Myxobolus spp., Henneguya spp. (Myxozoa), Rondonia rondoni, Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda), and Dolops carvalhoi (Crustacea). Dentre os peixes analisados, 62,9% de "A" e 100% de "B" e "C" estavam infectados/infestados por pelo menos uma espécie de parasita. Pacus (n = 44) apresentaram maior suscetibilidade a infestações por Anacanthorus penilabiatus, e patingas (n = 61), por Mymarothecium viatorum (p < 0.05). A profilaxia e cuidados durante o manejo (alimentação, transporte e estocagem), associados ao monitoramento da qualidade de água reduzem o estresse o qual os peixes cultivados estão submetidos, sendo medidas imprescindíveis para o controle de patógenos.

Notas sobre a versão em língua portuguesa da Escala de Bem-Estar Espiritual / Notes on the Portuguese-language version of the Spiritual Well-Being Scale

OBJETIVO: Testar a Escala de Bem-Estar Espiritual (EBE), a versão em português da Spiritual Well-Being Scale (SWB), em uma amostra de universitários matriculados em cursos de pós-graduação da área da saúde, avaliando suas qualidades psicométricas. Entre os diferentes instrumentos que objetivam mensurar a espiritualidade, encontra-se a SWB, adaptada recentemente para a língua portuguesa. Os 20 itens desse instrumento originalmente dividem-se em duas dimensões: bem-estar religioso (BER) e bem-estar existencial (BEE). MÉTODOS: A consistência interna dessas dimensões foi avaliada pelo coeficiente alfa de Cronbach. Foi utilizada análise fatorial com rotação oblíqua para avaliar a estrutura fatorial latente. Quatrocentos e quarenta e um indivíduos responderam ao instrumento. RESULTADOS: O instrumento apresenta satisfatória consistência interna, mas a análise fatorial sugere que os itens da dimensão BEE distribuem-se em dois fatores distintos, o que chama a atenção para a complexidade da estrutura fatorial do instrumento. CONCLUSÃO: A estrutura fatorial da escala EBE não é clara, e a presença de um efeito teto em grupos religiosos específicos pode prejudicar os estudos que buscam associações entre espiritualidade e aspectos relacionados à saúde. O uso do instrumento exige cautela, e posteriores estudos de revisão da escala são necessários.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to test the factor structure of the Portuguese-language version of the Spiritual Well-being Scale (SWB) in a sample of postgraduate students of courses in the health area, assessing its psychometric qualities. Among the different instruments used to measure the spirituality, the SWB was recently adapted into Portuguese language. The 20 items of this instrument are originally divided into two dimensions: Religious Well-Being (RWB) and Existential Well-Being (EWB) subscales. METHODS: The internal consistency of the subscales was assessed by the Cronbach's alpha coefficient. A factor analysis with oblique rotation was used to assess the latent factor structure. Four hundred and forty-one individuals answered the SWB scale. RESULTS: The instrument has satisfactory internal consistency, but the factor analysis suggests that the items of the EWB subscale are distributed in two distinct factors, which draws attention to the complexity of the factor structure of the instrument. CONCLUSION: The factorial structure of the instrument is unclear, and the presence of a ceiling effect for religious groups may hinder the studies about the associations between spirituality and health-related characteristics. The use of the SWB scale requires caution and a subsequent revision of the scale is needed.

A high corticosterone/DHEA-s ratio in young rats infected with Trypanosoma cruzi is associated with increased susceptibility

We have previously established that young male rats are more susceptible to the effects of Trypanosoma cruzi infection than adult rats. To explore underlying age-associated differences in disease outcome, we simultaneously assessed hormone levels and cytokine release throughout the acute infection period in young and adult rats infected with T. cruzi. Young rats were inoculated with 1 x 10(6) and adult rats with 7 x 10(6) blood trypomastigotes, according to their relative body weight. At zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28 days after infection, blood was collected for the determination of gonadal and adrenal hormones, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-10 and specific IgM and IgG subtypes. Young animals displayed significantly higher parasitaemia values and an endocrine pattern that was characterised by elevated values in corticosterone (CT) and the CT/dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate ratio, which favours immunosuppression and susceptibility. In contrast, adult male rats were able to restrict the parasite burden, which likely resulted from increased IgG antibody synthesis and oestradiol levels. Adult rats also showed a reduced TNF-α/IL-10 ratio and less tissue damage. We conclude that young animals exhibited increased vulnerability to T. cruzi infection compared with adults and this is associated with an unsuitable immunoendocrine milieu.

Seleção de progênies de meios-irmãos do composto Isanão VF-1 de milho na safra e safrinha / Selection of half sib progenies of Isanão VF-1 composite of maize in normal and late season crops

O aumento significativo da produção de milho na segunda safra no Brasil, principalmente no centro-sul do país, têm estimulado os programas de melhoramento da cultura a selecionar genótipos que sejam adaptáveis às condições climáticas das diferentes épocas de semeadura. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi quantificar a interação progênies x épocas de semeadura e verificar seus reflexos no progresso genético com o uso de índice de seleção multivariado para seleção de progênies do Composto Isanão VF-1 de milho. As semeaduras foram realizadas na segunda safra em 2004 e na primeira safra do ano agrícola 2004/05. Foram utilizadas 71 progênies de meios irmãos avaliadas em blocos ao acaso, com três repetições. Os caracteres avaliados foram: altura de plantas, altura de espigas, tombamento, prolificidade e rendimento de grãos. Realizaram-se a decomposição da interação progênies x épocas e foram estimados os ganhos pelo índice de seleção descrito por Mulamba e Mock. Houve predomínio da interação do tipo simples para maioria dos caracteres, exceto para prolificidade, que revelou 86 por cento de interação do tipo complexa. Pelo índice de Mulamba e Mock, os ganhos proporcionais mais adequados para o conjunto de caracteres avaliados foi obtido pelos pesos econômicos atribuídos por tentativas. Os ganhos preditos foram de 1,41, 0,86, -13,03, 9,54 e 16,12 por cento para altura de planta, altura de espiga, tombamento, prolificidade e rendimento de grãos, respectivamente.

The significant increase in maize production in the second season crop in Brazil, mainly in central-south of the country have stimulated breeding programs to select genotypes adapted to the climatic conditions of different sowing times. The objective of this study was to quantify the progenies x sowing times interaction and check its reflexes on the genetic progress with the use of multivariate selection for selection progenies of the maize Composite Isanão VF-1. Sowings were done in the second growing season, in 2004 and in first growing season of the 2004/05 crop year. A total of 71 half-sib progenies were evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications. The traits evaluated were: plant height, ear height, lodged and broken plants, prolificacy and grain yield. There was decomposition of progenies x sowing times interaction and gains from selection index Mulamba and Mock were estimated. There was a predominance of the simple interaction for most traits, except prolificacy, which revealed 86 percent of complex type interaction. For the index Mulamba and Mock, proportional gains most appropriate for the traits set was obtained by the economic weights assigned by attempts. The predicted gains were 1.41, 0.86, -13.03, 9.54 and 16.12 percent for plant height, ear height, lodged and broken plants, prolificacy and grain yield, respectively.

Efeitos da eletroestimulação do músculo vasto medial oblíquo em portadores de síndrome da dor patelofemoral: uma análise eletromiográfica / Effects of electrical stimulation of vastus medialis obliquus muscle in patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome: an electromyographic analysis

CONTEXTUALIZAÇÃO: O uso da eletromiografia de superfície (EMG-S) tem sido considerado como instrumento de avaliação quantitativa na síndrome da dor patelofemoral (SDPF). Tratamentos conservadores objetivam melhorar o alinhamento patelar, e a estimulação elétrica do músculo vasto medial oblíquo (VMO) tem sido considerada por ser seletiva e não causar irritação articular. OBJETIVO: Verificar o efeito de um programa de fortalecimento muscular com estimulação elétrica do VMO na SDPF por meio da capacidade de avaliação da EMG-S. MÉTODOS: Participaram deste estudo 10 mulheres jovens (idade: 23,1±4,9 anos; massa corporal: 66,8±14,0 kg; estatura: 1,63±6,9 cm; IMC: 25,1±5,6 kg/m²) com SDPF unilateral, as quais realizaram o teste funcional de subir degrau para captação da atividade eletromiográfica dos músculos VMO e vasto lateral (VL), antes e após um programa de estimulação elétrica do VMO. A eletroestimulação foi realizada três vezes por semana, durante seis semanas. Foram consideradas, para análise entre VMO e VL, as variáveis razão do tempo do início até o pico de ativação, razão da integral do sinal (teste t para amostras dependentes) e diferença de início de ativação (teste de Wilcoxon), com nível de significância de p<0,05. RESULTADOS: Os resultados mostraram que ocorreu alteração somente no comportamento eletromiográfico relativo à razão da integral do sinal, mostrando que, após o treinamento muscular, ocorreram mudanças na capacidade de geração da força. CONCLUSÃO: O uso da eletroestimulação deve ser considerado no sentido de complementar a abordagem terapêutica conservadora em portadores da SDFP e a análise da razão da integral do sinal de EMG-S, como instrumento de avaliação. Artigo registrado no Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) sob o número ACTRN 12609000079246.

BACKGROUND: The use of surface electromyography (SEMG) has been considered a tool for quantitative assessment of patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS). Conservative treatments aim to improve patellar alignment, and electrical stimulation of the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) muscle has been considered effective because it is selective and does not cause joint irritation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the efficiency of a muscle strengthening program with electrical stimulation of the VMO muscle in PFPS by SEMG. METHODS: A group of ten young women (age: 23.1±4.9 years; body mass: 66.8±14.0 kg; height: 1.63±6.9 cm; BMI: 25.1±5.6 kg/m²) with unilateral PFPS participated in the study. They performed the functional test of stair stepping to capture the electromyographic (EMG) activity of the VMO and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles, before and after a program of electrical stimulation of the VMO muscle. The electrical stimulation was performed three times per week for six weeks. For analysis between the VMO and VL muscles, we considered the variables: ratio of time of onset to peak of activation, ratio of the integrals of the signals (t-test for dependent samples), and difference between onsets of activation (Wilcoxon test), with significance level of p<0.05. RESULTS: The results only showed change in behavior in the EMG signal for the ratio of the integrals of the signals, indicating that changes occurred in the force-generating capacity of the muscle after the training. CONCLUSION: The use of electrical stimulation should be considered to complement the conservative therapeutic approach in patients with PFPS, and the analysis of the ratio of the integrals of the SEMG signals should be considered as an instrument of evaluation. Article registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) under number ACTRN 12609000079246.

Clinical and parasitological evaluation of dogs naturally infected by Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submitted to treatment with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol / Avaliação clínica e parasitológica de cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania (Leishmania) chagasi submetidos a tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina e alopurinol

Aiming to assess the efficacy of the treatment, to verify the occurrence of possible disease relapses and to search for the presence of parasites after the treatment, seven dogs naturally infected by Leishmania sp., were submitted to a treatment with meglumine antimoniate and allopurinol. For this, lymph node and bone marrow aspiration biopsies were carried out at seven moments. After the end of the six-month observation period all dogs were submitted to euthanasia. Then, spleen and liver “imprints” and in vitro cultures were carried out to search for amastigote forms of the parasite. All animals presented remission of the symptoms and during all the observation period no dog presented relapse of the disease, although amastigote forms of the parasite were observed in two of the animals at the end of the experiment. Thus, it was possible to conclude that the treatment promotes clinical healing but it does not eliminate the parasites completely.

Com objetivo de avaliar a eficácia do tratamento, verificar a ocorrência de possíveis recidivas da doença e pesquisar a presença de parasitas após a realização do tratamento, foram utilizados sete cães naturalmente infectados por Leishmania sp., submetidos a tratamento com antimoniato de meglumina e alopurinol. Para tanto, foram realizadas punções biópsias aspirativas de linfonodos e de medula óssea em sete momentos. Após o término dos seis meses de observação, todos os cães foram submetidos à eutanásia e realizados “imprints” e cultivo in vitro do baço e fígado para a pesquisa de formas amastigotas. Todos os animais apresentaram remissão dos sintomas e durante todo o período de observação nenhum cão apresentou recidiva da doença apesar de ter sido observada a presença de formas amastigotas do parasita em dois animais, ao término do experimento. Desta forma, foi possível concluir que o tratamento promove a cura clínica, entretanto não elimina completamente os parasitas.