Identification of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rodents from Southern Mexico City at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic

ABSTRACT Currently, there are some concerns about the situation and, in particular, about the future of the COVID-19 pandemic and the new emerging variants of SARS-CoV-2. Rodents are an example of synanthropic animals in urban environments that harbor important zoonoses. Although the molecular identification of SARS-CoV-2 in Rattus norvegicus from New York City had been reported, in other studies, urban wild rodents infected with this virus have not been found. This study aimed to molecularly identify the presence of SARS-CoV-2 in urban wild rodents from Mexico City, trapped along a water channel of a public park as part of a pest control program, at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, during the fall and winter of 2020. Up to 33 Mus musculus and 52 R. norvegicus were captured and euthanized, large intestine samples with feces from the animals were obtained. RNAs were obtained and subjected to qRT-PCR for SARS-CoV-2 identification and threshold cycle (Ct) values were obtained. Four mice (12.1%) and three rats (5.8%) were positive, three rodents exhibited Ct<30. Our results on the frequency of SARS-CoV-2 in urban rats are in line with other previous reports. Thus, similar to other authors, we suggest that surveillance for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 in urban wild rodents, as sentinel animals, should be maintained.

Seropositividad a Chlamydophila psittaci en cotorras argentinas (Myiopsitta monachus) invasoras de la ciudad de Santiago de Chile / Seropositivity to zoonotic Chlamydophila psittaci in invasive monk parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus) from Santiago, Chile

INTRODUCCIÓN: Chlamydophila psittaci es una bacteria zoonótica e intracelular estricta, que provoca la psitacosis humana y su principal hospedero son las aves psitácidas. La cotorra argentina es un ave psitácida nativa de Sudamérica y actualmente considerada una especie invasora en 19 países, incluyendo Chile. OBJETIVO: Determinar positividad contra C. psittaci en muestras de suero y torulados de cotorras argentinas de vida libre capturadas en la Región Metropolitana de Chile. MÉTODOS: Se analizaron 95 muestras de suero de pichones e individuos adultos de cotorras argentinas, a través de una prueba de ELISA indirecto utilizando un kit comercial. Posteriormente, se analizaron 40 tórulas nasotraqueales y cloacales de individuos adultos a través de una RPC en tiempo real específica para C. psittaci. RESULTADOS: Se detectaron anticuerpos en muestras de suero de cinco individuos adultos de cotorras argentinas (n = 68), mientras que ninguno de los pichones analizados fue seropositivo (n = 27). Todas las muestras analizadas a través de RPC en tiempo real fueron negativas. CONCLUSIÓN: Estos resultados demuestran por primera vez en Chile la exposición a C. psittaci en cotorras argentinas de vida libre, lo cual puede representar un riesgo importante para la transmisión de este patógeno a poblaciones humanas y animales.

BACKGROUND: Chlamydophila psittaci is a zoonotic obligate intracellular bacterium that causes the human psittacosis, and its main host are psittacine birds. The monk parakeet is a psittacine bird native to South America, currently being considered an invasive species in 19 countries, including Chile. AIM: To determine positivity to C. psittaci in serum samples and swabs from free-ranging monk parakeets captured in the Metropolitan Region of Chile. METHODS: Ninety-five serum samples from nestling chicks and adult monk parakeets were tested using an indirect ELISA test kit. Cloacal and nasotracheal swabs from 40 adult parakeets were further analyzed by C. psittaci-specific real-time PCR. RESULTS: We found antibody titers in sera of five adult monk parakeets (n = 68) while none of the nestlings were seropositive (n = 27). All samples tested with real-time PCR were negative. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demónstrate for the first time in Chile the exposure to C. psittaci in free-ranging monk parakeets which may represent a significant risk of pathogen transmission to human and animal populations.

Percepção da sociedade em relação ao controle populacional de vertebrados em condições de sinantropia no município de Niterói, RJ / Perception of society about the management of synanthropic vertebrates populations in the municipality of Niterói, RJ / Percepción de la sociedad sobre el control poblacional de los vertebrados en condiciones sinópticas en el municipio de Niterói, RJ

Esse estudo seccional, realizado no período 2014-2015, com aplicação de questionários, teve por objetivo conhecer a percepção sobre vertebrados em condição de sinantropia e a opinião sobre controle populacional para a população do município de Niterói, RJ. Dentre os 474 entrevistados, 76,8% aceitavam o controle populacional para ratos, 63,3% para pombos, 40,5% para cães, 33,8% para gatos, 25,5% para morcegos, 16,5% para serpentes e 14,1% para gambás. As serpentes foram os animais mais associados ao medo (59,1%) e risco de agressão (47,7%), pombos (89,2%) e morcegos ao risco de doenças (57,4%), ratos à nojo/repulsa (56,6%), gambás à natureza (73,8%), cães à companhia (79,8%), e gatos à amizade (57,4%). O estudo demonstrou que as relações dos humanos com os animais podem ser complexas, ambíguas e paradoxais, e fornece dados que poderão ser utilizados para políticas públicas de manejo dessas espécies.(AU)

This study (sectional investigation), in the 2014-2015, using questionnaires, aimed to understand the perception of vertebrates in synanthropic conditions and the opinion about their population control for the population of the municipality the Niterói, RJ. Among the 474 people interviewed, 76.8% accepted population control for rats, 63.3% for pigeons, 40.5% for dogs, 33.8% for cats, 25.5 % for bats, 16.5% for snakes and 14.1% for possums. Snakes were the animals most associated with the representation of fear (59.1%) and risk of aggression (47.7%), pigeons (89.2%) and bats with risk of disease (57.4%), rats with disgust and repulsion (56.6%), possums with nature (73.8%), dogs with company (79.8%), and cats with friendship (57.4%). In addition to demonstrating how complex human relations with animals can be ambiguous and paradoxical, this study provides data that can be used for public policies for the management of these species.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la percepción de los vertebrados en condiciones de sinantropía y la opinión sobre el control poblacional de la población del municipio de Niterói, RJ. Entre los 474 entrevistados, el 76,8% aceptó el control de la población de ratas, el 63,3% de palomas, el 40,5% de perros, el 33,8% de gatos, el 25,5% de murciélagos, el 16,5% de serpientes y el 14,1% de zarigüeyas. Las serpientes fueron los animales más asociados al miedo (59,1%) y al riesgo de agresión (47,7%), las palomas (89,2%) y los murciélagos al riesgo de enfermedad (57,4%), las ratas al asco/repulsión (56,6%), las zarigüeyas a la naturaleza (73,8%), los perros a la compañía (79,8%) y los gatos a la amistad (57,4%). El estudio demostró que las relaciones de los humanos con los animales pueden ser complejas, ambiguas y paradójicas, y aporta datos que podrían utilizarse para las políticas públicas de gestión de estas especies.(AU)

Análise tricológica de pelos-guarda de Mus musculus, Rattus rattus e Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia: Muridae) aplicada à pesquisa e à identificação em alimentos / Trichological analysis of guard hairs of Mus musculus, Rattus rattus e Rattus norvegicus (Rodentia: Muridae) applied to research and identification in food

Introdução: Roedores estão entre as mais importantes pragas do mundo e, quando estes indivíduos ou seus pelos são encontrados nos alimentos, são considerados matérias estranhas indicativas de risco à saúde. Por outro lado, a presença de pelos humanos e dos demais mamíferos é considerada indicativa de falhas das boas práticas. Sendo assim, a caracterização dos pelos dos roedores sinantrópicos e a diferenciação dos pelos das demais espécies de mamíferos mostram-se relevantes e necessárias. Objetivo: Caracterizar os padrões microestruturais dos pelos-guarda das três principais espécies de roedores que infestam ambientes de armazenamento de alimentos e apresentar uma proposta de protocolo para análise tricológica de pelos isolados. Método: Amostras de pelos de roedores das espécies Mus musculus, Rattus rattus e Rattus norvegicus foram coletadas de espécimes colecionados e pelos-guarda íntegros foram selecionados para a preparação de lâminas para observação da microestrutura. No total, 20 pelos-guarda foram analisados para caracterização dos padrões medulares e 91 impressões cuticulares de pelos-guarda foram examinadas para caracterização de padrões cuticulares. Resultados: Observou-se que M. musculus apresentou medula alveolar e cutícula losângica com variações na forma e tamanho das escamas. R. rattus e R. norvegicus apresentaram medula reticulada e cutícula losângica, também com variações. Um protocolo com fluxograma de identificação foi apresentado para a análise dos pelos estudados. Conclusões: Os pelos das espécies de roedores sinantrópicos estudados podem ser diferenciados das demais espécies de mamíferos de interesse sanitário pela presença dos padrões medulares alveolar e reticulado no escudo de pelos-guarda. Para as espécies estudadas, somente o padrão medular do escudo dos pelos-guarda confere caráter diagnóstico.

Introduction: Rodents are among the most important pests in the world and when these individuals or their fur are found in food, they are considered foreign matter indicative of health risk. On the other hand, the presence of human and other mammalian hair is considered indicative of failures in good practices. Thus, the characterization of the hair of synanthropic rodents and its differentiation from other mammal species are relevant and necessary. Objective: To characterize the microstructural patterns of guard hairs of the three main species of rodents that infest food storage environments and to present a proposal for a protocol for the trichological analysis of isolated hairs. Method: Hair samples were plucked from collected specimens of the rodent species Mus musculus, Rattus rattus and Rattus norvegicus. Intact guard hairs were selected for the preparation of slides for observation of the  microstructure. In total, 20 guard hairs were analyzed for the characterization of medullary patterns and 91 guard hair cuticular impressions were examined for the characterization of cuticular patterns. Results: It was observed that M. musculus presented alveolar medulla and losangic cuticle with variations in the shape and size of the scales. R. rattus and R. norvegicus presented reticulated medulla and losangic cuticle, also with variations. A protocol with an identification fluxogram was presented for the analysis of the studied hairs. Conclusions: The hairs of the studied synanthropic rodent species can be differentiated from other mammalian species of health interest by the presence of alveolar and reticulated medullary patterns in the guard hair shield. For the studied species, only the medullary pattern of the guard hair shield confers a diagnostic character.

Distribution of commensal rodents in some shops of three districts in Malakand region, Pakistan / Distribuição de roedores comensais em algumas lojas de três distritos na região de Malakand, Paquistão

Using wire mesh live traps distribution pattern of the Rattus rattus and Mus musculus in different shops of three districts of Malakand region, Pakistan were recorded from September 2014 to October 2015. Over all 103 rodents (Rattus rattus 86 and Mus musculus 17) were caught during in 0.04 trap success (2448 trap nights). Regression of daily captures on cumulative captures revealed an estimate of 103 rodents from all the sampled structures with an average of 3.55 rodents per shop. R. rattus; 83.4% of captures were numerically dominant in almost all types of shops sampled, and were significantly different than Mus musculus; 16.5% of captures. Both species were found together in some shops while they were mostly trapped from the separate shops. Male rodents outnumbered the females.

Usando o padrão de distribuição de armadilhas vivas de malha de arame do Rattus rattus e Mus musculus em diferentes lojas de três distritos da região de Malakand, o Paquistão foi registrado de setembro de 2014 a outubro de 2015. No total, 103 roedores (Rattus rattus 86 e Mus musculus 17) foram pegos durante em 0,04 armadilha de sucesso (2448 noites de armadilha). A regressão das capturas diárias em capturas cumulativas revelou uma estimativa de 103 roedores de todas as estruturas amostradas, com uma média de 3,55 roedores por loja. R. rattus; 83,4% das capturas foram numericamente dominantes em quase todos os tipos de lojas da amostra e foram significativamente diferentes do Mus musculus; 16,5% das capturas. Ambas as espécies foram encontradas juntas em algumas lojas, enquanto estavam na maior parte presas em lojas separadas. Os roedores machos eram mais numerosos do que as fêmeas.

Distribution of commensal rodents insome shops of three districts in Malakand region, Pakistan / Distribuição de roedores comensais em algumas lojas de três distritos na região de Malakand, Paquistão

Using wire mesh live traps distribution pattern of the Rattus rattus and Mus musculus in different shops of three districts of Malakand region, Pakistan were recorded from September 2014 to October 2015. Over all 103 rodents (Rattus rattus 86 and Mus musculus 17) were caught during in 0.04 trap success (2448 trap nights). Regression of daily captures on cumulative captures revealed an estimate of 103 rodents from all the sampled structures with an average of 3.55 rodents per shop. R. rattus; 83.4% of captures were numerically dominant in almost all types of shops sampled, and were significantly different than Mus musculus; 16.5% of captures. Both species were found together in some shops while they were mostly trapped from the separate shops. Male rodents outnumbered the females.

Usando o padrão de distribuição de armadilhas vivas de malha de arame do Rattus rattus e Mus musculus em diferentes lojas de três distritos da região de Malakand, o Paquistão foi registrado de setembro de 2014 a outubro de 2015. No total, 103 roedores (Rattus rattus 86 e Mus musculus 17) foram pegos durante em 0,04 armadilha de sucesso (2448 noites de armadilha). A regressão das capturas diárias em capturas cumulativas revelou uma estimativa de 103 roedores de todas as estruturas amostradas, com uma média de 3,55 roedores por loja. R. rattus; 83,4% das capturas foram numericamente dominantes em quase todos os tipos de lojas da amostra e foram significativamente diferentes do Mus musculus; 16,5% das capturas. Ambas as espécies foram encontradas juntas em algumas lojas, enquanto estavam na maior parte presas em lojas separadas. Os roedores machos eram mais numerosos do que as fêmeas.

Distribution of commensal rodents in some shops of three districts in Malakand region, Pakistan

Abstract Using wire mesh live traps distribution pattern of the Rattus rattus and Mus musculus in different shops of three districts of Malakand region, Pakistan were recorded from September 2014 to October 2015. Over all 103 rodents (Rattus rattus 86 and Mus musculus 17) were caught during in 0.04 trap success (2448 trap nights). Regression of daily captures on cumulative captures revealed an estimate of 103 rodents from all the sampled structures with an average of 3.55 rodents per shop. R. rattus; 83.4% of captures were numerically dominant in almost all types of shops sampled, and were significantly different than Mus musculus; 16.5% of captures. Both species were found together in some shops while they were mostly trapped from the separate shops. Male rodents outnumbered the females.

Resumo Usando o padrão de distribuição de armadilhas vivas de malha de arame do Rattus rattus e Mus musculus em diferentes lojas de três distritos da região de Malakand, o Paquistão foi registrado de setembro de 2014 a outubro de 2015. No total, 103 roedores (Rattus rattus 86 e Mus musculus 17) foram pegos durante em 0,04 armadilha de sucesso (2448 noites de armadilha). A regressão das capturas diárias em capturas cumulativas revelou uma estimativa de 103 roedores de todas as estruturas amostradas, com uma média de 3,55 roedores por loja. R. rattus; 83,4% das capturas foram numericamente dominantes em quase todos os tipos de lojas da amostra e foram significativamente diferentes do Mus musculus; 16,5% das capturas. Ambas as espécies foram encontradas juntas em algumas lojas, enquanto estavam na maior parte presas em lojas separadas. Os roedores machos eram mais numerosos do que as fêmeas.

Detección de Leishmania (viannia) braziliensis en piel de oreja de Rattus rattus que habitan área urbana de la ciudad de Corrientes

Resumen La leishmaniasis cutánea es una enfermedad zoonótica que se transmite al hombre y a los animales a través de la picadura de insectos dípteros de los géneros Phlebotomus y Lutzomyia infectados con diferentes especies de protozoos del género Leishmania. En América Latina el principal agente etiológico responsable de esta parasitosis es la especie L. braziliensis. Si bien se han identificado numerosas especies de mamíferos infectados naturalmente con especies de Leishmania, los roedores cumplirían un rol importante en el ciclo de transmisión de la enfermedad. El presente trabajo tuvo como objetivo la identificación de especie de leishmania que circula en roedores sinantrópicos que habitan el área urbana de la ciudad de Corrientes. Se trabajó con muestras de piel de oreja de roedores a los que se les aplicó las técnicas de Nested PCR para la identificación de Leishmania spp y PCR Simple para la detección de L. braziliensis. Se analizó un total de 30 muestras de roedores de la especie Rattus rattus de los cuales 2 muestras resultaron detectables a Nested PCR. Seguidamente, a las muestras detectables a Leishmania spp. se les aplicó PCR Simple a L. braziliensis resultando ambas detectables a esta especie. Si bien los valores obtenidos en este trabajo no son altos para poder considerarlos como reservorios, si se evidencia una infección natural que no afecta clínicamente a los roedores estudiados con circulación del parásito en piel, particularmente de la especie L. braziliensis.

Abstract Cutaneous leishmaniasis is a zoonotic disease that is transmitted to man and animals through the bite of dipteran insects of the genera Phlebotomus and Lutzomyia infected with different species of protozoa of the genus Leishmania. In Latin America the main etiological agent responsible for this parasitosis is the species L. braziliensis. Although numerous species of mammals have been identified naturally infected with Leishmania species, rodents would play an important role in the transmission cycle of the disease. The present work aimed to identify the species of leishmania that circulates in synanthropic rodents that inhabit the urban area of the city of Corrientes. We worked with rodent ear skin samples to which the Nested PCR techniques were applied for the identification of Leishmania spp and Simple PCR for the detection of L. braziliensis. A total of 30 rodent samples of the species Rattus rattus were analyzed, of which 2 samples were detectable by Nested PCR. Next, the samples detectable to Leishmania spp. Simple PCR was applied to L. braziliensis, both of which were detectable in this species. Although the values obtained in this work are not high to be considered as reservoirs, there is evidence of a natural infection that does not clinically affect the rodents studied with circulation of the parasite on the skin, particularly of the L. braziliensis species.

Distribución del género Tityus Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) en la ciudad de La Plata (Argentina) / Distribution of the genus Tityus Koch, 1836 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) in the city of La Plata (Argentina)

Resumen En la ciudad de La Plata se encuentra el género Tityus con registros desde 1943. Se estudió la distribución territorial del género Tityus en esta ciudad y su expansión en los últimos 15 años a partir de las consultas recibidas en el Laboratorio de Aracnología del CEPAVE, provenientes de particulares e instituciones públicas y privadas. Se recibieron 189 consultas desde el año 2005 al 2020. Se utilizó el programa QGIS para geolocalizar cada escorpión con capas de trazado urbano y desagües pluviales. Para el análisis espacial de distribución se consideró un home range de una hectárea por individuo para el cálculo de área y en los casos de áreas de influencias solapadas durante el mismo año se consideró el área como la unión de las mismas. El género Tityus en la ciudad de La Plata está representado por las especies T. carrilloi y T. confluens ambas de interés sanitario y de hábitos sinantrópicos, que ocupan dos zonas diferentes bien definidas. El análisis de la dispersión independiente en las dos zonas indicaría que podrían usar los desagües para dispersarse, y al ser inconexos estos no habría flujo de escorpiones entre ambas zonas. La colonización de estas especies en la zona en estudio se vio afianzada para T. confluens a partir del año 2005 y para T. carrilloi a partir del 2011. Los mayores registros son en los meses cálidos, desde enero a abril, siendo este último el de mayor valor. Septiembre es el único mes sin denuncia. La tasa de expansión calculada fue de 4.42 ha/año.

Abstract In the city of La Plata occurs the genus Tityus with records dating back to 1943. The territorial distribution of the genus Tityus in this city and its expansion was studied based on inquiries received at the CEPAVE Arachnology Laboratory from individuals and public and private institutions. 189 inquiries were received from 2005 to 2020. The QGIS program was used to geolocate each scorpion with urban layout layers and storm drains. For the spatial analysis of distribution, a home range of one hectare per individual was considered to calculate the area and in the cases of areas of overlapping influences during the same year, the area was considered as their union. The genus Tityus in the city of La Plata is represented by the species T. carrilloi and T. confluens, both of health interest and of synanthropic habits, which occupy two different well-defined areas. The analysis of the independent dispersion in the two zones would indicate that they could use the drains to disperse, and since they are unconnected there would be no flow of scorpions between both zones. The colonization of these species in the study area was strengthened for T. confluens as of 2005 and for T. carrilloi as of 2011. The highest records are in the warm months, from January to April, the latter being of higher value. September is the only month without complaints. The expansion rate calculated was 4.42 ha/year.

Perfil das reclamações registradas acerca de roedores do Distrito Federal, Brasil / Profile of registered complaints about rodents of the Federal District, Brazil

Os animais sinantrópicos, dentre eles os roedores, contituem problema de saúde pública em áreas urbanizadas. Foi realizado levantamento das reclamações sobre roedores feitas para o setor de animais sinantrópicos da Diretoria de Vigilância Ambiental doDistrito Federal no intervalo entre 2014 e 2016. As solicitações atingiram o número de 10.232, sendo 4.429 em 2014, 4.368 e 1.429 nos respectivos anos subsequentes. A queda expressiva é decorrente da ausência de telefone no Órgão, se tratando da forma de comunicação mais utilizada para execução das solicitações. Quando relacionados a população das Regiões Administrativas com a quantidade de reclamações, houve relação, mas o mesmo não ocorreu com renda per capita e grau de escolaridade. 6.902 ocorrências foram em residências, justificadas pela população ansiando por desratização gratuita. Houve 11.901 casos confirmados de leptospirose no Brasil nos anos estudados. Destes, 82 ocorreram no DF. Mesmo que maiores os valores utilizados em programas de controle de roedores quando comparados a despesas com zoonoses transmitidas por esses animais, sendo custos diretos médicos, diretos não médicos, indiretos não mensuráveis, o bem-estar da sociedade deve ser destacado.

Synanthropic animals, including rodents, contain the public health problem in urbanized areas. A survey of rodent complaints made to the synanthropic animal sector of the Federal District Environmental Surveillance Directorate was carried out between 2014 and 2016. The occurrences reached 10,232, with 4,429 in 2014, 4,368 and 1,429 in subsequent years. The significant drop is due to the absence of a telephone in the Agency, being the most used form of communication for executing executions. When related to the population of the Administrative Regions with the number of complaints, there was a relationship, but the same did not occur with per capita income and education level. 6,902 occurrences were in homes, justified by the population yearning for free rat removal. There were 11,901 confirmed cases of leptospirosis in Brazil in the years studied. Of these, 82 occurred in the DF. Even though the values used in rodent control programs are higher when compared to expenses with zoonoses transmitted by these animals, being direct medical costs, non-medical direct costs, non-measurable indirect costs, society’s well-being must be highlighted.

Perfil das reclamações registradas acerca de roedores do Distrito Federal, Brasil / Profile of registered complaints about rodents of the Federal District, Brazil

Os animais sinantrópicos, dentre eles os roedores, contituem problema de saúde pública em áreas urbanizadas. Foi realizado levantamento das reclamações sobre roedores feitas para o setor de animais sinantrópicos da Diretoria de Vigilância Ambiental doDistrito Federal no intervalo entre 2014 e 2016. As solicitações atingiram o número de 10.232, sendo 4.429 em 2014, 4.368 e 1.429 nos respectivos anos subsequentes. A queda expressiva é decorrente da ausência de telefone no Órgão, se tratando da forma de comunicação mais utilizada para execução das solicitações. Quando relacionados a população das Regiões Administrativas com a quantidade de reclamações, houve relação, mas o mesmo não ocorreu com renda per capita e grau de escolaridade. 6.902 ocorrências foram em residências, justificadas pela população ansiando por desratização gratuita. Houve 11.901 casos confirmados de leptospirose no Brasil nos anos estudados. Destes, 82 ocorreram no DF. Mesmo que maiores os valores utilizados em programas de controle de roedores quando comparados a despesas com zoonoses transmitidas por esses animais, sendo custos diretos médicos, diretos não médicos, indiretos não mensuráveis, o bem-estar da sociedade deve ser destacado.

Synanthropic animals, including rodents, contain the public health problem in urbanized areas. A survey of rodent complaints made to the synanthropic animal sector of the Federal District Environmental Surveillance Directorate was carried out between 2014 and 2016. The occurrences reached 10,232, with 4,429 in 2014, 4,368 and 1,429 in subsequent years. The significant drop is due to the absence of a telephone in the Agency, being the most used form of communication for executing executions. When related to the population of the Administrative Regions with the number of complaints, there was a relationship, but the same did not occur with per capita income and education level. 6,902 occurrences were in homes, justified by the population yearning for free rat removal. There were 11,901 confirmed cases of leptospirosis in Brazil in the years studied. Of these, 82 occurred in the DF. Even though the values used in rodent control programs are higher when compared to expenses with zoonoses transmitted by these animals, being direct medical costs, non-medical direct costs, non-measurable indirect costs, society's well-being must be highlighted.

Diversity of Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in mountainous and plain areas of an endemic focus of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran

Objective: To determine the diversity of sand flies in different biotopes of mountainous and plain areas of Bam County as the most infected focus of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeast Iran, and synanthropic index of Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot, and Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli as the main vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran. Methods: Sand flies were captured once a month using sticky traps in domestic, peri-domestic, agricultural, and sylvatic biotopes in the plain and mountainous areas. Alpha diversity indices, including richness, evenness, Shannon-Wiener; beta diversity indices (Jaccard's and Sorensen's similarity indices) and synanthropic index were calculated. Results: A total of 2 664 specimens of 9 sand fly species were collected from mountainous (47%) and plain (53%) areas. Species richness, species evenness, and Shannon-Wiener indices were obtained as 9, 0.637, and 1.399, respectively in the mountainous area. Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi were constant species with the synanthropic index of-18.463 and-29.412, respectively. In addition, species richness, species evenness, and Shannon-Wiener indices were 4, 0.690, and 0.956, respectively in the plain area. Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi were dominant species with the synanthropic index of +9.695 and +36.207, respectively. Similarity indices were low among different biotopes of plain and mountainous areas. Conclusions: A basic knowledge about the diversity of sand flies in various biotopes is essential to design sound control programs. Biodiversity and synanthropic indices of sand flies are different in plain and mountainous areas due to the difference in biotic and abiotic factors between the two areas.

Diversity of Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in mountainous and plain areas of an endemic focus of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran

Objective: To determine the diversity of sand flies in different biotopes of mountainous and plain areas of Bam County as the most infected focus of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in southeast Iran, and synanthropic index of Phlebotomus sergenti Parrot, and Phlebotomus papatasi Scopoli as the main vectors of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran.Methods: Sand flies were captured once a month using sticky traps in domestic, peri-domestic, agricultural, and sylvatic biotopes in the plain and mountainous areas. Alpha diversity indices, including richness, evenness, Shannon-Wiener; beta diversity indices (Jaccard's and Sorensen's similarity indices) and synanthropic index were calculated. Results: A total of 2664 specimens of 9 sand fly species were collected from mountainous (47％) and plain (53％) areas. Species richness, species evenness, and Shannon-Wiener indices were obtained as 9, 0.637, and 1.399, respectively in the mountainous area. Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi were constant species with the synanthropic index of -18.463 and -29.412, respectively. In addition, species richness, species evenness, and Shannon-Wiener indices were 4, 0.690, and 0.956, respectively in the plain area. Phlebotomus sergenti and Phlebotomus papatasi were dominant species with the synanthropic index of +9.695 and +36.207, respectively. Similarity indices were low among different biotopes of plain and mountainous areas. Conclusions: A basic knowledge about the diversity of sand flies in various biotopes is essential to design sound control programs. Biodiversity and synanthropic indices of sand flies are different in plain and mountainous areas due to the difference in biotic and abiotic factors between the two areas.

Assessing the environmental management and operational efficiency of Brazilian public ports that export soybeans / Evaluación de la eficiencia de la gestión ambiental y eficiencia operacional de puertos públicos brasileños que exportan soja / Avaliação da eficiência da gestão ambiental e eficiência operacional de portos públicos brasileiros que exportam soja

Abstract Using Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA), seven public ports in Brazil that trade soybeans had their environmental management assessed. Data regarding the management of sewage, solid waste, and of the presence of synanthropic fauna in public ports was used along with the port environmental index created by ANTAQ in the analysis. The results show that the quality of the environmental management needs to be addressed, so the efficiency of the system can be reached, and that DEA can be a useful tool.

Resumen Se evaluaron siete puertos públicos brasileños de embarque de soja en cuanto a su gestión ambiental usando el análisis por envoltura de datos (DEA). Para el análisis, los datos referentes a la gestión de efluentes líquidos, residuos sólidos, y presencia de fauna sinantrópica en esos puertos se utilizaron en conjunto con el Índice de Desempeño Ambiental de la ANTAQ (Agencia Nacional de Transportes Acuáticos). Los resultados muestran que la calidad de la gestión ambiental debe abordarse para que el sistema sea eficiente en su totalidad, y para ello, el DEA puede ser una herramienta útil.

Resumo Sete portos públicos brasileiros que movimentam soja foram avaliados quanto a sua gestão ambiental usando-se Análise por Envelopamento de Dados (DEA). Para a análise, os dados referentes ao gerenciamento de efluentes líquidos, resíduos sólidos, e presença de fauna sinantrópica nesses portos foram utilizados em conjunto com o Índice de Desempenho Ambiental da ANTAQ. Os resultados mostram que a qualidade da gestão ambiental precisa ser abordada para que o sistema seja eficiente como um todo, e para isso, DEA pode ser uma ferramenta útil.

Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum infections in synanthropic rodents from Argentina / Infecções por Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum em roedores sinantrópicos da Argentina

Abstract Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum are closely related coccidian parasites (phylum Apicomplexa). This is the first study from urban synanthropic rodent species that involved serological and molecular diagnosis of T. gondii and N. caninum infection, and genotyping of T. gondii in Argentina. A total of 127 rodent samples were trap captured: Mus musculus (n = 78), Rattus norvegicus (n = 26) and Rattus rattus (n = 23). Antibodies against T. gondii and N. caninum were detected by IFAT in 32.8% (40/122) and 0.8% (1/122) of rodent samples, respectively, demonstrating contact with these protozoans. Additionally, T. gondii DNA was detected in 3.3% (4/123) of rodent central nervous system samples and 2 samples were genotyped by multilocus nPCR-RFLP. Neospora caninum DNA was not detected by PCR. The 2 genotyped samples were type III allele for all markers except for SAG-1 (type I for Rat1Arg and type II/III for Rat2Arg) and were identified as #48 and #2 (likely) according to the allele combinations reported on Toxo DB (Toxo-DB). The results of the present study revealed a wide distribution of T. gondii and less for N. caninum, in synanthropic rats and mice in the studied area.

Resumo Toxoplasma gondii e Neospora caninum são parasitas coccídeos intimamente relacionados (filo Apicomplexa). Este é o primeiro estudo de espécies de roedores sinantrópicos urbanos, o qual envolveu diagnósticos sorológicos e moleculares da infecção por T. gondii e N. caninum e genotipagem de T. gondii na Argentina. Um total de 127 amostras de roedores foram obtidas: Mus musculus (n = 78), Rattus norvegicus (n = 26) e Rattus rattus (n = 23). Anticorpos contra T. gondii e N. caninum foram detectados pela IFAT em 32,8% (40/122) e 0,8% (1/122) das amostras de roedores, respectivamente, demonstrando contato com esses protozoários. Adicionalmente, o DNA de T. gondii foi detectado em 3,3% (4/123) das amostras do sistema nervoso central de roedores e duas amostras foram genotipadas por nPCR-RFLP multilocus. O DNA de N. caninum não foi detectado por PCR. As 2 amostras genotipadas eram do tipo III para todos os marcadores, exceto para SAG-1 (tipo I para Rat1Arg e tipo II / III para Rat2Arg) e foram identificadas como # 48 e # 2 (provavelmente) de acordo com as combinações de alelos relatadas no Toxo DB (Toxo-DB). Os resultados do presente estudo indicam uma ampla distribuição de T. gondii e menor para N. caninum , em ratos e camundongos sinantrópicos na área estudada.

Synanthropic diptera affecting layer poultry farms: a review / Dípteros sinantrópicos de importância para a avicultura de postura: uma revisão

The poultry farm of posture is an economic activity of great relevance to Brazil. Health aspects of flocks of laying chickens, such as the occurrence of infestations by parasites and poultry pests, influence significantly the productivity indicators. In this context, the control of synanthropic diptera is one of the challenges of the poultry farmers and professionals of this area. In Brazil, the control of flies in poultry environments is based mainly on the use of pesticides, while other alternatives are less frequent. Among the flies' species most regularly found in poultry farms are the Musca domestica, Chrysomya spp., Fannia spp., and others. This review aims at compiling the literature on the occurrence, impact on poultry systems, biology, epidemiology and control of the species of synanthropic flies considered important for the Brazilian poultry industry.(AU)

A avicultura de postura é uma atividade econômica de grande relevância para o Brasil. Aspectos sanitários dos plantéis de galinhas poedeiras, tais como infestações por parasitos e pragas avícolas, influenciam significativamente os indicadores de produtividade desse setor. Nesse contexto, o controle de dípteros sinantrópicos constitui um dos desafios de avicultores e profissionais da área. No Brasil, o controle de moscas em ambientes avícolas é baseado, sobretudo, no uso de pesticidas, ao passo que o uso de outras alternativas é menos recorrente. Entre as espécies de moscas mais frequentes em granjas avícolas de postura, destacam-se Musca domestica, Chrysomya spp., Fannia spp., entre outras. O objetivo desta revisão é realizar a compilação da literatura existente sobre a ocorrência, o impacto nos sistemas avícolas, a biologia, a epidemiologia e o controle das espécies de dípteros sinantrópicos consideradas importantes para a avicultura de postura brasileira.(AU)

Estudio sobre roedores sinántropicos como reservorios de patógenos zoonóticos en Yucatán / Synanthropic rodents, threat to health?

Resumen Los roedores sinantrópicos participan en el ciclo infeccioso de numerosas enfermedades zoonóticas de importancia a nivel mundial y nacional, ya sea como reservorios, hospederos intermediarios u hospederos de los ectoparásitos vectores que transmiten a los agentes etiológicos. En Yucatán, México, las especies más frecuentes son Rattus rattus y Mus musculus, los cuales han sido identificados en medios rurales, sub-urbanos y urbanos. En los últimos años en Yucatán, se han realizado distintos estudios epidemiológicos en los que se han descrito a estos roedores como positivos a diversos agentes zoonóticos de relevancia en salud pública y animal. El objetivo de la presente revisión es mencionar los agentes infecciosos reportados en estas investigaciones, para manifestar la importancia de los roedores sinantrópicos en la diseminación y/o control de algunas enfermedades endémicas en la región.

Abstract Synanthropic rodents are involved in the infectious cycle of numerous zoonotic diseases of global and national importance, as reservoirs, intermediate hosts, or hosts of the ectoparasites vectors that transmit the etiological agents. In Yucatan, Mexico, the most frequent species are Rattus rattus and Mus musculus, which have been identified in rural, suburban and urban environments. In recent years in Yucatan, several epidemiological studies have been carried out in which these rodents have been described as positive to various zoonotic agents of relevance in public and animal health. The aim of this review is to mention the infectious agents reported in these investigations, to demonstrate the importance of the synanthropic rodents in the dissemination and/or control of some endemic diseases in the region.

Human leptospirosis in the Federal District, Brazil, 2011-2015: eco-epidemiological characterization

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that affects more than 5,000 people per year in Brazil. The Federal District (FD) lacks epidemiological studies of human leptospirosis and presents concerning rates of this disease, especially considering its lethality. METHODS: Seventy-nine autochthonous human cases of leptospirosis between 2011 and 2015 were analyzed, with the probable infection location serving as a basis for the collection and analysis of the environmental and epidemiological variables. RESULTS: The incidence of the disease ranged from 0.68-13.39 per 100,000 inhabitants in 21 of the 31 administrative regions that compose the FD. The local profile of human leptospirosis was predominantly associated with urban areas during the rainy season, population access to the sewage network, the treated water network, and the public garbage collection service. The vast majority of cases had a strong association with synanthropic rodents at the infection sites. CONCLUSIONS: In order to prevent and control potentially lethal human leptospirosis infection, the eco-epidemiological characterization of this disease is a valuable tool for public policies of prevention, control, and surveillance. In addition to population awareness, the systematized control of synanthropic rodents could be the main health action to reduce the incidence of this disease in the FD.

Gastrointestinal parasites in feral cats and rodents from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago, Brazil / Parasitos gastrointestinais em gatos ferais e roedores do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha, Brasil

Abstract Gastrointestinal parasites are important pathogens affecting animals, some of them are of medical and veterinary concern. Although the dynamic of parasitic infections is a complex phenomenon that has been studied under experimental conditions, it shows several gaps in knowledge, especially in insular regions where a confined population of animals and parasites co-exists. In this study was assessed the parasitism by endoparasite gastrointestinal in feral cats (n = 37) and rodents (n = 30) from the Fernando de Noronha Archipelago; in addition, the risk of human infection and ecological implications of these findings were discussed. Out of all samples analysed, 100% scored positive for the presence of gastrointestinal parasites in both feral cats and rodents. A total 17 genera and/or species of endoparasite gastrointestinal were identified, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula and Toxocara cati were the parasites more frequently in feral cats. In rodents Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. and Trichuris muris were parasites more frequently herein detected. Human population living in this area are at risk of parasite infections due to the population of rodents and feral cats in the archipelago.

Resumo Parasitas gastrointestinais são importantes agentes patogênicos que afetam os animais, sendo alguns destes de interesse médico e veterinário. Embora a dinâmica das infecções parasitárias seja um fenômeno complexo que tem sido estudado sob condições experimentais, existem várias lacunas no conhecimento, especificamente em regiões insulares onde existem populações confinadas de animais e parasitas. Neste estudo foi avaliado o parasitismo por endoparasitas gastrointestinais em gatos ferais (n = 37) e roedores (n = 30) do Arquipélago de Fernando de Noronha. Além disso, discutiu-se o risco de infecção humana e implicações ecológicas desses achados. De todas as amostras analisadas, 100% obtiveram resultados positivos para a presença de parasitos gastrointestinais tanto em gatos ferais quanto em roedores. Um total de 17 gêneros e/ou espécies de endoparasitos gastrointestinais foram identificados, Ancylostoma sp., Strongyloides sp., Trichuris campanula e Toxocara cati foram os parasitos mais frequentes em gatos ferais. Em roedores Eimeria sp., Strongyloides sp. e Trichuris muris foram os mais detectados. A população humana que vive nesta área corre o risco de infecções parasitárias, devido à população de roedores e gatos ferais no arquipélago.

Synanthropy of Sarcophagidae (Diptera) in La Pintada, Antioquia-Colombia / Sinantropía de Sarcophagidae (Diptera) en La Pintada, Antioquia-Colombia

Recently, populations of flies have increased in numbers given the elevated levels of organic matter waste produced by anthropic activities and domestication of animals. Such increase represents a worldwide health concern, since flies can be vectors of human diseases. The great variety of feeding and developmental habits of flies of the family Sarcophagidae taking place on animal corpses, feces and decomposed organic matter make them potential vectors of pathogens. Herein, we evaluated the synanthropic index (SI), as well as other ecological aspects of this family, through simultaneous monthly samplings in three areas with different degrees of human disturbance (urban, rural and forest). Each area had four van Someren Rydon traps, each one with a different bait (i.e., human feces, chicken viscera, fish and decomposing onion). Traps were active during 48 hours each month, and specimen collection was made every 12 hours. A total of 7 446 Sarcophagidae individuals were collected (1 275 males and 6 171 females), belonging to 27 species and nine genera. Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) canuta (SI=+96.67), Oxysarcodexia taitensis (SI=+93.85), Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (SI=+90.00) and Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (SI=+88.76) exhibited the highest values of synanthropy index, revealing a strong preference for human settlements. The most abundant species were Oxysarcodexia conclausa (21.80%), Ravinia effrenata (18.67%), Oxysarcodexia bakeri (11.45%) and Oxysarcodexia taitensis (10.20%), all of which exhibited preference for urban environments. Additionally, we are reporting seven new records of Sarcophagid flies for Colombia: Oxysarcodexia angrensis, Oxysarcodexia bakeri, Oxysarcodexia diana, Oxysarcodexia similata, Oxysarcodexia timida, Peckia (Peckia) pexata and Titanogrypa (Cucullomyia) placida.

La población de moscas se ha visto incrementada recientemente por la proliferación de residuos de materia orgánica proveniente de la actividad antrópica, así como por la domesticación de animales. Este aumento constituye una gran alerta de salud a nivel mundial, ya que algunas moscas son vectores de enfermedades al humano. Los Sarcophagidae cuentan con una gran variedad de hábitos de alimentación y desarrollo, los cuales tienen lugar en cadáveres de animales, excrementos y materia orgánica en descomposición; haciéndolos posibles vectores de patógenos. En este estudio se evaluó el índice de sinantropía, al igual que otros aspectos ecológicos de esta familia median- te muestreos mensuales simultáneos en tres zonas (urbana, rural y bosque), usando trampas van Someren Rydon ceba- das con excremento humano, vísceras de pollo, pescado y cebolla en descomposición. En cada zona se instalaron cuatro trampas (una por atrayente), durante 48 horas cada mes, realizando recolectas cada 12 horas. Se recolectaron 7 446 individuos de Sarcophagidae (1 275 machos y 6 171 hembras), de 27 especies y nueve géneros. Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) canuta (+96.67), Oxysarcodexia taitensis (+93.85), Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (+90.00) y Tricharaea (Sarcophagula) occidua (+88.76) presentaron los índices de sinantropía más altos del estudio, lo que refleja una fuerte preferencia por asentamientos humanos. Las especies más abundantes fueron: Oxysarcodexia conclausa (21.80%), Ravinia effrenata (18.67%), Oxysarcodexia bakeri (11.45%) y Oxysarcodexia taitensis (10.20%), todas exhibiendo preferencia por ambientes urbanizados. Se reportan siete nuevos registros para Colombia: Oxysarcodexia angrensis, Oxysarcodexia bakeri, Oxysarcodexia diana, Oxysarcodexia similata, Oxysarcodexia timida, Peckia (Peckia) pexata y Titanogrypa (Cucullomyia) placida.