Identificación con azul patente de ganglio centinela en cáncer de mama / Patent blue for identification of sentinel nodes in breast cancer

Resumen OBJETIVO: Describir las características sociodemográficas, clínicas y patológicas y los resultados obtenidos con la técnica de ganglio centinela con azul patente en la cirugía de cáncer de mama temprano. Además, reportar la experiencia en la identificación del ganglio centinela en cáncer de mama temprano con la técnica con azul patente al 2.5%. MATERIALES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo y analítico consistente en la evaluación de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes diagnosticadas con cáncer de mama temprano, sin sospecha clínica o radiológica de afectación axilar, atendidas entre junio de 2022 y junio de 2023 en el servicio de Ginecología Oncológica de la UMAE Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente del IMSS. El sitio de inyección del colorante fue subdérmico periareolar, los ganglios identificados se estudiaron en el transoperatorio. Se analizaron el porcentaje de identificación, las tasas de falsos negativos y el valor predictivo negativo del método. RESULTADOS: Se analizaron 95 procedimientos de biopsia de ganglio centinela. Solo se practicó la linfadenectomía axilar en las pacientes con metástasis en el ganglio centinela comprobada en el estudio transoperatorio y en las que no se identificaron ganglios teñidos por no migración del colorante. La edad promedio de las pacientes fue de 57.1 años límites 25 y 78 años. El tamaño del tumor fue menor a 3 cm. A 64 67% pacientes se les hizo la mastectomía en comparación con 31 a quienes se efectuó cirugía conservadora de mama 33%. Se estadificaron como IA 57 de las 95 pacientes; el subtipo molecular más frecuente fue compatible con luminal A en 49%. CONCLUSIONES: La biopsia del ganglio centinela, con azul patente, es una técnica rápida, sencilla, precisa y de bajo costo para identificar daño axilar en etapas tempranas del cáncer de mama. Lo aquí reportado son resultados que corresponden a una primera evaluación de la técnica en nuestro servicio.

Abstract OBJECTIVE: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical and pathological characteristics and results of the patent blue sentinel lymph node technique in early breast cancer surgery. And to report the experience in identifying the sentinel lymph node in early breast cancer using the 2.5% patent blue technique. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective and analytical study consisting of the evaluation of the clinical records of patients diagnosed with early breast cancer, without clinical or radiological suspicion of axillary involvement, seen between June 2022 and June 2023 at the Oncological Gynaecology Service of the UMAE Hospital de Ginecoobstetricia, Centro Médico Nacional de Occidente of the IMSS. The dye injection site was subdermal periareolar, and the identified lumps were examined in the transoperative period. The percentage of identification, false negative rates and negative predictive value of the method were analysed. RESULTS: Ninety-five sentinel node biopsies were analysed. Axillary lymphadenectomy was performed only in patients with sentinel lymph node metastasis confirmed at surgery and in those in whom no stained nodes were identified due to non-migration of the dye. The mean age of the patients was 57.1 years range 25 to 78 years. The tumour size was less than 3 cm. Sixty-four patients 67% underwent mastectomy, compared with 31 who underwent breast-conserving surgery 33%. Fifty-seven of the 95 patients were staged as AI; the most common molecular subtype was compatible with luminal A in 49%. CONCLUSIONS: Sentinel lymph node biopsy with patent blue is a rapid, simple, accurate and inexpensive technique for identifying axillary disease in early breast cancer. The results reported here represent an initial evaluation of the technique in our service.

Favorable responses to treatment with 5 mg Sbv/kg/day meglumine antimoniate in patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis acquired in different Brazilian regions

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Favorable responses in American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL) patients to treatment with 5 mg Sbv/kg/day meglumine antimoniate (MA) has been reported in Rio de Janeiro, but little is known regarding the therapeutic response to low doses in patients from other locations. METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records was conducted to compare the therapeutic response to 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA treatment among 36 patients who acquired ATL in Brazilian states other than Rio de Janeiro (OS group) and 72 patients from Rio de Janeiro (RJ group). RESULTS: One course of 5 mg Sbv/kg/day MA cured 72.8% of 81 cutaneous (CL) and 66.6% of 27 mucosal (ML) leishmaniasis-infected patients: 70% in the CL/RJ group, 81% in the CL/OS group, 50% in the ML/RJ group, and 80% in the ML/OS group. After up to two additional treatment courses at the same dose, 88.9% and 85.2% of the CL and ML patients were cured, respectively. Adverse events were observed in 40% of patients in the CL/RJ group, 57% of the CL/OS group, 58% of the ML/RJ group, and 80% of the ML/OS group. No significant differences were observed in the cure rates or adverse effects between the RJ and OS groups. No patients required permanent discontinuation of treatment due to adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ATL acquired in both RJ and OS may respond to low-dose MA. While high-dose MA should remain the standard treatment for ATL, low-dose MA might be preferred when toxicity is a primary concern.

(Con) viver com a loucura: por um cuidado extramuros / (Co) existing with the madness: for a care outside the walls / (Con) vivir con la locura: Por un cuidado extramuros

O presente texto pretende refletir sobre o dispositivo do Centro de Convivência como uma ferramenta de empoderamento, de auxílio na construção de maior autonomia e promoção da cidadania da pessoa em sofrimento mental. Procura-se pensar a contribuição desse serviço para a efetivação da dimensão sociocultural da Reforma Psiquiátrica brasileira, auxiliando na inserção social do louco, a partir do fomento de atividades laborativas e artísticas e da articulação com diversos setores da sociedade. Assim, por meio da revisão de literatura de legislações sobre o tema, artigos científicos e textos de Conferências e Fóruns da Saúde Mental, busca-se analisar os desafios postos a esse serviço da Rede de Atenção Psicossocial frente a discursos e práticas homogeneizantes em nossa sociedade. Desse modo, verifica-se que, mesmo após grandes avanços da luta antimanicomial para a sensibilização da sociedade sobre a loucura, ainda persiste um imaginário social intolerante à diferença, ao louco. (AU)

The present article intends to reflect how the health mechanism of the Center of Coexistence can be a tool of empowerment, of help in the construction of greater autonomy and promotion of citizenship of the people in mental suffering. It is sought to think about the contribution of this service to the effectiveness at the socio-cultural dimension of the Brazilian Psychiatric Reform, contributing to the social insertion of the people in mental suffering, through the promotion of work and artistic activities and the articulation with various sectors of society. Thus, through the literature review of scientific articles and texts of Mental Health Conferences and Forums we seek to analyze the challenges imposed to this service of Primary Health Care, which works as an open and community space, face to speeches and practices homogenizers in our society. In this way, it is verified that even after great advances of the antimanicomial fight for the awareness of the society on the madness, still persists a social imaginary which is intolerant to the difference, to the madman. (AU)

El presente trabajo se propone reflexionar sobre el dispositivo del Centro de Convivencia como una herramienta de empoderamiento, de ayuda en la construcción de mayor autonomía y promoción de la ciudadanía de la persona en sufrimiento mental. Así, se busca pensar la contribución de ese servicio para la efectividad de la dimensión sociocultural de la Reforma Psiquiátrica brasileña, ayudando en la inserción social del loco, a partir del fomento de actividades laborativas y artísticas y de la articulación con diversos sectores de la sociedad. Por lo tanto, por medio de la revisión de literatura de legislaciones sobre el tema, artículos científicos y textos de Conferencias y Foros de la Salud Mental, se busca analizar los desafíos puestos a ese servicio de la Red de Atención Psicosocial frente a discursos y prácticas homogeneizantes en nuestra sociedad. De ese modo, se verifica que, incluso después de grandes avances de la lucha antimanicomial para la sensibilización de la sociedad sobre la locura, todavía persiste un imaginario social intolerante a la diferencia, al loco. (AU)

Sociodemographic and psychological factors associated with self-care and quality of life in Mexican adults with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus / Fatores sociodemográficos e psicológicos associados ao autocuidado e à qualidade de vida em adultos mexicanos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2 / Factores sociodemográficos y psicológicos asociados al autocuidado y la calidad de vida en adultos mexicanos con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to identify sociodemographic and psychological variables related to self-care and quality of life in Mexican adults with type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. A cross-sectional design was used in a sample of 60 people (93% women) aged between 36 and 66 years ( M = 54.3, SD = 4.71) attached to the public health system in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Self-care, self-efficacy, knowledge about diabetes, anxiety, depression and quality of life were measured using the EECAC, EAG, DKQ-24, AMAS, BDI-II and SF-36 scales. For data processing, a linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of the measured variables on self-care and quality of life. In general, the model explained 33.9% of the variance of self-care through the variables depression (β = -.27) and self-efficacy (β = .74). The 56% variance in quality of life related to physical health was explained by the variables depression (ß = -34) and self-care ( β = .34). In their mental health component, 43.4% of variance in quality of life was explained through anxiety (β = -.26) and depression ( β = -.40). Finally, the positive perception of self-efficacy and health status free from anxiety and depression were determinant factors for self-care and health-related quality of life.

Resumo O propósito deste trabalho foi identificar as variáveis sociodemográficas e psicológicas relacionadas com o autocuidado e a qualidade de vida em adultos mexicanos com diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Utilizou-se um desenho transversal numa amostra de 60 pessoas (93 % mulheres) entre 36 e 66 anos (M = 54.3, DP = 4.71), vinculadas ao sistema de saúde pública em San Luis Potosí, México. Foram medidas as variáveis de autocuidado, autoeficácia, conhecimento em diabetes, ansiedade, depressão e qualidade de vida com a aplicação das escalas EECAC, EAG, DKQ-24, AMAS, BDI-II e SF-36. Na análise de resultados, utilizou-se a análise de regressão linear para avaliar o impacto das variáveis medidas sobre o autocuidado e a qualidade de vida. Em geral, o modelo explicou 33.9 % da variação do autocuidado por meio das variáveis depressão (β = -.27) e autoeficácia (β = .74). 56 % de variação em qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde física foram explicadas a partir das variáveis depressão (β = -.34) e autocuidado (β = .34). Em seu componente de saúde mental, 43.4 % da variação em qualidade de vida foram explicadas por meio da ansiedade (β = -.26) e da depressão (β = -.40). Finalmente, a percepção positiva de autoeficácia e o estado de saúde livre de ansiedade e depressão foram fatores determinantes para o autocuidado e a qualidade de vida relacionada com a saúde.

Resumen El propósito del presente trabajo fue identificar las variables sociodemográficas y psicológicas relacionadas con el autocuidado y la calidad de vida en adultos mexicanos con diabetes mellitus tipo 2. Se utilizó un diseño transversal en una muestra de 60 personas (93 % mujeres) entre 36 y 66 años de edad (M = 54.3, DE = 4.71) adscritas al sistema de salud pública en San Luis Potosí, México. Se midieron las variables de autocuidado, autoeficacia, conocimientos en diabetes, ansiedad, depresión y calidad de vida con la aplicación de las escalas EECAC, EAG, DKQ-24, AMAS, BDI-II y SF-36. En el análisis de resultados se utilizó un análisis de regresión lineal para evaluar el impacto de las variables medidas sobre el autocuidado y la calidad de vida. En general, el modelo explicó 33.9 % de la variación del autocuidado a través de las variables depresión (β = -.27) y autoeficacia (β = .74). El 56 % de variación en calidad de vida relacionada con la salud física se explicó a partir de las variables se explicó a través de la ansiedad (β = -.26) y la depresión (β = -.40). Finalmente, la percepción positiva de autoeficacia y el estado de salud libre de ansiedad y depresión resultaron ser factores determinantes para el autocuidado y la calidad de vida relacionada con la salud.

Doença de Chagas e seus principais vetores no Brasil / Chagas disease and its main vectors in Brazil

Embora conhecida desde 1909, quando foi descrita pelo médico sanitarista Carlos Chagas, a doença de Chagas, também chamada de tripanossomíase americana, ainda apresenta grande importância em saúde pública no Brasil, ocorrendo principalmente no semi-árido nordestino. Está distribuída em todas as Américas, desde o sul dos Estados Unidos até a Argentina e o Chile (Rey, 2001)... Para melhor entendermos esses processos, é preciso que conheçamos um pouco mais a respeito da ecologia dos barbeiros, do modo de infecção desses insetos pelo protozoário causador da doença, o T. cruzi, e de como a sua transmissão ao homem ocorre.

Aspectos biológicos e moleculares de amostras uropatogênicas de Escherichia coli isoladas na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro / Biological and molecular characteristics of uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated in the city of Rio de Janeiro

Amostras uropatogênicas de Escherichia coli isoladas de indivíduos moradores de localidades distintas na Cidade do Rio de Janeiro, foram caracterizadas quanto o sorotipo, propriedades hemolíticas e hemaglutinantes, susceptibilidade a antimicrobianos e perfil isoenzimático. O método molecular empregado associado com a investigação de marcadores de urovirulência, permitiu detectar uma grande diversidade entre os isolados. Entretanto, foi observada uma relação mais estreita entre amostras de Escherichia coli epidemiologicamente relacionadas.

Uropathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from individuals living in different areas of the city of Rio de Janeiro were characterized according to serotype, hemolytic properties, hemagglutination properties, antimicrobial susceptibility and isoenzymatic profile. The molecular approach used, together with investigation of urovirulence markers, enabled detection of great diversity among the isolates. However, closer relationships were observed between epidemiologically related Escherichia coli samples.

Triatoma rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) (Hemiptera - Reduviidae - Triatominae) IV: bionomic aspects on the vector capacity of nymphs

Triatoma rubrovaria has become the most frequently captured triatomine species since the control of T. infestans in the state of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. The aim of this study was to evaluate aspects of the vectorial competence of T. rubrovaria using nymphs raised in laboratory under environmental conditions of temperature and humidity and fed on mice. The average developmental period of T. rubrovaria was 180.1 days. The percentage of defecation shortly after feeding was still higher than previous studies in which samples of T. rubrovaria subjected to a slight starvation period before the blood meal were used. The obtained results support former indication that T. rubrovaria presents bionomic characteristics propitious to be a good vector of Trypanosoma cruzi to man. Therefore its domiciliary invasion process must be continuously monitored.

Prevalência da infecção canina em áreas endêmicas de leishmaniose tegumentar americana, do município de Paracambi, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, no período entre 1992 e 1993 / Prevalence of canine infection from endemic areas of American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Paracambi District, Rio de Janeiro State, between 1992 and 1993

No município de Paracambi, Estado do Rio de Janeiro, foi realizado um inquérito epidemiológico sobre a leishmaniose tegumentar americana na população canina residente em áreas endêmicas rural e semiurbana. Foram cadastrados 179 cães e 138 (77,1 por cento) foram examinados, segundo seus aspectos clínicos e desenvolvimento de hipersensibilidade tardia ao antígeno Imunoleish® e respostas sorológicas à reação de imunofluorescência indireta e ao ensaio imunoenzimático. Dos 9 (6,5. por cento) animais portadores de lesões/cicatrizes suspeitas, 66,7 por cento foram causadas por Leishmania sp; 44,4 por cento produziram infecção em hamsters e apresentaram crescimento em meio de cultura, compatíveis com o comportamento de Leishmania do complexo braziliensis. A caracterização molecular (análises isoenzimáticas e do perfil de restrição do KDNA) identificou 2 amostras como similares à Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis. A prevalência da infecção canina observada através do teste cutâneo, RIFI e ELISA foi, respectivamente, 10,1 por cento, 16,7 por cento e 27,8 por cento. A presença das formas clínica/subclínica da LTA na população canina associada à infecção humana sugere que o cão pode atuar como possível fonte de infecção, assim como na disseminação da doença.

Diagnosis of human visceral leishmaniasis by PCR using blood samples spotted on filter paper

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a simple, rapid procedure that has been adapted for the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. In the present study, 85 blood samples and seven bone marrow aspirates from 85 patients with clinical symptoms suggestive of visceral leishmaniasis from the metropolitan region of Belo Horizonte in the Brazilian State of Minas Gerais were screened using molecular and serological techniques. Samples that were negative (N = 12) and positive (N = 19) in parasitological and serological tests were used as controls. Of the 85 samples analyzed by PCR, 61 (71.7%) showed the expected amplification products in agarose gels. However, when the technique was combined with molecular hybridization, 72 samples (83.5%) gave a positive signal on film. Nineteen patients with Leishmania parasites in bone marrow cultures (positive controls) showed PCR hybridization in whole-blood samples, as did the seven bone marrow aspirates positive for Leishmania. None of the negative controls reacted in PCR or in an indirect immunofluorescent assay. These results indicate that PCR could replace the conventional parasitological examination in the diagnosis of leishmaniasis since it provides very satisfactory results with blood samples spotted on filter paper.

Triatoma rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) (Hemiptera-Reduviidae-Triatominae) III: patterns of feeding, defecation and resistance to starvation

Data from the Chagas Disease Control Program indicate a growing domiciliary and peridomiciliary invasion of Triatoma rubrovaria in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, where it has become the most frequent triatomine species captured there since the control of T. infestans. Bionomic characteristics that could influence the vectorial capacity of T. rubrovaria as vector of Trypanosoma cruzi were evaluated: patterns of (i) feeding, (ii) defecation, and (iii) resistance to starvation, using insects fed on mice. Fifty three percent of the females showed a defecation pattern conducive to chagasic transmission, defecating either on or near the bite site. The averages of the resistance to starvation varied from 48.1 to 179 days, for the first and fifth nymphal stages, respectively. Our study shows that with respect to the patterns of feeding, defecation and resistance to fasting, T. rubrovaria presented similar rates to the ones observed for other effective vector species, such as T. infestans. Thus, based on our studies we conclude that T. rubrovaria has biological characteristics that can positively influence its capacity to become infected and transmit T. cruzi, and also to keep residual populations after chemical control interventions

Effect of sequential heat and cold shocks on nuclear phenotypes of the blood-sucking insect, Panstrongylus megistus (Burmeister) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)

Thermal shocks induce changes in the nuclear phenotypes that correspond to survival (heterochromatin decondensation, nuclear fusion) or death (apoptosis, necrosis) responses in the Malpighian tubules of Panstrongylus megistus. Since thermal tolerance increased survival and molting rate in this species following sequential shocks, we investigated whether changes in nuclear phenotypes accompanied the insect survival response to sequential thermal shocks. Fifth instar nymphs were subjected to a single heat (35 or 40ºC, 1 h) or cold (5 or 0ºC, 1 h) shock and then subjected to a second shock for 12 h at 40 or 0ºC, respectively, after 8, 18, 24 and 72 h at 28ºC (control temperature). As with specimen survival, sequential heat and cold shocks induced changes in frequency of the mentioned nuclear phenotypes although their patterns differed. The heat shock tolerance involved decrease in apoptosis simultaneous to increase in cell survival responses. Sequential cold shocks did not involve cell/nuclear fusion and even elicited increase in necrosis with advancing time after shocks. The temperatures of 40 and 0ºC were more effective than the temperatures of 35 and 5ºC in eliciting the heat and cold shock tolerances, respectively, as shown by cytological analysis of the nuclear phenotypes. It is concluded that different sequential thermal shocks can trigger different mechanisms of cellular protection against stress in P. megistus, favoring the insect to adapt to various ecotopes

Triatoma rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) (Hemiptera, Reduviidae, Triatominae) II: trophic resources and ecological observations of five populations collected in the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Triatoma rubrovaria has become the most frequently captured triatomine species after the control of T. infestans in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. Isoenzymatic and chromatic studies indicate the existence of, at least, two distinct phenotypic patterns of T. rubrovaria in RS. The geographic variation noted through molecular tools may also result in distinct profiles of vectorial potentiality. In order to enhance our understanding of the bionomic knowledge of T. rubrovaria separate batches of the species were collected from different municipalities of RS distant from 72 to 332 km: Santana do Livramento (natural ecotope), Santana do Livramento (artificial ecotope), Santiago (natural ecotope), Canguçu (peridomicile) and Encruzilhada do Sul (natural ecotope). A total of 285 specimens were collected, 85 specimens kept sufficient fecal material in their guts for the precipitin analysis. The results indicated the food eclecticism for this species and the anti-rodent serum showed the highest positivity in most localities. From the total of analyzed samples, only 1.3 percent of unique positivity for human blood was registered, all of them for Santiago population. This reactivity to human blood may be associated to pastures activities in the field

Triatoma rubrovaria (Blanchard, 1843) (Hemiptera Reduviidae) I: isoenzymatic and chromatic patterns of five populations from the State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Triatoma rubrovaria has become the most frequently captured triatomine species since the control of T. infestans in the State of Rio Grande do Sul (RS), Brazil. In order to evaluate the genetic variability of this species, field collections were performed in four municipalities where it has been reported and distant from 75 to 322 km. Specimens were analyzed by color pattern and isoenzymes. Nine enzymatic loci were interpreted from nine enzymatic systems. The Santiago population was isolated from the others with chromatic monomorphism and diagnostic alleles at Idh and Pgm loci. The study shows the existence of, at least, two distinct populations of T. rubrovaria in RS with different phenotypic and genetic pattern

Concurrent cutaneous, visceral and ocular leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in a kidney transplant patient

Although cases of leishmaniasis co-infection have been described in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients as well as those who have undergone organ transplants, to our knowledge, the present report is the first documented case of simultaneous cutaneous, visceral and ocular leishmaniasis due to Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in a transplant patient. The patient had been using immunosuppressive drugs since receiving a transplanted kidney. The first clinical signs of leishmaniasis included fever, thoracic pain, hepatosplenomegaly, leucopenia and anemia. The cutaneous disease was revealed by the presence of amastigotes in the skin biopsy. After three months, the patient presented fever with conjunctive hyperemia, intense ocular pain and low visual acuity. Parasites isolated from iliac crest, aqueous humor and vitreous body were examined using a range of molecular techniques. The same strain of L. (V.) braziliensis was responsible for the different clinical manifestations. The immunosuppressive drugs probably contributed to the dissemination of Leishmania

Visceral leishmaniasis caused by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis in a patient infected with human immunodeficiency virus

The current article reports the case of a 19-month-old-girl, from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, with visceral leishmaniasis, by Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection. The child's mother and father, aged 22 and 27 years old, respectively, were both HIV positive. The child was admitted to the General Pediatric Center, in Belo Horizonte, presenting high fever, fatigue, weight loss and enlargement of liver and spleen. Indirect immunofluorescent test revealed a titer of 1:320 for Leishmania. Such result was confirmed by the presence of amastigotes in bone marrow aspirate samples and culture of promastigote forms. Parasites were identified as being Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis through PCR, using a L. braziliensis complex primer and a generic primer, followed by hibridization. Specific leishmaniasis therapy (Glucantimeomicron antimonial) was intravenously administered

Leishmanial antigens in the diagnosis of active lesions and ancient scars of American tegumentary leishmaniasis patients

Cutaneous biopsies (n = 94) obtained from 88 patients with American tegumentary leishmaniasis were studied by conventional and immunohistochemical techniques...

Visceral leishmaniasis in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

In the last few years the number of human cases of American visceral leishmaniasis in the Metropolitan Region of Belo Horizonte (MRBH), Minas Gerais, Brazil has increased, indicating an elevation in the transmission rate of the disease. The total number of notified human cases in the MRBH since 1994, when the first case was identified, up to 1999 was 345 of which 223 (65 percent) were from the city itself, indicating an urbanization of the disease in this region of Minas Gerais. The age distribution of visceral leishmaniasis cases in the MRBH shows a higher prevalence in children from 0-4 years old, responsible for 28.9 percent of the notifications. Clinical and immunological findings from dogs infected with Leishmania chagasi are described. The majority of these animals showed no sign of the disease. Sera from all infected dogs showed detectable Leishmania-induced high titles of antibodies based on the results of an indirect fluorescent antibody test. Samples of isolated Leishmania from human and dogs were characterized as L. (L.) chagasi by biochemical and molecular techniques