Comparación de técnicas coproparasitológicas para el diagnóstico de geohelmintos intestinales en niños Lambayecanos

Los helmintos transmitidos a través del suelo pueden afectar el desempeño educativo y desenvolvimiento normal de los niños. Objetivo: comparar cinco técnicas coproparasitológicas para el diagnóstico de geohelmintos intestinales en niños lambayecanos. Métodos: estudio descriptivo de corte transversal. Se recolectaron 150 muestras de materia fecal de niños que residían en los distritos de Túcume y Lambayeque en el departamento de Lambayeque (Perú), durante el año 2021. Los niños y niñas tenían entre 4 y 12 años de edad. Previo a la recolección, se les explicó a los padres de familia y apoderados de los menores las condiciones preclínicas adecuadas. Se calculó la sensibilidad, especificidad, concordancia, valor predictivo positivo y negativo de las técnicas de Baerman, sedimentación rápida, Willis Molloy, Sheathers Sugar y examen directo de heces. Los padres y apoderados autorizaron la participación de los menores en el estudio. El estudio contó con la aprobación del comité de ética de la Universidad Nacional de Jaén. Resultados: la prevalencia geohelmintos intestinales fue del 20,7%, 19,3% y 18,0% con las técnicas de Baerman, sedimentación rápida y examen directo, respectivamente. Además, las técnicas de Baerman y de sedimentación rápida reportaron mayor sensibilidad, especificidad, valor predictivo positivo y negativo. Se obtuvo alto índice de concordancia para las técnicas de Baerman (0,894) y sedimentación rápida (0,891). Conclusiones: las técnicas de Baerman y de sedimentación rápida permitieron mayor recuperación de parásitos, respecto al examen directo. Además, las especies de geohelmintos intestinales más identificadas en niños lambayecanos fueron Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana y Ancilostomideos.

Helminths transmitted through the soil can affect the educational performance and normal development of children. Objective: to compare five coproparasitological techniques for the diagnosis of intestinal geohelminths in Lambayecan children. Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study. 150 stool samples were collected from children residing in the districts of Túcume and Lambayeque in the department of Lambayeque (Peru), during the year 2021. The boys and girls included were between 4 and 12 years of age. Prior to the collection, the appropriate preclinical conditions are explained to the parents and guardians of the minors. The sensitivity, specificity, concordance, positive and negative predictive value of the Baerman, rapid sedimentation, Willis Molloy, Sheathers Sugar and direct stool examination techniques were calculated. Parents and guardians authorized the participation of minors in the study. The study was approved by the ethics committee of the National University of Jaén. Results: the prevalence of intestinal geohelminths was 20,7%, 19,3% and 18,0% with the Baerman, rapid sedimentation and direct examination techniques, respectively. In addition, the Baerman and rapid sedimentation techniques reported higher sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value. A high concordance index was obtained for the Baerman (0,894) and rapid sedimentation (0,891) techniques. Conclusions: the Baerman and rapid sedimentation techniques allowed greater recovery of parasites compared to direct stool examination. In addition, the species of intestinal geohelminths most identified in children from Lambaye were Ascaris lumbricoides, Hymenolepis nana and Ancilostomideos.

Detection of enteropathogens and research of pesticide residues in Lactuca sativa from traditional and agroecological fairs / Detecção de enteropatógenos e pesquisa de resíduos de agrotóxicos em Lactuca sativa de feiras tradicionais e agroecológicas

Agroecological production represents a new reality in vegetable farming. Thus, the study aimed to search for the presence of pesticides in agroecological samples and microbiological and parasitological contamination in Lactuca sativa L. of agroecological and conventional fairs in Alagoas. Thirty-two samples were collected, a hygienic sanitary checklist was performed, along with coliform, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus research and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) for pesticide research; using two methodologies for parasitological studies. Thirty-two samples were analyzed, with a sanitary adequacy level at 45% and 38% for fairs (agroecological and conventional) respectively, with three samples (9.4%) in total, being adequate to the microbiological pattern according to RDC no. 12/2001. Among the 23 samples which were tested positive for parasites, 69.5% originated from samples extracted at conventional fairs, and 53% of every positive samples presented Entamoeba coli as the main contaminant. All together, no traces of deltamethrin were detected, but in two of the samples a peak retention for diphenoconazole was detected. In conclusion, the fairs represent an adequate environment for human pathogens and indicators. Therefore greater hygiene training of vegetable traders and consumers in the state of Alagoa sis required, especially in conventional fairs, which presented more critical microbiological and parasitological indexes comparing to fairs with agroecological products; however, the presence of difenoconazole in two samples of agricultural fairs suggests accidental contamination or indiscriminate use of this chemical in the production of Lactuca sativa, however, products with agroecological origin represents a better choice for the consumers.

A produção agroecológica representa uma nova realidade no cultivo das hortaliças. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo verificar a presença de agrotóxicos em amostras agroecológicas e analisar a contaminação microbiológico e parasitológico em Lactuca sativa L. de feiras agroecológicas e convencionais de Alagoas. Foram coletadas 32 amostras, realizando checklist higiênico-sanitário, análises de coliformes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus e Cromatografia Gasosa com Espectrômetro de Massas (GC-MS) para pesquisa de agrotóxicos; utilizando-se duas metodologias para estudos parasitológicos. Foram analisadas 32 amostras, com nível de adequação sanitária de 45% e 38% para feiras (agroecológicas e convencionais) respectivamente, sendo três amostras no total (9,4%) adequadas a padrão microbiológico segundo RDC n° 12//2001; Dentre as 23 amostras positivas para parasitos, 69,5% teve origem em amostras de feiras convencionais, e 53% de todas as amostras positivas apresentaram Entamoeba coli como principal contaminante, juntamente, não foi detectado traços de deltametrina, porem foi visualizado em duas amostras, pico de retenção para padrão de difenoconazol. Concluindo-se que as feiras representam um ambiente adequado para patógenos humanos e indicadores, necessitando de uma maior higienização e treinamento dos comerciantes e consumidores de hortaliças do estado de Alagoas, principalmente em feiras convencionais, que apresentaram índices microbiológicos e parasitológicos mais críticos em relação a feiras com produtos agroecológicos; mas, a presença de difenoconazole em duas amostras de feiras agroecológicas sugerem contaminação acidental ou uso indiscriminado deste químico em produção da Lactuca sativa L., todavia os produtos de origem agroecológica representam uma melhor escolha para o consumidor.

Detection of enteropathogens and research of pesticide residues in Lactuca sativa from traditional and agroecological fairs

Abstract Agroecological production represents a new reality in vegetable farming. Thus, the study aimed to search for the presence of pesticides in agroecological samples and microbiological and parasitological contamination in Lactuca sativa L. of agroecological and conventional fairs in Alagoas. Thirty-two samples were collected, a hygienic-sanitary checklist was performed, along with coliform, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus research and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) for pesticide research; using two methodologies for parasitological studies. Thirty-two samples were analyzed, with a sanitary adequacy level at 45% and 38% for fairs (agroecological and conventional) respectively, with three samples (9.4%) in total, being adequate to the microbiological pattern according to RDC no. 12/2001. Among the 23 samples which were tested positive for parasites, 69.5% originated from samples extracted at conventional fairs, and 53% of every positive samples presented Entamoeba coli as the main contaminant. All together, no traces of deltamethrin were detected, but in two of the samples a peak retention for diphenoconazole was detected. In conclusion, the fairs represent an adequate environment for human pathogens and indicators. Therefore greater hygiene training of vegetable traders and consumers in the state of Alagoas is required, especially in conventional fairs, which presented more critical microbiological and parasitological indexes comparing to fairs with agroecological products; however, the presence of difenoconazole in two samples of agricultural fairs suggests accidental contamination or indiscriminate use of this chemical in the production of Lactuca sativa, however, products with agroecological origin represents a better choice for the consumers.

Resumo A produção agroecológica representa uma nova realidade no cultivo das hortaliças. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo verificar a presença de agrotóxicos em amostras agroecológicas e analisar a contaminação microbiológico e parasitológico em Lactuca sativa L. de feiras agroecológicas e convencionais de Alagoas. Foram coletadas 32 amostras, realizando checklist higiênico-sanitário, análises de coliformes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus e Cromatografia Gasosa com Espectrômetro de Massas (GC-MS) para pesquisa de agrotóxicos; utilizando-se duas metodologias para estudos parasitológicos. Foram analisadas 32 amostras, com nível de adequação sanitária de 45% e 38% para feiras (agroecológicas e convencionais) respectivamente, sendo três amostras no total (9,4%) adequadas a padrão microbiológico segundo RDC n° 12//2001; Dentre as 23 amostras positivas para parasitos, 69,5% teve origem em amostras de feiras convencionais, e 53% de todas as amostras positivas apresentaram Entamoeba coli como principal contaminante, juntamente, não foi detectado traços de deltametrina, porem foi visualizado em duas amostras, pico de retenção para padrão de difenoconazol. Concluindo-se que as feiras representam um ambiente adequado para patógenos humanos e indicadores, necessitando de uma maior higienização e treinamento dos comerciantes e consumidores de hortaliças do estado de Alagoas, principalmente em feiras convencionais, que apresentaram índices microbiológicos e parasitológicos mais críticos em relação a feiras com produtos agroecológicos; mas, a presença de difenoconazole em duas amostras de feiras agroecológicas sugerem contaminação acidental ou uso indiscriminado deste químico em produção da Lactuca sativa L., todavia os produtos de origem agroecológica representam uma melhor escolha para o consumidor.

Detection of enteropathogens and research of pesticide residues in Lactuca sativa from traditional and agroecological fairs / Detecção de enteropatógenos e pesquisa de resíduos de agrotóxicos em Lactuca sativa de feiras tradicionais e agroecológicas

Agroecological production represents a new reality in vegetable farming. Thus, the study aimed to search for the presence of pesticides in agroecological samples and microbiological and parasitological contamination in Lactuca sativa L. of agroecological and conventional fairs in Alagoas. Thirty-two samples were collected, a hygienicsanitary checklist was performed, along with coliform, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus research and Gas Chromatography with Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS) for pesticide research; using two methodologies for parasitological studies. Thirty-two samples were analyzed, with a sanitary adequacy level at 45% and 38% for fairs (agroecological and conventional) respectively, with three samples (9.4%) in total, being adequate to the microbiological pattern according to RDC no. 12/2001. Among the 23 samples which were tested positive for parasites, 69.5% originated from samples extracted at conventional fairs, and 53% of every positive samples presented Entamoeba coli as the main contaminant. All together, no traces of deltamethrin were detected, but in two of the samples a peak retention for diphenoconazole was detected. In conclusion, the fairs represent an adequate environment for human pathogens and indicators. Therefore greater hygiene training of vegetable traders and consumers in the state of Alagoas is required, especially in conventional fairs, which presented more critical microbiological and parasitological indexes comparing to fairs with agroecological products; however, the presence of difenoconazole in two samples of agricultural fairs suggests accidental contamination or indiscriminate use of this chemical in the production of Lactuca sativa, however, products with agroecological origin represents a better choice for the consumers.

A produção agroecológica representa uma nova realidade no cultivo das hortaliças. Assim, o estudo teve como objetivo verificar a presença de agrotóxicos em amostras agroecológicas e analisar a contaminação microbiológico e parasitológico em Lactuca sativa L. de feiras agroecológicas e convencionais de Alagoas. Foram coletadas 32 amostras, realizando checklist higiênico-sanitário, análises de coliformes, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus e Cromatografia Gasosa com Espectrômetro de Massas (GC-MS) para pesquisa de agrotóxicos; utilizando-se duas metodologias para estudos parasitológicos. Foram analisadas 32 amostras, com nível de adequação sanitária de 45% e 38% para feiras (agroecológicas e convencionais) respectivamente, sendo três amostras no total (9,4%) adequadas a padrão microbiológico segundo RDC n° 12//2001; Dentre as 23 amostras positivas para parasitos, 69,5% teve origem em amostras de feiras convencionais, e 53% de todas as amostras positivas apresentaram Entamoeba coli como principal contaminante, juntamente, não foi detectado traços de deltametrina, porem foi visualizado em duas amostras, pico de retenção para padrão de difenoconazol. Concluindo-se que as feiras representam um ambiente adequado para patógenos humanos e indicadores, necessitando de uma maior higienização e treinamento dos comerciantes e consumidores de hortaliças do estado de Alagoas, principalmente em feiras convencionais, que apresentaram índices microbiológicos e parasitológicos mais críticos em relação a feiras com produtos agroecológicos; mas, a presença de difenoconazole em duas amostras de feiras agroecológicas sugerem contaminação acidental ou uso indiscriminado deste químico em produção da Lactuca sativa L., todavia os produtos de origem agroecológica representam uma melhor escolha para o consumidor.

Caracterización fisicoquímica y microbiológica de aguas subterráneas de un sector rural a baja altitud en Los Andes venezolanos / Physicochemical and microbiological characterization of groundwater wells of a rural sector located at low altitude in the venezuelan Andes

El crecimiento de la población humana y las actividades antropogénicas ha aumentado la tasa de contaminación del agua subterránea en el mundo, por lo que, la finalidad de este estudio es determinar la potabilidad del agua de cuatro pozos subterráneos de un área rural del estado Mérida, mediante la caracterización fisicoquímica y microbiológica, para comprobar la factibilidad de su uso como agua de consumo. Los resultados indican que los parámetros fisicoquímicos cumplen la normativa venezolana. Las aguas presentan una gran variedad de minerales destacándose Ca, Na y Mg como cationes mayoritarios y una dureza básicamente debía a iones bicarbonato. Los valores de la distribución isotópica, sugieren la existencia de dos acuíferos sin conexiones hidráulicas entre los pozos. El análisis bacteriológico y parasitológico detecta: bacterias heterótrofas, coliformes totales y Pseudomonas, así como, Ascaris spp., Blastocystis sp., Giardia sp., y Eimeria sp., probablemente procedentes del filtrado subterráneo de los pozos sépticos y percolado desde la superficie a través del suelo de textura franco arcilloso arenoso, microorganismos que se han adaptado a las características fisicoquímicas de las aguas. Los resultados demuestran que el agua de tres pozos, no puede ser utilizada para el consumo, sin previo tratamiento convencional como coagulación, filtración y cloración

Growth in human population and anthropogenic activities has increased the rate of groundwater pollution in the world, therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the potability of water from four underground wells in a rural area of Mérida State, through the physicochemical and microbiological characterization, to check the feasibility of its use as drinking water. The results indicate that the physicochemical parameters comply with venezuelan regulations. The waters have a wide variety of minerals, highlighting Ca, Na and Mg as majority cations and a hardness basically due to bicarbonate ions. The values of the isotopic distribution suggest the existence of two aquifers without hydraulic connections between wells. Bacteriological and parasitological analysis detects: heterotrophic bacteria, total coliforms and Pseudomonas, as well as Ascaris spp., Blastocystis sp., Giardia sp., and Eimeria sp., probably derived from the underground filtration of septic tanks and percolated from the surface through the sandy clay loam soil, microorganisms that have adapted to the physicochemical characteristics of waters. The results show that the water from three wells cannot be used for consumption without some conventional treatment as filtration and coagulation, and disinfection process

Contaminação Ambiental por enteroparasitas presentes em fezes de cães em uma região do Pantanal / Environmental Contamination by enteroparasites present in the feces of dogs in a Pantanal region

A contaminação ambiental por fezes de cães em lugares públicos é um fator de risco para a transmissão de enteroparasitas, pois alguns parasitas intestinais que acometem os cães possuem potencial zoonótico. Objetivou-se por meio da realização deste trabalho descrever a prevalência de enteroparasitas, presentes em fezes de cães (Canis lupus familiaris), utilizando-os como indicadores de contaminação ambiental, em áreas públicas urbanas em uma região do Pantanal Mato-grossense. Durante os meses de maio e junho de 2016 foram coletadas 120 amostras de fezes de cãe sem áreas públicas em Cáceres-MT. As fezes coletadas foram analisadas utilizando-se microscópio óptico no laboratório de Parasitologia da Universidade do Estado de Mato Grosso. Para um diagnóstico mais preciso, foram empregadas duas técnicas coprológicas em cada amostra de fezes coletada, método de Hoffman, Pons e Janer e método de Fauste colaboradores. Para verificar a semelhança entre a riqueza de espécies de parasitas nas diversas áreas utilizou-se o índice de similaridade de Jaccard e a análise de PERMANOVA. Entre as amostras analisadas 67,5% foram positivaspara pelo menos um parasita. Os helmintos mais prevalentes pertencem a família Ancylostomatidae (34,16%) e o protozoário intestinal mais prevalente foi Giardia spp. (18,33%). Por meio dos resultados do índice de Jaccard (p<0.05)e da análise de PERMANOVA (R2 = 0.04) observou-se que as áreas são similares a riqueza de espécies encontradas.Conclui-se que as fezes de cães desempenham um papel importante na contaminação ambiental por enteroparasitasnesta região do Pantanal mato-grossense, representando um risco para saúde de seres humanos e de outros animais

Environmental contamination by dog feces in public places is a risk factor for the transmission of enteroparasites,since some intestinal parasites that affect dogs have zoonotic potential. The objective of this work was to describe theprevalence of intestinal parasites present in dog feces (Canis lupus familiaris), using them as indicators of environmentalcontamination in public urban areas in a region of the Mato Grosso State Pantanal. During the months of May and Juneof 2016, 120 samples of dog feces were collected in public areas in Cáceres-MT. The collected feces were analyzedusing an optical microscope in the Parasitology laboratory of the State University of Mato Grosso. For a more accuratediagnosis, two coprological techniques were used in each fecal sample collected, the Hoffman, Pons and Janer method,and the method of Faust et al. To verify the similarity between the richness of parasites species in the different areas, theJaccard similarity index and the PERMANOVA analysis were used. Among the samples analyzed, 67.5% were positivefor at least one intestinal parasite. The most prevalent helminths belong to the family Ancylostomatidae (34.16%), andthe most prevalent intestinal protozoan was Giardia spp. (18.33%). The Jaccard index (p <0.05) and the PERMANOVAanalysis (R2 = 0.04) showed that the areas are similar in the richness of the species found. It is concluded that dog fecesplay an important role in the environmental contamination by enteroparasites in this region of the Mato Grosso StatePantanal, representing a risk to the health of humans and other animals

Atenciones por diarreas en la provincia de Camagüey de enero a junio de 2015 / Medical attention for diarrhea in Camagüey province from January to June, 2015

Fundamento: en la provincia de Camagüey se manifiesta un incremento del número de atenciones por diarreas en el 1er trimestre del año 2015 con relación al 2014. Objetivo: caracterizar las atenciones por diarreas durante el periodo enero-junio de 2015, así como sus riesgos, las principales etiologías y los métodos de pronóstico para la vigilancia. Método: se realizó una encuesta en dos áreas de salud sobre aspectos de ambiente y estilos de vida. Se analizaron los resultados de los coprocultivos y de los análisis parasitológicos realizados en ese periodo. Se analizó la serie de tiempo de casos diarios en el municipio Camagüey. Se determinó el número reproductivo básico. Resultados: la encuesta permitió valorar los grupos de edades más afectados y encontrar algunos comportamientos y factores que favorecieron la dispersión de diarreas agudas. Se reflejaron las principales causas encontradas en las diarreas analizadas. Se realizó y analizó la posibilidad de sistematizar pronósticos con modelos de series de tiempo y de número reproductivo básico. Conclusiones: en las áreas analizadas aumentó el número de atenciones por diarrea por factores ambientales y de comportamiento relacionado con inadecuados hábitos y estilos de vida. Los diagnósticos de coprocultivo en la provincia han sido insuficientes dado el volumen de casos; la vigilancia no refleja constancia en el reporte diario de casos. No se utilizan elementos de la teoría de epidemias en los análisis epidemiológicos.

Background: in Camagüey province there is an increase in medical attention for diarrheas in the first three-month period of the year 2015 in relation to the year 2014. Objective: to characterize the medical attention for diarrhea from January to June, 2015 and its risks, main etiologies, and the prognosis methods for vigilance. Methods: a survey about aspects related to the environment and lifestyles was made in two health areas. The results from the stool tests and from the parasitological analyses made in this period were analyzed. The sequence of time of daily cases in Camagüey municipality was also analyzed. The basic reproduction number was determined. Results: the survey allowed assessing the most affected age groups and finding some behaviors and factors that favored the dispersion of acute diarrheas. The main causes found in the analyzed diarrheas are mentioned. The possibility of systematizing the prognosis with models of series of time and of basic reproduction number was made and analyzed. Conclusions: in the analyzed areas, the medical attention to diarrhea increased because of environmental factors and behaviors related to inadequate habits and lifestyles. The diagnosis from the stool tests in Camagüey province have not been enough due to the great number of cases. The elements of the theory of epidemics are not used in the epidemiological analyses.

Prevalência de protozoários e helmintos entéricos em residentes de são cristóvão, Feira de Santana, Bahia, Brasil / Prevalence of protozoa and enteric helminth in people of São Cristovão, Feira de Santana, Brazil

As enteroparasitoses estão entre as infecções mais frequentes em populações de baixa renda, sendo responsáveis por frequentes alterações patológicas. Por esta razão, foi realizado um inquérito coproparasitológico entre os moradores do povoado São Cristóvão, Distrito Tiquaruçu, zona rural de Feira de Santana - Bahia, cadastrados no Programa de Saúde da Família, pertencentes às microáreas 03 e 05, durante o período 2010-2011. Das 349 amostras fecais avaliadas, 90(25,8%) foram positivas para a presença de um ou mais dos seguintes protozoários ou helmintos: Entamoeba coli (48,9%), ancilostomídeos (44,4%), Endolimax nana (12,2%), Giardia intestinalis (3,3%), Iodomoeba bustchii (2,2%), Balantidium coli (1,1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1,1%) e Entamoeba histolytica (1,1%). A prevalência de protozoários ou helmintos foi menor naqueles indivíduos que utilizavam algum tipo de tratamento da água (P= 0,0443), bem como naqueles que tinham o hábito de andarem calçados (P=0,0005; OR=2,66; IC95%: 1,54-4,60) e naqueles indivíduos mais novos (P=0,0236). De acordo com a microárea estudada houve uma tendência de positividade mais elevada na microárea 5 em comparação à 3 (P=0,0758; OR=1,61; IC95%: 0,98-2,66). Os resultados encontrados neste estudo estão entre os mais baixos registrados na Bahia, sejam em populações rurais ou urbanas. O tratamento da água de consumo, bem como a presença da Unidade de Saúde da Família na região pode explicar, em parte, a prevalência encontrada. Portanto, a qualidade da água, contato com o solo e o aumento da idade estiveram relacionados com a prevalência de infecção por helmintos e protozoários nesta população

Intestinal parasitoses are among the most frequent infections in low-income populations, being responsible for frequent pathological changes, with reflections on the health of individuals. In order to determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites and evaluate the possible risk factors associated with infection in household level, a survey was conducted among the residents of the village São Cristovão, Tiquaruçu District, rural area of Feira de Santana, Bahia, during the period 2010-2011. Individual fecal samples of registered residents in Programa Saúde da Família (Family Health Programme), belonging to localities 03 and 05, were examined by sedimentation method. Epidemiological information has been obtained from the application of a structured questionnaire. Prevalence rates between the two localities, as well as the association with epidemiologic factors were compared by association tests in contingency tables. Of the 349 fecal samples evaluated, 90 (25.8; IC95 21.3: -30.8) were positive for the presence of one or more of the following helminthes or protozoa: Entamoeba coli (48.9%), hookworms (44.4%), Endolimax nana (12.2%), Giardia intestinalis (3.3%), Iodomoeba bustchii (2.2%), Balantidium coli (1.1%), Ascaris lumbricoides (1.1%) and Entamoeba histolytica (1.1%). The prevalence of protozoa or helminthes were smaller in those individuals that use some type of water treatment (p=0,0443), as well as those who had the habit of walking shoes (p=0,0005; OR=2.66; IC95: 1.54 -4.60) and those with low age (U=5.12; P=0.0236). According to the locality studied there was a tendency to highest positivity in the locality 5 in comparison to locality 3 (p=0,0758; OR=1,61; IC95%: 0,98-2,66). The results found in this survey are among the lowest recorded in the urban or rural populations of Bahia state. The treatment of drinking water, frequent in households studied, as well as the presence of family health unit in the region may explain, in part, the low prevalence found. On the other hand, the difference in prevalence between the two localities studied can be related to differences in paving, animals? raising conditions and greater distance from the locality 5 to the family health unit. The results indicate that the quality of the water, contact with the soil and increasing age are important in maintenance of parasitic infections in this population

An overview of a diagnostic and epidemiologic reappraisal of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Iran

Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is a widespread tropical infection which has a high incidence rate in Iran. Leishmania tropica, the causative agent of anthroponotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ACL), and Leishmania major, which causes zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL), are endemic in various parts of Iran with a high incidence rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reappraisal of the diagnosis and epidemiology of CL in Iran, by different clinical, parasitological and molecular assays among patients suspected of CL referred to the Department of Parasitology, at the Pasteur Institute of Iran during 2006-2009. Two hundred samples from patients with ulcerative skin lesions were collected, clinical analyses were applied, data questionnaire was completed and samples were examined for CL by using both direct microscopic and culture methods. Moreover, PCR assay was applied for detection of Leishmania species in CL isolates resulting from parasitological assay. Clinical observation revealed that the majority (58 percent) of lesions was single; double lesions were observed in 22 percent of patients, and only 20 percent of CL had multiple lesions. Out of 200 patients, Leishman body was observed in 77 samples (38.5 percent) by direct smear and 40 percent by cultivation assay. Most patients (21.3 percent) had a travel history to the Isfahan province, one of the most important endemic areas of CL located in center of Iran. PCR assay by kDNA indicated 32 and 18 out of 50 isolates respectively had similar patterns with standard L. major and L. tropica. In conclusion, clinical manifestations and an appropriate diagnostic assay with a parallel molecular characterization of CL may lead to a screening evaluation of disease, prognosis, treatment and control strategies.

Microbiological quality of minimally processed vegetables sold in Porto Alegre, Brazil

Minimally processed vegetables go through various steps during their preparation, with many modifications to their natural structure. However, they must maintain the same quality as the fresh produce. The aim of the present study was to quantify mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms and total and faecal coliforms, and to assess the presence of Escherichia coli, parasites, and dirt material in ready-to-eat minimally processed vegetables. Fifty-six samples of minimally processed vegetables were analysed for the presence of mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms by the plate-count method. Monthly means ranged from 4.7x10(5) to 1.6x10(8) CFU/g and from 7.9x10(6) to 2.7x10(8) CFU/g, respectively for mesophilic and psychrotrophic microorganisms. Coliforms were analysed by the multiple-tube method; total coliforms ranged from <3 to ³ 2.4x10(4) MPN/g and faecal coliforms from <3 to 1.1x10(4) MPN/g. Escherichia coli was detected in eight samples. Out of 52 samples, eight (15.3 percent) contained oocysts of Eimeria spp.. Dirt matter, such as insect body parts and young mites, was also found. Contamination of faecal origin was observed in these samples, suggesting that either the sanitisation of the product was unsuccessful, or soil or irrigation water could be the source of these microorganisms.

Hortaliças minimamente processadas passam por várias etapas durante seu processamento, no qual ocorrem várias modificações de sua estrutura natural, todavia elas devem manter a mesma qualidade do produto não processado. O objetivo deste estudo foi quantificar microrganismos mesófilos e psicrótróficos, coliformes totais e fecais e verificar a presença de E. coli, parasitas e sujidades em hortaliças minimamente processadas prontas para consumo. Foram analisadas 56 amostras para mesófilos e psicrotróficos pelo método de contagem em placas, com média mensal 4,7x10(5) a 1,6x10(8) UFC/g e de 7,9x10(6) a 2,7x10(8) UFC/g, respectivamente. Os coliformes foram analisados pela técnica dos tubos múltiplos, onde coliformes totais variaram de <3 a ³ 2,4x10(4) NMP/g e coliformes fecais, de <3 a 1,1x10(4) NMP/g, e E. coli foi observada em oito amostras. De 52 amostras, 8 (15,3 por cento) apresentaram oocistos de Eimeria spp. Sujidades, como fragmentos de insetos e ácaros jovens foram encontrados. Contaminação de origem fecal foi verificada no presente estudo, sugerindo falhas nas etapas do processamento das hortaliças, ou que o solo ou a água de irrigação também poderiam ser fontes de disseminação destes microrganismos.