ABSTRACT
This study describes the occurrence of reproductive changes in a mullet (Mugil curema) from the Babibtonga Bay, Santa Catarina. Gross and microscopic findings indicated changes in the reproductive system that were characterized by the presence of both male and female gonads, nearing sexual maturity, which was compatible with the diagnosis of intersex. It was not possible to identify predisposing factors that may have contributed to the development of this condition. However, as this species of fish may have their reproductive development affected by anthropogenic influence, it is important to permanently monitor this kind of environment. Considering the number of fish belonging to this species that was examined (n=433), the estimated prevalence for intersexuality was 0.23% (confidence interval: 0.00 to 0.68%, with confidence level of 95%). The findings in this study support the diagnosis of intersexuality in M. curema from the Babitonga Bay, which is the first documented case of this condition in this species on the coast of Santa Catarina, Brazil.
Este estudo descreve a ocorrência de alteração reprodutiva em peixe da espécie Mugil curema, procedente da Baía da Babitonga, Santa Catarina. Macro e microscopicamente, foi identificada alteração no sistema reprodutivo, caracterizada pela presença de gônadas masculina e feminina, próximas da maturidade sexual, caracterizando um caso de intersexo. Não foi possível determinar os fatores que possam ter contribuído para o desenvolvimento dessa alteração reprodutiva, porém, como a espécie animal pode ter suas características de vida e reprodutiva influenciadas pela ação antrópica, é importante um estudo contínuo desses peixes nesse ambiente. Considerando o número de peixes dessa espécie que foram examinados (n=433), a prevalência estimada de intersexualidade foi de 0,23% (intervalo de confiança: 0,00 a 0,68%, com nível de confiança de 95%). Os achados deste estudo suportam o diagnóstico de intersexualidade em M. curema proveniente da Baía da Babitonga, sendo o primeiro caso documentado dessa condição nessa espécie na costa de Santa Catarina, Brasil.
Subject(s)
Animals , Disorders of Sex Development/veterinary , Smegmamorpha/anatomy & histology , Smegmamorpha/physiology , Reproductive Physiological Phenomena , Sexual MaturationABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To identify and compare cases of isolated polydactyly with healthy newborns regarding familial and maternal characteristics. METHODS: We conducted this hospital-based case-control study from 1990 to 1998. We collected data in interviews with mothers of cases and controls during the post-delivery period. Cases were defined as newborns presenting an extra or a bifid digit in hands and/or feet. Controls were the four healthy newborns that were born after the case, at the same hospital. Information was gathered on type of polydactyly, gender and birthweight, twin pregnancy, parental consanguinity, ethnicity. RESULTS: African ancestry and positive family history of congenital malformation, especially polydactyly, were significantly associated with the occurrence of this type of congenital anomaly (crude OR of 3.3; 10.0; and 55.0, respectively). CONCLUSION: Isolated polydactyly was one of the most frequent malformations found in the studied population. The findings associated with black African ancestry confirm the data presented in the literature. Studies conducted on this same population, with a larger population of patients with this type of malformation, could investigate this association better and justify the results presented here.