Unveiling the secrets of snakes: Analysis of environmental, socioeconomic, and spatial factors associated with snakebite risk in Paraná, Southern Brazil.

The state of Paraná is home to three out of the five medically significant snake genera in Brazil and lacks of snakebite epidemiology studies. This study aimed to ascertain the spatial, environmental, and socioeconomic factors associated with snakebite risk by analyzing notification data of cases in the state of Paraná. Notification and socioeconomic data were gathered from the online platforms of the National System of Notifiable Diseases (SINAN) and the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE). Land cover and land use maps were obtained from the Mapbiomas platform in raster format and subsequently converted into vectors using QGis software. The proportions of land use and land cover in square kilometers (km2) were then calculated. All acquired data were tabulated using Microsoft Excel 365 software. For spatial analysis, GeoDa software version 1.20 was utilized to calculate the Global and Local Moran indices, assessing spatial correlations. Between 2007 and 2021, 12,877 notifications were recorded, with an average incidence of 8.22/100,000 inhabitants in the state, 8166 (63.41%) caused by Bothrops, 1534 (11.91%) caused by Crotalus, 56 (0.43%) caused by Micrurus. 1703 (13.22%) caused by non-venomous snake species, and the remaining cases did not have the identified causative species. The incidents caused by Bothrops and Crotalus showed different distribution patterns. Spatial analysis revealed that key factors contributing to snakebite risk included the presence of native forests, mangroves, apicuns, and monospecific planted forests. The population group at the highest risk comprised rural residents and workers. Furthermore, the absence of basic sanitation and proper garbage collection and disposal exhibited positive correlations with snakebites. Conversely, intensive farming practices with substantial mechanization and pastures demonstrated negative spatial correlations. This study has enabled the identification of the primary factors associated with snakebite risk, facilitating more targeted efforts to prevent snakebite accidents among vulnerable populations.

Spatial analysis of leishmaniasis in Brazil: a systematized review.

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review of scientific papers that used spatial analysis tools in cases of leishmaniasis, in Brazil. The search for articles was carried out in PubMed, SciELO, Scopus and Web of Science databases. The keywords used in the identification of the articles were Thematic map AND Leishmaniasis, Spatial analysis AND Leishmaniasis, and Geoprocessing AND Leishmaniasis, in English language. A total of 360 articles were found, and 11 of them were analyzed after screening by title and abstract as well as reading of the full articles. The States studied were Sao Paulo, Acre, Maranhao, Piaui, Minas Gerais, Parana and Tocantins. Cutaneous leishmaniasis occurred predominantly in rural areas, with clusters in forest reserve regions or modified forest areas. Conversely, visceral leishmaniasis mainly occurred in peripheral and central urban areas associated with poorer environments and urban infrastructure, including worse sanitation. We conclude that the spatial distribution of leishmaniasis is closely related to the living environment of the risk population. The analyzed articles associated geospatial data with some risk factors for the disease, pointing out the locations where most cases occur, creating a relevant source to define control strategies.

Skin antisepsis protocols for the collection of blood from donor dogs / Protocolos de antissepsia de pele para colheita de sangue de cães doadores

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the bactericidal efficacy of2% chlorhexidine surfactant solution + 70% alcohol and 2% chlorhexidine surfactant solution + 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol, and standardize skin antisepsis for blood collection from donor dogs. One hundred and twenty skin swabsof the jugular regions of 20 dogs were evaluated. Swabs were distributed into six treatment(T) groups according to the disinfectant used and removal or retention of local hair: T1involved neither antisepsisnorhair removal; T2comprised 2% chlorhexidine + 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcoholwithout hair removal;T3 comprised 2% chlorhexidine + 70% alcohol without hair removal; T4comprised hair removal but no antisepsis;T5comprised 2% chlorhexidine + 0.5% chlorhexidine-alcohol withhair removal; and T6comprised 2% chlorhexidine + 70% alcohol with hair removal. Antiseptic agents were continuously applied in a single direction for a total of 3 min. Use of antiseptics was effective with or without hair removal, resulting in the absence of bacterial growth. Complete efficacy of the technique used in this study may have been due to the increased antiseptic application time. In conclusion,the antisepsis protocols tested in this study can be safely used for the collection of blood from dogs; although,removal of hair prior to antisepsis is still recommended.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar e comparar o potencial de redução bacteriana proporcionado peloclorexidinadegermante 2% + álcool 70% eclorexidinadegermante 2% + clorexidinaalcoolica 0,5% e padronizar a antissepsia de pele para colheita de sangue de cães doadores. Foram avaliados 120 zaragatoas de pele da região da jugular de 20 cães, que foram distribuídos em seis tratamentos (T) de acordo com oagente usado para desinfecção, associado, ou não, a tricotomia local: T1 - Tratamento sem tricotomia e sem antissepsia, T2 - Tratamento clorexidinadegermante 2% + clorexidinaalcoolica 0,5% sem tricotomia, T3 - Tratamento clorexidina 2% + álcool 70% sem tricotomia, T4 - Tratamento com tricotomia e sem antissepsia, T5 - Tratamento clorexidina 2% + clorexidina alcoólica 0,5% com tricotomia, T6 - Tratamento clorexidina 2% + álcool 70% com tricotomia. A antissepsia foi feita de forma contínua em um único sentido, totalizando 3 minutos. O uso dos antissépticos se mostraram eficazes nos tratamentos com e sem tricotomia não apresentando crescimento bacteriano. A eficácia de 100% da técnica utilizada no presente trabalho pode ser decorrente do maior tempo de antissepsia. Conclui-se que os protocolos de antissepsia realizados neste estudo podem ser utilizados com segurança para a colheita de sangue de cães, embora ainda o recomendado seja a tricotomia antes da antissepsia.