Acute Exposure to Two Biocides Causes Morphological and Molecular Changes in the Gill Ciliary Epithelium of the Invasive Golden Mussel Limnoperna fortunei (Dunker, 1857).

Limnoperna fortunei, the golden mussel, is a bivalve mollusk considered an invader in South America. This species is responsible for ecological and economic damages due to its voluminous fouling capability. Chemical biocides such as MXD-100™ and sodium dichloroisocyanurate (NaDCC) are often used to control L. fortunei infestations in hydraulic systems. Thus, we proposed to investigate the effects of different periods (24, 48 and 72 h) of exposure to MXD-100™ (0.56 mg L-1) and NaDCC (1.5 mg L-1) on the gills of L. fortunei through morphological and molecular analyses. NaDCC promoted progressive morphological changes during the analyzed periods and only an upregulation of SOD and HSP70 expression during the first 24 h of exposure. MXD-100™ led to severe morphological changes from the first period of exposure, in addition to an upregulation of SOD, CAT, HSP70 and CYP expression during the first 24 h. In contrast, MXD-100™ led to a downregulation of CAT transcription between 24 and 48 h. In static conditions, NaDCC causes lethal damage after 72 h of exposure, and that exposure needs to be continuous to achieve the control of the species. Meanwhile, the MXD-100™ treatment presented several effects during the first 24 h, showing acute toxicity in a shorter period of time.

Biology of Meccus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) to Other Conditions Than That Encountered in Their Native Habitat.

BACKGROUND: Meccus pallidipennis (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) is only found in Mexico and is one of the most important vectors for Trypanosoma cruzi transmission there. Because data concerning the ability of this bug to adapt to different environments are scarce, we aimed to elucidate its biology, behavior and ability to acclimatize to different environmental conditions. METHODS: From the eclosion of 90 1st instar nymphs, development was followed until the adult phase. Adults were fed after 30 days of fasting, and the average amount of blood ingested, the time between the beginning of the blood meal and the production of feces, and the frequency of stools/insect were recorded during their meals. After taking a blood meal, couples were isolated and monitored for 21 days, during which eggs were collected weekly. RESULTS: The development of M. pallidipennis took 171.74±7.03 days to complete its life cycle, and females ingested larger amounts of blood than males. Oviposition was constant and did not demonstrate a significant decrease during this study. CONCLUSION: Meccus pallidipennis was able to acclimatize to fluctuating laboratorial conditions other than those naturally found in Mexico.

The development of Panstrongylus herreri under fluctuating environmental conditions.

INTRODUCTION: Panstrongylus herreri is a main Chagas disease vector, and its success as a vector stems from its ability to establish domiciliated colonies; we aimed to explore its biology and reproduction. METHODS: The average amount of blood ingested and the time from the beginning of a blood meal to the production of feces were recorded. RESULTS: Females exhibited a higher blood ingestion rate than males, but similar defecation times and frequencies were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the detected decrease in oviposition rates, P. herreri's potential as a Chagas disease vector in environments other than the Amazon forest cannot be discounted.

The development of Panstrongylus herreri under fluctuating environmental conditions

Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Panstrongylus herreri is a main Chagas disease vector, and its success as a vector stems from its ability to establish domiciliated colonies; we aimed to explore its biology and reproduction. METHODS: The average amount of blood ingested and the time from the beginning of a blood meal to the production of feces were recorded. RESULTS: Females exhibited a higher blood ingestion rate than males, but similar defecation times and frequencies were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the detected decrease in oviposition rates, P. herreri's potential as a Chagas disease vector in environments other than the Amazon forest cannot be discounted.

Chromobacterium violaceum (Schröter 1872) isolated from the aquatic environment associated with the fish culture of Jaú, Zungaro jahu (Ihering, 1898) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) / Chromobacterium violaceum (Schröter 1872) isolado de ambiente aquático associado à piscicultura de Jaú, Zungaro jahu (Ihering, 1898) (Siluriformes, Pimelodidae) piscicultura

The jau, Zungaro jahu (Ihering, 1898) is an endangered species, rheophilic, reaching 1.5 m and more than 100 kg. During a work of microbiological monitoring of water quality, in the cultivation of Zungaro jahu, microorganisms that were isolated, were previously reported in other studies, as family members Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus and non-fermenting bacilli. However, it was also isolated Chromobacterium violaceum, which despite being a bacterium found in such an environment, it was reported linked to the cultivation of fish. This paper describes the Chromobacterium violaceum founded in a psiculture, which has implications for national fish farming.

O jaú, Zungaro jahu (Ihering, 1898), é uma espécie em extinção, reofílica, atingindo 1,5 m e mais que 100 kg. Durante um trabalho de monitoramento microbiológico da qualidade da água, no cultivo da espécie em foco, foram isolados microrganismos previamente descritos em outros estudos, como membros da família Enterobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus e bacilos não fermentadores. Além desses microrganismos, foi isolada também a espécie Chromobacterium violaceum, que apesar de ser uma bactéria encontrada neste tipo de ambiente, não foi relatada associada ao cultivo de peixes. Este trabalho relata este importante achado, que pode trazer implicações à piscicultura nacional.

Non-biting flying insects as carriers of pathogenic bacteria in a Brazilian hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Insects have been described as mechanical vectors of nosocomial infections. METHODS: Non-biting flying insects were collected inside a pediatric ward and neonatal-intensive care unit (ICU) of a Brazilian tertiary hospital. RESULTS: Most (86.4%) of them were found to carry one or more species of bacteria on their external surfaces. The bacteria isolated were Gram-positive bacilli (68.2%) or cocci (40.9%), and Gram-negative bacilli (18.2%). CONCLUSIONS: Insects collected inside a hospital were carrying pathogenic bacteria; therefore, one must consider the possibility they may act as mechanical vectors of infections, in especially for debilitated or immune-compromised patients in the hospital environments where the insects were collected.

Non-biting flying insects as carriers of pathogenic bacteria in a Brazilian hospital

Introduction Insects have been described as mechanical vectors of nosocomial infections. Methods Non-biting flying insects were collected inside a pediatric ward and neonatal-intensive care unit (ICU) of a Brazilian tertiary hospital. Results Most (86.4%) of them were found to carry one or more species of bacteria on their external surfaces. The bacteria isolated were Gram-positive bacilli (68.2%) or cocci (40.9%), and Gram-negative bacilli (18.2%). Conclusions Insects collected inside a hospital were carrying pathogenic bacteria; therefore, one must consider the possibility they may act as mechanical vectors of infections, in especially for debilitated or immune-compromised patients in the hospital environments where the insects were collected. .

Variação espacial e sazonal de microrganismos associados ao cultivo do Zungaro jahu (Ihering, 1898), na Estação Ambiental de Volta Grande no Estado de Minas Gerais / Spatial and seazonal variations of microorganisms associated with cultivation Zungaro jahu (Ihering,1898), at Estação Ambiental de Volta Grande in the State of Minas Gerais

Objetivo - Identificar a variação espacial e a sazonal de microrganismos associados ao cultivo semi-intensivo do Zungaro jahu. Métodos - As amostras de água foram coletadas ao longo de um eixo longitudinal em uma piscicultura, no município de Conceição das Alagoas/MG e semeadas em diferentes meios de cultura. Os microrganismos foram isolados e identificados. Resultados - Foram identificados10 gêneros de bactérias. Para os cinco pontos de coleta analisados, obteve-se uma diversidade de 11 espécies de bactérias Gram-negativas e 3 espécies de bactérias Gram-positivas. Conclusão - A análise de variação sazonal apontou para uma redução das categorias taxonômicas em julho, o que pode estar relacionado às baixas temperaturas observadas neste período. A análise da variação espacial mostrou que o tanque que recebe a água de toda a piscicultura apresenta maior diversidade microbiana provavelmente decorrente da adição de matéria orgânica utilizada como insumo.

Objective - To identify the spatial and seasonal variation of microorganisms associated with Zungaro jahu cultivation semi-intensive. Methods - Water samples were collected along a longitudinal axis in a fish farming Conceição das Alagoas county, Minas Gerais-Brazil, and seeded in different culture medium. Results - Ten bacteria genus were isolated and identified 11 of microorganisms and 3 species of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria, respectively was obtained in the five collected points analyzed. The seasonal variation analysis indicated a reduction of taxonomic categories in July, must be directly associated with the low temperatures. Conclusion - The analysis showed that space variation of the tank which receives water from the whole farm-fish has a higher microbial diversity; probably due to the addition of organic matter used in fish feed.

Differential reactivity of serum immunoglobulins from Brazilian wild mammals to staphylococcal A and streptococcal G proteins.

Human pathogens have evolved to infect vertebrate hosts other than human beings without causing symptoms of the disease, thus permitting them to complete their life cycle and to develop into infectious forms. The identification and management of infected animals are alternatives to control dissemination of the disease and to prevent human illness. In the current study, the potential use of staphylococcal A or streptococcal G proteins was evaluated with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) for seroepidemiological studies. Sera were collected from animals that were representative of 23 different Brazilian wild mammals. A high protein A binding rate was observed in all animals, except for the orders Didelphimorphia, Artiodactyla, and Rodentia, in which affinity was medium or low. Affinity for streptococcal G protein was higher in animals of the order Artiodactyla, whereas no streptococcal G protein binding was observed in samples obtained from felines (order Carnivora). Bacterial protein binding to mammalian immunoglobulins was confirmed by immunoblotting. The results suggest that secondary detection systems should be better investigated in ELISA protocols before their implementation in seroepidemiological studies involving wild mammals.

Microbiota associated with tramp ants in a Brazilian University Hospital.

Our aim was to study the fauna of ants in the Hospital Universitário of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, municipality of Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, as well as to identify the microorganisms the ants carry and their patterns of resistance to antibiotics. Sterile tubes (traps) containing honey were used to attract the ants. Traps were exposed for 3h, and those which attracted ants were considered the test group, while the ones that did not attract the insects constituted the control group. Only the ant species Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) was sampled. Sixty microorganisms were isolated from the sampled ants, including seven Gram-positive bacilli, 14 Gram-negative bacilli, 22 Gram-positive cocci and 17 filamentous fungi. Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Group D Streptococcus were the microorganisms with the highest resistance to the tested antibiotics. The ants should be considered an important vector of infections as they carry several pathogenic microorganisms, spreading them on the surface of sterile materials, equipment and uncontaminated food. It is impossible to define the exact role of ants in nosocomial infections at this moment; however, this issue must be better studied and special attention must be given by the commissions of Nosocomial Infection Control.

Microbiota associated with tramp ants in a Brazilian University Hospital / Microbiota associada às formigas urbanas em um Hospital Universitário Brasileiro

Our aim was to study the fauna of ants in the Hospital Universitário of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, municipality of Uberaba, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, as well as to identify the microorganisms the ants carry and their patterns of resistance to antibiotics. Sterile tubes (traps) containing honey were used to attract the ants. Traps were exposed for 3h, and those which attracted ants were considered the test group, while the ones that did not attract the insects constituted the control group. Only the ant species Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) was sampled. Sixty microorganisms were isolated from the sampled ants, including seven Gram-positive bacilli, 14 Gram-negative bacilli, 22 Gram-positive cocci and 17 filamentous fungi. Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus and Group D Streptococcus were the microorganisms with the highest resistance to the tested antibiotics. The ants should be considered an important vector of infections as they carry several pathogenic microorganisms, spreading them on the surface of sterile materials, equipments and uncontaminated food. It is impossible to define the exact role of ants in nosocomial infections at this moment; however, this issue must be better studied and special attention must be given by the commissions of Nosocomial Infection Control.

O objetivo deste estudo foi conhecer a fauna de formigas existente no Hospital Universitário da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, MG, bem como as espécies de microrganismos transportadas por elas, além de identificar o padrão de resistência destes microrganismos a antimicrobianos. Para atrair as formigas, utilizaram-se tubos estéreis contendo mel. Após período de exposição de 3h, os mesmos foram tampados. Os tubos que atraíram formigas foram considerados o grupo teste e os que não atraíram o controle. Apenas Tapinoma melanocephalum (Fabricius) foi amostrada. O isolamento de microrganismos dos exemplares de T. melanocephalum apontou 60 espécies, entre as quais sete eram bacilos Gram positivo, 14 bacilos Gram negativo, 22 cocos Gram positivo e 17 fungos filamentosos. Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus e Streptococcus do grupo D foram os microrganismos que apresentaram maior resistência aos antibióticos. As formigas devem ser consideradas um importante vetor de infecções, pois são carreadoras de microrganismos, levando-os na superfície de seu corpo para materiais estéreis, equipamentos e alimentos não-contaminados. Não é possível definir o papel exato das formigas em infecções nosocomiais. No entanto, este deve ser melhor avaliado e atenção especial deve ser dada pelas comissões de Controle de Infecções Hospitalares.

Qualidade da Água de minas em Área urbana na cidade De Uberaba MG / Water quality of mines in urban area in city of Uberaba MG

A garantia da disponibilidade de água em quantidade e qualidade satisfatórias para o consumo humano é questão relevante para a saúde pública. Este trabalho avaliou a qualidade da água de oito minas utilizadas pela população de Uberaba. Foram empregadas metodologias de análises padronizadas pela American Public Health Association. Na contagem padrão em placa, apenas as minas 2 e 6 se adequaram ao padrão do Ministério da Saúde,enquanto para o pH apenas as minas 1 e 3 foram adequadas. Em amostras individuais e outras formas de abastecimento sem distribuição canalizada, tolera-se a presença de coliformes totais, na ausência de coliformes termo tolerantes. Obteve-se como resultado que apenas duas minas atendem a essa condição (minas 2 e 6). É indicado que pelo menos uma forma detratamento seja realizada com a água dessas minas para serem ingeridas com segurança, o que deve ser orientado à população.

Ensuring the availability of water in satisfactory quantity and quality for human consumption is a relevant issue concerning public health. This paper assessed the quality of water of eight mines used by the population in Uberaba. For analysis, standardized methodologies employed by the American Public Health Association were used. In pour plate technique, onlymines 2 and 6 met the Ministry of Health pattern, whereas for the pH only the mines 1 and 3 were appropriate. In individual samples and other forms of supply without distribution channel, the presence of total coliforms is tolerated, in the absence of fecal coliforms. According to our results, only two mines meet this condition (mine 2 and 6). It is indicated that at least one form of treatment be conducted with these water mines, which should be directed to the population.

[Population parameters for Triatoma sordida Stal, 1859: the most frequent vector for Chagas disease in the Triângulo Mineiro (Heteroptera, Triatominae)]. / Parâmetros populacionais para Triatoma sordida Stal, 1859, o vetor mais freqüente da doença de Chagas no Triângulo Mineiro (Heteroptera, Triatominae).

Triatoma sordida is the most frequent vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas, 1909, in Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais. The objective of this study was to construct a dynamic life table for Triatoma sordida with the aim of supplying support data for controlling its populations.

Parâmetros populacionais para Triatoma sordida Stal, 1859, o vetor mais freqüente da doença de Chagas no Triângulo Mineiro (Heteroptera, Triatominae) / Population parameters for Triatoma sordida Stal, 1859: the most frequent vector for Chagas disease in the Triângulo Mineiro (Heteroptera, Triatominae)

O Triatoma sordida é o mais freqüente vetor do Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas, 1909, em Uberaba, MG. O objetivo deste trabalho foi construir uma tabela de vida dinâmica para o Triatoma sordida visando fornecer dados para subsidiar o controle de suas populações.

Triatoma sordida is the most frequent vector for Trypanosoma cruzi, Chagas, 1909, in Uberaba, State of Minas Gerais. The objective of this study was to construct a dynamic life table for Triatoma sordida with the aim of supplying support data for controlling its populations.

Formigas como vetores mecânicos de microorganismos no Hospital Escola da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro / Ants as mechanical vectors of microorganisms in the School Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro

Estudou-se patógenos associados às formigas encontradas no Hospital Escola da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba/MG. Três espécies de formiga foram identificadas: Tapinoma melanocephalum, Pheidole sp e Paratrechina longicornis. Os principais microorganismos encontrados foram Staphylococcus sp, bacilo Gram-positivo, Pseudomonas sp e Micrococcus sp. Os resultados das coletas foram analisados, segundo o número de colônias e os diferentes microrganismos isolados, aplicando teste t de Student. A análise estatística revelou diferença significativa apenas para Staphylococcus sp com p = 0,005. É possível que formigas e agentes patogênicos tenham associações mutualísticas, e que a análise dessa relação possa levar a novas estratégias de controle, com ênfase não apenas nos insetos, mas especialmente em qual agente está associada essa espécie de inseto.

The pathogens associated with ants at the teaching hospital of the Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro, in Uberaba, MG, were studied. Three species of ants were identified: Tapinoma melanocephalum, Pheidole sp and Paratrechina longicornis. The principal microorganisms found were Staphylococcus sp, Gram-positive bacilli, Pseudomonas sp and Micrococcus sp. The results from the collections were analyzed according to the number of colonies and the different microorganisms isolated, using Student's t test. The statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference only with regard to Staphylococcus sp. (p =0.005). It is possible that ants and pathogenic agents have mutualistic associations, and that analysis of such relationships may lead to new pest control strategies, with an emphasis not only on the insects but also especially on which agent is associated with these insect species.

[Ants as mechanical vectors of microorganisms in the School Hospital of the Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro]. / Formigas como vetores mecânicos de microorganismos no Hospital Escola da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro.

The pathogens associated with ants at the teaching hospital of the Federal University of the Triângulo Mineiro, in Uberaba, MG, were studied. Three species of ants were identified: Tapinoma melanocephalum, Pheidole sp and Paratrechina longicornis. The principal microorganisms found were Staphylococcus sp, Gram-positive bacilli, Pseudomonas sp and Micrococcus sp. The results from the collections were analyzed according to the number of colonies and the different microorganisms isolated, using Student's t test. The statistical analysis showed that there was a significant difference only with regard to Staphylococcus sp. (p=0.005). It is possible that ants and pathogenic agents have mutualistic associations, and that analysis of such relationships may lead to new pest control strategies, with an emphasis not only on the insects but also especially on which agent is associated with these insect species.

Estudo sobre os Ceratopogonídeos de Minas Gerais: I - Descrição dos machos de Heteromyia chaquensis Duret & Lane, 1955 e Dasyhelea paulistana Forattini & Rabello, 1957 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae) / Studies of Ceratopogonidade of Minas Gerais: I - Descriptions of the males of Heteromyia chaquensis Duret & Lane, 1955 and Dasyhelea paulistana Forattini & Rabello, 1957 (Diptera, Ceratopogonidae)

This paper describes some results of a systematic survey of the Ceratopogonidae midges of the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Three species, Stilobezzia punctulata Lane, 1947, Heteromyia chaquensis Duret & Lane, 1955 and Dasyhelea paulistana Forattini & Rabello, 1957 were identified from a small lake, "Lagoinha" or "Olhos d'Água", near to the main lake of Lagoa Santa. The first descriptions of the males of Heteromyia chaquensis and Dasyhelea paulistana are presented.