Quantification of in vitro replication kinetics of Alagoas vesiculovirus isolates by digital droplet RT-PCR.

Vesicular stomatitis caused by Alagoas vesiculovirus (VSAV) has generated disease outbreaks in Brazil, mainly in the northeast region. Phylogenetic studies divide the isolates into three distinct genotypes (A, B, and C). However, there is no description of how this genetic divergence reflects on the phenotype of VSAV isolates such as in vitro replication fitness. Therefore, the objective of this work was to evaluate the ability of three distinct genotypes of Brazilian isolates of VSAV to grow in different cell-culture lines (BHK-21, Vero, and NCI-H1299). Quantification of viral RNA was performed using RT-PCR digital droplet from supernatant of cell culture collected every 4 h for a period of 24 h of viral growth in three different cell lines (BHK-21, Vero, and NCI-H1299). It was observed that the genotype C isolate has the lowest replication efficiency among the three analyzed viruses, without major changes in the copies of viral RNA over the entire time of the study.

Phylodynamics of Alagoas vesiculovirus in Brazil.

The vesicular stomatitis virus belongs to the Rhabdoviridae family, genus Vesiculovirus. Four species (New Jersey, Indiana, Cocal, and Alagoas) are responsible for disease outbreaks in Western Hemisphere countries. In Brazil, the Alagoas virus is responsible for the main outbreaks of the disease, mainly in the states of the Northeast, Midwest, and Southeast regions of the country. The present study aimed to perform the genetic characterization of 41 vesicular stomatitis virus samples. RNA was extracted using Trizol and used to amplify part of gene P. Amplicons were sequenced using the Sanger method. The phylogenetic trees generated showed that Alagoas vesiculoviruses were positioned into three groups: group A formed by the first virus isolate; group B by isolates from states in the Northeast region; and group C by isolates from the states of Bahia, Goiás, and Tocantins. Their divergence to date has generated the formation of two genotypes evolving independently in regions that until the present study had little geographic overlap.

Temporal trends in the epidemiology of inflammatory bowel diseases in the public healthcare system in Brazil: A large population-based study.

Background: Population-based data on epidemiology of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) in Brazil are scarce. This study aims to define temporal trends of incidence and prevalence rates of Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) in Brazil. Methods: All IBD patients from the public healthcare national system were included from January 2012 to December 2020. Average Annual Percent Change (AAPC) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using log-linear regression for incidence and binomial regression for prevalence. Moran's I autocorrelation index was used to analyse clustering of cities by level of prevalence. Findings: A total of 212,026 IBD patients were included. Incidence of IBD rose from 9.4 in 2012 to 9.6 per 100,000 in 2020 (AAPC=0.8%; 95% CI -0.37, 1.99); for UC, incidence increased from 5.7 to 6.9 per 100,000 (AAPC=3.0%; 95% CI 1.51, 4.58) and for CD incidence decreased from 3.7 to 2.7 per 100,000 (AAPC=-3.2%; 95% CI -4.45, -2.02). Prevalence of IBD increased from 30.0 in 2012 to 100.1 per 100,000 in 2020 (AAPC=14.8%; CI 14.78-14.95); for UC, from 15.7 to 56.5 per 100,000 (AAPC=16.0%; CI 15.94, 16.17); for CD from 12.6 to 33.7 per 100,000 (AAPC=12.1% CI 11.95, 12.02). A south-north gradient was observed in 2020 prevalence rates of IBD [I=0.40 (p<0.0001)], CD [I=0.22 (p<0.0001)] and UC [I=0.42 (p<0.0001)]. Interpretation: Incidence of CD is decreasing whereas of UC is increasing, leading to stabilization in the incidence of IBD from 2012 to 2020 in Brazil. Prevalence of IBD has been climbing with 0.1% of Brazilians living with IBD in 2020. Funding: None.

Helminth fauna of Norops fuscoauratus (D'Orbigny, 1837) (Squamata: Dactyloidae) in the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil / Helmintofauna de Norops fuscoauratus (D'Orbigny, 1837) (Squamata: Dactyloidae) na Mata Atlântica, Nordeste, Brasil

The composition of macro endoparasites associated with the lizard Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) was analysed in two localities in the Atlantic Forest on the northeast of Brazil between December 2012 and July 2015. 74 specimens of N. fuscoauratus were examined and five species of helminths were reported, being: (a) for the population of Pernambuco: Cystacanth (Prevalence=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalence=4.16%), larva of flatworm (Prevalence=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=2.08%) and Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalence=2.08%), and (b) of Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalence=17.85%) and Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=3.57%). The differences in the composition of endoparasites in the two populations are attributed to individualities of environments occupied by the lizards. The collection period does not influence the abundance of parasites, but when associated with sex, there was a positive correlation with the abundance of helminths, with more females than males being infected with parasites in the rainy season.

A composição de macro endoparasitas associada com o lagarto Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) foi analisada em duas localidades da Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil, entre dezembro de 2012 e julho de 2015. 74 espécimes foram examinados e cinco espécies de helmintos foram encontradas, sendo: (a) para a população de Pernambuco: Cistacanto (Prevalência=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalência=4.16%), larva de platelminto (Prevalência=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =2.08%) e Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalência =2.08%) e (b) Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalência=17.85%) e Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =3.57%). As diferenças na composição dos endoparasitas nas duas populações pode ser atribuída as individualidades dos ambientes ocupados por esses lagartos. O período de coleta não influenciou na abundância de parasitas, mas quando associado com o sexo, houve uma correlação positiva com a abundância de helmintos, com mais fêmeas do que machos, infectadas na estação chuvosa.

Helminth fauna of Norops fuscoauratus (DOrbigny, 1837) (Squamata: Dactyloidae) in the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil

Abstract The composition of macro endoparasites associated with the lizard Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) was analysed in two localities in the Atlantic Forest on the northeast of Brazil between December 2012 and July 2015. 74 specimens of N. fuscoauratus were examined and five species of helminths were reported, being: (a) for the population of Pernambuco: Cystacanth (Prevalence=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalence=4.16%), larva of flatworm (Prevalence=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=2.08%) and Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalence=2.08%), and (b) of Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalence=17.85%) and Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=3.57%). The differences in the composition of endoparasites in the two populations are attributed to individualities of environments occupied by the lizards. The collection period does not influence the abundance of parasites, but when associated with sex, there was a positive correlation with the abundance of helminths, with more females than males being infected with parasites in the rainy season.

Resumo A composição de macro endoparasitas associada com o lagarto Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) foi analisada em duas localidades da Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil, entre dezembro de 2012 e julho de 2015. 74 espécimes foram examinados e cinco espécies de helmintos foram encontradas, sendo: (a) para a população de Pernambuco: Cistacanto (Prevalência=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalência=4.16%), larva de platelminto (Prevalência=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =2.08%) e Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalência =2.08%) e (b) Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalência=17.85%) e Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =3.57%). As diferenças na composição dos endoparasitas nas duas populações pode ser atribuída as individualidades dos ambientes ocupados por esses lagartos. O período de coleta não influenciou na abundância de parasitas, mas quando associado com o sexo, houve uma correlação positiva com a abundância de helmintos, com mais fêmeas do que machos, infectadas na estação chuvosa.

Helminth fauna of Norops fuscoauratus (D'Orbigny, 1837) (Squamata: Dactyloidae) in the Atlantic Forest, northeastern Brazil / Helmintofauna de Norops fuscoauratus (D'Orbigny, 1837) (Squamata: Dactyloidae) na Mata Atlântica, Nordeste, Brasil

The composition of macro endoparasites associated with the lizard Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) was analysed in two localities in the Atlantic Forest on the northeast of Brazil between December 2012 and July 2015. 74 specimens of N. fuscoauratus were examined and five species of helminths were reported, being: (a) for the population of Pernambuco: Cystacanth (Prevalence=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalence=4.16%), larva of flatworm (Prevalence=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=2.08%) and Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalence=2.08%), and (b) of Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalence=17.85%) and Rhabdias sp. (Prevalence=3.57%). The differences in the composition of endoparasites in the two populations are attributed to individualities of environments occupied by the lizards. The collection period does not influence the abundance of parasites, but when associated with sex, there was a positive correlation with the abundance of helminths, with more females than males being infected with parasites in the rainy season.

A composição de macro endoparasitas associada com o lagarto Norops fuscoauratus (Squamata) foi analisada em duas localidades da Mata Atlântica no nordeste do Brasil, entre dezembro de 2012 e julho de 2015. 74 espécimes foram examinados e cinco espécies de helmintos foram encontradas, sendo: (a) para a população de Pernambuco: Cistacanto (Prevalência=37.5%), Physaloptera retusa Rudolphi, 1819 (Prevalência=4.16%), larva de platelminto (Prevalência=2.08%), Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =2.08%) e Strongyluris oscari Travassos, 1923 (Prevalência =2.08%) e (b) Alagoas: S. oscari (Prevalência=17.85%) e Rhabdias sp. (Prevalência =3.57%). As diferenças na composição dos endoparasitas nas duas populações pode ser atribuída as individualidades dos ambientes ocupados por esses lagartos. O período de coleta não influenciou na abundância de parasitas, mas quando associado com o sexo, houve uma correlação positiva com a abundância de helmintos, com mais fêmeas do que machos, infectadas na estação chuvosa.

First record of Pachybrachis Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae: Cryptocephalinae) on Spermacoce verticillata L. (Rubiaceae) and synthesis of its plant associations in Brazil

This study reports Pachybrachis sp. association with a new host, Spermacoce verticillata L. (Rubiaceae). It synthesizes Brazil locality records and host plant records from literature. Specimens of adults and larvae were collected on the host in an urban area of Maceió, Alagoas, Brazil. Larvae and adults were reared on the host plant in the laboratory, using fresh plant tissue daily.

Este estudio presenta la asociación de Pachybrachis sp. con un nuevo huésped, Spermacoce verticillata L. (Rubiaceae). En este trabajo se dan a conocer las localidades registradas en Brasil para la especie y los registros de plantas huésped mencionados en la literatura. Se recolectaron especímenes de adultos y larvas sobre el huésped en un área urbana de Maceió, Alagoas, Brasil. Las larvas y los adultos se criaron en la planta huésped en el laboratorio, utilizando tejido vegetal fresco a diario.

Outbreaks of Vesicular Stomatitis in Brazil caused by a distinct lineage of Alagoas vesiculovirus.

This article describes the recurrence of outbreaks of Vesicular Stomatitis in the State of Maranhão, Brazil. The procedures for treating the outbreak of vesicular disease, sample collection, laboratory tests performed, and the results obtained were described. The clinical signs and observed injuries have been described. The sera showed antibodies that cross-react between the Vesiculovirus Indiana, Cocal, and Alagoas. The serological profile shows the presence of high antibody titers for Alagoas vesiculovirus in cattle, swine, and horses. Higher antibody titers indicate the viral serotype present in the outbreak. The genetic sequencing of the isolates confirmed the presence of Alagoas vesiculovirus, which grouped with the virus isolated in 2013 from cattle from the State of Maranhão.

Políticas de Educação Especial no Estado de Alagoas / Special Education Policies in the State of Alagoas

RESUMO: Este artigo apresenta uma análise das políticas de Educação Especial produzidas e colocadas em ação no Estado de Alagoas (1990-2018). O referencial teórico fundamenta-se na abordagem do ciclo de políticas, na teoria da atuação e em conceitos de Pierre Bourdieu. Os dados da pesquisa foram levantados por meio da análise documental, entrevistas semiestruturadas e observações de sala de aula, tendo sido submetidos à análise relacional proposta por Bourdieu. Argumenta-se que há uma tendência no Estado de Alagoas em reproduzir/recontextualizar as políticas nacionais, resultando em políticas com baixa capacidade de articulação com a realidade, bem como com as necessidades dos sujeitos. Os resultados apontam limitada autonomia, na produção dos textos legais que normalizam a Educação Especial e presença insuficiente do Estado na garantia das condições mínimas para a atuação dessas políticas em Alagoas. Como consequência, agravam-se as dificuldades em transformar o sistema de ensino em espaço inclusivo.

ABSTRACT: This paper presents an analysis of the Special Education policies produced and enacted in the State of Alagoas, Brazil (1990-2018). The theoretical framework is based on the policy cycle approach, enactment theory and concepts of Pierre Bourdieu's theory. The research data were collected through documentary analysis, semi-structured interviews and classroom observations, having been submitted to the relational analysis proposed by Bourdieu. It is argued that there is a tendency in the State of Alagoas to reproduce/recontextualize national policies, resulting in policies with a low capacity for articulation with reality, as well as with the needs of the subjects. The results indicate limited autonomy in the production of legal texts that normalize Special Education and insufficient presence of the State in guaranteeing the minimum conditions for the enactment of these policies in Alagoas. As a consequence, the difficulties in transforming the educational system into an inclusive space are exacerbated.

Aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da tuberculose em pacientes com HIV/aids / Clinical and epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis in patients with HIV/aids

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar aspectos clínicos e epidemiológicos da tuberculose em indivíduos HIV+ no estado de Alagoas. Métodos: Trata-se de estudo transversal e retrospectivo que analisou as notificações de coinfecção TB-HIV no período de 2001 a 2016 no estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Para elaboração de perfil da coinfecção foram empregadas variáveis clínicas e epidemiológicas dos casos novos de TB-HIV obtidas junto à Superintendência de Vigilância em Saúde do Estado de Alagoas. Resultados: Houve ascensão do número de coinfectados no período de 2001 a 2016. Os pacientes soropositivos residentes no Estado apresentaram-se como sendo a maioria do sexo masculino (74,2%), em idade economicamente produtiva (93,7%), com baixa escolaridade e de cor negra (92,5%). A tuberculose pulmonar foi a forma clínica mais presente (77,3%), seguida do subtipo extrapulmonar ganglionar periférico (7,5%). A estratégia diagnóstica mais elucidativa para o raciocínio clínico foi o exame radiográfico do tórax (72,5%). Houve óbito por tuberculose em 9,5% das investigações. O percentual de cura de casos novos de tuberculose em indivíduos HIV+ no estado de Alagoas ficou abaixo da meta de 85% pactuada pela OMS. Conclusão: Os resultados evidenciam a relevância epidemiológica da tuberculose como uma comorbidade de grande impacto na saúde dos indivíduos soropositivos para o HIV+ no âmbito estadual (AU)

ABSTRACT Objective: In this study, the objective was to evaluate the clinical and epidemiological aspects of tuberculosis in HIV+ individuals in the State of Alagoas. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and retrospective study that analyz-ed the reports of TB-HIV co-infection between 2001 and 2016 in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. To develop a profile of co-infection, clinical and epidemiological variables were used for new cases of HIV-TB obtained together with the Superintendence of Health Surveillance of the State of Alagoas. Results: There was a rise in the number of co-infected patients from 2001 to 2016. Seropositive patients living in the State were the majority male (74.2%), of economically productive age (93.7%), with low educational level and black (92.5%). Pulmonary tuberculosis was the most common clinical form (77.3%), followed by the peripheral ganglion extrapulmonary subtype (7.5%). The most diagnostic strategy for clinical reasoning was the radiographic examination of the thorax (72.5%). There was a TB death in 9.5% of the investigations. The percentage of cure of new cases of tuberculosis in HIV+ individuals in the state of Alagoas was below the 85% goal agreed by the WHO. Conclusion: The results evidenced the epide-miological relevance of tuberculosis as a comorbidity with a great impact on the health of seropositive individuals at the state level. (AU)

Caracterização microbiológica do mel produzido por melíponas no Estado de Alagoas / Microbiological characterization of honey produced by melíponas in the State of Alagoas

O mel de abelhas sem ferrão possui um grande valor agregado, chegando a ultrapassar o preço do mel das abelhas com ferrão (gênero Apis) em até quinze vezes. As melíponas são de suma importância na manutenção de seus ecossistemas de origem, contribuindo de forma para a conservação e a sobrevivência da flora e da fauna. A pesquisa objetivou caracterizar os méis de meliponídeos nativos do Estado de Alagoas. Foram coletadas e analisadas quatro amostras de méis, sendo todas elas obtidas da espécie Melipona scutellaris (mais conhecida como Uruçu) em diferentes municipios, condições e momentos. As amostras estavam próprias para consumo humano e de acordo com a legislação vigente verificou-se que os padrões adotados para o mel produzido por Apis melífera podem ser aplicados para o mel produzido por Meliponas.

Development and validation of rt-qpcr for vesicular stomatitis virus detection (Alagoas vesiculovirus).

Vesicular stomatitis is an infectious disease that occurs mainly in countries of the Western Hemisphere and affects cattle, swine and horses. The clinical symptoms in cattle and swine are similar to foot-and-mouth disease and include vesicular ulceration of the tongue and mouth. The disease requires a rapid and accurate differential diagnosis, aiming for immediate implementation of control measures. The objective of the present study was to develop and perform validation tests of multiplex RT-qPCR(s) for the detection of RNA from Alagoas vesiculovirus, considering the parameters of sensitivity and analytical specificity, analytical performance (repeatability and reproducibility criteria) and the uncertainty of the measurement. The threshold cycle values obtained in triplicate from each sample were evaluated by considering the variations between days, analysts and equipment in an analysis of variance aimed at determining the variances of repeatability and reproducibility. The results showed that RT-qPCRs had excellent sensitivity and specificity in the detection of RNA of the Alagoas vesiculovirus. The validation parameters showed low coefficients of variation and were equivalent to those found in other validation studies, indicating that the tests presented excellent repeatability and reproducibility.

New Records of Phlebotomine Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) From the State of Alagoas, Northeast of Brazil.

Phlebotomine sand flies are small insects of great medical importance. This study presents new records of phlebotomine sand flies, which augment the list of species, recorded in the state of Alagoas, Brazil. Sand flies were collected using CDC miniature light traps. Collections were made between November 2008 and April 2016, in 47 municipalities within the state of Alagoas. Twenty-seven thousand two-hundred forty-four sand flies were collected, representing 18 species in seven genera. Lutzomyia longipalpis was the predominant species (85.4% of total), and it was recorded in all biomes. Three species (Evandromyia evandroi (Costa Lima and Antunes 1936), Evandromyia tupynambai (Mangabeira 1942), and Pressatia choti (Floch and Abonnenc 1941)) were collected in coastal and Atlantic forest biomes; five species (Lutzomyia villelai (Mangabeira 1942), Micropygomyia oswaldoi (Mangabeira 1942), Nyssomyia umbratilis (Ward and Frahia 1977), Nyssomyia intermedia (Lutz and Neiva 1912), and Nyssomyia whitmani (Antunes and Coutinho 1939)) were collected in Atlantic forest and Caatinga biomes. The species Evandromyia corumbaensis (Galati, Nunes, Oshiro and Rego 1989) and Psathyromyia naftalekatzi (Falcão, Andrade-Filho, Almeida and Brandão-Filho 2000) were found only in the coastal zones. This work provides an updated list of the phlebotomine sand flies of Alagoas, with some notes on their taxonomy, ecology, distribution, and epidemiological relevance.

Two new Brazilian species of Loxosceles Heinecken & Lowe, 1832 with remarks on amazonica and rufescens groups (Araneae, Sicariidae).

The genus Loxosceles Heinecken & Lowe, 1832 has 91 representatives in the New World. Despite medical relevancy, the taxonomy of the genus is poorly understood. South American Loxosceles were divided into four groups of species: laeta, spadicea, gaucho and amazonica; this last one has a single species, Loxosceles amazonica Gertsch, 1967. More recently, the natural occurrence of L. amazonica in the New World has been questioned, due to the strong morphological resemblance and close phylogenetic relationship with Old World species, mainly with Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour, 1820). Herein, L. amazonica is rediagnosed and its morphological variation and natural distribution discussed. Two new species closely related to it from northeastern Brazil are also described, Loxosceles willianilsonisp. n., from the state of Rio Grande do Norte, and Loxosceles muriciensissp. n., from the state of Alagoas. The relationships of these new species with L. amazonica and L. rufescens are discussed.

Two new species of Stigmaeidae (Acari: Trombidiformes: Rhaphignathoidea) from Brazil.

Two new species of Stigmaeidae, Agistemus rodriguezi Paktinat-Saeij & Cruz sp. nov. and Eryngiopus moraesi Paktinat-Saeij & Barroso sp. nov. are described and illustrated on the basis of adult specimens from northern Brazil.

Two new Auletta Schmidt, 1870 (Axinellidae; Demospongiae; Porifera) from Brazil.

The genus Auletta Schmidt, 1970 comprises 14 valid species, with six known from the Atlantic Ocean. The genus was previously recorded for the Brazilian coast only in 1967 from surveys in Pernambuco State. The present paper describes two new Auletta from Northeastern Brazil. Auletta akaroa sp. nov. is from Alagoas State and it has a stalked tubular shape and small sinuous styles and strongyles. Auletta laboreli sp. nov. was found in Pernambuco State and it is a sponge with a cylindrical and cavernous body composed of styles with blunt and telescopic tips and sinuous strongyles. Both new species were compared with the other valid species of Auletta. The spicule complement and external morphology of the new species are discussed.

Genetic and Morphological Differentiation of the Semiterrestrial Crab Armases angustipes (Brachyura: Sesarmidae) along the Brazilian Coast.

The genetic and morphometric population structures of the semiterrestrial crab Armases angustipes from along the Brazilian coast were examined. The influence of the Central South Equatorial Current on larval dispersal of A. angustipes also was evaluated. Six populations were sampled from estuarine areas in São Luis do Maranhão, Maranhão; Natal, Rio Grande do Norte; Maceió, Alagoas; Ilhéus, Bahia; Aracruz, Espírito Santo; and Guaratuba, Paraná. Patterns of genetic differentiation were assessed using DNA sequence data corresponding to parts of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1. Geometric morphometric techniques were used to evaluate morphological variation in shape and size of the carapace and right cheliped propodus. Our results revealed low genetic variability and lack of phylogeographic structure; geometric morphometrics showed statistically significant morphological differentiation and geographic structuring. Our data indicate the absence of possible barriers to gene flow for this mobile species, and no clear correlation of morphological or genetic variation with ocean currents and/or geographic distance. Our results also suggest that historical geological and climatological events and/or possible bottleneck effects influenced the current low genetic variability among the populations of A. angustipes.

Outbreaks of Vesicular stomatitis Alagoas virus in horses and cattle in northeastern Brazil.

The current article describes outbreaks of vesicular stomatitis (VS) in horses and cattle in Paraiba and Rio Grande do Norte states, northeastern Brazil, between June and August 2013. The reported cases affected 15-20 horses and 6 cattle distributed over 6 small farms in 4 municipalities, but additional data indicated the involvement of a large number of animals on several farms. The disease was characterized by blisters; eruptive lesions in coronary bands, lips, mouth, and muzzle; salivation; claudication and loss of condition. Swollen lower limbs and lips, and ulcerated and erosive areas in the lips and muzzle were observed in some horses. A necrotizing vesiculopustular dermatitis and stomatitis was observed histologically. Vesicular stomatitis virus was isolated from the vesicular fluid of a horse lesion and shown to be serologically related to the VS Indiana serogroup (VSIV) by virus neutralization. Convalescent sera of affected horses and cattle, and from healthy contacts, harbored high levels of neutralizing antibodies against the isolated virus (named VSIV-3 2013SaoBento/ParaibaE). Genomic sequences of VSIV subtype 3 (Vesicular stomatitis Alagoas virus) were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction out of clinical specimens from a cow and a horse from different farms. Nucleotide sequencing and phylogenetic analysis of the phosphoprotein gene indicated that the 2 isolates were derived from the same virus and clustered them in VSIV-3, along with VS viruses identified in southeastern and northeastern Brazil in the last decades. Thus, the present report demonstrates the circulation of VSIV-3 in northeastern Brazil and urges for more effective diagnosis and surveillance.

Hepatitis B virus in the State of Alagoas, Brazil: genotypes characterization and mutations of the precore and basal core promoter regions.

The aims of this study were to investigate the genotypes of hepatitis B virus and to identify the precore G1896A and basal core promoter A1762T/G1764A mutations in HBsAg and anti-HBc-positive patients. Eighty-three asymptomatic individuals, three with acute hepatitis B and 33 with chronic hepatitis B referred to viral hepatitis centers in the State of Alagoas, Brazil were analyzed according to their viral load, HBeAg/anti-HBe profile and alanine aminotransferase serum level. The genotypes identified were: A (92.5%), C (5%), D (1.25%) and F (1.25%). The precore mutation was detected in 3.8% of sequences and basal core promoter mutation in 52.4%. These were identified in 45.45% of the asymptomatic individuals and 54.55% of the patients with chronic hepatitis, irrespective of viral load and alanine aminotransferase serum level. In genotype C, only the basal core promoter mutation was identified and no mutations were identified in genotypes D and F.

Some virulence genes of Escherichia coli isolated from cloacal swabs of healthy Alagoas Curassows (Pauxi mitu) in Brazil / Alguns genes de virulência de Escherichia coli isoladas de mutuns-do-nordeste (Pauxi mitu) sadios no Brasil

Birds of the Cracidae family (curassows, guans, and chachalacas) are endemic of the Neotropics and 50 species are currently classified. Brazil has 22 species, seven of which are considered threatened. The Alagoas Curassow (Pauxi mitu) species is considered extinct in the wild; but about 120 birds are alive in captivity. Conservation of this species depends entirely on correct management. Health reports of both wildlife and captive curassows are rare. In this study the presence of Escherichia coli was evaluated in 23 healthy Alagoas Curassows from two private breeding centres. E. coli was isolated from cloacal swabs, and the presence of genes encoding cytotoxic necrotising factor 1 (cnf1), alpha-haemolysin (hly), aerobactin (iuc), serum resistance (iss) and the following adhesions: S fimbriae (sfa), pili associated with pyelonephritis (pap) and temperature-sensitive haemagglutinin (tsh) were investigated. E. coli was isolated from 78.3% (18/23) of the birds, and the percentage of curassows colonized by E. coli was similar between the two facilities. From the 22 E. coli isolates, 15 (68.2%) were positive for at least one virulence factor by PCR, and the most frequently found gene was iss (50%). No curassows had clinical signs of disease. Nevertheless, the presence of some E. coli strains may be a concern to the wildlife in captivity. Additional health surveillance studies are essential to guarantee successful conservation programmes for threatened cracids in Brazil.

Aves da família Cracidae (mutuns, jacutingas e aracuãs) são endêmicas da região Neotropical com 50 espécies atualmente classificadas. O Brasil possui 22 espécies nesta família e sete delas são consideradas ameaçadas de extinção. O mutum-do-nordeste (Pauxi mitu) é considerado extinto na natureza, no entanto, aproximadamente 120 indivíduos são mantidos em cativeiro. A conservação desta espécie depende inteiramente de um manejo correto. Informações sobre o status sanitário de mutuns são raras, tanto em vida livre quanto em cativeiro. Neste estudo a presença de Escherichia coli foi avaliada em 23 mutuns-do-nordeste sadios de dois criatórios particulares. E. coli foi isolada a partir de suabes cloacais, em seguida, foi avaliada a presença de genes que codificam fator citotóxico necrotizante 1 (cnf1), alfa-hemolisina (hly), produção de aerobactina (iuc) e resistência sérica (iss) e genes que codificam os seguintes fatores de virulência: fímbria S (sfa), pili associado à pielonefrite (pap) e hemaglutinina termosensível (tsh). E. coli foi isolada de 78,3% (18/23) das aves e o percentual de mutuns positivos para E. coli foi semelhante entre as duas criações. De 22 isolados de E. coli, 15 (68,2%) foram positivos para pelo menos um fator de virulência pela PCR e o gene mais frequente foi o iss (50%). Nenhuma ave apresentava sinal clínico de doença, no entanto, a presença de determinadas cepas de E. coli pode representar uma preocupação em relação às aves silvestres mantidas em cativeiro. Estudos adicionais de monitoria do status sanitário do plantel são essenciais para garantir o sucesso de futuros programas de conservação de cracídeos ameaçados no Brasil.