Absence of Giardia spp. in fecal samples from capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) inhabiting urban areas in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.

Giardiasis is a major cause of diarrhea in humans and animals worldwide. Currently, there are nine species of Giardia, including Giardia duodenalis, which infects most vertebrates. The capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) is the largest herbivorous rodent in the world. Although capybaras are hosts of several parasites of public health importance, including helminths and protozoa, there is a paucity of research on their zoonotic potential. We investigated the prevalence of Giardia spp. in populations of capybaras living in urban areas. Fecal samples from 247 capybaras were collected in Lagoa Maior, located in the municipality of Três Lagoas, and in Lago do Amor and Parque das Nações Indígenas, both located in the municipality of Campo Grande, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Fecal samples from capybaras originated from 133 adults (54%), 61 cubs (25%), and 53 juveniles (21%); 183 samples were collected in the rainy season and 64 in the dry season. Giardia spp. DNA was screened by the small-subunit ribosomal RNA (SSU rRNA) targeted PCR. Samples with DNA band sizes suggestive of Giardia spp. amplicons were examined by PCR targeting the glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) and triosephosphate isomerase (TPI) genes. PCR amplicons were subjected to genetic sequencing. Nested PCR screening of the SSU rRNA gene revealed 16 samples showing faint DNA bands in gel electrophoresis with sizes similar to Giardia spp. amplicons. PCR amplicons of the SSU rRNA gene were analyzed by Sanger sequencing. Most of the sequencing reactions failed, and the chromatogram reads of some samples were ambiguous, suggesting nonspecific amplification. Therefore, all the capybara fecal samples were considered negative for Giardia spp. Two published studies on Giardia spp. in capybaras reported findings similar to ours, i.e., the absence or a low positivity rate for Giardia spp. However, further studies are needed to determine the possible role of capybaras in the epidemiology of giardiasis.

Microbiological quality of water from public drinking fountains in northwestern São Paulo, Brazil / Qualidade microbiológica da água de bebedouros públicos no noroeste de São Paulo, Brasil

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the microbiological quality of the water and the maintenance and physical structure of public drinking fountains located in the city of Araçatuba ­ SP. Methods: To assess the presence or absence of Escherichia coli and total coliforms in the drinking water 41 samples were randomly collected. Thirteen samples were collected in the year 2018 and 28 samples in 2019. Results: All samples collected in the year 2018 showed no total coliforms and E. coli. However, the samples collected in the year 2019 showed coliforms in 10% (3/28). All the drinking fountains analyzed demonstrated to be inadequate in at least one of the qualitative criteria considered. Conclusion: Our results indicate that are necessary periodic maintenance of the public drinking fountains and the monitoring of its water since these parameters serve as indicators of the integrity of the drinking water distribution system.

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade microbiológica da água, a manutenção e estrutura física de bebedouros públicos localizados no município de Araçatuba - SP. Métodos: Para avaliar a presença ou ausência de Escherichia coli e coliformes totais na água de consumo, 41 amostras foram coletadas aleatoriamente. Treze amostras foram coletadas no ano de 2018 e 28 amostras em 2019. Resultados: Todas as amostras coletadas no ano de 2018 não apresentaram coliformes totais e E. coli. Porém, as amostras coletadas no ano de 2019 apresentaram coliformes em 10% (3/28). Todos os bebedouros analisados demonstraram ser inadequados em pelo menos um dos critérios qualitativos considerados. Conclusão: Nossos resultados indicam que são necessários a manutenção periódica dos bebedouros públicos e o monitoramento de sua água, visto que esses parâmetros servem como indicadores da integridade do sistema de distribuição de água potável.

Qualidade da água em escolas públicas municipais: análise microbiológica e teor de nitrato em Araçatuba, estado de São Paulo - Brasil / Quality of water in municipal public schools: microbiological analysis and nitrate content in Araçatuba, state of São Paulo - Brasil

A potabilidade da água de consumo em escolas públicas de Ensino Infantil do município de Araçatuba/SP foi avaliada procedendo-se à pesquisa de coliformes totais, de Escherichia coli eao teor de nitrato em amostras coletadas, nos seguintes pontos: cavalete de distribuição da rede pública ou de poço; torneira da cozinha e bebedouro. Das 25 escolas analisadas, 12%não atenderam aos padrões de potabilidade da água perante parâmetro microbiológico;entretanto, quanto ao nível de nitrato, todas as amostras apresentaram resultados dentro do Valor Máximo Permitido pela legislação vigente. Os dados obtidos sugerem correlação positiva entre a concentração de nitrato e o NMP de coliformes totais. A presença de coliformes totais e de E. coli, especialmente em escolas da zona rural, cuja a água é proveniente de poço, aponta a necessidade da implantação de medidas de saneamento da água em escolas públicas de Educação Infantil do município de Araçatuba, SP.

The potability of water for consumption in public childhood education schools of the cityof Araçatuba/SP was evaluated by carrying out a survey of total coliforms, Escherichia coli andnitrate content, in collected samples at the following points: cross connection control manualof public main or wells; kitchen faucet and watercooler. Of the 25 schools analyzed, 12% did notmeet the standards of water potability to the microbiological parameter; but referring to nitratecontent, all remained within the maximum value allowed by vigent legislation. Obtained dataguggest a positive correlation between the nitrate concentration and the NMP of total coliforms.The presence of total coliforms and E. coli, especially in rural schools, whose water comes fromwell, points out the need to implement water sanitation measures in public schools of EarlyChildhood Education in the city of Araçatuba, SP.

Qualidade da água em escolas públicas municipais: análise microbiológica e teor de nitrato em Araçatuba, estado de São Paulo – Brasil / Quality of water in municipal public schools: microbiological analysis and nitrate content in Araçatuba, state of São Paulo – Brazil

A potabilidade da água de consumo em escolas públicas de Ensino Infantil do município de Araçatuba/SP foi avaliada procedendo-se à pesquisa de coliformes totais, de Escherichia coli e ao teor de nitrato em amostras coletadas, nos seguintes pontos: cavalete de distribuição da rede pública ou de poço; torneira da cozinha e bebedouro. Das 25 escolas analisadas, 12% não atenderam aos padrões de potabilidade da água perante parâmetro microbiológico; entretanto, quanto ao nível de nitrato, todas as amostras apresentaram resultados dentro do Valor Máximo Permitido pela legislação vigente. Os dados obtidos sugerem correlação positiva entre a concentração de nitrato e o NMP de coliformes totais. A presença de coliformes totais e de E. coli, especialmente em escolas da zona rural, cuja a água é proveniente de poço, aponta a necessidade da implantação de medidas de saneamento da água em escolas públicas de Educação Infantil do município de Araçatuba, SP.

The potability of water for consumption in public childhood education schools of the city of Araçatuba/SP was evaluated by carrying out a survey of total coliforms, Escherichia coli and nitrate content, in collected samples at the following points: cross connection control manual of public main or wells; kitchen faucet and watercooler. Of the 25 schools analyzed, 12% did not meet the standards of water potability to the microbiological parameter; but referring to nitrate content, all remained within the maximum value allowed by vigent legislation. Obtained data guggest a positive correlation between the nitrate concentration and the NMP of total coliforms. The presence of total coliforms and E. coli, especially in rural schools, whose water comes from well, points out the need to implement water sanitation measures in public schools of Early Childhood Education in the city of Araçatuba, SP.