Showing papers in "Revista Do Instituto De Medicina Tropical De Sao Paulo in 1985"

Viscerocutaneous form of loxoscelism and erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate deficiency

Abstract: In a period of time of five years, all patients who exhibited viscerocutaneous form of loxoscelism were investigated for erythrocyte glucose-6-phosphate deficiency, and in two patients out of seven it was found this deficiency. This finding suggests that this genetical enzyme deficiency could account for the hemolysis after Loxosceles bite, at least in some of the cases.

Congenital cytomegalovirus infection. Occurrence in two socioeconomically distinct populations of a developing country.

Abstract: Entre novembro de 1980 e julho de 1982, 1614 recem-nascidos (RNs) de nivel socio-economico medio e 1156 RNs de baixo nivel socioeconomico foram examinados para verificar a ocorrencia de infeccao congenita pelo citomegalovirus (CMV), atraves de isolamento do virus em amostras de urina ou deteccao de anticorpos IgM especificos em amostras de sangue de cordao umbilical. Na populacao de baixo nivel socio economico a prevalencia de anticorpos fixadores do complemento (Ac Fc) anti-CMV nas maes foi de 84,4% (151/179) e a incidencia de infeccao congenita determinada por isolamento do virus foi de 0,90% (5/508). No grupo de RNs em que o diagnostico baseou-se apenas na deteccao de Ac IgM CMV-especificos no sangue de cordao a incidencia de infeccao congenita foi de apenas 0,46% (3/648). Na populacao de nivel socio-economico medio a prevalencia de Ac Fc anti-CMV nas maes foi de 66,5% (284/427) e a incidencia de infeccao congenita foi de 0,39% (2/518) no grupo de RNs testados por isolamento de virus na urina e 0,18% (2/1090) no grupo testado por deteccao de Ac IgM especificos. No presente estudo nenhum dos 12 RNs infectados congenitamente apresentou sinais ou sintomas de doenca ao nascimento.

Epidemiological role of humans, dogs and cats in the transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi in a central area of Argentina

Abstract: Trypanosoma cruzi prevalence rates of human, dog and cat populations from 47 households of 3 rural localities of the phytogeographical Chaquena area of Argentina were determined both by serological and xenodiagnostic procedures Human prevalence rates were uniform and ranged from 496 to 587% Overall prevalence rate in dogs (750%) was significantly higher than in humans (510%) The overall proportion of parasitemic individuals assessed by xenodiagnosis was significantly higher in either dog (642%) or cat (636%) populations than among humans (125%) Although both the average number of resident as well as infected individuals per household was higher for people than for dogs (65 vs 33, and 34 vs 24, respectively), the reverse was recorded when parasitemic individuals were considered (10 vs 21) Results are discussed in relation to dog between dogs and people, and dogs and bugs In the light of present data, dogs must be considered as the major donors of parasites to vector bugs and thus, principal contributors to transmission in this region of Argentina

Hepatitis A antibodies in two socioeconomically distinct populations of São Paulo, Brazil.

Abstract: To evaluate the prevalence of antibody against hepatitis A in two socioeconomically distinct populations of a developing country, 540 serum specimens from children and adults living in Sao Paulo, Brazil, were tested for IgG anti HAV by a commercial radioimunoassay (Havab, Abbott Laboratories). The prevalence of anti-HAV in low socioeconomic level subjects was 75.0% in children 2-11 years old and 100.0% in adults, whereas in middle socioeconomic level significantly lower prevalences were observed (40.3% in chidren 2-11 years old and 91.9% in adults). Voluntary blood donors of middle socioeconomic level showed a prevalence of 90.4%. These data suggest that hepatitis A infection remains a highly endemic disease in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Infecção pulmonar fatal por Lagochilascaris sp., provavelmente Lagochilascaris minor Leiper, 1909

Abstract: A fatal case of pulmonary infection with Lagochilascaris sp — probably Lagochilascaris minor — is presented A 18-year-old girl from Curralinho — State of Para developed a severe pneumonitis of unknown origin, and died less than three months after the onset of the illness, She was admitted to the Hospital, in Belem-Para, on 16 June 1983, with fever, productive cough, dyspnea and, eventually, cyanosis At that time, she had been sick for at least four or five weeks A chest X-ray film taken shortly after admission disclosed extensive bilateral infiltrates, predominantly on the right lung Acid-fast bacilli and fungi, however, could not be demonstrated in the sputum The leucocyte count was low (3900), with 60% neutrophils and 40% lymphocytes In spite of several therapeutic schedules (no definite cause for the disease could be found) the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated She persisted with fever, cough, expectoration of thick sputum, dyspnea and cyanosis, but other symptoms also came forth: hoarseness, fatigue, weight loss and labored breathing On 13 July she developed respiratory insufficiency and died At autopsy, the lungs appeared distended with numerous areas of consolidation; the cut surface, when exposed, revealed disseminated foci, both nodular and diffuse, of granulomatous and exsudative inflammation Microscopically, sections of eggs and round worms were found in the preparations, always surrounded by granulomas or large areas of necrotic tissue The worms were recognized as evolutive stages — larvae, adult males and a gravid female — of a nematode belonging to the genus Lagochilascaris, probably Lagochilascaris minor The identification was based, mainly, on the aspect of the eggs, which exhibited the irregular-shaped, saucerlike depressions or pits, characteristic of the genus The female worm had lateral alae and the uterus full with similar eggs In all 25 cases of human lagochilascariasis so far described, the location of the lesions was in the region of neck, ear, mastoid process, orbit, paranasal sinuses and retropharyngeal tissues For the first time, the present case, a member of the genus Lagochilascaris is referred to in a different site of the host Besides that, the finding of eggs, larvae and adult worms in the lung tissues strongly suggests the existence of a pulmonary cycle in human lagochilascariasis

Toxoplasmose em animais silvestres e domésticos da região de Botucatu, estado de São Paulo, Brasil

Abstract: Os Autores analisaram soros de 47 Cannis familiaris, de 9 Felis cattus, de 64 Didelphis marsupialis aurita, de 9 Dasypus novemcinctus, de 4 Cabassous tatouay e de 29 Rattus rattus, atraves da reacao de imunofluorescencia indireta, para pesquisar a presenca de anticorpos anti Toxoplasma gondii. Estes foram encontrados apenas em C. familiaris (63,8%) e em D. m. aurita (4,7%). Frente aos resultados obtidos, os Autores sugerem que novas pesquisas nesta area sejam realizadas, para que se conheca melhor a importância epidemiologica de varias especies animais na disseminacao da toxoplasmose.

Labrea hepatitis hepatitis B and delta antigen expression in liver tissue: report of three autopsy cases

Abstract: Latarea Hepatitis (Labrea Black Fever) is a severe liver disease found in several hamlets of the Amazon Region, where microepidemics are reported. This morbid condition is known to occur specifically in this region, where chil­ dren and young adults are mainly affected.-. The clinical picture is similar to that seen in fulminant forms of viral and toxic hepatitis, and courses with a high degree of lethality... Pathological studies have shown diffuse liver damage, with an outstanding degree of hepato­ cellular necrosis and degenerative phenomena, among which the most striking one is fatty change mainly of the microvacuolar type .. This pattern, in which small fat droplets sur­ round a centrally placed nucleus, has been cal­ led \"morula-like\" cells by Brazilian authors and is thought to be a distinctive feature of Labrea Hepatitis, as compared with other forms of fulminant hepatitis >. Recent studies suggest that the Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) might be related, at least partially, to the etiopathogenesis of this disease U.

Isolation of Yersinia pestis in plague foci of Northeast Brazil from 1966 to 1982

Abstract: No periodo de 1966 a 1982 foram isoladas 861 cepas de Yersinia pestis sendo 471 originadas de material de roedores e outros pequenos mamiferos, 236 de lotes de pulgas, 2 de lotes de Ornithodorus e 152 de seres humanos dos focos pestosos do Nordeste do Brasil. Entre os roedores, a especie que concorreu para o maior numero de isolamentos foi o Zygodontomys lasiurus pixuna que, tambem, forneceu o maior numero de lotes de pulgas naturalmente infectados, principalmente do genero Polygenis. O isolamento da Yersinia pestis de material proveniente de 13 Municipios do Estado de Pernambuco, 7 do Ceara, 3 da Paraiba, 1 do Piaui e 1 da Bahia, evidencia que o problema da peste nos focos brasileiros e bastante atual e merecedor de atencao. O maior numero de cepas isoladas e de localidades afetadas, registradas no Estado de Pernambuco nao significa maior incidencia da peste no mesmo, mas e consequencia da pesquisa mais intensa da Yersinia pestis e da existencia de laboratorios melhor preparados para o seu diagnostico neste Estado.

Método imunocitoquímico para a identificaçäo de amastigotas do Trypanosoma cruzi em cortes histológicos de rotina

Abstract: A tecnica da peroxidase antiperoxidase foi aplicada para a identificacao de amastigotas do T. cruzi em cortes histologicos de rotina. Os tecidos foram obtidos de pacientes chagasicos cronicos e de animais na fase aguda da infeccao chagasica. Anti-soros especificos produzidos em coelho contra as cepas CL, Y e Emane do T. cruzi foram utilizados como reagentes primarios na tecnica imunocitoquimica. Soro de coelho normal foi utilizado como controle negativo e culturas de macrofagos peritoniais de camundongos infectados com tripomastigotas e apresentando abundantes amastigotas intracelulares foram utilizadas como controles positivos. Coloracao positiva ocorreu especificamente nos amastigotas intra e extra-celulares em todos os tecidos testados com os anti-soros contra as tres diferentes cepas do T. cruzi. Os amastigotas isolados ou formando ninhos intracelulares tornaram-se facilmente identificaveis nas preparacoes histologicas utilizando-se o pequeno ou medio aumento do microscopio. O presente metodo aumenta a probabilidade do diagnostico do parasitismo na doenca de Chagas, e evita confundir-se amastigotas com outros microrganismos morfologicamente semelhantes.

Labrea hepatitis. Review study of hepatic viscerotomies from 1934 to 1940

Abstract: Para verificar a possibilidade de uma anterior existencia e diversificada distribuicao da Hepatite de Labrea, histopatologicamente descrita na decada de 60, foram revistas amostras de viscerotomias hepaticas provenientes da Amazonia, acumuladas entre os anos de 1934 e 1940 e originalmente rotuladas como Atrofias Hepaticas. De 28 amostras estudadas, 11 apresentaram as caracteristicas microscopicas hoje atribuidas a Hepatite de Labrea; 5 outras exibiram algumas, mas nao todas as caracteristicas desta hepatite; 5 amostras corresponderam e permaneceram como de hepatite por Tetracloreto de Carbono; e as 7 amostras restantes apresentaram os achados habituais das necroses macicas ou submacicas mais frequentemente devidas aos virus das Hepatites A e B. Nesta pequena amostragem, foram identificados um caso de 1935, 3 de 1936, um de 1937, 5 de 1938 e um de 1940, nao somente de areas brasileiras, como tambem da Colombia e do Peru. E de se concluir, portanto, que ha mais longo tempo e em mais ampla abrangencia, a Hepatite de Labrea compromete as populacoes amazonicas. Estudos recentes indicam, nesta forma de hepatite, uma constante participacao do antigeno de superficie do virus da Hepatite B, bem como a associacao deste ao antigeno Delta, pelo que se acredita a tal associacao a gravidade e a alta letalidade da Hepatite de Labrea, alem de se pressupor uma longinqua presenca dos dois antigenos na Amazonia.

The effect of Schistosoma mansoni infection on child morbidity in the State in Bahia, Brazil: II Analysis at the individual level

Abstract: The present investigation was carried out on a sample of 840 children (5 to 16 years old) from ten small towns of the State of Bahia in northeastern Brazil. The objetive was to study, by using a cross sectional methodology, the evolution of schistosomiasis morbidity (hepatic and splenic enlargement) in children, and the role of the intensity of S. mansoni infection in this process. The children were analised in three age groups (5 to 8, to 12 and 13 to 16 years old) and classified as uninfected, mildly infected, moderately infected and heavily infected according to the number of eggs in the stool. In children aged 5 to 8 years, increasing egg counts were not associated with increasing frequencies of hepatic or splenic enlargement. In the 9 to 12 years old group and association was observed with the prevalence of hepatic enlargement, but not with the prevalence of spleen enlargement. In the oldest group, 13 to 16 years old, an association was observed with the prevalence of enlargement of both organs. It was evident that in this population schistosomiasis morbidity develops in the early period of life as a gradual process starting with liver enlargement and followed by spleen enlargement some years later. It was found that the intensity of infection has a fundamental role in this process, although there is a latent period of some years before clinical splenomegaly appears in moderate-heavily infected children. The Authors suggest that the prevalence of splenomegaly in the 13 to 16 years old group is a good measure of the community level of schistosomiasis morbidity and could be used to measure the impact of control programs.

Paracoccidioidomycosis in children with different skeletal involvement.

Abstract: The rarity of paracoccidioidomycosis in childhood prompted us to report two cases with different clinical and radiological skeletal involvement. The number of osteolytic lesions, the presence of periosteal reaction and the finding of Paracoccidioides brasiliensis in biopsy specimens, were distinctive features in both cases.

Schistosoma mansoni: comparative evaluation of different routes of experimental infection

Abstract: Experiments were carried out with Sw albino mice and it was concluded that the percutaneous route via abdominal skin was significatively more efficient than tail immersion method and subcutaneous infection; the subcutaneous injection was significatively more efficient than the percutaneous infection through the tail; this latter and the intraperitoneal injection, resulted in similar infections, but were significatively less efficient than the others. Significative difference was also observed in the comparison between the subcutaneous route and percutaneous infection through ear pinna. The influence of the site of skin infection by percutaneous route was also discussed.

[Free-living amoeba in the human intestine. Evidences of parasitism].

Abstract: Foram cultivadas fezes de 620 individuos para a pesquisa de amebas de vida livre, sendo 514 pacientes do Hospital Universitario Pedro Ernesto (UERJ) e 106 criancas e adultos de um orfanato. Foram positivas 70 amostras (11,2%) sendo 55 provenientes de pacientes do HU-UERJ e 15 de internos do orfanato. Foram isoladas 60 amostras de Acanthamoeba, 6 de Vahlkampfia, 5 de Hartmannella e 1 Echinamoeba. Alguns individuos tiveram cultura de fezes repetidamente positiva para Acanthamoeba durante dois meses de observacao. Das amostras de Acanthamoeba isoladas, 28 foram inoculadas em camundongos por via intranasal, tendo sido reisoladas 16 (57,1%) amostras a partir de cerebro e (ou) pulmoes dos animais. O estudo histopatologico demonstrou processo inflamatorio agudo com presenca de polimorfonucleares e amebas no cerebro e pulmoes de alguns animais. O encontro de amostras patogenicas em fezes humanas reforca a hipotese do eventual desenvolvimento, em individuos portadores, de meningoencefalite amebiana granulomatosa, como infeccao oportunistica de origem endogena.

Função renal em pacientes com leishmaniose muco-cutânea tratados com antimoniais pentavalentes

Abstract: The renal function in ten patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis treated with Glucantime (meglumine antimoniate, Rhodia) or Pentostam (Sodium Stibogluconate, Wellcome) was assessed. During the use of these drugs a defect in concentrating capacity of the kidney was observed expressed as low values of maximun urinary osmolarity and negative maximun clearance of free water in relation to tests made before treatment. The urinary concentrating capacity returned to normal in 5 of the 8 patients studied 15-30 days after the end of treatment. However the maximal urinary osmolarity values where still inferior to those obtained before treatment. In two patients there was a proteinuria above 150 mg/24 hours after antimoniais which disappeared later. The clearance of endogenous creatinine do not alter significatly with the use of these drugs. The results suggest that pentavalent antimoniais can resue in a defect in urine concentrating capacity which is partially reversible after antimonial therapy has ceased.

Purificacion de antigenos somaticos del Paracoccidioides brasiliensis. Estudio preliminar

Abstract: Se describen los procedimientos de purificacion empleados para la separacion de las fracciones antigenicas a partir de un material somatico obtenido por rotura de celulas levaduras completas de P. brasiliensis. Dichas fracciones mostraron ser proteinas con pesos moleculares de 66 y 85 Kd; la primera de ellas reacciono con sueros especificos produciendo una banda de precipitado identica a una de las 3 desarrolladas por el antigeno total. Los resultados senalan la posibilidad de obtener antigenos purificados, quimicamente identificados y cuyo uso pudiera, en el futuro, representar ventajas para el diagnostico serologico de la paracoccidioidomicosis, permitiendo separar, repetidamente, solo aquel componente reconocidamente activo.

Survey on the clinical trial results achieved in Brazil comparing praziquantel and oxamniquine in the treatment of mansoni schistosomiasis.

Abstract: A random, double-blind, parallel group clinical trial program was carried out to compare praziquantel, a recently developed anti-helmintic drug, and oxamniquine, an already established agent for treating mansoni schistosomiasis. Both drugs were administered orally as a single dose, on the average, praziquantel 55 mg/kg and oxamniquine 16 mg/kg BWT. The diagnosis and the parasitological follow-up lasting for a minimum of six months, were based on stool examinations according to Kato/Katz technique. A patient was considered cured if all results were negative and if he had performed at least three post-treatment controls, each one comprising three stool examinations. The finding of a single S. mansoni egg in any stool examination indicated, a therapeutical failure. A total of 267, cases were treated with praziquantel and 272 with oxamniquine. The two groups were homogeneous in regard to patients, age, clinical form of the disease, risk of reinfection and worm burden, relevant factors in the therapeutical response. The incidence and severity of untoward, effects were similar in both groups but abdominal distress and diarrhoea were more frequently reported under praziquantel and dizzines under oxamniquine (p 0.05). Amongst the noncured aptients a reduction of 88.6% and 74.6% in the mean number of eggs/g of feces Was seen following the treatment with praziquantel and oxamniquine, respectively (p < 0.05). In conclusion, in spite of their different chemical, pharmacological and toxicological profiles as well as mechanisms-of-action, inclusively praziquantel already had proved to be 100% active against S. mansoni strains resistant to oxamniquine, both drugs showed comparable tolerance and therapeutical efficacy.

Detection of Astrovirus-like in diarrhoeic stool and its coexistence with Rotavirus

Abstract: A clinical case is described in this paper in that a 5-month old baby girl severely malnourished and dehydrated presented a prolonged acute diarrhoea. No enteropathogenic bacteria or parasites were demonstrated. Virological study by electron microscopy (EM) showed that the patient shed both astrovirus-like and rotavirus in the watery stool as long as 12 days after the onset. Immune electron microscopy (IEM) performed with the patient serum revealed clumps of both viruses. It is suggest that this may be a case of mixed infection due to astrovirus-like and rotavirus.

On the finding of biomphalaria tenagophila naturally infected with Schistosoma mansoni in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Abstract: Natural infection in Biomphalaria tenagophila with Schistosoma mansoni was observed for the first time in a small area, in Jaboticatubas, in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. In view of this finding, the Authors decided to carry out some detailed investigations, since B. glabrata has been known as the vector snail of schistosomiasis in that State. B. tenagophila was found naturally infected throughout the investigation period (15 months). Strains of the snail and of the parasite were isolated four times, and then maintained at the laboratory through B. tenagophila — hamster passages. The possibilities of B. tenagophila to play a role in the epidemiology of the human disease in the State of Minas Gerais, in the future, are discussed.

A clinical epidemiologic study in a schistosomiasis mansoni endemic area (Tuparecê, Minas Gerais)

Abstract: A population-based clinical epidemiologic study on schistosomiasis mansoni was carried out in Tuparece, Minas Gerais. The patients were interviewed for symptoms, water contact, past history and examined for spleen and liver enlargement. From the 830 people registered in the census, 777 (93.6%) had their stools examined (Kato-Katz method) and 696 (83.9%) were clinically evaluated. The overall index of Schistosoma mansoni infection was 43.2%. Significant and increased infection risks could be detected in the young age group (2-14 years old) regarding occupation, time of residence in the area and frequency of water contact. Bloody stools were significantly more prevalent among positives, while diarrhea was significantly more prevalent among those negative. The area was shown to have a low morbidity as well as a low intensity of infection measured by the number of S. mansoni eggs per gram of feces. A close correlation was found between water contact pattern and the age prevalence curve. It has emphasized the importance of habits in determining prevalence rates, besides suggesting that schistosomiasis mansoni in the area is manifested as a light and somewhat harmless infection with little consequence for the population as a whole.

Evolution of schistosomiasis in an hyperendemic area of the Minas Gerais state: two cross-sectional studies

Abstract: Dois estudos seccionais da esquistossomose mansoni foram desenvolvidos na cidade de Comercinho, Estado de Minas Gerais (Brasil), com intervalo de sete anos. Em 1974 e em 1981 foram feitos exames de fezes em, respectivamente, 89 e 90% da populacao da cidade (cerca de 1.500 habitantes) e exame clinico em, respectivamente, 78 e 92% dos pacientes que apresentavam ovos de S. mansoni nas fezes. O indice de infeccao pelo S. mansoni nao se modificou durante o periodo analisado (69,9% em 1974 e 70,4% em 1981), mas a media geometrica de ovos por grama de fezes (431 ± 4 e 334 ± 4, respectivamente) e o indice de esplenomegalia (11 e 7%, respectivamente) diminuiram significativamente em 1981, quando comparado ao observado em 1974. Esta reducao ocorreu exclusivamente nas zonas centrais da cidade (zonas 1-2), onde a percentagem de domicilios com agua encanada aumentou de 17 para 44%. Na periferia (zonas 3-4), onde a porcentagem de domicilios com agua encanada nao mudou significativamente entre 1974 (10%) e 1981 (7%), a contagem de ovos de S. mansoni e o indice de esplenomegalia tambem nao sofreram modificacoes.

Estudos epidemiológicos entre grupos indígenas de Rondônia: I Piodermites e portadores inaparentes de Staphylococcus sp. na boca e nariz entre os Suruí e Karitiana

Abstract: Bacteriological examinations were done with 38 Indian patients from the Surui and 58 patients from the Karitiana groups, in the State of Rondonia, Brazil. Among the Surui, S. aureus was isolated in 10 (26.3%) individuals and S. epidermidis in 25 (65,8%). In the Karitiana population, S. aureus was recorded from 21 (36.2%) patients and S. epidermidis from 42 (72.4%). Sensibility tests to different drugs were done with all strains of S. aureus isolated. The Authors discuss the role of assymptomatic carriers of these bacteria in the oral and nasal cavities, as well as some aspects related to its transmission and the prevalence of pyoderma infections within Indian population.

Schistosomiasis morbidity and it's relation with Schistosoma mansoni EGG count in an hyperendemic area of the Minas Gerais State

Abstract: Um estudo seccional da esquistossomose foi desenvolvido em Comercinho, cidade de 1474 habitantes situada em Minas Gerais. Foram feitos exame de fezes pelo metodo de KATO-KATZ e exame clinico em, respectivamente, 90 e 80% da populacao da cidade. Foram estudados os sinais e sintomas apresentados pelos pacientes com diferentes contagens de ovos de S. mansoni, verificando-se que as alteracoes do tamanho e da consistencia do figado estavam relacionadas a maior eliminacao de ovos (> 1000/gr fezes) nos pacientes com 2-14 anos de idade, mas nao nos pacientes mais velhos. Os seguintes sinais clinicos foram mais frequentes nos pacientes que eliminavam ovos de S. mansoni nas fezes, quando comparados ao grupo controle (sem ovos do parasita nas fezes, sem historia de tratamento e com reacao intradermica negativa): a) nos pacientes com 2-14 anos, sangue nas fezes, figado palpavel, aumento da consistencia e aumento do tamanho dos lobos direito e esquerdo do figado; b) nos maiores de 15 anos, presenca de figado palpavel; c) em ambos os grupos etarios, as esplenomegalias estiveram exclusivamente relacionadas a infeccao pelo S. mansoni.

Subcutaneous mucormycosis caused by Rhizopus oryzae: probable nosocomial acquired infection

Abstract: The Authors present a case of subcutaneous mucormycosis occurring in a patient with clinical and biochemical evidence of diabetic ketoacidosis. The clinical, mycological and histopathological features are described, emphasizing the relevance of a rapid diagnosis in order to stablish early treatment. The clinical forms of mucormycosis and the main associated conditions are briefly reviewed as well as the most probable conditions which may lead to the enhanced susceptibility to infection in the diabetic patient in ketoacidosis. The recovery of Rhizopus oryzae from the air of the room of the patient suggests a nosocomial infection acquired through contamination of venous puncture site by air borne spores.

Susceptibility of Biomphalaria tenagophila "hybrids" to the strain LE (BH) of Schistosoma mansoni

Abstract: "Hibridos" de Biomphalaria tenagophila provenientes dos cruzamentos de linhagens albinas de Belo Horizonte (BH) ou de Joinvile (SC), com melânicos de Cabo Frio (CF), do Taim (Ta) ou de Curitiba (PR), submetidos a infeccao pela cepa do Schistosoma mansoni de Belo Horizonte (=LE), apresentaram os seguintes resultados: em F1, os "hibridos" TaSC, PRSC e CFTa exibiram taxas de 4,5%, 12,5% e 11,2% de suscetibilidade; em F2, todos os "hibridos" foram negativos e em F3, um exemplar albino, filho de (CFBH) ². TaBH se infectou com a LE. Dentre os controles, a B. glabrata apresentou taxas de 66,7 a 93,6% de suscetibilidade a LE e a B. tenagophila de Joinvile exibiu taxas de infeccao de 17,1 e 33,3% pela cepa SJ; e os "hibridos" BHTa e BHCF, taxas de 6,0 a 53,8% tambem pela cepa SJ. Houve grande influencia da linhagem materna nas taxas de suscetibilidade. Devido ao fato de descendentes do cruzamento de linhagens refratarias a LE (CF, Ta e BH), terem se infectado, e recomendado o uso de "hibridos" para a deteccao de gens de suscetibilidade em tais linhagens. Sao ainda discutidas, a necessidade do uso de maior numero de miracidios nos testes de infeccao e a falta de relacao entre a frequencia de contatos parasitas-hospedeiros e as taxas de infectividade. Considerando que estas dependem de caracteristicas geneticas preexistentes na populacao, a cepa LE seria uma variedade genetica (ou raca) distinta da cepa SJ, dotada de pouca aptidao em infectar as diversas populacoes de B. tenagophila, exceto a de Joinvile (SC).

Viability of eggs of Ascaris lumbricoides after human treatment with specific drugs: I Levamisole and Pyrantel Pamoate

Abstract: A total of 15 patients from 4 to 14 years of age were submitted to specific treatment for Ascaris lumbricoides infection. Seven out of these 15 patients received Levamisole (150 mg/ kg of body weight), and eight received Pyrantel Pamoate (10 mg/kg of body weight). Eggs collected directly from the uteri of the female were incubated for 18 days in H2SO4 N/10 solution. These eggs were administered per os to groups of five white mice per patient. Eight days after the infection, the mice were sacrificed to permit microscopic searching of larvae in lung specimens. Only in one out of the 75 examined mice, in the group of patients treated with Levamisole, larvae were not recovered from the lungs. Thus, it is to conclude that the drugs used in the treatment did not demonstrate deleterious effect on the A. lumbricoides eggs. However, the drugs really promote the elimination of infectious eggs. In these circumstances it is possible to believe in the in- creasing of the pollution level in communities without adequate basic sanitation facilities.

Occurrence of campylobacter jejuni in diarrhoeic and non-diarrhoeic children in Sao Paulo, Brazil

Abstract: Campylobacter jejuni foi pesquisado nas fezes de 262 criancas, sendo 189 com diarreia aguda, 31 com diarreia cronica e 42 sem sintomatologia gastrintestinal. A bacteria foi encontrada em 14 (7,4%), 2 (6,5%) e 6 (14,3%) das criancas, em cada um dos grupos, respectivamente.

Leishmania mexicana in Didelphis marsupialis aurita in São Paulo State, Brazil

Abstract: Foi identificada pela primeira vez a presenca de L. mexicana em Didelphis marsupialis aurita, no Estado de Sao Paulo — Municipio de Conchas, atraves de caracterizacao bioquimica.

O líquido cefalorraquiano inicial nas meningencefalites por Cryptococcus neoformans

Abstract: A criptococose, conhecida desde 1905, e doenca grave, causada pelo Cryptococcus neoformans. Nesta entidade o estudo do liquido cefalorraquiano e muito importante visto que o sistema nervoso esta envolvido em 81% dos casos5. O proposito do presente trabalho e o de evidenciar as alteracoes do liquido cefalorraquiano inicial nas meningencefalites criptococicas e demonstrar a importância de exame minucioso do liquido cefalorraquiano para o diagnostico precoce desta doenca. O material e constituido por 46 observacoes de pacientes com diagnostico de meningencefalite criptococica. O quadro inflamatorio cronico, caracterizado por pleocitose predominantemente linfocitaria, hiperproteinorraquia e glicose diminuida foi observado em 54% das amostras de liquido cefalorraquiano. Em 69% dos casos o liquido cefalorraquiano mostrava hipertensao. A glicose estava diminuida em 61% dos pacientes e a taxa de cloretos em 16%. Eosinofilos em baixa percentagem foram observados em 48% dos casos. O criptococo foi identificado no liquido cefalorraquiano de 98% dos pacientes; e salientada a importância da pesquisa a fresco do fungo pelo metodo da tinta da China, sempre que uma amostra de liquido cefalorraquiano revelar pleocitose. Esta e uma conduta basica para o diagnostico precoce da criptococose do sistema nervoso.